Tag: UFC on Paramount

UFC, Paramount expand Canadian media rights deal to include numbered events/PPVs

Posted on by Josh Nason

UFC fans in Canada will soon be free from having to buy pay per views, aka numbered events.

Announced on Thursday, TKO and Paramount Skydance have expanded their existing media rights deal that will make Paramount+ the exclusive home for the main card of all 13 annual numbered events (fka PPVs in the U.S.) for the next six years.

One caveat: the deal doesn’t begin until 2027 as it will align with the seven year UFC/Paramount domestic contract that began at the start of 2026. That deal also includes Latin America and Australia, giving TKO full alignment for the next rights contract negotiations that will begin next decade.

Pointed out by MMA media member and commentator James Lynch in the video below, questions remain as to what this means for UFC’s future with Sportsnet where PPVs can currently be purchased in Canada in addition to Fight Nights, early prelims and prelims. Their multi-year deal kicked off in 2024, but it’s unclear if the deal was three years or more. Then, there is UFC Fight Pass where Canadian fans can also buy numbered events and watch Fight Nights and prelims.

Dave Meltzer analyzes UFC’s financial effect on Paramount Skydance | For subscribers

Posted on by F4W Staff

With Paramount Skydance having announced their 2026 financials for the first quarter, we have some insight into the effect the UFC deal had on Paramount+ subscribers.

Dave Meltzer has done some analysis and weighed in with some thoughts and insights for our subscribers.

Click here to read (sub needed)

UFC Fight Night 268 live results: Brandon Moreno vs. Lone’er Kavanagh

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The Octagon touches down in Mexico this weekend as the UFC closes out the month of February on Paramount+ with UFC Fight Night 268, taking place at Arena CDMX in Mexico City.

The main event is a five-round bout in the flyweight division as former UFC Flyweight Champion Brandon Moreno takes on Lone’er Kavanagh. Moreno is looking to get back into the win column following a loss to Tatsuro Taira in December. Kavanagh, who is in his first main event as a short-notice replacement for Asu Almabayev, is looking to bounce back from his first career loss, suffered in August.

The co-main event is a bantamweight battle between former title challenger Marlon Vera and David Martinez, winner of nine straight fights. Also on the main card is a lightweight bout between Daniel Zellhuber and King Green; a flyweight bout pitting Edgar Chairez against Felipe Bunes; and bantamweight action with Santiago Luna taking on Angel Pacheco.

PRELIMS | 5 PM ET/2 PM PT

> Middleweights- Damian Pinas (8-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Wes Schultz (8-2, 0-0 UFC)

They trade leg kicks to start as they feel each other out. Pinas lands a hard leg kick and Schultz shoots for a takedown, but Pinas defends and lands a right hand on the break. Pinas then drops Schultz with a combination and lands from the top, but Schultz is able to scramble back up and looks for a takedown against the fence. Schultz has the body lock and tries to drag Pinas down, but Pinas ends up on top and lands a pair of big elbows. Schultz is trying to find a leg but eats body shots from Pinas. They get to their feet and Pinas lands an uppercut. Schultz stumbles and looks for a takedown, but Pinas escapes. Pinas drops Schultz once again with a one-two combination and it is all over! Debut knockout win for Pinas!

Fight Result- Damian Pinas def. Wes Schultz by TKO (punches) at 2:30 of Round 1

> Featherweights- Erik Silva (9-3, 0-2 UFC) vs. Francis Marshall (8-3, 2-3 UFC)

Silva lands a spinning wheel kick and then a leg kick to start. They both land kicks before a timeout for an eye poke by Marshall. They get back going and Marshall looks for a takedown. Silva grabs the neck for a choke, but Marshall escapes and gets Silva fully down. Marshall is working for an arm-triangle choke as he’s trying to pass guard. Silva defends from the bottom and Marshall gets full mount. Silva gives up his back and Marshall locks in a rear-naked choke and Silva taps! Marshall gets back into the win column.

Fight Result- Francis Marshall def. Erik Silva by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:29 of Round 1

> 130-pound Women’s Catchweights- Regina Tarin (7-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Ernesta Kareckaite (6-1-1, 1-1 UFC)

They both come out swinging as they are trading. Tarin lands a big combination and Kareckaite is wobbled. Tarin continues to land and lands a left hook. Kareckaite lands a solid right hand. Tarin lands an uppercut but Kareckaite counters with a right hand. Tarin with a combination ending with a right hook. They trade heavy shots in close range. Kareckaite lands a solid right hand and they clinch up. Both land knees and Tarin lands some elbows before they separate. They trade right hands. Both land punches and Kareckaite pushes it against the fence. They break apart. Tarin lands a combo. They clinch up at the end. 10-9 Tarin.

Kareckaite lands a leg kick and a right hand. Kareckaite with another right hand. Tarin lands a few kicks. Kareckaite with a right hand. They tie up and Kareckaite lands an elbow as they break. Kareckaite pressing forward and both land. Kareckaite lands inside the pocket and Tarin is throwing a lot but not connecting as much. Tarin lands some uppercuts in the clinch before landing a knee. Kareckaite has the double underhooks. Tarin lands a knee to the body as they separate. Kareckaite with a right hand as Tarin lands a combo. Tarin lands a right hand and they tie back up. They break apart and Kareckaite lands a high kick. Kareckaite with a right hand. Tarin lands a straight right hand and then a combo ending with a kick. Kareckaite lands a body kick. Tarin with a combo ending with a solid right hand. Kareckaite looks for a takedown and gets Tarin down with seconds to go. 10-9 Tarin, 20-18 Tarin.

They come out trading before Tarin grabs the back. Tarin drags it down as Kareckaite was trying to grab the fence. They stand and Tarin still has the back, but Kareckaite spins to the front and lands a knee before they separate. Kareckaite with a leg kick. Tarin lands a combination in close range. Tarin with a big combination and Kareckaite fires back with a flurry. Tarin landed an uppercut in there and they tie up. They break apart and fire punches at each other and also clash heads. Kareckaite lands a right hand. Tarin with a right hand. Tarin looks for a takedown but Kareckaite sprawls. They clinch and Tarin lands a pair of knees. They break apart. Tarin lands a right hand. Tarin with some uppercuts in the clinch and lands some knees. They come out swinging at the end as both land. Fun fight. 10-9 Tarin, 30-27 Tarin.

Fight Result- Regina Tarin def. Ernesta Kareckaite by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Featherweights- Douglas Silva de Andrade (29-6 1 NC, 7-6 UFC) vs. Javier Reyes (22-5, 0-0 UFC)

Reyes lands a leg kick. Silva with a calf kick. Silva lands a big right hand and Reyes goes to a knee. They grab each other, which allows Reyes to get back to his feet. Silva lands a left hook. Silva with a flurry and lands a knee to the body. Silva with a spin kick and an overhand right. Silva with a leg kick. They trade and Reyes drops Silva with a right hand. Reyes starts landing from the top. Silva gives up his back and Reyes is landing lots of shots. Reyes with some elbows. They get to their feet. Reyes has the back and drags Silva down. Reyes is looking for a rear-naked choke. Reyes gets to side control and lands an elbow before Silva gets him inside his guard. Reyes with a pair of hammerfists as he passes guard. Reyes has the back and flattens Silva out and is landing lots of shots and gets the stoppage with just seconds to go! What a finish from Reyes!

Fight Result- Javier Reyes def. Douglas Silva de Andrade by TKO (punches) at 4:59 of Round 1

> Bantamweights- Cristian Quinonez (18-5, 1-2 UFC) vs. Kris Moutinho (14-7, 0-3 UFC)

Quinonez lands a right hand and immediately gets the body lock, but Moutinho fights it off as they separate. Quinonez lands a right hand. Quinonez with a right hand to the body as Moutinho lands a left hand. They trade and Quinonez gets the back and slams Moutinho to the mat. They stand and Quinonez gets it back down and has body control as they stand. Quinonez has the back on the mat looking for the hooks, but Moutinho fights out of it and they stand. Quinonez lands a right hand then a jab. Timeout is called for an eye poke by Quinonez. They get back to action. Quinonez works the jab. He’s still landing it and Moutinho’s nose is busted open a little. Quinonez lands a body kick. 10-9 Quinonez.

Moutinho rushes out and lands a combo and they tie up but separate. Quinonez scores a takedown against the fence. Mouthinho is posting up as Quinonez keeps body control. They stand and Quinonez has the back and trips Moutinho down. They stand again, but Quinonez drags it back down and briefly gets the mount before going to side control. Moutinho gives up his back and Quinonez lands. They stand and Quinonez has the back as Moutinho grabs the fence. Quinonez has the back and looks for a rear-naked choke. It’s on the chin and Quinonez lets go but has the hooks on. Quinonez looks for the choke again. He lets go to land punches. Moutinho is able to get Quinonez into his guard. They stand and Quinonez lands the jab. Quinonez with a right hand. 10-9 Quinonez, 20-18 Quinonez.

Quinonez working the jab to start the third and lands a right hand. Moutinho rushes in but eats the jab from Quinonez. Quinonez lands a right hand. Quinonez looks for a single leg and a takedown. Quinonez is able to finish the takedown. Quinonez works from the side and gets into the half-guard of Moutinho. Quinonez with an elbow from the top. Moutinho is attacking the leg from the bottom. He looks for a heel hook. Quinonez escapes and lands from the top. Quinonez stands and lands a right hand. They scramble up and break apart. 10-9 Quinonez, 30-27 Quinonez.

Fight Result- Cristian Quinonez def. Kris Moutinho by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Women’s Bantamweights- #7 Ailin Perez (12-2, 5-1 UFC) vs. #8 Macy Chiasson (10-5, 8-5 UFC)

Perez scores a takedown and lands from the top. Chiasson looks for a leg as Perez tries to roll out. Chiasson attacks a heel hook. Perez tries to stand but Chiasson keeps it down and has the back and gets the hooks in. Chiasson has the body triangle locked on from the back. Chiasson lands some elbows from the back. Chiasson with a series of left hands as Perez is trying to get to her feet. Chiasson with more left hands from the back. Chiasson scrambles and Perez ends up on top but they quickly stand. Perez gets a takedown. Perez lands a pair of left hands. 10-9 Chiasson.

Chiasson lands a left hand and both look for a takedown, but both also defend. Perez lands a body kick. Perez lands a leg kick followed by a right hand. Perez scores a takedown and has side control as he lands an elbow to the body. They are stood up by the referee in an awful stand up. Chiasson pushes it against the fence and lands a knee. Chiasson tries for a takedown but Perez ends up on top. They get to their feet as Perez has body control. Perez drags it down but they stand, and Perez trips it back down. Perez with a right hand from the top. 10-9 Perez, 19-19.

Chiasson slips on a kick and Perez gets the body lock as she stands. Perez gets into the half guard of Chiasson. Perez landing shots from the top as Chiasson isn’t doing much on bottom. A lot of the action has stalled out. They scramble and Perez jumps on the back. Perez lands and attacks the neck. They get to their feet and trade knees after being tied up. Chiasson gets the back late. 10-9 Perez, 29-28 Perez.

Fight Result- Ailin Perez def. Macy Chiasson by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Middleweights- Ryan Gandra (8-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Jose Daniel Medina (11-6, 0-3 UFC)

Gandra lands a left hand. Gandra lands a flurry against the fence. Gandra lands a knee followed by a combo. Gandra with some big shots and Medina goes to the mat and it is all over! Gandra with the big finish.

Fight Result- Ryan Gandra def. Jose Daniel Medina by TKO (punches) at :41 of Round 1

MAIN CARD | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT

> Bantamweights- Santiago Luna (7-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Angel Pacheco (7-3, 0-1 UFC)

Pacheco with a quick combo. Pacheco works the jab. Luna lands a series of punches inside the pocket. Luna lands a combo to the body followed by a series of knees. Luna with a combo against the fence and scores a takedown, but lets Pacheco up. Luna has the clinch and lands against the fence before they separate. Pacheco lands an uppercut. Luna lands a right hand then a left hook. Luna lands a body kick followed by a flurry of punches. Luna gets a takedown and is controlling on the mat. They scramble up and Luna lands a head kick. Pacheco lands but falls to his back. 10-9 Luna.

Luna lands a flurry against the fence and a body kick. They break to the center and Luna works the jab. Luna shoots for a takedown and has the back as he drags Pacheco down. Luna gets into the guard of Pacheco and lands some hammerfists to the body. They get to their feet and trade punches. Luna lands a solid combo inside the pocket. Luna with a combo to the body and a left hook. Luna backs Pacheco up with a right hand. Luna with a big combo against the fence and Pacheco is hurt. Luna capitalizes but gets the back of Pacheco. Luna gets a big takedown and is inside the guard of Pacheco. Luna with some elbows as Pacheco scrambles up. Pacheco with an uppercut and Luna lands a right hand. They have a heavy exchange. 10-9 Luna, 20-18 Luna.

Both working the jab to start the third before Luna pushes it against the fence. They break apart. Pacheco with an uppercut. Luna with a right hand and grabs the clinch to land a knee before letting go of Pacheco. They trade right hands. Luna mixes a flurry to the head and body. Luna scores a takedown. Pacheco is able to force it back to the feet. Luna lands a combo and they clinch. Luna pushes it against the fence. Luna has the body lock. They separate and Luna lands a combo. Luna grabs the neck and drops down for a guillotine choke. Pacheco is able to fight out of it but Luna lands some elbows from the bottom. They get to their feet. Luna lands to the body. They trade at the end. 10-9 Luna, 30-27 Luna.

Fight Result- Santiago Luna def. Angel Pacheco by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Flyweights- Imanol Rodriguez (6-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Kevin Borjas (10-4, 1-3 UFC)

Rodriguez lands some leg kicks to start. Rodriguez with a stiff calf kick. Borjas drops Rodriguez with a counter left hand and starts rushing in and landing as Rodriguez is trying to run away. Borjas with some punches and a knee but Rodriguez is able to score a big takedown. Borjas tries to scramble from the bottom but Rodriguez gets into the half-guard. Rodriguez landing from the top. Rodriguez with some elbows. Rodriguez with more shots from the top and they scramble up late. 10-9 Borjas.

Borjas lands a leg kick. Rodriguez with a pair of leg kicks. Rodriguez with a left hand. Rodriguez lands a quick flurry and follows it with a combination. They trade and timeout is called for an eye poke by Rodriguez. They return to action and Rodriguez is pressing forward and mixes to the head and body. Rodriguez shoots for a takedown, but Borjas defends. Rodriguez lands a right hand. Rodriguez looks for a takedown but abandons it and lands a series of punches. Rodriguez lands a heavy left hand and lands another big punch. Borjas lands a right hand. Rodriguez with a spinning elbow. Rodriguez with a big flurry and Borjas goes to his butt and a big flurry of shots by Rodriguez end it.

Fight Result- Imanol Rodriguez def. Kevin Borjas by TKO (punches) at 4:21 of Round 2

> Flyweights- Edgar Chairez (12-6 1 NC, 2-2 1 NC UFC) vs. Felipe Bunes (14-8, 1-2 UFC)

Chairez lands a leg kick. Chairez works the jab as Bunes lands a leg kick. Chairez with a hard leg kick. They clinch up and Bunes has the back against the fence. Bunes jumps on the back and has the body triangle locked on. Bunes lands some elbows to the body and shoulder of Chairez. Bunes lands a right hand and looks for a choke but Chairez defends. Bunes still attacking the body as Chairez just can’t do much with Bunes on his back. Bunes ends the round in the position. 10-9 Bunes.

Bunes with some early leg kicks. Bunes is landing with more volume. Chairez lands a leg kick. Chairez with a lead left hook and lands a right hand to the body. Chairez with the jab and follows with a right hand. Bunes lands a solid right hand. Chairez with a right hand. Chairez with a spinning back fist. Chairez lands a right hand. Bunes with a jab. They trade inside the pocket. Chairez with a jab. Bunes lands a jab followed by a combination. Chairez with a right hand. Bunes with a kick right to the groin of Chairez and timeout is called. They get back going and Chairez lands late. 10-9 Chairez, 19-19.

They trade and then Bunes scores a takedown. Chairez lands an elbow from the bottom. Chairez pushes Bunes off and they scramble up. Chairez is pressuring and working the jab and lands an uppercut followed by a combination. Chairez landing to the body. Chairez with a leg kick. Chairez lands a right hand. Bunes with a front kick to the body. They trade jabs. Bunes with a high kick. Chairez is pressing forward and Bunes circles away. Bunes lands a combination. Bunes with a left hook. Chairez lands a spinning wheel kick and lands a combination late. 10-9 Chairez, 29-28 Chairez.

Fight Result- Edgar Chairez def. Felipe Bunes by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

> Lightweights- Daniel Zellhuber (15-3, 3-3 UFC) vs. King Green (33-17-1 1 NC, 14-12-1 1 NC UFC)

Green lands a leg kick. Zellhuber stumbles throwing a punch and Green lands a knee to the body. Zellhuber lands a kick and Green scores a takedown and takes the back as they scramble up and Zellhuber escapes. Green lands a left hand. Green with a combination. Green lands to the body. Green gets a takedown but Zellhuber rolls through and they stand with Green landing a knee as they separate. Green lands a left hand. Green with a pair of leg kicks. Green lands a right hand. Zellhuber is missing on a lot of what he is throwing. They trade right hands and Green connects solidly. Green with a spin kick. Green slaps Zellhuber. Zellhuber connects to the body. 10-9 Green.

Zellhuber quickly comes forward. Zellhuber with a high kick. Green scores a takedown and is in side control. Zellhuber looks for a buggy choke. Green is using his arm to pressure Zellhuber. Green gets out and lands a few elbows and a pair of knees to the body. Zellhuber attacks the choke again. They scramble up and Green has back control. Green looks for a takedown against the fence but they separate. Green lands a right hand and a leg kick. Green with a jab followed by a combination. Green with another combination. Green lands a right hand. Green with a combo. Green rocks Zellhuber with a right hand. Green lands a left hand and Zellhuber looked badly stunned. Zellhuber falls down and Green is landing lots of punches and it is stopped! What a finish by Green!

Fight Result- King Green def. Daniel Zellhuber by TKO (punches) at 4:55 of Round 2

> Bantamweights- #9 Marlon Vera (23-11-1, 15-10 UFC) vs. #10 David Martinez (13-1, 2-0 UFC)

Martinez with a body kick. They trade some leg kicks and Martinez lands a right hand. Martinez lands a leg kick. Martinez with a calf kick. Martinez lands a right hand. Vera with a jab but Martinez lands a counter right hand followed by another right hand. Martinez lands a fast combination. Vera has been unable to land much. Vera throws a kick and Martinez sweeps for a takedown and ends up inside the guard of Vera. Martinez with some ground and pound late. 10-9 Martinez.

Martinez with some body kicks early. Martinez lands a combination. Vera with a left hand, one of the few punches he’s actually been able to land. Martinez lands to the body. Martinez with a right hand. Martinez with a high kick followed by a right hand. Martinez lands another solid right hand. Martinez lands a combination. Martinez with a combination. Vera lands a head kick but Martinez grabs the leg and trips Vera to the mat and gets inside of Vera’s guard. Martinez lands from the top and they stand. Vera with a left hook to the body. Martinez lands a leg kick. Vera with a high kick. 10-9 Martinez, 20-18 Martinez.

Vera with a quick combo and a high kick. Martinez lands a left to the body and a right hand to the head. Martinez with a hard leg kick. They trade but the pace is slowing down as Vera is closing the distance more. Martinez with a combination. They almost clinch but Martinez is able to separate and they trade. Vera lands a jab. Martinez lands to the body. They tie up for a moment but nothing happens as they break. Vera lands to the body and Martinez lands a right hand. Vera lands a combination. They tie up against the fence but quickly break. They trade jabs. Vera with a left hand to the body. Vera lands more to the body and Martinez circles away. Vera with a knee to the body. Vera lands a combo. Vera lands a left hand as Martinez is gassed and circling away. Martinez lands a right hand. 10-9 Vera, 29-28 Martinez.

Fight Result- David Martinez def. Marlon Vera by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Flyweights- #6 Brandon Moreno (23-9-2, 11-6-2 UFC) vs. Lone’er Kavanagh (9-1, 2-1 UFC)

Moreno with a left hook. Moreno works the jab. Kavanagh with a front kick. Moreno rushes in and Kavanagh lands a left hand. Kavanagh with a calf kick. Moreno with a right hand and lands to the body. Kavanagh lands some more calf kicks. Kavanagh with a head kick. Moreno lands an overhand right. Moreno connects with a left hand. Kavanagh lands a body kick. Moreno lands a left hook and follows it with a right hand. Moreno lands a leg kick. Kavanagh lands a left hand. Kavanagh with another calf kick. 10-9 Kavanagh.

Moreno lands a right hand. Kavanagh lands a leg kick and Moreno trips to the mat but quickly gets up. Kavanagh lands a few more kicks. Kavanagh lands an upkick to the body. Moreno lands a left hand and works the jab. They trade inside the pocket. Moreno lands a combo. Moreno with a leg kick. Kavanagh landing some big punches and has Moreno in trouble. Kavanagh landing and Moreno slips. Kavanagh backs off a little. Kavanagh with a jab and a leg kick. Kavanagh with a combo and a calf kick. Moreno working the jab. Moreno connects with a combination. 10-9 Kavanagh, 20-18 Kavanagh.

Moreno starts the round by landing a combination. They trade punches. Moreno lands a right hand. Kavanagh with a leg kick. Moreno landing slightly more to start this round. Moreno swings big and Kavanagh lands a left hand. They trade leg kicks. Moreno looks for a takedown as he pushes Kavanagh to the fence. Moreno has back control against the fence. Moreno with knees to the legs of Kavanagh. They separate and return to the center. Moreno lands a nice combo. Kavanagh with a high kick. Moreno lands a right hand. Kavanagh with a leg kick as Moreno lands a combo. Moreno pushes it to the fence and lands some knees along the fence. 10-9 Moreno, 29-28 Kavanagh.

Both working the jab and Moreno lands a left hand. Kavanagh with a leg kick. Moreno shoots for the takedown against the fence. Moreno with some short knees. Moreno continues to pressure against the fence and lands some more knees. They separate. Kavanagh lands a heavy leg kick followed by another. Moreno with a lunging combo. Kavanagh lands a body kick. Moreno looks for a takedown against the fence. Kavanagh lands as they break. 10-9 Kavanagh, 39-37 Kavanagh.

Kavanagh lands a calf kick. Moreno shoots for a takedown and pushes it against the fence. Moreno lands some short punches. Moreno with some knees to the legs of Kavanagh against the fence. They are separated by Herb Dean. Kavanagh lands a leg kick. Kavanagh with a high kick. Moreno pushes it to the fence looking to drag Kavanagh down. Moreno lands some knees. Moreno is trying hard to get Kavanagh down but Kavanagh is defending. Moreno takes the back but Kavanagh is able to spin out of trouble. Kavanagh lands as they separate. Moreno lands a right hand. Moreno lands a high kick. Kavanagh lands a combination and a calf kick. Moreno with a right hand. Moreno pushes Kavanagh against the fence. They break. 10-9 Kavanagh, 49-46 Kavanagh.

Fight Result- Lone’er Kavanagh def. Brandon Moreno by unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)

Variety covers UFC fighter’s homophobic & anti-female remarks at press conference

Posted on by Josh Nason

While former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland is no stranger to making controversial comments about anything that comes to mind, it’s rare those comments are picked up anywhere outside native MMA media.

That changed Wednesday night as Variety published a piece covering Strickland’s comments from a press conference earlier in the day where he took aim at musician Bad Bunny as well as Ronda Rousey and women’s sports in general.

During Wednesday’s presser to promote his fight with Anthony Hernandez this Saturday on Paramount+, Strickland twice used a gay slur to reference Bad Bunny and his Super Bowl halftime performance, also pantomiming the NFL making a decision to “gay it up” and “bring in a gay foreigner who doesn’t speak English” in an effort to “f**king ruin the sport.”

Variety reached out to both Paramount and UFC but had not heard back. Paramount is also a partner with the NFL.

Strickland also was asked about the announcement of Rousey fighting Gina Carano in May, suggesting they fight “half naked” while putting over Rousey’s abilities while then joking she “lost a few fights to her ex” — a reference to a violent incident with a past boyfriend Rousey discussed in a book.

He also discussed Carano, saying he was a kid when she was fighting and that he pleasured himself to her “once or twice back in the day.”

He also said that “no one gives a f*ck about women’s sports,” adding that there is nothing wrong with women because they can do great things like cooking and cleaning.

UFC head Dana White has been hesitant, if not defiant, in punishing any fighters for outlandish comments in the past, notably from Bryce Mitchell who last year praised Adolf Hitler, denied the Holocaust happened, and blamed Jewish people for turning people gay. He remains under contract.

It appears unlikely Strickland will suffer any punishment this time around given that precedent.

Former football player turned media personality Robert Griffin III also denounced Strickland’s comments on his X account which has over two million followers.

UFC & Paramount announce date for CBS debut

Posted on by Josh Nason

Just over a month into their seven year deal with Paramount Skydance, the UFC now has a date for their debut on CBS.

Announced on Tuesday, two hours of UFC 326 on Saturday, March 7 will air on the “Tiffany Network,” marking its return to broadcast TV. Some previous events aired on ABC during their multi-year deal with Disney/ESPN.

The two hours that will air on CBS will be from 8-10 pm Eastern, encompassing one hour of the prelims and the first hour of the main card. The entire show from 5 pm through midnight will air on Paramount+.

When the two companies announced their seven year, $7.7 billion domestic TV rights contract, it was stated that some shows would air on CBS.

UFC 326 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas is headlined by Max Holloway vs. Charles Olivera for the ceremonial BMF title with Renato Moicano vs. Brian Ortega as the co-main event. The bout order for the show is not yet official for what fights will air on CBS.

UFC 324 live results: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

A new era begins for the UFC this weekend as Paramount+ takes over as the UFC’s media partner for at least the next seven years, and it all kicks off with UFC 324 taking place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The main event sees an interim title in the lightweight division on the line as Justin Gaethje takes on Paddy Pimblett. This fight was put together after current UFC Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria announced he was taking a break from fighting due to personal issues, though he is expected to return within the next few months, likely to face the winner of this bout.

Gaethje is coming off a win in his last fight, while Pimblett is undefeated during his UFC tenure, and on a nine-fight win streak overall.

In the co-main event, former UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley looks to get back into the win column against Song Yadong. Also on the main card is a heavyweight slugfest between Waldo Cortes-Acosta and fan favorite Derrick Lewis; a women’s flyweight fight with title shot implications as Natalia Silva battles Rose Namajunas; and a featherweight bout pitting Arnold Allen against Jean Silva.

PRELIMS | 6 PM ET/3 PM PT

> Welterweights- Adam Fugitt (10-5, 2-3 UFC) vs. Ty Miller (6-0 1 NC, 0-0 UFC)

Miller lands a right hand. Fugitt throws a high kick that Miller blocks. Miller is connecting with right hands as one gets through. Fugitt lands a body kick, and then lands another one. They trade inside the pocket as Fugitt lands a pair of body kicks. Miller lands a solid straight right hand. They trade in close range as Miller connects with a flush right hand. Fugitt with a high kick as Miller connects. Miller lands a big combination. Miller lands a solid right hand. They trade inside the pocket and both are bloody. Miller drops Fugitt with a clean right hand and lands from the top, landing an elbow as Fugitt stands. Miller lands two more big right hands. Miller teeing off and drops Fugitt to a knee with a right hand and continues to land and gets the finish at the buzzer! What a finish from Miller!

Fight Result- Ty Miller def. Adam Fugitt by TKO (punches) at 4:59 of Round 1

> Heavyweights- Josh Hokit (7-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Denzel Freeman (7-1, 1-0 UFC)

Hokit shoots for a takedown right away and is able to get it. Hokit gets the back and has body control as Freeman is attempting to escape to his feet. Hokit with a knee to the thigh of Freeman. They get to their feet as Hokit maintains body control. They break apart. Hokit lands a series of punches with a knee to the body mixed in. Hokit lands a series of uppercuts and Freeman goes to his knees. Hokit with more punches as he looks for neck control. Hokit lands punches from the back. Hokit lands more punches as he spanks Freeman, but they stand. Hokit lands against the fence and Freeman goes for a takedown, but Hokit rolls through to the feet. Hokit lands some punches and Freeman falls down. Hokit with a knee to the body and some more punches as they stand. Freeman runs away and falls to a knee and Mark Smith steps in and stops the fight. A weird finish, but Hokit picks up the win.

Fight Result- Josh Hokit def. Denzel Freeman by TKO (punches) at 4:59 of Round 1

> Flyweights*- #11 Alex Perez (25-10, 7-6 UFC) vs. #13 Charles Johnson (18-7, 7-5 UFC)

*Perez missed weight by 2.5 pounds

They trade to start off as Perez lands a combination. They trade leg kicks. Perez rushes in with a combination, and Johnson lands a body kick. Perez drops Johnson with a left hand and starts landing from the top. Johnson gets to his feet and Perez continues to connect as Johnson is wobbly on his feet. Perez lands a knee and continues to land. Johnson is circling away to survive. Perez lands some more big punches. Johnson looks for a takedown but Perez sprawls and lands more punches as they stand. Perez lands a combo against the fence. Johnson with a pair of body kicks. Perez lands a left hook and Johnson falls face first to the mat and it is stopped! Big finish from Perez, though he did miss weight.

Fight Result- Alex Perez def. Charles Johnson by TKO (punches) at 3:16 of Round 1

> Light Heavyweights- #13 Nikita Krylov (30-11, 11-9 UFC) vs. Modestas Bukauskas (19-6, 7-4 UFC)

Krylov lands a pair of kicks. Bukauskas connects with a right hand. Bukauskas with a combination and lands a right hand afterwards. Krylov shoots for a takedown and pushes Bukauskas against the fence. Krylov still working for a takedown against the fence but not much is happening. Krylov lands a right hand and a high kick as they separate. Krylov with a pair of low kicks. Bukauskas lands a right hand as Krylov lands a leg kick. They trade as Krylov comes forward. Both land and Krylov briefly hurts Bukauskas with a punch. 10-9 Krylov.

Krylov with a leg kick as Bukauskas lands a combination. They trade in close range, and then Bukauskas lands a right hand. They both land as both throw big shots in close range. They tie up and Krylov pushes it to the fence and lands a knee. They end up separating after not a lot of action. Krylov lands a right hand. Bukauskas with a heavy leg kick. Bukauskas lands a combo but Krylov lands a counter right hand. Krylov lands a body kick. Bukauskas with a right hand. They trade late. 10-9 Krylov, 20-18 Krylov.

Bukauskas with a left hand as Krylov throws some front kicks. Krylov connects with a big left hand. Bukauskas lands a left hand. They trade but both are staying out of the range of one another. They trade punches and Bukauskas lands a leg kick. They trade as they nearly clinch up. Krylov with a leg kick as they exchange left hooks. Krylov lands a jab and Bukauskas lands an overhand right. Bukauskas lands a right hand. Krylov drops Bukauskas late with a right hand and lands from the top to get the finish seconds before the fight ends.

Fight Result- Nikita Krylov def. Modestas Bukauskas by knockout (punch) at 4:57 of Round 3

> Middleweights- Ateba Gautier (9-1, 3-0 UFC) vs. Andrey Pulyaev (10-3, 1-1 UFC)

Gautier drops Pulyaev with the first right hand he lands. He lets Pulyaev up and then lands some big punches. Pulyaev lands a body kick and slips, but then Gautier lands as Pulyaev stands. Pulyaev lands a body kick. Pulyaev lands a left hand but Gautier lands a right hand moments later. Gautier lands a right hand. Pulyaev with a left hand. Pulyaev lands some kicks. Pulyaev with a left hand. Pulyaev with a body kick. Pulyaev with a pair of body kicks. 10-9 Gautier.

Gautier is slowing down as the second starts. Pulyaev lands a left hand and a body kick. Pulyaev with another body kick. Pulyaev lands some more kicks as Gautier is looking like he’s just trying to load up on a right hand. Gautier lands a right hand and Pulyaev backs up and falls briefly, but he gets right up. Pulyaev lands a body kick. Gautier with a big right hand. Gautier drops Pulyaev with a right hand and starts landing punches and knees against the fence. Pulyaev looks to have recovered. The pace has slowed. Pulyaev with a short leg kick. Pulyaev lands a high kick. 10-9 Gautier, 20-18 Gautier.

Pulyaev lands a high kick. Gautier lands a right hand. Pulyaev with a body kick. The pace is very slow as Pulyaev lands a left hand and a leg kick. Pulyaev with a high kick. Gautier with a high kick. Pulyaev with a body kick. Gautier with a left hand. Pulyaev lands a body kick followed by a jab. Pulyaev with another stiff body kick. 10-9 Pulyaev, 29-28 Gautier.

Fight Result- Ateba Gautier def. Andrey Pulyaev by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

> Bantamweights*- #2 Umar Nurmagomedov (19-1, 7-1 UFC) vs. #6 Deiveson Figueiredo (25-5-1, 14-5-1 UFC)

*Figueiredo missed weight by 2.5 pounds

Nurmagomedov lands a leg kick. He lands another. Nurmagomedov with a front kick to the body that backs Figueiredo up. Figueiredo lands a leg kick. Nurmagomedov lands to the body as they clinch up. They separate as Nurmagomedov lands an uppercut. Nurmagomedov with a high kick. Nurmagomedov shoots for a takedown and briefly had it, but Figueredo had neck control and they break apart. Nurmagomedov grabs the body and gets a trip takedown. Nurmagomedov working from the half-guard. Nurmagomedov lands to the body and then to the head. Nurmagomedov with more punches from the top. 10-9 Nurmagomedov.

Nurmagomedov landing kicks and punches to keep Figueiredo at a distance early in the second. Nurmagomedov looks for a takedown, but Figueiredo defends. Nurmagomedov lands a body kick. Figueiredo looks for a takedown, but Nurmagomedov defends. Nurmagomedov with a high kick. They both land right hands in close range, and then Nurmagomedov lands a body kick. Nurmagomedov lands a combo before they clinch up. Figueiredo defends and they both start landing as the round winds down. Figueiredo lands a right hand. Nurmagomedov with a left hand. 10-9 Nurmagomedov, 20-18 Nurmagomedov.

Nurmagomedov lands a body kick. Nurmagomedov is pressing forward and controlling as Figueiredo has thrown no offense in the first 90 seconds of the round. Nurmagomedov gets a takedown and is working from inside the guard of Figueiredo. Nurmagomedov lands some punches and moves to side control, but Figueiredo gets him back inside his full guard. Nurmagomedov transitions and lands from the top. 10-9 Nurmagomedov, 30-27 Nurmagomedov.

Fight Result- Umar Nurmagomedov def. Deiveson Figueiredo by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

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> Featherweights- #6 Arnold Allen (20-3, 11-2 UFC) vs. #10 Jean Silva (16-3, 5-1 UFC)

Allen lands a pair of kicks. Silva lands to the body. Allen lands a left hand. He lands another left hand. Silva with a right hand to the body as Allen lands a high kick, and they then exchange kicks. Allen with a straight left hand to the body. Silva lands a combination. Allen with a body kick. Silva lands a right hand as Allen is working the jab and lands a left hand. Silva lands a right hook to the body followed by a left hand. Allen lands a left hand but Silva ends the round with a big flurry. 10-9 Silva.

Silva lands a high kick. Silva with an inside leg kick. Silva with another high kick. Silva lands a flurry and gets a brief takedown, but they get up and Allen lands several punches. Silva lands an elbow before they break to the center. Allen lands a left hand, and Silva lands an uppercut. Silva with two right hands, one to the body and one to the head. Allen with a high kick followed by a flying knee. Silva lands a solid combination. They tie up and Allen lands a big knee. Silva lands a right hand as Allen lands a spinning attack. Silva with a series of leg kicks. Allen lands a right hand after blocking a head kick. Silva with a spinning elbow. Allen lands a head kick. 10-9 Allen, 19-19.

They trade short leg kicks. Silva with a high kick. Silva with a body kick, then mixes a combo to the body and head. Silva with a series of right hands. Allen grabs the back as they move to the fence. Allen controls, but Silva is able to keep it on the feet and force a separation. Silva looked for a single leg as he initiates a clinch and lands a pair of elbows. Silva moves to the back and gets a brief takedown. Allen lands a body kick on the feet. Silva with a combo and Allen lands a knee to the body. Allen with a high kick. Silva lands a high kick. Silva lands a head kick then a right hand and then another head kick. 10-9 Silva, 29-28 Silva.

Fight Result- Jean Silva def. Arnold Allen by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

> Women’s Flyweights- #2 Natalia Silva (19-5-1, 7-0 UFC) vs. #6 Rose Namajunas (14-7, 12-6 UFC)

Namajunas lands a leg kick. She lands another. Silva hasn’t landed anything in the first 90 seconds. They trade jabs. Namajunas lands a leg kick as Silva lands a combo. Silva with a right hand. Namajunas lands a leg kick. Namajunas lands a right hand as Silva throws a high kick. Namajunas with a leg kick. Namajunas lands a combination as Silva lands a leg kick. Namajunas with a high kick and lands a spinning back fist. They trade leg kicks. 10-9 Namajunas.

Namajunas lands a leg kick. Namajunas with a jab as Silva throws but misses. Silva lands a leg kick as Namajunas lands a right hand. Silva lands a high body kick. They trade inside the pocket. Namajunas lands a right hand. Silva lands a right hand. They clinch and Silva looks for a trip, but Namajunas stays on her feet as they go to the fence. They briefly scramble to the mat, and Namajunas has control as they stand and are at the fence. Namajunas is able to score a takedown and gets inside the guard of Silva. Namajunas controlling from the top as Silva tries to find an opening. 10-9 Namajunas, 20-18 Namajunas.

Namajunas lands a leg kick as Silva lands a combination. Silva starting to land more punches. Silva with an inside leg kick. Namajunas lands a left hook after faking a takedown attempt. Silva lands a combination. Silva with some leg kicks and a spin kick to the body. Namajunas lands a front kick. Silva lands a high kick. They trade kicks. Silva with a high side kick. They trade inside the pocket. Silva with a side kick to the leg. Silva scores a takedown and is in the half-guard of Namajunas. They get up and both land late in the round. 10-9 Silva, 29-28 Namajunas.

Fight Result- Natalia Silva def. Rose Namajunas by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Heavyweights- #5 Waldo Cortes-Acosta (16-2, 9-2 UFC) vs. #8 Derrick Lewis (29-12 1 NC, 20-10 UFC)

Lewis lands a body kick. Cortes-Acosta lands a leg kick. Lewis lands a high kick. Lewis lands another high kick as Cortes-Acosta is just moving forward but doing nothing on offense. Cortes-Acosta works the jab. Cortes-Acosta lands a leg kick. Cortes-Acosta lands a right hand. Cortes-Acosta catches a Lewis leg kick and scores a takedown, but lets Lewis back to his feet. 10-9 Cortes-Acosta.

Cortes-Acosta lands a right hand as Lewis was coming forward. Cortes-Acosta works the jab. Lewis with a right hand. Cortes-Acosta lands a left hook. Lewis with a left hook. Lewis lands a right hand. Cortes-Acosta lands a shot and Lewis goes down. Cortes-Acosta starts landing big punches and elbows from the top and it is stopped! Big finish from Cortes-Acosta.

Fight Result- Waldo Cortes-Acosta def. Derrick Lewis by TKO (punches) at 3:14 of Round 2

> Bantamweights- #3 Sean O’Malley (18-3 1 NC, 10-3 1 NC UFC) vs. #5 Song Yadong (22-8-1 1 NC, 11-3-1 UFC)

Yadong lands a leg kick right away. O’Malley with a body kick and they trade leg kicks. They trade kicks as O’Malley lands a left hand. O’Malley with another left hand. Yadong lands a quick combo and O’Malley counters with a spin kick to the body. O’Malley works the jab. Yadong with a lunging left hand that partially lands. O’Malley with a front kick and Yadong lands a leg kick. They continue to trade kicks often. Yadong with a heavy leg kick before he scores a takedown. O’Malley attacks for a guillotine choke but Yadong is able to get his head free. Yadong lands to the body from the top to end the round. 10-9 O’Malley.

Yadong lands a leg kick. O’Malley with a body kick as Yadong lands a right hand. O’Malley lands a body kick. Yadong with a leg kick. Yadong looks for a takedown as he grabs a leg and they scramble down for a moment before standing. Yadong has back control as O’Malley lands back elbows. Yadong gets it down as O’Malley attacks for a guillotine choke, but Yadong escapes and is inside the guard of O’Malley. They scramble to their feet. 10-9 Yadong, 19-19.

O’Malley lands to the body as Yadong lands a calf kick. Yadong lands another leg kick as O’Malley lands a pair of left hands. Yadong lands a combo. O’Malley with a front kick. They trade jabs. Yadong shoots for a takedown but O’Malley easily defends it. O’Malley works the jab. O’Malley lands a body kick, and both land right hands, with O’Malley landing with more power. O’Malley lands a kick as Yadong is throwing punches. Yadong shoots for a takedown, but O’Malley defends and lands a right hand followed by a nice knee. Yadong is bleeding. O’Malley with a left hand and follows with a right hand. O’Malley lands a right hand and a high kick. Close fight. 10-9 O’Malley, 29-28 O’Malley.

Fight Result- Sean O’Malley def. Song Yadong by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Interim UFC Lightweight Championship- #4 Justin Gaethje (26-5, 9-5 UFC) vs. #5 Paddy Pimblett (23-3, 7-0 UFC)

Pimblett lands a right hand. He lands a body kick. Pimblett with a leg kick. He lands another. He lands a left hand but Gaethje lands a counter right hand. Pimblett with a solid right hand followed by a leg kick. Pimblett lands a combo with a knee and lands some more, but Gaethje counters back with some right hands. Gaethje lands a right hand and Pimblett goes down. Gaethje starts landing as he grabs the neck. He backs off and lets Pimblett stand. Pimblett lands an uppercut. Pimblett lands a leg kick. He lands a body kick followed by a left hand. Pimblett lands a small flurry. Gaethje grabs the body against the fence. They break apart. Pimblett lands a calf kick. He lands an uppercut. Pimblett lands another uppercut and Gaethje lands a right hand. Time out is called for an eye poke by Gaethje. They get back going and Pimblett lands some leg kicks. They start teeing off against the fence. Pimblett lands an elbow as they clinch, and also some knees as they break apart. 10-9 Gaethje.

Pimblett lands a left hook and a leg kick. Gaethje lands against the fence and grabs the neck as they go to the mat. Pimblett escapes and they stand. Gaethje lands a stiff jab. Pimblett lands a body kick and stumbles. Gaethje lands a knee as they clinch and both are swinging. Pimblett with an uppercut, but Gaethje fires back with a big combination. They tie up and Pimblett with a knee to the body. They trade knees but separate. Pimblett with some more knees to the body. Gaethje lands a right hand and grabs the front headlock, dragging Pimblett to the mat. They start to scramble and Gaethje hurts Pimblett with a knee, but they both stand. Gaethje lands a right hand and Pimblett goes to his butt. Gaethje lands from the top, mixing elbows and punches. Gaethje jumps back on top and lands big shots to end the round. 10-9 Gaethje, 20-18 Gaethje.

Pimblett works the jab. He lands another followed by a leg kick and a right hand. Gaethje starts to land but Pimblett continues to work the jab and is doing better on offense here. Pimblett lands a body kick then a high kick. Gaethje lands a leg kick. Gaethje with an overhand right. Pimblett lands a body kick. They trade leg kicks. They both land a left hand at the same time. Pimblett comes forward but eats a right hand from Gaethje. Pimblett lands an uppercut and Gaethje lands a leg kick. Time out is called after a groin strike by Pimblett. They get back going and Pimblett is landing more as Gaethje lands a solid jab. Pimblett with some leg kicks. Gaethje lands a flush right hand. They trade jabs. 10-9 Pimblett, 29-28 Gaethje.

They trade big shots and Gaethje hurts Pimblett with a right hand. Gaethje lands a left hook as Pimblett shoots for a takedown. Gaethje has the neck but Pimblett escapes and they stand. Gaethje pushes Pimblett against the fence but they separate. Gaethje lands a big right hand. Gaethje hurts Pimblett with some big punches but Pimblett recovers. Gaethje lands a leg kick. They tie up and Gaethje with some knees and an elbow. Gaethje with an uppercut. They break apart and trade jabs. Pimblett lands a nice sequence but eats a jab from Gaethje. Pimblett lands a right hand. Pimblett with a pair of high kicks. Pimblett lands a combo as they scramble down late and Gaethje lands. 10-9 Gaethje, 39-37 Gaethje.

They trade and Pimblett hurts Gaethje with some shots. Gaethje recovers and lands a huge right hand. They tie up against the fence and Gaethje lands to the body and a right hand as they break. Gaethje with a leg kick. Gaethje lands a jab. Pimblett with an uppercut. Pimblett lands a combo. Pimblett with an uppercut in the clinch. Pimblett shoots for a takedown, but Gaethje defends it. Pimblett pushes it to the fence and lands some knees. They separate and Gaethje lands a big right hand. Pimblett lands a combination. They trade right hands. Pimblett lands a big flurry and Gaethje forces a clinch. Pimblett lands to the body and lands a small flurry on a brief break. Gaethje with a right hand in the clinch. They break apart. They both swing late. 10-9 Pimblett, 48-47 Gaethje.

Fight Result- Justin Gaethje def. Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46) to win the Interim UFC Lightweight Championship

UFC, Paramount announce expansion of media rights deal

Posted on by Josh Nason

Before the new UFC U.S. media rights deal on Paramount begins in 2026, the two brands are already expanding on it.

Announced on Tuesday, Paramount (via parent company Skydance) and UFC (via parent company TKO) revealed a new seven-year media rights deal that will add Latin America and Australia to the mix via the Paramount+ streaming service, aligning them with the U.S. rights.

Like with the U.S. rights, the deal begins this January.

While the Latin America rights are identical to the U.S. which includes 13 numbered (formerly PPV) events and 30 Fight Night cards, the Australia portion includes just the Fight Night shows and prelims for the UFC numbered shows. That is because UFC PPVs are available on Kayo Sports via a multi-year deal announced in January 2024.

While ads have run on U.S. TV, the date and card for the first UFC event on Paramount+ and/or CBS has yet to be announced. The two sides announced a seven-year, $7.7 billion domestic rights deal in August.

WOL: I guess there’s a wrestling war after all

Posted on by Josh Nason

For the second straight week, there’s an extended Sunday version of Wrestling Observer Live with Josh Nason, available below or on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Josh leads off with an admission that he was wrong (I know!) about there not being a wrestling war between WWE and AEW. Given the past week of the news that WWE is planning a head-to-head PLE with All Out and John Cena’s final match opposite Worlds End in addition to TNA’s possible TV home and night, it’s more clear than ever. But why should WWE care? I discuss.

He also gives his thoughts on the UFC’s deal with Paramount and why AEW is a (temporary) winner.

He also looks ahead to next weekend’s AEW Forbidden Door card and why he is looking forward to it more than week vs. last week.

Josh also goes over some things he thinks he knows he thinks including why Ring of Honor needs a direction, Nick Khan’s hatred of out-of-office messages, Big E’s wrestling future, Karrion Kross, and how Vince McMahon will be remembered.

Click here to listen for free or on Spotify or Apple Podcasts