After a fake card made its way around X on Monday, the actual full lineup for this May’s Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano MMA event on Netflix has been announced.
Jake Paul’s MVP promotion made the reveal Tuesday morning on social media.
While it’s devoid of the name value of the fake card, the show will feature former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos returning to MMA to take on Robelis Despaigne. It’s Dos Santos’ first MMA fight since losing to Cyril Gane at UFC 256 in December 2020. He’s lost his last four fights.
Other notable fighters include former UFC, Strikeforce and Bellator fighter Lorenz Larkin against Bellator and PFL veteran Jason Jackson.
The event for the Inuit Dome in Los Angeles is headlined by the returns of both Rousey and Carano for what is expected to be their final ever MMA fights.
Full Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano MMA fight card | Los Angeles | Saturday, May 16
During an off-screen angle at AEW Rampage Grand Slam that saw Tony Khan usher American Top Team out of the arena after a match, the founder and creative lead said he sustained broken ribs.
Speaking to the New York Post, Khan said as he was confronting ATT backstage, former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos took Khan off his feet and in the process, Khan got the injury.
“He cracked them. I’ll be ok, but he legitimately cracked them. I’ll be OK. It’s been a few weeks, but I’m sleeping on my right side,” Khan told the Post, adding that Dos Santos did nothing wrong.
None of it was shown on camera. Khan said he was also yelling at the group to hurry up as they were running up against a midnight curfew for Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York.
Chris Jericho and Jake Hager took on the ATT-backed Men of the Year (Scorpio Sky and Ethan Page) in the aforementioned match. After the bout ended, the Dan Lambert-led fight team came out to attack Jericho and Hager with UFC star Jorge Masvidal knocking Jericho out with his signature running knee strike.
Khan said he didn’t ask for medical help during the rest of the show as he didn’t want medical personnel pulling him out of the director’s chair.
Dos Santos makes his AEW debut Friday in Miami, Florida, teaming with Men of the Year against Jericho, Hager and TNT Champion Sammy Guevara.
A six-man tag featuring former UFC star Junior dos Santos is set to take place on a special Saturday edition of AEW Dynamite next week.
The Inner Circle (Chris Jericho, Jake Hager, and Sammy Guevara) will take on The Men of the Year (Scorpio Sky and Ethan Page) and Junior dos Santos. This will be Dos Santos’ first professional wrestling match.
On tonight’s Dynamite, Guevara successfully retained his new TNT title against Bobby Fish. Dan Lambert, along with Dos Santos, Paige Van Zant, and other members of American Top Team, came out and distracted Guevara long enough for him to get laid out. Fuego Del Sol ran out, but was laid out as well. Jericho and Hager then ran in to even the odds.
Lambert said he wanted the six-man tag for next week, when they are in Miami. He also said that Jorge Masvidal would be in his team’s corner. Jericho accepted the match.
Due to NHL coverage, the next episode of Dynamite will air live on Saturday, October 16. It will take place at the James L. Knight Center in Miami, Florida. AEW Rampage will air a day prior on October 15.
Months after Dana White said the organization would likely be cutting more fighters, the UFC has released both former heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos and former title challenger Alistair Overeem.
ESPN’s Ariel Helwani reported that dos Santos had five fights left on his contract while Overeem had two. Helwani reported that UFC offered dos Santos a short notice fight at this month’s UFC 260 against Marcin Tybura which he declined, leading to his release.
Given the high-profile UFC 259 this weekend, it’s likely White will discuss the releases during his media obligations.
The 37-year-old (21-9) has lost four straight dating back to June 2019, all by knockout or TKO. He had been with the company since October 2008 and is best remembered for his 2011-13 trilogy with Cain Velasquez that saw him both win and lose the title with the first fight kicking off their network deal with Fox.
In an Instagram post announcing his release, he indicated he wants to keep fighting.
He faced virtually every big name at heavyweight during a thirteen year run that included Stipe Miocic, Frank Mir, Fabricio Werdum, Mark Hunt, Derrick Lewis, Francis Ngannou and Overeem himself.
The 40-year-old Overeem (47-19-0-1) won titles in every promotion he has competed in except for the UFC. He is coming off a second round knockout loss to Alexander Volkov last month which snapped a two-fight winning streak. He has won four of his last six.
He signed with the UFC in 2011 and debuted against Brock Lesnar in a dream fight, defeating the physically weakened former champion in the first round. Like dos Santos, Overeem fought a litany of big names through his ten years in the UFC including dos Santos himself, Mir, Miocic, Hunt, Werdum, Ngannou and Andrei Arlovski. He fought for the title just once, losing to Miocic by first round knockout at UFC 203 in September 2016 — the same show CM Punk debuted on.
If he wants to keep fighting, Overeem does have an extensive history with Bellator MMA president Scott Coker from their Strikeforce days while Japan’s RIZIN could be an option given his past fighting for both PRIDE and Dream. Coker has been open to cross-promotion in the past, especially with RIZIN.
We’ve got yet another double issue of the Observer out this week covering both the creative changes in WWE and a long bio on Johnny “Mr. Wrestling II” Walker, as well as a number of other features.
The move to Bruce Prichard as creative head of Raw and Smackdown and the steps leading to this process change. We look at who appears to be safe and who isn’t. We look at what was tried on Raw and what wasn’t working, and notable key recent moves. We also look at the problems of comparing Raw with Smackdown.
We have a long look at the life and career of Mr. Wrestling II, Johnny Walker. We look at his heyday, his connection with President Jimmy Carter, the birth of cable and his role in popularizing pro wrestling on cable, how babyfaces changed in the 70s, his 1980 feud with Harley Race, his checkered past, his wrestling debut, his coming mainland, interactions with the toughest guys of his era, his first good run in Tennessee, how his life was notable in both pro wrestling and country music, his first masked gimmick and his planned retirement. Having the right gimmick in the right place at the right time made him one of the biggest stars in the country. We look at the Georgia wrestling war and the creation of Mr. Wrestling II. We look at the Mr. Wrestling vs. Mr. Wrestling II feud and all of II’s biggest feuds over the next decade. We look at II’s meetings with the president’s mother, his biggest matches at the Omni, his runs in Mid South, feud with Magnum T.A., his WWF tenure, and his life after wrestling in Hawaii.
We also cover:
New Japan Pro Wrestling returning to business this week, scouting out the New Japan Cup, directions for fans attending the Osaka shows and why the matches won’t have traditional heat, and the complete schedule.
Economics of Conor McGregor, Jorge Masvidal, Jon Jones and Henry Cejudo and how the ESPN deal has removed fighter leverage. We look at comments by the fighters, response from Dana white and realities of he situation.
An enormous donation made by John Cena, Paul Levesque talks a signature match, WWE canceling over shows due to the pandemic, weekly sports ratings, Edge movie, DVR viewership, Canadian ratings, twitter feuds, Arn Anderson on Sami Zayn, funny story on the first time Adam Cole heard from WWE, what happened to Chris DeJoseph, plus upcoming TV bouts.
Fight Island and the next UFC PPV show
UFC 250, with business notes, popularity notes, poll results and match-by-match coverage.
NXT Takeover In Your House with a rundown, booking notes, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.
Backlash and story behind Edge vs; Randy Orton.
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].
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SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I will be back tonight covering Backlash and all the latest news with Wrestling Observer Radio. We had a weekend show with Garrett Gonzalez where he went heavily into Paul Heyman being replaced on creative as well as other subjects. There are also shows on the site with Les Thatcher talking Mr. Wrestling II, who he knew well, and Fumi Saito and Jim Valley talking about the death of Hana Kimura, who Saito has known from childhood.
Kris Statlander suffered a full high grade ACL tear on Wednesday when she did a tope on Kip Sabian in the tag team match on Dynamite. It will require surgery and usually that is reconstructive surgery and a long recuperation time.
Backlash is tonight at 7 p.m. on the WWE Network. We’re looking for your thoughts on the show, thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]:
Edge vs. Randy Orton. I think the more interesting odds are star ratings odds given the build up. This match was already taped but obviously the results has been kept secret because one would think even a little bit of knowledge would lead to widespread betting. Orton is a -160 favorite but I think this is more the expectation of 50/50 booking than any knowledge. I was told the match was very good. Greatest match of all-time, we’ll see.
Braun Strowman vs.The Miz & John Morrison for the Universal title. Basically this match shows Smackdown really had no idea for this show. Strowman is listed as a -1250 favorite. This is a match that probably benefits by not having a crowd, because even with the two-on-one, I don’t sense a real crowd would believe Miz & Morrison could win.
Asuka vs. Nia Jax for the Raw women’s title. It’s a test for Asuka regarding the match, if it will be good or not. Asuka is among the best workers, male or female, in the company so it has a chance to be good. Asuka is a -1250 favorite since I think people already sense Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair is next. Of course all plans that were the case on Monday when Raw was taped could be out the window now.
Jeff Hardy vs. Sheamus – It doesn’t really matter in the big picture about this match because one would think the program continues after this and thus you wouldn’t do a clean finish. Sheamus was listed as a -170 favorite.
Bayley & Sasha Banks defend the women’s tag titles against The Iiconics and Nikki Cross & Alexa Bliss. I think this match may also benefit from the programmed audience. The winners defend against Tegan Nox & Shotzi Blackheart on NXT. Bayley & Banks were -300 favorites to retain.
Street Profits vs. Viking Raiders for the Raw tag titles – They spent months building this up and gave them more time than all but a few but they were not added to the card until today. Whatever the build has been, the direction likely has changed. In that sense this is a pick-em match.
Apollo Crews vs. Andrade for the U.S. title – Crews is a -600 favorite to retain the title. This is one of those bouts where with a live crowd we’d say it depends on the crowd because the work will be good. They may actually benefit with the captive crowd because you know they’ll have noise and the work should be good. This will be on the pre-show so probably around 6:30 p.m. Eastern tonight.
Even though there was a lot of huge news in pro wrestling this week, none of it broke through into the real world interest level. It is something that the death of Hana Kimura was the No. 1 searched topic on the Internet on the day it happened while a genuine Hall of Fame candidate and the actual top star of Georgia Championship Wrestling during its first few years on national cable, Mr. Wrestling II, got no attention at all. The only combat sports related topic this entire week that trended was UFC, where last night’s show was No. 4 with 200,000 searches. Tonight’s WWE show based on usual numbers for that type of show should do 200,000 today. More would be a good sign and speak to the Edge-Orton advertising. Less than would a bad sign.
A major fight announced for the 8/15 PPV show is Junior Dos Santos vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik. That’s on the same show as the planned Stipe Miocic vs. Daniel Cormier heavyweight title fight. The key is both would be ready to headline for the title in the event of an injury.
New Japan Pro Wrestling ran its first show actually last night at its Los Angeles Dojo in Carson, CA. We don’t know if it was taped for New Japan World or not. Regarding Tom Lawlor on the show, that was a deal set up between MLW and New Japan and was the teased interpromotional match MLW had talked about earlier in the week. Others listed as appearing by PWInsider were Jeff Cobb, TJP, Rocky Romero, Clark Connors, Alex Coughlin, Karl Fredericks and Misterioso.
Randy Orton told CBS Sports that he doesn’t know about the best match ever, but that the Edge match is good.
The new Undertaker Last Ride episode is up on the WWE Network today. I’m told this is a very good episode.
UFC
Cynthia Calvillo, who beat Jessica Eye in the main event last night, said she thought Eye must have cheated to weigh in at 126.25, which was still missing weight. Calvillo said that she held onto the towel when she got on the scale and that they got a text message from her coach saying she was missing weight by 3.5 pounds. It was noted that Eye was covered up while weighing in naked so her hands weren’t visible. Calvillo noted she moved up from lightweight and beat the top contender at flyweight who was really a bantamweight.
Dana White didn’t say much at the press conference but he did say he was tired of the throat swab and wished they could go back to the nasal version. The belief is the throat swab is more accurate. White did make fun of the bad ratings Top Rank did on Tuesday on ESPN. The Top rank show averaged 397,000 fans prime time on Tuesday.
Jared Gordon vs Chris Fishgold has been added to the 7/15 show.
Nathaniel Wood vs Umar Nurmagomedov has been added to the 7/25 show. Nurmagomedov is the cousin of Khabib.
Justin Tafa vs. Raphael Pessoa has been added to the 7/25 show in a heavyweight bout.
MISCELLANEOUS
New Japan’s first show in Japan will be at 6 a.m. Eastern tomorrow morning live on New Japan World. The lineup is a secret and will be announced at the start of the show. The New Japan Cup will start at 6 a.m. Eastern with a full card that includes first round matches with Togi Makabe vs. Yota Tsuji, Tomohiro Ishii vs. Desperado, Toru Yano vs. Jado and Tomoaki Honma vs. Hiromu Takahashi. There will also be another show on Tuesday at 6 a.m. with first round matches.
There have been several social media teases of Taynara Conti and Impact Wrestling.
Former UFC and Strikeforce bantamweight champion Miesha Tate gave birth to her second child, a boy, Daxter Wylder Nunez, over the weekend. The father is Johnny Nunez, a Las Vegas fighter who most recently fought for ONE. From what name, you’d think the parents are fans of FTR, but it’s probably a coincidence.
The UFC’s Saturday debut in Raleigh, North Carolina, ended with Curtis Blaydes facing, and passing, his toughest test to date with a second round TKO of former heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos in the night’s main event on ESPN+.
The UFC’s no. 2 heavyweight contender stopped Dos Santos at 1:06 of the second round with a vicious barrage of knees and punches after teasing a takedown that Dos Santos had been blocking the entire fight.
The first round was relatively close as Blaydes went for multiple takedowns, but Dos Santos managed to evade them. In the second, Blaydes continued to tease the takedown but started landing more on the feet before the finishing flurry. It was the tenth win by form of knockout for the youngest fighter in the UFC top 10.
Blaydes put over Dos Santos as a legend in his post-fight promo and said it was an honor just to be in the Octagon with him, let alone to pick up the win. He also asked for a title shot but he’ll likely have to wait for a title eliminator match against the winner of the upcoming fight between Francis Ngannou and Jairzinho Rozenstruik. Current champion Stipe Miocic and former champion Daniel Cormier are awaiting a date for their third fight.
The other former Brazilian champion on the card fared a little better but still went down in defeat as former lightweight kingpin Rafael dos Anjos lost via unanimous decision to TUF 15 champion Michael Chiesa. Both were former lightweights competing at 170, but Chiesa looked better than he had in any of his three previous fights in the division.
Chiesa used his wrestling to dominate RDA for two of the three rounds. He then made a quick callout of former interim champion Colby Covington, asking for a fight in July. Covington suffered a broken jaw in his December welterweight title fight with Kamaru Usman, but could be ready should UFC choose to make that fight.
The other fight on the show with ranked contenders saw Alex Perez pick up a slick first round submission win over Jordan Espinosa at flyweight. Both were ranked in the lower part of the top 15 and Perez asked for a fight with Askar Askarov, who is coming off an impressive win over former title challenger Tim Elliott. Perez has very quietly built up a 5-1 UFC record with the only loss coming to Joseph Benavidez, who fights for the vacant title next month.
**********
Here’s what happened on the rest of the show:
– Angela Hill (11-7) had the most impressive win of her career with a second round TKO win over Hannah Cifers (10-4) at strawweight (4:26). She closed it out with ground and pound after a takedown.
– Jamahal Hill (7-0) stayed unbeaten after his UFC debut, picking up a unanimous decision in a light heavyweight fight over Darko Stosic. Scores were 29-27 across the board. I had it 29-28. Stosic did win the third as Hill was fading. Media scores were 92% for Hill with the vast majority scoring it 29-28.
– Bevon Lewis (7-2) got the first victory of his UFC career with a unanimous decision over Dequan Townsend in a middleweight fight. Scores were 30-27 across the board, which is what I had as well. Lewis hurt his knee in the 2nd round and was wobbling pretty noticeably when the fight was over. All media scores were for Lewis with all but one scoring it 30-27.
– Arnold Allen (16-1) spoiled the featherweight return of Nik Lentz (30-11-2), getting the unanimous decision on scores of 29-28 and 30-27 x2. I had it 30-27 but all three rounds were close and Lentz actually landed more strikes. Media scores were all for Allen, evenly split with 30-27 and 29-28 scores.
– In a very boring bantamweight fight, Justine Kish (7-2) got a decision win over Lucie Pudilova (8-6) on straight 30-27 scores in a flyweight fight. I actually had it 29-28 Pudilova. All three rounds were close because neither fighter did much of anything. Media scores were 82% for Kish with most having it 29-28.
– Montel Jackson (9-1) got a decision win over Felipe Corrales in an insane fight. Jackson had a bantamweight record 11 takedowns but also landed some of the hardest, cleanest head strikes you’ll ever see and, except for once, managed to stay on his feet. Scores were 30-26 x2 and 30-25 with the latter score being the same as what I had. All media scores were for Jackson with most having the 30-25 score.
– Sara McMann (12-5) returned from a long layoff after giving birth and scored a dominant decision win over Lina Lansberg (10-5) in a bantamweight fight. Scores were 30-27, 30-26 and 30-25. I had it 30-26. Media scores were all for McMann with the majority having it 30-26.
– Brett Johns (16-2) submitted the debuting Tony Gravely (19-6) at 2:53 of the third round in a bantamweight fight. After splitting the first two rounds, Johns secured a rear naked choke for the win.
– Herbert Burns (10-2) knocked out Nate Landwehr (13-3) at 2:43 of the first round in a featherweight fight. It was the UFC debut for the ONE championship vet and a highlight reel knee to the jaw from the clinch sealed the win for Burns.
Joseph Currier looks at two Network specials and what they could mean for the future of the service.
EVOLVE’s 10th Anniversary Celebration streamed on the Network opposite AEW Fight for the Fallen on July 13. Another in-ring special has also been added to the Network schedule for this month, with “Smackville” set to air this Saturday (July 27).
Smackville is similar to past specials like The Shield’s Final Chapter and WWE Starrcade. The WWE Network broadcast of Smackville will be an hour long. Kofi Kingston will defend the WWE Championship against Samoa Joe and Dolph Ziggler in a triple threat match, Finn Balor will face Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura in a rematch from Extreme Rules, and there will be a musical performance segment with Elias.
The Smackville name is playing off the show taking place in Nashville, Tennessee and the city’s Bridgestone Arena, which is the home of the Nashville Predators. The event was just a house show prior to the special being announced, and it will still feature some untelevised matches.
Televised house shows have been something WWE has surveyed subscribers about for a long time. Smackville feels very much like a by-the-numbers house show card. After already having defeated them in his most recent pay-per-view title defenses, Kingston is facing Joe and Ziggler again. Balor has already moved on to a storyline with Bray Wyatt and is set to take some time off from WWE after SummerSlam, so it seems unlikely that he’ll be regaining the Intercontinental title. The Smackville theme should play into the Elias segment, but it’s unlikely that it will have much meaning to the larger audience.
The new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has details on the first episode of AEW on TNT, the possible name of the show, why the host city was chosen, and potential TV competition in the first few weeks of airing.
We detail the latest G1 Climax 29 shows, and how it compares to last year’s tournament.
We have coverage of Jon Jones and his latest potential legal trouble.
We cover Summerslam, how the card is shaping up, and the possible return of a WWE Hall of Famer on the show.
We look back at Saturday’s UFC show, and the business notes on the show.
We have details on Dragon Gate’s biggest show of the year, and have business notes on that as well.
We also have coverage of a wrestling star being part of Hollywood box office history.
There’s also a run down the ratings of all the major TV shows, along with detailed demo info for the WWE shows and results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.
In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.
For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE
by Joseph Currier and Bryan Rose
WWE
SmackDown tonight will take place in Memphis, Tennessee. A non-title match between AJ Styles (with Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows) and Kofi Kingston (with Big E and Xavier Woods) has been announced. A tag match with Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross vs. Ember Moon and Bayley is also set. Jerry Lawler will also host the returning King’s Court with guest Trish Stratus.
205 Live will have an unsanctioned match between Drake Maverick and Mike Kanellis.
Jerry Lawler thanked everyone who thought about Brian Christopher yesterday on the one-year anniversary of his death: “Today was a very tough day. It’s been exactly one year since my son Brian Christopher died. I want to thank everyone who thought about Brian today. We’ll never forget you, Brian.”
Becky Lynch told Talksport that she was initially apprehensive about teaming with Seth Rollins on TV: “Honestly, I was very apprehensive. What I didn’t want was everybody talking about the relationship. What I wanted was two bad asses, two people at the top of their game fighting side-by-side. Not for the world to be reminded every five minutes that this is Becky Lynch’s boyfriend or that’s Seth Rollins’ girlfriend. Which, of course, they didn’t do. They were the masters of subtlety…So, for that reason, I was apprehensive. But when I thought about it, I was like OK. One, we’re going to make this a badass fight, it’s going to be a great fight. No matter what, you know when you put me and Seth Rollins in a fight you’re going to get pure passion and we’re going to pull out all the stops. But in terms of having my relationship be the freaking — be the front and centre, that’s not what I’m about. That’s not what I’ve worked towards. That’s not what I wanted. I wanted to work with Seth because he’s the best in the business — you know, besides me — but working with him was awesome. He really is the absolute best.”
Chris Sabin is guest coaching at the WWE Performance Center this week.
This week’s MLW Fusion episode is now available on YouTube. It features Ross & Marshall Von Erich vs. Contra Unit (Simon Gotch & Josef Samael) in an unsanctioned match, Mance Warner vs. Bestia 666 in a Mexican Death Match, and Low Ki vs. Ricky Martinez.
Killer Kross has been announced for Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport II in Atlantic City, New Jersey on September 14.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC on ESPN 3: Ngannou vs. Dos Santos, eminating from the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The Octagon heads back to Minneapolis for the first time since October 2012 with a heavyweight main event featuring two men looking to lock up the next title shot in the division.
Former title challenger Francis Ngannou takes on former UFC Heavyweight Champion Junior dos Santos in the night’s five-round headliner. Ngannou has won two straight fights by knockout in the first round to get himself back into the title picture while Dos Santos is the winner of three straight fights. The winner should find himself next in line to challenge the winner of the Daniel Cormier-Stipe Miocic title fight that takes place in August.
In the co-main event, it is another potential title eliminator bout, this time in the flyweight division as Jussier Formiga puts his four-fight win streak on the line against Joseph Benavidez, winner of two straight fights. Also on the main card is a welterweight bout between Anthony Rocco Martin and Demian Maia as well as a lightweight bout that sees Roosevelt Roberts put his undefeated record up against Vinc Pichel.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.
ESPN PRELIMS | 6 PM ET/3 PM PT
> Maurice Greene (7-2, 2-0 UFC) vs. Junior Albini (14-5, 1-3 UFC) Heavyweights
They trade leg kicks to start. Greene lands a right hand that stuns Albini. Greene landing more kicks but Albini walking thru them. Albini lands a left hand and they clinch. They break and Greene lands a right hand. Albini throwing body punches. Greene lands a combo followed by a front kick to the body. Greene lands a right hand that drops Albini to a knee and then knocks Albini completely down with a combo. Greene gets into side control. Albini gets to his feet but eats a knee and then stuns Greene with a combo. They clinch again. They break and both land sloppy strikes. Greene knocks Albini down with another right hand and starts landing hammerfists and the referee steps in and stops it. Big win for Greene! That was fun while it lasted.
Official Result- Maurice Greene def. Junior Albini by TKO (punches) at 3:38 of Round 1
Ribas is making her UFC debut after a USADA suspension. Whitmire throws a switch head kick to start. Ribas lands a combo and goes for a takedown against the fence. Whitmire defends well. Ribas gets the back and has the body triangle standing and working for a choke. Ribas gets the arm around the neck looking to complete. Whitmire fighting hands. Ribas has the arm across the chin but Whitmire escapes. Ribas landing punches from the back. They go to the ground and Ribas still has the back. Whitmire escapes and gets to her feet. Whitmire gets into Ribas’ guard. Whitmire lands some punches from the top. Ribas throwing elbows from the bottom. They ride the round out there. 10-9 Ribas.
Ribas lands a right hand and then a combo against the fence on Whitmire. Ribas gets a clinch against the fence. Ribas gets a takedown and takes the back of Whitmire again. Ribas landing punches from the back and gets the mount and lands some big ground-and-pound. Whitmire gives up her back and Ribas has the choke locked in deep and Whitmire taps! Impressive showing by Ribas and she looked really good in this one.
Official Result- Amanda Ribas def. Emily Whitmire by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:10 of Round 2
Townsend took this fight earlier this week. Townsend landed a quick jab. Townsend with a leg kick. Lungiambula misses an explosive combo. Lungiambula lands a combo. Lungiambula lands a left hook and stumbles as he tries for a takedown and they clinch against the fence. They trade knees against the fence. Lungiambula with a trip takedown into half-guard. They get up for a second and Lungiambula gets a big takedown. Lungiambula in Townsend’s full guard. Lungiambula with some punches from the top. 10-9 Lungiambula.
Townsend lands a kick and Lungiambula stumbles in for a takedown and completes it and is on top against the fence. They get up and Lungiambula has the back and gets another takedown and is in side control. Lungiambula moes to the half-guard and lands a couple of punches. Lungiambula now back in the full guard. Townsend with a couple of elbows from the bottom. Not much is happening. They are finally stood up by the referee as nothing at all happened. Townsend with a flying knee that just landed. 10-9 Lungiambula, 20-18 Lungiambula.
They trade punches and Lungiambula lands two big punches that drop Townsend. Lungiambula gets in the mount and is reigning down elbows and punches and he finishes it! Brutal finish by Lungiambula as he gets the win in his UFC debut.
Official Result- Dalcha Lungiambula def. Dequan Townsend by TKO (strikes) at :42 of Round 3
> Jared Gordon (14-3, 2-2 UFC) vs. Dan Moret (13-5, 0-2 UFC) Lightweights
Moret lands an early right hand. Moret with a body kick and Gordon counters with a right hand. Moret with a hard left hand. Gordon lands a nice combo in close range. Moret with a head kick and Gordon turns it into a takedown and is in the half-guard of Moret. They scramble to their feet and Gordon has the back. Moret now landing knees to the body and they break and Moret with a big knee to the body. They break and both land punches. Moret with a good combo. Moret has the back and gets a takedown and they scramble up and Moret has the back. They trade knees in the clinch. Gordon lands an elbow as they break. They trade at the end. Close round. 10-9 Moret.
Gordon with a body kick to start the second and then follows with a short left hand. Moret with a step-in knee and Gordon gets the clinch and Moret with a head-and-arm throw into full mount. Gordon gives up his back to escape. Moret looking for a rear-naked choke but Gordon gets out. Gordon turns into Moret and is in his full guard. Gordon with some shots from the top. Gordon landing more shots from the top as he was trying to get the mount but Moret was blocking it. Gordon with punches from the top as he has taken over the second half of this round. Gordon ends the round with more punches from the top. 10-9 Gordon, 19-19.
Gordon lands a body kick and slips and Moret grabs the neck and Gordon is on top and lands some body punches as Moret has the neck. Gordon not in danger. Moret finally lets go and Gordon is in his full guard and landing punches. Moret not doing much to get himself out of danger. They transition to the feet and Gordon has the back and drags Moret back down. They get up and Gordon has the back. Gordon gets another takedown and they stand and Gordon gets the back but Moret slips him off and they stand. Moret with a body kick and then sprawls a takedown and slides to the back. They scramble and Gordon ends up in Moret’s full guard. Gordon now in the half-guard and landing punches as the fight ends. Good fight. 10-9 Gordon, 29-28 Gordon.
Official Result- Jared Gordon def. Dan Moret by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
> Eryk Anders (11-4, 3-4 UFC) vs. Vinicius Moreira (9-2, 0-1 UFC) Light Heavyweights
Moreira with a body kick and tries a takedown but misses and Anders gets the mount and takes the back but they scramble up. Moreira still working for a single-leg takedown. Anders escapes and lands big punches and knocks Moreira down and then knocks him out cold with more punches on the ground. Wow, what a huge finish by Anders. The referee was way late in stopping it as Moreira was out cold and ate punches while he was out.
Official Result- Eryk Anders def. Vinicius Moreira by knockout (punches) at 1:18 of Round 1
Newson took this fight on short notice. They trade kicks. Ramos with some leg kicks. Newson with a right hand. Newson with more kicks. Ramos with a head kick. Ramos tries for a flying knee but Newson backs away. Newson with a hard leg kick. Newson with a combo and then another leg kick. Newson tries a takedown but misses and Ramos gets the mount from it and Newson gives up his back and Ramos is now working for a choke. Newson escapes and they scramble to their feet. Newson has the neck looking for a guillotine but Ramos hops out and they stand and Ramos with a knee. Newson with a leg kick. Ramos with a right hand and Newson with a leg kick. Newson with a combo and Ramos with a spinning elbow as Newson was coming in. Good round. 10-9 Ramos.
Newson with a leg kick. Newson lands a right hand. They both look for openings. Ramos tries for a knee but Newson slips away. Both are throwing hands but neither landing much. Both landing leg kicks. They trade front kicks. Both men not doing a lot. Newson with a body kick. Newson with a right hand. Ramos with the jab. Newson with a spinning wheel kick. Close round. 10-9 Ramos, 20-18 Ramos.
Newson with a switch kick. Ramos with a takedown but Newson has the neck and a deep guillotine locked in. Ramos is in a lot of trouble but Newson lost the grip and Ramos popped his head out. Ramos is now on top. They get to their feet and Ramos with some leg kicks. Newson with a leg kick. Ramos then hurts Newson with a spinning elbow and Newson drops down for a moment but walks right through it. That was a hard elbow. Newson now circling away. Newson with a leg kick and Ramos is now hurt from it. Ramos switched stances as Ramos may have hurt his knee from that kick. Time runs out. Very good fight. 10-9 Ramos, 30-27 Ramos.
Official Result- Ricardo Ramos def. Journey Newson by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
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> Alonzo Menifield (8-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Paul Craig (11-3, 3-3 UFC) Light Heavyweights
Craig walks forward and Menifield gets the clinch. Craig with some knees with his back against the fence. Craig now trying to pull guard against the fence and Menifield escapes and breaks away. Craig tries a takedown but Menifield escapes away. Menifield lands a jab and Craig falls to the ground but gets up. Craig with a high kick. Craig with a spinning wheel kick. Menifield with a leg kick and they clinch. They break away. Craig with another spinning wheel kick. He goes for it again but misses and gets knocked down by a right hand from Menifield and then Menifield knocks him out cold with another right hand on the ground. That was a vicious knockout and impressive win for Menifield.
Official Result- Alonzo Menifield def. Paul Craig by knockout (punches) at 3:19 of Round 1
> Drew Dober (20-8 1 NC, 6-4 1 NC UFC) vs. Polo Reyes (8-4, 4-2 UFC) Lightweights
Dober with a straight left hand. They are throwing in close range and Dober rocks Reyes with a left hand and Reyes goes for the leg but Dober gets away. Dober then lands more big punches and drops Reyes again with a left hand after a barrage and then finishes Reyes off with more punches on the ground. An excellent performance from Dober there as he rebounds in a big way.
Official Result- Drew Dober def. Polo Reyes by knockout (punches) at 1:07 of Round 1
> Roosevelt Roberts (8-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. Vinc Pichel (11-2, 4-2 UFC) Lightweights
Roberts with some low kicks to start. Pichel throws a leg kick. Roberts with a combo. They clinch and Pichel lands a knee to the body. They trade positions and Roberts grabs a leg but lets go and they separate. Roberts with the jab. Roberts lands a flying knee as Pichel was coming in. Pichel shoots in for a takedown against the fence. Roberts reverses position. Roberts working hard for a takedown but lets go. Pichel with some low kicks. They trade punches and Roberts closes in looking for a takedown. Roberts with a big slam. Pichel gets back to his feet and misses a late takedown. 10-9 Roberts.
Pichel with some low kicks early. Pichel with another hard leg kick after he ducks under Roberts’ punches. Roberts lands a right hand. Pichel shoots for a takedown but Roberts defends. Pichel gets it against the fence with a trip and is on top. Pichel trying to pull Roberts to where he can get mount. Roberts able to get to his feet and is now working for a takedown. They separate. Pichel with a combo but Roberts fires back with a bigger combo and a knee. Pichel slowing down a little. They trade in close range. Roberts lands a big knee. Roberts tries a takedown but Pichel gets the mount of it but time runs out. 10-9 Roberts, 20-18 Roberts.
Pichel with a right hand. Roberts with a nice combo in return. Pichel gets a takedown but Roberts is trying to push up against the fence to get back to his feet as Pichel is in north-south position. Pichel landing punches and looking for full back control. Pichel with the neck and landing punches. Roberts gets to his feet and Pichel has a standing guillotine. Pichel with a knee and the choke is in tighter but Roberts gets himself out. Roberts switches positions. Pichel with a big elbow on the break and follows with punches. They clinch. Pichel gets another takedown and is in full mount now and looking for a choke. Roberts trying to escape. Pichel in dominant position and landing punches. Roberts gives up his back. They stand and Pichel slides off. They get up at the end. This will be interesting scorecards. 10-8 Pichel, 28-28 DRAW.
Official Result- Vinc Pichel def. Roosevelt Roberts by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Demian Maia (#12, 26-9, 20-9 UFC) vs. Anthony Rocco Martin (16-4, 8-4 UFC) Welterweights
Both men feeling each other out inside the first minute. Maia lands a left hand. Maia grabs the single leg against the fence and completes the takedown. Martin gets to the fence and looking to use the fence to get up but Maia keeping him down. Maia with punches to the body from the top and then to the face. Maia still on top as he has Martin trapped on the bottom. Martin gets to his feet but Maia has the underhooks. Martin reverses. They separate. Martin tries a flying knee but Maia too far away. 10-9 Maia.
Martin with a head kick as Maia was circling around. Maia shoots in and completes a takedown but Martin able to roll to the top. They get up and Maia immediately shoots and gets another takedown. Maia trying to get Martin completely down but Martin gets up and Maia takes him right back down. Maia trying to get to the mount and landing short body punches. Martin can’t get out of the bad positions. They are stood up by the referee. Martin goes right after Maia but Maia gets a takedown. Martin reverses positions to the top and they scramble and Maia ends the round on top. 10-9 Maia, 20-18 Maia.
Martin just misses a head kick. Both men looking for openings as they are just circling around each other. Martin misses a right hand. Martin with a high kick that is checked. Maia doing nothing. Martin with a right hand. Maia circling and dancing around. Maia not taking any chances. Maia shoots but Martin sprawls. They break. Martin with a right hand to the body. Martin lands a hard left hand. Maia circles away. Martin with no sense of urgency. Martin lands a right hand and Maia shoots for a takedown and they are grappling on the ground. Martin in the guard of Maia. Martin lands from the top as the fight ends. 10-9 Martin, 29-28 Maia.
Official Result- Demian Maia def. Anthony Rocco Martin by majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)
> Jussier Formiga (#1, 23-5, 9-4 UFC) vs. Joseph Benavidez (#2, 27-5, 14-3 UFC) Flyweights
Benavidez with a high kick and then a big body kick. Right hand from Benavidez. Benavidez with another body kick. They trade punches. Formiga just misses a spin kick. Benavidez with a low calf kick. They clinch and Benavidez with some punches from the clinch. Benavidez is cut under his eye. They break and trade and Formiga gets the back of Benavidez. They scramble and get to their feet and Formiga has the neck. Benavidez gets his head out of trouble and lands some punches as they break. They trade punches. 10-9 Benavidez.
Benavidez with a body kick and they trade in close range. Benavidez with a leg kick. They trade and Formiga enters for a takedown and gets a big slam. They scramble and Benavidez is able to end up on top. Benavidez in the guard of Formiga and switches to the half-guard. Benavidez back to the full guard and they scramble to their feet. They break. Benavidez with the calf kick and Formiga’s leg is hurt. Benavidez with a knee to the body followed by a punch. Benavidez lands a left hook. Benavidez with a combo to the body. He goes for a head kick and connects and hurts Formiga, Benavidez with a punch and then unloads with a barrage of punches and Formiga goes down and Benavidez finishes him off! What a win for Benavidez in an impressive showing.
Official Result- Joseph Benavidez def. Jussier Formiga by TKO (strikes) at 4:47 of Round 2
> Francis Ngannou (#2, 13-3, 8-2 UFC) vs. Junior Dos Santos (#3, 21-5, 15-4 UFC) Heavyweights
Ngannou with an immediate leg kick. He lands another. Dos Santos with a leg kick and it trips Ngannou up. Ngannou lands a big right hand. He lands another hard leg kick. Ngannou with a right hand that drops and hurts Dos Santos and he is turtling up and Ngannou lands more punches and it is over. Ngannou with another big win and he is back to being a scary man. Great win for Ngannou.
Official Result- Francis Ngannou def. Junior Dos Santos by TKO (punches) at 1:11 of Round 1
In order to find a main event for its June 29th Minneapolis, MN, event on ESPN, the UFC had to pull a featured fight from UFC 239 during July’s International Fight Week.
While not officially announced by the promotion, ESPN’s Brett Okamoto broke the news Tuesday that former heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos vs. former title challenger Francis Ngannou will now headline the UFC’s return to Minnesota.
Former welterweight champions Tyron Woodley and Robbie Lawler were originally set to rematch in the main event, but a hand injury to Woodley and an inability to find a replacement to face Lawler scrapped the fight.
Since returning from a USADA suspension that initially prevented this fight from happening in 2017, the 35-year-old dos Santos has won three straight including two in a row by second round TKO. The 32-year-old Ngannou has won his last two by first round TKO after back-to-back losses.
The fight being removed from UFC 239 is a minor blow as the July 6th show features light heavyweight champion Jon Jones vs. Thiago Santos, two-division women’s champion Amanda Nunes vs. Holly Holm, Jorge Masvidal vs. Ben Askren, Luke Rockhold debuting at light heavyweight, and more.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC On ESPN+ 4: Lewis vs. Dos Santos, emanating from the Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas.
The Octagon visits the state of Kansas for the very first time with a main event featuring a former heavyweight champion and a former title challenger along with an exciting undercard.
Derrick Lewis looks to get back into the win column after coming up short in his first UFC title shot when he takes on former UFC Heavyweight Champion Junior Dos Santos in the headline bout. Lewis lost by second-round submission when he challenged Daniel Cormier for the championship in November at UFC 230 and is eager to get back in title contention. Dos Santos comes into this fight having put himself back into the title picture off of two straight wins.
In the co-main event, it is an exciting welterweight bout between rising contenders Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, winner of six straight, and Curtis Millender, who has won nine straight. Also on the card is a heavyweight bout between Blagoy Ivanov and Ben Rothwell, who returns to action after being out for almost three years.
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.
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> Alex White (12-5, 3-5 UFC) vs. Dan Moret (13-4, 0-1 UFC) Lightweights
Moret with some hard left hands to start off and goes for a takedown against the fence. Moret with some knees to the legs as he looks for a trip. White defending the takedown well. Moret still working for the takedown. They break for a second and Moret lands a combo and goes back for the takedown. White defending and has the neck and a standing guillotine but Moret pops out and they exchange before Moret goes back for the takedown and finally gets it. Moret looking to step over to mount as he remains on top. White with short punches from the bottom but Moret landing elbows and punches now. They scramble to their feet and now White going for a takedown but time runs out. 10-9 Moret.
White with an inside leg kick and Moret goes for underhooks and a takedown but White reverses against the fence. White with a knee. They battle for underhooks. They break. White with a right hook. They trade and Moret shoots but White grabs the neck again for a standing guillotine. Moret now grabs White’s neck as he goes for a takedown. Both men are tired. They break. White lands a combo. White with an uppercut. White is cut open. They clinch again as Moret goes for the takedown. They break and trade punches. White with a spin kick and lands some solid punches on Moret. White with a combo that rocks Moret. 10-9 White, 19-19.
White lands a punch as Moret shoots in for a takedown. Moret is warned for holding the fence as White reverses positions and gets a takedown. They pop up and Moret warned again for grabbing the fence. They break and trade. Moret works for a takedown again but eating body punches from White. White now working for a takedown and gets it. They get back up and battle for underhooks. Moret now dropping for a takedown but White defending it. White with some elbows. They break and start trading as the fight ends. Wild exchanges to end the fight. 10-9 White, 29-28 White.
Official Result- Alex White def. Dan Moret by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Alex Morono (15-5 1 NC, 4-2 1 NC UFC) vs. Zak Ottow (17-6, 4-3 UFC) Welterweights
Morono with a right hand. They trade. Morono with a front kick. Ottow with a hard body kick. Morono just misses a swinging right hand. Ottow with a short front kick. They trade punches. Morono with a spin kick. Ottow gets a takedown but Morono reverses and takes the back and is landing punches and elbows trying to finish. Morono flattens him out and is landing and it is stopped. Solid showing by Morono.
Official Result- Alex Morono def. Zak Ottow by TKO (strikes) at 3:34 of Round 1
> Louis Smolka (15-5, 6-5 UFC) vs. Matt Schnell (#15 FLW, 12-4, 2-2 UFC) Bantamweights
They trade kicks. Schnell lands a combo. Schnell landing more and rocks Smolka with a right hand. Smolka lands a left hook. Schnell with a combo but eats a hard left from Smolka. They clinch and Schnell gets a takedown. Schnell gets a guillotine locked in and Smolka is ok. Smolka pops out. Schnell now trying for a triangle choke and now an armbar but Smolka escaoes. Schnell now back to the triangle and he gets Smolka to tap! Solid win for Schnell as he hunted for the submission and found one that got the job done.
Official Result- Matt Schnell def. Louis Smolka by submission (triangle choke) at 3:18 of Round 1
> Maurice Greene (6-2, 1-0 UFC) vs. Jeff Hughes (10-1, 0-0 UFC) Heavyweights
Hughes lands a left hand. Hughes with a right hand to the body. Greene lands a left but eats a leg kick from Hughes. Greene with a body kick. They trade punches. Greene with a hard right hand. Hughes with a leg kick. Greene with a body kick. They trade in close. Greene with some elbows as they clinch and then some hard knees and more elbows. They break to the center. Hughes with a combo and then works for a single leg against the fence. Greene defends with elbows. Hughes with a right hand. They trade at the end and Hughes lands a right. 10-9 Greene.
Hughes with a combo. They trade as they get to the center of the Octagon. Hughes with a combo. Hughes with a punch to the body off a kick from Greene. Hughes goes for a takedown against the fence. They break and Greene hurts Hughes with a punch and Hughes stumbles back. He recovers and lands a left on Greene. They trade against the fence and Hughes lands a combo. Greene with a body kick. Hughes lands a left hook. Hughes lands at the end. 10-9 Hughes, 19-19.
Crowd loud for the start of the third. Greene with a body kick. Hughes with a right hand. Greene with a body kick and they trade punches. Hughes with a short right hand. Hughes with the jab. They trade jabs. Greene with a body kick and Hughes counters with a right hand. They trade right hands. Hughes misses a spin kick. Hughes with a right hand and misses a spinning back fist. Hughes with the jab. Hughes lands a head kick. They both miss spin kicks at the end. Close fight. 10-9 Hughes, 29-28 Hughes.
Official Result- Maurice Greene def. Jeff Hughes by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
> Grant Dawson (12-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Julian Erosa (22-6, 1-2 UFC) Featherweights
Erosa with a side kick. Dawson goes for a takedown and gets it. Erosa locks a triangle choke in and starts landing elbows. Dawson escapes and lands some punches from the top. They get to their feet. Dawson works for a takedown and gets it. They get back up. They trade and Erosa rocks Dawson but Dawson gets a takedown. Dawson in the guard. They get up. Dawson picks Erosa up and carries him around the cage and gets a slam. Dawson passes to side control. Dawson back to the guard and is winging punches. Dawson with some short body punches. 10-9 Dawson.
Dawson gets a takedown right away and lands some punches. Erosa lands an upkick. They get back up and Erosa lands an uppercut. They trade and Dawson goes for a takedown. They scramble and Dawson gets the back but they get up. Erosa lands a right hand. Erosa with a leg kick and trips up Dawson for a second. Erosa hurting Dawson with leg kicks. Dawson with a knee and lands a combo. They are trading and Dawson has Erosa hurt. Erosa with a spinning back fist and goes down from it He gets up and they trade against the fence. Dawson slips on his own spinning back fist. They trade and Erosa lands some punches. Dawson with a spinning back fist. 10-9 Dawson, 20-18 Dawson.
Both winging punches. Erosa lands a punch and Dawson takes him down. Dawson working in the guard and Erosa searching for a triangle. Dawson gets the back and is working for a choke. Dawson gets back in the guard and then gets the back again and trying to flatten Erosa out. He has the choke for a moment but Erosa escapes. Dawson with some ground and pound now. Dawson back in the guard and landing some more ground and pound at the end. 10-9 Dawson, 30-27 Dawson.
Official Result- Grant Dawson def. Julian Erosa by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 29-27)
> Marion Reneau (#6, 9-4-1, 5-3-1 UFC) vs. Yana Kunitskaya (#9, 11-4 1 NC, 1-1 UFC) Women’s Bantamweights
Kunitskaya with a leg kick. Reneau lands a right hand. Kunitskaya gets a brief takedown. She gets the fight back down. They get back to their feet. Kunitskaya with some knees as they clinch. Reneau with a short elbow but Kunitskaya continues to land knees. Kunitskaya with a calf kick after they break and then a body kick. Kunitskaya misses a spinning back fist. Kunitskaya with a leg kick. Kunitskaya lands the spinning back fist this time. Reneau lands a right hand and gets a takedown after catching the leg of Kunitskaya. Reneau gets on top at the end. 10-9 Kunitskaya.
Reneau lands a quick combo. They clinch and Kunitskaya with some knees. They break. Reneau lands some punches. Kunitskaya with a quick knee but eats a left hand from Reneau. Kunitskaya with some leg kicks. Reneau with a right hand to the body and Kunitskaya counters with a left. Reneau with some right hands. Kunitskaya missing her kicks. Reneau lands some quick punches. Reneau with a body combo. Reneau with a front kick. Reneau with a combo. They trade and Reneau getting the better of it 10-9 Reneau, 19-19.
They trade and Kunitskaya with a body kick. Kunitskaya lands a right hand. Reneau with a left hand. Kunitskaya with a leg kick. Reneau lands a combo. Kunitskaya with an inside leg kick. Reneau backs her up with some punches. They continue to trade quick punches and Reneau is controlling the Octagon more. Reneau with a left followed by a right. Kunitskaya with a body kick and Reneau lands a couple of right hands. Kunitskaya’s face is showing lots of damage. Reneau with a combo. Reneau with another. Kunitskaya has a broken nose. Close fight. 10-9 Reneau, 29-28 Reneau.
Official Result- Yana Kunitskaya def. Marion Reneau by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Anthony Rocco Martin (15-4, 7-4 UFC) vs. Sergio Moraes (14-3-1, 8-2-1 UFC) Welterweights
Martin with some leg kicks. Moraes gets a takedown and is in the half-guard. Martin reverses to the top position and in Moraes’ half-guard now. Not a lot going on. They are stood up due to lack of action on the ground and Martin right away with a leg kick. Martin with more leg kicks and Moraes lands up high with a kick. They trade leg kicks. Moraes misses a wild spin kick. 10-9 Moraes.
Martin with a leg kick. Martin lands a right hand. Martin with a short right hand. Moraes with a quick combo. They trade in close and Moraes gets a body lock but they break. Martin with a leg kick. Martin with a combo. Moraes with a jumping knee and lands in the cup of Martin. Martin with a body kick. Martin with a leg kick. Martin ducking under the Moraes punches but Moraes lands a leg kick. Moraes with a late brief takedown. 10-9 Martin, 19-19.
Moraes with a quick combo on Martin. They clinch against the fence with Martin having advantage. Martin with a right hand as they break. Moraes winging punches. Moraes missing a spin punch. Martin with a leg kick. Martin with the jab. Moraes just throwing into the air. Moraes with a right hand. Moraes goes for a takedown against the fence but Martin defends. Martin with a right hand. Martin with a combo. They trade shots and Moraes shoots for a takedown and gets it off a slam. Moraes in side control. He’s looking for a choke but time runs out. 10-9 Moraes, 29-28 Moraes.
Official Result- Anthony Rocco Martin def. Sergio Moraes by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
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> Tim Boetsch (21-12, 12-11 UFC) vs. Omari Akhmedov (17-4-1, 5-3-1 UFC) Middleweights
Akhmedov with a right hand. Akhmedov with a body kick. They clinch and Akhmedov working for a takedown. They remain clinched against the fence. Boetsch with a knee and they break. Boetsch with a leg kick. Akhmedov with a leg kick. They trade in close range. Akhmedov shoots and Boetsch defends. 10-9 Akhmedov.
They trade leg kicks. Boetsch with a right hand. Boetsch with another as Akhmedov is missing on his attacks. Akhmedov with a high kick and then one to the body. Akhmedov with a front kick. Akhemdov with a right hand. He lands another. They trade punches. Akhmedov with a leg kick. They clinch and Boetsch lands a knee to the groin and we have a timeout. They get back to action and both trying for underhooks. 10-9 Akhmedov, 20-18 Akhmedov.
Akhemdov with a combo. Boetsch with some kicks. Akhemdov with a leg kick. Boetsch controlling the Octagon. They both land in close. Boetsch with a front kick and they exchange right hands. Akhmedov lands a left hook. Boetsch with a body kick followed by a right hand. Akhmedov is circling around. Boetsch’s nose has been busted up by the way. They trade in close. Boetsch with a body kick. Akhemdov with a combo. Boetsch is stalking him down. They clinch at the end. 10-9 Akhmedov, 30-27 Akhmedov.
Official Result- Omari Akhmedov def. Tim Boetsch by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Beneil Dariush (15-4-1, 9-4-1 UFC) vs. Drew Dober (20-8 1 NC, 6-4 1 NC UFC) Lightweights
Dober with a left hand. Dober with a leg kick. Dariush with a leg kick. They trade in close before clinching. Dariush working for a body lock and takedown but they break. Dariush with a leg kick. Dober now with a leg kick. Dober rocks Dariush with a punch. Dariush clinches looking to recover. They break. Dariush with a head kick. Dober with a hard left hand. Dober landing but Dariush gets a clinch. Dober lands as they break the clinch. They trade leg kicks. Dariush with some knees in the clinch. Dober with some left hands after they break. 10-9 Dober.
Dober with a leg kick and Dariush goes down for a moment but gets up and clinches. Dariush gets a takedown. Dariush working to get to the mount as Dober is defending well on the bottom. Dariush gets to the mount. Dariush with some punches and looks to get the back but goes back into mount position. Dober gives up his back and escapes and now has the back of Dariush. Dariush scrambles and gets Dober back down and in the half-guard. Dariush then gets an armbar in and Dober taps! Wow. Dariush with the submission win.
Official Result- Beneil Dariush def. Drew Dober by submission (armbar) at 4:41 of Round 2
> Blagoy Ivanov (#15, 16-2 1 NC, 0-1 UFC) vs. Ben Rothwell (36-10, 6-4 UFC) Heavyweights
Rothwell stalking Ivanov around the Octagon. Rothwell with a quick punch. Ivanov misses a looping left hand. Ivanov lands a left. Ivanov with the jab. Rothwell rocks Ivanov with a left hand. They each land. Rothwell with a leg kick. Rothwell with a leg kick. They trade against the fence. Ivanov with a late left hand. 10-9 Rothwell.
Ivanov with a left hand. Rothwell with a leg kick. Both men landing short punches but not doing much else. Rothwell lands a left hand. Rothwell with an inside leg kick and Ivanov with a left hand to the body. Rothwell landed a short left hand. They trade hard punches and Rothwell has Ivanov in trouble. Both landing big punches now. Rothwell is bleeding from his nose. Rothwell with a couple of leg kicks. Rothwell with a combo now. They trade leg kicks. 10-9 Rothwell, 20-18 Rothwell.
They trade punches. Ivanov with a looping left hand. Rothwell with a high kick. Eye poke from Rothwell but Ivanov quickly back to action. Rothwell with an inside leg kick. Rothwell with a combo. They continue to trade but Rothwell just stalking Ivanov down. Ivanov misses the left but lands one. Rothwell lands a right. Rothwell with a combo. They trade punches. Ivanov now landing some good punches but eats a head kick from Rothwell. They keep trading at the end. 10-9 Rothwell, 30-27 Rothwell.
Official Result- Blagoy Ivanov def. Ben Rothwell by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Tim Means (28-10-1 1 NC, 10-7 1 NC UFC) vs. Niko Price (12-2 1 NC, 4-2 1 NC UFC) Welterweights
They come out trading. Price with a hard combo and lands a knee and punches and knees and Means is rocked. Means gets a takedown. Means moves to side control. Price trying to use the fence to get out. Means now landing hammerfists and elbows. They get to their feet and Means lands a knee on the way up. That knee was illegal and not called. Price with a leg kick. Price with a high kick. Means with a left hand. Price with a leg kick and eats a combo from Means. Means with a hard left hand. They trade and Means with a hard left. Price drops Means with a nasty right hand and then ends it up a couple of follow up punches. That was a vicious knockout.
Official Result- Niko Price def. Tim Means by knockout (punches) at 4:50 of Round 1
> Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (#14, 20-5, 6-1 UFC) vs. Curtis Millender (17-3, 3-0 UFC) Welterweights
Zaleski with a right hand and then some kicks and gets a strong takedown. Zaleski with some body punches as he tries to pass guard. Zaleski gets the back and is working for a choke. Millender defending it. Zaleski moves back to top and gets the mount. Millender gives up his back and Zaleski has the choke locked in and Millender taps! Dominant showing by Zaleski as he continues his climb up the rankings.
Official Result- Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos def. Curtis Millender by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:35 of Round 1
> Derrick Lewis (#3, 21-6 1 NC, 12-4 UFC) vs. Junior Dos Santos (#8, 20-5, 14-4 UFC) Heavyweights
Lewis with a leg kick. Dos Santos with one. Lewis with a body kick and lands a short right hand as Dos Santos rushed in. Lewis got poked in the eye. Lewis with a body kick. Dos Santos misses a spin kick and ands a leg kick but eats a hard right hand from Lewis. Lewis just misses a jumping switch kick. Dos Santos rocks Lewis with a right and rushes in and gets rocked by Lewis. They reset. Dos Santos with a right to the body. Dos Santos with a right hand. Dos Santos with a leg kick. Lewis with a head kick. Dos Santos with a spin kcik to the body and Lewis is staggered. Dos Santos then drops Lewis with body punches and has Lewis in trouble. Lewis is really hurt from the body kick. They trade kicks. Amazing round. 10-9 Dos Santos.
Lewis with a head kick. Lewis with a leg kick. Lewis drops Dos Santos for a moment and tries to pounce but Dos Santos escapes. Lewis with a switch kick. Dos Santos hurt Lewis with a right hand and pounces and Lewis falls to the mat and Dos Santos pounces on some more and finishes Lewis off. Big win for Dos Santos as he had Lewis was hurt from the body kick still.
Official Result- Junior Dos Santos def. Derrick Lewis by TKO (punches) at 1:58 of Round 2
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC Fight Night 142: Dos Santos vs. Tuivasa, eminating from the Adelaide Entertainment Centre in Adelaide, Australia.
The Octagon heads to Adelaide for the second time with a pair of heavyweight bouts at the top of the card and action throughout.
Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Junior Dos Santos looks to make it two straight wins when he takes on undefeated rising prospect Tai Tuivasa in the main event. Dos Santos is coming off a decision win over Blagoy Ivanov in July, while Tuivasa gets the headline spot in just his fourth Octagon appearance, as he goes for his ninth straight win.
In the co-main event, it is more heavyweight action as Mark Hunt, in what could be his swan song with the UFC, goes up against Justin Willis, winner of seven straight fights. Also on the main card is former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua as he takes on Tyson Pedro, and a welterweight bout between Jake Matthews and Tony Martin also highlights the main card.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.
UFC FIGHT PASS PRELIMS | 7 PM ET/4 PM PT
> Alex Gorgees (7-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Damir Ismagulov (16-2, 0-0 UFC) Lightweights
Ismagulov with a leg kick. They trade punches. Ismagulov landing the right hand. He lands a huge right hand as he covers the distance. Ismagulov shoots for a takedown and gets it against the fence. Ismagulov landing from the top but Gorgees grabs the underhook and gets to his feet though he eats a knee on the way up. Ismagulov takes him down right away but lets him up. Ismagulov goes for another takedown but Gorgees defends and lands some elbows. They break and Ismagulov lands a body kick. Ismagulov lands a right hand late. 10-9 Ismagulov.
Ismagulov lands a right hand to start the second and then mixes to the body. Ismagulov lands a body kick and then scores an easy takedown. Ismagulov blocking any attempts from Gorgees to scramble out as he works from the half-guard and lands some punches. Ismagulov rides the round out on top landing as Gorgees can’t get up from the bottom. 10-9 Ismagulov, 20-18 Ismagulov.
Ismagulov landing punches to start the third round. Gorgees needs a finish. Ismagulov gets a takedown near the fence and is in the full guard of Gorgees but stands up and lets Gorgees up. Ismagulov goes for another takedown but eats elbows and lets go of the attempt. Ismagulov then scores another takedown and is working from the half-guard. Ismagulov lands a lot from the top before they stand up. Ismagulov lands a right hand and shoots for a late takedown. 10-9 Ismagulov, 30-27 Ismagulov.
Official Result- Damir Ismagulov def. Alex Gorgees by unanimous decision (30-25, 30-26, 30-26)
They feel each other out early. Giagos lands a knee in close range. Giagos with a body kick and lands a right hand and then stumbles Hirota with a right hand. Giagos lands a flurry against the fence. They are both throwing. Giagos gets a takedown against the fence. Ground and pound from Giagos. Hirota tries to explode out from the bottom and does. They trade punches and Giagos gets another takedown. Hirota has the neck and looks for a guillotine but Giagos pops his head out. Giagos pushes the fight to the fence as he lands some punches. Giagos gets to his feet but Hirota grabs a leg and pulls him down but they get up. 10-9 Giagos.
Giagos gets a takedown early in the second round. He is landing punches from the top. Giagos trying to advance position as he lands but Hirota defending his guard well. Giagos with big punches from the top. They get to their feet and trade and then Giagos gets Hirota back on his back. Hirota has no answer from the bottom. Giagos with more punches from the top. Giagos continues to land in the guard. They scramble and Giagos grabs the neck. They get up and Giagos lands a knee. Giagos is tired. They trade late. 10-9 Giagos, 20-18 Giagos.
They trade and Giagos shoots for a takedown against the fence. They scramble and Hirota reverses and is on top in side control. Giagos reverses position and ends up in the guard towards the center of the Octagon. They scramble to their feet. Giagos immediately gets another takedown. They scramble up and Hirota grabs the front headlock. They get up and break and clinch against the fence. Giagos working for a takedown as he is tired and Hirota lands a knee. They break. Hirota lands a right hand. Giagos grabs the back. Giagos tries a takedown but Hirota reverses and gets on top and lands punches from the mount as the fight ends. 10-9 Hirota, 29-28 Giagos.
Official Result- Christos Giagos def. Mizuto Hirota by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 30-28)
FOX SPORTS 1 PRELIMS | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT
> Elias Garcia (5-1, 0-1 UFC) vs. Kai Kara-France (17-7 1 NC, 0-0 UFC) Flyweights
Garcia goes right for a single leg and gets the takedown. Kara-France scrambling as Garcia attacks the leg. Kara-France gets in the guard of Garcia. Kara-France landing punches and elbows from the top. They get to their feet. Kara-France lands a combo and a body kick. Kara-France lands two nice left hooks. Garcia drops Kara-France with a punch but he gets up and they trade in close range. Kara-France lands a combo on Garcia as they go to the mat with Kara-France in the guard. Kara-France stands and lands some big punches from the top. Garcia gives up his back. Kara-France has the hooks in. Kara-France with some big punches at the end. 10-9 Kara-France.
They come out trading. Garcia just misses a head kick. Garcia lands a nice left hand. Kara-France rocks Garcia with a counter left hook. Kara-France with a big combo. Garcia gets thrown to the mat and tries to take Kara-France down but he goes in the guard. Garcia looking for a triangle. It is in tight. Kara-France trying to slam his way out. Garcia gets an arm and almost has an armbar in but Kara-France escapes to side control. Garcia gives up his back and Kara-France starts landing punches and a knee. That was a crazy scramble. Kara-France with elbows from the top. More big punches from the top by Kara-France. Kara-France with a big flurry of punches as he is looking for a finish. Kara-France with more big punches as he has the back. Garcia eating a lot of punches. Big final two minutes for Kara-France. 10-8 Kara-France, 20-17 Kara-France.
Kara-France with a big leg kick. Garcia shoots for a single leg and gets a weak takedown. Garcia has Kara-France on his back but he reverses and they get to their feet. Kara-France with a leg kick. They are trading and Kara-France lands a right hand and then drops Garcia with a huge right hand. Garcia grabbing the leg. They get to their feet. Kara-France lands another big right hand. Garcia shoots for a takedown but Kara-France slips away and starts landing big punches as Garcia gives up his back. They get to their feet. Garcia grabs the leg as they scramble back to the mat. Kara-France landing punches. Kara-France with a big flurry as the fight ends. Fun fight. 10-9 Kara-France, 30-26 Kara-France.
Official Result- Kai Kara-France def. Elias Garcia by unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-26)
Nakamura lands a right hand. Touahri with a right hand to the body and then a hard leg kick. They trade in close range. Not much going on so far. Nakamura with a leg kick. Touahri with a big right hand to the body. Nakamura with a left hand. Nakamura shoots for a takedown but it is stuffed. Nakamura with a jab. Tough round to score as neither did much. 10-9 Touahri.
They trade. Nakamura hurts Touahri with a punch. They clinch against the fence and both land knees to the body. Elbow on the break by Nakamura. Nakamura with a leg kick but eats a couple punches from Nakamura. They trade and Touahri lands a combo. Nakamura with a leg kick and he’s controlling the center of the Octagon. Touahri lands a right hand. Nakamura stalks him at the end. 10-9 Nakamura, 19-19.
Nakamura with a couple of body kicks. They trade punches. Nakamura lands a left hand and a leg kick followed by a right hook. Nakamura looking to land as Touahri circles away. Nakamura lands a right jab. They clinch and Nakamura lands a couple of elbows on the break. They continue to trade but not a lot of volume. Nakamura controlling the Octagon. Nakamura with a head kick. Nakamura lands a jab. Touahri misses a right hand. Not an exciting fight to say the least. 10-9 Nakamura, 29-28 Nakamura.
Official Result- Keita Nakamura def. Salim Touahri by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
> Wilson Reis (#8, 22-9, 6-5 UFC) vs. Ben Nguyen (#10, 18-7, 4-2 UFC) Flyweights
Nguyen with a high kick. Nguyen tries a kick but Reis grabs the leg and pushes up against the fence. Reis gets a takedown against the fence but Nguyen fighting to get to his feet. They get to their feet but Reis has the body locked. They break. Reis with a high kick. Reis with a right hook. They trade punches. Reis with a leg kick. Nguyen with a leg kick. Nguyen lands a combo. Reis gets a takedown against the fence. Reis grabs the back as they get to their feet. They grapple against the fence and Reis gets a single-leg takedown at the end. 10-9 Reis.
Reis gets a takedown and has the back of Nguyen against the fence. They get to their feet. They are clinched against the fence but break. Reis with a head kick. They clinch for a moment again but break. Reis with a leg kick but eats a combo from Nguyen. Reis with a head kick and then a combo. Nguyen lands a right hand and Reis lands a left. Reis goes for a takedown but Nguyen attempts a kimura and they break. Nguyen lands a knee. Reis with a combo as he goes for a takedown. Reis gets a takedown against the fence. Nguyen gets to his feet. They trade late. 10-9 Reis, 20-18 Reis.
They trade in a flurry to start the third. They trade in close range. Reis is landing more punches. Reis tries a takedown but Nguyen slips away. Nguyen lands a right hand. Reis shoots for a takedown against the fence but Nguyen defending well. Reis finally gets it after a reset. Nguyen bleeding from his mouth. They get to their feet and Reis going right back for the takedown. They break. Both trying to land but nothing connecting. Reis gets a brief takedown. Nguyen with a high body kick. 10-9 Reis, 30-27 Reis.
Official Result- Wilson Reis def. Ben Nguyen by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
They feel each other out early. Kunchenko with a leg kick followed by a right hand. Kunchenko with a leg kick. Okami shoots for a long takedown but it is defended. Kunchenko with a right hand. They trade punches. Kunchenko with an inside leg kick. Okami lands a right hand. They clinch for a moment but are quickly broken up. Kunchenko with a body kick followed up by a combo. 10-9 Kunchenko.
Kunchenko starts the round with a leg kick. Okami goes for a takedown but it is stuffed and he eats a knee as they break. Okami goes for another takedown but Kunchenko sprawls. They stand and break. Kunchenko lands a right hand. They clinch for a moment as Kunchenko defends a takedown attempt from Okami. Okami constantly going for takedowns but he can’t score on any of them. Okami shoots again and ends up on his back. Kunchenko staying on his feet. Kunchenko with a body kick. Okami with a step-in knee. Okami goes for a takedown again but it is defended. Kunchenko has stuffed all of Okami’s takedown attempts. Kunchenko drops Okami at the end with a left hand. 10-9 Kunchenko, 20-18 Kunchenko.
Kunchenko with a high kick and then follows with a leg kick and a right hand that hurts Okami. Okami shoots again but it is stuffed. They are clinched against the fence. Okami trying hard to get the takedown but can’t get it. Kunchenko lands an elbow on the break and follows with a body kick. He lands another body kick and then another, and then another. Okami goes for a takedown again, and stuffed again. Kunchenko takes the back and lands some punches. Kunchenko stuffs another takedown and lands a big kick. Okami dives in again but didn’t get a takedown the entire fight. Really bad fight. 10-9 Kunchenko, 30-27 Kunchenko.
Official Result- Alexey Kunchenko def. Yushin Okami by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
FOX SPORTS 1 MAIN CARD | 10 PM ET/7 PM PT
> Jim Crute (8-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Paul Craig (10-2, 2-2 UFC) Light Heavyweights
Craig with a spinning wheel kick. Craig with a body kick. Craig shoots for a takedown and gets it. Crute trying to explode out from the bottom but Craig remains in the half-guard. Crute able to reverse to the top and in half-guard. Crute with a body punch and they get to their feet. Crute scrambles for a takedown and Craig looking for a triangle. Crute escapes and moves to the mount. Crute looking for an arm-triangle and has it locked in, trying to squeeze. It is in deep now but Crute lets go as Craig isn’t tapping. Crute with a hard right hand as he stands. They get to their feet and Craig with a back kick right to the chin of Crute. They scramble to the mat and Crute has side control. Crute with some punches from the top at the end. 10-9 Crute.
Craig with a high kick. Craig gets a takedown. Craig maintaining top position as he grinds and lands punches from the top. Crute trying to reverse. They get to their feet and trade and Craig gets another takedown. Crute trying to use the fence to get to his feet but Craig maintaining top control. Craig with body punches from the top. Crute scrambles out from the bottom and they get to their feet. Craigh misses a spin kick and almost gets a takedown but Crute reverses into the half-guard. Craig reverses the position as Crute attempts an armbar at the end. 10-9 Craig, 19-19.
They trade and Crute gets a takedown and is in the half-guard landing punches. Crute moves to the mount. Craig trying to roll out and Crute looking to set up an arm-triangle. Craig trying to defend and the fence is in the way and helping. Crute has it locked in. Craig in deep trouble. Craig defending it well. Crute back to mount and lets go of the choke and lands a couple of punches. Crute with punches from the top. Craig is stuck on the bottom. Crute now lands some elbows. Big flurry of punches from Crute on top. Crute grabs an arm looking for a kimura and has it locked in and Craig taps! Big win late in the fight by Crute.
Official Result- Jimmy Crute def. Paul Craig by submission (kimura) at 4:51 of Round 3
Mokhtarian with a body kick. Yusuff throwing big punches early on. They clinch and Yusuff lands some knees to the body and legs. They trade knees. They break and Yusuff lands some big punches. They trade hard punches and Yusuff is teeing off on Mokhtarian. Yusuff with some big punches to the body and head against the fence and the referee stops the fight. Those were some big and brutal punches from Yusuff. Mokhtarian was complaining about the stoppage but he was eating lots of punches.
Official Result- Sodiq Yusuff def. Suman Mokhtarian by TKO (punches) at 2:14 of Round 1
> Jake Matthews (13-3, 7-3 UFC) vs. Tony Martin (14-4, 6-4 UFC) Welterweights
They are in a feeling out process. Martin looking to land the jab. Matthews rushes in with a combo. Matthews lands a right hand. Martin lands a clean right hand. Martin with a strong leg kick. Matthews fires back with a hard leg kick. Matthews with a straight right hand to the body. Martin with a low kick. Matthews lands a lead left hand and follows it with a combo and then unloads a right hand. They are throwing down and Matthews drops Martin with a right hand and then grabs the neck for a guillotine. Martin scrambles out. Matthews still has the neck but Martin gets out. Matthews reverses to the top position and lands some body punches. Martin goes for a kimura but runs out of time. 10-9 Matthews.
They don’t do much in the first minute of the second round as Matthews looks to be landing a big punch and Martin wants to avoid it. Matthews closes the distance with a right hand. Matthews lands an overhand right and follows it with a flying knee. Martin with a high kick. Martin with the jab. Martin with a couple of leg kicks. Matthews lands a right hand as he slips from Martin’s attack. Martin with a leg kick. Matthews with a left hand. Matthews with an inside knee and they both land a punch on the break. 10-9 Matthews, 20-18 Matthews.
They trade early. Martin with a leg kick. Matthews goes for a takedown but it is defended and Martin jumps on his back. Martin looking for a D’arce choke and Matthews goes out! Wow. Martin chokes Matthews out cold. That came out of nowhere as Martin picks up a huge win.
Official Result- Anthony Rocco Martin def. Jake Matthews by submission (anaconda choke) at 1:19 of Round 3
> Mark Hunt (#10, 13-13-1 1 NC, 8-7-1 1 NC UFC) vs. Justin Willis (#15, 7-1, 3-0 UFC) Heavyweights
Willis with a high kick. Hunt with a big leg kick. Willis with a leg kick. Hunt with a leg kick. Hunt with a body kick and Willis counters with a left hand. Hunt with more big leg and body kicks. Hunt with a leg kick and Willis misses on his punches. Willis with a left hand. Hunt with a right hand to the body. Hunt lands a right hand. Willis with a body kick. Hunt with another body kick. Willis with the jab. Hunt lands a right hand. 10-9 Hunt.
Willis with a leg kick. Hunt ducks under a power left from Willis. Hunt looking to land a big right hand. Willis with a leg kick. Willis with the jab and follows it with a straight left hand. Hunt just pacing around but not doing much. Hunt just misses a right hand. Willis with the jab. Willis with some short leg kicks. Hunt slips out from under the jab of Willis. Hunt still not doing much. Willis lands a left hand. Willis with a snapping jab. 10-9 Willis, 19-19.
Both looking to land a big punch. Hunt has really slowed down and is flat on his feet. Willis with the jab and follows it with a head kick. Hunt has a high kick blocked. Willis lands a punch that knocks Hunt off-balance. Willis with the jab. Willis with an uppercut. Willis with another uppercut. Hunt just misses a big right hand. Willis with a knee. Willis with a right hand. Willis with some short punches. Hunt just walking around but not doing much. Hunt with a body kick. Willis lands a left hand. 10-9 Willis, 29-28 Willis.
Official Result- Justin Willis def. Mark Hunt by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Mauricio Rua (#13, 25-11, 9-9 UFC) vs. Tyson Pedro (#14, 7-2, 3-2 UFC) Light Heavyweights
Pedro lands a right hand the drops Shogun for a moment. He gets up and they clinch against the fence before breaking. Pedro with a high kick and a right hand. Rua counters with a right hand. They trade punches. Rua with a leg kick. Rua lands a right hand. Pedro with a front kick followed by a right. Pedro then rocks Rua with a big knee. Pedro has Rua against the fence and is landing lots of punches. Pedro clinches which may have been a mistake. Pedro breaks and lands a body kick. Pedro with a body kick and then an uppercut. Pedro with a knee to the body. They clinch. Rua’s face is a mess. Rua tries a takedown but they pop right up. Rua with a takedown but Pedro has the arm. Rua finishes the round in side control. 10-9 Pedro.
Both mens’ faces are busted up. Rua stumbles Pedro with an overhand right. They clinch and Rua has the body lock. Rua has the back. Rua gets the takedown and Pedro tried to grab the fence on the way down. Pedro looking for a kimura. Pedro tries a kimura sweep but Rua blocks it and gains side control. Rua with some elbows and punches as he keeps top control. Pedro able to get to his feet but Rua still has his back. Rua with some knees. Rua gets the fight back to the mat and is landing punches from the back. Rua now in side control. Big round for Shogun. 10-9 Rua, 19-19.
Rua drops Pedro with a right hand and is landing big punches from the top. Pedro has an ankle injury. More punches from Rua and the referee stops the fight. Wow. Shogun Rua gets the comeback win in a fight where he was almost finished. It was actually the injury that had more to do with Pedro going down. Big win for Shogun.
Official Result- Mauricio Rua def. Tyson Pedro by TKO (punches) at :43 of Round 3
> Junior Dos Santos (#7, 19-5, 13-4 UFC) vs. Tai Tuivasa (#11, 8-0, 3-0 UFC) Heavyweights
Tuivasa with a leg kick. Dos Santos lands a right hand. Tuivasa chasing after Dos Santos. Tuivasa with a leg kick. Dos Santos with a high kick. Tuivasa lands a short right hand and they clinch. They break. Dos Santos with a spin kick to the body. Dos Santos with the jab. Dos Santos lands a right hand. Tuivasa lands an elbow. Dos Santos just misses a wheel kick. Tuivasa slips on a knee attempt. Dos Santos with a leg kick. Dos Santos with an uppercut. Tuivasa hurts Dos Santos with a leg kick. They clinch and Tuivasa with some body punches and an uppercut on the break. Tuivasa with a right hand at the end. 10-9 Tuivasa.
Tuivasa lands a right hand and they clinch for a moment. Tuivasa with a left hand and then an overhand right. Dos Santos against the fence but slips away. Dos Santos with a leg kick. Tuivasa with a body punch as they clinch. Dos Santos lands a right hand and Tuivasa counters with one. Dos Santos then drops Tuivasa with a right hand and lands some punches as he gains side control. Dos Santos with some short elbows. Dos Santos gets the mount and is landing big punches. Hammerfists from Dos Santos and this fight is stopped! Wow. Junior Dos Santos stops Tai Tuivasa big time in the second round. Tuivasa wasn’t happy with the stoppage but it was justified.
Official Result- Junior Dos Santos def. Tai Tuivasa by TKO (punches) at 2:30 of Round 2
We’re looking for reports on yesterday’s Revolution Pro show at York Hall in London and today’s ROH show also at York Hall in London (Cody & Young Bucks & Marty Scurll & Hangman Page vs. Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi & Seiya Sanada & Evil & Bushi, Kushida vs. Titan for ROH TV title, Dalton Castle & The Boys defend six-man titles against Jushin Liger & Delirious & Mistico, Mark Briscoe vs. Ryan Smile, Jay Lethal vs Bully Ray vs. Silas Young vs. Sha Samuels) as well as tonights Impact tapings in Orlando to [email protected].
We’re doing polls this weekend for three shows, the ROH iPPV on Saturday, NXT Takeover on Saturday and SummerSlam on Sunday, so you can a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match for each show to [email protected].
NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING G-1 COVERAGE ON AXS TV TONIGHT AT 8 P.M.
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
Tetsuya Naito vs, Kota Ibushi
LEGACY FIGHTING ALLIANCE TONIGHT FROM SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA TONIGHT AT 9 P.M. EASTERN ON AXS TV
Kushida vs. Marty Scurll vs. Hiromu Takahashi vs. Dalton Castle for TV title
Bully Ray & Mark & Jay Briscoe vs Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Bushi
Young Bucks vs. Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian for tag titles
Cody vs Seiya Sanada for ROH title
NXT TAKEOVER SATURDAY AT 8 P.M. EASTERN FROM THE BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN ON THE WWE NETWORK
Bobby Roode vs. Drew McIntyre for NXT title
Asuka vs Ember Moon for women’s title
Authors of Pain vs. Sanity for tag titles
Hideo Itami vs. Aleister Black
Johnny Gargano vs Andrade Cien Almas
Sunday has ROH in Edinburgh, Scotland with Cody & Marty Scurll vs. Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian, Dalton Castle & The Boys vs. Young Bucks & Hangman Page for trios titles, Jay Lethal vs. Silas Young street fight, Mark & Jay Briscoe vs. Ultimo Guerrero & Rey Bucanero, Bully Ray vs. Evil, Tetsuya Naito & Bushi & Seiya Sanada vs. Kushida & Mistico & Titan, Kenny King vs. Josh Bodom and Hiromu Takahashi vs. Mark Haskins and Impact tapings in Orlando.
SUMMERSLAM SUNDAY AT 5 P.M. EASTERN FROM THE BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN ON THE WWE NETWORK
Brock Lesnar vs. Samoa Joe vs. Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman for Universal title
Jinder Mahal vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for WWE title
A.J. Styles vs. Kevin Owens for U.S. title with Shane McMahon as referee
John Cena vs. Baron Corbin
Sheamus & Cesaro vs. Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose for Raw tag titles
Alexa Bliss vs. Sasha Banks for Raw women’s title
Naomi vs. Natalya for Smackdown women’s title
Finn Balor vs. Bray Wyatt
Randy Orton vs. Rusev
Akira Tozawa vs. Neville for cruiserweight title
Big Show vs. Big Cass with Enzo Amore in a shark cage
Big E & Xavier Woods vs. Usos for Smackdown tag titles (preshow match)
Matt & Jeff Hardy & Jason Jordan vs. The Miz & Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas (preshow match)
Raw will be Monday night from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. There will also be a Smackdown brand house show on Monday night in Albany, NY and Impact tapings in Orlando.
Smackdown and 205 Live will be taped Tuesday from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn and there will be Impact tapings in Orlando.
We’re doing polls this weekend for three shows, the ROH iPPV on Saturday, NXT Takeover on Saturday and SummerSlam on Sunday, so you can a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match for each show to [email protected].
On the second stop of their weekend in the United States, British promotion PROGRESS Wrestling presented an intimate show in the Boston area on Sunday night. Things didn’t go quite as planned up to that point. It started when PROGRESS and WWE United Kingdom Champion Pete Dunne couldn’t wrestle on either show after being busted open in an indie match on Friday. Then, TK Cooper suffered an ankle injury in New York and the excessive heat in the crowded venue marred what otherwise appeared to be a fun show.
An update on Ric Flair and extensive G-1 Climax coverage are the lead stories in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Full coverage of G-1, including polls on the last three nights, G-1 MVP, G-1 best match and a chart showing star ratings for everyone in the tournament and who had the best top-end matches, who was the most consistent and more, in this issue.
Look at the finances of G-1, what are New Japan’s major programs and biggest shows for the next two months, full coverage of all three nights at Sumo Hall, a measure of the change in interest levels over the past year, a look at the return of Katsuyori Shibata, and U.S. G-1 television plans for the summer and fall.
Preview WWE’s SummerSlam weekend, injury updates, lineup changes, ticket sales and plans for next year.
There is an update on the Daniel Bryan situation and why his coming back to wrestle next year is so unique, more on the WWE Network in China, how streaming services have done in China, Ronda Rousey and WWE, Adam Cole and WWE, the Mae Young Classic, Mike Bennett talks drug addiction issues, Bayley talks about her injury, Sami Zayn raising money, Dwayne Johnson update, Scott Dawson update, Shayna Baszler talks Rousey in wrestling, UK ratings, the story of Jericho’s one-night comeback, how Dolph Ziggler’s fortunes faded, WWE market value and the most watched shows on the WWE Network.
Check out all the WWE and NXT arena events from the past week with highlights from each show and business notes.
Examine the situation with Alberto El Patron and GFW and why it is what it is, as well as notes on the upcoming GFW tapings, Alberto’s response, new talent coming, the situation with Lucha Underground and what happens if Lucha Underground is no more.
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While a hot PPV show and an impromptu brawl in the middle of the show stole the headlines, in the big scheme of things, with the future of the company at stake, those were only minor issues. After five years of the biggest boom period in the history of this industry, pro wrestling, ironically, like so many industries in this ever changing world, has never been faced with so much uncertainty
Daniel Bryan was the guest on Edge and Christian’s podcast this week. One of the highlights from the interview was him discussing his forced retirement due to his concussions, primarily the lesion that was found in his brain. He says that he was originally cleared by three different doctors, two of which WWE recommended. WWE still would not clear him, and instead they sent him to do some experimental testing, which is where the lesion was found. When he told this to one of the doctors that originally cleared him, that doctor told him that a lesion was a vague term when it came to brain injuries, that something may be there, but not necessarily a lesion. When talking about his brain and reflexes, Bryan noted that he found out the testing they did on him, and the results thereafter, noted that while his reflexes were slower than that of NFL or other athletes that have taken the test, they were not slower than a normal person, which he considers himself to be. You can listen to the show in full here; the concussion talk starts around the two hour mark.
Adam Cole has been spotted with the NXT crew that is heading to New York.
WWE released six more episodes of its Southpaw Regional Wrestling parody series.
Triple H appeared on CBS Sports’ “In This Corner” podcast ahead of SummerSlam. When asked which promotion is WWE’s biggest competition, he said: “When you say, ‘What’s the No. 2 promotion?’ and ‘WWE doesn’t have a promotion knocking on its door and pushing them,’ Raw and SmackDown do. Raw and SmackDown have a promotion right on their tail pushing them to do more. That promotion is going to run a show on Saturday night at the Barclays Center, and it’s called NXT.”
Triple H also previewed tomorrow’s NXT TakeOver special in an interview with ESPN.
The New York Times has a profile on WWE Champion Jinder Mahal here.
Sam’s Town in Las Vegas is doing a viewing party for SummerSlam starting at 2:30 p.m. Pacific time on Sunday.
Linda McMahon is taking criticism here for not standing up to Donald Trump. (thanks to Chris Cruise)
It was announced today that The Rock has selected a number of tracks for inclusion in the upcoming WWE 2K18 game. The tracklist includes names like Bruno Mars, Eazy-E, Kanye West and more.
Pro Wrestling
Impact ratings got a boost from last night’s Destination X special, with the show doing 320,000 viewers as compared to last week’s 277,000.
Jim Cornette as an authority figure and Taryn Terrell were surprise debuts at last night’s first night of the Impact TV tapings. Impact will be taping constantly over the next several days, finishing up on Tuesday. There will be 12 weeks of tapings done this week, taking the company through the end of October and everything leading to Bound for Glory is being taped.
John Hennigan, using the name Johnny Impact, a spoof on his old Johnny Nitro name in WWE, will debut on Impact next week.
The Pope is no longer with GFW, saying that negotiations between the sides failed due to arithmetic.
The ROH iPPV tomorrow, even though it is listed on the ROH website as starting at 6 p.m. Eastern, it actually starts at 1 p.m. Eastern, so it will be over long before NXT TakeOver.
ROH star Jonathan Gresham “married” independent star Jordynne Grace earlier this morning. The wedding was officiated by none other than Nikita Koloff. Grace tweeted that Koloff isn’t ordained anymore because he let his license expire and that the ceremony was more fun than anything official. She wrote that they plan to do something more official and legal in the future for their wedding.
Lucha Underground will air on television in India via Dsports.
Jeff Cobb has been added to the MLW: One Shot show in Orlando on 10/5. Other matches confirmed include Ricochet vs. Shane Strickland and MVP vs. Sami Callihan.
UFC/MMA
The UFC announced today that Junior Dos Santos has been flagged for a potential USADA violation. An out-of-competition sample collected on August 10th tested positive for a currently unknown substance. This puts him out of UFC 215, where he was scheduled to face Francis Ngannou. Dos Santos’ manager released a statement denying that Dos Santos has ever used PEDs.
A match that could determine a future opponent for Tyron Woodley’s welterweight titles, Stephen Thompson vs. Jorge Masvidal, has been added to the October 7th UFC PPV from Las Vegas.
Rory MacDonald says he will most likely not be fighting again in 2017.
Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva is making a transition into kickboxing. He’s signed with Glory and will fight Rico Verhoeven at Glory 46.
Artem Lobov vs. Andre Fili has been added to the UFC Fight Night in Gdansk, Poland on October 21st.
Felice Herrig vs. Cortney Casey has been added to UFC 218, which will take place in Detroit on December 2nd.
Michael Page is not happy with recent Bellator treatment.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 211: Miocic vs. Dos Santos 2, emanating from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
The UFC presents their most stacked card of 2017 thus far in an event headlined by Stipe Miocic defending the UFC Heavyweight Championship against Junior Dos Santos in a rematch of their epic clash in 2014.
Miocic and Dos Santos met in a five-round war in December 2014, a back-and-forth encounter that ended with Dos Santos taking home the win by decision. Since then, Miocic has won four straight fights by knockout, defeating Fabricio Werdum to become the UFC Heavyweight Champion in the process, and making a successful defense against Alistair Overeem.
Dos Santos has only fought twice since then, going just 1-1, and hasn’t fought since an April 2016 win over Ben Rothwell.
In the co-main event, the most dominant female fighter in the world, Joanna Jedrzejczyk, defends the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship against Jessica Andrade. Jedrzejczyk is undefeated in her career at 13-0 and defends the title for the fifth time. Andrade gets a title shot on the heels of three straight wins since moving to 115 pounds.
Also on the main card is a welterweight bout with title shot implications on the line as Demian Maia goes for his seventh straight win against Jorge Masvidal, winner of three straight, and former UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar looks to get back to a title fight when he faces rising star Yair Rodriguez in the biggest test of Rodriguez’ young career.
In a featured prelim bout, Eddie Alvarez returns for the first time since losing to Conor McGregor at UFC 205 in November as he takes on Dustin Poirier.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.
We are looking for your thoughts on tonight’s show, so send a thumbs up, a thumbs down or a thumbs in the middle along with a best fight and worst fight to Dave at [email protected].
UFC FIGHT PASS PRELIMS | 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT
> Joachim Christensen (14-4, 1-1 UFC) vs. Gadzhimurad Antigulov (19-4, 1-0 UFC) Light Heavyweights
They were trading early and Antigulov got a takedown. Antigulov was landing knees to the body as he took the back. Antigulov was looking for the choke early on. Christensen was defending but Antigulov had it locked in and Christensen taps! Antigulov with the quick first-round submission win.
Official Result- Gadzhimurad Antigulov def. Joachim Christensen by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:21 of Round 1
> Gabriel Benitez (19-5, 3-1 UFC) vs. Enrique Barzola (12-3-1, 2-1 UFC) Featherweights
Benitez landed a big leg kick early on. Barzola landed a head kick as they were going back and forth with kicks. Barzola scored a takedown. Benitez scrambled out from the bottom and they got back to their feet. Barzola scored another takedown but Benitez was quick to get back up. Benitez scored with a straight left and then landed another. Barzola landed a good combination and scored a big takedown and was landing from the top at the end. 10-9 Barzola.
They were trading early on and Barzola got a quick takedown but Benitez was quick back to his feet. Barzola got another takedown- Benitez has been unable to stop them. They got back up. Another takedown from Barzola and he was looking to take the back. Benitez landed a knee to the body. Benitez landed a big body kick. Barzola started firing back punches and landed a knee to the body. 10-9 Barzola, 20-18 Barzola after two.
Benitez tried a spin kick but it almost went badly as he slipped to the mat and Barzola pressured on for a takedown. Benitez was scrambling but gave up his back in the process and Barzola was looking to lock in a choke. He had it in and Benitez was fighting it off and able to escape. They got to their feet and a big crowd reaction. Benitez landed a sharp left hand. Barzola is relentless with his looking for takedowns. They traded punches. Barzola got another takedown into the guard. Benitez scrambled to his feet but Barzola had the back. Benitez landed a body kick but Barzola fired back with a big right hand. Benitez hurt Barzola bad at the horn and knocked him down. Excellent fight. 10-9 Barzola, 30-27 Barzola.
Official Result- Enrique Barzola def. Gabriel Benitez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Casey was landing some punches early. Aguilar tripped Casey to the mat and swarmed on top landing some good hammerfists. Aguilar got to her feet and Casey was looking for upkicks. They got to their feet and Casey landed a lot of punches and Aguilar had to run away as she was trapped against the fence. Casey landed a combo but Aguilar was able to get a takedown. Aguilar drug Casey by the foot to the center of the mat. Aguilar went into the guard and was landing short punches before they were stood up. Casey landed a nice combination. Casey with a head kick and a nice combo at the end. 10-9 Casey.
Aguilar got Casey to the mat quickly to start the second. Aguilar got up and was looking for an opening to the guard but Casey was using push kicks on the mat until she was stood up. Casey with some solid combinations. Aguilar got a quick takedown. Casey landed some upkicks. Aguilar got on top in the half-guard. Aguilar ended on the top. 10-9 Casey, 20-18 Casey.
Casey was landing punches and then pushed Aguilar against the fence. Aguilar was able to get away. Casey was landing some big punches and had Aguilar in trouble. Aguilar is busted open and bleeding all over. Aguilar landed a knee to the body but is just eating shots from Casey. Casey landed some good punches and defended some takedown attempts. Aguilar with a nice combo at the end. Casey looked very good in this fight. 10-9 Casey, 30-27 Casey.
Official Result- Cortney Casey def. Jessica Aguilar by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
FX PRELIMS | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT
> James Vick (10-1, 6-1 UFC) vs. Marco Polo Reyes (7-2, 3-0 UFC) Lightweights
Reyes landed a quick opening flurry and then they were trading kicks. Reyes landed a solid combo. They clinched and Reyes was landing to the body. They were trading and Vick dropped Reyes with a big right hand and after a few more punches on the ground it was stopped. Vick gets a big win in front of a hometown crowd.
Official Result- James Vick def. Marco Polo Reyes by TKO (punches) at 2:39 of Round 1
Sherman with a high kick early on but Coulter fired back with a right hand. They were trading again and Coulter landed a right hand. Sherman landed a jab that hurt Coulter and was then landing some leg kicks. Sherman landed a big shot and hurt Coulter. Coulter landed a big right hand that hurt Shetrman. Sherman has Coulter hurt with leg kicks. 10-9 Sherman.
Sherman with a leg kick but Coulter landed a big right hand. Sherman has Coulter hurt after a leg kick. Sherman dropped Coulter and was pounding away. Lots of punches on the mat but Coulter got to his feet. Coulter was firing back punches but is visibly hurt. Sherman with leg kicks and Coulter can barely walk. Coulter with heavy punches. Sherman with punches against the fence. Coulter with big punches. They traded punches. The crowd is really into this. Sherman with a combo. Sherman finishes Coulter off with a flurry of strikes to a big reaction. Excellent fight.
Official Result- Chase Sherman def Rashad Coulter by TKO (strikes) at 3:36 of Round 2
> Chas Skelly (17-2, 6-2 UFC) vs. Jason Knight (16-2, 3-1 UFC) Featherweights
They were trading early and Knight landed a nice combo. Skelly landed a nice combo. Skelly got a takedown into the guard of Knight. Skelly got to his feet and was looking to slam Knight but Knight held onto the fence. Skelly went back down and Knight reversed positions to the top. A scramble ended with Skelly back into Knight’s guard. They scrambled all over the mat looking for dominant position until they separated and just stood up. Knight got a late takedown. 10-9 Knight.
They were trading and Knight got a quick takedown. Knight is talking trash inside the Octagon. Skelly landed a left hand. Skelly landed an uppercut and a body kick which cause Knight to stumble a little. Knight was saying all sorts of things to Skelly after he hit him. Skelly went for a takedown but Knight sprawled. They were battling for underhooks against the fence. Knight scored a takedown. Skelly scrambled to the top but Knight was looking for an armbar. Skelly got up and landed a head kick on Knight right as he got to his feet and then a hard right hand. 10-9 Knight, 20-18 Knight.
Knight has a big cut underneath his right eye. Knight knocked Skelly down with a right hand and was looking for the finish with punches on the ground and he got it. Jason Knight with a huge win. Skelly not happy about the stoppage but it was the right call.
Official Result- Jason Knight def. Chas Skelly by TKO (punches) at :39 of Round 3
> Eddie Alvarez (#3, 28-5, 3-2 UFC) vs. Dustin Poirier (#9, 21-5, 13-4 UFC) Lightweights
Poirier landed a big body kick to start. Poirier with a hard leg kick. Poirier landed a straight right hand that stunned Alvarez. Alvarez missed on two right hand attempts but landed a high kick. Poirier with a leg kick. Poirier lands another straight right hand. They traded and Poirier landed a body kick. Alvarez just missed a hard right hand. Alvarez lands a right hand at the end. 10-9 Poirier.
Alvarez came out firing with punches to start the round and was working for a takedown. Alvarez was landing left hands in a tie-up before they broke apart. Alvarez’ left eye is showing some good damage. Alvarez landed a clean right hand but Poirier rocked him back with a left hand. They started throwing bombs at each other and Poirier had Alvarez in huge trouble. Alvarez was almost finished with a head kick but survived. Poirier then started teeing off again and they were throwing back and forth. Alvarez with a head kick. Alvarez was teeing off on Poirier and had him in a ton of trouble. Incredible. Incredible. Loud chants for Alvarez. Alvarez got a takedown.Alvarez with an illegal knee that sent Poirier down and we have a break. This might be a DQ. It was a very illegal knee.
Herb Dean waved off the fight after the doctors looked over Poirier. It was an incredible fight up until that point. We’ll see what the decision is here. WHAT??? They are declaring it a no contest. That is all sorts of wrong. It was called an accidental foul by Herb Dean. Blown call there.
Official Result- Eddie Alvarez vs. Dustin Poirier declared a no contest due to an accidental foul at 4:12 of Round 2
PPV MAIN CARD | 10 PM ET/7 PM PT
> Krzysztof Jotko (#9, 19-1, 6-1 UFC) vs. David Branch (20-3, 2-2 UFC) Middleweights
They were trading and Branch scored a takedown after ducking under a punch from Jotko. Branch was landing from the top but Jotko managed to get to his feet. Branch with some knees but Jotko able to reverse position. Jotko got a brief takedown but they stayed clinched against the fence. Not a lot of action and the crowd boos. I don’t blame them considering the action we’ve had on this card. Not much of a round. 10-9 Branch.
They clinched right back up and nothing was happening. They broke and Branch kicked Jotko right in the cup so we had a brief timeout. Back to action and there isn’t a lot of action going on here. Branch got a takedown but Jotko got right back up. Branch pushed Jotko against the fence and was blanketing him before they were broken up by the ref. Jotko got a head kick but Bramch scored a takedown. They each landed left hands on the way up. Crowd still booing this. 10-9 Branch, 20-18 Branch.
Jotko landed a spin kick but Branch fired back with a jumping body kick. Jotko landed a left hand off a takedown attempt from Branch. They clinched and Branch blanketed Jotko against the fence. This fight has been really boring and the crowd is letting them know it. This should have been on Fight Pass. They were broken up by the ref. They clinch again and Branch is punching the thighs of Jotko. Broken up again. Jotko with a late punch. Terrible fight. 10-9 Jotko, 29-28 Branch.
Official Result- David Branch def. Krzysztof Jotko by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
> Frankie Edgar (#2, 21-5-1, 15-5-1 UFC) vs. Yair Rodriguez (#7, 9-1, 6-0 UFC) Featherweights
Edgar with a quick combo. Rodriguez was landing some shots until Edgar stunned him with a combo an pushed the fight against the fence. Edgar got a takedown. The hockey horn blew twice. Edgar was landing from the top but Rodriguez working hard from the bottom. Edgar landing a lot of punches from the top. Edgar with elbows from the top and more punches and he’s looking to finish it. Edgar with a huge round but Rodriguez survived though he has huge swelling under the eye. 10-8 Edgar.
Edgar landed a combo to start the second. Rodriguez with a wheel kick but Edgar was able to score a big takedown in return. Edgar landing from the top but Rodriguez is working for a leg from the bottom. Edgar with more punches from the top and it’s getting close to being stopped. Edgar looking to set up a choke. Rodriguez gives up his back. Rodriguez trying to roll out from under but Edgar back in the guard and landing elbows. Edgar with more stuffing punches from the top. Rodriguez is doing all he can to survive. Rodriguez looking for a triangle but Edgar transitioning out of the way. Another huge round for Edgar. 10-8 Edgar, 20-16 Edgar.
They’ve stopped the fight in between rounds. Edgar gets the win after a corner stoppage.
Official Result- Frankie Edgar def. Yair Rodriguez by TKO (doctor stoppage) at 5:00 of Round 2
Maia went right for a takedown and Masvidal defended it but Maia got him down for a moment. Masvidal got back up but Maia still had the body lock and got the takedown and has the back of Masvidal. Maia got him back down and is on the back. Masvidal to his feet but Maia has the backpack on him. Masvidal backs Maia into the fence. Maia looking to get his arms free. He does and is looking for the choke. Maia is cut on his eye. Maia still has the back and is working for the choke but Masvidal defending well. Masvidal able to shake off Maia and is on top throwing lots of punches. Masvidal has Maia in trouble bt the round ends. 10-9 Maia.
Masvidal landed a punch and then a head kick and a leg kick. Maia has another takedown stuffed. Masvidal with a high kick. Masvidal with a leg kick. Maia went for another takedown but it is defended and Masvidal landed an elbow on the way up. They went back to the mat and Maia scrambled to the top position. Maia looking for the mount but Masvidal holding him in the half-guard. They get to their feet but Maia has the back. Maia with another brief takedown. Masvidal drops down to the mat and gives up his back. Maia looking to get the choke in. Maia landing from the back. I think Masvidal gave this round up. 10-9 Maia, 20-18 Maia.
Masvidal with a body kick. Maia looks very tired, Masvidal more fresh. Masvidal with a high kick. Maia is circling around the cage avoiding the attacks of Masvidal. Masvidal not really chasing after either. Masvidal with a head kick. Maia grabs the leg and gets Masvidal down and quickly jumps to the back. Maia has the neck of Masvidal but lets go. Maia now has the hooks in on the back. Masvidal has now officially given up on this fight. Maia in full control of the back and working to finish but too little, too late. Dominant showing from Maia though. 10-9 Maia, 30-27 Maia.
Official Result- Demian Maia def. Jorge Masvidal by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
It’s official. Demian Maia will get the next title shot at Tyron Woodley and the UFC Welterweight Championship.
Jedrzejczyk attacking the legs early. She lands a solid combo. Andrade lands some big punches. They were trading some hard shots and Andrade clinched up. Jedrzejczyk with a hard knee in the clinch. Andrade gets a big takedown and is on top. They get to their feet and Jedrzejczyk with some hard knees to the body.They break and Jedrzejczyk with some leg kicks. Loud Joanna chants. Jedrzejczyk with a head kick. Jedrzejczyk with a front kick. They trade leg kicks and Jedrzejczyk lands a nice left hand. They clinch again and Andrade with another takedown but Jedrzejczyk right back up.Jedrzejczyk with a couple of late leg kicks. 10-9 Jedrzejczyk.
Jedrzejczyk starts off with some leg kicks. Jedrzejczyk with a quick jab. Jedrzejczyk with another power jab. She’s defending all of Andrade’s attacks before they are even thrown. Jedrzejczyk with a head kick. Andrade unable to land her punches as Jedrzejczyk is circling away perfectly. They trade leg kicks. Jedrzejczyk with a big right hand. Andrade ate it and then missed all of her return punches. Jedrzejczyk’s footwork is incredible. Andrade got a half-second takedown. Jedrzejczyk with a jumping head kick. Jedrzejczyk with some more jabs that are slowing Andrade down. Jedrzejczyk tagged her with a head kick and Andrade stumbled into a takedown late. 10-9 Jedrzejczyk, 20-18 Jedrzejczyk.
Jedrzejczyk with some leg kicks but Andrade is able to land a nice left hand. Jedrzejczyk with a body kick. Jedrzejczyk with a leg kick and a hard right hand. Andrade chases her down looking for a takedown but it’s defended. Jedrzejczyk with a leg kick. Jedrzejczyk with a big head kick that stunned Andrade. Jedrzejczyk lands a right hand and just misses a spinning head kick. Andrade got a late takedown. 10-9 Jedrzejczyk, 30-27 Jedrzejczyk.
Andrade’s leg is a mess from the leg kicks. And she eats a right hand from Jedrzejczyk to start the fourth. Jedrzejczyk lands another right hand. Jedrzejczyk with a leg kick. Jedrzejczyk with a big head kick. Andrade is tough. They clinch and Andrade is trying to get a takedown but is eating knees from Jedrzejczyk. Andrade got a brief takedown. Jedrzejczyk with a combo left hand and leg kick. She then lands a big right hand. Jedrzejczyk with another head kick. Jedrzejczyk with a knee in the clinch and a quick combo on the break. 10-9 Jedrzejczyk, 40-36 Jedrzejczyk.
Andrade has to finish this. They were trading inside the clinch. Andrade was landing some short punches but Jedrzejczyk was landing the same in return. They clinch but not much happens and Jedrzejczyk lands an elbow on the break. Andrade lands a nice right hand. Jedrzejczyk just keeping the distance and landing whenever Andrade rushes in. Jedrzejczyk with a right hand. One minute left for Andrade to find a finish. Jedrzejczyk ducks under a right hand and lands a front kick to the body. Andrade had nothing for Jedrzejczyk. Another dominant performance from the defending champion. 10-9 Jedrzejczyk, 50-45 Jedrzejczyk.
Official Result- Joanna Jedrzejczyk def. Jessica Andrade by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-44, 50-45), Jedrzejczyk remains the UFC Strawweight Champion
> Stipe Miocic (C, 16-2, 10-2 UFC) vs. Junior Dos Santos (#4, 18-4, 12-3 UFC) UFC Heavyweight Championship
Miocic with an early leg kick. They started throwing big bombs at each other. Miocic with a right hand. Miocic lands some punches as Dos Santos circles away. Dos Santos has landed a couple but Miocic has more volume thus far. Miocic rocks Dos Santos. Miocici with a ciplle of clean right hands and he drops Dos Santos with another right hand. Miocic swarms on top with more punches and Herb Dean finally steps in and stops the fight! Miocic with another first-round knockout win as he remains the champion.
Official Result- Stipe Miocic def. Junior Dos Santos by TKO (punches) at 2:22 of Round 1, Miocic remains the UFC Heavyweight Champion
In terms of fight quality and star power, UFC presents its biggest pay-per-view of the year so far tonight with UFC 211.
In the main event, heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic looks to avenge a decision loss at the hands of former champ Junior dos Santos in ia rematch from December 2014.
In the co-main event, strawweight queen Joanna Jedrzejczyk will be looking for her sixth straight title defense and eight UFC win overall as she faces former bantamweight and top contender Jessica Andrade.
Two other main card fights could have immediate title implications as Demian Maia aims for his seventh straight win as he takes on the surging Jorge Masvidal, a former lightweight who has rung up three consecutive wins. The winner will have the best claim to a title challenge against division champ Tyron Woodley.
Former lightweight champ Frankie Edgar hopes to finally earn another featherweight title shot as he faces Yair Rodriguez, one of the most dynamic contenders in any division. With Jose Aldo and Max Holloway set to meet at UFC 212 to determine an undisputed 145-pound king, this fight could determine the next challenger for that belt.
Headlining up the FX-aired prelims is a key lightweight tilt as former champion Eddie Alvarez squares off with Dustin Poirier, one of the hardest hitters in the division. Alvarez will be fighting for the first time since losing his title to Conor McGregor last November at Madison Square Garden.
If you’re new here, our panel picks are listed below and listed alongside the fighter’s names are their worldwide FightMatrix rankings, as well as BestFightOdds.com betting odds. The panelist’s 2017 records is in parentheses, and we also have panel consensus picks as well as a line where we show how the betting favorites did:
Dave Meltzer (23-10; .697) — Wrestling Observer publisher
Favorites (23-10; .697)
John Pollock (23-10; .697) — Fight Network analyst, Live Audio Wrestling co-host, MMA Report co-host
Consensus Picks (22-10; .688)
Mike Sawyer (22-11; .667) — Tough Talk MMA publisher
David Bixenspan (22-11; .667) – Deadspin pro wrestling columnist, Between the Sheets podcast host
Steve Juon (21-12; .636) — MMA Mania writer, Angry Marks publisher
Mike Sempervive (19-14; .576) — Wrestling Observer Live and Big Audio Nightmare co-host
Ryan Frederick (18-15; .545) — WrestlingObserver.com UFC writer
Paul Fontaine (16-17; .485) — MMADraws.com publisher, WrestlingObserver.com writer
Front Row Brian (15-18; .455) — MMA newsbreaker, beloved internet personality, podcast host
UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic (16-2) vs. Junior dos Santos (18-4) II
Many, myself included, feel that Miocic won their first fight, which headlined a Fox show in late 2014. Miocic went on to defeat Fabricio Werdum to win the heavyweight crown and will be aiming for his second title defense here against the former champion.
Dos Santos has been relatively inactive as this will be just his third fight since beating Miocic and his first fight in over a year. He has not finished an opponent in nearly four years since stopping Mark Hunt on Memorial Day weekend in 2013.
The betting lines are very close on this one, but our panel doesn’t see it quite that close.
UFC strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk (13-0) vs. Jessica Andrade (16-5)
Andrade has fought more times than any woman in UFC history as tonight marks her 11th time stepping into the Octagon. She will fight for a title for the very first time as she goes up against the unstoppable-to-this-point “Joanna Champion”.
While flyweight king Demetrious Johnson recently tied the long-standing record for consecutive title defenses at 10, Jedrzejczyk is quietly approaching that record herself and has shown no signs of slowing down. Despite her long winning streak, the oddsmakers have set a fairly close line on this one.
Andrade is one of the hardest hitters in the division and the former 135-pounder will likely have the size advantage here as well. She has three straight wins in her new division including two stoppages and a one-sided beatdown of former Invicta champion Angela Hill in her last outing.
Demian Maia (24-6) vs. Jorge Masvidal (32-11) WELTERWEIGHTS
Many feel that Maia has already earned a UFC title shot as the 39-year-old’s seven-fight win streak is the longest in the division. He’ll once again try to hold serve against former lightweight Masvidal, one of the gutsiest brawlers in the division who will try to pick up his fourth straight win.
Maia has an obvious advantage if the fight goes to the ground, but Masvidal is a very tough fighter to put away. His last three losses have been by split decision and he has not been finished since a submission loss in Bellator to Tody Imada in 2009.
At some point, age has to catch up to the veteran Maia, and the oddsmakers surprisingly have the former middleweight title contender set as the underdog. This should be a very close fight either way.
Frankie Edgar (21-5-1) vs. Yair Rodriguez (10-1) FEATHERWEIGHTS
This is a big step up in competition for Rodriguez, who has picked up main event wins in each of his last two fights, beating journeyman Alex Caceres and the legendary BJ Penn. He faces another future Hall of Famer here, although Edgar is much closer to the peak of his abilities than Penn was.
Edgar’s only loss in the last four-plus years came at the hands of division champ Jose Aldo where he took the champ the distance. Sandwiched around that loss at UFC 200 were wins over top contenders Chad Mendes, Urijah Faber, Jeremy Stephens, Cub Swanson, Charles Oliveira, as well as the aforementioned Penn.
Edgar has already lost to Aldo twice, so his best shot at another title fight would be if Holloway were to win that fight at UFC 212, but should Rodriguez emerge victorious here, he could immediately step into the next featherweight title bout.
Edgar #3; -122 betting favorite: Juon, Fontaine, Nason, Pollock, Meltzer
Eddie Alvarez (28-5) vs. Dustin Poirier (21-5) LIGHTWEIGHTS
Alvarez scored one of the most surprising title wins in recent UFC history when he stopped former champ Rafael dos Anjos last July. His reign was short-lived, however, as McGregor blitzed him to capture the belt.
Another past McGregor victim stands in the way this time out as Poirier shoots for his sixth win in his last seven fights. Many have this one pegged as the leading contender for Fight of the Night as Poirier in particular has a penchant for picking up performance awards.
With the division somewhat on ice with champion McGregor focused on a boxing match with Floyd Mayweather, both guys badly need a win here to maintain relevance in a tough weight class.
Dave Branch (20-3) vs. Krzysztof Jotko (19-1) MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Branch #16; +135 betting underdog
Jotko #13; -147 betting favorite
Chas Skelly (17-2) vs. Jason Knight (17-2) FEATHERWEIGHTS
Skelly #17; -123 betting favorite
Knight #36; +113 betting underdog
James Vick (12-1) vs. Marco Polo Reyes (7-3) LIGHTWEIGHTS
Vick #36; -335 betting favorite
Reyes #178; +353 betting underdog
Jessica Aguilar (19-6) vs. Cortney Casey (6-4 STRAWWEIGHTS
Aguilar NR; +103 betting underdog
Casey #19; -116 betting favorite
Rashad Coulter (8-1) vs. Chase Sherman (9-3) HEAVYWEIGHTS
Coulter #205; +130 betting underdog
Sherman NR; -126 betting favorite
Enrique Barzola (12-3-1) vs. Gabriel Benitez (19-5) FEATHERWEIGHTS
Barzola #192; +137 betting underdog
Benitez #66; -140 betting favorite
Gadzhimurad Antigulov (19-4) vs. Joachim Christensen (14-4) LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Antigulov #25; -345 betting favorite
Christensen #57; +363 betting underdog
Action begins with the Fight Pass prelims at 6:30 p.m. ET and moves over to FX at 8 p.m. ET. The main card airs on PPV at 10 p.m. ET, covered by our Ryan Frederick, who will be live at cageside.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC Fight Night 86: Rothwell vs. Dos Santos from Arena Zagreb in Zagreb, Croatia. The event is headlined by a five-round bout in the heavyweight division as #4-ranked Ben Rothwell puts his 4-fight win streak on the line when he takes on former UFC Heavyweight Champion Junior Dos Santos. In the co-main event, it is another heavyweight battle as Derrick Lewis takes on Gabriel Gonzaga. Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 10:30 AM eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.
PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 10:30 AM ET/7:30 AM PT)
WELTERWEIGHTS- ALESSIO DI CHIRICO (9-0, 0-0 UFC) VS. BOJAN VELICKOVIC (13-3, 0-0 UFC)
ROUND 1- Both men are making their UFC debuts. They trade punches and both looking to establish their range. Di Chirico misses a kick but lands a left hand. Di Chirico with a leg kick. Not much happening two minutes in. Velickovic lands a leg kick. Di Chirico with an overhand right and then lands a left. Di Chirico misses a big right hand but lands an inside leg kick. Velickovic with a leg kick and then lands another and then lands a left hand. Velickovic with another leg kick left hand combo. They trade punches. Velickovic just misses a head kick. He lands one then a right hook. 10-9 Velickovic.
ROUND 2- Each man landed a nice punch. Velickovic lands a left hand but Di Chirico lands a counter left hook. Di Chirico lands a left hand. Di Chirico lands a nice combo. Velickovic lands an inside leg kick. Di Chirico lands a right hand. Velickovic goes for a takedown and finishes it against the fence. Di Chirico gets right back up and they clinch against the fence. They break. Velickovic lands an inside leg kick but Di Chirico is eating him up with some punches. Di Chirico with a high kick. Velickovic misses a spinning head kick and Di Chirico lands a counter punch. Both men are landing punches but no power shots. Di Chirico gets a nicely timed takedown. Velickovic swwpes over and is looking for a kimura. Time runs out on the round though but Di Chirico was in trouble. 10-9 Di Chirico, 19-19.
ROUND 3- Di Chirico with a leg kick. He lands a kick to the body. Velickovic with an inside leg kick but Di Chirico checks. Velickovic grabs a leg looking for a takedown but it is defended. Di Chirico lands a left jab. Velickovic gets a brief takedown but they get right back up. Di Chirico scrambles up and lands a punch. Di Chirico lands a right hand. Velickovic lands a nice punch and goes for a takedown. They clinch and Velickovic lands some knees before they break. They trade punches. Velickovic looks for a takedown but it is defended. Di Chirico lands a big straight left hand. Velickovic with a leg kick. Di Chirico gets a late takedown and stands up and lands a big right hand. Di Chirico with a leg kick. Velickovic gets back up and both men are swinging at the end of the fight. Close fight. 10-9 Velickovic, 29-28 Velickovic.
Official Result- Bojan Velickovic def. Alessio Di Chirico by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
HEAVYWEIGHTS- JARED CANNONIER (7-1, 0-1 UFC) VS. CYRIL ASKER (7-1, 0-0 UFC)
ROUND 1- Asker is making his UFC debut. First of five heavyweight fights on this card. Cannonier with a leg kick. Asker goes for a takedown but it is defended and they clinch against the fence. They break and both are swinging big. Both men land big punches. Cannonier with a body kick and then a leg kick. Cannonier lands a left hand. Cannonier drops Asker with a big left hand and then some elbows from the top and this is over! Asker is down and bloodied and Cannonier gets the big finish.
Official Result- Jared Cannonier def. Cyril Asker by knockout (strikes) at 2:44 of Round 1
FEATHERWEIGHTS- ROBERT WHITEFORD (12-3, 2-2 UFC) VS. LUCAS MARTINS (15-3, 3-3 UFC)
ROUND 1- Whiteford lands first with a right hook. Whiteford lands a nice combo. They trade punches and Martins misses a head kick. Whiteford with an inside leg kick. They are both looking to land something big. Martins with a body kick. Whiteford lands a nice combo but Martins counters with a right hand. Martins misses a head kick. Whiteford with a leg kick. Whiteford misses a left hook and Martins rocks him with a right hand. They clinch against the fence and Whiteford looking for a takedown. Whiteford with some knees to keep busy but they are separated. 10-9 Martins.
ROUND 2- Whiteford starts with a combo. Martins with a high kick. Whiteford with a leg kick. Martins lands a body kick and Whiteford rocks him with a right hook. Body shot from Whiteford and Martins lands a left hook. Whiteford grabs a leg and both men punch each other. Martins with a leg kick. They trade leg kicks and Whiteford tries a clinch but Martins pushes him off. Whiteford lands a left hand. They trade punches as Martins lands a counter right hand. They trade and Martins lands a flying knee against the cage. Martins with a big right hand. Whiteford gets a big takedown but they get back up. Whiteford landed a lot of punches on the way up though. Whiteford with some knees in the clinch before they break. 10-9 Martins, 20-18 Martins.
ROUND 3- They trade and Whiteford is kicking the lead leg of Martins. They trade punches and Whiteford lands a right hand. Whiteford misses a left hand as Martins lands a right hand. Whiteford misses a leg kick and Martins lands a big one. Not a lot going on as both men look tired. Martins with another big leg kick. Whiteford misses a left hook. Whiteford goes for a takedown but it is defended as they clinch against the fence. Whiteford with some left hands in the clinch. Martins misses a jumping front kick. Martins with a leg kick. 10-9 Martins, 30-27 Martins.
Official Result- Lucas Martins def. Robert Whiteford by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 12 PM ET/9 AM PT)
BANTAMWEIGHTS- DAMIAN STASIAK (8-3, 0-1 UFC) VS. FILIP PEJIC (10-1-1, 0-0 UFC)
ROUND 1- Stasiak gets a quick takedown at the start but Pejic gets right back to his feet against the fence. Stasiak with a trip and he ends up on top in the half-guard. Stasiak moves to side control and looks to pass to mount. Stasiak takes the back and looks for the hooks. Stasiak with a big right hand from the top and he has the back looking for the choke. Stasiak has the choke in and looking for the finish and he gets it. Pejic taps out and Stasiak gets the win by submission.
Official Result- Damian Stasiak def. Filip Pejic by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:16 of Round 1
ROUND 1- Taisumov with a leg kick to start. Taisumov with a head kick then another leg kick. Taisumov with a jab and a leg kick. Hadzvoic with a left hand. Taisumov with a head kick. Taisumov with a right hand and then another and then a leg kick. They trade solid punches. Hadzovic lands a right hand. Taisumov lands an overhand right. Taisumov lands a right hand that hurts Hadzovic and then lands another big right hand. Taisumov then lands a big uppercut and Hadzovic is down and the referees stops the fight. Taisumov with the walk-off knockout win and that is four straight knockout wins for him.
Official Result- Mairbek Taisumov def. Damir Hadzovic by TKO (punch) at 3:44 of Round 1
BANTAMWEIGHTS- IAN ENTWISTLE (9-2, 1-1 UFC) VS. ALEJANDRO PEREZ (16-6, 2-1 UFC)
ROUND 1- Entwistle goes for a sweep to start off and it allows Perez to get on top. Entwistle still looking for a leg lock but they scramble up. Entwistle complains that Perez is greased but the referee clears him and they get back to action. Entwistle with a big right hand. Entwistle still looking to grab a leg and Perez drops him with a big right hand. Entwistle is able to tie Perez up on the mat and is still looking for a heel hook. Perez rolls and Entwistle still looking for a heel hook. Perez escapes again. Entwistle ends up on top and still looking for a leg lock. Perez is able to get on top and is landing right hands. Perez with big punches from the top as he is escaping the leg locks. Entwistle still has the leg and isn’t covering up the punches. Perez with a bunch of punches from the top. Entwistle in a lot of trouble. Perez with more punches and the referee stops the fight. Perez with the TKO win from the top. Entwistle still complaing after the fight that Perez’ legs were greased. It is announced during the decision that Perez actually won by verbal submission.
Official Result- Alejandro Perez def. Ian Entwistle by verbal submission (punches) at 4:04 of Round 1
WELTERWEIGHTS- NICOLAS DALBY (14-0-1, 1-0-1 UFC) VS. ZAK CUMMINGS (18-4, 3-1 UFC)
ROUND 1- Dalby starts with a head kick and is going right after Cummings. Dalby just misses a head kick but lands a body kick. Cummings lands a left hand. Cummings with a left hand. Dalby with a leg kick. Cummings with a combo that drops Dalby. Cummings with some standing leg kicks and he gets to side control. Dalby looking to scramble out from the bottom. Cummings working for a D’arce choke. Cummings with a guillotine but Darby escapes and they get back to their feet. Dalby with a head kick and then lands a left hand. Dalby with a side kick to the face of Cummings. Cummings with another left hand and then another. Cummings with a leg kick. They each land a left hand. Dalby lands a left hand. 10-9 Cummings.
ROUND 2- Dalby comes out with a front kick to the body and both men are swinging. Cummings with a nice combination. Both men land punches. Cummings with a leg kick. Dalby with a body punch. Cummings with another solid combo. Dalby with a head kick. We have an eye poke as Cummings got Dalby. Cummings with a double jab and then follows with a left hand. Dalby just misses a big head kick. They trade left hands. Dalby with a body kick and then a side kick to the body. Dalby with a leg kick. Cummings with a body kick and Dalby lands one. 10-9 Cummings, 20-18 Cummings.
ROUND 3- Cummings lands some solid punches and looks for a takedown against the fence. Dalby defends well. Dalby tries to trip but it leads to a separation. Cummings lands a left hand. Dalby with a big head kick. Dalby lands another and then a side kick. Dalby just misses a head kick and Cummings lands a body punch. Dalby with a leg kick and then slips to the mat. Cummings with a standing leg kick to the downed Dalby. Cummings goes into Dalby’s guard. Cummings passes to side control. Dalby with some backward knees to the body. Dalby scrambles out to their feet. Dalby with some big right hands and then a couple of knees. They are clinch and Cummings pushes Dalby against the fence. Dalby with a knee and they fall to the mat with Cummings in half-guard. Both men with body punches and Cummings lands from top as fight ends. 10-9 Cummings, 30-27 Cummings.
Official Result- Zak Cummings def. Nicolas Dalby by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
ROUND 1- Stanciu with a flying knee and a right hand that pushes Moroz against the fence. Stanciu has the advantage against the cage. Stanciu with a knee. Moroz reverses and Stanciu grabs the neck and pulls guard looking for a guillotine. Stanciu loses position. Moroz ends up on top and lands some punches. Stanciu looking for a leg lock but Moroz gets out. Stanciu with some upkicks. Moroz gets on top and lands punches to the body. Moroz gets in the guard and lands some right hands. They get to their feet. Moroz with a nice combo. Moroz with a left hook and they clinch. Moroz with a takedown and is on top. Moroz with elbows to the body. Moroz gets the back and is looking for a choke. Moroz unable to get it but ends in dominant position. 10-9 Moroz.
ROUND 2- They trade punches after Stanciu misses a head kick. Stanciu lands a head kick after not much action. Pace has really slowed as Stanciu looks a little tired and Moroz isn’t capitalizing. Moroz with a combo but Stanciu fires back with some punches. Moroz with a combo. Stanciu tries a kick but Moroz grabs the leg and they go to the mat. Stanciu tries a leg lock but Moroz gets out. Moroz takes the back and is working for a choke. Moroz with some punches from the back. Moroz with an elbow from the top. She gets another. Stanciu scrambles out and they get to their feet. Moroz with a left hand. 10-9 Moroz, 20-18 Moroz.
ROUND 3- They come out trading punches. Moroz with a body kick. Stanciu with a leg kick. They trade punches again and Moroz landed nicely. Moroz goes for a trip but Stanciu reverses and ends up on top. Moroz throws her legs up looking for an armbar. Moroz has the arm and is looking to extend it but Stanciu is defending well. Moroz is going to run out of time as Stanciu was able to survive until the end. 10-9 Moroz, 30-27 Moroz.
Official Result- Maryna Moroz def. Cristina Stanciu by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS- IGOR POKRAJAC (28-12 1 NC, 4-7 1 NC UFC) VS. JAN BLACHOWICZ (18-5, 1-2 UFC)
ROUND 1- Pokrajac is back in the UFC after being cut. Both men come out swinging and landing and Blachowicz scores a takedown and is in the guard. Blachowicz with some body punches. Blachowicz with more body punches as he pushes Pokrajac against the fence. Blachowicz postures up and gets into half-guard. Pokrajac rolls and gives up his back and Blachowicz takes advantage. Pokrajac shakes him off and ends up on top. Porkajac with an elbow. Another couple of elbows from Pokrajac. Blachowicz with an armbar attempt but Pokrajac gets out. Pokrajac with more punches from the top. Pokrajac gets to the half-guard. Blachowicz looking to scramble out but the fence is in the way. Pokrajac with some body punches and looks for a choke but its escaped as the round ends. 10-9 Pokrajac.
ROUND 2- They come out trading punches. Pokrajac lands a right hand and Blachowicz lands an uppercut and Pokrajac goes for a takedown but it is defended. They break and Blachowicz lands a right hand. Pokrajac goes for another takedown and they clinch and Blachowicz reverses. Blachowicz with some body punches. Big combo from Blachowicz and they swing wildly. Blachowicz with a big uppercut and then another and he has Pokrajac rocked. They clinch and Blachowicz is unloading. Pokrajac counters back and rocks Blachowicz who is bleeding from above the eye. Blachowicz with a takedown. He moves to the back and is landing. They get to their feet. Pokrajac with a left hand and he rocks Blachowicz but Blachowicz gets a takedown. Both men are tired. Blachowicz working with punches from the top. Blachowicz gets to his feet and goes back to the side and Pokrajac gives up his back. They get to their feet. They trade punches. They clinch and each land body shots. Blachowicz with a knee. Pokrajac with an uppercut and they tee off again. Great round. 10-9 Blachowicz, 19-19.
ROUND 3- Both men are tired headed to a crucial final round. They trade punches. Blachowicz with a left hook and misses a flying knee. They clinch against the fence. Blachowicz with a big uppercut as they break. Pokrajac lands a combo and Blachowicz counters with a takedown. Blachowicz with punches from the top as he looks to transition to side control. Blachowicz with elbows and punches from the top and doing enough to keep the fight on the mat. Blachowicz with more punches from the top. Blachowicz remains on top and should get this round and we have the fight for him. Good fight. 10-9 Blachowicz, 29-28 Blachowicz.
Official Result- Jan Blachowicz def. Igor Pokrajac by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
HEAVYWEIGHTS- TIMOTHY JOHNSON (9-2, 1-1 UFC) VS. MARCIN TYBURA (13-1, 0-0 UFC)
ROUND 1- The first of four heavyweight fights to close out the card. Tybura with a body kick. They trade punches. They trade punches. Tybura with a body punch. They clinch and Johnson lands some body punches and they tie up against the fence. They trade body punches and Johnson lands some knees. They are broken up by the referee. They trade punches. Tybura with a right hand. Johnson lands a right hand. They trade punches and both looking for a big punch. Johnson misses a big left hook. They each miss on a punch. Not an eventful round. 10-9 Johnson.
ROUND 2- They trade punches. Tybura lands a nice jab. Johnson with a left hand. They trade big punches. Tybura is bleeding but lands a right hand. They clinch and work up against the fence. Each man working for underhooks. Tybura with some knees to the legs. Tybura working for a takedown but Johnson landing body punches and defending. They break. They trade punches. Tybura with a jab and a body kick. Not much happening in this fight. Tybura with a right hand. They miss on punches. Tybura with a front kick to the body. Johnson with some punches that hurt Tybura as he looks to finish the round strong. 10-9 Johnson, 20-18 Johnson.
ROUND 3- Johnson misses a lunging right hand. Tybura with a body kick. Tybura gets a takedown and moves to the back of Johnson. Johnson is able to get out and they get back to their feet. They clinch against the fence. Both men are very tired and not a lot is happening. Tybura with short punches. They break a clinch. Tybura with a big kick that hurts Johnson and Tybura going for a finish. They clinch as Johnson slows him down. They break and Tybura lands a front kick. Tybura with a head kick and lands a right hand. Not a great fight at all. 10-9 Tybura, 29-28 Johnson.
Official Result- Tim Johnson def. Marcin Tybura by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
HEAVYWEIGHTS- FRANCIS NGANNOU (6-1, 1-0 UFC) VS. CURTIS BLAYDES (5-0, 0-0 UFC)
ROUND 1- Blaydes lands a quick jab that stuns Ngannou. Blaydes looks for a takedown but it is defended. They clinch against the fence but break. Blaydes with a leg kick. Ngannou with a left hand. Ngannou just misses an uppercut. Ngannou with a big left hand and Blaydes wobbles. Ngannou drops Blaydes with a big left hand but Blaydes recovers quickly and clinches. Ngannou with a foot stomp and body punches before they break. Blaydes with a big takedown but not doing much with it. He keeps Ngannou down. They get to their feet. Ngannou lands a combo and then a left hand at the end of the round. 10-9 Ngannou.
ROUND 2- Blaydes lands a left hand. Ngannou with a combo. Blaydes fires back with a left hand. Both land and Ngannou hurts Blaydes with a left hand. Blaydes is bleeding from his right eye. Ngannou defends a takedown attempt from Blaydes and lands a left hand. Blaydes gets a takedown and is in side control. Ngannou gets the fight back to the feet and has the back of Blaydes. Ngannou with some uppercuts from the clinch and they break. Ngannou with a right hand. Blaydes’ right eye is completely shut. Ngannou with an uppercut and then a right hand. Ngannou with a right hand. He lands another. Ngannou with an inside leg kick. He defends a takedown attempt from Blaydes. 10-9 Ngannou, 20-18 Ngannou.
The fight was stopped in between rounds as Blaydes couldn’t see. Blaydes wanted to continue but the doctor could tell that he was having trouble seeing. Blaydes is hugely disappointed but it was the right call.
Official Result- Francis Ngannou def. Curtis Blaydes by TKO (doctor stoppage) at 5:00 of Round 2
HEAVYWEIGHTS- DERRICK LEWIS (14-4 1 NC, 5-2 UFC) VS. GABRIEL GONZAGA (17-10, 12-9 UFC)
ROUND 1- Lewis with a head kick and Gonzaga initiates a clinch. Gonzaga gets a takedown and is in side control. Lewis tries to scramble out but gives up his back in the process. They get to their feet but Gonzaga has his arms around Lewis’ back. Lewis reverses and they are clinched against the fence. Lewis with an elbow as Gonzaga looks for a takedown. Not much happening as Gonzaga is stalling and they are split by the referee. Gonzaga with a right hand and he clinches again. The crowd is booing as Gonzaga is doing nothing. They are broken up. Lewis then rocks Gonzaga with a combo ending with a big right hand and Gonzaga is out! Lewis with a big knockout win over Gonzaga.
Official Result- Derrick Lewis def. Gabriel Gonzaga by knockout (punches) at 4:48 of Round 1
HEAVYWEIGHTS- (#4) BEN ROTHWELL (36-9, 6-3 UFC) VS. (#5) JUNIOR DOS SANTOS (17-4, 11-3 UFC)
ROUND 1- Dos Santos definitely looks different from when he was champion so let’s see if he’s a different fighter still. Not much happening in the first round. Dos Santos lands a left hook. Rothwell with a big right hand and Dos Santos circles away. They each land a punch. Dos Santos with a right hand to the body and follows with a body shot. Rothwell with a leg kick. Rothwell with an overhand right. Rothwell lands another. Dos Santos with a right hand. They exchange in the pocket. Dos Santos with a left hand to the body. Rothwell lands a big right hand. Dos Santos with more punches to the body. Rothwell with a leg kick. 10-9 Dos Santos.
ROUND 2- Rothwell with a right hand and he slips for a moment but gets right back up. They are trading punches but Rothwell isn’t changing stances. Rothwell’s right eye is starting to swell. Dos Santos with a Superman punch. He lands a straight right hand. Rothwell with a leg kick. Dos Santos with a right hand to the body. Rothwell pokes Dos Santos in the eye and we have a break in action. Back to fighting and Rothwell lands some leg kicks. Dos Santos with a right hand. Dos Santos with a left hand and then lands a right hand. Dos Santos with a big right hand and then a front kick to the body drops Rothwell but the round ends. 10-9 Dos Santos, 20-18 Dos Santos.
ROUND 3- Dos Santos with more body punches and he lands a nice combo. Rothwell misses a head kick. Dos Santos with a body punch. Rothwell with a nice combination. Dos Santos lands a straight right hand. Dos Santos with a jab to the body. Rothwell with a right hand. Dos Santos is starting to land a lot more right now. Dos Santos with a spinning kick to the body and then more punches to the body of Rothwell. Dos Santos with a right hand. Rothwell is missing on his punches. Dos Santos with another spinning kick to the body and he just misses a right hand. Rothwell barely lands a right hand. 10-9 Dos Santos, 30-27 Dos Santos.
ROUND 4- Dos Santos going back after the body and he lands a left hook. Dos Santos with a right hand. They trade side kicks to the body. Dos Santos with a right hand and then another. Rothwell is in a lot of trouble. Dos Santos goes back after the body with punches. Dos Santos continuing after the body with punches. Rothwell is just unable to land anything and is eating a lot of shots. Rothwell then lands a big right hand and just misses a head kick. Dos Santos with some jabs and then a right hand to the body. Rothwell misses a right hand. Dos Santos with more body punches and he is controlling this fight big. 10-9 Dos Santos, 40-36 Dos Santos.
ROUND 5- Rothwell needs a finish. Dos Santos with the jab. Rothwell tries to land a right hand but Dos Santos is circling away well. Rothwell with a body punch. Dos Santos lands a left hand. Dos Santos with more attacks to the body. Rothwell just misses a head kick. Dos Santos lands a knee and then goes back to the body. Dos Santos with more body punches. This is the best he has looked in many years. Dos Santos with a straight left hand and then a right hand. Rothwell lands a left hand but has been unable to do much else. Rothwell lands a left hook but then stumbles into the cage. Dos Santos with more left hands to the body and then an overhand right. Dos Santos with a spinning wheel kick that lands. Dos Santos with a front kick and then a combo to end the fight. Great performance from Dos Santos. 10-9 Dos Santos, 50-45 Dos Santos.
Official Result- Junior Dos Santos def. Ben Rothwell by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
