Tag: Khabib Nurmagomedov

Daily Update: Ethan Page, Guy Hauray, Dana White

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

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JOB LISTING: Web/UI Developer(s)

  • Experience with OnLamp (Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP)
  • GITHUB and Linux command line experience while be helpful as well.
  • CMS – Drupal and WordPress. vBulletin
  • Possible experience with AWS (s3 specifically), Dreamhost, UI development
  • Cloud based hosting experience a plus
  • Javascript also a huge plus

While this is a diverse request this doesn’t have to be just one person! If you fit any part of this please feel free to inquire.

This is not just for projects related to F4WOnline.

  • Send all inquiries to [email protected] with title WEB DEVELOPER.
  • If you have inquired before, please send your information again. 

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WON NEWSLETTER: January 18, 2021 Observer Newsletter: The COVID-19 era continues

We have an update with more info on a number of COVID cases involving pro wrestling including more on Chris Jericho, Nick Jackson, Drew McIntyre, Mick Foley, Les Thatcher and more.  We look at what Paul Levesque said about the COVID issue, Jericho  talking about getting it in September, Nick Jackson, and more on others in the industry.

Also in this issue:

We also have our 2020 Business Year in Review issue talking about the biggest crowds, the biggest PPVs, how the year was totally different from any other, UFC business history and more.

Every major promotion, why this year is so hard to evaluate, what you can’t learn from the past year and can, how things look going into the new year, and issues going forward for every company.

Raw, Smackdown AEW and NXT and compare how they are doing now with one year ago, and where things will be in one year if the current direction doesn’t change.

How much money Linda McMahon donated to Trump’s re-election and funding of the recent attempt to take over the capitol.

Royal Rumble update, how much money top stars can earn from doing social media advertising, Update on WWE’s new A&E documentaries for this year, biggest Wednesday drawing card, more on  the next TV special for India, new stars from India debuting including two giants, Dusty Rhodes tag tourney news, the next Takeover show, Injury updates, Lita talks about when she was threatened with being fired, Ricochet contract notes, U.S. sports ratings, U.K. and Canadian TV ratings, New NXT stars, movie star teases working with WWE, Upcoming WWE television shows WWE market value and the most-watched shows on the WWE Network.

Vince McMahon’s lawsuit against Oliver Luck and Luck’s lawsuit against Vince McMahon. We look at McMahon’s complaints as well as what others involved said including some day-by-day looks at aspects of the XFL and its death.

How COVID has changed Japanese wrestling along with new restrictions and what they mean and how they relate to wrestling and the New Japan big show lineup over the next several weeks.

List of the 20 biggest crowds for pro wrestling ever in the country of Canada and notes about business peaks.

Rundowns of the major television shows.

Television ratings of the past week, including segment-by-segment numbers for the past two weeks on Wednesday, who was watching in different age groups, how different segments did on Raw & Smackdown and more.

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.

SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

Bryan and I have our weekend show covering UFC, Smackdown and the Impact PPVs as well as the death of Paul Varelans up on the site right now.

Yesterday’s Max Holloway fight with Calvin Kattar, which Holloway won via decision, was a fight of the year candidate. Holloway not only set the record for most strikes landed in a fight, but also broke the record by himself as it related to most strikes landed in a fight by bot fighters combined.  It was one of the most amazing performances in UFC history and should earn him a third bout with current featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.

Only two things during the week cracked the Google top 20 list, both yesterday.  The Holloway vs. Kattar fight was No. 4 with 500,000, which is very high for a television fight as they usually do 100,000 and a big one may do 200,000.  Also yesterday, UFC 257 was No. 11 with 50,000.  ABC, given that Disney owns the PPV fights to UFC, played a one-hour special prior to the UFC on the Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier fight, to try and boost buys.

Ethan Page was not happy with the Ethan Page vs. Karate Man gimmick that was on the Hard to Kill PPV show. Page is no longer with the company and said he had no idea how the thing would be edited until he saw it:

I’m going to take a full blown break from social media. I’ll be staying active on my personal Patreon as much as I can & probably in this group too cuz I love the fig life & u guys. Xoxox. But man …. last night sucked. I’m so embarrassed with how IMPACT! lazily edited that segment last night & forced it to be a joke. I felt the thought of the same guys fighting each other was comedy enough & the more serious we took it the better the reaction would be. But cuz I left the company, they lied to my face & just did what they wanted the whole time. I’m sorry if any of my fans paid for that PPV & felt cheated. I honestly feel the free version I gave away was made with more love, care & attention to detail. Sadly I had no control over the creative or the final product & the editor refused to send it to me beforehand …. so I saw it live with you guys & was surrounded by family. All scratching their heads at that high school project level delivery on a PPV. I pray ppl know I didn’t edit that hot garbage. I actually begged IMPACT! Not to even have Karate man on tv. I only wanted it for my YouTube channel. But … we don’t write the shows. We just get the scripts & do our best. Idk what else to say. Breaks my heart this company refuses to respect its talent or it’s fan base on a regular basis. I tried.  Oh well! Life goes on. That door is closed. Now let’s focus on what’s next. Hope you’re all well. I love all of you for supporting me & helping promote my projects. Because without you guys, karate man wouldn’t have been anything haha. I’m gonna just focus on the good that came of him for my social media & my personal channels. He’s gone now & May he live on in GOOD videos edited by the person who created him. Not stolen by a greedy company trying to capitalize on someone else’s hard work & creativity. Sorry if this comes off so negative. I know I’m usually a positive light for my fans … but today, I need to just be honest. I was lied to. I was hurt. I was disrespected. And I need a break from it all.”

Love Julian

Guy Hauray, who would be the legendary pro wrestling announcer in France for WWE, doing shows in the 80s and 90s, passed away back in August at the age of 77 but it was just reported by his family this week.

New Japan has another live show with English commentary at 4 a.m. Eastern on New Japan World from Korakuen Hall:

  • Will Ospreay & Great-O-Khan vs. Satoshi Kojima & Yuya Uemura
  • Minoru Suzuki & Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Douki vs.  Gedo & Jado & El Phantasmo & Taiji Ishimori
  • Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano vs. Evil & Yujiro Takahashi & Dick Togo
  • Kota Ibushi & Sho & Tomoaki Honma vs.  Tetsuya Naito & Sanda & Hiromu Takahashi
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi & Master Wato vs. Shingo Takagi & Bushi

WWE

  • The only stuff announced for Raw at this point is Alexa Bliss vs. Asuka and a confrontation between Bliss and Randy Orton. Drew McIntyre wouldn’t be available for Monday’s show but is expected to return a week from Monday.
  • The WWE is planning to add episodes of Wrestling Challenge from September 5, 1986 to November 29, 1986 later this week.

UFC

  • Dana White spoke with the media in Abu Dhabi last night regarding Khabib Nurmagomedov and said more than he said on television. He said that the two talked and that Nurmagomedov would be coming to Las Vegas and they would talk again. He said Nurmagomedov never asked about GSP and said he’s not interested in that fight, but is considering Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, Dan Hooker, Michael Chandler or Charles Oliveira. White said he also could not fight again.

OTHER NEWS

  • People have been talking about the Dragon Lee vs. Rey Horus ROH TV title match of late and ROH has released the first five minutes.
  • Dave Bautista has offered a $20,000 reward to Manatee defacers. (thanks to Barry Werner)
  • Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling results from last night in Tokyo:  Maki Itoh b Arisu Endo, Hyper Misao & Shin Ultra-Shoko (Shoko Nakajima) b Miyu Yamashita & Moka Miyamoto, Yuki Kamifuku & Pom Harajku b Mirai Maiui & Sena Shiori, Yuki Aino & Nodoka Tenma & Haruna Neko b Marika Kobashi & Suzume & Nao Kakuta, Rika Tatsumi & Yuka Sakazaki & Mizuki b Miu Watanabe & Hikari Noa & Raku.  They will return with shows 1/30 and 1/31.
  • Stardom from today at Korakuen Hall for the 10th anniversary show:  Saya Iida b Sayaka Unagi to keep the Future of Stardom title, Natsupoi b Konami-DQ, AZM b Kaori Yoneyama to keep the High Speed title, (Yoneyama had been wrestling as Gokigen Death), Tam Nakano b Starlight Kid, Momo Watanabe & Saya Kamitani won four-way tag team elimination over Syuri & Himeka, Mayu Iwatani & Ruaka and Saki Kashima & Bea Priestley, Giulia b Natsuoko Tora to retain the Wonder of Stardom title, Utami Hayashishita b Maika to retain the World of Stardom title.  Hayashishita will defend her title against Kamitani on 3/3 at Budokan Hall in what is scheduled as the biggest event in company history (thanks to Shannon Walsh and wrestlingwithdemons.net)
  • SWE Fury on 2/27 in Carthage, TX at the Civic Center is advertising an East Texas Wrestlefest with Terry Funk, Davey Boy Smith Jr., Salina de la Renta, Tim Storm, Christi Jayne, Mark Henry, Teddy Long, Shaul Guerrero, Jazz, Rodney Mack, Mil Muertes, Lacey Von Erich, Melina and Boogeyman.

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Vader wins IWGP Heavyweight title

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Khabib Nurmagomedov may return depending on post-UFC 257 interest

Posted on by Josh Nason

The announcement regarding Khabib Nurmagomedov’s fighting future is that there is no announcement…for now.

During Saturday’s UFC on ABC debut, Dana White said he spoke to the UFC lightweight champion Friday night and that Nurmagomedov has no interest in holding up the division. However, he wants to wait and see what happens in this Saturday’s UFC 257 main event and co-main event before making a final decision.

White said the champion’s message was, “Show me something spectacular and make me want to come back and fight.”

UFC 257 will feature former two-division champion Conor McGregor vs. former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier in a rematch and former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler vs. Dan Hooker in the co-main event. White said he was also impressed by Charles Oliveira’s recent dominant outing against Tony Ferguson.

Nurmagomedov retired at 29-0 in October after a submission win over Justin Gaethje, citing his father’s recent passing and his mother’s desire to have him call it a career. White has remained skeptical since then that Nurmagomedov was done fighting. He has dominant wins over McGregor and Poirier but has said in the past that he has no interest in fighting the Irish superstar again.

On Saturday, White said he would make an announcement regarding Nurmagomedov’s future on the ABC broadcast.

Dana White giving update on Khabib’s UFC future Saturday

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: MMA Junkie/USA Today

Dana White said that he will kick off Saturday’s UFC on ABC broadcast with an update on lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov’s future and how it will affect next Saturday’s UFC 257 clash between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier.

Even though the undefeated Nurmagomedov retired followed his October win over Justin Gaethje, he has yet to be stripped of the title and White has repeatedly said he has doubts Nurmagomedov is truly done fighting. 

White shared a clip of him walking into a room to talk with the current champion on Friday.

If “The Eagle” is not interested in fighting, it appears to be a lock that the title will be up for grabs in the Poirier-McGregor fight. However, if Nurmagomeov does want to fight one more time to get to 30-0, he would likely get the winner of Poirier-McGregor even though he has already beaten both men soundly.

A McGregor rematch, however, would generate a huge pay-per-view windfall given their record-setting performance the first time around.

The UFC’s ABC debut starts at 3 PM Eastern with a card headlined by former featherweight champion Max Holloway vs. Calvin Kattar.

Daily Update: Mike Tyson, Khabib, Sakuraba

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

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WON NEWSLETTER: November 30, 2020 Observer Newsletter: Undertaker retirement, Survivor Series, more

We’ve got a heavy-historical double-issue of the Wrestling Observer out this week.  Our lead story looks at the career and final appearance of The Undertaker.  We look at his famous matches, the WrestleMania streak, how long it’s been since he actually worked a full schedule, the dream match that did happen and why, and the one that never happened and why.

Also in this issue:

Survivor Series with match-by-match coverage, star ratings, poll results and interest level of the show.

The $39 million settlement of a lawsuit against WWE, the largest settlement of a lawsuit in pro wrestling history, why it was settled, testimony key witnesses were going to make, who sued, what the judge in the case said, crazy facts about the case, and testimony on what  really happened in Saudi Arabia the day the WWE talent couldn’t get out of the country.

A story on the life of Bob Ryder, the start of TNA, the business numbers behind the start and how it got so deep in debt, what saved the company in 2005 and 2015 and Impact releases a statement on his death.

How Dana White is expecting a packed house for a UFC show sooner than you think and how that ties into what has been booked.

Major front office changes in WWE, and background of the decisions and people who are in and out, Xavier Woods and WWE negotiate a mainstream deal, NXT Takeover lineup notes, Lana documentary, Undertaker talks most  famous matches and how Vince talked him into ending the streak, how WWE & AEW TV shows did this past week as compared to major sorts, U.K. Heritage Cup, former college football star has WWE interest, value of WWE stock right now and top ten most-watched shows on the WWE Network from last week.

Full coverage of UFC 255, details behind the show, match-by-match coverage and poll results.

The induction of Marc Ratner into the UFC Hall of Fame.  We look at his background in boxing,  his connection to pro wrestling, and his role in okaying an angle that literally changed the power structure of pro wrestling where Vince McMahon needed his approval.  We look at why two different proposed dream match involving WWE stars didn’t happen as well as how Floyd Mayweather’s unbeaten streak stayed in tact due to a decision by Ratner as well as his role in making UFC treated as a sport, and how UFC was able to get Ratner to join the promotion.

2019 Business Year in review, with the biggest attendances, biggest PPV numbers, who headlined the most major shows, UFC business, WWE business and what Becky Lynch did in 2019 that no woman in the history of pro wrestling had ever come close to.

An updated list of the biggest drawing cards in pro wrestling history, comparing Jim Londos with Hulk Hogan, who Sam Muchnick said were the biggest draws ever, where Hogan ranked with Austin and Rock, and every annual attendance record from 1931 to the present and what record is likely never to be beaten.

NOAH’s Pro Wrestling Chronicle show and the Go Shiozaki ivs. Katsuhiko Nakajima main event.

A feature on the seven different Triple Crown award winners of the last 40 years, as well as those who came one step from doing so.

Stats for MVP, Most Outstanding, Best on interviews, Best Tag Team and others over the past 40 years as well as who seems to deserve more Hall of Fame consideration.

A feature on European villain Klaus Kauroff, who passed away this past week.

Television business, looking at stats not available elsewhere to get the deepest read into how shows are doing, what categories are doing well and how shows compare with previous weeks and one year ago.  

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.

MONDAY NEWS UPDATE

Bryan and I will be back tonight talking Alberto Rodriguez, Wednesday ratings, Monday’s Raw, Mike Tyson and more. You can send questions for the show to [email protected]

Raw tonight is billed around a Sudden death match for a title shot at Drew McIntyre with A.J. Styles vs. Keith Lee vs. Riddle, plus they shoot the angle for Randy Orton vs. The Fiend on A Moment of Bliss. I’m not sure how sudden death differs from any other three-way where the first pin wins. Also on the show is Jeff Hardy vs. Elias in a Symphony of Destruction match where all musical instruments are legal and an interview with Drew McIntyre.

Raw will be going against a Seattle Seahawks vs. Philadelphia Eagles game on ESPN that should do pretty solid numbers.

The Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens game originally set for Thanksgiving,and expected to be tomorrow, will be delayed until Wednesday due to COVID spread. However it will not go against AEW and NXT since NBC insisted on a 3:40 p.m. start time and will be airing the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony in prime time. AEW has its biggest match in Dynamite history, Jon Moxley vs. Kenny Omega for the AEW title, scheduled as Wednesday’s main event.  NXT has announced Shotzi Blackheart vs. Raquel Gonzalez for the man advantage for Sunday’s War Games match.

Dana White said he would be meeting with Khabib Nurmagomedov in Abu Dhabi, which would be in January. The meeting in theory would be about whether Nurmagomedov will fight again.

Mike Tyson has indicated he will do another exhibition fight and will be better for the next one. He said he’d like to fight often and stay in shape. Evander Holyfield, mentioned months back as a potential opponent, has said he’s up for it.  Tyson said his team reached out to Holyfield but the sides couldn’t come to an agreement. No PPV numbers are out yet but based on Google trends, the show looks like it did  extremely well. The interest in Saturday’s fight reached far far beyond the boxing audience.

The Best of the Super Juniors tournament continues on Wednesday morning at 4:30 a.m. Eastern with:

  • Douki vs. Yuya Uemura
  • Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Robbie Eagles
  • Master Wato vs. Bushi
  • Taiji Ishimori vs Desperado
  • Hiromu Takahashi vs. Sho

WWE

  • Tribute to the Troops which will air Sunday for one hour either before or after the NFL on FOX depending on your time zone is being taped on Friday at the Amway Center. No troops will be there live, but the Thunderdome screen will feature troops.
  • With the holiday, this is the ratings schedule.  Smackdown ratings will be released tomorrow afternoon.  UFC ratings for Saturday will be out Wednesday morning.  Raw ratings for tonight will be out Wednesday afternoon.  Wednesday night ratings should be out in their normal time on Thursday.
  • Kimberly Benson(Piper Niven) along with Lee Greig (Jack Jester, who is not with WWE) have joined together to start a charity group called WrestleKind, to help disadvantaged and vulnerable groups through wrestling, starting with a winter fundraiser. They are looking to raise money to purchase socks, underwear, toiletries, jackets and waterproof backpacks for the homeless.
  • Dwayne Johnson and his Northwest ice cream franchise Salt & Straw have announced the launch of their new Dwanta’s Teremana Spiked Eggnog featuring Johnson’s Teremana Small Batch Tequila. (thanks to Eric Krol)

UFC

  • Saturday night’s show will be a benefit for the Stuart Scott Fund for cancer research.
  • Randy Costa vs. Trevin Jones has been added to a show on 3/6.

OTHER NOTES

  • British wrestling historian Tony Earnshaw disputes the story in yesterday’s update that David Prowse ever wrestled professionally. He did note that Prowse did claim that, but said it was not true.
  • Kazushi Sakuraba goes after his first pro wrestling singles title late Saturday night/Sunday morning when he faces Kenou for the GHC National title on a PPV show available with English commentary by longtime reader Mark Pickering and Stuart Fulton.
  • MMA Fighting has the clip from Russia of the weekend fight that got a lot of attention with a main event and promoted fight with a 529-pound male non-fighter facing a real 139-pound female fighter.
  • A story on Ivan Putski today.
  • Low Ki vs. Davey Boy Smith Jr. is the main event for Wednesday night’s MLW TV show on YouTube and Fubo.
  • For the fourth year in a row, promoters Maciej Kawulski and Martin Lewandowski of KSW have been listed in the Forbes Magazine list of the most influential people in Polish Sports. They were ranked in the No. 16 spot, up from No. 28 last year. KSW launched the first season of a reality show called “Tylko Jeden” (Only One), similar to Ultimate Fighter or Tough Enough, with competitors fighting for a KSW contract. It was one of the highest rated shows on Polish television.
  • Sydne Watts, the daughter of Erik Watts and granddaughter of Cowboy Bill Watts, made her debut yesterday in Navy’s college basketball loss to George Mason, scoring 12 points and getting six rebounds.  Watts is a true freshman from Canton, GA.

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Antonio Inoki wins WWF title

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Daily Update: Weekend schedule, TripleMania, Khabib

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

DAILY UPDATE

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WON NEWSLETTER: November 23, 2020 Observer Newsletter: Unionization in pro wrestling, Survivor Series changes

A look at the issues involving the firing of Thea Budgen aka Zelina Vega, as well as a number of historical stories regarding issues with talent and management is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

We explain why the ending was inevitable based on the circumstances, look at WWE and SAG AFTRA, Andrew Yang, Gabrille Carteris and the different players involved in the story.  We look at what wrestlers and fighters earn as compared to other top athletes and why the discrepancy, what the Saudi Arabia flight story showed, what is fair for WWE to do and what isn’t, complaints by talent regarding an exemption, as well as  a number of historical stories related to the topic that feature such names as Hulk Hogan, Jesse Ventura, Superstar Billy Graham, Ivan Koloff (twice), Johnny Valentine and many others.  

Also in this issue:

Update to the Survivor Series card with changes and injury notes.  

WWE’s move to Tropicana Field in a few weeks.

New Japan’s Super Juniors and tag team tournaments, this week’s schedule and updates.

Seth Rollins’ schedule, Alexa Bliss engagement, NXT Takeover notes, lots of WWE injury updates, Undertaker answers retirement questions, Miz talks why he moved to Texas, description of new President Nick Khan, how WWE & AEW did compared to other sports this past week, WWE and AEW ratings in Canada and England, WWE market value and the most-watched shows on the WWE Network for the past week.

Saturday’s UFC show, the background and match-by-match coverage.

Dragon Gate’s Kobe World show, the biggest show of the year from Japan’s second largest company.

Why television networks should be interested in purchasing UFC or WWE outright as far as a long-term investment that will pay off in the long run.

Television business, with ratings breakdowns in every segment for Wednesdays and every category for other shows, looking at stats not available elsewhere to get the deepest read into how shows are doing, what categories are doing well and how shows compare with previous weeks and one year ago.  

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.

FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE

For this weekend, we are going to have shows the next four nights. Garrett Gonzalez and I will be back for a Friday night show tonight. Bryan and I will have shows on Saturday after the UFC PPV show and Sunday after Survivor Series, plus Monday night after Raw.

Even though Dana White said he believes Khabib Nurmagomedov is going to fight again, Nurmagomedov said this past week that he’s done. White told TMZ that he would bet that Nurmagomedov would fight again, against the winner of either the Dustin Poirier vs. Conor McGregor fight or the winner of Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson. White also said he’s got nothing planned for Jon Jones. “When he’s ready, all he’s gotta do is let us know…but we have no inclinations whatsoever that his guys is coming to fight.”

There was some house cleaning at WWE today. John Brody, the Executive Vice President and Global Head of Sales and Partnerships is now gone. Mark Kowal, who was the Controller and Principal Accounting Officer is also gone, and has been replaced by Karen Mullane. Mullane comes in with a $415,000 per year salary. a $61,500 signing bonus and $166,000 worth of stock.

UFC 255 tomorrow night:

ESPN+ at 6:30 p.m. Eastern:

  • Louis Cosce (170.0) vs. Sasha Palatnikov (170.5)
  • Kyle Daukaus (185.5) vs. Dustin Stoltzfus (184.5)
  • Alan Jouban (170.5) vs. Jared Gordon (171)

ESPN 2 AND ESPN + at 8 p.m:

  • Daniel Rodriguez (170.5) vs. Nicolas Dalby (170)
  • Antonina Shevchenko (125) vs. Ariane Lipski (126)
  • Joaquin Buckley (182.5) vs. Jordan Wright (185)
  • Brandon Royval (125.5) vs. Brandon Moreno (125)

PPV at 10 p.m:

  • Mauricio Shogun Rua (205.5) vs. Paul Craig (205.5)
  • Katlyn Chookagian (125.75) vs. Cynthia Calvillo (124.5)
  • Mike Perry (175.5) vs,. Tim Means (171)
  • Valentina Shevchenko (124.5) vs. Jennifer Maia (124.5) for the women’s flyweight title
  • Deiveson Figueiredo (125) vs. Alex Perez (124.5) for the men’s flyweight title

Perry missed weight by 4.5 pounds and forfeits 30 percent of his purse to Means. I have no clue why UFC is booking Perry, and worse, what he’s doing on the PPV while Royval vs. Moreno are not.

AAA is finalizing a date for TripleMania this year. It will be within a few weeks because the year is coming to a close.  It’s not scheduled for 12/26 as has been reported in some places, or at least wasn’t as of yesterday.

New Japan is back for tag team tournament night on Sunday morning at 3 a.m. Eastern, or midnight Pacific late Saturday night from Saku:

  • Yuji Nagata & Yota Tsuji vs. Satoshi Kojima & Tomoaki Honma
  • Sanada & Shingo Takagi vs Chase Owens & Bad Luck Fale
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi & Toa Henare s.  Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi
  • Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano vs. Evil & Yujiro Takahashi
  • Juice Robinson & David Finlay vs. Jeff Cobb & Great O’Khan
  • Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa vs.; Taichi & Zack Sabre Jr.

WWE

  • A correction from something printed earlier. The WWE will be moving out of the Amway Center in Orlando after the 12/7 Raw, not after the 12/4 Smackdown. So they will be going directly from the Amway Center on 12/7 to Tropicana Field in St Petersburg on 12/11. They can run there until at least mid-March it looks like.  
  • For Smackdown tonight, Drew McIntyre appears on the show for a contract signing for his bout with Roman Reigns. Also announced are Daniel Bryan’s return against Jey Uso and Seth Rollins vs. Murphy.
  • Undertaker’s Tik Tok debut.
  • The Bellas and Daniel Bryan have moved from Phoenix to the Napa Valley in California This story touches on them being in Northern California when we were engulfed by smoke. (thanks to Barry Werner)
  • Denise Salcedo interviews Leon Ruff.

UFC

  • UFC is dedicating its 12/5 show to the Stuart Scott Fund. Scott had a strong connection with MMA. Viewers will be able to make donations to v.org/ufc
  • Raoni Barcelos has pulled out of a 12/5 fight with Merab Dvalishvili.  The Nevada State Athletic Commission would not clear Barcelos to fight because he fought in early November.

AEW

OTHER

  • Highlights from last night’s Bellator show. A.J. McKee is the real deal right now.
  • Invicta tonight from Kansas City on UFC Fight Pass was to be headlined by Emily Ducote vs. Montserrat Ruiz for the strawweight title.  Both fighters made weight but enhanced safety standards forced the postponement of the fight.  So the main event is now two-time Olympic judo gold medalist Kayla Harrison (7-0) making her debut at 145 against Courtney King (4-1).  Harrison, who competed in the Olympics at 171 pounds, said the last time she weighed 145 was at the age of 17.
  • A review of the documentary “You Cannot Kill David Arquette. (thanks to Lee Wall)
  • Kevin Eck’s weekly ROH news.
  • On Week By Week with guest host Ian Riccaboni, hear EC3’s response to Jay Briscoe’s challenge and the latest news on Final Battle 2020.
  • International Wrestling Australia has its first live event since March tomorrow in Sydney at St. Johns Park Bowling Club.  IWA is Australia’s longest-running pro wrestling promotion, having run 22 years.  It has run more shows than any other promotion over the years, and in more different venues. (thanks to Kirk Beattie)
  • CWE announced a Johnny Devine training camp on 12/5 and 12/6 in Winnipeg. He noted that he’s helped the careers of Jinder Mahal, Josh Alexander and Kaito Kiyomiya. For more info you can contact [email protected]
  • Konami will be missing this weekend’s Stardom shows due to a fever.  The company immediately removes everyone from the weekend with a fever these days.
  • NFC on 12/11 at District in midtown Atlanta in a Toys for Tots benefit show. They ask everyone to bring an unwrapped toy to the show with them.  There will be 12 MMA fights.
  • EPW on 12/5 in Perth, Western Australia at the Gate One Theatre. This is the company’s first show since March. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)

Daily Pro Wrestling History: CM Punk wins WWE title at Survivor Series 2011

CONTACT INFORMATION

Daily Update: Khabib, Hell in a Cell preview, Bound For Glory notes

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

WON NEWSLETTER: October 26, 2020 Observer Newsletter: Ibushi wins NJPW G1 Climax 30

We’ve got a G1 special on the Observer with the deepest look at the tournament anywhere. G1 MVP, G1 best match, G1 history notes, polls on the last three nights, the story behind Kota Ibushi’s win and much more in a new double issue of the Observer.

The business decline that was unavoidable, the difference in wrestling with fans who are not supposed to cheer and boo and who does the best with it, the ups and downs of the different wrestlers, who improved the most from last year, lots of G1 records, Power Struggle notes, a breakdown of every wrestler in the tournament and how they did in the ring this year as compared to last year, who were the best at carrying opponents, who had the best matches, how this year’s match quality compared to last year, just how great this year’s A block shows were, New Japan’s U.S. popularity and which wrestlers have had the best in-ring tournaments in recent years.

Also in this issue:

Harold Meij’s final day in charge of New Japan and key issues with his legacy, Tokyo Dome updates, and how the last days went down.

Things going on behind-the-scenes with President Trump that may be done that would help Vince McMahon and Dana White, Andrew Yang talks wrestlers as independent contractors and what he plans to do  about it, Orange County Department of Health looking at COVID spreading in buildings that house WWE and MLW, and WWE’s statement. 

What is and isn’t misleading and looking at WWE COVID numbers, we preview Hell in a Cell, note a mandatory conference all WWE talent has to attend this week, WWE getting an award looked at, WWE signing, why the plight of independent wrestlers is so different from before, WWE Network November theme, WWE star nominated for a movie award and new WWE Network deals. 

Wrestling ratings compared to other sports, Canadian & U.K. ratings, Mike Bennett talks the problems in communication in WWE, Sami Zayn talks the ladder match, WWE market value and the most watched shows last week on the WWE Network.

Brian Ortega vs. The Korean Zombie with full coverage of Saturday’s UFC event,.

The surprising thing that matters far more than most gave it credit for when it comes to viewing wrestling shows.

Ratings breakdowns in every segment for Wednesdays and every category for other shows, looking at stats not available elsewhere to get the deepest read into how shows are doing, what categories are doing well and how shows compare with previous weeks and one year ago.  

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.

SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

Bryan and I will be back tonight to talk Hell in a Cell and a lot of more WWE news, including more on Daniel Bryan, more weekend news, more on Bound For Glory and you can send questions to the show to [email protected].

Bryan has a short interview with Jim Valley who has fought back from another legitimate near death experience once again up on the site.

Today is WWE Hell in a Cell, a show with only five matches announced as of this morning. On paper the show should be great because all three Hell in a Cell matches are strong on paper and the show will be built around them:

  • Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton for the WWE title in a cell match. You pretty much know this match will be very good to great. The outcome could go either way but McIntyre is a  -230 favorite at 5Dimes.
  • Roman Reigns vs. Jey Uso in an I Quit hell in a cell match for the Universal title. This match will have to be different than the last one. Lots of speculation regarding Jimmy Uso being involved in the finish, given he was involved in the television angle on Friday night. Nobody expects a title change and Reigns is a -2000 favorite.
  • Bayley vs. Sasha Banks for the Smackdown women’s title in a cell match. These two have had some of the best women’s matches in company history, notably their Brooklyn Takeover match. They will be put in a position to have a great match and both always work hard. Banks is a -230 favorite to take the title.
  • Otis vs. The Miz for the Money in the Bank briefcase. Otis is a -175 favorite to retain. This was put together Friday in a campy skit to say the least.
  • Jeff Hardy vs. Elias – Every Hardy match is likely to be good. We haven’t seen Elias in a match since his torn pec. Since it’s the beginning of the feud, Elias is a -160 favorite to win.

We will have live coverage on the site starting at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time. We are doing weekend polls on Hell in a Cell, UFC 254 and Impact Bound for Glory, thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match on both shows to [email protected]

Javier Mendez, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s trainer, told Yahoo Sports that this was the worst training camp he has ever had. He said in Abu Dhabi, the accommodations were the best and the hospitality was the best, but he had the mumps two weeks into camp, then broke a toe in camp as well. Mendez said Nurmagomedov told him, “Coach, my toe may be broken but my mind is not.”

Dana White believes Nurmagomedov’s retirement will stick.

For a few more notes from last night’s Bound for Glory show and to clarify some things talked about last night. Kylie Rae was injured two weeks ago but she was scheduled to appear on last night’s show against Deonna Purrazzo. As noted in an update earlier today, she was in Nashville and was in the hotel Friday. She never arrived at the building and nobody in the company knew anything.  The company checked with everyone who knew her. Nobody really knows anything more other than she is apparently okay in the physical sense. At the time of the match they didn’t know anything past that she wasn’t there. It came off weird as they showed video features on the PPV building the match as scheduled, and then she wasn’t there and nothing was said as to why, because at the time they really didn’t know anything.

As best we can tell, Rich Swann & Su Yung both winning the major titles in Impact would be the first husband-and-wife ever to win major world titles on the same show. Notable is that this was not how things were scheduled to go down as Yung was a last minute replacement for Kylie Rae against Deonna Purrazzo. 

WWE

  • Today is the 17th wedding anniversary of Paul Levesque and Stephanie McMahon Levesque.
  • The WWE Network has added a new show on cage matches from the indies airing matches from Evolve, ICW and wXw including Drew Galloway vs.; Roderick Strong, Trent Seven vs Wolfgang, Carnage vs. Alexander Wolfe, Piper Niven vs. Kay Lee Ray vs. Kasey and Alexander James vs. Jurn Simmons; A Best of Progress with Ilja Dragunov to build the Walter vs. Dragunov UK title match that airs this week with matches with Pete Dunne, Timothy Thatcher; ICW Fight Club 100 and wXw Shotgun with Bobby Gunns defending the wXw title against Emil Sitoci.
  • WWE announced William Shatner, Rey Mysterio, Shotzi Blackheart and Michelle McCool as guests on The Bump on Wednesday.

UFC

  • Yesterday’s UFC 254 did 2 million Google searches which was the most of anything so far this weekend, which is notable given all the news of the past weekend. So the interest was not anywhere close to the record-setting that Dana White was claiming earlier in the week. It was at the level of a normal bigger than usual PPV.  That was the only thing combat sports related in the past week to trend on Google.  Arnold Schwarzenegger did yesterday as related to having his aortic valve replaced in surgery at the Cleveland Clinic.  It is Schwarzenegger’s third heart surgery, as he had pulmonary valve replacement surgeries in 1997 and 2018.
  • Jeremy Stephens pulled out of his 11/7 fight with Arnold Allen due to an undisclosed injury and hopes to be back in a few months.
  • Matt Schnell vs. Tyson Nam has been added to the 12/19 show.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Volador Jr. suffered an apparent broken nose on Friday night in Arena Mexico doing a Frankensteiner off the top rope and somehow on the way down his face hit the turnbuckle.  They went right to the finish of the match.  They were about a half hour into a tag title match where Mistico & Caristico beat Volador Jr & Titan in a rematch from the prior Friday. 
  • On today’s NFL Countdown show on ESPN, George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers was on.  He’s a huge fan. There was a lot of AEW footage used since even though Kittle is a WWE fan, his favorite wrestler is Pentagon Jr., dating back to Lucha Underground, and they showed where Kittle took Pentagon’s Cero Miedo hand gesture.
  • CWE on Friday night in Red Deer, Alberta:  AJ Sanchez won three-way over Travis Cole and Tyler Adams, Bobby Sharp b Danny Duggan, Mentallo b Shaun Martens-DQ, Lumberjack Larry b Kevin O’Doyle, Jude Dawkins b Johnny Devine. 
  • CWE on Saturday night in St. Albert, Alberta:  Jude Dawkins b William Saint, Lumberjack Larry b Shaun Martens-DQ, Kat Von Heez b Alix Zwicker, AJ Sanchez & Kevin O’Doyle b Danny Duggan & Mentallo, Rich King b Nite, Travis Cole b Jules, Bobby Sharp b Johnny Devine.  Next show is tomorrow night in Grande Prairie, Alberta.
  • IWA Productions from last night in Mt. Vernon, IL for a women’s tournament:  Joseline Navarro b Megan Myers, Kenzie Paige b Abby Beck, Raven Black b Mz. Hyde, Mickie Knuckles b Katie Dream, Kenzie Paige b Abby Veck, Raven Back b Mz. Hyde, Mickie Knuckles b Katie Dream, Kenzie Paige b Joseline Navarro, Mickie Knuckles b Raven Black, Mickie Knuckles b Kenzie Paige to win tournament (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
  • Total Kaos Wrestling from last night in Taylor, MI:  Dread King Loan b Shane Douglas, Ken Kash won eight-way over  Geo Bronco, Ace Evans, Ric Caurdiea, Tanner Nix, Dizakeo, Mikey Baker and Mo Atlas, LJ Lawrence b Chase Burnett, Hannah Henderson b Jeremiah Goldmain, Mysterious Movado b Mollock, Jack Price & Money Green b Tommy Vendetta & Sinn, Joseph Schwartz b Isaiah Frazier, TJ Meyer b El Ridiculoso, Kevin Kalloway & Sean Tyler & Justin Pilgrim b Freedom Ramsey & Atlas Hytower & Daniel Wolf, Chuck Stein won three-way over Leatherface and Sean Lawhorn in a barbed wire match (thanks to Leonard Brand)

Daily Pro Wrestling History: WCW Halloween Havoc 1992 and 1998

CONTACT INFORMATION

UFC 254 live results: Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Justin Gaethje

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 254: Khabib vs. Gaethje, emanating from the Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

The UFC wraps up five straight weeks on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi with arguably the biggest fight of the year as one of the biggest stars in the sport fights for the first time in over a year.

UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov will square off with Interim UFC Lightweight Champion Justin Gaethje in a title unification bout in the main event. Nurmagomedov will step foot into the Octagon for the first time since a September 2019 win over Dustin Poirier. Gaethje looks to become the undisputed champion after defeating Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 in May.

In the co-main event, a potential title shot in the middleweight division is up for grabs as former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker takes on Jared Cannonier. Also on the main card is a heavyweight bout between Alexander Volkov and Walt Harris, and a light heavyweight fight with lots of bad blood as Magomed Ankalaev finally squares off with Ion Cutelaba in a rematch of their first fight, which ended in controversial fashion.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 10:30 a.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.

We are looking for your thoughts on tonight’s event, so send a thumbs up, a thumbs down or a thumbs in the middle along with a best fight and a worst fight to Dave at [email protected].

ESPN+ PRELIMS | 11 AM ET/8 AM PT

> Joel Alvarez (17-2, 2-1 UFC) vs. Alexander Yakovlev (24-9-1, 3-5 UFC)
Lightweights* (Alvarez missed weight by 3.5 pounds)

Alvarez missed weight for the fight. They are trading kicks to start the fight. Yakovlev got a takedown and Alvarez grabbed the neck and was working for a guillotine. Yakovlev is able to escape and is landing body punches from the top as Alvarez is looking for elbows from the bottom. Alvarez now looks for an armbar. He has it locked in and Yakovlev taps. Nasty armbar from the guard by Alvarez to kick things off.

Official Result- Joel Alvarez def. Alexander Yakovlev by submission (armbar) at 3:00 of Round 1

> Liana Jojua (8-3, 1-1 UFC) vs. Miranda Maverick (7-2, 0-0 UFC)
Women’s Flyweights

Maverick is making her UFC debut. They were trading early as Jojua was landing the right hand as Maverick was landing leg kicks. Maverick lands a combo ending with a leg kick. Jojua is bleeding from the mouth. Maverick with an inside leg kick. Maverick still landing combos. Maverick with a body kick. Maverick mixing up her strikes well. Maverick lands a standing lead elbow and then follows with a head kick. Maverick with a back elbow that busts Jojua’s nose open. Jojua still throwing but Maverick landing more as the round ends. 10-9 Maverick.

They stopped the fight in between rounds as Jojua’s nose was bleeding badly and they couldn’t stop it from bleeding, so the doctors called it off. Impressive debut win by Maverick.

Official Result- Miranda Maverick def. Liana Jojua by TKO (doctor stoppage- cut) at 5:00 of Round 1

ESPN2 PRELIMS | 12 PM ET/9 AM PT

> Da Un Jung (13-2, 2-0 UFC) vs. Sam Alvey (33-14 1 NC, 10-9 UFC)
Light Heavyweights

Not much happening early as Jung is stalking Alvey around the Octagon. Jung with a body kick. Alvey lands some leg kicks and a left hand. They both start throwing punches and Alvey stuns Jung with a counter left hand. They clinch and both battling for position. Jung pokes Alvey in the eye but the referee missed it and Jung lands some follow-up punches. Alvey landing more as the round goes on. Alvey lands a right hand. Alvey with a late combo than lands a lot. 10-9 Alvey.

Alvey starts with a nice combo and now Jung lands a combo. Alvey keeps fighting with his back near the fence. Alvey with a leg kick. Jung still coming forward and Alvey is landing the counter punches. Jung with a body kick. Alvey with a nice combo. Alvey with more outside leg kicks. Jung lands a right hand, then a left hook and follows with a right hand. Alvey lands a nice uppercut. Alvey with a late combo. 10-9 Alvey, 20-18 Alvey.

Alvey starts the third with an outside leg kick. Alvey landing a leg kick and following with a combo. Jung drops Alvey with a right hand and they go to the mat but Alvey is able to scramble up. Jung has the back against the fence. It was an elbow that dropped Alvey. They break the tie-up. Alvey lands a short left hand. Alvey lands an uppercut. They trade punches. Alvey with another uppercut. Alvey with another one. Jung with another elbow that stuns Alvey. They clinch against the fence. They break and Jung lands another big elbow. Close fight. 10-9 Jung, 29-28 Alvey.

Official Result- Da Un Jung vs. Sam Alvey ends in a split draw (29-28, 28-29, 28-28)

> Alex Oliveira (22-7-1 2 NC, 11-6 1 NC UFC) vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov (12-0, 0-0 UFC)
Welterweights* (Oliveira missed weight by 2 pounds)

Rakhmonov is making his UFC debut while Oliveira missed weight for the fight. Oliveira lands a right hand. Rakhmonov with a leg kick. They were trading and Rakhmonov lands a big knee to the body. Rakhmonov with some flurries against the fence before they clinch up. Rakhmonov with a knee to the body as they battle for position against the fence. They remain clinched as Oliveira is looking for the takedown. Rakhmonov has the neck and drops down and has a guillotine choke locked in and Oliveira taps! Big win in his debut for Rakhmonov.

Official Result- Shavkat Rakhmonov def. Alex Oliveira by submission (guillotine choke) at 4:40 of Round 1

> Nathaniel Wood (17-4, 4-1 UFC) vs. Casey Kenney (15-2-1, 4-1 UFC)
140-Pound Catchweights

Wood lands a left hand as they come out with a quick pace. Wood landing some leg kicks early. Wood landing kicks as both are throwing punches. Kenney lands a big right hand. They are trading kicks. Wood with some inside leg kicks. Kenney with a nice left hand. Wood with a leg kick and follows with a combo. Kenney with a left hand. Wood with some leg kicks and Kenney lands a left hand. Kenney with another hard left hand. Wood with a leg kick and Kenney counters with a left hand. Kenney with a spin kick to the body. Kenney with a leg kick and then another spin kick to the body. Great round. 10-9 Kenney.

They both come out throwing and Kenney with another spin kick. They are both throwing and Kenney with an elbow. They trade leg kicks. Kenney with a body kick. Wood with a combo. Wood with a leg kick and Kenney counters with a combo. They trade kicks. They trade punches. Kenney with a combo. They trade and Kenney throwing more. Kenney lands a hard left hand and follows it with some more punches and a leg kick. They both land in close range with Wood landing a little better. Kenney loading up on his punches but he still lands a couple of left hands. Kenney with an inside kick. Fun second round. 10-9 Wood, 19-19.

Wood with some inside leg kicks to start the third. Wood landing more at the start of the third. Kenney throwing some punches and lands a left hand to the body. Wood with a leg kick and Kenney lands a left hand. Kenney goes for a takedown and takes the back of Wood against the fence as he looks to complete it. Kenney still working hard for the takedown as they scramble. They break and Kenney lands a combo. Wood goes for a takedown but Kenney defends and Wood lands as they break. They both land in close range. Kenney shoots for a takedown but Wood stuffs it. Kenney with a hard left hand. They trade punches. They clinch and trade late. Outstanding fight. 10-9 Kenney, 29-28 Kenney.

Official Result- Casey Kenney def. Nathaniel Wood by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Stefan Struve (29-12, 13-10 UFC) vs. Tai Tuivasa (9-3, 3-3 UFC)
Heavyweights

Tuivasa with a leg kick. Tuivasa comes in and they clinch and Tuivasa with some body punches. Tuivasa controlling against the fence and lands a couple more body punches and they break. Tuivasa with a right hand. Struve with a leg kick. Struve lands a head kick and Tuivasa eats it. They clinch and Tuivasa with a knee and then lands a left hand as they break. Tuivasa with a leg kick. Tuivasa with another leg kick. Struve with some front body kicks. Tuivasa with another leg kick. Tuivasa with some punches. He throws Struve to the ground and starts landing punches. Struve gets up and Tuivasa drops him with an uppercut and finishes it off. Big win for Tuivasa.

Official Result- Tai Tuivasa def. Stefan Struve by knockout (punches) at 4:59 of Round 1

ESPN+ PPV MAIN CARD | 2 PM ET/11 AM PT

> Magomed Ankalaev (#11, 14-1, 4-1 UFC) vs. Ion Cutelaba (15-5 1 NC, 4-4 UFC)
Light Heavyweights

Cutelaba with a front body kick and Ankalaev with a leg kick. Ankalaev with a body kick and follows it with a right hook. Ankalaev with an inside leg kick and Cutelaba counters with a right hand. Cutelaba with another right hand. Ankalaev with a body kick. They trade punches. They are both landing short punches. Ankalaev drops Cutelaba with a straight left hand but Cutelaba gets right up. Ankalaev lands a left hand that drops Cutelaba again as Cutelaba rushes in and Ankalaev gets on top and was landing punches and then knocked Cutelaba out cold on the mat. What a knockout by Ankalaev.

Official Result- Magomed Ankalaev def. Ion Cutelaba by knockout (punches) at 4:19 of Round 1

> Lauren Murphy (#5, 13-4, 5-4 UFC) vs. Liliya Shakirova (8-1, 0-0 UFC)
Women’s Flyweights

Shakirova is making her UFC debut on short notice. Shakirova with an inside leg kick. Shakirova with a right hand. Murphy comes forward and lands a body kick. Shakirova with a leg kick as Murphy lands a right hand. Shakirova with a spinning back fist. Shakirova tires for a takedown but Murphy slips away and they break. Shakirova with some body punches and lands a right hand. Shakirova with a spin kick. They trade kicks. Shakirova tries a single-leg takedown but Murphy defends and lands some elbows against the fence. They break and Shakirova with a teet kick to the body. 10-9 Murphy.

Murphy lands a kick. Murphy coming forward but not landing. Murphy coming forward with punches and Shakirova circles away. They trade in close range and Murphy lands a couple of knees. They trade again in close range and Murphy with a knee in the clinch. Murphy gets a takedown and is in the guard of Shakirova. Murphy lands a couple of punches from the top. Murphy gets the back of Shakirova and locks in a rear-naked choke. Shakirova taps! Big submission win for Murphy.

Official Result- Lauren Murphy def. Liliya Shakirova by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:31 of Round 2

> Jacob Malkoun (4-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Phillip Hawes (8-2, 0-0 UFC)
Middleweights

Both men are making their UFC debuts. This didn’t last long as Hawes rocked Malkoun with a right hand and then unloaded a flurry of punches against the fence that sent Malkoun down and out cold. What a finish by Hawes.

Official Result- Phil Hawes def. Jacob Malkoun by knockout (punches) at :18 of Round 1

> Alexander Volkov (#7, 31-8, 5-2 UFC) vs. Walt Harris (#10, 13-8 1 NC, 6-7 1 NC UFC)
Heavyweights

They were trading early and traded kicks. Harris with a leg kick. Volkov lands a right hand. Harris with an inside leg kick. Volkov with a body kick. Volkov with a jab and follows it with a combo. Harris with a right hand. Volkov lands a combo as Harris rushes in. Harris with a right hand off a kick from Volkov. Volkov lands some right hands. Volkov with a leg kick. Harris with an inside leg kick. Volkov with a combo. Volkov rocks Harris with a left hand and Harris is covering up as Volkov rushes in with a flurry. Harris lands a left hand and Volkov backs off and they reset. Volkov with a knee. 10-9 Volkov.

Harris lands a left hand. Harris shoots for a takedown but Volkov easily defends. Volkov with a combo. Volkov lands a big front kick to the body that hurts Harris and then lands a flurry and the fight is stopped. Excellent finish by Volkov.

Official Result- Alexander Volkov def. Walt Harris by TKO (strikes) at 1:15 of Round 2

> Robert Whittaker (#1, 21-5, 12-3 UFC) vs. Jared Cannonier (#2, 13-4, 6-4 UFC)
Middleweights

Cannonier with a hard leg kick right away. Whittaker with a leg kick. They trade leg kicks and both men slipped. Whittaker with a body kick. Whittaker with the jab. They trade leg kicks. Cannonier lands a couple more. Whittaker lands a counter right hand. Whittaker with a head kick but Cannonier checks it. Whittaker with the jab and Cannonier lands a leg kick. Whittaker landing more as the round goes on. Whittaker with a high kick that partially landed. Cannonier did some damage to the lead leg in the first. 10-9 Whittaker.

Whittaker lands a jab as Cannonier lands a leg kick. Cannonier with a body kick. Cannonier with a leg kick and then another. They trade and Cannonier lands a good counter right hand. Cannonier lands a hard right hand and Whittaker lands a counter left. Whittaker with the jab. They trade and Cannonier with a leg kick. Whittaker gets a brief takedown but they get up and break. Whittaker with a jab as Cannonier lands leg kicks. Whittaker with a right hand. Whittaker with another right hand. 10-9 Whittaker, 20-18 Whittaker.

Whittaker with the jab. Whittaker with another jab. Whittaker with a head kick and Cannonier is in trouble. Cannonier falls to the mat and Whittaker gets on top and is landing but stops the flurry and gets into the half-guard. Whittaker gets the back of Cannonier, who is busted up and bleeding. Whittaker looking for a choke but they scramble to their feet. They’re clinched and Cannonier with some knees. They break. Whittaker with the jab. Whittaker lands another left hand. Cannonier with a body kick. Whittaker with the jab. Cannonier hurts Whittaker with a right hand. Cannonier trying to land a big shot but Whittaker ducks under. They are clinched and Cannonier just misses a big knee as the fight ends. Great showing by Whittaker, good fight overall. 10-9 Whittaker, 30-27 Whittaker.

Official Result- Robert Whittaker def. Jared Cannonier by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Khabib Nurmagomedov (C, 28-0, 12-0 UFC) vs. Justin Gaethje (IC, 22-2, 5-2 UFC)
UFC Lightweight Championship

Gaethje first to land with an inside leg kick. Gaethje with another inside leg kick. They trade right hands. Nurmagomedov lands a jab and Gaethje with a leg kick. They are both scrambling around. Nurmagomedov tries a takedown but Gaethje defends. Gaethje lands a right hand and then a leg kick. Nurmagomedov with a body kick followed by a jab. Nurmagomedov with a running knee. Nurmagomedov keeps coming forward and lands a combo. Nurmagomedov with another jab. They trade leg kicks. Gaethje lands a left hook and lands another leg kick. Gaethje with a right hand. Nurmagomedov with a front kick and Gaethje lands a counter left hand. Nurmagomedov gets a takedown. Nurmagomedov gets the mount. He looks for the arm but time runs out on the round. 10-9 Nurmagomedov.

Nurmagomedov with a right hand. Gaethje with a left hook. Nurmagomedov with a leg kick and then follows with a combo. Gaethje lands a left hand. Gaethje with a leg kick. Gaethje with another leg kick. Nurmagomedov gets a takedown and has the back and then transitions to the full mount. Nurmagomedov looking for a triangle choke and has it locked in and Gaethje taps! Gaethje was tapping several times before it was stopped and he looked out after it was released. Unbelievable performance by Nurmagomedov as he moves to 29-0 and retains the title.

Official Result- Khabib Nurmagomedov def. Justin Gaethje by submission (triangle choke) at 1:34 of Round 2 to retain the UFC Lightweight Championship

Dana White: Khabib to fight Gaethje in October, open to GSP fight

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: UFC

In an interview with CNN Tuesday, UFC president Dana White unveiled plans for one of their biggest fights of the fall plus a tease about another fight that would be much bigger.

White said that the lightweight championship unification bout between current champion Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. interim champion Justin Gaethje is a go for Saturday, October 24th with a location TBD.

The undefeated Nurmagomedov has been out of action since last September when he dominated Dustin Poirier in a title defense. Less than two months after Ramadan ended, his father passed away on July 3rd after heart surgery and complications due to COVID-19, adding to his absence. Gaethje defeated Tony Ferguson by fifth round TKO in May to win the interim belt and earn the shot at the Dagestan native.

Then in an ESPN interview, White said that he would be interested in pairing Nurmagomedov against Georges St-Pierre if it was Nurmagomedov’s final fight, a pairing both men talked about wanting to have before GSP’s retirement last year.

“Sure. Yeah, it’s the last fight of his career,” White said. “The guy has been great. He’s been great to the company, he’s been great for the sport, and, I like Khabib Nurmagomedov a lot. I would do anything Khabib wanted to do.”

This came up as the 31-year-old Nurmagomedov’s manager recently said he will retire after two more fights.

Khabib-Gaethje UFC title unification bout likely headed to Fight Island

Posted on by Josh Nason

UFC president Dana White said during a radio interview Tuesday that UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje is likely heading to “Fight Island”.

In talking to Chicago’s ESPN 1000, White said that after Nurmagomedov is finished observing Ramadan (May 23rd), he will be ready to fight and they can begin to plan when the unification fight will be.

When it does happen, it appears set for the mysterious international island the UFC is fitting out to hold events featuring international fighters unable to fly to the U.S. due to pandemic related travel bans. That, of course, is assuming the current situation with travel remains in the upcoming months.

Gaethje earned the opportunity to face the undefeated Nurmagomedov by defeating Tony Ferguson by fifth round TKO Saturday at UFC 249 to earn the interim title. Nurmagomedov, originally slated to fight Ferguson but unable to travel, was last in action in September 2019 with a dominant victory over Dustin Poirier, the second defense of his title.

The UFC is back in action Wednesday night with the second of their three shows in Jacksonville, Florida this week. During the interview, White said the company will do 1100 COVID-19 tests for fighters, employees, commission members, and anyone involved with this week’s events.

Daily Update: Khabib, Triple H, WWE notes

Posted on by F4W Staff

DAILY UPDATE

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Are you interested in attending our annual F4W/WON convention? We will hold it during AEW Double or Nothing weekend. For more information, check this post for activities and prices.

WON NEWSLETTER: March 30, 2020 Observer Newsletter: WrestleMania continues to change

An update on pro wrestling around the world, where almost everything is canceled, update on WrestleMania, and how every company is handling the situation is the lead story in this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Why WWE had to tape WrestleMania in advance, update on the card, update on the changes, some of the early changes, what matches were changed from last week and why, many different matches that were talked about as recently as a week ago, PPV price, NXT big matches and the NXT UK next major show.

The new issue also covers: 

The massive stock sale of Vince McMahon, the questions regarding why he would do it, how much of the company he still owns, the television deal with ESPN, and how it compares with airing of big fights from the UFC and boxing on ESPN this week.  We also look at the latest WWE Network free offer and what it entails, how long AEW will be going without fans at shows, why the original plans for last week had to be scrapped, who is iced for now from appearing on AEW TV, how hard it has been to put shows together ad new dates.

Dana White’s comments regarding UFC 249, what he said about testing and what the doctors have said about doing shows right now.  We also look at White’s plans to make up for missed shows, Impact canceling its PPV, the Japanese sports scene, the Governor of Tokyo talks shutting down the city, the difference in stats between Tokyo and New York, and what Korakuen Hall management has decided.

Shows in Japan this past week and decisions made by companies for this coming week.  We look in particular at how New Japan is handling this as compared with other companies.  We look at problems for Americans getting to Japan, when the next possible New Japan show is and what content New Japan has been producing.

The arrest of Jon Jones this past week, details of the arrest and a look back at Jones’ arrests and drug test failures.

The best of the 10s, who were the Best of the Decade as far as the Thesz/Flair Award, MMA Most Valuable, Most Outstanding Wrestler of Fighter, Biggest Box Office Draw, Best Tag Team, Best on Interviews, Most Charismatic, Best Technical, Best Brawler, Best Flyer, Best Promotion, Who had the best matches over the past decade, Best Non-Wrestler and Best Television announcer.

Daniel Bryan also talks his future after his current contract expires, WWE stars make marketing donations, WWE renews major TV deal, U.K. ratings for WWE and AEW, how WWE contract work and how that pressures some wrestlers into signing new deals, behind what Braun Strowman said that caused so much controversy, key exec stock sales, Arn Anderson on what Vince McMahon wanted said about Sting, new WWE movie coming to Netflix, Injury updates, and most-watched shows of the past week on the WWE Network.

A feature on the death of Branko Cikatic, the first K-1 champion and a pioneer on major MMA shows in Japan.  We look at his gigantic career, what star was made in Japan by beating him, the first K-1 World Grand Prix and early Pride shows.

Regarding the Wednesday numbers, we’ve got full details, demos that each side won, how every segment did and what match ended up as the difference maker. 

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

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

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

Other Wrestling

  • Dustin Rhodes & QT Marshall are teaming together on AEW Dynamite tonight. Their opponents haven’t been announced. 
  • Latest AEW trademark filings include “The Best Summer Ever” and “Death Triangle”, the latter being the new stable name for PAC, Pentagon Jr., and Fenix.
  • Rush has filed for the trademark “El Toro Blanco Rush”.
  • Dark Side of the Ring producer Evan Husney talked to 411 about Martha Hart’s involvement with the episode involving the story of Owen Hart’s death.
  • Vice released the trailer for next week’s Brawl for All episode of Dark Side of the Ring.
  • Wrestle-1 officially held their final show earlier today in an empty arena.
  • GCW uploaded a “social distancing rules” match between Joey Janela and Jimmy Lloyd on their YouTube page.

MMA

  • On Instagram, Khabib Nurmagomedov posted a statement seemingly confirming he’s out of UFC 249: “Staying home in quarantine and reading the reaction of people to the situation around my fight, it turns out that the whole world should be in quarantine, governments of all countries, famous people around the world urge people to follow all safety requirements in order to limit the spread of the disease, to save people, and Khabib is the only one relieved of all obligations and must demonstrate free will and train flying around the world, for the sake of fight? – I understand everything and I’m definitely upset more than you to cancel the fight, probably like all others, I had many plans after the fight, but I can’t control it all. The greatest countries and the largest companies of our time are shocked by what is happening, every day the situation changes unpredictably. But Khabib still has to fight, is that what you saying? – Take care of yourself and put yourself in my shoes.”
  • Tony Ferguson talked to Ariel Helwani about Nurmagomedov being unable to compete at UFC 249, saying that he should be stripped of the lightweight title.
  • Amanda Nunes and Felicia Spencer have agreed to stay in Florida ahead of their currently planned fight for UFC 250.
  • Fighters who were set to compete at the cancelled UFC event in London will receive payment.
  • Ariel Helwani interviewed Stipe Miocic about the condition of his eye and his status as a fireman during the coronavirus pandemic.
  • Mirko Cro Cop is scheduled to fight at a Rizin event in August.

Daily Pro Wrestling History: WWF WrestleMania X-Seven

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Dana White targeting Khabib-Ferguson for April UFC PPV

Posted on by Josh Nason

According to Dana White, the UFC is hoping the fifth time is the charm for a long anticipated fight between UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson.

White told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto Monday they are looking to book the fight for an April 18th pay-per-view at Brooklyn, New York’s Barclays Center, two years and in the same location where they tried to make the fight for the fourth time.

Nurmagomedov’s manager tweeted a photo of a signed deal from the champion and that they are waiting for Ferguson.

Nurmagomedov (28-0) returned after nearly a year’s absence to successfully the title against Dustin Poirier in September. The 35-year-old Ferguson (25-3) has won his last 12 dating back to October 2013. Due to injuries, he has only fought once a year dating back to 2017 but returned in June to defeat Donald Cerrone by TKO due to a doctor’s stoppage.

Conor McGregor had been petitioning to face Nurmagomedov ever since he was defeated by him, but he claims he is going to fight for the UFC this January with Cerrone or Justin Gaethje as the rumored opponents. However, the UFC hasn’t announced any January PPV as of yet. 

Daily Update: Starrcade, WWE notes, Poirier/Khabib

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News:

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F4W NEWSLETTER: Bayley turns heel, WWE continues to focus on HorsewomenJoseph Currier looks at how WWE has addressed the women’s division post-WM problems. Plus, Bryan Rose’s notes on Japan, and Vinny’s TV reviews. 

Bayley going through a long-anticipated character change was the latest step in WWE refocusing on the Four Horsewomen.

Bayley & Becky Lynch vs. Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross main evented last Monday’s episode of Raw. Sasha Banks ran in and caused a disqualification by attacking Lynch. Banks struck Lynch with a steel chair until Bayley took it away from her. But instead of playing peacemaker between her friends, Bayley smiled and pummeled Lynch with the chair herself.

After beginning her heel turn and reuniting with Banks, Bayley cut a promo explaining her actions the next night on SmackDown. The crowd alternated between cheering and booing her. Bayley told the fans that their reaction was confusing. Instead of going full bore with the heel turn, Bayley spoke about her friendship with Banks and called Banks the one person who has always had her back. Bayley disingenuously talked about being a hero and a role model. She said she was trying to show kids what it means to be loyal and noted that she couldn’t turn her back on Banks just because things got rough. Bayley said that SmackDown deserves a champion that gets the same kind of recognition as Lynch.

Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

WON NEWSLETTER: Anthem buys AXS TV plus tons of news

In a move that has great ramifications in pro wrestling, Anthem Sport and Entertainment has purchased a majority interest in AXS TV and HDNet Movies and will begin running the two channels.

The deal also includes purchasing the AXS TV library of concerts, pro wrestling and MMA content, which would include U.S. broadcast rights to old ROH, many years of New Japan, WOW, and some defunct MMA promotions as well as countless smaller MMA shows.

Mark Cuban, who founded the stations, and AEG, his partners, will continue to own a minority interest. Part of the purchase team included Anthem, headed by Leonard Asper, and entertainer Steve Harvey, who will enter into a strategic content development agreement.

The company will continue operating from studios in Los Angeles and Denver, as well as use Anthem studios in Toronto, Nashville and Europe. The office in Dallas was closed down.

While not stated in the sales press release, as noted over the months this day has been in play, that if it was to go through, that Impact would move from The Pursuit Channel, where it has been dying on the vine, and move to AXS.

The deal actually first started with an attempt by Anthem to get Impact on AXS when they got word in the latter stages of 2018 that they weren’t going to be renewed by Pop TV. AXS turned down the initial deal, since Impact did not have a good reputation in the wrestling world at the time and AXS had its own wrestling franchise with New Japan.

Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

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.

MONDAY NEWS UPDATE

Bryan and I will be back tonight to talk Raw and the rest of the latest news. Questions for tonight’s show can be sent to [email protected]

The NFL game opposite Raw is the Cleveland Browns vs. New York Jets. Nobody expects the game will do close to the numbers of last week, so in theory, between that and the usual PPV bump, the rating should be up from last week.  If would not be good if the number stays even.

With only three weeks until the next PPV show, they have to speed things up the next two days when it comes to the match announcement and angles for Hell in a Cell on 10/6 in Sacramento, CA. As noted earlier today, last night after the show, the three key matches were HITC bouts with Seth Rollins vs. Bray Wyatt for the Universal title, Becky Lynch vs. Sasha Banks for the women’s title, plus Roman Reigns & Daniel Bryan vs. Luke Harper & Erick Rowan.  All subject to Vince McMahon changing his mind over the next two days.      

WWE has said that they expect to make an announcement very soon, perhaps tomorrow, regarding Starrcade, which is expected to be a WWE Network special. We were independently given an 11/30 date for the show, and WWE’s current schedule lists Atlanta for that day, but WWE only confirmed the imminent announcement of Starrcade.

Dustin Poirier was on Ariel Helwani’s show today and noted that Khabib Nurmagomedov had noted $100,000 from T-shirt sales, stemming from what he talked about after their fight, for Poirier’s charity, The Good Fight Foundation.  Nurmagomedov, after beating Poirier, talked about what a good person he was and that he would be offering a T-shirt and donating the money raised.  Then today Dana White confirmed he would personally donate $100,000 to the charity.

WWE

  • The first season of Straight Up Steve Austin will be ending with a show tonight after Raw with Trace Adkins, and a show tomorrow night after Smackdown wit Dale Earnhardt. Jr. That was the show plugged mistakenly last week on Raw.
  • Ric Flair and Charlotte will be dong a Q&A for Cricket Wireless tomorrow night backstage from Atlanta at Smackdown.  It will stream live on the Cricket Wireless Facebook Page at around Noon Eastern.  Ric had mentioned on TMZ not too long ago that his daughter was upset at him over his claiming he had rights to The Man name for pro wrestling.  WWE did not believe he had rights and pretty much told his lawyer that.
  • Flair also appeared in a Tide commercial that aired last night during football.
  • WWE Clash of Champions was No. 12 in searches yesterday with 200,000. That would be normal level for such a show.
  • And another Ric Flair story, noting Chandler Wooten being star struck meeting Flair. (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk) 

UFC

  • While not official, UFC is working Roble Lawler (18-14) vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio (27-3) which would be a main card match on the UFC 245 PPV show.

AEW

  • Kambi published star rating odds for Chris Jericho vs. Cody and Kenny Omega vs Jon Moxley at Full Gear.  You can beat over/under on both at ****1/4 (thanks to David Taylor)

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Progress had a huge show yesterday at the Alexandra Palace in London:  Darell Allen & Jordan Breaks b Charlie Carter & Oisin Delaney, Jordan Devlin & Scotty Davis won three-way to win tag titles over James Drake & Zack Gibson (champs) and Aussie Open, Pete Dunne b Cara Noir (Dunne did a farewell speech after the match), Trent Seven & Tyler Bate b Keith Lee & Matt Riddle, Meiko Satomura b Jordynne Grace to win the women’s title, Paul Robinson won a Progress Rumble to create first Proteus champion, Eddie Dennis (who was not scheduled) won a three-way over champ Walter and David Starr to become Progress world champion.  Dennis entered mid-match and beat Starr, who was distracted by Mark Andrews. (thanks to Dave Higgins and Paul Sosnowski)
  • Next week’s TV Guide will have a story on the three new wrestling shows, Friday Night Smackdown Live on FOX, NXT on USA and AEW on TNT.
  • MLW has put tickets on sale today for its 11/9 return to Gilt Nightclub in Orlando for a television taping.
  • Hiroyo Matsumoto and Meiko Satomura were announced for the NHPW promotion on 12/7 in Western Australia.
  • After their show in London over the weekend, KSW has announced a debut in Croatia on 11/9 at the Zagreb Arena.  Mirko Cro Cop headlined some major shows there in the past.  They announced a big freak show main event with Mariusz Pudzianowksi (12-7), the five-time winner of the world’s strongest man contest who has been their big historical draw, faces bodybuilder and social media star Erko Jun (3-0).
  • Evolve announced for Friday they’ve add a Shotzi Blackheart vs. Natalia Markova vs. Avery Taylor vs Alex Gracia four-way on Friday night in Brooklyn, and then for Saturday night in Queens they’ve added Blackheart vs. Kris Statlander.  There is also a Shine show on Saturday at 3 p.m. with Allysin Kay vs Blackheart for the Shine title, Mercedes Martinez vs. Ivelisse, Luscious Latasha & Gabby Gilbert defending the tag titles in a street fight against Aja Perera & Aeral Monroe, Brandi Lauren vs Gracia, Markova vs. Statlander, Marti Belle & Jayme Jameson vs. Lindsay Snow & Jenna, Candy Cartwright & Double D Rose vs. Avery Taylor & Brittney Blake and Tina San Antonio vs. Notorious Nadi.
  • Best of the West TV taping Saturday night in Fresno, CA:  Dave Dutra b Funnybone to win the Beset of the West title, Royce Isaacs & Jorel Nelson b Jack Banning & Jesse Poole to keep tag titles, Biago Cresenzo b Robby Phoenix, Najee and Kenny K to keep West Coast title, Grizzly Kat Jack b Darwin Finch,Wiseguy b Bison Braddock, Vinnie Wasco b Danny Rocket, Dave Dutra b Marcus Ericks, Atticus Lynch b Josh Harmon, Lisa Lce b Steve Tresario.  Next show is 9/29 in Merced, CA at the American Legion Post (thanks to Jon Southerland)
  • CWE on 10/19 in Winnipeg at the St. Amant Large Gym.
  • A story on Frank Miller, one of the major stars of OVW about 15 years ago as Trailer Park Trash, who is now training horses (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)
  • A story on wrestling training in Edmonton.

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Lesnar vs. Angle Iron Man match

CONTACT INFORMATION

UFC 242 live results: Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Dustin Poirier

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 242: Khabib vs. Poirier, emanating from the du Arena in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

The Octagon heads to Abu Dhabi for the first time in over five years for a lightweight title unification bout and the return of one of the biggest stars on the current UFC roster.

UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov returns to action for the first time in 2019 when he takes on Interim UFC Lightweight Champion Dustin Poirier in a unification bout. Nurmagomedov has been out of action since defeating Conor McGregor at UFC 229 in October, serving a suspension due to the post-fight brawl after that fight. Poirier became the interim champion after defeating Max Holloway at UFC 236 in April in one of the best fights of 2019.

In the co-main event, it is a lightweight bout with fireworks written all over it as Edson Barboza and Paul Felder battle for the second time. Barboza defeated Felder in a July 2015 bout and Felder looks to even the score.

Also on the main card is a heavyweight bout between Shamil Abdurakhimov and Curtis Blaydes, as well as a pair of lightweight fights as Islam Makhachev takes on Davi Ramos, and Mairbek Taisumov squares off against Diego Ferreira. Preliminary card action will be capped off with a women’s flyweight bout between Joanne Calderwood and Andrea Lee.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 10:15 AM eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.

We are looking for your thoughts on tonight’s event, so send a thumbs up, a thumbs down or a thumbs in the middle along with a best fight and a worst fight to Dave at [email protected].

ESPN+/UFC FIGHT PASS PRELIMS | 10:15 AM ET/7:15 AM PT

> Don Madge (8-3-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Fares Ziam (10-2, 0-0 UFC)
Lightweights

Madge looking for a takedown right away as they clinch. They battle for underhooks against the fence. Madge lands a knee and Ziam lands an elbow. Madge working hard for a takedown against the fence but Ziam defending well. They are broken up by the ref. Madge with a body kick and he clinches up but Ziam defends the takedown attempt. They continue to battle in the clinch against the fence but nothing happening. 10-9 Madge.

They clinch right back up to start the second round. Ziam has Madge pushed against the fence but the separate. Ziam with a short uppercut and they clinch again. Madge lands some punches as they break but Ziam lands a knee. Madge goes for a takedown but Ziam defends. They continue to battle for position in the clinch. They break but clinch again and are quickly broken up by the ref. They trade kicks and clinch back up. Madge gets a late takedown and ends the round on top. 10-9 Madge, 20-18 Madge.

They clinch right back up to start the third. They continue to battle for underhooks but neither is doing much of anything. They break and Ziam misses some punches and Madge drops down and gets a takedown. Madge working with some punches and elbows from the top. Madge stands and Ziam with an upkick but Madge lands some punches and goes to the half-guard and briefly passes to mount. Madge lands from top to end the fight. 10-9 Madge, 30-27 Madge.

Official Result- Don Madge def. Fares Ziam by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Omari Akhmedov (18-4-1, 6-3-1 UFC) vs. Zak Cummings (23-6, 8-3 UFC)
Middleweights

They are feeling each other out and Cummings lands a groin strike and we have a timeout. Cummings tries a high kick but Akhmedov slips away. Cummings drops Akhmedov with a left hand and then lands another but Akhmedov quickly gets up and lands a punch. Akhmedov has a cut under his eye. Akhmedov gets a big slam on Cummings and is working in the half-guard. Akhmedov with some elbows from the top. Cummings tries to sweep but Akhmedov quickly grabs him and keeps him on the mat. They end the round on the mat. 10-9 Akhmedov.

Cummings with a body kick. Akhmedov with a right hand and then lands a left hook. Cummings with a leg kick. Akhmedov with a big body kick. They trade punches. Cummings with a leg kick but eats a counter right hand from Akhemdov. Akhmedov misses a spinning back fist and Cummings lands a combo. Akhmedov gets a late takedown and lands from the top at the end. 10-9 Akhmedov, 20-18 Akhmedov.

They trade early to start the third and both are looking for openings. Both landing punches and Akhmedov shoots for a takedown but Cummings easily defends. Akhmedov gets a takedown and is in the half-guard. Akhmedov with some elbows from the top at the end. 10-9 Akhmedov, 30-27 Akhmedov.

Official Result- Omari Akhmedov def. Zak Cummings by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Nordine Taleb (15-6, 7-4 UFC) vs. Muslim Salikhov (13-2, 1-1 UFC)
Welterweights

Salikhov with some early leg kicks. Salikhov with a spin kick to the body that backs Taleb up. Taleb with a groin strike and we have a timeout. Back to action and Salikov with a big leg kick after Taleb lands a punch. They trade leg kicks. Salikhov with a spin kick that misses and Taleb lands a counter right hand. Taleb with a high kick. Salikhov with a right hand. Salikhov then lands a massive right hand that knocks Taleb out cold. Absolutely brutal finish as Salikhov gets the win.

Official Result- Muslim Salikov def. Nordine Taleb by TKO (punch) at 4:26 of Round 1

> Belal Muhammad (15-3, 6-3 UFC) vs. Takashi Sato (15-2, 1-0 UFC)
Welterweights

Muhammad with a jab and Sato lands a counter left. Muhammad with a left hook. They trade and Muhammad lands a left hand. Sato with the jab. Muhammad with a left hand and Sato stumbles. Muhammad shoots for a takedown and ends up taking the back with the body lock. Muhammad with a takedown and separates and lands a left hand as they stand. Sato with the jab. Muhammad with a right hand to the body and a left to the jaw. Muhammad goes for a takedown and grabs the back. They break. Muhammad with a high kick. Muhammad with a takedown slam and takes the back and looks to set up a choke. Muhammad with punches from the back. Muhammad ends the round with back control. 10-9 Muhammad.

Sato lands a left hand. Muhammad with a left hook. They trade and Muhammad with a right hand to the body followed by a left to the head. Muhammad gets a brief takedown and they get up and break. Muhammad with a body-head combo again. Muhammad shoots for a takedown and has the back of Sato against the fence but they break. Muhammad with a right hand. Muhammad with an overhand right. Muhammad with a combo. Muhammad has shown non-stop pressure. Sato gets a trip takedown into side control. Sato ends the round in this position. Close round. 10-9 Muhammad, 20-18 Muhammad.

They trade to start the third and both are landing. Muhammad lands a punch to the eye of Sato and Sato has a cut open up. Muhammad with a high kick. Muhammad shoots and grabs the back and almost has a takedown but Sato keeps upright and they break. Muhammad with a right hand. Muhammad gets Sato down and has the back and has a tight rear-naked choke locked in and he gets Sato to tap! Nice win by Muhammad, his first career submission win.

Official Result- Belal Muhammad def. Takashi Sato by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:55 of Round 3

FX/ESPN+ PRELIMS | 12 PM ET/9 AM PT

> Ottman Azaitar (11-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Teemu Packalen (8-2, 1-2 UFC)
Lightweights

Both throwing big punches early. Azaitar lands a right hand. Azaitar lands a right hand and then lands some punches. Packalen clinches and lands some knees but Azaitar lands punches. They break and Azaitar landing lots of big punches and Packalen is in trouble and circling away. Azaitar lands a right hand that knocks Packalen down for a second. Packalen shoots for a takedown but Azaitar gets away. Azaitar then knocks Packalen out cold with a brutal right hand. That was vicious. Packalen did a faceplant and was shaking on the ground. One of the most brutal knockouts of the year.

Official Result- Ottman Azaitar def. Teemu Packalen by knockout (punch) at 3:33 of Round 1

> Liana Jojua (7-2, 0-0 UFC) vs. Sarah Moras (5-5, 2-4 UFC)
Women’s Bantamweights* (Moras missed weight by 2 pounds)

They trade early. Moras pressuring Jojua up against the fence. They clinch and Moras has Jojua up against the fence. They trade knees. They continue to battle in the clinch. Moras with more control. Boring round. 10-9 Moras.

They both throw looping punches to start the second and neither landing much of anything. Moras pressures Jojua up against the fence in the clinch. They trade knees and Moras gets the back but switches back to the front. Jojua gets a takedown and is working in the guard of Moras. Moras tries for an armbar and a triangle but moves to the armbar but Jojua escapes. Jojua gets back in the guard and lands some elbows on Moras. Moras is able to reverse and now gets in the guard of Jojua. Jojua controlling posture but Moras lands from the top. Moras with some elbows but they didn’t seem to land. Moras ends the round on top. 10-9 Moras, 20-18 Moras.

Jojua gets a takedown and is working in the guard of Moras but Moras nullifying any offense from the top and they get up. Jojua tries a takedown but Moras stuffs it and takes the back and then reverse and Moras gets the mount on Jojua and lands some elbows. Jojua trying to scramble out and gives up the back. Moras landing punches and elbows from the top. Moras with more big shots and the referee stops the fight. Moras gets her first stoppage in the UFC.

Official Result- Sarah Moras def. Liana Jojua by TKO (strikes) at 2:26 of Round 3

> Zubaira Tukhugov (18-4, 3-1 UFC) vs. Lerone Murphy (8-0, 0-0 UFC)
Featherweights

Murphy with a low kick to start off. They trade punches. Tukhugov drops Murphy with a left hand and starts landing punches. Murphy gets up but Tukhugov landing lots of punches looking to finish. Tukhugov gets a takedown against the fence and has Murphy pinned against the fence. They get up for a brief moment before Tukhugov takes him back down. Tukhugov in the half-guard. Tukhugov still working from the top as Murphy tries to scramble out. Tukhugov pushes him against the fence. Murphy went for a late kimura attempt but Tukhugov escaped. 10-9 Tukhugov.

They trade early and Murphy landing some leg kicks. They trade punches. Murphy with the double jab and follows it with a straight right hand. Tukhugov with an uppercut. They trade and Tukhugov gets a takedown and pushes Murphy against the fence. Murphy gets a guillotine choke locked in and it was in deep but Tukhugov able to escape and they get to their feet. Murphy with a right hand. They trade and Murphy lands an uppercut. Tukhugov is slowing down a little. Murphy lands some kicks and Tukhugov goes for a takedown to get himself out of trouble. Tukhugov gets a takedown. Tukhugov ends the round on top. Close round. 10-9 Murphy, 19-19.

Murphy with a side kick. Murphy with a left hand and Tukhugov lands a counter right hand. Murphy coming forward with punches as Tukhugov circles away. Tukhugov shoots and Murphy stuffs the takedown. Tukhugov with a right hand. Murphy lands an uppercut. They trade punches. Tukhugov gets the body lock. Tukhugov trying for a takedown but they separate. Murphy misses a right hand. Murphy with a body kick and Tukhugov grabs the leg and takes him down. Tukhugov has side control and then takes the back of Murphy. Tukhugov gets the top and Murphy tries to escape and gives up his back. Tukhugov is definitely tired and they stand. Tukhugov gets a brief takedown. Murphy with a jumping knee. 10-9 Tukhugov, 29-28 Tukhugov.

Official Result- Zubaira Tukhugov vs. Lerone Murphy ends in a split draw (29-28, 28-29, 28-28)

> Joanne Calderwood (#5, 13-4, 5-4 UFC) vs. Andrea Lee (#6, 11-2, 3-0 UFC)
Women’s Flyweights

They trade early on. Calderwood with some teet kicks and lands a right hand. Lee with the jab. Calderwood with some front kicks and Lee landing the jab. They trade punches. Lee with a combo to the body. They trade kicks and then trade punches and Lee with a knee. Lee with a left hook to the body. Calderwood with some low kicks. Lee with some body punches and Calderwood lands a short knee. Lee with a low kick and Calderwood turns it into a takedown. They get right up and Calderwood lands a knee. Calderwood lands an elbow on the break and Lee falls down and is cut open, but she gets up. Calderwood with a high kick and Lee catches it and turns it into a takedown. Lee with some elbows from the top. Lee gets to side control and ends the round in that position. 10-9 Lee.

Calderwood coming out with kicks in the second. Calderwood with a right hand and Lee gets a body lock. Lee lands some knees and they break. They trade and Calderwood lands a knee. They trade kicks. Lee gets a takedown. They get to their feet and Lee has the body lock. They break and Calderwood lands a big elbow on the break. They trade punches and Calderwood lands a nice jab. Calderwood gets a late takedown but they trade as they get back to their feet at the end of the round. Close round. 10-9 Calderwood, 19-19.

They are both throwing to start the third round. Lee lands a straight right hand. Calderwood with a combo in return ending with a high kick. Calderwood coming forward and landing teet kicks but Lee is firing back punches. They trade punches. Calderwood with a front kick to the face and Lee gets a clinch against the fence. They trade as they break. Lee shoots for a takedown and completes it. Lee grabs the back of Calderwood as they stand. Lee lands a knee and pushes Calderwood against the fence. They break. Calderwood with a front kick. Calderwood with a knee as Lee was shooting for a takedown. Calderwood has clinch advantage against the fence. Calderwood gets a brief takedown and has control as the fight ends. Close fight. 10-9 Calderwood, 29-28 Calderwood.

Official Result- Joanne Calderwood def. Andrea Lee by split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)

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> Mairbek Taisumov (27-5, 7-1 UFC) vs. Diego Ferreira (15-2, 6-2 UFC)
Lightweights

Taisumov with a leg kick. Taisumov with a big leg kick. Taisumov lands a right hand. Taisumov with an uppercut and Ferreira counters with a right hand. Ferreira with a body kick. They clinch for a moment but break. Ferreira with a leg kick. Taisumov lands a big combo that stuns Ferreira but he circles away. Taisumov lands a right hand. Ferreira with a jab and follows it with a right hand. Taisumov with a leg kick. Ferreira lands a big right hand at the end. 10-9 Taisumov.

They trade punches to start the second. They trade and Ferreria lands a right hand. Ferreira with a right hand. Ferreira shoots for a takedown but Taisumov gets a judo throw and almost escapes but Ferreira still has the clinch control. There was a headbutt in there by Ferreira and they are separated. They trade. Ferreira with a body kick and he is far more active in this round. Ferreira with a leg kick. They trade punches and Taisumov lands a big left hook. Ferreira tries a takedown but Taisumov shakes him off. Ferreira with a spin kick at the end. 10-9 Ferreira, 19-19.

Ferreira with a high kick and then lands a combo. Taisumov really slowing down. Ferreira with constant pressure and lands a body kick. They trade punches and Ferreira with another body kick. Ferreira with a right hand. Ferreira with a head kick that stuns Taisumov and then lands a jab. Ferreira with a combination. Taisumov is bloody on the nose. Ferreira with a right hand and then a combo to the body. Ferreira stalking him down and landing kicks and punches. Ferreira with a right hand. Ferreira with a combo ending with a head kick. Ferreira lands punches late. 10-9 Ferreira, 29-28 Ferreira.

Official Result- Diego Ferreria def. Mairbek Taisumov by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-27)

> Curtis Blaydes (#4, 11-2 1 NC, 6-2 1 NC UFC) vs. Shamil Abdurakhimov (#9, 20-4, 5-2 UFC)
Heavyweights

Blaydes shoots right in for a takedown and gets it. Blaydes with punches from the top. They get to their feet. Blaydes gets another takedown. He gets into side control. They get to their feet. Abdurakhimov with an uppercut. Blaydes gets another takedown. He has the back. Blaydes with punches from the top. They get to their feet and Blaydes takes Abdurakhimov right back down. Blaydes with punches from the top. Blaydes gets the mount and was landing big punches and elbows as the round ended. That came very close to being a finish by Blaydes. Total dominating round. 10-8 Blaydes.

Blaydes gets an immediate takedown and is on top. Blaydes landing punches from the top and has back control. He is landing lots of punches and Abdurakhimov is being told to defend. Blaydes gets back to the half-guard. Blaydes lands a few more punches and Abdurakhimov is busted wide open and Marc Goddard stops the fight. Total domination by Blaydes in getting the win.

Official Result- Curtis Blaydes def. Shamil Abdurakhimov by TKO (punches) at 2:22 of Round 2

> Islam Makhachev (#15, 17-1, 6-1 UFC) vs. Davi Ramos (10-2, 4-1 UFC)
Lightweights

They trade body kicks to start the fight. Crowd chanting loudly for Makhachev. Makhachev with a left hand. Makhachev with a high kick. Ramos attempts a takedown but Makhachev defends. Ramos with a right hand. They are both looking for openings and both looking to counter the other. Makhachev with a body punch. They both throw punches and Makhachev lands. Ramos misses a right hand. Real nothing round. 10-9 Makhachev.

Makhachev with a high kick and Ramos counters with a flurry of punches. They clinch and trade knees. They trade punches and break. Makhachev with a body kick. Makhachev with a left hand to the body. Ramos lands a left hand. Makhachev with a left hand. He lands another. They trade and Makhachev lands a knee. Makhachev with a left hand. They trade and Makhachev landing bunches of punches. 10-9 Makhachev, 20-18 Makhachev.

Makhachev drops Ramos with a huge knee and starts unloading punches on the ground looking to finish but Ramos is able to pull him into the guard. Makhachev working from the top and the guard and Ramos is looking a little tired. Makhachev landing more punches from the top as he has Ramos’ legs pinned against the fence. Makhachev moves back to the guard and landing more from the top. Makhachev landing more from the top but Ramos landing a little from the bottom. Makhachev ends the fight on top. 10-9 Makhachev, 30-26 Makhachev.

Official Result- Islam Makhachev def. Davi Ramos by unanimous decision (29-27, 30-26, 30-26)

> Edson Barboza (#7, 20-7, 14-7 UFC) vs. Paul Felder (#10, 16-4, 8-4 UFC)
Lightweights

Barboza with some calf kicks and then a body kick. Felder with a left hand. They clinch and Felder pushes Barboza up against the fence. They break. Felder with a body punch and Barboza lands a counter left hand. Felder with a leg kick. They trade and Felder pushes Barboza against the fence and they break. Barboza with a body kick. Felder with a combo and most miss. Barboza with a leg kick. They trade punches. Felder misses a spin kick. Barboza with a big body kick. Barboza with a high body kick. Felder with a right hand. 10-9 Barboza.

They trade early. Both land leg kicks. Felder lands a left hook. Barboza gets a takedown. Felder with some elbows from the bottom. Barboza is cut open from the elbows. Barboza with punches from the top as Felder is landing elbows from the bottom. Felder looking for an armbar from the bottom. Barboza gets himself out of it and they get to their feet. Felder with a right hand. They trade leg kicks. Felder with an uppercut and Barboza lands a counter left hook. Felder with a right hand to the body and they clinch. They break and both land punches in close range. Felder shoots for a takedown but Barboza defends. They end the round tied up against the fence. 10-9 Felder, 19-19.

They trade heavy punches to start the third. Barboza with a body kick. Felder comes forward and lands a combo. Felder landing the jab. Barboza lands a right hand. Felder lands a left hook. Barboza with a spinning back fist. Barboza with a step-in knee. Both land spinning stuff- Barboza a kick and Felder a punch. Felder with a combo. Felder coming forward and lands a right hand. Felder with the jab. Barboza with a leg kick. They clinch against the fence. They break to the center. They trade and Felder defends a takedown attempt from Barboza. Barboza gets a brief late takedown. Super close fight. 10-9 Felder, 29-28 Felder.

Official Result- Paul Felder def. Edson Barboza by split decision (27-30, 29-28, 30-27)

> Khabib Nurmagomedov (C, 27-0, 11-0 UFC) vs. Dustin Poirier (IC, 25-5 1 NC, 17-4 1 NC UFC)
UFC Lightweight Championship

Both men being patient in the first minute. Poirier with a leg kick. Nurmagomedov with a combo and shoots for the takedown. Nurmagomedov gets Poirier down but they get up and Nurmagomedov has back control. They go to the mat and Nurmagomedov has the back. Nurmagomedov looking for the choke but moves to the top and has the mount. Nurmagomedov has the back again and looking for a choke. Nurmagomedov lands punches from the back. Nurmagomedov with more punches and he has a choke locked in. It is more of a neck crank but Nurmagomedov lets go. They get to their feet. Poirier with a knee to the body. Nurmagomedov gets the back and trips Poirier to the ground. They stand and Nurmagomedov with some knees and he then takes Poirier back down. Nurmagomedov has mount and lands some big elbows at the end and punches. Big round for Nurmagomedov. 10-8 Nurmagomedov.

Poirier with a leg kick. Nurmagomedov tries a flying knee but Poirier ducks away. Poirier lands a left hand. Poirier with a combo and Nurmagomedov is retreating. Both landed some good punches in there. They both land. Nurmagomedov with a leg kick. Nurmagomedov with a takedown. He gets to the side control. Nurmagomedov gets to the top and lands some punches. Poirier gives up his back and is cut open. They stand and Nurmagomedov trying for another takedown. They are clinched up against the fence but break. Nurmagomedov goes back for another takedown and has the back of Poirier. Nurmagomedov with a knee late. 10-9 Nurmagomedov, 20-17 Nurmagomedov.

Nurmagomedov lands a body kick. Nurmagomedov with a right hand. Nurmagomedov gets a takedown but Poirier has the neck and a guillotine choke locked in. It is tight and Nurmagomedov staying composed. Poirier still has it locked in. Nurmagomedov fighting it off and gets out. Nurmagomedov gets the back now. He has a rear-naked choke locked in and Poirier taps! Khabib Nurmagomedov gets the submission win in a truly classic performance to remain the undefeated champion.

Official Result- Khabib Nurmagomedov def. Dustin Poirier by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:06 of Round 3 to retain the UFC Lightweight Championship

VIDEO: UFC summer press conference with Khabib, Cormier, more

Posted on by Josh Nason

As part of International Fight Week and UFC 239 weekend, the company will preview some of the big fights already made for the second half of the year at a Friday press conference in Las Vegas, NV.

While the full lineup is set to be announced, UFC president Dana White will be in attendance as will the following fighters:

– UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway and Frankie Edgar who will fight on July 27th at UFC 240

– UFC heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier and Stipe Miocic who will fight on August 17th at UFC 241

– UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier who will fight on September 7th at UFC 242

Holloway vs. Edgar has been attempted twice before, but injuries caused both times to be cancelled. The Cormier-Miocic fight is a rematch from last summer when Cormier knocked Miocic out to become a double champion. This will be Nurmagomedov’s first fight since submitting rival Conor McGregor last October.

You can watch the video below starting around 5:30 PM Eastern/2:30 PM Pacific.

UFC, Dana White intervening in latest McGregor-Khabib Twitter feud

Posted on by Josh Nason

In a sport built on feuding parties, there are some exchanges that go too far even for the UFC and its president Dana White.

On Tuesday night, former UFC two-division champion and recently retired Conor McGregor went on a tweet spree with several of his favorite targets, boxer Paulie Malignaggi and current UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, as targets.

Among several now deleted tweets directed at Nurmagomedov’s teammates, McGregor went after Nurmagomedov’s wife, posting pictures of the two at their wedding with the caption “Your wife is a towel mate”. She was covered up as part of their religion.

Nurmagomedov’s manager Ali Abdelaziz and the champion himself fought back with several tweets of their own, culminating with Nurmagomedov posting a now infamous picture of McGregor with a woman that claims she had McGregor’s baby with the caption, “Rapist, you are Rapist. You are a hypocrite who is not responsible for your actions. Justice will find you. We will see.”

That prompted White to get involved as he made a statement via UFC.com Wednesday:

“I am aware of the recent social media exchange between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor. The ongoing situation has escalated to a level that is unacceptable. As such, we are taking the necessary steps to reach out to both athlete camps and this situation is being addressed by all parties internally.”

It’s unclear what those steps are, but Nurmagomedov is still on a Nevada Athletic Commission suspension for most of 2019 and McGregor is, as he says, retired.

McGregor and Nurmagomedov have been at odds for several years, erupting in April 2018 when McGregor and his team stormed a bus where Nurmagomedov and other fighters were on during a UFC media day. The Irishman threw a metal dolly through the window injuring several fighters. Nurmagomedov won their October clash via fourth round submission, but a brawl between both fighters’ camps erupted after the fight ended, resulting in the aforementioned suspensions.