The long-awaited return of UFC superstar Conor McGregor has officially been set.
McGregor, the former UFC Lightweight and Featherweight Champion, will return to the Octagon at UFC 329 on July 11 when he faces Max Holloway. It will headline UFC’s annual International Fight Week event, taking place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The fight was officially announced by Dana White on his Instagram during Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 276 event on Paramount+ after being rumored for several weeks.
McGregor will be fighting for the first time since July 2021, when he suffered a broken lower tibia in a trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier, losing in the first round after the ringside doctor stopped the fight. It was McGregor’s second straight loss to Poirier, and he has just one win in his last four fights.
McGregor has had plenty of time in the limelight since then, appearing in the remake of Road House and becoming a part-owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. He also married his long-time partner, Dee Devlin, in a ceremony in December.
He also appeared as a coach on season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter opposite Michael Chandler. The season was supposed to culminate in a fight between the two in June 2024, but McGregor pulled out of the fight due to a broken toe. He also served an 18-month suspension for failing to disclose his whereabouts under the UFC’s drug policy, with the suspension coming to an end in March.
McGregor and Holloway fought once before at a UFC Fight Night event in August 2013 in Boston. McGregor won that bout by unanimous decision. Both have since gone on to become decorated champions and future Hall of Fame fighters. That fight took place at 145 pounds, and the rematch will take place at 170 pounds.
The current UFC 329 card includes: -Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway -Paddy Pimblett vs. Benoit Saint-Denis -Cory Sandhagen vs. Mario Bautista -Brandon Royval vs. Lone’er Kavanagh -Gable Steveson vs. Elisha Ellison -Robert Whittaker vs. Nikita Krylov -Luke Riley vs. Kai Kamaka -Cody Garbrandt vs. Adrian Yanez -Cesar Almeida vs. Damian Pinas -Tracy Cortez vs. Wang Cong -Ode Osbourne vs. Cody Durden -Zachary Reese vs. Ryan Gandra
Two bonafide future UFC Hall of Fame fighters step inside the Octagon to do battle this weekend as UFC 326 takes place inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, airing on Paramount+ with a special two-hour block of fights airing on CBS for the first time.
The main event sees the UFC BMF Championship on the line as current title holder Max Holloway defends against Charles Oliveira. This is a rematch of a fight that never really got going over a decade ago when Holloway scored a win over Oliveria in August 2015 when Oliveira suffered an injury less than two minutes into the fight. Both men have gone on to become champions and carve out legendary careers heading into this rematch.
The co-main event is a middleweight bout between two men aiming to get back into title contention as Caio Borralho takes on Reinier de Ridder.
Also on the main card is a bantamweight bout between Rob Font and Raul Rosas Jr.; a lightweight bout pitting Drew Dober against Michael Johnson; and a middleweight bout between Gregory Rodrigues and Brunno Ferreira.
The Dober vs. Johnson and Rodrigues vs. Ferreira bouts, as well as a bantamweight fight between Cody Garbrandt and Xiao Long, and a middleweight bout between Donte Johnson and Cody Brundage, will air on CBS, the first two-hour block of UFC action on the station under the new media rights deal. That two-hour block begins at 8 p.m. eastern time.
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> Light Heavyweights- Luke Fernandez (6-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Rodolfo Bellato (12-3-1 1 NC, 1-1-1 1 NC UFC)
Fernandez lands a knee to the body to start. Fernandez lands a leg kick and starts working the jab. Fernandez with a right hand and a pair of uppercuts backs Bellato up and they clinch against the fence. Fernandez with some knees as Bellato lands to the body. Fernandez lands a right hand as they break. Fernandez works the jab as Bellato lands a left hook to the body. Fernandez lands a solid right hand. Fernandez with some uppercuts in a brief clinch. Bellato lands in close range and drops Fernandez. Bellato starts teeing off on the ground and Fernandez gives up his back. Bellato with tons of shots and it is stopped! Bellato scores an upset in the opener.
Fight Result- Rodolfo Bellato def. Luke Fernandez by TKO (punches) at 2:42 of Round 1
> Light Heavyweights- Rafael Tobias (14-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Diyar Nurgozhay (10-2, 0-2 UFC)
Nurgozhay lands some straight left hands and a front kick to the body. Tobias swings and misses as Nurgozhay lands to the body. Nurgozhay with a leg kick and lands a left hand followed by a front kick. They trade and Nurgozhay grabs the body and they go to the fence. Nurgozhay lands a groin strike and Tobias is hurt as Nurgozhay is continuing to land and Herb Dean calls a stop to call timeout for the groin shot. They return to action and Nurgozhay lands a combination. Nurgozhay with a leg kick. Tobias lands a leg kick. Nurgozhay with a left hand. Nurgozhay lands to the body. Tobias with a high kick. Tobias lands a right hand but eats a counter combo from Nurgozhay. They trade and Nurgozhay lands a body kick. Tobias lands a right hand. They both connect in close range. Nurgozhay lands a right hand and Tobias lands a right hand. 10-9 Nurgozhay.
Nurgozhay lands a combo and a leg kick. Nurgozhay with a left hand. Nurgozhay lands another left hand. Nurgozhay with a leg kick followed by a left hand. Tobias isn’t really landing much. Nurgozhay lands a stiff left hand. Tobias grabs a leg but lets go and lands a combo. Tobias looks for a takedown against the fence but Nurgozhay grabs the fence to block it. Tobias is working hard for the takedown but Nurgozhay is defending. They separate. Tobias lands a big right hand and another punch and Nurgozhay is hurt. Tobias scores a takedown and gets the mount. Tobias landing left hands from the top. Tobias is looking to set up a choke but Nurgozhay reverses into the guard of Tobias. Nurgozhay landing big shots from the top. Nurgozhay stands and Tobias is just laying on the ground and is ordered up at the end of the round. 10-9 Nurgozhay, 20-18 Nurgozhay.
Nurgozhay lands a pair of body kicks. He lands another as Tobias lands a left hand. Nurgozhay lands a straight left hand to the body. Nurgozhay lands a left hand and a front kick to the body. Nurgozhay with some leg kicks. Nurgozhay lands a combination and a front kick to the body again. Tobias with a body kick. They’re trading in close range but not a lot of action is happening. Tobias forces a clinch and looks for a takedown but Nurgozhay defends. Both land a knee as they battle for position. Tobias gets Nurgozhay down and has the back and jumps on it as they stand. Tobias looks for a leg. 10-9 Nurgozhay, 30-27 Nurgozhay.
Fight Result- Diyar Nurgozhay def. Rafael Tobias by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
> Flyweights- Sumudaerji (18-7, 5-4 UFC) vs. Jesus Aguilar (12-3, 4-2 UFC)
Sumudaerji lands an inside leg kick. Sumudaerji works the jab as Aguilar lands a leg kick. Aguilar with a calf kick as Sumudaerji just misses a jumping knee. Aguilar looks for a takedown against the fence as they clinch. Aguilar with a few short knees against the fence. They break apart. Sumudaerji lands a straight left hand and a low kick that hits the groin of Aguilar and timeout is called. They get back going. Sumudaerji with a pair of kicks. Sumudaerji lands a head kick. Sumudaerji with a wheel kick that Aguilar barely blocks. Aguilar lands a leg kick but eats a combo from Sumudaerji. Sumudaerji lands a high kick. Sumudaerji with a big throw takedown and he starts landing from the top, but they quickly stand. They trade punches. 10-9 Sumudaerji.
They’re both throwing various kicks to start the second but neither really landing. Sumudaerji lands a left hand. Sumudaerji scores a takedown and lands from the top. Aguilar gets Sumudaerji inside his full guard. Sumudaerji lands but they scramble up. Sumudaerji lands an uppercut. Sumudaerji with a front kick then lands a leg kick. Aguilar looks for a takedown but Sumudaerji defends and they trade late. 10-9 Sumudaerji, 20-18 Sumudaerji.
Aguilar throws a flurry but Sumudaerji grabs him and scores a takedown. Sumudaerji tries to keep Aguilar pinned but they get up, though Sumudaerji gets Aguilar back down to the mat. They scramble up and separate. Sumudaerji lands a front kick and a jab as Aguilar lands a right hand. Sumudaerji lands a jumping knee but it allows Aguilar to get a takedown. They get up and Aguilar lands before they break apart. Sumudaerji lands a body kick followed by a solid combination. Aguilar looks for a single leg as they push to the fence. Sumudaerji lands and Aguilar backs off. Sumudaerji with a spin kick to the body. Aguilar lands a left hand. Sumudaerji lands a big left hand and a big flurry late and Aguilar briefly went down near the end. 10-9 Sumudaerji, 30-27 Sumudaerji.
Fight Result- Sumudaerji def. Jesus Aguilar by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Both land leg kicks early on. Durden shoots for a takedown but Tumendemberel grabs the neck and looks for a guillotine choke. Durden is able to get out and they get up with Durden still having body control. Tumendemberel is able to force separation. They trade leg kicks and Durden shoots for a takedown. Tumendemberel grabs the neck and uses it to scramble up. Durden back attacking the takedown against the fence. Durden gets another takedown but Tumendemberel gets to sprawl position and they stand. Tumendemberel gets a big takedown and is in the guard of Durden. Durden looking for an armbar from the bottom. Tumendemberel escapes and they get to their feet. Durden gets Tumendemberel back down but eats some hard elbows at the same time. 10-9 Tumendemberel.
Tumendemberel lands a left hand and they trade in close range. Durden looks for a takedown but Tumendemberel scrambles to the top, though Durden attacks the leg. Tumendemberel is able to take the back of Durden and is working for a choke with the body triangle locked on. Durden reverses and is now on top. Tumendemberel is able to reverse and is on top in side control. Tumendemberel with a big elbow and some right hands from the top. Durden attacks the leg but Tumendemberel gets out and they stand. Tumendemberel lands a right hand right into a takedown. Tumendemberel controlling the neck as he lands a short elbow. Durden gives up his back and Tumendemberel lands some punches though one was to the back of the head. They stand and Durden lands a right hand before the bell and Tumendemberel lands a right hand way after the bell. 10-9 Tumendemberel, 20-18 Tumendemberel.
They clinch right up and scramble to the mat and go to the fence with Tumendemberel on top. Tumendemberel gets the back but Durden escapes and jumps on the back of Tumendemberel as they’re on the feet. Tumendemberel shakes Durden off and is on top and lands a pair of elbows. They stand as Tumendemberel lands some knees. Tumendemberel gets the back as they go back to the mat. Tumendemberel with a right hand from the back and he starts looking for a choke. Durden is rolling as Tumendemberel keeps the back, but Durden ends up on top. Durden looks for an arm triangle choke. He has it locked in but Tumendemberel rolls and Durden lets go and is now on the back. Durden lands from the back. Tumendemberel shakes Durden off and lands a right hand and gets into side control. Tumendemberel attacks the neck. Tumendemberel lands after the bell again. 10-9 Durden, 29-28 Tumendemberel.
> Featherweights- Ricky Turcios (12-5, 2-3 UFC) vs. Alberto Montes (10-1, 0-0 UFC)
Turcios lands a leg kick. They trade leg kicks and Turcios looks for a takedown, but Montes defends it as they’re tied up against the fence. They trade knees against the fence before breaking apart. Montes works the jab. Turcios lands a leg kick. They trade in close range. Turcios pushes Montes against the fence. They break apart and Montes lands an elbow. Montes lands a combination then a knee as they tie up for a moment. They trade combinations. Montes lands an uppercut followed by two solid right hands. Turcios gets the clinch against the fence. Montes lands a knee to the body. They break apart and both land punches. Montes grabs the neck as they sprawl. Montes with a knee to the body as they stand. Montes lands a body kick followed by a right hand and another front kick to the body. 10-9 Montes.
They trade and Turcios looks for a takedown. Montes grabs the neck and locks in an anaconda choke. It is in deep and Turcios goes out! What a finish from Montes!
Fight Result- Alberto Montes def. Ricky Turcios by submission (D’Arce choke) at :40 of Round 2
> Middleweights- Donte Johnson (7-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Cody Brundage (11-8-1 1 NC, 5-7-1 1 NC UFC)
Brundage gets a takedown as Johnson went to land to start. Brundage pushes it to the fence from the top. Brundage is just holding on at the moment. Johnson with short shots from the bottom as Brundage isn’t doing much on top. Brundage with a few left hands from the top. Johnson scrambles and they get to their feet. Johnson lands some kicks. Brundage lands a right hand. He lands another. They trade punches. Johnson with a combo as Brundage lands a jab. Johnson lands a pair of right hands. 10-9 Brundage.
Johnson lands a little. Brundage shoots for a takedown but Johnson sprawls and grabs the neck. They’re just laying on the mat in sprawl position. Johnson looks to transition as Brundage just stays on his knees. Brundage attacks the leg and gets Johnson down and takes the back. Brundage lands two right hands from the back. Johnson tries to stand with Brundage on his back. Brundage attacks an arm. Johnson gets out and lands big shots from the top. Brundage gives up his back and is covering up as Johnson lands. Johnson has the neck and lands some right hands. Johnson continues to control the neck and land punches. Johnson stands and backs off to let Brundage up. Timeout is called for an eye poke by Johnson. They get back going and Johnson lands. 10-9 Johnson, 19-19.
Brundage shoots for a takedown but Johnson sprawls and grabs the neck. Johnson lets go and they stand. Johnson working the jab. Johnson lands a pair of leg kicks. Brundage lands a right hand. Brundage with a leg kick. Johnson lands a left hook. Brundage lands a pair of jabs. They trade left hands. Johnson lands a left hand. Brundage still mainly working the jab. Brundage lands a leg kick. Brundage with a stiff jab. Johnson cracks Brundage with a right hand and Brundage looks for a takedown. Brundage lets go and Johnson is pressing forward and lands a left hand. Brundage looks for a takedown but Johnson sprawls. They get back up. They both throw at the end. 10-9 Johnson, 29-28 Johnson.
Fight Result- Donte Johnson def. Cody Brundage by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
> Bantamweights- Cody Garbrandt (14-7, 9-7 UFC) vs. Xiao Long (27-10, 1-2 UFC)
Garbrandt lands a combination. Long lands a pair of leg kicks then a head kick. Garbrandt looks to set up a takedown and lands a knee. Garbrandt with a left hand. Long lands a body kick. Garbrandt ducks under a punch and gets the underhooks against the fence. Garbrandt lands an elbow and Long goes to a knee but gets right up. Garbrandt lands a body kick. Garbrandt with a spinning elbow. Long lands a pair of leg kicks. Garbrandt with a leg kick. Long lands a head kick. Garbrandt gets a brief takedown and has the back as they get to their feet. They break apart and Garbrandt lands an elbow on the break. Garbrandt with a quick combo. 10-9 Long.
They trade leg kicks. They tie up as both look for a takedown but they end up separating. Garbrandt with a front kick to the body. Long still working mainly leg kicks. Garbrandt lands a right hand. Long with a right hand and a body kick. Long presses forward with some punches and a body kick. Long with a leg kick that trips Garbrandt up. They clinch along the fence but quickly break apart. Long with a body kick. Long with a head kick that Garbrandt blocks. Long lands a right hand. Garbrandt lands a knee. A clash of heads sends Long down for a moment near the end of the round but he gets up. 10-9 Long, 20-18 Long.
Garbrandt lands a leg kick. Long lands a groin kick and timeout is called. They resume and Long lands another groin strike, this one worse than the last one, and timeout is called again. Garbrandt was puking into a bucket during timeout but he is going to continue. Long has a point taken away and they get back going. Garbrandt rushes out with a flying knee. They clinch against the fence. Long with a pair of knees and one landed to the groin again. Timeout is called and Long has another point taken away. They get back to action. Garbrandt lands a right hand. Garbrandt with a quick combo but not much is happening. Garbrandt with another quick combo. They briefly clinch and Garbrandt lands a knee. Long with a head kick. Long lands a knee to the head. Garbrandt lands a knee as they separate. Long gets a late takedown and ends the fight on top. 9-8 Garbrandt due to the point deductions, 28-27 Long.
Fight Result- Cody Garbrandt def. Xiao Long by unanimous decision (28-27, 28-27, 28-27)
Nothing has happened in the first minute. Ferreira lands a right hand. Rodrigues lands a massive right hand and Ferreira goes down and is out and it is all over!
Fight Result- Gregory Rodrigues def. Brunno Ferreira by knockout (punch) at 1:47 of Round 1
> Lightweights- Drew Dober (28-15 1 NC, 14-11 1 NC UFC) vs. Michael Johnson (24-19, 16-15 UFC)
Johnson lands a leg kick then a left hand. Johnson with a combination and Dober backs up due to it. Dober lands a leg kick. Johnson with an inside leg kick. Dober connects with a left hand. Johnson lands a big left hand. They trade in close range. Johnson lands a leg kick. Dober lands a right hook. Dober lands a leg kick. Dober with a left hand and a body kick. Johnson lands a leg kick and a left hand. They both land left hands. Johnson lands a solid left hand. Johnson with a leg kick. 10-9 Johnson.
They trade to start the second. Johnson lands a right hand. Dober with a leg kick. Dober lands a body kick. Dober lands a leg kick and Johnson lands a counter right hand. Dober lands a solid left hand as Johnson lands a jab. Dober lands a massive left hand and Johnson goes down and is out cold! What a knockout by Dober!
Fight Result- Drew Dober def. Michael Johnson by TKO (punch) at 1:53 of Round 2
> Bantamweights- #13 Rob Font (22-9, 12-8 UFC) vs. Raul Rosas Jr. (11-1, 5-1 UFC)
They both land leg kicks. Font with a body kick. Font lands a stiff jab. Rosas Jr. lands a leg kick. Rosas Jr. lands a leg kick and spins out of Font grabbing the leg. Rosas Jr. works the jab. Font lands a pair of body shots followed by a right hand. Rosas Jr. scores a takedown. Rosas Jr. with some body shots from the top. They almost posture up but Rosas Jr. keeps it down, though they get back up. Rosas Jr. has back control and drags Font back down, but they stand. Rosas Jr. keeps dragging Font down but they always immediately stand. Rosas Jr. keeps back control as the round ends. 10-9 Rosas Jr..
Rosas Jr. gets a takedown and Font threatens with a triangle choke, but Rosas Jr. escapes and is inside the guard of Font. They scramble up and Rosas Jr. has back control. Rosas Jr. gets Font back down from the back, but Font is able to recover his guard. Rosas Jr. looks to transition to side control. Both land elbows. Font rolls out but Rosas Jr. is able to keep him down. Rosas Jr. sweeps to the half-guard. Rosas Jr. lands from the top. 10-9 Rosas Jr., 20-18 Rosas Jr..
Font lands a right hand. Rosas Jr. scores a takedown and lands some from the top before they stand. Rosas Jr. has back control and drags Font back to the mat. Rosas Jr. gets into the half-guard. They keep getting up and Rosas Jr. keeps dragging it back down and controlling and landing from the top as they go the distance. 10-9 Rosas Jr., 30-27 Rosas Jr..
Fight Result- Raul Rosas Jr. def. Rob Font by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Middleweights- #7 Caio Borralho (17-2 1 NC, 7-1 UFC) vs. #8 Reinier de Ridder (21-3, 4-1 UFC)
Borralho lands a spin kick. Borralho lands some leg kicks. They trade and Borralho lands a right hand and de Ridder slips to the mat but he gets right up. Borralho lands a left hand and then de Ridder lands a groin strike and timeout is called. They get back to action. Borralho lands a leg kick and de Ridder lands a combo. Borralho with a left hand and a leg kick. Borralho lands a solid combination. Both land some solid kicks. de Ridder scores a takedown and has back control as they scramble. They get back up and de Ridder maintains control and gets Borralho back down. Borralho lands an elbow and they get up. 10-9 Borralho.
Borralho lands a leg kick. Borralho lands a left hand. de Ridder grabs Borralho and is looking for a takedown as he has the body lock. de Ridder ends up letting go and they trade punches. Borralho lands a leg kick. de Ridder lands a combination. They both land and clinch at the end. 10-9 de Ridder, 19-19.
de Ridder lands a knee and Borralho is able to score a takedown. Borralho gets the half-guard and both land elbows to the body. They end up getting up after not much action. Both land punches and Borralho lands a leg kick. de Ridder lands a combination. Borralho lands a body shot. They trade late. 10-9 Borralho, 29-28 Borralho.
Fight Result- Caio Borralho def. Reinier de Ridder by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> UFC BMF Championship- C Max Holloway (27-8, 23-8 UFC) vs. #3 LW Charles Oliveira (36-11 1 NC, 24-11 1 NC UFC)
Oliveira lands a pair of leg kicks. Holloway lands a right hand. Holloway with a right hand followed by a jab. Both land combinations. They are throwing big shots and Oliveira gets a takedown. Oliveira lands a knee to the belly and then stands. Oliveira goes back down in side control and lands some elbows. Holloway gives up his back and Oliveira jumps on it as they stand. Oliveira is looking for a choke and it’s on the face. Oliveira is squeezing but lets go as Holloway escapes. Oliveira with left hands. He now lands some elbows to the body. Oliveira looks for the choke again but Holloway escapes. Holloway survives the round. 10-9 Oliveira.
They trade right hands. Holloway with a quick combination. Oliveira lands a body kick and looks for a takedown and gets it. Oliveira gets to top side mount. Oliveira is working for a choke again. Oliveira gets the back and is trying to find an opening for a choke as Holloway is defending. Oliveira lets go and lands some big elbows. Oliveira has the back with the hooks on and lands some hard elbows. Oliveira looks for a choke. Holloway fights it off. The action stalls a little late in the round. Oliveira lands a right hand. 10-8 Oliveira, 20-17 Oliveira.
I don’t know what happened in the first two minutes of round three as the Paramount+ feed completely died, but it came back on with Oliveira on top and looking for the mount. Oliveira working from the half-guard and lands to the body. Holloway is pinned on the bottom and unable to escape. Oliveira lands an elbow. Oliveira lands from the top to end the round. 10-9 Oliveira, 30-26 Oliveira.
Holloway lands a leg kick and a right hand. Holloway having success with his striking. Oliveira shoots for a takedown and has the body lock. Holloway is defending. Oliveira gets Holloway down to the mat. Oliveira gets the mount and lands some big elbows. Holloway is trying to scramble out but gives up his back. Oliveira has the body triangle locked on but not a lot of action is happening. 10-9 Oliveira, 40-35 Oliveira.
They trade and Holloway scores a takedown. Oliveira is trying to sweep out from the bottom as Holloway lands some short punches from the top. They end up back on their feet and Oliveira scores a takedown. Oliveira working from inside the guard of Holloway. Oliveira lands a pair of elbows. Oliveira gets to the half-guard as he’s pressuring from the top. They get to their feet and Oliveira has the back. They both land right hands at the end. 10-9 Oliveira, 50-44 Oliveira.
Fight Result- Charles Oliveira def. Max Holloway by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) to win the UFC BMF Championship
UFC 326 goes down on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and the fight card is loaded with genuine finish potential from top to bottom. Here are my predictions for every bout on the card.
Fight
Pick
Best path to victory
Biggest risk
Confidence
Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira 2
Max Holloway
Holloway’s volume striking at 7.20 significant strikes landed per minute, combined with elite takedown defense, makes him the more reliable minute-winner over five rounds.
Oliveira only needs one clean scramble or grappling entry to threaten a submission finish.
High
Caio Borralho vs. Reinier de Ridder
Caio Borralho
Borralho’s edge in striking output, stronger defensive numbers, and ability to keep long stretches upright point to a control-based decision win.
De Ridder’s submission game remains dangerous if he can consistently force grappling exchanges.
High
Rob Font vs. Raul Rosas Jr.
Raul Rosas Jr.
Rosas Jr.’s pressure, finishing instinct, and current four-fight win streak make him a strong stylistic fit in a matchup built around pace and aggression.
Font’s veteran durability and punching power can flip the fight if Rosas gets reckless on entries.
Medium
Gregory Rodrigues vs. Matheus Nicolau Ferreira
Gregory Rodrigues
Rodrigues brings the more complete finishing game, with credible stopping power on the feet and enough threat on the mat to dictate the terms.
Ferreira is most dangerous in open striking exchanges where he can land clean first.
Medium
Drew Dober vs. Michael Johnson
Drew Dober
Dober’s proven lightweight power and recent momentum give him the stronger upside in what projects as a standup-heavy fight.
Johnson’s upset run shows he is still capable of disrupting expectations with speed and timing.
Medium
Main Event: Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira 2
Holloway enters as a clear favorite at around -188, with Oliveira priced as a +188 underdog. The key stylistic argument is simple: Holloway’s volume striking at 7.20 significant strikes per minute (via UFCStats) will be the dominant factor if the fight stays standing, and his takedown defense, which is historically elite, should neutralize the biggest threat in Oliveira’s arsenal.
Fighter
Odds
Finish Method Probability
Max Holloway
-188
KO/TKO: 40%, Decision: 45%
Charles Oliveira
+188
Submission: 35%, KO/TKO: 15%
Oliveira does hold a 5-inch reach advantage and a legitimate path to victory through his elite submission grappling. One scramble, one lapse in Holloway’s defense, and the fight is over. However, Holloway’s speed and sharp boxing should allow him to control distance and punish Oliveira’s forward pressure on the feet.
Prediction: Max Holloway wins by TKO, Round 4. Holloway’s output accumulates punishment over the championship rounds, and Oliveira’s chin, tested by Makhachev and Poirier, likely eventually buckles under the volume.
Co-Main: Caio Borralho vs. Reinier de Ridder
Borralho is a significant -235 favorite, with de Ridder at +180. Borralho averages 3.4 significant strikes per minute to de Ridder’s 2.2, and his striking defense sits at a superior 63% compared to de Ridder’s 44%. De Ridder’s path to victory runs almost entirely through his grappling, as he has 14 submission wins from 21 total victories, but Borralho’s takedown defense and scramble ability should keep this upright for significant stretches.
Prediction: Caio Borralho wins by unanimous decision. Borralho out-strikes de Ridder across three rounds, denies the takedowns often enough to earn the judges’ scorecards, and reasserts himself as a legitimate middleweight title contender.
Main Card Predictions at a Glance
Fight
Our Pick
Method
Confidence
Holloway vs. Oliveira 2
Max Holloway
TKO R4
High
Borralho vs. De Ridder
Caio Borralho
Decision
High
Font vs. Rosas Jr.
Raul Rosas Jr.
Finish ITD
Medium
Rodrigues vs. Nicolau Ferreira
Gregory Rodrigues
TKO
Medium
Dober vs. Michael Johnson
Drew Dober
KO
Medium
Rob Font vs. Raul Rosas Jr.
At just 21 years old and riding a four-fight win streak, Raul Rosas Jr. is my pick here. Font is a durable veteran with genuine power, but Rosas Jr.’s finishing instinct and forward pressure represent a stylistic nightmare. Some markets imply a 76% probability of a finish inside 1.5 rounds.
Prediction: Raul Rosas Jr. wins by TKO, Round 2. His pace and aggression overwhelm Font, who has shown defensive vulnerabilities in recent outings.
Gregory Rodrigues vs. Matheus Nicolau Ferreira
Rodrigues is the more well-rounded and dangerous fighter of the two, as in he brings legitimate finishing ability both on the feet and on the ground, while Ferreira’s primary edge lies in standup exchanges.
Prediction: Gregory Rodrigues wins by TKO, Round 3.
Drew Dober vs. Michael Johnson
Between them, Dober and Johnson have over 30 career knockouts and both operate almost exclusively in standup exchanges. Dober snapped a three-fight skid with a recent KO win, while Johnson has defied the odds on three straight upsets. Dober’s proven power at lightweight and current momentum edge him in this one.
Prediction: Drew Dober wins by KO, Round 1 or 2.
Prelim Predictions
Fight
Our Pick
Method
Cody Garbrandt vs. Long Xiao
Cody Garbrandt
KO — comeback narrative fuels a sharp performance
Cody Durden vs. Tumendemberal
Tumendemberal
Decision — wrestling and pace grind Durden down
Sumudaerji vs. Aguilar
Sumudaerji
Decision — striking separates him cleanly
Alberto Montes vs. Ricky Turcios
Alberto Montes
Decision — more well-rounded on debut
Cody Brundage vs. Dante Johnson
Dante Johnson
KO — composure and power on display
Bolanos vs. Lee
Bolanos
Decision
Finish-Rate Outlook
This card has an exceptionally high finish probability profile. The main event, co-main, Font vs. Rosas Jr., and the Dober vs. Johnson slugfest all carry strong stoppage potential. If the card plays out close to these predictions, expect seven or more finishes across the full slate, making UFC 326 one of the more action-heavy PPVs of 2026.
UFC 326 gives MMA fans two very different matchmaking puzzles, with a five-round BMF title rematch between Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira, and a classic veteran-versus-prospect bantamweight test between Rob Font and Raul Rosas Jr. The odds favor Holloway at around -235 over Oliveira at +190, while Rosas Jr. sits near -218 against Font at +180, but the stylistic details matter more than just the raw price tags.
Holloway vs Oliveira 2 read
Holloway enters with a 27-8 record and elite volume numbers, averaging 7.20 significant strikes landed per minute with 59% striking defense and 83% takedown defense (via UFCStats).
Oliveira brings a 36-11 record with a very different profile, averaging 2.22 takedowns and 2.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes (via UFCStats), which explains why he remains dangerous even as the underdog.
The market has Holloway favored because his pace, durability, and layered boxing are built to punish opponents over time, while Oliveira’s path to victory here is far more dependent on creating chaos early or forcing grappling exchanges.
Rosas: 4.01 TD Avg, 1.1 Sub Avg ; Font: 5.36 SLpM, 43% TD defense in recent stretch
Why Holloway leads
Holloway is the more trustworthy pick here, because he can win minutes in several phases without needing to force a finish. He absorbs 4.74 significant strikes per minute, which is not low, but his own pace and shot selection have historically overwhelmed even elite names when fights move past the early danger zone and into the Championship rounds.
Oliveira’s 54% takedown accuracy and submission threat mean he is a genuine threat at all times, yet his 49% striking defense and the pressure Holloway sustains make extended striking exchanges a real problem for Do Bronx. My lean is Holloway by late stoppage or clear decision, because his style is better suited to a long, high-output title fight.
Rosas Jr. vs Font
Rosas Jr. may actually be the cleaner lock of these two featured fights, even though Holloway is the slightly bigger favorite on the board. The reason is stylistic, as Rosas averages 4.01 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.1 submissions per 15 (via UFCStats), while Font has been taken down 11 times across his previous three fights and owns a 43% takedown defense rate in that recent sample (via UFCStats).
Font is still the sharper boxer with 5.36 significant strikes landed per minute and a 71-inch reach, so if he keeps the fight standing he can absolutely win rounds behind the jab. But over three rounds, Rosas’ wrestling pressure, top control and pace look like the most repeatable edge he has to get the win over the three rounds.
Best lock
If the question is which favorite looks safest on paper, the answer is Raul Rosas Jr. Holloway has the stronger résumé and deserves to be favored, but Oliveira’s finishing/submission danger makes that matchup inherently volatile. Rosas, by contrast, is facing an opponent whose biggest weakness lines up directly with his best weapon, which is usually what creates the closest thing to a lock in MMA.
On March 7, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Max “Blessed” Holloway defends his BMF title against former UFC Lightweight Champion Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira in the main event of UFC 326, a fight that carries legitimate career-defining stakes for both men.
The First Fight and What Has Changed
Their 2015 featherweight meeting was anticlimactic. Oliveira sustained a neck and shoulder injury during a takedown attempt in Round 1, meaning he was unable to continue, and Holloway was awarded the TKO. Neither fighter was who they are today though, and since Holloway has become a legend of the featherweight division, captured the BMF title with a fifth-round knockout at UFC 300, and now holds eight wins over seven former champions, including Gaethje, Poirier, and a two-fight sweep of Jose Aldo.
Oliveira, meanwhile, built the most prolific finishing résumé in UFC history, captured and lost the lightweight title, and most recently submitted Mateusz Gamrot in Round 1 back in October 2025.
Tale of the Tape
Stat
Max Holloway (27-8-0)
Charles Oliveira (36-11-0)
Age
34
36
Height
5’11”
5’10”
Reach
69″
74″
Stance
Orthodox
Orthodox
Sig. Strikes/Min
7.20
3.35
Sig. Strike Acc.
49.56%
62.66%
Takedown Avg/15min
0.24
2.22
Takedown Defense
83%
40%
Submission Avg/15min
0.30
2.61
Career Finishes
14
21
Oliveira holds a significant 5-inch reach advantage, while Holloway’s striking volume nearly doubles his opponent’s output at 7.20 significant strikes per minute (via UFCStats) compared to Oliveira’s 3.35 (via UFCStats). However, Oliveira’s 62.66% strike accuracy compared to Holloway’s 49.56% tells a more nuanced story…Do Bronx picks his shots carefully.
Holloway’s Path to Victory
Holloway’s blueprint is simple but brutal: volume, volume, volume. He is one of the rare fighters whose output actually increases in championship rounds, and his takedown defense of 83% should blunt Oliveira’s most dangerous avenue. If Holloway can maintain distance and dictate pace, he will likely accumulate enough damage to earn a late stoppage or wide decision. His chin has been tested by the very best: Poirier, Gaethje, Volkanovski, and it has largely held firm. A long night on the feet is always going to be Holloway’s territory here.
Oliveira’s Path to Victory
Oliveira holds the UFC record for most submission wins (17) and most finishes (21) in history. His path runs through the clinch: closing distance early, dragging Holloway into scrambles, and capitalizing on a single lapse in takedown defense. Holloway has not been tested extensively on the ground at lightweight, and one deep submission attempt could change everything on the night.
Oliveira has also knocked out fighters who underestimated him on the feet, boasting 10 career KO wins. If he can force dirty boxing exchanges and land his high-accuracy shots at close range, his 62.66% accuracy then becomes a targeted weapon that Holloway will have to deal with.
Finish Probability Breakdown
Fighter
KO/TKO
Submission
Decision
Max Holloway (-188)
40%
5%
45%
Charles Oliveira (+188)
15%
35%
5%
Holloway enters as a -188 favorite, with Oliveira priced at +188. The odds reflect Holloway’s striking dominance on paper, but Oliveira absolutely has a chance.
Holloway vs Oliveira 2 Prediction
This fight hinges on one question: can Oliveira survive Rounds 1 and 2 on the feet long enough to shift the fight to the ground? If yes, he’s dangerous. If no, Holloway picks him apart systematically.
Given Holloway’s elite cardio and championship-round output, expect the accumulated damage he puts on to lead to Holloway winning by TKO in Round 4 at UFC 326.
That said, Oliveira’s submissions have ended fights in the blink of an eye, making this an absolute must-watch for any hardcore MMA fan heading into fight week.
UFC 326 lands on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada, and the main card is headlined by one of the most stylistically explosive matchups in recent UFC history: Max Holloway defending his BMF title against former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. With five fights across the main card and a historic CBS simulcast debut for the promotion, this is a must-watch night from the first bell to the last.
Main Card Start Times by Region
The main card goes live at 6:00 PM PT / 9:00 PM ET, with the headliner expected to walk to the octagon no earlier than approximately 10:30 PM ET depending on fight finishes.
Session
PT (Los Angeles)
ET (New York)
GMT (London)
AEDT (Sydney)
CET (Europe)
JST (Tokyo)
Main Card Starts
6:00 PM
9:00 PM
2:00 AM Sun
1:00 PM Sun
3:00 AM Sun
11:00 AM Sun
Est. Main Event
~8:30 PM
~11:30 PM
~4:30 AM Sun
~3:30 PM Sun
~5:30 AM Sun
~1:30 PM Sun
How to Watch: Broadcast by Country
This UFC 326 main card marks a landmark moment in the promotion’s US broadcast history, the first CBS simulcast under the new Paramount/Skydance media rights deal.
Region
Broadcaster
Notes
USA
CBS + Paramount+
CBS airs first hour; full card on Paramount+
UK
TNT Sports
Main card from 2:00 AM GMT Sunday
Australia
Kayo Sports / Main Event
PPV via Main Event; stream via Kayo
Canada
Paramount+
Full main card streaming
Germany/Europe
DAZN
Full card coverage
Japan
UFC Fight Pass
Full card streaming
UK fans face the toughest watch, a 2:00 AM GMT start with the main event likely not until 4:30 AM Sunday morning. The CBS simulcast in the US is a genuine milestone: it’s the first time a full UFC main card has aired on broadcast television in prime time in over 15 years, expected to draw record casual viewership alongside the hardcore audience.
Full Main Card
Here is the complete five-fight main card as confirmed for March 7:
For the first time in just over a decade, the Octagon heads to the Big Easy for the retirement of a future Hall of Famer as UFC 318 takes place inside the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The main event sees the BMF Championship on the line as current titleholder Max Holloway defends against home state boy Dustin Poirier in Poirier’s retirement bout. It is the third time Holloway and Poirier square off with Poirier ahead 2-0 following wins in February 2012 and April 2019.
The co-main event is a battle of ranked middleweights as former title challenger Paulo Costa returns from a year-long layoff to battle Roman Kopylov. Costa is looking to end a two-fight losing skid, while Kopylov is looking to score his third straight win.
Also on the main card is a welterweight bout between Kevin Holland and Daniel Rodriguez; a featherweight fight pitting Dan Ige against former two-division Bellator Champion Patricio Pitbull; and a lightweight fight between long-time veteran Michael Johnson and Daniel Zellhuber.
Caliari comes forward with a jab and a high kick. Judice lands a jab and Caliari lands a right hand. Judice with a front kick. Judice lands a left hand and a knee up the middle. Caliari gets a brief takedown and has the back as they stand. Caliari with a pair of knees. Caliari lands a knee as they break. Judice with another knee up the middle. Caliari looks for a takedown but Judice grabs the back and starts landing. Judice with a sharp elbow in the clinch and a knee as they break. Judice lands a left hand and Caliari lands a counter combination. Judice with a jab and a left hand. Caliari looks for a takedown but Judice defends and ends up on top, but they stand a moment later. Caliari lands a solid right hand. Judice with a solid combination then a knee up the middle as they clinch. 10-9 Judice.
Caliari lands a right hand. They trade and Judice lands a series of punches. Judice with a body kick. Judice lands a combination. Judice continues to land with more volume. Caliari looks for a takedown but Judice defends as they clinch against the fence. Caliari looks for a takedown but Judice defends and Caliari stays on her back trying to bait Judice to the mat, but is stood up. Caliari lands a right hand. Judice lands a body kick. Judice with a knee up the middle and then lands a left hand. Judice with a combo. Judice with a flurry and Caliari is busted up. They trade. 10-9 Judice, 20-18 Judice.
They’re trading and Judice is lighting Caliari up with combinations. Caliari gets a brief takedown and they clinch as they get to their feet and separate. Judice starts landing a flurry and is teeing off on Caliari. Judice lands a big knee to the body and Caliari crumbles to the mat and a couple of punches end it. What a finish by Judice!
Fight Result- Carli Judice def. Nicole Caliari by TKO (strikes) at 1:30 of Round 3
> Middleweights- Brunno Ferreira (13-2, 4-2 UFC) vs. Jackson McVey (6-0, 0-0 UFC)
Ferreira lands a body kick. McVey lands a body kick. They’re really feeling each other out as Ferreira lands a right hand. Ferreira lands a stiff calf kick that McVey didn’t like. Ferreira gets a takedown but allows McVey to take his back. Ferreira is able to escape into side control and lands an elbow. Ferreira gets to the mount. Ferreira gets the arm and locks in an armbar and McVey taps! Impressive finish from Ferreira!
Fight Result- Brunno Ferreira def. Jackson McVey by submission (armbar) at 3:35 of Round 1
> Heavyweights- Ryan Spann (22-11, 8-6 UFC) vs. Lukasz Brzeski (9-6-1 1 NC, 1-5 UFC)
Spann lands a right hand and Brzeski stumbles a little. Spann gets a takedown and quickly gets the mount as he looks for an arm-triangle choke. He lets go and starts landing elbows and punches. Spann gets the arm-triangle choke locked back in but lets go. Brzeski starts rolling and Spann lands a hammerfist. They stand and Spann has a standing guillotine choke locked in. Brzeski goes to his butt trying to escape but he taps! Spann picks up the submission win inside of the first round.
Fight Result- Ryan Spann def. Lukasz Brzeski by submission (guillotine choke) at 2:47 of Round 1
> Light Heavyweights- Jimmy Crute (12-4-2, 4-4-2 UFC) vs. Marcin Prachnio (17-8, 4-6 UFC)
They’re trading early. Crute looks for a takedown against the fence and is able to score a takedown. Prachnio lands some from the bottom as he is throwing elbows. Crute lands from the top. They scramble up and Prachnio lands a knee as they remain clinched. Crute gets it back down and has the neck. They get on their feet and Prachnio lands a knee as they break. Prachnio lands to the body. They trade punches. Crute is looking for a takedown as he has the back. He gets Prachnio down. Crute quickly snatches an arm and looks for an armbar. He has it in deep as Prachnio is trying to kick off. Crute twists and Prachnio taps out! Armbar finish from Crute to pick up the win.
Fight Result- Jimmy Crute def. Marcin Prachnio by submission (armbar) at 4:42 of Round 1
> Welterweights- Adam Fugitt (10-4, 2-2 UFC) vs. Islam Dulatov (11-1, 0-0 UFC)
Dulatov lands a right hand. They both kick at the same time as Dulatov lands a punch. Dulatov with a pair of leg kicks and a right hand. Dulatov with a high kick and Fugitt lands a leg kick. They pressure against the fence but separate. Dulatov lands a flurry and a knee and a right hand as they briefly tie up. Dulatov lands a combination. Fugitt grabs a single leg looking for a takedown. Dulatov escapes and lands. Dulatov drops Fugitt with a left hand and finishes it off with a couple of follow-up shots. What a debut from Dulatov!
Fight Result- Islam Dulatov def. Adam Fugitt by knockout (punches) at 4:06 of Round 1
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> Middleweights- Ateba Gautier (7-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Robert Valentin (10-5 1 NC, 0-2 UFC)
Gautier lands some leg kicks and starts teeing off with big punches against the fence. Gautier lands and Valentin stumbles to the mat, but gets up. Gautier with an uppercut and is landing big body shots then lands a knee. Valentin is having trouble standing. Gautier with a body shot and lands some more big punches as Valentin crumbles down and it is all over! What a finish from Gautier!
Fight Result- Ateba Gautier def. Robert Valentin by TKO (punches) at 1:10 of Round 1
> Welterweights- Francisco Prado (12-3, 1-3 UFC) vs. Nikolay Veretennikov (12-6, 0-2 UFC)
They trade leg kicks as Prado lands a right hand and scores a takedown. They both attacked for chokes and Prado switched to taking the back of Veretennikov. Prado then transitions to looking for a triangle choke. Prado looks for an armbar and Veretennikov picks him up and slams him down to break it. Veretennikov then starts landing punches from the top. Veretennikov gets inside the guard of Prado and lands before they stand. Veretennikov lands a knee to the body then another. Veretennikov with a left hand on the break. Veretennikov lands a body kick. Veretennikov with a body shot and a spin kick before landing another knee to the body. Prado pushes it against the fence. Veretennikov with another knee. 10-9 Veretennikov.
Veretennikov lands a leg kick and they trade. Veretennikov lands a right hand and Prado briefly goes down. Prado gets up and tries to clinch and look for a takedown but Veretennikov defends and lands on the break. Prado lands a leg kick and a combination. Prado then scores a big takedown. Prado working from the top landing short punches. Prado is looking to set up an arm-triangle choke, but Veretennikov is able to scramble up. Veretennikov lands a jab. Veretennikov lands to the body before Prado lands a flurry, including to the body. Veretennikov lands a knee. Prado with a combo. Veretennikov with another knee and a right hand. Prado lands a right hand. Close round. 10-9 Prado, 19-19.
Veretennikov lands a combo and Prado shoots for a takedown against the fence. Veretennikov is able to reverse to a takedown of his own, but they scramble up and Prado lands an elbow as they separate. Prado lands a leg kick. Veretennikov with a knee in a brief clinch. They trade inside the pocket at Prado lands a right hand. They scramble to the mat as Prado ends up on top. Prado with some elbows from the top and attacks for a choke, but lets go. Veretennikov is able to slip out to his feet. Veretennikov lands and throws a spin kick, but Prado grabs the body. Veretennikov ends up on top as they go to the mat. Prado gets up and they tie up against the fence. Prado lands a knee. Veretennikov jumps for a guillotine but Prado is out of it and landing short body shots. Prado controlling from the top. He ends the fight on top. 10-9 Prado, 29-28 Prado.
Fight Result- Nikolay Veretennikov def. Francisco Prado by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
> Middleweights- #10 Marvin Vettori (19-7-1, 9-6-1 UFC) vs. #11 Brendan Allen (24-7, 12-4 UFC)
They trade kicks. Allen lands a jab as Vettori throws a high kick. Allen with some more kicks. Vettori lands a right hand that clips Allen. Allen with a right hand and a high kick. Allen scores a takedown. Allen with some punches from the top. He takes the back and is landing and gets the body lock on. Allen landing punches as Vettori is busted open. They get to their feet. Allen has the back and takes it down and attacks the neck. He was too high and Vettori gets out and is on top and now inside of Allen’s guard. Vettori controlling from the top now. Vettori takes the back of Allen and looked for a choke but let go. They stand and Vettori lands before they separate. Allen lands a body kick. Vettori lands a combination. Vettori with a body kick. Allen lands a jab. Vettori lands a left hand. They trade late. 10-9 Allen.
Vettori working the jab and leg kick. Allen lands a left hand then a right hand. Vettori with a right hook as Allen lands a body shot. They trade leg kicks. Allen lands a body kick. They trade in close range. Vettori lands a series of combos. Allen lands a big right hand and Vettori backs up. Allen is coming forward and lands a leg kick. They trade inside the pocket. Vettori lands a combination. Vettori’s face continues to show lots of damage. Allen lands a combination. Allen landing some solid punches but Vettori is also landing decently as well. Allen with a high kick. Vettori lands a left hand. 10-9 Allen, 20-18 Allen.
Allen lands a body kick and they trade punches. Vettori lands a left hand. Allen with a leg kick. Allen lands a right hand. Allen with another stiff right hand. Vettori lands a body kick. Vettori lands a big left hand. Allen returns fire and connects. They both land in close range. Allen lands a body kick. Vettori lands a left hand. They start trading in close range and Allen backs Vettori up with a left hand and a knee. Allen gets a takedown but they scramble back to their feet. Allen with a right hand and some elbows. They trade in the pocket. They both land big flurries at the end. Fun fight. 10-9 Allen, 30-27 Allen.
Fight Result- Brendan Allen def. Marvin Vettori by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Oliveira with an immediate body kick. Phillips lands a right hand and Oliveira stumbles back. Phillips rushes in and they briefly tie up but separate. Phillips lands a right hand. He lands another. Phillips lands a jab then a body kick. Phillips lands two more big right hands that keep Oliveira off balance. They trade jabs. Phillips with a jumping knee. Oliveira lands a leg kick. Phillips continues to press forward and lands a body kick. Oliveira lands a body kick. Oliveira with a right hand. Phillips with an uppercut. They trade big in close range. Oliveira lands some kicks. Phillips lands a knee. Oliveira with a late flurry. 10-9 Phillips.
Oliveira drops Phillips with a left hand, but he gets right up. Oliveira is attacking and Phillips is stumbling around as Oliveira lands. Phillips grabs the back and they go down with Oliveira on top. They get to their feet and Oliveira is continuing to land with volume. Oliveira lands a leg kick as Phillips hasn’t been able to mount any offense. Oliveira lands some big punches. Phillips lands a combination and a high kick. Oliveira scores a takedown. He ends the round on top. 10-9 Oliveira, 19-19.
Phillips lands a right hand. Oliveira lands a body kick. Phillips with a body kick. Phillips lands a right hand. Oliveira with a right hand and one to the body. Phillips with a high kick. Oliveira lands a combo. Oliveira with a calf kick. Phillips lands to the body followed by a left hand. Oliveira lands another calf kick. Oliveira lands to the body. Oliveira with another leg kick. Phillips lands a spin kick. They trade as Phillips lands a right hand. He lands another. Oliveira lands a right hand. Phillips with a right hand. Oliveira lands and gets a brief takedown. 10-9 Oliveira, 29-28 Oliveira.
> Lightweights- Michael Johnson (23-19, 15-15 UFC) vs. Daniel Zellhuber (15-2, 3-2 UFC)
Zellhuber lands a body kick. Johnson kicks out Zellhuber’s leg and Zellhuber goes to his back, but gets up and Johnson’s shorts tear apart. Zellhuber lands a body kick. They trade kicks and Johnson lands a left hand. Zellhuber with a high kick. Zellhuber with a body kick as Johnson lands a leg kick. Johnson lands a left hand. Zellhuber with a body kick. He lands another. Johnson lands a groin kick and timeout is called. They get back going. Johnson lands a right hand and attacks the body. Johnson connects with a combo. Johnson lands to the body. Zellhuber with a high kick. Johnson lands a left hand. Johnson lands a combination as Zellhuber lands a body kick. Zellhuber with two high kicks and a body kick. 10-9 Johnson.
Johnson with a left hand as Zellhuber lands a series of kicks. Johnson with several body shots. Johnson with a combo as Zellhuber lands a big body kick. Zellhuber lands to the body with a kick again. Zellhuber lands upstairs. Johnson lands a combo. Zellhuber with a body kick. Johnson drops Zellhuber with a left hand and gets inside the guard. He lets Zellhuber back up. Johnson lands a big combo. Zellhuber lands a left hand. Johnson with a combo. Zellhuber lands two body kicks. Johnson lands a left hand. Zellhuber lands a right hand. 10-9 Johnson, 20-18 Johnson.
Johnson lands to the body. Zellhuber with a head kick. Zellhuber with a body kick. Zellhuber lands a side kick. Johnson with a left hand. Zellhuber lands a high kick. Zellhuber with a pair of high kicks. Johnson lands to the body. Johnson lands to the body again. Zellhuber with a high kick. Johnson with a counter left hand. Zellhuber lands a body kick. Johnson lands to the body. Zellhuber lands a body kick. He lands several more body kicks. They trade and Johnson goes for a late takedown but Zellhuber lands a late right hand. 10-9 Zellhuber, 29-28 Johnson.
Fight Result- Michael Johnson def. Daniel Zellhuber by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Featherweights- #11 Dan Ige (19-9, 11-8 UFC) vs. Patricio Pitbull (36-8, 0-1 UFC)
Ige lands a leg kick. Pitbull with a leg kick. Pitbull lands another leg kick. Ige with a quick combo and an inside leg kick. Pitbull with a hard leg kick. Pitbull grabs the back and gets a big takedown but they get up. Pitbull trips Ige back down but they scramble right back up. Ige tries to switch but Pitbull retains control. They get to their feet. Pitbull lands a step-in knee. 10-9 Pitbull.
They trade. Ige lands a right hand. They trade but both are being patient. Pitbull lands a pair of jabs. Pitbull hurts Ige with a punch and starts landing as Ige is trying to recover. Ige lands an elbow as they separate. Pitbull lands a jab. Pitbull scores a takedown. Pitbull lands from the top, mixing in some punches and elbows. 10-9 Pitbull, 20-18 Pitbull.
Ige lands a head kick as Pitbull was going for a takedown and lands some punches to defend and Pitbull lets go and backs off. Ige lands a left hook. Pitbull scores a takedown. Ige is able to scramble out to the feet. Ige landing with more volume as he lands a flurry. Pitbull looks for a takedown as he has the body lock and the back. He lets go. Ige lands a body kick. Ige tries a high kick but Pitbull grabs the leg and lands a takedown. Ige rolls to a leg and tries to land hammerfists. They just trade hammerfists. 10-9 Ige, 29-28 Pitbull.
Fight Result- Patricio Pitbull def. Dan Ige by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Welterweights- #13 Kevin Holland (28-13 1 NC, 15-10 1 NC UFC) vs. Daniel Rodriguez (19-5, 9-4 UFC)
Rodriguez lands to the body trying to back Holland up as they clinch. Both look for position before breaking. Holland lands a leg kick. He looks for a takedown but Rodriguez defends as they go to the fence. Holland lands a combo as they separate. Holland lands a high kick. Rodriguez with an inside leg kick. Holland with a leg kick as Rodriguez lands a body shot. Holland lands a right hand and a jab. Holland with another right hand. Holland with another right hand. They trade leg kicks and Rodriguez lands a pair of left hands. Holland lands a right hand but gets tagged by Rodriguez. Holland with a jab and Rodriguez lands a stiff jab. Rodriguez lands a left hand and Holland counters with a combo. Holland with a high kick. Close round. 10-9 Rodriguez.
Holland lands as Rodriguez rushes in. Holland lands to the body. Rodriguez lands a left hand and Holland stumbles to the mat. Rodriguez gets on top and starts landing lots of punches. Holland retains his half-guard and they get back up. Holland looks for a takedown but Rodriguez easily defends. Rodriguez lands a right hand. Rodriguez lands a combo and Holland falls down. Rodriguez with some shots from the top as Holland is in trouble. Rodriguez backs up and they stand. Holland lands a right hand. Holland gets a takedown. He gets to the half-guard and lands. Holland grabs the neck as they stand and Holland lands a left hand as they break. Rodriguez lands a left hand. Holland looks for a takedown but Rodriguez defends. Holland with a jumping knee. 10-9 Rodriguez, 20-18 Rodriguez.
Holland lands a jab and Rodriguez lands a left hand. Holland with a right hand. Rodriguez lands a leg kick. Holland rushes in and lands. Holland connects and drops Rodriguez with an uppercut. Holland gets on top and lands some elbows. Rodriguez is able to get up and they clinch against the fence. Holland lands some big shots as they break and Rodriguez is hurt badly. Holland with more shots and Rodriguez returns fire. Holland with more uppercuts in the clinch. Holland lands an uppercut and Rodriguez is hurt and Holland is trying to finish it. Rodriguez tries a takedown but Holland is landing. Holland looks for a choke but Rodriguez escapes. Rodriguez gets the mount and starts landing. They scramble as both are exhausted. Rodriguez looks for a choke. Rodriguez gets back into the mount. He lands. Wild fight. 10-9 Rodriguez, 30-27 Rodriguez.
Fight Result- Daniel Rodriguez def. Kevin Holland by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Middleweights- #13 Paulo Costa (14-4, 6-4 UFC) vs. #14 Roman Kopylov (14-3, 6-3 UFC)
Costa runs forward and lands a leg kick. He lands another. He lands a third kick. Kopylov lands a combo. Costa lands a leg kick. Costa lands a right hand and a body kick. Kopylov with a body kick. They trade kicks. Costa mixing kicks high and low. Costa with another body kick. Kopylov lands a left hand. Kopylov lands a body kick. Costa lands to the body. Costa lands and Kopylov’s mouth piece goes flying as he goes down. Costa is landing but Kopylov is able to get back to his feet. Costa with a body kick. 10-9 Costa.
Kopylov with a front kick. Costa with some heavy leg kicks. Costa with a leg kick. Costa lands a right hand. Costa with a high kick. Costa lands and Kopylov lands some counter punches. Costa lands to the body. Kopylov with a body kick. Costa lands some big shots and Kopylov is hurting. Costa with a combo to the body. Costa with a high kick. Kopylov lands a right hand. Kopylov with a body kick. Kopylov with a straight left hand. Costa lands a body kick and Kopylov lands a counter right hand. Costa lands a right hand. 10-9 Costa, 20-18 Costa.
Costa with a leg and body kick. Kopylov connects with a combo and Costa fires back his own combination. Kopylov lands a body kick. Costa lands a right hand and one to the body. Costa with a body kick. Kopylov hurts Costa with a right hand, but Costa is able to shake it off. Kopylov with a combo. Costa lands a body kick. Kopylov with a left hand. Costa lands to the body. Costa looks for a takedown but Kopylov defends. Costa with a body kick. Costa lands to the body. Costa with more body shots. 10-9 Costa, 30-27 Costa.
Fight Result- Paulo Costa def. Roman Kopylov by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Poirier lands a left hand. Holloway with a right hand and a short leg kick. Holloway works the body and lands a right hand. Poirier with an inside leg kick. Holloway lands a body kick. Holloway drops Poirier with a right hand and Holloway lands and lets Poirier up, and then sends him back down with a left hand. Poirier gets to his feet. Poirier with a left hand and a right hook. Holloway lands a body kick. Poirier lands a left hand. Holloway with a right hand. Holloway lands a combo. Poirier with an inside leg kick. Poirier lands a body kick then a jab. Holloway with a body kick. 10-9 Holloway.
Holloway lands a combo. Holloway with a quick combo inside the pocket. Poirier lands a left hand. They trade leg kicks. Poirier lands a right hand. Holloway with a body kick. Poirier lands a left hand but eats a counter right hand from Holloway. Holloway rocks Poirier with a combination. Holloway starts landing big shots against the fence. Poirier shoots for a takedown but Holloway gets the back and starts landing from the mount. Holloway gets to his feet as Poirier is trying to defend off his back, but Holloway lets him up. Poirier then stuns Holloway with a combination. They trade in close range. Poirier with a left hook to the body then a jab. Poirier then drops Holloway and attacks the neck for a guillotine. Poirier with big elbows from the top to end the round. WOW. 10-9 Holloway, 20-18 Holloway.
They trade jabs. Holloway with a high kick. They trade leg kicks. Poirier with an inside leg kick. Holloway lands a left hand. Poirier lands a right hand. Holloway lands a body kick. Poirier lands a jab. Holloway with a spin kick to the body. Holloway lands a right hand. Holloway lands a combination. Holloway with a head kick. Holloway with a spin kick. Holloway lands to the body. Holloway lands a combo. Poirier lands a left hand followed by a jab. They trade body kicks. 10-9 Holloway, 30-27 Holloway.
Poirier lands a left hand. Holloway lands a right hand to the body. Poirier lands a jab as Holloway circles. Holloway with a double jab and a right hand. They both land as they circle. Poirier lands a left hand and they trade inside the pocket. Holloway with a jab. Holloway lands to the body. Poirier with a jab. Holloway lands a body kick. Holloway works the jab. Holloway lands a combination. Holloway with a body kick as Poirier lands an uppercut. Holloway lands a combo. Poirier with a big left hand. Holloway lands a straight right hand. Holloway with a left hook to the body. Poirier lands a left hand. Poirier with a big left hand. Holloway with a spin kick. Poirier connects late. 10-9 Poirier, 39-37 Holloway.
Holloway lands a combo. Poirier lands a short knee. Poirier with a left hand and Holloway counters with a left hook. They trade punches. Poirier lands a big combination. Holloway mixes to the body. Poirier lands a right hand. Holloway connects to the body and lands a high kick. Holloway lands a body kick as Poirier lands a combo. Holloway lands a right hand. They trade and Holloway lands a right hand. Poirier with two left hands. Holloway with a combination and a body kick. Poirier lands a left hand. Holloway lands a combo. Holloway lands a combination. Poirier with a right hand. They start swinging in the center as both land to end it. 10-9 Holloway, 49-46 Holloway.
Fight Result- Max Holloway def. Dustin Poirier by unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46)
The Octagon returns to Abu Dhabi for their yearly big pay-per-view event as UFC 308 takes place inside the Etihad Arena on Yas Island.
The main event is one of the best match-ups of the year as UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria makes his first title defense against former UFC Featherweight Champion and current BMF Champion Max Holloway. Topuria won the featherweight title at UFC 298 in February, knocking out Alexander Volkanovski to win the title. Holloway became the BMF Champion with a dramatic last-second knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 in April, and has won three straight fights overall.
In the co-main event, Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev finally square off in a pivotal five-round bout. They were scheduled to fight in June, but Chimaev was forced out about a week before the fight due to illness. Whittaker went on to knock out Ikram Aliskerov, notching his second straight win.
Also on the main card is a light heavyweight bout between Magomed Ankalaev and Aleksandar Rakic; a featherweight fight pitting Lerone Murphy against Dan Ige; and a middleweight bout between Shara Magomedov and Armen Petrosyan.
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> Welterweights- Rinat Fakhretdinov (23-2-1, 4-0-1 UFC) vs. Carlos Leal (21-5, 0-0 UFC)
Fakhretdinov with a quick inside leg kick. Leal with a right hand as Fakhretdinov lands a leg kick, then another. Fakhretdinov gets a takedown. They get to the fence and get up but Fakhretdinov still has the body locked. Fakhretdinov lands a knee. Leal with some body shots as Fakhretdinov lands some knees. They separate and Fakhretdinov lands a right hand and Leal landed a right hand. They trade and Fakhretdinov scores a takedown, but Leal pops right up. Fakhretdinov pushes it to the fence. Leal lands a knee and a left hook as they separate. Leal lands a pair of calf kicks. Leal lands a left hand. They trade punches. Leal with a left hook. Fakhretdinov lands a combination. Leal lands a left hook and a right hand. Leal with a left hook. 10-9 Leal.
Leal lands a calf kick. Fakhretdinov lands a left hand. They trade in close range. Leal lands a quick combo and defends a takedown attempt from Fakhretdinov. Leal with a left hand and a leg kick. Fakhretdinov lands a jab. Fakhretdinov lands a combination. Leal with a calf kick then a combo then another calf kick. Leal landing more and defends a takedown attempt from Fakhretdinov, landing a knee. They trade and Fakhretdinov lands a solid right hand. Fakhretdinov with a combination. Leal lands a right hand. Fakhretdinov lands a pair of stiff jabs. Fakhretdinov with a combination. Fakhretdinov lands a right hand. Leal with a hard calf kick. Fakhretdinov gets a late takedown. 10-9 Leal, 20-18 Leal.
Leal with a leg kick to start. Fakhretdinov tries a takedown but Leal defends and lands to the body as Fakhretdinov lands a left hand. Fakhretdinov tries a takedown but Leal defends. Fakhretdinov tries for a takedown as he pushes it to the fence. They separate. Fakhretdinov lands a right hand. Fakhretdinov with a back fist. Leal lands a right hand. They clinch and trade knees. Leal gets a takedown and takes the back as they stand and lands a knee as they break. They trade in close range. Fakhretdinov lands a left hand. Leal with a series of punches and a calf kick. They trade right hands and Leal lands a combo. They clinch and both land. They trade leg kicks. Fakhretdinov lands a combination. They trade late. Fun fight. 10-9 Leal, 30-27 Leal.
Official Result- Rinat Fakhretdinov def. Carlos Leal by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
This is one of the worst decisions in UFC history. Absolute robbery. Carlos Leal deserved that win.
> Middleweights- Ismail Naurdiev (23-7, 2-2 UFC) vs. Bruno Silva (23-11, 4-5 UFC)
Silva lands a jab. Naurdiev with a hard calf kick. Silva lands a leg kick. Silva tries a high kick but Naurdiev grabs it and forces the fight to the fence. Naurdiev steps back and lands a combination. They trade in close range and Naurdiev with a high kick. Naurdiev with a leg kick. Naurdiev grabs Silva and pushes him to the fence and lands. Naurdiev lands a knee and Silva counters with an elbow and Naurdiev counters that with an elbow. Naurdiev scores a takedown. They stand and Naurdiev jumps on the back for a choke but Silva gets out. Naurdiev still looking for it and Silva grabbed the fence. Naurdiev jumps off the back. 10-9 Naurdiev.
Naurdiev lands a body kick. They trade and Naurdiev lands a right hand that trips Silva to the mat. Naurdiev jumps on the back and Silva grabs the fence again. Naurdiev with some elbows. They get to their feet. They separate and trade jabs. Naurdiev grabs the neck for a standing guillotine choke. Silva shakes him off. Naurdiev with a jab and scores a takedown. Naurdiev with some punches from the top. Naurdiev lands some left hands from the back. Silva grabs the fence again. They get to their feet. Naurdiev lands a right hand. Naurdiev with a side kick. 10-9 Naurdiev, 20-18 Naurdiev.
Naurdiev lands a leg kick and pushes it to the fence. Naurdiev with some punches then a knee then a combination and lands before backing away. Silva shoots for a takedown but Naurdiev grabs the neck and lands a knee. Silva throws a kick that misses and just stops and Naurdiev pushes him to the fence. Naurdiev lands an elbow as he breaks away. They trade left hands. Naurdiev lands a solid combination. Naurdiev with a jab and Silva lands a knee. Naurdiev with a leg kick. Silva lands a left hand. Naurdiev with a leg kick and lands a right hand. 10-9 Naurdiev, 30-27 Naurdiev.
Official Result- Ismail Naurdiev def. Bruno Silva by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Naurdiev looked good in his UFC return. Silva looked awful and has now lost four straight fights and is 1-6 in his last seven, so I expect this to be it for him in the UFC.
> Featherweights- Farid Basharat (12-0, 3-0 UFC) vs. Victor Hugo (25-4, 1-0 UFC)
They trade leg kicks. Hugo lands a right hand. They’re trading in close range. Basharat lands a leg kick. Basharat shoots for a takedown but Hugo defends. Hugo with a stiff leg kick. Basharat lands a right hand. Hugo with a spinning elbow. Hugo rolls for a leg lock. Basharat is able to pull his leg free and gets on top. Basharat lands and Hugo is cut open. Basharat lands as they scramble up. Hugo with a spin kick. Basharat lands a right hand. Basharat lands a right hand. Hugo shoots and they scramble as Hugo looks for a leg lock. 10-9 Basharat.
Hugo lands a leg kick. Hugo hurts Basharat with a knee. Basharat lands a combination. Hugo with some leg kicks. Basharat lands a right hand. Basharat with some leg kicks. Basharat with a combination. They trade inside the pocket. Hugo with a leg kick and a left hook. He lands another then a right hand. Basharat lands a knee. Basharat lands a right hand. Hugo lands a back elbow. Basharat lands a combination. Basharat grabs the back late. 10-9 Basharat, 20-18 Basharat.
Hugo lands a flurry that had Basharat in brief trouble. They clinch and Basharat lands a knee before breaking away. Hugo lands a left hand and uppercut and Basharat counters with a left hand. Basharat scores a takedown. Basharat lands from the top and has the back as they get to their feet. They separate and trade before going back to the mat and Basharat takes the back. Basharat lands before they scramble up. 10-9 Basharat, 30-27 Basharat.
Official Result- Farid Basharat def. Victor Hugo by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
This fight was changed from bantamweight to featherweight before the weigh-ins and Hugo looked a weight class above Basharat, but Basharat was able to overcome it and looked good. Hugo needs to be forced up to featherweight.
> Heavyweights- Kennedy Nzechukwu (12-5, 6-5 UFC) vs. Chris Barnett (23-8, 2-2 UFC)
Nzchukwu with a jab as Barnett lands a pair of leg kicks. Barnett lands a left hand. Nzchukwu with a body kick. They trade punches. They trade kicks. Nzchukwu pressing forward and lands some body kicks. Nzchukwu still landing kicks. Nzchukwu with more body kicks. Barnett looks to have injured his left foot. Nzchukwu landing at will. Barnett lands a left hand. Nzchukwu with a knee to the body. Nzchukwu starts teeing off and lands a knee. Barnett goes to the mat and it is stopped. Nzchukwu picks up the win as Barnett is injured.
Official Result- Kennedy Nzchukwu def. Chris Barnett by TKO (punches) at 4:27 of Round 1
Nzchukwu looked big and solid in there at heavyweight, but Barnett’s leg injury will overshadow it. Poor Huggy Bear when it comes to the injury, and I hope we see Barnett again.
Magomedov with a body kick. He lands a leg kick. Magomedov with a left hook to the body. They aren’t doing much as neither is landing. Magomedov then lands a leg kick. Magomedov with a body kick. Magomedov lands a leg kick. Ferreira not doing much. Magomedov with a high kick. Magomedov with a teet kick to the body. Magomedov lands a combination. Magomedov lands a left hand. 10-9 Magomedov.
Ferreira coming forward and lands some as Magomedov lands a body kick. Magomedov lands a left hand. Ferreira lands a left hand. Magomedov with a leg kick. Ferreira lands a combination. Ferreira connects with a right hand and Magomedov lands a leg kick. Ferreira hurts Magomedov with a jab and follows up with a head kick and Magomedov is stumbling around. Magomedov gets a takedown as Ferreira has the neck. Magomedov gets the back and looks for a choke but they scramble up. Ferreira lands a jab. Ferreira lands a body kick and a big left hand. Magomedov shoots for a takedown but Ferreira defends. Ferreira with another left hand and has Magomedov hurt. Ferreira lands but Magomedov is able to get a takedown. Magomedov lands from the back. They scramble and Magomedov ends up inside the guard of Ferreira. Magomedov with some body shots. 10-9 Ferreira, 19-19.
They both land. Magomedov with a solid left hook. Ferreira lands a left hand. Magomedov gets a takedown. He takes the back and looks for a choke but they scramble up. Magomedov gets a takedown. Ferreira lands some elbows but Magomedov gets the mount. Magomedov locks in an arm-triangle choke and gets Ferreira to tap! Magomedov picks up the submission win.
Official Result- Abus Magomedov def. Brunno Ferreira by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 3:14 of Round 3
Magomedov was able to weather a tough second round to get the finish in the third, and this was a solid win for him.
They tie up for a brief moment but quickly break. Rebecki lands a left hand. Rebecki with a leg kick. Orolbai lands an uppercut. Rebecki lands two more left hands. They trade leg kicks. Orolbai lands a counter right hand. Rebecki lands a left hand. They trade before a quick clinch. Rebecki with two left hands. Orolbai lands a high kick. Rebecki lands a left hand. Orolbai lands a right hand. Rebecki hurts Orolbai with a left hook. Orolbai lands a right hand. Rebecki throws Orolbai to the mat for a brief moment. Rebecki with a leg kick. Orolbai lands a right hand. 10-9 Rebecki.
Orolbai’s right eye is a mess. He comes rushing out and starts landing. Rebecki lands a left hand. Orolbai with a right hand. Orolbai lands an uppercut. They trade in close range and Orolbai with another uppercut. Rebecki grabs the back and pushes it to the fence. They separate. Rebecki with a left hand. Orolbai lands a right hand. Rebecki with a leg kick. Orolbai lands a right hand. He lands another right hand. Orolbai with an uppercut. Rebecki lands a leg kick then a left hand. Orolbai shoots for a takedown and gets it. Rebecki has a bad cut opened up over his right eye. They scramble to the feet. Rebecki with a leg kick. Orolbai with an uppercut. Orolbai with a big elbow. Orolbai lands a right hand. 10-9 Orolbai, 19-19.
Orolbai lands an elbow. Orolbai with a right hand. They both land and Rebecki hurts Orolbai with a right hand. Rebecki drops Orolbai with a left hand and starts teeing off but Orolbai is able to get to his feet. Rebecki still landing lots of punches and takes Orolbai down. Rebecki in side control and lands. Rebecki with more left hands as they get to their feet. Orolbai gets the back and starts landing right hands. Rebecki ends up on top as they scramble down. Rebecki is pouring blood while landing. Orolbai sweeps to the top and lands to the body then an elbow. Orolbai is bleeding everywhere as well. Orolbai lands but they scramble up. Orolbai lands a right hand. Orolbai with a jab. 10-9 Rebecki, 29-28 Rebecki.
Official Result- Mateusz Rebecki def. Myktybek Orolbai by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
This was a wild, crazy, bloody and dramatic fight- one of the best fights of the year. Credit to both men, especially Orolbai, who fought the last two rounds with one eye. Watch this fight.
> Welterweights- #10 Geoff Neal (15-6, 7-4 UFC) vs. #15 LW Rafael Dos Anjos (32-16, 21-14 UFC)
Neal pressing forward and lands a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Neal drops Dos Anjos with a combination and gets on top. Neal backs off and Dos Anjos is ordered up. They tie up and Neal gets a takedown. Neal backs off and Dos Anjos gets up. Neal rocks Dos Anjos with a left hand and Dos Anjos’ knee pops and he goes down and it is stopped.
Official Result- Geoff Neal def. Rafael Dos Anjos by TKO (injury) at 1:30 of Round 1
This was an unfortunate end due to Dos Anjos injuring his knee, but Neal was in complete control of the fight before it happened. I hope Dos Anjos can bounce back and Neal looked sharp in the 90 seconds it lasted.
> Light Heavyweights- Ibo Aslan (13-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Rafael Cerqueira (11-0, 0-0 UFC)
Cerqueira with a leg kick but Aslan stuns him with a jab. Aslan starts unloading with tons of punches and is pouring it on. Cerqueira is trying to cover up but he is getting tagged and it is stopped on the feet. What an explosive finish from Aslan!
Official Result- Ibo Aslan def. Rafael Cerqueira by TKO (punches) at :51 of Round 1
Aslan couldn’t have looked any better in this one. The 205-pound division needs some new contenders coming up and he has potential to be one. It’s a disappointing debut for Cerqueira, but one that he can bounce back from.
Petrosyan with a pair of inside leg kicks. Petrosyan with more leg kicks. They trade stiff right hands. Petrosyan with a combination then a right hand as he had Magomedov hurt. They clinch but break. Petrosyan with an inside leg kick. Magomedov with a leg kick. Petrosyan lands a right hand. Petrosyan with more leg kicks. Magomedov lands a big right hand. They trade and Petrosyan lands a knee. They trade leg kicks. Petrosyan with a left hand. Magomedov connects with a left hand. They trade leg kicks. They trade them again. Petrosyan lands some more leg kicks. Magomedov lands a right hand. Magomedov with a side kick. Petrosyan with some leg kicks. Petrosyan with a body kick. Magomedov lands a spinning back fist. 10-9 Petrosyan.
Petrosyan pressing forward. They trade kicks and timeout is called for a groin strike. Petrosyan with a leg kick after they restart and Petrosyan lands a right hand. Magomedov lands as they clinch but break apart. Magomedov lands some kicks. Magomedov lands a check hook as Petrosyan was coming forward. Magomedov lands a right hand. Another timeout for a groin strike, this time by Magomedov. They get back to action and trade leg kicks. Petrosyan with a body kick. Petrosyan lands a left hand. Petrosyan with a spinning back fist then a body kick. Magomedov with a leg kick. Magomedov lands a right hand. Magomedov drops Petrosyan with a double spinning back fist and it is all over with seconds to go in the round. What a finish from Magomedov!
Official Result- Shara Magomedov def. Armen Petrosyan by TKO (punches) at 4:52 of Round 2
This was a tremendous finish from Magomedov, who remains a fighter to keep an eye on as he moves up. He did get off to a slow start, but he’s dangerous and fun to watch.
> Featherweights- #12 Lerone Murphy (14-0-1, 6-0-1 UFC) vs. #14 Dan Ige (18-8, 10-7 UFC)
Ige lands a right hand. Ige with a leg kick. Murphy with a front kick that just misses Ige’s jaw. Ige lands a hard right hand. Ige lands to the body. Murphy lands a right hand. They trade jabs. Ige lands two left hands and scores a takedown. Murphy scrambles after Ige lands and Ige grabs the back. They scramble up and clinch. Murphy lands a knee then some body shots. Ige with an elbow and they separate. Ige was cut open from an elbow by Murphy. Murphy lands a right hand and a back kick. Ige drops Murphy with a left hand and starts landing. Murphy is able to get up but Ige is still landing. Murphy lands a switch knee and they tie up. Murphy gets a takedown. Ige uses a kimura attempt to sweep. 10-9 Ige.
Murphy lands a body kick and a right hand. He lands an elbow as Ige was coming in. Ige lands to the body. They trade in close range after Murphy lands a leg kick. Murphy lands a jab. Ige with a left hand and Murphy lands a spin kick. Ige shoots for a takedown and pushes it to the fence. Murphy with some left hands as he reverses positioning. Murphy with a knee. They break apart. Murphy with a right hand then a front kick and a high kick. Murphy gets a takedown. Murphy gets the full mount but Ige quickly gives up his back. Murphy looks for a triangle choke as Murphy lands some elbows. 10-9 Murphy, 19-19.
Murphy grabs the body and tries for a takedown. They both battle in the tie up but break. Murphy with a head kick that is partially blocked. They scramble to the mat and Ige ends up on top. Both battle to grab a leg. They scramble and Ige remains on top with an arm-triangle choke attempt. He lets go and lands an elbow. Ige gets the back of Murphy. They end up on their feet and its pressed against the fence. Murphy gets it down and lands some punches. Murphy looks for a guillotine choke. Ige gets out and they get to their feet. Ige with a knee. Murphy lands an elbow. Murphy with a big left hand and big knee late. Very close fight. 10-9 Murphy, 29-28 Murphy.
Official Result- Lerone Murphy def. Dan Ige by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
This was a close fight that could’ve gone either way, and came down to the third. I felt Murphy did enough. It’s tough to stay undefeated at 145 pounds, and Murphy still is, and he needs a big opponent next.
> Light Heavyweights- #1 Magomed Ankalaev (19-1-1 1 NC, 10-1-1 1 NC UFC) vs. #5 Aleksandar Rakic (14-4, 6-3 UFC)
Rakic lands a jab. Rakic with a high kick. They trade leg kicks. Rakic with another high kick. Rakic with a leg kick and they trade quick punches. They trade kicks and then trade them again. Rakic with a high kick. Ankalaev lands a left hand. Rakic with a body kick then a leg kick. Ankalaev lands a right hand. Rakic with a high kick. Ankalaev lands a left hand. They continue to each land punches and kicks. Rakic with a right hand. Ankalaev lands a left hand. 10-9 Rakic.
They trade leg kicks. Rakic lands a right hand as Ankalaev lands an up elbow. Rakic with a body kick. Ankalaev with a glancing head kick. Rakic lands a right hand. Ankalaev with a right hand and a body kick. Ankalaev lands a right hook. Ankalaev lands a left hand to the body. They trade leg kicks. They trade inside the pocket. Ankalaev with a high kick. Ankalaev lands a combination then a body kick. They clinch. They separate and Ankalaev lands a left hand. Rakic lands a right hand. Rakic with a high kick. 10-9 Ankalaev, 19-19.
Rakic lands a right hand and a body kick. Ankalaev lands a left hand. Rakic with a body kick. Ankalaev pressing forward but Rakic is throwing more though they are connecting evenly. Ankalaev lands a big left hand. He lands another. Rakic looks for a takedown as he is in on a single leg. Ankalaev defending against the fence with short punches. Ankalaev reverses as he lands to the body. Ankalaev with a knee to the body. Ankalaev with a knee to the body then a high one. Ankalaev with more knees to the body. 10-9 Ankalaev, 29-28 Ankalaev.
Official Result- Magomed Ankalaev def. Aleksandar Rakic by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Ankalaev did enough to pick up the win, but it was close. He should get the next title shot against Alex Pereira. I don’t know that he will fare well against him, though.
> Middleweights- #3 Robert Whittaker (26-7, 17-5 UFC) vs. #13 Khamzat Chimaev (13-0, 7-0 UFC)
Whittaker with a leg kick. He lands another. Chimaev shoots for a takedown and gets the back of Whittaker. They’re sort of on the mat as Chimaev lands a left hand. Chimaev with some knees. Chimaev goes for the hooks but Whittaker scrambles up. Chimaev gets it back down. They scramble and Chimaev remains on top. Chimaev lands some punches and quickly locks in a rear-naked choke and Whittaker taps fast. Chimaev gets the big win and remains undefeated.
Official Result- Khamzat Chimaev def. Robert Whittaker by submission (face crank) at 3:34 of Round 1
Chimaev couldn’t have looked any better. Is he ready for a title shot? Maybe, but there are some obstacles to overcome there.
> UFC Featherweight Championship- C Ilia Topuria (15-0, 7-0 UFC) vs. #2 Max Holloway (26-7, 22-7 UFC)
Holloway with a body kick. Holloway with two more body kicks. Holloway with a leg kick and a jab. Topuria lands a right hand. Topuria scores a takedown. They get to their feet and separate. Topuria with a leg kick as Holloway lands a left hand. Topuria lands a right hand. Holloway connects with a pair of jabs. Topuria lands a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Topuria with a right hand. Topuria with a hard leg kick. They trade inside the pocket. Holloway with some kicks and a combination. Holloway lands a solid right hand. Holloway with a left hook after a jab. Topuria lands and Holloway slips. Topuria grabs the back and the round ends. Close round. 10-9 Topuria.
Holloway lands a jab. Holloway lands a stiff right hand. Topuria with a leg kick. Both are landing. Topuria with a calf kick. Topuria with a right hand as Holloway lands the jab. Topuria lands a left hook. Topuria with a right hand. Holloway lands a combo. Topuria lands a right hand. Holloway with a combination. Topuria lands a right hand. Topuria with a leg kick as Holloway lands a jab. Topuria lands a right hand. Holloway lands a big right hand. Topuria with a right hand. Topuria with a right hand as Holloway lands a body kick. Holloway with a spin kick to the body. Another close round. 10-9 Holloway, 19-19.
Holloway with a high kick. Topuria lands a left to the body. Holloway with a combo and a body kick. Topuria with a leg kick. Holloway lands a right hand and then two side kicks to the leg of Topuria. Topuria lands a big right hand and starts throwing but Holloway is able to circle away. Topuria pouring it on and he drops Holloway and finishes it off with shots from the top. What a finish from Topuria!
Official Result- Ilia Topuria def. Max Holloway by knockout (punches) at 1:34 of Round 3 to retain the UFC Featherweight Championship
A fantastic fight with a fantastic finish by Topuria. Holloway gave him a tough fight but his power held up as the fight went on. Topuria is going to be hard to beat, and this is a stacked division.
It’s a historic night for the UFC as the Octagon returns to the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for UFC 300, an action-packed card featuring a record 12 former or current UFC champions on the card, capped by three title fights.
The main event sees UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira making his first title defense against Jamahal Hill, a former champion who vacated due to injury before being able to defend it. There is added heat and a revenge factor to the fight as Hill beat Pereira’s head coach and mentor, Glover Teixeira, for the title.
In the co-main event, it will be the first-ever UFC title fight with two Chinese women as UFC women’s strawweight champion Zhang Weili defends against Yan Xiaonan. Weili is coming off a title defense over Amanda Lemos in August while Xiaonan has won eight of her ten UFC bouts.
The third title fight sees the ceremonial BMF Championship on the line in what could be an all-time classic as current title holder Justin Gaethje faces Max Holloway. UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman, who recently saved his parents from a house fire, will present the championship to the winner.
Among other stories on the loaded card:
Bo Nickal looks to remain undefeated when he gets a prime main card spot against Cody Brundage.
Former two-time U.S. Olympic gold medalist Kayla Harrison makes her much-anticipated UFC debut, taking on former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm.
Jim Miller completes the trifecta, becoming the only fighter to compete at UFC 100, UFC 200 and UFC 300. He also is looking to make it 3-0 in those bouts.
Garbrandt with a pair of leg kicks. He lands another hard calf kick. Garbrandt lands a left hook as Figueiredo lands a calf kick. Garbrandt lands a right hand then a leg kick. Figueiredo lands a body kick as Garbrandt throws a wheel kick. Garbrandt with a calf kick. They trade kicks. Garbrandt lands a left hand and Figueiredo tries to pull guard but they scramble up. Garbrandt lands a combo. Figueiredo lands a left hand. Garbrandt lands a right hand. Figueiredo gets a late takedown but they scramble up and Figueiredo lands a right hand on the way up. 10-9 Garbrandt.
Garbrandt lands a right hand. Figueiredo looks for a takedown and takes the back, but Figueiredo is able to trip it to the mat. Figueiredo has the back and flattens Garbrandt out. Figueiredo with some right hands from the back and now looks for an arm-triangle choke. He has it locked in and Garbrandt is fighting it. He lets go and lands a right hand. Garbrandt tries to explode out from the bottom but Figueiredo gets the mount. Figueiredo gets the back and has the body triangle in and locks in a rear-naked choke. Garbrandt taps! Awesome work from Figueiredo on the mat to get the submission.
Official Result- Deiveson Figueiredo def. Cody Garbrandt by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:02 of Round 2
> Lightweights- #14 Bobby Green (31-15-1 1 NC, 12-10-1 1 NC UFC) vs. Jim Miller (37-17 1 NC, 26-16 1 NC UFC)
Green with a front kick to the body and lands a right hand. Green with a combo and Miller lands a left hand. Miller lands a right hand. Green with a body kick. Green with a combination. Green with a jab. Green lands a body kick then a leg kick and right hand. Miller lands a leg kick as Green lands a left hand. Green lands a pair of left hands. Green with a right hand as Miller lands a leg kick. They trade left hands. Miller with a leg kick. Miller stuns Green with a left hand and Green retreats. Miller landing left hands and Green lands a knee. Green with a flying knee. 10-9 Miller.
They trade to start the second. Both land in close range. Green lands a combination. Miller with a head kick. Green landing with more volume as he is landing in close range. Green picking up the volume as Miller is busted up. Miller with some leg kicks as Green lands a right hand. Miller is bleeding badly from under his right eye. Green lands a right hand as Miller lands a body kick. Green with a combination. 10-9 Green, 19-19.
Green landing lots of early punches. Miller lands a right hand. Green lands a combination and Miller lands a left hand. Green with another combo. They trade kicks. They trade punches. Green with a combo and Miller lands a right hand. Miller is still bleeding badly from his eye. Green with a flurry of punches. Green lands a big right hand. Miller lands a pair of left hands and they clinch. They separate. Miller with a leg kick. They trade punches. Miller lands a big left hand then Green hurts Miller and Miller goes to the mat. Green is landing from the top as Miller is trying to sprawl. Green with right hands as they stand. Green gets a takedown and lands from the top as the fight ends. 10-8 Green, 29-27 Green.
Official Result- Bobby Green def. Jim Miller by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-25, 29-26)
Rodriguez lands a right hand as Andrade lands a leg kick. Rodriguez with a body kick. Andrade lands a leg kick. Andrade with a pair of leg kicks. Rodriguez lands a combo then a front kick. They trade leg kicks. Rodriguez lands a right hand. Rodriguez with a hard leg kick. Rodriguez with a combination. Andrade with a leg kick. Rodriguez lands a high kick but slips to the mat. Andrade gets on top and lands some punches before getting the half-guard. Andrade with some left hands. Andrade stands up. Andrade spins to get back inside the guard of Rodriguez. Andrade lands from the top before getting to side control. Rodriguez looks for a D’Arce choke from the bottom but Andrade escapes and continues to land from the top. 10-9 Andrade.
Rodriguez lands a right hand and Andrade with a leg kick. They trade punches. Andrade lands a combination. Rodriguez lands a right hand. Rodriguez lands another right hand. Andrade with more leg kicks. Andrade lands to the body as Rodriguez lands a combination. Rodriguez landing more punches inside the pocket. They clinch and Rodriguez lands on the break. Rodriguez with another combination. Andrade lands a quick flurry. Andrade lands a right hand. Rodriguez is retreating away. Rodriguez lands a knee as they clinch. Andrade with some big right hands. Andrade lands a combo and Rodriguez is circling away and hurt. Rodriguez lands some knees. 10-9 Andrade, 20-18 Andrade.
Andrade with some leg kicks. Rodriguez lands a spinning back fist. Andrade with more leg kicks and Rodriguez lands a right hand. Rodriguez with some big combinations. They trade and Andrade grabs a leg and scores a takedown. They get to their feet and Andrade lands a right hand against the fence. Rodriguez lands a right hand. Rodriguez lands another right hand then a combination. Andrade with a few leg kicks. Rodriguez tries a flying knee but Andrade grabs the leg. Rodriguez looks for a standing guillotine choke. She lets go and they trade combinations. Rodriguez with a combo. Andrade with a hard leg kick and Rodriguez goes down for a moment then lands. They clinch and trade at the end. 10-9 Rodriguez, 29-28 Andrade.
Official Result- Jessica Andrade def. Marina Rodriguez by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Moicano with a body kick. Turner lands a body kick that hurts Moicano. They clinch but separate. Moicano is looking for the takedown. He is able to get it to the mat. Moicano working from the top looking to set up a choke. Moicano landing from the top. Turner is able to get to his feet and they break. Turner with a high kick that Moicano blocks. Moicano lands to the body. Turner drops Moicano with a left hand and walks away, which lets Moicano up. 10-9 Turner.
Turner lands a right hand. They trade in close range. Moicano lands a right hand. Moicano is able to get a takedown. Moicano is working from the top and landing as Turner is unable to do much on the bottom. Moicano turns Turner away from the fence. Moicano gets the mount and is landing a big flurry. Turner is covering up as Moicano is reigning down a lot of left hands and it is stopped! What a comeback from Moicano to get the finish!
Official Result- Renato Moicano def. Jalin Turner by TKO (punches) at 4:11 of Round 2
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> Featherweights- #13 Sodiq Yusuff (13-3, 6-2 UFC) vs. Diego Lopes (23-6, 2-1 UFC)
Lopes with a pair of calf kicks. They clinch and Lopes drops Yusuff with an uppercut and starts landing from the top trying to finish. They get to their feet and Lopes drops Yusuff again. Lopes gets on top and starts landing and Yusuff gives up his back and Lopes continues to land until it is finished. Lopes with an absolute thrashing.
Official Result- Diego Lopes def. Sodiq Yusuff by TKO (punches) at 1:29 of Round 1
> Women’s Bantamweights- #5 Holly Holm (15-6 1 NC, 8-6 1 NC UFC) vs. Kayla Harrison (16-1, 0-0 UFC)
Harrison lands a jab. Harrison with an inside leg kick. They trade and clinch and Harrison gets a big judo throw takedown, but Holm is able to reverse to the top. Harrison works her way to the feet and they remain clinched with Harrison landing a knee. Holm tries for a takedown but Harrison is on top. Harrison stands and lands some big punches. Harrison in the half-guard and landing big punches. Harrison with big left hands from the mount and lands a few elbows now. Harrison with punches from the top. Harrison with lots of big shots from the top. Harrison ends the round on top. 10-9 Harrison.
Holm with a side kick. Harrison lands a head kick and looks for a takedown as she grabs the neck. Harrison lands a knee as she lets go of the neck. Harrison gets a takedown and quickly gets the mount. Holm gives up her back. Harrison locks in a rear-naked choke and Holm taps! Complete domination from Harrison in her debut.
Official Result- Kayla Harrison def. Holly Holm by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:47 of Round 2
Sterling lands some leg kicks. Kattar lands a jab. Sterling continues to land leg kicks and lands a few punches. Sterling gets a takedown against the fence. Sterling lands as he is looking to take the back. They get to their feet as Sterling still has the back and Sterling gets it back down and still has the back. They get to their feet. Sterling gets a takedown and ends in side control. 10-9 Sterling.
They clinch right up after Sterling lands some leg kicks. Sterling is looking for a takedown against the fence. Sterling holding Kattar down but they get up and Sterling still has the body lock. Sterling with some knees against the fence as they’re tied up. They separate. Sterling lands a leg kick then scores a big takedown. Sterling ends the round in side control. 10-9 Sterling, 20-18 Sterling.
Sterling with a leg kick and tries for a takedown as he gets the back. Sterling gets a takedown against the fence and is keeping Kattar pinned against the fence. They scramble up and Sterling lands a power bomb on Kattar and starts landing punches from the top. Sterling with some elbows to the body. Sterling in side control and lands to the body and head as the fight ends. 10-9 Sterling, 30-27 Sterling.
Official Result- Aljamain Sterling def. Calvin Kattar by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Light Heavyweights- #2 Jiri Prochazka (29-4-1, 3-1 UFC) vs. #5 Aleksandar Rakic (14-3, 6-2 UFC)
They trade leg kicks. Rakic with more leg kicks. Rakic with more leg kicks and lands a right hand. Prochazka lands a left hand and Rakic lands a right hand. Rakic with a leg kick. Rakic with a hard leg kick and lands another. Prochazka lands a left hand. Rakic with more leg kicks. Rakic lands a right hand. Rakic lands a right hand. Prochazka with a body kick. Prochazka lands a high kick. Prochazka lands a big right hand and Rakic is hurt. Rakic lands an uppercut then a right hand. Rakic with a right hand. 10-9 Rakic.
Rakic lands a right hand. Prochazka with a high kick. Rakic lands a right hand. Rakic lands a right hand. Rakic with a jab. Prochazka lands a jab and Rakic lands a right hand. Prochazka with a head kick and they trade big shots inside the pocket. Rakic with a knee to the body and a left hand. Prochazka with a big right hand and Rakic is hurt and retreating. Prochazka with a big knee then a flurry. Prochazka throws Rakic to the mat and starts landing from the top. Prochazka with big elbows and punches from the top and it is stopped! What a massive finish from Prochazka!
Official Result- Jiri Prochazka def. Aleksandar Rakic by TKO (strikes) at 3:17 of Round 2
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> Middleweights- Bo Nickal (5-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. Cody Brundage (10-5, 4-4 UFC)
Brundage with a body kick. Both are throwing big punches. Nickal gets a brief takedown but they scramble up. Nickal has the back of Brundage against the fence. Nickal puts Brundage on his knees as he has back control. Nickal is looking for a choke. He lets go. Nickal gets the mount and lands some big elbows. Nickal has the back and Brundage is taunting him. They make it to the end of the first. 10-9 Nickal.
Nickal with a body kick. Brundage tries a kick and Nickal catches it but Brundage shakes him off. Nickal gets a takedown and has the back. Nickal looks for a choke but Brundage spins out. Nickal gets the mount. Both are landing on the mat. Nickal lands and Brundage gives up is back. Nickal with right hands from the back. Nickal locks in a rear-naked choke and Brundage quickly taps. Nickal gets the win in dominant fashion.
Official Result- Bo Nickal def. Cody Brundage by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:38 of Round 2
> Lightweights- #1 Charles Oliveira (34-9 1 NC, 22-9 1 NC UFC) vs. #4 Arman Tsarukyan (21-3, 8-2 UFC)
They trade leg kicks and Tsarukyan lands a right hand. Oliveira lands a leg kick that trips Tsarukyan up. Oliveira grabs the neck in the sprawl position. Oliveira locks in a guillotine choke and it is in tight. Tsarukyan pops his head out but Oliveira ends up in the mount and lands an elbow. Oliveira working from the top but Tsarukyan is able to reverse to the top. Tsarukyan with a big elbow from the top. Oliveira landed an illegal upkick as they were on the ground and we have a timeout. They get back to action and Tsarukyan lands an elbow from the top. Oliveira reverses and they get to their feet and Oliveira lands a knee. Close round. 10-9 Oliveira.
Tsarukyan with a body kick. Tsarukyan lands a jab and Oliveira lands a nice right hand. Tsarukyan lands a combo. Tsarukyan with an axe kick. Tsarukyan tries for a takedown but they scramble to the feet. Tsarukyan pushes Oliveira against the fence. Tsarukyan gets the takedown. Tsarukyan with an elbow from the top and Oliveira throws a pair of elbows on the bottom. Oliveira is cut open as Tsarukyan lands more elbows from the top. Tsarukyan with some ground-and-pound late. 10-9 Tsarukyan, 19-19.
Oliveira lands a right hand. They tie up and Tsarukyan pushes it to the fence. Oliveira with a knee to the body and Tsarukyan lands an elbow as they break. Tsarukyan with a leg kick. Tsarukyan shoots for a takedown but Oliveira defends. Tsarukyan with a jab. Oliveira with a body kick. Tsarukyan lands a high kick. Tsarukyan scores a takedown. Tsarukyan working from the top and takes the back of Oliveira. Oliveira slips out and is looking for a choke. Oliveira has a D’Arce choke locked in. Tsarukyan gives a thumbs up and survives. Close fight. 10-9 Oliveira, 29-28 Oliveira.
Official Result- Arman Tsarukyan def. Charles Oliveira by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
> BMF Championship- C Justin Gaethje (25-4, 8-4 UFC) vs. #2 FW Max Holloway (25-7, 21-7 UFC)
Gaethje with a leg kick. Holloway lands a leg kick. Gaethje with some hard calf kicks. Gaethje connects with a right hand. Holloway with an uppercut and a left hook hurts Gaethje. They trade leg kicks. Holloway with a right hand to the body. Gaethje with a hard leg kick. Holloway with an uppercut. Gaethje with a leg kick and Holloway counters with a right hand. Gaethje lands a right hand. Holloway lands a spin kick to the body. 10-9 Holloway.
Holloway peppering some short leg kicks. Gaethje lands a left hook. Holloway with a leg kick then a high kick. He lands a body kick. Gaethje lands a leg kick. They both swing and we have a timeout for an eye poke. They get back to action and trade body kicks. Holloway with a right hand to the body. Gaethje with a jab to the body. Holloway fires a combination. Gaethje lands a right hand followed by a leg kick. Gaethje lands a right hand and there’s another eye poke. They get back to action. Gaethje with a leg kick. Holloway lands a right hand. Holloway with a spin kick. They connect late. 10-9 Holloway, 20-18 Holloway.
They trade leg kicks. Holloway with a body kick. Gaethje lands a leg kick. Gaethje lands a right hand and Holloway lands a left hook. Holloway lands a leg kick. Gaethje lands a left hook. Holloway lands a stiff right hand then a spin kick to the body. Holloway hurts Gaethje with a combination. Gaethje lands and lands a hard leg kick. Holloway with a body kick. Holloway with another spin kick. Holloway lands an uppercut. Gaethje with a leg kick and Holloway lands a right hand to the body. Holloway lands a right hand. Holloway with a body kick. 10-9 Holloway, 30-27 Holloway.
Holloway with a leg kick then a pair of front kicks. Holloway lands a right hand to the body then a body kick. Gaethje with a solid combination. Gaethje lands a solid right hand. Gaethje lands a stiff jab. Holloway hurts Gaethje with a right hand. Gaethje lands a combination. Holloway partially lands an uppercut. Holloway lands a right hand. They trade leg kicks. Holloway with a knee to the body. Gaethje knocks Holloway down to his knees for a second with a right hand. They trade right hands. Gaethje lands a right hand and body kick. 10-9 Gaethje, 39-37 Holloway.
Holloway with a body kick. Holloway lands a combo. Holloway lands a hard spin kick to the body. Gaethje with a leg kick. Holloway lands a big right hand and Gaethje is hurt. Holloway is pouring it on and Gaethje is covering up. Holloway lands to the body against the fence and Gaethje lands a right hand. Holloway with a spin kick to the body. Holloway lands a right hand. Gaethje with a left hand. Holloway with a left to the body followed by a right hand. Gaethje lands a right hand. Holloway with a spin kick. Gaethje lands a jab. Holloway with a body kick. They start swinging for the fences and both connect and Holloway lands a massive right hand that puts Gaethje out cold right before the buzzer. What a finish from Holloway! One of the craziest knockouts in UFC history.
Official Result- Max Holloway def. Justin Gaethje by knockout (punch) at 4:59 of Round 5 to win the BMF Championship
> UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship- C Zhang Weili (24-3, 8-2 UFC) vs. #1 Yan Xiaonan (17-3 1 NC, 8-2 UFC)
Xiaonan lands a right hand. Weili with a calf kick. Weili looks for a body kick but Xiaonan grabs the leg and lands a pair of right hands before they clinch. They separate. Weili lands a leg kick and they both swing wildly. Weili lands a left hand and Xiaonan gets a takedown. They get to their feet. Xiaonan lands a left hook and Weili stumbles but collects herself. Weili with a high kick. Weili lands a body kick followed by a spinning back fist. Weili lands a right hand and gets a big throw takedown. Weili gets the back and lands some punches. Weili has a choke locked in but Xiaonan looked to survive the round. She looked out as the horn sounded and Weili let the choke go. 10-8 Weili.
They trade and Weili gets the back and scores a takedown and has the back. Weili with some right hands but Xiaonan spins and Weili stands. Weili gets back on top and they transition around and Weili is in side control. Weili lands a few elbows. Xiaonan gives up her back and Weili flattens her out. Weili with big punches and is looking for the choke. Weili with lots of punches. Weili gets on top and locks in an arm-triangle choke. Xiaonan escapes and is able to get on top. They get to their feet. They trade right hands. 10-9 Weili, 20-17 Weili.
Xiaonan lands a side kick to the body. Xiaonan lands a right hand. Xiaonan lands and Weili drops to the mat. Xiaonan landing leg kicks as Weili is throwing upkicks. Xiaonan with more leg kicks until Weili is ordered to her feet. Weili lands a body kick and Xiaonan lands a leg kick. Xiaonan lands a right hand and Weili goes to a knee looking for a takedown. Xiaonan gets the takedown and is in the half-guard. Weili kicks Xiaonan off and they get to their feet. Xiaonan gets a takedown after sweeping the leg. They stand and separate. Xiaonan lands a side kick. Weili lands a right hand and Xiaonan with a knee to the body. 10-9 Xiaonan, 29-27 Weili.
Xiaonan lands a right hand. Xiaonan drops Weili to her butt with a right hand though Weili gets right up. Weili looks for a takedown and Xiaonan about reversed it but Weili ends up with back control. Weili lands a knee. Weili with left hands. Weili has the back and lands some left hands. Xiaonan grabbed the fence. Weili with punches from the back and flattens Xiaonan out. Weili continues to land from the back. 10-9 Weili, 39-36 Weili.
Weili with a head kick. Xiaonan lands an inside leg kick. Weili gets a takedown. They scramble to their feet. Weili lands a right hand and scores another takedown. Weili is working from the half-guard. Weili lands and gets the back of Xiaonan. Xiaonan spins and Weili is now on top and landing. Weili landing to the body then mixes to the head as the fight ends. 10-9 Weili, 49-45 Weili.
Official Result- Zhang Weili def. Yan Xiaonan by unanimous decision (49-45, 49-45, 49-45) to retain the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship
> UFC Light Heavyweight Championship- C Alex Pereira (9-2, 6-1 UFC) vs. #1 Jamahal Hill (12-1 1 NC, 6-1 1 NC UFC)
Pereira with a leg kick. Hill with a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Pereira with a body kick and Hill lands a right hand. Hill with a pair of leg kicks. Pereira lands a jab. Hill with a high kick that Pereira blocks. Hill with a body kick. Hill with a pair of kicks. Pereira drops Hill with a left hand and starts landing hammerfists and it is all over! What a finish from Pereira!
Official Result- Alex Pereira def. Jamahal Hill by knockout (punches) at 3:14 of Round 1 to retain the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
The Octagon closes out August with a pretty strong fight card featuring several intriguing fights as UFC On ESPN 83: Holloway vs. The Korean Zombie takes place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Kallang, Singapore.
The main event features two of the most exciting featherweights in UFC history as former UFC Featherweight Champion Max Holloway takes on “The Korean Zombie”, Chan Sung Jung, in a fight fans have been anticipating for years. Holloway is looking to score his second straight win, while Jung returns from injury in what could end up being his final fight.
The co-main event is a rematch at light heavyweight as Anthony Smith looks for another win over Ryan Spann after submitting him in September 2021. There is also a potential title eliminator bout in the women’s flyweight division, as Erin Blanchfield takes on Taila Santos. Also on the main card is a featherweight fight pitting Giga Chikadze against Alex Caceres, and a heavyweight bout between Junior Tafa and Parker Porter.
They trade hard leg kicks. Both trading leg kicks early on. Errens lands a right hand and Choi fires back with a leg kick. Errens lands a combo. Choi lands a pair of calf kicks. Choi clips Errens as he was coming in with a right hand and Errens pushes it against the fence. Errens lands a knee and elbow as they break. Errens scores with a combo and then a big right hand. They are both throwing wildly. Choi lands a jab but Errens fires back with a big right hand. Choi lands some leg kicks. Errens shoots for a late takedown but Choi defends. 10-9 Errens.
They’re trading to start the second and Choi lands some leg kicks. They trade kicks. Errens drops Choi with an uppercut and jumps on top. He’s working in the half-guard but Choi is able to reverse. Choi is landing from the top and landing elbows and finishes the round on top as he has a big comeback. 10-9 Errens, 20-18 Errens.
Choi landing leg kicks and Errens throwing punches in return. Choi lands a leg kick and a right hand. Errens lands a right hand and Choi counters with a right hand and leg kick. Choi lands a pair of kicks. Choi lands a combo. Choi lands a combo and a leg kick. Choi lands a leg kick and Errens is hurt and falls down. Choi gets on top and is landing to the body. Choi is in side control and landing punches. Choi gets the back and threatens with a choke but time runs out. 10-9 Choi, 29-28 Errens.
Official Result- SeungWoo Choi def. Jarno Errens by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
> Women’s Flyweights- Liang Na (19-6, 0-2 UFC) vs. JJ Aldrich (11-6, 7-5 UFC)
Aldrich landing more to start as Na is throwing punches but not really landing. Na lands a right hand that forces a clinch and Na gets it to the mat. Na lands more on the mat but Aldrich is able to get it back to the feet. Na lands a kick. Aldrich lands a combination. Na tries a takedown but Aldrich reverses and gets the back and has the hooks in as she flattens Na out. Na escapes from the position but Aldrich remains on top and in side control. Aldrich ends the round on top. 10-9 Aldrich.
They trade to start the second. Na lands a body kick and a quick flurry. Na tries a takedown and Aldrich sprawls, but Na gets the back and has the mount. Na looking for an arm-triangle choke. Aldrich is fighting it off. Aldrich escapes and is on top and in side control. Aldrich is landing from the top and gets the mount and continues to land from there. Aldrich landing hammerfists from the top and Na gives up her back. Aldrich landing more punches. Aldrich flattens Na out and starts landing lots and lots of punches, then lands some elbows as Na spun back around and gets the late stoppage. Great finish from Aldrich!
Official Result- JJ Aldrich def. Liang Na by TKO (strikes) at 4:49 of Round 2
> Welterweights- Billy Goff (8-2, 0-0 UFC) vs. Yusaku Kinoshita (6-2, 0-1 UFC)
Kinoshita lands a head kick that Goff partially blocks. Goff lands some leg kicks. They trade punches. Kinoshita lands a combo. Goff lands a right hand. Goff lands a pair of kicks. Kinoshita lands a combo in close range. Goff lands a leg kick. He lands another and Kinoshita lands a solid jab. They trade punches and Kinoshita lands slightly more. Goff tries a takedown but Kinoshita defends. Kinoshita lands a big left hand as Goff lands a leg kick. Kinoshita lands a knee to the body and Goff lands a leg kick. Kinoshita lands a head kick. Goff lands a few jabs. Goff drops Kinoshita with a body shot and starts landing from the top and gets the finish! Great debut from Goff to get the win.
Official Result- Billy Goff def. Yusaku Kinoshita by TKO (punches) at 3:49 of Round 1
> Welterweights- Song Kenan (19-7, 4-3 UFC) vs. Rolando Bedoya (14-2, 0-1 UFC)
Bedoya lands some heavy calf kicks to start. He lands some more and they trade punches with Bedoya getting the better of it. Bedoya landing more kicks and Kenan lands a right hand. Kenan lands a knee. They trade leg kicks. Kenan lands a right hand. Bedoya lands a combo. Bedoya scores with another big combo. They tie up and Bedoya lands a knee on the break and then a series of kicks. Bedoya lands a combo ending with a leg kick. Bedoya scores with a body kick. Kenan lands a body kick. 10-9 Bedoya.
Kenan landing to start the second and pushes Bedoya to the fence. Kenan lands some punches that send Bedoya to the mat and he tried to jump on the back but they scrambled right up. Bedoya lands a right hand and Kenan lands a leg kick. Kenan lands a nice combo. Bedoya lands a left hand. Kenan lands a combo. Bedoya lands a leg kick. Kenan with a short right hand. Kenan lands a combo. Bedoya lands a leg kick. Bedoya looks for a takedown as he pushes it against the fence. Bedoya lands a knee to the body before they break. Kenan lands a left hand. Kenan lands a right hand. 10-9 Kenan, 19-19.
Bedoya landing leg kicks and they trade inside the pocket. They separate and Bedoya lands a leg kick. Kenan lands a stiff jab. Bedoya lands a nice combo. Bedoya lands a leg kick but Kenan is still landing with more volume and some hard punches. Kenan lands a combo. They trade leg kicks. Bedoya lands another leg kick then another. Kenan lands a right hand. They tie up and Kenan lands a left hand. Kenan drops Bedoya with a right hand and lands a knee on the way up. Kenan lands a couple of right hands. Bedoya tries a takedown but Kenan defends and lands a right hand as Bedoya was getting up. Kenan lands a left hand. 10-9 Kenan, 29-28 Kenan.
Official Result- Song Kenan def. Rolando Bedoya by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Middleweights- Chidi Njokuani (22-9 1 NC, 2-2 UFC) vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk (18-6 1 NC, 6-4 1 NC UFC)
Njokuani lands a body kick. They’re swinging. Njokuani lands some knees. He lands a series of knees then a high kick as they score. Oleksiejczuk lands a left hand. Oleksiejczuk lands a combo that stuns Njokuani for a moment. Oleksiejczuk has the back against the fence. Njokuani lands a knee as they break. They trade and Njokuani goes for a takedown but Oleksiejczuk reverses and ends up on top. They get to their feet. They trade leg kicks. Njokuani rocks Oleksiejczuk with a head kick then lands some elbows. They trade big punches. Oleksiejczuk hurts Njokuani with some left hands. Oleksiejczuk lands against the fence. Oleksiejczuk gets a takedown and is working inside the guard. Oleksiejczuk with some left hands from the top. Oleksiejczuk with some hammerfists from the top and he gets the finish! What a fight between these two as Oleksiejczuk gets the first-round finish.
Official Result- Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Chidi Njokuani by TKO (punches) at 4:16 of Round 1
Armfield lands a jab and Kazama lands a right hand. Kazama lands a leg kick. Armfield lands a left hook. He lands a right hand. Armfield lands a combo. Kazama shoots for a takedown but Armfield defends and lands a high kick. Armfield continuing to land as he’s coming forward. Armfield lands another combo. Armfield lands to the body. Armfield lands a combo and hurts Kazama with a jab. Kazama tries to get Armfield down but Armfield is landing from the top. Kazama is ordered to his feet. Armfield lands a combo. Armfield lands a flurry and Kazama circles away. Armfield drops Kazama with a right hand and it is stopped right away. Big finish from Armfield!
Official Result- Garrett Armfield def. Toshiomi Kazama by TKO (punch) at 4:16 of Round 1
Cortes-Acosta lands a leg kick. Brzeski lands a pair of leg kicks. He lands another. They trade leg kicks. Brzeski with more leg kicks and Cortes-Acosta lands a right hand. Cortes-Acosta lands a combo. Brzeski lands a high kick. They trade punches. Brzeski with a leg kick and Cortes-Acosta lands a counter right hand. Brzeski lands a body kick but Cortes-Acosta hurts him with a right hand. Cortes-Acosta lands some more big right hands and Brzeski goes down face first and it is stopped! What a finish from Cortes-Acosta!
Official Result- Waldo Cortes-Acosta def. Lukasz Brzeski by knockout (punches) at 3:01 of Round 1
Tafa lands a right hand and just misses a front kick. They trade inside the pocket and Tafa lands a big punch that makes Porter stumble. Porter tries for a takedown against the fence. Tafa lands a big elbow as they break and lands some big punches. He lands a big right hand that makes Porter drop face first to the mat and it is stopped.
Official Result- Junior Tafa def. Parker Porter by knockout (punch) at 1:24 of Round 1
Santos lands some leg kicks and a combo. She lands another leg kick. She lands another combo. Santos lands a combo and a body kick. Blanchfield not getting much going early. Santos trips Blanchfield up with a leg kick. They trade right hands. Blanchfield’s nose is bleeding. Blanchfield lands a flurry against the fence. She has Santos pushed against the fence. Blanchfield with some foot stomps but Santos lands some elbows to back Blanchfield up. Blanchfield gets a trip takedown but Santos scrambles up. Santos lands a big right hand. Blanchfield lands a body kick. Santos lands a right hand. Blanchfield ties up and they battle against the fence. Blanchfield lands some knees. 10-9 Santos.
They’re trading to start the second and Santos lands a leg kick. Blanchfield gets a brief takedown but they get right up. Blanchfield has it pushed against the fence and is landing knees while pressuring. Santos gets the underhooks and tries for a takedown but Blanchfield ends up on top. Blanchfield in the half-guard and pressuring but not a lot of action happening. Santos gives up her back. They get to their feet. Blanchfield still pressuring against the fence and lands some knees. They separate. They clinch right back up and trade knees. 10-9 Blanchfield, 19-19.
Blanchfield lands a high kick and they trade punches. Blanchfield looks for a takedown and pushes it against the fence. She lands a knee before they break. Santos lands a leg kick as Blanchfield is throwing. They trade and Blanchfield pushes it against the fence. Blanchfield lands some short knees against the fence. They separate. Blanchfield back looking for the takedown against the fence. Santos looked like she was trying for a takedown but they separate. Blanchfield lands a right hand. Blanchfield pushes it to the fence. Blanchfield lands a combo and then almost gets a takedown. They separate. Blanchfield landing the jab and they’re trading on the feet. Blanchfield lands a big elbow that hurts Santos and lands a knee. Close fight. 10-9 Blanchfield, 29-28 Blanchfield.
Official Result- Erin Blanchfield def. Taila Santos by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Nakamura lands a leg kick. Nakamura looks for a takedown against the fence as he has a leg and he gets it down. They get up but Nakamura gets a big takedown. Nakamura working from the top as he’s landing from north-south position. He has a north-south choke locked in. Garcia escapes but Nakamura remains in control from the top. Nakamura gets back to side control. Nakamura with big punches to end the round. 10-9 Nakamura.
They trade to start the second. Nakamura lands a body kick. Nakamura lands a high kick and slips to the mat but gets right up and lands. Nakamura lands another high kick. Garcia lands a leg kick. Nakamura lands a right hand then a leg kick. Nakamura gets a takedown and Garcia has a guillotine choke locked in. Nakamura rolls to side control. Nakamura gets his head out and is landing elbows from side control. He has an arm trapped. Nakamura is looking for a straight armbar but Garcia gets both arms free. Nakamura ends the round on top. 10-9 Nakamura, 20-18 Nakamura.
Garcia lands a right hand. Nakamura lands some body kicks. Garcia lands a right hand and he starts to slip and Nakamura scores a takedown. Nakamura controlling from the top as he almost has the mount and lands a few elbows. Garcia gives up his back and Nakamura has neck control. Nakamura gets back on top in the half-guard and lands some left hands. Garcia gives his back up again. Nakamura grabs the arm and locks in an armbar but Garcia escapes. They get to their feet. Nakamura lands a big head kick but Garcia is walking forward. 10-9 Nakamura, 30-27 Nakamura.
Official Result- Rinya Nakamura def. Fernie Garcia by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
> Featherweights- #9 Giga Chikadze (14-3, 7-1 UFC) vs. #15 Alex Caceres (21-13 1 NC, 16-11 1 NC UFC)
Caceres lands some leg kicks. Chikadze lands a body kick. Caceres lands a right hand. Chikadze with some leg kicks. Caceres lands a nice left hand. Caceres scores with a spinning back fist. Chikadze throws a high kick but Caceres blocks. Chikadze lands a right hand. Caceres scores with another left hand. They trade kicks. Chikadze lands a jab as Caceres was coming forward. Chikadze lands a body kick and a right hand. Close round. 10-9 Chikadze.
They’re feeling each other out in the second. Caceres lands a left hand. Chikadze lands a jab then a combo. They trade punches and Chikadze lands some good punches. Chikadze lands a jab then a right hand then a body kick. Caceres lands a left hand. They trade wild shots inside the pocket. Chikadze lands a body kick. Chikadze lands a right hand. Chikadze lands a combo. Caceres lands a leg kick but eats a counter right hand from Chikadze. Chikadze lands a right hand. Close round. 10-9 Chikadze, 20-18 Chikadze.
Chikadze lands some leg kicks. Caceres is pressing forward and lands a left hand but Chikadze lands a counter right hand. Chikadze lands a right hand then a left hook. Caceres lands a left hand and almost lands a head kick. Chikadze lands a right hand. Chikadze lands a body kick. Caceres lands a jab but eats two leg kicks from Chikadze. Chikadze lands a pair of body kicks. Chikadze lands another big body kick and Caceres fires back with a left hand. Caceres still throwing. Chikadze with a spin kick late. Close fight. 10-9 Chikadze, 30-27 Chikadze.
Official Result- Giga Chikadze def. Alex Caceres by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Light Heavyweights- #8 Anthony Smith (36-18, 11-8 UFC) vs. #10 Ryan Spann (21-8, 7-3 UFC)
Spann lands a front kick. Smith lands a leg kick. Smith with a hard leg kick and Spann fires back with punches. Smith lands a left hand. Spann lands a right hand but Smith fires back with the left hook. Smith lands a right hand and then another. Smith lands a leg kick. They trade front kicks. Smith lands a leg kick. He lands another and follows it with a right hand. Smith lands a leg kick but eats a right hand from Spann. Spann lands and Smith gets a takedown and pops his head out from Spann’s control. They scramble back to their feet. Smith lands a hard leg kick. 10-9 Smith.
Smith lands a calf kick. He lands a leg kick. Smith lands a right hand. Spann lands a left hand. Spann hurts Smith with a left hand. Spann tries a flying knee but they go to the mat. Spann is on top and is landing as Smith is covering up. Spann with some hammerfists and elbows from the top. Smith is trying to attack the leg. Spann stands and Smith is ordered to his feet. Spann lands a jab then a front kick. Smith’s left eye is badly damaged. Smith lands a leg kick. Smith lands a left hand. Spann lands a right hand. Smith scores with a leg kick. They trade punches. 10-9 Spann, 19-19.
They trade low kicks to start. Smith lands a leg kick. Spann lands a right hand. Smith lands to the body. He follows with a sharp jab. Spann lands a right hand and Smith counters with a leg kick. Smith with some leg kicks. Smith lands a right hand. Smith lands a body kick. Smith lands a left hand. They trade in close range. Spann lands a nice right hand. Smith lands a left hand. Smith landing slightly more here. Smith lands a leg kick. Spann lands a leg kick. Spann lands a right hand. Very close fight. 10-9 Smith, 29-28 Smith.
Official Result- Anthony Smith def. Ryan Spann by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
> Featherweights- #1 Max Holloway (24-7, 20-7 UFC) vs. #8 Chan Sung Jung (17-7, 7-4 UFC)
They trade leg kicks early and Holloway lands a jab. Jung lands a leg kick. Jung lands a right hand then Holloway rocks Jung with a right hand. Jung lands a right hand. Holloway lands to the body then lands a left hand. Jung lands a right hand and then a leg kick. Holloway lands a left hook. Jung lands a left hand as he rushes in. They trade right hands. Holloway lands a left hook and a body kick. Jung lands a right hand. Holloway lands a leg kick and Jung fires back with a combo. Jung lands two right hands late. Close round. 10-9 Holloway.
Holloway lands a right hand. Holloway drops Jung with a combo and Jung is rolling on the mat. Holloway locks in an anaconda choke and is trying to get it in tight. Holloway lets go and tries to get the mount but Jung gets to his feet. They crack each other with hard punches. Holloway lands a left hook. Jung lands a left hook. Holloway lands and they trade hard shots against the fence. Holloway lands a high kick. Holloway lands to the body. Jung lands a right hand. Holloway lands a combo to the body and head. Holloway lands a spin kick to the body. 10-9 Holloway, 20-18 Holloway.
Jung landing big punches early in the third and Holloway is firing back. They are both landing big shots. Holloway then lands a big right hand and Jung goes face first to the mat out cold. An unreal finish by Holloway.
Official Result- Max Holloway def. Chan Sung Jung by knockout (punch) at :23 of Round 3
The Octagon returns to Kansas City for the first time since April 2017 with UFC on ESPN 44 from the T-Mobile Center, featuring an excellent card headlined by an exciting featherweight bout with one of the all-time greats in UFC history.
Former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway looks to start another run at the title when he returns to action against the ultra-tough Arnold Allen in the five-round headliner. Holloway is fighting for the first time since a title fight loss to Alexander Volkanovski at July’s UFC 276 as he looks to start another run towards the title.
Allen has been super impressive during his UFC run as he’s undefeated inside the Octagon at 10-0 and has won twelve straight overall.
In the co-main event, it’s another fun featherweight bout as Edson Barboza takes on Billy Quarantillo. The main card also features Dustin Jacoby vs. Azamat Murzakanov, Tanner Boser vs. Ion Cutelaba, Pedro Munhoz vs. Chris Gutierrez, and fan favorite Clay Guida vs. Rafa Garcia kicking off the main card.
Edwards starts with a leg kick. They both throw punches. Pudilova with a combo and Edwards lands a right hand. Edwards with a leg kick and Pudilova lands a knee. Pudilova scores a takedown. Pudilova working from the top and lands a left hand. Pudilova with some big shots from the top. Pudilova stands and wanted Edwards up, but Pudilova gets right back into the half-guard. Edwards is able to get up and lands some shots and they separate. They clinch against the fence and Pudilova lands a knee. 10-9 Pudilova.
Pudilova shoots for a takedown after both throw punches and Edwards has the neck but they break. Pudilova gets a takedown and moves into side control and has head pressure. Pudilova landing some elbows. Pudilova gets the back and with the body triangle. She gets to the mount and lands some elbows. Pudilova in control from the top as the round ends and she lands more heavy elbows. 10-9 Pudilova, 20-18 Pudilova.
Edwards with a leg kick and then another. Pudilova lands a jab. Pudilova pushes it against the fence. Edwards switches position. They break and both land leg kicks. They’re trading and Edwards is getting the better of it. Edwards with a body kick. Edwards lands a right hand. She lands a leg kick. Pudilova with a right hand. Pudilova lands a nice knee and grabs the back of Edwards. Pudilova gets a brief takedown. They both land as they’re tied up. Edwards with a leg kick. 10-9 Pudilova, 30-27 Pudilova.
Official Result- Joselyne Edwards def. Lucie Pudilova by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Phillips with a body kick. Bolanos with a leg kick and then another. Bolanos with a high kick after Phillips lands a knee to the body. Bolanos with some leg kicks. Bolanos with some punches. Phillips lands a high kick. Bolanos with a combination. Bolanos lands a leg kick. Bolanos with a body kick and then some leg kicks. Phillips tries a flying knee and it barely lands to the body. 10-9 Bolanos.
They both land leg kicks and Phillips scores a takedown. Bolanos lands some elbows from the bottom but was getting warned about the back of the head. They get to their feet and Phillips lands a left hand after Bolanos lands. Phillips gets another takedown and goes right into the mount. Phillips gets the back and is working for a choke. Bolanos is defending. Phillips tries again but Bolanos escapes and gets to his feet. Bolanos with some leg kicks. Bolanos with a right hand as he goes into the guard of Phillips. Bolanos lands more and Phillips gets to his feet. Bolanos with a combo. They make it to the end. 10-9 Phillips, 19-19.
Bolanos with a leg kick. Bolanos with a right hand and a high kick. Bolanos gets it to the mat and lands some big shots from the top before he stands. Bolanos with some standing left hands as Phillips is on his back and Bolanos goes to the mat. They get to their feet. Bolanos with a spinning elbow. He tries again and Phillips is able to duck under and get a takedown. Phillips has the back and is landing body punches. Phillips stays on the back until the end. 10-9 Bolanos, 29-28 Bolanos.
Official Result- Gaston Bolanos def. Aaron Phillips by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
> Women’s Strawweights- Bruna Brasil (8-2-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Denise Gomes (6-2, 0-1 UFC)
Brasil with a leg kick. Gomes with a hard leg kick and lands a big right hand as they clinch. They’re tied up against the fence and Gomes lands some knees. Brasil switches positions. Gomes with a big knee. She lands an elbow. Gomes switches positions. Brasil lands a knee. They break and Gomes lands a nice right hand. Brasil with a leg kick. Gomes with an inside leg kick. Gomes scores a takedown. 10-9 Gomes.
Gomes with a combo as she’s pressing forward. Gomes misses a right hand but clinches against the fence. They break after battling. Gomes lands and Brasil goes to her back and Gomes lands some standing punches then some standing kicks. Brasil gets to her feet. Gomes drops Brasil with a right hand. Gomes landing some big shots from the top and it is stopped. Big win and finish from Gomes!
Official Result- Denise Gomes def. Bruna Brasil by TKO (punches) at 2:42 of Round 2
> Lightweights- Lando Vannata (12-6-2, 4-6-2 UFC) vs. Daniel Zellhuber (12-1, 0-1 UFC)
Vannata with some leg kicks. They trade some hard punches. They trade leg kicks. Zellhuber lands some leg kicks and Vannata lands some leg kicks then lands a body kick and back to the leg kick. Zellhuber with a combo and lands a big knee and drops Vannata to the mat. Zellhuber is landing big punches and looking for the finish. Lots and lots of punches are landing and Vannata is somehow surviving. This could’ve easily been stopped a few times. Vannata gets to his feet and they trade punches. 10-8 Zellhuber.
They trade to start and Zellhuber lands the jab. Zellhuber lands the jab and Vannata lands a leg kick. Vannata lands a big right hand. Zellhuber with a leg kick. Vannata lands another big right hand. Vannata shoots for the takedown but Zellhuber defends so Vannata abandons the attempt. Vannata lands some nice punches and kicks. 10-9 Vannata, 19-18 Zellhuber.
They trade and Vannata loses his mouth piece. They trade and Zellhuber lands some big shots before they clinch. They separate and Vannata gets his mouth piece back. They trade left hands. Vannata lands a combo. Zellhuber with a leg kick. Vannata with an uppercut. Zellhuber lands a right hand. Zellhuber with a big head kick. Vannata with a combo and a head kick. Close final round. 10-9 Zellhuber, 29-27 Zellhuber.
Official Result- Daniel Zellhuber def. Lando Vannata by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-28, 30-27)
Robertson with some leg kicks. They both land some punches and Rodriguez with a leg kick. Robertson with a left hand. They trade and Robertson pulls guard and they go to the mat. Robertson with an elbow from the bottom. Robertson trying to sweep and grabs the leg as Rodriguez stands and gets it back down and is now working from the top. Robertson working from the top and lands some shots. 10-9 Robertson.
Robertson gets an immediate takedown to start the second. Rodriguez is attacking the arm but Robertson is trying to escape away. Robertson gets to side control. Robertson gets to the mount and lands some shots from the top. She continues to land from the top with some elbows. Rodriguez lands a few shots from the bottom. Rodriguez is cut open and Robertson lands more elbows. Robertson gets back to side control and looks for the arm but Rodriguez gets it out. Robertson back to the mount and lands some more elbows. Robertson gets the armbar in and it is stopped by the referee. Rodriguez is saying she didn’t tap or submit and Keith Peterson is saying she did. Replay shows there was one tap so Peterson is in the right.
Official Result- Gillian Robertson def. Piera Rodriguez by submission (armbar) at 4:21 of Round 2
> Light Heavyweights- Zak Cummings (24-7, 9-4 UFC) vs. Ed Herman (24-15 1 NC, 13-11 1 NC UFC)
Cummings with a combo. Herman tries a takedown but Cummings defends and then drops Herman with a left hand. Cummings lands from the top and Herman tried for an armbar as Cummings was standing. He lets Herman up. Cummings lands some more punches and they clinch. Herman tries a knee and slips and they go to the mat. Herman lands an illegal upkick and we have a timeout. They get back to action. Cummings lands a combo. Cummings with a body kick. Cummings with a couple of left hands. They trade and Cummings with a body kick. Herman lands a body shot. Cummings lands a left hand. Cummings lands late. 10-9 Cummings.
Cummings lands a left hand and they clinch. They separate. Cummings lands a left hook and Herman goes to his butt but gets up. Cummings lands a left hand. They clinch against the fence. Cummings with a leg kick and left hand and Herman slips to the mat. They trade. Herman lands a left hand. Cummings lands and Herman goes to the mat and Cummings gets on top. Cummings is landing and Herman lands another illegal upkick. Herman has a point taken away. They get back to action and Cummings with some body kicks. Cummings with some big left hands. Herman lands a left hand. 10-8 Cummings with the point deduction, 20-17 Cummings.
Cummings with some leg kicks and Herman falls to the mat. Cummings with some leg kicks. Cummings lets Herman up. They trade and Cummings lands a big left hand. Cummings lands a left hand and Herman goes down again and looks to have hurt his leg. Cummings lets Herman back up. Cummings with a leg kick and they have a wild exchange. Cummings lands a left hand. Cummings with more left hooks. Cummings rocks Herman with some punches. Cummings drops Herman with a combo and it is stopped. What a showing from Cummings!
Official Result- Zak Cummings def. Ed Herman by TKO (punches) at 4:13 of Round 3
*Both Cummings and Herman announced their retirements after the fight
Both circling around early and land leg kicks. Royval drops Nicolau with a big knee and right hand and starts landing big punches and elbows and gets the stoppage! What a finish from Royval!
Official Result- Brandon Royval def. Matheus Nicolau by knockout (strikes) at 2:09 of Round 1
> Featherweights- Bill Algeo (16-7, 3-3 UFC) vs. TJ Brown (17-9, 3-3 UFC)
They’re trading a lot to start and Algeo is landing leg kicks as Brown is switching stances. Both land some combos. Algeo lands a right hand and Brown kind of slips and then Algeo scores a takedown. Brown gets to the top and is looking for the arm and the kimura. They get to their feet and are clinched along the fence. Both land some big punches. Brown connects with some right hands and is pouring it on. Brown with a right hand. Algeo lands as he circles away. Algeo with a leg kick. Brown with a combo. They trade shots late. 10-9 Brown.
Algeo with some kicks to start the second and Brown lands a right hand. Algeo with some big shots and Brown looks for the takedown. Algeo is defending but Brown briefly gets it down. They stand and Brown lands an elbow and they trade. Algeo drops Brown with a right hand and gets on top. Algeo has Brown in the crucifix and is landing left hands from the top. Algeo gets the back and locks in a rear-naked choke. Brown taps! What a finish from Algeo!
Official Result- Bill Algeo def. TJ Brown by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:40 of Round 2
Guida lands a right hand and Garcia lands a leg kick. Guida with a combination. Garcia lands a combo. Guida with a leg kick as Garcia lands a right hand. They trade in close range. Garcia lands a combo. Garcia lands a combo. Garcia lands a leg kick. Garcia lands a left hand. Garcia landing with more volume as both are landing inside the pocket. 10-9 Garcia.
Garcia lands a nice uppercut. Guida with a leg kick. Garcia lands inside the pocket. Garcia lands a short uppercut as Guida was rushing in. Guida lands a nice combo. Guida tries for a takedown but Garcia shakes it off and lands an elbow. Garcia lands a couple of jabs. Both land inside the pocket. Garcia is landing with more volume and Guida is cut open. Garcia lands the jab. Garcia with a combo. Garcia with a combo but Guida does land some punches. Garcia lands a right hand. 10-9 Garcia, 20-18 Garcia.
Garcia with a leg kick. Guida with a high kick and goes for a takedown but Garcia defends. Garcia lands an uppercut. They trade inside the pocket and Garcia landed a leg kick. They trade punches. Garcia lands a combo. Guida tries a takedown but Garcia defends. Garcia lands a right hand. Garcia lands a combo. Garcia landing the jab and pressing forward. They trade inside the pocket late. 10-9 Garcia, 30-27 Garcia.
Official Result- Rafa Garcia def. Clay Guida by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Bantamweights- #9 Pedro Munhoz (19-7 2 NC, 9-7 2 NC) vs. #13 Chris Gutierrez (19-3-2, 7-1-1 UFC)
Gutierrez lands some leg kicks early on. Munhoz with a body kick. Gutierrez with a leg kick. Munhoz drops Gutierrez with a left hand. Munhoz gets on top and is in the guard of Gutierrez. Munhoz working from the top and lands some good shots. Munhoz is looking to get the arm but Gutierrez gets to his feet. Munhoz has the back. They break and Munhoz lands some big punches and shots late. 10-9 Munhoz.
Gutierrez lands a leg kick. Munhoz lands some punches and they trade leg kicks. Munhoz lands a couple more. Gutierrez is still mainly landing leg kicks but there isn’t a ton of action happening in this round. Munhoz with a left hand and a leg kick. Gutierrez with a right hand. Gutierrez with some leg kicks. They trade jabs. Munhoz with a left hand to the body. Close round. 10-9 Gutierrez, 19-19.
They trade to start the third. Munhoz lands a right hand. He lands a couple of leg kicks. Munhoz lands some kicks. Gutierrez lands a right hand. Munhoz lands a leg kick. Gutierrez lands a nice left hand. Munhoz is pressing forward. They trade kicks. Munhoz with a leg kick. Gutierrez with a right hand. Munhoz with a leg kick. Gutierrez with a left hand. Munhoz lands a left hand. They trade some hard punches. Gutierrez lands an elbow. Gutierrez slips late and Munhoz ends the fight on top. Close fight. 10-9 Munhoz, 29-28 Munhoz.
Official Result- Pedro Munhoz def. Chris Gutierrez by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Light Heavyweights- Tanner Boser (20-9-1, 4-4 UFC) vs. Ion Cutelaba (16-9-1 1 NC, 5-8-1 UFC)
Boser with the jab as Cutelaba lands a leg kick. Boser lands a right hand and Cutelaba lands a counter right hand. Boser with the jab. Cutelaba with a body kick. Boser lands a right hand. Boser lands the jab. Cutelaba just misses a big right hand. He lands one and Boser goes to his knees. Cutelaba lands some more punches and then scores a takedown. Cutelaba with some right hands from the top and is landing lots of punches and it is stopped. Big finish from Cutelaba.
Official Result- Ion Cutelaba def. Tanner Boser by TKO (punches) at 2:05 of Round 1
Jacoby with some leg kicks. Murzakanov lands a left hand. Jacoby lands a leg kick. Murzakanov lands the jab and Jacoby with another leg kick. Murzakanov lands a combo. Murzakanov lands a jab and Jacoby stumbles back. Murzakanov pressing forward. Murzakanov lands a left hand. Murzakanov lands to the body and then a left hand to the head. Jacoby lands a leg kick. They trade and Murzakanov gets a takedown. They quickly get back to the feet. Murzakanov lands a left hand and Jacoby with a combo. 10-9 Murzakanov.
Murzakanov lands a left hand. Jacoby with a high kick. Murzakanov lands a left hand after landing to the body. Jacoby presses it against the fence and is pressuring in the clinch. They trade short knees against the fence. They break to the center. Murzakanov lands a left hand. They trade jabs. Jacoby with a leg kick. Jacoby lands a high kick. Murzakanov drops Jacoby with a punch and is teeing off late as Jacoby is hurt. Murzakanov lands several left hands but Jacoby survives the round. 10-9 Murzakanov, 20-18 Murzakanov.
They’re trading to start the third. Both land leg kicks. Jacoby lands a nice combo. Jacoby lands the jab. He lands a high kick. He lands a body kick. Jacoby lands a combination. Murzakanov lands a left hand. They tie up against the fence and Jacoby has the advantage. They separate. Jacoby shoots for the takedown and gets it after landing some punches. Jacoby landing on the mat. They get to their feet. Jacoby looking for the takedown but Murzakanov defends. They trade late. 10-9 Jacoby, 29-28 Murzakanov.
Official Result- Azamat Murzakanov def. Dustin Jacoby by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Featherweights- #14 Edson Barboza (22-11, 16-11 UFC) vs. Billy Quarantillo (17-4, 5-2 UFC)
Quarantillo immediately grabs the single leg and looks for the takedown. Quarantillo lets go as they’re clinched against the fence but the separate. Barboza with a leg kick. Quarantillo lands a right hand. Quarantillo lands the jab. Quarantillo lands a leg kick then they trade jabs. Barboza with a leg kick and a combo. Quarantillo tries for the single leg against the fence. They break. They both land right hands. Barboza then lands a knee as Quarantillo was coming in and Quarantillo dropped and was out cold. What a finish from Barboza! Wow!
Official Result- Edson Barboza def. Billy Quarantillo by knockout (knee) at 2:37 of Round 1
> Featherweights- #2 Max Holloway (23-7, 19-7 UFC) vs. #4 Arnold Allen (19-1, 10-0 UFC)
Allen with a leg kick then a kick to the nuts of Holloway and we have a timeout. They resume action. Holloway with a combo. They trade high kicks. Holloway with a combo. Allen lands a nice left hand. Holloway lands a left hand. Holloway with a body kick as Allen was throwing a punch. Holloway lands a combo. They trade leg kicks. Holloway with a spin kick and he’s landing slightly more here. Holloway with a body kick. 10-9 Holloway.
They’re both looking for openings to start the second. They trade leg kicks. Allen lands a big left hand. Allen with more big shots and lands a front kick. Allen lands another left hand. They trade combinations in close range. Holloway starting to land counter shots and lands a big body kick. Allen lands a left hand. Holloway lands a head kick. Close round. 10-9 Allen, 19-19.
They trade inside the pocket. Holloway with a solid combination. They’re both landing and Holloway is landing then circling away. Allen lands a left hand. Holloway lands a very nice combination. Holloway with a body kick after they trade punches. Both are constantly moving. They trade in close range and Holloway lands while Allen misses. Allen’s face is showing some damage. Holloway with a big body kick. Holloway with a combo as Allen was coming in. Holloway lands a spinning back fist. 10-9 Holloway, 29-28 Holloway.
They trade to start as Holloway lands. Holloway circles away as Allen is missing leg kicks. Holloway with the jab after he lands to the body. Allen is slowing down a little. Holloway with a couple of leg kicks. Holloway with a right hand to the body. They trade punches. Holloway with a combo but Allen lands a high kick. Allen is able to capitalize as Holloway stumbles and lands a high kick. Allen with a high kick but Holloway blocks it. Allen lands a straight left hand but Holloway fires back and lands a body kick. Allen lands a nice left hand. Holloway just misses a wheel kick. Holloway lands a high kick. Allen lands a left hand and Holloway fires back with an uppercut. 10-9 Holloway, 39-37 Holloway.
Allen coming forward and both are landing. Allen then lands a combo. Allen lands a nice left hand and tries to swarm but Holloway circles away. Allen lands a body kick. Holloway with a knee to the body then lands another knee and an elbow. Holloway lands a right hand. Holloway lands a body kick. They clinch against the fence. Holloway lands a body kick. Allen lands a body kick and a right hand. Allen lands a quick flurry. Holloway lands a body kick. Allen scores with the left hand. Holloway with a body kick then Allen trips him up with a leg kick. They clinch and Allen is pressuring and looking for a takedown. They break and Allen lands some big shots late and Holloway lands a big right hand late. 10-9 Allen, 48-47 Holloway.
Official Result- Max Holloway def. Arnold Allen by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47)
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 276: Adesanya vs. Cannonier, emanating from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
It is 2022 International Fight Week in Las Vegas, the home of combat sports and the UFC, with a week full of events capped off by UFC 276, which features an absolutely stacked card with two title fights and some big match-ups on the card.
In the main event, UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya makes his fifth title defense of the undisputed title as he defends against top contender Jared Cannonier. Both men last fought at UFC 271 in February as Adesanya successfully defended against Robert Whittaker in their rematch while Cannonier scored a brutal second-round knockout of Derek Brunson. Cannonier then called for a title shot after the fight, which he gets on the heels of two straight wins and wins in five of his last six.
In the co-main event, UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski defends against former champion Max Holloway in their trilogy bout. Volkanovski has won the first two fights, beating Holloway for the title at UFC 245 in December 2019, then defending against Holloway at UFC 251 in July 2020 in a fight that many scored for Holloway. Volkanovski is coming off a defense against Chan Sung Jung at UFC 273 in April, while Holloway is coming off a win over Yair Rodriguez in November.
Also on the main card is a middleweight bout that could determine the next title challenger as Sean Strickland battles Alex Pereira, a welterweight fight between former UFC Welterweight Champion Robbie Lawler and Bryan Barberena, and the main card opens with an exciting bantamweight bout between Pedro Munhoz and rising contender and star Sean O’Malley.
The main prelims are stacked and will be the first MMA fight shown in prime time on ABC, capped off with a lightweight bout between Brad Riddell and Jalin Turner. The other ABC fights will see the all-time UFC wins leader will be decided between Jim Miller and Donald Cerrone in a welterweight clash, Ian Garry takes on Gabe Green in a welterweight bout, and a middleweight bout pitting Brad Tavares against Dricus Du Plessis.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6:30 p.m. eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.
We are looking for your thoughts on tonight’s event, so send a thumbs up, a thumbs down or a thumbs in the middle along with a best fight and a worst fight to Dave at [email protected].
> Women’s Bantamweights- Jessica-Rose Clark (11-7 1 NC, 4-3 UFC) vs. Julija Stoliarenko (9-6-1, 0-4 UFC)
Clark came out to Shawn Michaels’ WWE theme. Clark clips Stoliarenko with a right hand early and had her hurt. Clark lands a combo and Stoliarenko gets a takedown and passes to side control. Stoliarenko going right for the armbar and has it in and Clark taps! That was quick. Clark looked to dislocate her elbow as well. That was nasty.
Official Result- Julija Stoliarenko def. Jessica-Rose Clark by submission (armbar) at :42 of Round 1
They clinch up early with both landing. Barber with some knees as Eye was landing to the body and they go against the fence. Eye pushing Barber against the fence. Barber with an elbow after landing some punches. Eye with a knee and then Barber with an elbow, then a knee then another big elbow. They reverse and Barber with a knee. They break and Eye lands a right hand. They clinch back up as Barber lands some elbows. Barber with another elbow then another big one. Barber with some big punches against the fence. Barber with a knee. They remain clinched and Barber is landing some big shots. They trade knees. 10-9 Barber.
Barber lands a right hand. They clinch back up. Eye working for a takedown. Barber lands a knee as she defends. Barber lands a big elbow and a knee as they break. Eye shoots for a takedown but Barber defends as they tie up against the fence. Barber with an elbow and they break. Barber lands a head kick and Eye gets the takedown and steps over to the half-guard. Eye controlling from the top but there is not a lot of action going on. Eye gets to side control for a second but gets back to the half-guard. Eye lands with some punches late. 10-9 Barber, 20-18 Barber.
Barber with a head kick that Eye blocks. Barber with an elbow. Eye lands a right hand. Barber with a head kick and follows it with a right hand. Eye ducks under a punch and grabs the body lock and pushes it against the fence. They trade right hands and Barber lands a head kick as they break. They both land in the clinch before breaking. Eye lands a right hand. They trade punches. Barber lands a front kick then a right hand and a question mark kick. They trade punches. They trade in close range and Barber tries a head kick and Eye grabs the leg and pushes it against the fence. They break after Eye lands a right hand. Barber lands a right hand. Eye tries a takedown and has a leg and Barber lands some hammerfists as she defends and they get to their feet. Eye pushes it against the fence. Barber with a big elbow. Solid fight. 10-9 Barber, 30-27 Barber.
Official Result- Maycee Barber def. Jessica Eye by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
After the fight, Eye announced her retirement.
> Middleweights- #9 Uriah Hall (17-10, 10-8 UFC) vs. #13 Andre Muniz (22-4, 4-0 UFC)
Muniz with a body kick. Hall lands a quick jab as they’re feeling each other out. Muniz lands a body kick. Hall lands a combo with his back to the fence. Muniz with a leg kick. Hall lands a right hand and Muniz gets a takedown. Muniz gets to side control. Muniz lands from the top and is looking to find a submission and Hall is doing a good job of defending. Muniz gets the mount and went for a triangle choke but Hall slipped out to his feet. Muniz grabs the body and drags it down and has the back. Muniz looking to attack the arm. Muniz with some right hands from the back. 10-9 Muniz.
They trade kicks to start the second. Muniz lands a body kick then a right hand. Muniz tries a takedown but Hall slips away as he defends. Muniz gets a trip takedown next to the fence and Muniz is in Hall’s full guard. Muniz with some short punches from the top. Muniz gets to the mount. Muniz lands an elbow. Muniz lands from the top and looks for an arm. Hall gives up his back. Muniz with some punches from the back. Muniz tries to get the arm but Hall gets up and lands some big right hands at the end. 10-9 Muniz, 20-18 Muniz.
Muniz with a leg kick. Muniz lands a left hand. Muniz lands a right hand and drops for a takedown. Muniz gets the takedown. Hall gives up his back and Muniz is looking for a choke. Muniz is working hard from the back but Hall gets to his feet though Muniz is still on his back. Hall tries to slam himself down to break the grip but Muniz still has the back. Hall spins into the guard of Muniz and lands some punches at the end. 10-9 Muniz, 30-27 Muniz.
Official Result- Andre Muniz def. Uriah Hall by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
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> Middleweights- #12 Brad Tavares (19-6, 14-6 UFC) vs. Dricus Du Plessis (16-2, 2-0 UFC)
Du Plessis comes forward landing low kicks and with a combo. Tavares lands a right hand as Du Plessis was shooting for a takedown that hurt Du Plessis. Tavares keeps it on the feet. They’re clinched against the fence. Du Plessis tries a takedown but Tavares reverses and is in side control. Tavares now trying to get to the guard as he controls from the top and they get to their feet. Du Plessis looks for another takedown but Tavares defends. They break and Tavares with a head kick. Tavares hurts Du Plessis with a right hand and Du Plessis tries a takedown but Tavares defends. They’re clinched against the fence and Tavares with a knee. They trade knees. They break and Du Plessis with a spinning back fist. Tavares lands a front kick and a right hand. 10-9 Tavares.
They throw in close range and Du Plessis with a knee and Tavares with a right hand. Du Plessis lands a combo. Du Plessis with a right hand. Tavares has a cut open. Tavares with a big body kick. Du Plessis with a spinning back fist. Tavares with a leg kick. Du Plessis lands some hard punches. Tavares lands a jab as Du Plessis was pressing forward. Tavares is bleeding badly now. Du Plessis with a left hand. Du Plessis tries a takedown but Tavares defends and lands a knee to the body. They trade leg kicks. Du Plessis with a right hand. Du Plessis lands a knee. Tavares with a front kick to the body. They trade late and Du Plessis rocks Tavares late. 10-9 Du Plessis, 19-19.
Tavares lands a right hand. Du Plessis with a right hand and he lands another. Du Plessis with some kicks. Du Plessis with a left hand. Du Plessis landing more early in the third here. Tavares with a high kick then a body kick. They trade kicks. Du Plessis with a right hand and follows it with a left. Tavares with a leg kick. Du Plessis with a right hand. Tavares lands a jab and Du Plessis with a spinning back fist. Tavares with a jab. Du Plessis with a couple of nice right hands then a body kick. Tavares lands a couple of jabs. Du Plessis with a combo and Tavares is a bloody mess again. Du Plessis with a right hand then a spin kick. Du Plessis with a combo. Du Plessis with a massive right hand. They trade right hands. Du Plessis with a left hand. They trade late. Fun fight. 10-9 Du Plessis, 29-28 Du Plessis.
Official Result- Dricus Du Plessis def. Brad Tavares by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Welterweights- Ian Garry (9-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. Gabe Green (11-3, 2-1 UFC)
Green with some leg kicks as Garry lands a knee up the middle. Garry with a high kick. Garry lands a jab then a leg kick. Garry with a leg kick and they trade against the fence with Green landing a nice combo. Garry with a body kick. They trade punches and Garry pressing forward. Green lands a left hand to the body. Garry with a right hand. Green lands a right hand as Garry lands a knee. Garry with a combo then hurts Green with a right hand. Garry with a body kick. Garry with the jab. Garry with a knee and Green with a left hand. Garry with a big combination. 10-9 Garry.
Garry with a leg kick. They trade punches. Garry with a high kick. Garry with a nice combination. We have a timeout for an eye poke. Garry with a leg kick after they get back to action. Garry with a high kick and a right hand. They clinch against the fence. Garry gets a takedown and has the back and lands but they get to their feet and Green has back control and lands a knee. They break and Garry with a knee to the body then lands several combinations. Green with a left hand. They’re trading punches. Green lands a big left hand late. 10-9 Garry, 20-18 Garry.
Green lands some leg kicks then Garry drops Green with a right hand. Garry gets on top and looks for a choke but they get to their feet and are clinched against the fence. Green trying for the takedown but Garry defending. They remain clinched and Garry lands a knee as they break. They trade leg kicks. Garry landing more punches and lands an uppercut and leg kick. They trade at the end with Garry landing more. 10-9 Garry, 30-27 Garry.
Official Result- Ian Garry def. Gabe Green by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Welterweights- Jim Miller (34-16 1 NC, 23-15 1 NC UFC) vs. Donald Cerrone (36-16 2 NC, 23-13 1 NC UFC)
Cerrone with a leg kick after throwing a combo. Cerrone with a body kick. Miller with a calf kick. Miller lands a left hand. Miller with a left hand. They trade in close range. They trade body kicks. They trade in close range and Cerrone lands with more volume. Cerrone with a combo. Miller grabs a leg and gets a takedown and lands a left hand as doing so. Miller in the guard of Cerrone. Miller with an elbow from the top. Miller with more left hands from the top and he was landing then Cerrone swept to the top. Both landing on the ground and Miller tries for an armbar and they both try for leg locks at the end. 10-9 Miller.
They trade punches to start the second. They trade kicks as Cerrone landed a head kick as Miller landed a body kick and Cerrone slips to the mat and Miller grabbed the neck and locked in a guillotine choke and it is in tight. Cerrone taps! Jim Miller gets it done to become the all-time wins leader in UFC history.
Official Result- Jim Miller def. Donald Cerrone by submission (guillotine choke) at 1:32 of Round 2
After the fight, Cerrone announced his retirement.
Turner lands a right hand and Riddell goes for a takedown and Turner grabs the neck for a guillotine choke and has it locked in tight and Riddell taps! That was quick and an excellent finish by Turner.
Official Result- Jalin Turner def. Brad Riddell by submission (guillotine choke) at :45 of Round 1
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> Bantamweights- #9 Pedro Munhoz (19-7 1 NC, 9-7 1 NC) vs. #13 Sean O’Malley (15-1, 7-1 UFC)
They trade leg kicks to start. Munhoz with a leg kick. O’Malley with a couple of body kicks and Munhoz with a calf kick. He lands two more and O’Malley is checking them. O’Malley with a leg kick. O’Malley just misses a spin kick. Munhoz with a calf kick then another. O’Malley with a right hand. O’Malley lands a kick right on the cup and we have a timeout. They get back to action and O’Malley with a left hand and Munhoz with a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Munhoz throws a high kick but O’Malley blocks. Munhoz with another leg kick and O’Malley with a body kick. O’Malley with a spin kick to the body. O’Malley with another spin kick to the body at the end. 10-9 Munhoz.
Munhoz throwing more kicks. O’Malley lands a right hand and just misses a wheel kick. O’Malley with a body kick. Munhoz with a leg kick. He lands another after O’Malley lands some body kicks. O’Malley with the jab. We have a timeout for an eye poke on Munhoz. Munhoz says he can’t see and the doctor tells the referee to wave off the fight and it is over. We’re going to a no contest.
Official Result- Pedro Munhoz vs. Sean O’Malley ends in a no contest (accidental foul) at 3:09 of Round 2
Barberena with a leg kick. Barberena with a leg kick. Lawler with a right hook to the body. Lawler lands a left hand then another to the body. They both land in close range. Barberena lands a nice right hand. Barberena with a left hand and Lawler lands big to the body and they exchange in close range. Lawler with a big uppercut then a big left hand. Lawler with a left hand. Barberena with some body shots. Barberena with a left hand. They both land left hands. Barberena with a combo. Barberena’s hands just don’t stop moving. Lawler lands to the body then head. Barberena with some body punches and an elbow. Barberena just keeps throwing. Lawler lands an uppercut. They both land in close. Lawler with a combo. Lawler with a left hand then a big knee. 10-9 Lawler.
Barberena coming forward and keeping his hands moving but not landing. Lawler with a big left hand. Lawler with the jab. He lands it again and it rocks Barberena. Lawler with a body kick then another jab. They trade wild punches in a wild exchange. Barberena lands some leg kicks. Lawler lands a big jab. Lawler with a combo. They both land left hands. Barberena hurting Lawler with some big shots inside the pocket. They both land nice shots. Barberena with a left hand. Lawler lands a left hand. They both land in close. Lawler with a left hand. Barberena with a big right hand and is teeing off on Lawler and it is stopped. Big finish by Barberena there.
Official Result- Bryan Barberena def. Robbie Lawler by TKO (punches) at 4:47 of Round 2
> Middleweights- #4 Sean Strickland (25-3, 12-3 UFC) vs. Alex Pereira (5-1, 2-0 UFC)
Pereira with a leg kick. He lands a body kick. Strickland pushing forward but eating leg kicks from Pereira. They trade jabs. Pereira with a right hand. Pereira with a leg kick. Strickland with the jab. Pereira lands a right hand and Strickland with a jab. Pereira with a leg kick. Pereira then lands a left hook that stumbles Strickland and follows it a right hand that drops Strickland and it is all over! What a knockout by Pereira.
Official Result- Alex Pereira def. Sean Strickland by knockout (punches) at 2:36 of Round 1
> UFC Featherweight Championship- C Alexander Volkanovski (24-1, 11-0 UFC) vs. #1 Max Holloway (23-6, 19-6 UFC)
They circle and feel each other out in the opening moments. Volkanovski lands a couple of leg kicks. Volkanovski lands a right hand. Volkanovski lands a combo. Volkanovski lands a right hand and Holloway with a body kick. Volkanovski lands a quick combo. Holloway with a knee as Volkanovski lands the right hand. Volkanovski with another right hand. Holloway lands a nice jab. Volkanovski lands a right hand after a brief clinch. Volkanovski lands a left hand and follows it with a right and then another left hand. They trade right hands. Volkanovski with the jab and Holloway fires back with a right hand. Holloway lands a right hand and they trade in the pocket. Holloway with a back elbow late. 10-9 Volkanovski.
They trade punches to start the second. Holloway with a leg kick. Holloway pressing forward. Volkanovski lands a jab. Volkanovski lands a big right hand. Volkanovski with a leg kick. They trade in close before clinching and Volkanovski lands a big elbow. Volkanovski gets the back against the fence then lands a big elbow before they break. Volkanovski with a big punch and Holloway has a big cut opened up. Holloway with a leg kick. Volkanovski lands a jab. Holloway is leaking. Holloway with a body kick. Holloway lands a combo. They both throw wild strikes. Volkanovski lands a combo and Holloway with a knee. Volkanovski with a combo. 10-9 Volkanovski, 20-18 Volkanovski.
Volkanovski with a body kick. Volkanovski lands a left hook. Holloway lands to the body. They trade kicks then trade punches inside the pocket. Holloway with a high kick. Volkanovski with a combo. Volkanovski with a quick combo. Holloway lands a nice left hand after Volkanovski landed a leg kick. Volkanovski with a big combination. They clinch against the fence. They break and Volkanovski landing the jab. Volkanovski with a right hand. Holloway lands a knee and follows it with a right hand. Volkanovski with a combination. Holloway with a right hand late. 10-9 Volkanovski, 30-27 Volkanovski.
They clinch and Volkanovski lands as they break before clinching back up. They break and Holloway lands a knee then a right hand. Holloway lands some good kicks. Volkanovski with a right hand. Holloway with a body kick. Volkanovski steps in and Holloway grabs the back and was looking for a takedown but Volkanovski defends and they break. Holloway with a nice combo and Volkanovski counters with an uppercut followed by a right hand. Holloway with a spin kick. Volkanovski with a right hand. They trade in close range. Volkanovski with the jab and Holloway lands a right hand. Holloway with a spin kick. 10-9 Volkanovski, 40-36 Volkanovski.
Volkanovski with a right hand. Holloway shoots for a takedown and pushes it against the fence but Volkanovski defends. They break and Volkanovski with a leg kick. Volkanovski with a head kick. Volkanovski with the double jab. Volkanovski with two hard leg kicks. Volkanovski with the jab and he ducks under Holloway throwing a head kick. Volkanovski with a body kick. Volkanovski with a combination. Holloway’s face is a mess. Volkanovski still landing the jab and avoiding Holloway’s punches. Volkanovski with the double jab and blocks a high kick. Volkanovski with a combo. What a showing from Volkanovski. 10-9 Volkanovski, 50-45 Volkanovski.
Official Result- Alexander Volkanovski def. Max Holloway by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) to retain the UFC Featherweight Championship
> UFC Middleweight Championship- C Israel Adesanya (22-1, 11-1 UFC) vs. #2 Jared Cannonier (15-5, 8-5 UFC)
Adesanya came out to The Undertaker’s theme, full entrance with hat and urn and all. Adesanya landing leg kicks early. Cannonier with a right hand to the body. Adesanya with more leg kicks. Adesanya with a body kick. Cannonier lands some leg kicks. Adesanya with a calf kick. Adesanya landing more punches late. Adesanya with a right hand. Cannonier didn’t land a single strike to Adesanya’s head during the round. 10-9 Adesanya.
Adesanya with a head kick and then Cannonier lands a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Cannonier with a body kick. Adesanya still landing leg kicks. Adesanya with short punches. Adesanya with a leg kick. Cannonier with a high kick. He lands a leg kick. Adesanya misses some punches and Cannonier lands a right hand. Cannonier with the jab. Adesanya with a leg kick. Adesanya lands to the body and a body kick. Adesanya with a nice combo. We have a timeout for an eye poke. They get back to action. They trade body kicks. Adesanya with the jab then a leg kick. Cannonier lands another. Adesanya with a body kick. 10-9 Adesanya, 20-18 Adesanya.
Adesanya with a leg kick. Cannonier lands a left hand. Adesanya with the jab. Cannonier tries a takedown but Adesanya defends and Adesanya lands a stiff jab as they break. They both land punches and Cannonier pushes it against the fence. Adesanya defends a takedown and they break. Adesanya with the jab and a high kick. Adesanya with a combo. Cannonier lands a nice combo. Cannonier lands a right hand as Adesanya landed a body kick and they clinch against the fence. Cannonier landing some knees as Adesanya is landing ear slaps. They break at the end and Adesanya with a knee. 10-9 Cannonier, 29-28 Adesanya.
Adesanya with the jab and Cannonier’s head snaps back. Adesanya with a leg kick. They trade body kicks and Adesanya’s sounded harder then he followed it with the jab. Adesanya with the jab then a right hand. Cannonier with a quick combo. Adesanya with a leg kick. They clinch against the fence. They break. Cannonier with a leg kick but Adesanya landing with more volume. They clinch again. Cannonier with an elbow as Adesanya was landing ear slaps and short punches. Cannonier with a couple of knees but he’s just hanging on. Cannonier with an elbow before they break. Adesanya with a right hand. 10-9 Adesanya, 39-37 Adesanya.
Cannonier lands a right hand. Adesanya with a leg kick. Adesanya with some jabs. Cannonier with a body kick. Adesanya with a head kick. Adesanya with the jab. Adesanya with a body kick. They trade leg kicks. Adesanya still landing leg kicks and Cannonier clinches against the fence and is holding. Adesanya with short punches. Cannonier with some knees. Cannonier trying for a takedown but Adesanya defends and they break. Cannonier lands a jab and Adesanya stuns Cannonier with a jab. Cannonier lands a right and they clinch right back up. Adesanya lands a head kick as they break. Adesanya with a right hand. Adesanya with the jab. Adesanya with a right hand and leg kick. 10-9 Adesanya, 49-46 Adesanya.
Official Result- Israel Adesanya def. Jared Cannonier by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 50-45) to retain the UFC Middleweight Championship
The WWE’s road to WrestleMania took a detour on 1/1 due to COVID-19, but the original plans on the final destination are said to be still in play.
Roman Reigns tested positive for COVID-19, with the WWE reporting it hours before the show started. The decision was made to move Brock Lesnar into the WWE title match, and make it a five-way. Lesnar won the match, pinning champion Big E after an F-5, none of which was part of the original plans.
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FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE
Our podcast schedule for the weekend is TBD. The plan is to do a show on WrestleKingdom with Fumi Saito which is our annual tradition at some point, as well as something with Garrett Gonzalez and a Saturday night show with Bryan Alvarez.
One of the four wrestlers a main event in tomorrow night’s Battle of the Belts show, which is listed as Britt Baker vs. Riho for the women’s title and Cody Rhodes vs. Sammy Guevara for the TNT title is out of action due to medical protocol. Tony Khan has confirmed that as has AEW Twitter. They will announce a new match on tonight’s Rampage show for tomorrow night’s show in Charlotte. There will also be a full house show card live.
Smackdown tonight on FOX is from the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT. The show is basically sold out (there are a few scattered tickets). Announced are The Usos vs. New Day in a street fight for the tag titles, Rick Boogs vs. Sami Zayn and the show is being built around a confrontation between Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar.
AEW airs Rampage at 10 p.m. Eastern tonight on TNT with Adam Cole vs Jake Atlas (TV debut,this is the match where Atlas was injured), Ruby Soho & Riho vs. Britt Baker & Jamie Hayter and Eddie Kingston & Santana & Ortiz vs. 2.0 & Daniel Garcia in a no DQ match that was said to be wild.
Regarding the ratings for Wednesday’s Dynamite, the 18-34 number was far above what the show has done in a long time. It beat Raw in that demo, and Raw did its best number since September in 18-34 on Monday night. The 238,000 viewers was the most for any cable wrestling show since the 9/6 Raw show. It was the most for any AEW show since 2019 when there were far more homes who had access to cable and fourth most in AEW history. While minute-by-minute numbers are not available, based on quarters, besides the title match, the big success was the Ruby Soho vs. Jade Cargill match.
CMLL announced that tonight’s show at Arena Mexico as well as all CMLL shows between now and Tuesday are off. CMLL said the shows being canceled are preventative measures to protect people from COVID. Polvora publicly tested positive but a number of stars missed shows this past week.
The third night of WrestleKingdom, a sold out event at the Yokohama Arena featuring New Japan vs. NOAH matches, airs on PPV tonight with an English language option with Kevin Kelly and Chris Carlton, on ABEMA TV:
Kosei Fujita vs. Yasutaka Yano
Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Yuji Nagata vs. Mohammed Yone & King Tani & Akitoshi Saito
The big stuff on the show will be the generational battle of Okada vs. Muto for the first time, at least since Okada has become a star, as well as the Takagi vs. Nakajima match-up in the semi.
ESPN reported today that the just announced Alexander Volkanovski vs. Max Holloway fight scheduled for 3/5 is off due to Holloway aggravated a prior injury. Ariel Helwani has thrown out the name Chan Sung Jung, noting that Volkanovski’s side wants him as the replacement and Jung is up for it.
ROH will have its awards TV show airing this weekend. They will announce winners of the Male Wrestler of the Year, Female Wrestler of the Year and Tag Team of the Year, as well as the top five for Match of the year.
The Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame issue will be out on late Thursday night. There are five new inductees in this year’s class voted on by reporters, historians, active and former wrestlers and industry professionals from all over the world.
For this weekend WWE has house shows tomorrow night in Glens Falls, NY and Sunday at the TD Gardens in Boston. We are looking for reports on these shows as well as from the full AEW show in Charlotte tomorrow and major indie shows to [email protected]
We are doing polls currently on the following shows: New Japan’s 1/4 and 1/5 Tokyo Dome shows, 1/8 Yokohama Arena show and Impact’s Hard to Kill tomorrow night in Dallas on PPV. You can leave a thumbs up, down or middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]
WWE
The company will have its fourth quarter earnings report on 2/3 with Vince McMahon, Nick Khan, Stephanie McMahon and Frank Riddick.
MMA Junkie reported Derrick Lewis vs. Tai Tuivasa for the 2/12 PPV show at the Toyota Center in Houston, which is Lewis’ hometown.
Rafael Fiziev vs. Rafael dos Anjos is earmarked but not signed for a 2/19 show according to MMA Fighting.
OTHER NOTES
Impact has reached a deal with Allen Media Group and Sports.TV. It will feature 60 sports channels including The Fight Network from Canada MMA TV and Impact.
New Japan posted the January 4, 2020, match with Kazuchika Okada vs. Kota Ibushi on YouTube. This was one of the best matches in Tokyo Dome history, and really in company history as well (thanks to Suju Abraham).
The Orpheum in Ybor City, FL, which in its time has seen some of the best current wrestlers in the U.S. perform under the Evolve banner, announced that they were closing. Evolve ran shows there from 2012 to 2020 featuring The Young Bucks, Eddie Kingston, Malakai Black, Sammy Guevara, Joey Janela, Ruby Soho Serena Deep, Thunder Rose, Drew McIntyre, El Generico, Matt Riddle, Ricochet, Apollo Crews, The Street Profits, Roderick Strong, Zack Sabre Jr., Rocky Romero, Johnny Gargano, Chris Hero, Rich Swann,Davey Richards, EC 3, Homicide, Jonathan Gresham, Tessa Blanchard, Jazz and Ember Moon.
Defy Wrestling announced its fifth anniversary show on 2/12 at Washington Hall in Seattle. Christopher Daniels will defend his Defy interim title on that show.
An interview with Kerry Morton, son of Ricky Morton, talking about the start of career and being on the debuting NWA USA show on YouTube.
AIW on Thursday night in Lakewood, OK at the Winchester Music Tavern headlined by Max Caster.
Cage Fury Fighting Championships, the MMA group that C.M.Punk does the announcing for, has its first show of the year on 1/29 at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. Middleweight champion Aaron Jeffrey (10-3) faces Rex Harris (12-5) in a title match. The CFFC shows air live on UFC Fight Pass.
Bellator announced Leah McCourt (6-1) vs. Sinead Kavanagh (7-5) for its 2/25 show in Dublin, Ireland headlined by Gegard Mousasi defending the middleweight title against Austin Vanderford. Vanderford was one of the ATT fighters in the AEW Dan Lambert angle and is 11-0, but Mousasi is a giant step up in competition for him.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC On ESPN+ 55: Holloway vs. Rodriguez, emanating from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Action is back inside the UFC APEX in Las Vegas after two weeks away, and is back with a featherweight main event that has ‘Fight Of The Year’ potential, featuring arguably the greatest featherweight of all-time.
Former UFC Featherweight Champion Max Holloway takes on Yair Rodriguez in an exciting main event that has potential title shot implications on the line. Holloway is looking to score his second straight win after putting on an all-time classic performance in a win over Calvin Kattar in January. Rodriguez is returning from a two-year layoff as he looks for his second straight win after defeating Jeremy Stephens in his last fight. The winner could be next in line to challenge current UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski.
Also on the main card is a heavyweight bout between Ben Rothwell and Marcos Rogerio de Lima, a women’s featherweight bout pitting Felicia Spencer against Leah Letson, a welterweight slugfest between Miguel Baeza and Khaos Williams, and a bantamweight bout as 15th-ranked Song Yadong battles Julio Arce.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 1 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.
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> Kennedy Nzechukwu (9-1, 3-1 UFC) vs. Da Un Jung (14-2-1, 3-0-1 UFC) Light Heavyweights
They’re hand fighting in the early stages here at the start. Both land a couple of punches. Jung lands a right hand. They trade singular shots right in close to each other. Jung with a right hand. Jung with another right hand. Jung with more right hands and Nzechukwu is wobbled. Jung lands some elbows against the fence and Nzechukwu goes down and is out. What a finish with the elbows from Jung.
Official Result- Da Un Jung def. Kennedy Nzechukwu by knockout (elbows) at 3:04 of Round 1
> Marc Diakiese (14-4, 5-4 UFC) vs. Rafael Alves (19-10, 0-1 UFC) Lightweights
Alves with a groin kick with the very first strike thrown and we have a timeout. They get back to action and Alves throws but misses. Alves with a high kick. Diakiese with a body kick. Alves lands a right hand. Diakiese with a leg kick. Alves lands a jab and then a jumping kick and locks in a guillotine quickly and Diakiese taps. Nice sequence to the finish of Alves.
Official Result- Rafael Alves def. Marc Diakiese by submission (guillotine choke) at 1:48 of Round 1
> Cortney Casey (9-9, 5-8 UFC) vs. Liana Jojua (8-4, 1-2 UFC) Women’s Flyweights* (Jojua missed weight by 2.5 pounds)
They trade in close range and Casey lands a front kick to the body. Casey with a right hand. Jojua throws a double jab but misses. Casey with a body kick. Casey with a combo and then lands another. Casey with a right hand. Casey lands a solid right hand. They trade and Casey is landing with way more volume. Casey with another combo. Casey with a leg kick. Casey with a body kick. Casey with a combo and a head kick and then lands a flurry. Jojua’s nose is leaking. Jojua gets the takedown and Casey quickly works from the bottom. Casey with some big elbows from the bottom. Jojua with some left hands from the top. 10-9 Casey.
Casey with a leg kick followed by a right hand. Casey lands a nice right hand. They trade and Jojua lands a right hand. They trade in close range. Casey with a right hand and Jojua lands a combo. Casey still landing with more volume but Jojua lands some punches. Casey with a body kick. Casey lands a right hand. Casey lands and slips to the mat. Jojua rushes in and Casey lands an upkick. Jojua gets on top and Casey lands some elbows from the bottom. They both land to end the round. 10-9 Casey, 20-18 Casey.
They trade to start the third. Casey with a leg kick as Jojua lands a left hand. Casey with a combo. Casey with a leg kick and right hand. Casey doing more in this round so far. Jojua lands a right hand and looks for a takedown but doesn’t come close. Casey with a leg kick. Casey with a right hand. Casey with a combo and Jojua sneaks in a nice right hand. Casey lands a combo with a head kick. Casey with a combo ending with a head kick. Jojua lands some punches as she rushes in and they clinch. They trade knees as they break. Jojua gets a late takedown. 10-9 Casey, 30-27 Casey.
Official Result- Cortney Casey def. Liana Jojua by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Sean Woodson (8-1, 2-1 UFC) vs. Collin Anglin (8-2, 0-1 UFC) Featherweights
Both throwing early and Anglin with a body kick. Woodson with a body kick. They both land right hands. Woodson with a high kick. They trade and Woodson throwing the jab. Woodson with a combo and a leg kick. Woodson with a leg kick. Anglin with a strong calf kick. Woodson lands some kicks. Anglin is pushing the pace and gets it against the fence. They break and Woodson with a stiff jab. Woodson with a leg kick. They trade in close range. Woodson with a high kick that connects. Woodson with a combo. Woodson lands a right hand and Anglin is hurt. Woodson with some body shots as Anglin is covering up. Woodson lands a knee. They break and Woodson with a head kick and then lands a combo to the body. Woodson then lands a left to the body and Anglin drops to the mat and it is stopped. Beautiful finish by Sean Woodson.
Official Result- Sean Woodson def. Collin Anglin by TKO (punches) at 4:30 of Round 1
> Cynthia Calvillo (#5, 9-3-1, 6-3-1 UFC) vs. Andrea Lee (#12, 12-5, 4-3 UFC) Women’s Flyweights
Both are swinging and landing right away. Lee landing more punches as Calvillo mixes in a leg kick. Lee lands a short uppercut as they clinch. They break after Lee lands a knee. Calvillo with a right hand. Calvillo lands a right hand and Lee lands an uppercut. Both are landing in close range. Calvillo with a couple of right hands. Lee with an uppercut. Lee lands a leg kick. Lee with a stiff jab. Lee with a body kick. They trade punches. Calvillo with a right hand. Calvillo with a solid right hand. Lee with a combo and a body kick. Lee with a combo and throws a kick and Calvillo grabs it and gets a takedown but they get up. Calvillo has the back standing and is trying to get it down. They break. Lee with a body kick late. 10-9 Lee.
Lee throwing right away. Calvillo with a leg kick. Lee with a combo and a body kick. Lee with a body kick. Lee lands a body kick that hurts Calvillo. Lee then rushes in with a combo and a knee. They trade and Lee with a left hook then a right hand. Lee with a combo and throwing to the body. Lee with an uppercut. Calvillo with a leg kick. They trade left hands. They trade and Lee with a body kick and then an uppercut. Calvillo with a right hand. Lee with a right hand then a body kick. Lee with a body kick. Lee lands a head kick. Lee with a combo and leg kick. They trade in close range. Lee with a right hand and tries a knee but lands a right hand at the end. 10-9 Lee, 20-18 Lee.
Calvillo can’t continue after the end of the second and the fight is called off in between rounds. Lee gets the big win here.
Official Result- Andrea Lee def. Cynthia Calvillo by TKO (referee stoppage) at 5:00 of Round 2
> Thiago Moises (15-5, 4-3 UFC) vs. Joel Alvarez (18-2, 3-1 UFC) Lightweights* (Alvarez missed weight by 1.5 pounds)
Moises with a leg kick and just misses a right hand. Alvarez with a leg kick. Moises lands a big right hand and follows it with a leg kick. Alvarez with a leg kick and then a body kick. Alvarez lands a combo. He lands a knee to the body and follows it with a right hand. Alvarez with a leg kick. Alvarez with a right hand and Moises lands a left hand. Alvarez stuns Moises with a punch and lands a knee and then tees off with some elbows. Moises gets out and runs off and Alvarez chases him down. Alvarez with a leg kick. Alvarez with a right hand and then some big elbows and then tees off with a flurry and it gets stopped. What a finish by Alvarez.
Official Result- Joel Alvarez def. Thiago Moises by TKO (strikes) at 3:01 of Round 1
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> Song Yadong (#15, 17-5-1 1 NC, 6-1-1 UFC) vs. Julio Arce (17-4, 4-2 UFC) Bantamweights
Yadong swings and misses as they feel each other out early. Yadong with a right hand. Yadong with a leg kick. They trade in close range. Arce lands a left hand and a high kick. Yadong lands a right hand. Arce lands a left hand. Yadong with a leg kick. Yadong lands a right hand. Yadong with a high kick. Arce with a leg kick. Yadong with a quick combo. They trade high kicks. 10-9 Yadong.
They trade punches to start the second. Arce with a leg kick. Yadong with a body kick. Arce with a leg kick. Yadong hurts Arce with a head kick and then starts landing a flurry with a right hand that drops Arce and some more shots end it all. Great finish by Yadong.
Official Result- Song Yadong def. Julio Arce by TKO (punches) at 1:35 of Round 2
> Miguel Baeza (10-1, 3-1 UFC) vs. Khaos Williams (12-2, 3-1 UFC) Welterweights
Baeza circling around early on. Williams just misses a left hook. Not much going on as both looking for openings. Williams with a leg kick. Baeza lands a nice left hook. They trade right hands and both are landing now. Baeza with a body kick. Williams with a leg kick and Baeza slips to the mat and Williams gets on top. Baeza looking for the kneebar as he has the leg. He now goes for a heel hook. Williams landing punches to defend. Williams with some big punches. Baeza still working for the heel hook. Williams with some big right hands. Williams with more big right hands as he defends the submission. 10-9 Williams.
Baeza with the leg kick. Williams with the jab as Baeza lands a leg kick. They trade calf kicks. Both look for openings and Williams lands a groin strike. Baeza lands a couple of nice right hands. Williams with a leg kick and Baeza landing some good calf kicks. Baeza with more leg kicks and Williams’ leg is hurt. Williams lands a right hand as Baeza lands. Baeza with another leg kick. Baeza with another leg kick. Baeza with another leg kick and Williams lands some big punches in return. Baeza with a right hand. Williams ducks under some Baeza punches and they clinch and Williams with another groin strike and we have another timeout. They get back to action and Williams with a hard right hand. 10-9 Baeza, 19-19.
Baeza with a leg kick. Williams lands some hard shots as Baeza was covering up. Williams with a spin kick to the body. Baeza with a leg kick and Williams catches him with a big right had that drops Baeza and more punches ends it. Big finish by Williams.
Official Result- Khaos Williams def. Miguel Baeza by TKO (punches) at 1:02 of Round 3
Spencer comes forward right away with the pressure. They throw sloppy punches. They clinch against the fence and Spencer with some knees. They trade knees against the fence. Spencer with an elbow as she’s pressuring Letson against the fence. Spencer keeping the pressure on against the fence and landing short shots but not much is happening. Letson with a knee after Spencer lands a big elbow. They get to the center but stay clinched as Letson lands some knees. Spencer pushes it back against the fence and lands some big elbows. Spencer lands some knees and elbows. Letson with a knee after Spencer lands some big elbows. Spencer with more elbows. 10-9 Spencer.
Spencer pressing forward and they trade punches until Spencer closes the distance and they clinch against the fence. Spencer with some left hands and gets the takedown. Spencer takes the back as they get to their feet. They go to the mat for a moment but work up and Spencer back in control in the clinch along the fence. Spencer with some elbows and knees. Letson lands a couple of knees but Spencer still with pressure as she gets the takedown. They get up and Spencer still in control. They break for a moment and Letson with a body kick and Spencer gets a takedown off it. Spencer takes the back and lands some left hands, then some big knees as they stand as the round ends. 10-9 Spencer, 20-18 Spencer.
Letson lands a body kick and scores a takedown. They get up and Spencer gets the clinch against the fence and is landing punches and knees to the legs and body. Spencer with more punches and knees and Letson is taking a lot of damage. Spencer with some elbows and Letson is cut open. Spencer with more left hands again. Spencer gets a takedown and is working in the guard. Spencer moves to the half-guard and is landing big punches. Spencer with big punches and elbows and the fight is stopped. Absolute dominance from Spencer.
Official Result- Felicia Spencer def. Leah Letson by TKO (punches) at 4:25 of Round 3
> Ben Rothwell (39-13, 9-7 UFC) vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima (18-7-1, 7-5 UFC) Heavyweights
de Lima with a big leg kick and then rocks Rothwell with a big right hand and is teeing off against the fence and lands some big punches and Rothwell was stumbling around as de Lima is landing lots of big shots and it is finally stopped by Herb Dean. What an explosive finish by de Lima.
Official Result- Marcos Rogerio de Lima def. Ben Rothwell by TKO (punches) at :32 of Round 1
> Max Holloway (#1, 22-6, 18-6 UFC) vs. Yair Rodriguez (#3, 12-2 1 NC, 8-1 1 NC UFC) Featherweights
Rodriguez with a leg kick. Holloway with a right hand and Rodriguez with more kicks. They trade left hands. Holloway with a right hand. Rodriguez lands a right hand. Holloway with a leg kick and a right hand. Holloway works to the body. Holloway with some left hands to the head and body. Holloway with a leg kick. Rodriguez with a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. They trade punches. Rodriguez with a leg kick and then another and another. Holloway with a leg kick. Rodriguez lands a hard right hand. Holloway then rocks Rodriguez with a right hand. They trade leg kicks. Both land some hard punches. Rodriguez has a cut under his eye. Holloway tries a spin kick and Rodriguez grabs his back and looks for the takedown. They break and Holloway with a head kick. Rodriguez goes down and tries upkicks and Holloway ends the round on top. Close round. 10-9 Rodriguez.
They trade leg kicks and Rodriguez with a front kick to the body. Rodriguez with an inside leg kick. Rodriguez with the double jab. Holloway with a right hand. Holloway with a combo. Rodriguez with a leg kick and Holloway lands a punch. Rodriguez with two leg kicks and Holloway lands a right to the body and then to the head. They trade in close range. Rodriguez with more leg kicks. Rodriguez landing kicks to the legs and body. Holloway with a right hand to the body and then lands a left to the head. Rodriguez still landing the leg kicks. They trade against the fence and Rodriguez with an up elbow. Holloway with a combo to the body. Holloway with a flurry and lands a jumping knee to the body and they clinch. Holloway with an elbow as they break. 10-9 Holloway, 19-19.
Holloway with a right hand and a body kick. Holloway with a combo. Holloway with a big flying knee. Rodriguez with a body kick and they trade punches. They trade and Holloway with a solid right hand. Holloway lands a jab and Rodriguez falls to the mat and Holloway gets on top and is landing and looks for an arm-triangle choke. Holloway gets in the mount and lands and then Rodriguez gives up his back. Holloway lands from the top and then a slicing elbow. Holloway gets the back. He keeps landing and Rodriguez escapes but Holloway has the neck. They get to their feet. Rodriguez lands a flurry. Rodriguez gets a takedown but Holloway quickly works up. Rodriguez with a knee as they break. Holloway with a big right hand. They trade punches. Holloway gets a big takedown. Holloway lands from the top and they stand at the end. 10-9 Holloway, 29-28 Holloway.
They trade to start the fourth. Holloway with a big combination. Holloway with a right hand to the body. They trade in close range. Holloway with a knee to the body and is looking for a standing guillotine choke and they go to the mat. Holloway on top as Rodriguez escapes. Holloway still on top and landing. Holloway in the mount and lands some shots. Rodriguez gives up his back. They get to their feet. We have an eye poke and a timeout. They get back to action. Rodriguez with a leg kick. They trade some punches late. 10-9 Holloway, 39-37 Holloway.
They trade lots of punches to start the fifth. Rodriguez with a body kick then a combo. Holloway with a flurry and lands a knee against the fence. Rodriguez with an elbow then a backfist. They trade in close and Holloway with a knee. Rodriguez with a leg kick. Rodriguez with a series of leg kicks. Rodriguez tries a spin kick and then Holloway lands a right hand and Rodriguez is on the ground and Holloway gets on top. Rodriguez reverses to the top and looks for the neck but Holloway scrambles up. Holloway with a knee to the body. They both land against the fence and we have another eye poke, this time by Rodriguez. They get back to action and both are landing. Rodriguez tries a spin kick and they clinch at the end. Awesome fight. 10-9 Rodriguez, 48-47 Holloway.
Official Result- Max Holloway def. Yair Rodriguez by unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 240: Holloway vs. Edgar, emanating from the Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
The Octagon heads to Edmonton for the second time with a long-awaited featherweight title fight in the main event between two of the UFC’s all-time great fighters.
UFC Featherweight Champion Max Holloway defends his championship against former UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar in the main event. This fight has been almost two years in the making as it had been canceled two prior times due to injury to both men, but is now finally happening. Holloway actually lost his last fight, coming up short in an interim lightweight title fight against Dustin Poirier, but he has won 13 straight fights at 145 pounds. Edgar hasn’t fought since an April 2018 win over Cub Swanson.
In the co-main event, it is former UFC Women’s Featherweight Champion Cris Cyborg, in what could be her final UFC fight as it is the last fight on her contract, taking on the undefeated Felicia Spencer. Also on the main card is what should be a fireworks bout in the welterweight division as Geoff Neal takes on Niko Price.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.
We are looking for your thoughts on tonight’s event, so send a thumbs up, a thumbs down or a thumbs in the middle along with a best fight and a worst fight to Dave at [email protected].
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> Erik Koch (15-6, 4-5 UFC) vs. Kyle Stewart (11-2, 0-1 UFC) Welterweights
The opening five minutes were fairly tentative, particularly the striking. Stewart tried for several takedowns, but all he managed to do was turn them into clinches along the cage. Both men traded control with those clinches, but neither was able to translate the control into much damage. 10-9 Stewart (but a very close round).
Each man’s striking was crisper in the second round, particularly a right early on that seemed to daze Koch. There was more clinching along the cage with Stewart getting the best of it. Koch gained control with a heel trip along the fence and dropped Stewart. Stewart managed to get to his feet, but did eat some strikes on his way up. 10-9 Koch, 19-19.
The third round featured more clinching. Koch got a takedown along the fence but was too tired to turn it into anything. After a bit of a scramble on the mat, Koch took down Stewart again. Koch tried to finish Stewart on the ground with strikes and an attempted choke, but Stewart managed to survive to the final horn. 10-9 Koch, 29-28 Koch.
Official Result: Erik Koch def. Kyle Stewart by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
> Gillian Robertson (6-3, 3-1 UFC) vs. Sarah Frota (9-1, 0-1 UFC) Women’s Flyweights
The opening round was a showcase for Frota’s defensive jiu-jitsu, as she was taken down by Robertson early but managed to avoid a lot of damage – and even locked on an inverted triangle on Robertson from the bottom – due to her skills on the ground. That said, she spent the majority of the round on her back and Robertson escaped Frota’s inverted triangle and opened up a cut by Frota’s eye with a short elbow strike. Robertson took down Frota near the end of the round, but the horn sounded before she was able to do much damage. Robertson 10-9.
Robertson took Frota down to open the second round and managed to keep leaning forward, avoiding Frota’s first round tendency to grab her torso with her legs to escape dangerous situations. Instead, Robertson kept leaning forward, battered Frota with more elbow strikes and eventually referee Marc Goddard had to jump in to stop things.
Official Result: Gillian Robertson def. Sarah Frota by technical knockout (elbows) at 4:13 of the second round
Figueiredo controlled the middle of the cage early. He ducked under a Pantoja punch and took him down but Pantoja defended well and got back up to his feet. Figueiredo hit a couple nice punches and was fast enough to get out of the pocket before Pantoja could counter. Figueiredo got the better of a couple striking exchanges, but Pantoja ducked under a strike and got control of Figueiredo’s back but Figueiredo managed to escape. Energetic first round with both fighters looking good, but Figueiredo got the better of the striking exchanges. 10-9 Figueiredo.
The second round was punctuated by a series of scrambly striking exchanges. While his speed allowed him to escape counter-strikes in the first round, Figueiredo got tagged quite a few times as Pantoja adjusted. He knocked down Figueiredo when he was shooting in for a strike, though Figueiredo popped back up. Pantoja managed a takedown, but Figueiredo battled back to his feet. Figueiredo dropped Pantoja with a right hand late in the round, then tried to finish him with strikes but Pantoja was saved by the horn. 10-9 Figueiredo, 20-18 Figueiredo.
Figueiredo got the better of the striking exchanges early, including a jab that caught Pantoja flush and opened up a cut by his eye and an uppercut that dazed him. Figueiredo took down Pantoja twice, though neither led to any damage. Pantoja tried to close the gap with Figueiredo as the round wore on, but seemed too tired to really make anything of his attempts. Both fighters exchanged strikes before the end of the round. 10-9 Figueiredo, 30-27 Figueiredo.
After a tentative early striking exchange, Tucker took Choi down, stacked him up and then grabbed control of his back. He battled for position, but couldn’t translate back control into anything damaging. Both men toppled over off a leg trip, with Choi gaining control of Tucker’s neck but Tucker managing to escape. Neither man took control of the striking exchanges. 10-9 Tucker.
Tucker got an early takedown off a striking exchange and gained back control. Choi strambled to his feet but Tucker pressed him against the cage. Choi got free, though. The two had a brief striking exchanging, ending when a Choi spinning backfist missed and Tucker took him down. Tucker was doing some damage with short strikes, but was docked a point by referee Marc Goddard for a knee to the head of a downed opponent (Choi). Tucker continued to get the better of the striking exchanges for the rest of the round. 9-9 Tucker, 19-18 Tucker.
Tucker and Choi battled for position along the cage early in the third. Tucker tended to get the better of these exchanges. Choi got a takedown, but Tucker managed to get back to his feet fairly quickly. Tucker took control of Choi’s back and locked on a rear naked choke, switching hands midway through, for the submission victory. (Because of Choi’s position, Goddard had to keep switching sides to see if he was conscious or not.)
Official Result: Gavin Tucker def. Seungwoo Choi via submission (rear naked choke) at 3:17 of the third round
Dawodu landed a few kicks to the body and legs of Horie, but they didn’t appear to do a ton of damage. Twice during the first round, Horie went for a takedown as Dawodu was swinging for a strike. Both times, Horie dropped an off-balance Dawodu. But also both times, Dawodu popped back to his feet. Late in the round, Horie took Dawodu down with a double leg, but both men popped back to their feet and Dawodu landed a couple punches. Horie got the better of the striking exchanges in the round, particularly using Dawodu’s posture to put him on the mat. 10-9 Horie.
Horie spent the first chunk of the second round circling Dawodu and trying to be elusive with his footwork. Dawodu seemed to adjust and closed the distance several times, opting for short-range strikes after losing the medium-range battle in the opening round. Dawodu got the better of the striking exchanges and stuffed a takedown attempt late in the round. Horie spent much of the round backing up, with Dawodu stalking him and dictating the offense. 10-9 Dawodu, 19-19.
Horie was more aggressive to open the third round. During an exchange, Dawodu blocked a kick and landed a couple knees to Horie’s body in the clinch. After narrowly missing on a head kick, Dawodu swarmed Horie on the fence with strikes. Horie escaped, but Dawodu grabbed control of him on the other side of the Octagon and continued his assault with punches and kicks. While Horie kept escaping, Dawodu kept swarming him along the fence with strikes. He dropped Horie with a headkick and referee Kyle Cardinal called off the fight before Dawodu could do any additional damage.
Official Result: Hakeem Dawodu def. Yoshinori Horie via technical knockout (headkick) at 4:09 of the third round
> Alexis Davis (#7, 19-9, 6-4 UFC) vs. Viviane Araujo (#15 WBW, 7-1, 1-0 UFC) Women’s Flyweights
Araujo stuffed a Davis takedown attempt early in the round. She got the better of the early striking exchangs, including catching a Davis kick and landing a nice strike afterwards. Araujo took down Davis but wouldn’t dive into her guard, so Yves Lavigne stood them up. The pace slowed down later in round, with the striking exchanges from both sides more strategic than frenzied. 10-9 Araujo.
The strategic nature of the striking continued in the second round, with each fighter trying to land big shots rather than a lot of shots. Araujo got slighter better and cleaner strikes in, visibly reddening Davis’ face during the round. Midway through the round Araujo took Davis down, but Davis wriggled free and ended up in Araujo’s guard. In the scramble on the mat, it appeared that Davis’ nose was blooded. Davis connected with several body shots from inside Araujo’s guard, but also managed to sneak in some nice elbows from the top before the round was up. 10-9 Davis, 19-19.
The striking exchanges continued in the third round, with Araujo connecting with some clean shots to Davis’ face. Davis landed a few good body-kick, spinning elbow combos. Araujo began to gain momentum with some striking combos, making Davis’ nose leak once again. Davis went for another takedown but Araujo ended up on top. As in the first round, Davis tried to bait her into her guard but Araujo didn’t bite and Lavigne stood them up. Araujo connected on some strikes so Davis pressed her against the fence to relieve the pressure. Araujo 10-9, Araujo 29-28.
Official Result: Viviane Araujo def. Alexis Davis via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
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> Marc-Andre Barriault (11-2, 0-1 UFC) vs. Krzysztof Jotko (20-4, 7-4 UFC) Middleweights
The opening round featured a lot of clinching along the fence, with the two fighters alternating who was pressing the other against the cage. The striking exchanges were pretty even, though Barriault used them to back Jotko into the fence. Jotko reversed a takedown and tried his own, but Barriault blocked it. Barriault eventually did toss Jotko to the mat, but wasn’t able to follow up. 10-9 Barriault.
Barriault continued to maintain a territorial advantage in the second round, though Jotko initiated more of the striking exchanges. Neither man got a big advantage on their feeet. Barriault got a takedown along the cage late in the round, but Jotko ended up on top – the round ended before Jotko could take advantage. 10-9 Barriault based on the takedown, but this round was a toss-up. 20-19 Barriault, marginally.
The third round was fairly dull. There was a lot of circling and some sloppy striking exchanges. There were occasional clashes against the fence and flurries of strikes. There was more circling. 10-9 Jotko based on slightly better striking, but another toss-up round. 29-28 Barriault, but 29-28 Jotko wouldn’t be shocking. The crowd didn’t enjoy this fight.
Official Result: Krzysztof Jotko def. Marc-Andre Barriault by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
For the second straight bout, there were three rounds featuring a lot of clinching and some tentative striking. The opening round saw Tsarukyan and Aubin-Mercier exchange attempted takedowns but not really execute particularly well. Tsarukyan had slightly more control of the proceedings and did more damage. 10-9 Tsarukyan.
The second round saw Aubin-Mercier take advantage of some Tsarukyan miscues and press a little bit, but his primarily advantage was delivering a bit more damage via striking. 10-9 Aubin-Mercier. 19-19.
The third round saw neither fighter really press the pace or assert themselves offensively. Tsarukyan had more control of their striking exchanges and had Aubin-Mercier backing up quit a bit. 10-9 Tsarukyan, 29-28 Tsarukyan overall.
Official Result: Arman Tsarukyan def. Olivier Aubin-Mercier by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Geoff Neal (11-2, 3-0 UFC) vs. Niko Price (13-2 1 NC, 5-2 1 NC UFC) Welterweights
The early moments featured both fighters trying to get a feel for their opponent. Neal got a takedown. Price scrambled to his feet, but Neal stayed on him. Price connected with some strikes. Neal connected with a stiff punch after hesitating on an approach (and throwing Price’s timing off). A striking exchange saw Price throw a pair of high kicks, then drop Neal with a left hand. He swarmed Neal but Neal defended well, survived, and scrambled back to his feet. Neal took Price down late and got his back, but didn’t have enough time left on the clock to attempt a finish. 10-9 Price.
The early second round featured a flurry of stirkes. Price kicked Neal in the leg, leading to a wild back-and-forth exchange. After a scramble, Price attempted a guillotine choke but couldn’t lock it on, leaving Neal in Price’s guard. Neal worked for position, worked some strikes in to wear Price’s defenses down, then unleashed a flurry of strikes that led referee Dan Miragliatta to stop the bout.
Official Result: Geoff Neal def. Niko Price via technical knockout (strikes) at 2:39 of the second round
Cyborg looked scary early. Spencer tried for a takedown, got stopped and punched in the face. They had a few flurries of strikes early on, and Spencer busted Cyborg’s nose up with an elbow. Cyborg got the better of the early exchanges and Spencer presser her into the cage. Cyborg eventually wriggled free and they exchanged more strikes. Cyborg dropped her with a leg kick, but Spencer popped back up. Cyborg threw some punches along the fence, but Spencer circled away. Cyborg got the better of a striking exchange along fence, but Spencer pressed her into the cage again. 10-9 Cyborg, as she got the better of their striking exchanges.
Spencer pressed Cyborg against the cage. They battled for position and Cyborg got the upper hand after tripping her along the cage. Spencer defended well from the bottom, trapping Cyborg’s arm between her legs and eventually getting back to her feet. Back on their feet, Cyborg caught a Spencer kick but couldn’t turn it into any offense. They traded on their feet, with Cyborg getting the better of it. Cyborg landed a clean Superman punch, but it didn’t seem to faze Spencer. Cyborg continued to get the better of the striking exchanges. 10-9 Cyborg, 20-18 Cyborg.
Spencer missed a Superman punch and they had a brief exchange of strikes. Spencer tried to drive Cyborg into the fence, but ate a couple knees to the face on her way in. Spencer went for a takedown, Cyborg blocked it, and so Spencer just drove her back into the fence. They fought for control along the fence, with Cyborg getting the upper hand and landing some strikes that hurt Spencer a bit. Cyborg continued to get the better of their striking exchanges in the middle of the cage. Spencer ate a lot of shots in this fight, but aside from a brief moment along the fence in the third round she was never really ever in trouble. 10-9 Cyborg, 30-27 Cyborg.
Official Decision: Cris Cyborg def. Felicia Spencer via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Max Holloway (C, 20-4, 16-4 UFC) vs. Frankie Edgar (#4, 23-6-1, 17-6-1 UFC) UFC Featherweight Championship
There was a feeling-out process early. Edgar was initating more striking and trying to maintain control of the center of the Octagon. Holloway caught Edgar with a punch on an attempted takedown, but it didn’t seem to phase Edgar. Edgar was more effective at rattling off striking combinations. Edgar initiated more striking exchanges and used leg kicks well, but Holloway was more effective at counter-punching. Very close round. 10-9 Edgar, based on territorial control and movement.
The striking exchanges in the second round were much more structured than in the opening round. Edgar continued to initiate, but Holloway seemed more patient and more able to feint and counter-punch than early on. He defended an Edgar takedown attempt early in the round and wriggled free of an Edgar attempt to clinch. Holloway caught Edgar with a shot that sent him stumbling before the end of the round. 10-9 Holloway. 19-19.
An Edgar takedown attempt was blocked early. Holloway continued to use his reach and size to assert his control. Edgar initated more exchanges, but Holloway was very effective at using his jab to keep Edgar circling. Edgar went for a single leg takedown but Holloway blocked the attempt. Holloway caught Edgar with an uppercut. Edgar tried for a takedown, but Holloway shrugged it off and tried for a couple more punches. Edgar avoided the punches and managed to take down an off-balance Holloway. Edgar jockeyed for position on top, but Holloway managed tog et to his feet. Holloway caught Edgar with a knee before the end of the round. 10-9 Holloway. 29-28 Holloway.
Holloway initiated more exchanges beginning with the fourth round. Edgar tried another single leg takedown but Holloway shrugged him off. Edgar was bleeding from the nose after the two traded punches midway through the round. Late in the round Holoway gained some momentum after getting the better of a striking exchange and blocking an Edgar takedown attempt, but Edgar slowed things down by pressing Holloway into the cage. Holloway hit Edgar in the mid-section with a spinning back-kick before the round ended. 10-9 Holloway. 39-37 Holloway
Edgar pressed early, initating several exchanges and throwing a mixture of punches and head-kicks, though Holloway managed to counter. Edgar attempted a takedown and pressed Holloway against the cage, but Holloway wriggled free. Edgar kept pressing, but Holloway ably used his size advantage to defend. Holloway almost got control of Edgar’s neck, but Edgar scrambled to his feet. Holloway connected with a couple nice punching combinations, particularly a couple jabs that landed flush on Edgar’s face. Edgar kept pressing, but couldn’t connect with anything substantial. 10-9 Edgar based on urgency and control of the round. But 48-47 Holloway overall.
Official Result: Max Holloway def. Frankie Edgar via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 48-47) to retain UFC World Featherweight Championship
