Recorded live on our Twitch feed, check out former UFC light heavyweight and future PFL competitor “Filthy” Tom Lawlor join Wrestling Observer Live’s Mike Sempervive for our UFC 250 post show.
For an hour, Tom and MIke discussed UFC women’s featherweight champion Amanda Nunes’ dominant victory, the intrigue at bantamweight with Cody Garbrandt, Sean O’Malley, and Aljamain Sterling all picking up impressive wins, Conor McGregor’s retirement, and the rest of the card.
Here’s all the details on how you can watch Wrestling Observer Live every day free on our Twitch stream.
We have a feature on systemic prejudice in the U.S. as the lead story in this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Also in this issue:
The Dana White/Jon Jones story, explaning the economic realities, the economic fallacies and where things stand with both men’s arguments. We look at what does and doesn’t make sense economically, why Jones and Conor McGregor and all the top draws have lost value to UFC, plus exactly what both men have said about each other and where things stand.
The economics of what Jones has drawn in the past, and the numbers of recent UFC show.
The unwritten WWE rule about not criticizing other talent in a public forum outside of storyline-related reasons, why it was broken this past week, what was said, as well as looking at the ties beween the ownerships of the different wrestling companies with Donald Trump, statements released, and the key things no talent can say.
New WWE Network updates.
Upcoming guidelines for WWE shows, Paul Levesque talks COVID testing, notes on more WWE cuts, Vince McMahon sends out memo, original Gronkowski plans and why they changed and why now.
Upcoming Backlash and Takeover shows, an update on the XFL bankruptcy, how WWE is involved and more.
Update the Kairi Sane injury, Vince McMahon bio, Drake Maverick angle, people talked about for main roster, WWE hires new man t head the Middle East business, Kurt Angle talks why he’s not returning at this point to WWE, plus we look at the current market value of WWE and poll results, as well as WWE’s own track record.
Coverage of Saturday’s UFC show with the storylines and the business news, plus match-by-match coverage.
A large feature on the retirement of Stu Saks and the westling magazine era, the life and times and the glory years of Pro Wrestling Illustrated, the death of the magazine business, how VinceMcMahon tried to kill it early, and the different stages of the magazine era.
A feature on the wrestling career, and life of Danny Havoc from many of the people who knew him best in the industry.
In-depth looks at the ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.
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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SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I will be back tonight covering a number of subjects including NXT Takeover. We also have a show up on the site covering last night’s UFC show and the rest of the news already up on the site.
NXT Takeover In Your House is tonight on the WWE Network with this lineup:
Adam Cole vs. Velveteen Dream for the NXT title – This match was taped last week in a parking lot. Since it was taped for a long period of time, with retakes and such, there is no reason it shouldn’t be a great match. In theory, since Cole has passed one year as champion, it would seem like he would lose. Dream was really over but he’s been hurt since the pandemic but most of their stuff is planned out in advance at this level.
Charlotte Flair vs. Io Shirai vs.Rhea Ripley for the NXT women’s title. On paper this should be very good, if not great. Flair vs Ripley was one of the best matches over Mania week and Shirai is better in-ring than either of them, so it should enhance the match. Ripley should pin Flair. That’s not a prediction, but that’s what should happen.
Keith Lee vs. Johnny Gargano for the North American title. On paper a strong match although the small heel/giant babyface is harder to work. That’s why I figure heavy involvement by Candice LeRae, or later Mia Yim, depending on the six-person match earlier.
Tommaso Ciampa vs. Karrion Kross – It’s Kross’ debut so he’d be the favorite here. As noted, because of how good Ciampa’s Takeover matches have been, the pressure is on Kross because with anything but a great match people will start blaming him. But this is the biggest match of Kross’ career.
Finn Balor vs. Damien Priest – Similar, in the sense Balor’s job here is to make Priest look like a superstar no matter what the end result is.
Candice LeRae & Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez vs. Tegan Nox & Mia Yim & Shotzi Blackheart – Given that Takeovers are usually five bouts, and this was kind of thrown in late, there is probably a storyline reason for the match.
Mikaela Mayer, who was scheduled for Tuesday’s Top Rank boxing show in Las Vegas, the first boxing show in months, tested positive for COVID-19. The show will proceed as scheduled with her being pulled from the event. She had not shown any symptoms. Mayer was in the semi against Helen Jacobs. She wrote:
I am heartbroken to report that I will no longer be fighting on Tuesday’s Top Rank card due to a positive result in my COVID-19 test yesterday. it came as a complete surprise. I am currently asymptomatic and am quarantining at an off-site location per recommended guidelines. The rest of my team tested negative and they are all in good health. I was really looking forward to bringing back boxing for all of you and I’m disappointed for myself, my team, my supporters and for my opponent, Helen Joseph, who worked just as hard to be here this week and put on a show for everyone.
After two hard back-to-back camps, not being able to step into the ring both times, you can imagine how disappointed I am. However, these protocols were put into place for a reason and it’s more important to care about the health and well being of my team and the people at this event. So I am complying with the rules set forth by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and Top Rank to keep everyone safe.
UFC 250 did 1.5 million Google searches yesterday and it was No. 1 even on a heavy news day. Because UFC 250, also cracking the top 20 were Conor McGregor at No. 3 for his latest retirement, Sean O’Malley at No. 5 because he’s legitimately becoming a superstar, Cody Stamann at No. 8 because of the story of him fighting and winning a week after the death of his brother and Chase Hooper was No. 13. And Hooper lost but evidently he has a following.
Bruce Lee was No. 8 earlier today for the ESPN 30 for 30 on Lee that will be airing tonight and was pushed like crazy on the UFC show yesterday.
New Japan Pro Wrestling has a press conference at 11 p.m. Eastern tomorrow right after Raw. This will be to announce its return schedule. The belief is that they will be starting very soon, first with empty arena matches and then moving to half capacity matches.
WWE
The WWE will be taping tomorrow’s Raw tomorrow afternoon, followed by the 6/12 Smackdown show, along with Main Event and 205 Live. On Tuesday they’ll tape those same shows for 6/15 to 6/19. Wednesday will be the next two weeks of NXT being taped.
A better in Nevada put up $1 million on Amanda Nunes to beat Felicia Spencer. He risked it to win $166,666.70. This was the largest bet ever taken for an MMA fight by the William Hill Agency.
MISCELLANEOUS
Steph De Lander is donating her proceeds from WrestlerMerch this month to Black Rainbow, an Australian charity supporting gay Aboriginal people. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
EPW in Perth had its first day back of full contact training on 6/6.
Tuesday’s Impact show will have Michael Elgin vs. Ken Shamrock vs. Sami Callihan, Jordynne Grace vs. Taya Valkyrie for the Knockouts title, and Johnny Swinger & Chris Bey vs. Cousin Jake & Willie Mack. The show will also announce the future of the Impact title after Tessa Blanchard missed the tapings due to not being able to get out of Mexico.
Impact 60 after Impact will be a show airing X Division highlights.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 250: Nunes vs. Spencer, eminating from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The UFC continues their behind-closed-doors run at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas with their first pay-per-view offering from there featuring the greatest female fighter of all-time making a title defense.
UFC Women’s Bantamweight and Featherweight Champion Amanda Nunes defends the 145-pound title against Felicia Spencer in the main event of the show. It is the first time Nunes will defend the featherweight title since defeating Cris Cyborg for it in December 2018 as she looks to extend her ten-fight win streak and hold onto to her female GOAT status. Spencer is looking to score the big upset and win UFC gold after a dominant win in her last fight in February.
The rest of the main card is filled with big fights in the bantamweight division. Former UFC Bantamweight Champion Cody Garbrandt returns for the first time since March 2019 to take on Raphael Assuncao in the co-main event. A major bantamweight bout that is being hailed as a number one contender fight also takes place as Aljamain Sterling battles Cory Sandhagen. The Suga Show is back as Sean O’Malley looks to remain undefeated as he takes on Eddie Wineland. Also on the main card is a welterweight bout between Neil Magny and Anthony Rocco Martin.
The prelims feature a lot of quality fights capped off with a featherweight bout between Alex Caceres and undefeated 20-year-old Chase Hooper. Also on the prelims is a middleweight battle seeing Ian Heinisch battle Gerald Meerschaert, a featherweight bout between Cody Stamann and Brian Kelleher and a pivotal flyweight bout between Jussier Formiga and Alex Perez.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6 PM eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru 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 PRELIMS | 6 PM ET/3 PM PT
> Evan Dunham (18-8-1, 11-8-1 UFC) vs. Herbert Burns (10-2, 1-0 UFC) 150-pound Catchweights
Dunham ended a brief retirement to come back for this fight. Burns lands a hard body kick to start. Dunham lands a left hand and Burns briefly falls to the mat. Burns lands a right hand and grabs the back and drags Dunham to the mat. Burns looking to lock in a choke. Burns lands some punches as he looks for the choke. He has it locked in and Dunham taps! Burns with the quick submission win.
Official Result- Herbert Burns def. Evan Dunham by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:20 of Round 1
> Alonzo Menifield (9-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. Devin Clark (11-4, 5-4 UFC) Light Heavyweights
Clark immediately goes for a takedown but Menifield defends against the fence. Clark was throwing low kicks from the clinch. Menifield breaks and starts landing some big punches that hurt Clark including a hard right hand. Clark tries for another takedown but doesn’t get it and they break. They trade and Menifield hurts Clark. They continue to trade and Menifield lands some hard shots. They break and Clark lands a nice jab. Clark lands a combo that hurts Menifield. Clark’s left eye has taken some damage. They clinch against the fence as the round ends. Crazy round. 10-9 Menifield.
Clark lands a right hand and they clinch a moment but break. They trade and Menifield looks for a takedown but they break. They trade and Clark lands a high kick and Menifield lands a hard right hand. They clinch and they trade knees and break. Clark lands a big right hand as they break. Menifield with an uppercut and then an overhand right. They clinch and both are breathing hard. They break. Menifield slowing down as they clinch again. They break and then clinch again and Menifield is leaning on Clark. Clark with some knees in the clinch. Clark with some short punches to the ear. They break and Clark with a big combo as they break. 10-9 Clark, 19-19.
Menifield lands a right hand as Clark rushes in for a clinch and they are tied up against the fence. They trade and Menifield lands a right hand as they break and clinch again and Menifield with a big knee. Clark tries a takedown but Menifield sprawls away. Clark with a combo. Menifield is looking for a takedown but Clark got warned about grabbing the fence and Menifield lets go. Clark pushes Menifield against the fence and lands some body punches. Clark gets a takedown and has the back and is landing some punches. Clark looking for a choke but Menifield defending. They get to their feet. Clark still working for the takedown as both look for underhooks against the fence. Menifield with some left hands to the body. They both land good at the end. This was a good brawl. 10-9 Clark, 29-28 Clark.
Official Result- Devin Clark def. Alonzo Menifield by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
> Jussier Formiga (#4, 23-7, 9-6 UFC) vs. Alex Perez (#9, 23-5, 5-1 UFC) Flyweights
Perez with some leg kicks. They are trading big punches as Perez keeps landing leg kicks. Perez with a nice body punch. Perez with a quick uppercut. Formiga with a combo. They continue to trade and both are landing good punches. Perez a little more active with leg kicks. Formiga now lands some leg kicks. Perez with a hard leg kick and Formiga is hurt bad and falls to the mat but gets up. Formiga having trouble standing. He gets up. Perez with another hard leg kick and Formiga falls to the mat and the fight is stopped. Big leg kick finish by Perez and an impressive stoppage.
Official Result- Alex Perez def. Jussier Formiga by TKO (leg kick) at 4:06 of Round 1
> Charles Byrd (10-6, 1-2 UFC) vs. Maki Pitolo (12-5, 0-1 UFC) Middleweights
Pitolo with a combo to start. Byrd landed a left and Pitolo stunned him with a punch before they clinched against the fence. They fall to the mat and Pitolo on the top. They scrambled up and Byrd was looking to take the back and Pitolo landed a big takedown and is in the half-guard. Byrd was able to reverse to the top and stood and landed some big punches before the end of the round. 10-9 Byrd.
They are trading big punches to start the second. Byrd was loading up and landing good punches and then Pitolo starts landing some good punches in return. Pitolo lands a left hand that stuns Byrd. Pitolo then lands some body punches. Pitolo trips Byrd to the ground and starts landing lots of punches until Herb Dean steps in and stops it. Impressive first win in the UFC for Pitolo.
Official Result- Maki Pitolo def. Charles Byrd by TKO (punches) at 1:10 of Round 2
> Cody Stamann (#12 BW, 18-2-1, 4-1-1 UFC) vs. Brian Kelleher (21-10, 5-3 UFC) Featherweights
Kelleher fought 24 days ago. Stamann with a nice combo to start. Kelleher landed some but Stamann was landing good counters. Kelleher with a leg kick and Stamann lands a combo counter. Stamann lands another good combo. Stamann pressuring Kelleher back and lands a high kick. They trade body kicks. Stamann trips Kelleher to the ground and lands some hammerfists as Kelleher gets up. Kelleher lands a combo to the body as he pushes Stamann against the fence. Stamann lands a kick. Kelleher lands a right hand. Stamann with some jabs and Kelleher lands some good leg kicks. 10-9 Stamann.
Stamann with a high kick and follows it with a right hand. Kelleher lands a right hand and shoots for a takedown. Stamann with some short punches as he has his back against the fence. They break and Stamann just misses an elbow on the break. Stamann with a right hand. Kelleher with a leg kick but eats a counter combo from Stamann. Stamann with a jab but Kelleher coming forward with a body kick and right hand. Stamann just misses some punches. Kelleher with a left hand. Stamann with a right hand. Stamann with a hard jab and Kelleher lands a hard overhand right counter. Kelleher lands a combo against the fence. Stamann lands a hard left hook. Stamann with a combo. Kelleher lands an uppercut as Stamann gets a takedown and is working in Kelleher’s guard. Stamann with a big elbow from the top. Kelleher is able to scramble to his feet and Stamann pushes him against the fence. 10-9 Stamann, 20-18 Stamann.
Stamann gets a takedown to start the third and both were looking to land from the position but Kelleher gets to his feet. Stamann landing punches and Kelleher landing some leg kicks. They are trading and Kelleher coming forward with a combo. Kelleher with a body kick. Kelleher lands a right hand and he is coming forward with pressure. Kelleher lands a left hand and a body kick. Stamann grabs the leg and they clinch. Stamann with a knee to the body. Kelleher lands a knee and they break. Kelleher with a combo to the body and lands an uppercut. Stamann with the double jab. Kelleher coming forward with a body kick and then a left hook. Stamann with the double jab. Kelleher with a combo and goes for a late takedown but Stamann defends against the fence. Kelleher gets a late takedown. 10-9 Kelleher, 29-28 Stamann.
Official Result- Cody Stamann def. Brian Kelleher by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Ian Heinisch (#13, 13-3, 2-2 UFC) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (30-12, 6-4 UFC) Middleweights
Heinisch with an inside leg kick to start. Heinisch with a right hand followed by a front kick and then another leg kick. Meerschaert with a body kick. Heinisch with a big right hand that drops Meerschaert. Heinisch pounces on top of Meerschaert and starts landing lots of punches and finally it is stopped. A big finish by Heinisch as he ends his losing skid.
Official Result- Ian Heinisch def. Gerald Meerschaert by TKO (punches) at 1:14 of Round 1
> Alex Caceres (15-12 1 NC, 10-10 1 NC UFC) vs. Chase Hooper (9-0-1, 1-0 UFC) Featherweights
Caceres with an early right hand. He lands another. Caceres with the jab. Hooper tries to tie-up but Caceres slips away. Caceres with a big right hand and Hooper drops to a knee but Caceres backs away and Hooper stands back up. Hooper coming forward. Caceres with a left hand. They clinch and Caceres lands a knee as they break. Hooper lands and grabs the back of Caceres. Hooper trying to get Caceres to the ground. Hooper has the back standing but they break. Caceres with a short uppercut. Caceres tagging Hooper as he comes forward. Caceres tags Hooper with a left hand. Caceres lands a few more left hands. Caceres gets a takedown and has the back. Hooper rolls for a kneebar but the round ends. 10-9 Caceres.
Hooper applying pressure as they clinch against the fence. Caceres lands an elbow. They break. Caceres with a combo. Caceres with a left hand. Hooper grabs the back standing and is looking for the takedown. Caceres using good hand fighting and is able to shake Hooper off. Hooper lands a left hand as he initiates a clinch. They break and Caceres starts landing. They clinch and Hooper pulls guard. Hooper tries for a triangle but Caceres pulls out and gets up. Caceres with a calf kick. Hooper lands a left hand. Hooper tries to pull guard but Caceres lands a hammerfist. Hooper stays on his back as Caceres stands and lands a leg kick and then an axe kick. Caceres tries to go into his guard and Hooper sweeps to the top. Hooper with some body shots and they stand. They trade late. 10-9 Caceres, 20-18 Caceres.
Hooper coming forward but Caceres is landing as he is retreating. Caceres lands a combo. Hooper lands a left and goes for a takedown. He gets the back of Caceres. Caceres with a knee to the body as they break. Hooper lands a groin strike and we have a timeout. Caceres with a left hand. Hooper lands a left hand and they clinch. Hooper is on the mat and Caceres lands some leg kicks before Hooper stands. Caceres with a left hand. Caceres with a jab. They go to the mat and Caceres is in the guard of Hooper landing punches. Caceres stands as the fight ends. 10-9 Caceres, 30-27 Caceres.
Official Result- Alex Caceres def. Chase Hooper by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
ESPN+ PPV MAIN CARD | 10 PM ET/7 PM PT
> Eddie Wineland (24-13-1, 6-7 UFC) vs. Sean O’Malley (11-0, 3-0 UFC) Bantamweights
O’Malley just misses a head kick. He’s trying to land it. Wineland coming forward but neither really landing. They both land at the same time. Wineland with a right hand. O’Malley with a spin kick to the body and then lands a quick right hand. O’Malley then lands a right hand that sends Wineland out cold to the mat. What an incredible knockout by O’Malley. Holy cow he is legit.
Official Result- Sean O’Malley def. Eddie Wineland by knockout (punch) at 1:54 of Round 1
> Neil Magny (22-7, 15-6 UFC) vs. Anthony Rocco Martin (17-5, 9-5 UFC) Welterweights
Martin coming forward and they clinch. They break and Magny lands a left hand. Magny comes forward and Martin grabs the back. They are tied up against the fence and both are battling for position. They break and Magny with a leg kick. Martin lands a right hand. Magny with a leg kick and then another. Magny with the jab and they tie up. They break and then Martin rushes forward and they clinch again. They break and Magny with a front kick. 10-9 Martin.
They trade jabs and Magny with a leg kick. Martin comes forward but misses with his punches. Magny with a body kick. Martin lands a right hand as Magny comes forward. Martin with a leg kick. Magny with a leg kick but Martin is checking them. Martin gets a takedown right into side control. Magny able to get to his feet but Martin keeps him clinched against the fence. Magny reverses position and looks for a takedown while Martin looks for a kimura but they break. Magny with a leg kick. Martin with an overhand right. They clinch but break before much happens. They trade leg kicks at the end. 10-9 Martin, 20-18 Martin.
Magny coming forward to start the third. Martin with a leg kick but Magny lands a left hand. Magny with a leg kick. Martin tries for a takedown but Magny keeps it standing. They break. Magny with a knee to the body and a leg kick. Martin breathing heavy. Magny with a right hand and clinches and lands some left hands. Magny not able to get him down but they break and Magny lands some big punches as he pushes Martin against the fence and looks for a takedown. Magny has the body locked but Martin is defending. They break and Martin is totally gassed out. Magny coming forward and is landing. Magny with a knee to the body followed by an elbow. Martin grabs him but doing it to rest. Magny with some big punches and lands them good. Martin lands a hard right and Magny lands an even harder right hand. Big round for Magny and this is a close fight. 10-9 Magny, 29-28 Martin.
Official Result- Neil Magny def. Anthony Rocco Martin by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Sterling with early pressure as they trade kicks. Sandhagen throws a kick and Sterling catches it and they clinch. Sterling gets the back standing and jumps up and is looking for a rear-naked choke as they go to the mat. Sterling had it across the jaw and Sandhagen got out but Sterling still has the body triangle. Sterling now has it locked in deep and Sandhagen taps! That was a statement win by Sterling, what a performance.
Official Result- Aljamain Sterling def. Cory Sandhagen by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:28 of Round 1
Garbrandt with a leg kick. They both land leg kicks. Assuncao with a leg kick. Garbrandt chopping the leg of Assuncao with kicks. They trade high kicks. Garbrandt just misses a wheel kick. Garbrandt with a body kick. Garbrandt with a right hand. Assuncao with a high kick. Garbrandt with an inside leg kick. Garbrandt with another leg kick. Assuncao not doing much offense and looking slow compared to Garbrandt. Garbrandt with a combo but Assuncao lands a counter right. Close round. 10-9 Garbrandt.
They scramble to start the second and Garbrandt lands a head kick as Assuncao got up. Assuncao misses a spin kick. Assuncao with a body kick. Assuncao keeps switching stances. Assuncao lands a right hand. They trade kicks. Assuncao with a low kick. Assuncao barely connects with a high kick. They trade in close range. Assuncao is showing good defense and is landing a little more. Garbrandt moving around but not throwing much offense. Assuncao with a leg kick. Garbrandt lands an overhand right and Assuncao goes down for a second. Garbrandt with a left hook. Assuncao with a leg kick. Garbrandt with a leg kick. Garbrandt then lands a right hand at the end of the round and Assuncao goes out cold. What a finish. Holy cow.
Official Result- Cody Garbrandt def. Raphael Assuncao by knockout (punch) at 4:59 of Round 2
Nunes lands a left jab. Nunes lands a hard overhand right. Nunes with a quick combo. Nunes lands another right hand. Spencer grabs a leg and pushes Nunes against the fence. Nunes with a judo takedown and is in side control. Nunes with a knee to the body. Nunes takes the back but Spencer circles back and now Nunes looking for the mount. Nunes with a heavy elbow. Nunes with more elbows from the top. Spencer has a cut open. Nunes with more elbows from the top. Nunes with another big elbow at the end of the round. 10-9 Nunes.
Nunes with a leg kick and then a right hand. Spencer looking to circle away from trouble but Nunes catches her with a hard right hand. Nunes with another right. Spencer shoots for a takedown but Nunes turns it into her own takedown and has the top. Nunes with some big elbows and she stands. Spencer staying on the mat and Nunes lets her up. Nunes with a leg kick. Nunes with more kicks and an overhand right. 10-9 Nunes, 20-18 Nunes.
Nunes with a right hand as Spencer rushes in but Spencer lands a knee there. Nunes lands some more punches as she controls the action. Nunes with a right hand and knocks Spencer’s mouthpiece out. Nunes with the jab. Spencer lands a left jab as she came forward. Nunes grabs a leg and just throws Spencer down to the ground. Nunes with a right hand to the body. Nunes with a combo. Nunes with a head kick. Spencer starting to fight recklessly. Nunes with another overhand right and then an uppercut and a front kick. Nunes with another low kick and Spencer having trouble standing. Nunes with a jab then a right hand. 10-8 Nunes, 30-26 Nunes.
Nunes with more hard leg kicks to start the fourth and follows with an overhand right. Nunes with a right hand. Spencer tries a takedown but misses badly. Nunes with a leg kick. Spencer did land a right hand. Nunes with more punches and kicks and gets Spencer to the ground and lets her up. Nunes with a hard leg kick. Nunes with a big overhand right and then lands another. Spencer still fighting back but Nunes is teeing off on her. Big flurry from Nunes and Spencer goes to the mat. Nunes with a rear-naked choke locked in but the round ends. 10-8 Nunes, 40-34 Nunes.
Nunes with a right hand. Spencer keeps fighting but her corner needs to stop it. Spencer shoots for a takedown but Nunes defends. Nunes spins to the back and lands some hammerfists. Nunes in the half-guard of Spencer now. Nunes moves into the guard of Spencer and seems to be letting up on the offense. Nunes now with some elbows. Nunes stands and Spencer remains crawling on the mat and then stands. Herb Dean calls timeout to have the blood and cut checked on Spencer. The fight goes on. Nunes gets another takedown and they stand and Nunes lands some punches and then takes her back down. 10-8 Nunes, 50-42 Nunes.
Official Result- Amanda Nunes def. Felicia Spencer by unanimous decision (50-44, 50-44, 50-45), retains the UFC Women’s Featherweight Championship
For the first time since UFC 248 on March 7th, the UFC will return to Las Vegas.
Since the pandemic began, Dana White has wanted to host shows at their APEX facility in the city but regulations by Nevada had prevented that. At a Wednesday state athletic commission meeting, they approved both this Saturday’s show and UFC 250 on June 6th in what was essentially a formality given the timeframe.
UFC made adjustments to their COVID-19 procedures following their three show return in Jacksonville, Florida, earlier this month. The NAC also approved those procedures, but many of the details are still unknown as White has previously aired concerns about sharing information with the media.
Assuming things go well from a health standpoint on those two shows, APEX will be the primary U.S.-based home for the UFC until it makes financial sense to run shows in other cities. On the international front, it was rumored this week that “Fight Island” is actually Yas Island, a massive entertainment facility in Abu Dhabi, a facility that will feature cards with all international fighters until they are cleared to return to business as usual. In both cases, running shows with fans could be quite some time away.
White has said they will meet all their commitments for events in 2020 despite having to cancel five shows due to the pandemic. The aforementioned UFC 248 was their last event with any gate revenue.
Saturday’s 11-fight show will feature Tyron Woodley vs. Gilbert Burns in the main event while UFC 250 will feature featherweight champion Amanda Nunes vs. Felicia Spencer in the main event.
With the UFC gearing up for several events in the upcoming weeks, several fights have been announced for those events.
The next event will be taking place on Saturday, May 30, headlined by former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley taking on Gilbert Burns. Per MMA Junkie, former title challenger Katlyn Chookagian will be taking on Antonina Shevchenko, sister of women’s flyweight champion Valentina who Chookagian unsuccessfully challenged for the title in February.
Also slated for that show are Casey Kenney vs. Louis Smolka, Tim Elliott vs. newcomer Brandon Royval, Roosevelt Roberts vs. Brok Weaver, and Billy Quarantillo vs. Spike Carlyle.
Following that is the UFC 250 pay-per-view on Saturday, June 6, headlined by UFC women’s featherweight champion Amanda Nunes vs. Felicia Spencer. Former UFC bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt vs. Raphael Assuncao is also official for the show, a fight originally tabbed for the canceled Columbus, OH, show.
Additionally, Aljamain Sterling and Sean O’Malley have both said they will be on the show with Sterling expected to face Cory Sandhagen while O’Malley is expected to go against Eddie Wineland. A welterweight bout between Neil Magny and Anthony Rocco Martin has also been announced.
Those two shows are scheduled to take place at their APEX facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. While the state has yet to officially open up for sports without fans, there is a commission meeting on Wednesday, May 27th. Among the items on the agenda is approval for requests by the UFC to hold those events there. Dana White has said that Arizona is a fallback option if Nevada isn’t an option.
The UFC officially announced their June 6th date in Perth, Australia, has been postponed.
“Due to the current state and national restrictions on public gatherings and travel, UFC 251 originally scheduled for Perth, western Australia on Sunday, June 7, has been postponed. UFC looks forward to returning to Perth in the near future with a PPV event in partnership with Tourism Western Australia. Fans can register their interest to receive date, ticketing and bout information at UFC.com/Perth.”
However, ESPN’s Ariel Helwani reported Tuesday that the organization is planning on moving ahead with a pay-per-view on June 6th in a yet-to-be-announced American location featuring featherweight champion Amanda Nunes (seen above) defending against Felicia Spencer. Cody Garbrandt vs. Rafael Assuncao has also been rumored for that show.
The UFC wll kick off a three show, seven day stretch this Saturday with their UFC 249 PPV followed by two ESPN shows on Wednesday and Saturday, respectively, all in Jacksonville, FL. They are also still planning on moving forward with a May 23rd show, but the location has yet to be announced.
They are awaiting clearance from Nevada to resume operations at their APEX facility in Las Vegas. Florida became an option as they added pro sports to their essential businesses list last month.
The UFC’s unofficially planned May 9th pay-per-view officially lost one of its top three fights Monday as women’s dual-weight champion Amanda Nunes said she won’t be on the show.
In an interview with CBS Sports Monday, the reigning bantamweight and featherweight champion said that she would rather have a full training camp to prepare for top contender Felicia Spencer.
She said that wants to “let this coronavirus pass a little bit” so she can have a full camp. She mentioned June as a possibility, but wanted to wait to see what the health situation is before committing. She reiterated that she does want to fight Spencer in a defense of the featherweight title she won by knocking out Cris Cyborg in December 2018.
The 31-year-old has won ten fights in a row and is regarded by many as the best women’s fighter ever with wins over Ronda Rousey, Miesha Tate, Holly Holm, Cyborg, and Valentina Shevchenko twice. Spencer (8-1) was victorious in her last outing and is 2-1 in her UFC career, the next fighter up for a title shot in a very shallow division.
The UFC has yet to formally announce a full card or name for the May 9th event, much less a location. Dana White said recently that Justin Gaethje vs. Tony Ferguson for the interim lightweight title and Henry Cejudo vs. Dominick Cruz for the men’s bantamweight title were planned for the event.
Dana White’s plan to run shows out of the UFC’s Las Vegas-based APEX facility is alive once again as the UFC president told Variety Tuesday night that they will begin running events there starting in May.
“We built the APEX facility next door just in time to save the day from this pandemic. Live fights will be produced out of there starting next month and for the foreseeable future,” he said in an email statement to the entertainment publication.
The reason that could happen is an expectation that Nevada will ease their non-essential business restrictions that extend through April 30th which would allow the company to run shows in front of empty seats. The state did not respond to Variety’s request for comment.
White has had to cancel four shows thus far due to the coronavirus pandemic, including this Saturday’s UFC 249 as California governor Gavin Newsom reportedly intervened with Disney executives on not running a show on tribal land in Lemoore, CA. White said last Thursday that he had another state, governor, and commission on board even if Lemoore fell through, but was told not to move forward.
On Tuesday, White was named by President Donald Trump as one of the sports figureheads involved in a long list of business executives tasked with how to restart the country’s economy amid the pandemic.
UFC president Dana White told ESPN Tuesday that the company is now focusing on Saturday, May 9th, for their return to action including a targeted card that would be among their deepest of all-time.
Brett Okamoto tweeted that White “remains adamant” that the company will get back on their schedule and that “barring outside factors”, the May 9th show will happen in a location that is still to be determined.
Okamoto tweeted that this is the card being targeted:
UFC interim lightweight championship: Justin Gaethje vs. Tony Ferguson
UFC bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo vs. Dominick Cruz
UFC women’s featherweight champion Amanda Nunes vs. Felicia Spencer
Jair Rozenstruik vs. Francis Ngannou
Donald Cerrone vs. Anthony Pettis
Jeremy Stephens vs. Calvin Kattar
Greg Hardy vs. Yorgan de Castro
Fabricio Werdum vs. Alexey Oleynik
Michelle Waterson vs. Carla Esparza
Jacare Souza vs. Uriah Hall
Niko Price vs. Vincente Luque
Charles Rosa vs. Bryce Mitchell
May 9th was originally slated to be UFC 250 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Last week, White had to cancel plans to hold this Saturday’s UFC 249 at the Tachi Palace Casino in Lemoore, CA, due to the governor intervening with Disney/ESPN officials as the show was set to be held on tribal land. White said plans for “Fight Island” — a secret location where infrastructure is being put in place to both train fighters and put events on — are ongoing and could be up and running within a month.
White said he had a state, athletic commissioner, and governor all lined up to do the 249 event, but that Disney/ESPN asked him to “stand down”. Florida is being speculated as a possible destination given their controversial governor’s decree Monday that pro sports, including WWE, are “essential businesses” but cannot have fans in attendance.
White has been thwarted by travel bans and location availability due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic in an effort to keep putting on events. He has had to cancel shows on March 21, March 28, April 11 and the aforementioned UFC 249, remaining steadfast that the UFC will be the first sports entity to return to action, even if it has to be in front of empty arenas.
The organization has yet to formally announce their plan on how to test all personnel involved for COVID-19 before, during, and after these events with White insisting they have it covered.
President Donald Trump announced Tuesday afternoon that White will be part of a group of sports commissioners working together on getting the sports industry back to work.
