For the first time, Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp comes by the Josh Nason’s Punch-Out airwaves to talk about a whole myriad of stuff insight the cage, wrestling ring, and the business outside of it.
To listen, just click the red button below.
We kick off with some background on Fightful and how Sean came to be their managing editor including some of the decisions on what to put behind their Patreon paywall and what is free.
Then, we transition to UFC 241 and some of the big headlines and thoughts coming out of the show. Do we want to see Daniel Cormier fight again and if so, is the Stipe Miocic trilogy all we really care about? Will Yoel Romero ever fight at middleweight again? And, if the UFC can put Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal together, do they put it on ESPN or break recent tradition and headline a PPV without a title on the line?
Finally, we wrap with a talk about the recent post-TakeOver call controversy between Paul “HHH” Levesque and PW Insider’s Mike Johnson, why media should always be asking questions, and how a relationship between media and WWE is a good thing for everyone.
Joseph Currier gives his thoughts on SummerSlam 2019. Plus, Bryan Rose’s Japan notes, and Vinny’s TV reviews.
This year’s SummerSlam main event was a pivotal moment in the career of Seth Rollins.
If that wasn’t made clear going into the pay-per-view, it certainly felt true in the moment. As much as headlining a Big Four PPV is a huge spot for anyone, Rollins’ match against Brock Lesnar came at a time when Rollins was at a tipping point. He could either win and regain his momentum — or his character would probably have to go in a different direction.
With how WWE built to their match, Rollins winning was the right outcome. He had been viciously beaten down by Lesnar in angles on Raw each of the last two weeks. After the second attack, a subdued Rollins vowed to be at SummerSlam and guaranteed that he would defeat Lesnar.
Rollins came through on his guarantee. After hitting his third curb stomp of the match, Rollins pinned Lesnar to regain the Universal title. The match delivered on a much higher level than Rollins’ previous bouts against Lesnar. Rollins was put over strongly and positioned as the current top babyface in the company.
One of the most shocking and heated angles in modern wrestling is covered as the lead story in the new Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
We discuss the angle itself, how it came together, and what it might be leading to.
Reviews of WWE Summerslam and NJPW’s G1 finals, plus tons of news are also covered this week.
We have results and star ratings from SummerSlam, as well as data and analytics on who bought the show on traditional PPV.
Of course we have star ratings and business notes on the final G1shows of the year, as well as the readers’ poll for G1 MVP. We also examine how this year’s tournament compared to last year’s from a business perspective.
We have a story on some changes to upcoming WWE house shows. We also have notes on WWE PPV buying habits in major markets in 2019.
As you might expect, we also have complete coverage of NXT TakeOver: Toronto, as well as star ratings for the matches.
Also in this issue, Ryan Frederick covers this past weekend’s UFC show, and we have detailed TV ratings and business notes on the show.
We have full coverage of all the WWE television shows from the past week.
As always, we have in-depth looks at the ratings of all the major shows,the key demos for the WWE shows and what can be learned from them.
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].
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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
WWE will be announcing the NXT television deal on USA on Raw tomorrow night. I’m told there is one more significant bit of news that will be announced related to this deal on the show.
UFC 241 was the most searched topic on Google yesterday topping two million searches. Yoel Romero was No. 12 and Anthony Pettis was No. 13, both at 100,000. Eight of the top 15 markets were in California, topped, shockingly by the Sacramento/Stockton/Modesto metro area. No, that’s not shocking.
We discussed this last night, but Paulo Costa went into the cage at 214 pounds for his fight with Yoel Romero. Romero went into the cage at 207. For a comparison, Nate Diaz was 180 and Anthony Pettis was 177. The weird one is that Daniel Cormier weighed 236.5 when he didn’t have to cut as a heavyweight, but went into the cage at 247. Who is the normal course of one day gains nearly 11 pounds? There is something totally ludicrous about a guy who weighs in at 185 for a fight actually fighting at 214. Does anyone remember why we have weight classes in the first place? Then again, while he didn’t make weight, Manny Bermudez was contracted to fight at 135 and went into the cage at 165.
WWE
Since people have asked about this and some fans assumed this, The Street Profits losing the NXT tag titles to Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly had nothing to do with the Street Profits being on Raw. They are remaining as NXT wrestlers even though they will continue with non-wrestling segments on Raw.
The WWE Network will be uploading WCW Saturday Night episodes from January 9, 1993 to May 22, 1993. This is the period with Ricky Steamboat in a lot of main events, a lot of Dustin Rhodes, Steve Austin & Brian Pillman as a tag team and the return to WCW of Ric Flair.
NEW from Friday night in Poughkeepsie, NY: Private Party won three-way over RJ Rude & Zane Bernardo and Luchasaurus & Jungle Boy, Penelope Ford b Tasha Steelz, CazXL (Big Cass) b Jimmy Preston, Wrecking Ball Legursky b Mike Verna, nZo (Enzo Amore) b Brian Pillman Jr., Jerry Lawler & Keith Youngblood b David Arquette & Brian Anthony to keep NEW tag titles, Darby Allin b Hale Collins in a no DQ match to keep NEW title, Matt Taven b JT Dunn, Jon Moxley b Pentagon Jr. Taven was a surprise replacement through ROH when Fenix gave word he couldn’t make it. Taven got a super babyface reaction. Anthony turned on Arquette after the match and Lawler saved Arquette. The crowd hated Enzo but didn’t bo him, many just walked off and left and others were quiet. Cass was cheered.
AEW has reached a deal with Tony Schiavone.
Reelz TV will be airing a show called “Autopsy: The Last Hours of Chyna” on 8/25 at 10 p.m. Eastern. (thanks to Jeff Beecher)
TBS during the Dodgers-Braves game plugged All Out on PPV on B/R.
Ladies Night Out from last night in Texas City, TX: Jenna Lynn b Insidious One, Phoebe b Vanity, Rok-C b AQA, Harlow O’Hara b Faye Jackson, Hyan b Mercedes Martinez, Thunder Rosa b Raychell Rose, Kiera Hogan won three-way over Renee Michelle (Drake Maverick’s wife) and Aja Perera, Alex Gracia b Miranda, Ivelisse b Diamante (thanks to Shannon Walsh and wrestlingwithdemons.net)
Stardom from yesterday in Tokyo for the first night of the Five Star Grand Prix: Avary won four-way over Natsuko Tora, Rina and Ruaka, Riho & Starlight Kid & Saya Iida b Leo Onozaki & Hina & Saya Kamitani, AZM b Natsu Sumire, Hana Kimura b Tam Nakano, Saki Kashima b Mayu Iwatani, Jamie Hayter b Arika Hoshiki, Bea Priestley b Andras Miyagi, Utami Hayashishita b Jungle Kyona, Hazuki b Momo Watanabe, Konami b Kagetsu.
Stardom from today in Tokyo with more Grand Prix bouts: Rina & Saya Kamitani b Hina & Leo Onozaki, Jungle Kyona & Riho & Ruaka b Saki Kashima & Starlight Kid & Saya Iida, Momo Watanabe b Avary, Hana Kimura b Natsu Sumire, Jamie Hayter b Andras Miyagi, Kagetsu b Natsuko Tora, Mayu Iwatani b AZM, Tam Nakano b Hazuki, Bea Priestley b Konami, Utami Hayashishita b Arisa Hoshiki
Wrestling Resurgence on 8/31 in Leicester, UK at the Attenborough Arts Centre with Charli Evans vs. Kanji in an Iron Woman match.
Rumble at the Hilton from yesterday in Charlotte before 200 fans: Mike Jackson (the 80s star) b Jason Rage, Chick Donovan b Andrew Anderson-DQ, Kaleb Konley b CW Anderson, Mr. Hughes wins 20 man Rumble, Dirty Blondes b International All-Stars, Katarina Leigh won three-way over Panda Doll and Maddi Max, JD Drake b Randy Wayne, Tommy Dreamer & Shane Douglas (managed by Baby Doll) b Steve Zios & Bam Bam Bundy (managed by Missy Hyatt). (Thanks to Jamie Combs)
The New Japan show from Sydney, Australia was just put up on New Japan World. I was told that the Toa Henare vs. Tomohiro Ishii match is the best thing on it, and that Robbie Eagles came across like a superstar.
Warrior Wrestling announced that for $100 you can get an autograph and photo with every wrestler on the card. Proceeds to benefit scholarships ad clubs and activities at Marian Catholic High School.
GWN on 11/2 in Hamilton, ONT at USW Hall.
The WWN recruitment camp will air live an free on the WWN Live.com Facebook cage or with a Club WWN subscription starting at 7 p.m. There will be ten matches. The most impressive performer will get a WWE tryout.
Southern Illinois Championship Wrestling from last night in East Carondelet, IL: Big Texan & Waco b Roy Lewis & Chris Kade, James Jeffries b Death Dealer, Billy McNeil b Richard Shaw, Kowalski b Sid Holland, Shawn Santel & Mauler McDarby b Khayman & Sean Vincent to win tag titles, Flash Flanagan & Gil Rogers b Christopher Hargas & Ken Kasa-DQ, Ricky Cruz b Attila Kan-DQ (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
CWE in Cochrane, Alberta on Friday night: Danny Duggan b Sigmon, Jude Dawkins won ladder match over Slave, Jordan Kinglsey, Jordan Kage and Shaun Martens, Warlord & Montana Black & James Tapia b AJ Sanchez & Kevin O’Doyle & Stormbringer, Alix Zwicker & Kylie Morgan b Zoe Sager & Jade, Johnny Devine b Tony Kozina. next show in the area is 11/21 in Calgary with Juventud Guerrera.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 241: Cormier vs. Miocic 2, emanating from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
The Octagon heads back to Southern California for one of the biggest fight cards of the year featuring a heavyweight title fight and the long-awaited return of one of the biggest stars in the sport.
In the main event, UFC Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier defends the championship against the main he defeated to win that title, Stipe Miocic. Cormier returns to action for the first time since a November title defense over Derrick Lewis as he has spent time recovering from a back injury. Miocic is fighting for the first time since losing the championship to Cormier at UFC 226 in July 2018.
In the co-main event, it is the return of Nate Diaz, fighting for the first time in three years, as he takes on former UFC Lightweight Champion Anthony Pettis. Diaz returns to a lot of fanfare and gets a fight he’s wanted for a while against Pettis, who is looking to go 2-0 at 170 pounds after knocking out former title challenger Stephen Thompson in March.
Also on the main card is a middleweight bout that has been in the makings for a while as former title challenger Yoel Romero takes on undefeated Paulo Costa in what could bring on lots of fireworks.
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].
> Sabina Mazo (6-1, 0-1 UFC) vs. Shana Dobson (3-2, 1-1 UFC) Women’s Flyweights
They trade kicks to start. They trade high kicks. Mazo hurts Dobson with a body kick and starts landing punches and then some knees and elbows in the clinch. Mazo gets a takedown against the fence. Mazo with some punches from the top. Mazo with a few elbows from the top. Dobson able to sweep and almost got the back of Mazo but Mazo ends up back in her guard. Mazo landing more and they stand and Mazo lands some knees. Mazo gets another takedown against the fence. Mazo gets the mount. Mazo with some more punches from the top as the round ends. 10-8 Mazo.
Mazo landing some punches and Dobson shoots in for a takedown but Mazo defends and lands some knees. Mazo controlling the clinch as she keeps landing knees against the fence. Dobson lands a couple elbows but is still eating knees from Mazo. Mazo gets Dobson down to the ground. Mazo lands some on top but they get to their feet. Dobson lands a right hand. Mazo with a front kick. 10-9 Mazo, 20-17 Mazo.
Dobson trying to land the right hand but missing. Dobson with a leg kick and Mazo fires back with a body kick. Mazo with a body kick. Mazo with some leg kicks and then a liver kick. Dobson lands a combo. Mazo lands a bunch of knees against the fence, going to the body and the head. Mazo with more knees and Dobson is having trouble defending. Mazo gets a takedown and into side control and lands some knees to the body. Mazo looking for the mount but lands from the top and is in complete control. This fight hasn’t even been close. Mazo lands more punches from the top as the fight ends. 10-8 Mazo, 30-25 Mazo.
Official Result- Sabina Mazo def. Shana Dobson by unanimous decision (30-24, 30-25, 30-25)
> Kyung Ho Kang (15-8 1 NC, 4-2 1 NC UFC) vs. Brandon Davis (10-6, 2-3 UFC) Bantamweights
They trade leg kicks. Kang with a right hand. They trade right hands. Kang goes for a takedown but Davis defends. Davis with a knee as they break. Kang with the jab. Davis with a leg kick and Kang slips. Kang stuns Davis with a jab. Davis with more low leg kicks. They trade and Kang with a high body kick. Kang is landing the jab and drops Davis with a right hand. Davis quickly gets up and Kang takes the back. They go to the mat and Davis is trying to shake Kang off. Kang gets to mount but loses it and in the half-guard of Davis. Kang ends the round on top. 10-9 Kang.
They both come out firing to start the second. Kang with a leg kick. Kang shoots for a takedown but Davis defends it, goes for an armbar and loses his guard to Kang. Davis able to explode out from the bottom and they get up and break to the center. They trade punches. Davis with a high kick but Kang blocks it. Kang with a combo ending with an inside leg kick. Kang lands a right hand. Davis with a body kick. Davis lands a right hand. Davis with a leg kick and lands a late flying knee. Close round. 10-9 Davis, 19-19.
Davis with a right hand and follows with a leg kick. Davis slips on a kick attempt and Kang takes advantage and gets to side control on Davis. They are stood up from side control as Kang had good positioning. That was a bad stand-up. Kang gets Davis back down and is in side control once again. Kang isn’t doing much here but lands a couple of punches. Davis scrambles to his feet. Kang tries to take the back but Davis slips away and lands a big combo. Kang gets a takedown and is in the guard. Both are landing on the ground. Kang landing from the top and keeping busy. 10-9 Kang, 29-28 Kang.
Official Result- Kyung Ho Kang def. Brandon Davis by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Both ladies being patient in the first minute. Cifers lands a right hand. Esquibel lands a right hand. Cifers with a body kick. They trade punches. Esquibel lands a right hand and Cifers lands a counter right. Cifers with a right hand that lands right on the jaw. Esquibel with a head kick. Esquibel lands a left hand. Cifers with a combo. Esquibel shoots for a takedown but Cifers shakes her off. Cifers with a hard leg kick. Cifers with a right hand. Esquibel almost had a takedown at the end. 10-9 Cifers.
They are both throwing to start the second but nothing much is landing. Cifers with a leg kick that hurts Esquibel. Esquibel gets a takedown and is in the guard of Cifers. They are stood up. Cifers gets a takedown and lands a punch to the back of the head and they get up and break and Cifers lands a knee. Esquibel gets a takedown and Cifers is going for a triangle and an armbar but is in a bad position to secure it. They scramble to their feet. They trade late. 10-9 Cifers, 20-18 Cifers.
Esquibel misses a left hand and Cifers lands a leg kick. Cifers with a high kick. There is not a lot of offense going on. Cifers with a leg kick. Cifers with a leg kick and follows with a body kick. They trade punches. Esquibel gets a takedown and is in the guard and lands an elbow. Esquibel with some body punches from the top. They are stood up. Esquibel with a front kick to the chest. Esquibel with a left hand. Cifers with a combo and lands a body kick. Esquibel gets a late takedown but Cifers reverses to the feet. 10-9 Esquibel, 29-28 Cifers.
Official Result- Hannah Cifers def. Jodie Esquibel by unanimous decision (30-28, 30-27, 30-27)
They are trading early and Bermudez lands a punch and Kenney with a head kick that just barely lands. Bermudez gets a takedown. Kenney is going for a leg. Bermudez gets into the half-guard and moves to the full guard of Kenney. They get up and Kenney gets a takedown. Kenney is locked up in the half-guard of Bermudez. They scramble to their feet. They trade and Kenney with a left hand late. 10-9 Kenney.
Bermudez shooting for a takedown against the fence to start the second. Bermudez gets the back as they go to the mat and Bermudez scrambles to side control. Kenney reverses to the top. Kenney switches and has the back and locks in a rear-naked choke. Bermudez trying to slide out and does. They scramble to their feet. Bermudez lands a punch and they clinch. Kenney is tired. Bermudez gets Kenney to the mat and takes the back and is looking for a choke now. Kenney slips out and gets to his feet and goes back to the ground on top. Close round. 10-9 Kenney, 20-18 Kenney.
Kenney with a leg kick. Bermudez lands a right hand. They both land a combo. Bermudez with a nice combination. Bermudez gets a takedown and is in side control. Bermudez looks for a guillotine from the top but doesn’t have it locked in and he goes back to the half-guard. Bermudez landing from the top. He has big control from the top and ends the round with punches from the top. Close fight. 10-9 Bermudez, 29-28 Kenney.
Official Result- Casey Kenney def. Manny Bermudez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Giagos with a body kick to start. Klose with some leg kicks. Giagos tags Klose with a left hand. They tie up and Klose lands several knees to the body. They break but then tie up once again. They trade knees and Giagos lands his knee harder. Giagos has been the controlling fighter in the clinch. They break and both miss punches. Klose initiates the clinch and pushes Giagos against the fence. Klose with an elbow as they break. Giagos with a combo late and Klose tags Giagos with a hard right hand at the end of the round. 10-9 Giagos.
Giagos with a big knee to start and they have a wild exchange. Giagos with a body kick and goes into a takedown and in the guard of Klose. Giagos landing from the top and then gets the back of Klose and has a rear-naked choke locked in. It is just on the chin and Klose gets out for a moment. Klose stands and Giagos is still on his back. He loses it and they break. They trade and Giagos lands a nice right hand. Klose with an uppercut and follows it with a hard right and Giagos is hurt. Giagos goes for a takedown but Klose defends. Klose trips Giagos to the mat and gets on top and lands a hammerfist. Klose with big punches from the top. Klose opens up a cut on Giagos. Big end of the round for Klose. 10-9 Klose, 19-19.
They clinch right away but break. Klose with a big leg kick and Giagos went to the ground but got up. Klose with an uppercut but Giagos counters with a left hook. Both throwing punches. Giagos lands a right hand. Giagos lands a combo. Klose clinches and lands a knee to the body followed by an uppercut. Giagos lands a right hand after they break. They both land punches. They trade and clinch and Klose with a foot stomp. They break and trade. Klose shoots for a takedown and picks Giagos up and slams him down but Giagos grabs the arm and tries for an armbar but Klose gets free. They get up and Giagos’ left eye is a mess. Giagos lands a right hand. They exchange late. Really good fight. 10-9 Klose, 29-28 Klose.
Official Result- Drakkar Klose def. Christos Giagos by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Sandhagen lands a right hand. Sandhagen lands an uppercut. Assuncao with a left hand. Sandhagen with an inside leg kick. Sandhagen with another inside leg kick. Assuncao with the jab. Sandhagen lands a right hand. Sandhagen with a left hook to the body. They clinch and Assuncao with a couple of knees to the body. They break and Assuncao with a left hand. Sandhagen with a right hand and then a flying knee. Sandhagen with a leg kick. 10-9 Sandhagen.
They trade punches and Sandhagen gets the clinch. Sandhagen with a knee to the head and they break. Sandhagen with a leg kick and Assuncao grabs it and they scramble to the ground and Assuncao has the back. Sandhagen able to reverse to the top and passed guard. They get up and Sandhagen takes Assuncao’s back as they go to the mat. Assuncao goes to the top as Sandhagen grabs the leg. Assuncao gets to the back and lands some punches. They continue to scramble on the mat. They continue to scramble on the mat as the round ends. Close round. 10-9 Sandhagen, 20-18 Sandhagen.
They trade to start the third. Assuncao lands a nice combo. Sandhagen with a right hand to the body. Assuncao gets a single leg and scores a takedown but they scramble to their feet. Sandhagen with an uppercut to the body. They trade body kicks. Assuncao grabs the back against the fence. Assuncao gets a brief takedown. They get up and Assuncao still has the back and lands a knee. Assuncao picks Sandhagen up and delivers a big slam but Sandhagen gets up and gets the clinch advantage. Sandhagen with the jab. Assuncao just slips away from a knee and gets the clinch. Sandhagen with a flying knee. 10-9 Assuncao, 29-28 Sandhagen.
Official Result- Cory Sandhagen def. Raphael Assuncao by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
> Devonte Smith (10-1, 2-0 UFC) vs. Khama Worthy (14-6, 0-0 UFC) Lightweights
Worthy took this fight earlier this week. Smith with a body kick. Smith lands a right hand. Smith with a high kick and Worthy blocks it. Smith with a leg kick. Worthy with a right hand to the body. Smith with a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Smith with a leg kick. Neither able to find much with their punches. Worthy with a leg kick. Worthy then drops Smith with a left hand followed by an uppercut and Smith is in all sorts of trouble and Worthy finishes him off. Wow, what a win for Worthy after taking this fight less than a week ago.
Official Result- Khama Worthy def. Devonte Smith by TKO (punches) at 4:15 of Round 1
ESPN+ PPV MAIN CARD | 10 PM ET/7 PM PT
> Derek Brunson (#8, 19-7, 10-5 UFC) vs. Ian Heinisch (#10, 13-1, 2-0 UFC) Middleweights
Heinisch opening up quick with an uppercut and hurts Brunson with a head kick but Brunson shakes it off and grabs ahold of Heinisch. They break. They trade. Brunson with a body kick. Brunson is landing the straight left hand. Brunson shoots for a takedown but Heinisch defends. Heinisch lands a right hand. Brunson with a combo. Brunson shoots from a distance and pushes Heinisch against the fence. Close round. 10-9 Heinisch.
They trade leg kicks to start. Heinisch with a right hand that Brunson barely blocks. Brunson with a hard combo and Heinisch shoots for the takedown but Brunson sprawls. Brunson with a high kick. Brunson with a left hand and then another and Heinisch is stunned. Brunson with a body kick. Big flurry from Brunson and he takes the back of Heinisch. Brunson lets go and they trade punches. Brunson misses a head kick and slips but gets up. Brunson with some body kicks. Heinisch misses some heavy right hands. Heinisch goes for a takedown but Brunson defends and lands some big left hands. 10-9 Brunson, 19-19.
They are trading punches and Brunson lands a left hand and grabs a leg. He moves to the back and slams Heinisch down but they pop back up. Brunson lands a nice left hand. Heinisch shoots for a takedown but Brunson stuffs it. Brunson gets the body lock and gets a takedown and has the back. Heinisch gets out and grabs the leg but they break. They trade and Brunson getting the better of the exchanges. Brunson landing body kicks but Heinisch lands some punches. Both men are tired with a minute left. They trade late. 10-9 Brunson, 29-28 Brunson.
Official Result- Derek Brunson def. Ian Heinisch by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Gabriel Benitez (21-6, 5-2 UFC) vs. Sodiq Yusuff (9-1, 2-0 UFC) Featherweights
Yusuff throwing bombs right away and cuts Benitez open within seconds. Yusuff with a hard kick and follows with a right hand. Yusuff with more big punches. Yusuff with a combo. Benitez with a knee to the body followed by a leg kick. Benitez with a leg kick. Benitez with more inside leg kicks and Yusuff lands some punches. Benitez lands two left hands. Benitez drops Yusuff with a left hand but he gets up. Benitez swarms on him as he covers up. Benitez lands another left hand. Benitez with a leg kick. Yusuff drops Benitez with a right hand and then finishes him off with hammerfists on the ground. What a great finish by Yusuff as he gets the first-round stoppage.
Official Result- Sodiq Yusuff def. Gabriel Benitez by TKO (punches) at 4:14 of Round 1
> Yoel Romero (#2, 14-3, 9-2 UFC) vs. Paulo Costa (#7, 12-0, 4-0 UFC) Middleweights
Costa with a body kick to start. Romero with a left hand and Costa stumbles back. Romero with a head kick. They have a quick scramble. Costa misses a head kick. Costa hurts Romero with a punch and then Romero drops Costa with a left hand. Costa gets up. Costa with a body kick. Romero with another left hand. Costa with a right hand followed by a body kick. Costa with a combo. Romero with a knee to the body. Costa with a knee to the groin of Romero and Romero goes down and we have a timeout. We get back to action. Romero with a left hand. Costa with a head kick that Romero blocks. Romero with a takedown attempt and Costa lands punches and then Romero lands punches. They both land hard punches. Romero with a left hand. Romero with more left hands. Costa applying pressure and lands a wheel kick. 10-9 Costa.
Romero with a body kick. Costa with a combo. Costa with a body kick and Romero counters with a right hand. Costa with a couple of left hooks. Costa with a combo and he is teeing off and Romero is yelling at him while he is eating punches. They trade kicks. They trade punches. Romero has great speed but his footwork has seemed off. They trade punches. Romero with a left hand. Costa lands a right hand but Romero counters with a left hand. Costa with a high kick and Romero sticks his tongue out at him. Romero with an uppercut. Romero with a late takedown. 10-9 Romero, 19-19.
Romero with a left hand and then he lands a big flurry. Romero with a left hand and Costa lands two body kicks. Romero with a straight left hand. Romero pokes Costa in the eye and we have a timeout. Back to action and Costa with a leg kick. Costa keeps landing punches and Romero sticks his tongue out every time. Romero with a combo. Romero with a pair of left hands. Costa with a body punch and one to the head. Romero with an uppercut and a left hand. Costa with a right hand. They are throwing down and Romero lands some big punches. This is wild. Romero with a big flurry of punches and Costa is fading. Costa’s nose is pouring blood. Romero with a combo. Costa with a head kick that Romero eats. Romero gets a takedown but Costa is able to scramble up. Great, great fight. 10-9 Romero, 29-28 Romero.
Official Result- Paulo Costa def. Yoel Romero by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Anthony Pettis (#7, #9 LW, 22-8, 9-7 UFC) vs. Nate Diaz (19-11, 14-9 UFC) Welterweights
Diaz with a combo to start his attack. They trade kicks. Diaz with some pressure and Pettis lands a right hand. Pettis with a leg kick. They trade punches. They trade and clinch and Diaz lands a knee to the body and some body punches. Pettis lands a combo as they break. Diaz with a front kick to the body. Pettis with a combo and high kick. They clinch and Diaz with some body shots. They break. Diaz with a right hand. Pettis with a knee and Diaz gets a takedown. Pettis looking for a guillotine but Diaz pops out. Diaz in the guard. Diaz takes the back and lands some punches and then gets to the mount. Diaz gets the back again and lands some punches and has back control as the round ends. 10-9 Diaz.
Pettis falls down after they trade leg kicks but gets up and they clinch for a moment. Pettis lands a left hand. Pettis with a combo and lands a right hand. Diaz is cut around his eye and he keeps checking it. We have a timeout so the doctors can check on the eye of Diaz. Back to action. Pettis with a right hand. They trade right hands. Diaz with a knee to the body. Pettis lands a left hand. Diaz gets the back and scores a takedown and has side control. Diaz lands from the top but Pettis scrambles out. Diaz with a knee after they stand. Diaz with a big elbow along with fence. Diaz with a combo. Pettis is running out of gas. Diaz with a knee to the body. Loud chants for Diaz. Diaz with a big knee followed by a right hand. Pettis counters with a right but Diaz with an uppercut. Pettis with an elbow and Diaz is cut open. They trade at the end. 10-9 Diaz, 20-18 Diaz.
Diaz looks the fresher fighter heading to the third. Pettis with an uppercut as they clinch. They trade in phone booth range. Diaz with a combo. Pettis with a high kick. Diaz with a front kick. Pettis lands a right hand. Diaz with a combo and then more punches and lands some knees to the body and head. Pettis goes to the mat and Diaz is on top and landing punches. Diaz has the back and tries to get the hooks in. Crowd is loud for Diaz. Pettis spins into the guard of Diaz. Diaz landing from the bottom and blocking any offense from Pettis. Pettis lands an elbow and stands but goes back into the guard. Diaz landing from the bottom and went for an armbar but Pettis escapes and Diaz ends up on top and then gets the back. Great grappling here. Diaz landing punches from the back and takes the back. Pettis gets to the guard and Diaz throws up a triangle as time runs out. 10-9 Diaz, 30-27 Diaz.
Official Result- Nate Diaz def. Anthony Pettis by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Miocic with an inside leg kick. Cormier with a pair of leg kicks. Cormier with a left hook. Miocic with an inside leg kick. Miocic with another. Cormier with a right hand. Cormier with another right hand. They trade. Cormier shoots for a single leg and then picks him up and slams him to the ground. Cormier in side control and gets to the half-guard. Cormier with some short punches from the top but Miocic defending well. Cormier being patient from the guard of Miocic. Cormier with a big left hand from the top. Cormier with more punches from the top. Miocic tries an upkick and now Cormier trying for the back. Cormier with hammerfists. They get to their feet. Cormier with late elbows. 10-9 Cormier.
Miocic lands a jab. Miocic with an inside leg kick. Cormier with a hard leg kick. Miocic with a knee to the body. Miocic lands a right hand. Miocic with a combo. Cormier with the jab. Cormier with an elbow. Cormier with an uppercut and then a straight right hand. Cormier with another right hand. They trade punches. Miocic lands a right hand. Cormier with a hard right hand. Cormier with an elbow and they clinch. They break and Miocic lands a combo. Cormier with a right hand. They both land in an exchange. Miocic with a left hand. Cormier with a left hand and they clinch. They break. Miocic lands a right hand. Cormier with a hard uppercut. Cormier with a jab. They trade punches. Miocic with a body kick. Cormier with some punches and a head kick. They trade late. 10-9 Cormier, 20-18 Cormier.
Miocic lands a combo with a hard right hand. Miocic tries a takedown but Cormier easily defends and just misses a head kick. Cormier with the double jab. They are tagging each other in close range. They clinch and Miocic pushes Cormier to the fence. Miocic with a knee to the body. Miocic tried a spinning elbow as they broke but missed. Miocic with a combo. Cormier with the double jab. Cormier with a body kick. Cormier with the jabs again. Cormier lands a right hand. Miocic takes Cormier down but Cormier right back up. Miocic with a knee to the body. Cormier lands a combo. Cormier with a hard right hand. Cormier with a combo but Miocic lands a right hand. They trade punches late. 10-9 Cormier, 30-27 Cormier.
Miocic with an inside leg kick. Cormier with a leg kick. Cormier lands a left hand. Miocic misses a right hand. Miocic with a left hand to the body and then a right hand. The pace has slowed. Miocic is applying pressure but not throwing a lot. Miocic now going with left hands to the body. Cormier with a right hand. Miocic still ripping to the body. Cormier with a right hand. Cormier lands another right hand. Miocic lands another left hand to the body and follows it with a right hand. Miocic then lands a right hand that drops Cormier and he finishes him off in the fourth round. Wow, big win by Miocic as he regains the title.
Official Result- Stipe Miocic def. Daniel Cormier by TKO (punches) at 4:09 of Round 4 to win the UFC Heavyweight Championship
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.
This will be Diaz’s first MMA fight since August 20, 2016 when he lost to Conor McGregor by majority decision at UFC 202. Pettis last fought back in March, defeating Stephen Thompson by KO.
There were attempts last year to make a match between Diaz and Dustin Poirier in a lightweight bout for UFC 230. However, Poirier pulled out of the event due to an injury and the fight ended up being cancelled.
Diaz and Pettis will co-main UFC 241, as Daniel Cormier will be in the main event defending the UFC Heavyweight championship against the person he beat for it, Stipe Miocic. A match between Yoel Romero and Paulo Costa has also been signed.
UFC 241 takes place on August 17 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
Just over a year from when they first fought, UFC heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier and Stipe Miocic will do it again.
Made official Saturday, Cormier vs. Miocic will headline August’s UFC 241 from Anaheim, CA, in a rematch of last July’s champion vs. champion encounter that saw Cormier knock out Miocic and walk away with two belts.
The fight came together after negotations for Brock Lesnar to return and fight the 40-year-old Cormier fell apart over money according to our Dave Meltzer. According to UFC president Dana White, Lesnar told him he retired.
The 36-year-old Miocic has been campaigning for a rematch with Cormier for some time and showed little to no interest in fighting anyone else. Cormier didn’t show much interest in the rematch but wasn’t left with a lot of options if he indeed wants to retire this year.
Miocic made UFC heavyweight history with a record three consecutive defenses of the title. Cormier will be looking for his second consecutive defense after submitting Derrick Lewis in November.
