Saturday’s UFC 257 prelims, which aired on ESPN prior to the pay-per-view event, averaged 1.433 million viewers.
The prelims drew a 0.54 rating in the 18-49 demo, which topped all of cable television in that category. It also beat everything on network television for the day with the exception of ABC’s World News Tonight.
The UFC 257 PPV was headlined by Dustin Poirier’s second-round knockout of Conor McGregor. Early reports are that the PPV did 1.2 million buys domestically and 1.6 million buys in total.
Saturday was the first time ESPN had aired a PPV prelims block since UFC 252 in August of last year. That show averaged 943,000 viewers leading into the PPV that was headlined by Stipe Miocic vs. Daniel Cormier, which did 500,000 PPV buys.
Here are the viewership totals for the other UFC PPV prelims that aired on ESPN in 2020:
UFC 251 — 1,000,000 viewers (July 11)
UFC 250 — 950,000 viewers (June 6)
UFC 249 — 1,470,000 viewers (May 9)
UFC 248 — 1,190,000 viewers (March 7)
UFC 247 — 1,480,000 viewers (February 8)
UFC 246 — 1,770,000 viewers (January 18)
The UFC 246 PPV was headlined by McGregor vs. Donald Cerrone and did just over 1.35 million buys on PPV. It’s unusual — but not unprecedented — that more people will buy the PPV than tune in for the prelims. UFC 257 did not have anything at all in terms of marquee value on the prelims, with the featured prelim being a fight that was put together the day before the show between Matt Frevola facing Arman Tsarukyan.
A comparable event to this show would be UFC 202, headlined by the rematch between McGregor and Nate Diaz. That PPV reportedly drew a similar number of buys as UFC 257, and the prelims — which aired on FS1 at the time — averaged 1.3 million viewers. But that prelims show was headlined by Cody Garbrandt, who has way more name value than anyone who fought on this weekend’s prelims.
Several days after Dustin Poirier’s convincing TKO win over Conor McGregor at UFC 257, we still don’t know what’s next for the UFC lightweight title and what direction Dana White wants to go in next.
On this edition of Josh Nason’s Punch Out, I talk about that, the ESPN+ follies, the future of Conor McGregor and Spencer Fisher with MMA Fighting deputy editor Steven Marrocco.
We discuss whether White made a blunder in not putting the title up for grabs in the Poirier-McGregor clash, what title fight we would like to see, the options for McGregor at this stage of the game and some of the well-documented issues ESPN+ ran into Saturday.
We then talk about Steven’s tremendous feature on Fisher as he battles a slew of physical injuries from his fighting days. Learn how the story came together after seven years, the reaction to the piece, and the follow-up that will help guide fans and others on corrective measures that can be taken to help fighters when they hang up the gloves.
Conor McGregor is still big business for the UFC as he and Dustin Poirier helped generate a reported 1.6 million pay-per-view buys for Saturday’s UFC 257 according to John Ourand of the Sports Business Journal.
Ourand said sources have the domestic total at 1.2 million buys with an additional 400,000 purchased internationally. After the event, Dana White said the event would likely be either the second or third highest in company history. McGregor has been in the main event of the top five best-selling UFC PPVs of all time with his loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 holding the top spot at 2.4 million buys.
From a technical perspective, the show had its issues as hundreds of thousands of potential buyers attempted to buy right before the main card started, causing a bottleneck that resulted in many unable to watch the show as it started — even those who had pre-bought the event.
ESPN issued a statement that night, saying “We are aware of an issue impacting some fans’ ability to access to tonight’s PPV event and are working to resolve it as quickly as possible.” It’s unknown if the 1.6 million includes those buys which technically failed to play and/or refunds.
Poirier defeated the Irish star by second round TKO in the main event which also featured the debut of former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler in the co-main event.
Ourand also reported that “ESPN has reacted so well to the numbers that execs are talking about finding more windows” on ABC for more live UFC shows. The UFC made its ABC debut on January 16th with an afternoon show opposite an NFL playoff game that still averaged 1.22 million viewers. Ourand said that number “convinced ESPN execs to try and find more ABC windows for UFC.”
We’ve got a double issue of the Observer out this week with notes on how President Biden’s new policies on international travel will affect wrestlers and fighters from different countries.
Also in this issue:
The new WrestleMania plans, including how the Super Bowl plays into it, the time frame for the shows for both nights, the inside hopes for attendance and how the dynamic is different this year as to what gets announced. We also look at the decision making in regards to Dallas and Los Angeles, update the Royal Rumble and also have notes on match plans.
Coverage of Impact Hard to Kill, with notes on the key angles, the departure of Madison Rayne, Taya Valkyrie and Ethan Page, Page’s scathing words after his departure, plus match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.
Dwayne Johnson’s new TV show about his life, new WWE signees, Dusty Rhodes men’s and women’s tournament, Kofi Kingston talks his injury, WWE television personality gets an ESPN TV show, A.J. Styles talks retirement, lawsuit update, where wrestling shows ranked with network sports, who is looking for new entrance music, what aspect of WWE’s major events are they trying to sell, why Raw will have two very tough dates for competition soon, as well as the most-watched shows of the past week on the WWE Network.
Coverage of both UFC shows over the past week and the story behind Max Holloway’s setting records.
A story on the life of Paul Varelans, an early star of UFC and MMA around the world, as well as his different forays with four different pro wrestling companies as well as his infamous angle with Taz in ECW. For the first time, Missy Hyatt talks publicly about the situation plus comments from all involved. We look at the tournament days of UFC, crazy street fights, and much more.
A story on the life of Guy Hauray, the voice of WWF in France for a generation.
A story on famous carnival shooter and pro wrestler Dick Cardinal, who was the oldest living pro wrestler at the time of his death.
History of the biggest draws in pro wrestling each year from 1916 to 2020, including what wrestlers were No. 1 for the most years.
Win-loss record of every WWE talent in 2020 including who wrestled the most dates, who never lost, who never won and more.
Television ratings of the past week, segment-by-segment numbers for the past two weeks on Wednesday, who was watching in different age groups, how different segments did on Raw & Smackdown.
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SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE
We have two weekend shows up right now, a show I did Friday night with Garrett Gonzalez talking the news of the week plus interviewing Randy Hales on Memphis wrestling, and last night’s show with Bryan talking UFC 257, New Japan’s show yesterday, Smackdown, TV ratings and more.
The UFC 257 show no doubt did enormous PPV numbers with 11.1 million Google Searches. This would have been the highest except for maybe McGregor vs. Khabib and Ronda Rousey’s fight with Holly Holm as far as general public interest in a show. It was also notable that Amanda Ribas was the only thing that trended not involving the main event, No. 9 yesterday at 100,000. Ottman Azaitar trended on Friday with 50,000 based on being fired. It was almost surely one of the largest PPVs in history and if McGregor doesn’t fight again, it will likely be the largest of 2021.
There was a huge problem because of the interest as ESPN Plus went down for a number of people. For most who were shut out, which Dana White said was mainly a West Coast program, it wasn’t until the third match on the show when it was working again.
White also conceded after the show that Khabib Nurmagomedov is probably not coming back, saying Nurmagomedov told him that none of these guys are even close to him, referring to Michael Chandler and Poirier (who Khabib beat in a one-sided fight). He didn’t indicate what he would be doing about the lightweight title.
New Japan World has another show at 4 a.m. Eastern time late tonight/tomorrow morning from Korakuen Hall:
Will Ospreay & Great O’Khan vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima
Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Evil & Yujiro Takahashi & Dick Togo
Master Wato & Tomoaki Honma vs. Tetsuya Naito & Bushi
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kota Ibushi & Sho vs. Singto Takagi & Sanada & Hormu Takahashi
We got asked earlier today on SNME about Ryback and AEW. Ryback teased signing a new deal with the competition. He’s not signing with AEW.
Newsweek listed the 101 Monumental Moments in television history. The Jerry Lawler-Andy Kaufman angle on the David Letterman show made the list. Usually on lists like this that and the debut of Gorgeous George on national TV in 1947 make the lists (thanks to Brian Henke)
Suwama beat Shotaro Ashino earlier today at Korakuen Hall to retain the Triple Crown.
WWE
The WWE Network has added Evolve 144, ICW Fight Club 156 and Best of British Strong Style in Progress. The Progress show includes Pete Dunne, Trent Seven, Tyler Bate, Walter, Timothy Thatcher, Axel Dieter Jr., Bandido, Flamita & Rey Horus.
E! will be airing a Total Bellas marathon on Thursday.
OTHER NOTES
There is a social media story from today. Masaaki Mochizuki was looking for photos from his first match for Dragon Gate’s magazine. He didn’t have any photos of the match but got one from a friend. His first match was January 21, 1994, 27 years ago, against Taz working for the Kitao Dojo promotion. Mochizuki put the photo on his Twitter today. Alan Counihan sent the tweet to Taz. Mochizuki and Taz then both followed each other and had a DM chat which Mochizuki said was the first time they’ve connected with each other since that match. (thanks to Daniel Short)
MLW is teasing that Laredo Kid will defend the AAA cruiserweight title within its promotion, teasing Zenshi, El Hijo de L.A. Park, Ikuro Kwon and BoKu Dao as possible contenders.
Tom Lawlor will address allegations of Filthy Island financial woes on MLW Fusion on Wednesday.
Myron Dennis (18-7) vs Fabio Chernat (6-1) for the LFA light heavyweight title has been announced for 2/12 from the Hartman Arena in Park City, KS on UFC Fight Pass.
EPW from last night in Perth, Western Australia: Tyler Jacobs b Del Cano, Edith Nght & Davis Storm & Julian Ward b Casey Johns & James Hartness & Aaron Hawk, JoelHagan b Jordan Bishop, Taylor King & Jack wards b Dan Moore & Bobby Marshall to keep the tag titles, James Draker b Bruno Nitro, Mikey Nicholls b Michael Morleone to keep the EPW title (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
Stardom had an afternoon and evening show today from Osaka. The afternoon show: Natsuoko Tora b Ruaka, Tam Nakano & Unagi Sayaka b Saya Iida & Starlight Kid, Utami Hayashishita & Saya Kamitani b Mayu Iwatani & Lady C, AZM & Momo Watanabe b Syuri & Natsupoi, Giulia & Himeka & Maika b Bea Priestley & Konami & Saki Kashima
Night show: Ruaka b Lady C, Himeka b Saya Iida, Starlight Kid b Unagi Sayaka, Mayu Iwatani d Tam Nakano, Bea Priestley & Konami & Natsuko Tora & Saki Kashima won three-team eikination over Utami Hayashishita & AZM & Momo Watanabe & Saya Kamitani and Giulia & Syuri & Maika & Natsupoi
Ice Ribbon from last night in Tokyo Korakuen Hall: Mochi Miyagi & Miku Aono & Thekla b Hamuko Hosh & Tsukush Hiragi Yappy, Yuuki Mashiro & Arisa Nakajima b Ibuki Hoshi & Nao Ishikawa, Ram Kaichow won three-way over Uno Matsuya and Cherry for the Triangle Ribbon title, Totoro Suzulio & Itsuki Aoki & Rina Yamashita b Akane Fujita & Kurumi Hiiragi & Risa Sera, Mayu Yukhi & Maika Ozaki b Tae Honma & Rina Shingaki to keep the International Ribbon tag titles, Tsukasa Fujimoto b Suzu Suzuki to win the Infinity title.
Shine from last night in Port Richey, FL: This was the company’s first show in almost a year. Rocky Radley and Dynamite Didi were both not cleared to wrestle. Marti Belle & Jayme Jameson b Sofia Castllo & Lexi Gomez to keep the tag titls, Harlow O’Hara b Erica Torres, Ava Evertt b Sahara Se7en, Allie Recks b Amber Nova, Natalie Markova b The WOAD-DQ, Chelsea Durden b Katalina Perez, Kimber Lee & Stormie Lee b Jayme Jameson & Marti Belle to win the tag titles, Ivelisse b Allysin Kay-DQ to keep the Shine title.(thanks to Shannon Walsh and Wrestlingwithdemons.net)
Ignite Wrestling from last night in Florida: Jarrett Diaz b Aaron Nova, Tech b that Klassic Tag Team, Robet Martyr b Ozzy Kilmeister, Justin Blax b Timmy Lou Retton and Beastly, Leon The Terrible b KiLynn King, Kaci Lennox b Dream Girl Ellie and Aspyn Rose
Pro Wrestling Australia airs the first two episodes of its PWA Premiere tournament on Ovo Play tomorrow at 8 p.m.. This will be the last event on Ovo Play since the service is folding on 2/1.
PWA Back in Black Label airs on FITE TV on 2/12 at 8 p.m. with Mick Moretti, Jessica Troy, Ricky South and more.
Even though he was a significant betting underdog going into Saturday’s UFC 257, Dustin Poirier silenced his critics once again, defeating Conor McGregor by second round TKO to set himself up for a future UFC lightweight title shot.
McGregor (22-5) edged Poirier (27-6-0-1) in the first round, showing his hand speed and connecting flush on several punches. Poirier was hurting McGregor’s leg with calf kicks and landed several punches at the end of the round that seemed to boost his confidence going into the second round.
In the second, Poirier kept up the attack on McGregor’s lead leg and kept gaining confidence getting into McGregor’s range. The beginning of the end was Poirier hitting McGregor with a left hand and a right hook that put McGregor on his rear. Poirier landed another left to his downed opponent and it was over at 2:32 of the round without question.
Afterward, Poirier said he was happy and that since they are 1-1 against each other, maybe they do this again sometime. He put over his charity and didn’t call for a title shot, saying he felt like this was a title fight. McGregor didn’t have a lot to say afterward but that he plans to fight against this year and is not retiring.
With the win, Poirier avenged his 2014 TKO loss to McGregor while both were at featherweight. He’s now won seven of his last nine dating back to February 2017.
The question now is what the UFC and Dana White do with the lightweight title currently held by Khabib Nurmagomedov. While White said Nurmagomedov was going to wait for this weekend’s results to see if one of the performances would be enough to get him out of retirement, “The Eagle” said in a subsequent interview that wasn’t the case and fighting again wasn’t in his immediate future. Nurmagomedov dominated Poirier in a 2019 defense of the title, so it seems unlikely he would change course.
At the post-fight press conference, White said it doesn’t sound promising that Nurmagomedov will return.
The obvious choice would be to pair Poirier and former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler who also impressed in Saturday’s co-main event with a first round TKO win over Dan Hooker.
For McGregor, his future depends on what his desires are at this point of his career. He had been talking about a boxing match against Manny Pacquiao, but that would appear dead given this result. There is always the possibility of the Nate Diaz trilogy fight, but Diaz is rumored to be facing Justin Gaethje next. There are plenty of other elite lightweights McGregor could fight, but whether they are names enough to interest the pay-per-view powerhouse in taking remains to be seen.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 257: Poirier vs. McGregor 2, emanating from the Etihad Arena in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
The first UFC pay-per-view event of the year ends the UFC’s third stint on Fight Island, wrapping up three events over eight days, and saving the best for last- the return of the biggest star in UFC history.
Conor McGregor returns to action in the main event when he takes on Dustin Poirier in a pivotal lightweight headliner. This will be the second meeting between the two, as McGregor knocked out Poirier in the first round of their first fight at UFC 178 in September 2014. McGregor hasn’t fought since a 40-second finish of Donald Cerrone at UFC 246 last January, while Poirier is coming off a win over Dan Hooker in one of 2020’s best fights.
In the co-main event, former Bellator Lightweight Champion Michael Chandler makes his much-anticipated UFC debut when he takes on the aforementioned Dan Hooker in another pivotal lightweight fight. Also on the main card is a women’s flyweight fight between Jessica Eye and Joanne Calderwood, a middleweight bout between former TUF winner Andrew Sanchez and Makhmud Muradov, and Marina Rodriguez takes on surging prospect Amanda Ribas in a women’s strawweight bout.
Among the fights on the prelim card, a lightweight fight between Arman Tsarukyan and Matt Frevola, long-time veterans Brad Tavares and Antonio Carlos Junior meet in a middleweight fight, Julianna Pena takes on Sara McMann in a women’s bantamweight fight, and light heavyweight bangers Khalil Rountree and Marcin Prachnio square off.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 7 p.m. 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 | 7 PM ET/4 PM PT
> Amir Albazi (#15, 13-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Zhalgas Zhumagulov (13-4, 0-1 UFC) Flyweights
They are trading early and Zhumagulov lands a couple of left hands. Both throwing in close range early on. Albazi with a leg kick. Zhumagulov lands a left hand and then an overhand right. Albazi with a right hand and then pressures Zhumagulov against the fence but doesn’t land much. Albazi lands a couple of jabs. Albazi tries for a knee but eats a counter left from Zhumagulov. Zhumagulov with a calf kick. Albazi gets a takedown against the fence and Zhumagulov is able to work his way to the feet. They are clinched and Albazi lands a knee then they break. Albazi lands a left hook and then Zhumagulov lands a calf kick. Zhumagulov lands a right hand. Zhumagulov gets a takedown and is working in the guard but Albazi throwing elbows from the bottom. Zhumagulov with an elbow from the top at the end. Close round. 10-9 Zhumagulov.
Albazi with a leg kick. They are both looking for an opening. Zhumagulov with a left hand and Albazi lands a leg kick. Albazi with another leg kick. Albazi still applying pressure and lands a leg kick. Zhumagulov misses some strike attempts. Zhumagulov with some body punches. Albazi lands a right hand. Albazi with a leg kick. Albazi with a right hand. Albazi trying to urge Zhumagulov to attack first. Albazi lands a couple of jabs. They trade in close range and Albazi cracks Zhumagulov with a punch. Zhumagulov tries a takedown but Albazi sprawls and lands some punches and a knee to the body. 10-9 Albazi, 19-19.
Albazi pressuring to start the third and lands some punches. Zhumagulov with a right hand. Albazi tries for a takedown but Zhumagulov defends and almost slips on a spinning back fist attempt. Albazi tries a flying knee but they clinch against the fence and Albazi gets a takedown. Albazi working in the guard of Zhumagulov and lands an elbow. Albazi moves to the half-guard. Albazi gets the back of Zhumagulov and is working from there landing some punches. Zhumagulov tries to turn but Albazi keeps back control. Zhumagulov is able to explode to his feet. Zhumagulov lands a combo and then a body kick. Albazi with a leg kick. Albazi with a left hand. 10-9 Albazi, 29-28 Albazi.
Official Result- Amir Albazi def. Zhalgas Zhumagulov by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Lentz lands a short uppercut. Lentz coming forward and looking for a takedown against the fence as he has a body lock. Lentz gets a takedown but Evloev reverses to the top. Evloev with some body punches. Lentz looking for a guillotine choke from the bottom and it is in tight. Lentz reverses to the mount as he still has it locked in. Evloev remaining calm and gets out. Evloev gets to his feet but Lentz still has the neck. Lentz drops down as he still has the neck but Evloev passes as he escapes and is on the top. Lentz again attacking with the guillotine but Evloev escapes again and lands an elbow from the top. Evloev gets in the half-guard and then starts landing some ground-and-pound and lands a big right hand. Evloev ends the round but a flurry. 10-9 Lentz.
Evloev coming forward and they both land right hands. Evloev with a leg kick. Evloev with a jab. Evloev cracks Lentz with a right hand. Lentz with a leg kick. Evloev lands a jab and Lentz gets Evloev to the mat and jumps on the neck. They battle for position on the ground and they scramble up and Lentz jumps up for the guillotine again as they go down but Evloev escapes again and has the back before making his way back to the center. They trade punches and Evloev landing more. Lentz tries a late takedown but the round ends. 10-9 Evloev, 19-19.
Evloev coming out throwing to start the third and Lentz lands a knee. Evloev really landing the jab. Lentz lands a punch that backs Evloev up. They trade in close range. Evloev lands a combo. We have a timeout as Lentz claims he was poked in the eye but we get back to action. Lentz goes for a takedown but Evloev grabs the arm and they go to the mat and Evloev lands some short punches and more as they get to the feet. Evloev lands a left hook and then a right hand and Lentz is backing up. Lentz’ face is a mess right now. Evloev throws a head kick but Lentz blocks it. They trade kicks. They trade late and Evloev lands some nice counter right hands. Evloev landing a flurry at the end. 10-9 Evloev, 29-28 Evloev.
Official Result- Movsar Evloev def. Nik Lentz by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
ESPN PRELIMS | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT
> Khalil Rountree (8-4 1 NC, 4-4 1 NC UFC) vs. Marcin Prachnio (13-5, 0-3 UFC) Light Heavyweights
Prachnio with a high kick. Prachnio lands a combo. Rountree with an inside leg kick. Prachnio with a side kick. Prachnio goes high with a kick but Rountree blocks it. Rountree with an inside leg kick. Prachnio with his own leg kick. Prachnio with a body kick. Rountree with a hard body kick. Both looking for openings and Rountree lands a left hand and then another. They trade in close range. Prachnio with a high kick but Rountree blocks. Rountree with a body kick but eats a right hand from Prachnio. Prachnio with a right hand to the body. Rountree with a calf kick. 10-9 Prachnio.
Prachnio coming out sloppy to start the second and Rountree lands a left hand. Prachnio with a body kick. Rountree with a body kick. Rountree with a right hook. Rountree lands a left hand. Rountree lands another left hand. They trade in close range. They trade again and Rountree hurts Prachnio with the left hand. Rountree lands a left hand and then a body kick. Rountree lands some short right hooks in close range. Rountree lands a check right hook that sends Prachnio almost to his knees. Rountree then lands a head kick and Prachnio is still hurt. Rountree with a body kick. 10-9 Rountree, 19-19.
Rountree lands the left hand. He lands it again. He lands it yet again. Prachnio with a body kick. Prachnio shoots for a takedown but Rountree defends. Rountree lands a jab. Rountree landing and Prachnio landing some shots as well. Rountree stuns Prachnio with a left hand. They trade punches and kicks. They trade jabs. Rountree lands a left hand. Rountree doing more damage but Prachnio landing with more volume. Prachnio lands a right hand. Prachnio lands a right hand. 10-9 Prachnio, 29-28 Prachnio.
Official Result- Marcin Prachnio def. Khalil Rountree by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Julianna Pena (#7, 9-4, 5-2 UFC) vs. Sara McMann (#9, 12-5, 6-5 UFC) Women’s Bantamweights
McMann with a leg kick. They trade punches and McMann lands some good right hands. McMann ducks down for a takedown and then lands a right hand as she gets up. McMann with a combo. Pena with a combo. McMann gets a takedown. McMann gets the back of Pena. Pena gets to her feet, not without grabbing the fence. McMann lands some knees to the body. McMann gets it down again and ends the round on top as they both land on the ground. 10-9 McMann.
McMann with a leg kick. Pena lands a combo. McMann drops and gets a takedown but Pena has the neck and is trying for a guillotine choke. It was locked in but McMann uses the cage to pass and escapes and is in the guard of Pena. Pena staying active on the bottom and is looking for a triangle choke. McMann with an elbow from the top. Pena throwing hammerfists from the bottom. McMann gets the back as Pena was trying to scramble to her feet. McMann was going for a choke but Pena escapes and grabs the neck but they stand. They trade knees in the clinch. McMann pressing Pena against the cage but Pena lands a knee. Pena with an elbow on the break and then a combo. Pena lands a left hand. 10-9 Pena, 19-19.
They trade to start the third and Pena pushing forward. They clinch and McMann has the underhooks. Pena throwing some knees. Pena gets a takedown from the clinch and is in side control. Pena working from the top and then grabs the back and is landing and looking for the rear-naked choke. She has it locked in and McMann taps! Big win for Pena as she submits McMann in the third.
Official Result- Julianna Pena def. Sara McMann by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:39 of Round 3
> Brad Tavares (#14, 17-6, 12-6 UFC) vs. Antonio Carlos Junior (10-4 1 NC, 7-4 1 NC UFC) Middleweights
Tavares with a leg kick. He lands another. Tavares with another leg kick after they both throw punches. Carlos Junior with a body kick and he goes for a takedown against the fence. Carlos Junior has a leg of Tavares. Tavares escapes. Tavares with a leg kick. They trade punches and Carlos Junior tries for a takedown but Tavares defends. Carlos Junior has Tavares pushed against the fence. They break. Tavares with a heavy calf kick and then another. Carlos Junior with a body kick as they throw in the pocket and Carlos Junior goes for a takedown against the fence. Tavares defends but is pressed against the fence. Carlos Junior lands a big knee to the groin of Tavares and we have a timeout. We get back to action and Tavares with a leg kick. 10-9 Tavares.
They trade punches to start the second. Tavares with a leg kick. Carlos Junior gets a brief takedown but Tavares is able to scramble up. Carlos Junior is in deep for a takedown against the fence. They break. Tavares lands a right hand and then a combo. Carlos Junior with the jab. Tavares lands a right hand. Carlos Junior grabs the leg looking for a takedown but Tavares defends. Tavares lands a combo and ends it with a right hand that hurts Carlos Junior bad. Carlos Junior trying to hold on and then Tavares lands a glancing low blow and we have a timeout. We get back to action and Tavares lands a combo. Tavares with a jab and then a body kick. 10-9 Tavares, 20-18 Tavares.
Tavares lands a right hand. Tavares with a leg kick and follows it with a left hand. Carlos Junior with a leg kick. Tavares with an inside leg kick. Carlos Junior tries for a takedown but Tavares defends against the fence. Carlos Junior still pressuring Tavares against the fence. They are broken up by Marc Goddard. Tavares with an inside leg kick. Tavares with a right hand. Tavares with a leg kick and Carlos Junior looks for a takedown as he presses Tavares against the fence. Tavares with some short slaps in the clinch. Carlos Junior doing nothing as the fight ends. 10-9 Tavares, 30-27 Tavares.
Official Result- Brad Tavares def. Antonio Carlos Junior by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
> Arman Tsarukyan (15-2, 2-1 UFC) vs. Matt Frevola (8-1-1, 2-1-1 UFC) Lightweights* (Tsarukyan missed weight by 1 pound)
Tsarukyan with a leg kick early on and then gets a takedown. Frevola rolls back to the fence and they stand and Tsarukyan gets another takedown but Frevola scrambles to his feet. Tsarukyan gets the single-leg and another takedown. They trade punches on the mat. They stand and Tsarukyan lands a right hand. Frevola lands a left hand. Tsarukyan with a right hand. Tsarukyan with a combo. They throw and Tsarukyan goes for a takedown but Frevola reverses and gets a takedown but they stand and are clinched. Tsarukyan with a knee and Frevola lands a knee and they break. They break and Tsarukyan with a body punch. Tsarukyan with a combo. Tsarukyan with an inside elbow. Tsarukyan with a high kick. Tsarukyan with a triple jab and then a right hand. Frevola lands a right hand. Frevola lands a right hand. Freolva stuns Tsarukyan late. 10-9 Tsarukyan.
Tsarukyan going for a takedown right away and Frevola landing punches as he tries to defend. They get up and Tsarukyan has the body locked and gets another takedown. Tsarukyan on top and lands some punches. He gets the back of Frevola as Frevola forces a scramble. Tsarukyan gets another takedown. They stand and both throw and Tsarukyan gets another takedown. Tsarukyan in side control. Tsarukyan moves to the half-guard. Tsarukyan gets the back late as he looked to set up an arm-triangle. 10-9 Tsarukyan, 20-18 Tsarukyan.
Tsarukyan gets a quick takedown to start the third. Frevola tries to land a kick but Tsarukyan grabs it and Frevola slips away. Tsarukyan gets a takedown and is working in the guard of Frevola and landing punches. Frevola tries to slip out and throws an upkick but Tsarukyan grabs the neck and then they scramble up. Tsarukyan drops under and gets the big takedown and has the back of Frevola. Tsarukyan is in side control. Tsarukyan now gets the back and looks to set up a choke but maintains the mount as the fight ends. 10-9 Tsarukyan, 30-27 Tsarukyan.
Official Result- Arman Tsarukyan def. Matt Frevola by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
They are both looking for openings inside the first minute. Ribas gets a takedown and is in the guard of Rodriguez. Ribas working from the top and lands a right hand. Ribas with some more punches from the top. Rodriguez lands some punches from the bottom but Ribas just smothering from the top throughout the first. Ribas has a strong opening round. 10-9 Ribas.
Rodriguez lands a right hand. They clinch and Rodriguez lands a knee. Rodriguez drops Ribas and is pounding away and it looked like Herb Dean stopped it but he didn’t and they keep fighting. Rodriguez then lands an elbow and has Ribas in trouble standing and the fight is stopped. Rodriguez with the huge upset.
Official Result- Marina Rodriguez def. Amanda Ribas by TKO (punches) at :54 of Round 2
> Andrew Sanchez (12-5, 5-3 UFC) vs. Makhmud Muradov (24-6, 2-0 UFC) Middleweights
Sanchez with a body kick and Muradov grabs the leg but lets go. Muradov with a leg kick. They trade and Sanchez shoots for a takedown but Muradov defends. Muradov lands a leg kick and Sanchez lands a right hand. Muradov with a right hand. Muradov with a leg kick. Muradov with another leg kick and then another. Sanchez lands a right hand. Muradov with a calf kick. Muradov with a combo. Sanchez lands a right hand. Muradov tries a takedown but lands some punches instead. Muradov with the calf kick. Muradov with a right hand. Muradov with a leg kick at the end. 10-9 Muradov.
Sanchez coming forward. Muradov with a leg kick. We have a timeout for a groin strike on Muradov. They are both looking to trade. Sanchez drops down for a takedown but Muradov defends as they’re clinched against the fence. They break. Sanchez with the jab. He lands another. They trade punches. Muradov slipping away from Sanchez throwing. Sanchez lands a right hand. Muradov with the jab. Muradov with a combo. Muradov with a high kick that just misses the head of Sanchez. Muradov with two hard right hands late in the round. 10-9 Muradov, 20-18 Muradov.
Muradov lands a left hook as Sanchez lands a high kick. They trade punches. Muradov with a right hand. Sanchez is bleeding from the nose. Muradov with a big right hand as Sanchez covers up. Muradov with a right hand to the body. Sanchez lands a right hand. They trade punches. Sanchez lands a right hand. Muradov lands a big right hand that stuns Sanchez and then a flying knee and Sanchez is pressed against the fence and Muradov tees off and the fight is stopped. Big finish by Muradov.
Official Result- Makhmud Muradov def. Andrew Sanchez by TKO (punches) at 2:59 of Round 3
Calderwood with a body kick. She lands another body kick. They clinch and Eye pushes Calderwood against the fence. They break. They trade right hands. They clinch and Eye with a knee and then lands a punch as they break. They trade and clinch again and Eye with an uppercut. Calderwood with an elbow. Calderwood with a right hand. They clinch againand Eye pushes Calderwood against the fence. Calderwood lands some knees and then Eye lands some body punches as she has the body lock. Calderwood with a knee and they break. They briefly clinch and Eye lands to the body. Calderwood with a front kick and then a leg kick. Back to the clinch and Eye with a knee and Calderwood with a leg kick on the break. Eye lands a right hand. Eye with an uppercut. Eye with a left hand to the body. They trade. Calderwood with a body kick. Eye with a right hand. Calderwood with a right hand. 10-9 Calderwood.
Calderwood with a body kick. They clinch and Eye lands an uppercut. Calderwood with a right hand. They trade right hands. Calderwood with the jab and then a front kick to the face. Calderwood landing and gets a brief takedown but lets it get right back up. Eye with the jab. Eye with some punches in the clinch. Calderwood with a knee and Eye lands a right hand as they break. Eye with a jab. Calderwood with a leg kick. Eye with a combo but eats an elbow from Calderwood. Calderwood lands a knee to the body. Calderwood with a knee and then a body kick. The pace is slowing a little, especially from Calderwood, as they trade. Calderwood with a spin kick. Eye lands a right hand. Calderwood with more volume which is being the difference. Eye with a takedown and pushes Calderwood against the fence. Eye with a left hand from the top. Eye ends the round on top. 10-9 Calderwood, 20-18 Calderwood.
Calderwood with some kicks. Eye comes forward and lands and Eye pushes Calderwood against the fence. Eye pressuring Calderwood against the fence. Eye leaning on Calderwood but can’t get the takedown. Eye lands a couple of right hands. They break and trade and Calderwood clinches. Eye with some body punches and Calderwood lands a body kick as they break. Eye goes for a takedown but Calderwood defends. They clinch again and Calderwood lands a body kick as they break. They clinch and both are landing. Calderwood lands a knee and Eye is cut open. Eye tries a late takedown. 10-9 Calderwood, 30-27 Calderwood.
Official Result- Joanne Calderwood def. Jessica Eye by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
> Dan Hooker (#6, 20-9, 10-5 UFC) vs. Michael Chandler (21-5, 0-0 UFC) Lightweights
Chandler coming forward right away. Hooker with some quick leg kicks. Hooker with a leg kick. Hooker with more leg kicks as that’s all he’s done in the first two minutes. Chandler with a right hand to the body and then one to the head and then a push kick. Hooker circling away. Hooker with a hard leg kick. Chandler knocksHooker down with a left hand and then starts unloading punches on the ground and this fight is stopped. Huge win for Chandler, who couldn’t have looked better in his UFC debut.
Official Result- Michael Chandler def. Dan Hooker by TKO (punches) at 2:30 of Round 1
McGregor lands a left hand. Poirier looking for kicks. McGregor with another left hand. Poirier lands a right hand. Poirier gets a takedown and McGregor gets his back against the fence. Poirier not doing much from the top as they stand. McGregor with a shoulder strike. They trade shoulder strikes. Poirier with a left hand as they’re clinched against the fence. McGregor with some knees. McGregor with a hard knee. He lands a couple more. Poirier trying for the takedown. McGregor reverses and another shoulder strike. McGregor lands a clean elbow as they break. McGregor with a left hand. McGrgor with a combo and Poirier is rocked. McGregor with a hard jab. Poirier lands a hook and a leg kick. McGregor with a left hand. McGregor with a spin kick. They trade late. 10-9 McGregor.
Poirier with a hard calf kick. McGregor with a left hand and then lands a combo with an uppercut. McGregor with a leg kick and then a high kick. Poirier with a leg kick but McGregor counters with a left hand. They trade left hands. They trade kicks. McGregor with a left to the body and then to the head. Poirier with a kick and McGregor grabs the leg and lands a couple of left hands. McGregor lands another. They trade in the pocket. McGregor with a left hand. Poirier still landing the kicks. Poirier rocks McGregor against the fence and then knocks McGregor down and finishes it! Oh wow!
Official Result- Dustin Poirier def. Conor McGregor by TKO (punches) at 2:32 of Round 2
We’ve got a double issue of the Observer out this week with notes on how President Biden’s new policies on international travel will affect wrestlers and fighters from different countries.
Also in this issue:
The new WrestleMania plans, including how the Super Bowl plays into it, the time frame for the shows for both nights, the inside hopes for attendance and how the dynamic is different this year as to what gets announced. We also look at the decision making in regards to Dallas and Los Angeles, update the Royal Rumble and also have notes on match plans.
Coverage of Impact Hard to Kill, with notes on the key angles, the departure of Madison Rayne, Taya Valkyrie and Ethan Page, Page’s scathing words after his departure, plus match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.
Dwayne Johnson’s new TV show about his life, new WWE signees, Dusty Rhodes men’s and women’s tournament, Kofi Kingston talks his injury, WWE television personality gets an ESPN TV show, A.J. Styles talks retirement, lawsuit update, where wrestling shows ranked with network sports, who is looking for new entrance music, what aspect of WWE’s major events are they trying to sell, why Raw will have two very tough dates for competition soon, as well as the most-watched shows of the past week on the WWE Network.
Coverage of both UFC shows over the past week and the story behind Max Holloway’s setting records.
A story on the life of Paul Varelans, an early star of UFC and MMA around the world, as well as his different forays with four different pro wrestling companies as well as his infamous angle with Taz in ECW. For the first time, Missy Hyatt talks publicly about the situation plus comments from all involved. We look at the tournament days of UFC, crazy street fights, and much more.
A story on the life of Guy Hauray, the voice of WWF in France for a generation.
A story on famous carnival shooter and pro wrestler Dick Cardinal, who was the oldest living pro wrestler at the time of his death.
History of the biggest draws in pro wrestling each year from 1916 to 2020, including what wrestlers were No. 1 for the most years.
Win-loss record of every WWE talent in 2020 including who wrestled the most dates, who never lost, who never won and more.
Television ratings of the past week, segment-by-segment numbers for the past two weeks on Wednesday, who was watching in different age groups, how different segments did on Raw & Smackdown.
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FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE
Garrett Gonzalez and I will be doing a show tonight covering news of the past week, as well as a look at the history of Memphis Wrestling with Randy Hales, who worked as the General Manager of the promotion under Jerry Jarrett. Bryan and I will be back Saturday night covering New Japan, Smackdown and UFC 257.
There was a huge media story today regarding NBCUniversal looking at major changes, the biggest one being shutting down the NBC Sports Network. The key is that the sports properties that carried the network, the NHL, NASCAR and soccer among them, will move to USA. Right now there is no specific word on what this means, and the NHL contract with NBCU expires after the current season. But NBCU is likely to move the NHL if they keep it to USA. That could affect Raw, but probably won’t. If NBCU keeps the rights, this has a good chance to mean that NXT would have to be moved from Wednesday since the NHL is a far higher profile show, reaches a higher income viewers, younger viewers and stronger ad rates than NXT. Right now there is nothing official but there are ramifications we’ll talk about tonight that are huge.
UFC 257 had some late changes. Ottman Azaitar was fired for trying to sneak someone into his hotel room and breaking quarantine protocols and getting some sort of a box inside the hotel. Nasrat Haqparast never weighed in due to an illness. Luckily their respective opponents agreed to fight each other. White said that Azaitar and his team cut off their wrist bands (that allowed them into the quarantined hotel) and gave them to somebody who shouldn’t have been let in. That guy showed up with a big, went into a room, shimmied across four balconies, went into Azaitar’s room and dropped the bag off, changed his clothes and then left. When security tried to stop him, he ran off.
Weigh-ins for the show tomorrow:
ESPN+ at 7 p.m. Eastern
Amir Albazi (126) vs. Shalgas Zhumagulov (126)
Nik Lentz (150) vs. Movsar Evloev (150)
ESPN at 8 p.m. Eastern
Khalil Rountree (206) vs. Marcin Prachnio (205)
Sara McMann (135) vs. Julianna Pena (136)
Brad Tavares (185.5) vs. Antonio Carlos Jr. (185)
Matt Frevola (155.5) vs.; Arman Tsarukyan (157) – this was agreed to be at 157 pounds
PPV at 10 p.m. Eastern
Makhmud Muradov (186) vs. Andrew Sanchez (186)
Marina Rodriguez (116) vs. Amanda Ribas (116)
Jessica Eye (126) vs. Joanne Calderwood (126)
Dan Hooker (156) vs. Michael Chandler (156)
Conor McGregor (155) vs. Dustin Poirier (156)
Smackdown tonight has announced Big E vs. Apollo Crews for the IC title and Bayley vs. Bianca Belair in an obstacle course. 205 Live will have tag team tournament matches, a men’s match with Tommaso Ciampa & Timothy Thatcher vs. Tony Nese & Ariya Daivari and a women’s match with Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell vs. Gigi Dolin & Cora Jade.
In relation to one of the articles in the new issue of the Observer, the NFL announced today that it will put 14,500 tickets on sale for the Super Bowl at Raymond James Stadium, and will also give 7,500 tickets to vaccinated healthcare workers from hospitals in Central Florida and also the NFL teams will send vaccinated healthcare workers from their cities to the game.
How’s this for something different? Pro Wrestling Illustrated is about to publish its first-ever all Japanese edition. It will be a digital issue with extensive Tokyo Dome coverage, a look back at a famous Tokyo Dome match, and interviews with Kazuchika Okada and Takami Ohbari (new President of New Japan Pro Wrestling).
Bill Apter put this together talking about the famous Bruno Sammartino vs. Ivan Koloff match where Koloff ended Sammartino’s WWWF title reign, one of the most famous historical matches of all-time, on the 50th anniversary of the bout.
The ONE promotion will get another TV shot in the U.S. TNT will air a show on 4/7 at 10 p.m., right after Dynamite. Adriano Moraes defends the flyweight title against Demetrious Johnson and Eddie Alvarez faces Iuri Lapicus in the two main bouts.
Hajime Ohara of Pro Wrestling NOAH tested positive for COVID-19 and is out of action. Thus far he is asymptomatic.
New Japan has a live show from the Ota-Ward Gym at 3 a.m. Eastern or midnight Pacific tonight:
Minoru Suzuki & Douki vs. Gedo & Jado
Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Evil & Yujiro Takahash & Dick Togo
Will Ospreay & Great O’Khan vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima
Kota Ibushi & Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomoaki Honma & Sho & Master Wato vs. Tetsuya Naito & Sanada & Shingo Takagi & Hiromu Takahashi & Bushi in an elimination match
Desperado & Yoshnobu Kanemaru vs. El Phantasmo & Taiji Ishimori for the IWGP jr. tag titles
New Japan Strong at 10 p.m. on New Japan World:
Logan & Sterling Riegel vs. Jordan Clearwater & Kevin Knight
AEW has filed for a trademark for the term “Battle of the Belts,” which was the name for some 1980s television specials from Florida that Joe Koff of ROH produced, one of which was headlined by what was a match of the year contender with Ric Flair vs. Barry Windham for the NWA title. Battle of the Belts was also where Keiji Muto as Super Black Ninja made his U.S. national TV debut years before WCW or World Class.
OTHER NOTES
All Japan has a Sunday Korakuen Hall show on its streaming service headlined by Suwama vs. Shotaro Ashino for the Triple Crown and Koji Iwamoto vs. Fuminori Abe for the jr. title.
Brian Johnson won the poll on the ROH Facebook page to get a shot at Dragon Lee’s TV title. The match will be taped and air as a Facebook exclusive. A Pure title match with Jonathan
Gresham defending against Joe Keys will air on the 1/30 television show.
IWA from Saturday night in St Johns Park, New South Wales, Australia: Tree Hugger Luchi b Brad Alexander, Kingsley b Charli Evans, Dazza & Jimmy Townsend b Will Kiedis & Sam Osborne-DQ, Head Hunter Rig b Jude London, Chris Abbott b Matty Wahlberg to keep the IWA title (thanks to Kirk Beattie)
Guto Inocente, a former UFC fighter, will debut with KSW facing Michal Andryszak on the 1/30 show in Lodz, Poland.
Paige VanZant will host a new radio show called Knuckle Up Radio with Paige VanZant every Wednesday at 5 p.m. through 2/10 in Sirius XM Fight Nation.
PCW from Melbourne, Australia will be running a ilve show on FITE.tv on 1/30.
Glory will have a one-night heavyweight tournament with Rico Verhoeven, Hesdy Gerges, Levi Rigters and Tarik Khbabez on 1/30. Originally Verhoeven was to defend his title against Jamal Ben Saddick but Ben Saddick suffered a back injury. There will be three title fights on the show.
Less than 100 tickets remain for the NFC Fight Night show on 1/30 at District in Atlanta headlined by Corey Jackson vs. Brandon Webb. They also announced a 2/20 Jiu Jitsu show at Elite Edge Fitness in Atlanta.
EPW from earlier today in Perth, Western Australia: Kaz Jordan won Battle Royal,Taskforce NC The Children in a tag title match, Taskforce b Stella Nyx & Tyler Jacobs to keep tag title, Casey Johns b Edith Night, David Storm b Kaz Jordan to keep Coastal title, Kiel Steria b Zenith, Michael Morleone & Julian Ward b Damien Slater & Marcius Pitt-DQ. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
Wayne Mattei, the former leader of the Bullet Kliq in Australia, will be playing the role of Sgt. Slaughter in the NBC TV series “Young Rock.”
Richard Holliday vs. Savio Vega in a Caribbean strap match for the Caribbean title will be on Wednesday’s MLW TV show.
Mayu Iwatani, Momo Watanabe and Saya Iida of Stardom made a surprise appearance at the Seadlinnng show in Tokyo earlier today. They did angles to set up Iwatani vs. Yoshiko and Watanabe vs. Nanae Takahashi on 3/3 at Budokan Hall as well as Watanabe & Iida vs. Takahashi & Arisa Nakajima on the 2/10 Seadlinng show.
SoCal Uncensored announced its 2020 awards in this unusual year:
Wrestler of the Year – Danny Limelight
Women’s Wrestler of the Year – Heather Monroe
Tag Team of the Year – Tito Escondido & Che Cabrera
Most Outstanding Wrestler – Danny Limelight
Rookie of the Year – Ray Romero Jr.
Promotion of the Year – United Wrestling Network
Match of the Year – KENTA vs. Brody King
CWE has announced its Manitoba and Alberta dates are canceled and moved to March.
The announcement regarding Khabib Nurmagomedov’s fighting future is that there is no announcement…for now.
During Saturday’s UFC on ABC debut, Dana White said he spoke to the UFC lightweight champion Friday night and that Nurmagomedov has no interest in holding up the division. However, he wants to wait and see what happens in this Saturday’s UFC 257 main event and co-main event before making a final decision.
White said the champion’s message was, “Show me something spectacular and make me want to come back and fight.”
UFC 257 will feature former two-division champion Conor McGregor vs. former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier in a rematch and former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler vs. Dan Hooker in the co-main event. White said he was also impressed by Charles Oliveira’s recent dominant outing against Tony Ferguson.
Nurmagomedov retired at 29-0 in October after a submission win over Justin Gaethje, citing his father’s recent passing and his mother’s desire to have him call it a career. White has remained skeptical since then that Nurmagomedov was done fighting. He has dominant wins over McGregor and Poirier but has said in the past that he has no interest in fighting the Irish superstar again.
On Saturday, White said he would make an announcement regarding Nurmagomedov’s future on the ABC broadcast.
The UFC might be taking a month off after a stretch that saw them run every week from July 12th through this past Saturday but are returning with a vengeance in January, putting on three events in eight days at Fight Island.
The crown jewel of that eight days is Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier II at UFC 257 on Saturday, January 23rd. This will be the Irish megastar’s first fight since this past January when he ran through Donald Cerrone in less than a minute in a welterweight bout. This is a rematch of a September 2014 bout that McGregor won by first round TKO when both men were at featherweight.
The three events at Abu Dhabi’s Fight Island will kick off with former featherweight champion Max Holloway returning to face surging contender Calvin Kattar on Saturday, January 16th at a Fight Night event. This will be Holloway’s first fight without a championship involved since June 2016 — a stretch of eight fights over four years.
A few days later on Wednesday, January 20th, Leon Edwards will face Khamzat Chimaev in a highly anticipated welterweight clash on another Fight Night event. The fight was supposed to main event the final UFC show of the year this past Saturday, but Edwards contracted COVID-19 and the fight was pulled.
Even after Dana White said in late-October that the fight was official, there were still some questions as neither Conor McGregor or Dustin Poirier had yet to sign their bout agreement.
That worry is now gone as the former two division UFC champion officially put pen to paper after Poirier signed last week, making their January 23rd lightweight main event at UFC 257 official, according to ESPN’s Ariel Helwani.
The location has yet to be announced, but White told ESPN last week that it will be at Fight Island in Abu Dhabi if everything works out as they hope. As of this writing, UFC has yet to officially announce the fight or event but very well could this weekend with the UFC 255 pay-per-view set for Saturday.
The two fought in September 2014 at UFC 178 with McGregor winning by first round TKO while both were at featherweight. McGregor last fought in January with a quick knockout win over Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone while Poirier is coming off a fight of the year candidate with Dan Hooker in June, a bout he won by decision.
