Tag: Michael Chandler

UFC announces full White House ‘Freedom 250’ card

Posted on by Josh Nason

The full card for the much-discussed UFC Freedom 250 card at the White House this June has finally been revealed and will continue to be discussed after the announcement.

Announced during Saturday’s UFC 326 broadcast, the Sunday, June 14, 2026, event will feature two title fights with one of them featuring Alex Pereira gunning for his unprecedented third UFC title in three divisions.

The main event will feature UFC lightweight champion and one of their top stars in Ilia Topuria defending against interim champion Justin Gaethje.

In the co-main event, former middleweight and light heavyweight champion Pereira facing Cyril Gane for the interim heavyweight title and not Jon Jones as many had speculated. On Saturday night, news broke that a fight fell off the show with speculation now shifting to that which is unconfirmed as of this writing.

Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley will take on Aiemann Zahabi while former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler will fight Mauricio Ruffy.

The six-fight show is rounded out by Bo Nickal vs. Kyle Daukaus, and Diego Lopes vs. Steve Garcia.

The show will feature no female fights, no Jones, and no Gable Steveson as some has speculated as the impetus to sign him to a UFC deal. The initial response on social media was less than enthusiastic.

NBA stars, Michael Chandler, & others attend WWE Elimination Chamber

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Multiple celebrities were in attendance at WWE Elimination Chamber 2026 in Chicago, IL.

While the PLE featured several star-studded matches, it also hosted the attendance of NBA stars Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo, both of whom play for the Milwaukee Bucks. UFC Fighter Michael Chandler was also present at the show, as well as 28-year-old Grammy-nominated rapper Lil Yachty.

On Saturday, February 28, Rhea Ripley and Randy Orton won their respective Elimination Chamber matches, while AJ Lee won her first WWE singles title in several years. Another highlight of the show was hometown star CM Punk successfully retaining his World Heavyweight title against Finn Balor.

Last year’s Elimination Chamber PLE featured The Rock and Travis Scott, who helped John Cena turn heel on Cody Rhodes in his final year as a pro-wrestler. While this year missed such celebrity involvements, the above-named stars were present there strictly as the audience.

UFC star Michael Chandler on potential WWE crossover: ‘It intrigues me’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

UFC star Michael Chandler remains intrigued by the idea of crossing over into WWE.

The 39-year-old Chandler has already made one WWE appearance, cutting a promo on a February 2024 episode of Raw. He’s spoken with Paul “Triple H” Levesque about the possibility of competing for WWE — and Chandler is still interested in making that a reality.

“I mean, I think it intrigues me. I think it intrigues me,” Chandler said on Insight with Chris Van Vliet. “I think it’s a lot of fun. I do think I would enjoy it. I think there would be some intrigue and interest on both sides. And I think, you know, spending some time with Sheamus and a couple of other friends I have.

“Diamond Dallas Page has been a friend of mine for a very, very long time also. And what’s really cool about him, too, which would be kind of similar to my story, where he’s like, you know, cause he always said, ‘My career didn’t take off until I was 40.’ Wasn’t he a manager or something? [He debuted at] 35, right? And then he took off at 40, you know?”

Chandler said he likes that wrestling has a lot of mature competitors who are able to thrive into their 30s and beyond. He doesn’t love being the center of attention in his personal life, but he’s able to turn on that side of his personality when it’s time to compete.

“So I’m just a fan of the sport. Love to go to the live events, obviously,” Chandler said. “Love to watch it on TV.”

Chandler named DDP and Steve Austin as some of his favorite wrestlers growing up. He’s even more into wrestling now than when he was a kid, listing Jey Uso, Seth Rollins, and Bryan Danielson as some of the people he’s liked watching.

At the moment, Chandler is still focused on his MMA career. Becoming a UFC champion is a big goal for him. He also has his eyes on the UFC’s White House show in June 2026, hoping to face Conor McGregor. A WWE transition does look to be a realistic possibility at some point in the future, though, especially given that WWE and UFC are owned by the same parent company.

“Obviously, they know I’m interested,” Chandler said about WWE. “I believe they’re interested. So we’ll see where we’re at.”

UFC’s Michael Chandler says he’s spoken to Triple H about WWE future

Posted on by Ian Carey

UFC lightweight Michael Chandler is eyeing a future in WWE.

Chandler appeared at Fanatics Fest in New York City recently and told The Schmo Show that he spoke with Triple H at the event about a potential move to professional wrestling.

“I was talking to WWE, talking to Triple H about my WWE contract. So we’re trying to make that happen,” Chandler said.

“He knows I’m a fan of WWE and him and the brand. He’s obviously a fan of what I bring to the table from an entertainment standpoint, what I can do on the microphone. So it’s always fun conversations. Who knows if anything is ever going to happen, but he knows I want that door to be open and I think he wants that door to be open too.”

“WWE seems like a really cool transition,” he continued, later naming Rey Mysterio as a possible dream match.

Michael Chandler previously appeared on WWE Raw

The two-time Bellator Champion has appeared on WWE programming before. On the February 19, 2024, episode of Raw, Chandler cut a promo on Conor McGregor and challenged him to a fight.

“You are in the presence of the most entertaining UFC fighter on the planet,” Chandler said. “Now there’s a man in Ireland that’s been making me wait for way too long and there’s one dude on my mind…Conor McGregor, get your candy a** back in the octagon.”

Michael Chandler’s recent UFC performance

Chandler did not end up fighting McGregor, who withdrew from their planned 2024 bout citing injuries. Chandler has lost five of his last six fights dating back to May 2021, with defeats to Paddy Pimblett, Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Charles Oliveira (twice). His sole win during that span came at UFC 274, where he scored a second-round TKO over Tony Ferguson on May 7, 2022.

UFC 314 live results: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes featherweight title fight

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The Octagon returns to Miami, Florida, for another major pay-per-view event as a new champion will be crowned at UFC 314 inside the Kaseya Center.

The vacant UFC featherweight championship is on the line in the main event as former longtime UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski looks to recapture the gold when he takes on streaking Diego Lopes, winner of five straight fights.

The title is being vacated by Ilia Topuria, who is moving to 155 pounds. Volkanovski is fighting for the first time in just over a year after losing the title to Topuria.

In the co-main event, it is a five-round lightweight battle as Michael Chandler looks to end his two-fight losing skid when he takes on British superstar Paddy Pimblett, who is on an eight-fight win streak.

In another major main card bout, former interim UFC featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez welcomes former two-division Bellator champion Patricio “Pitbull” Freire to the UFC. Pitbull is arguably the greatest fighter in Bellator’s history and he makes his long-anticipated UFC debut in his quest to capture UFC gold.

Also on the main card is a featherweight bout pitting Bryce Mitchell against Jean Silva, and Nikita Krylov takes on former title challenger Dominick Reyes in a light heavyweight bout.

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> Women’s Bantamweights*- Nora Cornolle (8-2, 2-1 UFC) vs. Hailey Cowan (7-3, 0-1 UFC)

*Cornolle missed weight by 1.5 pounds

Cornolle lands and pushes it against the fence and lands some knees. Cowan switches position but Cornolle reverses back and lands some knees. Cowan gets it to the mat but Cornolle looks for an armbar. Cowan gets it out and works from the half-guard. Cowan mixing punches and elbows as she’s controlling from the top and trying to pass guard. They scramble and almost get to their feet but Cowan is able to take Cornolle’s back. 10-9 Cowan.

Cowan lands a body kick and Cornolle lands a right hand. Cornolle with a body kick and lands an elbow as they clinch. Cowan gets a takedown but Cornolle gets the back. Cornolle locks in a rear-naked choke and it’s in tight. Cowan is trying to fight it off but she ends up tapping! Cornolle picks up the win.

Fight Result- Nora Cornolle def. Hailey Cowan by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:52 of Round 2

> Middleweights- Tresean Gore (5-2, 2-2 UFC) vs. Marco Tulio (13-1, 1-0 UFC)

Tulio lands a jab then a leg kick. Tulio lands a combo then a spin kick and follows with a calf kick. Tulio tries a jumping knee but Gore lands a right hand. Gore lands a right hand followed by a left hook. Tulio with a front kick to the body. Tulio with a jab and a right hand. They trade leg kicks and Tulio follows with a right hand. Tulio lands some more kicks but Gore rocks him with a left hook. They tie up and Tulio lands a knee to the body and an elbow as they separate. Tulio lands a right hand. They trade left hands. Tulio with a body kick and landing some jabs. Tulio landing lots of punches and has Gore in trouble. Tulio mixes to the body and head. Tulio drops Gore with a left hand and gets on top as Gore has a big cut opened up. They get up and Tulio lands a knee. Gore lands a big right hand. Gore lands a right hand and Tulio lands a spin kick. Exciting round. 10-9 Tulio.

Tulio landing lots of punches and mixes in some kicks. Gore lands some jabs. Tulio lands a groin strike and timeout is called. They get back to action and Tulio is landing kicks and lands a spin kick then a spinning back fist. Tulio works the jab and lands a right hand. Tulio with more body kicks. Tulio rocks Gore with a head kick and Gore ends up falling down and Tulio starts landing shots from the top, mixing in elbows. Tulio with big shots but Gore is trying to get out of trouble. They get to their feet. Tulio lands a big left hand. Tulio drops Gore with a right hand and it is stopped! What a finish by Tulio!

Fight Result- Marco Tulio def. Tresean Gore by TKO (punches) at 3:16 of Round 2

> Flyweights- Sumudaerji (16-7, 3-4 UFC) vs. Mitch Raposo (9-2, 0-1 UFC)

They trade big punches as Raposo lands a big combination. Raposo lands some more punches but Sumudaerji covers up. Sumudaerji lands a leg kick. Sumudaerji lands a combo followed by a body kick. Raposo lands a right hook. Sumudaerji lands a pair of leg kicks. Raposo scores a takedown and gets the back as they scramble up. Raposo keeps back control and gets another late takedown. 10-9 Raposo.

Sumudaerji lands a body kick then a leg kick. Raposo lands a left hand. Raposo shoots for a takedown against the fence but Sumudaerji defends. Sumudaerji lands a leg kick. Sumudaerji lands a combination. Sumudaerji lands a leg kick that gets checked and he falls to his butt for a moment. He gets up and lands a pair of leg kicks. Sumudaerji misses a spin kick and Raposo is able to get a takedown but they get right up. Raposo has the back. They separate and Sumudaerji lands a jab. Sumudaerji with a leg kick. Raposo has it pushed against the fence but is unable to score a late takedown. 10-9 Sumudaerji, 19-19.

Sumudaerji lands a jab and a leg kick. Raposo lands a right hand. Sumudaerji landing and Raposo is able to score a takedown, but Sumudaerji is able to scramble to his feet and lands an elbow as they break. Sumudaerji is landing and Raposo scores a takedown, but they quickly get up. Sumudaerji lands an elbow as he defends the clinch. Raposo trying hard for a takedown. They separate. Raposo gets a brief takedown but has body control as they stand. Sumudaerji lands some defensive punches. Sumudaerji lands a knee. Sumudaerji defending with some short punches and elbows. Raposo is just holding on. 10-9 Sumudaerji, 29-28 Sumudaerji.

Fight Result- Sumudaerji def. Mitch Raposo by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

> Middleweights- Sedriques Dumas (10-2, 3-2 UFC) vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk (19-9 1 NC, 7-7 1 NC UFC)

Dumas lands a body kick. They’re doing a lot of hand fighting. Oleksiejczuk lands a left hook to the body. Dumas scores with a body kick. Oleksiejczuk lands a left hand. He lands two more with one to the body. Oleksiejczuk lands a left hand. He lands two more. Oleksiejczuk drops Dumas with a left hand and starts landing from the top. Dumas is covering up as Oleksiejczuk is teeing off with lots of punches from the top and it is stopped. Dumas is complaining but is told by Marc Goddard he gave him three chances and Dumas wasn’t defending. Big finish from Oleksiejczuk.

Fight Result- Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Sedriques Dumas by TKO (punches) at 2:49 of Round 1

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> Featherweights- Darren Elkins (29-11, 19-10 UFC) vs. Julian Erosa (30-11, 8-7 UFC)

Erosa lands a jab and Elkins gets off balance and falls down for a moment. Elkins lands a right hand and Erosa lands a leg kick. Elkins lands a leg kick and gets a takedown. Elkins gets inside the guard of Erosa. Elkins stands and Erosa hurts Elkins with an upkick. Erosa stands and Elkins is chasing the takedown as he’s hurt. Erosa defending with some elbows and they separate. Elkins lands a right hand. Elkins gets a takedown but Erosa rolls through to his feet and lands a knee. They trade jabs. Erosa lands and Elkins stumbles to the mat and grabs Erosa’s leg. They scramble and Elkins is chasing a leg. They get up and break apart. Elkins lands a right hand. Erosa lands a leg kick and a big knee then hurts Elkins with a right hand. Elkins is chasing a leg but Erosa is landing lots of punches and it is stopped.

Fight Result- Julian Erosa def. Darren Elkins by TKO (punches) at 4:15 of Round 1

> Lightweights- Jim Miller (38-18 1 NC, 27-17 1 NC UFC) vs. Chase Hooper (15-3-1, 7-3 UFC)

Hooper lands a body kick. Miller lands a combo. Hooper throwing front kicks. Miller connects with a left hand. Hooper shoots for a takedown and Miller is defending. Miller grabs the neck and Hooper is able to roll out. Miller gets on top and lands and Hooper looks for a triangle choke. Miller lands some left hands from the top. They scramble and Hooper scores a takedown. Miller with an elbow from the bottom. Hooper gets Miller’s back and is on it as they get to their feet. Hooper lands from the back. Miller is able to shake Hooper off. Hooper attacking an arm from the bottom. He almost had an armbar but Miller escapes and they stand. Hooper lands a body kick and Miller lands a counter right hand. 10-9 Hooper.

Miller lands a left hand. Hooper lands a front kick then a spinning back fist and scores a takedown. Hooper jumps on the back and gets the hooks in as Miller stands. Hooper trying to get a choke in but Miller fights it and Hooper jumps off the back but still has control and trips Miller to the mat and gets into side control. They get to their feet and Hooper gets it back down. They stand and Hooper has the back and drags it back down. They roll and Hooper attacks a leg. 10-9 Hooper, 20-18 Hooper.

Hooper looking for a takedown but Miller defends. Hooper gets a takedown. They stand and Hooper takes it back down. Hooper has the back with the body lock in. Hooper is now attacking the ankle as Miller is looking to attack an arm. Hooper returns to inside the guard of Miller. Hooper just controlling from the top but there is not lots of action going on. Hooper lands some punches. 10-9 Hooper, 30-27 Hooper.

Fight Result- Chase Hooper def. Jim Miller by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

> Women’s Strawweights- #1 Yan Xiaonan (19-4 1 NC, 9-3 UFC) vs. #3 Virna Jandiroba (21-3, 7-3 UFC)

Jandiroba looks for a takedown but Xiaonan shakes it off and lands to defend. They trade kicks. Xiaonan lands a side kick. Xiaonan lands a right hand to the body. Xiaonan lands a left hook. Jandiroba looks for a takedown but Xiaonan lands to keep her at a distance. Jandiroba grabs the body and pushes it to the fence. Jandiroba gets it down and looks at taking the back. Jandiroba is on top but Xiaonan is landing from the bottom. Jandiroba looks for a kimura. She lets go and gets to north-south position but rolls back to the guard as they trade punches on the ground. They get up and quickly roll to the mat as Jandiroba attacks the arm but time runs out. 10-9 Jandiroba.

Jandiroba immediately goes for the leg and gets a takedown. She takes the back of Xiaonan. Jandiroba has the hooks in on the back and is attacking the kimura. Jandiroba landing from the back. She is constantly attacking the neck as she lands punches. Jandiroba rolls for an armbar but loses it and Xiaonan stands and starts landing punches as she gets inside the guard of Jandiroba. Jandiroba looks for an armbar but doesn’t quite have it in, but it allows her to get side control. Jandiroba now locks in an armbar but Xiaonan defends and escapes. 10-9 Jandiroba, 20-18 Jandiroba.

Xiaonan lands a leg kick. Jandiroba looks for a takedown but Xiaonan lands, though Jandiroba lands a left hand. Xiaonan lands a combination. Jandiroba looks for a takedown but Xiaonan defends. Xiaonan lands a knee as Jandiroba looks for a takedown. Jandiroba tries to get it down and Xiaonan clearly and blatantly grabs the fence. She gets warned and Jandiroba is still able to get it down. Jandiroba landing from the back. She continues to land. Jandiroba has an armbar locked in but the buzzer sounds to end it. 10-9 Jandiroba, 30-27 Jandiroba.

Fight Result- Virna Jandiroba def. Yan Xiaonan by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Featherweights- #15 Dan Ige (18-9, 10-8 UFC) vs. Sean Woodson (13-1-1, 7-1-1 UFC)

Woodson lands a leg kick. He lands another. Woodson lands another leg kick. Woodson lands a jab. Ige with a right hand. Woodson lands a leg kick. Ige pressing forward and lands a right hand. Ige lands to the body. Woodson lands a jab. Ige with a body shot. Ige lands a leg kick. Woodson lands a combination. Woodson lands a jab and they trade leg kicks, then Woodson lands a combo. Ige lands to the body. Woodson lands a stiff jab. Woodson with a jab and a left hook. 10-9 Woodson.

Ige lands to the body and then lands a right hand. Woodson lands a jab. Ige grabs the body lock briefly but they separate. Woodson lands a jab. Woodson lands a leg kick. Ige throws and ties up against the fence as he has a leg. They break apart. Woodson lands a leg kick followed by an uppercut. Woodson lands a jab as Ige throws a right hand. Ige lands a left hand. Ige lands a right hand and a leg kick. Ige shoots for a takedown but Woodson is sprawling to defend. They get to their feet. They break apart. Ige lands a left hand. Woodson with a high kick that Ige blocks and Ige lands a counter right hand. 10-9 Woodson, 20-18 Woodson.

Woodson lands a combination. Ige hurts Woodson with a right hand and then lands to the body. Ige lands a combination. Ige lands to the body and Woodson is covering up. Ige with a flurry of shots. Woodson looks for a takedown and Ige defends and starts landing punches and it is stopped. That is a bad stoppage.

Fight Result- Dan Ige def. Sean Woodson by TKO (punches) at 1:12 of Round 3

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> Light Heavyweights- #8 Nikita Krylov (30-9, 11-7 UFC) vs. #11 Dominick Reyes (14-4, 8-4 UFC)

They trade punches. Reyes rocks Krylov with a jab. Reyes lands a body kick. Reyes with a leg kick. Reyes lands a high kick. Reyes with a left hand. Krylov rushes in and Reyes drops him with a massive left hand and Krylov is out cold! What a knockout by Reyes!

Fight Result- Dominick Reyes def. Nikita Krylov by knockout (punch) at 2:24 of Round 1

> Featherweights- #13 Bryce Mitchell (17-2, 8-2 UFC) vs. Jean Silva (15-2, 4-0 UFC)

Mitchell presses forward. Silva with a high kick. Mitchell throwing side kicks as Silva is being patient. Mitchell lands a leg kick. Silva lands a body kick. Mitchell with a side kick to the body. Mitchell lands a leg kick. Silva lands a right hand. Mitchell with a stiff calf kick. Mitchell with a spinning back fist. Mitchell shoots for a takedown but Silva defends and they get to their feet. Mitchell with a leg kick and lands a left hand. Silva with a jab and a jump kick to the body. Silva with a spin kick that connects to the chin. Mitchell looks for a takedown but Silva locks in a guillotine choke. Silva has it in tight as Mitchell is trying to fight it. Mitchell gets his head out and they scramble up. Close round. 10-9 Silva.

Silva lands a leg kick and lands a right hand and Mitchell goes to the ground. Mitchell gets up and looks for a takedown but Silva defends. Mitchell still trying to get it down but Silva defends and they separate. Silva with a left hand and then a step-in elbow. Mitchell keeps trying to take Silva down but Silva is defending all of the attempts and landing on the break. Mitchell lands a leg kick. Silva lands a leg kick and a right hook to the body. Mitchell tries for another takedown attempt but Silva grabs the neck and has a D’Arce choke locked in and Mitchell taps!

Fight Result- Jean Silva def. Bryce Mitchell by submission (ninja choke) at 3:52 of Round 2

> Featherweights- #5 Yair Rodriguez (19-5 1 NC, 10-4 1 NC UFC) vs. Patricio Pitbull (36-7, 0-0 UFC)

They’re feeling each other out and hand fighting for the first minute. Rodriguez lands a leg kick. Pitbull lands a leg kick. They trade kicks. Rodriguez lands a leg kick. Rodriguez tries a jumping switch kick but Pitbull blocks it. Rodriguez lands a head kick. Rodriguez lands a body kick. They tie up. Pitbull tries a trip but they separate. Pitbull with a right hand. Pitbull lands a leg kick. Rodriguez with a front kick. Pitbull lands a kick and trips Rodriguez to the mat and gets to the half-guard. Pitbull controlling as Rodriguez lands, though lots were to the back of the head. 10-9 Rodriguez.

Pitbull with a high kick then a leg kick. Rodriguez with a pair of leg kicks. Pitbull lands a left hand and then lands big in an exchange. Rodriguez lands a body kick. Rodriguez lands a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Rodriguez with a short uppercut. Pitbull scores a takedown. Rodriguez squirms to the fence and gets to his feet. Rodriguez lands a right hand. Rodriguez with a pair of high kicks. Pitbull lands a right hand. Rodriguez with a leg kick. Rodriguez lands a combo and a high kick then a body kick. Pitbull looks for a takedown as Rodriguez defends and lands some foot stomps. Rodriguez gets a late takedown. 10-9 Rodriguez, 20-18 Rodriguez.

They trade leg kicks. Rodriguez lands a combination. Rodriguez with a pair of body kicks. Pitbull lands a left hand and then a right hand. Pitbull connects. Rodriguez lands a body kick. Pitbull lands a right hand. Rodriguez with a jumping knee and Pitbull lands a left hand. Rodriguez connects and Pitbull goes down. Rodriguez gets on top and lands some shots to the head and body. Rodriguez lands some big elbows and more punches. They trade on the mat. Pitbull locks in an armbar but Rodriguez is able to escape and is on his feet. Rodriguez attacks a leg. Pitbull attacking a leg as well. They both escape to their feet and Pitbull lands a right hand. 10-9 Rodriguez, 30-27 Rodriguez.

Fight Result- Yair Rodriguez def. Patricio Pitbull by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Lightweights- #7 Michael Chandler (23-9, 2-4 UFC) vs. #12 Paddy Pimblett (22-3, 6-0 UFC)

Pimblett lands a leg kick. He lands another. He lands an inside leg kick. He lands a body kick. Pimblett with another leg kick. Pimblett lands a combo and Chandler with a counter right hand. Chandler gets a big takedown despite a fence grab from Pimblett. Chandler with a knee to the body. Pimblett lands some elbows. They stand and go back down as Chandler lands some big punches. They get to their feet. Pimblett jumps up and pulls guard. They stand and separate. Pimblett lands a right hand. Pimblett with a leg kick. Chandler lands a right hand as Pimblett lands a leg kick. Pimblett lands a right hand. Chandler lands a left hand. Pimblett with a jump kick. Pimblett lands a leg kick. 10-9 Pimblett.

They trade punches. Pimblett lands a leg kick. Pimblett lands a jab. Pimblett with two right hands. They trade leg kicks after Pimblett lands a left hand. Pimblett with a head kick. They trade leg kicks. Pimblett lands a combination. Chandler lands a groin strike and timeout is called. They get back to action and trade leg kicks. Chandler looks for a takedown and has the back and slams Pimblett down. Pimblett gets right back up. Pimblett lands some elbows and Chandler takes it back down. Pimblett rolls into the guard of Chandler. Pimblett with some knees. Pimblett with some elbows from the top. Pimblett gets the back of Chandler. Pimblett with some big elbows. Pimblett has the mount and lands. Chandler gives up his back. Pimblett with some big punches. 10-9 Pimblett, 20-18 Pimblett.

Pimblett lands a big knee and Chandler is retreating and split open. Pimblett chasing Chandler and lands a short left hand. Pimblett gets the back and gets a big takedown. Pimblett with some elbows and Chandler is leaking blood everywhere. Pimblett with a big left hand. Pimblett with some elbows. Pimblett has the mount and is landing lots of punches. Pimblett looking for the finish as he’s landing lots of punches and elbows and it is stopped! What a performance from Pimblett!

Fight Result- Paddy Pimblett def. Michael Chandler by TKO (strikes) at 3:07 of Round 3

> UFC Featherweight Championship- #1 Alexander Volkanovski (26-4, 13-3 UFC) vs. #3 Diego Lopes (26-6, 5-1 UFC)

Volkanovski lands a leg kick. Volkanovski with a high kick. They trade leg kicks. They trade inside the pocket as Volkanovski lands a left hand and Lopes lands an uppercut. Lopes with some body shots. Volkanovski lands a leg kick. Lopes lands a right hand. Volkanovski with a big right hand. Volkanovski connects and makes Lopes stumble from a left hand. Volkanovski lands a jab. Volkanovski gets a body lock and almost gets it down and lands a knee. Volkanovski with some left hands from the back and gets Lopes down. Volkanovski with lots of big right hands from the top. 10-9 Volkanovski.

Volkanovski lands a right hand. Volkanovski with a jab. Volkanovski lands a leg kick as Lopes lands a right hand. Volkanovski lands a leg kick and Lopes lands a left hand. Volkanovski lands a right hand. Volkanovski working the jab and lands a body kick then a leg kick. Volkanovski lands a right hand and Lopes stumbles back and the fence actually keeps him up. Volkanovski ties up against the fence. They separate. Volkanovski works the jab. Volkanovski lands a leg kick. Volkanovski back to working the jab. Volkanovski lands a big right hand as both land inside the pocket. Volkanovski lands a left hand. Lopes drops Volkanovski with a right hand late. 10-9 Volkanovski, 20-18 Volkanovski.

Volkanovski lands a right hand. They trade leg kicks. Volkanovski lands a right hand. They trade left hands and both clipped one another. They trade right hands. Volkanovski lands a big right hand. They trade inside the pocket. Volkanovski looks for a takedown but Lopes defends. Volkanovski lands with a right hand. Lopes lands a body kick. Volkanovski lands a right hand. 10-9 Volkanovski, 30-27 Volkanovski.

They trade leg kicks. Volkanovski lands a combination. Volkanovski lands a right hand and Lopes connects to the body and lands a right hand off a brief clinch. Lopes lands a calf kick. Volkanovski lands a jab. Lopes with a left hook and one to the body as Volkanovski lands a counter right hand. Volkanovski with a right hand and Lopes lands an uppercut. Volkanovski looks for a takedown but Lopes defends. Volkanovski is retreating. They trade in close range. Volkanovski’s eye is damaged. Volkanovski lands a right hand and a jab. Volkanovski lands a right hand. Volkanovski with a right hand. They trade late. Close round. 10-9 Lopes, 39-37 Volkanovski.

Volkanovski with a jab. Volkanovski lands a right hand. Lopes lands a combo. Lopes lands a leg kick. Volkanovski lands a solid combination. Lopes lands a right hand. Volkanovski with a jab. Volkanovski lands a jab and a left hook. Volkanovski lands a right hand. Volkanovski with some jabs. Volkanovski with a combo. Lopes lands a leg kick. Volkanovski with a pair of jabs. Lopes with a combo. Volkanovski with a jab. Lopes pressing forward. Volkanovski with a big left hook. Volkanovski lands a right hand. 10-9 Volkanovski, 49-46 Volkanovski.

Fight Result- Alexander Volkanovski def. Diego Lopes by unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46) to win the UFC Featherweight Championship

UFC 309 live results: Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The Octagon is back inside the “World’s Most Famous Arena,” marking the return of arguably the greatest fighter in UFC history with UFC 309 from New York City’s Madison Square Garden.

UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones makes his long-awaited return as he defends against former champion Stipe Miocic in a fight that has been years in the making. Originally scheduled for last year’s event at MSG, it was called off after Jones suffered a torn pectoral muscle and subsequent surgery that has kept him out of action since then.

Jones won the title with a win over Ciryl Gane in March 2023. Miocic, often regarded as the best heavyweight in UFC history, has not fought since losing the title to Francis Ngannou in March 2021. It is possible this will be the last fight for both men while interim champion Tom Aspinall is waiting in the wings for the winner in the event that isn’t the case.

The co-main event will be a five-round rematch of a May 2021 fight as former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira takes on Michael Chandler in a no. 1 contender’s match. Oliveira scored a second-round TKO over Chandler at UFC 262 to win the vacant title.

Also on the main card is a middleweight bout between undefeated prospect Bo Nickal and Paul Craig; a women’s flyweight fight pitting Viviane Araujo against Karine Silva; and a catchweight fight between highly-touted prospect Mauricio Ruffy and James Llontop.

Among the fighters competing on the preliminary card are former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman as well as Jim Miller who is the all-time leader in UFC wins and fights.

*BREAKING- Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders has been scratched from the card due to an illness for Anders, who wasn’t medically cleared to compete.

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> Women’s Flyweights- Veronica Hardy (9-4-1, 4-4 UFC) vs. Eduarda Moura (10-1, 1-1 UFC)

Moura connects with a solid right hand. Hardy connects to the body. They trade in close range. Hardy with a body kick and Moura counters with a combination. Hardy lands a body kick. There’s not a ton of action going on. Moura lands a big right hand. Hardy lands a left hand. Hardy with a right hand followed by a body kick. Hardy lands a left hand and a high kick but Moura is able to score a takedown. 10-9 Moura.

Hardy lands a left hand and a body kick. Moura scores a takedown and has the back as they stand. Hardy with some back elbows. Moura has Hardy back on the mat and with back control but not doing anything as Hardy lands elbows. Moura gets inside the guard of Hardy and lands some as Hardy still lands some elbows from the bottom. Moura ends the round on top as both land. 10-9 Moura, 20-18 Moura.

Hardy lands a body kick. Both still looking for openings. Moura lands a right hand as Hardy comes in. Moura lands a right hand. Hardy with a left hand. The action is lacking here. Moura lands a leg kick. Hardy with a hard leg kick. Hardy lands a body kick. Hardy with a couple more leg kicks. Hardy lands a left hand and they trade late. 10-9 Hardy, 29-28 Moura.

Official Result- Eduarda Moura def. Veronica Hardy by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

> Welterweights- Bassil Hafez (9-4-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Oban Elliott (11-2, 2-0 UFC)

Elliott with some kicks to Hafez’ lead leg. They clinch as both look for a takedown. Hafez lands an elbow as they break. Elliott with a pair of jabs. Elliott with a body kick. Hafez lands a left hand. Hafez missing when he throws. Elliott with a body kick. Hafez lands a big kick. Hafez with a body kick. Elliott continues to land with more volume. Elliott with a series of leg kicks. 10-9 Elliott.

Hafez works the jab. Hafez lands a left hand and Elliott counters with a calf kick. Elliott lands some more leg kicks. Elliott with a body kick and they both connect with a right hand. They trade in close range. Elliott with a leg kick then he lands a body kick. Elliott with another leg kick. They trade. Hafez lands a straight left hand. Elliott with a high kick then a leg kick. Elliott lands a combination. Hafez with a left hand. Elliott lands a high kick. Elliott with a body kick. 10-9 Elliott, 20-18 Elliott.

Hafez lands a left hand. Hafez pressuring and lands some short leg kicks. Elliott drops Hafez with a right hand and starts landing from the top and it is all over! Big finish from Elliott to pick up the win.

Official Result- Oban Elliott def. Bassil Hafez by knockout (punches) at :40 of Round 3

> Welterweights- Mickey Gall (7-6, 6-6 UFC) vs. Ramiz Brahimaj (10-5, 2-3 UFC)

Brahimaj with a pair of leg kicks as they trade punches. Gall lands a right hand to the body. They trade jabs. They clinch and Brahimaj with some uppercuts before he slips and they separate. Gall lands a right hand. He lands another. Brahimaj with a head kick. Brahimaj starting to land more and he drops Gall with a massive right hand and it is all over! What a finish from Brahimaj!

Official Result- Ramiz Brahimaj def. Mickey Gall by knockout (punch) at 2:55 of Round 1

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> Heavyweights- #9 Marcin Tybura (25-9, 12-8 UFC) vs. Jhonata Diniz (8-0, 2-0 UFC)

Tybura tries a kick but Diniz grabs it and lets go. Diniz with a high kick and then stuns Tybura with a left hand as they go to the mat. Diniz with some elbows from the top. Tybura rolls for a leg as Diniz lands some hammerfists. Tybura ends up on top. Tybura lands and is looking to set up a choke. Tybura with some short elbows and punches as he moves to the mount. Tybura landing from the top. Tybura with an elbow. 10-9 Tybura.

Tybura with a body kick. Diniz lands a right hand. Tybura lands a left hand. He lands another. Tybura lands a jab as Diniz barely lands a right hand. Tybura scores a takedown. Tybura controlling from the top. Tybura gets the mount and is landing punches. Tybura with short right hands and lands a big elbow. Tybura lands some big elbows and Diniz has a big cut opened up. Tybura reigning down with elbows and Diniz is bleeding everywhere. It is close to being stopped as Tybura continues to land but time runs out. 10-8 Tybura, 20-17 Tybura.

The fight is stopped by the doctor after he checked on Diniz. Diniz was stumbling after the round and he was protesting, but this feels like a good stoppage.

Official Result- Marcin Tybura def. Jhonata Diniz by TKO (doctor stoppage) at 5:00 of Round 2

> Lightweights- David Onama (12-2, 4-2 UFC) vs. Roberto Romero (8-3-1, 0-0 UFC)

Romero lands a right hand and a leg kick. He lands another. Romero with some more leg kicks. Onama lands a pair of leg kicks. They continue to trade and Romero drops Onama with a right hand. Romero jumps on the back and looks for a choke. Onama gets out and they clinch against the fence. They trade knees to the body. Onama grabs the neck and looks for a choke. Romero looking for a takedown but Onama defends and they separate. Romero with a leg kick and lands a right hand. Onama rocks Romero with a left hand. Onama with a big flurry and Romero goes to the mat and Onama lands to end the round. 10-9 Romero.

They’re trading big shots to start the second. Onama landing the jab. They trade leg kicks and both land a jab. Onama lands a heavy jab. Onama with a big combination. Onama with a jab. Onama lands a right hand. Romero is gassing out. Onama lands and Romero goes to the mat and Onama gets into the guard and starts landing from the top. Onama with some big shots from the top. 10-9 Onama, 19-19.

Onama lands a left hand. Onama working the jab. Romero with a pair of body kicks. Onama lands a left hand. Romero with an overhand right. Onama lands a series of jabs followed by a knee. Onama with some left hands and jabs but Romero trips him up with a leg kick. Romero with a high kick and Onama catches it and dumps Romero to the mat. Onama gets into the mount. Onama controlling and landing a lot from the top. Onama stands and lands to the body then gets back on top and lands a flurry as the fight ends. 10-9 Onama, 29-28 Onama.

Official Result- David Onama def. Roberto Romero by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Lightweights- Jim Miller (37-18 1 NC, 26-17 1 NC UFC) vs. Damon Jackson (23-7-1 1 NC, 6-5-1 1 NC UFC)

They come out trading as Jackson lands a body kick and a combination. Miller lands a left hand. Jackson with a body kick. They briefly clinch then break apart. Jackson lands a right hand. Miller lands an elbow. Jackson with a right hand and a front kick. Miller lands a left hand. Jackson looks for a takedown but Miller locks in a guillotine choke. It is in tight and Jackson taps! Miller gets the submission win and adds to his all-time UFC wins record.

Official Result- Jim Miller def. Damon Jackson by submission (guillotine choke) at 2:44 of Round 1

> Bantamweights- #13 Jonathan Martinez (19-5, 10-4 UFC) vs. Marcus McGhee (9-1, 3-0 UFC)

They trade kicks as both land hard leg kicks. McGhee lands a combination. McGhee lands a leg kick. He lands another. McGhee with a right hand and a high kick. McGhee with another leg kick and a left hand. McGhee with a body kick and a combination. Martinez getting nothing going as McGhee is constantly pressing forward and landing. Martinez with a leg kick. He lands another. McGhee lands a combo. Martinez with a leg kick. McGhee lands a leg kick followed by a combo then a stiff jab. 10-9 McGhee.

McGhee lands a combination with a high kick. Martinez lands a leg kick. Martinez lands a right hand as McGhee came in and landed. McGhee with a leg kick. McGhee with a series of jabs. Martinez lands a right hand. McGhee with a stiff jab. He lands two more. McGhee with a quick combo ending with a knee then back to the jab. Martinez with a heavy leg kick. McGhee lands a combination. McGhee landing with more volume. Martinez lands a left hand. Martinez with a jab. Martinez with a step-in elbow. McGhee lands a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. They trade at the end. 10-9 McGhee, 20-18 McGhee.

McGhee lands a few right hands. They trade leg kicks. Martinez lands as McGhee comes in. They trade leg kicks. McGhee with some uppercuts to the body. They trade jabs. Martinez hurts McGhee with a leg kick and lands two more. McGhee with a right hand. They tie up against the fence. They separate and McGhee is having trouble on his feet. Martinez with a leg kick. McGhee lands a right hand and then another. McGhee lands and Martinez with a leg kick and then lands a right hand. Martinez with another leg kick. 10-9 Martinez, 29-28 McGhee.

Official Result- Marcus McGhee def. Jonathan Martinez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

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> 165-pound Catchweights*- Mauricio Ruffy (10-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. James Llontop (14-4, 0-2 UFC)

*Llontop missed weight by 1.2 pounds

Ruffy lands a right hand. Ruffy with a leg kick. Ruffy with a jab. Llontop lands a leg kick. Ruffy lands a leg kick. Llontop lands a leg kick. Llontop connects with a right hand. Ruffy lands a jab. Ruffy with a hard leg kick. Ruffy with a counter left hand. Ruffy rocks Llontop with a hard right hand but then tried a crazy kick that missed and allowed Llontop to recover. Ruffy with a spin kick to the body. 10-9 Ruffy.

Ruffy lands a leg kick. Llontop lands a body kick then a leg kick. Ruffy with a jab. Ruffy drops Llontop with a left hand and starts landing from the top. Llontop is able to survive and gets back to his feet as they clinch against the fence. They separate. Ruffy with a wheel kick and follows with a right hand. Llontop lands a body kick then a leg kick. Ruffy with a pair of jabs. He rocks Llontop with a big right hand. Llontop lands a left hand. Ruffy with some right hands. 10-9 Ruffy, 20-18 Ruffy.

Llontop with a leg kick then a body kick. Llontop pushes it against the fence but they separate. Ruffy lands a right hand. Ruffy is slowing down and Llontop pushes it against the fence. Ruffy lands a right hand as they separate. Ruffy lands a left hook. Llontop lands to the body. Llontop with a pair of leg kicks. Llontop lands a right hand. Llontop with a body kick. They clinch against the fence. Llontop lands a combination as they separate. Llontop with a body kick and a combo. Ruffy lands a big left hand. 10-9 Llontop, 29-28 Ruffy.

Official Result- Mauricio Ruffy def. James Llontop by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Women’s Flyweights- #9 Viviane Araujo (12-6, 6-5 UFC) vs. #11 Karine Silva (18-4, 4-0 UFC)

Silva lands a leg kick. Silva with a body kick. Araujo lands a right hand. Araujo lands a right hand. Araujo lands an uppercut. They trade kicks. Silva lands a high kick and Araujo counters with a right hand. Araujo lands a left hand then a leg kick. Silva lands a leg kick. Silva clips Araujo with a left hand then a right hand. Silva lands a left hand as Araujo was retreating. Araujo lands a right hand. 10-9 Silva.

Araujo lands a combination then lands to the body. Araujo with a leg kick. Silva shoots for a takedown and pushes it against the fence. They separate. Araujo with a right hand. Silva lands a kick up the middle and then two big right hands. Silva kind of scores a takedown as they quickly get up. Araujo grabbed the fence multiple times. Silva gets the takedown. Araujo looks for an armbar. She almost had it but Silva was able to transition to side control. Both women are bleeding. Silva looks for a D’Arce choke. Araujo is able to escape. Araujo with some punches from the top. 10-9 Silva, 20-18 Silva.

Silva lands a body kick. Silva grabs the body lock and gets it down but Araujo ends up on top. They get to their feet. Silva with a body kick. Araujo lands a leg kick. Silva tries a body kick and Araujo grabs the leg and Silva falls right to the mat. Araujo lands leg kicks standing before Silva is ordered up. Both women are tired. Araujo with a body kick and lands an uppercut. Araujo lands a stiff right hand. Silva falls to the mat and Araujo with some standing leg kicks before Silva is ordered up. Araujo with a body kick and a right hand. Silva lands a right hand. She falls to the mat after missing a punch but is ordered up. They clinch and Silva lands a knee. Araujo gets a takedown. 10-9 Araujo, 29-28 Silva.

Official Result- Viviane Araujo def. Karine Silva by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Middleweights- Bo Nickal (6-0, 3-0 UFC) vs. Paul Craig (17-7-1, 9-7-1 UFC)

Nickal with a leg kick. Nickal with a pair of leg kicks. Craig lands a leg kick. Craig lands another leg kick. Nickal with an inside leg kick. Nickal lands a left hand. Craig lands a leg kick. Craig works the jab. Nickal with a leg kick. Craig lands a right hand. Craig with a high kick. Nickal lands a left hand. Craig lands a body kick. 10-9 Craig.

Craig lands a body kick. Craig with a high kick. Nickal lands a left hand. Craig with a short leg kick. Nickal connects with a left hand. Craig with a high kick. Nickal lands a left hand. Nickal lands a solid right hand then a leg kick. Nickal with a left hand to the body. Nickal lands a left hand. Craig with two body kicks. Craig lands a left hand. Craig with another kick to the arms of Nickal. Nickal lands a left hand. Nickal lands a left hand. 10-9 Nickal, 19-19.

Nickal lands a right hand. Craig lands a body kick. Craig with a body kick. They aren’t doing much. Nickal with a leg kick. Craig lands a body kick. Nickal connects with a left hand. Nickal with a leg kick. Nickal lands to the body. Nickal with a leg kick. Nickal lands a left hand. 10-9 Nickal, 29-28 Nickal.

Official Result- Bo Nickal def. Paul Craig by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Lightweights- #2 Charles Oliveira (34-10 1 NC, 22-10 1 NC UFC) vs. #7 Michael Chandler (23-8, 2-3 UFC)

Oliveira with a front kick. Oliveira with a right hand. Chandler lands a jab. Oliveira lands a body kick. Chandler with a right hand to the body. Oliveira looks for a takedown and is able to get Chandler to the mat. Oliveira has control of a leg as he is on top. Oliveira trying to clear his leg. Chandler with some punches from the bottom. Oliveira ends the round on top. 10-9 Oliveira.

Oliveira lands a leg kick. Chandler lands to the body. Oliveira with a combo and Chandler slips to the mat. Oliveira lands a big right hand and Chandler runs away. Oliveira lands another right hand. Chandler lands a leg kick. Oliveira with a high kick. Oliveira lands a big knee. Chandler loading up and landed a left hand. Oliveira gets a takedown right into full mount. Oliveira with an elbow from the top. Oliveira with more elbows. Oliveira lands some more big elbows. Oliveira with some 12-6 elbows. 10-9 Oliveira, 20-18 Oliveira.

Chandler lands a jab. Oliveira lands a left hand. Chandler with a leg kick. Oliveira lands an uppercut then a right hand. Chandler lands a jab. Oliveira lands an uppercut. Oliveira with a knee. They trade right hands. Oliveira mixes everything against the fence. Oliveira gets the back and scores a takedown. Oliveira working for a choke and lands some elbows. Oliveira lands to the body. Oliveira almost gets the choke but Chandler slips out. 10-9 Oliveira, 30-27 Oliveira.

Oliveira with a pair of body kicks. Chandler with a left hand and a leg kick. Chandler lands a left hand. Oliveira lands and lands a flying knee. Oliveira gets it down and is on Chandler’s back. Oliveira looking for a choke. Chandler tries to escape. Oliveira gets the choke under the chin but Chandler fights it off. Oliveira holds on. 10-9 Oliveira, 40-36 Oliveira.

Chandler lands a left to the body. Oliveira with a body kick. Oliveira shoots for a takedown but Chandler defends. Oliveira lands a right hand. Chandler lands a right hand and hurts Oliveira with some punches. Oliveira looks for a takedown and Chandler starts landing punches, most to the back of the head. Chandler with some elbows. Oliveira is able to get to his feet. Chandler lands a left hand. Oliveira gets the back and drags it down. Chandler gets to his feet with Oliveira on his back and slams backwards. He does it again. 10-9 Chandler, 49-46 Oliveira.

Official Result- Charles Oliveira def. Michael Chandler by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-45)

> UFC Heavyweight Championship- C Jon Jones (27-1 1 NC, 21-1 1 NC UFC) vs. #8 Stipe Miocic (20-4, 14-4 UFC)

Jones lands a left hand and Miocic counters with a right hand. Jones with a body kick. Jones with an inside leg kick. Jones gets a big trip takedown and lands a big elbow. Jones with an elbow from the top. Jones with more big elbows. Jones landing tons of elbows and has Miocic in trouble. Miocic gets Jones into his guard. Jones gets to side control. Jones with more big elbows. 10-8 Jones.

Miocic lands a jab. He lands a left hand. Jones with a jab and Miocic lands an uppercut. Jones lands a body kick. Jones with an elbow and lands a body kick. Jones with an inside leg kick and lands a knee to the body. Jones lands a jab. Miocic lands a right hand. Jones with a high body kick. Jones with a series of kicks. Miocic barely lands and Jones circles away. Jones with a spin kick to the body. 10-9 Jones, 20-17 Jones.

Miocic lands a right hand. Jones with a series of jabs. Miocic with an uppercut and a right hand. Jones with a body kick then a leg kick. Jones lands an elbow then a right hand. Jones rocks Miocic with a right hand. Jones with a head kick. Jones with more kicks. Jones lands a jab. Miocic lands a right hand. Jones with a side kick to the body. Jones lands a left hand. Jones drops Miocic with a spin kick to the body and finishes it off with punches from the top. A completely dominant showing from Jones as he retains the championship and adds to his legacy.

Official Result- Jon Jones def. Stipe Miocic by TKO (strikes) at 4:29 of Round 3 to retain the UFC Heavyweight Championship

Conor McGregor’s return postponed due to injury, new main event set for UFC 303

Posted on by Josh Nason

Conor McGregor will not be fighting at UFC 303 after all.

UFC head Dana White revealed the news on X Thursday night that McGregor was injured and immediately moved on to promoting the new main event: reigning UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira defending against former champion Jiri Prochazka with a co-main event of Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes.

The show is set for Saturday, June 29th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas as part of International fight Week. Due to the high ticket prices for McGregor’s return, the show already had a company record-breaking $20 million gate in mid-May. Because of the change, they will have to offer fans the ability to get a refund if they so choose due to a policy in Nevada.

Ariel Helwani went deeper into the reasons for McGregor’s fight vs. Michael Chandler to be postponed to later this year with a target of either August or September, reporting that McGregor got hurt a day or so before the UFC’s press conference in Dublin, Ireland, that was canceled. The specific injury has not been reported. He stated that all parties tried to save the fight, but it was pulled internally within the last 48 hours.

All sides were fairly quiet as talk of the fight being off circulated after that press conference cancellation. Helwani said that the new main event was a top choice but had to overcome some hurdles: mainly that the champion is in Australia doing seminars and is recovering from some broken toes.

It was to be McGregor’s first UFC fight since his loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021 while Chandler (the former Bellator lightweight champion) has been on the shelf since November 2022’s UFC 281 when he also lost to Poirier.

Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler official for UFC 303

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Conor’s return to the octagon has been officially announced.

Dana White confirmed during the UFC 300 press conference that Conor McGregor will fight Michael Chandler in a welterweight fight at UFC 303 on June 29 during International Fight Week in Las Vegas. This would be McGregor’s first fight in nearly three years, losing to Dustin Poirier back in July of 2021 after suffering a leg injury.

“Officially Official,” Chandler posted on X following the news. “Thank y’all for being on this journey with me. Time to get to work. 77 days! Walk On. See you at the top!”

A match between McGregor and Chandler had been speculated for months. Back in February, Chandler appeared on an episode of WWE Raw and called out McGregor, showcasing synergy between the two TKO brands.

White announced two other matches for UFC 302 on June 1 in Newark, New Jersey. Islam Makhachev will defend the UFC lightweight title against Dustin Poirier in the main event, while Sean Strickland will face Paulo Costa in the co-main. 

Michael Chandler on WWE Raw promo: ‘I was thrown into the fire’

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Michael Chandler’s WWE Raw call out was a last-minute decision.

Chandler talked to Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour about his experience on Monday’s show, where he called out Conor McGregor. According to Chandler, the promo was approved only a few minutes before the segment aired live.

“Two minutes before, they said, ‘Hey, they’re going to put the camera on you.’ I said, ‘Why don’t you give me that microphone?’” he recalled. “And they said, ‘Hold on, let me run it up the flagpole real quick.’ And then about a minute later, they said, ‘Hey, you’re going on in a minute and you’re going to get the microphone if you want the microphone,’ and then magic happened…less than five minutes [of notice]. There was nothing prepared. Nothing. I was thrown into the fire. Smacked myself a couple of times and then we went.”

Chandler said he met with Triple H after the segment, saying that WWE “liked what they saw”. He also opened the door to more future crossovers.

“We will see,” he said. “Obviously there’s a crossover there. Ton of respect for the wrestlers, the brass there. They have a ton of respect for the UFC. It was really cool being there, watching other athletes and entertainers and performers, and [them] being huge fans of mixed martial arts, and me of them. So it was really cool. There’s a lot of synergy there and the sky’s the limit when it comes to TKO Group and what we can do in the crossover, and yeah, man, it’s probably just the very beginning.”

Dana White recently said he hoped to get Conor McGregor fighting by the end of 2024. He hasn’t fought since a July 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier after breaking his tibia.

UFC’s Michael Chandler calls out Conor McGregor on WWE Raw

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Michael Chandler went to the other TKO division to issue a call out.

During Monday’s Raw, announcer Samantha Irvin introduced Chandler as a UFC lightweight star. Chandler then issued a challenge to Conor McGregor.

“You are in the presence of the most entertaining UFC fighter on the planet,” Chandler said. “Now there’s a man in Ireland that’s been making me wait for way too long and there’s one dude on my mind…Conor McGregor, get your candy a** back in the octagon.”

Despite speculation that the two may fight at UFC 300 in June, Dana White recently said that he was “hoping for the fall” for a McGregor return. McGregor hasn’t fought since UFC 264 back in July of 2021, where he lost to Dustin Poirier after breaking his tibia.

WWE held Raw tonight at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California as part of a new five-year live event partnership with OCVIBE that will see both UFC and WWE hold events at the arena through 2028. UFC 298 took place this past Saturday at the same arena, with Ilia Topuria defeating Alexander Volkanovski in the main event to win the UFC featherweight title.

Conor McGregor announces fight vs. Michael Chandler for June

Posted on by Ian Carey

Conor McGregor has announced his return to the octagon. 

On Sunday, the 35-year-old posted a video revealing that he’ll fight Michael Chandler in Las Vegas on June 29 as part of International Fight Week. The bout will be contested at 185lbs. 

McGregor said:

Ladies and gentlemen, a happy New Year to you all. I would like to announce the return date for myself, ‘The Notorious’ Conor McGregor. The greatest comeback of all time will take place in Las Vegas for International Fight Week on June 29th.

And the opponent, Michael Chander. And the weight, Mr. Chandler, is 185lbs.

“I always said I wanted you at your biggest, your baddest and your best. 185 would look good on me,” Chandler responded to McGregor shortly after the video was posted. 

McGregor hasn’t fought since back-to-back losses to Dustin Poirier in 2021. Chandler also lost to Poirier in his last fight, which took place at UFC 281 on November 12, 2022. Both fighters have lost three of their last four bouts. 

Conor McGregor to make UFC return, also coach ‘The Ultimate Fighter’

Posted on by Josh Nason

After several years away from the Octagon, former two-division champion and crossover star Conor McGregor will finally make his return to the UFC later this year.

McGregor and former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler will both coach the next season of The Ultimate Fighter, announced by UFC head Dana White Saturday morning.

The two will then fight at some point this year, but no details were provided in regard to date, venue or weight class. White said it will be after this season concludes.

The 31st season of the show will debut on Tuesday, May 30th and will run through Tuesday, August 15th on both ESPN and ESPN+.

McGregor hasn’t fought since July 2021 when he lost to Dustin Poirier in their trilogy fight and snapped his tibia in doing so. He is on a two-fight losing streak while Chandler has lost three of his last four — the last being to Poirier at last year’s UFC 281.

Since the aforementioned Poirier loss, McGregor has stayed in the news for mostly legal reasons: both running afoul of the law and being sued by former teammate Artem Lobov over the creation of his Proper Twelve whisky brand.

Tony Ferguson was rumored at one point to be the coach opposite McGregor.

UFC 281 live results: Adesanya vs. Pereira, Esparza vs. Weili

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 281: Adesanya vs. Pereira, emanating from Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.

The Octagon is back in the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden in New York City, with arguably the card of the year taking place, highlighted by two title fights and one of the most exciting match-ups of the year.

UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya looks to remain at the top of the division as he defends against Alex Pereira in the main event. The two have a storied history as they fought twice while both were competing in kickboxing, with Pereira winning both fights and being the only man to ever knock Adesanya out. Adesanya will be making his sixth title defense while Pereira looks to shock the world and extend his six-fight win streak.

In the co-main event, UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Carla Esparza defends the title for the first time since winning it for the second time as former champion Zhang Weili looks to regain the championship gold. Esparza won the title from Rose Namajunas at UFC 274 in May, her sixth straight win. Weili lost the title to Namajunas in April 2021, and got herself another opportunity at gaining it back after scoring a second-round knockout of Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 275 in June.

Also on the main card is arguably the most exciting match-up of 2022 as perennial lightweight contenders Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler go to battle. Also on the main card is Frankie Edgar, who will be fighting for the final time of his Hall Of Fame career, as he takes on Chris Gutierrez, and a lightweight battle between Dan Hooker and Claudio Puelles kicks off the main card. A loaded slate of prelims also takes place, highlighted by a lightweight match-up between Brad Riddell and Renato Moicano, and a light heavyweight battle pitting Dominick Reyes against Ryan Spann.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.

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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> Light Heavyweights- Carlos Ulberg (6-1, 2-1 UFC) vs. Nicolae Negumereanu (13-1, 4-1 UFC)

Negumereanu lands a leg kick. Ulberg with a leg kick. He lands a hard leg kick. Ulberg lands a hard jab. Ulberg with a hard leg kick. Ulberg ducks under a Negumereanu right hand. Negumereanu tried a knee but slipped to the mat as his lead leg is damaged from Ulberg’s leg kicks. Ulberg lands a right hand. Ulberg drops Negumereanu to his knees with a left hook and finishes it off with another shot on the ground. What a finish.

Official Result- Carlos Ulberg def. Nicolae Negumereanu by knockout (punches) at 3:44 of Round 1

> Bantamweights- Julio Arce (18-5, 5-3 UFC) vs. Montel Jackson (11-2, 5-2 UFC)

Jackson goes for a takedown and pushes it against the fence right away. Jackson trying to get it down. Jackson with some punches as he has Arce pushed against the fence. Jackson lands a knee but still working to get Arce to the mat. They are broken up by Marc Goddard. Arce lands a body kick. Jackson lands a left hand. Arce with a combo to the body. They trade jabs. Arce lands a left and both land in close range. Jackson with a leg kick. Arce grabs Jackson and pushes him against the fence but is able to complete the late takedown. 10-9 Arce.

They’re both looking to land in close range to start the second. Arce is pressuring. Jackson lands a leg kick but Arce still coming forward and lands some punches. Jackson lands a nice jab. Arce still pressing forward. Jackson lands a right hand. Jackson with a combo. They trade in close range. Jackson shoots for a takedown and presses it against the fence. Jackson has body control and lands some short shots at the end of the round. 10-9 Jackson, 19-19.

Jackson landing the jab. Jackson lands a jab that hurts Arce and Arce falls to the mat and Jackson gets on top and is landing punches. Arce throwing up his legs looking for a triangle choke. Jackson goes to his knees looking to get inside the guard of Arce. Arce almost got the triangle choke locked in. They get to their feet. Jackson lands a right hand. Arce lands a left hand. Jackson lands a nice jab. They clinch against the fence. The quickly break. Jackson with a combo and Arce just misses a left hand late. 10-9 Jackson, 29-28 Jackson.

Official Result- Montel Jackson def. Julio Arce by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Featherweights*- Michael Trizano (9-3, 3-3 UFC) vs. Seungwoo Choi (10-5, 3-4 UFC)

*Trizano missed weight by 1.6 pounds

We have a double knockdown to start things out. Crazy. They get up and are trading. Trizano with a right hand. Choi with a left hand and Trizano lands a left hand. Choi with a leg kick. Trizano drops Choi with a left hand and lands from the top but Choi gets up and lands some knees. Choi with a leg kick. Choi lands a left hand. Trizano lands the jab. He lands another and follows it with a combo. Choi rocks Trizano with a left hand and they are swinging for the fences looking to connect. They trade jabs. Choi lands a left hook. Trizano with a leg kick. Trizano lands a right hand. Trizano drops Choi with a left hand and finishes it off. What a finish by Trizano.

Official Result- Michael Trizano def. Seungwoo Choi by knockout (punches) at 4:51 of Round 1

> Women’s Strawweights- Karolina Kowalkiewicz (13-7, 6-7 UFC) vs. Silvana Gomez Juarez (11-4, 1-2 UFC)

Both throwing jabs to start off. Juarez misses a couple of right hands. Juarez lands a right hand and leg kicks and Kowalkiewicz gets a takedown. Kowalkiewicz grabs the back and gets the hooks in. Kowalkiewicz has the body triangle locked on. Juarez trying to escape but Kowalkiewicz maintains back control. Kowalkiewicz with some right hands from the back. Kowalkiewicz working for the rear-naked choke but lets go. Kowalkiewicz with more right hands from the back. They break on their feet. Kowalkiewicz with the jab. Juarez lands a combo. 10-9 Kowalkiewicz.

Kowalkiewicz lands a right hand. They’re both landing in close range. Juarez with a left hand. Juarez lands a right hand. Kowalkiewicz with a right hand. Juarez with the jab. Juarez lands a combo. Kowalkiewicz lands a right hand. Juarez lands a right hand. Kowalkiewicz lands the jab. They trade inside the pocket and Kowalkiewicz lands a knee while they briefly clinch. Juarez with a right hand. Close round. 10-9 Juarez, 19-19.

They’re trading to start the third and both are landing. Kowalkiewicz lands a right hand. Kowalkiewicz lands the jab. Juarez with a combo. Both are landing and Kowalkiewicz is landing the jab quite often. Juarez lands a right hand. Kowalkiewicz lands a couple of right hands. Juarez with a right hand. She lands another. They trade inside the pocket. Kowalkiewicz lands a nice knee to the body. Kowalkiewicz gets the takedown. She looks to get the back as Juarez gets to her feet but they battle for underhooks inside the clinch. They break. Kowalkiewicz with a combo and lands a few knees. Juarez with a combo. Good fight. 10-9 Kowalkiewicz, 29-28 Kowalkiewicz.

There were some weird things going on with the scorecards after the fight, including an official coming in and writing new scores on Bruce Buffer’s sheet and some general just confusion. Hopefully, we’ll find out what was going on.

Official Result- Karolina Kowalkiewicz def. Silvana Gomez Juarez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Lightweights- Matt Frevola (9-3-1, 3-3-1 UFC) vs. Ottman Azaitar (13-0, 0-0 UFC)

Frevola lands a body kick after they feel each other out. Frevola lands some punches. Azaitar lands a left hand. Frevola with a right hand. Azaitar lands a left hook. Frevola with a stiff jab. Frevola drops Azaitar with a left hand as they trade inside the pocket and Azaitar is out cold.

Official Result- Matt Frevola def. Ottman Azaitar by knockout (punches) at 2:30 of Round 1

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> Middleweights- Andre Petroski (8-1, 3-0 UFC) vs. Wellington Turman (18-5, 3-3 UFC)

Turman lands a right hand and they trade inside the pocket. Turman with a leg kick. Petroski lands a leg kick. Turman with a body kick and they trade shots. Turman with a hard body kick. Petroski lands a right hand. Turman with a left hand. Turman with a leg kick. They trade inside the pocket. Petroski lands a left hand. Petroski shoots for the single leg and pushes it against the fence to complete the takedown. They get to their feet and Petroski has the back. They break. Petroski lands a left hand. They trade punches. Petroski lands a left hand. Turman with a body kick. They trade left hands. Petroski grabs the single leg and pushes it against the fence. Petroski gets it back down but Turman lands some elbows. 10-9 Turman.

Petroski lands a left hand. Petroski with a body kick. Turman lands a leg kick. Petroski looks to drop for a takedown but Turman has the neck and locks in a guillotine choke as they go to the mat but Petroski gets out and has the neck of Turman in side control. Petroski gets the back and looked for a choke but Turman squirmed out and Petroski now on top. They scramble and Turman ends up in the guard of Petroski. They get to their feet. Turman gets it down but they pop right up. Petroski gets it down and is in the mount. He moves to the half-guard. Petroski lands some elbows late. 10-9 Petroski, 19-19.

They trade leg kicks to start the third. Petroski shoots for the takedown against the fence and gets the back to complete it. Petroski grabs the neck and looks for the guillotine choke and mounts him but lets go. Petroski lands some right hands. Petroski gets on top and lands. Petroski gets into Turman’s guard and is looking to improve as Turman throws from the bottom. Petroski gets the back of Turman. They get to their feet and Petroski slams Turman back to the mat. They get up but Petroski ends up getting it back down as he has back control. Petroski ends the fight with back control. 10-9 Petroski, 29-28 Petroski.

Official Result- Andre Petroski def. Wellington Turman by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Women’s Flyweights- #12 Erin Blanchfield (9-1, 3-0 UFC) vs. #15 Molly McCann (13-4, 6-3 UFC)

They trade leg kicks. McCann lands a right hand. Blanchfield lands a right hand. Blanchfield with a leg kick then a right hand and scores a takedown. Blanchfield in side control. Blanchfield gets the crucifix position and is landing punches and elbows. McCann trying to fight out of it. Blanchfield with lots of left hands. Blanchfield now landing elbows. Blanchfield now looking for a kimura. She has it locked in. McCann gets out but Blanchfield retains the crucifix position. Blanchfield gets the kimura locked in and McCann taps. Just absolute domination from Blanchfield.

Official Result- Erin Blanchfield def. Molly McCann by submission (kimura) at 3:37 of Round 1

> Light Heavyweights*- #7 Dominick Reyes (12-3, 6-3 UFC) vs. #12 Ryan Spann (20-7, 6-2 UFC)

*Spann missed weight by .6 pounds

Reyes with a body kick. Spann clips Reyes with a right hand and then hurts Reyes again with a punch. Spann grabs the neck but lets go. Reyes with a body kick. Spann lands a combo. Spann drops Reyes with a jab and Reyes is out cold. What a brutal knockout by Spann.

Official Result- Ryan Spann def. Dominick Cruz by knockout (punch) at 1:20 of Round 1

> Lightweights- Brad Riddell (10-3, 4-2 UFC) vs. Renato Moicano (16-5-1, 8-5 UFC)

Moicano pressing forward and Riddell lands a jab. Moicano lands a knee. Moicano lands a combo ending with a head kick and they trade in the pocket. Riddell with a leg kick. Moicano lands the jab. Riddell with a body kick after Moicano lands a jab. They trade jabs. They clinch and go to the mat and Moicano jumps on the back. Moicano looking for the rear-naked choke and has it locked in. Riddell taps! Big submission win for Moicano.

Official Result- Renato Moicano def. Brad Riddell by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:20 of Round 1

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> Lightweights- #12 Dan Hooker (21-12, 11-8 UFC) vs. Claudio Puelles (12-2, 5-1 UFC)

Hooker with a leg kick. He lands a couple more. Hooker continues to land leg kicks. Puelles goes for the Imanari roll and looks to lock in a kneebar. Hooker is defending and lands a right hand. Puelles now looking for a heel hook. Hooker lands some body shots as he gets his knee out of bad position. Hooker escapes and is on top but gets to his feet and Puelles is ordered up. Puelles tries to roll again but Hooker is aware to it. Hooker lands a right hand. 10-9 Hooker.

Hooker lands to the body. They trade body kicks. Hooker lands a right hand and Puelles looks to grab the leg but Hooker slips away. Hooker lands a left hand. Hooker lands the jab and then a left hook. Puelles is able to grab the leg and pushes it against the fence. Hooker grabbed the neck and Puelles let go. Hooker with an inside leg kick. Puelles shoots for the takedown but Hooker gets away. Puelles looks for the takedown but Hooker sprawls and lands some punches to the body. Hooker with a body kick that hurts Puelles. Hooker lands a body kick and Puelles goes down and it is stopped. What a weird ending.

Official Result- Dan Hooker def. Claudio Puelles by TKO (kick) at 4:06 of Round 2

> Bantamweights- #12 Frankie Edgar (24-10-1, 18-10-1 UFC) vs. Chris Gutierrez (18-3-2, 6-1-1 UFC)

They trade leg kicks to start. Gutierrez lands a spinning back fist. Gutierrez with a leg kick followed by a jab. Edgar with a leg kick. Edgar with a body kick. Gutierrez lands a big knee that knocks Edgar out cold. Bittersweet end to the career of Edgar as Gutierrez gets the big knockout win.

Official Result- Chris Gutierrez def. Frankie Edgar by knockout (knee) at 2:01 of Round 1

> Lightweights- #2 Dustin Poirier (28-7 1 NC, 20-6 1 NC UFC) vs. #5 Michael Chandler (23-7, 2-2 UFC)

Chandler lands a right hand. Poirier lands a left hand. Chandler with some body kicks. Chandler with a leg kick but it got checked. Chandler with a body kick followed by a quick flurry. Chandler lands some right hands and is landing to the body against the fence. Poirier with a left hand. Chandler with the leg kick. Chandler lands a big left. Poirier lands a right hook. Chandler lands some right hands and is landing a flurry on Poirier against the fence. Chandler gets a takedown. Chandler gets the back but they stand. Chandler lands a German Suplex but they stand. Poirier lands a combo and Chandler lands a big right hand. Poirier lands a shot that drops Chandler to his knees and Chandler is backing up and Poirier landing a big flurry against the fence and has Chandler in trouble at the end. What a round. 10-9 Poirier.

Chandler with a combo and pushes Poirier against the fence and scores a takedown. Chandler bleeding onto Poirier as he’s landing. Poirier looking for a triangle choke but lands an elbow. Poirier loses it and Chandler gets the back. Chandler trying to find a choke. He’s still working for it but he has a bad position. Chandler now on top and Poirier lands short punches. Chandler lands some right hands from the top. Chandler with hammerfists but some are behind the back of the head. Chandler now landing big right hands and Poirier had a hand trapped. Poirier gives up full guard. Chandler ends the round on top. 10-9 Chandler, 19-19.

Poirier with a leg kick. Poirier with a high kick. Chandler looks for a takedown but Poirier backs up. Chandler grabs the single leg and picks Poirier up and gets him down and had the back but Poirier ends up on top and is landing. Poirier now takes the back of Chandler. Poirier gets the rear-naked choke locked in and Chandler taps! What a win for Poirier in an excellent fight.

Official Result- Dustin Poirier def. Michael Chandler by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:00 of Round 3

> UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship- C Carla Esparza (19-6, 10-4 UFC) vs. #2 Zhang Weili (22-3, 6-2 UFC)

Weili with a leg kick. Weili with the pressure. Weili landing more leg kicks early. Weili with a high kick. Weili with a right hand to the body. Weili with a leg kick. Weili with a right hand and then two body kicks. Esparza grabs the leg and gets the takedown but Weili has the back. Weili with some elbows and has the reverse crucifix but they scramble. Weili has the back and is looking for a choke. They scramble and Esparza ends up on top. Esparza with some elbows. Esparza stands and Weili gets up and lands a right hand. Weili with a body kick but Esparza grabs the leg and gets the brief takedown. Weili gets to side control. Weili with some right hands and elbows from the top. They stand at the end. 10-9 Weili.

Weili with a leg kick. Weili lands a right hand then a high kick. Esparza shoots and almost gets the takedown but Weili is able to get the back. Weili has the crucifix in and has neck control. Weili has the choke locked in and Esparza taps! Weili gets the title back with the submission win.

Official Result- Zhang Weili def. Carla Esparza by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:05 of Round 2 to win the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship

> UFC Middleweight Championship- C Israel Adesanya (23-1, 12-1 UFC) vs. #4 Alex Pereira (6-1, 3-0 UFC)

Pereira comes out with a flying kick that misses. Adesanya with a leg kick. He lands another. Pereira with a pair of leg kicks. They trade leg kicks. Pereira with some leg kicks. Adesanya lands a jab. They trade body kicks. Adesanya lands a right hand. Adesanya with a leg kick. Pereira with a body kick. Adesanya with an inside leg kick. Adesanya with a leg kick. Adesanya with a body kick. Pereira with a body kick and Adesanya returns fire with a leg kick. Pereira with a body kick followed by a left hand. They clinch and Pereira with some body shots and a knee. Adesanya rocked Pereira badly at the end of the first and Pereira may have been saved by the bell there. 10-9 Adesanya.

Adesanya with a leg kick. He lands another. Adesanya with a knee and Pereira with a left to the body. They trade jabs. Adesanya with an inside leg kick then a high kick. Pereira lands a jab. Pereira with a right to the body then a knee. Adesanya lands a big right hand. Pereira lands a left hand and lands a couple more. They clinch against the fence. They break away. Adesanya lands to the body. Pereira gets a late takedown. 10-9 Pereira, 19-19.

Adesanya with a couple of kicks. Adesanya with a leg kick and lands a right hand. Pereira with a leg kick. Pereira with a body kick but Adesanya gets a takedown and gets the back of Pereira. Adesanya landing punches from the back. He lands some more. Adesanya keeping back control. They get to their feet but Adesanya puts it back down again. Adesanya ends up in the guard of Pereira and lands some shots from the top. Adesanya stands and lands an axe kick to the body and a big right hand at the end. 10-9 Adesanya, 29-28 Adesanya.

They trade leg kicks. Adesanya with a leg kick after Pereira barely landed a left hook. Adesanya with a jab. Adesanya lands a right hand. Adesanya with a jab then a right hand then a leg kick. Adesanya with a body kick. Adesanya with a right hand then a leg kick. Pereira looks gassed out. Adesanya grabs the body lock against the fence. Pereira with some body shots. They break and Adesanya with a right hand. Pereira lands a right hand. They clinch and Pereira with a knee to the body. Adesanya looking for a takedown. They break. Pereira with a left hand. 10-9 Adesanya, 39-37 Adesanya.

Adesanya with a body kick. Pereira lands a left to the body. Pereira lands a right hand. Pereira lands a leg kick that Adesanya checks and it hurt Adesanya’s leg and Adesanya rolled back. Adesanya with a leg kick and a right hand. Pereira with a right hand and hurts Adesanya with a left and then a right and is landing a flurry as Adesanya slips down and Pereira continues to land big shots and it is stopped! Pereira pulls the win out of nowhere with a huge flurry at the end to get the standing stoppage.

Official Result- Alex Pereira def. Israel Adesanya by TKO (punches) at 2:01 of Round 5 to win the UFC Middleweight Championship

UFC 262 live results: Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 262: Oliveira vs. Chandler, emanating from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

The Octagon returns to a full arena of fans for the second time since pandemic restrictions started being lifted, as a sold-out crowd in Houston welcomes the UFC back, and they’re going to be treated to seeing a brand-new champion being crowned.

The vacant UFC Lightweight Championship is up for grabs in the main event as Charles Oliveira looks for his ninth straight win when he battles Michael Chandler for the honor to be crowned the new champion. The title was finally vacated in March following the retirement of Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Oliveira and Chandler emerged as the top two choices to battle for it. Oliveira is coming off a dominant decision win over Tony Ferguson in December, while Chandler had an impressive UFC debut, knocking out Dan Hooker in January.

In the co-main event, Tony Ferguson will look to end a two-fight losing streak when he takes on Beneil Dariush, winner of six straight fights. Also on the main card is a bantamweight bout between ranked flyweights Matt Schnell and Rogerio Bontorin, a women’s flyweight fight as Katlyn Chookagian takes on Viviane Araujo, and a potential Fight Of The Year candidate between featherweights Shane Burgos and Edson Barboza opens the main card.

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

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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> Christos Giagos (18-8, 4-4 UFC) vs. Sean Soriano (14-6, 0-3 UFC)
Lightweights

Giagos rocks Soriano early with a right hand and is pressing forward. Soriano lands a left that stuns Giagos a moment. Giagos goes for a takedown against the fence and is working for it. He gets it and takes the back of Soriano as they stand. They break. Giagos lands a right hand. Giagos with a right to the body. They trade in close range. Soriano with a right hand. They trade again. We have a timeout due to an eye poke but they fight on. Soriano lands a right hand and then a leg kick. Giagos shoots but Soriano defends and lands a leg kick. They trade in close. Soriano with some body shots and then lands a left hand. Soriano with a leg kick. Soriano lands another right hand. Soriano with a left hand and then a head kick that he slips on, but he gets right back up. Giagos gets a late takedown. 10-9 Soriano.

Giagos lands a right hand. They trade and Soriano lands a nice combo. Giagos gets a takedown and is in side control. Giagos looks for the D’Arce choke and has it locked in and Soriano goes out cold. Giagos with the nice comeback after losing the first.

Official Result- Christos Giagos def. Sean Soriano by submission (D’Arce choke) at 1:01 of Round 2

> Kevin Aguilar (17-4, 2-3 UFC) vs. Tucker Lutz (11-1, 0-0 UFC)
Featherweights

Lutz with a body kick to start. Aguilar with a leg kick. Lutz with another body kick and Aguilar lands a combo. Lutz with a left hook and they tie up. They trade to the body and break. Lutz with a leg kick as Aguilar lands a right to the body. Aguilar lands some. Lutz with a leg kick but Aguilar lands some counter punches. They trade in close range. Lutz with a body kick. Lutz lands a right hand and another body kick. Lutz with a leg kick. They trade and Lutz lands a nice left hook and then they exchange some more. Lutz gets a takedown into the guard of Aguilar but Aguilar being active off his back. Lutz lands some left hands from the top. Lutz finishes the round on top. 10-9 Lutz.

Aguilar lands a nice left hook to start the second. Lutz with a high kick that Aguilar mostly blocks. Aguilar with a left hand. Lutz with some leg kicks. Aguilar lands a leg kick and then Lutz lands one. Lutz with a nice left hook. Lutz lands a combo and then they exchange in close range. Aguilar working for a takedown against the fence but Lutz defending well. They break. Lutz lands a nice combo. Lutz with a body kick. They trade and Lutz with a knee to the body. Lutz with a right hand. Lutz gets a nice takedown and works in the guard of Aguilar. They get to their feet and trade punches. They trade leg kicks. Lutz with a leg kick and Aguilar just misses a big right hand. They tie up at the end. 10-9 Lutz, 20-18 Lutz.

Aguilar lands a left hand that connects and then lands a combo followed by a high kick. Aguilar connects again with the left hand. Lutz lands an uppercut. They exchange in close range. Aguilar swinging for the fences and connects. Aguilar with another right hand. He’s trying to knock Lutz out. Lutz with a leg kick and then gets a takedown into the half-guard. Lutz working from the top but Aguilar works his way up. Lutz tries a takedown but Aguilar defends. Aguilar lands and goes for a takedown and lands a knee but Lutz reverses position. They break. Lutz with a leg kick. He lands another. Lutz with a right hand. He lands a leg kick. Lutz with a big left hand. Aguilar fires back and lands and lands a body kick. Aguilar with a combo. Aguilar with a body kick. 10-9 Aguilar, 29-28 Lutz.

Official Result- Tucker Lutz def. Kevin Aguilar by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

> Gina Mazany (7-4, 2-4 UFC) vs. Priscila Cachoeira (9-3, 1-3 UFC)
Women’s Flyweights

Mazany with a leg kick. They trade in close range. Both are landing punches as Mazany presses forward and they clinch. Mazany gets a takedown. They get to their feet and Mazany gets it back down to the ground. Cachoeira lands some body punches from the bottom. Mazany pressuring from the top. Mazany lands a sharp elbow. Mazany still landing from the top. They get to their feet. They break and trade in the pocket. Mazany lands some knees in the clinch and gets another takedown. Mazany working in the half-guard and landing punches as Cachoeira is stuck on the bottom trying to play defense. 10-9 Mazany.

Mazany ducks under a Cachoeira punch and gets a takedown right away in the second. Mazany landing from the top. Not much is happening as Mazany has control from the top and Cachoeira has no answer. Mazany tries to work for the back but ends up back on top and lands some punches before getting back in Cachoeira’s guard. Mazany rolls around and lands from the top. They are stood up by Mike Beltran. Mazany with a body kick and then lands another. Mazany with a body kick and Cachoeira lands a right hand. They trade. Mazany with a left hand. Cachoeira lands a right hand. Mazany looking tired. Mazany with a body kick. Cachoeira lands some right hands. They trade against the fence and Cachoeira lands some punches. They clinch and Cachoeira with some knees before breaking. Cachoeira lands a right hand. Cachoeira teeing off and Mazany is hurt standing. Cachoeira then hurts Mazany with some punches and it is over. Cachoeira with the big comeback win in this one.

Official Result- Priscila Cachoeira def. Gina Mazany by TKO (punches) at 4:51 of Round 2

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> Andrea Lee (#11, 11-5, 3-3 UFC) vs. Antonina Shevchenko (#12, 9-2, 3-2 UFC)
Women’s Flyweights

Lee with a leg kick and Shevchenko lands a counter. They trade in close range. Shevchenko with some punches. Lee lands a right hand. Lee lands in close as Shevchenko slips away. Shevchenko lands some punches and they clinch. They trade knees and Lee lands an elbow as they break. They trade in close range and Shevchenko landed good. They trade and clinch and Lee with some body punches as Shevchenko lands some knees. They trade knees now. They break. They trade and clinch for a second. They trade again and Lee with a body kick. Lee lands a hard body kick and then they connect on each other before clinching. Lee gets Shevchenko down to the mat and is working in the guard. They end the round with Lee on top. 10-9 Lee.

Shevchenko with a leg kick while Lee lands a right hand and they get to the mat after a Lee takedown but scramble right up. Lee gets a head-and-arm throw takedown and is in side control. Lee with some elbows. Lee with a right hand as she gets to the mount and then locks a triangle choke in. Lee landing elbows while she has it locked in. Shevchenko trying to fight it off as Lee lands some punches. Shevchenko is fighting it off as Lee is landing elbows. Lee has the arm and went for the armbar but let go and still has Shevchenko in the triangle. Lee with more elbows as Shevchenko is still trying to escape. Lee still working hard for something but Shevchenko is showing some good defense. Lee has the arm extended and the armbar is locked in and Shevchenko taps! Excellent win for Lee as she stayed patient and finally found the submission she was looking for.

Official Result- Andrea Lee def. Antonina Shevchenko by submission (triangle armbar) at 4:52 of Round 2

> Jordan Wright (11-1 1 NC, 1-1 UFC) vs. Jamie Pickett (11-5, 0-1 UFC)
Middleweights

They trade kicks. Pickett lands a body kick asthey trade in close and Pickett goes for a takedown against the fence. Wright landing elbows that hurt Pickett and is trying to finish. They get up and Wright lands some knees and he’s all over Pickett. Wright landing and knocks Pickett down with a knee and a lot of big punches ends it. What a finish by Wright.

Official Result- Jordan Wright def. Jamie Pickett by TKO (strikes) at 1:04 of Round 1

> Lando Vannata (11-5-2, 3-5-2 UFC) vs. Mike Grundy (12-2, 1-1 UFC)
Featherweights

Vannata lands early. Vannata with a body kick and then a leg kick. Grundy looks for a takedown against the fence and lands a low blow and we have a timeout. They get back to action. Vannata lands a right hand and then a high kick. Vannata with a body kikc and Grundy gets a brief takedown before they scramble up. Grunday has the back standing and tries a slam but Vannata rolls and they are on the feet with Grundy having the back. They separate. Vannata with a step-in knee and tries a high kick but Grundy gets him down though they scramble up. They break and both land punches. Vannata with a high kick. Grundy gets the back standing and is tryung a takedown but Vannata gets away. Vannata landing and Grundy gets a brief takedown but Vannata gets up and runs away. Vannata with a body kick. 10-9 Vannata.

They trade to start the second. Grundy was trying for the takedown but Vannata defending. They break and Vannata with some leg kicks. Grundy still trying for the takedown but Vannata is getting away from them. Grundy lands a nice right hand. Vannata with a high kick. There was a fight in the crowd. Vannata lands a combo. Vannata with a combo and a leg kick. Grundy still trying for a takedown but Vannata defending. Vannata with a body kick. Grundy lands a hard right hand that Vannata eats perfectly. Vannata with some body kicks. 10-9 Vannata, 20-18 Vannata.

Grundy trying a takedown but Vannata defending. Vannata lands a hard knee and Grundy gets him down but Vannata trying to scramble up. Grundy has the neck and control in the sprawl and is looking for a choke. They get to their feet and Vannata with a big takedown as he’s on the top and they stand. Grundy lands a right hand but Vannata backs him up with a combo. Vannata lands a knee as Grundy misses a takedown attempt. Vannata with a leg kick. Grundy just barely lands a right hand. Grundy lands a left hand but Vannata with a body kick. Grundy with a right hand. Grundy tries a long takedown but Vannata easily defends. Vannata with a body kick and right hand. Grundy with a body kick and Vannata lands a knee. 10-9 Vannata, 30-27 Vannata.

Official Result- Lando Vannata def. Mike Grundy by split decision (29-28, 27-30, 30-27)

> Ronaldo Souza (26-9 1 NC, 9-6 UFC) vs. Andre Muniz (20-4, 2-0 UFC)
Middleweights

Souza with a leg kick. Souza with a body kick. Souza with another body kick and a right hand. Souza with a body kick and then a flurry as he goes for a takedown against the fence. He gets Muniz down. Souza with punches from the top as he stands. Muniz is able to force a scramble up. They trade and Muniz gets a takedown and is working from the top with short left hands. They scramble up and Muniz has the back against the fence. They break and Souza lands a right hand. Muniz with a high kick. Muniz gets a brief takedown and has the back standing as they get up. Muniz jumps up for a choke but Souza escapes for a second and Muniz is able to lock in an armbar and SOuza taps! Wow, what a submission out of nowhere as Muniz submits Souza.

Official Result- Andre Muniz def. Ronaldo Souza by submission (armbar) at 3:59 of Round 1

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> Shane Burgos (#9, 13-2, 6-2 UFC) vs. Edson Barboza (#13, 21-9, 15-9 UFC)
Featherweights

They are swinging right away and Barboza with a leg kick. Barboza with another legkick and some more as Burgos is trying to land punches. Barboza with another leg kick. They trade and Burgos lands a right hand. Barboza with a right hand. Barboza tries a spin kick but Burgos grabs him but they break. Barboza with a leg kick. Both are looking for openings while Barboza continues to land the leg kick. Burgos with a body combo. Barboza with more leg kicks. Burgos lands a right hand. They trade in close range. Barboza lands a spin kick right to the head of Burgos and he eats it. They then trade. Barboza with a right hand and Burgos stumbles. Burgos lands a left hand. Barboza with a right hand and then a leg kick and another. He lands another. Burgos with a left hook late. 10-9 Barboza.

Burgos landing the jab right away. Burgos lands a right hand. Barboza with a leg kick. Barboza with a spin kick to the body. They trade jabs. Burgos lands a right hand. Barboza with a body kick. Barboza with more leg kicks. They trade. Burgos lands a left hand. Burgos with a combo. Burgos with a left hook to the body and Barboza with another leg kick. Burgos with a leg kick and right hand. They trade in close range. Barboza with a spin kick. Barboza with a leg kick. They’re trading in close range. Barboza with a jumping knee. Barboza with a body kick. They trade and Barboza just misses a wheel kick. Burgos lands a left hook. Close round. 10-9 Burgos, 19-19.

Burgos with a leg kick and Barboza fires one back. Barboza lands a left hand and an inside leg kick. Burgos with a left hand. They trade in close range. Barboza lands a big right hand and Burgos stumbles a few moments later and falls to the ground and Barboza gets on top and finishes it off. What a fight as Barboza picks up the win.

Official Result- Edson Barboza def. Shane Burgos by TKO (punches) at 1:16 of Round 3

> Katlyn Chookagian (#2, 15-4, 8-4 UFC) vs. Viviane Araujo (#7, 10-2, 4-1 UFC)
Women’s Flyweights

Araujo lands the jab. They each land in a close exchange. Chookagian lands a right hand. Araujo with a combo and then lands a big right hand. Araujo with a combo and then a leg kick. Chookagian lands a left hand. Araujo with an overhand right. Araujo with a right hand. Araujo lands a left. Araujo with another right hand. Araujo lands a right hand. Chookagian throwing a lot but not landing much of it. Chookagian lands a left hand and Araujo with a left hand to the body. They trade and Araujo goes for a takedown against the fence. Chookagian with a knee. They both land knees in the clinch. 10-9 Araujo.

Chookagian lands a body kick and Araujo stumbles to the mat for a moment but gets right up. They trade kicks. Chookagian with a body kick. They trade punches. They trade and Araujo gets Chookagian down to the mat and is in side control. She’s looking for a guillotine choke and has it in. She lets go to land punches. Araujo gets the mount. Araujo landing body punches from the top. They scramble to their feet and break. Chookagian with a left hand. Chookagian with a combo as Araujo looking tired. They trade in close range. 10-9 Araujo, 20-18 Araujo.

Chookagian with a body kick. Araujo lands a right hand. Chookagian with the jab and Araujo lands a right hand. They trade in close range. Chookagian with a leg kick. They continue to trade but neither landing anything clean or damaging. They trade in close range. Araujo tried a takedown but Chookagian defended and they trade on the break. Chookagian with a leg kick and some follow-up punches. They trade late. Both have a late flurry. Close fight. 10-9 Chookagian, 29-28 Araujo.

Official Result- Katlyn Chookagian def. Viviane Araujo by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Matt Schnell (#8, 15-5, 5-3 UFC) vs. Rogerio Bontorin (#9, 16-3 1 NC, 2-2 UFC)
Bantamweights* (Bontorin missed weight by 1 pound)

They trade in close range. Bontorin with a leg kick as Schnell is pressing forward. Schnell with a combo as Bontorin lands a leg kick. They trade in close range. They trade in close. Bontorin lands a left hook. Bontorin with a leg kick and Schnell stumbles a little. Schnell with a combo in close. Bontorin with a leg kick. Schnell with a body kick. 10-9 Schnell.

Bontorin with a leg kick. Schnell with a leg kick. Bontorin lands a nice left hook. They trade inside the pocket. Bontorin lands a nice combo as they trade a flurry. Bontorin lands a left hook. Bontorin lands a combo and rocks Schnell. Not a lot going on as they’re just trading periodically. 10-9 Bontorin, 19-19.

Schnell landing more to start the third and Bontorin lands a right hand. Schnell with a combo. Bontorin with a leg kick. Bontorin with a leg kick. Both landing and Schnell lands a little more. Schnell lands a combo. They trade in close range. Bontorin landing a flurry against the fence and lands a flying knee and gets a takedown and is working in the guard of Schnell. Bontorin working from the top and keeping Schnell on the bottom. Bontorin in side control. Bontorin gets the back and lands punches and Schnell rolls but Bontorin still on top. 10-9 Bontorin, 29-28 Bontorin.

Official Result- Rogerio Bontorin def. Matt Schnell by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

> Tony Ferguson (#5, 25-5, 15-3 UFC) vs. Beneil Dariush (#9, 19-4-1, 13-4-1 UFC)
Lightweights

Dariush with a short combo and leg kick. Ferguson with a body kick. Dariush swinging wildly. Dariush with a leg kick and lands a left hand. They are both swinging and Dariush lands and gets a takedown. Ferguson looking for something from the bottom. Ferguson with some elbows from the bottom. Dariush gets back into the full guard. Both landing on the ground. Dariush landing from the top as Ferguson is trying to escape. Dariush ends the round on top. 10-9 Dariush.

Ferguson with a body kick. Dariush throws some punches and backs Ferguson against the fence and gets him down. Ferguson looking for a choke from the bottom. Dariush just holding on but not doing anything to improve. Ferguson lets go of the choke. Dariush throwing wildly from the top. Ferguson able to scramble out. They scramble and Ferguson ends up on top and now Dariush looking for a leg lock. He has a heel hook locked in and Ferguson is screaming but Dariush lets go and gets on top.  Dariush smothering from the top. Dariush ends the second in side control. 10-9 Dariush, 20-18 Dariush.

Ferguson with a front kick and right hand. Both are swinging and Dariush trying for a takedown and gets a slam and has Ferguson pinned against the fence. Dariush not doing much from the top but Ferguson also not doing much from the bottom. Dariush just smothering from the top but still not doing a whole lot. Dariush almost gets the mount but ends up in the guard. Ferguson just throwing legs around but not doing anything of note. Ferguson throws some elbows from the bottom. 10-9 Dariush, 30-27 Dariush.

Official Result- Beneil Dariush def. Tony Ferguson by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Charles Oliveira (#3, 30-8 1 NC, 18-8 1 NC UFC) vs. Michael Chandler (#4, 22-5, 1-0 UFC)
UFC Lightweight Championship

Oliveira with a quick leg kick. He lands another. Chandler with some rights to the body. Chandler lands a left hook. Oliveira gets a takedown and Chandler has a guillotine locked in but Oliveira pops out. Oliveira gets the back and is working for a choke. They stand and Chandler does a back fall onto Oliveira to try and escape but Oliveria still has the back. Oliveira with an elbow. Oliveira with body punches. Chandler escapes. Chandler with some punches as he stands and Oliveira is on the mat. Oliveira gets to his feet. Chandler lands a left and then a right that drops Oliveira and he’s teeing off. Oliveira survives and tries for an armbar as Chandler gets in his guard. Chandler with punches. Chandler with a big elbow and a hammerfist. Chandler with more elbows and he moves to side control for a second then back into the guard. Chandler ends the round on top. 10-9 Chandler.

Oliveir drops Chandler with a left and is teeing off. Chandler stands and Oliveira drops him again and finishes him off with a huge flurry to win the title. Oliveira runs out into the crowd to celebrate with some friends and the place is going crazy.

Official Result- Charles Oliveira def. Michael Chandler by TKO (punches) at :19 of Round 2 to win the UFC Lightweight Championship

Former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler signs with UFC

Posted on by Josh Nason

After a 10+ year carer that saw him win the Bellator lightweight championship three times and become the face of the company, free agent Michael Chandler signed with the UFC and already has his first job.

On ESPN Thursday, Dana White revealed the news and said that the 34-year-old will serve as the backup for UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje’s upcoming unification bout in case one of them drops out.

The Nurmagomedov/Gaethje fight is set for Saturday, October 24th at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. There has been rumors that Chandler was being targeted as the replacement for Dustin Poirier against Tony Ferguson after Poirier dropped out to failed contract negotiations.

Chandler (21-5) finished out his latest Bellator contract by knocking out former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson and has won five out of his last six dating back to 2018. He was best known for his two fights with former UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez and for being one of the company’s few homegrown stars having fought there since 2010, a span of 23 fights.

He lost the lightweight title to Patricio “Pitbull” Freire in May 2019 by first round TKO.