Tag: robert whittaker

UFC on ABC 9 live results: Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The Octagon returns to Abu Dhabi for the first of two events in 2025 as UFC On ABC 9 takes place inside the Etihad Arena on Yas Island.

The main event is a big battle at middleweight as former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker takes on rising contender Reinier de Ridder. Whittaker is looking to rebound following a loss to Khamzat Chimaev in October. de Ridder is in his first main event as he looks to continue the strong start to his UFC career and move to 4-0 in the promotion.

In the co-main event, it’s a battle at bantamweight as former UFC Bantamweight Champion Petr Yan takes on Marcus McGhee.

Also on the main card is a middleweight fight pitting Shara Magomedov against Marc-Andre Barriault; a flyweight bout between Asu Almabayev and Jose Ochoa; and a light heavyweight slugfest between Nikita Krylov and Bogdan Guskov.

ESPN PRELIMS | 12 PM ET/9 AM PT

> Heavyweights- #13 Martin Buday (15-2, 6-1 UFC) vs. Marcus Buchecha (5-1, 0-0 UFC)

They trade jabs and Buchecha with a front kick. Buchecha gets a brief takedown but Buday is able to scramble up. Buchecha stays on his back for a moment before being ordered up. Buchecha shoots for a takedown but Buday defends. Buchecha lands and looks to get Buday down and is able to pull guard, but Buday stands. Buchecha is told to stand. Buchecha lands a pair of right hands and grabs the body. Buday lands a knee and they break. Buchecha throws a front kick and Buday lands a right hand. Buchecha tries a single leg but Buday defends. Buday lands a big right hand. They trade in close range. Buchecha lands a right hand and they clinch. They trade knees and Buchecha lands an elbow and right hand. They trade before tying up. 10-9 Buchecha.

Buday lands a right hand. He throws a front kick as Buday lands a right hand. Buchecha scores a takedown and is in the guard of Buday. Buchecha lands some punches and elbows to the body. Buchecha looking for an arm and a kimura but Buday escapes, though he gives up his back. Buchecha landing from the back. Buchecha with right hands. Buchecha looking to set up a choke. Buday is able to slip out and ends up on top. Buday ends the round on top. 10-9 Buchecha, 20-18 Buchecha.

Buday lands a leg kick. Buday lands a right hand. Buday lands a left hook. Buchecha looks for a takedown but Buday defends. Buchecha looks to get Buday down but Buday defends. Buchecha keeps spamming takedown attempts but Buday is defending and landing punches. Buchecha tries to pull guard but Buday is on top and lands a pair of elbows. Buchecha is able to scramble to Buday’s back and is landing punches. Buchecha has the hooks on and is taking control of an arm. Buday is trying to scramble up as Buchecha lands some short punches. Buday gets on top and lands some hammerfists. Close fight. 10-9 Buday, 29-28 Buchecha.

Fight Result- Martin Buday def. Marcus Buchecha by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Featherweights- Mohammad Yahya (12-5, 0-2 UFC) vs. Steven Nguyen (9-2, 0-1 UFC)

Nguyen drops Yahya with a massive right hand to start and tries to land from the top but Yahya gets up. Yahya lands a kick and Nguyen lands a left hand and Yahya briefly goes down, but gets up. Nguyen continues to land punches. Nguyen lands and Yahya goes back down but he gets right back up. Nguyen lands a right hand and Yahya goes back down after Nguyen lands a left hand. Yahya gets back to his feet. Yahya lands a leg kick and Nguyen connects with a right hand. Yahya is still throwing. They trade inside the pocket and Nguyen drops Yahya again after connecting. Nguyen lands from the top but Yahya rolls to his feet and gets a brief takedown, but they get up. Nguyen drops Yahya again with a big right hand and lands. Ridiculous round from Nguyen. 10-8 Nguyen.

Yahya was stumbling to his stool between rounds but we continue. They trade in close range and Yahya rocks Nguyen, who stumbles back. They start trading and Nguyen drops Yahya for a sixth time in the fight. Nguyen gets on top and lands some punches. Nguyen controlling from the top and looks for an arm-triangle choke as he has the mount. Yahya scrambles to his feet. Yahya lands a right hand. Nguyen lands a right hand that hurts Yahya. Yahya looks for a takedown but Nguyen defends and they break. They trade and Nguyen lands a big left hook. Nguyen with a pair of uppercuts. Yahya’s left eye is completely closed and he probably has a broken orbital bone. Nguyen drops Yahya again with another right hand. 10-9 Nguyen, 20-17 Nguyen.

The fight has been stopped as Yahya can’t continue due to the damage to his left eye.

Fight Result- Steven Nguyen def. Mohammad Yahya by TKO (doctor stoppage) at 5:00 of Round 2

> Light Heavyweights- Ibo Aslan (14-2, 2-1 UFC) vs. Billy Elekana (7-2, 0-1 UFC)

Aslan with some early leg kicks as Elekana lands a pair of body kicks. Both looking for openings to land punches. They trade a few punches as Aslan lands more leg kicks. Elekana with a body kick. Elekana with more front kicks to the body. Aslan lands a right hand. Elekana with a left hand. Aslan lands a body kick. Elekana with a body kick. 10-9 Elekana.

They trade kicks. Elekana lands a jab. Elekana lands a left hand. Aslan lands a leg kick as Elekana lands a left hand. Elekana with a pair of front body kicks. Aslan with a pair of jabs. Elekana looks for a single leg but Aslan defends. Aslan with a high kick. 10-9 Elekana, 20-18 Elekana.

They trade leg kicks as both are still looking to land solid shots. Elekana lands a left hand. Elekana with a left hook. Elekana with a left hand and Aslan’s head snaps back. Aslan with a double jab. Aslan with a jab and Elekana lands a left hand. Elekana lands a combo and then a left hand. Elekana with a left hand. They trade in close range and Elekana lands late. 10-9 Elekana, 30-27 Elekana.

Fight Result- Billy Elekana def. Ibo Aslan by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Women’s Strawweights- #7 Amanda Ribas (13-6, 7-5 UFC) vs. #10 Tabatha Ricci (11-3, 6-3 UFC)

Ribas just misses a spin kick. Ricci lands a left hand. Ricci pushes it to the fence as Ribas defends. Ribas gets a big takedown and is in side control. Ricci is able to get up as they stay tied up. They trade knees. Ricci lands a pair of short knees. Ribas is landing to the body to defend. They are both landing while tied up against the fence. They are separated. Ribas with a leg kick and left hand. They trade and Ricci pushes it to the fence. They separate. Both are throwing sloppy punches but neither landing. Ricci lands a right hand. They trade right hands. 10-9 Ribas.

Both looking to land as Ricci is trying to initiate a clinch. Ricci lands a body kick. Ribas lands a left hand then a right hand and a leg kick. Ricci grabs the body and pushes it against the fence. Ricci lands a pair of elbows. She lands another and Ricci gets Ribas down. Ricci is landing lots of big punches and it is stopped! Ricci with a finish out of nowhere.

Fight Result- Tabatha Ricci def. Amanda Ribas by TKO (strikes) at 2:59 of Round 2

> Bantamweights- Davey Grant (14-7, 7-6 UFC) vs. Da’Mon Blackshear (17-7-1, 5-3-1 UFC)

Grant lands a leg kick. Grant lands more leg kicks. Blackshear scores a takedown and has the back of Grant. He’s looking for a choke as Grant tries to escape. Blackshear gets the hooks on as they scramble. Blackshear looks for the choke as he has a face crank on. Blackshear lets go. Blackshear is attacking the arm and looking for an armbar. Blackshear is unable to lock it in as the round ends. 10-9 Blackshear.

Blackshear with a body kick as Grant lands a right hand. Blackshear with a body kick. Grant with a right hand to the body. Grant with a leg kick. Blackshear lands a combo. Grant lands a combination ending with a head kick. Grant lands a left hand then a body kick. Blackshear with a leg kick then a high kick. Grant lands a right hand and a leg kick. Blackshear with a right hand. Grant lands a left hook. Grant lands a right hand. Grant with a combo ending with a high kick. Grant with two more high kicks. 10-9 Grant, 19-19.

Grant is pressing forward and landing punches and body kicks. Grant lands a leg kick. Grant with another hard calf kick. Grant lands. Blackshear looks for a takedown but Grant defends and then Grant lands inside the pocket. Blackshear looks for a takedown but Grant sprawls. Grant with a leg kick and then a combination. Grant lands a combo. Grant with a stiff leg kick. He lands another. Blackshear lands a jab and a right hand. Grant with another leg kick. He keeps landing them. Blackshear shoots for a takedown but Grant defends again and then lands a combo. Grant with a body kick. 10-9 Grant, 29-28 Grant.

Fight Result- Davey Grant def. Da’Mon Blackshear by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Welterweights- Muslim Salikhov (21-5, 8-4 UFC) vs. Carlos Leal (22-6, 1-1 UFC)

They trade left hands. Salikhov lands a body kick. Leal with a straight left hand. Salikhov lands a massive right hand and Leal goes down and is out and it is all over! What a knockout by Salikhov!

Fight Result- Muslim Salikhov def. Carlos Leal by knockout (punch) at :42 of Round 1

> Bantamweights- Bryce Mitchell (17-3, 8-3 UFC) vs. Said Nurmagomedov (18-4, 7-3 UFC)

Nurmagomedov lands a head kick then a leg kick. Nurmagomedov lands a left hand. Nurmagomedov lands some more and Mitchell grabs the body and briefly gets it down, but they scramble right back up. They battle against the fence and Nurmagomedov lands on the break. Nurmagomedov lands a knee and Mitchell goes down to the mat. Nurmagomedov gets on top and lands some. Mitchell trying to throw his legs up. Mitchell with small punches from the bottom. They scramble up. Nurmagomedov lands a knee as they’re tied up. 10-9 Nurmagomedov.

Mitchell looks for a takedown against the fence and is able to get Nurmagomedov down. Mitchell is attacking an arm as Nurmagomedov is landing to the body from the bottom. Mitchell is pressuring from the top and now looking to set up a choke. Nurmagomedov is able to reverse to the top. They scramble up and Mitchell has the back and is able to drag Nurmagomedov back down and has back control. They stand and Nurmagomedov lands a knee. Nurmagomedov throws a spin attack but Mitchell ducks under and gets a takedown. 10-9 Mitchell, 19-19.

They tie right up and Nurmagomedov grabs the neck. Mitchell gets it down but Nurmagomedov has a mounted guillotine choke, but Mitchell escapes. Nurmagomedov works from the top. Mitchell is able to reverse to the top. Mitchell is working for an arm-triangle choke. Nurmagomedov is grabbing the cage to try and defend. He grabs it twice more. Mitchell takes the back with the hooks in as Nurmagomedov was trying to escape. Mitchell is controlling as Nurmagomedov again grabs the fence with his feet. 10-9 Mitchell, 29-28 Mitchell.

Fight Result- Bryce Mitchell def. Said Nurmagomedov by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

ABC MAIN CARD | 3 PM ET/12 PM PT

> Light Heavyweights- #10 Nikita Krylov (30-10, 11-8 UFC) vs. #13 Bogdan Guskov (17-3, 3-1 UFC)

Krylov with a high kick. He lands a leg kick. Guskov with an inside leg kick. Krylov lands a big right hand. Krylov with a leg kick. Guskov lands a combo. Guskov with a left hand. Guskov with a right hand to the body. Guskov lands a big right hand. Krylov lands as Guskov was rushing forward. Krylov lands a leg kick. Guskov lands a right hand. Krylov with a body kick. Guskov drops Krylov with a right hand and starts landing from the top. Guskov gets the back and starts to land and it is all over! Guskov gets the big finish in the first.

Fight Result- Bogdan Guskov def. Nikita Krylov by TKO (punches) at 4:18 of Round 1

> Flyweights- #9 Asu Almabayev (21-3, 4-1 UFC) vs. Jose Ochoa (8-1 1 NC, 1-1 UFC)

They trade leg kicks. Both throw punches before Almabayev ties it up. Ochoa lands some knees to break, but Almabayev pushes it against the fence. Almabayev pressuring against the fence as Ochoa lands some body shots. Almabayev gets a takedown into side control and gets back control as they scramble up. Almabayev with some knees to the body before he jumps on the back. He lets go and they separate. Almabayev with a right hand and a head kick. Almabayev gets the back and drags it back down. Almabayev cranks around the chin. Almabayev working for a choke. Almabayev jumps off and they trade. They break apart. Almabayev with a right hand. He goes for a spin kick but Ochoa grabs the back and takes it down with the body triangle on. 10-9 Almabayev.

Almabayev shoots for a takedown after landing low kicks, but Ochoa defends and they separate. Ochoa lands and Almabayev shoots for a takedown, but Ochoa defends and lands a knee as they break. Almabayev scores a takedown. They scramble and Almabayev pushes it against. They separate. Ochoa lands a knee but Almabayev is able to take him down. Almabayev lands from the top. Almabayev controlling from the top as Ochoa looks for a triangle choke. 10-9 Almabayev, 20-18 Almabayev.

Almabayev lands a leg kick. He ducks under a right hand from Ochoa and grabs the body and scores a takedown. Almabayev was grabbing the fence so Jason Herzog separates them. Almabayev shoots for a takedown, but Ochoa grabs the neck and looks for a guillotine choke, but Almabayev slips his head out. Almabayev starts landing from the top and lands some hammerfists. Ochoa is able to scramble to his feet. Ochoa lands a left hand as they break a clinch. Almabayev lands a big right hand. Almabayev looks for a takedown against the fence as Ochoa lands some elbows to defend. They trade knees before separating. Almabayev grabs the back as the fight ends. 10-9 Almabayev, 30-27 Almabayev.

Fight Result- Asu Almabayev def. Jose Ochoa by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Middleweights- Shara Magomedov (15-1, 4-1 UFC) vs. Marc-Andre Barriault (17-9 1 NC, 6-8 1 NC UFC)

Magomedov landing lots of leg kicks to start as Barriault is pressuring him around. Barriault shoots for a takedown against the fence. Barriault gets a takedown and Magomedov grabs the fence trying to help himself get up. They stand and separate. Magomedov lands a leg kick. They clinch against the fence and Magomedov lands a pair of knees and an elbow as they separate. Magomedov lands a leg kick. Barriault clinches it against the fence. Magomedov lands some elbows as they break. Magomedov barely lands a spin kick. 10-9 Magomedov.

Magomedov lands some low kicks to start the second. Magomedov lands a combo. Barriault with a leg kick. They tie up and Magomedov lands a knee and Barriault lands a right hand on the break. Magomedov lands an elbow that cuts Barriault open. Magomedov starting to land with lots of volume moving forward and landing kicks. Barriault lands a big right hand and pushes Magomedov against the fence and lands an uppercut. Magomedov is bleeding from the nose and Barriault lands as they separate. Barriault pushes it against the fence and lands some dirty boxing. Magomedov starts teeing off against Barriault against the fence and has Barriault in trouble but they make it to the end of the round. 10-9 Magomedov, 20-18 Magomedov.

They trade before tying up against the fence. They break and Magomedov lands a high kick. Magomedov lands a right hand as Barriault rushes in. Magomedov with a jab as Barriault lands a leg kick. Magomedov with a short left hook. Magomedov with a flying knee as Barriault rushes in and lands an elbow on the break. Magomedov with a heavy leg kick. Magomedov lands a pair of elbows as they break a clinch. Magomedov with a jumping knee and a head kick. Magomedov looks for a takedown and lands a knee before getting it down. Magomedov with a big flurry from the top and he looks for a late finish but time runs out. 10-9 Magomedov, 30-27 Magomedov.

Fight Result- Shara Magomedov def. Marc-Andre Barriault by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Bantamweights- #3 Petr Yan (18-5, 10-4 UFC) vs. #12 Marcus McGhee (10-1, 4-0 UFC)

McGhee with a body kick. McGhee with an inside leg kick. McGhee with a jab. Yan lands a leg kick. Yan with a right hook. Yan lands a leg kick then a left hand. McGhee with a knee. Yan lands a leg kick. Yan with a right hand. McGhee lands a combo. They tie up and Yan with some uppercuts before they break. McGhee lands a combination. Yan lands a combo. McGhee with an inside leg kick. McGhee with a leg kick. Yan lands a big combo. Yan with a right hand. They trade. Close round. 10-9 Yan.

Yan pressing forward. He throws and McGhee ducks under and looks for a takedown. Yan defends and they separate. McGhee lands a combination. McGhee with a right hook to the body. McGhee with a short uppercut. Yan with a high kick. Yan lands a big combination. McGhee with a knee and Yan lands a left hand then a right hand. McGhee is cut open but lands some punches and an elbow. Yan with a massive right hand. Yan with an uppercut and big elbow in a brief clinch. Yan with a jumping knee. McGhee with a jab. Yan lands a stiff jab. Yan lands a combo to the body. Yan with a quick flurry. Yan with a knee and a right hand. Yan lands a left hand. Yan with a right hand. 10-9 Yan, 20-18 Yan.

They both land in close range. Yan lands a combination. Yan lands a combination against the fence. Yan grabs the back of McGhee against the fence and lands some knees. Yan with more knees to the butt and legs. Yan keeping the pressure against the fence as he keeps landing knees and gets a brief trip before they get right up. They spin and McGhee is trying for a takedown but Yan is landing to defend. They separate and Yan lands a head kick. Yan trips McGhee to the mat and looks for a kimura. Yan has the back as they stand and lands some knees and body shots. 10-9 Yan, 30-27 Yan.

Fight Result- Petr Yan def. Marcus McGhee by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Middleweights- #5 Robert Whittaker (26-8, 17-6 UFC) vs. #13 Reinier de Ridder (20-2, 3-0 UFC)

de Ridder throws wildly right away. de Ridder grabs the single leg and Whittaker is landing to defend and de Ridder lets go. They tie up and de Ridder with some short knees. They break apart. Whittaker lands a combo. de Ridder shoots for a takedown but Whittaker defends and lands a jab. Whittaker lands a pair of jabs. Whittaker lands a combination. de Ridder looks for a takedown but Whittaker defends. de Ridder lands a knee to the body. They break apart and Whittaker lands a jab. de Ridder with a high kick. Whittaker with a left hook. de Ridder lands a knee. Whittaker lands a right hand. 10-9 Whittaker.

They trade and de Ridder connects as Whittaker slips. Whittaker with a high kick that de Ridder blocks. de Ridder with a jab but eats a right hook from Whittaker. Whittaker lands a combo. de Ridder with a left hand. de Ridder with a step-in knee. Whittaker lands a right hand. de Ridder with another knee. Whittaker lands a jab. de Ridder with a big knee and he takes Whittaker down. de Ridder gets into the full guard of Whittaker. de Ridder working from the top as he lands to the body. de Ridder with some punches from inside the guard. de Ridder with an elbow from the top. 10-9 de Ridder, 19-19.

de Ridder lands a knee and lands a combination and Whittaker is backing up. Whittaker then drops de Ridder with a punch and starts landing from the top. Whittaker with some right hands from the top. de Ridder is able to escape to his feet. They clinch against the fence. They separate. Whittaker lands a left hand. de Ridder scores a takedown. de Ridder controlling from the top as he’s trying to pass guard to mount. de Ridder was looking to set up a D’Arce choke but Whittaker blocks it. de Ridder with some body shots. de Ridder with some shots from the top at the end. Close round. 10-9 Whittaker, 29-28 Whittaker.

de Ridder lands a knee and pushes it against the fence. de Ridder with some knees. They separate. Whittaker misses before de Ridder pushes him against the fence. They separate. de Ridder with a shoulder strike. de Ridder tries a takedown but Whittaker ends up taking the back and they separate as they stand. de Ridder with a jab. Whittaker lands a jab. de Ridder with a left hand and Whittaker lands a right hand. Whittaker lands a right hand and then works the jab. Whittaker lands a right hand. de Ridder with a knee to the body. de Ridder lands a left hand. 10-9 de Ridder, 38-38.

Whittaker with a double jab. Whittaker landing as de Ridder looks for a takedown, but Whittaker defends. de Ridder pushes it against the fence. They separate and de Ridder lands a knee before they clinch back up. They break apart. Whittaker lands a jab and de Ridder looks for a takedown, but Whittaker defends and they clinch against the fence. They break apart but de Ridder gets it clinched back up. Whittaker separates. Whittaker with a body shot. They clinch back up but separate. Whittaker lands as he presses forward. They tie back up. Close fight. 10-9 Whittaker, 48-47 Whittaker.

Fight Result- Reinier de Ridder def. Robert Whittaker by split decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47)

UFC 308 live results: Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The Octagon returns to Abu Dhabi for their yearly big pay-per-view event as UFC 308 takes place inside the Etihad Arena on Yas Island.

The main event is one of the best match-ups of the year as UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria makes his first title defense against former UFC Featherweight Champion and current BMF Champion Max Holloway. Topuria won the featherweight title at UFC 298 in February, knocking out Alexander Volkanovski to win the title. Holloway became the BMF Champion with a dramatic last-second knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 in April, and has won three straight fights overall.

In the co-main event, Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev finally square off in a pivotal five-round bout. They were scheduled to fight in June, but Chimaev was forced out about a week before the fight due to illness. Whittaker went on to knock out Ikram Aliskerov, notching his second straight win.

Also on the main card is a light heavyweight bout between Magomed Ankalaev and Aleksandar Rakic; a featherweight fight pitting Lerone Murphy against Dan Ige; and a middleweight bout between Shara Magomedov and Armen Petrosyan.

ESPN+ PRELIMS | 10 AM ET/7 AM PT

> Welterweights- Rinat Fakhretdinov (23-2-1, 4-0-1 UFC) vs. Carlos Leal (21-5, 0-0 UFC)

Fakhretdinov with a quick inside leg kick. Leal with a right hand as Fakhretdinov lands a leg kick, then another. Fakhretdinov gets a takedown. They get to the fence and get up but Fakhretdinov still has the body locked. Fakhretdinov lands a knee. Leal with some body shots as Fakhretdinov lands some knees. They separate and Fakhretdinov lands a right hand and Leal landed a right hand. They trade and Fakhretdinov scores a takedown, but Leal pops right up. Fakhretdinov pushes it to the fence. Leal lands a knee and a left hook as they separate. Leal lands a pair of calf kicks. Leal lands a left hand. They trade punches. Leal with a left hook. Fakhretdinov lands a combination. Leal lands a left hook and a right hand. Leal with a left hook. 10-9 Leal.

Leal lands a calf kick. Fakhretdinov lands a left hand. They trade in close range. Leal lands a quick combo and defends a takedown attempt from Fakhretdinov. Leal with a left hand and a leg kick. Fakhretdinov lands a jab. Fakhretdinov lands a combination. Leal with a calf kick then a combo then another calf kick. Leal landing more and defends a takedown attempt from Fakhretdinov, landing a knee. They trade and Fakhretdinov lands a solid right hand. Fakhretdinov with a combination. Leal lands a right hand. Fakhretdinov lands a pair of stiff jabs. Fakhretdinov with a combination. Fakhretdinov lands a right hand. Leal with a hard calf kick. Fakhretdinov gets a late takedown. 10-9 Leal, 20-18 Leal.

Leal with a leg kick to start. Fakhretdinov tries a takedown but Leal defends and lands to the body as Fakhretdinov lands a left hand. Fakhretdinov tries a takedown but Leal defends. Fakhretdinov tries for a takedown as he pushes it to the fence. They separate. Fakhretdinov lands a right hand. Fakhretdinov with a back fist. Leal lands a right hand. They clinch and trade knees. Leal gets a takedown and takes the back as they stand and lands a knee as they break. They trade in close range. Fakhretdinov lands a left hand. Leal with a series of punches and a calf kick. They trade right hands and Leal lands a combo. They clinch and both land. They trade leg kicks. Fakhretdinov lands a combination. They trade late. Fun fight. 10-9 Leal, 30-27 Leal.

Official Result- Rinat Fakhretdinov def. Carlos Leal by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

This is one of the worst decisions in UFC history. Absolute robbery. Carlos Leal deserved that win.

> Middleweights- Ismail Naurdiev (23-7, 2-2 UFC) vs. Bruno Silva (23-11, 4-5 UFC)

Silva lands a jab. Naurdiev with a hard calf kick. Silva lands a leg kick. Silva tries a high kick but Naurdiev grabs it and forces the fight to the fence. Naurdiev steps back and lands a combination. They trade in close range and Naurdiev with a high kick. Naurdiev with a leg kick. Naurdiev grabs Silva and pushes him to the fence and lands. Naurdiev lands a knee and Silva counters with an elbow and Naurdiev counters that with an elbow. Naurdiev scores a takedown. They stand and Naurdiev jumps on the back for a choke but Silva gets out. Naurdiev still looking for it and Silva grabbed the fence. Naurdiev jumps off the back. 10-9 Naurdiev.

Naurdiev lands a body kick. They trade and Naurdiev lands a right hand that trips Silva to the mat. Naurdiev jumps on the back and Silva grabs the fence again. Naurdiev with some elbows. They get to their feet. They separate and trade jabs. Naurdiev grabs the neck for a standing guillotine choke. Silva shakes him off. Naurdiev with a jab and scores a takedown. Naurdiev with some punches from the top. Naurdiev lands some left hands from the back. Silva grabs the fence again. They get to their feet. Naurdiev lands a right hand. Naurdiev with a side kick. 10-9 Naurdiev, 20-18 Naurdiev.

Naurdiev lands a leg kick and pushes it to the fence. Naurdiev with some punches then a knee then a combination and lands before backing away. Silva shoots for a takedown but Naurdiev grabs the neck and lands a knee. Silva throws a kick that misses and just stops and Naurdiev pushes him to the fence. Naurdiev lands an elbow as he breaks away. They trade left hands. Naurdiev lands a solid combination. Naurdiev with a jab and Silva lands a knee. Naurdiev with a leg kick. Silva lands a left hand. Naurdiev with a leg kick and lands a right hand. 10-9 Naurdiev, 30-27 Naurdiev.

Official Result- Ismail Naurdiev def. Bruno Silva by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Naurdiev looked good in his UFC return. Silva looked awful and has now lost four straight fights and is 1-6 in his last seven, so I expect this to be it for him in the UFC.

> Featherweights- Farid Basharat (12-0, 3-0 UFC) vs. Victor Hugo (25-4, 1-0 UFC)

They trade leg kicks. Hugo lands a right hand. They’re trading in close range. Basharat lands a leg kick. Basharat shoots for a takedown but Hugo defends. Hugo with a stiff leg kick. Basharat lands a right hand. Hugo with a spinning elbow. Hugo rolls for a leg lock. Basharat is able to pull his leg free and gets on top. Basharat lands and Hugo is cut open. Basharat lands as they scramble up. Hugo with a spin kick. Basharat lands a right hand. Basharat lands a right hand. Hugo shoots and they scramble as Hugo looks for a leg lock. 10-9 Basharat.

Hugo lands a leg kick. Hugo hurts Basharat with a knee. Basharat lands a combination. Hugo with some leg kicks. Basharat lands a right hand. Basharat with some leg kicks. Basharat with a combination. They trade inside the pocket. Hugo with a leg kick and a left hook. He lands another then a right hand. Basharat lands a knee. Basharat lands a right hand. Hugo lands a back elbow. Basharat lands a combination. Basharat grabs the back late. 10-9 Basharat, 20-18 Basharat.

Hugo lands a flurry that had Basharat in brief trouble. They clinch and Basharat lands a knee before breaking away. Hugo lands a left hand and uppercut and Basharat counters with a left hand. Basharat scores a takedown. Basharat lands from the top and has the back as they get to their feet. They separate and trade before going back to the mat and Basharat takes the back. Basharat lands before they scramble up. 10-9 Basharat, 30-27 Basharat.

Official Result- Farid Basharat def. Victor Hugo by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

This fight was changed from bantamweight to featherweight before the weigh-ins and Hugo looked a weight class above Basharat, but Basharat was able to overcome it and looked good. Hugo needs to be forced up to featherweight.

> Heavyweights- Kennedy Nzechukwu (12-5, 6-5 UFC) vs. Chris Barnett (23-8, 2-2 UFC)

Nzchukwu with a jab as Barnett lands a pair of leg kicks. Barnett lands a left hand. Nzchukwu with a body kick. They trade punches. They trade kicks. Nzchukwu pressing forward and lands some body kicks. Nzchukwu still landing kicks. Nzchukwu with more body kicks. Barnett looks to have injured his left foot. Nzchukwu landing at will. Barnett lands a left hand. Nzchukwu with a knee to the body. Nzchukwu starts teeing off and lands a knee. Barnett goes to the mat and it is stopped. Nzchukwu picks up the win as Barnett is injured.

Official Result- Kennedy Nzchukwu def. Chris Barnett by TKO (punches) at 4:27 of Round 1

Nzchukwu looked big and solid in there at heavyweight, but Barnett’s leg injury will overshadow it. Poor Huggy Bear when it comes to the injury, and I hope we see Barnett again.

> Middleweights- Abus Magomedov (26-6-1, 2-2 UFC) vs. Brunno Ferreira (12-1, 3-1 UFC)

Magomedov with a body kick. He lands a leg kick. Magomedov with a left hook to the body. They aren’t doing much as neither is landing. Magomedov then lands a leg kick. Magomedov with a body kick. Magomedov lands a leg kick. Ferreira not doing much. Magomedov with a high kick. Magomedov with a teet kick to the body. Magomedov lands a combination. Magomedov lands a left hand. 10-9 Magomedov.

Ferreira coming forward and lands some as Magomedov lands a body kick. Magomedov lands a left hand. Ferreira lands a left hand. Magomedov with a leg kick. Ferreira lands a combination. Ferreira connects with a right hand and Magomedov lands a leg kick. Ferreira hurts Magomedov with a jab and follows up with a head kick and Magomedov is stumbling around. Magomedov gets a takedown as Ferreira has the neck. Magomedov gets the back and looks for a choke but they scramble up. Ferreira lands a jab. Ferreira lands a body kick and a big left hand. Magomedov shoots for a takedown but Ferreira defends. Ferreira with another left hand and has Magomedov hurt. Ferreira lands but Magomedov is able to get a takedown. Magomedov lands from the back. They scramble and Magomedov ends up inside the guard of Ferreira. Magomedov with some body shots. 10-9 Ferreira, 19-19.

They both land. Magomedov with a solid left hook. Ferreira lands a left hand. Magomedov gets a takedown. He takes the back and looks for a choke but they scramble up. Magomedov gets a takedown. Ferreira lands some elbows but Magomedov gets the mount. Magomedov locks in an arm-triangle choke and gets Ferreira to tap! Magomedov picks up the submission win.

Official Result- Abus Magomedov def. Brunno Ferreira by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 3:14 of Round 3

Magomedov was able to weather a tough second round to get the finish in the third, and this was a solid win for him.

> 160-pound Catchweights- Mateusz Rebecki (19-2, 3-1 UFC) vs. Myktybek Orolbai (13-1-1, 2-0 UFC)

They tie up for a brief moment but quickly break. Rebecki lands a left hand. Rebecki with a leg kick. Orolbai lands an uppercut. Rebecki lands two more left hands. They trade leg kicks. Orolbai lands a counter right hand. Rebecki lands a left hand. They trade before a quick clinch. Rebecki with two left hands. Orolbai lands a high kick. Rebecki lands a left hand. Orolbai lands a right hand. Rebecki hurts Orolbai with a left hook. Orolbai lands a right hand. Rebecki throws Orolbai to the mat for a brief moment. Rebecki with a leg kick. Orolbai lands a right hand. 10-9 Rebecki.

Orolbai’s right eye is a mess. He comes rushing out and starts landing. Rebecki lands a left hand. Orolbai with a right hand. Orolbai lands an uppercut. They trade in close range and Orolbai with another uppercut. Rebecki grabs the back and pushes it to the fence. They separate. Rebecki with a left hand. Orolbai lands a right hand. Rebecki with a leg kick. Orolbai lands a right hand. He lands another right hand. Orolbai with an uppercut. Rebecki lands a leg kick then a left hand. Orolbai shoots for a takedown and gets it. Rebecki has a bad cut opened up over his right eye. They scramble to the feet. Rebecki with a leg kick. Orolbai with an uppercut. Orolbai with a big elbow. Orolbai lands a right hand. 10-9 Orolbai, 19-19.

Orolbai lands an elbow. Orolbai with a right hand. They both land and Rebecki hurts Orolbai with a right hand. Rebecki drops Orolbai with a left hand and starts teeing off but Orolbai is able to get to his feet. Rebecki still landing lots of punches and takes Orolbai down. Rebecki in side control and lands. Rebecki with more left hands as they get to their feet. Orolbai gets the back and starts landing right hands. Rebecki ends up on top as they scramble down. Rebecki is pouring blood while landing. Orolbai sweeps to the top and lands to the body then an elbow. Orolbai is bleeding everywhere as well. Orolbai lands but they scramble up. Orolbai lands a right hand. Orolbai with a jab. 10-9 Rebecki, 29-28 Rebecki.

Official Result- Mateusz Rebecki def. Myktybek Orolbai by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

This was a wild, crazy, bloody and dramatic fight- one of the best fights of the year. Credit to both men, especially Orolbai, who fought the last two rounds with one eye. Watch this fight.

> Welterweights- #10 Geoff Neal (15-6, 7-4 UFC) vs. #15 LW Rafael Dos Anjos (32-16, 21-14 UFC)

Neal pressing forward and lands a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Neal drops Dos Anjos with a combination and gets on top. Neal backs off and Dos Anjos is ordered up. They tie up and Neal gets a takedown. Neal backs off and Dos Anjos gets up. Neal rocks Dos Anjos with a left hand and Dos Anjos’ knee pops and he goes down and it is stopped.

Official Result- Geoff Neal def. Rafael Dos Anjos by TKO (injury) at 1:30 of Round 1

This was an unfortunate end due to Dos Anjos injuring his knee, but Neal was in complete control of the fight before it happened. I hope Dos Anjos can bounce back and Neal looked sharp in the 90 seconds it lasted.

> Light Heavyweights- Ibo Aslan (13-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Rafael Cerqueira (11-0, 0-0 UFC)

Cerqueira with a leg kick but Aslan stuns him with a jab. Aslan starts unloading with tons of punches and is pouring it on. Cerqueira is trying to cover up but he is getting tagged and it is stopped on the feet. What an explosive finish from Aslan!

Official Result- Ibo Aslan def. Rafael Cerqueira by TKO (punches) at :51 of Round 1

Aslan couldn’t have looked any better in this one. The 205-pound division needs some new contenders coming up and he has potential to be one. It’s a disappointing debut for Cerqueira, but one that he can bounce back from.

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> Middleweights- Shara Magomedov (14-0, 3-0 UFC) vs. Armen Petrosyan (8-3, 3-2 UFC)

Petrosyan with a pair of inside leg kicks. Petrosyan with more leg kicks. They trade stiff right hands. Petrosyan with a combination then a right hand as he had Magomedov hurt. They clinch but break. Petrosyan with an inside leg kick. Magomedov with a leg kick. Petrosyan lands a right hand. Petrosyan with more leg kicks. Magomedov lands a big right hand. They trade and Petrosyan lands a knee. They trade leg kicks. Petrosyan with a left hand. Magomedov connects with a left hand. They trade leg kicks. They trade them again. Petrosyan lands some more leg kicks. Magomedov lands a right hand. Magomedov with a side kick. Petrosyan with some leg kicks. Petrosyan with a body kick. Magomedov lands a spinning back fist. 10-9 Petrosyan.

Petrosyan pressing forward. They trade kicks and timeout is called for a groin strike. Petrosyan with a leg kick after they restart and Petrosyan lands a right hand. Magomedov lands as they clinch but break apart. Magomedov lands some kicks. Magomedov lands a check hook as Petrosyan was coming forward. Magomedov lands a right hand. Another timeout for a groin strike, this time by Magomedov. They get back to action and trade leg kicks. Petrosyan with a body kick. Petrosyan lands a left hand. Petrosyan with a spinning back fist then a body kick. Magomedov with a leg kick. Magomedov lands a right hand. Magomedov drops Petrosyan with a double spinning back fist and it is all over with seconds to go in the round. What a finish from Magomedov!

Official Result- Shara Magomedov def. Armen Petrosyan by TKO (punches) at 4:52 of Round 2

This was a tremendous finish from Magomedov, who remains a fighter to keep an eye on as he moves up. He did get off to a slow start, but he’s dangerous and fun to watch.

> Featherweights- #12 Lerone Murphy (14-0-1, 6-0-1 UFC) vs. #14 Dan Ige (18-8, 10-7 UFC)

Ige lands a right hand. Ige with a leg kick. Murphy with a front kick that just misses Ige’s jaw. Ige lands a hard right hand. Ige lands to the body. Murphy lands a right hand. They trade jabs. Ige lands two left hands and scores a takedown. Murphy scrambles after Ige lands and Ige grabs the back. They scramble up and clinch. Murphy lands a knee then some body shots. Ige with an elbow and they separate. Ige was cut open from an elbow by Murphy. Murphy lands a right hand and a back kick. Ige drops Murphy with a left hand and starts landing. Murphy is able to get up but Ige is still landing. Murphy lands a switch knee and they tie up. Murphy gets a takedown. Ige uses a kimura attempt to sweep. 10-9 Ige.

Murphy lands a body kick and a right hand. He lands an elbow as Ige was coming in. Ige lands to the body. They trade in close range after Murphy lands a leg kick. Murphy lands a jab. Ige with a left hand and Murphy lands a spin kick. Ige shoots for a takedown and pushes it to the fence. Murphy with some left hands as he reverses positioning. Murphy with a knee. They break apart. Murphy with a right hand then a front kick and a high kick. Murphy gets a takedown. Murphy gets the full mount but Ige quickly gives up his back. Murphy looks for a triangle choke as Murphy lands some elbows. 10-9 Murphy, 19-19.

Murphy grabs the body and tries for a takedown. They both battle in the tie up but break. Murphy with a head kick that is partially blocked. They scramble to the mat and Ige ends up on top. Both battle to grab a leg. They scramble and Ige remains on top with an arm-triangle choke attempt. He lets go and lands an elbow. Ige gets the back of Murphy. They end up on their feet and its pressed against the fence. Murphy gets it down and lands some punches. Murphy looks for a guillotine choke. Ige gets out and they get to their feet. Ige with a knee. Murphy lands an elbow. Murphy with a big left hand and big knee late. Very close fight. 10-9 Murphy, 29-28 Murphy.

Official Result- Lerone Murphy def. Dan Ige by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

This was a close fight that could’ve gone either way, and came down to the third. I felt Murphy did enough. It’s tough to stay undefeated at 145 pounds, and Murphy still is, and he needs a big opponent next.

> Light Heavyweights- #1 Magomed Ankalaev (19-1-1 1 NC, 10-1-1 1 NC UFC) vs. #5 Aleksandar Rakic (14-4, 6-3 UFC)

Rakic lands a jab. Rakic with a high kick. They trade leg kicks. Rakic with another high kick. Rakic with a leg kick and they trade quick punches. They trade kicks and then trade them again. Rakic with a high kick. Ankalaev lands a left hand. Rakic with a body kick then a leg kick. Ankalaev lands a right hand. Rakic with a high kick. Ankalaev lands a left hand. They continue to each land punches and kicks. Rakic with a right hand. Ankalaev lands a left hand. 10-9 Rakic.

They trade leg kicks. Rakic lands a right hand as Ankalaev lands an up elbow. Rakic with a body kick. Ankalaev with a glancing head kick. Rakic lands a right hand. Ankalaev with a right hand and a body kick. Ankalaev lands a right hook. Ankalaev lands a left hand to the body. They trade leg kicks. They trade inside the pocket. Ankalaev with a high kick. Ankalaev lands a combination then a body kick. They clinch. They separate and Ankalaev lands a left hand. Rakic lands a right hand. Rakic with a high kick. 10-9 Ankalaev, 19-19.

Rakic lands a right hand and a body kick. Ankalaev lands a left hand. Rakic with a body kick. Ankalaev pressing forward but Rakic is throwing more though they are connecting evenly. Ankalaev lands a big left hand. He lands another. Rakic looks for a takedown as he is in on a single leg. Ankalaev defending against the fence with short punches. Ankalaev reverses as he lands to the body. Ankalaev with a knee to the body. Ankalaev with a knee to the body then a high one. Ankalaev with more knees to the body. 10-9 Ankalaev, 29-28 Ankalaev.

Official Result- Magomed Ankalaev def. Aleksandar Rakic by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Ankalaev did enough to pick up the win, but it was close. He should get the next title shot against Alex Pereira. I don’t know that he will fare well against him, though.

> Middleweights- #3 Robert Whittaker (26-7, 17-5 UFC) vs. #13 Khamzat Chimaev (13-0, 7-0 UFC)

Whittaker with a leg kick. He lands another. Chimaev shoots for a takedown and gets the back of Whittaker. They’re sort of on the mat as Chimaev lands a left hand. Chimaev with some knees. Chimaev goes for the hooks but Whittaker scrambles up. Chimaev gets it back down. They scramble and Chimaev remains on top. Chimaev lands some punches and quickly locks in a rear-naked choke and Whittaker taps fast. Chimaev gets the big win and remains undefeated.

Official Result- Khamzat Chimaev def. Robert Whittaker by submission (face crank) at 3:34 of Round 1

Chimaev couldn’t have looked any better. Is he ready for a title shot? Maybe, but there are some obstacles to overcome there.

> UFC Featherweight Championship- C Ilia Topuria (15-0, 7-0 UFC) vs. #2 Max Holloway (26-7, 22-7 UFC)

Holloway with a body kick. Holloway with two more body kicks. Holloway with a leg kick and a jab. Topuria lands a right hand. Topuria scores a takedown. They get to their feet and separate. Topuria with a leg kick as Holloway lands a left hand. Topuria lands a right hand. Holloway connects with a pair of jabs. Topuria lands a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Topuria with a right hand. Topuria with a hard leg kick. They trade inside the pocket. Holloway with some kicks and a combination. Holloway lands a solid right hand. Holloway with a left hook after a jab. Topuria lands and Holloway slips. Topuria grabs the back and the round ends. Close round. 10-9 Topuria.

Holloway lands a jab. Holloway lands a stiff right hand. Topuria with a leg kick. Both are landing. Topuria with a calf kick. Topuria with a right hand as Holloway lands the jab. Topuria lands a left hook. Topuria with a right hand. Holloway lands a combo. Topuria lands a right hand. Holloway with a combination. Topuria lands a right hand. Topuria with a leg kick as Holloway lands a jab. Topuria lands a right hand. Holloway lands a big right hand. Topuria with a right hand. Topuria with a right hand as Holloway lands a body kick. Holloway with a spin kick to the body. Another close round. 10-9 Holloway, 19-19.

Holloway with a high kick. Topuria lands a left to the body. Holloway with a combo and a body kick. Topuria with a leg kick. Holloway lands a right hand and then two side kicks to the leg of Topuria. Topuria lands a big right hand and starts throwing but Holloway is able to circle away. Topuria pouring it on and he drops Holloway and finishes it off with shots from the top. What a finish from Topuria!

Official Result- Ilia Topuria def. Max Holloway by knockout (punches) at 1:34 of Round 3 to retain the UFC Featherweight Championship

A fantastic fight with a fantastic finish by Topuria. Holloway gave him a tough fight but his power held up as the fight went on. Topuria is going to be hard to beat, and this is a stacked division.

UFC on ABC 6 live results: Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov in Saudi Arabia

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The Octagon travels to Saudi Arabia for the very first time as the UFC returns to network television with UFC on ABC 6 from the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.

The main event is both a big one at middleweight and one that came together just last week as former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker looks to get another crack at the title when he takes on dangerous late-notice opponent Ikram Aliskerov.

Aliskerov takes this fight on just a week’s notice as a replacement for Khamzat Chimaev who was forced out due to an illness. He has won 15 of his 16 professional fights with eleven finishes.

The co-main event has potential heavyweight title shot ramifications on the line as Sergei Pavlovich takes on Alexander Volkov. Also on the main card is a middleweight bout between Kelvin Gastelum and Daniel Rodriguez, and a light heavyweight bout pitting Johnny Walker against Volkan Oezdemir.

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> Road to UFC 2 Bantamweight Finals- Xiao Long (26-8) vs. ChangHo Lee (9-1)

Long immediately lands a flying knee and they start wilding trading shots. Both land body kicks. They tie up against the fence. Long with short punches and Lee lands a few knees. Long lands an elbow as they break. Long lands a right hand. They clinch and go to the fence. They trade knees. Long is able to score a takedown. They get up and are tied up and exchange knees. Lee with a pair of knees as Long lands uppercuts while both look to take it down. Lee lands a left hand as they separate. They clinch back up and Lee lands a knee. They separate and both land before tying back up. They trade knees and Long with a left hook. 10-9 Long.

They get right back to the clinch and trade knees before separating. Lee slips and Long tries to take advantage but they tie up against the fence. Lee with some knees as Long is landing to the body. Long lands a left hand as they break. Long with a body kick. Long with an uppercut and Lee lands a knee. They tie up and Lee lands to the body then Long lands a combo as they are separated. Long looks for a takedown but Lee keeps it on the feet. They keep clinching up and trading knees before breaking apart and repeating. Lee landing knees and Long is working for a takedown. Lee lands some elbows to defend and keeps landing lots of knees. Long is looking a little hurt. 10-9 Lee, 19-19.

They tie right up and Lee landing to the body and some knees to the body. Lee with more knees as Long is trying to take it down. Lee gets the back on the feet and jumps on it to get it to the mat. Lee lands from the back as Long is trying to escape. Lee is attacking the arm. Long escapes and grabs the back of Lee. Long is sitting on the back but doing nothing, though Lee isn’t doing much to escape. Lee scrambles out to the feet and lands a knee. They break apart but clinch up and Lee lands a pair of knees. Long is gassed out. Both are landing as they battle in the pocket and Lee landing to the body. Lee with a combo on a brief separation. Long with a leg kick. They push to the fence and trade punches. Close fight. 10-9 Lee, 29-28 Lee.

Official Result- ChangHo Lee def. Xiao Long by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

> Light Heavyweights- Magomed Gadzhiyasulov (8-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Brendson Ribeiro (15-6, 0-1 UFC)

Ribeiro with a high kick that Gadzhiyasulov blocks. Ribeiro with a leg kick. Gadzhiyasulov lands a leg kick. Ribeiro with a pair of kicks and Gadzhiyasulov lands a leg kick. Ribeiro gets a takedown and Gadzhiyasulov grabs the fence but Ribeiro has it down and then gets it down again. They stand and Ribeiro has the body locked. They reverse positions against the fence. Gadzhiyasulov with some short knees. Gadzhiyasulov lands a knee as they separate. Gadzhiyasulov lands a right hand. Ribeiro with a hard leg kick and Gadzhiyasulov is compromised. They both swing and Gadzhiyasulov gets a takedown. Gadzhiyasulov ends the round on top. Close round. 10-9 Ribeiro.

Gadzhiyasulov with a leg kick after they trade jabs. Ribeiro lands a leg kick. They trade kicks and Gadzhiyasulov gets a takedown but Ribeiro reverses to a guillotine choke. He ends up with a mounted guillotine but Gadzhiyasulov is able to escape and ends up on top. Gadzhiyasulov moves to the half-guard and lands. Gadzhiyasulov with some short hammerfists. Gadzhiyasulov landing from the top as he is controlling Ribeiro. Gadzhiyasulov threatened with an arm-triangle choke but lets go. Gadzhiyasulov keeps inside the guard of Ribeiro and lands. 10-9 Gadzhiyasulov, 19-19.

Ribeiro lands a big right hand. Gadzhiyasulov with a jab. Gadzhiyasulov gets a takedown. Gadzhiyasulov working and transitioning around as he is in side control. Gadzhiyasulov lands and Ribeiro gives up his back. Gadzhiyasulov lands and is able to get Ribeiro back fully down and is back in side control. Gadzhiyasulov gets the side mount and is landing lots of big punches. Gadzhiyasulov has the back and is landing. He gets back into the half-guard and stays in control. Gadzhiyasulov with punches from the top and stands as the fight ends. 10-9 Gadzhiyasulov, 29-28 Gadzhiyasulov.

Official Result- Magomed Gadzhiyasulov def. Brendson Ribeiro by majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)

> Bantamweights- Kyung Ho Kang (19-10 1 NC, 8-4 1 NC UFC) vs. Muin Gafurov (18-6, 0-2 UFC)

They trade body kicks. Gafurov with a hard calf kick then lands a combination. Gafurov with a leg kick that trips Kang up. Kang lands a jab. Kang looks for a takedown and they battle for it and Gafurov ends up on top. Gafurov working inside the guard of Kang and lands. Gafurov with a big elbow from the top. They’re both looking to improve position on the ground. Gafurov with a left hand from the top. Gafurov with some body shots then goes back to the head. They scramble up and Kang has the back. He jumps up on the body on the feet. Gafurov slams back and they end the round on the mat. 10-9 Gafurov.

They trade kicks. Kang shoots for a takedown and is able to get it down. Kang with some elbows to the legs. Kang gets to the mount. Kang lands and is looking to set up an arm-triangle choke. Gafurov tries to escape and Kang looks for a triangle choke. Gafurov gets out and takes Kang’s back. Gafurov with some knees. Gafurov tries to trip Kang down and Kang might have grabbed the fence to defend. They separate and Gafurov lands a combination and a hard leg kick. Kang shoots for a takedown but Gafurov grabs the neck and doesn’t quite have the choke. Gafurov controlling against the fence. They break apart. Gafurov with a hard leg kick. Gafurov with some big punches. Kang shoots for a takedown but Gafurov stuffs it and lands. 10-9 Gafurov, 20-18 Gafurov.

They’re both throwing but neither really connects before Kang is able to get a takedown. Kang gets the mount and lands some left hands. Gafurov is able to scramble to his feet. They break apart. Kang ducks under a Gafurov uppercut and gets a takedown. They scramble and both are holding onto a foot. They scramble to their feet against the fence. Gafurov has body control against the fence as both are landing short punches. Kang gets a takedown and is in side control against the fence. They scramble up and Gafurov lands a right hand. Gafurov with a spin kick and Kang is hurt and Gafurov lands as the fight ends. 10-9 Kang, 29-28 Gafurov.

Official Result- Muin Gafurov def. Kyung Ho Kang by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Welterweights- Rinat Fakhretdinov (22-2-1, 3-0-1 UFC) vs. Nicolas Dalby (23-4-1 2 NC, 7-4-1 1 NC UFC)

Dalby with some early kicks. Fakhretdinov lands a right hand. They clinch against the fence. Dalby controlling and lands a knee. Fakhretdinov with a knee as he pushes Dalby away. Dalby lands a right hand. Dalby with a leg kick after Fakhretdinov lands a left hand. Fakhretdinov with a combo. They trade punches and Fakhretdinov looks for a takedown. Fakhretdinov has the leg but Dalby is able to stay standing as Fakhretdinov pushes it against the fence. They reverse position. Fakhretdinov lands a knee as they break. Fakhretdinov drops Dalby with a right hand but he gets right up. They trade and Fakhretdinov gets a takedown. They get to their feet. They trade elbows and Fakhretdinov lands a jab. Dalby with a right hand. Fakhretdinov with a jumping knee. 10-9 Fakhretdinov.

They trade as Dalby lands some side kicks. Fakhretdinov gets a takedown but Dalby is able to shuffle to the fence. They get to their feet. Dalby with a few knees and they separate. Dalby clinches up and pushes Fakhretdinov against the fence. Dalby with an elbow and they trade knees before breaking. Dalby with a pair of high kicks. Dalby with a head kick then a leg kick. Dalby keeping Fakhretdinov at a distance with front kicks. They tie up with Dalby in control. They separate and Dalby with a body kick. Fakhretdinov gets a takedown. Both landing on the mat. They get to their feet. 10-9 Dalby, 19-19.

Fakhretdinov gets the back of Dalby and pushes it to the fence. Fakhretdinov trying to get it down. They break apart and trade before Fakhretdinov gets it down. Fakhretdinov landing from the top before they stand and separate. Dalby lands and Fakhretdinov gets a takedown. They get to their feet for a moment but Fakhretdinov gets it down though Dalby is able to switch to the back and they break. Dalby tries to land but Fakhretdinov ducks and pushes it to the fence. Dalby lands a knee. They separate and Dalby lands more and lands a high kick before they tie back up. They trade knees and Dalby lands an uppercut and Fakhretdinov lands a combination. They swing wild late. 10-9 Fakhretdinov, 29-28 Fakhretdinov.

Official Result- Rinat Fakhretdinov def. Nicolas Dalby by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

> Featherweights- Muhammad Naimov (11-2, 3-0 UFC) vs. Felipe Lima (12-1, 0-0 UFC)

Lima lands a body kick and Naimov trips down. Lima lands a flying knee and Naimov grabs the leg as they tie up against the fence. They separate and trade leg kicks. Naimov with a jumping knee. They tie up and Lima lands a pair of knees. They separate. Lima lands a leg kick and Naimov lands a combination. Lima with a flurry to the head and body against the fence. Naimov grabs the body and tries for a takedown but Lima rolls. Naimov is on top and spins to inside the guard of Lima. Naimov with some shots from the top. Naimov continues to land from the top as the round ends. Close round. 10-9 Naimov.

Lima with a body kick. Lima lands a leg kick and Naimov tries for a takedown but Lima squirms out. Naimov with a combination. Naimov with a leg kick. Lima with a body kick as they continue to trade on the feet. Naimov with a combination. Naimov landing slightly more as they trade kicks. Naimov shoots for a takedown against the fence. Lima lands a knee. They separate. Naimov with a body kick. Naimov with a combination. Another close round. 10-9 Naimov, 20-18 Naimov.

Lima with a leg kick. They tie up and Lima grabs the back and has it on the mat. He locks in a rear-naked choke and it is in deep and Naimov taps! What a debut win for Lima!

Official Result- Felipe Lima def. Muhammad Naimov by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:15 of Round 3

> Lightweights- Nasrat Haqparast (16-5, 8-4 UFC) vs. Jared Gordon (20-6 1 NC, 8-5 1 NC UFC)

Gordon ties it up and pushes Haqparast to the fence. He grabs a leg and lands a pair of right hands as he lets go. They circle to the middle. Haqparast with a left hand. Gordon grabs the leg but lets go. Haqparast lands a left hand. Gordon lands a right hook. Haqparast with a left hand. Gordon with a right hand. Gordon grabs a leg and pushes it to the fence. They separate. Gordon with an uppercut. Haqparast lands a left hand and an uppercut. Gordon shoots for a takedown but Haqparast defends. Haqparast with a jab. Gordon tries for the takedown but Haqparast defends and lands a flurry of punches. Haqparast with an uppercut to the body. Haqparast with a combination. Haqparast with a pair of body kicks. 10-9 Haqparast.

Haqparast with a left hand. Gordon with a body kick. Haqparast lands a body kick followed by a left hand. Haqparast with a left hand. Gordon grabs a leg but Haqparast is able to keep it on the feet as Gordon pushes it to the fence. They trade while tied up before separating. Gordon lands a right hand as he’s pressuring. Haqparast scores with a left hand. They trade and Gordon slips after Haqparast just misses a head kick. Gordon with a jab. Haqparast lands a solid combination after Gordon lands. Gordon with several right hands and lands an uppercut. Gordon putting the pressure on and is landing as Haqparast circles away. Gordon picking up the volume as he lands a right hand. They clinch and both land to the body. They separate and both land. 10-9 Gordon, 19-19.

Gordon lands a pair of body kicks. They trade inside the pocket and Haqparast lands a combination and a stiff jab. They trade jabs. Haqparast lands a left hand. Gordon gets a brief takedown. They continue to trade in close range and it is pretty even. Gordon is landing a solid jab. Haqparast lands a big combination and Gordon returns fire. Haqparast lands a jab and Gordon lands a jab. They trade jabs. Both are throwing and landing. Gordon with a right hook. Haqparast lands a combination. Both are tired. Gordon lands a jab. They both land late. Fun fight, close fight. 10-9 Gordon, 29-28 Gordon.

Official Result- Nasrat Haqparast def. Jared Gordon by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

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> Light Heavyweights- #7 Johnny Walker (21-8 1 NC, 7-5 1 NC UFC) vs. #9 Volkan Oezdemir (19-7, 7-6 UFC)

Walker with some early leg kicks. Oezdemir lands a leg kick. Oezdemir with an inside leg kick. Walker lands a jab. Walker with some front kicks. Oezdemir with a leg kick. Oezdemir lands a combination. Oezdemir lands to the body. Oezdemir with a right hook. Oezdemir with a leg kick. Oezdemir with a left hook and drops Walker with a left hand. Walker gets up and Oezdemir is throwing. They trade and Oezdemir drops Walker again with a right hand and a follow-up right hand knocks Walker out cold. What a finish from Oezdemir!

Official Result- Volkan Oezdemir def. Johnny Walker by knockout (punches) at 2:28 of Round 1

> Middleweights- Shara Magomedov (12-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Antonio Trocoli (12-3 1 NC, 0-0 UFC)

Magomedov with a pair of leg kicks. Trocoli with a right hand and then another. Trocoli pushes it against the fence and lands some uppercuts. They get broken apart. Magomedov with some leg kicks. Magomedov mixing his kicks everywhere. Magomedov with some leg kicks. Trocoli lands a right hand. Trocoli with a combination. Magomedov lands a right hand. They clinch against the fence and Trocoli almost gets Magomedov down to the mat. Trocoli still has control and lands and lands with a big knee. 10-9 Trocoli.

Magomedov with a side kick. Both land a series of kicks. Magomedov with a hard leg kick. He lands another. Trocoli looks for a takedown but Magomedov defends and Magomedov lands a leg kick then another on the break. Magomedov with a pair of leg kicks. Magomedov with a side kick then a leg kick as Trocoli lands a right hand. Magomedov with some side kicks then a combination. Trocoli looks for a takedown and Magomedov blatantly grabs the fence and nothing happens. They separate and Magomedov stuns Trocoli with a punch. Trocoli shoots for a takedown but Magomedov defends and lands a head kick on the way up. 10-9 Magomedov, 19-19.

Magomedov lands some kicks to start the third. Magomedov with a pair of leg kicks then a right hand. Trocoli with a right hand but he looks tired. Magomedov with a high kick. Magomedov lands a leg kick. Magomedov with a spin kick but misses a spinning back fist. Magomedov with a knee then a right hand and Trocoli is hurt. Magomedov with a big flurry of punches and he drops Trocoli and it is all over. What a finish from Magomedov!

Official Result- Shara Magomedov def. Antonio Trocoli by knockout (punches) at 2:27 of Round 3

> Middleweights- Kelvin Gastelum (18-9 1 NC, 12-9 1 NC UFC) vs. Daniel Rodriguez (17-4, 7-3 UFC)

They’re both swinging and Rodriguez lands a leg kick before they clinch but then separate. Gastelum with a leg kick. Rodriguez lands a leg kick. Gastelum lands a left hand. Rodriguez with a jab. Gastelum with a leg kick. Gastelum with a left hand. Rodriguez with a leg kick as Gastelum lands a jab. Gastelum with a combination. Rodriguez with a combination. Rodriguez lands another solid combo. Gastelum then lands a combo. Gastelum with another combination. They trade in big flurries to end the round. 10-9 Rodriguez.

Rodriguez pushing out the jab. Rodriguez with a leg kick. Gastelum lands a leg kick. Gastelum with a combination. Rodriguez lands a big left hand. Rodriguez lands another left hand. Gastelum pressing forward and is landing. Rodriguez lands a jab to circle away. Gastelum gets a takedown. They get to their feet. Gastelum with a combination. Rodriguez lands a combination. Rodriguez with a right hand. Gastelum with a hard leg kick followed by a right hand. Rodriguez lands a left hand. Both landing some power shots. Gastelum with a leg kick. Rodriguez lands a big combination. Gastelum with a late takedown. Close round. 10-9 Gastelum, 19-19.

Gastelum with a body kick. Gastelum with a jab and lands a leg kick. Rodriguez lands a combo inside the pocket. Rodriguez is slowing down. Gastelum with a jab. They trade jabs. Gastelum with an inside leg kick. Gastelum pressing forward and landing as he gets a big takedown. Gastelum working in side control. Gastelum controlling from the top as he gets into the half-guard of Rodriguez. Gastelum lands from the top and they stand. Gastelum gets a takedown. He ends the fight inside the guard of Rodriguez. 10-9 Gastelum, 29-28 Gastelum.

Official Result- Kelvin Gastelum def. Daniel Rodriguez by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

> Heavyweights- #3 Sergei Pavlovich (18-2, 6-2 UFC) vs. #5 Alexander Volkov (37-10, 11-4 UFC)

Volkov with a leg kick. Pavlovich with a left hand. Volkov with a pair of leg kicks. Volkov with a body kick. Pavlovich lands a jab. Both are circling around. Volkov landing with more volume. Volkov lands a jab. Volkov with a body kick and then lands a jab. Pavlovich lands a right hand. Volkov with some side kicks. Volkov lands late. 10-9 Volkov.

They trade kicks. Pavlovich with a right hand. Volkov with a pair of leg kicks. Pavlovich lands a right hand. They trade big flurries in close range. Volkov with a body kick then a leg kick followed by a high kick. Volkov with a left hand then a leg kick. They both land and Pavlovich lands a big right hand. Pavlovich with a big jab. Pavlovich with a right hand as he is now getting more on the inside of Volkov. Volkov with a high kick. He lands a leg kick as Pavlovich lands a right hand. Volkov lands a leg kick. 10-9 Volkov, 20-18 Volkov.

Pavlovich with a leg kick. Volkov lands a leg kick. Pavlovich with a double jab. Pavlovich with a big combination. Volkov lands a right hand and Pavlovich lands a combo. Volkov with a left hand and a body kick. Volkov with a left hand. Pavlovich lands a right hand. Pavlovich with a jab as Volkov lands a left hand. Volkov lands a right hand. Volkov with a body kick. Pavlovich looks for a takedown as he pushes it to the fence. They separate. Pavlovich lands a right hand. Pavlovich lands a right hand and Volkov lands a head kick. 10-9 Volkov, 30-27 Volkov.

Official Result- Alexander Volkov def. Sergei Pavlovich by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Middleweights- #3 Robert Whittaker (25-7, 16-5 UFC) vs. Ikram Aliskerov (15-1, 2-0 UFC)

Whittaker with a leg kick. He lands another. Aliskerov with a body kick. Whittaker lands a jab. Whittaker rocks Aliskerov with a right hand and then lands a jab and a head kick. Aliskerov is still having trouble on his feet and Whittaker drops Aliskerov with an uppercut and some follow-up shots end it. What a showing and finish from Whittaker!

Official Result- Robert Whittaker def. Ikram Aliskerov by knockout (punches) at 1:49 of Round 1

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+ 67 live results: Ciryl Gane vs. Tai Tuivasa

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 67: Gane vs. Tuivasa, emanating from the Accor Arena in Paris, France.

The Octagon debuts in France for a long-awaited and much-anticipated first event to be held in Paris, a show that has been years in the making, and it brings along a heavyweight main event featuring one of the country’s most popular home fighters.

In the main event, former Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Ciryl Gane looks to get back into the win column, and back into title contention, as he takes on streaking knockout artist Tai Tuivasa in a five-round affair. Gane is looking to rebound from a title unification loss to Francis Ngannou in January, while Tuivasa is on a five-fight win streak, all coming by knockout, after finishing Derrick Lewis in February.

In the co-main event, former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker also looks to get back into title contention as he faces former title challenger Marvin Vettori. Also on the main card is a middleweight bout between Nassourdine Imavov and Joaquin Buckley, a middleweight battle pitting Alessio Di Chiricio against Roman Kopylov, and an exciting featherweight match-up between Charles Jourdain and Nathaniel Wood.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at noon Eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.

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> Women’s Featherweights- Stephanie Egger (7-3, 2-2 UFC) vs. Ailin Perez (7-1, 0-0 UFC)

Perez throws some body kicks and goes for a takedown but Egger reverses and ends up on top and gets into the full guard of Perez. Egger with some hammerfists from the top. Egger stands and moves to side control. They scramble to the feet and Perez scores a brief takedown but they stand. They go to the mat as Egger has an arm and Egger ends up in side control and lands some punches. They get to their feet. Perez lands a flurry against the fence. They clinch at the end. 10-9 Egger.

They exchange to start the second and Perez gets the better of it before they clinch. They trade knees and Perez went for a takedown but Egger reversed though Perez ends up on top in side control. They get to their feet and Egger is on the single leg but lets go. Egger gets a takedown and is landing from the top. Egger gets the back and lands some punches as she looks to get the hooks in. She has back control and is looking for a choke. She gets a rear-naked choke locked in and Perez taps with seconds left in the round. Nice finish for Egger.

Official Result- Stephanie Egger def. Ailin Perez by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:54 of Round 2

> Bantamweights- Khalid Taha (13-4 1 NC, 1-3 1 NC UFC) vs. Cristian Quinonez (16-3, 0-0 UFC)

They’re both looking to land early and Taha just misses a flurry. They both land punches as Quinonez is circling around. Quinonez with a body kick. Quinonez lands a couple of jabs. Quinonez lands a right hand that trips Taha up and gets on top and lands some shots and it is stopped. Nice finish by Quinonez.

Official Result- Cristian Quinonez def. Khalid Taha by TKO (punches) at 3:15 of Round 1

> Lightweights- Benoit Saint-Denis (9-1 1 NC, 1-1 UFC) vs. Gabriel Miranda (16-5, 0-0 UFC)

Miranda lands a kick and Saint-Denis gets a takedown but they get up. They trade and Miranda gets a takedown. Miranda grabs the neck but they break. Miranda with a knee. They trade inside the pocket. Miranda lands some right hands. Saint-Denis lands a spinning back fist that makes Miranda slip but he gets up and they trade until Saint-Denis gets a takedown. Saint-Denis lands from the top and stands and Miranda is ordered up. Saint-Denis lands a flurry and Miranda goes down and Saint-Denis gets on top and is landing with punches and elbows. Saint-Denis stands and Miranda is ordered up. Saint-Denis lands a flurry and Miranda falls down but is able to survive the round. 10-8 Saint-Denis.

Saint-Denis lands early in the second and drops Miranda again and gets the finish. What a showing from Saint-Denis!

Official Result- Benoit Saint-Denis def. Gabriel Miranda by TKO (punches) at :16 of Round 2

> Lightweights- Fares Ziam (12-4, 2-2 UFC) vs. Michal Figlak (8-0, 0-0 UFC)

Figlak throws a combo right away and they trade kicks. Ziam with a leg kick. They trade in close range. Ziam with a leg kick. Ziam lands a massive left hook and follows it with a jab. Figlak with a knee and they clinch as Figlak is looking for the takedown. Ziam gets a big slam takedown and is in side control. They scramble to their feet. Ziam with a leg kick. They trade before clinching against the fence. They remain tied up as both look for the takedown and Ziam is able to complete one. Figlak looking for an armbar late but Ziam gets out of it before the round ends. 10-9 Ziam.

Ziam lands the jab as Figlak lands a leg kick. They trade in close range and Figlak lands a big left hook. Ziam looks for the takedown against the fence. Ziam gets the takedown and Figlak is looking for the leg but Ziam escapes and gets to the top. Ziam landing from the top but Figlak is able to get to his feet. They clinch against the fence and Ziam lands a knee and they break. Ziam hurts Figlak with an elbow and starts to land as Figlak is in trouble. Figlak tries a takedown but Ziam sprawls and still lands. Figlak is on the mat and Ziam gets on top and lands some more before standing. Ziam gets back on top but ends up standing again. Ziam gets the mount and lands some hammerfists before the round ends. 10-9 Ziam, 20-18 Ziam.

Ziam lands to start the third and both are landing as the pace has slowed a little. Figlak gets a brief takedown. They stand and both are looking for takedowns and Ziam is able to get a big slam takedown. Figlak is able to get to the top and gets the mount and is landing punches. Ziam is able to sweep to the top and is in the half-guard and lands. They stand late. Good fight. 10-9 Ziam, 30-27 Ziam.

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

> Lightweights- John Makdessi (18-7, 11-7 UFC) vs. Nasrat Haqparast (13-5, 5-4 UFC)

They’re feeling each other out early as Makdessi lands a few leg kicks. Haqparast with a left hand. Haqparast with a body kick. Makdessi with a leg kick. Makdessi with a side kick and then some more leg kicks. Haqparast lands a left hand and it’s been mostly kicks from Makdessi. They trade again late. Close round. 10-9 Haqparast.

Makdessi lands some leg kicks. Haqparast with the jab and then another. Haqparast with a combo. Makdessi with a high kick. Haqparast with a combo to the body. Haqparast continues to find the jab and Makdessi lands a leg kick. They trade body kicks and Haqparast lands a combo. Haqparast drops Makdessi as he went for a spinning elbow but Makdessi gets to his feet and eats a flurry from Haqparast. Both are still looking to land a big shot but Haqparast is ahead on volume. Makdessi with a leg kick. 10-9 Haqparast, 20-18 Haqparast.

They trade to start the third as Makdessi is mainly landing kicks. They continue to trade and Makdessi is landing mainly kicks. Haqparast lands some combos and is circling around to avoid the kicks of Makdessi. Makdessi with a right hand. They’re both circling around and Haqparast is able to score a takedown. They get to their feet and break. Haqparast gets another takedown. 10-9 Haqparast, 30-27 Haqparast.

Official Result- Nasrat Haqparast def. John Makdessi by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Middleweights- Abus Magomedov (24-4-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Dustin Stoltzfus (14-4, 1-3 UFC)

Magomedov landing big shots early after he lands a front kick to the face and he drops Stoltzfus and quickly finishes him off with some ground punches. Impressive showing from Magomedov in his UFC debut.

Official Result- Abus Magomedov def. Dustin Stoltzfus by TKO (strikes) at :19 of Round 1

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> Featherweights- Charles Jourdain (13-5-1, 4-4-1 UFC) vs. Nathaniel Wood (18-5, 5-2 UFC)

They trade to start off until Wood scores a takedown. They scramble to their feet and Jourdain almost grabbed the fence but they separate. Jourdain with a big knee and lands a combo. Jourdain lands a left hand. There was a groin strike and a timeout. Wood lands a right hand that hurts Jourdain after they got back to action but didn’t capitalize. They trade and have a brief clinch before breaking. Wood lands a combo and is landing more as the round ends. 10-9 Wood.

They’re trading to start start the second and both land pretty evenly. Jourdain with a left hand. Wood gets a takedown and is working from the top but not doing a ton. He is warned to work and they are eventually stood up. Jourdain with some leg kicks and lands a left hand. Jourdain landing more inside the pocket. Both land in close range. Jourdain lands and Wood slips to the mat and Jourdain briefly gets on top then Wood lands an inside trip and then a couple of elbows at the end. Another close round. 10-9 Wood, 20-18 Wood.

Both throwing to start the third but Wood is the one landing more. They tie up and Jourdain with some body shots. Wood with a leg kick as Jourdain lands an uppercut and some body punches. Wood gets a trip takedown and tries to get on top but Jourdain is scrambling. Wood is able to get the back and they scramble and Wood ends up on top before they stand. They’re tied up against the fence and Wood lands a couple of elbows before they break. Jourdain lands a kick then Wood gets a takedown. They get up. They tie up against the fence but nothing happens and both land as they break. Wood with a leg kick. Wood with some blows inside the pocket and Jourdain is throwing. Jourdain with a combo then a spin kick. They tie up late and both with body shots and Wood gets a late takedown. Good fight. 10-9 Wood, 30-27 Wood.

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

> Featherweights- William Gomis (10-2, 0-0 UFC) vs. Jarno Errens (13-3-1, 0-0 UFC)

Errens with two right hands to the body. Gomis lands some body kicks and switches to leg kicks. Gomis gets a takedown and is in side control. Gomis gets into the guard of Errens  and lands some punches but there isn’t a ton of action happening. They get to their feet and break and Gomis lands some body kicks. 10-9 Gomis.

They trade before a brief clinch then break. Gomis with a body kick. They trade and Errens lands a right hand that hurts Gomis. Gomis tries a takedown as Errens lands a knee. Gomis then scores the takedown. Gomis is working from the top as he pushes it to the fence but they get up. Both are throwing and land. They tie up. Errens with a judo throw takedown but Gomis is able to reverse at the end. 10-9 Gomis, 20-18 Gomis.

They trade to start the third and both are landing punches. They tie up against the fence and both land to the body and Gomis gets a takedown. Gomis landing from the top. Gomis landing to the body and then lands some elbows as Errens is doing little from the bottom. Errens now goes or a triangle choke and has it in deep. Gomis is fighting but Errens has the arm as well. Gomis is fighting it and is able to escape and he gets back to side control as the fight ends. 10-9 Gomis, 30-27 Gomis.

Official Result- William Gomis def. Jarno Errens by majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-29)

> Middleweights- Alessio Di Chirico (13-6, 4-6 UFC) vs. Roman Kopylov (8-2, 0-2 UFC)

Di Chirico lands a leg kick. Kopylov with a hook then some leg kicks. Di Chirico with a combo. Di Chirico with a right hand. They trade leg kicks. Kopylov landing slightly more here but not a ton of action. Kopylov lands an elbow and Di Chirico stumbles back. Kopylov with a flying knee. 10-9 Kopylov.

Di Chirico lands a right hand. Kopylov with a left hand. Di Chirico goes for a takedown but Kopylov defends. Di Chirico lands a couple of right hands. Di Chirico shoots for a takedown against the fence but Kopylov is defending. They break. Kopylov with a body kick. Kopylov lands and throws Di Chirico to the mat but Di Chirico gets up. They trade and both are landing some good shots. Di Chirico misses a spinning back fist. Both looking tired. Close round. 10-9 Kopylov, 20-18 Kopylov.

Kopylov lands a nice left hand. Kopylov lands a body kick. Kopylov then lands a big combination that drops Di Chirico face first to the mat and it is over. What a finish by Kopylov!

Official Result- Roman Kopylov def. Alessio Di Chirico by knockout (punches) at 1:09 of Round 3

> Middleweights- #12 Nassourdine Imavov (11-3, 3-1 UFC) vs. Joaquin Buckley (15-4, 5-2 UFC)

Buckley lands some body and leg kicks early on. Imavov looks to attack and they clinch but break. Buckley lands a combo. Imavov lands a couple of kicks. Buckley lands a combo. Both are throwing a lot but neither landing at a high percentage. Buckley with a hard leg kick. Buckley goes for a takedown but Imavov gets on top and in the mount and lands before taking the back and lands as time runs out on the round. 10-9 Imavov.

Both are throwing and Imavov is using his reach and range to keep Buckley from landing. Imavov gets warned for fighting with his fingers out forward after there’s an eye poke on Buckley. They get back to action and Buckley with a left hand. Imavov lands a right hand as Buckley comes forward. Imavov gets a takedown and has the back and the body triangle in. He’s looking for a choke but doesn’t have it under the chin. Imavov still working for it as he’s squeezing. Imavov with some punches and slaps as time runs out on the round. 10-9 Imavov, 20-18 Imavov.

Buckley with some leg kicks to start the third. Buckley lands a flurry of punches before Imavov grabs the body lock and gets a takedown but they end up getting up. Buckley lands some punches. They clinch after Buckley lands some shots and Imavov pushes it against the fence. They break and Buckley with some body shots and then lands a combo to the head. Imavov shoots for a takedown but Buckley sprawls and lands a knee as they get up. Buckley with another flurry as the fight ends. Good fight. 10-9 Buckley, 29-28 Imavov.

Official Result- Nassourdine Imavov def. Joaquin Buckley by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Middleweights- #1 Robert Whittaker (23-6, 14-4 UFC) vs. #2 Marvin Vettori (18-4-1, 8-3-1 UFC)

Whittaker landing punches and leg kicks early on as he’s out-landing Vettori in the opening minute. Whittaker finding a home for the jab. Vettori lands a flurry. Vettori tries for a takedown against the fence but Whittaker defends. Whittaker with some jabs after they break. Vettori lands a body kick as Whittaker lands a right hand. Vettori lands a knee. 10-9 Whittaker.

Whittaker lands some leg kicks to start the second. He lands a right hand and they clinch for a moment before breaking. Vettori tries for a combo but just a little out of range. Whittaker with a leg kick. Whittaker with a body kick. Vettori lands an inside leg kick. Whittaker starting to land more and opening up more as the second wears on. He lands a right hand as Vettori misses his punches. Whittaker with a side kick. They trade leg kicks. 10-9 Whittaker, 20-18 Whittaker.

Whittaker with some leg kicks. Whittaker lands a left hook as Vettori was throwing a high kick. Vettori with a left hand. Whittaker with a head kick and Vettori wobbles but is able to stay on his feet. Whittaker with a knee to the head of Vettori. Whittaker with a right hand and then lands another. Vettori tries a takedown but Whittaker defends and they break. Whittaker with a right hand. Whittaker with a high kick. Whittaker gets a takedown. They get to their feet. Whittaker with a high kick. They trade punches and Vettori is cut open. Good fight. 10-9 Whittaker, 30-27 Whittaker.

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

> Heavyweights- #1 Ciryl Gane (10-1, 7-1 UFC) vs. #3 Tai Tuivasa (15-3, 8-3 UFC)

Gane with early leg kicks. Gane with a body kick. Tuivasa just misses a leg kick. Gane with a leg kick. Tuivasa lands a right hand. Tuivasa with a body kick. Gane with a leg kick. Gane with a hard body kick. Tuivasa is cutting off the cage but can’t find an opening to land. Gane lands a head kick and Tuivasa with a right hand. 10-9 Gane.

Gane with an inside leg kick. Gane throwing the jab. They trade leg kicks. Both looking for openings. Tuivasa lands a right hand and Gane goes down with his head hitting the fence but he’s able to get up but is still on wobbly legs. Tuivasa lands then Gane lands a lot of body kicks and a knee to the body and Tuivasa is hurt. Tuivasa then lands a left hook that hurts Gane. Gane with the jab and Tuivasa is bloody. Gane with a knee to the body. Gane with the jab. What a round. 10-9 Gane, 20-18 Gane.

They trade leg kicks early on. Gane looking to land the jab. Gane with a body kick. Gane with another body kick. He lands again and Gane with a jab. Gane with a head kick and Tuivasa faked he was hurt to get Gane to throw and Gane lands some shots. Gane with the jab. Gane lands some jabs. Tuivasa with a right hand. Gane lands some right hands. Gane with some body kicks then lands a jab. Gane lands some big shots and Tuivasa is hurt and he keeps landing and Tuivasa goes to the mat and the fight is stopped. Big finish for Gane as the crowd goes crazy. What a fight.

Official Result- Ciryl Gane def. Tai Tuivasa by knockout (punches) at 4:23 of Round 3

UFC 271 live results: Israel Adesanya vs. Robert Whittaker 2

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 271: Adesanya vs. Whittaker 2, emanating from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

The Octagon returns to Houston for the third time over the past nine months, with another title fight, this time being a rematch featuring one of the best fighters in the world and an opponent looking to regain the title from the man who took it from him.

UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya makes his fourth title defense as he defends against the former UFC Middleweight Champion, Robert Whittaker, in a rematch in the main event. Adesanya scored a second-round knockout of Whittaker at UFC 243 in October 2019 to become the undisputed champion, and has since had successful defenses against Yoel Romero, Paulo Costa and Marvin Vettori. Whittaker has won three straight since that fight, scoring wins over Darren Till, Jared Cannonier and Kelvin Gastelum.

In the co-main event, it is a heavyweight bout that has excitement written all over it as Houston’s own Derrick Lewis goes for his second straight win against Tai Tuivasa, winner of four straight bouts. Also on the main card is a potential title eliminator bout in the middleweight division as Jared Cannonier battles Derek Brunson, a lightweight bout pitting Alexander Hernandez against Renato Moicano, and a lightweight bout between Bobby Green and Nasrat Haqparast.

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

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

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> Heavyweights- William Knight (11-2, 3-1 UFC) vs. Maxim Grishin (31-9-2, 1-2 UFC)

This was made into a heavyweight bout after weigh-ins after Knight missed the light heavyweight limit by 12 pounds, but Grishin weighed in at 206 pounds so it could be made into a heavyweight fight. Grishin with a body kick. Knight with a hard body kick. Lots of inactivity going on as they trade leg kicks. Knight with a body kick. Grishin lands a right hand. Grishin with a leg kick. Grishin with a leg kick and a high kick as he’s the more active fighter. Grishin with a body kick. Knight with a body kick. Grishin with a leg kick. They trade leg kicks but this has been a rather uneventful round. They trade late. 10-9 Grishin.

Knight with a leg kick and misses a spin kick. Grishin with a body kick. Grishin coming forward but not a lot going on. Grishin with a leg kick. Grishin lands the jab. Grishin just misses a right hand and Knight tries for a takedown against the fence. Grishin defending well. Grishin tried to jump on the back of Knight but then they had a crazy scramble with Grishin ending up in the half-guard and he lands an elbow. They get to their feet and both land a few shots with Grishin landing some leg kicks. 10-9 Grishin, 20-18 Grishin.

Grishin with a teet kick to the body. Grishin with a leg kick and Knight kind of stumbles and lands a back fist off it as they clinch. Knight working for the takedown and they go to the mat for a moment. They remain tied up as they look for underhooks but break. Neither able to connect as they clinch back up again and Knight looking hard for a takedown. Knight is able to get the takedown but is just laying in the guard for now. They get to their feet and Grishin pushes it against the fence and lands some foot stomps. Grishin is just holding on and Knight lands a knee to the body and gets a brief takedown. Knight lands a couple of knees as they got up and Grishin with a knee to the body. They break and Grishin with a right hand and he lands some kicks. Grishin drops Knight near the end and finishes on top. 10-9 Grishin, 30-27 Grishin.

Official Result- Maxim Grishin def. William Knight by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Welterweights- Jeremiah Wells (9-2-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Blood Diamond (3-0, 0-0 UFC)

Wells was running around the cage and tripped himself and Diamond landed a combo against the fence before they clinched. Wells is pushing and hold Diamond against the fence. Wells is trying hard for a takedown and is able to get it and has the back. Wells with a right hand from the back. He’s trying for a choke. Wells with some left hands from the back. Wells just smothering from the top as Diamond can’t get out from the bottom. Wells with some punches and has the neck as they almost got to the feet. Diamond is fighting the choke but he ends up going out! What a finish by Wells to get the win.

Official Result- Jeremiah Wells def. Blood Diamond by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:38 of Round 1

> Bantamweights- Douglas Silva de Andrade (27-4 1 NC, 5-4 UFC) vs. Sergey Morozov (17-4, 1-1 UFC)

Andrade with a body kick. Morozov lands the jab. Andrade with a leg kick. Morozov landing some shots and has Andrade hurt. Morozov drops Andrade with a left hand and gets on top and is landing as Andrade is trying to work his guard. Morozov with some left hands from the top and some sharp elbows. Morozov with some right hands from the top. They’re bloody as Andrade has a cut but they work their way up. They trade and Andrade with a leg kick. Morozov with a right hand. Andrade just barely misses a head kick. Andrade with a leg kick after landing a left hand. Morozov with a hard leg kick and gets a late slam takedown. He lands some punches from the top at the end. 10-9 Morozov.

Morozov lands a combo as they’re fighting in close range. Andrade with a right hand that has Morozov retreating. Andrade then drops Morozov with a punch but Morozov gets up and looks for a takedown but they break. They trade and Andrade with a body kick. Morozov with a leg kick. Andrade complains of an eye poke and we have a timeout. They get back to action and they’re all over the place as Andrade hurts Morozov with a punch again and they scramble all over the Octagon before clinching. They break and Andrade lands some big shots and Morozov is hurt badly. They get to the mat and Andrade has the back and is looking for a choke. He has the choke locked in and Morozov goes out cold! What a finish by Andrade.

Official Result- Douglas Silva de Andrade def. Sergey Morozov by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:34 of Round 2 

> Middleweights- AJ Dobson (6-0 1 NC, 0-0 UFC) vs. Jacob Malkoun (5-1, 1-1 UFC)

Dobson landing a combo early as Malkoun lands a left hand. They trade again in close. Malkoun looks for a takedown but Dobson is defending. Malkoun picks Dobson up but Dobson stays upright. They break. Dobson with a right hand. Malkoun shoots again and pushes Dobson against the fence. They break. Dobson lands a knee to the body and some punches in a quick clinch. Dobson with a right hand and a leg kick. Malkoun lands a right hand. Dobson with a nice high kick. Dobson with a body kick. They trade right hands. Dobson with a right hand. Dobson with a short left hand. Malkoun still trying for a takedown and gets it for a brief moment at the end. 10-9 Dobson.

They trade in close range with Dobson getting the better of it. Malkoun drops down looking for the takedown but Dobson defends as they go to the fence. They break and Malkoun ends up getting a takedown. They scramble and Malkoun has the back as they stand against the fence. Malkoun gets it down again and is landing some left hands. He lands more punches as Dobson is covering up. Malkoun landing more left hands. He continues to land punches as Dobson can’t get out from the bottom but they aren’t hard shots. They continue to battle as they’re on their knees and feet. Malkoun with some hammerfists. They break. Dobson with a right hand. 10-9 Malkoun, 19-19.

They trade punches and Malkoun gets a takedown and has the back of Dobson. They scramble and Malkoun keeps it down on the mat as he still has the back. Dobson trying to scramble up but Malkoun is able to keep it down. Malkoun keeping Dobson down but not much is happening. Malkoun with some punches from the top. They’re both landing on the mat but Malkoun landing with more volume. Malkoun with more punches on the top. 10-9 Malkoun, 29-28 Malkoun.

Official Results- Jacob Malkoun def. AJ Dobson by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Bantamweights- Mana Martinez (9-2, 1-0 UFC) vs. Ronnie Lawrence (7-1, 1-0 UFC)

Lawrence with a high kick. Lawrence with a hard leg kick. Lawrence gets a big takedown and stands as he tries to pass the guard of Martinez. They get to their feet and Lawrence has the back as he tries to get it back down. They break. Both looking to land and Lawrence drops Martinez with a punch and then ends up getting the back on the mat. Lawrence with some punches from the back as he’s trying to finish. Martinez goes for a heel hook but Lawrence escapes to the guard. Lawrence with a right hand from the top then he lands some body shots. 10-9 Lawrence.

They trade quick leg kicks. Both looking for openings and Lawrence lands a punch again that knocks Martinez to the ground. Lawrence quick to get on top in side control and lands an elbow. Lawrence postures up and land a right hand as Martinez gives up his back. They get to their feet and break. Lawrence drops Martinez again with a right hand and starts landing from the top. Martinez gives up his back. Lawrence looking for a rear-naked choke. Martinez is fighting it. Martinez escapes and they get to their feet but Lawrence immediately takes Martinez down. They work to their feet but Lawrence gets Martinez back down. 10-9 Lawrence, 20-18 Lawrence.

Martinez comes out firing to start the third. Lawrence tries a spinning wheel kick and just barely misses. Martinez with a body kick. Lawrence with a leg kick. Lawrence misses a high kick as Martinez lands a punch. Lawrence lands a nice right hand. Martinez lands a nice left hand and then drops Lawrence with some shots and is looking for the finish. Lawrence is able to survive and gets a takedown as Martinez had him in real trouble. Martinez is looking for an armbar and a triangle but Lawrence scrambles out of it and is now in the guard of Martinez. Lawrence stands and Martinez is still on the mat. They get up. Lawrence with a wheel kick. Lawrence gets a takedown at the end. 10-9 Martinez, 29-28 Lawrence.

Official Result- Ronnie Lawrence def. Mana Martinez by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-28) 

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> Light Heavyweights- Carlos Ulberg (3-1, 0-1 UFC) vs. Fabio Cherant (7-3, 0-2 UFC)

Ulberg with an inside leg kick and then another leg kick. Ulberg with a leg kick. Not a whole lot is happening inside the first two minutes. Cherant lands a left hand. They start to trade and Ulberg lands a groin strike and we have a brief timeout. They get back to action and Cherant lands two left hands and they clinch. Ulberg powers Cherant down to the mat. They get to their feet. Cherant tries a spin kick and ends up on the mat but gets up. They trade lefts. Ulberg with a spin kick to the head of Cherant. Ulberg with a right hand to the body. Cherant lands a left hand and Ulberg briefly goes down before the end of the round. 10-9 Ulberg.

They trade leg kicks and Ulberg almost lands a big punch. Both being patient in the second. Cherant with a leg kick. Ulberg with a body kick. Ulberg lands some hard left hands. Ulberg continues to land with more volume as there isn’t much pace to this fight. Ulberg pressing forward and lands a right hand. Cherant with a left hand. Slow round. 10-9 Ulberg, 20-18 Ulberg.

Ulberg with a body kick to start the third. Ulberg pushing the pace and landing slightly more but there isn’t much happening as the crowd is booing. They trade leg kicks. Ulberg with a leg kick then a combo to the body and then a high kick. Cherant trying to find openings but not a lot are there as Ulberg circles around and lands some shots. Ulberg gets a takedown. They end up getting to their feet and Ulberg with a high kick at the end. 10-9 Ulberg, 30-27 Ulberg.

Official Result- Carlos Ulberg def. Fabio Cherant by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Bantamweights- Kyler Phillips (9-2, 3-1 UFC) vs. Marcelo Rojo (16-7, 0-1 UFC)

They’re slugging to start as both land leg kicks and punches. They continue to trade. Both land right hands in close and they clinch as Phillips pushes Rojo up against the fence. Phillips jumps on the back of Rojo as they go to the mat and Rojo rolls and Phillips is now in the half-guard. They work their way to the feet. Phillips lands a left hand but Rojo lands a combo. Phillips with a right hand and he shoots for a takedown against the fence. They break and Phillips with a right hand and a knee and then he just throws Rojo down to the mat. Rojo looks for an armbar late but Phillips escapes and lands an elbow. 10-9 Phillips.

They come out looking for openings to start the second. Rojo lands a jab while Phillips lands a body kick. Rojo with some leg kicks as Phillips lands a right hand and almost shoots for a takedown. Phillips landing the jab while mixing in the leg kicks. Phillips landing more kicks and punches as Rojo is slowing down. Rojo misses a left hand. Phillips with some leg kicks. Phillips gets a takedown but Rojo is quick to get to his feet and they exchange on the break. They clinch and Phillips with some knees as he’s applying pressure. 10-9 Phillips, 20-18 Phillips.

They trade punches and Phillips gets a takedown into side control. Phillips looking to set up a kimura but gets the mount and almost has a mounted triangle. Phillips landing punches and Rojo trying to get out. Phillips gets the armbar in and Rojo taps! What a finish by Phillips.

Official Result- Kyler Phillips def. Marcelo Rojo by submission (armbar) at 1:48 of Round 3

> Women’s Flyweights- #12 Roxanne Modafferi (25-19, 4-7 UFC) vs. #15 Casey O’Neill (8-0, 3-0 UFC)

Both land some short shots to start the fight. O’Neill lands a right hand. O’Neill with a combo as Modafferi lands some short punches. O’Neill with a combination. Modafferi with a quick right hand. Modafferi lands a right hand and O’Neill lands a counter left. O’Neill with a body kick as they both just land in close range. O’Neill is landing significantly more during the round as she lands a right hand. O’Neill with a combo. They trade in close. 10-9 O’Neill.

They are both trading early in the second and O’Neill is landing with more volume as Modafferi is throwing a lot but not connecting. O’Neill lands a right hand. O’Neill lands a left hand. Modafferi with a leg kick but still eating punches from O’Neill. It’s still just all on the feet and there’s not a whole lot of action as O’Neill just continues to land with more volume. Modafferi gets a late takedown and ends the second on top. 10-9 O’Neill, 20-18 O’Neill.

Both come out swinging to start the third and Modafferi is looking to pour it onto O’Neill. They trade in close and Modafferi with a spin kick and then lands some knees as she got the clinch for a moment. They both land knees in a brief clinch. O’Neill with a left hand. Modafferi with a right but eats some hard punches from O’Neill then a high kick. O’Neill with a combo. O’Neill with some jabs. Modafferi shoots for a takedown but O’Neill sprawls. Modafferi gets the takedown. They get to their feet and Modafferi lands a couple of knees. Modafferi tries hard for a takedown at the end.

Official Result- Casey O’Neill def. Roxanne Modafferi by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

> Heavyweights- Andrei Arlovski (32-20 2 NC, 21-14 1 NC UFC) vs. Jared Vanderaa (12-6, 1-2 UFC)

Arlovski with a leg kick. Arlovski with a combo to the body. Arlovski with some right hands. Arlovski with a right hand to the body and a left to the head. Arlovski lands some right hands. Arlovski lands a big right hand as Vanderaa was pressuring him. They both land to the body before clinching up against the fence. They break. Arlovski lands a right hand. He lands another as Vanderaa has been unable to get much offense going outside of some leg kicks. Arlovski with a right hand and Vanderaa with a leg kick. 10-9 Arlovski.

Vanderaa lands some lefts before they clinch up to start the second. They break. Arlovski with a head kick and Vanderaa acts stunned for a second. They trade punches. We have a groin strike and a time out. They get back to action and Arlovski with a body kick. They both land in close. Arlovski circling as Vanderaa is pressing forward. Vanderaa grabs the body lock against the fence. They battle for underhooks and both land some knees before they break. They trade late. 10-9 Arlovski, 20-18 Arlovski.

Vanderaa with some leg kicks to start the third. Vanderaa lands a right hand. They tie up and battle for position along the fence. Vanderaa with some foot stomps as not much is happening until Arlovski pushes him away. Arlovski with a quick combo. Arlovski rushes in looking for the jab and eats a punch from Vanderaa. Vanderaa with a body kick. Arlovski counters with a body kick. Arlovski with a leg kick. Arlovski with a body kick then a right hand but eats a left from Vanderaa. Arlovski with a high kick. They both land in close. Vanderaa with a body kick. Vanderaa lands a left hand. Vanderaa with a hard leg kick as he eats a spinning back fist from Arlovski. 10-9 Vanderaa, 29-28 Arlovski.

Official Result- Andrei Arlovski def. Jared Vanderaa by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

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> Lightweights- Bobby Green (28-12-1, 9-7-1 UFC) vs. Nasrat Haqparast (13-4, 5-3 UFC)

Green with a leg kick. Green lands a left hand. We have a time out for an eye poke. They get back to action and trade before another eye poke on Green. They get back fighting and Green lands a couple of left hands. Green lands a quick combo and Haqparast fires back and lands. Haqparast lands a left hand. Green with the jab. Both land combos. Green lands two left hands and Haqparast lands a couple of lefts. They trade in close range. Green with a combo to the body and head. Haqparast with a leg kick. Green with a combo. 10-9 Green.

Green landing and circling. They trade quick combinations. Haqparast lands and misses a kick and Green taunts him. Green with a combo. Haqparast lands a left hand. Green with a combination. Haqparast with a body kick. Haqparast lands a nice combination. Green lands a right hand. Haqparast with a leg kick. Green lands a series of punches. Green lands a nice combination after Haqparast had landed some punches. They trade punches. Haqparast is landing some good shots but being outworked on volume by Green. Green lands a hard combination at the end of the second. 10-9 Green, 20-18 Green.

They both come out swinging early in the third. Haqparast lands some good punches but the volume of Green is very high. Green lands a right hand that hurt Haqparast. Green with a right hand to the body. Green with a solid combo. Haqparast misses on a few punches thrown. Green with a combo. Haqparast lands a left and Green points at his jaw asking him to land another. Green again with lots of heavy volume in this round though Haqparast is landing some solid punches when he’s able to connect. Green with a combo. Green with another hard combination. Green with a left hand. They trade with Green getting the better of it. Green with a hard combo at the end. 10-9 Green, 30-27 Green.

Official Result- Bobby Green def. Nasrat Haqparast by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Lightweights- Alexander Hernandez (13-4, 5-3 UFC) vs. Renato Moicano (15-4-1, 7-4 UFC)

They both land leg kicks early. Moicano with a right hand and Hernandez lands a leg kick in return. They trade and Moicano lands a nice left hook. Hernandez with a body kick. They clinch as Moicano is looking for the takedown and gets it. They get right back up. Moicano gets a big takedown and is working from the half-guard. Hernandez tries to scramble up but Moicano keeps him down. They get up and Hernandez lands an elbow as they break. Hernandez lands a combo. Hernandez with a high kick then a combo. Hernandez with a body kick. Hernandez with another body kick. Close round. 10-9 Hernandez.

Moicano with some leg kicks to start the second. Moicano lands to the body and lands a knee in the clinch. Hernandez with a body kick. Moicano lands a combo and a knee to the body and Hernandez tries a takedown. Moicano is on top and landing and gets the back and locks in a rear-naked choke and Hernandez taps! Great sequence for the finish from Moicano.

Official Result- Renato Moicano def. Alexander Hernandez by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:23 of Round 2

> Middleweights- #3 Jared Cannonier (14-5, 7-5 UFC) vs. #4 Derek Brunson (23-7, 14-5 UFC)

Cannonier with a leg kick. Brunson with a body kick. Cannonier lands a right hand. Cannonier with the jab. Brunson shoots for a takedown and they go to the mat for a second before they stand. Brunson still has a leg and ends up getting Cannonier down. They get up and break. Cannonier with a combo. Brunson shoots for a takedown and they clinch but ultimately break. Brunson lands a left hand and goes for the takedown but Cannonier defends. Brunson gets the body lock and scores the takedown. Brunson is in the half-guard. Cannonier works his way to the feet and pushes Brunson away. Cannonier with a leg kick. Brunson drops Cannonier with a right hand and gets the mount and Cannonier gives up his back. Brunson going for a rear-naked choke and has it locked in tight but Cannonier survives to the end of the round. 10-9 Brunson.

Brunson immediately goes for the takedown and gets it. Cannonier is able to scramble to his feet and they break. Cannonier just misses an uppercut. Brunson showing a little tiredness. Cannonier lands a knee and Brunson lands a left hand. Brunson’s punches are coming in slower now. Cannonier with a leg kick. Cannonier with a right hand. Cannonier lands another nice right hand. Cannonier with some punches and lands a right hand. Brunson goes for a takedown and they clinch. Cannonier lands a big elbow and a punch as they break. Cannonier teeing off on Brunson and has him hurt as he lands a head kick. Cannonier teeing off on the mat and lands some brutal elbows that knock Brunson out cold. What a brutal finish by Cannonier! Brunson’s corner also threw in the towel at the same time the fight was being stopped.

Official Result- Jared Cannonier def. Derek Brunson by TKO (elbows) at 4:29 of Round 2

> Heavyweights- #3 Derrick Lewis (26-8 1 NC, 17-6 UFC) vs. #11 Tai Tuivasa (14-3, 7-3 UFC)

Tuivasa with a leg kick. They clinch against the fence. Tuivasa with some short knees. They are broken up by Dan Miragliotta. Lewis with a high kick that Tuivasa blocks. Tuivasa with a leg kick. Lewis lands a right hand and they clinch. Lewis is trying for a takedown but Tuivasa defends. Tuivasa reverses position. Lewis gets a trip takedown. Lewis with big right hands and they get up and start swinging and both connect with big shots before they clinch. Lewis gets another takedown. They get up and Tuivasa with a knee. They end in a clinch. 10-9 Lewis.

Tuivasa with a leg kick and ducks under a Lewis right hand. Lewis rocks Tuivasa with some punches and he rushes in looking to land as they push against the fence. Lewis tries a takedown but they break and Lewis lands a knee and they start teeing off on each other. Tuivasa lands a big right hand. Lewis is hurt. Tuivasa landing some shots and he lands a big elbow and Lewis drops face first to the mat and is out cold! What a finish by Tuivasa as he does a ‘Shoey’ afterwards.

Official Result- Tai Tuivasa def. Derrick Lewis by knockout (elbow) at 1:40 of Round 2

> UFC Middleweight Championship- C Israel Adesanya (21-1, 10-1 UFC) vs. #1 Robert Whittaker (23-5, 14-3 UFC)

Both miss on early leg kick attempts. Adesanya with an inside leg kick. Whittaker with a leg kick. Adesanya with a high kick. Adesanya with a leg kick and Whittaker lands a short left hand. Adesanya with a leg kick. He lands two more. Adesanya with a leg kick after they both miss some shots. Adesanya just misses a head kick against the fence. Adesanya lands a left and Whittaker went down for a moment but got up. Whittaker shoots for a takedown but Adesanya defends. Adesanya with a leg kick. Whittaker tries again for the takedown but Adesanya stuffs it. Adesanya with a leg kick. 10-9 Adesanya.

They’re swinging and Adesanya lands a leg kick as Whittaker misses his punches. Whittaker lands a left hand right as Adesanya lands an uppercut. Whittaker lands a nice left hand. Adesanya with a leg kick. Whittaker gets the takedown and lands some right hands. They get to their feet. They break. Adesanya with an inside leg kick. Adesanya with a high kick then a leg kick. Whittaker with a leg kick. Adesanya with a head kick that Whittaker partially blocks. Close round. 10-9 Whittaker, 19-19.

Adesanya with a leg kick. Adesanya with a knee as Whittaker lands a punch. Adesanya lands a high kick. Adesanya with a combination. Whittaker tries for a takedown but Adesanya defends and lands a knee. Whittaker gets a takedown but Adesanya gets it back to the feet. Whittaker trying to make Adesanya drag him around as he has the back. They break. Adesanya with a hard leg kick and that one hurt Whittaker. They trade punches. Adesanya with a body kick. 10-9 Adesanya, 29-28 Adesanya.

Adesanya with a body kick. Adesanya with a leg kick. Whittaker gets a takedown and has the back of Adesanya as they stand and went for a choke but Adesanya shakes him off and they’re back at striking range. They exchange jabs and Adesanya misses a big right hand. Whittaker with a leg kick. Adesanya with a leg kick and Whittaker lands a left. Adesanya with a leg kick and a right hand. They trade in close. Adesanya lands a right hand. They clinch against the fence. They break. Whittaker lands a right as Adesanya lands a kick. Adesanya with a body kick. 10-9 Adesanya, 39-37 Adesanya.

They trade punches to start the fifth. Adesanya with a body kick. Adesanya with a right hand. Adesanya with a hard leg kick. Whittaker tries for a takedown but Adesanya defends. We have a timeout for an eye poke by Adesanya. They get right back going though. Whittaker gets a takedown but they get right back up. Whittaker trying for the takedown and Adesanya landed a jumping knee then they broke. Adesanya with the jab. Adesanya with an inside leg kick. Whittaker attempts another takedown but Adesanya defends. Whittaker holding Adesanya against the fence and lands some short knees. Adesanya with some short punches. Close fight all around. 10-9 Adesanya, 49-46 Adesanya.

Official Result- Israel Adesanya def. Robert Whittaker by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) to retain the UFC Middleweight Championship

UFC on ESPN 22 live results: Robert Whittaker vs. Kelvin Gastelum

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC on ESPN 22: Whittaker vs. Gastelum, emanating from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Octagon remains home in Las Vegas for another week of exciting fights, and a card headlined by a fight we were supposed to see in the past that never actually happened in what should be an intriguing fight.

Former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker looks to secure himself a chance at regaining that title when he takes on Kelvin Gastelum itn the main event. These two were supposed to fight at UFC 234 in February 2019, when Whittaker was the champion, but the fight was cancelled on the day of the show after Whittaker had to have emergency hernia surgery. After both went down separate paths, the opportunity to fight has now come full circle after Gastelum replaced Paulo Costa in this bout.

In the co-main event, Jeremy Stephens returns to the lightweight division looking to end a five-fight losing skid when he takes on Drakkar Klose. Also on the main card is a heavyweight battle between former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski and Chase Sherman, a middleweight slugfest between Abdul Razak Alhassan and Jacob Malkoun, and a lightweight fight pitting Luis Pena against Alex Munoz.

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

UPDATE: The lightweight bout between Jeremy Stephens and Drakkar Klose, which was scheduled to be the co-main event, has been cancelled just now due to a Klose suffering from a medical issue.

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> Tony Gravely (20-6, 1-1 UFC) vs. Anthony Birchak (15-7, 2-3 UFC)
Bantamweights

They trade to start the first. Gravely with a body kick. Birchak with a body kick then follows with a right hand. Birchak with a leg kick. Gravely lands a right hand. Birchak tries a takedown but Gravely defends and they clinch. Gravely with a takedown and then gets the back of Birchak. They get to their feet and Gravely has Birchak pushed against the fence and lands some body punches. They break and Gravely drops Birchak with a right hand and then gets on top and lands a punch. Gravely tries to get Birchak on his back but Birchak sweeps to the top and is in the half-guard and landing heavy elbows from the top. Gravely scrambles and Birchak gets a guillotine locked in and looking to finish but lets go. Gravely now reverses and is landing heavy punches looking to finish. Gravely now looking for an arm-triangle but lets go and starts landing more punches. Birchak survives and they get to their feet. Gravely gets a brief takedown but they stand. Gravely trips Birchak to the mat and has the back and lands some punches. Birchak escapes. Gravely tries a late takedown but Birchak sprawls and lands a knee as they stand. Wild round. 10-9 Gravely.

Gravely tries for a takedown against the fence and Birchak lands an elbow. He ends up getting a takedown but they work their way back up and separate. Gravely then lands a flush left hook that drops Birchak and after a couple of hammerfists it is stopped by referee Mark Smith. What a finish by Gravely in a fun fight.

Official Result- Tony Gravely def. Anthony Birchak by TKO (punches) at 1:31 of Round 2

> Austin Hubbard (12-5, 2-3 UFC) vs. Dakota Bush (8-2, 0-0 UFC)
Lightweights

Bush took this fight less than a week ago. Bush with the jab right away. They trade leg kicks. Bush lands a right hand and then a left hook. Bush with a leg kick. Bush with more calf kicks. Bush just misses a spinning back fist. Hubbard coming forward as he lands. They trade leg kicks. Bush landing with more output in the first half of the round. Bush with a body kick. Hubbard lands a kick and follows it with a left hook. Bush with a leg kick and then lands a right hand right as Hubbard pokes him in the eye and we have a timeout. They get back to action and both are landing in an exchange. Bush with a body kick. Hubbard with a body kick and then one to the thigh. Bush lands a right hand. Hubbard with a leg kick. They trade kicks. Hubbard with some kicks. Hubbard gets a takedown right before the end of the round. 10-9 Hubbard.

Bush lands a right hand. He lands another as Hubbard is coming forward. Bush tries a takedown but Hubbard defends against the fence. Bush working hard for the single leg and just misses an uppercut as they break. Bush with a side kick. Bush tries again for the takedown but Hubbard defends and pushes Bush down to the mat and is on top. Hubbard working in the half-guard and landing short punches then Bush gets him in his full guard. Hubbard landing from the top as he finishes the second on top and he’s taken over the fight. 10-9 Hubbard, 20-18 Hubbard.

Hubbard definitely looks fresher to start the third as he lands punches and kicks to start the round. Bush lands a kick and Hubbard lands a counter left hand. Hubbard with a combo and just misses a knee as Bush looks for a takedown against the fence. Hubbard gets Bush to the ground and ends up in the mount against the fence. Hubbard applying pressure from the top as he lands some punches and short elbows. Bush scrambles and reverses and Hubbard looking for a triangle. Bush able to escape and stands and looks to get the back of Hubbard. Hubbard reverses and ends up in the guard of Bush. Hubbard with an elbow from the top. Bush tries to scramble out but time runs out as Hubbard gets in the mount at the end. 10-9 Hubbard, 30-27 Hubbard.

Official Result- Austin Hubbard def. Dakota Bush by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Bartosz Fabinski (15-4, 3-2 UFC) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (30-14, 6-6 UFC)
Middleweights

They quickly clinch up against the fence after Meerschaert lands a nice left hand. Meerschaert has Fabinski pressed against the fence and Fabinski lands a knee. They break and Fabinski gets a takedown but Meerschaert reverses and has a deep guillotine locked in. Fabinski goes out cold! What a finish by Meerschaert as he bounces back to end his losing skid.

Official Result- Gerald Meerschaert def. Bartosz Fabinski by submission (guillotine choke) at 2:00 of Round 1

> Jessica Penne (12-5, 1-3 UFC) vs. Lupita Godinez (5-0, 0-0 UFC)
Women’s Strawweights

Godinez is debuting on short notice here. Penne is fighting for the first time since 2017. Penne was trying to land the jab early. Godinez lands a left hook. They tie up and Penne looking to jump on top of Godinez. Godinez gets a takedown but they quickly stand. Godinez with a combo in close range. Penne lands a right hand. Penne with a combo and the clinch and she lands some knees. Penne lands a body kick and follows with a jab and a right hand. Godinez lands a right hand. Godinez picks Penne up and throws her to the mat but Godinez stays on her feet and lets Penne up. Godinez lands a right hand. She gets a takedown but Penne takes her back and is landing punches and looking to set up a choke. Godinez stands but Penne is up on her back against the fence. Godinez lands a couple of back elbows. Penne still chasing the choke late and they go to the mat as the round ends. Interesting round. 10-9 Godinez.

They trade before clinching up. Penne trying to get the back to jump up on her. Penne has wrist control but they break. They remain tied up as Penne is trying hard to get her back. Penne jumps up on Godinez’ back. Penne lets go and is on her feet as they remain clinched against the fence, then they break. They trade jabs. Penne lands a right hand. Penne pushing forward as both are landing. Godinez lands a left hand and they clinch. Penne gets a takedown but Godinez scrambles up and they clinch against the fence to end the round. 10-9 Penne, 19-19.

They trade to start the third. They clinch and battle for underhooks. Godinez pressuring Penne against the fence but they separate. Penne coming forward but Godinez lands a couple of left hands. Penne rushes in looking for a takedown as they clinch and she has the underhooks. Godinez reverses position. Penne jumps up trying to pull guard but Godinez just throws her off and Penne gets to her feet. Penne tries a takedown but Godinez lands a knee and then Godinez throws her away. Penne gets up and comes forward with a couple of right hands. Penne still trying for a takedown but Godinez defending. They are clinched against the fence. Penne jumps up and Godinez is holding onto her. Penne gets back on her feet as the fight ends. 10-9 Godinez, 29-28 Godinez.

Official Result- Jessica Penne def. Lupita Godinez by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

> Alexandr Romanov (13-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. Juan Espino (10-1, 2-0 UFC)
Heavyweights

They trade leg kicks. Romanov gets a takedown and is in the side half-guard. Romanov has the body lock and is in side control and lands a couple of knees. They are clinched against the fence. They break but they clinch right back up. Romanov with a big knee. Espino gets a big takedown and is in side control. Romanov looking for a kimura from the bottom as Espino lands some body punches. Espino moves to the mount. They power their way to their feet. Espino has the back and drags Romanov down but they stand. They clinch at the end and Espino lands a right hand after they break before the horn. 10-9 Espino.

Romanov swinging and lands a body kick. They trade low kicks. They clinch and Espino lands a left hand on the break. They trade and Romanov lands a nice right hand before they clinch. Espino lands a jumping knee as they’re clnched. They go to the mat and Romanov is in the guard of Espino. Romanov with some punches from the top. Romanov with big punches from the top as Espino tries to defend. Espino pulls him back into the closed guard. Romanov in side control and lands some heavy right hands. Romanov with a big knee to the butt of Espino. They scramble up and both looking for a takedown. They break and Romanov lands some punches and is looking for the takedown. 10-9 Romanov, 19-19.

Espino just misses a looping right hand and they clinch. Espino gets a takedown but they quickly stand. Espino drags him back down. They get back up and are clinched and we have a low blow and a timeout. Romanov is down for a long time and unable to continue and the fight is waved off. The judges are going to score the third based on what has happened, but I’m not going to score it here.

Official Result- Alexandr Romanov def. Juan Espino by technical split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

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> Luis Pena (8-3, 4-3 UFC) vs. Alex Munoz (6-1, 0-1 UFC)
Lightweights

Both were landing early in the first as Pena was pressuring. Munoz gets a takedown and is holding onto the body lock as they stand. Pena defending the body lock against the fence. They break and Pena pushing forward and lands a body kick. Munoz lands a combo. Munoz with a calf kick and then another and then a left hand. Munoz with another calf kick and Pena lands a left hand. Pena with a big knee as Munoz grabs the body lock. They break. Munoz with a right hook. They exchange punches. Munoz lands some and then Pena lands a combo ending with a head kick. Munoz with a big right hand. Pena just misses a head kick. 10-9 Munoz.

Munoz with a heavy calf kick. Munoz with another leg kick. Pena lands a flush left hand. Pena with a right hook. Pena with a right hook to the body. Pena landing more punches early in the second. Pena just misses a head kick but then lands a grazing knee to the head. Pena with a left hand. Munoz lands a combo that wobbles Pena. Munoz gets a brief takedown but they scramble. Munoz gets a big takedown. They get back up and Munoz has the back. They break to the center. They trade kicks and Pena lands a right hand. They trade jabs. Pena with a combo ending with a head kick. They trade in close range. They trade kicks. Munoz with a heavy calf kick. Munoz lands a nice right hook. They trade late. 10-9 Munoz, 20-18 Munoz.

They trade leg kicks to start the third. Munoz lands a combo. Munoz with a calf kick. Pena with a jab. They trade punches. Munoz with a leg kick and Pena lands a flying knee. They continue to trade and Munoz gets a brief takedown but they get right back up. Pena with more volume in the third as he continues to land. Pena with a knee and leg kick and Munoz grabs him but they break. Pena with heavy punches and Munoz trying to stall everything with the clinch. Pena with a knee and they break. Munoz with a combo. Pena with a triple jab and then lands a left hand. This goes the distance. 10-9 Pena, 29-28 Munoz.

Official Result- Luis Pena def. Alex Munoz by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

> Tracy Cortez (8-1, 2-0 UFC) vs. Justine Kish (7-3, 3-3 UFC)
Women’s Flyweights* (Cortez missed weight by .25 pounds)

Kish coming forward and landing punches and they clinch. Kish has the body lock and is looking for a takedown. Cortez gets a takedown and is working in the guard of Kish. Cortez with some big punches from the top. Cortez still working from the top and then gets the back of Kish and trying to get the hooks in as Kish controls her arm. Cortez has full back control as the round ends. 10-9 Cortez.

Kish lands a nice right hand to start the second. They trade in close range. Cortez with a leg kick and Kish lands a combo. Cortez tries a takedown but eats an elbow from Kish as they break. Cortez gets a takedown and had the back for a moment but they got up. They trade and Kish lands a right hand. They trade leg kicks and Cortez had more pop on hers’. They trade kicks again. Kish lands a right hand. Cortez with a body kick. Kish lands a right hand and then one to the body. Kish with more leg kicks late. 10-9 Kish, 19-19.

Cortez lands a right hand. They trade punches. Cortez gets a takedown and lands some from the top. She gets the back and lands some heavy punches. Kish trying to grab the arm and Cortez grabs the neck and looks for the guillotine and has the neck as they stand but they break. Kish lands a big right hook that drops Cortez for a brief second and she retreats. Kish grabs her but lets go. Cortez lands an uppercut. Cortez with a body kick as Kish lands a right hand. They clinch and Kish lands a right hand as they break. Kish with a right hand. Close fight. 10-9 Cortez, 29-28 Cortez.

Official Result- Tracy Cortez def. Justine Kish by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

> Abdul Razak Alhassan (10-3, 4-3 UFC) vs. Jacob Malkoun (4-1, 0-1 UFC)
Middleweights

Alhassan throwing kicks early. Malkoun gets a takedown. Malkoun looking for a front choke and they stand. Alhassan with some big elbows. They break the clinch. Malkoun trying a takedown but Alhassan defends. Alhassan lands a left hook. Malkoun looking for another takedown but Alhassan defending. Malkoun gets him down for a second. Malkoun gets him back down but they stand. Malkoun gets him back down. Malkoun lands a couple of left hands. They get back to their feet. Malkoun drags it back down and lands a couple of left hands. They stand and break. Alhassan with a body kick then another. Alhassan with a left hand and a body kick. Alhassan with another body kick and then another. 10-9 Malkoun.

Alhassan with a leg kick after Malkoun lands the jab. Malkoun gets a takedown. They get up and Malkoun gets a big slam takedown. Alhassan looking for a guillotine but lets go. Malkoun landing from the top. Malkoun looks for a guillotine but Alhassan escapes. Malkoun in side control. Malkoun looking for the guillotine again but Alhassan gets out. Malkoun looks for a D’Arce choke but Alhassan gets out. They get to their feet and Alhassan tries to break but Malkoun pushes him against the fence. They break. Alhassan with a high kick. Alhassan with a couple of body kicks. Malkoun with a right hand and looks for a takedown. 10-9 Malkoun, 20-18 Malkoun.

Malkoun with a leg kick. Malkoun lands a combo. Malkoun tries for a takedown but Alhassan defending and they break. Malkoun still going for the takedown and gets it. Malkoun in the half-guard. Malkoun with short elbows. They get to their feet and break. Malkoun with a combo and looks for a takedown against the fence but Alhassan defends. They break. Malkoun gets a trip takedown and is in the guard of Alhassan. Malkoun keeping Alhassan on the mat. They get up and break and Alhassan tries a late flurry but time runs out. 10-9 Malkoun, 30-27 Malkoun.

Official Result- Jacob Malkoun def. Abdul Razak Alhassan by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Andrei Arlovski (30-20 2 NC, 19-14 1 NC UFC) vs. Chase Sherman (15-6, 3-5 UFC)
Heavyweights

Sherman lands a left hand right on the chin and Arlovski eats it. Sherman with a leg kick. They trade in close range. Arlovski lands a combo. Arlovski lands a left hand. Arlovski lands another left hand. Sherman with a counter left hook. Arlovski with a leg kick. Sherman with a leg kick. Sherman with a combo. Arlovski with a leg kick. They trade in close range. Sherman lands a big right hand and is throwing a flurry that has Arlovski hurt. Arlovski grabs Sherman and they break. Arlovski with a leg kick. They trade late. 10-9 Sherman.

Arlovski lands a right hand and then works the jab in. Sherman lands a left hand. Sherman with another combo. Arlovski with the jab. Sherman with a body kick. They trade jabs. Arlovski with a combo. They trade in close range. Both just miss big right hands. Arlovski lands a jab. Arlovski with a combo. They trade in close range. Both are landing and Arlovski is doing damage to the legs of Sherman with kicks. 10-9 Arlovski, 19-19.

They’re swinging for the fences early on. Arlovski with some leg kicks and they exchange in close range. Sherman lands a low blow and we have a timeout. Back to action and both are throwing. They trade leg kicks. Arlovski with a body kick and then a leg kick and then a combo, and Sherman lands some counters. Arlovski with a right hand that wobbles Sherman. Arlovski with a combo. Arlovski with the double jab. They trade punches in the pocket. Arlovski with a combo. Sherman with a combo and a body punch. 10-9 Arlovksi, 29-28 Arlovski.

Official Result- Andrei Arlovski def. Chase Sherman by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Robert Whittaker (#1, 22-5, 13-3 UFC) vs. Kelvin Gastelum (#8, 16-6 1 NC, 11-6 1 NC UFC)
Middleweights

They trade leg kicks and Whittaker lands a right hand. Gastelum with a nice leg kick. Whittaker landing better with the punches early on. They trade in close range. Whittaker lands a left hand and rocks Gastelum with a head kick. Gastelum lands a left hand. Gastelum lands a punch and Whittaker gets a takedown. Whittaker working from the top and landing short punches and Gastelum is stuck on the bottom. Whittaker gets the back and they stand and Whittaker with a high kick. 10-9 Whittaker.

They trade left hands right away to start the second. Gastelum shoots for a takedown but Whittaker defends. Gastelum with a left hand. They trade punches in close range. They tie up and Whittaker with a takedown and has the back for a moment and lands left hands as they stand. Gastelum with a left hand. Whittaker with a head kick. They trade punches. Whittaker with a right hand. Gastelum with a combo. They trade leg kicks. Whittaker with a left hand and then another. Whittaker landing combos. Whittaker with the double jab. Whittaker teeing off with the left hand.  10-9 Whittaker, 20-18 Whittaker.

They trade punches and then trade leg kicks. Gastelum with a quick combo then we have a kick to the groin and now a timeout. Back to action and Whittaker with a high kick. Gastelum lands a flurry and Whittaker has to retreat. Whittaker with a right hand. Whittaker with a combo. Whittaker with a leg kick. Gastelum tries to land as he comes forward but Whittaker circles away. Whittaker with a combo. Whittaker with a leg kick. Whittaker with a right hand. Whittaker with a heavy leg kick. Whittaker with a high kick. Whittaker lands a right hand. Whittaker with a combo. 10-9 Whittaker, 30-27 Whittaker.

Whittaker with a body kick then a combo. Whittaker with a leg kick. They trade and Whittaker controlling the Octagon. Whittaker with a high kick. Gastelum lands the jab and Whittaker is bleeding a little. Whittaker with a body kick and then lands a jab. Whittaker with a right hand. Gastelum gets a brief takedown but Whittaker quickly gets up and lands some punches. 10-9 Whittaker, 40-36 Whittaker.

Whittaker with some quick leg kicks and Gastelum firing away with punches. They clinch and Gastelum pushes Whittaker against the fence. They are both throwing and circling. Whittaker with a left hook. Whittaker with a combo and Gastelum lands a counter right hand. Whittaker gets a takedown and is working in the half-guard of Gastelum. Whittaker looking to set up an arm-triangle choke. He lets go and lands some punches and then grabs the back and they scramble to their feet. Whittaker still has back control on the feet. Whittaker ends the fight in the position. An outstanding performance from Whittaker. 10-9 Whittaker, 50-45 Whittaker.

Official Result- Robert Whittaker def. Kelvin Gastelum by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)

UFC 243 live results: Robert Whittaker vs. Israel Adesanya

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 243: Whittaker vs. Adesanya, emanating from Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.

The Octagon heads back to the biggest venue in Melbourne for the most anticipated fight in Australian mixed martial arts history.

UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker makes his long-awaited return to action when he takes on Interim UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya in a title unification bout. Whittaker hasn’t fought since a June 2018 win over Yoel Romero, while Adesanya looks to remain undefeated in his career and become the undisputed champion after beating Kelvin Gastelum in an interim title fight in April at UFC 236.

In the co-main event, it will be a battle of exciting lightweights as Al Iaquinta looks to get back into the win column when he takes on Dan Hooker. Also on the card is a heavyweight battle between Tai Tuivasa and Serghei Spivac, and a welterweight bout between Jake Matthews and Rostam Akman headlines the preliminary card.

This show is expected to be one of the highest attended UFC events of all-time, and could potentially surpass UFC 193, which was also held at Marvel Stadium, as the most attended event in UFC history.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6:45 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+/UFC FIGHT PASS PRELIMS | 6:45 PM ET/3:45 PM PT

> Khalid Taha (13-2, 1-1 UFC) vs. Bruno Silva (11-3-1, 0-0 UFC)
Bantamweights* (Taha missed weight by 1 pound)

Very tentative start in the first minute and Taha knocks Silva down briefly with a left hook. Silva gets up and gets the clinch. They break and trade. They trade kicks and punches in close range. Taha just misses a right hand. Silva with a body kick and Taha counters with his own. Taha lands another right hand. Silva with a low kick and we have a timeout. Back to action and they clinch and Silva knees Taha in the cup and we have another timeout. No point was taken. They get back to action and clinch and the round ends. 10-9 Taha.

Taha dropped Silva right at the start of the second with a right hand and almost landed an illegal kick. Silva got up and they were trading. Silva grabs a single leg but Taha defends though Silva does get him down. Silva with some hammerfists from the top before he moves to side control. Silva remaining on top as he is looking for transitions and lands some elbows. Taha tries to sprawl out and Silva has his neck. 10-9 Silva, 19-19.

Silva gets an early takedown to start the third but they scramble up and Silva has Taha pinned against the fence. Silva trying to get Taha down but Taha landing some elbows. Taha grabs the neck and drags Silva down and tries to transition but Silva gets up and they remain clinched before breaking. Taha with a body kick. Silva shoots but Taha sprawls and lands some big elbows and grabs the back and lands punches. Taha looks to put his arm under the neck. Taha gets on top and has an arm triangle locked in and it is tight. Silva taps! Taha gets the submission win in the third.

Official Result- Khalid Taha def. Bruno Silva by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 3:00 of Round 3

> Nadia Kassem (5-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Ji Yeon Kim (8-2-2, 2-2 UFC)
Women’s Flyweights* (Kim missed weight by 2 pounds)

Kassem with a side kick right at the start and then gets dropped with a left hand but she gets up. They clinch and both looking for a takedown and Kassem gets it. They get up. Kim lands some punches. Kassem with some side kicks. Kim lands some punches and they clinch. They trade knees in a tie-up. Boring first round. 10-9 Kassem.

Kassem throws a couple of kicks. Kim misses a right hand. Kim lands a combo. They trade in close range and Kim lands an uppercut. Kassem staying more active and trying to throw Kim off rhythm. Kim started landing punches and knocked Kassem’s mouthpiece out and the referee broke it off during action. Bad mistake. They got back to action and Kim lands some punches. Kim landing more punches with a hard right hand. Kim rocks Kassem with a left hand. Kim landing a flurry of punches and Kassem is in trouble. Kim trying to finish. Kim lands big punches and drops Kassem with a body punch and the fight is stopped. Big finish by Kim to get the win.

Official Result- Ji Yeon Kim def. Nadia Kassem by TKO (punches) at 4:59 of Round 2

ESPN2 PRELIMS | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT

> Megan Anderson (9-4, 1-2 UFC) vs. Zarah Fairn (6-2, 0-0 UFC)
Women’s Featherweights

Fairn with a combo right at the start and they clinch. Anderson has the body lock. Fairn landing some punches. Anderson gets the takedown. Anderson has the mount against the fence. Anderson with some short elbows from the top. Fairn is cut open. Fairn able to explode from the bottom and is in the guard. Anderson looking for a triangle choke. It is locked in and Fairn taps. Anderson with the big win.

Official Result- Megan Anderson def. Zarah Fairn by submission (triangle choke) at 3:57 of Round 1

> Brad Riddell (6-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Jamie Mullarkey (12-2, 0-0 UFC)
Lightweights

Mullarkey with the jab and Riddell lands a right hand. They trade combinations and Riddell with a leg kick. Riddell with a combo in close range. They clinch and Mullarkey has Riddell pushed against the fence. They break and Mullarkey with a left hand. Riddell with a left hand. Riddell with a left hook to the body. They exchange late. 10-9 Riddell.

Mullarkey gets a brief takedown in the second off a kick from Riddell but they get back up. Riddell with a kick and Mullarkey catches it and takes Riddell down. Riddell reverses to side control. They scramble up and Mullarkey looking for a takedown against the fence. Riddell with a big left hook. Mullarkey shoots for a takedown but Riddell defends. Mullarkey tries again and Riddell sprawls and ends up mounting Mullarkey. Mullarkey reverses and ends the round on top. 10-9 Riddell, 20-18 Riddell.

Mullarkey tries a takedown but Riddell defends. Riddell then gets a takedown and works from the top landing punches. They get to their feet and are trading big punches. Mullarkey lands a big left hand and takes Riddell down and has the back and looks for a rear-naked choke. Mullarkey rocked Riddell badly there. Riddell escapes and they start trading on the feet. Riddell with a big combination and takes Mullarkey down. Riddell landing big punches from the top. They get up and are trading. Riddell landing big punches to the head and body. Riddell with a hard right hand and Mullarkey is really rocked. Riddell lands a hard right and slips to the ground. Mullarkey tries a takedown and is on the bottom and Riddell lands punches from the top. They are both tired. Riddell lands a hard right hand as they are both on the ground and the fight ends. The last round was crazy. 10-9 Riddell, 30-27 Riddell.

Official Result- Brad Riddell def. Jamie Mullarkey by unanimous decision (29-27, 30-26, 30-26)

> Callan Potter (17-8, 0-1 UFC) vs. Maki Pitolo (12-4, 0-0 UFC)
Welterweights

They trade early and Potter lands a left hand and they clinch but break. Pitolo landing a good combo and they each land punches. Both throwing big bombs. Potter lands a right hand and then a left hook. Potter tries a takedown but pulls guard. Pitolo gets the back and looks for a rear-naked choke but Potter escapes. They got to their feet and Potter gets a slam takedown but they get to their feet. Both landing punches and Potter lands a nice left hook. Potter lands a right hand. They clinch at the end. 10-9 Pitolo.

Pitolo lands a good combo to start the second. Potter lands a left hand. Pitolo with a combo. Potter with a left hook and a knee to the body. They trade punches and both look tired. They clinch and Pitolo has the body lock. They now battle for underhooks. Potter with short knees to the legs. They break to the center. They trade punches in a close range brawl. They break and exchange punches at the end of the round. 10-9 Potter, 19-19.

They tie up right away and Potter reverses a takedown attempt from Pitolo and ends up on top in the half-guard. They get to their feet and trade and Potter gets a takedown. Potter working from the top and gets the full mount and Pitolo is doing nothing to get up from the bottom. Potter landign from the top. Potter ends the fight in the mount. 10-9 Potter, 29-28 Potter.

Official Result- Callan Potter def. Maki Pitolo by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Jake Matthews (13-4, 7-4 UFC) vs. Rostem Akman (6-1, 0-1 UFC)
Welterweights

Matthews with a leg kick. Matthews with more leg kicks. Akman comes forward with punches but Matthews slips away. Akman with a left hand. Matthews with a right hand and then lands a quick flurry. Matthews with a right hand and then a left. They trade and Akman with a right hand. Matthews with a right hand. Matthews with an overhand right. 10-9 Matthews.

Matthews with a right hand. Akman just barely lands a right hand. Both men being patient and trying to find openings. Matthews with a high kick and follows it with a right hand. Both throw heavy right hands that miss. Matthews with a combo. They trade. Both landing punches and Matthews with some heavy kicks. 10-9 Matthews, 20-18 Matthews.

Matthews still looking to land a good punch but not doing much of anything else. Matthews now landing jabs to the body. Matthews with a combo and a leg kick. No one taking any real risks inside there. Matthews gets the back standng and gets a brief takedown. Akman reverses and they both land as they break to the center. Matthews with a counter right hand. They trade late and Matthews gets the back. Akman grabs the neck and drops down but the fight ends. 10-9 Matthews, 30-27 Matthews.

Official Result- Jake Matthews def. Rostem Akman by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

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

> Justin Tafa (3-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Yorgan De Castro (5-0, 0-0 UFC)
Heavyweights

Tafa lands a big left hand to start. They clinch and break and both throwing bombs. De Castro with a body kick. They clinch but nothing much happens. Tafa lands an uppercut to the body. Tafa rushes in and De Castro lands a right hand that puts Tafa out cold. Wow, that was a great knockout by De Castro.

Official Result- Yorgan De Castro def. Justin Tafa by knockout (punch) at 2:10 of Round 1

> Luke Jumeau (13-4, 2-1 UFC) vs. Dhiego Lima (14-7, 3-5 UFC)
Welterweights

Jumeau with a leg kick. Lima with a leg kick. Lima with another leg kick and Jumeau counters with a high kick. Lima with a leg kick. Not a lot of punches being thrown. Lima with a hard leg kick. Jumeau with a leg kick. Lima with the jab. They trade leg kicks. They trade punches. A lot of feinting going on in this round. Jumeau with a right hand. 10-9 Lima.

Lima lands a hard leg kick that sends Jumeau down for a moment. Jumeau gets up and tries a high kick and Lima grabs the leg and takes him down. They get to their feet. Jumeau throws a kick and Lima grabs it and they clinch against the fence. They break and Lima with a leg kick followed by a left hand. They both rock each other with punches. Jumeau now stalking Lima around the Octagon. Lima gets a takedown. They get to their feet before the round ends. 10-9 Lima, 20-18 Lima.

Lima attacking with more leg kicks to start the third. Lima lands an overhand right. Jumeau misses a left hook. Jumeau tries to land a combo but not much lands. Jumeau misses a loaded right hand. Lima with a leg kick. Lima goes for a takedown and pushes Jumeau against the fence but Jumeau defends. They break. Jumeau lands a right hand. Lima tries a takedown but Jumeau defends. Not the most exciting fight. 10-9 Lima, 30-27 Lima.

Official Result- Dhiego Lima def. Luke Jumeau by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

> Tai Tuivasa (#14, 8-2, 3-2 UFC) vs. Serghei Spivac (9-1, 0-1 UFC)
Heavyweights

Tuivasa kicks Spivac’s legs out from under him and lands a hammerfist and lets Spivac up. Tuivasa with an uppercut and then a right hand. Spivac with a right hand and takes Tuivasa down. Tuivasa slides to the fence. They get up and break. Tuivasa with a left hand and Spivac counters with a body kick. Spivac gets a takedown but they get up. Tuivasa with a combo against the fence. Spivac with another takedown but Tuivasa works his way up. Spivac with another headlock takedown. Spivac with some left hands. Spivac trying a bulldog choke but Tuivasa escapes to his feet. Spivac gets another takedown. He ends the round on top. 10-9 Spivac.

They trade and Spivac gets another takedown against the fence. They get up and trade knees and Tuivasa with an elbow. Tuivasa lands a right hand. Tuivasa with a left hand. Spivac tries another takedown and gets it. Spivac gets the mount and lands some strikes from the top. Big elbow from Spivac cuts Tuivasa open. Spivac with punches from the top. Spivac gets an arm-triangle choke locked in and Tuivasa goes out cold. Spivac with his first UFC win in an upset.

Official Result- Serghei Spivac def. Tai Tuivasa by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 3:14 of Round 2

> Al Iaquinta (#6, 14-5-1, 9-4 UFC) vs. Dan Hooker (#15, 18-8, 8-4 UFC)
Lightweights

Hooker with a leg kick. Hooker with another leg kick. Iaquinta with a body kick. Both land in an exchange. Hooker lands a right hand. Iaquinta lands a right hand. Hooker with a body kick. Hooker with a leg kick. Iaquinta grabs a single leg looking for a takedown. Hooker defends and is landing big elbows and punches. Hooker now has top and lands and grabs the neck but Iaquinta escapes. Hooker now has the back and the hooks in. Iaquinta escapes to his feet. Hooker with a leg kick. Hooker with a high kick. 10-9 Hooker.

Hooker with some leg kicks and Iaquinta lands an inside leg kick. Hooker with an inside leg kick as Iaquinta lands a punch. Hooker with a leg kick as Iaquinta shoots in for a takedown. Iaquinta just misses a right hand but lands one as he comes in. Hooker with calf kicks that are hurting Iaquinta. Hooker with a leg kick and Iaquinta tries a takedown but Hooker defends. Hooker then gets the back of Iaquinta as they stand. They break and Hooker with a combo and then knocks Iaquinta down with a right hand. Hooker gets the top and lands an elbow and follows up with punches. Hooker tries for a leg lock and Iaquinta tries an ankle lock. 10-9 Hooker, 20-18 Hooker.

Iaquinta lands a left hand as Hooker lands a leg kick. Hooker with a head kick. Iaquinta with a left hand. Iaquinta landing some punches. Hooker with an elbow as Iaquinta comes in. Hooker with a left hook. Hooker tries a high kick and almost slips. Iaquinta lands a big right hand. Iaquinta is bleeding. Iaquinta with a leg kick and then an uppercut. Iaquinta with a right hand. Hooker with a leg kick. Hooker with a right hand. Iaquinta with a left hand. Iaquinta with a left hand but Hooker is landing counters. Hooker with a leg kick. 10-9 Hooker, 30-27 Hooker.

Official Result- Dan Hooker def. Al Iaquinta by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

> Robert Whittaker (C, 20-4, 11-2 UFC) vs. Israel Adesanya (IC, 17-0, 6-0 UFC)
UFC Middleweight Championship

Both looking for leg kicks early. Whittaker with a leg kick. Whittaker cracks Adesanya with a punch. Whittaker lands a left hand. Whittaker with an overhand right as Adesanya lands the jab. Adesanya lands a right hand. Whittaker just misses a right hand. Whittaker with a left hand and then a leg kick. Adesanya with a high kick. Whittaker blocks a head kick attempt from Adesanya. They trade punches. Whittaker with a leg kick. They trade in close range. Adesanya with a right hand. Adesanya knocked Whittaker down right at the end of the round with a big right hand. 10-9 Adesanya.

Whittaker with a right hand and then lands a left hand coming forward. Whittker with the jab followed by a right hand. Adesanya with a body kick. Adesanya with a right hook that hurts Whittaker and then lands a head kick. They trade in close range. Adesanya rips a combo to the body. Whittaker with a combo. Whittaker with a left hook. They trade in close and Whittaker with a head kick. They trade in close. Adesanya then drops Whittaker with a left hand and jumps on him for the finish and it is stopped! Adesanya has knocked out Whittaker in the second round to become the undisputed champion.

Official Result- Israel Adesanya def. Robert Whittaker by knockout (punches) at 3:33 of Round 2 to win the UFC Middleweight Championship

Whittaker vs. Adesanya unification fight set for UFC 243

Posted on by Joseph Currier

The UFC will be crowning an undisputed middleweight champion this October.

Middleweight champion Robert Whittaker vs. interim middleweight champion Israel Adesanya in a unification fight is officially set for UFC 243. The pay-per-view is taking place on Saturday, October 5, but the location for it has yet to be announced.

While speaking with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, Whittaker said he’s been told that UFC 243 will be held in either Melbourne, Australia or Las Vegas, Nevada. At today’s UFC summer press conference, Dana White said the UFC has options and the location will be confirmed soon. When asked if it was guaranteed to be in Australia, White reiterated that they have different options and said Australia is one of them.

Whittaker was scheduled to defend his title against Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 234 in Melbourne this February, but he had to pull out of the fight due to injury. Adesanya defeated Anderson Silva in what became the new main event of that show.

Adesanya and Gastelum then faced off for the interim middleweight title at UFC 236 in April, with Adesanya winning by unanimous decision.

Whittaker has only fought twice since the summer of 2017. He defeated Yoel Romero in both of those bouts.

Whittaker has a 20-4 record, while Adesanya is 17-0.

Daily Update: Robert Whittaker, UFC 234 fallout, Salvatore Bellomo

Posted on by F4W Staff

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News

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F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: WWE’s WrestleMania main event decision

While the first women’s WrestleMania main event is all but official at this point, WWE still has a huge decision to make about who will be in it.

In a sense, WWE is playing with house money. Both options that they have are good ones. Whether the main event is Ronda Rousey vs. Becky Lynch for the Raw Women’s Championship or a triple threat between Rousey, Lynch, and Charlotte Flair for the title, it will be the most heated match on the card and fully deserving of its place in the spotlight on WWE’s most important day of the year. 

WON NEWSLETTER: February 11, 2019: NJPW New Beginning in Sapporo review, more

I have no idea how this issue got done. I had surgery on my left little finger which was broken in three places on 1/30, and it seemingly went well.

NJPW – New Beginnings: The two nights together did 10,957 paid with one sellout up from 10,002 last year. Tanahashi & Okada as The Dream Team vs. Jay White & Bad Luck Fale did the same as Tanahashi vs. Suzuki did last year for the IC title but paid was much higher this year for Naito vs. Taichi in Taichi’s hometown than for Kenny Omega vs. Jay White for the U.S, title last year, although both were sellouts.

At Smackdown on Tuesday, several talents with contracts coming due were asked to sign new long-term deals after Dean Ambrose told the promotion he wasn’t going to sign a new contract. 

Ian Riccaboni signed a new contract with ROH to continue as their play-by-play announcer.

UFC held a press conference today. The big heat seemed to be between Tyron Woodley and Kamaru Usman, building up their Welterweight Title fight at UFC 235 on March 2nd. Jon Jones is facing Anthony Smith on that show.

Conor McGregor will not be fighting Donald Cerrone in April. Khabib still claims he is not fighting for a year.

Jose Aldo defeated Renato Moicano, 44 seconds into the 2nd round. First round was very close. But it was the “old Aldo”, just destroyed him. Aldo is still talking about retiring at the end of this year. 

Filthy Tom Lawlor is the new MLW champion defeating Low Ki at their super fight one hour Bein Sports TV special from the 2300 (ECW) Arena in Philadelphia.

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SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

by Bryan Rose and Joseph Currier

WWE

  • According to a family member on social media (which WWE later confirmed), Salvatore Bellomo has passed away at the age of 67 due to cancer. He is best remembered for being an enhancement talent in the mid-to-late 1980s on WWE television. He later adopted a wildman gimmick and appeared on early Eastern Championship Wrestling television.
  • Tegan Nox posted an update yesterday on the six-month anniversary of her injury in the Mae Young Classic: “Today marks the 6 month anniversary (to the day & date) of the best/worst day of my career! It’s been a tough 6 months full of blood, sweat and tears but I wouldn’t change it for the world…even the knee scope in November! I’ve taken the time off to change both physically and mentally, plus I’ve been picking up some extra skills along the way! I’m still a little ways away from returning but every day is better than the last! #ShatteredGlass …just saying”
  • WWE has filed a trademark for the phrase “Then, Now, Forever” on 2/4, not too long after CBS used a similar phrase during the Super Bowl.
  • Curt Hennig passed away on this date in 2003, and David Von Erich passed away on this day in 1984.
  • Matt Hardy has put out a new episode of Woken Word.
  • Mick Foley appeared at a Memphis Grizzlies game last night.
  • WWE ranked 10 “shocking Elimination Chamber match moments.”

Pro Wrestling

  • ROH Bound by Honor is set for tonight in Miami, Florida and will stream live on Honor Club starting at 7 p.m Eastern. It will feature a Television title match between Jeff Cobb and Rocky Romero, The Kingdom vs. Jay Lethal, Jonathan Gresham and Rush, Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Colt Cabana, Kelly Klein vs. Mayu Iwatani for the Women of Honor title and more.
  • Brody King missed last night’s ROH television tapings due to the birth of his son.

UFC/MMA

  • Robert Whittaker’s management team issued a statement on Whittaker not being able to fight at last night’s PPV: “On behalf of Rob, we would like to update fans on his condition. Last night at roughly 9 p.m., Rob began experiencing intense abdominal pains that were brought to the attention of the UFC doctors. After several hours of observation, he was admitted to the hospital at 3 a.m. Rob is just out of dual surgery for a twisted and collapsed bowel in addition to an internal hernia of the intestine and will be recovering in hospital for several days. Rob will want to speak to his fans directly when he can. Rob is devastated that today’s fight will not go ahead. Up until 5 minutes before going into surgery, Rob was insisting he would fight, but advice was that a blow to the stomach could be fatal. Rob will come back stronger and ready for what is to come. Thanks to the UFC, Kelvin and his team for your professionalism.”
  • Ariel Helwani posted an update on Whittaker: ‘UFC middleweight champ Robert Whittaker is currently recovering from yesterday’s emergency hernia surgery at a local Melbourne hospital, according to sources. As of now, doctors are hoping he’ll be discharged on Thursday. The surgery lasted three and a half hours, sources said. At the moment, there’s no immediate timetable in place for when he could possibly return to action. It was a serious and complicated surgery, sources said.’
  • Kelvin Gastelum, who is declaring himself middleweight champion after Robert Whittaker’s injury cancelled their title fight last night confirmed to Brett Okamoto that he is currently suffering from a staph infection.
  • After losing to Israel Adesanya via unanimous decision, Anderson Silva spoke about wanting to face Nick Diaz at UFC 237 in May: “Maybe I think it makes sense to fight [Nick] Diaz in Curitiba. I’m just waiting for Dana, because it’s not time to make the decisions. Hopefully, I’ll fight in Curitiba.”
  • Dana White isn’t interested in a fight between Silva and Conor McGregor.
  • Final ratings won’t be in until Tuesday, but between ESPN and ESPN Deportes the UFC prelims from last night averaged a 1.0 overnight rating. The lead-in was a Duke vs. Virginia college basketball game.
  • Chris Weidman tweeted after last night’s main event: “Adesanya just a tad bit overrated”
  • Ovince Saint Preux is out of his UFC 235 fight against Misha Cirkunov due to an injury.
  • UFC 238 will take place at the United Center in Chicago on June 8.
  • David Branch will square off against Jack Hermansson at UFC on ESPN 2 on 3/30.
  • Brett Primus will face Tim Wilde in the main event of Bellator Birmingham on 5/4.

Daily Pro Wrestling History: TNA Against All Odds 2008

Ed in San Antonio presents the WRESTLEMANIAWeekend Events (more to be added):

  • Sunday, April 6th, at 12:00 pm: Lunch (all you can eat) at Churrascaria Plataforma ($90 per person), located at 316 W. 49th street in Manhattan. Purchase tickets here~!
  • Luxury Bus to MetLife Stadium for Wrestlemania: We will depart from the Hilton Midtown (site of Wrestlecon) located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas. Departure time is 4:00 pm and will return from MetLife approximately 30 mins after the event. Times are subject to change, and cost $67.00 per person for the round trip. Purchase tickets here~!

CONTACT INFORMATION

Robert Whittaker out of tonight’s UFC 234 main event

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Hours before the show was to start, UFC lost its main event for Saturday’s UFC 234 event in Melbourne, Australia.

UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker has been forced out of his scheduled title defense against Kelvin Gastelum due to a hernia in his abdomen as reported by ESPN’s Brett Okamoto after confirmation from UFC president Dana White.

Okamoto said Whittaker started suffering pain Friday night around midnight but that the issue wasn’t weight cut related. Ariel Helwani added he started getting cramps and bloating last night and began vomiting at 10 PM, was taken to the hospital at 2 AM, and is having surgery as of this writing.

Israel Adesanya vs. Anderson Silva will now take the main event slot in a three-round fight with Lando Vannata vs. Marcos Mariano moving into the co-main event slot. The early prelims will be on UFC Fight Pass with the late prelims set for ESPN.

It’s an unfortunate set of circumstances for the Australian native as UFC 234 sold out in eight minutes on the heels of him making a title defense in his home country. He originally was scheduled to headline a show in Perth last February in a title defense against Luke Rockhold, but had to pull out due to what later was disclosed as a staph infection in his stomach.

Whittaker won the interim title over Yoel Romero in July 2017 and was promoted to undisputed champion in December 2017 after George St-Pierre vacated the title. He rematched Romero last June, but it was a non-title fight after Romero missed weight.

Josh Nason contributed to this report.

Daily Update: Jim Ross, UFC 232, more UFC notes

Posted on by Bryan Rose

DAILY UPDATE

The Latest News

The Latest Audio

F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Recapping WWE Crown Jewel

WWE’s return to Saudi Arabia ended up being almost as much of a mess as most expected it to be. A tag team main event with the combined age of 206, two of the promotion’s biggest stars pulling out of the show, Hulk Hogan returning to WWE television without the company really promoting it in advance, Brock Lesnar once again becoming Universal Champion, and Shane McMahon winning the World Cup tournament were the most notable moments from a show that is on the list of the most controversial events in WWE history.

WON NEWSLETTER: November 12, 2018 Observer Newsletter: WWE Crown Jewel review, more

The fallout of Crown Jewel is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Look at the returns of Hulk Hogan and Shawn Michaels, Brock Lesnar’s new contract, Shane McMahon’s World Cup win, the stock price, network cancellations, and Renee Young on tour.

Look at Survivor Series and TLC plans, plus match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

Read the run down of the UFC’s schedule for the first three months of 2019, including the ESPN strategy to get people to subscribe to ESPN+, and plans for matches on the early shows of the year.

Also look at WrestleKingdom 2019, with the lineup announced, other matches expected, the tag team tournament, plus full coverage of Power Struggle with match-by-match coverage, star ratings and poll results.

Read coverage of the end of the overrun and what it means, WWE buying tape library, WWE stars get married this past week, Hulk & Linda Hogan TV special, new NXT Takeover match, details on the WWE tryouts in Germany and notes on those who were there.

Look at the career of Jose Lothario, one of the biggest stars in the history of Texas wrestling.

Run down UFC 230, including PPV numbers, TV numbers, lessons of the show, plus match-by-match coverage with poll results.

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

Rates in the United States are $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to [email protected]. For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52. If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.)

If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can choose one free classic issue or two free classic issues with a 40-issue subscription.

TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • Becky Lynch responded to the blood (and subsequent injuries) on last night’s Raw on Twitter by simply stating “Irish war paint.” WWE did post the video of the closing moments of Raw on YouTube, but edited the video to make it black and white after Lynch was busted up.
  • She also, in storyline, felt disrespected by a interviewer during the European tour last week.
  • John Cena is appearing in a number of commercials for Skyy Vodka.
  • Today is the 13th anniversary of Eddie Guerrero’s passing.
  • Edge & Christian’s podcast now has a home on Westwood One. Their next show will feature both Nita Strauss and Shawn Michaels.
  • The poster for this year’s NXT TakeOver: WarGames has been released.

Pro Wrestling

  • Jim Ross wrote on Twitter: “I’m reluctantly heading to #LAX this week for my final voiceover session with @AXSTV as these 3 shows will take us to the end of the year when my contract ends. Thanks @Adamswift34 @dannyzack & the entire crew.” Dave Meltzer reported in last week’s Observer that due to a contractual issue, he’ll miss shows that will air from 12/31 through 3/31, when his WWE contract expires.
  • The first Pro-Wrestling All Star Battle match has been announced. NOSAWA and Kaz Hayashi will team up to take on the team of Mil Mascaras (76) and Dos Caras (67).
  • ROH has officially announced Matt Taven vs. Dalton Castle for Final Battle, which is taking place at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on December 14.
  • MLW announced today that Rush vs. MJF is set for Never Say Never on December 13.
  • Darby Allin has challenged Kassius Ohno to a match at EVOLVE 117 on December 15.
  • Happy birthday to Hiroshi Tanahashi, who turns 42 today.
  • Nick Jackson posted an interesting picture on Instagram earlier today.
  • Eric Bischoff took part in a TED talk on Monday talking about the wrestling business.

UFC/MMA

Daily Pro Wrestling History: TNA Turning Point 2011

CONTACT INFORMATION

Robert Whittaker, Kelvin Gastelum to serve as TUF 28 coaches

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

In what will likely wind up being the final season of The Ultimate Fighter, the 28th edition of the show has found their coaches.

UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker and middleweight contender Kelvin Gastelum will serve as the coaches for the fall season, leading to a championship fight following the conclusion of the show, likely in December. The official announcement was made during tonight’s broadcast of The Ultimate Fighter 27 Finale in Las Vegas.

The Ultimate Fighter 28 will feature the heavyweight and women’s featherweight divisions. Filming is scheduled to begin shortly with the season set to debut in September on FS1.

While not formally announced, Whittaker and Gastelum are expected to meet at UFC 231 on December 8, which will take place at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, which was also announced on Friday night during an appearance by Dana White on TSN’s Sportcentre.

Whittaker and Gastelum are both former TUF winners, marking the first time two former winners of the show will coach against each other. Whittaker won an international edition of the show, winning TUF: The Smashes in 2012, while Gastelum was the winner of the 17th season of the show in April 2013. Both have had great success at 185 after mixed results at 170 pounds. Whittaker has gone on to become the middleweight champion and is undefeated at the weight class. Gastelum has won two straight and earned this opportunity after scoring a win over Jacare Souza at UFC 224 in May.

Whittaker is coming off a Fight Of The Year candidate in a narrow split decision win over Yoel Romero at UFC 225 in June, which ended up being a non-title fight after Romero missed weight. Should both men make weight when they fight, Whittaker’s first official title defense will come against Gastelum.

UFC 225 live results: Whittaker vs. Romero 2, CM Punk returns

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 225: Whittaker vs. Romero 2, emanating from the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

The Octagon returns to the Windy City with the deepest fight card of the year, headlined by what has become a non-title fight, but with another title fight still on the card and a slew of big names all along the card.

UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker will fight Yoel Romero in the main event. It was scheduled to be a championship fight, but Romero missed weight on Friday, coming in just over at 185.2 pounds. The fight remains a five-round affair, but Whittaker will walk out of Chicago remaining the champion, win or lose. Whittaker does hold a previous win over Romero, at UFC 213 eleven months ago.

In the co-main event, it will be a battle for the Interim UFC Welterweight Championship as Rafael Dos Anjos takes on Colby Covington. Both men are on impressive win streaks, as Dos Anjos is undefeated since moving to 170 pounds, winning three straight, while Covington has won five straight bouts. The winner should be in line to face UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley later this year.

Also on the main card, former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm welcomes Megan Anderson to the UFC in a fight that could set up the next challenger for Cris Cyborg, former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski takes on Tai Tuivasa, and former WWE superstar CM Punk looks for his first professional MMA win after a trying few weeks as he battles Mike Jackson.

In a star-studded preliminary card, we have Alistair Overeem taking on Curtis Blaydes in heavyweight action, women’s strawweights Claudia Gadelha and Carla Esparza do battle, former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Rashad Evans returns to 205 pounds to take on Anthony Smith, flyweights Joseph Benavidez and Sergio Pettis take on each other looking for a title shot, and popular lightweight Clay Guida takes on Charles Oliveira.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6:15 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].

UFC FIGHT PASS PRELIMS | 6:15 PM ET/3:15 PM PT

> Mike Santiago (21-11, 0-2 UFC) vs. Dan Ige (8-2, 0-1 UFC)
Featherweights

Ige with a quick combination and he gets Santiago to the ground and is in the mount. He is dropping punches and takes the back and is landing big punches from the back. He is working for the choke but still landing hard punches. Santiago in tons of trouble and the referee stops the fight. Wow. Ige with a dominant victory in the first round.

Official Result- Dan Ige def. Mike Santiago by TKO (punches) at :50 of Round 1

> Clay Guida (34-17, 14-11 UFC) vs. Charles Oliveira (22-8 1 NC, 10-8 1 NC UFC)
Lightweights

Oliveira with some kicks early. They trade punches. Guida now with some leg kicks. Both are finding their timing. Oliveira lands a left hand. Guida has a cut and Oliviera lands a right hand and grabs the neck on a Guida takedown and it is on tight. Guida taps as there was no escape there. Oliveira with a big submission win in the first in a fight he took two weeks ago.

Official Result- Charles Oliveira def. Clay Guida by submission (guillotine choke) at 2:18 of Round 1

BREAKING: In between fights, it was announced that UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson would be defending against Henry Cejudo at UFC 227 on August 4 in Los Angeles. It is the second fight between the two as Johnson defeated Cejudo by first-round TKO at UFC 197 in April 2016.

> Joseph Benavidez (#1, 25-4, 12-2 UFC) vs. Sergio Pettis (#5, 16-3, 7-3 UFC)
Flyweights

Benavidez with an early series of leg kicks. They trade punches and Pettis lands a clean right hand. Pettis tags and hurts Benavidez with a right hand. He lands another and Benavidez is in trouble early. Benavidez gets a takedown into the guard of Pettis and it will give him time to recover. Pettis able to scramble to the feet and they are clinched against the fence. They trade strikes as both are landing. Pettis lands a right hand. Benavidez is keep his hands low. Pettis lands a right as Benavidez comes in range. Benavidez with a leg kick. Pettis with a head kick as Benavidez shoots in and has a leg but Pettis defends and breaks away. Pettis lands a left jab. 10-9 Pettis.

Benavidez lands a quick combo to start the second. Benavidez pushes Pettis against the fence in a tie-up. Pettis was able to get out of the clinch and they’re back to the center. Benavidez with a leg kick. Pettis with a high body kick. Benavidez with one of his own and they clinch against the fence. Benavidez working hard for a takedown against the fence but Pettis defends and they break. They trade kicks. Benavidez with a leg kick. They trade punches and Benavidez back working for a takedown. They trade punches. Pettis lands the jab. Benavidez pushes Pettis against the fence. Close round. 10-9 Benavidez, 19-19.

They come out swinging. Benavidez with a hard right hand and a spinning back fist that lands. They clinch but Pettis defending the clinch and takedown attempts well. Pettis lands a right hand as they break. They trade punches. Pettis with a knee to the body of Benavidez. Benavidez with some body kicks and he lands his punches. Pettis lands a right hand and a body kick. Benavidez goes for a takedown but Pettis grabs the neck for a moment before he lets go. Benavidez goes back for the takedown but Pettis gets away. Pettis lands a double jab and a body kick. Benavidez goes for yet another takedown and it is defended again. They break. Benavidez with a body kick and he gets a takedown. Pettis gets to his feet and has the neck. They break. They trade big punches and kicks late. Good, close fight. 10-9 Benavidez, 29-28 Benavidez.

Official Result- Sergio Pettis def. Joseph Benavidez by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

> Rashad Evans (19-7-1, 14-7-1 UFC) vs. Anthony Smith (28-13, 4-3 UFC)
Light Heavyweights

Smith with an early leg kick. Smith with another. They clinch and Smith lands a huge knee that drops Evans and Evans is out cold. Smith with one final punch for good measure as he gets the knockout win in less than a minute. A brutal finish and this is likely the end of Evans’ career.

Official Result- Anthony Smith def. Rashad Evans by knockout (knee) at :53 of Round 1

FOX SPORTS 1 PRELIMS | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT

> Rashad Coulter (8-3, 0-2 UFC) vs. Chris de la Rocha (4-2, 0-2 UFC)
Heavyweights

They trade punches early. They clinch and de la Rocha has Coulter against the fence. Coulter with a short knee to the body. They break and Coulter lands a couple of big punches. They clinch and Coulter slips on a knee to the body and de la Rocha gets into the mount and lands some punches. Coulter gives up his back. de la Rocha looking for a choke. Coulter escapes and they get to their feet. Coulter lands some big punches and de la Rocha is rocked and in trouble. Coulter lands some more big punches. de la Rocha is cut badly above his eye. de la Rocha now landing big punches on Coulter against the fence. They are swinging and both landing big punches. Both look gassed. Coulter lands another big right hand. de la Rocha gets a takedown. Not much happened at the end. 10-9 Coulter.

de la Rocha lands a big right hand. Coulter lands a huge right hand. They clinch and de la Rocha gets a takedown. Coulter gives up his back and de la Rocha looking for a choke. He looked to have it for a minute but lets go. de la Rocha landing punches but gets warnings for grabbing the fence a couple of times. de la Rocha looking for the choke again but can’t get it. de la Rocha landing more punches from the back. Coulter somehow surviving. Both are exhausted. de la Rocha still landing from the top. The fight is finally stopped by the referee and de la Rocha gets the win.

Official Result- Chris de la Rocha def. Rashad Coulter by TKO (punches) at 3:53 of Round 2

> Ricardo Lamas (#7, 18-6, 9-4 UFC) vs. Mirsad Bektic (#11, 12-1, 5-1 UFC)
Featherweights

Lamas with a front kick. Lamas gets a brief takedown but Bektic right back to his feet. Lamas has the body lock on Bektic against the fence. Bektic is landing punches. Lamas with a couple of knee to the body but Bektic reverses position and lands his own knees. They trade knees. They break. Bektic lands a left hand. Bektic lands a right hand. Lamas with a leg kick and eats a right hand as he tries for a head kick. They clinch and Bektic with some short knees. They break but Bektic quickly grabs Lamas for a takedown. They get back to their feet. Lamas misses a spin kick. 10-9 Bektic.

They come out trading to start the second. Lamas with a leg kick. They both defend takedown attempts from the other. Bektic lands a right hand and Lamas is cut open. They clinch and trade knees. Bektic has Lamas pinned against the fence. It was a headbutt that cut Lamas open. Bektic with an elbow. They break. Lamas tries for a takedown but Bektic defends it. They get up and break. They clinch again and each land but they break. They trade punches and Bektic lands a solid combination. Bektic lands a couple of solid punches as Lamas lands a couple of leg kicks. 10-9 Bektic, 20-18 Bektic.

Lamas lands a right hand as he tries to change levels. Bektic counters with a right hand. Lamas fakes a takedown but eats some punches from Bektic. They clinch but nothing happens before they break. Lamas mistimes a spin kick and Bektic is able to score a takedown off of it. Lamas is able to reverse into side control but Bektic quickly scrambles back to the top. Lamas grabs the neck and is looking for a guillotine choke. He is squeezing but Bektic is holding on and broke out of it. They get up and Bektic has the body lock. Lamas grabs the neck again and was looking for a choke but lets go and lands some elbows and punches. Lamas tried for it again but Bektic slipped out and is on top. Bektic with a knee to the body. 10-9 Bektic, 30-27 Bektic.

Official Result- Mirsad Bektic def. Ricardo Lamas by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

> Claudia Gadelha (#3, 15-3, 4-3 UFC) vs. Carla Esparza (#6, 13-4, 4-2 UFC)
Women’s Strawweights

They trade punches and Esparza with a leg kick.Gadelha drops Esparza for a moment with a right hand. They scramble and Esparza working for a takedown but Gadelha sprawls and grabs the neck. They get to their feet and break. Gadelha with a right hand but Esparza with a leg kick. Gadelha lands a couple more hard right hands. Esparza clips Gadelha with a right hand and has her rocked. Esparza with another right hand and drags Gadelha down and is in the guard. Gadelha sweeps out by grabbing a leg. Gadelha then gets in the guard of Esparza. Both women landing punches on the ground. They scramble to their feet. Gadelha gets a takedown into side control. Gadelha with some hammerfists. Gadelha has a deep guillotine late but Esparza survives. 10-9 Gadelha.

They come out swinging. Both land right hands. They clinch against the fence. Both battling for position and underhooks. Esparza has the better position. Gadelha reverses and has the body lock and gets Esparza down. Gadelha in the guard and landing punches and big elbows. Big elbow from Gadelha. They get to their feet and Gadelha gets another takedown. She is in real control of the fight now. Gadelha working in the half-guard. Esparza gets to her feet and quickly takes Gadelha down at the end of the round. 10-9 Gadelha, 20-18 Gadelha.

Esparza lands a nice right hand at the start of the third. They trade right hands. Esparza with a front kick but eats a counter right hand from Gadelha. Esparza lands a couple of right hands. Esparza with a knee to the body. Esparza lands a combo. Esparza with a leg kick. Esparza with a combo. Gadelha looks to be trying to coast this round. Esparza lands another hard right hand. Esparza tries a kick but Gadelha grabs the leg and grabs the back. Gadelha with a suplex takedown and is in side control. Both landing on the ground. Esparza pushes Gadelha off and then gets a takedown and is in the guard of Gadelha. Esparza starts landing big punches from the top. Gadelha’s right eye is closed. Esparza finishes with punches from the top. Close fight. 10-9 Esparza, 29-28 Gadelha.

Official Result- Claudia Gadelha def. Carla Esparza by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

> Alistair Overeem (#2, 43-16 1 NC, 8-5 UFC) vs. Curtis Blaydes (#4, 9-1 1 NC, 4-1 1 NC UFC)
Heavyweights

Overeem keeping his hands low. Nothing has happened 90 seconds into the fight. Blaydes misses a high kick. Blaydes gets a big takedown. Blaydes with some punches from the top. There isn’t much happening otherwise. Overeem going for a leg lock late but isn’t going to have enough time. A complete nothing round. 10-9 Blaydes.

They are fighting now. Overeem with a big knee that hurts Blaydes. Blaydes looks for a takedown but Overeem has the neck. Blaydes completes the takedown and Overeem is looking for a heel hook. Blaydes gets out of it and jumps right back on Overeem. They get to their feet. Blaydes lands an uppercut. Overeem with a step in knee and Blaydes grabs him and gets a takedown. Blaydes in the half-guard and keeping Overeem pinned on the mat. Blaydes with an elbow. Blaydes with some late ground-and-pound. 10-9 Blaydes, 20-18 Blaydes.

They trade punches. Overeem with a body kick. Blaydes lands a right hand. Blaydes with a hard right hand and a knee and then lands some punches against the fence and gets a takedown against the fence. Blaydes solidly in control on top. Blaydes then lands a huge elbow that rocks Overeem badly and then starts firing elbow after elbow and the fight is stopped as Overeem is out and is a bloody mess. A huge win for Blaydes and a dominant showing.

Official Result- Curtis Blaydes def. Alistair Overeem by TKO (elbows) at 2:56 of Round 3

PPV MAIN CARD | 10 PM ET/7 PM PT

> CM Punk (0-1, 0-1 UFC) vs. Mike Jackson (0-1, 0-1 UFC)
Welterweights

Punk with a leg kick. Jackson lands a right hand. Punk lands a right hand and they clinch. Punk with a knee to the body. They break the clinch. Punk lands another right hand. Jackson lands a right hand. They clinch against the fence and Punk with a knee. Jackson with some body punches. Punk goes for a takedown but it is defended. They break and trade punches. Punk goes for a takedown but it is defended again. Jackson lands a left hand. Punk gets a takedown and steps over into half-guard. Punk lands a couple of punches but they scramble to the feet. Jackson with a body punch and a big elbow. 10-9 Jackson.

Punk goes for a takedown and it is defended. They break the clinch. Punk lands some punches. Jackson lands a right hand that hurts Punk. Jackson with an elbow over the top. Punk tries for a jumping guillotine and Jackson takes it to the mat and is in the guard of Punk. Jackson with some punches and elbows from the top. Punk is bleeding. Punk looked for a triangle choke but couldn’t secure it. Jackson still on top and landing some punches to the body. Jackson with punches to the body. This isn’t a good fight at all. 10-9 Jackson, 20-18 Jackson.

They clinch and just nothing happening. Jackson lands a right hand. Punk goes for a takedown but eats a left hand and Punk flops to his back. Punk does land a left hand. Jackson lands a right hand. They clinch and Punk going for a takedown. They break and Jackson lands a right hand. Jackson with some elbows and they clinch and Jackson has the back. Jackson gets the takedown and is in side control. Kudos to Punk because he has heart but this has no business being on a UFC event. Jackson on top and lands some punches. 10-9 Jackson, 30-27 Jackson.

Official Result- Mike Jackson def. CM Punk by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

> Andrei Arlovski (#9, 27-15 1 NC, 16-9 UFC) vs. Tai Tuivasa (#12, 7-0, 2-0 UFC)
Heavyweights

They both land short punches. Arlovski lands a right hand and a leg kick. Tuivasa with a leg kick. Arlovski with a hard inside leg kick and he follows with a jab. Tuivasa gets a takedown right into full mount. Nothing is happening on the ground and they scramble to their feet. Tuivasa is cut open but drops Arlovski with a left hand and lets him up. Arlovski with a body lock and almost gets a takedown. Arlovski with a knee to the body. Tuivasa with a combo. They clinch and Arlovski with a knee. They break and Tuivasa lands a big punch. They trade right hands. Tuivasa slips after landing a head kick. 10-9 Tuivasa.

Arlovski with a front kick to the body. Arlovski with some leg kicks. Arlovski lands a couple of solid right hands and then lands a leg kick. They trade and Arlovski lands a solid one-two combo. They trade big punches and Arlovski with a double jab. Tuivasa is a bloody mess but lands a right hand. Tuivasa with a leg kick. Arlovski with a spinning back fist. Tuivasa with a combo and Arlovski stumbles for a moment. Arlovski gets a brief takedown and we have a timeout as Tuivasa pokes Arlovski in the eye. We get back to action and both land solid punches. Close round and close fight. 10-9 Arlovski, 19-19.

Tuivasa with a leg kick. Arlovski counters with his own but eats a right hand from Tuivasa. Arlovski with a couple of kicks and then he lands a right hand. They trade in close range. They trade again. Tuivasa with a right elbow. Arlovski with some knees in a brief clinch. Arlovski misses a head kick. Tuivasa hurts Arlovski with a right hand but Arlovski is recovering. Arlovski with a solid combo. This is gonna come down to the last minute. Arlovski with the jab. They trade strikes. Arlovski with the jab. Tuivasa with a right hand. They trade at the end. Close fight. 10-9 Arlovski, 29-28 Arlovski.

Official Result- Tai Tuivasa def. Andrei Arlovski by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Holly Holm (#1 WBW, 11-4, 4-4 UFC) vs. Megan Anderson (8-2, 0-0 UFC)
Women’s Featherweights

They trade early. Holm with a body kick but eats a big knee from Anderson. They clinch and Anderson with another knee. Holm with a short elbow. Holm with a knee to the leg of Anderson. They stay in the clinch as Holm has Anderson up against the fence. They break. Anderson lands a knee. Anderson lands a short combo but eats a front kick to the face from Holm. Holm gets a takedown but Anderson is looking for a twist. Anderson lets go and Holm is in side control. Holm with an elbow from the top. 10-9 Holm.

Holm coming out with some kicks. Anderson tries a kick but Holm grabs her and pushes her against the fence. They break. Holm with a body kick. Anderson tries a knee but Holm is able to counter into a takedown and is in side control. Holm landing punches from the top. Holm gets into full mount and lands some big punches. Holm working for an arm-triangle. She lets go but lands some big punches. Holm in control from the top. 10-9 Holm, 20-18 Holm.

Holm firing kicks but eats a hard right hand from Anderson. Holm goes right for the takedown but Anderson is defending well. Holm pushes Anderson against the fence. Holm gets a takedown and is in the half-guard of Anderson. Holm gets into the mount. Anderson was looking to escape so Holm just got up and let Anderson up. Holm with a head kick followed by a leg kick and then a front kick to the body. Holm gets another takedown into half-guard. Holm moves to side control and lands some elbows. Holm back into full mount and with punches and shoulder strikes. Holm is going to cruise to victory on top. Great performance from Holm. 10-9 Holm, 30-27 Holm.

Official Result- Holly Holm def. Megan Anderson by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)

> Rafael Dos Anjos (#1, 28-9, 17-7 UFC) vs. Colby Covington (#4, 13-1, 8-1 UFC)
Interim UFC Welterweight Championship

They come out swinging and Covington right into a takedown. Dos Anjos back to his feet. Covington is all over Dos Anjos. They break. Dos Anjos with a leg kick and then lands a left hand as Covington clinches. Dos Anjos with a knee to the body. Covington with a high kick and back to the clinch but they break. Dos Anjos with a right hook to the body and then a knee to the body. They clinch and Covington with some short left hands. Covington trying a takedown but eats some elbows and a knee to the body. Dos Anjos with another knee to the body. Covington with some leg kicks. Dos Anjos lands a combo. They trade body kicks. Covington keeps going back to the clinch as Dos Anjos is landing more when they are separated. 10-9 Dos Anjos.

Dos Anjos with a leg kick and they trade punches in close range. Covington gets a brief takedown but Dos Anjos gets up. They break the clinch and Dos Anjos with a big body kick. Covington goes for another takedown but Dos Anjos defending. They break and trade kicks. Dos Anjos landing punches to the body. They trade punches and Dos Anjos rocks Covington with a left hand. They trade punches. Covington lands an uppercut. They break the clinch with both utilizing dirty boxing. Covington gets a takedown and takes the back. Covington with some punches from the back. 10-9 Covington, 19-19.

Dos Anjos lands some quick punches before Covington clinches against the fence. They break. They trade punches. Covington back working for a takedown but they break. Covington with some kicks. Covington back working for a takedown and gets it for a brief second. Covington lands a low blow on Dos Anjos and we have a break. Back to action and they trade in the pocket. They clinch and not much happens. Dos Anjos lands a big left hand as they break and Covington back to a takedown attempt that is defended. They trade kicks. Covington grabs the back of Dos Anjos. Not much happened afterwards. 10-9 Covington, 29-28 Covington.

Dos Anjos lands a huge left hand to start the fourth. Dos Anjos gets a takedown on Covington. Covington scrambles to the sprawl and Dos Anjos has the neck. They get up and break and Dos Anjos gets another takedown. Covington with some deep breaths. They get up and Dos Anjos has the back and the body lock. Dos Anjos with some knees to the legs and he takes Covington back down. They get to their feet. They break. Dos Anjos lands a left hand. Dos Anjos gets a brief takedown but they clinch against the fence. They break and trade punches. Both land solid punches and now Covington going for a takedown. Covington lands an uppercut but eats a counter left from Dos Anjos. Covington gets a late takedown and ends the round on top. 10-9 Dos Anjos, 38-38.

They trade early and Covington working for a takedown. Covington has the back. They break. Covington gets a takedown. Dos Anjos gets back up. They trade kicks. Covington working for another takedown. Covington hanging on to Dos Anjos but not really doing much. They break and Dos Anjos with a body kick. Covington lands a left hand and going back for another takedown. Dos Anjos with a right hand to the body. They break. They trade punches. Dos Anjos clips Covington with a left hand. They are battling in the clinch, Covington gets him down but they scramble back up. They trade punches. They are swinging in the last minute. Dos Anjos landing cleaner. Covington tries a takedown to no success. Dos Anjos with a body kick. Close fight. 10-9 Covington, 48-47 Covington.

Official Result- Colby Covington def. Rafael Dos Anjos by unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47), Covington wins the Interim UFC Welterweight Championship

> Robert Whittaker (C, 19-4, 10-2 UFC) vs. Yoel Romero (#1, 14-2, 9-1 UFC)
Middleweights* (Originally a UFC Middleweight Championship bout, but Romero missed weight by .2 pounds)

Main event coverage by Paul Fontaine as I ran into computer issues

Whittaker opening with kicks, mostly to the lead leg. Punch combo from Whittaker at 1:30. Romero just biding his time and covering up. Punch combo from Whittaker at 2:45. Romero with one at 3:00. Whittaker with 17 kicks landed in the first 3 minutes. Romero lands his first leg kick at 4:45 and it staggers Whittaker. Nice punch combo from Whittaker follows. 10-9 Whittaker

Total strikes are 35-8 for Whittaker. Whittaker continuing to land kicks early. Punch combo from Whittaker at 45 seconds. Punch/kick combo from Romero at 1:00. Punch/kick combo from Whittaker at 2:00. Total strikes attempted 128-44 for Whittaker. Romero with damage to his right eye and it’s almost swollen shut. Punch/kick combo from Whittaker at 3:30. Punch combo from Romero at 4:00. Kick/punch combo from Romero at 4:30. Romero stuffed on a takedown attempted. Whittaker picking him off with jabs before the buzzer. 10-9 Whittaker, 20-18 overall

Punch combo from Romero to open. Romero rocks Whittaker with a punch at 30 seconds. Romero all over him. Whittaker down and Romero dropping hard elbows. Whittaker up and tries a takedown but Romero landing elbows to the head. Romero controlling a cage clinch at 1:00. Punch combo from Romero and Whittaker is rocked. Whittaker lands elbows to the head and Romero in trouble. Both guys just throwing bombs. Romero back to the clinch at 1:45. Romero with light punches to the body. Whittaker bleeding from his nose. Romero with a punch combo and tries a takedown but maintains clinch control. Whittaker takes control at 2:45. Romero quickly takes it back. They separate and another crazy punch exchange at 3:00. Both guys throwing bombs again. Romero all over him but Whittaker stays up. Romero all over him with punches again. Whittaker running away at 3:30. Whittaker rocks him with a head kick. Romero with a  punch combo. Elbows and punches from Romero at 4:00. Romero takes the back standing. Romero with a 54-20 advantage in strikes landed and gets a takedown but Whittaker right up. Whittaker controlling the clinch at 4:45. 10-9 Romero, 29-28 Whittaker overall

Punch combo from Whittaker 15 seconds in. Whittaker rocks Romero with a head kick at 45 seconds. And another. Whittaker landing hard leg kicks. Punch combo from Romero at 1:45. Whittaker with a series of jabs at 2:00. Whittaker may have broken his right arm as he’s throwing exclusively lefts and kicks. Whittaker has landed 36 leg kicks so far. Whittaker with a punch combo at 3:30. Punch combo from Romero at 4:15. Whittaker bleeding heavily from beside his left eye. Whittaker with a 32-6 advantage in strikes landed for Round 4. Romero rocks Whittaker with a punch at 4:45. Another combo follows. Whittaker running away. Romero may have stolen it at the end. 10-9 Romero, 38-38 overall

Punch combo from Romero 15 seconds in and Whittaker is rocked. Punch combo from Whittaker at 1:00. Punch combo from Romero at 1:15. Romero chasing Whittaker down now. Whittaker down and Romero all over him. Romero dropping punches and elbows and Whittaker cowering up. Romero landing punches to the body and head. Whittaker not blocking the punches at all. Whittaker to his feet and attempting a takedown but Romero stuffs it and lands more punches. Elbows and punches to the head at 2:30. Whittaker up and eats knees and punches to the head. Romero takes his back and takes him down. Whittaker up and Romero drags him down. Romero on his back at 3:15. Hard knees to the back from Romero. Whittaker to his feet and Romero drags him right down. Whittaker up again at 3:45. Ref warns them to work. Ref breaks it up at 4:15. 10-9 Romero, 48-47 overall

Official Result- Robert Whittaker def. Yoel Romero by split decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47)

Our questions about UFC 225: The return of CM Punk

Posted on by Josh Nason

Despite a day full of nonsense revolving around whether or not we had a main event due to Yoel Romero missing weight, UFC 225 is a full go for Saturday and man, what a card it is. I mean, where else can you get two pro wrestlers — former WWE star CM Punk and former TNA star Colby Covington — competing for big stakes on a PPV?

Helping me answer the many questions about this card are Paul Fontaine and Ryan Frederick. Note that everyone wrote their piece before the events of Friday at the weigh-ins. An added note from Paul: Since November, fighters missing weight are 13-2 since November in their fights.

For those looking for some audio, I talked to Punk opponent Mike Jackson last week, and previewed the show with MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn this week.

Main Card

  • UFC welterweight champion Robert Whittaker vs. Yoel Romero II (non-title)
  • UFC Interim middleweight championship: Rafael dos Anjos vs. Colby Covington
  • Holly Holm vs. Megan Anderson
  • Andrei Arlovski vs. Tai Tuivasa
  • CM Punk vs. Mike Jackson

Prelims

  • Alistair Overeem vs. Curtis Blaydes
  • Claudia Gadelha vs. Carla Esparza
  • Ricardo Lamas vs. Mirsad Bektic
  • Rashad Coulter vs. Chris de la Rocha
  • Rashad Evans vs. Anthony Smith
  • Joe Benavidez vs. Sergio Pettis
  • Clay Guida vs. Charles Oliveira
  • Mike Santiago vs. Dan Ige

What are you most looking forward to?

Josh: This entire damn show. Even without the big name headliner, it’s been a while since we had one of these top to bottom loaded shows. I can find storylines and interest in nearly every fight.

Ryan: There’s not one thing I don’t love about this card. It’s the deepest fight card in quite some time and has intrigue all over it. When Clay Guida and Charles Oliveira are in the second fight on a card, you know you have a special card. The fight I’m most looking forward to is the main event between Whittaker and Romero. Their first fight was excellent and I think this one will be even better.

Paul: Punk vs. Jackson. This really intrigues me on so many levels. Two weeks ago, I was firmly convinced that Punk would win but then, I heard Josh interview Jackson on his podcast and then Punk spent the key part of his time he should have been getting ready for the fight in court. Now, I’m not so sure.

Anything being overlooked?

Josh: A lot. Basically, the entire Fight Pass portion (Evans/Smith, Benavidez/Pettis, Guida/Oliveira) has intrigue from returns (Benavidez) and last stands (Evans). Also, the Gadelha-Esparza and Overeem-Blaydes bouts are of interest for what happens to the winners.

Ryan: I think the fight between Holly Holm and Megan Anderson is getting overlooked. As much as people might not believe it, Anderson is a real threat to women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg as she’s as big or even bigger than Cyborg and has good all-around skills. I think she gets past Holm here and gives a great challenge to Cyborg in the near future.

Paul: In addition to the fights Josh mentioned, there’s Alistair Overeem vs. Curtis Blaydes. Overeem is going to be looking to prove a point as he’s mad his fight wasn’t put on the main card and honestly, he’s got a point.

Anything not doing it for you?

Josh: The arrangement of the fights is kinda strange. I would think FS1 would want the more well known fighters like Benavidez and Evans on their prelims. It’s weird to me that UFC would decide to throw a bone to Fight Pass subscribers at this point, but the conspiracy theorist in me wonders if this will be a trend on PPV shows until the current TV deal is done. I can’t imagine they’d do the cut nose/spite face deal, but it’s possible.

Ryan: Other than the fact I’m not a fan of Colby Covington’s tactics outside the cage, everything is doing it for me. I won’t ever complain about placement on a show of fights because I watch everything, and there is something for everyone from the moment the first fight enters the Octagon.

Paul: I feel the same as Josh here. I mean, why is Rashad Coulter vs. Chris De La Rocha with their combined 0-4 UFC record on FS1 while Evans vs. Smith is on the Fight Pass portion? The Evans fight might be boring, but you know what won’t be? Charles Oliveira vs. Clay Guida and their combined 17 post show bonus awards. Why this isn’t headlining the FS1 prelims right before the PPV is beyond me and it’s a mistake the previous regime wouldn’t have made. In fact, go ahead and add Oliveira-Guida to the list of overlooked fights. How Josh, with his obsession for “crossroads fights” missed that is just more evidence as to how overlooked it is.

(Josh note: HOW DARE YOU, PAUL!!!)

Any intrigue with this show?

Josh: And how! Will Covington be able to back up the talk? Can RDA win another (interim) title? Can Whittaker or Romero put their stamp on the middleweight division? Is Benavidez back? Is Evans done? Has Punk improved? Real talk, this show is something else.

Ryan: Lots and lots of intrigue with this one. The main event is dynamic and has intrigue on its own. The co-main will set up a showdown with Tyron Woodley. Anderson, Benavidez, and Gadelha could secure title shots. Tuivasa could show he’s the next big thing at heavyweight, or Arlovski could show he has more in the tank. Blaydes gets his tough fight with Overeem who wants to show he’s still a top dog. Bektic can be a threat at featherweight, but Lamas is a guy you have to get by to contend. And then, there’s CM Punk.

Paul: Is Tuivasa the next heavyweight contender? Does Guida have another good run left in him? Can Arlovski turn back time and pick up a third straight UFC win at his advanced age? Does Overeem have another run to a title shot in him? Is Megan Anderson the next featherweight contender for Cris Cyborg? Is CM Punk still a PPV draw? Ya, I’d say there’s just a bit.

What will be people talking about most after the show is done?

Josh: That CM Punk has fought his final fight in the UFC and that we need to be treating RDA as a real threat to Tyron Woodley’s title.

Ryan: Obviously. the Punk fight will get the most attention. I think people will be talking about a trilogy between Whittaker and Romero after this one, and we’ll actually have people excited for a future Woodley fight with the co-main winner.

Paul: The Punk fight for sure, win or lose. If Romero beats Whittaker….was he clean? Who’s next? Do they do a rubber match? If Covington wins, I feel like we may hear rumblings about a fight with Conor McGregor.

Who wins?

Whittaker vs. Romero:

– Romero: Nason
– Whittaker: Ryan, Paul

Covington vs. RDA:

– Covington: Paul
– RDA: Nason, Ryan

Holm vs. Anderson:

– Holm: Nason, Paul
– Anderson: Ryan

Punk vs. Jackson

– Punk: Ryan, Paul
– Jackson: Nason

Benavidez vs. Pettis

– Benavidez: Nason, Ryan, Paul

Guida vs. Oliveira

– Guida: Nason, Paul
– Oliveira: Ryan