Tag: ufc 239

Daily Update: UFC 239 fallout, Khabib/Diaz, Teddy Hart update

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

We’re doing three polls this weekend, for the UFC 239 show in Las Vegas, NJPW G-1 opener in Dallas and the Impact PPV on Sunday in Dallas, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]” target=”_blank”>[email protected]

We’re also looking for reports to [email protected] on these shows:

  • APW/Rev Pro King of Indies Friday in Daly City, CA
  • WWE Raw house show last night in Washington, DC
  • MLW from last night in Chicago
  • WWE Raw tonight in Wilkes-Barre, PA
  • WWE Smackdown tonight in Binghamton, NY

IMPACT SLAMMIVERSARY ON SUNDAY AT 8 P.M. EASTERN FROM GILLEY’S IN DALLAS ON PPV

  • TJP open challenge
  • Rob Van Dam vs. Moose
  • Eddie Edwards vs. Killer Kross first blood match
  • Sami Callihan vs. Tessa Blanchard
  • Taya Valkyrie defends the Knockouts title against Rosemary, Su Yung and Jessicka Havok in a Monster’s Ball match
  • The North (Josh Alexander & Ethan Page) defend the tag titles against LAX and Dezmond Xavier & Trey Miguel
  • Rich Swann vs. Johnny Impact for X title
  • Brian Cage vs. Michael Elgin for Impact title

Monday has Raw TV from Newark, NJ at the Prudential Center.  Rey Mysterio returns Monday.  There is also a Smackdown brand house show on Monday in Glens Falls, NY.

Smackdown and 205 take place Tuesday from Manchester, NH.

F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Recapping WWE Stomping Grounds

After a lack of interest heading into the pay-per-view, Stomping Grounds was a show that exceeded expectations.

Given that there weren’t really any surprises at the PPV, that’s probably mostly due to expectations being set too low. Nothing on the show was dramatically better than it should have been. The PPV succeeded where most good WWE shows do. Even if the build was underwhelming, a talented roster was able to go out to the ring and have good matches throughout much of the card.

WON NEWSLETTER: July 8, 2019 Observer Newsletter: The life and death of Perro Aguayo

With a gigantic week of news, we’ve got a double issue of the Observer this week, leading off with a look at the career of Perro Aguayo, one of the biggest drawing cards in pro wrestling history.

We look at his career highlights, the feud that made him a superstar, the big rivalries and big business booms he was part of, his most famous matches, the formation of AAA and his biggest career wins.

We also have more on Eric Bischoff and Paul Heyman leading brands going forward.  We look at the angles on Raw and whose fingerprints were on what, the level of power they look to have, why this move was made, Wall Street’s reaction to the move, how AEW fits into the picture, the audience they are trying to get back the Raw ratings increase that didn’t hold for Smackdown, Heyman and Bischoff talk about their new positions, when Bischoff starts and an analysis of Heyman’s first moves.

We also look at AEW’s Fyter Fest, the chair shot, the preshow, the business numbers, comparisons with WWE and UFC programming, match by match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

We also look at why the U.K. November tour is being rapidly changed, the Evolve special on WWE Network, Stomping Grounds business update, the story behind David Starr stomping on WWE tile belt and WWE reaction, Performance Center news, most-watched shows on the WWE Network and a rundown with business notes on all the WWE arena events this past week.

We also look at the career of Jacques Rougeau Sr, one of the biggest stars in Montreal wrestling history.  We look at the history of the Rougeau family, how Jacques got into wrestling, why he quit at first, what brought him back, how role in making the career of Ivan Koloff, his sons getting into wrestling, his biggest matches, his Jarry Stadium main event, the first $100,000 gate in Canada, and the Rougeaus feud with the Garvins.

We also look at WWE’s tour of Japan this past week, with notes on both shows and business notes as well.

We run through New Japan’s tour of Australia, with business notes , Southern Showdown match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results and the Ospreay-Eagles match.

We also update Extreme Rules with matches announced and others that could be added.

We’ve also got full coverage of UFC in Minneapolis including detailed business notes.

We’ve got a rundown on ROH Bet in the World from Baltimore, with business notes, match-by-match coverage and star ratings.

We also look at the changing television situation in the U.K. with the WWE’s new deal with BT Sports and AEW’s new deal.

We look at the TripleMania card and the unique team of Cody & Psycho Clown & Cain Velasquez.  There’s also notes from Killer Kross, who is training Velasquez.

We also look at the wrestling career of Yoshiaki Yatsu, who had his leg amputated over the past week.  We look at his 1980s heyday when he was one of the best in the world, why he was important in history, his amateur background and his famous Pride match with Gary Goodridge.

We also look at the death of Jerry Seltzer, the famed Roller Derby promoter, how that game worked, how it exploded in popularity, why it died off, and Seltzer’s later role in the ticketing business.

We also run down the ratings of all the major TV shows, along with detailed demo info for the WWE shows.

We also have the results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.

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

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

Garrett Gonzalez and I will be back tonight after Impact’s Slammiversary show talking the latest news.  You can send questions to the show to [email protected]. We also have a new show up for the weekend covering the G-1 and UFC 239, and have new interview shows up with both Jushin Liger and Kota Ibushi.

Luke Rockhold suffered a broken jaw in his fight with Jan Blachowicz.

All of Ben Askren’s tests reportedly came back negative so he’s okay according to Dana White after the show.  He was obviously hospitalized after a brutal knockout.

No update on Jon Jones, who was helped out.  Thiago Santos had minor surgery on his right knee a few months ago and blew out his left knee in the first round of the fight.  Media scores were 78-22% in favor of Jones, although I felt the fight could have gone either way.  Story on the surgery from MMA Fighting.

The judges scores were:

  • Michael Bell gave Jones rounds 2, 3 and 4
  • Derek Cleary gave Jones 2, 3 and 5
  • Junichiro Kamijo gave Jones 3 and 5.  If Clearly had given Santos 5, a round many thought he won clearly, Santos would be champion. Dana White said Jones won and has no interest in making a rematch

Nate Diaz and Khabib Nurmagomedov, who were seated not far from each other, nearly got into it last night. Security broke it up before anything serious happened and they moved Diaz to a different seat.  Diaz ended up leaving the show after the Gilbert Melendez fight.

WWE

  • Sheamus and Natalya are both appearing at the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame induction ceremony on 7/25 to 7/27 in Waterloo, IA.  Gerald Brisco is doing a talent evaluation for WWE.  Among others appearing for the weekend are Beth Phoenix, Ultimo Dragon, Gerald Brisco, Sgt. Slaughter, Thunderbolt Patterson, Nick Dinsmore, Lisa Marie Varon, Jim Ross, J.J.Dillon, Tony Garea, Brian Shields, Wes Brisco, James Beard, Brian Blair, Baron Von Raschke, Ric McCord,, Bob Roop and Brian Pillman Jr.  There will also be a pro wrestlnig with an eight-man tournament and what is being billed as Blair’s retirement match.
  • Dolph Ziggler is doing comedy shows on Wednesday and Thursday night in Appleton, WI at Skyline Comedy.  The former Hornswoggle will be on the bill with him.

UFC

  • Interest in last night’s show was high, as there were 2.5 million Google searches making UFC 239 the most searched for topic in the U.S.  Ben Askren, at 500,000, after his spectacular knockout loss, was the third most searched term yesterday.  The New Japan G-1 show did not crack the top 20, although that is not unexpected as previous show haven’t either.  When it comes to big events, it’s pretty clear the UFC big events have the most mainstream interest, followed by WWE and Bellator.  AEW Double or Nothing did crack the list as has Bare Knuckle Boxing, and NXT has twice at a low level.    
  • A story in the Buffalo News on Rashad Evans going into the UFC Hall of Fame (thanks to Tom Mehs)

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Former pro wrestler Don Wright, and wife Sandy, lost her home and their car due to a home fire.  They are raising five grandchildren who start school soon.  Jon Moxley found out about a Go Fund Me set up by a coworker of Sandy and donated $5,000 enabling them to reach their goal.
  • Sporting News talked to Sami Callihan regarding tonight’s match with Tessa Blanchard.
  • In an update of something talked about on the show last night, Teddy Hart didn’t go through a door, but crashed into a ladder and seemed to hurt his back but Court Bauer said that Hart is fine today.  MLW sold out Cicero for the third time in a row last night.
  • Dolph Ziggler will be participating in the panel “Happy Birthday Troma” for the 45th anniversary of Troma Entertainment and for Lloyd Kaufman’s 50 years as a filmmaker on 7/20 at the San Diego Comic Con in Room 25ABC at 9 p.m.  Former wrestler Scott Lost, now a comic book artist, will be part of a panels on 7/18 called “Not So Strange Bedfellows:  The Relationship between comics and pro wrestling in Room 29AB at 1 p.m.  Rob Van Dam will appear in a panel on Independent Filmmaking for Low Budget Film, TV and web series on 7/18 in Room 25ABC at 9 p.m.  Women of Wrestling at Headlocked Comics in booth #1901 on 7/20 from 1-3 p.m. has David McLane, Jeanie Buss and The Beast and 7/21 from Moon to 2 p.m. has Tessa Blanchard and McLane.
  • Former pro wrestler Anthony Carelli (Santino Marella) joined Neil Adams (former Olympic medalist and the brother of former pro wrestler Chris Adams) as announcers this weekend for judo’s Montreal Grand Prix.  Today is the final day and it’s streams at live.ijf.org  I’ve seen photos of pro wrestling legend Volk Han there. 
  • The AAW Jim Lyman Memorial tournament takes place on 8/29 and 8/30 at the Logan Square Auditorium in Chicago.
  • Phil DeFries (17-6) defends the KSW heavyweight title against Damian Grabowski (22-5) in the main event of the KSW show on 9/14 at SSE Wembley in London.  Tomasz Narkun (16-3) will also defend the light heavyweight title and Norman Parke (27-6-1) vs. Marian Ziolowski (21-7-1) are also announced.
  • AAW on 7/12 in Milwaukee at Turners Hall Ballroom has Sami Callihan vs. Fatu for the heavyweight title, Jessicka Havok vs. Taya Valkyrie for the women’s title, John Morrison vs Juventud Guerrera, Rey Fenix & Penta 0M vs. Myron Reed & A.R. Fox and Josh Briggs vs. Josh Alexander.
  • Warrior Wrestling 6 on 9/1 in Chicago (the day after All Out) at the Marian Catholic High School at 7 p.m.   Announced as appearing are Mick Foley, Brian Cage, Tessa Blanchard, Pentagon Jr., Fenix, Dragon Lee, Ultimo Guerrero, Atlantis, Caristico, Michael Elgin, Austin Aries Tom Lawlor, Daga, Sam Adonis, Brian Pillman  Jr., Wardlow, Andrew Everett, Templario, Soberano Jr. and more.
  • Progress from yesterday in Newcastle, U.K.:  Fraser Thomas & HT Drake & Screwface Ahmed b Benji & Conor Renshaw & Zeo Knox, Darren Kearney & LJ Clearly & Natthan Martin b Chuck Mambo & Spike Trivet & William Eaver-DQ, Jurn Simmons b Connor Mills, Holidead b Candy Floss, Ilja Dragunov b Jordan Devlin to become top contender for the Progress title, Paul Robinson b Primate, David Starr b Brent Banks, Walter b Eddie Kingston to keep Progress title (thanks to Paul Sosnowski)
  • Progress from today in Manchester, U.K.:  Soner Dursun b Luke Jacobs, LJ Clearly b Chuck Mambo, Holidead b Lana Austin, Jordan Devil b Conor Mills, Jonathan Gresham b Eddie Kingston-COR, Trent Seven b Paul Robinson, Spike Trivet & William Eaver b Darren Kearney & Nathan Martin, Walter b Ilja Dragunov to keep the Progress title
  • Future Stars of Wrestling from Friday night in Las Vegas in a UWFI style show:  Ryan Couture b Dave Mazany, Stephan Bonnar b Sinn Bohdi, Gina Mazany b Kyra Batara, Tom Lawlor b Douglas James (said to be best bout of the show), Frank Mir b Simon Grimm, Killer Kross b Dan Severn, Killer Kross NC Jon Moxley with a double knockout finish.  Moxley wasn’t advertised but just showed up. (thanks to Armando Aguilar)
  • IWF on 10/11 in Wayne, NJ at the Wayne PAL Building with Tony Atlas, Tito Santana and Bull James Dempsey.
  • Impact from last night in Texas City, TX in a joint show with Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling:  Jordynne Grace b Alex Gracia, Jonathan Vega & Diego De La Cruz b Dezmond Xavier & Zachary Wentz, Moose b Mysterious Q, Brenden Steen won scramble over Ayden Cristiano, Cameron Cole, Bryan Keith, Will Allday, Isaiah, Josh Alexander, Jake Crist, Dave Crist, Ethan Page, Mad Man Fulton and Willie Mack, Brenden Steen b Josh Alexander, Sami Callihan DCOR Terrell Tempo, Michael Elgin b Moonshine Mantell (ROW champion) due to distraction from The North, Gino b Eddie Edwards, Tessa Blanchard won four-way over AQA, Hyan and Su Yung, Zack Zilla & Warren J b LAX, (thanks to Shannon Walsh and wrestlingwithdemons.net)
  • MWE on 7/12 in St. Louis Park, MN at the Rec Center with Flash Gordon vs Kongo Kong.  Nikita Koloff will appear on the show.
  • I Believe in Wrestling from Friday night in Orlando:  Carlos Gabriel b Jay Sky, JD Amazing b Caius Wolfe, Mike Reed b Danny Malo, Deon James b Antony Catena, Ali Mohammed b Reni Danilo, Chasyn Rance & Amber Nova & Lexi Gomez & Gia Roman b Blake Burke & Ahmed Ayuooti & Kaci Lennox & Dank the Clown, Josh Dawkins b Johnny Zekie, Aaron Epic d Andrew Marlin.  Next show is 8/2 with Epic vs. Merlin 2/3 falls and Amber Nova vs. Blake Banks. 
  • Tickets for Defy’s Defyane Forever show are on sale for 8/23 in Tacoma, WA at the Temple Theater which will include New Japan talent.
  • Innovate Wrestling on 8/10 in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium for Fire in the Mountain 2019.
  • Tickets for the 9/18 and 9/19 WOW TV tapings in Los Angeles at the Belasco Theater are on sale.   Both nights are AXS tapings for the new season and start at 6:30 p.m.
  • RevPro today in London at the Cockpit:  James Mason b Kenneth Halfpeny, Dan Moloney & MK McKinnan b Dan Magee & Kurtis Chapman, Gabriel Kidd b Jaxton Stone, Kyle Fletcher b Josh Bodom, Seleziya Sparks b Shazza McKenzie, Mark Davis NC Sha Samuels, El Phantasmo & Hikuleo b A-Kid & Carlos Romo, Pac b David Starr
  • A story on an indie show in Butler, OH (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)
  • Colt Cabana was announced for the RetroMania Wrestling video game.
  • A trailer for a new wrestling movie about a wrestler with Down’s Syndrome (thanks to Joe Puccio)

Daily Pro Wrestling History: The NWO forms at Bash at the Beach 1996

CONTACT INFORMATION

UFC 239 live results: Jones vs. Santos, Nunes vs. Holm

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 239: Jones vs. Santos, emanating from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

It is International Fight Week for the UFC, a full week of fan events capped off by what is traditionally presented as the biggest card of the year with two titles fights headlining in the UFC’s home of Las Vegas.

In the main event, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones makes his next title defense against challenger Thiago Santos. Jones is looking to continue his reign of dominance on the 205-pound division as he makes his second title defense of 2019 after defeating Anthony Smith in March. Santos has won four straight fights, including his last three since moving up to the light heavyweight division, with all three of those wins coming by stoppage.

In the co-main event, UFC Women’s Bantamweight and Featherweight Champion Amanda Nunes puts the bantamweight title on the line against former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm. Nunes is coming off of her first-round knockout win over Cris Cyborg in December to become a double champion, and makes her next 135-pound title defense against the former champion Holm, who hasn’t fought in over a year.

Also on the main card is a welterweight fight with possible title eliminator implications involved as Jorge Masvidal looks to keep his momentum going against the undefeated Ben Askren. Former UFC Middleweight Champion Luke Rockhold returns to action for the first time since February 2018 as he makes the move up to 205 pounds to take on Jan Blachowicz. Also, it is a battle of Ultimate Fighter winners as the original TUF champion Diego Sanchez takes on Michael Chiesa.

Among the preliminary card fights will be former Strikeforce Lightweight Champion and former UFC title challenger Gilbert Melendez returning from a long layoff as he fights Arnold Allen, and a women’s strawweight battle between Claudia Gadelha and Randa Markos.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.

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

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

> Julia Avila (6-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Pannie Kianzad (11-4, 0-1 UFC)
Women’s Bantamweights

Avila with some leg kicks early on but Kianzad fires back with a right hand. They clinch and Kianzad has the underhooks. They trade knees in the clinch. Avila with a couple of big knees. Avila has the clinc advantage. Avila lands a right hand as they break and Kianzad fires back with a right. Kianzad with a high kick and they clinch again. Kianzad with a combo as she separates. Kianzad with another right hand. Avila lands a right. Kianzad with another right hand. She lands another combo. Avila now landing big punches against the fence. Avila with a knee in the clinch. Even on the feet but Avila landing the harder punches. Avila with a knee and elbow late. 10-9 Avila.

They quickly clinch up to start the second round. Avila lands a right hand as they break. Kianzad with a leg kick. They trade in close range. Avila with a high kick and Kianzad turns it into a takedown but they scramble to their feet. Kianzad lands a hard left hand. Kianzad lands a right hand. Avila lands a combo against the fence and they clinch. Both land as they break and Kianzad with a combo and another right hand. Kianzad with a combo as she urges Avila to come on. Avila now rocks Kianzad and lands lots of punches before they clinch. Avila is cut under her eye. Avila with a front kick to the body. Kianzad just misses a spinning back fist. Kianzad goes for a takedown but Avila scrambles. 10-9 Avila, 20-18 Avila.

Both firing away to start the third. Avila lands some punches as Kianzad covers up and backs to the fence. They clinch and trade positioning. They break and Avila drops Kianzad with a left hand and goes into her guard and lands more punches. Kianzad working for an arm but gives up her back and Avila looks to get the hooks in working for a choke. Avila now gets the mount for a moment, loses it and regains it. Avila has the back again working for the choke. Avila still working for it but Kianzad is fighting it off well. Kianzad survives the round. 10-8 Avila, 30-26 Avila.

Official Result- Julia Avila def. Pannie Kianzad by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)

> Ismail Naurdiev (18-2, 1-0 UFC) vs. Chance Rencountre (13-3, 1-1 UFC)
Welterweights

Rencountre with a leg kick and Naurdiev fires back with a kick that hits the arms of Rencountre. They tie up and Rencountre tries a throw but Naurdiev reverses it and they stand. Naurdiev with some body kicks and they tie up and scramble to the mat with Naurdiev in the guard of Rencountre. Naurdiev gets the back as they stand and lands a body kick on the break. Naurdiev with a right hand. Naurdiev with a knee and then some right hands. Rencountre grabs the single leg. Rencountre gets him down and they are against the fence. Rencountre in the half-guard looking to set up an arm-triangle. Rencountre with some body punches. Rencountre gets to side control as the round ends. 10-9 Rencountre.

Naurdiev with a high kick and Rencountre turns it into a takedown and has the back. Rencountre working for a choke. He flattens Naurdiev out and starts landing punches and gets his arm around the neck but lets go. Rencountre with more punches from the back. He flattens Naurdiev out again. Naurdiev spins and Rencountre is in the half-guard. Rencountre lands some elbows. Rencountre continues to land from the half-guard but not much going on. 10-9 Rencountre, 20-18 Rencountre.

They come out trading and Naurdiev lands a flying knee but Rencountre turns it into a takedown but they scramble back up. Rencountre lands a hard left hand. Rencountre rocks him again and goes for a takedown. Rencountre gets him down and takes the back and lands punches. Naurdiev spins out but Rencountre maintains top position. Rencountre remains on top but Naurdiev lands short punches. They get to their feet. Naurdiev with a late takedown. 10-9 Rencountre, 30-27 Rencountre.

Official Result- Chance Rencountre def. Ismail Naurdiev by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-28, 30-27)

> Edmen Shahbazyan (9-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. Jack Marshman (23-8, 3-3 UFC)
Middleweights

Shahbazyan with a leg kick. Shahbazyan lands a right hand. Shahbazyan shoots in and completes a takedown and starts landing big punches from the top. Lots of punches as Marshman is fighting to keep him off. Shahbazyan with side control and gets the back and has the rear-naked choke locked in and Marshman taps! What a performance from Shahbazyan, a real prospect.

Official Result- Edmen Shahbazyan def. Jack Marshman by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:12 of Round 1

ESPN PRELIMS | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT

> Alejandro Perez (#14, 21-7-1, 7-2-1 UFC) vs. Song Yadong (13-4 1 NC, 3-0 UFC)
Bantamweights

Yadong lands a right hand. Both men feeling each other out. Yadong lands another right. Yadong then drops Perez with a massive right hand and Perez is out cold and this is over. Wow, what a right hand by Yadong. Impressive finish.

Official Result- Song Yadong def. Alejandro Perez by knockout (punch) at 2:04 of Round 1

> Claudia Gadelha (#5, 16-4, 5-4 UFC) vs. Randa Markos (#14, 9-6-1, 5-5-1 UFC)
Women’s Strawweights

Gadelha with a right hand. Both women land punches. Gadelha lands a nice combo. Gadelha with another hard combo. Gadelha with more punches that land as Markos has been unable to score any offense. They both land punches inside the pocket. Gadelha with another combo. They both land late. 10-9 Gadelha.

Gadelha goes for a high kick but it doesn’t connect. Markos rushes in and misses her punches and backs away. Gadelha lands a combo. Markos hasn’t had much offense and Gadelha is being patient. They tie up and both landing in the clinch before breaking. Gadelha goes for a takedown against the fence but Markos defends. 10-9 Gadelha, 20-18 Gadelha.

Gadelha lands a couple of punches. Markos is doing almost nothing except circling away and throwing the occasional punch. Gadelha lands a short uppercut and then a left hook. Gadelha lands a right hand. Markos lands a left hand. Both land a punch. Markos lands a left hand. Markos with a leg kick but eats a counter combo from Gadelha. Gadelha with a right hand. 10-9 Gadelha, 30-27 Gadelha.

Official Result- Claudia Gadelha def. Randa Markos by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Marlon Vera (13-5-1, 7-4 UFC) vs. Nohelin Hernandez (10-2, 0-0 UFC)
Bantamweights

Vera with some leg kicks early on. Vera with a body kick. They trade punches. Vera with more kicks towards the body. They trade kicks and Vera grabs the leg and gets Hernandez to the ground and has the back. Vera gets the hooks in and is working for a choke. Vera with punches from the back as he is trying to get a choke locked in. Vera now transitioning for an armbar. Hernandez escapes and starts landing hammerfists and elbows and punches from the guard of Vera. Hernandez with punches from the top and now grabs the neck of Vera. He looks for a choke but time runs out. 10-9 Vera.

Vera with a high body kick. Hernandez gets a takedown. Hernandez landing from the top and now stands and is throwing kicks to the legs of Vera on the mat. Vera finally gets up. Vera lands a knee and gets the mount as they go to the ground and lands elbows and Hernandez gives up his back and Vera gets the rear-naked choke locked in and gets Hernandez to tap. Big win for Vera.

Official Result- Marlon Vera def. Nohelin Hernandez by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:25 of Round 2

> Gilbert Melendez (22-7, 1-5 UFC) vs. Arnold Allen (14-1, 5-0 UFC)
Featherweights

Allen with a high kick. Melendez with a combo. Both swinging punches that are missing. They trade punches. Allen lands a left hand. Melendez lands a right hand. They trade punches and Melendez with a body kick and Allen trips him up but Melendez gets to his feet. Allen with a jumping body kick. Allen lands a right hand and then a left to the body. Allen lands some punches against the fence. Allen landing more punches near the fence but Melendez circles away. Allen with more left hands to the body and then a spin kick to the body. 10-9 Allen.

Melendez with a leg kick. Allen with a head kick. Melendez lands a right hand. Allen with a high kick and then a left hand to the body. Allen with a combo. They both throw wild punches and Allen gets the better of it. Allen with a left hand to the body. Allen landing with more volume here in the second. Melendez with a leg kick. 10-9 Allen, 20-18 Allen.

Melendez with a body kick. Allen tries a kick but Melendez catches the leg though Allen gets the clinch against the fence. Allen gets a takedown and is in the guard of Melendez. They get to their feet. Allen lands a high kick. Melendez circling around and landing a punch every now and then while Allen applies pressure. Allen with a head kick. Melendez lands a right hand. Allen with a body kick. Allen with a jumping switch kick. Melendez lands a right hand late. 10-9 Allen, 30-27 Allen.

Official Result- Arnold Allen def. Gilbert Melendez by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

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

> Diego Sanchez (29-11, 18-11 UFC) vs. Michael Chiesa (15-4, 8-4 UFC)
Welterweights

Sanchez comes running out. Sanchez gets an early takedown but Chiesa calm and reverses. Chiesa now gets the back and is working for an arm but Sanchez escapes and is now in the guard. They work to their feet. Chiesa with a takedown but right back up. Chiesa with a knee to the body. They go back to the mat and Chiesa has the back. Chiesa landing punches and trying to set up a choke. Chiesa has it locked in but lets go. Chiesa landing elbows from the back. Sanchez escapes to his feet and has the back of Chiesa. They go to the mat and Chiesa back on top. Chiesa lands some punches from the top and then gets the back and lands some more. 10-9 Chiesa.

Chiesa gets a quick takedown. Chiesa working for a choke from the top. Sanchez giving up his back and eating punches. They get to their feet and Chiesa with some knees before he takes Sanchez back down and is just landing at will from the top. Chiesa landing more and more and Sanchez is in a whole lot of trouble. Sanchez tries for a kneebar but Chiesa rolls out and has the back. Chiesa flattens Sanchez out and landing lots of punches. This should be stopped. Sanchez just eating lots of shots. Chiesa tries for a choke but Sanchez somehow escapes and gets to his feet. Chiesa gets another takedown. Sanchez trying to roll out but Chiesa still has the back. Sanchez survives the round. 10-8 Chiesa, 20-17 Chiesa.

Chiesa grabs a leg of Sanchez and takes him down. Chiesa has the back and Sanchez manages to escape to his feet. They separate. Chiesa lands some punches and easily takes Sanchez back down. Chiesa gets the back of Sanchez. Sanchez is escaping every time Chiesa gets his back but Chiesa takes it right back. Chiesa with elbows. Chiesa has the hooks in but time is going to run out before he can find a finish. 10-8 Chiesa, 30-25 Chiesa.

Official Result- Michael Chiesa def. Diego Sanchez by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

> Jan Blachowicz (#6, 23-8, 6-5 UFC) vs. Luke Rockhold (16-4, 6-3 UFC)
Light Heavyweights

Rockhold right away with a high kick. He throws more kicks to the body and then lands a left hand. Rockhold shoots for a takedown but Blachowicz defending against the fence. Rockhold working hard for the takedown but Blachowicz defending well. Rockhold with some knees against the fence. Blachowicz lands a hard elbow. They break. Rockhold with a head kick and then a body kick. Rockhold with another high kick. Blachowicz just misses some punches. Blachowicz with a leg kick. Rockhold with another high kick. Rockhold just misses another. Rockhold with a spin kick to the body. Blachowicz lands some punches late that wobbles Rockhold and a kick that trips him up. 10-9 Blachowicz.

Blachowicz wobbles Rockhold at the start of the second. They clinch up and Rockhold lands a knee. Rockhold trying a weird strategy of tie-ups. They separate and then Blachowicz knocks Rockhold out with a nasty left hook. He knocked Rockhold down and then finished it with more punches on the ground. Big win for Blachowicz.

Official Result- Jan Blachowicz def. Luke Rockhold by knockout (punches) at 1:39 of Round 2

> Jorge Masvidal (#4, 33-13, 10-6 UFC) vs. Ben Askren (#5, 19-0 1 NC, 1-0 UFC)
Welterweights

Oh my god. Masvidal knocked Askren out cold in less than 5 seconds with a flying knee. This was the absolute craziest thing I’ve ever seen in the UFC. Masvidal came running out with a flying knee than landed clean and Askren went out cold and he landed a couple of unneeded punches before the referee could actually stop it. That is the record for the fastest knockout in UFC history.

Official Result- Jorge Masvidal def. Ben Askren by knockout (flying knee) in :05 of Round 1

> Amanda Nunes (C, 17-4, 10-1 UFC) vs. Holly Holm (#2, 12-4, 5-4 UFC)
UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship

Nunes with a body kick. Nunes with a kick and then stumbles over herself. Nunes with a leg kick. Nunes lands a head kick. Nunes lands a right hand. Holm with side kicks. They clinch and Nunes with a knee before they break. They trade knees in another clinch and Nunes briefly takes Holm down but they pop right back up. They trade kicks. Nunes with a right hand. Nunes with a leg kick. Nunes with a head kick that knocks Holm down and then she finishes it with more punches on the ground. What a great finish by Nunes as she remains the champion.

Official Result- Amanda Nunes def. Holly Holm by TKO (head kick, punches) at 4:10 of Round 1, Nunes remains the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion

> Jon Jones (C, 24-1 1 NC, 18-1 1 NC UFC) vs. Thiago Santos (#2, 21-6, 13-5 UFC)
UFC Light Heavyweight Championship

Both throwing kicks right away. Santos with a leg kick. Jones with a leg kick. Jones with a body kick. Santos just misses some high kicks but lands a leg kick. Santos with a body kick but Jones catches it and just misses a spinning elbow. Jones with a high kick. Santos just misses a left hook. Santos just misses a punch and Jones loses the mouthpiece. Jones with the oblique kick and Santos lands a counter punch. Jones with a spin kick. Jones with another spin kick. 10-9 Santos.

Santos with a leg kick. Santos landing punches that back Jones up and then lands another leg kick. Santos with a high kick that is blocked by Jones. Jones with a side kick. Jones knocks Santos down briefly with a high kick. Jones with a leg kick. Jones with a front kick. Santos backs up Jones by throwing some punches. Santos with a right hand followed by a leg kick. Jones with a body kick. Santos throws some more. Jones with a spin kick. 10-9 Jones, 19-19.

Santos might have hurt his leg in the second round. Santos with a high kick. Jones with a leg kick. Santos with a high kick. Santos throwing punches and one connects as Jones backs up. Jones with a body kick and Santos falls on his butt for a second. Jones with a flying knee. Jones with some leg kicks. Santos with a leg kick. He lands another. Santos falls landing a high kick and Jones lands an elbow on him. Jones with a spin kick. They trade close. Jones with a head kick and then a side kick. They trade kicks. Jones with a spinning elbow. 10-9 Jones, 29-28 Jones.

Santos with a leg kick and lands a right hand that backs Jones up. Jones just misses a spinning head kick. Santos has slowed down some. Santos with a leg kick followed by a left hook. Santos with a leg kick. Jones just misses an uppercut. Jones misses a spinning back fist. The pace has really slowed here. Santos with a leg kick. Jones with a side kick. Santos with a leg kick. 10-9 Jones, 39-37 Jones.

This is a close fight heading into the fifth. Santos with a body kick. Santos lands some punches as Jones covers up. Santos with a leg kick. Santos just misses a left hand after landing a jab. Santos with a left hand and then another. Santos with a body kick. Jones with a leg kick. They trade kicks. Jones with a side kick. Santos with a body kick and his knee is hurting from earlier. Santos lands a left. Jones misses a flying knee attempt. Santos with a punch. Santos catches a kick attempt by Jones. Santos with a leg kick. Crowd booing the end but this was a good fight. 10-9 Santos, 48-47 Jones.

Official Result- Jon Jones def. Thiago Santos by split decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47), Jones remains the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion

VIDEO: UFC summer press conference with Khabib, Cormier, more

Posted on by Josh Nason

As part of International Fight Week and UFC 239 weekend, the company will preview some of the big fights already made for the second half of the year at a Friday press conference in Las Vegas, NV.

While the full lineup is set to be announced, UFC president Dana White will be in attendance as will the following fighters:

– UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway and Frankie Edgar who will fight on July 27th at UFC 240

– UFC heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier and Stipe Miocic who will fight on August 17th at UFC 241

– UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier who will fight on September 7th at UFC 242

Holloway vs. Edgar has been attempted twice before, but injuries caused both times to be cancelled. The Cormier-Miocic fight is a rematch from last summer when Cormier knocked Miocic out to become a double champion. This will be Nurmagomedov’s first fight since submitting rival Conor McGregor last October.

You can watch the video below starting around 5:30 PM Eastern/2:30 PM Pacific.

Ngannou-Dos Santos tabbed for UFC Minneapolis main event

Posted on by Josh Nason

In order to find a main event for its June 29th Minneapolis, MN, event on ESPN, the UFC had to pull a featured fight from UFC 239 during July’s International Fight Week.

While not officially announced by the promotion, ESPN’s Brett Okamoto broke the news Tuesday that former heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos vs. former title challenger Francis Ngannou will now headline the UFC’s return to Minnesota. 

Former welterweight champions Tyron Woodley and Robbie Lawler were originally set to rematch in the main event, but a hand injury to Woodley and an inability to find a replacement to face Lawler scrapped the fight.

Since returning from a USADA suspension that initially prevented this fight from happening in 2017, the 35-year-old dos Santos has won three straight including two in a row by second round TKO. The 32-year-old Ngannou has won his last two by first round TKO after back-to-back losses.

The fight being removed from UFC 239 is a minor blow as the July 6th show features light heavyweight champion Jon Jones vs. Thiago Santos, two-division women’s champion Amanda Nunes vs. Holly Holm, Jorge Masvidal vs. Ben Askren, Luke Rockhold debuting at light heavyweight, and more.

Title fights set for UFC 238 and 239 this summer

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Three UFC title fights are set to take place this summer.

ESPN’s Brett Okamoto reported Wednesday that Jon Jones will defend the UFC light heavyweight championship against Thiago Santos at July’s UFC 239 during International Fight Week in Las Vegas.

Jones won the vacant title back in December by defeating Alexander Gustafsson. He then defeated Anthony Smith by unanimous decison to retain the title in early-March.

Santos is on a four fight winning streak, most recently defeating Jan Blachowicz by KO in February.

Meanwhile, champ-champ Amanda Nunes will defend her bantamweight belt against Holly Holm in the co-main event. Nunes defeated Cris Cyborg in an upset to win the women’s featherweight title, while Holm defeated Megan Anderson in her last outing. Holm was originally set to face Aspen Ladd earlier this month, but the fight was scrapped as Holm was re-negotiating her contract.

UFC also confirmed Wednesday afternoon that Henry Cejudo will fight Marlon Moraes for the vacant bantamweight title in the main event of June’s UFC 238 in Chicago, IL. The previous champion, TJ Dillashaw, vacated the title after he recently failed a New York State drug test. Cejudo defeated Dillashaw in a champion vs. champion fight in January to retain his flyweight championship while Moraes is on a four fight winning streak.