Tag: Paddy Pimblett

Paddy Pimblett Next Fight: Who should he face after UFC 324 loss to Justin Gaethje?

Posted on by Jake Skudder

Paddy Pimblett’s first UFC loss came the hard way. On January 24 he dropped a five-round interim lightweight title fight to Justin Gaethje by unanimous decision at UFC 324 in Las Vegas. Gaethje scored multiple knockdowns and won on the cards (49-46, 49-46 and 48-47) also outlanding Pimblett in total strikes, 200-170 (per ESPN)

So what is the smartest next fight for Paddy Pimblett, and which opponent best matches his strengths?

Paddy Pimblett stats after UFC 324: record, finishes, and UFC run

Even with the setback, Pimblett is still a proven finisher. He sits at 23-4 overall with 7 wins by knockout or TKO and 10 by submission.

He entered UFC 324 unbeaten in the promotion at 7-0, which is why the Gaethje leap made sense from a business standpoint. At 31, Pimblett is not in a rebuild stage, but he should avoid another five-round war for his return in the next few months.

UFC 324 numbers that matter: takedowns, volume, and game plan

The clearest stat from UFC 324 is the one that should guide the matchmaking. ESPN’s fight stats show Pimblett went 0-for-5 on takedowns, meaning his ‘best win’ condition never got going for long stretches against such a strong striker like Gaethje.

That supports Dana White’s post-fight critique that Pimblett needed to adjust earlier and lean into wrestling and submissions when the striking exchanges really turned against him.

Where Pimblett fits now: lightweight ranking and matchmaking reality

Pimblett remains a top-10 level name and a divisional draw. Tapology’s post-UFC 324 lightweight rankings list him at No. 7, which is high enough to justify another ranked opponent, but low enough that a title eliminator is in no way guaranteed.

Best next fight for Pimblett: Dan Hooker as the right kind of test

If the UFC wants the cleanest measuring stick, Dan Hooker is the fight (depending on what happens when he faces Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 325). That bout would answer the exact question that UFC 324 raised: can Pimblett win minutes against an elite striker while building real takedown threats instead of forcing late shots?

Hooker also fits the practical lane for a fighter coming off a punishing loss: big name, high stakes, but not an immediate No. 1 contender. If Hooker loses to Saint-Denis then it makes complete sense, and if Hooker wins then it’s a good fight to put ahead of him before a Tsarukyan, Holloway or Oliveira at 155lbs.

High-risk options: Arman Tsarukyan or the Holloway vs Oliveira winner

If Pimblett wants the fastest route back to a belt, Arman Tsarukyan is the high-risk shortcut. The rivalry is already public, but it would be a brutally difficult comeback assignment. A safer star-driven alternative is the winner of Max Holloway vs Charles Oliveira, another option discussed as a potential next step once Pimblett has time to recover by many pundits.

Paddy Pimblett next fight prediction

The best blend of realism and upside is Pimblett vs Hooker. It gives him a genuinely ‘winnable’ ranked fight and a chance to prove the lessons from UFC 324 were learned.

UFC 324 live results: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

A new era begins for the UFC this weekend as Paramount+ takes over as the UFC’s media partner for at least the next seven years, and it all kicks off with UFC 324 taking place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The main event sees an interim title in the lightweight division on the line as Justin Gaethje takes on Paddy Pimblett. This fight was put together after current UFC Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria announced he was taking a break from fighting due to personal issues, though he is expected to return within the next few months, likely to face the winner of this bout.

Gaethje is coming off a win in his last fight, while Pimblett is undefeated during his UFC tenure, and on a nine-fight win streak overall.

In the co-main event, former UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley looks to get back into the win column against Song Yadong. Also on the main card is a heavyweight slugfest between Waldo Cortes-Acosta and fan favorite Derrick Lewis; a women’s flyweight fight with title shot implications as Natalia Silva battles Rose Namajunas; and a featherweight bout pitting Arnold Allen against Jean Silva.

PRELIMS | 6 PM ET/3 PM PT

> Welterweights- Adam Fugitt (10-5, 2-3 UFC) vs. Ty Miller (6-0 1 NC, 0-0 UFC)

Miller lands a right hand. Fugitt throws a high kick that Miller blocks. Miller is connecting with right hands as one gets through. Fugitt lands a body kick, and then lands another one. They trade inside the pocket as Fugitt lands a pair of body kicks. Miller lands a solid straight right hand. They trade in close range as Miller connects with a flush right hand. Fugitt with a high kick as Miller connects. Miller lands a big combination. Miller lands a solid right hand. They trade inside the pocket and both are bloody. Miller drops Fugitt with a clean right hand and lands from the top, landing an elbow as Fugitt stands. Miller lands two more big right hands. Miller teeing off and drops Fugitt to a knee with a right hand and continues to land and gets the finish at the buzzer! What a finish from Miller!

Fight Result- Ty Miller def. Adam Fugitt by TKO (punches) at 4:59 of Round 1

> Heavyweights- Josh Hokit (7-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Denzel Freeman (7-1, 1-0 UFC)

Hokit shoots for a takedown right away and is able to get it. Hokit gets the back and has body control as Freeman is attempting to escape to his feet. Hokit with a knee to the thigh of Freeman. They get to their feet as Hokit maintains body control. They break apart. Hokit lands a series of punches with a knee to the body mixed in. Hokit lands a series of uppercuts and Freeman goes to his knees. Hokit with more punches as he looks for neck control. Hokit lands punches from the back. Hokit lands more punches as he spanks Freeman, but they stand. Hokit lands against the fence and Freeman goes for a takedown, but Hokit rolls through to the feet. Hokit lands some punches and Freeman falls down. Hokit with a knee to the body and some more punches as they stand. Freeman runs away and falls to a knee and Mark Smith steps in and stops the fight. A weird finish, but Hokit picks up the win.

Fight Result- Josh Hokit def. Denzel Freeman by TKO (punches) at 4:59 of Round 1

> Flyweights*- #11 Alex Perez (25-10, 7-6 UFC) vs. #13 Charles Johnson (18-7, 7-5 UFC)

*Perez missed weight by 2.5 pounds

They trade to start off as Perez lands a combination. They trade leg kicks. Perez rushes in with a combination, and Johnson lands a body kick. Perez drops Johnson with a left hand and starts landing from the top. Johnson gets to his feet and Perez continues to connect as Johnson is wobbly on his feet. Perez lands a knee and continues to land. Johnson is circling away to survive. Perez lands some more big punches. Johnson looks for a takedown but Perez sprawls and lands more punches as they stand. Perez lands a combo against the fence. Johnson with a pair of body kicks. Perez lands a left hook and Johnson falls face first to the mat and it is stopped! Big finish from Perez, though he did miss weight.

Fight Result- Alex Perez def. Charles Johnson by TKO (punches) at 3:16 of Round 1

> Light Heavyweights- #13 Nikita Krylov (30-11, 11-9 UFC) vs. Modestas Bukauskas (19-6, 7-4 UFC)

Krylov lands a pair of kicks. Bukauskas connects with a right hand. Bukauskas with a combination and lands a right hand afterwards. Krylov shoots for a takedown and pushes Bukauskas against the fence. Krylov still working for a takedown against the fence but not much is happening. Krylov lands a right hand and a high kick as they separate. Krylov with a pair of low kicks. Bukauskas lands a right hand as Krylov lands a leg kick. They trade as Krylov comes forward. Both land and Krylov briefly hurts Bukauskas with a punch. 10-9 Krylov.

Krylov with a leg kick as Bukauskas lands a combination. They trade in close range, and then Bukauskas lands a right hand. They both land as both throw big shots in close range. They tie up and Krylov pushes it to the fence and lands a knee. They end up separating after not a lot of action. Krylov lands a right hand. Bukauskas with a heavy leg kick. Bukauskas lands a combo but Krylov lands a counter right hand. Krylov lands a body kick. Bukauskas with a right hand. They trade late. 10-9 Krylov, 20-18 Krylov.

Bukauskas with a left hand as Krylov throws some front kicks. Krylov connects with a big left hand. Bukauskas lands a left hand. They trade but both are staying out of the range of one another. They trade punches and Bukauskas lands a leg kick. They trade as they nearly clinch up. Krylov with a leg kick as they exchange left hooks. Krylov lands a jab and Bukauskas lands an overhand right. Bukauskas lands a right hand. Krylov drops Bukauskas late with a right hand and lands from the top to get the finish seconds before the fight ends.

Fight Result- Nikita Krylov def. Modestas Bukauskas by knockout (punch) at 4:57 of Round 3

> Middleweights- Ateba Gautier (9-1, 3-0 UFC) vs. Andrey Pulyaev (10-3, 1-1 UFC)

Gautier drops Pulyaev with the first right hand he lands. He lets Pulyaev up and then lands some big punches. Pulyaev lands a body kick and slips, but then Gautier lands as Pulyaev stands. Pulyaev lands a body kick. Pulyaev lands a left hand but Gautier lands a right hand moments later. Gautier lands a right hand. Pulyaev with a left hand. Pulyaev lands some kicks. Pulyaev with a left hand. Pulyaev with a body kick. Pulyaev with a pair of body kicks. 10-9 Gautier.

Gautier is slowing down as the second starts. Pulyaev lands a left hand and a body kick. Pulyaev with another body kick. Pulyaev lands some more kicks as Gautier is looking like he’s just trying to load up on a right hand. Gautier lands a right hand and Pulyaev backs up and falls briefly, but he gets right up. Pulyaev lands a body kick. Gautier with a big right hand. Gautier drops Pulyaev with a right hand and starts landing punches and knees against the fence. Pulyaev looks to have recovered. The pace has slowed. Pulyaev with a short leg kick. Pulyaev lands a high kick. 10-9 Gautier, 20-18 Gautier.

Pulyaev lands a high kick. Gautier lands a right hand. Pulyaev with a body kick. The pace is very slow as Pulyaev lands a left hand and a leg kick. Pulyaev with a high kick. Gautier with a high kick. Pulyaev with a body kick. Gautier with a left hand. Pulyaev lands a body kick followed by a jab. Pulyaev with another stiff body kick. 10-9 Pulyaev, 29-28 Gautier.

Fight Result- Ateba Gautier def. Andrey Pulyaev by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

> Bantamweights*- #2 Umar Nurmagomedov (19-1, 7-1 UFC) vs. #6 Deiveson Figueiredo (25-5-1, 14-5-1 UFC)

*Figueiredo missed weight by 2.5 pounds

Nurmagomedov lands a leg kick. He lands another. Nurmagomedov with a front kick to the body that backs Figueiredo up. Figueiredo lands a leg kick. Nurmagomedov lands to the body as they clinch up. They separate as Nurmagomedov lands an uppercut. Nurmagomedov with a high kick. Nurmagomedov shoots for a takedown and briefly had it, but Figueredo had neck control and they break apart. Nurmagomedov grabs the body and gets a trip takedown. Nurmagomedov working from the half-guard. Nurmagomedov lands to the body and then to the head. Nurmagomedov with more punches from the top. 10-9 Nurmagomedov.

Nurmagomedov landing kicks and punches to keep Figueiredo at a distance early in the second. Nurmagomedov looks for a takedown, but Figueiredo defends. Nurmagomedov lands a body kick. Figueiredo looks for a takedown, but Nurmagomedov defends. Nurmagomedov with a high kick. They both land right hands in close range, and then Nurmagomedov lands a body kick. Nurmagomedov lands a combo before they clinch up. Figueiredo defends and they both start landing as the round winds down. Figueiredo lands a right hand. Nurmagomedov with a left hand. 10-9 Nurmagomedov, 20-18 Nurmagomedov.

Nurmagomedov lands a body kick. Nurmagomedov is pressing forward and controlling as Figueiredo has thrown no offense in the first 90 seconds of the round. Nurmagomedov gets a takedown and is working from inside the guard of Figueiredo. Nurmagomedov lands some punches and moves to side control, but Figueiredo gets him back inside his full guard. Nurmagomedov transitions and lands from the top. 10-9 Nurmagomedov, 30-27 Nurmagomedov.

Fight Result- Umar Nurmagomedov def. Deiveson Figueiredo by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

MAIN CARD | 9 PM ET/6 PM PT

> Featherweights- #6 Arnold Allen (20-3, 11-2 UFC) vs. #10 Jean Silva (16-3, 5-1 UFC)

Allen lands a pair of kicks. Silva lands to the body. Allen lands a left hand. He lands another left hand. Silva with a right hand to the body as Allen lands a high kick, and they then exchange kicks. Allen with a straight left hand to the body. Silva lands a combination. Allen with a body kick. Silva lands a right hand as Allen is working the jab and lands a left hand. Silva lands a right hook to the body followed by a left hand. Allen lands a left hand but Silva ends the round with a big flurry. 10-9 Silva.

Silva lands a high kick. Silva with an inside leg kick. Silva with another high kick. Silva lands a flurry and gets a brief takedown, but they get up and Allen lands several punches. Silva lands an elbow before they break to the center. Allen lands a left hand, and Silva lands an uppercut. Silva with two right hands, one to the body and one to the head. Allen with a high kick followed by a flying knee. Silva lands a solid combination. They tie up and Allen lands a big knee. Silva lands a right hand as Allen lands a spinning attack. Silva with a series of leg kicks. Allen lands a right hand after blocking a head kick. Silva with a spinning elbow. Allen lands a head kick. 10-9 Allen, 19-19.

They trade short leg kicks. Silva with a high kick. Silva with a body kick, then mixes a combo to the body and head. Silva with a series of right hands. Allen grabs the back as they move to the fence. Allen controls, but Silva is able to keep it on the feet and force a separation. Silva looked for a single leg as he initiates a clinch and lands a pair of elbows. Silva moves to the back and gets a brief takedown. Allen lands a body kick on the feet. Silva with a combo and Allen lands a knee to the body. Allen with a high kick. Silva lands a high kick. Silva lands a head kick then a right hand and then another head kick. 10-9 Silva, 29-28 Silva.

Fight Result- Jean Silva def. Arnold Allen by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

> Women’s Flyweights- #2 Natalia Silva (19-5-1, 7-0 UFC) vs. #6 Rose Namajunas (14-7, 12-6 UFC)

Namajunas lands a leg kick. She lands another. Silva hasn’t landed anything in the first 90 seconds. They trade jabs. Namajunas lands a leg kick as Silva lands a combo. Silva with a right hand. Namajunas lands a leg kick. Namajunas lands a right hand as Silva throws a high kick. Namajunas with a leg kick. Namajunas lands a combination as Silva lands a leg kick. Namajunas with a high kick and lands a spinning back fist. They trade leg kicks. 10-9 Namajunas.

Namajunas lands a leg kick. Namajunas with a jab as Silva throws but misses. Silva lands a leg kick as Namajunas lands a right hand. Silva lands a high body kick. They trade inside the pocket. Namajunas lands a right hand. Silva lands a right hand. They clinch and Silva looks for a trip, but Namajunas stays on her feet as they go to the fence. They briefly scramble to the mat, and Namajunas has control as they stand and are at the fence. Namajunas is able to score a takedown and gets inside the guard of Silva. Namajunas controlling from the top as Silva tries to find an opening. 10-9 Namajunas, 20-18 Namajunas.

Namajunas lands a leg kick as Silva lands a combination. Silva starting to land more punches. Silva with an inside leg kick. Namajunas lands a left hook after faking a takedown attempt. Silva lands a combination. Silva with some leg kicks and a spin kick to the body. Namajunas lands a front kick. Silva lands a high kick. They trade kicks. Silva with a high side kick. They trade inside the pocket. Silva with a side kick to the leg. Silva scores a takedown and is in the half-guard of Namajunas. They get up and both land late in the round. 10-9 Silva, 29-28 Namajunas.

Fight Result- Natalia Silva def. Rose Namajunas by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Heavyweights- #5 Waldo Cortes-Acosta (16-2, 9-2 UFC) vs. #8 Derrick Lewis (29-12 1 NC, 20-10 UFC)

Lewis lands a body kick. Cortes-Acosta lands a leg kick. Lewis lands a high kick. Lewis lands another high kick as Cortes-Acosta is just moving forward but doing nothing on offense. Cortes-Acosta works the jab. Cortes-Acosta lands a leg kick. Cortes-Acosta lands a right hand. Cortes-Acosta catches a Lewis leg kick and scores a takedown, but lets Lewis back to his feet. 10-9 Cortes-Acosta.

Cortes-Acosta lands a right hand as Lewis was coming forward. Cortes-Acosta works the jab. Lewis with a right hand. Cortes-Acosta lands a left hook. Lewis with a left hook. Lewis lands a right hand. Cortes-Acosta lands a shot and Lewis goes down. Cortes-Acosta starts landing big punches and elbows from the top and it is stopped! Big finish from Cortes-Acosta.

Fight Result- Waldo Cortes-Acosta def. Derrick Lewis by TKO (punches) at 3:14 of Round 2

> Bantamweights- #3 Sean O’Malley (18-3 1 NC, 10-3 1 NC UFC) vs. #5 Song Yadong (22-8-1 1 NC, 11-3-1 UFC)

Yadong lands a leg kick right away. O’Malley with a body kick and they trade leg kicks. They trade kicks as O’Malley lands a left hand. O’Malley with another left hand. Yadong lands a quick combo and O’Malley counters with a spin kick to the body. O’Malley works the jab. Yadong with a lunging left hand that partially lands. O’Malley with a front kick and Yadong lands a leg kick. They continue to trade kicks often. Yadong with a heavy leg kick before he scores a takedown. O’Malley attacks for a guillotine choke but Yadong is able to get his head free. Yadong lands to the body from the top to end the round. 10-9 O’Malley.

Yadong lands a leg kick. O’Malley with a body kick as Yadong lands a right hand. O’Malley lands a body kick. Yadong with a leg kick. Yadong looks for a takedown as he grabs a leg and they scramble down for a moment before standing. Yadong has back control as O’Malley lands back elbows. Yadong gets it down as O’Malley attacks for a guillotine choke, but Yadong escapes and is inside the guard of O’Malley. They scramble to their feet. 10-9 Yadong, 19-19.

O’Malley lands to the body as Yadong lands a calf kick. Yadong lands another leg kick as O’Malley lands a pair of left hands. Yadong lands a combo. O’Malley with a front kick. They trade jabs. Yadong shoots for a takedown but O’Malley easily defends it. O’Malley works the jab. O’Malley lands a body kick, and both land right hands, with O’Malley landing with more power. O’Malley lands a kick as Yadong is throwing punches. Yadong shoots for a takedown, but O’Malley defends and lands a right hand followed by a nice knee. Yadong is bleeding. O’Malley with a left hand and follows with a right hand. O’Malley lands a right hand and a high kick. Close fight. 10-9 O’Malley, 29-28 O’Malley.

Fight Result- Sean O’Malley def. Song Yadong by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Interim UFC Lightweight Championship- #4 Justin Gaethje (26-5, 9-5 UFC) vs. #5 Paddy Pimblett (23-3, 7-0 UFC)

Pimblett lands a right hand. He lands a body kick. Pimblett with a leg kick. He lands another. He lands a left hand but Gaethje lands a counter right hand. Pimblett with a solid right hand followed by a leg kick. Pimblett lands a combo with a knee and lands some more, but Gaethje counters back with some right hands. Gaethje lands a right hand and Pimblett goes down. Gaethje starts landing as he grabs the neck. He backs off and lets Pimblett stand. Pimblett lands an uppercut. Pimblett lands a leg kick. He lands a body kick followed by a left hand. Pimblett lands a small flurry. Gaethje grabs the body against the fence. They break apart. Pimblett lands a calf kick. He lands an uppercut. Pimblett lands another uppercut and Gaethje lands a right hand. Time out is called for an eye poke by Gaethje. They get back going and Pimblett lands some leg kicks. They start teeing off against the fence. Pimblett lands an elbow as they clinch, and also some knees as they break apart. 10-9 Gaethje.

Pimblett lands a left hook and a leg kick. Gaethje lands against the fence and grabs the neck as they go to the mat. Pimblett escapes and they stand. Gaethje lands a stiff jab. Pimblett lands a body kick and stumbles. Gaethje lands a knee as they clinch and both are swinging. Pimblett with an uppercut, but Gaethje fires back with a big combination. They tie up and Pimblett with a knee to the body. They trade knees but separate. Pimblett with some more knees to the body. Gaethje lands a right hand and grabs the front headlock, dragging Pimblett to the mat. They start to scramble and Gaethje hurts Pimblett with a knee, but they both stand. Gaethje lands a right hand and Pimblett goes to his butt. Gaethje lands from the top, mixing elbows and punches. Gaethje jumps back on top and lands big shots to end the round. 10-9 Gaethje, 20-18 Gaethje.

Pimblett works the jab. He lands another followed by a leg kick and a right hand. Gaethje starts to land but Pimblett continues to work the jab and is doing better on offense here. Pimblett lands a body kick then a high kick. Gaethje lands a leg kick. Gaethje with an overhand right. Pimblett lands a body kick. They trade leg kicks. They both land a left hand at the same time. Pimblett comes forward but eats a right hand from Gaethje. Pimblett lands an uppercut and Gaethje lands a leg kick. Time out is called after a groin strike by Pimblett. They get back going and Pimblett is landing more as Gaethje lands a solid jab. Pimblett with some leg kicks. Gaethje lands a flush right hand. They trade jabs. 10-9 Pimblett, 29-28 Gaethje.

They trade big shots and Gaethje hurts Pimblett with a right hand. Gaethje lands a left hook as Pimblett shoots for a takedown. Gaethje has the neck but Pimblett escapes and they stand. Gaethje pushes Pimblett against the fence but they separate. Gaethje lands a big right hand. Gaethje hurts Pimblett with some big punches but Pimblett recovers. Gaethje lands a leg kick. They tie up and Gaethje with some knees and an elbow. Gaethje with an uppercut. They break apart and trade jabs. Pimblett lands a nice sequence but eats a jab from Gaethje. Pimblett lands a right hand. Pimblett with a pair of high kicks. Pimblett lands a combo as they scramble down late and Gaethje lands. 10-9 Gaethje, 39-37 Gaethje.

They trade and Pimblett hurts Gaethje with some shots. Gaethje recovers and lands a huge right hand. They tie up against the fence and Gaethje lands to the body and a right hand as they break. Gaethje with a leg kick. Gaethje lands a jab. Pimblett with an uppercut. Pimblett lands a combo. Pimblett with an uppercut in the clinch. Pimblett shoots for a takedown, but Gaethje defends it. Pimblett pushes it to the fence and lands some knees. They separate and Gaethje lands a big right hand. Pimblett lands a combination. They trade right hands. Pimblett lands a big flurry and Gaethje forces a clinch. Pimblett lands to the body and lands a small flurry on a brief break. Gaethje with a right hand in the clinch. They break apart. They both swing late. 10-9 Pimblett, 48-47 Gaethje.

Fight Result- Justin Gaethje def. Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46) to win the Interim UFC Lightweight Championship

Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett Fight Preview and Breakdown UFC 324

Posted on by Jake Skudder

The main event of UFC 324 will see the interim lightweight championship on the line when Justin Gaethje meets Paddy Pimblett in what will likely be a classic style clash: high volume violence versus opportunistic grappling. The matchup is less about “who is better” and more about who can force the fight into their preferred range for the longest stretches.

Tale of the tape and UFC Stats snapshot

CategoryJustin GaethjePaddy Pimblett
Record26-5-023-3-0
Height5’11”5’10”
Reach70″73″
StanceOrthodoxOrthodox
SLpM (sig strikes landed per min)6.595.19
Striking accuracy58%53%
SApM (sig strikes absorbed per min)7.183.14
Striking defense51%42%
TD avg (per 15 min)0.100.96
TD accuracy14%28%
TD defense68%50%
Sub avg (per 15 min)0.01.7

Gaethje pressure striking vs Pimblett distance management

Gaethje’s game is built around forward pressure, leg kicks, and forcing exchanges at a pace most lightweights cannot match for too long. His output at 155 is elite (6.59 SLpM), but the tradeoff here is risk, as he absorbs a massive 7.18 SApM, which tells you his fights are often decided by who handles chaos better.

Pimblett is not a low volume fighter by any means (5.19 SLpM), yet his stats read very differently to his opponent at 234: far fewer strikes absorbed (3.14 SApM) and a lower striking defense rate (42%). That combination often shows a fighter who relies on range, timing, and moments rather than extended pocket trades, which could REALLY help him against a pressure engine like Gaethje.

Pimblett grappling and submission threats vs Gaethje’s get ups

The most important stylistic difference is what happens after the clinch. Pimblett attempts far more takedowns (0.96 per 15) and hunts submissions at a high rate (1.7 per 15).

Gaethje’s wrestling credentials are real, but his style in the octagon has been striker-first throughout his UFC career. His takedown average is tiny (0.10 per 15) and his submission average sits at 0.0, meaning his path is typically damage, not control. The key number for Gaethje is his 68% takedown defense, because if he keeps his hips safe and scrambles quickly, he can drag Pimblett back into the kind of fight that favors his cardio: under fire and combination kicking.

Key stylistic differences that decide the interim lightweight title

Fight phaseGaethje’s best routePimblett’s best route
Open spaceLeg kicks, pressure, long combos to force brawlsCircling, jabbing, countering, level changes off exits
ClinchDirty boxing to break, then re-enter with volumeBody lock entries, trips, and riding time to slow pace
GroundImmediate stand ups, deny back takesBack control, front chokes, and scramble submissions
PaceMake it a high tempo fight earlyCreate “breathers” with grappling and control

If Gaethje consistently wins the first layer, keeps solid foot position and constant pressure, then he can turn Pimblett’s longer reach into a non factor and make every exchange costly for the Liverpool native.

If Pimblett can turn even a few of those exchanges into clinches and mat time, he can sap Gaethje’s rhythm and force defensive grappling sequences…where one mistake can end the fight.

UFC 324 Odds Gaethje vs Pimblett

Posted on by Jake Skudder

UFC 324 is headlined by Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title, and the main card odds paint a clear picture of where the betting market is leaning heading into fight night. Below, you will find the latest UFC 324 main card moneylines (via DraftKings, and always subject to change), plus a quick read on what those numbers imply for each matchup.

UFC 324 main card odds (DraftKings)

Here are the UFC 324 main fight card odds listed by CBS Sports:

  • Justin Gaethje (+200) vs. Paddy Pimblett (-245)
  • Sean O’Malley (-210) vs. Song Yadong (+180)
  • Waldo Cortes-Acosta (-345) vs. Derrick Lewis (+275)
  • Natalia Silva (-310) vs. Rose Namajunas (+250)
  • Arnold Allen (+200) vs. Jean Silva (-245)

Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett odds

Pimblett opens the main event as a solid favorite at -245, with Gaethje coming back at +200. In implied probability terms, -245 suggests roughly a 71% win chance for Pimblett, while +200 implies about 33% for Gaethje (before sportsbook margin).

What that tells you: bettors are pricing Pimblett as the more likely winner, but Gaethje’s underdog tag is not a throwaway. Gaethje has the ability to end fights out of nowhere with his striking, and he is more than capable of doing that here with the Englishman.

Sean O’Malley vs Song Yadong odds

O’Malley is favored at -210, with Song at +180. That roughly translates to about a 68% implied chance for O’Malley versus about 36% for Song.

Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs Derrick Lewis odds

Cortes-Acosta is a strong favorite at -345, while Lewis sits at +275. That is roughly 78% implied for Cortes-Acosta and 27% for Lewis.

In plain English: the market is backing Cortes-Acosta’s consistency, while still respecting Lewis’ reputation as a live underdog who can flip a fight with one big moment.

Natalia Silva vs Rose Namajunas odds

Silva is listed at -310, with Namajunas at +250, implying roughly 76% for Silva and 29% for Namajunas.

Arnold Allen vs Jean Silva odds

Jean Silva is favored at -245, while Allen is +200. Implied probability is similar to the main event: about 71% Silva, about 33% Allen.

Odds are from DraftKings via CBS Sports and can move right up until the opening bell.

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.

ESPN+ PRELIMS | 6 PM ET/3 PM PT

> 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

ESPN PRELIMS | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT

> 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

ESPN+ PPV MAIN CARD | 10 PM ET/7 PM PT

> 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 304 live results: Two title fights

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The Octagon returns to Manchester, England for the first time in nearly eight years for a major pay-per-view event, featuring two title fights, in the promotion’s debut at the new Co-Op Live with UFC 304.

In the main event, UFC Welterweight Champion Leon Edwards defends the title for the third time against challenger Belal Muhammad. The two have unfinished business as they have fought before, but that bout ended in a no contest in the second round after Muhammad was unable to continue due to an eye poke. Both are on long unbeaten streaks, with Edwards’ streak at 13 and Muhammad’s at ten.

In the co-main event, Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall defends for the first time against Curtis Blaydes in another rematch featured unfinished business. The two did step inside the Octagon across from each other in July 2022, but that fight never really got going after Aspinall suffered a knee injury just 15 seconds into the fight.

Also on the main card is a lightweight bout between King Green and popular English fighter Paddy Pimblett; a middleweight bout pitting Christian Leroy Duncan against Gregory Rodrigues; and a featherweight bout between top-ten fighters Arnold Allen and Giga Chikadze.

ESPN+ PRELIMS | 6 PM ET/3 PM PT

> Women’s Strawweights- Shauna Bannon (5-1, 0-1 UFC) vs. Alice Ardelean (9-5, 0-0 UFC)

They come out trading and both land leg kicks. Bannon lands a jab. Ardelean with a combination. Ardelean with a stiff left hand. Bannon with a combo. Bannon lands a jab. They trade before tying up against the fence. Ardelean gets a takedown despite Bannon grabbing the fence. Ardelean landing from the top as Bannon looks for an opening with her legs. Ardelean lands from the top. Bannon looking for an armbar. Bannon tried to reverse but Ardelean ends up back on top. Bannon with some elbows from the bottom. Ardelean with some shots from the top. Close round. 10-9 Bannon.

Ardelean lands a jab. They trade inside the pocket as Bannon lands a solid combo. Bannon connects with a left hand. Bannon lands a head kick. Ardelean looks for a takedown but they scramble in a tie-up and separate. Bannon lands a solid combination. Ardelean grabs the body and they go to the fence. Bannon turns around. Bannon lands while tied up. Ardelean controlling against the fence trying for a takedown and is able to get it into side control. Ardelean has a headlock in as Bannon is trying to work to the back. Ardelean with some right hands. Bannon lands from the back at the end. 10-9 Ardelean, 19-19.

They trade and Bannon lands a nice right hand. Bannon with a pair of body kicks. Ardelean lands a right hand. Bannon lands a right hand and a body kick. Ardelean with a right hand. They both land in close range then Bannon lands a combo. Ardelean with a right hand. Bannon continues to land more as they stay on the feet. They trade inside the pocket. Bannon with a combo as Ardelean lands a jab. Bannon with a left hand. Bannon with a push kick then a combination. They trade late. Close fight. 10-9 Bannon, 29-28 Bannon.

Official Result- Shauna Bannon def. Alice Ardelean by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

> Heavyweights- Mick Parkin (9-0, 3-0 UFC) vs. Lukasz Brzeski (9-4-1 1 NC, 1-3 UFC)

Brzeski lands a leg kick and they trade in close range. They tie up and Brzeski lands to the body. Parkin with a jab and leg kick. Parkin lands a right hand. They trade combinations. Brzeski lands a calf kick. Parkin with a right hand. They trade and Parkin lands a big flurry that drops Brzeski and finishes it off with some shots from the top. Huge finish from Parkin!

Official Result- Mick Parkin def. Lukasz Brzeski by knockout (punches) at 3:23 of Round 1

> Welterweights- Sam Patterson (11-2-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Kiefer Crosbie (10-4, 0-1 UFC)

Patterson with a combo as Crosbie lands some leg kicks. Patterson with a front kick. Patterson with a combo and Crosbie lands a right hand. Brief timeout for a groin strike before they trade as they get back going. Patterson lands an uppercut and they tie up against the fence. Patterson gets a takedown into mount and is working for an arm-triangle choke. He has it locked in and is adjusting. He has it in tight and Crosbie taps! What a showing from Patterson.

Official Result- Sam Patterson def. Kiefer Crosbie by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 2:50 of Round 1

> Light Heavyweights- Modestas Bukauskas (15-6, 3-4 UFC) vs. Marcin Prachnio (17-7, 4-5 UFC)

Prachnio with some leg and body kicks early. Bukauskas lands a big left hand and Prachnio lands a leg kick. He lands another. Bukauskas with a body kick. Bukauskas lands a left hand. Prachnio with a leg kick. Prachnio with a big left hand. Bukauskas with a combination. They tie up and trade knees. Bukauskas with a spinning elbow as they break. Bukauskas hurts Prachnio with a combo. Prachnio with a leg kick. Bukauskas lands a right hand. Bukauskas with a head kick and Prachnio backs up. 10-9 Bukauskas.

They start by trading some wild punches. Bukauskas with some leg kicks. Prachnio lands a right hand. Bukauskas with a stiff jab. Bukauskas hurts Prachnio with a right hand and lands then Prachnio lands a head kick that backs Bukauskas up. They are throwing wildly. They tie up and Bukauskas pushes it to the fence. Prachnio with some knees and they separate. Bukauskas gets a takedown and Prachnio holds the fence for several seconds. Bukauskas with an elbow. Bukauskas is in side control and lands a knee. They get up late. Close round. 10-9 Bukauskas, 20-18 Bukauskas.

Prachnio landing big punches to start the third and Bukauskas is backing up. They clinch up and Bukauskas gets a takedown. Bukauskas in half-guard and looking for a choke. Bukauskas landing from the top as Prachnio is stuck on the bottom. Bukauskas with a pair of elbows. Bukauskas trying for an arm-triangle choke. He has it locked in and Prachnio taps! Bukauskas with the late submission win.

Official Result- Modestas Bukauskas def. Marcin Prachnio by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 3:12 of Round 3

> Welterweights- Oban Elliott (10-2, 1-0 UFC) vs. Preston Parsons (11-4, 2-2 UFC)

Parsons with a right hand and they clinch. Elliott with a pair of elbows and they separate. Elliott with a spin kick to the body. Parsons with a pair of low kicks. Elliott connects with a high spin kick. Parsons with more leg kicks. Parsons trips Elliott up with a leg kick and grabs the neck. They clinch and both land before separating. Parsons with a leg kick. He lands them again as Elliott lands a right hand. Both land. Parsons tries for a takedown but Elliott defends against the fence. Elliott lands an elbow. 10-9 Parsons.

Parsons with a leg kick and Elliott lands a right hand. Parsons shoots for a takedown and Elliott defends though Parsons lands an elbow. They break apart. Elliott with a left hand. Parsons with a leg kick. Elliott with a snapping jab. They trade combos. Parsons looks for a takedown but Elliott defends and gets the back of Parsons. They separate but Elliott gets Parsons’ back moments later and drags it down despite Parsons grabbing the fence. Elliott lands from the back but they stand and break. Elliott with a right hand. Parsons tries a takedown but Elliott uses the arm to sweep and they get right up. 10-9 Elliott, 19-19.

Elliott lands a combination. Parsons looked for a takedown but Elliott lands a combination to defend. Parsons tries for another takedown but Elliott defends and they scramble to the mat. They get to their feet and Parsons looks tired. Elliott with a combination. They tie up and Elliott lands before they break. Elliott controlling the center. Elliott lands a combination and has clinch control before they break as he lands an elbow. Parsons shoots for a takedown but Elliott defends. Parsons is able to get a takedown but Elliott immediately attacks the armbar. They scramble back to their feet. They trade body shots at the end. 10-9 Elliott, 29-28 Elliott.

Official Result- Oban Elliott def. Preston Parsons by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

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> Flyweights- #6 Muhammad Mokaev (11-0 1 NC, 6-0 UFC) vs. #8 Manel Kape (19-6, 4-2 UFC)

Mokaev rushes forward. Mokaev with a couple of kicks. Mokaev lands a leg kick. Kape lands a left hook. There isn’t much action going on. Mokaev with a body kick. Mokaev with a wheel kick. Kape rushes forward. Kape lands a left hand. Kape lands a combo. Mokaev looks for a takedown but Kape defends. 10-9 Kape.

Again, they aren’t doing much to start this round. Mokaev lands a kick. Kape looks to have broken a toe and he tried to fix it and bait Mokaev in and Kape lands a right hand. They scramble and Mokaev gets Kape down. Mokaev grabbed the shorts and they are stood up by Mike Beltran and he gives Mokaev a warning and takes away the position. Mokaev with a body kick and Kape lands a left hand. Mokaev with a body kick. Mokaev lands a left hand. Mokaev with a pair of kicks. Kape lands a left hand. Mokaev with a body kick. 10-9 Mokaev, 19-19.

Mokaev lands a leg kick. He lands another. Kape’s broken big toe is affecting him. Mokaev shoots for a takedown but Kape defends. Kape lands a combination. Mokaev with a high kick. Mokaev with a body kick. Mokaev lands a right hand. Mokaev gets a takedown. Kape has neck control. Mokaev gets his head out. Kape with lots of elbows from the bottom. Mokaev lands to the body. They scramble up. Kape tries a takedown but Mokaev defends. Kape lands a left hand and Mokaev gets body control at the end. 10-9 Mokaev, 29-28 Mokaev.

Official Result- Muhammad Mokaev def. Manel Kape by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Bantamweights*- Jake Hadley (10-3, 2-3 UFC) vs. Caolan Loughran (9-1, 1-1 UFC)

*Hadley missed weight by one pound

Hadley with a pair of leg kicks. Hadley lands a left hand. Loughran with a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Hadley with an inside leg kick. Loughran with a right hand. Hadley with a body kick. Loughran lands a right hand to the body. Hadley with a leg kick. Loughran lands a right hand. Loughran with a right hand to the body as Hadley lands a left hand. Hadley with a leg kick. Loughran with a right hand. Hadley with another left hand. 10-9 Hadley.

Hadley with some left hands and leg kicks. Loughran shoots for a takedown but Hadley defends and lands some knees. They separate. Hadley with some leg kicks. Loughran lands a right hand after Hadley lands. Loughran lands a right hand. Timeout is called as Hadley is struck in the groin. They get back to action and trade punches. Loughran shoots for a takedown but Hadley defends. Loughran almost got it down as he has a leg but Hadley scrambles away. Loughran lands a right hand. Loughran gets a late takedown and ends the round on top. 10-9 Loughran, 19-19.

They trade leg kicks. Hadley lands a left hand. Loughran goes for a takedown and they scramble. Hadley has the back and lands some left hands before they break. Hadley with a leg kick and left hand. Hadley lands a combination. Loughran with a right hand. Hadley lands a jab. Loughran shoots for a takedown but Hadley defends. They trade knees and body shots and Hadley lands a big elbow on the break. Hadley with a leg kick as Loughran lands a jab. Loughran with a right hand. Hadley with a left hand and a leg kick. Loughran lands a right hand. Hadley with a leg kick. They trade late. 10-9 Hadley, 29-28 Hadley.

Official Result- Jake Hadley def. Caolan Loughran by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Women’s Strawweights- Molly McCann (14-6, 7-5 UFC) vs. Bruna Brasil (9-4-1, 1-2 UFC)

Brasil with a leg kick. Brasil with a body kick and right hand. Brasil lands a knee as McCann is pressuring. McCann with a body kick and a right hand. Timeout is called as McCann is kicked in the groin but they continue. Brasil with a body kick. McCann with a leg kick. Brasil with a high kick and hurts McCann with a knee to the stomach. McCann goes down for a moment but is let up. Brasil with a body kick and McCann is hurt badly. Brasil with a flurry and lands a head kick and knees. McCann gets the clinch. Brasil gets it down and lands from the top. They scramble up and McCann has the leg and scores a takedown. They scramble up. 10-9 Brasil.

McCann pressing forward and lands a right hand. McCann with a left hand. Brasil lands a combination. McCann shoots for a takedown against the fence. McCann gets a big takedown but they quickly get up and separate. McCann with a combination as they clinch. McCann trying to get it down and they go to the mat with Brasil inside the guard of McCann. They get up and McCann tries a spin attack as Brasil lands a right hand and they go to the mat at the end. 10-9 Brasil, 20-18 Brasil.

They trade and Brasil lands a knee to the body. They clinch and Brasil lands a knee. Brasil gets a takedown as they tie up. Brasil takes the back. Brasil is on top and McCann is holding on. They get to their feet. McCann lands a left hand and a push kick. McCann with a combination. Brasil scores a takedown. Brasil working from the top as McCann gives up her back. They get up and McCann jumps on the back of Brasil. McCann lands. Brasil spins into McCann’s guard. Brasil gets the back but McCann squirms out. 10-9 Brasil, 30-27 Brasil.

Official Result- Bruna Brasil def. Molly McCann by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Featherweights- Nathaniel Wood (19-6, 7-3 UFC) vs. Daniel Pineda (28-15 3 NC, 5-6 1 NC UFC)

Wood with early leg kicks. Pineda shoots for a takedown but Wood defends. They separate from the clinch. Pineda with some leg kicks. Wood lands a jab. Wood lands a right hand. Pineda with a leg kick. Wood hurts Pineda with a body kick and follows it with some punches from the top. Wood with an elbow from inside the guard. They scramble and Pineda sweeps to the top. Pineda with an elbow from the top. Pineda with some late shots from the top. 10-9 Wood.

They trade leg kicks. Wood lands a big combination that backs Pineda up but he recovers. Pineda lands a right hand. Wood with some front kicks to the body and Pineda lands a few right hands. There is a timeout for a groin strike. They get back to action. Pineda with a calf kick and Wood lands a right hand. Wood lands a pair of calf kicks that hurt Pineda. Wood lands a jab and Pineda stumbles down for a moment. Wood with a right hand. Wood with a calf kick. Pineda trying for a takedown. Wood cracks Pineda with a left hand. Wood drops Pineda with a left hook and starts landing elbows from the top. Pineda with an elbow from the bottom. 10-9 Wood, 20-18 Wood.

Pineda lands an uppercut and shoots for a takedown as they scramble to the mat. Wood has neck control and ends up on top but they stand. Wood with a pair of jabs and a leg kick. Wood with a jab and Pineda lands a right hand. Wood gets the body and they scramble to the mat. Pineda with a back elbow that lands. Pineda looking for an arm from the top. Pineda lets go but keeps working from the top. Pineda ends landing from the top. 10-9 Pineda, 29-28 Wood.

Official Result- Nathaniel Wood def. Daniel Pineda by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-28)

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> Featherweights- #6 Arnold Allen (19-3, 10-2 UFC) vs. #10 Giga Chikadze (15-3, 8-1 UFC)

Chikadze with a leg and body kick early. He lands some more kicks. Allen lands a left hand. Chikadze with a leg kick then a head kick that gets blocked. Chikadze with a high kick. Chikadze lands a right hand. Allen with a high body kick. Allen lands a combo. Chikadze lands a body kick. They trade body kicks. Allen lands a left hand. Chikadze with a pair of jabs. They trade and Chikadze lands a right hand. Chikadze lands a body kick. Allen with a solid left hand. Chikadze lands a flying knee that hurts Allen late. 10-9 Chikadze.

Allen throwing left hands but Chikadze able to circle away. Allen lands a short leg kick. Allen lands to the body as Chikadze lands a pair of jabs. Allen with a leg kick and Chikadze counters with a leg kick. Chikadze lands a jab. Allen with a left hand. Allen connects with a straight left hand. They trade inside the pocket as Allen lands a big left hook. Chikadze with a head kick. Allen lands a right hand. Chikadze with a pair of high kicks. Allen lands a left hand. Chikadze with a left hand. Allen lands a big left hand. Chikadze with a leg kick. They both connect in close range. Allen with a body kick. Close round. 10-9 Allen, 19-19.

Allen pressing forward. Allen lands a left hand. Allen works the jab as Chikadze lands a body kick. Chikadze with another body kick then a leg kick. They trade and Allen lands to the body. Chikadze is bleeding from his nose. Chikadze lands a body kick. Allen lands a left hand. Allen with another left hand. He lands another one. He lands again as Chikadze is against the fence. Allen with a body kick. Allen with another left hand. Allen landing more left hands. Allen with a jumping knee. 10-9 Allen, 29-28 Allen.

Official Result- Arnold Allen def. Giga Chikadze by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Middleweights- Christian Leroy Duncan (10-1, 3-1 UFC) vs. Gregory Rodrigues (15-5, 6-2 UFC)

Duncan lands a jab. Duncan with a leg kick. Rodrigues lands a left hand. They trade big shots. Rodrigues with a body kick. Duncan lands a leg kick. Rodrigues lands a right hand. Duncan with a push kick and lands a right hand. Rodrigues scores a takedown. Rodrigues landing punches and elbows from the top. Rodrigues with more elbows. Duncan scrambles out from the bottom and Rodrigues tries to take the back. They get to their feet. Rodrigues maintains control. 10-9 Rodrigues.

Duncan with a leg kick. Duncan with another leg kick and Rodrigues lands a left hand. They clinch and trade knees. Duncan pushes it against the fence. They separate and Duncan lands an elbow. Rodrigues pushes it to the fence and lands a knee as Duncan grabs the fence. They are separated by the referee. They trade in close range as they tie up. Both land right hands in a clinch before Duncan pushes it to the fence. Rodrigues lands an elbow as they break. Rodrigues with a big right hand. They trade and Rodrigues scores a takedown. Rodrigues lands from the top. 10-9 Rodrigues, 20-18 Rodrigues.

There were feed issues to start the third but it came on and they were trading. Rodrigues pushes it to the fence and gets a takedown and scores a big takedown. They pop right up and are clinched up by the fence. Duncan is landing as Rodrigues is holding onto the body. Rodrigues drags it to the knees and is trying to get the back. Rodrigues has the back and blood is everywhere. Rodrigues landing from the back as they stand. 10-9 Rodrigues, 30-27 Rodrigues.

Official Result- Gregory Rodrigues def. Christian Leroy Duncan by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Lightweights- #15 King Green (32-15-1 1 NC, 13-10-1 1 NC UFC) vs. Paddy Pimblett (21-3, 5-0 UFC)

Pimblett with a strong leg kick. He lands another. Green with a leg kick. Pimblett with a calf kick. Pimblett lands a right hand. Green with some short leg kicks. They trade leg kicks. Pimblett with a leg kick and Green gets a takedown. Pimblett looked for a guillotine choke but switches to a triangle choke. Pimblett switches to an armbar with the triangle choke still locked in and Green goes to sleep! WOW, what a finish from Pimblett!

Official Result- Paddy Pimblett def. King Green by technical submission (triangle choke) at 3:22 of Round 1

> Interim UFC Heavyweight Championship- IC Tom Aspinall (14-3, 7-1 UFC) vs. #4 Curtis Blaydes (18-4 1 NC, 13-4 1 NC UFC)

Blaydes lands a right hand. They trade before clinching up but they quickly break. Blaydes lands a combo. Aspinall drops Blaydes with a right hand and starts pounding away from the back and it is all over! Aspinall retains his title in quick and impressive fashion.

Official Result- Tom Aspinall def. Curtis Blaydes by knockout (punches) at 1:00 of Round 1 to retain the Interim UFC Heavyweight Championship

> UFC Welterweight Championship- C Leon Edwards (22-3 1 NC, 14-2 1 NC UFC) vs. #2 Belal Muhammad (23-3 1 NC, 14-3 1 NC UFC)

Muhammad gets a takedown. He lands some short punches from the top as Edwards is trying to get up. They get to their feet but are tied up against the fence. Muhammad lands a knee and Edwards reverses. Edwards with some knees. They separate. Edwards with a body kick. He lands a knee. Edwards with a leg kick. Edwards scores with a left hand. Muhammad lands a body kick. Edwards with a hard leg kick. Muhammad lands a left hook. Muhammad with a combo and gets a big takedown. Muhammad lands from the top. 10-9 Muhammad.

Muhammad lands a right hand. Muhammad lands the jab. Edwards lands. Muhammad with a jab then shoots for a takedown. Muhammad gets it down for a moment and gets on the back as they go to a knee. They get up and Muhammad dumps Edwards down and Edwards landed on his head. Muhammad has the back and looks for a choke. They get to their feet. Muhammad dumps Edwards back to the mat as he has the back. They stand. Edwards with a knee to the body and he scores a takedown. Edwards has the back as the round ends. 10-9 Muhammad, 20-18 Muhammad.

Edwards with a leg kick as Muhammad lands a right hand. Edwards with a high kick. Muhammad lands a head kick. Muhammad gets a takedown. They get to their feet and Edwards has the back. They scramble to the mat as Edwards has the back. Edwards has the hooks and is working for a choke. Edwards still working. He almost had a chin lock. Edwards with a few punches. Edwards continues to land from the back. 10-9 Edwards, 29-28 Muhammad.

They trade and Muhammad with a combo. Edwards lands a big combination. Muhammad with a jab. Muhammad with a combo. Muhammad goes for a takedown and takes the back. They go to the mat with Muhammad having Edwards’ back and landing. Muhammad trying to set up a choke. They roll and Edwards reverses to the top late. Edwards has the back and lands. 10-9 Muhammad, 39-37 Muhammad.

Muhammad comes forward and they trade. Edwards lands. Muhammad goes for a takedown but Edwards defends. Muhammad with a jab and Edwards lands to the body. Muhammad with a right hand. Muhammad gets a takedown and has the back. Muhammad controlling from the back and looks for a choke. There’s not much going on except Muhammad landing short punches. Edwards reverses to the top and lands a pair of big elbows that bust Muhammad wide open. He lands another big elbow. Edwards steals the round but too little too late. 10-9 Edwards, 48-47 Muhammad.

Official Result- Belal Muhammad def. Leon Edwards by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) to win the UFC Welterweight Championship

UFC’s Paddy Pimblett interested in WWE crossover

Posted on by Ian Carey

You can add Paddy Pimblett’s name to the list of UFC fighters interested in potentially crossing over to WWE.

The 29-year-old is scheduled to face Bobby Green in a lightweight bout tonight at UFC 304. He spoke with DAZN ahead of the fight and was asked about possibly making an appearance in TKO’s wrestling company.

“Yes, I have thought about that, to be honest,” Pimblett responded. 

“I have because I used to love the WWE growing up. Shawn Michaels, The Heartbreak Kid is my favorite fighter. I’d love to Sweet Chin Music someone in the cage in the UFC. D-Generation X, when I was even younger, X-Pac was my favorite wrestler.”

“So yeah, I would. WWE pays big money as well and you’ve got to have a character, you’ve got to have a personality and I’ve got a personality, so it would work. So yeah, Triple H, if you ever wanted to sign me up, just let me know I’ll make an appearance for some cash.” 

Pimblett is 5-0 in the UFC since debuting for the promotion in September 2021. In his most recent fight, he defeated Tony Ferguson via unanimous decision at UFC 296.

UFC president Dana White has said he’s open to the idea of fighters from his company crossing over to WWE.

“Listen, some of the fighters who fight here have always dreamed about doing a WWE match or whatever it is and I don’t have a problem with that,” White said at a post-event media scrum in May. “I didn’t have a problem with that when Vince was consistently f—ing me for no reason and now that that’s not the case anymore, I, obviously, would absolutely do it.”

UFC heavyweight Derrick Lewis has previously said he is “in talks” with WWE.

“Yeah, we actually in talks right now. We’ve been talking for a few months now. I was supposed to go down there in February to check everything out.”

UFC 304: Edwards vs Muhammad 2 takes place tonight at the Co-Op Live in Manchester, England.

UFC 296 live results: Leon Edwards vs. Colby Covington

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

It’s the final UFC event of 2023 and also one of the biggest events of the year as the Octagon ends the year inside Las Vegas, Nevada’s T-Mobile Arena for UFC 296.

A pair of title fights headline the card with UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards defending against Colby Covington in the main event.

The rivalry between the two has gotten heated this week following some of Covington’s comments. Edwards comes in riding a 12-fight unbeaten streak, and a pair of wins over Kamaru Usman has established him as the best at 170 pounds. Covington will fight for the first time since March 2022 when he scored a win over Jorge Masvidal.

In the co-main event, UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja makes his first title defense against Brandon Royval. These two have fought before with Pantoja scoring a submission win in August 2021. Pantoja won the title from Brandon Moreno in July while Royval has won three straight since that loss to Pantoja.

The rest of the main card is filled with intriguing matchups. Undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov faces his toughest test when he takes on Stephen Thompson in welterweight action, Tony Ferguson looks to end his losing skid against Paddy Pimblett in a lightweight bout, and Josh Emmett takes on Bryce Mitchell in a featherweight bout.

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> Heavyweights- Martin Buday (13-1, 4-0 UFC) vs. Shamil Gaziev (11-0, 0-0 UFC)

Gaziev lands a right hand then another. He lads a left hook. Buday lands a jab. Gaziev with a right hand against the fence then lands a combination. They trade before clinching against the fence. Gaziev breaks away and lands a pair of right hands. They trade punches. Gaziev with some big right hands. Buday is bleeding from his nose as Gaziev continues to connect. Gaziev with a knee and some more punches. Timeout is called to check a cut on Buday under the eye. They get back to action and Buday tries a takedown but Gaziev defends and gets on top. Gaziev in control from the top and lands some right hands. Buday gives up his back and Gaziev lands as Buday gets to his knees. Buday covering up as Gaziev lands. Gaziev with a knee to the body then one to the head as they stand. 10-9 Gaziev.

Gaziev landing as they start the second. Buday lands a left hand. Gaziev lands a knee then an elbow. Gaziev landing punches and knees against the fence. Gaziev lands more and it is stopped on the feet. Impressive debut win for Gaziev.

Official Result- Shamil Gaziev def. Martin Buday by TKO (strikes) at :56 of Round 2

> Featherweights- Andre Fili (22-10 1 NC, 10-9 1 NC UFC) vs. Lucas Almeida (14-2, 1-1 UFC)

They trade kicks. Almeida lands a leg kick. Fili lands a left hand. Fili lands a body kick. Almeida lands a leg kick. They trade punches. They trade leg kicks. Fili drops Almeida with a right hand and starts pounding away from the top. Lots of punches and it is stopped! Big win for Fili!

Official Result- Andre Fili def. Lucas Almeida by TKO (punches) at 3:32 of Round 1

> Flyweights- #12 Tagir Ulanbekov (14-2, 3-1 UFC) vs. #15 Cody Durden (16-4-1, 5-2-1 UFC)

Ulanbekov lands a pair of kicks. Durden lands a right hand then a leg kick. Durden with another leg kick. Ulanbekov lands a jab and they exchange kicks. Ulanbekov lands a right hand that drops Durden. Ulanbekov locks in a guillotine choke but Durden is able to fight it off and escape and is on top. They get to their feet and Ulanbekov lands a knee to the body. Durden lands some body punches as they clinch. They trade knees. They’re trading inside the pocket. Durden lands some hard punches. Ulanbekov gets a takedown. Ulanbekov lands from the top and gets the back with the hooks in. Ulanbekov looks for a rear-naked choke and it was in but Durden gets out before the end. 10-9 Ulanbekov.

Ulanbekov lands a knee. Durden lands a jab then Ulanbekov lands one. Durden lands a right hand and they tie up, where Ulanbekov gets a takedown. Durden lands an elbow from the bottom. They are almost to the feet as Ulanbekov gets the back and looks to get the hooks in. Ulanbekov has a rear-naked choke locked in as they’re on the feet and Durden is fighting it. Ulanbekov landing from the back as he goes for another choke attempt. It’s around the chin and he’s squeezing. They fall to the mat and Durden taps. Impressive win for Ulanbekov.

Official Result- Tagir Ulanbekov def. Cody Durden by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:25 of Round 2

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> Women’s Flyweights- #12 Casey O’Neill (9-1, 4-1 UFC) vs. Ariane Lipski (16-8, 5-5 UFC)

They trade and Lipski lands a nice right hand. Lipski lands a flurry of shots in close range. They tie up and Lipski lands a pair of knees as O’Neill is looking for a takedown. Lipski defending with some knees and they break. Lipski lands a right hand. O’Neill lands a left hand. O’Neill lands a right hand. Lipski lands a combo ending with a high kick. Lipski lands a jab. Lipski with a combo and a high kick. O’Neill lands a right hand before they clinch and Lipski lands a right hand on the break. O’Neill lands a right hand. Lipski gets a takedown and they get right back up and Lipski lands a head kick as O’Neill was getting up. O’Neill lands a right hand. O’Neill lands another. O’Neill lands a leg kick. Lipski scores with a combo. 10-9 Lipski.

Lipski hurts O’Neill with a combo early and is rushing in looking to land. O’Neill goes for a takedown and they go to the mat and Lipski is landing big punches from the top. Lipski gets the back and continues to land. Lipski locks in a body triangle and is looking for a choke but loses it. She switches to an armbar and O’Neill taps! What a finish from Lipski!

Official Result- Ariane Lipski def. Casey O’Neill by submission (armbar) at 1:18 of Round 2

> Bantamweights- Cody Garbrandt (13-5, 8-5 UFC) vs. Brian Kelleher (24-14, 8-7 UFC)

Garbrandt lands a left hand. Kelleher lands a leg kick. Garbrandt lands a combo. Kelleher with another calf kick. He lands another. They trade leg kicks. They clinch against the fence. They separate and both land inside the pocket. Kelleher lands a leg kick and they tie up. Garbrandt pushes it against the fence. Garbrandt lands an elbow as they break. Garbrandt rushes in and lands a flurry. Garbrandt lands and hurts Kelleher. Garbrandt drops Kelleher with a right hand and Kelleher is face first on the mat and covering up and it is stopped. Big finish from Garbrandt!

Official Result- Cody Garbrandt def. Brian Kelleher by knockout (punch) at 3:42 of Round 1

> Women’s Bantamweights- #5 Irene Aldana (14-7, 7-5 UFC) vs. #9 Karol Rosa (17-5, 6-2 UFC)

Aldana lands a jab. Rosa lands a right hand and leg kick. Aldana lands a right hand. Rosa lands an inside leg kick. They trade punches and Rosa lands more leg kicks. Aldana lands a combo. Rosa lands a hard leg kick. She continues to land leg kicks. Rosa lands a combo as Aldana lands a jab. Rosa with more leg kicks. Rosa hurting Aldana with leg kicks but Aldana is still landing combinations. Rosa hurts Aldana with another leg kick. Aldana lands a jab. Aldana still not checking the leg kicks. Aldana lands a left hook. They trade right hands. Rosa with a high kick. 10-9 Rosa.

They trade to start the second. Rosa lands some more kicks. Rosa lands a right hand and two hard leg kicks. Rosa with another leg kick and Aldana lands a jab. Rosa lands a right hand. Aldana lands a right hand. Aldana with a quick combo. Aldana lands a combo and clips Rosa with a right hand. Aldana landing more and Rosa lands a leg kick. Aldana with two right hands and a jab. Aldana lands a right hand then a left hook. Aldana with two left hands and Rosa lands a leg kick. Aldana landing with more volume as the round goes on. Aldana with a left hand to the body then a jab. Rosa lands a combo. Rosa lands a leg kick. Aldana lands a jab then an uppercut and hurts Rosa with a right hand. 10-9 Aldana, 19-19.

They trade and Rosa lands a leg kick. Aldana lands a combo. They’re trading in close range and both land right hands. Rosa lands a leg kick then a right hand. Rosa landing more to start the round out. They trade punches and Rosa lands an inside leg kick. They trade and Aldana hurts Rosa to the body. Rosa is covering up as Aldana is landing. Aldana lands a right hand. Rosa’s face is a bloody mess under her eye. Aldana lands a right hand. They trade. Aldana landing more punches right now. Aldana lands a big left hook. Aldana lands a right hand as she’s pressuring. Rosa eating a lot of damage. Rosa lands a leg kick. Aldana lands a right hand. Aldana with a left hook. Crazy fight. Close fight. 10-9 Aldana, 29-28 Aldana.

Official Result- Irene Aldana def. Karol Rosa by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Light Heavyweights- #14 Alonzo Menifield (14-3-1, 7-3-1 UFC) vs. #15 Dustin Jacoby (19-7-1, 7-4-1 UFC)

Menifield lands a jab. Jacoby lands a jab. Jacoby lands an inside leg kick. Menifield lands a jab. Jacoby lands a right hand. Menifield lands a left hook. Jacoby lands a body kick. He lands a left hook. Menifield looks for a takedown but Jacoby shakes him off. Jacoby lands a right hand. They clinch against the fence. Jacoby lands to the body. He continues to land left hands to the body. Jacoby lands some knees late. 10-9 Jacoby.

Menifield rocks Jacoby with a left hand and rushes in but Jacoby is able to circle away. Jacoby lands a jab. They trade leg kicks and Jacoby slips to the mat for a moment. Menifield with another leg kick. Jacoby lands a jab. Menifield lands a right hand. Jacoby hurts Menifield with some punches. Menifield hurts Jacoby. Jacoby is backing up and Menifield is swinging hard. Jacoby escapes away. Jacoby lands a jab. He lands two more. Menifield lands a leg kick. They trade left hands. They trade late. Close round. 10-9 Menifield, 19-19.

They trade jabs. Jacoby lands a combo. Menifield lands a left hook. Jacoby lands a right hand. He lands another. They trade inside the pocket. Jacoby continues to land the jab. Jacoby lands a combo. He’s landing with more volume here and is busting Menifield up. Menifield drops Jacoby with a left hook and is trying to finish as Jacoby stands. Menifield with some big punches and gets a takedown. They get to their feet and Jacoby is landing to the body against the fence. They’re both battling for underhooks as Jacoby is hanging on. Jacoby lands a knee. Menifield lands a knee. They separate and both land. Close fight. 10-9 Menifield, 29-28 Menifield.

Official Result- Alonzo Menifield def. Dustin Jacoby by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

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> Featherweights- #6 Josh Emmett (18-4, 9-4 UFC) vs. #10 Bryce Mitchell (16-1, 7-1 UFC)

Emmett lands to the body. Emmett lands a left hand. Emmett lands a right hand that knocks Mitchell out cold. What a vicious right hand from Emmett to get the win.

Official Result- Josh Emmett def. Bryce Mitchell by knockout (punch) at 1:57 of Round 1

> Lightweights- Tony Ferguson (25-9, 15-7 UFC) vs. Paddy Pimblett (20-3, 4-0 UFC)

Pimblett lands early and lands a high kick. He lands a leg kick. Ferguson lands a right hand. Pimblett lands a leg kick. Pimblett lands a body kick. He lands a leg kick. Ferguson lands a counter right hand. Pimblett lands a body kick then a calf kick. They trade jabs. Pimblett lands a leg kick then a right hand as Ferguson clips him with a right hand. Pimblett lands some right hands then a body kick. Ferguson is retreating. Pimblett lands a leg kick then a combo. Pimblett hurts Ferguson with some punches then lands a knee and Ferguson goes to the mat. Pimblett landing from the top. Ferguson gives up his back and Pimblett is landing. Pimblett has the mount and is landing big punches. Ferguson survives. 10-8 Pimblett.

Pimblett lands to start the second. He lands a combo. Ferguson slips on a kick and Pimblett gets on top. Ferguson lands some elbows from the bottom. Pimblett with some big punches from the top. Pimblett still in control from the top. He lands a right hand as he tries to pass the guard of Ferguson. Ferguson was trying stuff from the bottom but Pimblett ends the round on top. 10-9 Pimblett, 20-17 Pimblett.

Pimblett lands a left hand as Ferguson lands an uppercut. Pimblett looked for a takedown and tried to pull guard but Ferguson lets him back up. Pimblett is tired. Pimblett lands a body kick and is able to get a takedown. Ferguson trying for the rubber guard from the bottom but Pimblett passes to the half-guard. Ferguson throwing elbows from the bottom as Pimblett is landing from the top. Pimblett for more shots from the top. Ferguson looks for a choke but Pimblett gets his head out. Pimblett lands from the top as the fight ends. 10-9 Pimblett, 30-26 Pimblett.

Official Result- Paddy Pimblett def. Tony Ferguson by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Welterweights- #5 Shavkat Rakhmonov (17-0, 5-0 UFC) vs. #6 Stephen Thompson (17-6-1, 12-6-1 UFC)

Thompson lands a leg kick. He lands a left hand as Rakhmonov closes the distance and initiates a clinch. They trade knees to the body as Rakhmonov continues to pressure against the fence. Rakhmonov lands some uppercuts against the fence. There isn’t much action going on. They separate. Thompson lands a body kick. He lands another. They trade punches. 10-9 Rakhmonov.

Thompson lands a side kick. Rakhmonov looks for a takedown but Thompson escapes. Rakhmonov lands a knee to the body as they clinch. Rakhmonov gets a takedown. Rakhmonov with some punches from the top. Rakhmonov is looking for a choke and has it locked in but Thompson slips out. Rakhmonov lands an elbow from the top. Rakhmonov with punches from the top. Rakhmonov gets the back again and is looking for the choke again. Thompson taps! Rakhmonov with the late finish in the second round.

Official Result- Shavkat Rakhmonov def. Stephen Thompson by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:56 of Round 2

> UFC Flyweight Championship- C Alexandre Pantoja (26-5, 10-3 UFC) vs. #2 Brandon Royval (15-6, 5-2 UFC)

Pantoja swarms early and lands a body kick then a leg kick. Pantoja tries a takedown against the fence but Royval defends and they break. Royval lands a right hand. They trade leg kicks. Pantoja lands a right hand and looks for a takedown. They break. They trade and Pantoja lands a body kick. They trade body kicks. Pantoja gets a takedown. Royval playing defense on the bottom and throwing upkicks. Pantoja stands and lands a right hand. Pantoja gets back into the half-guard. Pantoja spins to side control then gets the mount. They get to their feet and Royval lands a left hand. Pantoja lands a body kick. Pantoja lands a right hand. 10-9 Pantoja.

Pantoja lands a right hand. He lands a body kick. They trade knees to the body as Pantoja pushes it against the fence but they separate. Pantoja lands a right hand. Pantoja gets a takedown. Pantoja gets the half-guard. Both being active on the mat as Pantoja is looing for the mount. He ends up in side control. Both landing on the mat. Pantoja with some hammerfists from the top. They get to their feet. Pantoja lands a right hand that stuns Royval. Royval lands a head kick but Pantoja is able to get a takedown. 10-9 Pantoja, 20-18 Pantoja.

Pantoja lands a right hand and Royval grabs the leg but lets go. Pantoja gets a takedown. They quickly scramble to their feet. Royval lands a combo. Pantoja with a body kick. Royval lands a pair of stiff jabs. Royval looks for a takedown but Pantoja defends. Pantoja lands a pair of kicks. They trade punches. Royval lands a body kick. Royval with a combo then some jabs. Royval lands a knee up the middle. Pantoja is able to get a takedown. 10-9 Royval, 29-28 Pantoja.

Pantoja gets a takedown. Pantoja looking to transition as he spins to the back and looks for a choke. Pantoja has the body triangle locked in and is working hard for the choke. Royval is unable to spin out. Pantoja has it around the chin and is squeezing. Royval fights out of it. Royval is able to escape and gets on top and starts landing punches. Pantoja looks for a leg lock. 10-9 Pantoja, 39-37 Pantoja.

They trade punches to start the fifth. Royval lands a nice right hand. Pantoja lands a pair of leg kicks. Royval lands an uppercut. They clinch and Royval lands some punches before they separate. Royval lands a stiff jab. Royval landing with lots of volume. Royval lands and Pantoja is able to get a takedown. They get to their feet but Pantoja is looking to take it back down and he does. Pantoja lands some left hands from the top. Pantoja rides it out from the top and lands some late hammerfists. 10-9 Pantoja, 49-46 Pantoja.

Official Result- Alexandre Pantoja def. Brandon Royval by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 49-46) to retain the UFC Flyweight Championship

> UFC Welterweight Championship- C Leon Edwards (21-3 1 NC, 13-2 1 NC UFC) vs. #3 Colby Covington (17-3, 12-3 UFC)

They trade kicks but both got blocked. Edwards lands a leg kick. They trade punches. Edwards lands a left hand then a right hand. Edwards with an inside leg kick. Edwards lands a left hand. Edwards lands some kicks. Covington lands a body kick. Edwards lands a left hand. Not a ton happened. 10-9 Edwards.

They trade kicks. Edwards lands a body kick. Edwards lands a right hook then a leg kick. Edwards lands a leg kick. Edwards lands a head kick. Edwards lands a right hand. Edwards with a calf kick. Edwards lands a left hand. Covington is not doing much. Edwards lands a body kick. 10-9 Edwards, 20-18 Edwards.

Edwards lands a leg kick. He lands another. Edwards lands a hard leg kick. Covington shoots for a takedown and Edwards defends. Edwards steps over and it allows Covington to get it down. They get up and Edwards lands a big head kick. Edwards shoots for a takedown and gets it. They get to their feet. Edwards lands a jab then lands to the body. They trade leg kicks and Edwards lands a hard one. Edwards lands a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. 10-9 Edwards, 30-27 Edwards.

Edwards lands some kicks early. Covington looks for a takedown and Edwards has a choke locked in, but Covington spins to escape. Edwards lands a big left hand. Edwards lands a body kick. They briefly go to the mat but stand. Edwards lands a knee to the body and the foot caught the cup and we have a brief timeout. Covington lands a left hand. He lands another. Covington lands and goes for a takedown. They scramble to the mat and Covington has the back. Edwards slides out and lands a knee to the body then they stand and separate. Edwards lands a leg kick. Edwards lands a body kick. 10-9 Edwards, 40-36 Edwards.

Edwards lands a high kick. Edwards lands a right hand. Covington is able to get a takedown. Edwards gets to his feet and he takes Covington down. Edwards gets the back. Edwards looks for a choke then looks for an armbar but Covington is able to end up on top. Covington with some body shots from the half-guard. Covington ends the round on top but this should be a win for the champion. 10-9 Covington, 49-46 Edwards.

Official Result- Leon Edwards def. Colby Covington by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46) to retain the UFC Welterweight Championship

Wrestling Observer Radio: John Cena, Ariel & Paddy, SmackDown & Rampage

Posted on by Garrett Gonzales

Dave Meltzer and I are back on Wrestling Observer Radio going over the weekend wrestling news.

Topics include:

  • The difficulty to get new scripted TV shows made
  • The Ariel Helwani and Paddy Pimblett feud
  • The blurrier line between journalism and content creation these days
  • Which artist had the biggest year ever for a touring act
  • John Cena helping ticket sales for SmackDown
  • SmackDown and Rampage recaps
  • SmackDown spoilers for next week
  • Listener questions

The video version of this show is available for video subscribers at video.f4wonline.com.

Click Here To Listen

UFC 282 live results: Blachowicz vs. Ankalaev, Paddy Pimblett’s PPV debut

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 282: Blachowicz vs. Ankalaev, emanating from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

It is the final UFC pay-per-view event of 2022, and the Octagon is back inside the T-Mobile Arena where, following a major shuffling of the main event, a brand new champion will be crowned in one of the premier divisions in the sport.

The vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship is on the line in the main event as former champion Jan Blachowicz looks to become a two-time champion against Magomed Ankalaev. The title became vacant after Jiri Prochazka opted to vacate it following suffering a major shoulder surgery a couple of weeks ago, which forced him out of the original main event of this card, a defense against Glover Teixeira. Teixeira was offered to stay in the title fight against Ankalaev, but turned it down due to the short notice. Blachowicz and Ankalaev were already scheduled to fight in the co-main event, so they get the bump up.

In the new co-main event, Paddy Pimblett looks to become the big breakout star they hope as he fights on pay-per-view for the first time when he takes on Jared Gordon. Also on the main card is a catchweight bout between Santiago Ponzinibbio and Alex Morono, a middleweight bout pitting Darren Till against Dricus Du Plessis, and a battle of undefeated rising featherweight contenders as Bryce Mitchell battles Ilia Topuria.

The prelims are stacked for this show, capped off by a battle of top-eleven heavyweights as Jairzinho Rozenstruik takes on Chris Daukaus, plus the debut of Raul Rosas Jr., the youngest fighter on the UFC roster who earned a contract as a 17-year-old on this past season of Dana White’s Contender Series.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6:30 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].

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

> Bantamweights- Cameron Saaiman (6-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Steven Koslow (6-0, 0-0 UFC)

Saaiman throwing kicks to start things off. Saaiman lands a left hand. Saaiman with a leg kick. Koslow grabs the body lock and gets a takedown and looks to pass guard. Koslow gets to the half-guard and Saaiman lands from the bottom. Koslow tries to get mount but Saaiman reverses and is in the guard of Koslow. They’re scrambling and Saaiman grabs the neck looking for a guillotine choke. Saaiman moves to the back but might be too high on the back. Saaiman slides off and Koslow is on top and lands some punches. Koslow gets the mount near the end but Saaiman reverses to the top. 10-9 Koslow.

Koslow goes right for the takedown and pushes Saaiman against the fence. They go to the mat and Koslow locks in a guillotine choke but Saaiman is able to escape. Koslow continues to attack the neck but they stand. Saaiman lands a couple of knees as Koslow is working for the takedown and Koslow gets it down. Saaiman is able to get the back and is trying to get the hooks in. They get to their feet and clinch and Saaiman lands an illegal knee to Koslow’s head as both of his knees were on the mat. Saaiman gets a point taken away. They get back to action and trade punches. Koslow grabs the single leg but Saaiman defends. Saaiman has the neck and lands a knee. Koslow lands a high kick as they break. 9-9 due to Saaiman getting a point taken away, 19-18 Koslow.

Saaiman lands a spin kick. Koslow shoots for the takedown and pushes it against the fence. Koslow gets it down and has the back. Saaiman reverses and gets on top. Saaiman gets the back and has the hooks in but he is high. Saaiman trying to set up a choke. They get to their feet and Koslow gets it back down. Saaiman reverses and lands from the top. Saaiman landing punches on top as he has the back. Saaiman with some big shots on the top. Saaiman stands and is landing punches and lets Koslow get up. Saaiman lands some knees and punches. He’s teeing off on Koslow and Koslow is hurt. Saaiman continues to land and gets the finish! What a sequence to finish it for Saaiman as he wins his UFC debut.

Official Result- Cameron Saaiman def. Steven Koslow by TKO (strikes) at 4:13 of Round 3

ESPN2 PRELIMS | 7 PM ET/4 PM PT

> Featherweights- TJ Brown (16-9, 2-3 UFC) vs. Erik Silva (9-1, 0-0 UFC)

Brown lands a big right hand right off the bat and Silva almost went down. Brown gets it down but they scramble and Silva has the neck as they stand. Brown gets it back down and is in the guard of Silva. They scramble and Silva looking to get on top. Brown lands some punches as they stand and Silva gets a takedown. Brown tries to attack the leg and uses it to create a scramble to the feet. Brown lands an elbow. They break and trade right hands. Silva gets a late takedown. They get up and trade right hands at the end. Close round. 10-9 Brown.

Silva lands a right hand early in the second. Brown lands a right hand. Silva lands a jab. Silva lands a leg kick and both are landing. Silva scores a takedown. They scramble up and Brown gets a takedown and looks to get the back near the fence. Brown landing some left hands. Brown trying to get his arm under Silva’s neck. Silva tries for a kimura but Brown ends up fully on top. Brown gets the back. Brown tries for the choke again. Brown has the back as the round ends. 10-9 Brown, 20-18 Brown.

Silva goes for a takedown as Brown lands a right hand and a knee. Silva lands a knee and they go down with Brown in the guard of Silva. Brown trying to transition but gets back to the guard of Silva. Brown still controlling from the top as he’s trying to find an arm-triangle choke. Brown lands some left hands and an elbow. He gets the arm-triangle choke locked in and Silva taps! Brown gets his first UFC finish with the submission here.

Official Result- TJ Brown def. Erik Silva by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 3:41 of Round 3

> Featherweights- Billy Quarantillo (16-4, 4-2 UFC) vs. Alexander Hernandez (13-5, 5-4 UFC)

Hernandez with a leg kick. Hernandez lands some punches and they trade kicks. Quarantillo grabs a leg but lets go. They trade jabs. Quarantillo with a body kick and Hernandez lands some counter right hands. Hernandez with a body shot and Quarantillo counters with one. Hernandez gets a takedown. They get to their feet and Hernandez pushes it against the fence. They break. Hernandez lands a combo. Quarantillo with a body kick. Hernandez gets a takedown right into an arm-triangle but he doesn’t have it fully locked in. Quarantillo with some body shots and Hernandez lets go but lands an elbow that opens a big cut on Quarantillo. They get up late and trade. 10-9 Hernandez.

They trade high kicks to start the second. Quarantillo tries a takedown but Hernandez grabs the back and lands some punches. They stand and clinch before breaking. They clinch against the fence and Quarantillo lands some knees. They break and Hernandez lands some punches. Hernandez slips and Quarantillo grabs the neck but they stand and Quarantillo tries for a takedown against the fence. They break and both land punches. They’re both landing. Quarantillo landing more right now as he lands some right hands. Quarantillo gets a takedown. Quarantillo with some punches from the back. They stand. Quarantillo drags it back down and lands some punches as they stand. They separate. They trade against the fence. Both men are bleeding. Quarantillo with some punches and knees and it is stopped. Big rally from Quarantillo to get the finish in the second.

Official Result- Billy Quarantillo def. Alexander Hernandez by TKO (strikes) at 4:30 of Round 2

> Middleweights- #15 Chris Curtis (29-9, 3-1 UFC) vs. Joaquin Buckley (15-5, 5-3 UFC)

Buckley with a combo. Curtis lands a jab then a leg kick. Buckley with a leg kick. Curtis lands a left hand. Buckley with a leg kick. Curtis lands a nice left hand. They trade and we have a timeout as Curtis lands a kick to the groin. They get back to action. Buckley with a high kick but Curtis blocks it. They trade punches. Curtis lands the jab. Buckley with some body shots. Buckley lands a left hand. Buckley with some body shots late. 10-9 Buckley.

Buckley landing more to start the second. Buckley with a high kick. Curtis lands a combo. Buckley lands a combo. Buckley with another combination. Curtis lands a high kick. Curtis drops Buckley with a big left hand and gets on top and lands some shots and Buckley goes out. What a finish by Curtis!

Official Result- Chris Curtis def. Joaquin Buckley by knockout (punches) at 2:49 of Round 2

> Middleweights- Edmen Shahbazyan (11-3, 4-3 UFC) vs. Dalcha Lungiambula (11-5, 2-4 UFC)

Shahbazyan landing punches and kicks to the body early on. Shahbazyan with more body shots. They trade leg kicks. Lungiambula with a big body kick. Shahbazyan lands some body kicks. They clinch against the fence. They break after both land a couple of body shots. Shahbazyan lands a body kick. Shahbazyan with a right hand. 10-9 Shahbazyan.

They trade to start the second. Both land punches and Lungiambula lands a low blow and we have a timeout. They get back to action and Lungiambula with a leg kick. Shahbazyan with a left hand. Lungiambula with a body kick. Shahbazyan with a body kick. Lungiambula with a left hand. They trade body kicks. They trade punches. Shahbazyan just misses a head kick. Shahbazyan with a jumping knee and Lungiambula is hurt. Shahbazyan with a flurry and he’s teeing off as Lungiambula is hurt against the fence. They go to the mat and Shahbazyan is landing from the top. Lots of shots from Shahbazyan and it is stopped. Big bounce back win for Shahbazyan.

Official Result- Edmen Shahbazyan def. Dalcha Lungiambula by TKO (strikes) at 4:41 of Round 2

> Heavyweights- #9 Jairzinho Rozenstruik (12-4, 6-4 UFC) vs. #11 Chris Daukaus (12-5, 4-2 UFC)

Rozenstruik rocks Daukaus with a left hand immediately and is landing big punches against the fence. Daukaus trying to get away and Rozenstruik drops him with a big punch and it is all over. What a finish from Rozenstruik!

Official Result- Jairzinho Rozenstruik def. Chris Daukaus by knockout (punches) at :23 of Round 1

> Bantamweights- Raul Rosas Jr. (6-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Jay Perrin (10-6, 0-2 UFC)

They’re trading to start. Rosas gets a couple of takedowns and is on the back. Rosas flattens Perrin out and is looking for a choke. Rosas with some punches from the back. He almost had the choke locked in but Perrin fought it off. Rosas has the body triangle as they stand. They go back down and Rosas still working for the choke and has it locked in and Perrin taps!

Official Result- Raul Rosas Jr. def. Jay Perrin by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:44 of Round 1

ESPN+ PPV MAIN CARD | 10 PM ET/7 PM PT

> Featherweights- #9 Bryce Mitchell (15-0, 6-0 UFC) vs. #14 Ilia Topuria (12-0, 4-0 UFC)

Mitchell throwing kicks to start. Topuria with a heavy calf kick. Topuria lands a heavy jab. Topuria lands a right hand. Topuria with a combo. Topuria lands another right hand. Mitchell with a high kick and then shoots for a takedown but Topuria stuffs it. Mitchell with a body kick. Mitchell grabs a single leg and pushes it against the fence. Mitchell gets it down for a moment. They break. Topuria with a right hand then another. Mitchell gets a takedown. Mitchell gets into the full guard of Topuria and lands some shots. Mitchell does end the first on top. 10-9 Topuria.

Mitchell moving forward to start round two and both land. Topuria lands a right hand. Mitchell attempts a takedown but Topuria stuffs. Topuria lands a right hand. Mitchell lands a head kick. Topuria drops Mitchell with a right hand after an uppercut. Topuria lands from the top but Mitchell works his way up. Topuria clips Mitchell with an uppercut and rag dolls him to the mat. Topuria lands from the top as he looks for a arm-triangle choke. He gets it locked in and Mitchell taps! Big win as Topuria remains undefeated.

Official Result- Ilia Topuria def. Bryce Mitchell by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 3:10 of Round 2

> Middleweights- #10 Darren Till (18-4-1, 6-4-1 UFC) vs. #14 Dricus Du Plessis (17-2, 3-0 UFC)

Till pressuring as Du Plessis lands a leg kick. Du Plessis gets a takedown and gets the back. Du Plessis with some left hands from the back. Du Plessis landing a lot of left hands. Du Plessis with some knees to the thighs. Du Plessis with more left hands. Du Plessis now landing right hands. Du Plessis looking to get it back down and does. Du Plessis has the back with the body triangle in. Du Plessis with big right hands from the back. Du Plessis looking for a rear-naked choke but lets go. Du Plessis still has the back ad is working. Till explodes to his feet and lands some punches and went for a choke but they scramble up. Du Plessis with the jab. Du Plessis slips on a kick and Till gets on top and lands some punches. Du Plessis scrambles and gets a late takedown. 10-8 Du Plessis.

Till lands some left hands and Du Plessis with a right hand. Till with a left hand. Till with a combination. Till with a leg kick. Till lands a hard elbow. Till lands a knee and Du Plessis is able to get a takedown. Till landing as he tries to scramble up. They get to their feet. Du Plessis is breathing heavy. Till lands another big elbow. Till with a left hand. Till with another combo. Till lands another elbow. Du Plessis tries a takedown and gets it and Du Plessis ends up on top. Du Plessis looking for a foot lock late but time runs out. 10-9 Till, 19-18 Du Plessis.

Till with the jab. Till with a combo. Du Plessis with a leg kick. Till with a left hand to the body. Du Plessis with a couple of kicks. Till with a left hand and Du Plessis lands a jab. We have a brief timeout for a groin strike. They trade jabs. Du Plessis gets a takedown right into mount and lands some shots from the top. He gets the back and locks in a quick rear-naked choke and Till taps! Finish out of nowhere from Du Plessis as he gets another win.

Official Result- Dricus Du Plessis def. Darren Till by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:43 of Round 3

> Welterweights- Santiago Ponzinibbio (28-6, 10-5 UFC) vs. Alex Morono (22-7 1 NC, 11-4 1 NC UFC)

Ponzinibbio lands the jab to the body. Morono lands a right hand. Ponzinibbio with a leg kick. Morono lands a right hand. They trade punches. Ponzinibbio lands a jab. Morono lands a right hand. Ponzinibbio lands a leg kick. They trade jabs. Ponzinibbio landing shots to the body. Ponzinibbio with a leg kick and he has a cut open. Morono lands a right hand. Ponzinibbio with a right hand and Morono lands a big right hand and they go to the mat and Morono lands from top and they get up at the end. 10-9 Morono.

They are trading jabs to start the second. Both are looking for openings and land leg kicks. Morono lands a leg kick and Ponzinibbio stumbles to the mat. Ponzinibbio just misses a left hand but lands a jab. Ponzinibbio lands a nice right hand. Ponzinibbio with a combo. Morono lands a spinning elbow. They trade right hands. Ponzinibbio lands a right hand. 10-9 Morono, 20-18 Morono.

Morono with a leg kick. Morono lands a few punches and has Ponzinibbio hurt. Ponzinibbio is retreating and Morono lands some more. Ponzinibbio is trying to recover. Ponzinibbio rocks Morono with a big right hand and then drops him with another right hand and it is over! Ponzinibbio gets the finish out of nowhere!

Official Result- Santiago Ponzinibbio def. Alex Morono by TKO (punches) at 2:29 of Round 3

> Lightweights- Paddy Pimblett (19-3, 3-0 UFC) vs. Jared Gordon (19-5, 7-4 UFC)

Pimblett with a combo and a high kick. Gordon lands a left hand. They trade leg kicks. They trade left hands. Pimblett with a high kick. Gordon with a couple of leg kicks. Gordon lands a combo. Pimblett with a leg kick. Gordon with a big right hand. Pimblett with a combination. They trade leg kicks. Pimblett with a head kick. Gordon lands a left hand. Pimblett with a combo. They trade big punches inside the pocket. Pimblett tries a takedown but Gordon ends up on top. Gordon ends the round on top. 10-9 Gordon.

Pimblett with a couple of leg kicks. Pimblett with a high kick. They trade punches. Pimblett with a body shot. Gordon lands a left hand and they are tied up against the fence. Gordon gets it down but Pimblett is working for a choke. They get to their feet. Gordon lands some body shots then a right hand as they separate. Pimblett lands a right hand. Gordon lands a left hook. They trade leg kicks and Gordon lands a right hand. Pimblett lands an uppercut. Pimblett with some knees and they break. Pimblett lands a nice right hand. We have a timeout for an eye poke. They get back to action and Pimblett lands a right hand and a body kick. 10-9 Gordon, 20-18 Gordon.

Gordon tries a takedown and puts Pimblett down face-first but Pimblett gets to a knee. Gordon trying hard for the takedown against the fence. Pimblett lands some elbows. They break. Gordon immediately grabs Pimblett against the fence. Gordon has the body lock but isn’t doing anything with it. Gordon gets the takedown and has the back but Pimblett scrambles up and has the back. Pimblett with some punches but we go to the finish here. 10-9 Gordon, 30-27 Gordon.

Official Result- Paddy Pimblett def. Jared Gordon by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> UFC Light Heavyweight Championship- #3 Jan Blachowicz (29-9, 12-6 UFC) vs. #4 Magomed Ankalaev (18-1, 9-1 UFC)

Blachowicz with a leg kick. Ankalaev with a left hand. Blachowicz is landing all leg kicks in the first two minutes. Ankalaev looking for an opening. Blachowicz with a left hand to the body. Ankalaev with a body kick then a high kick but Blachowicz blocks it. Ankalaev with some body kicks. Ankalaev with more front kicks to the body. They trade body kicks. 10-9 Ankalaev.

They trade body kicks. Blachowicz with a leg kick. He lands a combo. Blachowicz landing more leg kicks. Ankalaev lands a leg kick. Blachowicz lands a combo with a short uppercut. Blachowicz lands a jab. Blachowicz hurts Ankalaev with a leg kick. Blachowicz lands another leg kick and Ankalaev went to his knee in pain after but Ankalaev grabs the clinch against the fence. They separate. They clinch at the end. 10-9 Blachowicz, 19-19.

Blachowicz lands a leg kick. Blachowicz with a body kick then a leg kick. Ankalaev lands a right hand. Blachowicz with a body kick. Ankalaev lands a jab and Blachowicz with a leg kick. Ankalaev lands a left hand. Blachowicz with a head kick. Blachowicz with more hard leg kicks and Ankalaev is limping from them. Ankalaev lands a combo. Ankalaev tries a takedown but Blachowicz defends. They’re tied up against the fence. They break and Ankalaev pressing forward. We have a timeout for a groin strike. They get back to work and Ankalaev tries a takedown but Blachowicz is defending. Ankalaev gets it down late. 10-9 Blachowicz, 29-28 Blachowicz.

They clinch and Ankalaev lands a knee to the body. Ankalaev landing some body shots. They separate. Ankalaev gets a takedown and is in the guard of Blachowicz. Ankalaev gets the back and is keeping Blachowicz on the mat and is draining whatever Blachowicz has left in the gas tank. Ankalaev with a couple of left hands. Ankalaev with a big elbow from the top. Ankalaev with big shots from the top before he stands. 10-9 Ankalaev, 38-38.

Blachowicz falls to the mat early as he stumbles and Ankalaev is trying to get on top as he’s all over him. Ankalaev gets into the full guard of Blachowicz. Ankalaev lands from the top some but is keeping Blachowicz planted down. Ankalaev with some big punches from the top. He’s landing more and more with punches and a few elbows. Ankalaev is looking to get the finish. Ankalaev now in the half-guard and landing from the top. Ankalaev continues to land from the top as the fight ends. 10-9 Ankalaev, 48-47 Ankalaev.

Official Result- Jan Blachowicz vs. Magomed Ankalaev ends in a split draw (48-47, 46-48, 47-47, the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship remains vacant

MJF teases UFC 282 appearance after online confrontation with Paddy Pimblett

Posted on by Bryan Rose

MJF has teased appearing at UFC 282 on December 10 to confront Paddy Pimblett after the two exchanged words on social media.

“I wouldn’t be shocked if the AEW world champion shows up on Dec. 10 in Vegas,” MJF told Marc Raimondi of ESPN.

“I’m sick and tired of people talking about pro wrestling as if it’s some f—ing stunt show,” he continued. “The fact of the matter is Paddy ‘The Prima Donna’ Pimblett would not last two seconds in a professional wrestling ring with me. Maybe not even one. Pro wrestling is a dangerous, dangerous sport, and there is no one more dangerous than MJF. I can assure you when we come to London in 2023, if Paddy shows his face, he’s going to find out that a Scouser is no match for a Long Islander. Because I’m better than him and he knows it.”

The exchange between the two went down on Tuesday, with Pimblett telling MJF “if you wanna have a real fight let’s sort it out with the @ufc if not pipe down! Oh tell ur boss to sign me up when yous come to Fulham’s ground I be ready son.”

MJF later called Pimblett a “dollar store [Conor McGregor] talking, Will from [Stranger Things] looking ass” that “wouldn’t last two seconds in my world.”

Pimblett is scheduled to fight Jared Gordon at UFC 282 in Las Vegas. MJF won the AEW World Championship at Full Gear this past Saturday, defeating Jon Moxley.

UFC on ESPN+ 66 live results: Curtis Blaydes vs. Tom Aspinall

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC On ESPN+ 66: Blaydes vs. Aspinall, emanating from The O2 Arena in London, England.

The Octagon is back in London for the second time in a span of four months with another heavyweight main event and a stacked card overall with a bunch of English fighters looking to score big wins in front of a raucous crowd.

In the main event, it is a battle of heavyweight contenders looking to get a title shot as Curtis Blaydes takes on Tom Aspinall. Blaydes is coming in having won his last two fights, including a second-round knockout of Chris Daukaus in his last fight in March. Aspinall is headlining his second straight London show as he’s looking to extend an eight-fight win streak. He scored a first-round submission of Alexander Volkov in the headliner of the last London card in March.

In the co-main event, it is a middleweight battle as Jack Hermansson looks to get back into the win column against late replacement Chris Curtis, who has emerged as one of the best stories on the UFC roster over the last year. Curtis replaced Darren Till in this fight, taking it on about three weeks’ notice, and is looking to improve to 4-0 inside the Octagon.

Also on the main card is a lightweight battle between rising British superstar Paddy Pimblett and Jordan Leavitt, as well as a pair of light heavyweight fights as Nikita Krylov welcomes former title challenger Alexander Gustafsson back to the division, and Paul Craig takes on Volkan Oezdemir.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 12 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.

ESPN+ PRELIMS | 12 PM ET/9 AM PT

> Welterweights- Claudio Silva (14-3, 5-2 UFC) vs. Nicolas Dalby (19-4-1 2 NC, 3-4-1 1 NC UFC)

They clinch up against the fence as Silva looks for the takedown. Silva scores on the takedown and passes to the half-guard and then to the full mount. Silva not doing much from the top. Silva lands some punches as Dalby is trying to get out from the bottom. Dalby with some body punches from the bottom. Silva trying to get the back as he has an arm trapped. Silva with some punches from the top. Silva gets back to the half-guard and pressures and lands. 10-9 Silva.

Silva with a body kick and they trade punches. Dalby lands a nice leg kick then Silva gets a big takedown. They get to their feet but Silva has the back and the body triangle as he drags it back down. Silva trying to find a choke but Dalby defending. Dalby is able to turn into the guard of Silva. Dalby with some right hands from the top. He’s landing some short left hands. They get to their feet and Silva tries a desperate takedown but fails. Silva is gassed. Dalby lands some punches and defends a takedown attempt from Silva. Dalby lands a right hand. Dalby with a left hook. Dalby with a quick flurry. Dalby with some knees against the fence. He lands some more. They break and Dalby with a big right hand. Dalby with a head kick. 10-9 Dalby, 19-19.

Dalby landing the jab to start the third. Silva tries for a takedown but Dalby reverses ad is in the guard of Silva. Dalby with some elbows from the top. Dalby still landing from the top as Silva is trying to throw his legs up but seems to be more holding on than anything. They get to their feet. Silva lands a body kick. Dalby lands a combo. Dalby lands a left hand. Silva gets a takedown. Dalby looking for an omaplata as he’s escaping from the bottom but Silva retains top position. Silva lands a couple of right hands but they scramble up. Close last round. 10-9 Dalby, 29-28 Dalby.

Official Result- Nicolas Dalby def. Claudio Silva by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27)

> Women’s Flyweights- Mandy Bohm (7-1 1 NC, 0-1 UFC) vs. Victoria Leonardo (8-4, 0-2 UFC)

Leonardo lands some punches and they clinch. Leonardo with some knees as she has the body lock. They switch positions. They switch again and Leonardo with some short knees then they separate. They trade punches and kicks but neither landing with a lot of volume. Leonardo gets the takedown. They get up and Leonardo has it pressed against the fence at the end of the round. 10-9 Leonardo.

Leonardo with a right hand. They trade punches and Leonardo grabs the body looking for the takedown but Bohm keeps it on the feet. They’re battling for position in the clinch and Bohm lands an elbow. They remain tied up and Leonardo lands some knees and Bohm with an elbow as they break. Leonardo with a jab. They trade punches. Leonardo lands a combo then a right hand. They tie up against the fence. They trade knees. They’re separated by the referee. Leonardo lands a combo. Leonardo lands a right hand. They clinch at the end. 10-9 Leonardo, 20-18 Leonardo.

They trade in a quick flurry to start the third. They clinch against the fence and both battling for underhooks and looking for position. Leonardo with the knees and they break. Leonardo lands a combo. Leonardo with a side kick. Bohm lands an elbow as they tie up and Leonardo lands to the body before breaking. They clinch against the fence as Leonardo went for a takedown. They trade knees and Leonardo gets the takedown. Leonardo lands from the top. 10-9 Leonardo, 30-27 Leonardo.

Official Result- Victoria Leonardo def. Mandy Bohm by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Lightweights- Jai Herbert (11-4, 1-3 UFC) vs. Kyle Nelson (13-4, 1-3 UFC)

They trade kicks then trade punches to get things started. Nelson with a body kick then a calf kick. Nelson with a leg kick. Herbert with a body kick but Nelson grabs the leg and pushes it against the fence looking for the takedown. They remain tied up against the fence. Herbert reverses position and lands some knees but Nelson lands a big elbow. Herbert with some knees as they remain clinched against the fence. They break and Nelson with a body kick. Nelson with a leg kick. 10-9 Nelson.

Herbert with the jab and Nelson with a leg kick. They trade kicks. They trade hard leg kicks. They continue to trade kicks. They clinch against the fence. They both battle for position as both land some shots. Nelson lands an elbow. Herbert with a knee. He lands a couple more knees. They break and Nelson with a body kick. They trade punches. They clinch at the end. Close round. 10-9 Nelson, 20-18 Nelson.

They trade to start the third and Herbert gets the takedown. Herbert working from the top. Herbert landing punches from the top. They get to their feet and remain clinched against the fence. They battle for the underhooks. They trade at the end. Close fight. 10-9 Herbert, 29-28 Nelson.

Official Result- Jai Herbert def. Kyle Nelson by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Flyweights- Muhammad Mokaev (6-0 1 NC, 1-0 UFC) vs. Charles Johnson (11-2, 0-0 UFC)

Mokaev pressing forward and landing early and Johnson slips. Mokaev with a leg kick. Mokaev gets a brief takedown but they pop up and Mokaev still has the back near the fence. Mokaev gets a slam but they pop up and Mokaev still has the back. Mokaev gets another takedown but they pop up and Mokaev is still trying for the takedown and Johnson is wearing down from defending. 10-9 Mokaev.

They trade kicks and Mokaev misses a spinning back fist. Mokaev shoots for a takedown against the fence. Mokaev gets it and Johnson lands some elbows to the body from the bottom. They get up and Mokaev ends up getting the back on the feet and drags it back down. Mokaev working from the top and transitioning positions but is in the guard of Johnson. Mokaev in side control and he stands and gets back in the guard while Johnson was throwing upkicks. 10-9 Mokaev, 20-18 Mokaev.

Johnson with a leg kick. Johnson with a body kick and Mokaev gets it down briefly but they stand and Mokaev still working for the takedown. They stand and Mokaev has the back. Mokaev gets it back down but they stand and Mokaev lands a German suplex but they get back up and Mokaev still has the back. Mokaev still working for the takedown against the fence. He gets it near the end. 10-9 Mokaev, 30-27 Mokaev.

Official Result- Muhammad Mokaev def. Charles Johnson by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Featherweights- Makwan Amirkhani (17-7, 7-5 UFC) vs. Jonathan Pearce (12-4, 3-1 UFC)

They trade leg kicks early. Amirkhani shoots for the takedown and Pearce defends with elbows and Amirkhani is still looking for it. Pearce landing lots of elbows and Amirkhani is cut open. Amirkhani gets the takedown. They get up and Amirkhani drags it back down. They get up and again Amirkhani drags it back down as he has the back. Pearce with some back elbows. Pearce is now on top but Amirkhani has the neck. They get up and trade punches. Amirkhani gets a takedown but Pearce has the arm and they scramble up. Pearce lands some more elbows. More elbows to the side of the head by Pearce. 10-9 Pearce.

Pearce with some body kicks to start the second. Amirkhani lands a solid right hand. Amirkhani with a couple of right hooks and an uppercut and Pearce lands a big right hand and scores a takedown. They scramble and Pearce grabs the fence intentionally and it helped him stay on top. Pearce landing knees to the body and punches and elbows to the head. They get to their feet. Pearce gets a takedown and is landing punches and elbows from the top. Pearce landing more shots and is looking for the finish. Pearce keeps landing and it is stopped. Big win for Pearce as he gets the stoppage.

Official Result- Jonathan Pearce def. Makwan Amirkhani by TKO (punches) at 4:10 of Round 2

> Featherweights- Nathaniel Wood (17-5, 4-2 UFC) vs. Charles Rosa (14-7, 5-7 UFC)

Rosa with a leg kick that Wood checks. Wood with a combo and ends with a nice right hand. Wood with a calf kick then a combo. Wood with a right hand and Rosa grabs the single leg looking for the takedown. Rosa with a body kick. Rosa with a leg kick. Wood lands a right hand. Wood with a calf kick and Rosa slips and rolls backwards. Wood with some big combinations and he’s landing cleanly on Rosa. Wood landing some nice calf kicks. They clinch and Rosa lands a groin strike and we have a timeout. They get back to action and trade leg kicks. Rosa gets a takedown and is on top but not doing much. Rosa looking for the neck and a D’Arce choke but Wood escapes and Rosa lands an elbow at the end. 10-9 Wood.

Rosa lands a high kick and some leg kicks as Wood is pressuring. Wood with a left hook. They trade and Wood is landing more punches and lands some nice calf kicks and Rosa goes down for a moment but gets up. Wood lands a combo then another calf kick which makes Rosa fall to the mat. Wood with a left hook. Wood lands the jab. Rosa lands a left hand. Rosa with a leg kick but Wood ends up tripping him down for the takedown but lets Rosa get up. Wood lands more punches and kicks at the end of the second. 10-9 Wood, 20-18 Wood.

Rosa with a leg kick and Wood lands a right hand and Rosa tries to pull guard. Wood lands a leg kick and Rosa slips to the mat but gets up. Rosa tries a takedown but Wood defends. They’re trading punches and Wood lands another leg kick that causes Rosa to fall to the mat. He gets up. They’re in close and Rosa lands some knees as Wood lands a sharp elbow. Rosa with a leg kick. Wood with a leg kick and Rosa goes down and tries for a takedown at the same time. Wood gets to his feet and lets Rosa up. Wood with a leg kick and Rosa falls down and gets up. Wood with a right hand. Rosa tries for a takedown and gets it but the fight ends. 10-9 Wood, 30-27 Wood.

Official Result- Nathaniel Wood def. Charles Rosa by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)

> Lightweights- Marc Diakiese (15-5, 6-5 UFC) vs. Damir Hadzovic (14-6, 4-4 UFC)

Diakiese gets the early takedown and is in the guard of Hadzovic. Diakiese with some body punches from the top. Diakiese is looking to set up and arm-triangle choke as he continues to land some punches from the top. Diakiese continues to land from the top as Hadzovic is able to work his way up. Diakiese drags it back down as Hadzovic looked to grab the fence to defend. Diakiese gets back on top and is landing body punches. A dominant round from Diakiese. 10-8 Diakiese.

Hadzovic with a leg kick. Diakiese shoots for the takedown and pushes it against the fence. Diakiese gets the takedown and is in the half-guard of Hadzovic. Diakiese still working from the top. Diakiese lands a couple of left hands. They get to their feet and Diakiese has the back and trips it back down. Diakiese still working from the top but not a lot of action. They get stood up after a clash of heads and Hadzovic has a cut opened up. They get back to action and Hadzovic goes for the takedown but Diakiese defends and grabs the neck and lands some punches as they break. Diakiese with a late combo. 10-9 Diakiese, 20-17 Diakiese.

Diakiese lands a leg kick and goes for the takedown. Hadzovic defends but then Diakiese ends up scoring the takedown against the fence. Diakiese working from the top. Diakiese with body punches from the top and is doing enough to keep it on the mat but there isn’t tons of action going on. They stand late and Diakiese with a cartwheel kick and late takedown. 10-9 Diakiese, 30-26 Diakiese.

Official Result- Marc Diakiese def. Damir Hadzovic by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)

> Lightweights- Mason Jones (11-1 1 NC, 1-1 1 NC UFC) vs. Ludovit Klein (18-4, 2-2 UFC)

Jones with a body kick. Klein with a left hand. They clinch against the fence and Jones lands a right hand as they break. They clinch again and trade knees. They break and Klein with a left hand. Klein lands a high kick. They trade punches. Klein lands a body kick. Klein with a jumping head kick. They trade late. Fun round. 10-9 Klein.

They trade and Klein drops Jones with a combo and gets on top and is landing from the top. Klein working from the top and landing punches and they end up getting to their feet. They’re clinched against the fence and Jones is landing knees and working for the takedown. They break and Klein looks for a takedown and they press up against the fence. Jones looks for the single leg but Klein lands punches. 10-9 Klein, 20-18 Klein.

They clinch against the fence but break. Klein gets a takedown and is working in the guard of Jones. Klein still working from the top and landing some body punches. Klein stands and looks to transition but goes back into the guard of Jones. Klein gets the back and looks for the hooks but they end up getting on their feet. They trade at the end. 10-9 Klein, 30-27 Klein.

Official Result- Ludovit Klein def. Mason Jones by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

ESPN+ MAIN CARD | 3 PM ET/12 PM PT

> Light Heavyweights- #8 Paul Craig (16-4-1, 8-4-1 UFC) vs. #9 Volkan Oezdemir (17-6, 5-5 UFC)

They clinch up and Craig pulled guard but Oezdemir escaped and they remain clinched up against the fence. Craig tries to pull guard again and grabs the leg and looks for a kneebar and a heel hook. Craig looks to almost have it but Oezdemir escapes and they stand. They tie up and Craig pulls guard again but Oezdemir lands some left hands from the top. They end up getting to their feet. Craig looks for the takedown but Oezdemir defends and lands some elbows. Craig with a leg kick and Oezdemir lands a combo and Craig tries to pull guard but gets up. Craig keeps trying to pull guard but Oezdemir is slipping away each time. Oezdemir with a leg kick. Craig with a left hand and a head kick. 10-9 Oezdemir.

Craig tries a head kick and then again tries to pull guard but Oezdemir is staying on his feet and Craig is ordered up. Craig lands a right hand. They trade leg kicks. Craig with a spin kick and tried to pull guard again but Craig got up and is landing a flurry on Oezdemir. They get to their feet and trade right hands and leg kicks. Craig tries a takedown and they go to the mat with Oezdemir in the guard. Oezdemir stands and Craig is ordered up. Oezdemir with a leg kick. Craig with a combo. Craig with a spinning elbow and Oezdemir lands a right hand. Oezdemir with a combo and Craig goes to the mat and Oezdemir lands a shot from the top before they stand. Oezdemir lands a right hand and Craig again pulls guard. Oezdemir with some punches from the top. 10-9 Oezdemir, 20-18 Oezdemir.

They trade kicks early in the third. Oezdemir with a right hand. They trade in close range and Oezdemir hurts Craig with an uppercut. They go to the mat and Oezdemir with some punches from the top. Craig tried for an armbar but Oezdemir escapes and they stand. Oezdemir with a leg kick and they go back to the mat. They get to their feet and Oezdemir lands a left hook as Craig was getting up. They trade and Craig tries to pull guard again. They stand. Craig with a right hand. Craig lands some punches and Oezdemir tried for a takedown but Craig defended. Oezdemir lands and Craig tries to grab the leg on the mat but is ordered up. Oezdemir lands late. 10-9 Oezdemir, 30-27 Oezdemir.

Official Result- Volkan Oezdemir def. Paul Craig by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Women’s Flyweights- Molly McCann (12-4, 5-3 UFC) vs. Hannah Goldy (6-2, 1-2 UFC)

McCann lands a quick combo with a right hand. Goldy lands a knee in a brief clinch followed by a right hand. McCann with an overhand right. McCann with a leg kick followed by a right hand. Goldy tries for a takedown as she pushes it against the fence. Goldy trying hard for the takedown but McCann defending well. They separate. Goldy tries again for the single leg and McCann lands a right hand. McCann lands a big right hand and a spinning elbow and is landing big shots as Goldy goes down and more punches on the mat ends it. What a finish by McCann!

Official Result- Molly McCann def. Hannah Goldy by TKO (strikes) at 3:52 of Round 1

> Light Heavyweights- #11 Nikita Krylov (27-9, 8-7 UFC) vs. Alexander Gustafsson (18-7, 10-7 UFC)

They trade and Krylov drops Gustafsson with a right hand. They get up and Krylov landing big punches and Gustafsson is trying to survive. Gustafsson gets the clinch and they break. Krylov with a right hand. Krylov lands a leg kick. Gustafsson grabs the leg and Krylov lands an uppercut and Gustafsson goes down and more punches from Krylov ends it. Impressive showing from Krylov.

Official Result- Nikita Krylov def. Alexander Gustafsson by knockout (punches) at 1:07 of Round 1

> Lightweights- Paddy Pimblett (18-3, 2-0 UFC) vs. Jordan Leavitt (10-1, 3-1 UFC)

Pimblett with a right hand. Leavitt drops for a takedown and they’re clinched. Leavitt gets the brief takedown but they’re up and clinched. Leavitt picks Pimblett up and slams him down but Pimblett has the neck. Leavitt punches the leg and Pimblett adjusts and looks to get it tighter but Leavitt is out for now. They scramble to their feet. Leavitt has the body lock and has it pushed against the fence. They’re in a funky position and Pimblett almost had a reverse triangle in and lands some elbows as they get to their feet. They scramble down and Pimblett has the back late and lands some punches to end the round strong. 10-9 Pimblett.

Leavitt with some push kicks. Pimblett with a right hand. Leavitt lands a right hand. Leavitt pushes it against the fence as he looks for the takedown. Pimblett looking for a D’Arce choke as they’re on the feet and lands a knee and Leavitt falls to the mat. Pimblett has the back with the arm trapped and is landing punches. Pimblett locks in the rear-naked choke and Leavitt taps! Big finish for Pimblett!

Official Result- Paddy Pimblett def. Jordan Leavitt by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:46 of Round 2

> Middleweights- #8 Jack Hermansson (22-7, 9-5 UFC) vs. Chris Curtis (29-8, 3-0 UFC)

Hermansson lands a leg kick. Curtis lands some punches. Hermansson with a side kick. Hermansson with another leg kick. They trade in close range. Hermansson with more leg kicks and both are looking for openings. Curtis with a left hand to the body. Hermansson with some short leg kicks. Hermansson landing more as the round ends. 10-9 Hermansson.

They trading in close and Hermansson keeps throwing kicks as Curtis is looking for an opening on the inside. Hermansson with a body kick. Hermansson keeps throwing kicks to stay out of the range of Curtis and Curtis is getting frustrated. Hermansson showing a great gameplan. Hermansson with a body kick and he circles away. Hermansson with a combo as he backs Curtis against the fence. Hermansson landing a flurry with downward elbows as Curtis is covering up. Curtis is able to slip away and they circle to the center. Hermansson with a high kick. Hermansson with a leg kick then the jab. Hermansson with a push kick to the body. Curtis lands a left hand. Hermansson with a body kick. Curtis with a left hand to the body. 10-9 Hermansson, 20-18 Hermansson.

Hermansson with some leg kicks. Hermansson continuing to land kicks mixing to the legs and body. Hermansson landing high kicks and Curtis with a right hand to the body. We have a timeout for a groin strike. They get back to action and Hermansson lands a body kick. They continue to trade and Hermansson landing with more volume. They trade kicks. Curtis flips Hermansson off right before the bell rings for the end. 10-9 Hermansson, 30-27 Hermansson.

Official Result- Jack Hermansson def. Chris Curtis by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Heavyweights- #4 Curtis Blaydes (16-3 1 NC, 11-3 1 NC UFC) vs. #6 Tom Aspinall (12-2, 5-0 UFC)

Blaydes with some body punches. Aspinall lands a leg kick as Blaydes lands a combo and Aspinall lands on his knee weird and immediately goes down holding his knee and the fight is stopped. Yet another injury ending a UFC main event early. Blaydes gets the win.

Official Result- Curtis Blaydes def. Tom Aspinall by TKO (injury) at :15 of Round 1

UFC on ESPN+ 62 live results: Alexander Volkov vs. Tom Aspinall

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC On ESPN+ 62: Volkov vs. Aspinall, emanating from The O2 Arena in London, England.

After three years, the Octagon makes a long-awaited return to England with a loaded card including a heavyweight main event featuring a veteran looking to get back into the title picture battling a young prospect looking to break into the title picture, and a deep card overall.

Alexander Volkov will be going for his second straight win as he takes on Tom Aspinall, winner of seven straight, in the five-round headline bout. Volkov is no stranger to headlining UFC events and comes into this fight off a decision win over Marcin Tybura in October. Aspinall is in his first main event slot in his fifth UFC appearance as he looks to improve to 5-0 inside the Octagon and possibly move into the top five at heavyweight.

In the co-main event, Arnold Allen puts his ten-fight win streak on the line as he welcomes Dan Hooker back to the featherweight division. Also on the main card is Paddy Pimblett’s first UFC bout in his home country as he takes on Kazula Vargas, Gunnar Nelson returns for the first time since 2019 against Takashi Sato, and lightweights Jai Herbert and Ilia Topuria battle in the main card opener.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 1:30 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.

ESPN+ PRELIMS | 1:30 PM ET/10:30 AM PT

> Flyweights- Muhammad Mokaev (6-0 1 NC, 0-0 UFC) vs. Cody Durden (12-3-1, 1-1-1 UFC)

Mokaev is making his UFC debut and he’s touted as one of the best prospects in the sport at 21-years-old. Mokaev with a body kick. Mokaev lands a jumping knee and Durden goes down. Mokaev grabs him and takes him down and has the neck and a choke locked in and Durden taps! What a debut from Mokaev as he gets the quick stoppage.

Official Result- Muhammad Mokaev def. Cody Durden by submission (guillotine choke) at :58 of Round 1

> Women’s Strawweights- Cory McKenna (6-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Elise Reed (4-1, 0-1 UFC)

Reed lands an overhand right to start. They trade in close range. McKenna pressing forward looking to land. Reed using leg kicks to keep a distance and lands a right hand. Reed with a leg kick. They trade punches and McKenna backs Reed up with a right hand. They trade in a wild exchange. Reed with a right hand. Reed lands a left hand and McKenna shoots for a takedown and puts it against the fence. McKenna trying hard for the takedown and is able to pick Reed up and put her on the mat. McKenna with a right hand from the top in the guard. Reed throwing from the bottom. McKenna with some shots from the top and lands a big elbow before they stand. Reed lands a right hand when they stand. Reed with a side kick and McKenna with a right hand. Close round. 10-9 McKenna.

They’re trading to start the second and Reed is finding a home for the right hand. Reed lands a left hand and then a combo. McKenna is staying out of range for the most part. McKenna lands some punches as Reed was rushing in. McKenna with a right hand. Reed lands a left hand. Reed lands a nice combination. Reed lands another combo. Reed with another combo. Reed with more punches and then a leg kick. They trade and Reed lands a nice right hand. McKenna tries for a late takedown and gets it with about five seconds to go. 10-9 Reed, 19-19.

Reed lands a combo to start the third. Reed with a leg kick. Reed pressing forward and McKenna gets a takedown. McKenna with some shots from the top landing punches and elbows. McKenna pressuring from the top as she’s working in the guard of Reed. They get to their feet. Reed lands some big punches that stumble McKenna back. McKenna then lands a right hand. Reed lands a right hand. McKenna trying for a late takedown and lands an elbow to finish. Close fight. 10-9 McKenna, 29-28 McKenna.

Official Result- Elise Reed def. Cory McKenna by split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)

> Bantamweights- Jack Shore (15-0, 4-0 UFC) vs. Timur Valiev (18-2 1 NC, 2-0 1 NC UFC)

They trade leg kicks to start. Shore landing high kicks. Shore lands a leg kick as Valiev lands a right hand. Valiev with a leg kick. They trade in close range. Shore with a leg kick and Valiev grabs him and pushes it against the fence. We have timeout for a groin strike. They get back to action and trade leg kicks. Valiev with more leg kicks. Valiev gets a takedown. They get right back up. They trade and both landing some wild shots. Valiev with a heavy leg kick. Valiev with a body kick. 10-9 Valiev.

Shore with some kicks to start and gets a takedown. Valiev works his way up and they break the clinch. Valiev with a combo against the fence. Valiev gets a takedown. Valiev is pressuring from the top but neither landing. They scramble to their feet and Shore with some right hands. They break. Shore with a body kick. Shore lands a jab. Valiev with a jab. Shore with a right hand. Shore lands a hard combination. Valiev with a leg kick. Shore pressures against the fence as they clinch. Shore gets a brief takedown and lands a knee to the body as they stand. Valiev gets a takedown. Shore scrambles up and has the advantage against the fence. Close round. 10-9 Shore, 19-19.

Shore drops Valiev to start the third and gets on the back and is landing punches. They get to the feet and break. Valiev lands an elbow. Shore with the jab and a body kick. Shore grabs the leg and gets a takedown and Valiev is looking for a guillotine choke. Shore is fighting off the choke and escapes and has the half-guard and lands some elbows. They get to their feet. Valiev tries to land a knee but Shore grabs it and pushes it against the fence. They break. Shore with a combination. Valiev with a leg kick. Valiev lands a nice left hand. They trade punches. Shore drops Valiev again with a left hand but Valiev is able to get up. Shore lands more big punches. Shore gets a takedown and lands some punches from the top. Valiev trying for an armbar but time runs out. Really fun and good fight. 10-9 Shore, 29-28 Shore.

Official Result- Jack Shore def. Timur Valiev by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27)

> Light Heavyweights- #9 Nikita Krylov (27-8, 8-6 UFC) vs. #11 Paul Craig (15-4-1, 7-4-1 UFC)

Krylov with a front kick and lands some right hands as Craig grabbed the leg. They got to the mat and Krylov is on top and landing some big right hands. Krylov working in the half-guard and landing. Krylov postures up and lands some big punches that landed flush on Craig. Krylov gets back into the guard of Craig. Craig tried to find a triangle or armbar but Krylov got to side control for a moment. Krylov stands and lands some more right hands before getting back into Craig’s guard. Craig gets the triangle choke locked in and Krylov taps! Wow, what a comeback!

Official Result- Paul Craig def. Nikita Krylov by submission (triangle choke) at 3:57 of Round 1

> Heavyweights- #10 Shamil Abdurakhimov (20-6, 5-4 UFC) vs. Sergei Pavlovich (14-1, 2-1 UFC)

It starts off slow in the first minute as Abdurakhimov lands a leg kick. They trade close punches and Abdurakhimov with a leg kick. Pavlovich with some punches inside the pocket and Abdurakhimov retreats a little. They’re still feeling each other out and Pavlovich drops Abdurakhimov with a right hand and starts to pound away on the mat and it is stopped. What a finish by Pavlovich.

Official Result- Sergei Pavlovich def. Shamil Abdurakhimov by TKO (punches) at 4:03 of Round 1

> Featherweights- Mike Grundy (12-3, 1-2 UFC) vs. Makwan Amirkhani (16-7, 6-5 UFC)

Grundy lands a right hand and goes for the takedown but Amirkhani grabs the neck. Amirkhani is looking for the choke as he’s rolling. Grundy is trying to fight it off. Amirkhani has it locked in and Grundy goes out cold! Wow, what a finish by Amirkhani.

Official Result- Makwan Amirkhani def. Mike Grundy by submission (D’Arce choke) at :57 of Round 1

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> Lightweights- Jai Herbert (11-3, 1-2 UFC) vs. #15 (FW) Ilia Topuria (11-0, 3-0 UFC)

Herbert throwing punches early on and Topuria counters. Herbert drops Topuria with a head kick but Topuria gets up and grabs the leg and gets the takedown but they stand. Topuria with pressure against the fence as he looks to get it down. Topuria trying for the takedown but Herbert is grabbing the fence in plain sight, but Topuria is able to complete the takedown. Topuria is in side control but Herbert gets him inside the guard. Topuria working from the top and they stand and break. Topuria lands a combo. Herbert lands a shot that knocks Topuria’s mouth piece out. Herbert with a big right hand. 10-9 Herbert.

Herbert with a body kick but Topuria lands an overhand right. They start to trade in close range and Topuria lands a left to the body and then a right hand to the chin that knocks Herbert out cold. That was a brutal knockout from Topuria.

Official Result- Ilia Topuria def. Jai Herbert by knockout (punch) at 1:07 of Round 2

> Women’s Flyweights- Molly McCann (11-4, 4-3 UFC) vs. Luana Carolina (8-2, 3-1 UFC)

McCann throwing bombs early and rocks Carolina with a right hand. McCann going for the finish as she has Carolina in trouble but Carolina circles away. McCann still throwing punches as Carolina is trying to escape. They clinch against the fence. They break after McCann tried a spinning elbow. McCann lands a left hand. McCann still throwing and landing big punches. She unloads with a flurry against the fence as Carolina is covering up and surviving. They clinch and Carolina with a knee. McCann with a big right hand late. 10-9 McCann.

McCann clinches up against the fence but they break. Carolina with some leg kicks. McCann gets a takedown and is in side control and landing punches. They stand and break and both are landing. Carolina lands a leg kick. McCann with some punches and gets a big takedown late. 10-9 McCann, 20-18 McCann.

They’re trading to start round three. Carolina throwing kicks. They clinch up but break. Carolina with some leg kicks and lands some punches. McCann then lands a spinning elbow that knocks Carolina out cold. What a finish by McCann, just an absolutely incredible knockout.

Official Result- Molly McCann def. Luana Carolina by knockout (spinning elbow) at 1:52 of Round 3

> Welterweights- Gunnar Nelson (17-5-1, 8-5 UFC) vs. Takashi Sato (16-4, 2-2 UFC)

Sato with a leg kick. Nelson with a body kick. They’re still feeling each other out. Nelson gets Sato and takes him down and has the back. Nelson landing punches from the back. Nelson with more punches from the back as the round ends. 10-9 Nelson.

Nelson with a right hand and a body kick. Nelson lands a nice right hand. Nelson lands a body kick. Nelson gets a takedown. Nelson works to the back of Sato. Nelson with punches from the back as the round ends. 10-9 Nelson, 20-18 Nelson.

They clinch right away but not much happens before they break. Sato with a left hand. Nelson gets a takedown and has the back with the hooks in. Nelson with some punches from the back. Nelson with shots to the head and body from the back. Nelson looking for a choke but has a neck crank in. Nelson continuing to land punches. Nelson still looking for the choke as he lands punches and it looks like Sato is going to survive until the end. 10-9 Nelson, 30-27.

Official Result- Gunnar Nelson def. Takashi Sato by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

> Lightweights- Paddy Pimblett (17-3, 1-0 UFC) vs. Kazula Vargas (12-4, 1-2 UFC)

Vargas lands some punches early and they go to the mat with Vargas on top. Vargas landing from the top. They get to their feet but are clinched against the fence. Pimblett gets a takedown. He gets the back and is looking for a choke while landing some punches. He’s got a rear-naked choke almost locked in. He’s squeezing and Vargas taps! What a win for Pimblett in his home country.

Official Result- Paddy Pimblett def. Kazula Vargas by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:49 of Round 1

> Featherweights- #7 Arnold Allen (17-1, 8-0 UFC) vs. #8 (LW) Dan Hooker (21-11, 11-7 UFC)

Hooker pressing forward and lands some punches early. Allen with some leg kicks. Allen lands some big punches that crack Hooker. Hooker now landing punches that hurt Allen. They are now throwing back-and-forth and both landing and hurting each other. Allen with a combo. Hooker coming forward and throwing the jab. Allen with a left hand that hurts Hooker and he’s swarming on him and landing against the fence and it is stopped. What a finish by Allen.

Official Result- Arnold Allen def. Dan Hooker by TKO (punches) at 2:33 of Round 1

> Heavyweights- #6 Alexander Volkov (34-9, 8-3 UFC) vs. #11 Tom Aspinall (11-2, 4-0 UFC)

Aspinall lands some leg kicks early and they trade punches. Aspinall gets a takedown and is in the half-guard. Aspinall landing from the top. They get to their feet and Aspinall with some knees to the body before they break. Volkov lands a right hand. Aspinall with a leg kick and a right hand. Aspinall ducks under a right hand and scores a takedown. He’s looking for an arm and gets a kimura locked in and Volkov taps as his elbow pops. What a performance from Aspinall to get the win.

Official Result- Tom Aspinall def. Alexander Volkov by submission (straight armlock) at 3:45 of Round 1