Tag: paulo costa

UFC 302 live results: Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier lightweight title fight

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The UFC kicks off a busy five-event month of June with tonight’s UFC 302 from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

In the main event, UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, also the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC, defends against former interim UFC lightweight champion Dustin Poirier in a highly anticipated bout. Makhachev enters his third title defense on a 13-fight win streak, while Poirier looks to stamp a Hall of Fame career by becoming an undisputed UFC champion.

The co-main event will also be a five-round bout as former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland battles former title challenger Paulo Costa. Strickland returns for the first time since losing the his title to Dricus Du Plessis in January while Costa is also looking to get back into the win column.

The main card will featured a middleweight bout pitting Kevin Holland against Michal Oleksiejczuk, and a pair of welterweight fights as Niko Price takes on Alex Morono while Randy Brown fights Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos.

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

>Flyweights*- Mitch Raposo (9-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Andre Lima (8-0, 1-0 UFC)

*Lima missed weight by four pounds

Lima lands a leg kick before they start feeling each other out. Lima lands two more hard leg kicks. Raposo with a left hand. Lima with another leg kick and Raposo lands a couple of quick punches. Lima with two more leg kicks as he’s mixing which legs he attacks. Lima lands a knee up the middle to Raposo’s body then lands a leg kick. Lima with more leg kicks. Lima with another leg kick. He lands another that spins Raposo around. Raposo unable to connect much and Lima lands a hard body kick. Raposo lands a right hand. Lima with another leg kick then a high body kick. 10-9 Lima.

Lima pressing forward but misses a couple of kick attempts as Raposo misses a right hand. Lima with a high kick. They trade punches. Lima with a leg kick. Raposo with a right hand to the body. They trade and we have a timeout for an eye poke. They quickly get back to action and Raposo lands a left hook. Lima back to landing leg kicks. Lima with more leg kicks and there might have been another eye poke but timeout isn’t called. Raposo is able to get a takedown but Lima gets up, though he grabbed the fence. 10-9 Lima, 20-18 Lima.

Lima lands a leg kick. Raposo lands a straight right hand. Lima with a leg kick and Raposo lands a combo, but Lima was covering up. Lima with a hard body kick. Lima lands another body kick. Lima lands a stiff jab. Lima with a leg kick. Raposo lands a combination. Lima lands a leg kick. They trade punches. Lima with a leg kick and Raposo goes to the mat for a brief moment. They trade late. 10-9 Lima, 30-27 Lima.

Official Result- Andre Lima def. Mitch Raposo by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)

>Women’s Bantamweights- Ailin Perez (9-2, 2-1 UFC) vs. Joselyne Edwards (13-5, 4-3 UFC)

They trade kicks and Perez looks for a takedown but they clinch against the fence. Edwards with a knee to the body and Perez is able to get a headlock takedown. They get to their feet and Perez lands a knee on the way up. Perez gets it back down. Edwards reverses and sweeps to the top. Perez reverses back to the top and then they start rolling and reversing before Perez ends up back on top. They get to their feet but Perez is able to get it back down. Perez with an elbow from the top. Edwards reverses back to the top. 10-9 Perez.

They trade to start. Perez looks for a takedown but Edwards grabs the neck. She looks for a guillotine choke but uses it as defense to end up on top on the ground. Edwards lands to the body. Edwards with a headbutt from the top and there is a timeout. They get back to action and Perez drops Edwards with a spinning back fist. Edwards gets up and they clinch. Perez gets a takedown and looks for an armbar but Edwards escapes and ends up on top inside the guard of Perez. Edwards ends the round on top. 10-9 Perez, 20-18 Perez.

Edwards lands a body kick. Edwards lands a right hand and they clinch. They’re battling for position against the fence. Perez gets a takedown but they get right to their feet and separate. Perez with a leg kick and Edwards lands an uppercut to the body. They trade leg kicks and Perez gets a late takedown. 10-9 Perez, 30-27 Perez.

Official Result- Ailin Perez def. Joselyne Edwards by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

>Welterweights- Mickey Gall (7-5, 6-5 UFC) vs. Bassil Hafez (8-4-1, 0-1 UFC)

Hafez lands a right hand. Hafez with a leg kick. Gall lands a left hand. Hafez lands an overhand right. Hafez lands a big right hand and follows with a left hook. Hafez with another right hand. Gall with a right hand to the body. Gall lands a jab. Hafez with a jab and a left hook followed by a right hand. Hafez with a left hook and leg kick. Hafez with a combination. Gall tags Hafez with a right hand. Gall lands a combo after Hafez taunts him. 10-9 Hafez.

Gall lands a jab. Hafez with a right hand. Gall lands a right hand. Gall with a body kick. Hafez clips Gall with a left hand and Gall is circling around. Hafez with a high kick. They both miss on winding punches. They trade right hands. Gall lands a right hand to the body followed by a jab. Gall scores a brief takedown before Hafez scrambles up. Gall lands a double jab then a big right hand. Hafez gets a late takedown but stands right up and lands two leg kicks. Close round. 10-9 Gall, 19-19.

Hafez lands a jab. Hafez with a right hand. Gall lands two right hands as Hafez misses a spinning back fist. Gall lands a big combination ending with a hard right hand. Hafez lands a big right hand. Hafez hurts Gall with a punch. Gall then drops Hafez with a right hand but he gets right up. Gall gets a takedown. They get right up. Hafez with a left hook. They trade hard punches. Hafez goes for a takedown and Gall has the neck but Hafez completes the takedown and is on top. They stand and Gall hurts Hafez with two big right hands. They trade and Gall lands some big right hands. Hafez gets a takedown. They get to their feet and trade big punches. Fun fight. 10-9 Gall, 29-28 Gall.

Official Result- Bassil Hafez def. Mickey Gall by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

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>Welterweights- Phil Rowe (10-4, 3-2 UFC) vs. Jake Matthews (19-7, 12-7 UFC)

Matthews with some early leg kicks and lands a pair of right hands. They trade against the fence. Rowe lands a right hand and a leg kick. Matthews with a jab then a leg kick. Rowe lands a right hand. They trade against the fence and Matthews lands a big left hook. Rowe with a body kick. Matthews lands a combo. Rowe lands to the body. Rowe with a jab. There’s a timeout for a groin strike. They get back to action and Matthews lands a combo. Rowe lands a knee and eats a big right hand from Matthews. Rowe slips to the mat and Matthews gets on top and lands before ending the round there. 10-9 Matthews.

Matthews lands a leg kick. He lands another after some short punches. Matthews lands a flurry while they were tied up and Rowe is hurt. Rowe lands a jab and a right hand as he has recovered. They trade in close range. Rowe with a leg kick. Matthews lands a pair of right hands. Rowe lands a knee after Matthews lands inside the pocket. Matthews with a jab. Matthews works to the body and Rowe lands a right hand. Matthews with a left hook. 10-9 Matthews, 20-18 Matthews.

Both throwing and Rowe shoots for a takedown but Matthews defends and gets his own takedown. Rowe is able to reverse to the top. Both are battling for position on the mat. Rowe looking to take the back but Matthews escapes and is in side control on top. Matthews gets the mount and is landing and threatened with an arm-triangle choke attempt. Matthews gets back to the half-guard. They try to scramble at the end. 10-9 Matthews, 30-27 Matthews.

Official Result- Jake Matthews def. Phil Rowe by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

>Lightweights- Grant Dawson (20-2-1, 8-1-1 UFC) vs. Joe Solecki (13-4, 5-2 UFC)

Dawson gets an immediate takedown. Solecki has neck control and is looking for a guillotine choke. Dawson is trying to roll out but it is in tight. Dawson is able to pop his head out. Dawson controlling from the top. There isn’t much action happening on the mat as Dawson is looking to establish top control. Dawson lands some punches. Solecki cuts Dawson open with an elbow from the bottom but Dawson still in full control on top. Dawson with more punches from the top. 10-9 Dawson.

They trade to start the second. Dawson gets Solecki to the fence and scores a takedown. Dawson in control from the top and landing as he’s bleeding all over Solecki. Solecki is doing nothing from the bottom as Dawson is in total control. Dawson with big shots from the top. Dawson with more big ground and pound from the top. 10-9 Dawson, 20-18 Dawson.

There’s an immediate groin strike on Dawson but they get right back to action. Dawson backs Solecki up to the fence and gets a takedown. Dawson controlling from the top and landing as he has Solecki pinned down. Dawson continuing to land from the top and this is a boring fight as he was in complete control. 10-9 Dawson, 30-27 Dawson.

Official Result- Grant Dawson def. Joe Solecki by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

>Heavyweights- #7 Jailton Almeida (20-3, 6-1 UFC) vs. #13 Alexandr Romanov (16-2, 5-2 UFC)

Romanov with a leg kick and Almeida scores a takedown. Almeida works to the back and looks for a rear-naked choke. He looks to have it in and Romanov taps! Almeida gets the first finish on the night as he bounces back into the win column.

Official Result- Jailton Almeida def. Alexandr Romanov by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:27 of Round 1

>Middleweights- Cesar Almeida (5-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Roman Kopylov (12-3, 4-3 UFC)

They trade kicks to start. Kopylov lands a pair of jabs followed by a left hand. Almeida with a leg kick. Almeida lands a jab. Almeida with a pair of leg kicks. Kopylov puts Almeida down with a takedown but lets him right up. Kopylov lands a massive left hand. Almeida lands a body kick and a right hand. Kopylov scores with a kick to the body then gets a takedown. They get up and Kopylov lands a pair of right hands as they break. Almeida lands a leg kick. Kopylov drops Almeida with a left hand and starts landing hammerfists before standing and Almeida is ordered to his feet. Almeida lands two kicks before Kopylov gets another takedown right into side control. 10-9 Kopylov.

They trade kicks. Almeida lands a few kicks. Almeida lands a left hand. Kopylov looks for a takedown but Almeida defends and lands to the body. Kopylov with a combination. Kopylov looking for a takedown but Almeida defending as he is pushed to the fence. They separate. Kopylov lands some punches. They tie up and Almeida lands some dirty boxing before pushing away. Kopylov gets a takedown and is in side control. Kopylov inside the guard of Almeida and controlling. Both with short punches. 10-9 Kopylov, 20-18 Kopylov.

Almeida lands a leg kick. Kopylov with a high kick and a left hand. Almeida lands a knee in a tie-up. Kopylov with a left hand then a jab before he gets a takedown. Kopylov landing from the top as Herb Dean is warning them to work. Almeida with an elbow from the bottom. They are stood up by Herb Dean. Kopylov with a body kick. Almeida lands a right hand and Kopylov is able to get another takedown. Kopylov stands and gets back into side control. 10-9 Kopylov, 30-27 Kopylov.

Official Result- Roman Kopylov def. Cesar Almeida by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

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>Welterweights- Randy Brown (18-5, 12-5 UFC) vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (24-7-1, 10-3-1 UFC)

They trade leg kicks. Brown with a leg kick then a right hand. Brown lands a body kick and Zaleski counters with a leg kick. Brown lands a jab. Brown with a leg kick. We have a timeout for an eye poke and the referee gave Zaleski no time to recover. Brown poked Zaleski in the eye again and the referee said to just fight. Brown now landing at will. Zaleski starts just throwing and gets Brown to the mat for a brief moment. Brown with a side kick. Zaleski lands a leg kick. Zaleski with a spin kick to the body. Brown lands a massive knee late. 10-9 Brown.

Zaleski lands a big right hand and tries to land a flurry and grabs Brown against the fence. Zaleski drags Brown to the mat and has the back. Zaleski keeping control from the back and is working for a choke. He has an arm under the chin and Zaleski is squeezing. It is above the chin but Zaleski is still squeezing. Brown with some back punches. Zaleski lets go but is trying to readjust. Zaleski with some punches from the back. Brown is able to spin out and takes Zaleski’s back. Brown with some punches and he looks for a choke but Zaleski is out of it. Brown with an elbow as he mounts a late comeback. 10-9 Zaleski, 19-19.

Zaleski with a leg kick. There is another timeout for an eye poke by Brown. They get back to action and Brown lands a jab. Zaleski with a pair of leg kicks and just misses a wheel kick. They both land leg kicks and Brown just grazes with an uppercut. Brown lands a big knee and it opened a big cut on Zaleski. Brown with a stiff jab and Zaleski looks for a takedown. Brown defending and lands an elbow. Brown with some short uppercuts. They separate. Brown lands a right hand and Zaleski grabs the back and scores a takedown. Zaleski looks for a choke but not much time is left. Brown with some left hands. 10-9 Brown, 29-28 Brown.

Official Result- Randy Brown def. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

>Welterweights- Niko Price (15-7 2 NC, 7-7 2 NC UFC) vs. Alex Morono (24-9 1 NC, 13-6 1 NC UFC)

They trade jabs. Price lands a jab. Morono with a leg kick. Morono lands a right hand. He lands another. Morono lands a leg kick and Price lands a right hand as Morono was tripped up and fell to the mat. Morono has Price is a crucifix type position and they scramble to their feet. Morono jumps on the back of Price and drags it down. Price reverses to the top and they stand. Morono lands a pair of right hands. Price with a leg kick. Morono lands a spin kick then a combination. Morono working the jab and lands a right hand. Price with a knee. 10-9 Morono.

Both are throwing wildly and neither landing until Price connects with a right hand. Morono then lands a right hand. They’re both landing punches but neither is pulling ahead. Morono lands a solid right hand. Price stuns Morono with a right hand and then scores a takedown. Price lands from the top. Morono tries to reverse and get to the feet but Price remains on top and continues to land some hammerfists. They get to their feet. Price lands a back elbow. Price looks for a takedown but Morono drops down with the neck controlled. Price ends the round with some elbows. 10-9 Price, 19-19.

Price landing to start the third. Morono lands a right hand. Price with a right hand. Price lands an inside leg kick. Both throwing sloppy strikes and not really landing. Morono lands a jab. Price landing more but this is really sloppy. Price then lands a big uppercut and gets an easy takedown. They get to their feet. Morono lands a right hand but he is completely gassed out. Price lands a body kick then a right hand. Price landing a flurry late as he scores with a right hand. 10-9 Price, 29-28 Price.

Official Result- Niko Price def. Alex Morono by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

>Middleweights- #15 WW Kevin Holland (25-11 1 NC, 12-8 1 NC UFC) vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk (19-7 1 NC, 7-5 1 NC UFC)

Oleksiejczuk lands a left hand. They trade right hands. Oleksiejczuk drops Holland with a left hand while Holland was throwing a kick. Holland looks for an armbar as Oleksiejczuk gets on top. It is in deep and Holland is cranking. Holland has it in tight and Oleksiejczuk’s arm snaps. He doesn’t tap but Herb Dean finally stops it.

Official Result- Kevin Holland def. Michal Oleksiejczuk by submission (armbar) at 1:34 of Round 1

>Middleweights- #1 Sean Strickland (28-6, 15-6 UFC) vs. #7 Paulo Costa (14-3, 6-3 UFC)

Costa with a leg kick and then another. He lands another. Strickland marching forward throwing small front kicks but Costa is still tagging him. Costa with a left hook and lands a leg kick. Strickland’s lead leg is already red. Strickland has landed a lot to the body. Costa with a leg kick. Strickland with more pressure as he keeps throwing front teet kicks to the body. Costa lands a body kick and Strickland grabs the leg and lands a right hand. Costa was off balance and went to the mat but got right up. Strickland continuing to pressure with front kicks. Close round. 10-9 Strickland.

Costa with a leg kick. Strickland pressuring still with front kicks. Costa with a hard leg kick. He lands two more leg kicks. Strickland with a jab and a right hand. Costa with a leg kick. Strickland still pressuring with teet kicks. Costa with a hard leg kick. Costa with a wheel kick. Costa lands then Strickland lands and Costa slips to the mat for a second. Costa with a leg kick. 10-9 Strickland, 20-18 Strickland.

Costa with a jab to the body. They trade leg kicks. Costa with a left hand to the body then a front kick to the body. Strickland with a combination. Costa lands a leg kick that was checked by Strickland. Strickland lands a combination. Costa lands a right hand. Costa with a leg kick and Strickland lands a right hand. Strickland continuing to land with more volume and lands a big uppercut late. 10-9 Strickland, 30-27 Strickland.

Strickland with some kicks as he is pressing forward. Costa lands a leg kick and his leg is hurt from them being checked by Strickland. Strickland coming forward and landing front kicks. Costa with a left hook to the body and they trade front kicks to the body. Costa with some body and leg kicks. Costa lands another kick. Costa with a body punch and a leg kick then a jab. Costa with another leg kick. Strickland with a flurry in close range. 10-9 Strickland, 40-36 Strickland.

Costa with a jab to the body. Costa with a leg kick then a right hand. Costa with a leg kick then a body kick and Strickland lands a right hand. Costa trying to keep Strickland at distance with some front kicks. Strickland lands a jab. Costa lands a jab. Strickland with some jabs then a right hand. Strickland with a flurry and drops Costa with a head kick late and then lands another head kick with a strong close to the round. 10-9 Strickland, 50-45 Strickland.

Official Result- Sean Strickland def. Paulo Costa by split decision (46-49, 50-45, 49-46)

>UFC Lightweight Championship- C Islam Makhachev (25-1, 14-1 UFC) vs. #3 Dustin Poirier (30-8 1 NC, 22-7 1 NC UFC)

Poirier lands a jab. Makhachev lands and shoots for a takedown and gets Poirier down to the mat. Makhachev controlling from the top. He looks for a kimura but Poirier rolls out. Makhachev is able to get the back of Poirier. Makhachev with a punch from the back as he is covering Poirier’s mouth. Makhachev trying to find the choke but Poirier showing great defense. Poirier with a few back punches. Poirier survives the round. 10-9 Makhachev.

Poirier with a leg kick. Makhachev goes right for the takedown but Poirier is able to stay on his feet as they separate. Makhachev lands a knee. Makhachev shoots for a takedown but Poirier slips away. Poirier lands a jab. Makhachev with a jab. Makhachev pushes Poirier against the fence looking for a takedown. Poirier reverses position. Poirier with an uppercut as they’re clinched and he lands to the body before they break. They clinch and Poirier lands a right hand. Poirier with a left hand. They trade and clinch. Makhachev looking for the takedown and gets it late as he ends the round on top. 10-9 Makhachev, 20-18 Makhachev.

Makhachev lands a knee as both threw punches. Makhachev lands another knee as they clinch and Makhachev pushes it to the fence. Makhachev gets it down and has the back of Poirier. Makhachev moves to the mount and is looking to trap an arm. Poirier slips under and gets to his feet. Poirier lands a jab. Makhachev lands a combo. Both are landing. Poirier lands a jab. Both land late. 10-9 Makhachev, 30-27 Makhachev.

Makhachev lands a right hand to the body. They trade to the head and Poirier lands to the body. Poirier stuffs a takedown attempt from Makhachev. Poirier lands a jab. Poirier stuffs another takedown attempt. Makhachev with a pair of right hands. Makhachev lands a left hand. Makhachev drags Poirier down after they clinch and Makhachev has the back as they’re on the knees. Poirier switches and gets out and starts landing against the fence. Poirier with a flurry to the body. Makhachev is cut open but lands an uppercut. Makhachev with a combo. Makhachev shoots for a takedown and Poirier is defending by landing. Poirier had the neck late. 10-9 Poirier, 39-37 Makhachev.

Poirier lands a jab. Makhachev with a combo. Poirier with a calf kick. Makhachev tries for a takedown but Poirier defends and lands as they break. Poirier lands to the body. Poirier lands a big left hand. Makhachev tries for a takedown and they scramble ad Makhachev looks for the neck. Makhachev looking for a D’Arce choke. Poirier taps! Makhachev gets the late submission to retain the title.

Official Result- Islam Makhachev def. Dustin Poirier by submission (D’Arce choke) at 2:42 of Round 5 to retain the UFC Lightweight Championship

UFC 298 live results: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria featherweight title bout

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The Octagon returns to Southern California for UFC 298 from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California — a venue the company is guaranteed to return to multiple times over the next four years.

In the highly anticipated main event, UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski looks to continue his long reign at the top of the division as he defends against Ilia Topuria. This will be Volkanovski’s sixth title defense as he looks to remain undefeated as a featherweight while Topuria enters his first title shot undefeated overall in his career with 14 straight wins.

The co-main event is a big one at middleweight as former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker takes on Paulo Costa. Also on the main card: Geoff Neal takes on undefeated Ian Garry in another important welterweight matchup; Merab Dvalishvili takes on former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo in a potential bantamweight title eliminator; and Anthony Hernandez battles Roman Kopylov in a middleweight bout.

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> Women’s Flyweights- #15 Andrea Lee (13-8, 5-6 UFC) vs. Miranda Maverick (12-5, 5-3 UFC)

Maverick lands a leg kick. She lands another. Maverick initiates a clinch off a left hand and is looking for the takedown. They go to the mat and Lee is able to get into side control. Maverick scrambles to her feet and Lee has the back and gets a big takedown. They get to their feet and Lee still has the back. She lands an elbow and they break. Maverick lands a left hand. They trade leg kicks. Maverick lands a left hand to the body as Lee lands a body kick. Maverick with a pair of left hands. Maverick lands an overhand left. Maverick lands a combo as Lee lands a body kick. Maverick with a body kick. They trade leg kicks. Maverick looks for a takedown and Lee has the neck. Maverick gets the takedown and lands some from the top, ending the round there. Close round. 10-9 Maverick.

They trade as Maverick lands a body kick. Lee returns with a body kick. Lee with another body kick. Maverick fakes a left hand and shoots for a takedown against the fence. Maverick gets it to the mat and lands from the half-guard. Lee gets Maverick into her full guard. Lee is able to escape to her feet. Maverick lands a left hand then a high kick. Maverick lands a leg kick. Maverick lands a left hook. Maverick lands the jab then a left hand. Maverick lands a pair of leg kicks. Lee gets a brief takedown as Maverick reverses it and lands from the top to end the round. 10-9 Maverick, 20-18 Maverick.

Maverick lands a step-in elbow then a big body kick. Maverick lands a combo ending with a leg kick. They trade and Maverick lands a body kick. They tie up for a moment and Maverick lands as they break. They trade in close range. Lee lands a body kick. Maverick pressing forward and finding a home with the left hand. Maverick shoots for a takedown and lands a combo as they break. Maverick lands a head kick then a big body kick. Maverick gets a takedown. Lee has a high guard but Maverick is defending from the top. Lee is looking for a triangle choke and is landing elbows. Lee lands some punches as time expires. 10-9 Lee, 29-28 Maverick.

Official Result- Miranda Maverick def. Andrea Lee by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Welterweights- Oban Elliott (9-2, 0-0 UFC) vs. Val Woodburn (7-1, 0-1 UFC)

Elliott lands a leg kick as Woodburn closes the distance. They clinch and Elliott lands an elbow then a knee to the body as they break. Elliott lands a head kick but then Woodburn rocks him with a flurry. Elliott goes to the mat for a moment but gets up and Woodburn keeps landing. Elliott is able to get a takedown. Elliott gets the back and flattens Woodburn out. Elliott lands some punches. Elliott still on the back landing punches as he’s trying to set up a choke. Elliott with more punches. Elliott now gets the mount and lands some big punches. Woodburn gives up his back and Elliott flattens him out and lands. They make it to the end of the round. 10-9 Elliott.

Woodburn lands a body kick. Elliott lands a right hand and they trade wild punches inside the pocket. Elliott with some body kicks as he’s pressuring. Woodburn lands a body kick. Elliott with a body kick and Woodburn lands a right hand. Woodburn gets the back of Elliott on the feet. Elliott gets a takedown and has the back of Woodburn. Elliott with some punches from the back. Elliott ends the round on the back. 10-9 Elliott, 20-18 Elliott.

They clinch up but quickly separate. Elliott lands a jab then a right hand. Elliott with some more jabs. Elliott lands a combo. Woodburn lands a right hand. Elliott shoots for a takedown and Woodburn sprawls, but Elliott is able to complete the takedown. Elliott is able to work his way to the full mount. Elliott with some punches and a couple of elbows from the top. Woodburn is able to escape and has the back as they stand. Woodburn is trying to get it down but he needs a finish. They separate and trade at the end. 10-9 Elliott, 30-27 Elliott.

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

> Welterweights- Josh Quinlan (6-1 1 NC, 1-1 UFC) vs. Danny Barlow (7-0, 0-0 UFC)

Barlow lands a left hand. They trade big punches. Barlow pawing with the jab. Quinlan lands a body kick. Barlow lands a leg kick then a body kick. Quinlan lands a body kick. Barlow with a double jab and follows it with a straight left hand. Barlow lands a right hand. Quinlan lands a nice left hand then a right hand. Barlow lands a left hand. Quinlan with a leg kick. We have a timeout for an eye poke. They get back to action and Quinlan lands a right hand. Barlow lands a left hand. Barlow lands late. 10-9 Barlow.

Quinlan comes forward and lands a right hook. Barlow lands a combo and they exchange body kicks. Barlow with a body kick then Quinlan lands a leg kick. Quinlan lands a left hand. Barlow with a double jab. Barlow landing with more volume in close range. Barlow lands a left hand then a jumping knee. Barlow with a left hand. We have a timeout for a groin strike. They get back to action. Barlow lands a nice combination and follows it with another left hand. Quinlan shoots for the takedown but Barlow stuffs it. Barlow lands another jumping knee. Barlow lands a big left hand. 10-9 Barlow, 20-18 Barlow.

Quinlan lands a body kick. Barlow with a left hand then a body kick. Barlow with another flying knee. Quinlan lands a right hook. Quinlan lands a combo but then Barlow drops him with a left hand and lands big hammerfists. Quinlan gets to his feet and stumbles down and Barlow lands. Quinlan goes down again but gets up and Barlow lands more punches and it is stopped. What a finish from Barlow!

Official Result- Danny Barlow def. Josh Quinlan by TKO (punches) at 1:18 of Round 3

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> Light Heavyweights- Zhang Mingyang (16-6, 0-0 UFC) vs. Brendson Ribeiro (15-5, 0-0 UFC)

Mingyang with a leg kick to start. Mingyang with a big body kick. Ribeiro lands a stiff jab then follows with a big right hand. Ribeiro with a hard jab. They trade big shots in the pocket. Ribeiro lands a right hand. Mingyang drops Ribeiro with a big left hand and some follow-up shots get the stoppage as Ribeiro was out. What a knockout from Mingyang!

Official Result- Zhang Mingyang def. Brendson Ribeiro by knockout (punches) at 1:41 of Round 1

> Bantamweights- Rinya Nakamura (8-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. Carlos Vera (11-3, 0-0 UFC)

Nakamura lands a leg kick. Vera lands a spin kick to the thigh and Nakamura grabs him and they go to the mat. Vera looks for a leg lock. Nakamura spins out and has the back. Nakamura lands some left hands from the top. Vera trying to grab the leg again. Nakamura scrambles out and is in the guard of Vera. Vera lands an upkick. Nakamura with some left hands from the top. Nakamura working from the top as he steps over to half-guard. Vera being active on the bottom. Nakamura gets the back and lands before standing. 10-9 Nakamura.

Nakamura lands a leg kick. Vera lands a body kick and Nakamura gets a takedown. Nakamura working from the top. Nakamura lands some punches from the top. Vera lands an upkick. Nakamura gets the back and looked for a choke. Vera rolls and escapes. Nakamura still has the back and lands some left hands. They roll on the mat and Nakamura looks for an arm-triangle choke but Vera rolls out. Nakamura gets it back down and is on the back. Nakamura ends the round on top. 10-9 Nakamura, 20-18 Nakamura.

Vera with a jumping head kick that Nakamura blocks. Nakamura lands a left hand. Nakamura with a right hook. Vera attempts a spin attack and falls to the mat. Nakamura gets on top and has the back. They get to their feet as Nakamura has back control and he lands a knee. Nakamura lands a right hand from the top. Vera looks for a triangle choke. Vera looked for a leg lock but Nakamura gets his leg out. Nakamura has the back as they stand. Vera rolls but Nakamura stays on top. Nakamura lands from the back. 10-9 Nakamura, 30-27 Nakamura.

Official Result- Rinya Nakamura def. Carlos Vera by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Heavyweights- #15 Marcos Rogerio de Lima (21-9-1, 10-7 UFC) vs. Junior Tafa (5-1, 1-1 UFC)

de Lima with a leg kick. He lands another. He lands a third one and then a fourth. They trade punches. de Lima with a leg kick. He lands a right hand. de Lima with a leg kick and Tafa is hurt. They clinch. They separate. de Lima lands a big leg kick then another. de Lima with a big combination against the fence. de Lima gets a takedown. de Lima with some left hands from the top. de Lima lands more from the top. de Lima ends the round on top. 10-9 de Lima.

de Lima lands a big leg kick. They clinch and de Lima pushes it against the fence. They break. Tafa lands a right hand. de Lima with a leg kick and Tafa falls down. de Lima lands from the top and it is stopped. Big finish from de Lima.

Official Result- Marcos Rogerio de Lima def. Junior Tafa by TKO (leg kick) at 1:14 of Round 2

> Women’s Strawweights- #3 Amanda Lemos (13-3-1, 7-3 UFC) vs. #7 Mackenzie Dern (13-4, 8-4 UFC)

Lemos lands a leg kick. Lemos with a hard body kick. Lemos lands a combo. Lemos with a high body kick. Lemos with a leg kick. Lemos lands a right hand then a high kick. Lemos lands a calf kick. Lemos with a body kick. Dern keeps missing her punches. Dern ducks under a right hand and gets a takedown. Dern with some left hands from the top. Dern ends the round landing from the top. 10-9 Lemos.

Lemos with a body kick. Dern lands a jab. Lemos with a hard leg kick. Lemos hurts Dern with a right hand as she was rushing in and follows it with a flurry. Lemos drops Dern with a right hand and is landing big shots from the back. Dern is able to survive for now as Lemos is on top. Dern is working for a leg. Lemos stands. Dern is ordered to her feet. Dern lands a right hand. Lemos with a high kick and then a hard leg kick. Lemos with a combo. Lemos with a leg kick and Dern lands a right hand. Lemos gets a takedown. Dern reverses from the top and lands. 10-9 Lemos, 20-18 Lemos.

Dern lands a big right hand and Lemos goes down briefly but gets up and scores a takedown. Dern had the arm but Lemos gets it free. Lemos with right hands from the top. Dern is looking for a leg. Dern is able to get to the top in the half-guard. Dern lands a couple of elbows from the top. They get to their feet and Dern is pressuring against the fence. They scramble to the mat and Dern is looking for a leg. Lemos lands a couple of punches. 10-9 Dern, 29-28 Lemos.

Official Result- Amanda Lemos def. Mackenzie Dern by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

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> Middleweights- #15 Anthony Hernandez (11-2 1 NC, 5-2 UFC) vs. Roman Kopylov (12-2, 4-2 UFC)

Hernandez lands a right hand. Kopylov lands some leg kicks. Kopylov lands a left hand. Kopylov with a body kick and Hernandez tried a takedown but he escaped. Hernandez landed a right hand. Kopylov lands a left hand. Hernandez with a right hand. Kopylov with a nice left hand followed by a body kick. Hernandez with a series of right hands and he goes for a takedown against the fence. They separate and Hernandez lands before going for another takedown. Kopylov is defending but Hernandez is pressuring big time. Hernandez with some knees. 10-9 Hernandez.

Hernandez lands a right hand. They trade kicks. Kopylov lands a left hand to the body. They are both landing in close range. Kopylov hurts Hernandez with some punches and lands a body kick. Hernandez lands a couple of uppercuts. Hernandez pressing forward and eats a body kick from Kopylov. Hernandez gets the back of Kopylov against the fence. Hernandez gets the takedown. He has the back and is looking for a choke. He has the back and almost has the choke in but it’s around the chin. Kopylov somehow survives but Hernandez gets it locked in in a better position and Kopylov taps! What a finish from Hernandez!

Official Result- Anthony Hernandez def. Roman Kopylov by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:23 of Round 2

> Bantamweights- #2 Merab Dvalishvili (16-4, 9-2 UFC) vs. #3 Henry Cejudo (16-3, 10-3 UFC)

They trade leg kicks after Dvalishvili lands some right hands. Dvalishvili with an inside leg kick. Cejudo rocks Dvalishvili with a left hand. Cejudo with a leg kick. Dvalishvili lands a leg kick. Dvalishvili gets a takedown after grabbing a single leg and getting a trip. They get to their feet and separate. Dvalishvili lands a right hook as they separated. Dvalishvili lands and they scramble to the mat with Cejudo getting on top. Cejudo with some right hands. They scramble and Cejudo has the back. They get to their feet and go to the fence. Cejudo with some knees to the legs and thighs. They both land in the clinch. Cejudo lands a knee to the body. 10-9 Cejudo.

Dvalishvili lands a leg kick and Cejudo fires back with a hard leg kick. Cejudo gets the back and they briefly were on the mat but separate. Cejudo lands a combo. Dvalishvili with a leg kick. Dvalishvili lands a right hand. Dvalishvili lands a combo. Cejudo with a left hand. Dvalishvili lands a hard combination. Dvalishvili gets a takedown. They get up but Dvalishvili gets it back down and lands. They get to their feet and break as Dvalishvili lands a body kick. Cejudo looks for a takedown and Dvalishvili grabs the neck and lands a pair of knees. Dvalishvili with some left hands as he has neck control. Dvalishvili has a guillotine choke locked in but Cejudo survives to the end. 10-9 Dvalishvili, 19-19.

Cejudo lands a combo. Cejudo with a leg kick. Dvalishvili lands a body kick. They trade and Dvalishvili grabs the body and lands some knees against the fence. They break and Dvalishvili lands a leg kick. Cejudo lands a hard leg kick. Dvalishvili lands a right hand. Dvalishvili picks Cejudo up and carries him across the Octagon before slamming him down. Dvalishvili lands from the top. They separate. Cejudo lands a leg kick and tries for a takedown but Dvalishvili defends by landing to the body. Dvalishvili taunts Cejudo at the end. 10-9 Dvalishvili, 29-28 Dvalishvili.

Official Result- Merab Dvalishvili def. Henry Cejudo by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Welterweights- #8 Geoff Neal (15-5, 7-3 UFC) vs. #10 Ian Garry (13-0, 6-0 UFC)

Neal with a leg kick. Garry lands a front kick. Garry lands a front kick to the thigh then a high kick. Garry with an inside leg kick. Neal lands a body kick. Neal with another inside leg kick. Garry lands a knee. Neal lands a left hand as they tie up. They separate as Neal lands a left hand. Garry lands a body kick then a knee to the body. Garry with some high kicks. Garry lands a left hand. Garry with a body kick then a front kick. Neal lands a left hand and then another one at the end. Close round. 10-9 Neal.

Garry lands a combination to start the second. They clinch against the fence. They separate and Garry lands a right hand then a knee to the body then lands another right hand. Neal lands a leg kick. Neal with a leg kick then a right hand and they clinch. They break apart. Neal lands a left hand. Garry with a front kick. Garry lands a body kick then a knee to the body. Neal lands a combo. Neal with a high kick. They trade punches and clinch against the fence. Another close round. 10-9 Garry, 19-19.

They clinch against the fence after Neal misses a punch. They separate and Garry with a high kick. Garry with a body kick and Neal lands to the body then the chin. Garry lands a jab then a combo as Neal lands a leg kick. Garry with a knee to the body. Garry lands a body kick. Neal lands a punch then they clinch. They separate. Neal lands a left hand. Garry lands an elbow then a jab. Neal lands a combo. Garry with the jab. Garry with a left hand. Garry with an elbow. 10-9 Garry, 29-28 Garry.

Official Result- Ian Garry def. Geoff Neal by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)

> Middleweights- #3 Robert Whittaker (24-7, 15-5 UFC) vs. #6 Paulo Costa (14-2, 6-2 UFC)

Whittaker with a leg kick. He lands another. He lands another. Costa with a leg kick then a head kick. Whittaker with another leg kick. Costa with another head kick. They trade left hands. Costa lands the jab. Whittaker with a leg kick. Whittaker with an overhand right. Whittaker lands a jab. Costa with a left hand then a leg kick. Whittaker lands a right hand. They trade leg kicks. Whittaker lands a left hook then a leg kick. Whittaker lands the jab. Costa with a snap jab. Whittaker lands a combo. Whittaker with a leg kick. Costa with a spin kick that connects and hurts Whittaker and he follows it up with some punches but time runs out. 10-9 Costa.

Costa with a leg kick. Whittaker lands a double jab. Costa with a head kick. Costa lands a jab. Whittaker with a high kick then a leg kick. Whittaker with a calf kick. Costa lands a jab. We have a timeout for an eye poke by Costa. Whittaker lands a left hand. Whittaker with a leg kick then a left hand. Whittaker lands again. Costa with a head kick. Whittaker with a hard leg kick. Whittaker lands a big combination. Whittaker with another leg kick. Whittaker with some hard left hands. Costa lands a leg kick. Costa with a high kick. Whittaker lands a leg kick. Whittaker with a leg kick then a right hand. Costa with a leg kick. Whittaker lands a leg kick. 10-9 Whittaker, 19-19.

Costa lands a right hand. Whittaker with a leg kick. Whittaker lands a left hand. Whittaker lands a hard leg kick. Whittaker with a combination and lands a leg kick. Whittaker with a hard leg kick after Costa taunts him. Costa with a body kick. Costa with a jab. Costa with the jab. Whittaker lands a jab. Costa just misses the spin kick. Whittaker lands a right hand. He lands a jab. Whittaker lands a leg kick. Whittaker with a left hand. Whittaker with a leg kick. Whittaker with a jab. Whittaker with a left hand. 10-9 Whittaker, 29-28 Whittaker.

Official Result- Robert Whittaker def. Paulo Costa by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> UFC Featherweight Championship- C Alexander Volkanovski (26-3, 13-2 UFC) vs. #3 Ilia Topuria (14-0, 6-0 UFC)

Volkanovski with a leg kick then a body kick then another leg kick. Topuria just barely lands a right hand. Volkanovski with a body kick then a leg kick then back to the body. Topuria with a heavy leg kick. Topuria with a jab as Volkanovski lands a leg kick. Volkanovski with a body kick. Volkanovski with a leg kick. Topuria lands a big right hand. Volkanovski with a body kick then a jab then an inside leg kick. They trade kicks and Volkanovski lands a few knees in a brief clinch. Volkanovski with a high kick. Close round. 10-9 Volkanovski.

Volkanovski with a high kick. Topuria lands a right hand. Volkanovski with a body kick. Topuria lands a nice combo. Topuria lands to the body in a brief clinch. Volkanovski lands some more kicks. Topuria with a right hand. Volkanovski lands a pair of jabs then some kicks. Volkanovski with a pair of jabs and Topuria lands a right hand. Volkanovski with another jab as Topuria lands a right hand. Topuria blitzes forward and lands a massive right hand that puts Volkanovski out cold. Wow! What a knockout by Topuria to win the title.

Official Result- Ilia Topuria def. Alexander Volkanovski by knockout (punch) at 3:32 of Round 2 to win the UFC Featherweight Championship

UFC on ESPN+ 54 live results: Paulo Costa vs. Marvin Vettori

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 54: Costa vs. Vettori, emanating from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada.

UFC action is back for the fourth straight week inside the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, with this show headlined by two middleweights looking to work their way back into the middleweight title picture, but fighting at 205 pounds.

Second-ranked Paulo Costa takes on fifth-ranked Marvin Vettori in the five-round main event. Both men are coming off of title fight losses to UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya. Costa was finished in the second round by Adesanya at UFC 253 in September 2020, while Vettori dropped a decision to Adesanya at UFC 263 in June. A win here for either would put them right back into the mix.

This fight was changed late Thursday night to a light heavyweight bout. Costa said at media day on Wednesday that he was 211 pounds and wouldn’t make it to 186 pounds. It was agreed upon to change to a 195-pound catchweight later on Wednesday. However, it was then thought Costa wouldn’t even make that, so they agreed to a second change to 205 pounds late on Thursday.

Also on the main card is a lightweight bout pitting surging prospect Grant Dawson against tough veteran Ricky Glenn, a women’s bantamweight bout between Jessica-Rose Clark and Joselyne Edwards, a featherweight bout between long-time veteran Alex Caceres and rising prospect Seungwoo Choi, and a welterweight bout pitting Francisco Trinaldo against Dwight Grant.

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

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> Jonathan Martinez (13-4, 4-3 UFC) vs. Zviad Lazishvili (12-0, 0-0 UFC)
Bantamweights

Martinez is landing leg kicks early and lands a couple to the body. Lazishvili goes for a takedown against the fence. He’s working hard to get it but Martinez is defending. They break and Martinez lands a knee and a leg kick. He continues to land the leg kick as Lazishvili is missing his punches. Lazishvili with a leg kick. Lazishvili with a body kick. Martinez mixes some kicks and punches. Lazishvili with a hard right hand. Lazishvili with a leg kick. Lazishvili with a body kick. Martinez with a late combo and Lazishvili with a snap jab. 10-9 Martinez.

Martinez with a body kick. Lazishvili with a leg kick. Lazishvili with a body kick and Martinez with a combo to the body. Lazishvili with some leg kicks and lands to the body. Martinez with a left hand. They trade and Martinez looked to land a knee to the body and Lazishvili caught it but let go. They trade close elbows. They trade punches. Both landing some good shots in this round. Lazishvili with a leg kick. Lazishvili with a body kick and Martinez lands a left hand. Martinez lands a couple of left hands and a step-in knee. Martinez landing the jab as he’s making a late push in the round. Martinez with a head kick. Close round. 10-9 Martinez, 20-18 Martinez.

Martinez lands some leg kicks to start the third. They trade punches and Martinez lands better. They continue to trade and Martinez is landing more as he finds a home for the straight left hand. Lazishvili ducks under a punch and looks for a takedown but Martinez sprawls out. Martinez with the jab and a left hand. Martinez with the jab. He lands another as Lazishvili is missing his punches. Martinez still landing the jab. Martinez lands a nice combo. Martinez with a body kick. 10-9 Martinez, 30-27 Martinez.

Official Result- Jonathan Martinez def. Zviad Lazishvili by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

> Livinha Souza (14-3, 3-2 UFC) vs. Randa Markos (10-11-1, 6-10-1 UFC)
Women’s Strawweights

Markos with a leg kick. Souza with the jab. Markos with a little flurry as she pushes it against the fence. Souza lands some elbows. They remain clinched against the fence and Markos with a knee. Markos with short right hands and some more knees. They break to the center. Markos with a leg kick and Souza gets a takedown and is in side control with an arm around the neck. Souza landing left hands from the headlock position. Markos gets out but gives up her back. Souza looking for a choke. It’s not quite in under the chin but Souza is squeezing and Markos is able to escape as Souza is now on top. Markos escapes to her feet and lands a couple of elbows. They break and Markos running forward throwing as Souza is backing up. Markos gets on top and ends the round on top. Close round. 10-9 Souza.

Markos lands some short punches as they tie up early and Souza pushes it against the fence. Markos with some elbows. Souza gets a big takedown and is in side control. Markos has a little bit of a neck crank in. They work their way up and Souza pulls guard against the fence. Markos is in the half-guard and lands some punches. Markos is in side control and landing some left hands. She lands some elbows as well. Markos still landing as Souza gets her back in her guard. Souza tried for an arm but Markos got out. Souza looking for the leg but Markos gets out of danger and ends the second on top again. 10-9 Markos, 19-19.

They trade leg kicks and Markos lands a combo. Souza lands a right hand and then Markos lands a flurry as she pushes it against the fence. They are trading against the fence and Markos looks to land better. Markos lands some hard right hands. Souza was in trouble on the feet and got a takedown. Markos escapes and has the back on the ground and lands some left hands. Markos landing as she stands and gets back into the guard of Souza. Markos continues to land. Markos passes guard and they scramble on the mat as Markos has the back. Markos has a reverse crucifix in. Markos gets back to the top in side control. Markos gets the back again. Markos with some elbows at the end. Strong close to the fight for Markos. 29-28 Markos.

Official Result- Randa Markos def. Livinha Souza by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Jeff Molina (9-2, 1-0 UFC) vs. Daniel Da Silva (11-1, 0-0 UFC)
Flyweights

They were trading early and Da Silva landed some kicks to the legs and body. Da Silva went for a couple of takedowns but Molina defended and they went to the mat. Da Silva went for an armbar but Molina escapes to the top and Da Silva is looking for a triangle as he throws hammerfists. Molina is defending and lands some hard shots from the top. He’s landing but Da Silva grabs the arm and looks for the armbar. Molina gets out and is landing more punches from the top. Both landing on the ground as they scramble. Molina with some big shots from the top at the end. 10-9 Molina.

They trade early and Molina drops Da Silva with a right hand and hops on top and is landing. Molina gets full mount and is landing lots of punches. Da Silva gives up his back and Molina keeps landing until it is stopped. What a finish by Molina.

Official Result- Jeff Molina def. Daniel Da Silva by TKO (punches) at :46 of Round 2

> Khama Worthy (16-8, 2-2 UFC) vs. Jai Herbert (10-3, 0-2 UFC)
Lightweights

Worthy with a low kick. Herbert with an inside leg kick. They trade kicks. Herbert with a body kick. Herbert lands a right hand. Herbert lands a combo. They trade leg kicks. Herbert with a right hand and then a flurry and a high kick. Herbert lands a big flurry and drops Worthy with a right hand and is hammering away and gets the finish. What a stoppage by Herbert.

Official Result- Jai Herbert def. Khama Worthy by TKO (punches) at 2:47 of Round 1

> Jamie Pickett (11-6, 0-2 UFC) vs. Laureano Staropoli (9-4, 2-3 UFC)
Middleweights

Pickett lands a left hand. He lands a glancing body kick. Pickett with a short leg kick. Staropoli tries a takedown but Pickett defends. They tie up against the fence and Staropoli with some left hands to the body. Staropoli working hard to score the takedown but Pickett defending nicely. Staropoli grabs the fence a couple of times as they remain tied up. They are broken up by referee Mike Beltran. Pickett throws a kick and Staropoli pushes it against the fence. Pickett reverses and lands some elbows. They break. Staropoli with a high kick. Pickett lands a late combo. 10-9 Pickett.

Staropoli lands a high kick and pushes Pickett against the fence. Pickett tries a takedown and is able to get to the back of Staropoli. He gets one hook in for a moment but they stand. Pickett with a left hand. They’re clinched up and Staropoli is looking for the takedown. Pickett with a knee and they break. Staropoli lands a left hand. They clinch again. They break quicker than normal. They both miss kick attempts. Pickett lands a combo. Staropoli just misses a left hand as they clinch again. They break and Staropoli gets a late takedown. 10-9 Staropoli, 19-19.

Staropoli lands a right hand and gets a brief takedown but Pickett gets up and then Pickett gets a takedown. They get to their feet and break to the center. They clinch and Pickett lands a low blow and we have a timeout. Staropoli with a high kick. They clinch up and Staropoli with a knee to the thighs. Staropoli with a left hand and they break. They trade punches and Pickett with a high kick. They clinch again. We have another groin strike timeout. They get back to action and both are throwing and landing. Pickett with a high kick. He lands a knee and a combo. They trade body kicks. Close fight. 10-9 Pickett, 29-28 Pickett.

Official Result- Jamie Pickett def. Laureano Staropoli by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Tabatha Ricci (5-1, 0-1 UFC) vs. Maria Oliveira (12-4, 0-0 UFC)
Women’s Strawweights

Ricci tried an Imanari roll but didn’t get it. She lands a right hand and a leg kick. Ricci rushing in but neither really landing. Oliveira with a leg kick. Ricci lands a big right hand. They trade jabs. Oliveira with a leg kick. Ricci lands a right hand. They trade body kicks. They trade leg kicks. Oliveira lands a right hand. Ricci goes for a takedown against the fence. They trade knees before breaking. Ricci lands a combo. They trade leg kicks. Oliveira with a combo. They trade leg kicks and Ricci catches the kick and lands some right hands and gets the takedown. Ricci with an elbow and short punches. Ricci with some left hands. 10-9 Ricci.

There’s an eye poke early in the second and we have a timeout. They get back to action and both landing punches. Ricci lands as she clinches. Oliveira lands a knee and Ricci with a leg kick as they break. Oliveira with a couple of leg kicks. Ricci grabs the single leg and gets a takedown into side control and moves to the mount. She lands some nasty elbows. She’s still in the mount. Ricci with more elbows. Oliveira is able to get out and they get to their feet. Ricci lands a nice right hand. Both are throwing and neither landing a lot. They trade and Ricci gets a takedown into the guard. She ends the round on top. 10-9 Ricci, 20-18 Ricci.

They’re trading to start the third. Both landing punches and Oliveira with some kicks. Ricci gets a takedown after they land. Ricci with some punches and she’s trying to move to the mount. Ricci with more left hands from the top. They get to their feet and Ricci had control and they break. Oliveira with the jab. Ricci gets another takedown. Ricci with some ground and pound and finishes the fight on top. Excellent showing from Ricci. 10-9 Ricci, 30-27 Ricci.

Official Result- Tabatha Ricci def. Maria Oliveira by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Mason Jones (10-1 1 NC, 0-1 1 NC UFC) vs. David Onama (8-0, 0-0 UFC)
Lightweights

Onama took this fight on Tuesday, making his debut. Jones throwing combos early and Onama is throwing as well. Onama lands a punch that stumbles Jones. He lands and then Jones lands a jab that stumbles Onama. Jones looking to tee off and they clinch up. They break and Jones with the double jab. They trade in the pocket as they tie up and Onama with a knee and Jones gets a takedown. They get to their feet and Jones has the back and drags it back down. They get up and Jones with a knee. Jones gets it back down as he has the body lock. They go back down and Jones moves to the full mount. Onama tries to explode out and is eating punches from Jones. Onama gets to his feet and lands some punches as they stand. Onama with a combo. Jones with a body kick. Jones lands to the body and then lands an uppercut. They trade punches. They both land and hurt each other. Action-packed round. 10-9 Jones.

They come out trading to start the second. Jones with a body kick and Onama lands the right hand. Jones with a combo. They tie up and Onama tries a trip and lands a knee. Onama lands some elbows and Jones gets a takedown and has the back. Jones looking for a choke but Onama is able to escape. They trade punches and Onama lands a big flurry. They clinch up and Jones lands a knee as Onama has his hands down and it was accidental. They get back to action. Onama lands a big right hand. They clinch and both land in close range. Jones gets the back against the fence. Jones gets it to the ground and is trying to flatten Onama out. Another wild round. 10-9 Onama, 19-19.

They trade to start the third and both are landing in close range. They’re both landing and hurting each other. Jones changes levels and gets a takedown into the half-guard. Jones looking to take the back as he tries to set up a choke. They get to their feet and Jones still has the back but he takes Onama back down. They scramble to their feet and Jones still has back control and the body lock against the fence. They break and both are landing and Onama lands some big punches. Great fight. 10-9 Jones, 29-28 Jones.

Official Result- Mason Jones def. David Onama by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Jun Yong Park (13-4, 3-1 UFC) vs. Gregory Rodrigues (10-3, 1-0 UFC)
Middleweights

Park lands some leg kicks. He lands the jab. Rodrigues with a body kick. Rodrigues with a body shot. They trade and both stun the other. Rodrigues with a right hand. Rodrigues lands another right hand. Park with the jab. Rodrigues with a right hand to the body. Rodrigues gets a takedown and right into side control. He ends up taking the back and is trying to set something up as he has the body triangle. Park is trying to escape but has nowhere to get out. Rodrigues with some elbows from the top. He lands punches at the end. 10-9 Rodrigues.

Park lands a combo but eats a right hand from Rodrigues. They both land in close range and are trading against the fence with Park getting the better of it. They clinch and Rodrigues with a knee. Rodrigues tries a takedown but Park grabs the neck and is looking for a choke. Rodrigues is able to scramble and gets the back. They get to their feet and break. Park lands a big flurry. Rodrigues gets the clinch and a judo takedown and is on the top. They get to their feet and Rodrigues has the back. They separate. Both landing and Rodrigues lands a nice right hand. Park with a flurry. Park lands and then Rodrigues lands a few hard right hands and Park is in trouble. Rodrigues with a big uppercut and Park is out on his feet! Wow, what a fight and what a finish.

Official Result- Gregory Rodrigues def. Jun Yong Park by knockout (punches) at 3:13 of Round 2

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> Nicolae Negumereanu (10-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Ike Villanueva (17-12, 1-3 UFC)
Light Heavyweights

Negumereanu with a leg kick. Villanueva throws and Negumereanu ducks under and pushes it against the fence. They break and trade hard punches. They both land in close range. Both are landing and Negumereanu lands and Villanueva drops down to his knees and Negumereanu pours it on and gets the finish. Villanueva says Negumereanu was landing to the back of the head. Replays show lots of the punches on the ground were to the back of the head and questionable but Negumereanu gets the stoppage anyways.

Official Result- Nicolae Negumereanu def. Ike Villanueva by knockout (punches) at 1:18 of Round 1

> Francisco Trinaldo (26-8, 16-7 UFC) vs. Dwight Grant (11-3, 3-2 UFC)
Welterweights

Trinaldo with a leg kick and Grant lands a right hand. Grant lands a right hand and a left hook. Trinaldo with a leg kick and Grant returns one of his own. Grant lands the right hand again. Grant with a left hand and Trinaldo stumbles. Trinaldo with a high kick that just barely lands. Grant with the right hand. Trinaldo with a left to the body. Grant with a combo to the body and Trinaldo with a body kick. Trinaldo lands the left hand. Trinaldo lands another big left hand. Trinaldo with a high kick and Grant lands a leg kick. Trinaldo with a right hook. 10-9 Grant.

Grant lands to start the second and we have a timeout for Chris Tognoni to warn Trinaldo about his fingers. Trinaldo lands the left hand. Trinaldo was coming in and Grant landed a right hand and followed it with a takedown and had Trinaldo in trouble but they get up. Neither doing much right now as both are circling and feinting the jab. Grant with a right hand. Trinaldo with a leg kick. Trinaldo gets the body against the fence and is working for the takedown. They break and both exchange punches late. Another close round. 10-9 Grant, 20-18 Grant.

They both looked to land to start the third and Trinaldo landed a groin shot and we have a timeout. We now have a major eye poke by Trinaldo and Grant is in pain. The doctor checks on Grant. Trinaldo gets a point taken away. They get back to action. They both land big shots and Trinaldo with a big left and gets the takedown into half-guard. Trinaldo trying to set up an arm-triangle. Trinaldo still trying to pass the guard but he has Grant pinned down here. He gets to the mount for a moment but back into the half-guard and lands some punches. Trinaldo gets the mount again late and lands as the fight ends. 9-9 with the point deduction, 29-27 Grant.

Official Result- Francisco Trinaldo def. Dwight Grant by split decision (27-29, 29-27, 29-27)

> Alex Caceres (18-12 1 NC, 13-10 1 NC UFC) vs. Seungwoo Choi (10-3, 3-2 UFC)
Featherweights

Caceres with some leg kicks and a high kick. They’re trading and Choi is landing some solid kicks and punches. Choi then drops Caceres with a right hand and they were scrambling on the mat and we have a timeout for what looks to be an illegal knee. Replay shows it did land and Jason Herzog checks on Caceres and takes a point away from Choi and the fight continues. They get back to trading. Caceres with a body kick. Caceres with a left hand as they clinch. Caceres lands to the body and Choi lands a head kick on the break. Choi with a right hand. Caceres with a body kick. Caceres with a leg kick and Choi lands a right hand that has Caceres hurt. Fun round. 9-9.

Choi throwing heat to start the second and lands a body kick. Caceres with the side kick. They clinch but nothing happens and Choi lands a body kick on the break. Choi lands a right hand. Choi with a high kick. They trade in close range. Choi with a body kick and then Caceres grabs the back and climbs up and has the body triangle. He looks for the choke and has it locked it and Choi taps! What a finish by Caceres.

Official Result- Alex Caceres def. Seungwoo Choi by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:31 of Round 2

> Jessica-Rose Clark (10-6 1 NC, 3-2 UFC) vs. Joselyne Edwards (10-3, 1-1 UFC)
Women’s Bantamweights

Clark immediately closes the distance with punches and gets a takedown. Clark landing some short punches from the top. Not much is happening though as Edwards is trying to throw her legs up. They are stood up and reset by Keith Peterson. Clark gets right back to the clinch and gets another takedown, but Edwards reverses and they get to their feet. Edwards has the back standing and lands a knee. They break and Edwards just misses a kick. Edwards lands a body kick and combo as Clark was coming in. Clark pushes the fight against the fence looking for the takedown and gets it. 10-9 Clark.

They clinch right up as both are looking for the takedown. Neither is able to get it but Clark gets it down and passes to the half-guard. Clark works to the full mount. There isn’t a whole lot going on as Clark is firmly in control. Clark lands some elbows from the top. Clark with more elbows as they stand before the end of the round. They trade kicks at the end. 10-9 Clark, 20-18 Clark.

Clark with a leg kick as Edwards misses a combo. Edwards lands a combo and they clinch against the fence. Clark gets the takedown. Clark working from the top and Edwards has done nothing to get out from the bottom. Edwards tried to scramble up but Clark kept her down. Clark staying just busy enough to not get it stood up as she lands short punches, but nothing is happening at all. 10-9 Clark, 30-27 Clark.

Official Result- Jessica-Rose Clark def. Joselyne Edwards by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Grant Dawson (17-1, 5-0 UFC) vs. Ricky Glenn (22-6-1, 4-3 UFC)
Lightweights

Glenn with a body kick then a leg kick to start. Dawson with a high kick. Glenn with a hard leg kick and Dawson gets a brief takedown. Dawson gets the fight back down after they stood. Dawson landing knees from side control. Dawson gets the back as Glenn was trying to scramble. Dawson has the body triangle locked in. Dawson landing left hands from the back. He still has back control as they move more towards the center. 10-9 Dawson.

Dawson with a body kick and gets a takedown but Glenn rolls to his feet and then stuffs another takedown attempt. Dawson with a high kick. Dawson trying hard for the takedown and gets it and goes right into side control. Dawson gets into the guard of Glenn and lands. Dawson moves to side control but Glenn almost caught him in a bad spot. Dawson dominating from the top and trying a shoulder choke but there is not much going on. 10-9 Dawson, 20-18 Dawson.

Dawson goes right for the takedown and Glenn lands a knee and defends. Dawson tries again and looks like he pulled guard and Glenn is on top. Glenn with some punches. Glenn with some body punches and they work to their feet. Dawson is still trying for the takedown but just pulls guard again and Glenn is in half-guard. Glenn landing from the top as Dawson is trying to get out from the bottom but Glenn controlling. Glenn with some punches and just misses an elbow. Glenn now lands some elbows. Glenn with more punches from the top. Glenn with big shots and Dawson is not doing good. Glenn goes for a choke late but time runs out. 10-9 Glenn, 29-28 Glenn.

Official Result- Grant Dawson vs. Ricky Glenn declared a majority draw (29-28, 28-28, 28-28)

> Paulo Costa (#2 MW, 13-1, 5-1 UFC) vs. Marvin Vettori (#5 MW, 17-5-1, 7-3-1 UFC)
Light Heavyweights

Costa with a heavy leg kick. He lands another. He lands a high kick. He lands another then stumbles and Vettori presses forward. Vettori lands a left hand. Costa with a body kick and they clinch. They break. Vettori with a left hand. Costa with some hard body kicks. They trade right hands. Costa lands another as Vettori landed the jab. Vettori with a combo. Costa with a hard leg kick. Vettori with a flurry against the fence. Costa with a body kick. Costa with an overhand right then a body kick. Vettori lands a stiff jab. They trade late. 10-9 Vettori.

Vettori with a body kick and Costa returns a hard body kick. Vettori with the left hand. Costa with some body kicks. They trade right hands. Costa with a big head kick and he’s on the attack and throwing. Costa with another high kick and Vettori still in trouble. Vettori with a left hand. Costa with a leg kick. Vettori with a body kick. Vettori with a combo. Costa with a combo to the body. Vettori gets a takedown but they quickly get up and break. We have an eye poke by Costa and a timeout. Costa gets a point taken away. Costa with a leg kick. Costa with some body kicks. Vettori with a leg kick. Vettori with a combo as Costa is covering up. They trade late. 9-9, 19-18 Vettori.

Vettori lands the jab. Costa with a high kick. They trade in close range. Vettori with a body kick. Vettori with a combo against the fence. Costa misses a wheel kick but lands a right hand. Vettori lands a left hand. Costa with a body kick and right hand. They clinch against the fence and Vettori lands an elbow as they break. Vettori with a combo. Vettori lands a knee and Costa gets a takedown. Costa with some big shots from the top. Vettori sprawls and Costa went for a choke but Vettori easily escaped and is in the guard of Costa. Vettori lands from the top as the round ends. 10-9 Vettori, 29-27 Vettori.

Costa with a hard body kick to start the fourth. Vettori fires back with a combo. Vettori lands as Costa with a leg kick and they clinch. Costa with a left hook. Vettori lands a left hand. Vettori with a combo. They trade leg kicks. Vettori landing to the body against the fence as Costa covers up. Costa with a body kick then another leg kick. Vettori with a combo. Vettori lands a solid left hand. Vettori lands another left hand. Costa with a right hand. Vettori shoots for the takedown but Costa defends. They break. Costa with a body kick. They trade body kicks late. 10-9 Vettori, 39-36 Vettori.

Costa with a big right hand. Costa with a head kick. They trade punches. Costa with a hard body kick. Costa landing as he’s landing kicks to the body. Vettori tried a takedown but Costa shook him right off. Costa lands a hard right hand. Costa with a knee to the body and then lands a left hook to the body. Vettori tries a takedown but Costa defends. They break and Costa with a body kick. Costa with a right hand. Costa with another hard body shot and then a right hand. Vettori is the more tired fighter. Costa with a body kick. Costa with a leg kick. They clinch late. 10-9 Costa, 48-46 Vettori.

Official Result- Marvin Vettori def. Paulo Costa by unanimous decision (48-46, 48-46, 48-46)

Israel Adesanya rolls in easy 185-pound title defense at UFC 253

Posted on by Josh Nason

In what can be best described as a dominant performance, UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya defeated rival Paulo Costa via second round TKO at Saturday’s UFC 253.

With the win, Adesanya remains undefeated at 20-0 and 9-0 in the UFC. This was the second defense of the undisputed title he won nearly a year ago with a win over Robert Whittaker.

Adesanya was in control from start to finish, attacking Costa’s lead leg with kicks. That eventually opened Costa up to Adesanya’s punches, especially a stiff jab. The champion landed a left high kick that cut Costa open, but it was a left hook that marked the beginning of the end. Costa dropped and Adesanya got in full mount, dropping heavy hands and elbows that resulted in the stoppage.

This is the first loss for the 29-year-old Costa (13-1). 

In his post-fight interview, Adesanya said he would like to face Jared Cannonier if he can defeat the aforementioned Whittaker at next month’s UFC 254.

UFC 253 live results: Adesanya vs. Costa, Reyes vs. Blachowicz

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 253: Adesanya vs. Costa, emanating from the Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

The Octagon returns to UFC Fight Island, kicking off five straight Saturday’s of UFC events from Abu Dhabi, and kicking it off is one of the biggest fights of the year and one of the biggest fights in middleweight division history.

UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya makes his second title defense when he defends against long-time rival Paulo Costa in the main event. The fight has been years in the making, and both men are undefeated, so when they finally clash, someone will be tasting defeat for the first time. Adesanya is looking to make a statement after winning a disappointing decision over Yoel Romero in March, while Costa returns to action for the first time in 13 months.

In the co-main event, the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship is on the line as Dominick Reyes and Jan Blachowicz square off to determine a new man to beat at the top of the 205-pound division. Reyes is looking to get the gold around his waist after a narrow decision loss to Jon Jones in February. Jones later vacated the title during the year after expressing his desire to move to the heavyweight division. Blachowicz gets his opportunity on the heels of three straight wins, the last of which was a knockout win over Corey Anderson in February.

Also on the main card is a flyweight banger between Kai Kara-France and Brandon Royval, a women’s bantamweight fight that sees Ketlen Vieira look to rebound from her first career loss against short-notice replacement Sijara Eubanks, and a featherweight fight that has fireworks written all over it between Hakeem Dawodu and Zubaira Tukhugov kicks off the main card.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.

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

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> Khadis Ibragimov (8-3, 0-3 UFC) vs. Danilo Marques (9-2, 0-0 UFC)
Light Heavyweights

Marques is making his UFC debut. Marques is going for the takedown right away. Ibragimov was grabbing the fence to block the takedown, and that is twice now. They scramble to the mat and Marques is looking to take the back standing but they separate. Marques with a heavy leg kick. Ibragimov lands a combo finishing with an uppercut and then follows it with a right hand. Marques grabs the single leg. Marques finishes the takedown and Ibragimov tried to grab the fence a third time. Marques gets the back and almost had a choke locked in but time ran out. 10-9 Marques.

Ibragimov throws a big right hand but misses and he is shaking his arm like he hurt himself. Marques with a heavy leg kick. Marques grabs the single leg and gets a takedown and grabs the back as Ibragimov tries to stand. Marques working for the choke as he has it on the chin. Marques still has the back and is doing nothing, and Ibragimov is doing nothing to work his way up. This fight isn’t pretty. 10-9 Marques, 20-18 Marques.

Marques looks for a takedown and Ibragimov again grabs the fence to block it and they stay standing. Ibragimov lands a combo and then a hard right hand and Marques tries for a takedown against the fence. Ibragimov has the neck and looks for a guillotine but Marques spins out and Ibragimov grabs the fence standing again. Marques then gets a takedown and moves into the mount. Ibragimov spins out and gets to the top and is in the guard of Marques. Marques takes the back at the end as the fight ends. Boring fight. 10-9 Marques, 30-27 Marques.

Official Result- Danilo Marques def. Khadis Ibragimov by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Juan Espino (9-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Jeff Hughes (10-3 1 NC, 0-2 1 NC UFC)
Heavyweights

Espino is fighting for the first time since winning TUF in November 2018. Espino lands a left hand after looking for a takedown. Espino gets a brief takedown and then finishes it and gets to side control. They get to their feet but Espino pulls him from the fence and gets another takedown but they get back up and to the fence. Espino trying to get Hughes completely down as he has the back. Espino landing as he keeps pressure on Hughes to get down on the ground. Espino gets a big takedown and works for an arm triangle but Hughes escapes. Espino then moves to side control and locks in a scarf hold and squeezes tight and Hughes taps. Great submission by Espino.

Official Result- Juan Espino def. Jeff Hughes by submission (scarf hold) at 3:48 of Round 1

> William Knight (8-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Aleksa Camur (6-0, 1-0 UFC)
Light Heavyweights

Knight is making his UFC debut. Camur lands the jab. Knight with a leg kick that trips Camur up and they scramble against the fence standing. They battle for underhooks against the fence as they trade position. They continue to battle in the clinch against the fence. They are finally separated by the referee. Knight misses a leg kick and then blocks a high kick from Camur. Knight with a calf kick. Knight with a switch kick and then a quick combo at the end of the round. 10-9 Knight.

They trade kicks to start the second. Camur lands the jab as he presses forward and they clinch against the fence. Knight with a trip but Camur has the back and is working for a choke but Knight reverses out and is in Camur’s guard. They get to their feet and are clinched against the fence. Camur with some shoulder strikes. Knight gets a takedown and Camur is trying to use the fence to scramble up. Knight landing some big punches from the top and looks for the back as they stand. Knight gets a takedown into side control. Knight lands some big punches from the top. Knight takes the back and flattens Camur out. Camur spins back out and regains the half-guard. Knight moves to the mount late and ends the round with a nasty kimura locked in as time runs out. 10-9 Knight, 20-18 Knight.

Knight with a body kick and then a leg kick. They clinch and Knight lands an uppercut as Camur pushes him against the fence. Camur gets a takedown and moves to the top and then they scramble up. Knight now working for a takedown and gets it and moves to the half-guard. Knight lands from the top and is in complete control as the fight ends. 10-9 Knight, 30-27 Knight.

Official Result- William Knight def. Aleksa Camur by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

> Shane Young (12-4, 2-1 UFC) vs. Ludovit Klein (16-2, 0-0 UFC)
Featherweights* (Klein missed weight by 4 pounds)

Klein is making his UFC debut but did miss weight by four pounds. They were looking for openings early and traded kicks. Klein then landed a head kick and started throwing punches that dropped Young and he quickly finished it. That was an impressive knockout by Klein.

Official Result- Ludovit Klein def. Shane Young by knockout (head kick & punches) at 1:16 of Round 1

> Diego Sanchez (30-12, 19-12 UFC) vs. Jake Matthews (15-4, 9-4 UFC)
Welterweights

Sanchez rushes forward and Matthews lands a right hand to stop him. Matthews with more right hands and lands an uppercut. Matthews with a straight right hand and is moving away from return shots from Sanchez. Matthews lands another right hand. Matthews with another. Sanchez lands a combo as Matthews rushed in. Sanchez rushes in and Matthews lands a left hand as he circles away. Matthews with a combo. Matthews gets a takedown and lands some big punches. Matthews ends the round on top as he lands a couple of big punches before the horn. 10-9 Matthews.

Sanchez coming straight forward throwing punches but nothing landing. Sanchez with a leg kick. Matthews lands a hard right hand as Sanchez was rushing forward. Sanchez with a kick then eats a combo from Matthews. Matthews lands a short uppercut and then both land in close range. Sanchez firing more but Matthews landing more. Matthews rocks Sanchez for a second with a left hook. Matthews with a combo. Matthews with a combo. 10-9 Matthews, 20-18 Matthews.

They were trading and Matthews knocked Sanchez down with a right hand and then gets on top looking to finish. Sanchez is bleeding a ton from his right eye. Matthews in the full guard of Sanchez. Matthews stands and then gets back into the guard of Sanchez. Matthews with a right hand from the top. Matthews with some big hammerfists from the top as Sanchez was trying to get out from the bottom. Sanchez looking for an armbar but Matthews defending. Matthews landing body punches from the top and more big punches from the top as the fight ends. 10-8 Matthews, 30-26 Matthews.

Official Result- Jake Matthews def. Diego Sanchez by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

> Brad Riddell (8-1, 2-0 UFC) vs. Alex da Silva (21-2, 1-1 UFC)
Lightweights

Da Silva with a combo and clips Riddell with a left hook. Riddell lands his own left hook. Riddell with a calf kick. Da Silva with a takedown. Da Silva controlling from the top but not doing much. They get to their feet and Da Silva has back control. Da Silva gets another brief takedown but they get up. Da Silva with some knees to the legs. They break to the center of the Octagon. They trade and Riddell goes for a takedown and Da Silva grabs the neck and locks in a guillotine choke and is looking to improve his position but Riddell defends. 10-9 Da Silva.

Da Silva going for the takedown to start the second and has Riddell pinned against the fence. They break and both are landing. Da Silva with a high kick but Riddell is firing back with punches, landing jabs and an uppercut. Da Silva with a couple of leg kicks. Riddell looks for a takedown but Da Silva defends. Riddell lands a right hand. Riddell with a combo. They trade and Da Silva tries a flying knee but Riddell grabs him and gets a brief takedown. They break and both land body kicks. Da Silva with an uppercut and goes for a takedown but Riddell sprawls out. Riddell with a leg kick and they trade late. 10-9 Riddell, 19-19.

They trade kicks to start the third and Riddell is coming forward more and landing combos. They continue to trade and Riddell landing some left hands. Riddell landing with more volume. They trade and Riddell lands a left hand and Da Silva complains about an eye poke, but a replay shows it was a punch and a knuckle that landed in the eye. Da Silva tries a takedown but Riddell reverses and is on top. They get up and Riddell lands a combo and a body kick. Riddell with a flurry against the fence as he lands punches and a knee to the body. Riddell with a right hand. Riddell looking for a takedown and gets it but Da Silva reverses and ends up having Riddell’s back as the fight ends. 10-9 Riddell, 29-28 Riddell.

Official Result- Brad Riddell def. Alex da Silva by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

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> Hakeem Dawodu (11-1-1, 4-1 UFC) vs. Zubaira Tukhugov (19-4-1, 4-1-1 UFC)
Featherweights* (Tukhugov missed weight by 4 pounds)

Tukhugov missed weight by four pounds. They’re feeling each other out in the first minute. Dawodu lands a punch. Tukhugov lands a left hook. Dawodu with a leg kick. Dawodu with a leg kick as Tukhugov lands a left hand. They’re both throwing but barely missing. Tukhugov starting to throw more but Dawodu lands to the body. Tukhugov is landing and getting out of the way from the counters. Dawodu with a body kick and lands a right hand. Very tactical first round. 10-9 Dawodu.

Dawodu with a switch kick. Dawodu with a spin kick and then a leg kick. They trade right hands. Tukhugov with a left hand and then lands a right hand and Dawodu returns a right hand. They are trading in close range and Dawodu lands some body punches. Tukhugov gets a takedown. Tukhugov is on top and landing some punches to the body. Tukhugov gets the back as they stand. 10-9 Tukhugov, 19-19.

Dawodu with an inside leg kick. Both looking to land and Dawodu lands a leg kick. Dawodu lands a left hand and Tukhugov shoots for a takedown. They scramble as Tukhugov looks for a takedown but Dawodu escapes and they break to the center. Dawodu applying pressure as he lands a couple of leg kicks. Dawodu lands a body punch. They are trading and Dawodu lands a big right hand. Tukhugov circling away. Dawdou applying pressure and lands a switch kick. Close fight. 10-9 Dawodu, 29-28 Dawodu.

Official Result- Hakeem Dawodu def. Zubaira Tukhugov by split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)

> Ketlen Vieira (#7, 10-1, 4-1 UFC) vs. Sijara Eubanks (#13, 6-4, 4-2 UFC)
Women’s Bantamweights

Vieira immediately closes the distance and they clinch against the fence. They break. Vieira lands a jab and Eubanks counters with a leg kick. Eubanks with another leg kick. Vieira lands a right hand. They trade right hands. They clinch again. Vieira tries a takedown but Eubanks defends and lands an uppercut as they break. Vieira lands some hard punches. They trade right hands. Vieira with a right hand. Eubanks lands the jab. Vieira goes for a takedown but Eubanks defends. They trade some hard punches. Eubanks lands some punches and Vieira gets a late takedown. Close round. 10-9 Vieira.

Vieira with a body kick and they trade and Vieira gets a takedown. Vieira pushes Eubanks up against the fence and lands some body punches. They aren’t doing much and then are stood up back in the center. They trade punches. They trade and Vieira lands a nice counter right hand. Eubanks with a side kick. Vieira lands a right hand. They trade in close range. Eubanks with a body kick. Vieira with a right hand. 10-9 Vieira, 20-18 Vieira.

Eubanks landing the jab early in the third. Vieira with a right hand and Eubanks counters with a right hand. They clinch and Eubanks tries a trip but Vieira squirms away. Vieira with a right hand. Eubanks lands a hard left hook and then lands a right hand. Eubanks with a leg kick. Vieira lands a combo but Eubanks with some head movement. Eubanks with a body kick. They trade in close range. Eubanks with a right hand. Eubanks with a left hand to the body. Vieira with a right hand. They trade and scramble and Eubanks has Vieira’s back standing. They go to the mat late. Close fight. 10-9 Eubanks, 29-28 Vieira.

Official Result- Ketlen Vieira def. Sijara Eubanks by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Kai Kara-France (#7, 21-8 1 NC, 4-1 UFC) vs. Brandon Royval (#9, 11-4, 1-0 UFC)
Flyweights

There were trading. Kara-France dropped Royval with a right hand and then Royval dropped Kara-France with a spinning elbow and then looked to land an illegal knee. They stayed on the mat and both were working for submissions and scrambling. They scramble to their feet. Royval lands a spinning back fist. Royval with pressure and clips Kara-France with a knee. Kara-France landing some right hands. Royval rocks Kara-France with a knee and Kara-France goesdown and Royval grabs the neck and looks for a guillotine. They get to their feet. They trade in close range and Royval with a left hand. Royval with some combos as he pressures against the fence. Crazy, great round. 10-9 Royval.

Royval with some pressure early on as he lands some leg kicks. Royval then grabs the neck and jumps up for a guillotine choke. They go to the mat and Royval has it in deep and Kara-France taps! What a huge upset win by Royval.

Official Result- Brandon Royval def. Kai Kara-France by submission (guillotine choke) at :48 of Round 2

> Dominick Reyes (#1, 12-1, 6-1 UFC) vs. Jan Blachowicz (#3, 26-8, 9-5 UFC)
UFC Light Heavyweight Championship

They were feeling out each other to start the fight and landing leg kicks. Reyes lands a left hand. Blachowicz with a hard body kick. Reyes with a leg kick. Reyes with a body kick. Reyes with a body kick. Blachowicz with a combo and lands a hard body kick at the end. They are both being patient at the end of the first. 10-9 Blachowicz.

Reyes comes out more aggressive in the second. Blachowicz rushes forward with a combo but Reyes blocking all of them. Blachowicz with a right hand. Reyes with a high kick that just barely connects. Blachowicz lands a right hand. Reyes with an inside leg kick. Blachowicz with a hard leg kick. Blachowicz lands a combo. Reyes with a body kick and then a leg kick. Blachowicz with another body kick. Reyes lands a left hand. Blachowicz with a combo. Reyes with a left hand. Blachowicz rushes in with some punches and lands some good shots. Reyes with a body kick but eats some punches from Blachowicz. Blachowicz with a flurry and he knocks Reyes down and then finishes him off with some punches while standing. Blachowicz is the new UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.

Official Result- Jan Blachowicz def. Dominick Reyes by TKO (punches) at 4:36 of Round 2 to win the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship

> Israel Adesanya (C, 19-0, 8-0 UFC) vs. Paulo Costa (#2, 13-0, 5-0 UFC)
UFC Middleweight Championship

Adesanya with a leg kick to start. He lands another. He lands another. Costa with a leg kick. Costa with a body kick. Costa with a body kick again. Adesanya with a leg kick. He lands another. Costa with a body kick and Adesanya lands a counter body punch. Adesanya with another leg kick. Adesanya keeps attacking with leg kicks. Costa put his hands behind his back at one point. Adesanya continues to attack the lead leg of Costa. Adesanya with some body kicks. Adesanya with a hard body kick. Costa rushes forward but Adesanya lands a couple of punches. 10-9 Adesanya.

Adesanya with a hard leg kick. He lands another. Adesanya with an inside leg kick. Costa misses a head kick. Costa with a leg kick and then another. Adesanya with another hard leg kick. Adesanya with a left hand and just barely lands a head kick. Adesanya with a snapping jab. Adesanya with a body kick and then a left hand. Adesanya lands a head kick and Costa starts to back up and Adesanya lands a hard leg kick. Adesanya with another inside leg kick. Costa misses some punches. Costa with a body kick and Adesanya grabs the leg and lands a combo. Adesanya then lands some more punches and drops Costa and gets on top and finishes it off. Complete domination by Adesanya as he retains the title.

Official Result- Israel Adesanya def. Paulo Costa by TKO (punches) at 3:59 of Round 2 to retain the UFC Middleweight Championship