UFC 2020: When Sven Took Charge II

[Fantabulous]

UFC on Fight Pass 3: da Silva vs. Luque

 

 

UFC on Fight Pass 3: da Silva vs. Luque

 

Date: Saturday of Week 2 of March 2021 Location: Brazil

Attendance: 695 Gate: $184,522

Critical Rating: 73% Commercial Rating: 56%

 

Commentary Team: John Gooden and Dan Hardy

 

Preliminary Card

 

 

Welterweight: Brok Weaver (15-5) vs. Khama Worthy (15-7)

 

Result: Brok ‘Chata Tuska’ Weaver beat Khama ‘The Deathstar’ Worthy by TKO due to strikes in 2:26 of Round 2

 

 

Light Heavyweight: Jamahal Hill (7-1) vs. Jonathan Wilson (8-4)

 

Result: Jonathan ‘Johnny Bravo’ Wilson beat Jamahal ‘Sweat Dreams’ Hill by TKO due to strikes in 3:00 of Round 1

 

 

Light Heavyweight: Khadis Ibragimov (9-3) vs. Saparbek Safarov (10-4)

 

Result: Saparbek Safarov beat Khadis Ibragimov by submission due to a triangle choke in 2:27 of Round 2

 

 

Women’s Flyweight: J.J. Aldrich (#19, 9-5) vs. Maryna Moroz (#21, 10-4)

 

Result: ‘The Iron Lady’ Maryna Moroz beat J.J. Aldrich by split decision (29-28, 29-28 and 28-29)

 

Main Card

 

 

Bantamweight: Pedro Munhoz (#10, 19-5, 1NC) vs. Rani Yahya (#25, 26-11-1, 1NC)

 

Result: Rani Yahya beat ‘The Young Punisher’ Pedro Munhoz by submission due to a guillotine choke in 3:58 of Round 3

 

 

Middleweight: Antonio Carlos Junior (#16, 10-5, 1NC) vs. Bruno Silva (19-7)

 

Result: Antonio ‘Cara De Sapato’ Carlos Junior beat Bruno ‘Blindado’ Silva by submission due to a rear naked choke in 2:41 of Round 1

 

 

Welterweight: Alex Oliveira (20-9-1, 2NC) vs. Michael Pereira (24-12, 2NC)

 

Result: Alex ‘Cowboy’ Oliveira beat Michel ‘Demolidor’ Pereira by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27 and 30-25)

 

 

Middleweight: Antonio Arroyo (10-3) vs. Rodolfo Vieira (#18, 10-0)

 

Result: Rodolfo ‘The Black Belt Hunter’ Vieira beat Antonio Arroyo by submission due to an armbar in 3:22 of Round 1

 

 

Welterweight: Claudio Henrique da Silva (#25, 15-1) vs. Vicente Luque (#11, 19-7-1)

 

Result: Vicente ‘Silent Assassin’ Luque beat Claudio ‘Mineiro’ Henrique da Silva by knockout (punch) in 1:32 of Round 1

 

Post-fight interview notes

 

Brok Weaver challenged Emil Meek, feeling that it would be a great fight

Saparbek Safarov challenged Magomed Ankalaev

Maryna Moroz believed she had earned a unanimous decision victory; she was a good talker

Rani Yahya praised Pedro Munhoz

Rodolfo Vieira was very happy with his submission technique

Vicente Luque was very happy with the submission finish, believing it to be a testament to his training

 

Post-Fight Bonuses

 

Fight of the Night: J.J. Aldrich vs. Maryna Moroz

Performance of the Night: Rani Yahya

Knockout of the Night: Vicente Luque

Submission of the Night: Antonio Carlos Junio

 

Predictions

 

McDojoDelux: (6/9)

McDojoDelux (Overall): (14/19; 73.68%)

 

From the author: Well done to McDojoDelux for picking every main card fight correctly.

[Fantabulous]

UFC Rankings for Sunday, Week 2 of March 2021

 

[Fantabulous]

Cirkunov vs. Reyes to headline UFC Fight Night 185

 

 

Cirkunov vs. Reyes to headline UFC Fight Night 185

 

Saturday, Week 2 of March 2021

 

The UFC will be heading to The Hoosier State in May for a great Fight Night card, one that will be headlined by a big fight in the Light Heavyweight division, with Misha Cirkunov taking on Dominick Reyes.

 

Cirkunov has been surging up the rankings as the result of a three-fight winning streak, and a win over Reyes could be enough to secure Cirkunov a shot at the light heavyweight title. For Reyes, he hopes to continue his return to form, with Reyes having beaten Sam Alvey in his previous fight, Reyes’ first since losing to current light heavyweight champion Jon Jones. A second win in a row would maintain Reyes’ position as a top light heavyweight and keep him firmly in the divisional top ten.

 

With plenty on the line, who will win this light heavyweight showdown?

 

Magomed Bibulatov makes his much anticipated UFC debut, yet he’ll have a tough challenge ahead of him when he meets Eric Shelton. Whilst Bibulatov is on a win streak, so is Shelton, who is undefeated since returning to the UFC. Can Magomed Bibulatov establish himself as a flyweight contender, or will Eric Shelton make it five victories in a row and perhaps earn himself a shot at the flyweight championship?

 

In the women’s flyweight division, Mackenzie Dern must halt the rise of Lucie Pudilova, who made a successful UFC debut earlier in the year. A victory for Dern would put her near the top ten, whilst a win for Pudilova could see her crack the top ten, so there is plenty to fight for in what should be a great fight.

 

In another big flyweight fight, Deiveson Figueiredo goes against Alex Perez, and it’s a contest where, depending on the outcome of the Magomed Bibulatov vs. Eric Shelton fight, the winner could very well find themselves in line for a chance at the flyweight championship.

 

And the main card kicks off with what should be an entertaining affair between Paul Craig and Ed Herman.

 

It’s a great card of action, with significant stakes in all the top fights, and there’s a lot to look forward to on the preliminary card as well, and it all takes place in Indiana on Saturday, Week 2 of May

 

UFC Fight Night 185: Cirkunov vs. Reyes

 

Main Card

 

 

Light Heavyweight: Misha Cirkunov (#4, 17-5) vs. Dominick Reyes (#5, 13-2)

 

 

Flyweight: Magomed Bibulatov (#6, 18-2) vs. Eric Shelton (#3, 16-6)

 

 

Women’s Flyweight: Mackenzie Dern (#17, 10-1) vs. Lucie Pudilova (#14, 11-6)

 

 

Flyweight: Deiveson Figueiredo (#2, 19-1) vs. Alex Perez (#7, 24-5)

 

 

Light Heavyweight: Paul Craig (#14, 14-4-1) vs. Ed Herman (#20, 25-15, 1NC)

 

Preliminary Card

 

 

Heavyweight: Juan Espino (#22, 10-2) vs. Dmitriy Sosnovskiy (11-)

 

 

Heavyweight: Jeff Hughes (10-4, 1NC) vs. Dontale Mayes (7-4)

 

 

Women’s Strawweight: Jessica Andrade (#13, 20-9) vs. Randa Markos (#10, 11-9-1)

 

 

Women’s Strawweight: Brianna Van Buren (11-3) vs. Amanda Bobby Cooper (4-6)

 

 

Lightweight: Alan Patrick (15-3) vs. Lando Vanatta (11-5-2)

 

 

Lightweight: Rustam Khabilov (#25, 25-5) vs. Davi Ramos (10-4)

 

 

Welterweight: Abdul Razak Alhassan (10-1, 1NC) vs. Dwight Grant (10-3)

 

 

Welterweight: Demian Maia (#17, 28-11) vs. Diego Sanchez (30-11)

 

 

Bantamweight: Brian Kelleher (20-10, 1NC) vs. Said Nurmagomedov (14-3)

 

 

Bantamweight: Randy Costa (5-2) vs. Jose Alberto Quinonez (8-4)

[Fantabulous]

News Blast

 

Saturday of Week 2 of March 2021

 

 

Sunday of Week 2 of March 2021

 

 

 

Monday of Week 3 of March 2021

 

[Fantabulous]

News Blast

 

Tuesday of Week 3 of March 2021

 

 

Wednesday of Week 3 of March 202

 

 

Thursday of Week 3 of March 2021

 

 

Friday of Week 3 of March 2021

 

[Fantabulous]

UFC Fight Night 186 to see Edson Barboza welcome Myles Jury back to the Octagon

 

 

UFC Fight Night 186 to see Edson Barboza welcome Myles Jury back to the Octagon

 

Saturday, Week 3 of March 2021

 

The warm climate of Wisconsin will get even hotter in May when the UFC comes to town for a big Fight Night event, and it’s headlined by what could be a pivotal clash in the featherweight division, with Edson Barboza taking on the returning Myles Jury.

 

Myles Jury had been poised for major success before a poor run of form saw him leave the UFC, Jury making the decision to hone his skills away from the biggest stage of the sport. Enjoying great success on the regional scene, even claiming featherweight gold, Jury felt that the time was right to return to the UFC, but he won’t have it easy in his first fight back, with Jury facing the resurgent Edson Barboza.

 

Edson Barboza had himself taken time away from the spotlight to refine his skills, and he announced his return in explosive fashion earlier in the year at UFC on ESPN 12 with Barboza destroying Jeremy Stephens in only 53 seconds. It was a showing that proved Barboza had put his time to good use, and also made it clear that he was a dangerous threat to anyone in the featherweight division.

 

Barboza is right near the top of the featherweight rankings, and a win over Jury would surely cement his status as the next title challenger. However, Jury could foil Barboza’s title aspirations, and if Jury beats Barboza, he might very well be the one who gains the right to challenge for gold.

 

Who will win this battle of featherweight contenders?

 

In the co-main event, the dangerous Neil Magny takes on the outspoken and equally dangerous Mike Perry.

 

These two couldn’t be more opposite to each other, with Magny one of the most liked and respected fighters in the game, and Perry, well, not one of the most liked and respected fighters in the game. It’s a battle of two disparate personalities, both skilled in all facets of the sport, but only one of them can walk away the winner when they do battle at UFC Fight Night 186.

 

In what could be the fight of the night, veteran Donald Cerrone faces the heavy-handed Michael Johnson, and this one could end in an instant, both fighters possessing the power to end a fight with one punch. Cerrone is in desperate need of a win, having lost his last three fights, yet he’ll be facing an opponent who has won back-to-back fights and will be looking to make it three in a row.

 

Can Cerrone find the win he needs, or will Johnson make it three in a row and consign Cerrone to the biggest skid of his career?

 

In the women’s bantamweight division, former title challenger Bethe Correia faces Yana Kunitskaya, and the main card kicks off with the ultra-likeable veteran Roxanne Modafferi going against the rising star from China, Wu Yanan.

 

This loaded card, and a great preliminary card of action that is headlined by the UFC debut of Karine Silva, hits Wisconsin on Saturday, Week 3 of May.

 

UFC Fight Night 186: Barboza vs. Jury

 

Main Card

 

 

Featherweight: Edson Barboza (#2, 21-8) vs. Myles Jury (#7, 20-5)

 

 

Welterweight: Neil Magny (#13, 23-8) vs. Mike Perry (#22, 14-7)

 

 

Lightweight: Donald Cerrone (#15, 36-15, 1NC) vs. Michael Johnson (#7, 21-15)

 

 

Women’s Bantamweight: Bethe Correia (#9, 12-5-1) vs. Yana Kunitskaya (#8, 15-7)

 

 

Women’s Flyweight: Roxanne Modafferi (#13, 26-17) vs. Wu Yanan (#15, 12-4)

 

Preliminary Card

 

 

Women’s Strawweight: Bec Rawlings (9-10) vs. Karine Silva (10-3)

 

 

Featherweight: Enrique Barzola (16-6-2) vs. Youssef Zalal (8-3)

 

 

Featherweight: Darrick Minner (24-12) vs. Steven Peterson (18-10)

 

 

Middleweight: John Phillips (22-10, 1NC) vs. Wellington Turman (16-4)

 

 

Lightweight: Jared Gordon (16-4) vs. Damir Hadzovic (13-7)

 

 

Lightweight: Yancy Medeiros (15-8, 1NC) vs. Jim Miller (31-16, 1NC)

 

 

Bantamweight: Tim Elliot (15-11-1) vs. Alejandro Perez (21-10-1)

 

 

Women’s Flyweight: Priscila Cachoeira (#24, 9-4) vs. Polyana Viana (#22, 10-5)

 

 

Welterweight: Siyar Bahadurzada (24-9-1) vs. Alexey Kunchenko (21-3)

 

 

Lightweight: Chris Fishgold (18-4-1) vs. Drakkar Klose (12-3-1)

[Fantabulous]

News Blast

 

Saturday of Week 3 of March 2021

 

 

 

Sunday of Week 3 of March 2021

 

 

Monday of Week 4 of March 2021

 

[Fantabulous]

<p>News Blast and a preview of UFC 260</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><em>Tuesday of Week 4 of March 2021</em></strong></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="PolQkJl.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PolQkJl.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <img alt="VhlAn8S.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/VhlAn8S.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="2iopFXA.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2iopFXA.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> <strong><em>Wednesday of Week 4 of March 2021</em></strong></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="fr4LPPx.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fr4LPPx.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> <strong><em>Thursday of Week 4 of March 2021</em></strong></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="WAkKSvl.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/WAkKSvl.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="A6ioK9C.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/A6ioK9C.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <img alt="kZxfpIv.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kZxfpIv.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="kZxfpIv.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kZxfpIv.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <img alt="DCK760D.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/DCK760D.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="j0M0FYm.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/j0M0FYm.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <img alt="bMDXnzx.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bMDXnzx.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> <strong><em>Friday of Week 4 of March 2021</em></strong></p><p> </p><p> <img alt="UO9nDVK.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/UO9nDVK.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="AU1jPXo.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/AU1jPXo.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <img alt="zVLBGqj.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/zVLBGqj.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="lHNhbug.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/lHNhbug.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="50712" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><strong>From the author:</strong>UFC 260 will be posted tomorrow night, and it’s headlined by Jon Jones defending the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship against Jan Błachowicz. In the co-main event, Zhang Weili defends the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship against the undefeated world-class wrestler, Tatiana Suarez. The winner of the main event may know their next opponent when Corey Anderson faces Alexander Gustafsson. Angela Hill takes Rose Namajunas, a grudge match sees Colby Covington up against Tyron Woodley, and the main card kicks off with Walt Harris meeting Alistair Overeem<p> </p><p> Here is a rundown of the entire night’s action for predictions, comment, etc;</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><span style="font-size:8px;"><span style="font-family:'Arial Black';"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="color:#8B0000;">UFC 260: The Buckeye Brawl</span></span></strong></span></span></p></div><p><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><span style="font-family:'Arial Black';"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="color:#8B0000;">Main Card</span></span></strong></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>UFC Light Heavyweight Champion:</strong></span></span><span style="font-size:8px;"> Jon Jones </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>©</strong></span><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em>(#1, 27-1, 1NC)</em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span></span><span style="font-size:8px;"> Jan Błachowicz </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em>(#2, 28-8)</em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em>for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion:</strong></span></span><span style="font-size:8px;"> Weili Zhang </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>©</strong></span><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em>(#1, 23-1)</em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span></span><span style="font-size:8px;"> Tatiana Suarez </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em>(#3, 10-0)</em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em>for the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Light Heavyweight:</strong></span></span><span style="font-size:8px;"> Corey Anderson </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em>(#9, 14-6)</em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span></span><span style="font-size:8px;"> Alexander Gustafsson </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em>(#4, 19-6)</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Women’s Strawweight:</strong></span></span><span style="font-size:8px;"> Angela Hill </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em>(#8, 14-7)</em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span></span><span style="font-size:8px;"> Rose Namajunas </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em>(#6, 9-5)</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Welterweight:</strong></span></span><span style="font-size:8px;"> Colby Covington </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em>(#7, 16-3)</em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span></span><span style="font-size:8px;"> Tyron Woodley </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em>(#2, 20-5-1)</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Heavyweight:</strong></span></span><span style="font-size:8px;"> Walt Harris </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em>(#3, 15-7, 1NC)</em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span></span><span style="font-size:8px;"> Alistair Overeem </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em>(#12, 45-19, 1NC)</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><span style="font-family:'Arial Black';"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="color:#8B0000;">Preliminary Card</span></span></strong></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Women’s Strawweight:</strong></span></span><span style="font-size:8px;"> Hannah Cifers </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em>(#22, 12-4)</em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span></span><span style="font-size:8px;"> Virna Jandiroba </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em>(#17, 17-2)</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Women’s Flyweight:</strong></span></span><span style="font-size:8px;"> Maycee Barber </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em>(#6, 10-1)</em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span></span><span style="font-size:8px;"> Ariane Lipski </span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em>(14-5)[#11, /i]</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Women’s Bantamweight:</strong></span></em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> Macy Chaisson </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><em>(#2, 8-1)</em></em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span></em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> Ketlen Viera </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><em>(#12, 11-2)</em></em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Bantamweight:</strong></span></em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> Merab Dvalishvili </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><em>(10-5)</em></em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span></em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> Sean O’Malley </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><em>(12-0)</em></em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Featherweight:</strong></span></em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> Khalid Taha </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><em>(#21, 15-1)</em></em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span></em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> Sodiq Yussuf </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><em>(#16, 13-1)</em></em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Featherweight:</strong></span></em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> Ricardo Lamas </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><em>(#12, 19-9)</em></em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span></em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> Cub Swanson </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><em>(#19, 6-12)</em></em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Featherweight:</strong></span></em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> Doo Ho Choi </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><em>(#20, 16-4)</em></em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span></em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> Darren Elkins </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><em>(#23, 24-9)</em></em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Lightweight:</strong></span></em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> Mark Madsen </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><em>(11-0)</em></em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span></em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> Omar Morales </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><em>(10-0)</em></em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Lightweight:</strong></span></em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> Bobby Green </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><em>(25-11-1)</em></em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span></em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> James Vick </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><em>(#10, 14-5)</em></em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Lightweight:</strong></span></em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> Paul Felder </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><em>(#16, 18-7)</em></em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span></em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em> Arman Tsarukyan </em></span><span style="font-size:8px;"><em><em>(#14, 17-2)</em></em></span></p><p></p></div></blockquote></div><p></p>

[McDojoDelux]

Main Card

 

UFC Light Heavyweight Champion: Jon Jones © (#1, 27-1, 1NC) vs. Jan Błachowicz (#2, 28-8)

UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion: Weili Zhang © (#1, 23-1) vs. Tatiana Suarez (#3, 10-0)

Light Heavyweight: Corey Anderson (#9, 14-6) vs. Alexander Gustafsson (#4, 19-6)

Women’s Strawweight: Angela Hill (#8, 14-7) vs. Rose Namajunas (#6, 9-5)

Welterweight: Colby Covington (#7, 16-3) vs. Tyron Woodley (#2, 20-5-1)

Heavyweight: Walt Harris (#3, 15-7, 1NC) vs. Alistair Overeem (#12, 45-19, 1NC)

 

Preliminary Card

 

Women’s Strawweight: Hannah Cifers (#22, 12-4) vs. Virna Jandiroba (#17, 17-2)

Women’s Flyweight: Maycee Barber (#6, 10-1) vs. Ariane Lipski (14-5)[#11,

Women’s Bantamweight: Macy Chaisson (#2, 8-1) vs. Ketlen Viera (#12, 11-2)

Bantamweight: Merab Dvalishvili (10-5) vs. Sean O’Malley (12-0)

Featherweight: Khalid Taha (#21, 15-1) vs. Sodiq Yussuf (#16, 13-1)

Featherweight: Ricardo Lamas (#12, 19-9) vs. Cub Swanson (#19, 6-12)

Featherweight: Doo Ho Choi (#20, 16-4) vs. Darren Elkins (#23, 24-9)

Lightweight: Mark Madsen (11-0) vs. Omar Morales (10-0)

Lightweight: Bobby Green (25-11-1) vs. James Vick (#10, 14-5)

Lightweight: Paul Felder (#16, 18-7) vs. Arman Tsarukyan (#14, 17-2)

[Fantabulous]

UFC 260: The Buckeye Brawl

 

 

UFC 260: The Buckeye Brawl

 

Date: Saturday of Week 4 of March 2021 Location: Ohio

Attendance: 21,148 Gate: $5,329,296 PPV Revenue: $271,512

Critical Rating: 71% Commercial Rating: 95%

 

Commentary Team: Jon Anik, Joe Rogan and Dan Hardy

 

Preliminary Card

 

 

Lightweight: Paul Felder (#16, 18-7) vs. Arman Tsarukyan (#14, 17-2)

 

The opener was a decent fight, a fairly competitive one on the whole, with Felder looking better in the stand-up and Tsarukyan controlling things on the ground. Felder busted Tsarukyan open in the first round, which is what caused Tsarukyan to take things to the mat in the second round. The competitive nature of the fight meant that, when it went the distance, nobody was sure how the judges would see things. In the end, the judges wound up split, and Felder was the one who came away the winner.

 

Result: ‘The Irish Dragon’ Paul Felder beat Arman Tsarukyan by split decision (29-28, 29-28, and 28-29)

 

 

Lightweight: Bobby Green (25-11-1) vs. James Vick (#10, 14-5)

 

This was a great fight, one with constant action due to the forward pressure both fighters tried to put on their opponents. Green and Vick were mixing up punches and kicks, although it seemed like Vick was favouring kicks over punches. And you saw why early in the second round, when a stinging right high kick had Green backing up and covering up, Green clearly hurt badly by the strike. Green was slumped against the cage, and easy prey for Vick, who drilled Green with a right cross, followed by another big right hand, and, despite Green remaining upright, he was getting rocked and offering little in the way of intelligent defence and the referee jumped in to stop the contest.

 

Result: ‘The Texecutioner’ James Vick beat Bobby ‘King’ Green by TKO due to strikes in 0:53 of Round 2

 

 

Lightweight: Mark Madsen (11-0) vs. Omar Morales (10-0)

 

Somebody’s 0 had to go and, here, it was the favourite, Mark Madsen, who would taste defeat for the first time. Morales was edging ahead of Madsen before landing a head kick that had Madsen on unsteady feet; a big right hook dropped him and Morales pounded him out to get the stoppage.

 

Morales was asked who he wanted to fight next, and he said he was interested in fighting Nasrat Haqparast.

 

Result: Omar Morales beat ‘The Olympian’ Mark Madsen by TKO due to strikes in 3:36 of Round 1

 

 

Featherweight: Doo Ho Choi (#20, 16-4) vs. Darren Elkins (#23, 24-9)

 

Although this wasn’t a bad fight, it also wasn’t a very exciting fight due to Elkin’s strategy of smothering Choi against the cage or the mat for prolonged periods. It was effective, and earned Elkins the unanimous decision victory, but it didn’t make for thrilling viewing, and it did nothing to make you interested in seeing Elkins fight again.

 

Result: Darren ‘The Damage’ Elkins beat ‘The Korean Super Boy’ Doo Ho Choi by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27 and 30-27)

 

 

Featherweight: Ricardo Lamas (#12, 19-9) vs. Cub Swanson (#19, 6-12)

 

Ricardo Lamas and Cub Swanson brought the fans back to life with a great fight, a hard-hitting all-action affair that was everything the previous fight wasn’t. It was a very bruising encounter for Lamas, who was rocked early in the second round by a head kick, Lamas then taking a big right hand before managing to circle away and gaining the time he needed to recover. Lamas was competitive for the remainder of the round, but it was clear heading into the third round that he needed a finish to win this one.

 

A finish was had in third round, but Lamas was on the wrong end of it, with Swanson showing good boxing to land a flurry of three punches that ended with a right hook that had Lamas reeling. A huge right hand caught Lamas behind the ear and dropped him, and Swanson began raining down punches, Swanson landing some powerful shots before the referee felt he’d seen enough and interceded to stop the fight.

 

Result: Cub Swanson beat Ricardo Lamas by TKO due to strikes in 1:21 of Round 3

 

 

Featherweight: Khalid Taha (#21, 15-1) vs. Sodiq Yussuf (#16, 13-1)

 

The first round was strongly contested, especially with Yussuf trying hard to take Taha down and Taha making a spirited defence against this. Yussuf was eventually successful, but Taha was quickly able to get back to his feet, although he was unable escape the grip of Yussuf, who displayed little in the way of effective offence. Taha dropped Yussuf early in the second round and Yussuf was on defense trying to fend off Taha’s attempts to finish him for the remainder of the round, Yussuf on his back for almost the entire round.

 

The third round was all stand-up, was just as competitive as the previous two rounds, and, late on, Taha landed a three-punch combination that ended with a right cross, a right cross that also ended the night for Yussuf, who was knocked out.

 

Result: Khalid ‘The Warrior’ Taha beat ‘Super’ Sodiq Yusuff by knockout (punch) in 3:13 of Round 3

 

 

Bantamweight: Merab Dvalishvili (10-5) vs. Sean O’Malley (12-0)

 

The rising bantamweight superstar 'Sugar' Sean O'Malley needed less than a minute to put away his more experienced opponent, O'Malley dropping and finishing Merab Dvalishvili in only 53 seconds.

 

In a lively interview, and showing great charisma, O’Malley said he was going out to celebrate his win; it’s worthy of celebration. And his fans are welcome to join him.

 

Result: ‘Sugar’ Sean O'Malley beat Merab Dvalishvili by TKO due to strikes in 0:53 of Round 1

 

 

Women’s Bantamweight: Macy Chaisson (#2, 8-1) vs. Ketlen Viera (#12, 11-2)

 

The stifling top-game of Ketlen Viera was too much for Macy Chiasson, who found herself getting thrown to the ground judo-style repeatedly, with Veira doing a masterful job of controlling her once she was down. Chiasson was playing defence virtually the entire way, and was almost finished in the second round, making the lone 29-28 score rather puzzling.

 

Ketlen had good post-fight interview, and she definitely knows how to work a crowd and get them onside.

 

Result: Ketlen ‘Fenomeno’ Vieira beat Macy Chiasson by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 and 30-27)

 

 

Women’s Flyweight: Maycee Barber (#6, 10-1) vs. Ariane Lipski ( #11, 14-5)

 

Next up was a fantastic flyweight fight, with both Barber and Lipski leaving it all in the cage in their attempt to win. It was a very physical and brutal fight, one that would certainly make fan favourites of both women, and it was almost a shame that somebody had to lose. On this night, it was Lipski who was the unlucky one; Barber wobbled her with a right cross and then floored her with a vicious right uppercut. Barber then pounded away on Lipski, not letting up until the referee stepped in stop the fight, the fans roaring in appreciation of a terrific contest.

 

Barber was a class-act in her post-fight interview, coming off as a real star. She said she wanted to fight Joanne Calderwood, Barber saying that she respected Calderwood and believed that they would have a great fight.

 

Result: Maycee ‘The Future’ Barber beat ‘Violence Queen’ Ariane Lipski by TKO due to strikes in 3:59 of Round 2

 

 

Women’s Strawweight: Hannah Cifers (#22, 12-4) vs. Virna Jandiroba (#17, 17-2)

 

Most of the fight saw Cifers and Jandiroba taking turns at smothering each other up against the fence, and there were nice strikes thrown by both women from this position, albeit intermittently. The end came after they were separated by the referee; Cifers landed a massive right head kick that felled Jandiroba, and Cifers unleashed a barrage of blows, battering Jandiroba and leaving the referee no choice but to stop the fight, giving Cifers the upset victory.

 

Not one to let momentum go to waste, Cifers had her next fight in mind as she challenged Jessica Penne. Cifers said that she’d always respected Penne and thought that their fight would be a great one for the fans.

 

Result: ‘Shockwave’ Hannah Cifers beat Virna ‘Carcara’ Jandiroba by TKO due to strikes in 4:15 of Round 2

 

Main Card

 

 

Heavyweight: Walt Harris (#3, 15-7, 1NC) vs. Alistair Overeem (#12, 45-19, 1NC)

 

This was a bruising encounter between two heavy-handed heavyweights. Harris and Overeem were both aggressive, as you’d expected, but it was Harris who landed the first major blow of the fight, avoiding a right hook from Overeem and landing a vicious right cross that dropped the Dutchman. Harris went for the finish but Overeem was able to avoid enough of Harris’s punches to make Harris slow down, less he burn himself out, and Harris had to settle for remaining in Overeem’s half-guard for the rest of the round.

 

Harris didn’t take long to pick up from where left off and, early in the second round, he dropped Overeem again, once more avoiding a right hand, this time countering with a wicked right uppercut. Harris went for the finish but, as with the previous round, Overeem was able to keep from being stopped. Overeem tried to get Harris into half-guard and, in the resultant scramble, Overeem managed to end up on top and it was Harris who was now pulling guard.

 

The action slowed, both men wary of giving the other an opening. Overeem tried to pass the guard of Harris but Harris was ready and started to scramble and he ended up back in top-position and the action slowed until the end of the round.

 

In the third round, Overeem managed to open a cut under the eye of Harris, who was appearing to be slowing down a little. Overeem didn’t really pick up the pace though as he was also slowing down and the brawling was replaced with heavy clinch work, Overeem pressing Harris up against the cage. Overeem’s experience in Muay Thai helped him to keep Harris in place as he worked him over with some dirty boxing. Harris looked exhausted, but he had enough to block Overeem’s strikes and he was able to see the round out.

 

Because of the knockdowns in the first and second rounds, Harris was the easy winner on the scorecards, with two of the judges giving Harris a 10-8 round.

 

Harris came off very well in his post-fight interview; he always does, not least of all because he’s a good talker.

 

Result: Walt ‘The Big Ticket’ Harris beat Alistair ‘Demolition Man’ Overeem by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-28 and 29-27)

 

 

Welterweight: Colby Covington (#7, 16-3) vs. Tyron Woodley (#2, 20-5-1)

 

This fight was a true grudge match, with Covington and Woodley having a serious dislike of each other, one that had been well noted. And, unlike most grudge fights, this one wasn’t a disappointment. Covington was quick to try and take Woodley down, but the former welterweight champion was not only able to block the takedown, but Woodley used double underhooks to set up a leg sweep and take Covington down instead.

 

Covington pulled guard, and Woodley began trying to pass that guard; as Covington defended against this, the two began scrambling for position, and Woodley ended up holding Covington down from behind with a waist-lock. Woodley landed some decent punches from here, but they weren’t doing much damage, and Covington was once more scrambling for a better position; Covington got what he was after and Woodley was forced to turtle, with Covington having a firm grip of his opponent while he was facing him.

 

Covington hurriedly began wrapping his arms around the neck of Woodley and, before Woodley had time to fend him off, Covington had secured a a D'Arce choke; Woodley began kicking and trying to escape, rolling around the mat, but Covington had the hold on too tight and Woodley was forced to tap out, the first submission loss of his career.

 

Covington was as brash as you’d expect in his post-fight interview, as the reaffirmed his intent on fighting Leon Edwards, with Covington expressing his belief that Edwards is still ducking him.

 

Result: Colby ‘Chaos’ Covington beat Tyron ‘The Chosen One’ Woodley by submission due to a D’arce choke in 3:57 of Round 1

 

 

Women’s Strawweight: Angela Hill (#8, 14-7) vs. Rose Namajunas (#6, 9-5)

 

The action began with Namajunas landing some strikes before taking Hill down, Namajunas knowing that Hill was a very proficient striker. Yet Hill showed her ground game by blocking Namajunas’ attempt to pass her guard, and, in the scramble that followed, a failed guillotine attempt from Namajunas saw Hill end up in the guard of her opponent. Hill tried to land some punches on Namajunas but Namajunas defended them well before managing to sweep, albeit a little sloppily, Hill, and another scramble saw Namajunas end up in half-guard.

 

Namajunas slowed things down from here, content to catch a breath and deliver a few short punches to the ribs of Hill, although she did manage to gain side-control before the round ended.

 

Hill and Namajunas exchanged some nice jabs, with Namajunas also able to land a nice kick to the rib cage. Just under minute into the second round, Namajunas shot in fast and took Hill down before Hill could even attempt to block her, and Hill was forced to pull guard. Namajunas tried to pass the guard of Hill, and Hill allowed this to happen to give her an opening to attempt to scramble free, but it was a serious error because Namajunas ended up on top of Hill in north-south control.

 

Hill tried to scramble free, but there was no budging Namajunas, who sunk in a north-south choke, and Hill made a few attempts to kick free before quickly tapping out, giving ‘Thug’ a well-earned victory.

 

Result: ‘Thug’ Rose Namajunas beat Angela ‘Overkill’ Hill by submission due to a north-south choke in 2:03 of Round 2

 

 

Light Heavyweight: Corey Anderson (#9, 14-6) vs. Alexander Gustafsson (#4, 19-6)

 

Alexander Gustafsson had made a successful return to action with a win over Mauricio Rua, and now he would be facing an opponent who was no stranger to Rua, with Anderson losing to Rua last year, but having since resumed his winning ways.

 

Gustafsson was walking Anderson down right from the beginning, the Swede coming forward with punches and kicks, putting Anderson on the backfoot, Anderson seemingly unable to get into his rhythm. But Gustafsson was firmly in his rhythm and, just over a minute in, he dropped Anderson with a massive right to the ribs. Defenceless, Anderson was easy prey for the follow up barrage, one of which put Anderson’s lights out and had the referee quickly stopping the fight.

 

In his post-fight interview, Gustafsson said that he can always rely on his punches, which Gustafsson feels is a big advantage for him.

 

Result: Alexander ‘The Mauler’ Gustafsson beat Corey ‘Overtime’ Anderson by knockout (punch) in 1:21 of Round 1

 

 

UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion: Zhang Weili © (#1, 23-1) vs. Tatiana Suarez (#3, 10-0) for the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship

 

It was time for the first title fight of the evening as Zhang Weili defended her strawweight title against the undefeated TUF 23 winner Tatiana Suarez. Weili was coming off a decisive win over Rose Namajunas, while Suarez had the momentum of going undefeated in her career so far, a run that included wins over Cynthia Calvillo and two-time strawweight title challenger Cláudia Gadelha.

 

Unsurprisingly, Suarez opened up with a takedown attempt and, although she couldn’t complete the single leg, Suarez was able to force Weili back up against the cage, and both women stayed in this position for an extended period, neither taking the risk of leaving an opening for the other, and only exchanging in some dirty boxing.

 

Eventually, the referee ordered a separation and brought the action back to the center of the ring. It didn’t take long, though, for Suarez to try and push Weili back up against the cage again; when that wasn’t successful, Weili blocked the follow up takedown attempt and tried to use a whizzer to turn Suarez around, but Suarez blocked it and was also able to finally get Weili back up against cage. But the champion wasn’t there for long before breaking free and circling back to the center of the cage.

 

With the round coming to an end, Suarez shot in for another takedown, but Weili landed a well-timed and powerful straight right to the jaw; it dropped Suarez, but before Weili could follow up, the round ended, and the fans were now buzzing after that stunning and unexpected end to the round.

 

The second round saw Suarez get a hold of Weili early, the challenger getting double underhooks on the champion, and, after a big struggle, both women jockeying for control, Suarez was able to take Weili down to the mat, getting side-control in the process. Suarez took a few moments to catch a breather before working for a kimura, which Weili was able to defend against despite Suarez really going for it. With time running out in the round, Suarez tried to work her way into the mount, but the champion defended resolutely, and the action stalled enough for the referee to order a stand-up.

 

There wasn’t much time left in the second round, but Suarez didn’t need much time to once more take Weili down, with a single leg, and the challenger was able to control the champion for the final thirty seconds of the second stanza.

 

In the third round, Weili used some well-timed punches to keep Suarez at bay, the challenger once more looking to take down the champion. Suarez took a number of punches before she was finally able to get a hold of Weili, Suarez snatching a single leg, although she was only able to back Weili up against the cage again. There was a lengthy stalemate as neither fighter was willing to take any risks, Suarez simply grinding Weili against the cage to try and wear her down. Eventually the referee restarted the fight in the center of the cage, and Weili was able to tag Suarez with some more precise punching, and she landed some great punches, as well as a vicious right roundhouse kick to the ribs, and, as the round ended, it was increasingly clear that the fight was going to be dominated by which ever fighter could keep the action in their preferred position.

 

The fourth round opened up with Weili using strikes to both damage Suarez, and, more importantly, keep her at a distance. Suarez repeatedly tried to get in close to get her hands on Weili, but the champion had found her rhythm and was able to keep the challenger at bay for over a minute before Suarez finally got a hold of her. Suarez got double underhooks and tried to take Weili down, but she couldn’t do it, Weili showing stout defence, and Weili was able to use the whizzer this time and turn Suarez enough so that she was able to break free from her grip and circle away.

 

But a kick by Weili was caught by Suarez, and this allowed the challenger got a hold of the champion and take her down again, Weili forced to pull guard. Suarez was quick to try and pass her guard, but Weili was ready for this and she was able to scramble to her feet, yet not out of the grip of Suarez who pushed her back up against the cage, Suarez once again grinding Weili against the cage to wear her down, and that’s how the reset of the round played out.

 

As both fighters went back to their respective corners, Weili was the one who was breathing the heavier of the two; although Suarez had exerted herself with a wrestling-heavy strategy, it didn’t appear to be tiring her out, at least not yet.

 

Weili opened the fifth round aggressively and, with little over fifteen seconds gone, she cracked Suarez with a crunching right hook that had Suarez covering up and slumped against the cage looking dazed and unsteady. Weili went under the guard of Suarez to deliver a blistering uppercut, yet Suarez remained upright, and, when Weili went for a big right hook, Suarez somehow avoided it and circled back out to the center, no doubt looking to regain her composure.

 

Weili came forward, determined to maintain her advantage and perhaps get a finish, but Suarez seized the opening and clinched up with Weili and push her back up against the cage. Suarez looked to go for some dirty boxing, but Weili kept Suarez close enough to stop that from happening. Yet she couldn’t escape from her predicament, with Suarez peppering the side of her head with short punches. The action slowed down again, and another separation was ordered by the referee, and we saw Suarez breathing a little deeper, the fight looking to have finally started taking a toll on her stamina.

 

Weili managed to keep Suarez at bay, even opening up a small gash under her eye, until late in the round when Suarez finally got a hold of her once more, although Suarez couldn’t do anything more than push Weili back up against the cage before the round ended.

 

There was a smattering of polite applause, the fight not having been the most exciting of affairs despite the taxing nature of it, both women now breathing heavily. The commentators were in agreement in how they felt the fight would be judged, that it would come down to control vs. damage. Suarez had clearly controlled the majority of the fight, yet Weili had undoubtedly done more damage, and was far more aggressive in that regard as well, with Suarez happy to grind Weili out and wear her down as opposed to actively going for the finish.

 

In the end, the judges all favoured aggression and damage; they had all given the fight to Zhang Weili, and, surprisingly, two of them had even given her four of the five rounds.

 

Suarez’s corner looked disappointed, perhaps understandably so given her dominance. Yet it was undeniable that Weili had been far more aggressive throughout the fight in terms of trying to inflict damage, and that’s what the judges were looking for. In any event, Zhang Weili was victorious, and had made the third defence of the UFC Womens Strawweight title.

 

Result: ‘Magnum’ Zhang Weili beat Tatiana Suarez by unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47 and 49-46) to retain the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship

 

 

UFC Light Heavyweight Champion: Jon Jones © (#1, 27-1, 1NC) vs. Jan Błachowicz (#2, 28-8) for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship

 

It was now time for the main event of the evening, the long-time light heavyweight kingpin, Jon Jones, widely considered to be the greatest of all time, defending the gold against the latest challenger tasked to achieve the seemingly impossible and take the title from him.

 

It took Jones almost no time at all to establish his dominance as he quickly took hold of Błachowicz, taking no shots in the process, and muscling his opponent back up against the cage. Jones then quickly changed levels and took the unsuspecting Błachowicz down, and, unfortunately for Błachowicz, getting side-control in the process.

 

From this position of dominance, Jones took hold of Błachowicz’s arm and began working for a kimura, and, with alarming ease, Jones locked the hold on tight and Błachowicz was forced to tap...but the drama had only just begun because Jones refused to let go of the hold right away, and it took several seconds, and continued shouting by the referee before Jones finally let go.

 

The fans were livid, showering Jones with boos, their reaction so loud that the commentators made a point to note that they could barely hear each other, even with headphones. Błachowicz’s corner had to be held back by security from storming the cage, their anger clear to see. Jones seemed nonplussed, as if he didn’t understand what the fuss was about, even as the referee was seen to be questioning Jones about what he’d done.

 

Even in his post-fight interview, the boos of the fans still raining down, Jones was acting like nothing untoward had happened, and he brushed off being questioned over his actions.

 

Jon Jones had retained the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship, but his actions at the end of the fight called everything into question. Jones was undoubtedly going to have to face the consequences over his refusal to let go of the kimura; even Jones, who was notorious for sliding by, couldn’t dispute or downplay what he had done.

 

The only question was just how severe those consequences would be.

 

Result: Jon 'Bones' Jones beat Jan Blachowicz by submission due to a kimura in 1:29 of Round 1 to retain the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship

 

Post-Fight Bonuses

 

Fight of the Night: Maycee Barber vs. Ariane Lipski

Performance of the Night: Omar Morales

Knockout of the Night: Alexander Gustafsson

Submission of the Night: Colby Covington

 

 

 

After the regional athletic commission announced their suspension of Jon Jones, the UFC released the following statement;

 

“After the events of UFC 260, and the ruling by the regional athletic commission, the UFC has also suspended Jon Jones from all activities for 18 months, in support of the regional athletic commission. In addition to this, the UFC has stripped Jon Jones of the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship, with the vacant title to be decided at the next available opportunity. We will be making no further comment on this matter.”

 

From the author: Well, that happened.

 

Predictions

 

Majster_93: (9/16)

Majster_93 (overall): (61/90; 67.77%)

 

McDojoDelux: (8/16)

McDojoDelux (Overall): (22/35; 62.85%)

[Fantabulous]

UFC Rankings for Sunday, Week 4 of March 2021

 

[Fantabulous]

<p>Max Holloway returns home to defend featherweight title; will face Yair Rodriguez</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="cG1mhfY.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/cG1mhfY.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:'Arial Black';"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Max Holloway returns home to defend featherweight title; will face Yair Rodriguez</span></strong></span></span></p><p> </p><p>

<em>Saturday of Week 4 of March 2021</em></p><p> </p><p>

The UFC will make its first ever stop in Hawaii, and the main event will be a major one for the Hawaiians as their favourite son, Max Holloway, will defend the UFC Featherweight Championship against Yair Rodriguez.</p><p> </p><p>

After losing the featherweight title to Alexander Volkanovski, Holloway rebounded in style with a 59-second demolition of the highly touted Zabit Magomedsharipov, before going on to reclaim his title with a win over Chan Sung Jung. Now, Holloway makes the first defence in his title, in front of his home fans, but it won’t be easy to retain the title against Yair Rodriguez.</p><p> </p><p>

Yair Rodriguez stunned fans with one of the most spectacular knockouts of 2018 against Chan Sung Jung. A no-contest with Jeremy Stephens followed, but, after beating Stephens in the rematch, Rodriguez registered back-to-back first round knockouts over Brian Ortega and Shane Burgos, putting Rodriguez in position to receive his first title shot in the UFC. </p><p> </p><p>

Rodriguez is one win away from achieving his dream, of becoming a UFC champion, yet he must beat an opponent who many consider the greatest featherweight fighter of all time.</p><p> </p><p>

Who will win when the UFC makes its debut in The Aloha State?</p><p> </p><p>

In the co-main event, the dominant UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion Valentine Shevchenko faces the next challenger who is faced with the challenge of beating a seemingly unbeatable champion, when she defends her title against Montana de la Rosa.</p><p> </p><p>

After beating Joanna Jedrzejczyk to claim the vacant title, Shevchenko has reeled off five successful title defences, giving her a seven-fight winning streak, and at UFC 262, she puts that tremendous run of form on the line against the well-rounded Montana de la Rosa.</p><p> </p><p>

Montana de la Rosa heads into her title fight on the back of four straight wins, with one of those victories against Antonina Shevchenko, the older sister of the champion. Rosa has as much momentum behind her as she’s ever had in her career, and she’ll need it when she takes on the toughest challenge of her career, by far.</p><p> </p><p>

Can Montana de la Rosa upset the odds and become the new UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion?</p><p> </p><p>

After seeing his unbeaten UFC run come to a crashing halt at the hands of the then-former champion Max Holloway, Zabit Magomedsharipov bounced back with decisive wins over Brian Ortega and Frankie Edgar. Magomedsharipov now could be one win away from a title fight when he takes on former champion Chan Sung Jung, who must himself bounce back after losing the featherweight title to Max Holloway.</p><p> </p><p>

Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum had one of the greatest fights of all time at UFC 236, a fight which saw Adesanya beat Gastelum to become the interim UFC Middleweight Champion. Since that fight, Adesanya has lost the middleweight title, and Gastelum has had a rather poor run of form. With Adesanya looking to re-establish himself after losing the middleweight title, and Gastelum in desperate need of a win, both men will feel they have a lot to prove heading into this highly anticipated rematch.</p><p> </p><p>

And the main card kicks off with fight in the women’s featherweight division, as TUF 29 finalist Sheila Blakey goes up against Zarah Fairn Dos Santos.</p><p> </p><p>

This great night of action, and a loaded preliminary card that’s headlined by a rematch between Derek Brunson and Yoel Romero, takes place on Saturday, Week 4 of May in Hawaii.</p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:'Arial Black';"><span style="font-size:24px;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="color:#8B0000;">UFC 262: The Homecoming</span></span></strong></span></span></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:'Arial Black';"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="color:#8B0000;">Main Card</span></span></strong></span></span></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="aW2ke8a.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/aW2ke8a.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="7fjT0cX.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7fjT0cX.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>UFC Featherweight Champion:</strong></span> Max Holloway <strong>©</strong> <em>(#1, 23-5)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Yair Rodriguez <em>(#3, 15-2)</em> <em>for the UFC Featherweight Championship</em></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="2kPEEeJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2kPEEeJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="6kqVEo7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6kqVEo7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion:</strong></span> Valentina Shevchenko <strong>©</strong> <em>(#1, 21-3)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Montana de la Rosa <em>(#2, 14-5)</em> <em>for the UFC Women’s Flyweight Championship</em></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="xdxj0tq.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/xdxj0tq.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="PEFSwXQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PEFSwXQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Featherweight:</strong></span> Zabit Magomedsharipov <em>(#4, 20-2)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Chan Sung Jung <em>(#8, 17-6)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="FRL7ZpH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/FRL7ZpH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="CptHRMv.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CptHRMv.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Middleweight:</strong></span> Israel Adesanya <em>(#4, 20-1)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Kelvin Gastelum <em>(#13, 17-6, 1NC)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="l86n1VV.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/l86n1VV.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="n1c4s2j.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/n1c4s2j.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Women’s Featherweight:</strong></span> Sheila Blakey <em>(#16, 33-1)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Zarah Fairn Dos Santos <em>(#10, 7-4)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:'Arial Black';"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="color:#8B0000;">Preliminary Card</span></span></strong></span></span></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="XjlCKEU.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XjlCKEU.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="bVQBjEW.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bVQBjEW.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Middleweight:</strong></span> Derek Brunson <em>(#10, 21-8)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Yoel Romero <em>(#9, 13-6)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="HNFIbjd.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/HNFIbjd.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="B58afeF.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/B58afeF.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Heavyweight:</strong></span> Anthony Johnson <em>(#6, 24-7)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Marcin Tybura <em>(#13,19-7)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="PrlGv8o.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PrlGv8o.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="SCp82qi.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/SCp82qi.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Welterweight:</strong></span> Alex Oliveira <em>(#25, 29-1-2, 1NC)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Niko Price <em>(#17, 16-3, 1NC)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="iJdMrzN.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/iJdMrzN.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="0iA3zbN.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0iA3zbN.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Flyweight:</strong></span> Joseph Benavidez <em>(#9, 28-7)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Jussier da Silva <em>(#4, 24-7)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="DBfb4ER.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/DBfb4ER.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="asj9htW.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/asj9htW.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Bantamweight:</strong></span> Rob Font <em>(#8, 18-5)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Brett Johns <em>(#13, 19-2)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="9xqqjS2.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/9xqqjS2.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="rSf2pVh.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rSf2pVh.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Light Heavyweight:</strong></span> Jim Crute <em>(#10, 13-1)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Jiri Prochazka <em>(#22, 27-4-1)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="bsiLJqb.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bsiLJqb.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="dhW17YK.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dhW17YK.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Light Heavyweight:</strong></span> Ion Cutelaba <em>(#16, 17-6, 1NC)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Thiago Santos <em>(#12, 21-9)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="abX4Fp1.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/abX4Fp1.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="2ANdwQ1.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2ANdwQ1.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Women’s Bantamweight:</strong></span> Sarah Alpar <em>(#23, 10-4)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Lara Procopio <em>(#24, 7-1)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="abX4Fp1.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/abX4Fp1.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Dak68dm.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Dak68dm.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Women’s Bantamweight:</strong></span> Sijara Eubanks <em>(#18, 4-5, 1NC)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Liana Jojua <em>(#20, 8-4)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="iXYf9pW.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/iXYf9pW.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="ZOvqvoq.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ZOvqvoq.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Women’s Flyweight:</strong></span> Izabela Badurek <em>(8-6)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Miranda Granger <em>(8-1)</em></p></div><p></p><p></p>

[Fantabulous]

News Blast

 

Saturday of Week 4 of March 2021

 

 

 

Monday of Week 1 of April 2021

 

[Fantabulous]

News Blast

 

Tuesday of Week 1 of April 2021

 

 

Wednesday of Week 1 of April 2021

 

 

Thursday of Week 1 of April 2021

 

 

Friday of Week 1 of April 2021

 

 

From the author: UFC Fight Night on HBO 2 will be posted tomorrow night, with the main event being the rematch between Carlos Condit and Nick Diaz, and a great co-main event of Justin Gaethje facing Kevin Lee. Here is a rundown of the card for predictions, comment, etc;

 

UFC Fight Night on HBO 2: Condit vs. Diaz II

 

Main Card

 

Welterweight: Carlos Condit (#24, 32-13) vs. Nick Diaz (#8, 28-9, 2NC)

Lightweight: Justin Gaethje (#11, 21-3) vs. Kevin Lee (#4, 19-7)

Middleweight: Rafael Carvalho (#5, 19-4) vs. Edmen Shahbazyan (#2, 14-0)

Women’s Flyweight: Ji Yeon Kim (#17, 11-2-2) vs. Jennifer Maia (#11, 18-7-1)

 

Preliminary Card

 

Lightweight: Steven Ray (24-9) vs. Devonte Smith (11-2)

Light Heavyweight: Roman Dolidze (6-1) vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu (8-1)

Welterweight: Jake Matthews (17-4) vs. Abubakar Nurmagomedov (16-3-1)

Featherweight: Giga Chikadze (9-2) vs. Teruto Ishihara (11-7-2)

[Fantabulous]

UFC on HBO Fight Night II: Condit vs. Diaz II

 

 

UFC on HBO Fight Night II: Condit vs. Diaz II

 

Date: Saturday of Week 1 of April 2021 Location: Connecticut

Attendance: 9,495 Gate: $2,136,375

Critical Rating: 68% Commercial Rating: 96%

 

Commentary Team: Jon Anik, Joe Rogan and Dan Hardy

 

Preliminary Card

 

 

Featherweight: Giga Chikadze (9-2) vs. Teruto Ishihara (11-7-2)

 

The night of action started with a good contest in the featherweight division. Ishihara dropped Chikadze early on with a flying superman punch and, although Ishihara’s attempts to finish Chikadze were unsuccessful, he was in top position for an extended period. And, when the referee stood them up, Ishihara soon dropped Chikadze once again, this time with a straight right, although Chikadze was able to see out the round.

 

Things slowed down in the second round, but Ishihara still dominated Chikadze and, late on in the round, a right head kick rocked Chikadze, a big right hand dropped him, and, this time, Ishihara was able to get finish as he pounded Chikadze out.

 

Result: Teruto ‘Yashabo’ Ishihara beat Giga Chikadze by TKO due to strikes in 4:44 of Round 2

 

 

Welterweight: Jake Matthews (17-4) vs. Abubakar Nurmagomedov (16-3-1)

 

This was your classic striking vs. grappling battle, with Matthews intent on wearing down Nurmagomedov by smothering him against the cage, and Nurmagomedov countering with some precise striking. It wasn’t very exciting to watch when Matthews was in control, because he did nothing beyond smothering Nurmagomedov, and, as a result, Nurmagomedov, who busted Matthews open in the second round, won all three rounds when the fight ended up going the distance.

 

Result: Abubakar Nurmagomedov beat ‘The Celtic Kid’ Jake Matthews by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27 and 30-27)

 

 

Light Heavyweight: Roman Dolidze (6-1) vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu (8-1)

 

Kennedy Nzechukwu entered a fairly comprehensive performance against Roman Dolidze, who seemed to start tiring rather quickly, something not lost on the commentators. Dolidze was rocked in the second round but managed to hang on, but that was his only real success in this fight; how one judge gave him a round in the scoring was a strange one.

 

Result: Kennedy ‘African Savage’ Nzechukwu beat Roman Dolidze by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26 and 29-28)

 

 

Lightweight: Steven Ray (24-9) vs. Devonte Smith (11-2)

 

Steven Ray and Devonte Smith had a fine fight, if not particularly outstanding. The most exciting moment of the fight came in the first round when Smith dropped Ray with a stiff head kick, but, despite his best efforts, Smith was unable to get the finish. The rest of the fight was grappling-heavy, and, whilst not bad, meant that the fight never had a truly exciting moment again.

 

The fight went all three rounds, and all three judges scored it 29-28 for Smith.

 

Result: ‘King Cage’ Devonte Smith beat Steven ‘Braveheart’ Ray by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28 and 29-28)

 

Main Card

 

 

Women’s Flyweight: Ji Yeon Kim (#17, 11-2-2) vs. Jennifer Maia (#11, 18-7-1)

 

The main card kicked off with a fight in the women’s flyweight division, as South Korean Ji Yeon Kim looked to continue her rise up the rankings against the dangerous Jennifer Maia.

 

Perhaps mindful of how dangerous her opponent can be, Kim was quick to take Maia down in the first round, and kept her there for most of the round, Kim smothering Maia against the mat. When the fighters were stood up, Kim quickly pulled guard on Maia, before sweeping her to end up back in top-position, where Kim remained for the rest of round. The second round saw Kim repeat her tactic of pulling guard on Maia and then sweeping her to take top-position, and Kim spent the rest of the round peppering Maia with short strikes, not doing much damage but doing enough to stop from being stood up.

 

The third round was more clinching and smothering from Kim, which was a very effective tactic albeit not a very exciting one. There was nothing Maia could do to stop Kim from controlling her, as she had no answer for the grappling and clinch game of her opponent.

 

The fight went the distance, and the judging was merely a formality as Kim was given the fight 30-27 by all three judges.

 

Result: Ji ‘Fire Fist’ Yeon Kim beat Jennifer Maia by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27 and 30-27)

 

 

Middleweight: Rafael Carvalho (#5, 19-4) vs. Edmen Shahbazyan (#2, 14-0)

 

Rafael Carvalho had made a successful UFC debut earlier in the year with a second-round win over Uriah Hall, but he’d be facing an undefeated Edmen Shahbazyan here, with Shahbazyan having ended his 2020 with a win over Jack Hermansson. The fight started with both men throwing strikes but nobody was able to establish any kind of advantage, as they were very evenly matched; when Carvalho landed a kick to the body, Shahbazyan swiftly responded in kind.

 

The fight maintained this even pace until late in the first round when Carvalho managed to land a right head kick that saw Shahbazyan backing off, barely able to remain standing. Carvalho darted in and delivered a big overhand right and Shahbazyan was finally felled, and he was now in serious trouble. Carvalho moved in for the kill, pounding away on Shahbazyan with fistic fury and, with Shahbazyan taking a serious beating, the referee had no recourse but to step in, and Rafael Carvalho had made an emphatic statement in this destructive finish, both gaining the victory and handing Edmen Shahbazyan the first defeat of his career.

 

Result: ‘The Blessed’ Rafael Carvalho beat ‘The Golden Boy’ Edmen Shahbazyan by TKO due to strikes in 4:41 of Round 1

 

 

Lightweight: Justin Gaethje (#11, 21-3) vs. Kevin Lee (#4, 19-7)

 

The fight opened with Lee making a point to not touch gloves, an action that, surprisingly, garnered little in the way of negative reaction from the fans. Both Gaethje and Lee came forward right from the start, throwing punches and kicks, usually in combinations, each man landing on the other, yet not landing anything definitive.

 

Just over two minutes into the first round, Lee landed a fast head kick that seemed to trouble Gaethje, an observation that seemed to be confirmed when Lee managed to snatch Gaethje in a Muay Thai clinch with little trouble. Gaethje tried to break free, but he was too groggy to escape the grip of Lee, who began throwing knees to the chest of Gaethje.

 

Gaethje blocked the knees, yet he still could not break free from the grip of Lee, and, before Gaethje could finally escape, if he was ever going to, Lee landed a vicious knee to the face of Gaethje, who crumpled to the ground, out cold, and the fans erupted into a wild cheers at such an explosive finish.

 

Result: ‘The Motown Phenom’ Kevin Lee beat Justin ‘The Highlight’ Gaethje by knockout (knee) in 3:55 of Round 1

 

 

Welterweight: Carlos Condit (#24, 32-13) vs. Nick Diaz (#8, 28-9, 2NC)

 

The main event of the evening had some history behind it, and a little bad blood due to the way their previous fight played out; Condit had beaten Diaz by unanimous decision to claim the Interim UFC Welterweight Championship, and had used a strategy of backing off whilst landing punches. Diaz, who was constantly pressing forward throughout the fight, believed that he should have been giving the decision as he was the aggressor.

 

Because of Diaz’ belief that he had won the first fight, he was very much looking forward to this rematch, feeling that he would avenge a loss that never should have been. Meanwhile, Condit had naturally felt that there was no dispute and this meeting would simply allow him to prove that he was always the better fighter.

 

If you know the Diaz mindset, you wouldn’t have been shocked to see Diaz refuse to touch gloves at the start of the fight, an action that saw Condit shake his head and look unfazed, as if he’d expected such a move.

 

Condit immediately closed the distance, and Diaz countered with an attempt to shoot, but Condit was ready for it, throwing some leg kicks that missed but kept Diaz at bay. The fighters came together in the centre of the cage and began trading punches, both men landing yet also avoiding strikes, so we had another evenly matched affair on our hands.

 

The punches continued to fly, with Condit also throwing some kicks, although they failed to land.

 

Diaz made another attempt to shoot in on Condit, and this time the Stockton native was able get a hold of Condit’s leg, and whilst he couldn’t get Condit down, Diaz was able to force Condit, on one leg, back up against the cage. Diaz tried to sweep Condit to the mat, but Condit blocked the move and then manoeuvred his way into the dominant position before breaking away from Diaz.

 

Condit came forward again and Diaz responded by going for another takedown; Condit missed a counter-jab, but landed a vicious right cross that saw Diaz wobble before falling to the mat. Condit seized the opportunity presented and began laying into Diaz with a series of big punches. Diaz’s head rocked back as each blow landed, hard; the referee gave Diaz every chance to defend himself but, seeing that Diaz simply taking too much punishment, the official stepped in and pulled Condit away, and Carlos Condit had erased all doubts with a decisive win over Nick Diaz, who, despite the nature of the finish, was openly complaining about the stoppage.

 

Result: ‘The Natural Born Killer’ Carlos Condit beat Nick Diaz by TKO due to strikes in 3:15 of Round 1

 

Post-Fight Bonuses

 

Fight of the Night: Rafael Carvalho vs. Edmen Shahbazyan

Performance of the Night: Abubakar Nurmagomedov

Knockout of the Night: Kevin Lee

Submission of the Night: n/a

[Fantabulous]

UFC Rankings for Sunday, Week 1 of April 2021

 

[Fantabulous]

Ben Askren and Vicente Luque to settle their score on next HBO special

 

 

Ben Askren and Vicente Luque to settle their score on next HBO special

 

Saturday of Week 1 of April 2021

 

After trading numerous insults back-and-forth through social media and press interviews, Ben Askren and Vicente Luque will get the chance to settle their score when the UFC returns to HBO in June.

 

These two top-ranked welterweights have been engaged in a war of words for almost six months, neither of them missing a chance to take a potshot at the other, and now they’ll finally face-off in the Octagon, with the winner not only potentially putting themselves in line for a title fight, but also giving themselves bragging rights over their hated rival.

 

In the co-main event, British welterweight Leon Edwards could stake his own claim to a title fight when he faces former welterweight champion Robbie Lawler. Edwards has won back-to-back fights, and a win over Lawler could be enough for him to earn the chance to become only the second British-born UFC champion. Yet he’ll be facing not only a former welterweight champion, but an opponent who will have a considerable experience edge.

 

The women’s flyweight division has its own clash of top-rated fighters when Mara Romero Borella goes against Joanne Calderwood.

 

And the main card kicks off with the highly rated prospect Riley Spooner facing the biggest challenge of her career when she meets Felicia Spencer. Can Spooner continue to prove that the hype is real, or will Spencer derail the hype train?

 

This loaded card, and a preliminary card that promises its own explosive action, will hail from Minnesota, and you’ll get to see it on Saturday, Week 1 of June.

 

Main Card

 

 

Welterweight: Ben Askren (#5, 21-2, 1NC) vs. Vicente Luque (#7, 20-7-1)

 

 

Welterweight: Leon Edwards (#4, 20-4) vs. Robbie Lawler (#13, 29-15, 1NC)

 

 

Women’s Flyweight: Mara Romero Borella (#7, 15-7, 2NC) vs. Joanne Calderwood (#5, 15-5)

 

 

Women’s Featherweight: Felicia Spencer (#1, 13-2) vs. Riley Spooner (#9, 10-0)

 

Preliminary Card

 

 

Women’s Strawweight: Tina Lahdemaki (6-2) vs. Istela Nunes (8-2, 1NC)

 

 

Heavyweight: Jair Rozenstruik (#13, 11-2) vs. Tai Tuivasa (#9, 9-4)

 

 

Flyweight: Joseph Morales (#8, 13-2) vs. Zhalgas Zhumagulov (#10, 14-4)

 

 

Women’s Flyweight: Katlyn Chookagian (#6, 14-4) vs. Andrea Lee (#9, 12-5)

[Fantabulous]

News Blast

 

Saturday of Week 1 of April 2021

 

 

 

Stephen Thompson has begun a legal appeal against the drug suspension he received for failing his post-fight drug test at UFC on ESPN 13. Thompson, who had beaten Michel Prazeres, failed for recreational drugs. As a result, in addition to his suspension, Thompson’s win was changed to a no-contest.

 

 

Arnold Allen has been forced to pull out of his fight against Kevin Aguilar at this weekend’s UFC on Fight Pass 4 event. Allen suffered an eye injury during training, and, while it isn’t serious, it does mean he has had to withdraw from his fight. Due to the timing, Kevin Aguilar has also been removed from the card.

 

Sunday of Week 1 of April 2021

 

 

Monday of Week 2 of April 2021

 

 

Tuesday of Week 2 of April 2021

 

[Fantabulous]

News Blast + UFC on Fight Pass 4 preview

 

Wednesday of Week 2 of April 2021

 

 

Thursday of Week 2 of April 2021

 

 

Friday of Week 2 of April 2021

 

 

From the author: UFC on Fight Pass 4 will be posted tomorrow night, and here is a rundown of the card for predictions, comment, etc;

 

UFC on Fight Pass 4: Gane vs. Struve

 

Main Card

 

Heavyweight: Ciryl Gane (#15, 10-0) vs. Stefan Struve (#19, 30-12, 1NC)

Women’s Bantamweight: Sarah Kaufmann (#17, 24-5, 1NC) vs. Lara Lansberg (#11, 11-6)

Lightweight: Renato Carnerio (#10, 15-4-1) vs. Carlos Diego Ferreira (#12, 18-3)

Featherweight: Bryce Mitchell (13-0) vs. Paddy Pimblett (18-3)

 

Preliminary Card

 

Light Heavyweight: Dalcha Lungiambula (10-3) vs. Adam Yandiev (9-2)

Bantamweight: Kwan Ho Kwak (9-3) vs. Cole Smith (7-2)

Bantamweight: Pingyuan Li (16-6) vs. Matt Schnell (15-5)

Women’s Bantamweight: Justine Kish (7-3) vs. Mallory Martin (6-5)

[McDojoDelux]

Main Card

 

Heavyweight: Ciryl Gane (#15, 10-0) vs. Stefan Struve (#19, 30-12, 1NC)

Women’s Bantamweight: Sarah Kaufmann (#17, 24-5, 1NC) vs. Lara Lansberg (#11, 11-6)

Lightweight: Renato Carnerio (#10, 15-4-1) vs. Carlos Diego Ferreira (#12, 18-3)

Featherweight: Bryce Mitchell (13-0) vs. Paddy Pimblett (18-3)

 

Preliminary Card

 

Light Heavyweight: Dalcha Lungiambula (10-3) vs. Adam Yandiev (9-2)

Bantamweight: Kwan Ho Kwak (9-3) vs. Cole Smith (7-2)

Bantamweight: Pingyuan Li (16-6) vs. Matt Schnell (15-5)

Women’s Bantamweight: Justine Kish (7-3) vs. Mallory Martin (6-5)

[Fantabulous]

<p>UFC on Fight Pass 4: Gane vs. Struve</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="vsaa7XB.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/vsaa7XB.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:'Arial Black';"><span style="font-size:24px;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">UFC on Fight Pass 4: Gane vs. Struve</span></strong></span></span></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Date:</strong></span> Saturday of Week 2 of April 2021 <span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Location:</strong></span> Midlands</p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Attendance:</strong></span> 772 <span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Gate:</strong></span> $163,278</p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Critical Rating:</strong></span> 69% <span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Commercial Rating:</strong></span> 65%</p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Commentary Team:</strong></span> John Gooden, Dan Hardy and Michael Bisping</p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:'Arial Black';"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Preliminary Card</span></strong></span></span></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="ckfjOQR.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ckfjOQR.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="AQVBH2h.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/AQVBH2h.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Women’s Bantamweight:</strong></span> Justine Kish <em>(7-3)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Mallory Martin <em>(6-5)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Result:</span></strong></span></span> Justine Kish <span style="color:#008000;"><strong>beat</strong></span> Mallory Martin <span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong>by unanimous decision </strong></span><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong><em>(29-28, 29-28 and 29-28)</em></strong></span> </p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="X04LoCG.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/X04LoCG.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BQiH1wT.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BQiH1wT.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Bantamweight:</strong></span> Pingyuan Li <em>(16-6)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Matt Schnell <em>(15-5)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Result:</span></strong></span></span> Pingyuan Liu <span style="color:#008000;"><strong>beat</strong></span> Matt ‘Danger’ Schnell <span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong>by unanimous decision </strong></span><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong><em>(30-27, 30-27 and 30-27)</em></strong></span></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="V06pTtm.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/V06pTtm.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="VBv4rGL.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/VBv4rGL.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Bantamweight:</strong></span> Kwan Ho Kwak <em>(9-3)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Cole Smith <em>(7-2)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Result:</span></strong></span></span> Cole ‘The Cole Train’ Smith <span style="color:#008000;"><strong>beat</strong></span> ‘Handsome’ Kwan Ho Kwak <span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong>by unanimous decision </strong></span><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong><em>(30-27, 29-28 and 30-27)</em></strong></span></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="yqpeadH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yqpeadH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gQmV5fX.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gQmV5fX.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Light Heavyweight:</strong></span> Dalcha Lungiambula <em>(10-3)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Adam Yandiev <em>(9-2)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Result:</span></strong></span></span> Adam ‘Boroda’ Yandiev <span style="color:#008000;"><strong>beat</strong></span> Dalcha ‘Champion’ Lungiambula <span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong>by knockout </strong></span><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong><em>(kick)</em></strong></span> in 1:05 of Round 1</p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:'Arial Black';"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Main Card</span></strong></span></span></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="f1lusXy.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/f1lusXy.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="90h4T1U.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/90h4T1U.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Featherweight:</strong></span> Bryce Mitchell <em>(13-0)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Paddy Pimblett <em>(18-3)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Result:</span></strong></span></span> Bryce ‘Thug Nasty’ Mitchell <span style="color:#008000;"><strong>beat</strong></span> Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett <span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong>by unanimous decision </strong></span><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong><em>(29-28, 29-28 and 29-28)</em></strong></span> </p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="Xowl76Y.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Xowl76Y.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="pEMURqZ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/pEMURqZ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Lightweight:</strong></span> Renato Carnerio <em>(#10, 15-4-1)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Carlos Diego Ferreira <em>(#12, 18-3)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Result:</span></strong></span></span> Renato ‘Moicano’ Carneiro <span style="color:#008000;"><strong>beat</strong></span> Carlos Diego Ferreira <span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong>by unanimous decision </strong></span><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong><em>(30-27, -29-28 and 30-27)</em></strong></span> </p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="DDF8eRC.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/DDF8eRC.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="uWjgmDe.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/uWjgmDe.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Women’s Bantamweight:</strong></span> Sarah Kaufmann <em>(#17, 24-5, 1NC)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Lara Lansberg <em>(#11, 11-6)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Result:</span></strong></span></span> Sarah Kaufman <span style="color:#008000;"><strong>beat</strong></span> Lina ‘Elbow Queen’ Lansberg <span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong>by knockout </strong></span><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong><em>(kick)</em></strong></span> in 0:36 of Round 3</p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="wzJ1nDO.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wzJ1nDO.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="SyjrBbc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/SyjrBbc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Heavyweight:</strong></span> Ciryl Gane <em>(#15, 10-0)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Stefan Struve <em>(#19, 30-12, 1NC)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Result:</span></strong></span></span> Stefan ‘Skyscraper’ Struve <span style="color:#008000;"><strong>beat</strong></span> Ciryl ‘Bon Gamin’ Gane <span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong>by unanimous decision </strong></span><span style="color:#0000FF;"><strong><em>(49-46, 48-47 and 48-47)</em></strong></span> </p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Post-fight interview notes</span></strong></span></p><p> </p><p>

Pingyuan Li <em>challenged</em> Joe Soto, feeling that it would be a good contest</p><p>

Cole Smith <em>challenged</em> Tony Gravely, believing that it would be a tough challenge, but it’s one that he is interested in</p><p>

Sarah Kaufmann <em>challenged</em> Nicco Montano believing that it would be a tough challenge, but it’s one that she is interested in</p><p>

Stefan Struve <em>challenged</em> Augusto Sakai</p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Post-Fight Bonuses</span></strong></span> </p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Fight of the Night:</strong></span> Sarah Kaufmann <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Lara Lansberg</p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Performance of the Night:</strong></span> Stefan Struve</p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Knockout of the Night:</strong></span> Adam Yandiev</p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Submission of the Night:</strong></span> N/A</p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Predictions</span></strong></span></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>McDojoDelux:</strong></span> (3/8)</p><p>

<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>McDojoDelux (Overall):</strong></span> (25/43; 59.13%)</p></div><p></p><p></p>

[Fantabulous]

UFC Rankings for Sunday, Week 2 of April 2021

 

[Fantabulous]

News Blast

 

Saturday of Week 2 of April 2021

 

 

Sunday of Week 2 of April 2021

 

 

Monday of Week 3 of April 2021

 

[Fantabulous]

News Blast

 

Tuesday of Week 3 of April 2021

 

 

Wednesday of Week 3 of April 2021

 

 

Thursday of Week 3 of April 2021

 

 

Friday of Week 3 of April 2021

 

[Fantabulous]

<p>Raphael Asssuncao and T.J. Dillashaw trilogy fight to headline UFC Fight Night 187</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="cG1mhfY.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/cG1mhfY.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-size:18px;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Raphael Asssuncao and T.J. Dillashaw trilogy fight to headline UFC Fight Night 187</span></strong></span></p><p> </p><p>

<em>Saturday, Week 3 of April 2021</em></p><p> </p><p>

The UFC hits the north western United Sates for UFC Fight Night 187, and the main event will be a bantamweight showdown between Raphael Asssuncao and T.J. Dillashaw.</p><p> </p><p>

Asssuncao and Dillashaw are no strangers to each other, having fought twice before, with the score being 1-1; Asssuncao won by split decision at UFC Fight Night 29, while Dillashaw won by unanimous at UFC 200. Both fighters have had mixed fortunes since that time, especially Dillashaw, who returned to action earlier this year after a lengthy suspension. </p><p> </p><p>

At UFC Fight Night 187, though, only one of them will see an upturn in those fortunes.</p><p> </p><p>

In the co-main event, Cortney Casey takes on Yan Xiaonan, in an important clash in the women’s strawweight division. Casey is coming off back-to-back wins, and a win over Yan Xiaonan would put Casey closer to the ranks of title contenders. For Yan, she bounced back from the end of her lengthy win streak with a win over Cynthia Cavillo, but to fully arrest any potential slide in form, Yan must get past Cortney Casey, and victory would certainly reaffirm her status as a top strawweight.</p><p> </p><p>

Linton Vassell was victorious in his UFC debut at UFC 257, but he’ll have to be ready for a slugfest when he takes on the heavy-handed Augusto Sakai, who is coming off a Knockout of the Night victory over Nikita Krylov, a victory achieved in less than three minutes.</p><p> </p><p>

In the women’s bantamweight division, Pannie Kianzad comes into her fight against Ketlen Vieira on the back of four consecutive victories, and a fifth victory would likely see Kianzad break into the top ten. Vieira, meanwhile, has won her last two fights, and a win over Kianzad, which would be a big one considering Kianzad’s form, might just be enough to see Vieira in line for a title contendership fight.</p><p> </p><p>

And the main card kicks off with a middleweight contest between Krzysztof Jotko and Rodolfo Viera</p><p> </p><p>

This great action, and loaded preliminary card, all takes place on Saturday, Week 3 of June in Oregon.</p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:'Arial Black';"><span style="font-size:24px;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="color:#2F4F4F;">UFC Fight Night 187: Assuncao vs. Dillashaw III</span></span></strong></span></span></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:'Arial Black';"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="color:#2F4F4F;">Main Card</span></span></strong></span></span></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="CnEPzb7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CnEPzb7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Q7I2PqJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Q7I2PqJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Bantamweight:</strong></span> Raphael Assuncao <em>(#9, 28-8)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> T.J. Dillashaw <em>(#2, 17-4)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="uOZqog7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/uOZqog7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="8ySwyAn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8ySwyAn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Women’s Strawweight:</strong></span> Cortney Casey <em>(#6, 10-7)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Yan Xiaonan <em>(#7, 13-2, 1NC)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="AkT6ZXa.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/AkT6ZXa.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="xLd7H1b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/xLd7H1b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Heavyweight:</strong></span> Augusto Sakai <em>(#15, 15-2-1)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Linton Vassell <em>(#4, 22-8, 1NC)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="MP4kcaj.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/MP4kcaj.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="7NImXew.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7NImXew.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Women’s Bantamweight:</strong></span> Pannie Kianzad <em>(#15, 15-6)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Ketlen Vieara <em>(#7, 12-2)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="NTY4o6S.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/NTY4o6S.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="pmaTmPb.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/pmaTmPb.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Middleweight:</strong></span> Krzysztof Jotko <em>(#15, 22-5)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Rodolfo Viera <em>(#17, 11-0)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:'Arial Black';"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="color:#708090;">Preliminary Card</span></span></strong></span></span></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="fFGLmb2.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fFGLmb2.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="xQkm3jW.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/xQkm3jW.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Women’s Strawweight:</strong></span> Jessica Penne <em>(#21, 13-5)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Tecia Torres <em>(#18, 11-6)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="bCniTuK.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bCniTuK.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Ti4Co6q.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Ti4Co6q.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Women’s Bantamweight:</strong></span> Tracy Cortez <em>(#22, 8-2)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Karol Rosa <em>(#25, 12-4)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="uyPI2zv.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/uyPI2zv.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="qybjXJc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/qybjXJc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Heavyweight:</strong></span> Jarjis Danho <em>(5-2-1, 1NC)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Yorgan de Castro <em>(6-2)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="Y1Pp31n.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Y1Pp31n.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="rXJglqY.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rXJglqY.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Light Heavyweight:</strong></span> Jake Collier <em>(11-5)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Ryan Spann <em>(17-6, 1NC)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="598G13n.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/598G13n.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="rS1HYx6.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rS1HYx6.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Bantamweight:</strong></span> Marlon Vera <em>(#22, 17-6-1)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Nathaniel Wood <em>(#14, 18-4)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="ql7HXPa.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ql7HXPa.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="znT0hGq.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/znT0hGq.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Welterweight:</strong></span> Court McGee <em>(20-9)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Brandon Thatch <em>(13-5)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="0N2UJPw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0N2UJPw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="s6aFdCD.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/s6aFdCD.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Featherweight:</strong></span> Sergio Giglio <em>(13-0)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Austin Lingo <em>(8-1)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="F4Rx6W4.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/F4Rx6W4.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="oQaLKwG.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/oQaLKwG.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Women’s Flyweight:</strong></span> Hannah Goldy <em>(5-2)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Shanna Young <em>(7-4)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="rZYMb1t.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rZYMb1t.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="37ItXAe.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/37ItXAe.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Middleweight:</strong></span> Maurilio de Souza <em>(10-4, 1NC)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Bevon Lewis <em>(7-3)</em></p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="ScbLDJc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ScbLDJc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jd3Ws5b.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jd3Ws5b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Q2l6bUt.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Q2l6bUt.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Lightweight:</strong></span> Peter Barrett <em>(12-3)</em> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>vs.</strong></span> Roman Bogatov <em>(11-0)</em></p></div><p></p><p></p>