Tag: Tom Aspinall

UFC 321 live results: Aspinall vs. Gane, Jandiroba vs. Dern

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The annual October trip for the Octagon to Abu Dhabi for a major pay-per-view event is upon us as two title fights headline UFC 321 at the Etihad Arena.

The main event sees UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall making his first title defense since being named the undisputed champion as he defends against former Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Ciryl Gane. Aspinall had two title wins in interim titles, and has won three straight fights overall. Gane gets another chance at becoming champion on the heels of two straight wins.

The co-main event will see a new champion crowned at 115 pounds as Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern rematch for the vacant UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship. The title became vacant after Zhang Weili decided to move to 125 pounds. Dern holds a win over Jandiroba, coming in December 2020.

The rest of the main card features fights all between ranked fighters as Umar Nurmagomedov battles Mario Bautista in a bantamweight bout; Alexander Volkov squares off against Jailton Almeida in a potential title eliminator bout in the heavyweight division; and Aleksandar Rakic takes on Azamat Murzakanov in a light heavyweight tilt.

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> Women’s Strawweights- Jaqueline Amorim (10-1, 4-1 UFC) vs. Mizuki Inoue (15-6, 2-1 UFC)

Amorim rushing forward and both are landing early. Amorim lands a leg kick then a body kick. Inoue lands a right hand as Amorim is throwng kicks. Inoue controlling the range. Amorim scores a takedown. They scramble up and Amorim gets the back and drags it back down. Amorim is working for a choke and has it locked in at a weird angle, and Inoue is able to get out, though Amorim gets the full mount. Inoue is able to reverse and now is inside the guard of Amorim and landing. Inoue lands some big shots that hurt Amorim to end the round. 10-9 Inoue.

They trade to start the second. Amorim lands a right hand but is circling around. Amorim shoots for a takedown but Inoue sprawls. They clinch against the fence and Inoue is landing some short shots. Inoue gets a takedown and works from the half-guard. They get to their feet, but Amorim pulls guard and Inoue is back on top landing punches and elbows. Inoue postures up and lands as she gets back inside the guard of Amorim. Amorim looks for an arm but Inoue escapes and lands. 10-9 Inoue, 20-18 Inoue.

They trade and clinch up and Amorim lands some knees, but Inoue gets it back down to the mat. Inoue lands from the top before standing and Amorim is slow to get to her feet. They trade and a headbutt opens up a cut on Inoue. Inoue lands some body shots and Amorim looks for a takedown, but Inoue defends and ties up against the fence. Inoue lands some knees. Amorim falls to the mat and looks for a leg, but Inoue backs off, and Amorim is again slow to her feet. Inoue lands and Amorim shoots for a takedown, but Inoue defends. Inoue lands from the top. Inoue takes the back and lands as they get up. They are clinched against the fence and Inoue is landing. Inoue landing lots as they end it. 10-9 Inoue, 30-27 Inoue.

Fight Result- Mizuki Inoue def. Jaqueline Amorim by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Flyweights*- Azat Maksum (15-2, 1-2 UFC) vs. Mitch Raposo (9-3, 0-2 UFC)

*Maksum missed weight by three pounds

Raposo lands a big right hand. They trade punches as both are generally missing on their offense. Maksum lands a leg kick. Raposo lands a solid jab. Raposo puts some strikes together but they barely land. Maksum changes levels and scores a takedown. They get to their feet and Maksum gets it down for a moment, but they stand with Maksum on the back and landing some knees. Not much is happening as Maksum is just leaning on Raposo against the fence. Maksum lands as they break. Maksum lands a leg kick. 10-9 Maksum.

They trade and Maksum lands a leg kick. Raposo lands a solid combo and then lands an overhand right. Maksum fakes a takedown. They trade inside the pocket. Raposo lands again and ends with a right hand. Maksum lands a jab to the body and Raposo throws a combo that barely lands. Maksum shoots big for a takedown but Raposo slides away easily to defend. Raposo lands a combo. Maksum scores a takedown. Maksum is keeping Raposo down but not doing anything as Raposo gets up. 10-9 Raposo, 19-19.

Raposo throws a right hand, but Maksum ducks under and gets a brief takedown. They scramble up and Maksum has the back against the fence. Maksum is dropping down and trying to get it down and briefly did as Raposo scrambles right back up. Raposo is able to force a separation. Raposo lands a combo. Raposo lands a right hand. Maksum looks for a takedown, but Raposo defends. Maksum shoots for a takedown and pushes it against the fence. Raposo is defending and Maksum drops down, and Raposo is able to escape. They trade. Raposo lands a left hook. Maksum shoots for a takedown but Rapsoo defends and grabs the neck and gets on top. Maksum grabs the fence and uses it to reverse, but the referee calls timeout to take the position away and takes a point away from Maksum. Maksum shoots for a takedown but Raposo defends, and Raposo puts it against the fence. Maksum gets a brief takedown late, but Raposo gets right up. 10-8 Raposo, 29-27 Raposo.

Fight Result- Mitch Raposo def. Azat Maksum by unanimous decision (30-26, 29-27, 29-27)

> Heavyweights- Hamdy Abdelwahab (4-1 1 NC, 1-1 1 NC UFC) vs. Chris Barnett (23-9, 2-3 UFC)

Abdelwahab lands a body kick and then scores a takedown. He lands from the top and Barnett gives up his back. Abdelwahab is landing lots of punches as Barnett gets up. Abdelwahab drags it back down. Abdelwahab with more right hands as Barnett gets to his feet, but Abdelwahab drags it down again. They get up and Abdelwahab gets it back down. Abdelwahab has the back and lands but Barnett scrambles up and they trade. Abdelwahab gets another takedown and has the back as Barnett is cut open around the ear. Abdelwahab with some big punches. Abdelwahab lands an elbow to the back of the head and Marc Goddard stops it and warns Abdelwahab as timeout is called. Abdelwahab has a point taken away. They get back going and Abdelwahab looks for a takedown, but Barnett defends and lands some knees. Abdelwahab lands a pair of elbows before they break. They trade clubbing right hands. Barnett lands a right hand. Abdelwahab lands some kicks and a right hand. 9-9 round due to the point deduction to Abdelwahab.

Barnett lands a right hand and they trade leg kicks with Barnett landing a few more. They trade and Abdelwahab gets a takedown and has back control. Abdelwahab with lots of punches from the back as Barnett gets to his feet. Abdelwahab grabs the body and takes it right back down. Abdelwahab with lots of shots on the ground as Barnett is just crawling around but not escaping. Both are exhausted. They get to their feet and Abdelwahab has the back before Barnett escapes with a full moon displaying. 10-9 Abdelwahab, 19-18 Abdelwahab.

Both miss on throwing punches. They trade leg kicks. Barnett with an inside leg kick. Abdelwahab lands a big right hand. Abdelwahab gets an easy takedown. Abdelwahab has the back and lands lots of punches. Barnett is trying to escape, but Abdelwahab keeps control on the mat. Abdelwahab lands but they are stood up by Goddard. Abdelwahab lands a leg kick and follows with a jab. They tie up against the fence and Abdelwahab lands a knee. Abdelwahab trips it back down to the mat. What a boring fight. 10-9 Abdelwahab, 29-27 Abdelwahab.

Fight Result- Hamdy Abdelwahab def. Chris Barnett by unanimous decision (29-26, 29-27, 29-27)

> Featherweights*- Nathaniel Wood (21-6, 9-3 UFC) vs. Jose Delgado (10-1, 2-0 UFC)

*Delgado missed weight by one pound

They trade kicks and Wood lands a combination. Wood with a jab as Delgado landed a low kick. Timeout is called, but Wood is quickly ready to go. Wood lands a leg kick and they trade combinations. Both are landing as Delgado comes forward. Delgado lands a high kick and the rocks Wood with a big combo. Delgado drops Wood with a spinning back fist and starts landing from the top. Delgado with some body shots from the top. He starts landing right hands. Wood tries to scramble out. Delgado has the back as they get to the fence and stand. Delgado lands an elbow as they break. They trade and Wood lands a right hand that hurts Delgado and knocks him down. Delgado gets up and they start trading wild shots. Delgado lands a right hand. 10-9 Delgado.

They trade and Wood lands a leg kick and Delgado counters with a right hand. Delgado lands another right hand and a knee. Wood lands a right hand. Wood pushes it against the fence with the body lock, and he gets a brief trip takedown, but Delgado gets right back up. They separate as Wood lands a left hand and a body kick. Delgado lands another groin kick and timeout is called again. Wood takes some moments to recover and they get back going. Wood lands a jab. Wood lands a combo and then lands a right hand. Wood with a quick combo. Wood lands a calf kick. 10-9 Wood, 19-19.

They trade to start the third and Delgado lands a high kick. Wood with a leg kick. Delgado lands a right hand. Wood with a leg kick as Delgado lands a combination. They trade punches inside the pocket. Wood with a right hand and Delgado lands a kick as Wood lands a left hand. Wood with a left hook. Delgado lands a high kick and Wood lands a right hand and a left hook. Wood lands some punches. Delgado shoots for a takedown but Wood sprawls. Delgado tries a spinning attack but Wood grabs the back and nearly drags it down, but Delgado escapes and ends up in control. Delgado lands an elbow as they stand and then lands an uppercut. They trade jabs. Wood lands a calf kick. Wood lands a right hand. Delgado lands a knee but Wood is able to score a takedown. Wood lands an elbow from top. Close fight. 10-9 Delgado, 29-28 Delgado.

Fight Result- Nathaniel Wood def. Jose Delgado by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Heavyweights- #15 Valter Walker (14-1, 3-1 UFC) vs. Louie Sutherland (10-3, 0-0 UFC)

Walker lands a leg kick. Sutherland lands a leg kick of his own. They trade leg kicks. Sutherland lands a big right hand but Walker is able to score a takedown. Walker lands and then attacks the leg and locks in a heel hook and Sutherland taps! Walker with yet another finish with a heel hook.

Fight Result- Valter Walker def. Louie Sutherland by submission (heel hook) at 1:24 of Round 1

> Lightweights- Ludovit Klein (23-5-1, 7-3-1 UFC) vs. Mateusz Rebecki (20-3, 4-2 UFC)

They trade and Klein hurts Rebecki with a left hand. Klein lands a combination and Rebecki lands a counter left hand. Klein works the jab. Rebecki shoots in and Klein lands a knee, though Rebecki is still able to get the body lock. Rebecki has the leg but Klein is able to escape and they break to the center. Rebecki lands a front kick and Klein lands a left hand. Klein lands to the body as Rebecki rushed in. Klein lands a combination and then ends it with a head kick that Rebecki eats. Klein with a heavy leg kick. They trade left hands. Klein with a jab. 10-9 Klein.

They trade and Klein lands a combination. Rebecki lands a left hand. They trade big shots inside the pocket and Klein hurts Rebecki with a left hand. Rebecki quickly recovers and they both land again. Rebecki shoots for a takedown but Klein defends as Rebecki pushes it against the fence. Rebecki gets the takedown but Klein is able to get up quickly and Klein lands on the break. Klein lands a combination. Rebecki with a right hook. Rebecki is busted open badly. Klein hurts Rebecki with a right hook as Rebecki stumbles away but recovers. Klein with a nice combination ending with a head kick. They continue to trade. Klein lands a combination. 10-9 Klein, 20-18 Klein.

They trade as both land left hands and Klein defends a takedown attempt from Rebecki. Rebecki grabs the body and is able to score a takedown. Klein forces it up rather quickly though Rebecki has back control. They go back to the mat as Rebecki is landing lots of punches from the back. Klein looks a little hurt as Rebecki continues to land left hands from the top. Rebecki with a big elbow from the top and he continues to land left hands, mixing to the head and body. Klein lands an elbow from the bottom that opens Rebecki up and Rebecki is leaking blood badly. Rebecki still working and looks for the crucifix position. Klein is able to defend the position. Rebecki with heavy elbows from the top. There is blood everywhere. 10-9 Rebecki, 29-28 Klein.

Fight Result- Ludovit Klein def. Mateusz Rebecki by majority decision (29-28, 28-27, 28-28)

> Middleweights- Ikram Aliskerov (16-2, 3-1 UFC) vs. Jun Yong Park (19-6, 9-3 UFC)

They trade leg kicks and Aliskerov lands a groin strike. Timeout is called but Park is quickly ready to go. Aliskerov with a jab to the body as Park lands a leg kick. Aliskerov lands a jab and Park lands a right hand. They trade punches. Aliskerov lands a high body kick. Park lands a combination. Aliskerov works the jab. Park with a left hook to the body followed by a right hand. Aliskerov continues to work the jab. Aliskerov lands a front kick and scores a takedown. They stand and Aliskerov lands a leg kick as they break. Aliskerov scores another takedown. They stand against the fence and break. 10-9 Aliskerov.

They trade and Park lands a nice overhand right. Park lands to the body and is pressuring, but Aliskerov is able to circle away. They clinch and Aliskerov lands a knee and slips, but Park unable to take advantage of it. Aliskerov lands a nice leg kick followed by a right hand. Aliskerov lands another kick that connects with the groin of Park. They get back going and Aliskerov lands before getting Park to the mat. Aliskerov pushes Park to the fence and is landing left hands as Park lands some shots. They get up and separate. Park closing the distance and Aliskerov shoots for a takedown. They trade and Park lands. 10-9 Aliskerov, 20-18 Aliskerov.

They clinch right away as Park has control. They separate. Aliskerov lands a jab. Park lands a left to the body followed by a right. They break apart. Park lands a combo but Aliskerov fires back with some short punches. Aliskerov is able to score a takedown and has the back. He still has it as they stand. Park lands as they break and then lands a left hand to the body. Aliskerov lands. They trade and Aliskerov is able to score a takedown. He has the back of Park with a body triangle locked on. Aliskerov with punches from the back. Aliskerov controlling from the back. Aliskerov keeps back control all the way to the end. 10-9 Aliskerov, 30-27 Aliskerov.

Fight Result- Ikram Aliskerov def. Jun Yong Park by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Lightweights- Nasrat Haqparast (18-5, 10-4 UFC) vs. Quillan Salkilld (9-1, 2-0 UFC)

Salkilld shoots for a takedown but Haqparast defends. Haqparast lands a combination. He lands a left hand as Salkilld lands a leg kick. Salkilld lands a front kick. Salkilld with a right hand and he tries for a takedown but Haqparast defends. Salkilld lands a leg kick. Haqparast with a left hand. Haqparast lands a solid left hand. Salkilld then lands a head kick and Haqparast goes down out cold! What a brutal knockout by Salkilld!

Fight Result- Quillan Salkilld def. Nasrat Haqparast by knockout (head kick) at 2:30 of Round 1

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> Light Heavyweights- #7 Aleksandar Rakic (14-5, 6-4 UFC) vs. #10 Azamat Murzakanov (15-0, 5-0 UFC)

Rakic lands an early leg kick. Rakic with a pair of body kicks. Murzakanov with a left hand. Rakic lands a body kick. Rakic lands some more kicks before landing a right hand to the body. Rakic shoots for a takedown and pushes it against the fence. Rakic with some knees before they separate. Rakic with a right hand and a leg kick. He lands a body kick then a leg kick before grabbing a single leg and looking to get it down. Murzakanov rolls through and they get to their feet. Murzakanov drops Rakic with a short right hand and Rakic is covering up as Murzakanov comes in and lands and it is all over! Big finish from Murzakanov to pick up the win.

Fight Result- Azamat Murzakanov def. Aleksandar Rakic by TKO (punches) at 3:11 of Round 1

> Heavyweights- #2 Alexander Volkov (38-11, 12-5 UFC) vs. #5 Jailton Almeida (22-3, 8-1 UFC)

Almeida shoots right away and they go to the mat as Almeida is attacking a leg. Volkov with some elbows from the bottom but is warned to watch the back of the head. Almeida is attacking for the arm-triangle choke but Volkov is defending. There really isn’t any action coming from Almeida. Volkov trying to escape from the bottom. Volkov reverses to the top and lands some short elbows. Volkov stands as Almeida is really doing nothing. Volkov lands some punches from the top. Volkov lands some more short elbows and some right hands at the end. 10-9 Volkov.

Almeida lands a right hand and immediately drops down and scores a takedown. He is inside the guard of Volkov. Almeida moves to the half-guard and is just holding and not doing anything at all. Volkov throws an elbow from the bottom. Almeida gets the back and they almost scramble up but Almeida drags it back down. They are stood up by Marc Goddard, but Almeida immediately takes it back down and lands a few shots from the top. Almeida ends the round on top. 10-9 Almeida, 19-19.

Volkov lands a right hand and Almeida gets a takedown, but Volkov immediately reverses it back to the feet. Volkov pushes it against the fence and lands some knees. Almeida lands one but Volkov fires more knees back. Volkov lands an elbow and Almeida looks for a takedown and is able to get it after Volkov briefly defends it. Almeida is controlling as Volkov tries to scramble out, but not too much action. Almeida gets the back. Volkov was landing lots on the bottom. He continues to land as Almeida gets back on top and Almeida is just holding on, and they are stood up. Almeida gets it right back down but nothing happens. 10-9 Volkov, 29-28 Volkov.

Fight Result- Alexander Volkov def. Jailton Almeida by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

> Bantamweights- #2 Umar Nurmagomedov (18-1, 6-1 UFC) vs. #9 Mario Bautista (16-2, 10-2 UFC)

Nurmagomedov immediately gets a takedown and they get right up with Nurmagomedov on the back. He immediately gets it back down but Bautista is attacking a toe hold but Nurmagomedov is able to get out of the position. Nurmagomedov is in side control landing some left hands. They start scrambing and Nurmagomedov gets the neck. Nurmagomedov gets back inside the guard of Bautista and is smothering him. Nurmagomedov gets side control against the fence and lands a big elbow before Bautista gives up his back. Nurmagomedov has the body triangle locked on and is landing as Bautista is defending his neck. 10-9 Nurmagomedov.

Bautista lands a big knee and Nurmagomedov goes down but he quickly gets up. Bautista is pressing forward. Nurmagomedov lands a left hand and scores a takedown. Nurmagomedov is controlling but they start scrambling and Bautista is able to reverse it to the feet. Bautista lands a right hand and he shoots for a takedown and pushes it against the fence. They break. Bautista throws a body kick but Nurmagomedov grabs it and gets a takedown. Nurmagomedov works to the back but Bautista is able to turn and scramble up. Nurmagomedov lands a body kick. Nurmagomedov with a left hand. Bautista lands a right hand. Nurmagomedov with a head kick. 10-9 Nurmagomedov, 20-18 Nurmagomedov.

Bautista just misses a right hand. Nurmagomedov lands a left hand. Nurmagomedov with another left hand. They trade kicks. They trade more kicks. Bautista lands a right hand. Nurmagomedov gets a brief takedown and has the back as they’re standing. They scramble around and break apart. Nurmagomedov is able to get it back down as he takes the back on the way up. Nurmagomedov gets it back down and is in side control. They scramble up and Nurmagomedov keeps the back and drops down but Bautista tries to escape, though Nurmagomedov chases him down and gets a brief takedown. Nurmagomedov controls to the end. 10-9 Nurmagomedov, 30-27 Nurmagomedov.

Fight Result- Umar Nurmagomedov def. Mario Bautista by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship- #1 Virna Jandiroba (22-3, 8-3 UFC) vs. #5 Mackenzie Dern (15-5, 10-5 UFC)

They trade leg kicks to start. Jandiroba with a body kick. They trade combos. Dern lands a jab and Jandiroba lands a leg kick. Dern comes in and lands a knee. Jandiroba lands a combination. Dern lands a leg kick. Jandiroba shoots for a takedown but Dern defends. Jandiroba lands a right hand. Jandiroba scores a takedown. They get up pretty quickly and Dern lands a knee against the fence before they separate. Jandiroba gets it to the mat and they trade before scrambling up. They clinch against the fence and trade knees. 10-9 Dern.

Dern lands a right hand. Dern shoots for a takedown and pushes it against the fence. They trade knees. They separate. Dern throwing big punches and lands a body kick as Jandiroba lands a right hand. Jandiroba with a right hand. Dern with a combo and Jandiroba lands a right hand. Jandiroba got a takedown and they both land before getting up. They trade and Jandiroba has a cut open. Dern looks for a takedown but Jandiroba rolls through and gets on top against the fence. Jandiroba lands before they stand. 10-9 Jandiroba, 19-19.

They trade and Dern lands a right hand. Jandiroba lands as Dern lands a leg kick and Jandiroba gets it down. Dern being active from the bottom and landing before they get up. Dern works the jab and Jandiroba lands a right hand. Dern shoots for a takedown and pushes it to the fence, landing a knee. They break apart and Jandiroba looks for a takedown, but Dern defends and lands some short punches. Dern lands a leg kick and a right hand. They clinch against the fence but separate without much action. Dern lands and Jandiroba looks for a takedown and is able to complete it. Dern with some elbows from her back. Dern landing more elbows from her back as Jandiroba now lands a few right hands. Jandiroba stands and Dern gets up and they trade at the end. 10-9 Dern, 29-28 Dern.

Dern lands a jab. They both land in close range. Jandiroba lands a combination. Dern with a right hand. Jandiroba lands a leg kick. Dern with a combo. Dern shoots for a takedown. Jandiroba is able to defend as they separate. They trade and Dern lands a right hand. Jandiroba gets it down for a moment, but they stand. They trade and Dern scores a takedown. Dern lands from the top to end the round. 10-9 Dern, 39-37 Dern.

They trade and Dern lands a body kick. Jandiroba with a right hand. Jandiroba lands a leg kick and a right hand and Dern fires back a combo. Dern backs Jandiroba up with a right hand. Dern went for a spin and Jandiroba grabbed the leg and got it to the mat. Jandiroba with a few punches but Dern scrambles up. Jandiroba shoots for a takedown but Dern defends. Jandiroba with some elbows against the fence. Dern lands a knee. They break apart. Dern lands a jab. They trade jabs with Dern’s landing with more impact. Jandiroba gets a takedown and Dern immediately attacks the arm. Dern with some elbows from the bottom. Jandiroba with a pair of hammerfists to the body. They get to their feet. Jandiroba lands a right hand. Dern with a stiff jab. Dern lands a leg kick. Dern gets a late takedown and lands from the top to end it. 10-9 Dern, 49-46 Dern.

Fight Result- Mackenzie Dern def. Virna Jandiroba by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) to win the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship

> UFC Heavyweight Championship- C Tom Aspinall (15-3, 8-1 UFC) vs. #1 Ciryl Gane (13-2, 10-2 UFC)

Aspinall lands a body kick. Gane with side kicks to the legs and Aspinall lands a right hand. Gane lands a left hand. Aspinall shoots for a takedown but Gane defends. Aspinall with a head kick that Gane mostly blocks. Gane with a quick jab. Aspinall with a spin kick. Aspinall lands a right hand. Gane with a jab and Aspinall lands a body kick. They trade in close as Gane lands a jab. Aspinall with a heavy leg kick. Aspinall lands a left hand as Gane lands a kick and also pokes Aspinall in the eye, so timeout is called. He was actually poked in both eyes and Aspinall is saying he can’t see. The doctors are called in and Aspinall says he still can’t see and the fight is stopped. This is such a bad way to end it as it will be a no contest.

Fight Result- Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane ends in a no contest due to an accidental eye poke at 4:35 of Round 1- Aspinall retains the UFC Heavyweight Championship

Jon Jones announces retirement from UFC, new criminal summons revealed

Posted on by Bryan Rose

This story has been updated.

UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones is retiring.

During a press conference on Saturday after UFC Baku, Dana White said Jones, 37, contacted UFC on Friday night to say he was retired. Jones later posted on X to confirm the news and give thanks.

“Jon Jones contacted us last night and is retired. Jon Jones is officially retired, Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC,” White said.

“As I close this chapter of my life, I look forward to new opportunities and challenges ahead. MMA will always be a part of who I am, and I’m excited to see how I can continue to contribute to the sport and inspire others in new ways. Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey with me. The best is yet to come,” Jones wrote as part of his goodbye.

Jones had been heavyweight champion since March 4, 2023, defeating Cyril Gane. When Jones was unable to defend the title, Aspinall defeated Curtis Blaydes on July 27, 2024, to win the interim title. Despite there being an interim champion, Jones successfully defended the actual heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 which will serve as his final MMA match unless he returns.

A match between Jones and Aspinall had been in the talking stages following Jones’ last title defense, but the unification bout was never officially announced, leaving the title in a state of flux for months.

Jones began fighting in 2008 and over his career established himself as one of the most dominant fighters in history, amassing a 28-1-1 record, his only loss being a questionable disqualification over Matt Hamill. He won the UFC light heavyweight title twice and the interim title once, losing them each time due to drug and behavior issues.

**********

A few hours after the news broke, a new report from the Albuquerque Journal revealed there is a criminal summons against Jones with a misdemeanor charge of leaving the scene of an accident stemming from an incident on February 21st. The summons was filed this past Tuesday and he has been called to appear in court on July 24th.

An Albuquerque police officer was investigating a crash when she saw a woman in the car “exhibiting signs of significant intoxication and lacking clothing from the waste down.” The woman said Jones was the driver and when the officer called Jones, he “appeared to be heavily intoxicated and made statements implying his capacity to employ lethal force through third parties.”

The officer requested backup and that person also reported similar threats of violence were made.

Several days later, Jones was interviewed in person and said the woman left his house intoxicated earlier in the day and called him after getting in the accident. He then said the officer he spoke with used “unprofessional language” which made him think it wasn’t legit.

The woman later told the police she drank alcohol and took mushrooms at Jones’ house, and after changing her clothes at her house, the next thing she remembered was being at the scene of an accident. She said Jones was the last person she remembered driving the car.

According to the report, Jones called the woman’s phone 13 times from the time of the crash until 11:34 AM the next morning in addition to text messages.

UFC 304 live results: Two title fights

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

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

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

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

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

ESPN+ PRELIMS | 6 PM ET/3 PM PT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Hadley missed weight by one pound

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JNPO: The MMA year in review, pt. 4

Posted on by Josh Nason

With the UFC calendar ready to kick into gear this weekend, I wrap up my annual MMA year in review series with a look back at October through December 2023, joined by Paul Fontaine.

Some of the highlights in our 80-minute conversation:

  • The UFC and USADA splitting up and the messy situation that ensued
  • Francis Ngannou shocking the combat sports world with his decision loss to Tyson Fury
  • Conor McGregor officially announcing his UFC return date
  • PFL finally closing the deal on Bellator and their potential upside in a UFC-dominated world
  • The UFC’s return to Madison Square Garden that saw two new champions crowned without the planned Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic main event
  • UFC signing a record deal with Bud Light and the backlash that followed
  • Islam Makhachev continuing his dominance
  • Leon Edwards closing the door on Colby Covington’s UFC relevancy
  • Some of Paul’s favorite fights and a prediction for what planned fight might not happen

If you missed any of the series, check out the archives.

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Two new champions crowned at UFC 295

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Two new champions were crowned at UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden.

In the main event, Alex Pereira defeated Jiri Prochazka by knockout at 4:08 in the second round to become the new UFC light heavyweight champion. Pereira defeated Prochazka after dropping him with a left hook and started to land elbows.

After the match, Joe Rogan revealed that Jamahal Hill, the former champion, was in the crowd and that he would be next for Pereira. Pereira responded by saying that he is an active fighter and an active champion.

Hill had vacated the title back in July after suffering an achilles tendon rupture. Saturday’s match was to determine the new champion.

The co-main event saw Tom Aspinall defeat Sergei Pavlovich by knockout at 1:09 of the first round to win the interim UFC heavyweight title. Aspinall quickly won the match after landing a right punch. After his win, Aspinall said that if you ever get the chance to do something and you’re scared to do it, you “should f****** definitely do it”.

Originally, Jon Jones was set to defend the UFC heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic. However, Jones tore his pectoral muscle during training, putting him out of the match. The match between Apinall and Pavlovich was then announced to determine the interim champion.

UFC 295 live results: Jiri Prochazka vs. Alex Pereira

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The World’s Most Famous Arena welcomes the Octagon back for their traditional November stop as Madison Square Garden hosts UFC 295: Prochazka vs. Pereira on pay-per-view.

The card features two title fights and two new champions will be crowned. In the main event, the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship is on the line as Jiri Prochazka looks to regain the title he had to vacate due to injury as he takes on former UFC Middleweight Champion Alex Pereira. Prochazka returns to action after 17 months of inactivity, mainly due to major shoulder surgery, looking to get the title that he never lost back, while Pereira looks for his second UFC title and to get revenge for his mentor, Glover Teixeira, who was the man Prochazka defeated to win the title.

In the co-main event, an Interim UFC Heavyweight Championship is on the line as Sergei Pavlovich goes against Tom Aspinall. This replaces the original main event of the show, which was supposed to be UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones defending against Stipe Miocic, but a torn pec muscle forced Jones out, and Miocic was subsequently pulled. Pavlovich and Aspinall both take this fight on less than two weeks’ notice.

The rest of the main card sees former UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Jessica Andrade battle Mackenzie Dern, Matt Frevola takes on Benoit Saint-Denis in an exciting lightweight match-up, and featherweights Diego Lopes and Pat Sabatini square off in the main card opener.

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> Featherweights*- Dennis Buzukja (11-3, 0-1 UFC) vs. Jamall Emmers (19-7, 2-3 UFC)

*Emmers missed weight by one pound

Buzukja lands a leg kick. Emmers lands a pair of leg kicks. They’re trading against the fence. Emmers drops Buzukja with a right hand and gets on top and starts landing before Keith Peterson steps in and stops it. Nice finish from Emmers to kick off the night.

Official Result- Jamall Emmers def. Dennis Buzukja by TKO (punches) at :49 of Round 1

> Flyweights- Joshua Van (8-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Kevin Borjas (9-1, 0-0 UFC)

They’re trading early as both are landing leg kicks and Borjas is currently landing with slightly more volume on his punches. Van lands a pair of hard calf kicks. Borjas lands a right hand after faking a switch kick. Borjas drops Van with a right hand but Van gets right up and they trade punches. Both are swinging hard and connecting. Borjas lands a leg kick. They trade leg kicks then Borjas lands a jab. Van lands a pair of left hands. They clinch late. 10-9 Borjas.

They trade jabs before Borjas lands a leg kick. Van lands a pair of jabs. They trade and Van lands a hard body kick. Borjas just misses a flying knee and Van lands a knee in a brief tie-up. Van lands a combo to the body and Borjas is starting to slow down a little. Van lands a combination against the fence. Van lands another combo. Van lands a combo to the body. Van is getting way ahead on volume as he continues to rip the body of Borjas. Borjas lands a left hand and Van is cut open. Borjas lands a left hand. Van still pressing forward and landing more. 10-9 Van, 19-19.

They’re trading punches to start the third. Van gets a takedown and lands from the top before they get to their feet. Van lands a combo ending with a leg kick. Van is pressing forward and both are landing. Borjas lands a knee to the body. They’re both landing some hard shots and Van gets a takedown. Borjas gets the back and is going for an arm. Van starts to scramble out and ends up on top as they go the distance.

Official Result- Joshua Van def. Kevin Borjas by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> 138-pound Catchweights- John Castaneda (20-6, 3-2 UFC) vs. Kyung Ho Kang (19-9 1 NC, 8-3 1 NC UFC)

Castaneda landing some leg kicks early on. Castaneda mixing kicks to the body as well. Kang lands a combo. Kang lands a nice right hand then a switch kick. Kang lands another right hand. Castaneda continues with the leg kicks and lands to the body. Castaneda with more calf kicks late. 10-9 Castaneda.

Kang lands some punches to start the second as Castaneda lands some leg kicks. Kang lands a right hand. They trade and Castaneda is able to get a takedown. They get back to their feet and Castaneda lands a leg kick. Castaneda lands a grazing groin strike and we have a brief timeout as it looked clean. Castaneda grabs the back of Kang against the fence. They separate and both land solid punches. Castaneda lands a left hand. Castaneda lands a pair of leg kicks. Kang lands a leg kick then Castaneda lands a high kick. Castaneda lands a combination. Kang with a knee to the body. 10-9 Castaneda, 20-18 Castaneda.

Castaneda landing some leg and body kicks to start the third after Kang lands some punches. They trade punches and Kang lands a solid right hand. Castaneda lands a nice left hand. Castaneda lands a combo as Kang lands a left hand. Kang lands a combination but Castaneda is landing bigger punches. Castaneda gets a takedown. They get to their feet and separate. Castaneda lands a combo. Kang lands a body kick. Castaneda grabs the back against the fence. Castaneda gets another takedown. They scramble to their feet. Kang grabs the neck and looks for a guillotine but Castaneda escapes and lands a body kick. Kang lands a body kick and right hand at the end. 10-9 Castaneda, 30-27 Castaneda.

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

> Lightweights- Jared Gordon (19-6 1 NC, 7-5 1 NC UFC) vs. Mark O. Madsen (12-1, 4-1 UFC)

Both throwing sloppy punches early as Madsen is looking for a takedown opening. They trade right hands. They clinch and Madsen lands some knees to the body. They separate and Gordon lands a leg kick. Gordon lands another. Madsen lands a right hand then some knees to the body. They separate and trade jabs. They clinch against the fence and Madsen lands a knee before they separate. Madsen landing a flurry of punches. They clinch and Gordon lands an uppercut. Gordon lands another uppercut and Madsen was hurt from it. Gordon drops Madsen with a punch and starts landing and gets the stoppage. What a finish from Gordon!

Official Result- Jared Gordon def. Mark O. Madsen by TKO (punches) at 4:42 of Round 1

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> Lightweights- Nazim Sadykhov (9-1, 2-0 UFC) vs. Viacheslav Borshchev (7-3, 2-2 UFC)

They trade leg kicks to start. They clinch for a moment and Sadykhov lands a knee. He lands a left hand. Borshchev lands a leg kick. They trade inside the pocket. Borshchev lands a combination. They trade in close range. Sadykhov shoots for a takedown but Borshchev defends and lands as they separate. Borshchev lands another hard leg kick. Sadykhov with some body kicks. Borshchev lands a combo. Sadykhov lands a combo ending with a body kick. Borshchev lands another hard leg kick. Sadykhov lands a combo. 10-9 Borshchev.

They’re trading to start the second and Borshchev is landing more punches. Borshchev lands a body kick then some more combinations before landing an uppercut to the body. Sadykhov lands a leg kick. Borshchev lands a pair of calf kicks. Borshchev lands a knee to the body then Sadykhov lands a left hand that hurts Borshchev. Borshchev is on wobbly legs then gets dropped from a head kick by Sadykhov. Sadykhov gets on top and is landing but Borshchev is recovering. Sadykhov with some elbows from the top. Borshchev is cut open. They get to their feet. They trade punches and Borshchev is still wobbly. Sadykhov lands a knee then gets a takedown. Sadykhov gets the mount for a moment but Borshchev retains half-guard. They get to their feet. They trade some big punches. 10-8 Sadykhov, 19-18 Sadykhov.

Sadykhov gets a takedown to start the third and is landing from the top. Borshchev trying to push kick Sadykhov off and they end up on the feet. Borshchev lands to the body and Sadykhov lands a knee to the body. Sadykhov landing some big punches but Borshchev is finding some openings to land to the body. Sadykhov lands a calf kick. Sadykhov gets a takedown. They work their way to the feet. Borshchev lands a right hand. Borshchev landing with more volume as the round is going on. Borshchev lands a right hand. Borshchev lands a combination. Sadykhov gets a late takedown. Good fight. 10-9 Borshchev, 28-28 DRAW.

Official Result- Nazim Sadykhov vs. Viacheslav Borshchev ends in a majority draw (28-29, 28-28, 28-28)

> Lightweights*- Mateusz Rebecki (18-1, 2-0 UFC) vs. Roosevelt Roberts (12-3 1 NC, 4-3 1 NC UFC)

*Roberts missed weight by two pounds

Rebecki swinging for the fences to start and gets a takedown. Rebecki landing from the top. Roberts tried to sweep but it allowed Rebecki to get into side control. They scramble to the feet but Rebecki gets it down and has the back. Rebecki lands some hammerfists to the body. Rebecki looks for an armbar and has it in and Roberts taps! Rebecki gets the submission finish in the first.

Official Result- Mateusz Rebecki def. Roosevelt Roberts by submission (armbar) at 3:08 of Round 1

> Women’s Strawweights- #10 Tabatha Ricci (9-1, 4-1 UFC) vs. #13 Loopy Godinez (11-3, 6-3 UFC)

Ricci lands a right hand. They trade inside the pocket. Godinez lands a right hand. Ricci tries a takedown and pushes it against the fence as she has the body lock. They separate. Godinez lands a combo. Godinez lands a big flurry and Ricci grabs the body lock against the fence. They separate. They trade right hands. Godinez lands a left hand. Ricci hurts Godinez late with a right hand. 10-9 Godinez.

Ricci lands a combination to start. Ricci lands a combo. Ricci lands a leg kick. Godinez lands a left hook. Ricci lands a high kick. Godinez lands a combo. Ricci lands a leg kick. Ricci lands a combo ending with a high kick. Godinez lands a nice right hand. Godinez is landing with more volume. Ricci lands some punches and Godinez lands a right hand. Ricci drops Godinez with a punch late. Close round. 10-9 Ricci, 19-19.

They trade in a quick flurry to start the third. Godinez lands a right hand. They clinch against the fence and Ricci lands an elbow before they break. Ricci looking for a takedown but Godinez defends. Godinez lands a combo. Godinez pouring it on more as the round is going on. They continue to trade with Godinez landing more as it goes the distance. 10-9 Godinez, 29-28 Godinez.

Official Result- Loopy Godinez def. Tabatha Ricci by split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)

> Flyweights- #14 Steve Erceg (10-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Alessandro Costa (13-3, 1-1 UFC)

Costa lands a right hand. Erceg lands a leg kick. Costa lands a right hand. Erceg lands a right hand then a leg kick. Erceg lands a leg kick then they trade leg kicks. Erceg lands a jab. Erceg lands an uppercut but eats a right hand from Costa. Erceg lands a right hand. Costa lands a combo. Erceg lands a knee and follows up with a right hand. Erceg lands a jab and uppercut. Erceg lands a big right hand and Costa shoots for a takedown but Erceg gets the mount. Erceg looking for a choke. It wasn’t fully in and Erceg lets go. They scramble up. 10-9 Erceg.

Erceg lands a left hand. Costa lands a right hand. He lands another. Costa lands some big shots. Costa gets a brief takedown and has the leg as they’re on the feet. Costa has the body lock. Costa gets a takedown and is in the half-guard against the fence. They get to their feet and Erceg has the back. Erceg with some body shots as he has Costa pinned against the fence. Erceg has the back and lands some right hands. Costa lands a big combo that hurts Erceg and they go to the mat. Erceg is on top and lands from there to end the round. 10-9 Costa, 19-19.

They tie up against the fence as Erceg has Costa pushed against the fence. Costa lands an elbow and they separate. Erceg lands a pair of jabs. Erceg gets a takedown and has the back as they get to their feet. Costa lands a right hand after they separate. Erceg has control in the clinch against the fence. Costa lands a pair of knees. Erceg in control as he lands a couple of knees to the body. They go the distance. Close fight. 10-9 Erceg, 29-28 Erceg.

Official Result- Steve Erceg def. Alessandro Costa by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

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> Featherweights- Diego Lopes (22-6, 1-1 UFC) vs. Pat Sabatini (18-4, 5-1 UFC)

They trade kicks. Sabatini lands a nice combo. Sabatini lands a leg kick. They clinch and both land. Lopes hurts Sabatini on the way up and drops Sabatini and knocks him out with some punches on the mat. What a finish from Lopes!

Official Result- Diego Lopes def. Pat Sabatini by knockout (punches) at 1:30 of Round 1

> Lightweights- #14 Matt Frevola (11-3-1, 5-3-1 UFC) vs. Benoit Saint-Denis (12-1 1 NC, 4-1 UFC)

Saint-Denis lands a high kick. Saint-Denis lands some leg kicks. Saint-Denis lands a body kick. He lands another and Frevola trips to the mat, but Frevola is able to get Saint-Denis down. Saint-Denis sweeps into side control. They scramble to their feet and Frevola gets a big slam takedown. They get up and Saint-Denis drops Frevola with a head kick as they were chasing each other and it is all over!

Official Result- Benoit Saint-Denis def. Matt Frevola by knockout (head kick) at 1:31 of Round 1

> Women’s Strawweights- #5 Jessica Andrade (24-12, 15-10 UFC) vs. #7 Mackenzie Dern (13-3, 8-3 UFC)

Dern leading off with some leg kicks. Dern lands a body kick and gets a takedown but Andrade is able to scramble up. Dern lands a leg kick. Andrade lands some leg kicks. Dern lands a combo ending with a knee. Dern lands a right hand. Andrade lands a leg kick. Andrade lands and Dern goes to the mat for a moment. Andrade lands a leg kick. Andrade with more leg kicks. Dern shoots for a takedown but Andrade defends. Andrade lands a combo and drops Dern and lands some hammerfists to end the round. 10-9 Andrade.

Andrade landing some big punches in the early moments of the second. Dern is landing with slightly more volume but it is a lot of looping punches while Andrade is doing more damage. Andrade drops Dern again with some punches and lets her up. Andrade is landing as Dern is throwing flailing punches and keeping her chin up. Der lands some big shots then Andrade lands a right hand that puts Dern on the mat. Andrade lets Dern get ordered up. Andrade drops Dern again and it is all over! What a finish from Andrade!

Official Result- Jessica Andrade def. Mackenzie Dern by TKO (punches) at 3:15 of Round 2

> Interim UFC Heavyweight Championship- #2 Sergei Pavlovich (18-1, 6-1 UFC) vs. #4 Tom Aspinall (13-3, 6-1 UFC)

Aspinall lands a leg kick. He lands another but eats a big combo from Pavlovich. Aspinall with a body kick then a jab. He lands a leg kick. Aspinall lands a big right hand that hurts Pavlovich and another right hand that drops Pavlovich and it is all over! What a finish from Aspinall!

Official Result- Tom Aspinall def. Sergei Pavlovich by knockout (punch) at 1:09 of Round 1 to win the Interim UFC Heavyweight Championship

> UFC Light Heavyweight Championship- #1 Jiri Prochazka (29-3-1, 3-0 UFC) vs. #3 Alex Pereira (8-2, 5-1 UFC)

Prochazka lands some leg kicks. Prochazka lands an uppercut. Pereira lands a hard leg kick that trips Prochazka up. Pereira lands another leg kick. Prochazka tries for a single leg as Pereira is landing to defend. Pereira has a guillotine choke locked in. Prochazka gets a takedown. Pereira having good defense on the mat. Prochazka lands a pair of big elbows. They work to their feet and separate. Prochazka lands an uppercut. Close round. 10-9 Prochazka.

Pereira circling away to start the second. Pereira lands a body kick. Pereira lands a jab then two leg kicks. Prochazka lands a right hand and a knee to the body. Prochazka lands some big punches then Pereira counters and lands. They clinch for a moment but separate. Pereira lands a couple of leg kicks. Pereira lands a left hand then a knee as they clinch. Pereira drops Prochazka with a left hook and starts landing some elbows and it is stopped. This looked like a quick stoppage but Pereira gets the win and has now won titles in two divisions.

Official Result- Alex Pereira def. Jiri Prochazka by knockout (strikes) at 4:08 of Round 2 to win the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship

UFC on ESPN+ 82 live results: Tom Aspinall vs. Marcin Tybura

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The Octagon is back in London for the second time this year with UFC on ESPN 82: Aspinall vs. Tybura in front of a sold-out crowd at the O2 Arena.

Rising heavyweight contender Tom Aspinall makes his return after a year out of action as he battles Marcin Tybura in the five-round main event. Aspinall tore his ACL in his last fight, a loss to Curtis Blaydes exactly one year ago, and looks to get back into the title picture. Tybura is on a stretch of winning seven of his last eight fights.

Also on the main card is a women’s flyweight bout between Molly McCann and Julija Stoliarenko, a featherweight bout pitting Nathaniel Wood against Andre Fili, Paul Craig dropping down to middleweight to fight Andre Muniz, and a featherweight fight between the undefeated Lerone Murphy and Josh Culibao.

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> Flyweights- Jafel Filho (14-3, 0-1 UFC) vs. Daniel Barez (16-5, 0-0 UFC)

They trade kicks. Barez lands a combo. Barez lands a few leg kicks. Barez lands a barrage of punches to the head and body and Filho falls to the mat, but Barez wants him back up. Barez lands a big body kick and Filho goes back down as he’s hurt, but Barez wants him on the feet. Filho lands a combo. Both are landing hard punches and Filho is pouring it on with volume as Barez is landing big punches. Filho gets a takedown. Filho is on top in the half-guard looking for a choke. He gets the mount. He has the arm-triangle choke locked in and Barez taps! Great comeback from Filho to get the win.

Official Result- Jafel Filho def. Daniel Barez by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 3:26 of Round 1

> Women’s Strawweights- Shauna Bannon (5-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Bruna Brasil (8-3-1, 0-1 UFC)

Bannon lands a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Both land punches. Brasil landing with more volume early on and lands a big high kick. Bannon lands a combo. Bannon lands a side kick. Brasil lands a high kick. They trade late. 10-9 Brasil.

They trade kicks to start the second. They trade kicks. Bannon misses a right hand against the fence but it allows them to clinch. They trade knees against the fence. Brasil lands a few knees. Brasil has clinch advantage and both are landing knees. They are separated by the referee. Bannon lands a right hand. Bannon lands a side kick followed by a jab. Bannon landing the jab and has landed some follow-up right hands. Brasil lands a right hand. Brasil gets a takedown and lands some elbows to end the round. 10-9 Brasil, 20-18 Brasil.

Bannon lands a side kick to the body. Bannon lands a spin kick. Brasil lands a right hand. Brasil lands a leg kick and Bannon briefly fell down. They trade kicks. Bannon lands a jab. She lands another and also an inside leg kick. Bannon lands a combo then a leg kick. They clinch and Brasil pushes it against the fence. She isn’t doing much except trying to get Bannon down but Bannon defends. Brasil is able to get the takedown. She lands some from the top. Bannon goes for an armbar late. 10-9 Bannon, 29-28 Brasil.

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

> Lightweights- Chris Duncan (10-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Yanal Ashmouz (7-0, 1-0 UFC)

Ashmouz lands a spin kick. Duncan lands a right hand. They trade in close range. Ashmouz lands a high kick. Ashmouz lands to the body then a leg kick. Duncan lands a head kick but Ashmouz blocked it. Duncan lands a jab then a leg kick. Duncan scores with a combo and then lands some more punches. Ashmouz shoots for a takedown but Duncan defends. Duncan then lands a few punches against the fence. Ashmouz lands a right hand. Duncan lands a leg kick then another. Duncan gets Ashmouz down late. 10-9 Duncan.

Duncan lands to start the second. Duncan lands a body kick. Ashmouz is trying to rush forward but Duncan circles away. They trade kicks. Duncan lands a step-in knee. He then lands a big right hand. Ashmouz lands a right hand. Ashmouz lands a leg kick then Duncan lands a counter combo. Ashmouz lands a spin kick that connects high on Duncan. They trade punches and Ashmouz lands a couple of kicks. Duncan lands a body kick. Duncan lands a jumping knee. 10-9 Duncan, 20-18 Duncan.

Duncan lands a leg kick. Ashmouz lands a leg kick. Ashmouz lands a right hand but eats a big counter combination from Duncan. Duncan lands a step-in knee. Duncan lands some big punches. Duncan lands a right hand. Duncan with some more right hands that are connecting. Duncan scores with a knee. They trade body kicks. Duncan lands a knee then some punches. Duncan with some right hands and is pouring it on trying to get a late finish. Duncan gets a takedown. They get up and Duncan has the back against the fence. They separate and Duncan lands and scores with a body kick. 10-9 Duncan, 30-27 Duncan.

Official Result- Chris Duncan def. Yanal Ashmouz by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Women’s Bantamweights- #4 Ketlen Vieira (13-3, 7-3 UFC) vs. #7 Pannie Kianzad (16-6, 5-3 UFC)

Vieira lands a leg kick as Kianzad lands a couple of punches. They trade inside the pocket as both land. Vieira grabs a single leg and gets a takedown. She’s working from the top and landing as Kianzad is trying to separate. Vieira working from the half-guard and pressuring the head of Kianzad. Vieira lands more from the top. 10-9 Vieira.

Kianzad lands a right hand. Vieira scores with a right hand. Kianzad lands a leg kick as Vieira scores with a right hand. Vieira gets a takedown and lands from inside of Kianzad’s guard. Vieira landing from the top and keeping Kianzad pinned down. Kianzad has landed some from the bottom but it is all pressure from the top from Vieira. Vieira gets the mount and is now looking for the back. 10-9 Vieira, 20-18 Vieira.

Vieira immediately grabs the single leg and gets the takedown. Kianzad does land an elbow from the bottom. Vieira working from inside of Kianzad’s guard. Vieira gets the back of Kianzad. Vieira has the hooks in and is looking for a choke while landing from the back. Kianzad is defending by landing back punches before she spins into Vieira’s guard. Kianzad lands from the top. Kianzad is still landing from the top. Vieira lands some punches from the bottom and now some elbows. 10-9 Kianzad, 29-28 Kianzad.

Official Result- Ketlen Vieira def. Pannie Kianzad by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Middleweights- Makhmud Muradov (25-8, 3-2 UFC) vs. Bryan Barberena (18-10, 9-8 UFC)

They trade to start and Muradov goes for a takedown and gets it but they get right up. He gets Barberena back down and lands from the top as he has the back. They get to their feet and Barberena lands. Barberena lands a leg kick. Muradov lands an uppercut. Barberena lands a right hand but Muradov gets a takedown as he landed. They get to their feet and Muradov lands a high kick. 10-9 Muradov.

Muradov lands a big combo. Muradov lands another big right hand. Muradov lands a body kick. Muradov drops Barberena with a right hand and tried to land but Barberena got to his feet. Muradov lands a big combo. Barberena is talking to Muradov in there. Muradov lands a right hand. Barberena lands an Muradov is able to score a takedown. They get back to their feet and Muradov has the back, where he’s getting partial takedowns before they instantly pop up. Muradov gets it down and is now on top. They have a clash of heads on the ground and a timeout is called. They get back to action and trade. 10-9 Muradov, 20-18 Muradov.

Muradov lands a right hand as Barberena lands a leg kick. Muradov gets a takedown but they stand. Muradov still has the back but Barberena spins and lands. Muradov lands as he separates then lands a combo. Barberena lands a nice combo. Muradov drops Barberena again with a right hand but Barberena pops right up to his feet. They’re both landing in close range. Muradov lands a right hand. They clash heads standing and we have another timeout. They get back to action. They trade late with Muradov getting a brief late takedown. 10-9 Muradov, 30-27 Muradov.

Official Result- Makhmud Muradov def. Bryan Barberena by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Heavyweights- Mick Parkin (6-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Jamal Pogues (10-3, 1-0 UFC)

They’re trading heavy leg kicks to start. They’re trading jabs and Pogues is landing slightly more. Parkin lands to the body and is mixing body punches and leg kicks. Pogues looks for a takedown as he pushes it against the fence. They separate and Parkin lands some punches. Parkin lands a combo as Pogues is still working the jab. Parkin scores with an uppercut. 10-9 Parkin.

Parkin lands to start the second before they clinch and Pogues pushes it against the fence. Pogues is trying to get it down but Parkin defends. Parkin lands a couple of leg kicks. He lands another. Parkin lands more leg kicks. Pogues really isn’t landing with much volume in this round. Parkin lands late. 10-9 Parkin, 20-18 Parkin.

They trade leg kicks. Parkin landing some big combos early while mixing his leg kicks in. Parkin lands some right hands against the fence. Parkin lands another combo. Parkin with a right hand to the body. Parkin pressuring Pogues against the fence. Parkin lands a combination. Parkin lands a right hand and Pogues grabs ahold of him and pushes it against the fence, but they separate. Parkin lands some big punches and Pogues lands a few at the end. 10-9 Parkin, 30-27 Parkin.

Official Result- Mick Parkin def. Jamal Pogues by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Lightweights- Marc Diakiese (16-6, 7-6 UFC) vs. Joel Alvarez (19-3, 4-2 UFC)

Diakiese lands some leg kicks and punches. Alvarez lands a heavy leg kick. He lands another. They trade kicks before Diakiese lands big in close range. Diakiese with a leg kick. Alvarez with a heavy leg kick. Diakiese lands a right hand and Alvarez counters with a leg kick. Alvarez lands a jab then a leg kick. Diakiese lands a leg kick as Alvarez lands a right hand. They trade kicks. Alvarez lands a leg kick then a combo. Alvarez with a front kick to the body. Diakiese lands a big right hand. Alvarez grabs the back and is trying to get Diakiese down. Diakiese spins to the top as they go to the mat. 10-9 Alvarez.

Diakiese gets a takedown and lands from the top. Alvarez is trying hard to get up from the bottom. Diakiese still working from the top but gets the back as they get to their feet. Diakiese gets it back down but is standing as Alvarez is on his back. Alvarez reverses and has the back of Diakiese and is landing punches. Diakiese rolls to his back and Alvarez lands a punch from the top before they stood. They looked to clash heads and Diakiese was complaining but the ref told them to keep fighting and Alvarez landed some big punches before they go to the mat. Alvarez looks for the D’Arce choke and has it locked in and Diakiese taps! Diakiese did look like he got screwed due to the headbutt and Alvarez took advantage to get the win.

Official Result- Joel Alvarez def. Marc Diakiese by submission (D’Arce choke) at 4:26 of Round 2

> Welterweights- Danny Roberts (18-7, 7-6 UFC) vs. Jonny Parsons (8-3, 0-0 UFC)

Parsons lands a few leg kicks then a right hand to start. Roberts lands a leg kick. Parsons lands a body kick. Roberts lands a few body kicks. Roberts lands a left hand. Roberts lands a left hand and they almost clinch but separate. Roberts lands a combo. Roberts lands a knee and they both land flurries in close range with Parsons landing a knee. Roberts lands late. Close round. 10-9 Roberts.

They trade to start the second before clinching up and going to the fence. They quick separate to the center. Roberts lands to the body. Parsons lands a right hand and Roberts goes to the mat. Parsons gets on top and is in side control and lands from the top. They get to their feet and both are landing some big punches in close range. Roberts lands a leg kick. Parsons lands some knees in the clinch. Roberts lands a combo. Roberts lands a combo then a knee. Both are landing in close range and land big. Parsons lands and Roberts was stumbling and they went to the mat but stood. Parsons lands a right hand and Roberts is wobbly on his feet. Parsons drops Roberts at the end and it is stopped with one second to go in the round. What a finish from Parsons!

Official Result- Jonny Parsons def. Danny Roberts by TKO (strikes) at 4:57 of Round 2

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> Bantamweights- Davey Grant (13-6, 6-5 UFC) vs. Daniel Marcos (14-0, 1-0 UFC)

Grant lands a leg kick. He lands some more and they trade punches. Marcos lands some leg kicks that trip Grant up. Grant lands a leg kick. Marcos lands a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Marcos lands a leg kick. Grant goes for a head kick but Marcos blocks. Grant lands a body kick. Marcos scores with a leg kick. They keep trading leg kicks. Marcos lands a right hand. 10-9 Grant.

Grant lands some side kicks. Grant lands some leg kicks. Grant lands a leg kick then a right hand and Marcos fires back with a leg kick. Grant stringing his combos together better as Marcos is being calculated and landing one at a time. Grant with a step-in knee to the body then a right hand. Marcos lands a low blow and we have a timeout. They get back to action. They trade jabs. Marcos landing the jab. Marcos lands a leg kick and Grant fires back with a right hand. Grant with some punches and a leg kick. 10-9 Grant, 20-18 Grant.

Marcos lands a quick jab. Grant just misses a spin kick. Grant lands a jumping knee after they trade punches. Grant lands some kicks. Grant lands a spinning fist then a head kick. Grant lands some kicks. Marcos with some short leg kicks. Grant continues to land punches and kicks and is mixing everywhere. Marcos gets a takedown but they get to their feet and separate. Grant lands a leg kick. They trade late as Grant is raising his arms in the air. 10-9 Grant, 30-27 Grant.

Official Result- Daniel Marcos def. Davey Grant by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

> Featherweights- Lerone Murphy (12-0-1, 4-0-1 UFC) vs. Josh Culibao (11-1-1, 3-1-1 UFC)

They trade calf kicks as Culibao lands a couple of punches. Culibao connects and they clinch against the fence. They separate and go back to exchanging leg kicks. Both looking to land but not much action before they clinch. Murphy pushes it against the fence and lands an elbow as they break. Murphy lands a high kick and follows it with a combo. Murphy tries for a takedown but Culibao is defending and lands to defend. Murphy has the back and lands a knee late. 10-9 Murphy.

Murphy landing more to start the second as Culibao is swinging and missing and they tie up against the fence. They go to the mat in the tie-up but stand and break. Murphy pressuring Culibao against the fence and Culibao shoots for a takedown but Murphy defends and lands an elbow and jab. Culibao lands some punches but Murphy grabs him and gets a takedown and has the back on the ground. Murphy has the hooks in from the back and is being patient. Murphy ends the round landing from the back. 10-9 Murphy, 20-18 Murphy.

Murphy lands a high kick. He lands a right hand. Culibao lands a leg kick. Murphy shoots for a takedown against the fence. Culibao reverses and looks for a takedown but Murphy defends. Murphy drops Culibao with a body kick and lands from the back as Culibao was covering up, but Culibao gets to his back and Murphy is inside his guard landing. Murphy is landing from the back on top. Murphy has a choke locked in but Culibao is able to escape. Murphy landing from the top. He lands an elbow. They stand and Murphy has the back as he drags it back down. They stand but Murphy gets it back down. Murphy lands big from the top. Murphy dominates the round. 10-8 Murphy, 30-26 Murphy.

Official Result- Lerone Murphy def. Josh Culibao by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)

> Lightweights- Jai Herbert (12-4-1, 2-3-1 UFC) vs. Fares Ziam (13-4, 3-2 UFC)

Ziam lands a leg kick. Herbert lands a leg kick and they trade punches. They trade leg kicks. Ziam lands a right hand. They clinch against the fence with Herbert having the advantage but they switch several times. Ziam lands a knee and elbow as they break. They trade jabs. Herbert lands a leg kick. Ziam with a big push kick. Close round. 10-9 Ziam.

They trade some jabs to start the second. Ziam lands a combo finishing with a leg kick. Herbert lands to the body. They continue to land in close range. Herbert lands some leg kicks and goes for a takedown but they push it against the fence. Ziam gets a takedown but Herbert is able to reverse to the top and they get to the feet but remain clinched against the fence. They break and Herbert has to chase Ziam around the Octagon. Ziam lands a combo. Herbert lands a jab then a high kick. They clinch at the end. 10-9 Herbert, 19-19.

They trade leg kicks. Ziam lands a combo. They trade leg kicks. Ziam lands a right hand. Herbert lands a leg kick. They trade and Herbert looks for a takedown and grabs the back near the fence. Ziam tries a trip attempt but they remain on their feet and tied up. Ziam lands some knees. Herbert tries a trip but they stay upright and tied up. Ziam lands a knee and they separate. Ziam lands a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Herbert lands a leg kick. Ziam lands a leg kick. Ziam tries a takedown but Herbert defends. Ziam almost gets a late takedown. Close fight. 10-9 Ziam, 29-28 Ziam.

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

> Middleweights- #9 LHW Paul Craig (16-6-1, 8-6-1 UFC) vs. #14 Andre Muniz (23-5, 5-1 UFC)

Muniz lands a leg kick and Craig lands a body kick. Craig lands a high kick. Muniz with a body kick. They’re both landing kicks. Muniz lands a spin kick to the body. Muniz lands some punches. Craig lands a high kick. Craig lands a high kick followed by a jab. They trade kicks. Craig throws a body kick but Muniz grabs the leg and gets a takedown. Muniz ends the round landing from the top. 10-9 Muniz.

Craig gets an early takedown to start the second. He lands some left hands from the top before standing. Muniz landed an upkick as Craig was going back into his guard. Muniz looks for a triangle choke. Craig is landing right hands and hammerfists from the top as he’s defending. Craig escapes and they’re scrambling. Muniz gets it down. Muniz lands some elbows from the top then some punches. Muniz led with his head and landed a headbutt so we have a timeout. The fight is restarted on the feet. Craig gets a takedown. Craig gets to side control. He’s looking for a D’Arce choke. He didn’t quite tighten it and let go to land left hands. Craig gets the mount and lands some punches. Craig now landing elbows. He’s landing a lot and looking to finish. He keeps landing them and it is stopped! Big win for Craig in his middleweight debut.

Official Result- Paul Craig def. Andre Muniz by TKO (strikes) at 4:40 of Round 2

> Featherweights- Nathaniel Wood (19-5, 6-2 UFC) vs. Andre Fili (22-9 1 NC, 10-8 1 NC UFC)

Fili lands a left hand and Wood goes down for a moment. Wood has recovered and he’s landing a lot of leg kicks while trying to figure out the range of Fili. Wood lands some big shots and Fili goes down. Wood is landing from the top as Fili is covering up. Wood lands some elbows and now some punches. Wood continues to land but they get to the feet and Wood lands a big leg kick. Fili tries for a takedown but Wood defends. Fili lands a high kick. Wood lands a big combo. 10-9 Wood.

They trade punches. Fili lands a high kick. Wood lands a leg kick. Fili lands a leg kick. Fili rocks Wood with a left hand and follows up as Wood falls down. Fili jumps on the back and is looking for a choke. Fili attacking an arm from the back. Wood gets up and escapes and takes Fili’s back and takes him down. Wood has the back trying to get the hooks in. Fili is able to reverse as he spins into Wood’s guard. Fili ends the round on top. 10-9 Fili, 19-19.

Wood back to landing leg kicks early in the third. He’s landing more punches as well. Fili is firing some back and lands a jab as Wood lands a body kick. Fili is working the jab but he’s still landing leg kicks. Fili lands a teet kick. Wood lands a big left hand. Wood lands a jab. Fili lads a jab. Wood tries a takedown but Fili slips away and lands a body kick. Good fight. 10-9 Wood, 29-28 Wood.

Official Result- Nathaniel Wood def. Andre Fili by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Women’s Flyweights- Molly McCann (13-5, 6-4 UFC) vs. Julija Stoliarenko (10-7-1, 1-5 UFC)

McCann lands a left hand. They’re trading punches in close range. Both land right hands. Stoliarenko gets a takedown and moves to the mount before getting the back. Stoliarenko has the arm and locks in an armbar and McCann taps! Big finish for Stoliarenko and that deflates the crowd.

Official Result- Julija Stoliarenko def. Molly McCann by submission (armbar) at 1:55 of Round 1

> Heavyweights- #5 Tom Aspinall (12-3, 5-1 UFC) vs. #10 Marcin Tybura (24-7, 11-6 UFC)

Aspinall lands a body kick and was rushing in to land but Tybura landed a right hand to stop him in his tracks. Aspinall lands a combo but Tybura did land a right hand again. Aspinall lands an elbow then drops Tybura with a right hand and finishes it off quickly with more punches from the top. Big win for Aspinall in his return fight and he made it look easy.

Official Result- Tom Aspinall def. Marcin Tybura by TKO (punches) at 1:13 of Round 1

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

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

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

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

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

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

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

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

ESPN+ PRELIMS | 12 PM ET/9 AM PT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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