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SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE
We have two weekend shows up tonight, with a Friday show with Garrett Gonzalez and John Muse that is really interesting talking about the attempted Eric Bischoff owned launch of WCW that fell through where Muse was to be on creative and what really happened with Vince McMahon’s attempt to relaunch the WCW brand. We also talk about the awards for this year, as well as AEW and WWE right now. Last night’s weekend show with Bryan we talked UFC, Nick Wayne, Smackdown, and the latest wrestling news. Bryan and I will be back with a new show after Raw on Monday. We also talked about why there is a good chance Peacock could be airing Raw and NXT on a 24 hour delay after the Hulu contract ends and the machinations of what is going on with NBC, Hulu and WWE’s contract.
UFC 271 did 2,550,000 searches which is a good number, second only to the Super Bowl this weekend. Searches for Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker are part of the UFC search number. Three others cracked the top 20 from last night with Tai Tuivasa No. 7 at 200,000, Jared Cannonier No. 13 with 100,000 and Roxanne Modafferi, who retired, No. 19 with 50,000.
As far as the scorecard for the main event, judge Mike Beltran scored rounds 1, 3, 4 and 5 for Israel Adesanya. Doug Crosby scored 1, 2, and 3 for Adesanya and 4 and 5 for Robert Whittaker. Jacob Montalvo scored the same as Crosby. I had only round five for Whittaker. There were media scores for Whittaker but 85% were for Adesanya.
As far as the two split decisions, just Robert Alexander was at fault for both of them. In Andrei Arlovski vs. Jared Vanderaa, almost everyone had Arlovski winning the fist two and Venderaa winning the third. No media score gave it to Vanderaa. But Alexander gave rounds two and three to Vanderaa.
Similarly, in the Casey O’Neill vs. Roxanne Modafferi fight, every media card including me had 30-27 for O’Neill. You could have given Modafferi the third as it was competitive at least even though no media score had it that way. Even that was a stretch Alexander gave Modafferi rounds 1 and 3 and scored the fight for her. That was so bad that on the air the announcers called out Alexander by name and basically called his card unforgivable, and it was. Judges Ivan Guzman and Kerry Hately both gave Modafferi the third round.
People were raving about Friday night’s Mike Bailey vs. ACH match at West Coast Pro Wrestling. We heard lots of talk about a number of Warrior Wrestling matches last night, notably the first match back of Athena (Ember Moon) in a 30:00 draw with Thunder Rosa and the Briscoes ROH tag title defense against JD Drake & Anthony Henry.
Evil retained the Never Open weight title earlier today in Osaka beating Tomohiro Ishii. Tetsuya Naito & Sanada beat Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kazuchika Okada in the main event which was to set up this coming week’s Sapporo shows with Tanahashi vs. Sanada for the U.S. title and Okada vs. Naito for the IWGP title.
In the Super Bowl pregame show, there was a mention of Woody Strode. Strode was one of the first African-Americans to play in the NFL, and later became a pro wrestling star as well as a legit movie star. He’s actually someone WWE and AEW should be talking about when it comes to Black History month and pro wrestling.
The five best selling Ticketmaster shows over the past 24 hours
Raw on Monday in Indianapolis
UFC 273 on 4/9 in Jacksonville
AEW on 4/6 in Boston
AEW on Wednesday in Nashville
WWE house show on 2/27 in Rochester, NY.
WWE
This doesn’t necessarily mean a lot, but WWE is advertising Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair vs. Rhea Ripley for the women’s title and Chad Gable & Otis vs. Riddle & Randy Orton for the 4/11 Raw in Detroit, which is a week after WrestleMania. This doesn’t necessarily mean those matches will take place or the titles won’t change hands.
Because next week is the Saudi Arabia trip, WWE gave the talent off house shows this weekend. The last WWE show is Raw tomorrow night in Indianapolis.
A correction from last night’s show. I said that Angel Garza didn’t do the pants tearing gimmick during the Friday night tag match with the New Day. He actually did and I missed it, so they haven’t dropped that from his routine.
The company has filed to trademark the name “NXT: Level Up” for a new television show. This may be the new name for 205 Live, which obviously has been in the works for a name change since it’s neither 205 nor live anymore.
AEW
The company did its best first day of sales in a long time on Friday for the Agganis Arena show in Boston on 4/6. They are at more than 4,000 fans. They legit sold out the last time at just over 5,000 so this should sell out. (thanks to Wrestle Tix /William Zdon)
OTHER NOTES
Warrior Wrestling from last night in Cicero, IL: Sam Adonis b Lince Dorado-COR so retain the Lucha title, Dalton Castle b Warhorse, Skye Blue b Miranda Alize (good), Blake Christian won four-way over Alex Zayne, Myron Reed and Gringo Loco (said to be great, Christian issued a challenge for Will Ospreay’s title after winning), The Acclaimed b Brian Cage & KC Navarro (Max Caster rapped about Cage’s contract expiring to a big pop, Cage got a big reaction rapping back saying they aren’t organic but a Tony Khan creation), Santana b Speedball Mike Bailey with a piledriver (people were raving about this one), Dante Martin b Bandido (great spots, a little short), Mark & Jay Briscoe b Anthony Henry & JD Drake to keep the ROH tag titles (excellent) and Thunder Rosa d Athena (Ember Moon) over 30:00. Athena hit the eclipse with a second left. Also said to be excellent and seemed to build a rematch. Athena worked heel but after the match started crying and thanking the fans for reigniting her passion for wrestling. (thanks to Lance LeVine and Brandon Ruiz)
A first-time ever match with Mark & Jay Briscoe vs. Penta & Fenix was announced for the 3/11 House of Glory Wrestling show in Jamaica, NY at Club Amazura. The hope was for Fenix to return to action this coming weekend at the AAA Rey de Reyes show but we haven’t been told if he will or won’t be ready.
Puma King was announced for the MLW show on 2/26 in Charlotte.
West Coast Pro Wrestling results from Friday night in South San Francisco: Nick Wayne won three-way over Tresario and Gringo Loco, Atticus Cogar & Rickey Shane Page & Bobby Beverly b Midas Kreed & Alpha Zo & D-Rogue, Vinnie Massaro b B-Boy, Masha Slamovich won four-way over Kylie Rae, Nicole Savoy and Rachael Ellering, Kevin Blackwood b Davey Richards, Titus Alexander b Blake Christian, Jacob Fatu & Juicy Finau b Effy & AJ Gray, Mike Bailey b ACH. The 3/11 show features Gray defending the WCPW title against Jacob Fatu
SICW from last night in East Carondelet, IL: Curtis Wylde b Brandon Baretta, Bobby D b David Lee Walker, Flash Flanagan & Big Texan b Christopher Hargas & Ken Kasa, Gary Jackson b Frankie D, Gil Rogers & Billy McNeil b Shawn Santel & Mauler McDarby, Kowalski b Danny Dollar, Attila Khan b Jayson Breed to keep the Classic title (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
Nolan King reported that Christian Edwards tested positive for COVID-19 so his Bellator fight against Kevin Haley on Saturday night at the Mohegan Sun Casino is off.
Kevin Blackwood vs. Kevin Bennett headlines Empire State Wrestling on 3/5 in Niagara Falls, NY at the Frontier Fire Hall, plus Silas Young vs. Jay Freddie, Jake Crist vs. Vinnie Moon and All Japan’s Ren & Jun Saito make their debut with the promotion.
UFC president Dana White told the media following Saturday’s UFC 271 that color commentator Joe Rogan could have worked the show and that there was no scheduling conflict that prevented him from being there.
As recently as Wednesday, Rogan was still slated to work Saturday’s pay-per-view alongside Jon Anik and Daniel Cormier.
White refuted the company’s statement that the popular podcaster and longtime UFC broadcaster had a scheduling conflict.
“I don’t know what Joe Rogan had to do. You guys will have to ask Joe Rogan, but there was no ‘Joe couldn’t work’ or anything like that. I know that came out. It’s total bullsh*t,” he said.
Rogan has recently come under fire for old video footage of him using racial slurs in addition to giving a platform for anti-vaccine supporters on his podcast.
White didn’t know when Rogan would return to the booth, but “whenever he’s gonna work again, he’ll be working.” The UFC’s next pay-per-view is set for Saturday, March 5th in Las Vegas.
At several points during the show in Houston Saturday, a “Free Joe Rogan” chant broke out.
UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya successfully defended his title against Robert Whittaker at Saturday’s UFC 271 in a hard-fought unanimous decision.
Scorecards were 48-47 x 2 and 49-46 in favor of the champion who picked up his fourth defense of the title he won when he first faced then-champion Whittaker in October 2019.
Adesanya, then interim champion, unified the titles with a second round knockout.
The main card also gave Adesanya his likely next contender as Jared Cannonier knocked out Derek Brunson in the second round. The two have never fought before and Adesanya has said he would like some “fresh meat” to fight next.
Tai Tuivasa continued his white-hot streak with his fifth straight victory, all by knockout or TKO, as he dropped Derrick Lewis in the second round of their co-main event clash. Given his popularity, he could be in line for an interim title fight if Francis Ngannou doesn’t fight this year due to knee surgery and his current contract conflict with the UFC.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 271: Adesanya vs. Whittaker 2, emanating from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
The Octagon returns to Houston for the third time over the past nine months, with another title fight, this time being a rematch featuring one of the best fighters in the world and an opponent looking to regain the title from the man who took it from him.
UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya makes his fourth title defense as he defends against the former UFC Middleweight Champion, Robert Whittaker, in a rematch in the main event. Adesanya scored a second-round knockout of Whittaker at UFC 243 in October 2019 to become the undisputed champion, and has since had successful defenses against Yoel Romero, Paulo Costa and Marvin Vettori. Whittaker has won three straight since that fight, scoring wins over Darren Till, Jared Cannonier and Kelvin Gastelum.
In the co-main event, it is a heavyweight bout that has excitement written all over it as Houston’s own Derrick Lewis goes for his second straight win against Tai Tuivasa, winner of four straight bouts. Also on the main card is a potential title eliminator bout in the middleweight division as Jared Cannonier battles Derek Brunson, a lightweight bout pitting Alexander Hernandez against Renato Moicano, and a lightweight bout between Bobby Green and Nasrat Haqparast.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.
We are looking for your thoughts on tonight’s event, so send a thumbs up, a thumbs down or a thumbs in the middle along with a best fight and a worst fight to Dave at [email protected].
ESPN+ PRELIMS | 6 PM ET/3 PM PT
> Heavyweights- William Knight (11-2, 3-1 UFC) vs. Maxim Grishin (31-9-2, 1-2 UFC)
This was made into a heavyweight bout after weigh-ins after Knight missed the light heavyweight limit by 12 pounds, but Grishin weighed in at 206 pounds so it could be made into a heavyweight fight. Grishin with a body kick. Knight with a hard body kick. Lots of inactivity going on as they trade leg kicks. Knight with a body kick. Grishin lands a right hand. Grishin with a leg kick. Grishin with a leg kick and a high kick as he’s the more active fighter. Grishin with a body kick. Knight with a body kick. Grishin with a leg kick. They trade leg kicks but this has been a rather uneventful round. They trade late. 10-9 Grishin.
Knight with a leg kick and misses a spin kick. Grishin with a body kick. Grishin coming forward but not a lot going on. Grishin with a leg kick. Grishin lands the jab. Grishin just misses a right hand and Knight tries for a takedown against the fence. Grishin defending well. Grishin tried to jump on the back of Knight but then they had a crazy scramble with Grishin ending up in the half-guard and he lands an elbow. They get to their feet and both land a few shots with Grishin landing some leg kicks. 10-9 Grishin, 20-18 Grishin.
Grishin with a teet kick to the body. Grishin with a leg kick and Knight kind of stumbles and lands a back fist off it as they clinch. Knight working for the takedown and they go to the mat for a moment. They remain tied up as they look for underhooks but break. Neither able to connect as they clinch back up again and Knight looking hard for a takedown. Knight is able to get the takedown but is just laying in the guard for now. They get to their feet and Grishin pushes it against the fence and lands some foot stomps. Grishin is just holding on and Knight lands a knee to the body and gets a brief takedown. Knight lands a couple of knees as they got up and Grishin with a knee to the body. They break and Grishin with a right hand and he lands some kicks. Grishin drops Knight near the end and finishes on top. 10-9 Grishin, 30-27 Grishin.
Official Result- Maxim Grishin def. William Knight by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Wells was running around the cage and tripped himself and Diamond landed a combo against the fence before they clinched. Wells is pushing and hold Diamond against the fence. Wells is trying hard for a takedown and is able to get it and has the back. Wells with a right hand from the back. He’s trying for a choke. Wells with some left hands from the back. Wells just smothering from the top as Diamond can’t get out from the bottom. Wells with some punches and has the neck as they almost got to the feet. Diamond is fighting the choke but he ends up going out! What a finish by Wells to get the win.
Official Result- Jeremiah Wells def. Blood Diamond by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:38 of Round 1
> Bantamweights- Douglas Silva de Andrade (27-4 1 NC, 5-4 UFC) vs. Sergey Morozov (17-4, 1-1 UFC)
Andrade with a body kick. Morozov lands the jab. Andrade with a leg kick. Morozov landing some shots and has Andrade hurt. Morozov drops Andrade with a left hand and gets on top and is landing as Andrade is trying to work his guard. Morozov with some left hands from the top and some sharp elbows. Morozov with some right hands from the top. They’re bloody as Andrade has a cut but they work their way up. They trade and Andrade with a leg kick. Morozov with a right hand. Andrade just barely misses a head kick. Andrade with a leg kick after landing a left hand. Morozov with a hard leg kick and gets a late slam takedown. He lands some punches from the top at the end. 10-9 Morozov.
Morozov lands a combo as they’re fighting in close range. Andrade with a right hand that has Morozov retreating. Andrade then drops Morozov with a punch but Morozov gets up and looks for a takedown but they break. They trade and Andrade with a body kick. Morozov with a leg kick. Andrade complains of an eye poke and we have a timeout. They get back to action and they’re all over the place as Andrade hurts Morozov with a punch again and they scramble all over the Octagon before clinching. They break and Andrade lands some big shots and Morozov is hurt badly. They get to the mat and Andrade has the back and is looking for a choke. He has the choke locked in and Morozov goes out cold! What a finish by Andrade.
Official Result- Douglas Silva de Andrade def. Sergey Morozov by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:34 of Round 2
> Middleweights- AJ Dobson (6-0 1 NC, 0-0 UFC) vs. Jacob Malkoun (5-1, 1-1 UFC)
Dobson landing a combo early as Malkoun lands a left hand. They trade again in close. Malkoun looks for a takedown but Dobson is defending. Malkoun picks Dobson up but Dobson stays upright. They break. Dobson with a right hand. Malkoun shoots again and pushes Dobson against the fence. They break. Dobson lands a knee to the body and some punches in a quick clinch. Dobson with a right hand and a leg kick. Malkoun lands a right hand. Dobson with a nice high kick. Dobson with a body kick. They trade right hands. Dobson with a right hand. Dobson with a short left hand. Malkoun still trying for a takedown and gets it for a brief moment at the end. 10-9 Dobson.
They trade in close range with Dobson getting the better of it. Malkoun drops down looking for the takedown but Dobson defends as they go to the fence. They break and Malkoun ends up getting a takedown. They scramble and Malkoun has the back as they stand against the fence. Malkoun gets it down again and is landing some left hands. He lands more punches as Dobson is covering up. Malkoun landing more left hands. He continues to land punches as Dobson can’t get out from the bottom but they aren’t hard shots. They continue to battle as they’re on their knees and feet. Malkoun with some hammerfists. They break. Dobson with a right hand. 10-9 Malkoun, 19-19.
They trade punches and Malkoun gets a takedown and has the back of Dobson. They scramble and Malkoun keeps it down on the mat as he still has the back. Dobson trying to scramble up but Malkoun is able to keep it down. Malkoun keeping Dobson down but not much is happening. Malkoun with some punches from the top. They’re both landing on the mat but Malkoun landing with more volume. Malkoun with more punches on the top. 10-9 Malkoun, 29-28 Malkoun.
Official Results- Jacob Malkoun def. AJ Dobson by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Bantamweights- Mana Martinez (9-2, 1-0 UFC) vs. Ronnie Lawrence (7-1, 1-0 UFC)
Lawrence with a high kick. Lawrence with a hard leg kick. Lawrence gets a big takedown and stands as he tries to pass the guard of Martinez. They get to their feet and Lawrence has the back as he tries to get it back down. They break. Both looking to land and Lawrence drops Martinez with a punch and then ends up getting the back on the mat. Lawrence with some punches from the back as he’s trying to finish. Martinez goes for a heel hook but Lawrence escapes to the guard. Lawrence with a right hand from the top then he lands some body shots. 10-9 Lawrence.
They trade quick leg kicks. Both looking for openings and Lawrence lands a punch again that knocks Martinez to the ground. Lawrence quick to get on top in side control and lands an elbow. Lawrence postures up and land a right hand as Martinez gives up his back. They get to their feet and break. Lawrence drops Martinez again with a right hand and starts landing from the top. Martinez gives up his back. Lawrence looking for a rear-naked choke. Martinez is fighting it. Martinez escapes and they get to their feet but Lawrence immediately takes Martinez down. They work to their feet but Lawrence gets Martinez back down. 10-9 Lawrence, 20-18 Lawrence.
Martinez comes out firing to start the third. Lawrence tries a spinning wheel kick and just barely misses. Martinez with a body kick. Lawrence with a leg kick. Lawrence misses a high kick as Martinez lands a punch. Lawrence lands a nice right hand. Martinez lands a nice left hand and then drops Lawrence with some shots and is looking for the finish. Lawrence is able to survive and gets a takedown as Martinez had him in real trouble. Martinez is looking for an armbar and a triangle but Lawrence scrambles out of it and is now in the guard of Martinez. Lawrence stands and Martinez is still on the mat. They get up. Lawrence with a wheel kick. Lawrence gets a takedown at the end. 10-9 Martinez, 29-28 Lawrence.
Official Result- Ronnie Lawrence def. Mana Martinez by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-28)
ESPN PRELIMS | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT
> Light Heavyweights- Carlos Ulberg (3-1, 0-1 UFC) vs. Fabio Cherant (7-3, 0-2 UFC)
Ulberg with an inside leg kick and then another leg kick. Ulberg with a leg kick. Not a whole lot is happening inside the first two minutes. Cherant lands a left hand. They start to trade and Ulberg lands a groin strike and we have a brief timeout. They get back to action and Cherant lands two left hands and they clinch. Ulberg powers Cherant down to the mat. They get to their feet. Cherant tries a spin kick and ends up on the mat but gets up. They trade lefts. Ulberg with a spin kick to the head of Cherant. Ulberg with a right hand to the body. Cherant lands a left hand and Ulberg briefly goes down before the end of the round. 10-9 Ulberg.
They trade leg kicks and Ulberg almost lands a big punch. Both being patient in the second. Cherant with a leg kick. Ulberg with a body kick. Ulberg lands some hard left hands. Ulberg continues to land with more volume as there isn’t much pace to this fight. Ulberg pressing forward and lands a right hand. Cherant with a left hand. Slow round. 10-9 Ulberg, 20-18 Ulberg.
Ulberg with a body kick to start the third. Ulberg pushing the pace and landing slightly more but there isn’t much happening as the crowd is booing. They trade leg kicks. Ulberg with a leg kick then a combo to the body and then a high kick. Cherant trying to find openings but not a lot are there as Ulberg circles around and lands some shots. Ulberg gets a takedown. They end up getting to their feet and Ulberg with a high kick at the end. 10-9 Ulberg, 30-27 Ulberg.
Official Result- Carlos Ulberg def. Fabio Cherant by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
They’re slugging to start as both land leg kicks and punches. They continue to trade. Both land right hands in close and they clinch as Phillips pushes Rojo up against the fence. Phillips jumps on the back of Rojo as they go to the mat and Rojo rolls and Phillips is now in the half-guard. They work their way to the feet. Phillips lands a left hand but Rojo lands a combo. Phillips with a right hand and he shoots for a takedown against the fence. They break and Phillips with a right hand and a knee and then he just throws Rojo down to the mat. Rojo looks for an armbar late but Phillips escapes and lands an elbow. 10-9 Phillips.
They come out looking for openings to start the second. Rojo lands a jab while Phillips lands a body kick. Rojo with some leg kicks as Phillips lands a right hand and almost shoots for a takedown. Phillips landing the jab while mixing in the leg kicks. Phillips landing more kicks and punches as Rojo is slowing down. Rojo misses a left hand. Phillips with some leg kicks. Phillips gets a takedown but Rojo is quick to get to his feet and they exchange on the break. They clinch and Phillips with some knees as he’s applying pressure. 10-9 Phillips, 20-18 Phillips.
They trade punches and Phillips gets a takedown into side control. Phillips looking to set up a kimura but gets the mount and almost has a mounted triangle. Phillips landing punches and Rojo trying to get out. Phillips gets the armbar in and Rojo taps! What a finish by Phillips.
Official Result- Kyler Phillips def. Marcelo Rojo by submission (armbar) at 1:48 of Round 3
Both land some short shots to start the fight. O’Neill lands a right hand. O’Neill with a combo as Modafferi lands some short punches. O’Neill with a combination. Modafferi with a quick right hand. Modafferi lands a right hand and O’Neill lands a counter left. O’Neill with a body kick as they both just land in close range. O’Neill is landing significantly more during the round as she lands a right hand. O’Neill with a combo. They trade in close. 10-9 O’Neill.
They are both trading early in the second and O’Neill is landing with more volume as Modafferi is throwing a lot but not connecting. O’Neill lands a right hand. O’Neill lands a left hand. Modafferi with a leg kick but still eating punches from O’Neill. It’s still just all on the feet and there’s not a whole lot of action as O’Neill just continues to land with more volume. Modafferi gets a late takedown and ends the second on top. 10-9 O’Neill, 20-18 O’Neill.
Both come out swinging to start the third and Modafferi is looking to pour it onto O’Neill. They trade in close and Modafferi with a spin kick and then lands some knees as she got the clinch for a moment. They both land knees in a brief clinch. O’Neill with a left hand. Modafferi with a right but eats some hard punches from O’Neill then a high kick. O’Neill with a combo. O’Neill with some jabs. Modafferi shoots for a takedown but O’Neill sprawls. Modafferi gets the takedown. They get to their feet and Modafferi lands a couple of knees. Modafferi tries hard for a takedown at the end.
Official Result- Casey O’Neill def. Roxanne Modafferi by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
> Heavyweights- Andrei Arlovski (32-20 2 NC, 21-14 1 NC UFC) vs. Jared Vanderaa (12-6, 1-2 UFC)
Arlovski with a leg kick. Arlovski with a combo to the body. Arlovski with some right hands. Arlovski with a right hand to the body and a left to the head. Arlovski lands some right hands. Arlovski lands a big right hand as Vanderaa was pressuring him. They both land to the body before clinching up against the fence. They break. Arlovski lands a right hand. He lands another as Vanderaa has been unable to get much offense going outside of some leg kicks. Arlovski with a right hand and Vanderaa with a leg kick. 10-9 Arlovski.
Vanderaa lands some lefts before they clinch up to start the second. They break. Arlovski with a head kick and Vanderaa acts stunned for a second. They trade punches. We have a groin strike and a time out. They get back to action and Arlovski with a body kick. They both land in close. Arlovski circling as Vanderaa is pressing forward. Vanderaa grabs the body lock against the fence. They battle for underhooks and both land some knees before they break. They trade late. 10-9 Arlovski, 20-18 Arlovski.
Vanderaa with some leg kicks to start the third. Vanderaa lands a right hand. They tie up and battle for position along the fence. Vanderaa with some foot stomps as not much is happening until Arlovski pushes him away. Arlovski with a quick combo. Arlovski rushes in looking for the jab and eats a punch from Vanderaa. Vanderaa with a body kick. Arlovski counters with a body kick. Arlovski with a leg kick. Arlovski with a body kick then a right hand but eats a left from Vanderaa. Arlovski with a high kick. They both land in close. Vanderaa with a body kick. Vanderaa lands a left hand. Vanderaa with a hard leg kick as he eats a spinning back fist from Arlovski. 10-9 Vanderaa, 29-28 Arlovski.
Official Result- Andrei Arlovski def. Jared Vanderaa by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
ESPN+ PPV MAIN CARD | 10 PM ET/7 PM PT
> Lightweights- Bobby Green (28-12-1, 9-7-1 UFC) vs. Nasrat Haqparast (13-4, 5-3 UFC)
Green with a leg kick. Green lands a left hand. We have a time out for an eye poke. They get back to action and trade before another eye poke on Green. They get back fighting and Green lands a couple of left hands. Green lands a quick combo and Haqparast fires back and lands. Haqparast lands a left hand. Green with the jab. Both land combos. Green lands two left hands and Haqparast lands a couple of lefts. They trade in close range. Green with a combo to the body and head. Haqparast with a leg kick. Green with a combo. 10-9 Green.
Green landing and circling. They trade quick combinations. Haqparast lands and misses a kick and Green taunts him. Green with a combo. Haqparast lands a left hand. Green with a combination. Haqparast with a body kick. Haqparast lands a nice combination. Green lands a right hand. Haqparast with a leg kick. Green lands a series of punches. Green lands a nice combination after Haqparast had landed some punches. They trade punches. Haqparast is landing some good shots but being outworked on volume by Green. Green lands a hard combination at the end of the second. 10-9 Green, 20-18 Green.
They both come out swinging early in the third. Haqparast lands some good punches but the volume of Green is very high. Green lands a right hand that hurt Haqparast. Green with a right hand to the body. Green with a solid combo. Haqparast misses on a few punches thrown. Green with a combo. Haqparast lands a left and Green points at his jaw asking him to land another. Green again with lots of heavy volume in this round though Haqparast is landing some solid punches when he’s able to connect. Green with a combo. Green with another hard combination. Green with a left hand. They trade with Green getting the better of it. Green with a hard combo at the end. 10-9 Green, 30-27 Green.
Official Result- Bobby Green def. Nasrat Haqparast by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Lightweights- Alexander Hernandez (13-4, 5-3 UFC) vs. Renato Moicano (15-4-1, 7-4 UFC)
They both land leg kicks early. Moicano with a right hand and Hernandez lands a leg kick in return. They trade and Moicano lands a nice left hook. Hernandez with a body kick. They clinch as Moicano is looking for the takedown and gets it. They get right back up. Moicano gets a big takedown and is working from the half-guard. Hernandez tries to scramble up but Moicano keeps him down. They get up and Hernandez lands an elbow as they break. Hernandez lands a combo. Hernandez with a high kick then a combo. Hernandez with a body kick. Hernandez with another body kick. Close round. 10-9 Hernandez.
Moicano with some leg kicks to start the second. Moicano lands to the body and lands a knee in the clinch. Hernandez with a body kick. Moicano lands a combo and a knee to the body and Hernandez tries a takedown. Moicano is on top and landing and gets the back and locks in a rear-naked choke and Hernandez taps! Great sequence for the finish from Moicano.
Official Result- Renato Moicano def. Alexander Hernandez by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:23 of Round 2
> Middleweights- #3 Jared Cannonier (14-5, 7-5 UFC) vs. #4 Derek Brunson (23-7, 14-5 UFC)
Cannonier with a leg kick. Brunson with a body kick. Cannonier lands a right hand. Cannonier with the jab. Brunson shoots for a takedown and they go to the mat for a second before they stand. Brunson still has a leg and ends up getting Cannonier down. They get up and break. Cannonier with a combo. Brunson shoots for a takedown and they clinch but ultimately break. Brunson lands a left hand and goes for the takedown but Cannonier defends. Brunson gets the body lock and scores the takedown. Brunson is in the half-guard. Cannonier works his way to the feet and pushes Brunson away. Cannonier with a leg kick. Brunson drops Cannonier with a right hand and gets the mount and Cannonier gives up his back. Brunson going for a rear-naked choke and has it locked in tight but Cannonier survives to the end of the round. 10-9 Brunson.
Brunson immediately goes for the takedown and gets it. Cannonier is able to scramble to his feet and they break. Cannonier just misses an uppercut. Brunson showing a little tiredness. Cannonier lands a knee and Brunson lands a left hand. Brunson’s punches are coming in slower now. Cannonier with a leg kick. Cannonier with a right hand. Cannonier lands another nice right hand. Cannonier with some punches and lands a right hand. Brunson goes for a takedown and they clinch. Cannonier lands a big elbow and a punch as they break. Cannonier teeing off on Brunson and has him hurt as he lands a head kick. Cannonier teeing off on the mat and lands some brutal elbows that knock Brunson out cold. What a brutal finish by Cannonier! Brunson’s corner also threw in the towel at the same time the fight was being stopped.
Official Result- Jared Cannonier def. Derek Brunson by TKO (elbows) at 4:29 of Round 2
> Heavyweights- #3 Derrick Lewis (26-8 1 NC, 17-6 UFC) vs. #11 Tai Tuivasa (14-3, 7-3 UFC)
Tuivasa with a leg kick. They clinch against the fence. Tuivasa with some short knees. They are broken up by Dan Miragliotta. Lewis with a high kick that Tuivasa blocks. Tuivasa with a leg kick. Lewis lands a right hand and they clinch. Lewis is trying for a takedown but Tuivasa defends. Tuivasa reverses position. Lewis gets a trip takedown. Lewis with big right hands and they get up and start swinging and both connect with big shots before they clinch. Lewis gets another takedown. They get up and Tuivasa with a knee. They end in a clinch. 10-9 Lewis.
Tuivasa with a leg kick and ducks under a Lewis right hand. Lewis rocks Tuivasa with some punches and he rushes in looking to land as they push against the fence. Lewis tries a takedown but they break and Lewis lands a knee and they start teeing off on each other. Tuivasa lands a big right hand. Lewis is hurt. Tuivasa landing some shots and he lands a big elbow and Lewis drops face first to the mat and is out cold! What a finish by Tuivasa as he does a ‘Shoey’ afterwards.
Official Result- Tai Tuivasa def. Derrick Lewis by knockout (elbow) at 1:40 of Round 2
> UFC Middleweight Championship- C Israel Adesanya (21-1, 10-1 UFC) vs. #1 Robert Whittaker (23-5, 14-3 UFC)
Both miss on early leg kick attempts. Adesanya with an inside leg kick. Whittaker with a leg kick. Adesanya with a high kick. Adesanya with a leg kick and Whittaker lands a short left hand. Adesanya with a leg kick. He lands two more. Adesanya with a leg kick after they both miss some shots. Adesanya just misses a head kick against the fence. Adesanya lands a left and Whittaker went down for a moment but got up. Whittaker shoots for a takedown but Adesanya defends. Adesanya with a leg kick. Whittaker tries again for the takedown but Adesanya stuffs it. Adesanya with a leg kick. 10-9 Adesanya.
They’re swinging and Adesanya lands a leg kick as Whittaker misses his punches. Whittaker lands a left hand right as Adesanya lands an uppercut. Whittaker lands a nice left hand. Adesanya with a leg kick. Whittaker gets the takedown and lands some right hands. They get to their feet. They break. Adesanya with an inside leg kick. Adesanya with a high kick then a leg kick. Whittaker with a leg kick. Adesanya with a head kick that Whittaker partially blocks. Close round. 10-9 Whittaker, 19-19.
Adesanya with a leg kick. Adesanya with a knee as Whittaker lands a punch. Adesanya lands a high kick. Adesanya with a combination. Whittaker tries for a takedown but Adesanya defends and lands a knee. Whittaker gets a takedown but Adesanya gets it back to the feet. Whittaker trying to make Adesanya drag him around as he has the back. They break. Adesanya with a hard leg kick and that one hurt Whittaker. They trade punches. Adesanya with a body kick. 10-9 Adesanya, 29-28 Adesanya.
Adesanya with a body kick. Adesanya with a leg kick. Whittaker gets a takedown and has the back of Adesanya as they stand and went for a choke but Adesanya shakes him off and they’re back at striking range. They exchange jabs and Adesanya misses a big right hand. Whittaker with a leg kick. Adesanya with a leg kick and Whittaker lands a left. Adesanya with a leg kick and a right hand. They trade in close. Adesanya lands a right hand. They clinch against the fence. They break. Whittaker lands a right as Adesanya lands a kick. Adesanya with a body kick. 10-9 Adesanya, 39-37 Adesanya.
They trade punches to start the fifth. Adesanya with a body kick. Adesanya with a right hand. Adesanya with a hard leg kick. Whittaker tries for a takedown but Adesanya defends. We have a timeout for an eye poke by Adesanya. They get right back going though. Whittaker gets a takedown but they get right back up. Whittaker trying for the takedown and Adesanya landed a jumping knee then they broke. Adesanya with the jab. Adesanya with an inside leg kick. Whittaker attempts another takedown but Adesanya defends. Whittaker holding Adesanya against the fence and lands some short knees. Adesanya with some short punches. Close fight all around. 10-9 Adesanya, 49-46 Adesanya.
Official Result- Israel Adesanya def. Robert Whittaker by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) to retain the UFC Middleweight Championship
Dave Meltzer and I are back on Wrestling Observer Radio to talk about the major stories in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Joining us is someone who used to be a guest on Wrestling Observer Live when it was on eYada, John Muse.
We talk about the latest with Joe Rogan and UFC 271. We then look at Dave’s analysis of WWE and AEW ratings. We preview the big wrestling categories in the Wrestling Observer Awards. We hit on two small stories before answering two questions.
Joe Rogan will not be on Saturday’s UFC 271 commentary team due to what the promotion is calling a “scheduling conflict.”
The booth will be made up of Jon Anik, Daniel Cormier and Michael Bisping instead.
TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter reported that per UFC officials, Rogan “had a scheduling conflict” and will not be on the show. However, MMA Fighting reported that as of Wednesday, Rogan was set to join Anik and Cormier per usual.
As of now, Rogan is scheduled to be part of March’s UFC 272.
Rogan, who hosts the popular Joe Rogan Experience on Spotify, has come under fire in recent weeks for past use of racial slurs in addition to his discussions regarding use of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Reigning UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya stuck up for Rogan at a press conference this week. He is set to defend against former champion Robert Whittaker in a rematch Saturday.
The PPV will also see heavyweight contenders Derrick Lewis vs. Tai Tuivasa and middleweight contenders Derek Brunson vs. Jared Cannonier.
