UFC at 30: Looking Back At Three Decades Of Chanching The Game

[rodrigoviolim]

UFC at 30: Looking Back At Three Decades Of Chanching The Game

On November 12, 1993, Art Davie and Rorion Gracie started a revolution. Not that they knew it at the time. The pair just wanted to put on an event, which they named the Ultimate Fighting Championship, that would figure out the age-old question of what form of martial arts would be most effective in a real fight.

This year, the UFC will celebrate its 30th anniversary. Seems like Davie and Gracie knew a little something the rest of the world didn’t.

“(The first UFC’s creative director) John Milius and I used to talk about this in terms of what it was and where it was going,” said Davie in 2018. “And John knew that I had been inspired by pankration. My great inspiration for the UFC was not kumite in Asia, it was the fact that for more than a thousand years, the most popular sport and the only sport to rival it was horseracing, was something called pankration. And other than no biting and eye gouging, there was kicking and punching, throws, holds and chokes, grappling and striking, and it lasted for 1,041 years until the Roman Emperor banned it.

“So we used to talk about the fact that down the road, given the fact that maybe soccer and fighting are the two sports that young men and women would be interested in worldwide, in a way it’s not a shock to see how this has grown. And when I’m asked where I think it will be long after I’m gone, it will be bigger. You’ll be crowning the Ultimate Fighting champion and who knows how many people worldwide will be fascinated by that particular bout that night.”

THE REST OF THE WORLD – MAYBE EVEN THE FIGHTERS WHO COMPETED AT MCNICHOLS SPORTS ARENA IN COLORADO THAT NOVEMBER NIGHT – HAD NO IDEA WHAT TO EXPECT.

But in 1993, the first UFC event was a mystery, and while Davie and Gracie, along with Milius and Semaphore Entertainment Group (SEG), home to Campbell McLaren and Bob Meyrowitz, were in, the rest of the world – maybe even the fighters who competed at McNichols Sports Arena in Colorado that November night – had no idea what to expect.

Kickboxing great Kathy Long, who called the fights alongside Bill Wallace and Jim Brown, had an idea.

“I was used to Kung Fu San Soo, and if you're familiar with that martial art, we stick our fingers in people's eyes and hit them in the windpipe and stomp on their knee and grab their testicles and crush them, so in that respect, that kind of fighting, I was not a stranger to,” Long said in 2021.

There would be none of that at UFC I, though everything else was legal except for biting, groin shots, and eye gouging, and while there were some fighters with impressive resumes in their respective arts on that first card, the two that stood out to the casual fan were Ken Shamrock and Royce Gracie. One looked like he could walk through a brick wall, the other like a stiff wind might knock him over. And though many combat sports insiders believed the UFC was simply an advertisement for Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Rorion didn’t select the most intimidating member of his family – Rickson – to compete in the first eight-man tournament.

“I was eager to have Rickson (Gracie) be the Gracie athlete and (UFC co-founder) Rorion (Gracie), by July, had not made a selection,” recalled Davie. “In May, I’m getting people responding to my ads in the magazines and my faxes and my phone calls. And Rorion said, ‘You know, forget my political problems with Rickson; it would be better to have Royce.’ I said, ‘Why?’ And he said, ‘He looks like a little altar boy in that white gi. If he wins the event, it’s the Bruce Lee thing. A little guy with skill can beat a big guy.’ They wanted to see if the skill was going to be dominant. Ken Wayne Shamrock looked like Captain America. And with that name, it was a marquee name, he had that handsome face, that big jaw, the muscles and the red speedo. If he wins, I’m not sure we’d be talking today.”

Royce Gracie, 26, got the nod for the first UFC, and all the pressure that came along with it. But like he was throughout his entire career, he was cool, calm, and collected.

“At the same time that I knew there was pressure, they were also taking away the pressure by giving me enough confidence,” Gracie said. “That’s what Gracie Jiu-Jitsu gives to you – it gives you confidence. It’s like you’ve seen that movie before; it’s just about getting in there and doing it. They were telling me, ‘When you get in there, it’s just one man against another. It’s just you and him.’ And there was no mystery in that. You’re not fighting five people; you’re fighting one guy only, so don’t worry about it.”

Gracie fought three men in Denver, submitting Art Jimmerson, Shamrock and Gerard Gordeau to win the first UFC tournament. A star – and a sport – was born in the United States.

The Brazilian went on to win two more tournaments and fight Shamrock to a draw in their 1995 rematch before heading to Japan, and by then, the UFC was off to the races, with Shamrock joined by a new array of stars like American wrestlers Dan Severn, Don Frye and Mark Coleman, Russian standout Oleg Taktarov, and the always entertaining brawler Tank Abbott.

“WE WERE LOSING MONEY ON EVERY SHOW,” MEYROWITZ SAID. “WE WERE BANNED ON CABLE, AND I WAS IN COURT WHEREVER WE WENT.”

As the years went on, the sport evolved to include judges’ decisions, weight classes, and the addition of gloves. Controversy would follow, though, with the marketing of the time drawing the ire of politicians and dumping the UFC off pay-per-view.

“We were losing money on every show,” Meyrowitz said. “We were banned on cable, and I was in court wherever we went.”

Behind the scenes, the sport – now being called mixed martial arts instead of no holds barred - had to go through an almost endless stream of on-the-fly changes to make the sport safer for its competitors, exciting for its fans, and on the same level as other combat sports. If MMA was ever going to break the chains holding it back, the change had to come from within. And but September of 2000, the biggest change arrived in the form of the long in the works Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts that were accepted by the prestigious New Jersey State Athletic Control Board, and UFC 28 in November of 2000 was the first event held under the rules that still govern the sport today.

Containing several weight classes, judging criteria, ways to win a fight, safety regulations and over 30 fouls, these rules are the bible by which MMA is run, focusing on fighter safety and fair play.

“Every show, something would happen, and we would make a rule about it, or I would learn something where I said don’t ever do this, don’t ever do that,” said referee John McCarthy, who, along with commentator and former Olympian Jeff Blatnick and matchmaker Joe Silva, helped come up with the initial draft of the rules. “It was a progression, and luckily, over time, things evolved.”

That was the good news. The bad news was that the UFC was in financial trouble and on the brink of extinction.

ENTER DANA WHITE, LORENZO FERTITTA AND FRANK FERTITTA

White and the Fertitta brothers were longtime friends, and when the trio found out the UFC was for sale, they formed a new company – Zuffa – and bought the promotion in January of 2001.

That was the easy part. The hard part was fixing a damaged brand, getting the sport back on cable and regulated by athletic commissions in all 50 states and around the world. Well, in Italian, Zuffa means “to fight,” and a long fight was just beginning.

Meanwhile, fans started to get on board again as new stars like Tito Ortiz, Chuck Liddell, Randy Couture, Matt Hughes and BJ Penn delivered memorable performances in a sport that had evolved past style versus style into matchups where the more skilled, better conditioned, and more determined athlete emerged victorious. Fighters couldn’t be one-dimensional and win on a consistent basis, and the elite fighters were the ones who could handle themselves wherever a fight went.

By UFC 33 in September of 2001, the sport was back on pay-per-view (and sanctioned in the “Fight Capital of the World,” Las Vegas) and a 2002 SuperFight between Ortiz and Shamrock garnered more than its share of mainstream media attention. Yet by late-2004, things weren’t looking good financially, and Zuffa was close to throwing in the towel.

“It was brutal,” said White, the UFC President.  “We were waiting any day for the plug to be pulled.  We felt like we were getting momentum and getting traction, but it wasn’t enough to dig us out of the hole that we were in, and it didn’t look like there was any light at the end of the tunnel.”

Lorenzo Fertitta decided that the company was simply losing too much money to remain viable, and one night he told White to look for a buyer. The next morning, he changed his mind and told his partner that he was willing to give it one more shot.

THAT SHOT HAD TO HIT ITS MARK…AND IT DID.

“Boom, ‘The Ultimate Fighter,’” said White of the reality show that took viewers into the lives of a collection of rising MMA stars looking for their big break. After a stay together in a Las Vegas house, the finalists of the series’ tournaments at 185 and 205 pounds would then compete live on Spike TV for a UFC contract.

On April 9, 2005, Diego Sanchez defeated Kenny Florian for the TUF 1 middleweight contract. Then came the light heavyweights, Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar, and after a 15-minute thriller, the fortunes of both fighters, and the UFC, had changed forever.

Griffin, the winner of the fight, and Bonnar, both got UFC contracts. The UFC got a new lease on life, as Spike TV signed on for another season of TUF, and fans watching at home couldn’t get enough of mixed martial arts in the Octagon.

The Ultimate Fighter helped chip at myths and misconceptions about pro mixed martial artists, and Griffin and Bonnar tore them down completely. Griffin was a former police officer with a BA degree in Political Science from the University of Georgia; Bonnar, a Purdue University grad with a degree in Sports Medicine. They were educated, witty, and affable. They also liked getting into sanctioned fistfights, and at the time of TUF 1, the two were prospects in a sport where, at the time, being an up and comer meant you weren’t making any money. The Ultimate Fighter was the way out for the winner, because victory in the tournament meant a six-figure contract with the UFC.

And as the pair became stars in the Octagon, that Octagon had to get its passport in order. In 2007, international expansion began with a return to England in 2007, and soon, the UFC was delivering shows all around the world.

Back home in the U.S., boxing hall of famer Marc Ratner joined the team and led the fight to get MMA sanctioned in all 50 states, a goal he completed, and when you add in the deals with Endeavor, ESPN, Fox Sports, Reebok, Venum and so many others, it is clear that three decades after it launched, the UFC is indeed the fastest growing sport in the world, something made clear every time the men and women of the sport compete in the Octagon and show just how combat sports has evolved.

No longer the spectacle it often was in the early days, UFC fights can cover the gamut of martial arts, with devastating knockouts, slick submissions, wars of attrition, technical battles, and all-out action fights that put fans on the edge of their seat from start to finish. And with these fights featuring former Olympians, decorated grapplers, black belts in all forms of martial arts, and old-school brawlers, it’s clear that the UFC has stood the test of time as the ultimate proving ground.

But this is not an ending. Thirty years in, the story of the UFC has just begun.

Edited January 6, 2023 by rodrigoviolim

[rodrigoviolim]

Current Champions

 

Men's championship history

Heavyweight Championship
Light Heavyweight Championship
Middleweight Championship
Welterweight Championship
Lightweight Championship
Featherweight Championship
Bantamweight Championship
Flyweight Championship

Women's championship history

Featherweight Championship
Bantamweight Championship
Flyweight Championship
Strawweight Championship

The Ultimate Fighter Winners

Tournament Winners

 

 

Edited January 17, 2023 by rodrigoviolim

[rodrigoviolim]

UFC Fighter Rankings: Tony Ferguson unranked, Kape up to flyweight

by blurcat.com

Like Conor McGregor last week, UFC lightweight stalwart Tony Ferguson doesn’t have a number beside his name for the first time in a decade. Following the results of the last event of the year, UFC Vegas 66, El Cucuy’s precarious hold on the final spot at lightweight is now gone.

There isn’t much else from the event that had an effect on the rankings. Manel Kape’s big win over David Dvorak helped him move up at flyweight. And a couple of veterans, Alex Caceres and Drew Dober are now ranked in their respective divisions.

Check the latest ranking update

[rodrigoviolim]

UFC Events - January 2023

UFC Fight Night: Imavov vs. Gastelum
A middleweight bout between former interim UFC Middleweight Championship challenger and The Ultimate Fighter: Team Jones vs. Team Sonnen middleweight winner Kelvin Gastelum and Nassourdine Imavov is scheduled to headline the event. The pair was previously scheduled to meet at UFC 273, but Imavov was forced to withdraw due to visa issues.

A heavyweight bout between Jailton Almeida and Shamil Abdurakhimov was originally announced for this date. However the UFC issued a correction a short time later announcing the fight was set for UFC 283 the following week.

A flyweight bout between Jeff Molina and Jimmy Flick was expected to take place at the event. However, Molina withdrew from the event due to undisclosed reason and was replaced by Charles Johnson. A few weeks later it was announced that Molina was under suspension by the Nevada Athletic Commission as he has been linked to an investigation around the Nov. 5 fight between Darrick Minner and Shayilan Nuerdanbieke.

Welterweights Geoff Neal and Shavkat Rakhmonov were expected to meet at this event. However on December 29, Neal pulled out due to undisclosed injury and the bout was rescheduled for UFC 285.

Omar Morales was expected to face Mateusz Rebecki in a lightweight bout. However, Morales withdrew from the bout for undisclosed reasons and was replaced by Trey Ogden.

UFC Fight Night: Imavov vs. Gastelum
Date: January 14, 2023
Venue: UFC APEX
Local: Enterprise, Nevada, USA

Main Event
Middleweight Bout: (#12) Nassourdine Imavov (12-3) vs. (#13) Kelvin Gastelum (17-8-1 NC)
Co-Main Event
Featherweight Bout: (#13) Dan Ige (15-6) vs. Damon Jackson (22-4-1-1 NC)
Middleweight Bout: Punahele Soriano (9-2) vs. Roman Kopylov (9-2)
Women´s Bantamweight Bout: (#2) Ketlen Vieira (13-2) vs. (#5) Raquel Pennington (14-8)
Bantamweight Bout: (#11) Umar Nurmagomedov (15-0) vs. Raoni Barcelos (17-3)
Featherweight Bout: David Onama (9-2) vs. Jarno Errens (13-5-1)

Preliminary Card
Middleweight Bout: Abdul Razak Alhassan (11-4) vs. Claudio Ribeiro (10-2)
Lightweight Bout: Mateusz Rebecki (16-1) vs. Trey Ogden (16-5)
Bantamweight Bout: Javid Basharat (12-0) vs. Mateus Mendonça (10-0)
Flyweight Bout: Allan Nascimento (19-6) vs. Carlos Hernandez (8-1)
Featherweight Bout: Dan Argueta (8-1) vs. Isaac Dulgarian (5-0)
Flyweight Bout: Jimmy Flick (16-5) vs. Charles Johnson (12-3)
Women's Flyweight Bout: Priscila Cachoeira (12-4) vs. Sijara Eubanks (7-7)

UFC 283: Teixeira vs. Hill

The event will mark the promotion's return to Brazil for the first time since UFC Fight Night: Lee vs. Oliveira, which took place in Brasília in March 2020. That event took place behind closed doors (for the first time in the promotion's history) after Ibaneis Rocha, the governor of the Federal District (where Brasília is located), announced that large gatherings had been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A UFC Light Heavyweight Championship bout for the vacant title between former champion Glover Teixeira and Jamahal Hill is expected to headline the event. Teixeira was originally expected to compete at UFC 282 as a challenger in a rematch against then-champion Jiri Prochazka, but Prochazka pulled out and vacated the title after a serious shoulder injury. Teixeira subsequently refused a replacement fight against Magomed Ankalaev, which prompted the UFC to change the original co-main event between former champion Jan Błachowicz and Ankalaev into the new title fight for the vacant belt. After that contest ended in a split draw, the organization decided to book Teixeira and Hill, who was scheduled to headline an event against former title challenger Anthony Smith in early March. Smith announced that he is expected to serve as an alternate for the title bout.

A UFC Flyweight Championship tetralogy bout between current two-time champion Deiveson Figueiredo and former champion/current interim title holder Brandon Moreno is expected to take place at the event. The pairing first met at UFC 256 on December 12, 2020 which ended in a majority draw (Figueiredo retained the title). Their second meeting took place at UFC 263 on June 12, 2021 where Moreno captured the title by submission in the third round. Their third meeting took place at UFC 270 on January 22, 2022 where Figueiredo regained the title by unanimous decision. Alexandre Pantoja is expected to serve as backup and potential replacement for this fight.

A women's featherweight bout between Josiane Nunes and Zarah Fairn Dos Santos is expected to take place at the event. They were originally scheduled to meet at UFC on ESPN: Whittaker vs. Gastelum in April 2021, but on the day of the weigh-ins Fairn weighed in at 147 pounds, eight pounds over the pre-established limit of 139 pounds (the bout was originally set for the women's bantamweight division, but was shifted to a catchweight prior to the start of the weigh-ins). The bout was cancelled due to the weight discrepancy, as Nunes weighed in at 136 pounds.

A heavyweight bout between Shamil Abdurakhimov and Jailton Almeida is expected to take place at the event. They were previously scheduled to meet at UFC 279 and UFC 280 but Abdurakhimov withdrew both times due to visa issues and for undisclosed reasons respectively.

UFC 283: Teixeira vs. Hill
Date: January 21, 2023
Venue: Jeunesse Arena
Local: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Main Event
Light Heavyweight Championship Bout: (#2) Glover Teixeira (33-8) vs. (#7) Jamahal Hill (11-1-1 NC)
Co-Main Event
Flyweight Championship Bout: (C) Deiverson Figueiredo (21-2-1) vs. (IC) Brandon Moreno (20-6-2)
Welterweight Bout: (#5) Gilbert Burns (20-5) vs. (#12) Neil Magny (27-9)
Women´s Flyweight Bout: (#4 STW) Jessica Andrade (23-9) vs. (#4) Lauren Murphy (15-5)
Light Heavyweight Bout: (#9) Paul Craig (16-5-1) vs. (#12) Johnny Walker (19-7)

Preliminary Card
Light Heavyweight Bout: Mauricio Rua (27-13-1) vs. Ihor Potieria (20-3)
Middleweight Bout: Brad Tavares (19-7) vs. Gregory Rodrigues (13-4)
Heavyweight Bout: (#14) Shamil Abdurakhimov (20-7) vs. Jailton Almeida (17-2)
Lightweight Bout: Thiago Moises (16-6) vs. Guram Kutateladze (12-3)
Welterweight Bout: Mounir Lazzez (11-2) vs. Gabriel Bonfim (11-0)
Bantamweight Bout: Cody Stamann (20-5) vs. Raulian Paiva (21-4)
Lightweight Bout: Terrence McKinney (13-4) vs. Ismael Bonfim (16-3)
Welterweight Bout: Warlley Alves (14-5) vs. Nicholas Dalby (20-4-1-2 NC)
Women´s Featherweight Bout: Josiane Nunes (9-1) vs. Zarah Fairn (6-4)
Bantamweight Bout: Saimon Oliveira (18-4) vs. Daniel Marcos (13-0)
 

* Both cards still subject to change until weigh-ins are announced.

 

[rodrigoviolim]

UFC Fight Night: Imavov vs. Gastelum  Weigh-in Results: Main Event Fight Set; 1 Fight Scratched

The Ultimate Fighting Championship is set to make its 2023 debut with UFC Fight Night: Imavov vs. Gastelum.

The card is headlined by the middleweight bout between Nassourdine Imavov and Kelvin Gastelum. All fighters made weight for the first UFC card of the year with a drama-free weigh-in ceremony.

"Russian Sniper" is 4-1 since entering the Octagon, with a loss to Phil Hawes in a majority decile, among his victories over quality opponents such as Ian Heinish, Edman Shahbazyan and Joaquin Buckley. Imavov officially weighed 185 pounds.

The Ultimate Fighter's 17th edition champion and former middleweight title challenger Gastelum (17-8-1 NC) is heading into his seventh UFC main event. He returns after just over a year out of the Octagon and racking up a losing streak to Robert Whittaker and Jarod Cannonier. Gastelum reached 185lbs.

A featherweight bout between David Onama and Jarno Errens was expected to take the event. However, Errens pulled out from the bout due to undisclosed and the bout was scrapped.

UFC Fight Night: Imavov vs. Gastelum
Date: January 14, 2023
Venue: UFC APEX
Local: Enterprise, Nevada, USA

Main Event
Middleweight Bout: (#12) Nassourdine Imavov (185 lbs) vs. (#13) Kelvin Gastelum (185 lbs)
Co-Main Event
Featherweight Bout: (#13) Dan Ige (145 lbs) vs. Damon Jackson (145 lbs)
Middleweight Bout: Punahele Soriano (185 lbs) vs. Roman Kopylov (185 lbs)
Women´s Bantamweight Bout: (#2) Ketlen Vieira (135 lbs) vs. (#5) Raquel Pennington (135 lbs)
Bantamweight Bout: (#11) Umar Nurmagomedov (135 lbs) vs. Raoni Barcelos (135 lbs)
Middleweight Bout: Abdul Razak Alhassan (185 lbs) vs. Claudio Ribeiro (185 lbs)

Preliminary Card
Lightweight Bout: Mateusz Rebecki (155 lbs) vs. Trey Ogden (155 lbs)
Bantamweight Bout: Javid Basharat (135 lbs) vs. Mateus Mendonça (135 lbs)
Flyweight Bout: Allan Nascimento (125 lbs) vs. Carlos Hernandez (125 lbs)
Featherweight Bout: Dan Argueta (145 lbs) vs. Isaac Dulgarian (145 lbs)
Flyweight Bout: Jimmy Flick (125 lbs) vs. Charles Johnson (125 lbs)
Women's Flyweight Bout: Priscila Cachoeira (125 lbs) vs. Sijara Eubanks (125 lbs)

what is your prediction for this card? pick your favorite

[feltzz]

Main Event
Middleweight Bout: (#12) Nassourdine Imavov (185 lbs) vs. (#13) Kelvin Gastelum (185 lbs)
Co-Main Event
Featherweight Bout: (#13) Dan Ige (145 lbs) vs. Damon Jackson (145 lbs)
Middleweight Bout: Punahele Soriano (185 lbs) vs. Roman Kopylov (185 lbs)
Women´s Bantamweight Bout: (#2) Ketlen Vieira (135 lbs) vs. (#5) Raquel Pennington (135 lbs)
Bantamweight Bout: (#11) Umar Nurmagomedov (135 lbs) vs. Raoni Barcelos (135 lbs)
Middleweight Bout: Abdul Razak Alhassan (185 lbs) vs. Claudio Ribeiro (185 lbs)

Preliminary Card
Lightweight Bout: Mateusz Rebecki (155 lbs) vs. Trey Ogden (155 lbs)
Bantamweight Bout: Javid Basharat (135 lbs) vs. Mateus Mendonça (135 lbs)
Flyweight Bout: Allan Nascimento (125 lbs) vs. Carlos Hernandez (125 lbs)
Featherweight Bout: Dan Argueta (145 lbs) vs. Isaac Dulgarian (145 lbs)
Flyweight Bout: Jimmy Flick (125 lbs) vs. Charles Johnson (125 lbs)
Women's Flyweight Bout: Priscila Cachoeira (125 lbs) vs. Sijara Eubanks (125 lbs)

[cecede123]

Middleweight Bout: (#12) Nassourdine Imavov (185 lbs) vs. (#13) Kelvin Gastelum (185 lbs)
Co-Main Event
Featherweight Bout: (#13) Dan Ige (145 lbs) vs. Damon Jackson (145 lbs)
Middleweight Bout: Punahele Soriano (185 lbs) vs. Roman Kopylov (185 lbs)
Women´s Bantamweight Bout: (#2) Ketlen Vieira (135 lbs) vs. (#5) Raquel Pennington (135 lbs)
Bantamweight Bout: (#11) Umar Nurmagomedov (135 lbs) vs. Raoni Barcelos (135 lbs)
Middleweight Bout: Abdul Razak Alhassan (185 lbs) vs. Claudio Ribeiro (185 lbs)

Preliminary Card
Lightweight Bout: Mateusz Rebecki (155 lbs) vs. Trey Ogden (155 lbs)
Bantamweight Bout: Javid Basharat (135 lbs) vs. Mateus Mendonça (135 lbs)
Flyweight Bout: Allan Nascimento (125 lbs) vs. Carlos Hernandez (125 lbs)
Featherweight Bout: Dan Argueta (145 lbs) vs. Isaac Dulgarian (145 lbs)
Flyweight Bout: Jimmy Flick (125 lbs) vs. Charles Johnson (125 lbs)
Women's Flyweight Bout: Priscila Cachoeira (125 lbs) vs. Sijara Eubanks (125 lbs)

[Ernsant]

Main Event

Middleweight Bout: (#12) Nassourdine Imavov (185 lbs) vs. (#13) Kelvin Gastelum (185 lbs)
Co-Main Event
Featherweight Bout: (#13) Dan Ige (145 lbs) vs. Damon Jackson (145 lbs)
Middleweight Bout: Punahele Soriano (185 lbs) vs. Roman Kopylov (185 lbs)
Women´s Bantamweight Bout: (#2) Ketlen Vieira (135 lbs) vs. (#5) Raquel Pennington (135 lbs)
Bantamweight Bout: (#11) Umar Nurmagomedov (135 lbs) vs. Raoni Barcelos (135 lbs)
Middleweight Bout: Abdul Razak Alhassan (185 lbs) vs. Claudio Ribeiro (185 lbs)

Preliminary Card
Lightweight Bout: Mateusz Rebecki (155 lbs) vs. Trey Ogden (155 lbs)
Bantamweight Bout: Javid Basharat (135 lbs) vs. Mateus Mendonça (135 lbs)
Flyweight Bout: Allan Nascimento (125 lbs) vs. Carlos Hernandez (125 lbs)
Featherweight Bout: Dan Argueta (145 lbs) vs. Isaac Dulgarian (145 lbs)
Flyweight Bout: Jimmy Flick (125 lbs) vs. Charles Johnson (125 lbs)
Women's Flyweight Bout: Priscila Cachoeira (125 lbs) vs. Sijara Eubanks (125 lbs)

[rodrigoviolim]

UFC Fight Night: Imavov vs. Gastelum  - Play by Play & Results

Preliminary Card

Women's Flyweight Bout: Priscila Cachoeira (12-4) vs. Sijara Eubanks (7-7)

Our first fight of the night is Priscila 'Zombie Girl' Cachoeira (12-4, 4-4 in UFC) battling Sijara 'Sarj' Eubanks (7-7, 5-5 in UFC). 

Herb Dean will be the referee. Our judges at cageside are: Edward Phipps, John Hoehn, and Sal D'Amato.

Round 1

And here we go! They start with a touch of gloves. Cachoeira comes forward looking to force a striking exchange. Eubanks lands two left hands in the exchange. Cachoeira connects with a nice jab and then she scores with a right cross. Both fighters step in to strike. Cachoeira hits a jab but misses a high kick. Eubanks uses a left jab and also lands a nice high roundhouse kick. Cachoeira might be in real trouble here, she is backing off but looks really unsteady on her feet! Eubanks pounces and smashes Cachoeira with a big right hand! Down she goes! Eubanks starts pounding away on Cachoeira, looking to finish her off! Eubanks unloads with massive right hands and Cachoeira is getting destroyed! The referee has no option but to leap in and stop the fight! The winner, by TKO, is Sijara 'Sarj' Eubanks!

Official Result: Sijara Eubanks def. Priscila Cachoeira by TKO (Strikes) in 1:00 of round 1.

Flyweight Bout: Jimmy Flick (16-5) vs. Charles Johnson (12-3)

Next up is a match in which Jimmy 'The Brick' Flick (16-5, 1-0 in UFC) goes head to head with Charles 'InnerG' Johnson (12-3, 1-1 in UFC).

Jason Herzog is the referee for this fight. Our judges are: Ray Leatherman, Edward Phipps, and John Hoehn.

Round 1

 We are underway! The fighters touch gloves. Flick chooses to shoot in on Johnson. Johnson gets taken down by a single leg, and has to pull guard. Flick attempts to pass guard. Flick gets past, but Johnson stops him at half guard. Flick attempts to pass half guard and gain a better position. He passes half guard but can't secure side control as Johnson starts a scramble for position. The scramble sees Johnson up first, only to be grabbed and wrestled up against the cage almost immediately. With Johnson stuck against the cage, Flick tries to reap a leg with a sharp sweep in order to trip him to the floor. A great inside leg trip sees Johnson get thrown to the mat and Flick is left in guard. Flick tries to pass the guard. The pass attempt results in a scramble for position as Johnson tries to get back up. Flick is up first and quickly grabs Johnson as he too stands up, getting back control. Flick looks for a trip takedown while holding Johnson from behind. Flick gets the takedown with apparent ease, Johnson could do nothing to stop it. Johnson winds up going chest-first into the mat, making it a simple task for Flick to simply hold on to take his back! Flick increases his control by getting both hooks in. We go past the halfway point of this round. With both hooks in and therefore great control of the body, Flick tries to finish Johnson off with a rear naked choke. The rear naked choke is fully applied, Flick has Johnson flattened out completely, there is no option but to tap out! The winner, by submission, is Jimmy 'The Brick' Flick!

Official Result: Jimmy Flick def. Charles Johnson by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 3:09 of round 1.

 

Featherweight Bout: Dan Argueta (8-1) vs. Isaac Dulgarian (5-0)

Next up, Dan 'The Determined' Argueta (8-1, 0-1 in UFC) battling Isaac 'The Midwest Choppa' Dulgarian (5-0, UFC Debut).

Refereeing this bout will be Herb Dean. Our judges are: Daniyal Hazzard, Ray Leatherman, and Edward Phipps.

Round 1

And here we go! The fighters touch gloves. The two fighters get up close and start wrestling for position. Dulgarian seems to be the aggressor. Dulgarian is trying to push Argueta so that his back is up against the cage. He does so and now has Argueta pinned to the cage. Argueta is pressed up against the cage and simply can't break the control that Dulgarian has over him. A full minute passes with the two opponents pressed up close and exchanging short punches to the body and side of the head. Dulgarian exerts total control, keeping Argueta smothered against the cage. They remain up against the cage for the next minute, posturing and throwing occasional short-range punches to the body. Referee Herb Dean decides that the grappling against the cage has been going on too long, and he brings them back to the center. Both fighters seem to have the same idea and come together in a clinch. Dulgarian aggressively gets to a dominant position. Dulgarian gets solid control and may be looking for a wrestling-based takedown. It's unsuccessful, Argueta maintained a good solid base. Argueta uses a whizzer to turn Dulgarian slightly, creating enough space for him to break free of the grappling entirely. Stepping in, Argueta aggressively get a dominant clinch position. Argueta tries to wrestle Dulgarian backward and up against the cage. Dulgarian doesn't let himself be driven back though, and gains a dominant position in the grapple instead. Dulgarian is trying to push Argueta so that his back is up against the cage. Dulgarian achieves it, pinning Argueta to the cage. Dulgarian tries to maintain control, but Argueta wrestles his way out of trouble and turns it so that Dulgarian ends up backed against the cage. Argueta tries to keep him up against the cage with wrestling, but Dulgarian reverses so that he is the one in control. The time is up, and that's the end of round one.

That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Dulgarian.

Round 2

We are back underway! They come together and start wrestling in the over-under clinch position. Dulgarian aggressively gets to a dominant position. Dulgarian is looking to use his wrestling to take Argueta down. Argueta cannot stop being taken over with a belly-to-belly and left under side control! Dulgarian holds Argueta in position with side control and hits a knee into the ribs. Dulgarian fires off a few punches, but they aren't thrown with any great force. Dulgarian tries to lock Argueta into an arm triangle. Argueta fights off the arm triangle attempt. Stuck under side control, Argueta takes a knee to the ribs. Stuck under side control, Argueta takes a knee to the ribs. Dulgarian throws a few right hands as he takes a moment to plan ahead. Dulgarian fires off a few punches as he catches his breath. The lack of progress forces the referee to stand the fighters back up. The two fighters get up close and start wrestling for position. Dulgarian manages to aggressively get a good position in the clinch. Dulgarian gets solid control and may be looking for a wrestling-based takedown. Argueta blocks the attempt by keeping a solid base. Argueta pushes away and manages to get clear of the grapple. The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. Both fighters seem to have the same idea and come together in a clinch. Dulgarian is the aggressor. Dulgarian is trying to push Argueta so that his back is up against the cage. He does so and now has Argueta pinned to the cage. Showing his ability to grind down opponents, Dulgarian is keeping Argueta pressed up tightly against the cage. They exchange close-quarters punches until the round ends. Round two is brought to an end as time runs out.

I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Dulgarian. With one round left, Argueta realistically needs to stop his opponent in order to win.

Round 3

Our last round, round three, begins! Both fighters want to get in close, and they get into a clinch. Dulgarian manages to get control of the clinch. Dulgarian uses dirty boxing and gets in a few crisp punches on Argueta as they grapple. Dulgarian has worked in the underhooks and looks to take Argueta down. Argueta blocks the takedown, but only by grabbing the cage! Referee Herb Dean loudly gives a verbal warning! Dulgarian pins Argueta up against the cage and hits a couple of nice right hands to the side of the head. Unable to break free, Argueta is smothered up against the cage. They remain there, hitting each other with short punches, for about a minute. Argueta takes a sharp stomp to the foot. Dulgarian presses Argueta into the cage, forcing him to carry all of his weight. Sixty seconds goes by with something of a stalemate happening, neither fighter being able to improve their position or generate an advantage. With no progress being made, the referee separates them. Argueta gets in close and clinches with Dulgarian. Argueta is trying to push Dulgarian so that his back is up against the cage. Argueta can't do it though, and ends up being out-wrestled in the grapple. There's under a minute left in this round. Dulgarian is looking to use his wrestling to take Argueta down. It's unsuccessful, Argueta maintained a good solid base. A whizzer almost allows Argueta to create enough space to get free, but Dulgarian shuts that opportunity down. Using his wrestling skills, Dulgarian is trying to push Argueta up against the cage. Dulgarian achieves it, pinning Argueta to the cage. The fight comes to an end as the time limit expires.

I have to give that round to Dulgarian, but only a 10-9. 

The official scores are being reported now.

All three judges give a score of 30-27. Making Isaac 'The Midwest Choppa' Dulgarian the winner by unanimous decision!

Official Result: Isaac Dulgarian def. Dan Argueta by Unanimous Decision.

Flyweight Bout: Allan Nascimento (19-6) vs. Carlos Hernandez (8-1)

Moving on, Allan 'Puro Osso' Nascimento (19-6, 1-1 in UFC) fights Carlos Hernandez (8-1, 1-0 in UFC).

The referee is Marc Goddard. Our judges at cageside are: Edward Phipps, John Hoehn, and Sal D'Amato.

Round 1

And here we go! Hernandez connects with a nice jab and then lands a right hand. Hernandez lands a left hand and then catches Nascimento with a crunching right hook. Nascimento may have been aiming to get in close, but Hernandez aggressively took the initiative. Hernandez lands a left hand and then hits Nascimento with a beautiful right uppercut! He's down! Nascimento falls to the floor! Hernandez knows that this is a golden opportunity and quickly pounces on Nascimento, looking to finish him off by raining down punches! Hernandez fires away and manages to connect with two or three heavy shots that rock Nascimento! In a very smart play, Nascimento waits for Hernandez to over-commit and then sweeps him sharply, creating a scramble for position. Hernandez manages to come out on top, with Nascimento pulling guard. Hernandez peppers Nascimento with small strikes, making sure to keep very tight and not give him any room to work with. Hernandez gets pulled in tight, and takes a glancing blow from an elbow strike. With a quick movement, Hernandez throws a shoulder smash to the face and upper chest of Nascimento. Nascimento pulls Hernandez in close and hits a couple of short, sharp punches to the side of the head. Hernandez uses a shoulder smash to keep Nascimento down. Not allowing his opponent any room to work submissions from, Hernandez keeps close contact and throws short, stinging strikes. Nascimento gets the double underhooks in and pulls Hernandez close, controlling him well. Hernandez keeps tight to Nascimento, peppering him with short strikes. Nascimento smothers Hernandez with close control, stopping him from posturing up. The lack of progress forces the referee to stand the fighters back up. Nascimento had looked like he was angling to grapple, but couldn't take the initiative. Hernandez hits a left jab and then lands a right hand. Hernandez moves confidently around the cage. A jab hits home from Hernandez and then he lands a right hand. A strike appears to have opened up a small gash underneath the eye of Nascimento. Hernandez lands a left hand and then scores with a right cross. The time runs out on round one.

 That round goes to Hernandez, 10-9 on my card.

There is a buzz building around the crowd, they can smell a potential upset here. Bleeding, Nascimento is attended to by the cut man between rounds.

Round 2

There's the bell and round number two begins! Hernandez can't connect with a jab, but then catches Nascimento with a right hook. A strike has re-opened the gash underneath the eye of Nascimento. Hernandez fails to find a home for his jab, but then scores with a right cross. Hernandez throws a punch but Nascimento avoids it. Two jabs hit home from Hernandez and then he catches Nascimento with a right hook. An attempt to land a hook to the body from Hernandez fails to land. Nascimento seizes the chance and grabs Hernandez into a clinch. Nascimento attempts to wrestle Hernandez to the ground. Hernandez prevents the takedown by grabbing the cage out of desperation! Hernandez gets a verbal warning from referee Marc Goddard for that piece of cheating! Nascimento tries to smother Hernandez against the cage, but he wrestles free and circles back to the center. A jab hits home from Hernandez and then he hits Nascimento with a body kick. Hernandez rolls his shoulders to relax them, then moves forward. Hernandez lands a left jab, but Nascimento avoids the kick to the body that it set up. We move into the second half of this round. Hernandez lands a jab and then lands a right hand. Hernandez fails to find a home for his jab, but then scores with a right head kick. Hernandez hits two left jabs and then hits a nice straight right. With Nascimento bleeding, the referee pauses the fight so that the cut can be checked. The ringside doctor examines the cut...and signals that it isn't a fight ender. Referee Marc Goddard signals for the fight to continue! Hernandez moves in closer, ready to attack. Hernandez can't connect with a jab, but then catches Nascimento with a right hook to the body. We're into the final minute of the round. Hernandez connects with a nice jab and then catches Nascimento with a right hook. Hernandez hits a left jab and then hits a nice straight right. Hernandez confidently moves in closer, looking to throw some strikes. Nascimento had looked like he was angling to grapple, but couldn't take the initiative. Hernandez lands a left hand and then hits a body kick. Round two ends as time expires.

I have to give that round to Hernandez, but only a 10-9.

Nascimento is in deep trouble with only one round remaining - I think he needs a finish or he will lose this fight.

Round 3

There's the bell and the final round begins! Hernandez closes the distance, obviously looking to strike. Nascimento looked like he was going to step in and grapple, but Hernandez simply took the initiative first. Hernandez lands a left hand and then hits Nascimento with a straight right. Hernandez lands two jabs, but misses with a spin kick. Hernandez is starting to slow down a touch, perhaps conserving a little energy. Nascimento isn't rushing in, worried about potentially getting hit if he gets close enough to grapple. A jab hits home from Hernandez and then he scores with a right cross. Hernandez lands a left jab, but misses with a vicious right hand. Hernandez can't connect with his set-up strikes, but then catches Nascimento with a right hook. Hernandez can't connect with a jab, but then hits Nascimento with a straight right. Hernandez throws a two-punch combo but Nascimento avoids both. Hernandez moves in closer, looking to open up and attack. Nascimento looked like he was going to step in and grapple, but Hernandez simply took the initiative first. A jab hits home from Hernandez and then he hits Nascimento with a beauty of a straight right. We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. Two jabs hit home from Hernandez and then he lands a right hand. Hernandez fails to find a home for his jab, but then lands a right hand. Hernandez throws a two-punch combo but Nascimento avoids both. Hernandez lands a left hand and then catches Nascimento with a right hook. A little fatigue may be creeping in, Hernandez is starting to move noticeably more slowly now. Circling, Nascimento clearly wants to get close enough to grapple but is wary about getting hit. Hernandez hits a left jab and then catches Nascimento with a right kick to the head. The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. Hernandez moves confidently around the cage. Hernandez connects with a nice jab and then hits Nascimento with a straight right. Nascimento looks like he wants to grapple but the threat of getting hit is keeping him from rushing in. Hernandez connects with a nice jab and then catches Nascimento with a crunching right hook. Hernandez hits a left hand, but Nascimento evades a big right punch. We reach the time limit and this fight is over.

That round goes to Hernandez, 10-9 on my card.

The judges have given their scores, which are about to be announced.

All three judges have scored it 30-27. The winner, by unanimous decision, is Carlos Hernandez!

Official Result: Carlos Hernandez def. Allan Nascimento by Unanimous Decision.

Bantamweight Bout: Javid Basharat (12-0) vs. Mateus Mendonça (10-0)

Next up is a match in which Javid Basharat (12-0, 2-0 in UFC) takes on Mateus 'Bocão' Mendonça (10-0, UFC Debut).

Our referee is Jason Herzog. The judges are: Ray Leatherman, Edward Phipps, and John Hoehn.

Round 1

Round one begins! A jab hits home from Basharat and then he hits a nice straight right. Both fighters meet in the center. Bocão nails a leg kick. Basharat scores with a left hand but can't hit a right cross. Bocão comes forward. Basharat hits a jab in the exchange. Bocão lands a left hand and then he hits Basharat with a straight right. Bocão shoots in for a takedown. The takedown is successful, it's a single leg that leaves Basharat pulling guard. Bocão punches down at Basharat, but they are easily taken on the gloves. Not allowing his opponent any room to work submissions from, Bocão keeps close contact and throws short, stinging strikes. Bocão blocks Basharat, who appeared to be trying to use an underhook as a way of shifting to a better position. Clearly worried by the submission threat, Bocão keeps very tight to Basharat and peppers him with short strikes. Basharat bursts into life and tries to scramble into a better position. There wasn't enough separation though, Bocão is able to catch him and secure side control. Bocão pounds away but Basharat deals with the blows fairly easily. Basharat tries to pull guard on Bocão but doesn't get anywhere with the attempt. Bocão fires off some rights, but Basharat isn't troubled by them. Bocão blocks an attempt to pull guard. Bocão throws a few strikes, but is clearly slowing things down so that he can catch his breath. Bocão blocks an attempt to pull guard. Bocão fires away with punches, but does little in the way of damage. Bocão blocks Basharat as he tries a transition to guard. Bocão pounds away with right hands, but doesn't do much damage. The time is up, and that's the end of round one.

I have to give that round to Bocão, but only a 10-9.

There's a buzz in the air. I don't think many people expected Bocão to start this well. Let's not forget that he is a heavy underdog in this fight.

Round 2

Round two begins! Basharat can't connect with his set-up strikes, but then catches Bocão with a crunching right hook. That last shot may have done some damage, Bocão is backing off and looks totally dazed! Basharat acts fast, moving in and flooring Bocão with a right hand to the jaw! Basharat starts pounding away on Bocão, looking to finish him off! Basharat pounds away, but Bocão isn't troubled by the strikes. Basharat punches down at Bocão, but they are easily taken on the gloves. Basharat blocks Bocão as he tries a transition to guard. Basharat attempts an arm triangle. Bocão defends himself well and is in no danger. Basharat blocks an attempt to pull guard. In side control, Basharat catches his breath, content just to throw a couple of punches to the body. Basharat blocks an attempt to pull guard. Looking to catch his breath, Basharat is content to just throw a couple of punches to the body. Bocão tries to pull guard on Basharat but doesn't get anywhere with the attempt. With no progress being made, the referee brings the fighters back to their feet. Basharat moves forward, constantly trying to pressure Bocão into exchanging strikes. Bocão manages a counter jab. A one-two from Basharat fails to land. There's under a minute left in this round. Bocão appeared to be going for a takedown, but Basharat took the initiative first. Basharat can't connect with his set-up strikes, but then hits a nice straight right. Bocão can't connect with a jab, but then hits a nice straight right. Without taking too much damage, Basharat is able to clinch with Bocão. Basharat looks for a trip takedown. The takedown is completed, Bocão is on his back and pulls guard. Basharat fires away with punches, but does little in the way of damage. Round two ends as time expires.

 Some fans are booing after a round that didn't feature much action.

That round goes to Basharat, 10-9 on my card. It looks like whoever can win this final round should also win the fight.

Round 3

It's the final round and we are back underway! There's a takedown attempt from Bocão. The takedown is completed, it was a single leg and Basharat is left on his back pulling guard. Clearly worried by the submission threat, Bocão keeps very tight to Basharat and peppers him with short strikes. Basharat gets an underhook, and that gives him enough control to force them up to their feet. The two fighters are now clinched. Basharat hits Bocão with some short strikes to the side of the head while grappling. Basharat is trying to muscle Bocão up against the cage. Basharat manages it and controls Bocão up against the cage. Bocão is pressed up against the cage and held there. They exchange short punches to the body for about a minute. Basharat tries to knee Bocão, but he wrestles free and circles back to the center. We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. The two fighters engage. Bocão counters a right hand with a left jab and a right hand that landed cleanly. Basharat closes in on Bocão, looking to unleash some strikes. Bocão lands a left hand. Basharat uses a left jab, but misses with a vicious right hand. There's an exchange of strikes at relatively close range but nothing really lands. Bocão hits a jab, but it had no power at all behind it. Basharat throws two quick punches but doesn't hit with either. We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. Bocão steps forward and a striking exchange begins. Basharat hits a jab in the exchange. Bocão connects with a nice jab and then he lands a right hand. Basharat comes forward. Bocão hit two counter left hands. Basharat can't hit a set-up left jab, but then he lands a right hand. Two defensive jabs hit from Bocão, but neither had any power. Basharat fails to find a home for his jab, but then hits Bocão with a sensational high right head kick! Bocão hits the mat, that shot has rocked him! Basharat knows that this is a golden opportunity and quickly pounces on Bocão, looking to finish him off by raining down punches! Basharat pounds away, landing several great shots that rock Bocão! The time runs out and that round is over, and so is the fight.

That round goes to Basharat, 10-9 on my card.

The ring announcer is now giving the official scores.

All three judges have scored it 29-28. The winner, by unanimous decision, is Javid Basharat!

Official Result: Javid Basharat def. Mateus Mendonça by Unanimous Decision.

Lightweight Bout: Mateusz Rebecki (16-1) vs. Trey Ogden (16-5)

In the last of the preliminary fights, Mateusz 'Chinczyk' Rebecki (16-1, UFC Debut) battles Trey Ogden (16-5, 1-1 in UFC) in the UFC Lightweight division.

Refereeing this bout will be Marc Goddard. Our judges at cageside are: Ray Leatherman, Edward Phipps, and John Hoehn.

Round 1

The fight begins! The two fighters touch gloves. Ogden gets close enough to clinch. Ogden looks for a trip takedown. Ogden doesn't get the trip, Rebecki instead wrestles his way into controlling the grapple. Using his wrestling skills, Rebecki is trying to push Ogden up against the cage. Rebecki achieves it, pinning Ogden to the cage. With the cage trapping Ogden, Rebecki tries to set up a suplex. A suplex floors Ogden, Rebecki executed it well. The takedown allows Rebecki to take the back of Ogden. Rebecki attempts to complete a rear naked choke. Ogden stops Rebecki from getting his arm under the chin and completing the choke. Ogden tries to move Rebecki off his back but can't. Rebecki tries to finish Ogden off with a rear naked choke. Ogden doesn't allow the arm to go under his chin. Ogden tries a roll, but doesn't budge Rebecki. Rebecki gets into a really dominant position by applying a body triangle. Rebecki attempts to complete a rear naked choke, having the body triangle locked on tight. Rebecki flattens Ogden out with the rear naked choke in deep and forces the tap!

The winner, by submission, is Mateusz 'Chinczyk' Rebecki!

Official Result: Mateusz Rebecki def. Trey Ogden by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 3:52 of Round 1.

Main Card

Middleweight Bout: Abdul Razak Alhassan (11-4) vs. Claudio Ribeiro (10-2)

Our first main fight is up next, in which 'Judo Thunder' Abdul Razak Alhassan (11-4, 5-4 in UFC) takes on Claudio Ribeiro (10-2, UFC Debut).

Refereeing this bout will be Herb Dean. Our judges are: Edward Phipps, John Hoehn, and Sal D'Amato.

Round 1

The fight begins! We start with a touch of gloves. An exchange of strikes does not produce any damage. They come together and strike. Both fighters strike but without success. Alhassan has a right hook blocked. Ribeiro has a right hand taken on the gloves. They engage in the center. Alhassan misses a jab and also has a right hand absorbed on the gloves. Ribeiro misses with a low kick. The two fighters engage. Ribeiro hits a jab but doesn't connect with a right hand. Alhassan hits a punch but doesn't connect with a right hand. Both fighters move in and engage. Alhassan blocks a leg kick and counters with a left kick to the ribs. Both fighters meet in the center. Alhassan lands a left hook. Ribeiro hits a two-punch combination, a quick left and a straight right. Blood is visible on Ribeiro, a strike looks to have opened up a cut under his eye. The two combatants meet in the center and start to strike. Ribeiro misses a right cross that leaves him open to the counter. Alhassan attacks with a left jab and a right hook that is avoided at the last second. We move into the second half of this round. Both fighters step in to strike. Alhassan hits a jab and also lands a left hook to the body. Ribeiro hits a pair of jabs and also hits a left roundhouse kick to the body. Both fighters meet in the center. A brief strike exchange passes without either fighter landing. Alhassan has a right hand taken on the gloves. Ribeiro tries a right hand but it gets absorbed on his opponent's gloves. The two fighters come together and strike but it's really tentative and nothing comes of it. Both fighters step in to strike. Alhassan dodges a right hand and counter-attacks with a powerful right hook! Ribeiro is knocked down! Alhassan senses victory and starts to unload with punches! Alhassan pounds away on Ribeiro, who is getting destroyed by repeated heavy shots to the head! Referee Herb Dean has no option but to leap in and stop the fight!

'Judo Thunder' Abdul Razak Alhassan takes the win by TKO!

Official Result: Abdul Razak Alhassan def. Claudio Ribeiro by TKO (Strikes) in 4:01 of Round 1.

Bantamweight Bout: (#11) Umar Nurmagomedov (15-0) vs. Raoni Barcelos (17-3)

Next up, Umar Nurmagomedov (15-0, 3-0) squaring off with Raoni Barcelos (17-3, 6-2 in UFC).

Herb Dean will be the referee. Our judges at cageside are: Daniyal Hazzard, Ray Leatherman, and Edward Phipps.

Round 1

There's the opening bell! The two fighters touch gloves. Barcelos moves in behind five quick punches, three of them finding a home, and then hits a high right kick to the side of the head. Barcelos moves forward, constantly trying to pressure Umar into exchanging strikes. Barcelos steps into the pocket, showing little fear of Umar. Barcelos comes in behind a flurry of three quick punches, although none of them actually land, and then he lands a right hand. They come together and strike. Umar hits a left jab and also just about lands a head kick. Barcelos finds a good angle and lands a nice one-two. Barcelos attacks with strikes. Umar hits a jab in the exchange. A flurry of three punches from Barcelos see one of them land but misses with a vicious right hand. Barcelos initiates an exchange of strikes. Umar hit a counter left hand. Barcelos lands two of three quick punches but Umar avoids a big right. Showing good hand speed, Barcelos lands a flurry of four punches and then hits Umar with a right to the side of the ribs. We go past the halfway point of this round. They stand and trade in the center of the cage but neither fighter gives or takes any real damage. Umar takes a moment to switch to a southpaw stance. The two fighters come forward and engage. Umar lands a spin kick to the body. Barcelos lands three of four quick punches but gets a leg kick checked. They exchange strikes but nothing really gets through. Switching to a traditional stance, Umar gets ready to strike. Barcelos forces an exchange of strikes. Umar hit two counter left hands. Attacking with a quick flurry, Barcelos lands one of three punches but Umar avoids a big right. We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. The two fighters come together and strike but it's really tentative and nothing comes of it. Barcelos lands a left hand and then scores with a right cross. Barcelos comes in looking to strike. Umar appeared to be going to try and get in close, but Barcelos took the initiative first. Stepping in, Barcelos throws four quick punches, three of which land, but Umar evades a big right punch. The time runs out on round one.

That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Barcelos.

Round 2

Round two begins! Umar chooses to shoot in on Barcelos. Umar couldn't complete the single leg, but does end up standing holding a leg while Barcelos hops in place on the other. Umar can't get Barcelos down and so settles for pushing him up against the cage. With Barcelos stuck against the cage, Umar starts trying to set-up up a suplex. Barcelos cannot stop being lifted up and rag-dolled with a suplex, he is left under side control! Umar fires away with punches, but does little in the way of damage. Barcelos tries to move to guard, but Umar doesn't allow it. Umar pounds away but is unable to inflict much damage on Barcelos. Umar blocks Barcelos as he tries a transition to guard. Umar unloads with right hands, but doesn't do a great deal of damage. Umar blocks an attempt to pull guard. Umar fires off a few punches, but they aren't thrown with any great force. Barcelos tries to move to guard, but Umar doesn't allow it. We are now at the halfway point of the round. Umar pounds away with right hands, but doesn't really do a great deal of damage. Umar blocks Barcelos as he tries a transition to guard. Umar pounds away, but is unable to land many clean shots. Umar blocks Barcelos as he tries a transition to guard. Looking to catch his breath, Umar is content to just throw a couple of punches to the body. Barcelos tries to move to guard, but Umar doesn't allow it. Umar pounds away with right hands, but doesn't do much damage. Umar blocks Barcelos as he tries a transition to guard. Time expires and we come to the end of round two.

That round goes to Umar, 10-9 on my card. We go into the final round with everything still to fight for.

Round 3

There's the bell for the start of the final round! Barcelos steps forward and a striking exchange begins. Umar manages a counter jab. A jab lands from Barcelos but Umar avoids the kick to the body that it set up. Barcelos comes in looking to strike. A tentative jab from Umar lands. Stepping in, Barcelos throws five quick punches, one of which land, and then hits a nice straight right that lands hard. Barcelos stalks forward, pressuring Umar. Umar hits a pair of jabs in the exchange. Barcelos hits a couple of minor left hands, but misses with a low kick. Taking a few gulps of breath, Barcelos is giving the first hint that he is starting to tire a touch. Umar shoots in at high speed for a takedown. He has the takedown! It's a single leg, and Barcelos has to pull guard. That's his second takedown. Umar fires off a few punches. For the moment Umar is content to just throw a couple of punches to the body. Umar fires off some rights, but Barcelos isn't troubled by them. Using his leg strength to push Umar back a bit, Barcelos looks to scramble for position. Umar seizes the opportunity, Barcelos was too slow and gets caught in side control. Umar pounds away and Barcelos struggles to deal with them. Umar punches down at Barcelos, but they are easily taken on the gloves. Barcelos tries to pull guard on Umar but doesn't get anywhere with the attempt. Umar punches down at Barcelos, but they are easily taken on the gloves. Barcelos tries to transition to a guard, but can't manage it. Umar throws a few strikes, but is clearly slowing things down so that he can catch his breath. Umar unloads with big right hands, but Barcelos is able to deal with most of them. The time expires on round three, and that is the end of the fight.

That round goes to Umar, 10-9 on my card.

Here come the official scores.

All three judges have given 29-28. Umar Nurmagomedov is the winner by unanimous decision!

Official Result: Umar Nurmagomedov def. Raoni Barcelos by Unanimous Decision.

 

Women´s Bantamweight Bout: (#2) Ketlen Vieira (135 lbs) vs. (#5) Raquel Pennington (14-8)

Next up is a match in which Ketlen 'Fenomeno' Vieira (13-2, 7-2 in UFC) goes head to head with 'Rocky' Raquel Pennington (14-8, 11-5 in UFC).

Jason Herzog will be the referee. The judges are: Ray Leatherman, Edward Phipps, and John Hoehn.

As the introductions are made Vieira plays to the crowd. She looks like she was born for the spotlight. Vieira spends the introductions stretching, preparing herself for battle.

Round 1

There's the opening bell! The fighters touch gloves. Pennington steps forward and a striking exchange begins. Vieira fires off a counter jab. Pennington can't connect with a jab, but then she lands a big right hand. The two fighters engage with strikes but neither can land a significant shot. Pennington attacks with strikes. Vieira hits a pair of jabs in the exchange. Pennington hits a left hand but Vieira avoids a big right. They engage in the center. Vieira uses a left jab but misses a right hook. Pennington uses a left jab but has a right hook blocked. Pennington comes forward and the two fighters exchange strikes. Vieira hit a counter left hand. Pennington can't hit a set-up left jab, but then she hits Vieira with a straight right. Both fighters step in to strike. Vieira lands a left hook. Pennington nails a vicious right cross! Vieira wobbles, then falls! Pennington quickly pounces, looking to rain down punches on the stunned Vieira! Pennington unloads with big rights and Vieira is getting rocked! Pennington pounds away with rights but fails to land any significant blows. Vieira tries to transition to a guard, but can't manage it. Pennington pounds away, but is unable to land many clean shots on Vieira. Vieira tries to move to guard, but Pennington doesn't allow it. Pennington pounds away on Vieira, landing a few clean shots but not many. Vieira tries to pull guard on Pennington but doesn't get anywhere with the attempt. Pennington unloads with rights, but does fairly minimal damage. Vieira tries to pull guard on Pennington but doesn't get anywhere with the attempt. Pennington fires off some rights, but Vieira isn't troubled by them. Vieira tries to move to guard, but Pennington doesn't allow it. Pennington fires off some rights, but Vieira isn't troubled by them. The time runs out on round one.

I have to give that round to Pennington, but only a 10-9.

Round 2

There's the bell for the start of the round! The two fighters engage with strikes but neither can land a significant shot. Pennington attacks with strikes. Vieira hit a counter left hand. Pennington can't connect with her set-up strikes, but then she scores with a right cross. Pennington comes forward and the two fighters start trading blows. Vieira manages a counter jab. A quick flurry of punches from Pennington sees three of three hit home and then she lands a big right hand. They stand and trade blows but neither can land anything damaging. The two fighters come forward and engage. Pennington doesn't connect with a right hand. Vieira is off-target with a jab and also has a right hand absorbed on the gloves. Pennington comes forward and the two fighters start trading blows. Vieira throws a counter left but doesn't connect. Pennington connects with a jab but Vieira dodges the leg kick that follows. We pass the halfway mark of this round. An exchange of strikes does not produce any damage. Pennington forces an exchange of strikes. Vieira throws a counter left but doesn't connect. Pennington can't hit a set-up left jab, but then she hits a nice straight right that lands hard. An exchange of strikes does not produce any damage. Pennington comes forward and the two fighters exchange strikes. Vieira fires off a counter jab but doesn't connect. Pennington hits a left jab and then she hits Vieira with a beauty of a straight right. We're into the final minute of the round. They stand and trade, but all the shots are either off target or are safely dealt with. The two fighters come forward and engage. Vieira misses a right cross that leaves her wide open to the counter. Pennington comes in with a pair of left jabs that are followed by a right hand that landed cleanly. Vieira tries to cover up but is very clearly wobbling! The only reason she is still upright is that she's now slumped against the cage! Here comes Pennington, she knows that this is a chance to finish! Round two is brought to an end as time runs out.

That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Pennington.

With one round left, Vieira realistically needs to stop her opponent in order to win.

Round 3

And here we go, one last round! Both fighters meet in the center. Vieira misses a right hook and gets countered with a couple of jabs that are followed by a kick to the leg. Both fighters move in and engage. Pennington dodges a right hand and counter-attacks with a nice right hook. Both fighters come together and strike. Pennington unsuccessfully goes to the body and gets countered with a quick left jab and a right hook that is ducked. Taking a few gulps of breath, Pennington is giving the first hint that she is starting to tire a touch. The two fighters engage. Vieira scores with a jab but misses with a low kick. Pennington lands a one-two. They come together and strike. Pennington misses a big right hand, putting her off balance and allowing Vieira to attack with a left jab and a right hand that landed cleanly. The two fighters engage with strikes but neither can land a significant shot. Both fighters move in and engage. Pennington hits a left jab and also nails a right cross. Vieira is off target with a left jab but nails a right cross. Both fighters meet in the center. Vieira hits a left hand. Pennington hits a left jab and also hits a wicked right uppercut! Vieira hits the mat, that shot has rocked her! Pennington quickly pounces, looking to rain down punches on the stunned Vieira! Pennington fires away with punches and Vieira is taking powerful shot after powerful shot! Referee Jason Herzog jumps in and saves Vieira from taking any more shots!

The winner, by TKO; Raquel Pennington!

Official Result: Raquel Pennington def. Ketlen Vieira by TKO (Strikes) in 3:07 of Round 3.

Middleweight Bout: Punahele Soriano (9-2) vs. Roman Kopylov (9-2)

Another match is about to begin; Punahele 'Story Time' Soriano (9-2, 3-2 in UFC) competing against Roman Kopylov (9-2, 1-2 in UFC).

Refereeing this bout will be Marc Goddard. The judges for this bout are: Ray Leatherman, Edward Phipps, and John Hoehn.

Round 1

The fight begins! The two fighters touch gloves. The two fighters stand and trade strikes but neither lands anything damaging. Both fighters move in and engage. Soriano misses a left hook and gets countered with a left jab and a right hand. The two fighters engage. Soriano misses a left cross that leaves him open to the counter. Kopylov attacks with a left cross. The two fighters come forward and engage. Kopylov uses a left jab and also lands a leg kick. Soriano lands three quick jabs and follows with a nice left hook. An exchange of strikes sees both fighters fail to land anything significant. Both fighters step in to strike. Kopylov attempts a spinning back kick but is well away from hitting the target. Soriano has a left hand blocked. The two fighters come forward and engage. Kopylov finds a good angle and lands a nice one-two. Soriano hits a good left hand. We move into the second half of this round. They come together and strike. Kopylov lands a nice right hook. With fast hands, Soriano lands two quick jabs and follows with a nice left hook. The two fighters stand and trade strikes but neither lands anything damaging. The two fighters come forward and engage. Kopylov is off target with a left jab but hits a left roundhouse kick to the body. Soriano lands two of four quick punches but can't make contact on a left head kick. We have one minute of the round remaining. Soriano comes forward, walking down Kopylov. Kopylov hits a jab in the exchange. Soriano fails to find a home for his jab, but then he catches Kopylov with a crunching left hook. They come together and strike. Kopylov scores with a jab and also hits a kick to the lead leg. Displaying some good boxing, Soriano throws a flurry of three punches that end with a left hook. Kopylov looks unsteady on his feet as he retreats, that last blow may have rocked him! Kopylov gets caught by a big left hook...and is out before he hits the ground!

The winner, by knock out, is Punahele 'Story Time' Soriano!

Official Result: Punahele Soriano def. Roman Kopylov by KO (Punch) in 4:58 of Round 1.

 

Co-Main Event
Featherweight Bout: (#13) Dan Ige (15-6) vs. Damon Jackson (22-4-1-1 NC)

The co-main event is up next. Dan '50K' Ige (15-6, 7-5 in UFC) goes up against 'The Leech' Damon Jackson (22-4-1-1 NC, 5-2-1-1 NC in UFC) in the UFC Featherweight division.

Refereeing this bout will be Herb Dean. Our judges are: Sal D'Amato, Daniyal Hazzard, and Ray Leatherman.

Round 1

We are underway! Attacking with intent, Ige scores with two out of a flurry of four punches but a big right to the body fails to find the target. Ige comes forward. Jackson fires off a counter jab. Ige comes in with a flurry of five quick punches, landing four of them, but finds nothing but air with a big right. Ige steps forward and a striking exchange begins. Jackson throws a counter jab but misses. Ige lands two jabs and then he hits a crunching straight right to the jaw! Jackson is knocked down by that shot! Ige senses victory and starts to unload with punches! Ige unloads with big right hands and Jackson is struggling to cope! Ige fires away with punches, but does little in the way of damage. Ige blocks Jackson as he tries a transition to guard. Ige tries to pound on Jackson, but all the blows are comfortably dealt with. Jackson tries to transition to a guard, but can't manage it. We are now at the halfway point of the round. Looking to catch his breath, Ige is content to just throw a couple of punches to the body. Jackson tries to move to guard, but Ige doesn't allow it. Ige fires away with punches, but does little in the way of damage. Jackson struggles and gets half guard. Ige throws a few right hands, but is mainly trying to catch his breath. We're into the final minute of the round. In half guard, Ige throws a couple of punches designed to keep Jackson guessing. Ige fires away with punches, but Jackson doesn't take any undue damage. Jackson uses an underhook as the basis to work his way up to a standing position. They end up standing in a tight clinch, and it's hard to see which fighter, if either, has the advantage. Time expires and we come to the end of round one.

That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Ige.

Round 2

And here we go, round two! The two fighters engage. Ige slips past a right hook attempt and attacks with a jab and a low kick. An exchange of blows comes and goes without either fighter really landing anything significant. Ige closes in on Jackson, looking to unleash some strikes. It looked like we were about to see a shot from Jackson, but Ige was more aggressive and took the initiative. Ige lands a flurry of three quick punches but Jackson evades a big right punch. Both fighters step in to strike. Jackson lands a left jab but has a right hook blocked. Displaying some good boxing, Ige lands four quick jabs and follows with a nice right hook. There's an exchange of strikes at relatively close range but nothing really lands. Ige uses a left jab, but his big right hand follow-up misses. Ige glances at his corner and gets a thumbs up in response. They come together and strike but neither fighter does any damage. Jackson chooses to shoot in on Ige. Ige partially defends it and ends up hopping on one foot while Jackson has a hold of the other. Unable to complete the takedown, Jackson instead pushes Ige up against the cage. It isn't a pretty tactic, but Jackson is wearing Ige down by keeping him trapped up against the cage and forcing him to carry a lot of weight. They dirty box each other at that range for sixty seconds or so. Jackson shows great control, keeping Ige pressed against the cage. Occasional short punches are all that happen for the rest of the round as the two fighters continue to be pressed up tight against the cage. The time runs out on round two.

I have to give that round to Ige, but only a 10-9. Even if he can take this final round, I can't see Jackson winning on the judges' scorecards. He needs a finish.

Round 3

It's the final round and we are back underway! Jackson comes in, looking for a takedown. Jackson gets hold of a leg but Ige remains standing, hopping on the other foot. Unable to complete the takedown, Jackson instead pushes Ige up against the cage. Jackson smothers Ige up against the cage. Jackson and Ige remain up against the cage for around the next minute, doing little other than throwing occasional short punches. Smothered against the cage, Ige cannot get free. Occasional short punches are all that happen for the next sixty seconds as the two fighters continue to be pressed up tight against the cage. Jackson looks to try and maintain control via his wrestling skills, but Ige works enough space that he can pull clear and circle out. We pass the halfway mark of this round. For the first time, Ige is starting to breathe a little heavier. Ige acknowledges some instructions from his corner with a relaxed nod of the head. Jackson chooses to shoot in on Ige. Ige stops the takedown with a great sprawl. He steps away to safety. The two fighters engage. Jackson misses with a big right hand, allowing Ige to counter with a pair of left jabs that are followed by a right hand that narrowly fails to connect. They engage in the center. Jackson is off-target with a jab but lands a right hook. Showing great hand speed, Ige lands two quick jabs and follows with a nice right hook. They engage in the center. Jackson hits a jab and also gets a glancing blow with a high kick. Ige throws five quick punches and lands four of them but misses a right hook. We have one minute of the round remaining. Jackson comes in, looking for a takedown. Ige almost stops the takedown but is left hopping on one leg while Jackson holds the other. Jackson uses the position to drive Ige up against the cage. Showing his ability to exert control, Jackson smothers Ige up against the cage. The rest of the round sees them hitting each other with short punches from that position. Time runs out and that's the end of the fight.

That round goes to Jackson, 10-9 on my card.

The ring announcer is now giving the official scores.

All three judges score the contest as 29-28. The winner, by unanimous decision, is Dan '50K' Ige!

Official Result: Dan Ige def. Damon Jackson by Unanimous Decision.

 

Main Event
Middleweight Bout: (#12) Nassourdine Imavov (12-3) vs. (#13) Kelvin Gastelum (17-8-1 NC)

It's time for the main event of the evening! Nassourdine 'Russian Sniper' Imavov (12-3, 4-1 in UFC) fights Kelvin Gastelum (17-8-1 NC, 11-7-1 NC in UFC) in the UFC Middleweight division.

This will be the first main event for Imavov. While former middleweight title challenger and TUF Season 17 winner Kelvin Gastelum is coming to his seventh UFC main event.

Our referee is Marc Goddard. Our cageside judges are: John Hoehn, Sal D'Amato, and Daniyal Hazzard.

Round 1

Round one begins! They start with a touch of gloves. They engage in the center. Showing his boxing, Gastelum lands a four strike combination that ends with a left cross. Showing great boxing, Imavov lands a three strike combination that ends with a right cross. Both fighters meet in the center. Imavov finds a way past his opponent's guard and lands a sharp one-two. Gastelum lands a right jab and a left cross. Both fighters step in to strike. Imavov hits a two-punch combination, a quick left and a straight right. Displaying his quick hands, Gastelum lights up his opponent with four quick punches. They engage in the center. Imavov lands a left hook. Gastelum manages to connect with only one punch out of a flurry and then connects cleanly with a left hand. The two combatants meet in the center and start to strike. Gastelum counters a right hand with a few quick right jabs that are followed by a high kick that misses. The two fighters stand and trade strikes, neither lands a significant blow in the exchange. We go past the halfway point of this round. A quick exchange of strikes does not produce any damage. Both fighters move in and engage. Imavov is off target with a left jab but scores with a right hook. Gastelum nails two quick punches from a flurry and then hits a glancing high kick. Both fighters meet in the center. Imavov misses a right cross that leaves him open to the counter. Gastelum attacks with a sequence of jabs that are followed by a big left hand that just misses. Both fighters meet in the center. Imavov lands a left jab but can't hit a right cross. Gastelum lands three of five quick punches but doesn't find the mark with a left hook. There's under a minute left in this round. They engage in the center. Imavov lands a one-two. Gastelum scores with three quick punches that set up a nice uppercut. Both fighters move in and engage. Imavov misses a right hook and gets countered with a right hand. Both fighters step in to strike. Imavov scores with a jab but has a right hand absorbed on the gloves. Gastelum lands two jabs but can't hit a left cross. The time is up, and that's the end of round one.

I have to give that round to Gastelum, but only a 10-9.

Round 2

We are back underway! The two fighters engage. Imavov scores with one punch out of a sudden flurry and then scores with a great right hook. Displaying fast hands, Gastelum hits a four punch combo that ends with a left cross. The two combatants meet in the center and start to strike. Imavov lands two jabs and also connects with a right hand. Gastelum attacks with four quick punches and lands three of them but can't get a kick to the body. They come together and trade leather but neither fighter really does any damage. Both fighters step in to strike. Gastelum scores with three punches out of a flurry but can't get a kick to the body. Imavov lands a nice right hook. Both fighters step in to strike. Imavov hits a pair of jabs and also hits a right cross. Gastelum scores with one punch out of a sudden flurry but gets a leg kick checked. They stand and trade, but all the shots are either off target or are safely dealt with. Both fighters step in to strike. Imavov hits a two-punch combination, a quick left and a straight right. Gastelum quickly throws a punch and lands it and then hits a left head kick. Imavov is on rubbery legs all of a sudden, that last shot must have rattled him! Gastelum acts fast, moving in and flooring Imavov with a left hand to the jaw! Gastelum quickly pounces, looking to rain down punches on the stunned Imavov! Gastelum fires away with punches and Imavov is taking powerful shot after powerful shot! Referee Marc Goddard pulls Gastelum away, stopping the fight!

By TKO, the winner is Kelvin Gastelum!

Official Result: Kelvin Gastelum def. Nassourdine Imavov by TKO (Strikes) in 3:48 of Round 2.

UFC Fight Night: Imavov vs. Gastelum
Date: January 14, 2023
Venue: UFC APEX
Local: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Attendance: 1,240
Gate: $380,432

Main Event
Middleweight Bout: (#13) Kelvin Gastelum def. (#12) Nassourdine Imavov by TKO (Strikes) in 3:48 of Round 2.

Co-Main Event
Featherweight Bout: (#13) Dan Ige def. Damon Jackson by Unanimous Decision.
Middleweight Bout: Punahele Soriano def. Roman Kopylov by KO (Punch) in 4:58 of Round 1.
Women´s Bantamweight Bout: (#5) Raquel Pennington def.  (#2) Ketlen Vieira by TKO (Strikes) in 3:07 of Round 3.
Bantamweight Bout: (#11) Umar Nurmagomedov def. Raoni Barcelos by Unanimous Decision.
Middleweight Bout: Abdul Razak Alhassan def. Claudio Ribeiro by TKO (Strikes) in 4:01 of Round 1.

Preliminary Card
Lightweight Bout: Mateusz Rebecki def. Trey Ogden by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 3:52 of Round 1.
Bantamweight Bout: Javid Basharat def. Mateus Mendonça by Unanimous Decision.
Flyweight Bout: Carlos Hernandez def. Allan Nascimento by Unanimous Decision.
Featherweight Bout: Isaac Dulgarian def. Dan Argueta by Unanimous Decision.
Flyweight Bout: Jimmy Flick def. Charles Johnson by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 3:09 of round 1.
Women's Flyweight Bout: Sijara Eubanks def. Priscila Cachoeira by TKO (Strikes) in 1:00 of Round 1.

Bonus Awards

The following fighters received $50,000 bonuses.

• Fight of the Night: Kelvin Gastelum vs. Nassourdine Imavov
• Performance of the Night: Punahele Soriano and Mateusz Rebecki 

Post Fight

Kelvin Gastelum said that Imavov is a tough opponent who respects him a lot. He thanked his training partners and let the division know he's back.

Imavov said he was disappointed with his performance and hopes to return as soon as possible to redeem his defeat.

Ige said he was relieved to win again. And hope for a top 10 in his next fight.

Pennington said she was heavily underestimated before the fight and proved to be in the best shape of her career.

Predictions

feltzz - 6-5-1 NC
cecede123 - 6-6
Ernsant - 9-3 🏆

•  

 

[rodrigoviolim]

Leon Edwards-Kamaru Usman Trilogy Announced as UFC 286 Headliner

At least for now, it looks like the UFC is moving forward with the Leon Edwards-Kamaru Usman trilogy headlining his return to England.

The Las Vegas-based promotion announced in a statement on Tuesday that Edwards v Usman will main event UFC 286 at The O² Arena in London on March 18. Former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje tweeted that he is preparing to face Rafael Fiziev at UFC 286 as well.

Edwards and Usman initially faced off at UFC on FOX: Dos Anjos vs. Cerrone 2 in December 2015, with Usman dominating and winning via unanimous decision. In the rematch after seven years, the fight was again ending with the same script until in the final seconds Edwards landed an accurate kick on Usman that was immediately knocked out. If Usman had survived until the final horn, he likely would have won a unanimous decision.

Several other undercard fights have been confirmed for UFC 286, including Jack Shore v Yadong Song at Bantamweight; Ilir Latifi vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima at heavyweight and Joanne Calderwood x Luana Carolina at women's flyweight.

More UFC News

• Road to UFC Season 2 Finals booked for UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Spivak
• Blachowicz replaces Hill, meets Smith in new UFC Fight Night main event in March 10.
• UFC Media Day: Glover hopes to be champion again and face Prochazka after injury.
• UFC Media Day: UFC Champ Deiveson Figueiredo Expects Brazilians to Hold 5 Belts After UFC 283
• UFC Media Day: Hill hopes to be the villain in the UFC's return to Brazil.
• UFC Media Day: Moreno wants to confirm his title, and dreams of heading up an event in Mexico.

Edited January 15, 2023 by rodrigoviolim

[rodrigoviolim]

UFC 283: Teixeira vs. Hill  Weigh-in Results: Two Title Fights Set

The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to Brazil with a pay-per-view at UFC 283, which features two titles on the line.

The two championship fights are now official after former light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira and flyweight champion Deiverson Figueiredo reached weight alongside their respective opponents, challenger Jamahal Hill and interim flyweight champion Brandon Moreno.

After much controversy and the cancellation of his fight at UFC 282 in Las Vegas, Teixeira (33-8) won the chance to regain his title, with a draw in the fight between Blachowicz and Ankalaev. Hill was scheduled for an event against Anthony Smith and surprisingly accepted and was promoted to challenger against Glover Texeira in Rio de Janeiro.

Meanwhile, Figueiredo (21-2-1) is the bookmaker's favorite in his first title defense of his second reign as flyweight champion. "God of War" regained the belt by winning his third fight against Moreno. Interim champion Moreno (20-7-2) was the only one to stop Figueiredo with a submission in their second duel.

UFC 283: Teixeira vs. Hill
Date: January 21, 2023
Venue: Jeunesse Arena
Local: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Main Event
Light Heavyweight Championship Bout: (#2) Glover Teixeira (205 lbs) vs. (#7) Jamahal Hill (205 lbs)
Co-Main Event
Flyweight Championship Bout: (C) Deiverson Figueiredo (125 lbs) vs. (IC) Brandon Moreno (125 lbs)
Welterweight Bout: (#5) Gilbert Burns (170 lbs) vs. (#12) Neil Magny (170 lbs)
Women´s Flyweight Bout: (#4 STW) Jessica Andrade (125 lbs) vs. (#4) Lauren Murphy (125 lbs)
Light Heavyweight Bout: (#9) Paul Craig (205 lbs) vs. (#12) Johnny Walker (205 lbs)

Preliminary Card
Light Heavyweight Bout: Mauricio Rua (205 lbs) vs. Ihor Potieria (205 lbs)
Middleweight Bout: Brad Tavares (185 lbs) vs. Gregory Rodrigues (185 lbs)
Heavyweight Bout: (#14) Shamil Abdurakhimov (257 lbs) vs. Jailton Almeida (225 lbs)
Lightweight Bout: Thiago Moises (155 lbs) vs. Guram Kutateladze (155 lbs)
Welterweight Bout: Mounir Lazzez (170 lbs) vs. Gabriel Bonfim (170 lbs)
Bantamweight Bout: Cody Stamann (135 lbs) vs. Raulian Paiva (135 lbs)
Lightweight Bout: Terrence McKinney (155 lbs) vs. Ismael Bonfim (155 lbs)
Welterweight Bout: Warlley Alves (170 lbs) vs. Nicholas Dalby (170 lbs)
Women´s Featherweight Bout: Josiane Nunes (145 lbs) vs. Zarah Fairn (145 lbs)
Bantamweight Bout: Saimon Oliveira (135 lbs) vs. Daniel Marcos (135 lbs)

what is your prediction for this card? pick your favorite

[feltzz]

Main Event
Light Heavyweight Championship Bout: (#2) Glover Teixeira (205 lbs) vs. (#7) Jamahal Hill (205 lbs)
Co-Main Event
Flyweight Championship Bout: (C) Deiverson Figueiredo (125 lbs) vs. (IC) Brandon Moreno (125 lbs)
Welterweight Bout: (#5) Gilbert Burns (170 lbs) vs. (#12) Neil Magny (170 lbs)
Women´s Flyweight Bout: (#4 STW) Jessica Andrade (125 lbs) vs. (#4) Lauren Murphy (125 lbs)
Light Heavyweight Bout: (#9) Paul Craig (205 lbs) vs. (#12) Johnny Walker (205 lbs)

Preliminary Card
Light Heavyweight Bout: Mauricio Rua (205 lbs) vs. Ihor Potieria (205 lbs)
Middleweight Bout: Brad Tavares (185 lbs) vs. Gregory Rodrigues (185 lbs)
Heavyweight Bout: (#14) Shamil Abdurakhimov (257 lbs) vs. Jailton Almeida (225 lbs)
Lightweight Bout: Thiago Moises (155 lbs) vs. Guram Kutateladze (155 lbs)
Welterweight Bout: Mounir Lazzez (170 lbs) vs. Gabriel Bonfim (170 lbs)
Bantamweight Bout: Cody Stamann (135 lbs) vs. Raulian Paiva (135 lbs)
Lightweight Bout: Terrence McKinney (155 lbs) vs. Ismael Bonfim (155 lbs)
Welterweight Bout: Warlley Alves (170 lbs) vs. Nicholas Dalby (170 lbs)
Women´s Featherweight Bout: Josiane Nunes (145 lbs) vs. Zarah Fairn (145 lbs)
Bantamweight Bout: Saimon Oliveira (135 lbs) vs. Daniel Marcos (135 lbs)

[cecede123]

Light Heavyweight Championship Bout: (#2) Glover Teixeira (205 lbs) vs. (#7) Jamahal Hill (205 lbs)
Co-Main Event
Flyweight Championship Bout: (C) Deiverson Figueiredo (125 lbs) vs. (IC) Brandon Moreno (125 lbs)
Welterweight Bout: (#5) Gilbert Burns (170 lbs) vs. (#12) Neil Magny (170 lbs)
Women´s Flyweight Bout: (#4 STW) Jessica Andrade (125 lbs) vs. (#4) Lauren Murphy (125 lbs)
Light Heavyweight Bout: (#9) Paul Craig (205 lbs) vs. (#12) Johnny Walker (205 lbs)

Preliminary Card
Light Heavyweight Bout: Mauricio Rua (205 lbs) vs. Ihor Potieria (205 lbs)
Middleweight Bout: Brad Tavares (185 lbs) vs. Gregory Rodrigues (185 lbs)
Heavyweight Bout: (#14) Shamil Abdurakhimov (257 lbs) vs. Jailton Almeida (225 lbs)
Lightweight Bout: Thiago Moises (155 lbs) vs. Guram Kutateladze (155 lbs)
Welterweight Bout: Mounir Lazzez (170 lbs) vs. Gabriel Bonfim (170 lbs)
Bantamweight Bout: Cody Stamann (135 lbs) vs. Raulian Paiva (135 lbs)
Lightweight Bout: Terrence McKinney (155 lbs) vs. Ismael Bonfim (155 lbs)
Welterweight Bout: Warlley Alves (170 lbs) vs. Nicholas Dalby (170 lbs)
Women´s Featherweight Bout: Josiane Nunes (145 lbs) vs. Zarah Fairn (145 lbs)
Bantamweight Bout: Saimon Oliveira (135 lbs) vs. Daniel Marcos (135 lbs)

[Ernsant]

Main Event
Light Heavyweight Championship Bout: (#2) Glover Teixeira (205 lbs) vs. (#7) Jamahal Hill (205 lbs)
Co-Main Event
Flyweight Championship Bout: (C) Deiverson Figueiredo (125 lbs) vs. (IC) Brandon Moreno (125 lbs)
Welterweight Bout: (#5) Gilbert Burns (170 lbs) vs. (#12) Neil Magny (170 lbs)
Women´s Flyweight Bout: (#4 STW) Jessica Andrade (125 lbs) vs. (#4) Lauren Murphy (125 lbs)
Light Heavyweight Bout: (#9) Paul Craig (205 lbs) vs. (#12) Johnny Walker (205 lbs)

Preliminary Card
Light Heavyweight Bout: Mauricio Rua (205 lbs) vs. Ihor Potieria (205 lbs)
Middleweight Bout: Brad Tavares (185 lbs) vs. Gregory Rodrigues (185 lbs)
Heavyweight Bout: (#14) Shamil Abdurakhimov (257 lbs) vs. Jailton Almeida (225 lbs)
Lightweight Bout: Thiago Moises (155 lbs) vs. Guram Kutateladze (155 lbs)
Welterweight Bout: Mounir Lazzez (170 lbs) vs. Gabriel Bonfim (170 lbs)
Bantamweight Bout: Cody Stamann (135 lbs) vs. Raulian Paiva (135 lbs)
Lightweight Bout: Terrence McKinney (155 lbs) vs. Ismael Bonfim (155 lbs)
Welterweight Bout: Warlley Alves (170 lbs) vs. Nicholas Dalby (170 lbs)
Women´s Featherweight Bout: Josiane Nunes (145 lbs) vs. Zarah Fairn (145 lbs)
Bantamweight Bout: Saimon Oliveira (135 lbs) vs. Daniel Marcos (135 lbs)

[rodrigoviolim]

UFC 283: Teixeira vs. Hill  - Play by Play & Results

Preliminary Card

Bantamweight Bout: Saimon Oliveira (18-4) vs. Daniel Marcos (13-0)

We open the prelims with Saimon Oliveira (18-4, 0-1 in UFC) taking on Daniel 'Soncora' Marcos (13-0, UFC Debut).

Refereeing this bout will be Marc Goddard. Our judges are: Matt Hume, Cardo Urso, and Tony Weeks.

Oliveira is fighting in front of a home crowd tonight, and gets a big cheer as he makes his entrance.

Round 1

We are underway! They touch gloves. Both fighters move in and engage. Oliveira hits a jab but has a right hook blocked. Soncora nails three quick punches from a flurry but has a low kick checked. The two fighters engage. Oliveira finds a good angle and lands a nice one-two. Soncora uses a pair of left jabs but has a right hook blocked. The two fighters engage. Soncora hits a pair of jabs but doesn't get a leg kick. Oliveira lands a left jab and also scores with a great right hook. They exchange strikes but nothing really gets through. They engage in the center. Soncora slips past a right hook attempt and attacks with a sequence of quick jabs that are followed by a good right hook. They come together and strike but neither fighter does any damage. We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. Both fighters move in and engage. Oliveira hits a left hand. Soncora throws four quick punches and lands three of them but doesn't get a leg kick. Soncora got accidentally poked in the eye on that exchange. He is given time to recover. The fight begins again. They come together and strike. Oliveira hits a left hand. Soncora hits a nice four punch combination. The two fighters engage. Oliveira hits a jab but can't hit a right cross. Soncora quickly throws five punches and three of them land but fails on a leg kick attempt. The two fighters engage. Soncora attacks with four quick punches and lands three of them and then hits a left roundhouse kick to the body. Oliveira hits a jab and also hits a good right hand. Soncora is on rubbery legs all of a sudden, that last shot must have rattled him! He is covering up, trying to buy time to recover! Time expires and we come to the end of round one.

That was a good round, full of action, hopefully we've got more of the same to come. That was a very close round but I think Soncora just about edged it.

Round 2

And here we go, round two! Both fighters come together and strike. Oliveira hits a left cross. Soncora nails four quick punches from a flurry and then lands a left kick to the rib cage. They come together and strike but neither fighter does any damage. Both fighters move in and engage. Oliveira scores with a brace of jabs and also scores with a right hook. Soncora throws three quick punches and lands one of them and then hits a kick to the leg. The fighters go toe-to-toe with strikes but the flurry ends without any really damaging shots landing. They engage in the center. Oliveira is off target with a left jab but hits a right cross. Soncora lands a left jab and a right cross. Both fighters come together and strike. Oliveira finds a good angle and lands a nice one-two. Soncora lands four quick punches. We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. Taking a few gulps of breath, Soncora is giving the first hint that he is starting to tire a touch. The two fighters engage. Oliveira hits a left hand. Soncora throws three quick punches and lands two of them and then hits a kick to the leg. They engage in the center. Oliveira finds a good angle and lands a nice one-two. Soncora manages to connect with three punches out of a flurry but has a low kick checked. The two fighters engage. Oliveira misses a right hook and gets countered with a jab and a leg kick that narrowly misses the target. The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. Both fighters meet in the center. Soncora lands a left jab but doesn't connect with a right hand. Oliveira finds a way past his opponent's guard and lands a sharp one-two. The two fighters come forward and engage. Oliveira misses a right cross that leaves him wide open to the counter. Soncora comes in with a quick left jab and a right cross. The time runs out on round two.

That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Soncora. Even if he can take this final round, I can't see Oliveira winning on the judges' scorecards. He needs a finish.

Round 3

There's the bell and the final round begins! Both fighters meet in the center. Soncora hits a left jab but fails on a leg kick attempt. Oliveira uses a pair of left jabs and also connects with a right hand. They engage in the center. Oliveira uses a left jab and also scores with a quick kick to the lead leg. Soncora punches in bunches with five rapid strikes. A quick exchange of strikes doesn't lead to anything. Both fighters move in and engage. Soncora hits four out of a flurry of five punches but gets a leg kick checked. Oliveira lands one of a flurry of quick punches and then nails a right cross. Retreating until backed against the cage, Soncora looks punch-drunk...he may be in big trouble! He is covering up as best as he can, but is vulnerable! Oliveira hits a straight right hand! Dazed, Soncora continues to cover up against the cage. A big right hand catches Soncora flush and snaps his head back! The referee pulls Oliveira away, stopping the fight! Soncora is left slumped against the cage, dazed and wobbling.

By TKO, the winner is Saimon Oliveira!

Official Result: Saimon Oliveira def. Daniel Marcos by TKO (Strikes) in 2:33 of Round 3.

Women´s Featherweight Bout: Josiane Nunes (9-1) vs. Zarah Fairn dos Santos(6-4)

Moving on to the next match, in which Josiane 'Josi' Nunes (9-1, 2-0 in UFC) takes on Zarah Fairn dos Santos(6-4, 0-2 in UFC).

Refereeing this bout will be Herb Dean. Our judges are: Cardo Urso, Tony Weeks, and Marcos Rosales.

Nunes is fighting in front of a home crowd tonight, and gets a big cheer as she makes her entrance.

Round 1

Round one begins! The two fighters touch gloves. Both fighters move in and engage. Nunes scores with a jab and also hits a good right hand. Dos Santos hits a good right hand. The two fighters engage. Nunes misses a jab but just about lands a head kick. Dos Santos nails a right cross. Judging from her reaction, Dos Santos may have a broken hand after landing that last punch. If it's a break, that's really going to affect her striking ability dramatically. Both fighters meet in the center. Dos Santos doesn't connect with a right hand. Nunes doesn't connect with a left jab and also doesn't make contact on a low kick. The two fighters come forward and engage. Nunes hits a left hand. Dos Santos hits a couple of jabs but misses with a right hand. The two fighters engage. Dos Santos misses a right cross that leaves her wide open to the counter. Nunes comes in with a left jab and a right hand to the body that is too short. Both fighters move in and engage. Dos Santos falls for a clever feint. Dos Santos misses with a big right hand, allowing Nunes to counter with a left kick to the ribs. We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. They engage in the center. Dos Santos misses a right cross that leaves her wide open to the counter. Nunes comes in with a left jab and a left hook to the side of the body. They engage in the center. Nunes slips past a right hook and counters with a left jab and a hook to the body that fails to land. The two combatants meet in the center and start to strike. Dos Santos finds a way past her opponent's guard and lands a sharp one-two. Nunes hits a jab and also hits a left roundhouse kick to the body. It looks like Nunes has been cut above the eye. The two fighters stand and trade strikes, neither lands a significant blow in the exchange. The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. They come together and strike. Dos Santos misses a right hook and leaves herself open to be countered with quick jabs that are followed by a head kick that is off-target. Both fighters move in and engage. Dos Santos hits a pair of jabs and also lands a left kick to the rib cage. Nunes blitzes her opponent with a rapid four punch flurry. The time is up, and that's the end of round one.

That was a close round but I'm giving it to Dos Santos, 10-9. Dos Santos looks very happy with that first round. She is certainly living up to position as being the heavy favourite to win this fight.

It's going to be a real uphill struggle for Nunes from this point onward. The cut man tries to stop the bleeding for Nunes in between rounds.

Round 2

Round two begins! The two combatants meet in the center and start to strike. Nunes misses a big right hand, putting her off balance and allowing Dos Santos to attack with a left jab and a right hook that is avoided at the last second. The two combatants meet in the center and start to strike. Nunes lands a leg kick. Dos Santos lands a left jab but misses with a roundhouse kick to the body. The two fighters come forward and engage. Dos Santos misses a right hook and leaves herself open to be countered with a jab and a good right hook. The two fighters engage. Dos Santos uses a left jab but doesn't connect with a right roundhouse kick to the body. Nunes lands a left jab and also hits a kick to the lead leg. Both fighters meet in the center. Dos Santos scores with a brace of jabs but misses with a low kick. Nunes hits a jab and also hits a good right hand. Nunes sees that Dos Santos is wobbly and comes in for the kill! Dos Santos just covers up, too dazed to do anything but try and survive the next few seconds! Nunes hits a straight right hand! Dazed, Dos Santos continues to cover up. Dos Santos steps back, wobbily, and is left semi-slumped against the cage. A big head kick catches Dos Santos above the ear, down she goes! Nunes starts pounding away on Dos Santos, looking to finish her off! Nunes pounds away with rights, Dos Santos is eating some sickeningly heavy shots to the face! The referee pulls Nunes away, stopping the fight!

There's a huge reaction from the crowd as local favourite Nunes pulls off the huge upset win.

The winner, by TKO, is Josiane 'Josi' Nunes!

Official Result: Josiane Nunes def. Zarah Fairn dos Santos by TKO (Head Kick and Punches) in 2:47 of Round 2.

Welterweight Bout: Warlley Alves (14-5) vs. Nicholas Dalby (20-4-1-2 NC)

Next up, Warlley Alves (14-5, 8-5 in UFC) taking on Nicolas 'Sharpshooter' Dalby (20-4-1-2 NC, 4-4-1 in UFC).

Herb Dean will be the referee. Our judges are: Marcos Rosales, Nelson Hamilton, and Matt Hume.

Alves, being in front of a home crowd, gets a loud cheer as he enters. 

Alves won the third season of the ultimate fighter brasil. While Dalby is a former Cage Warriors welterweight champion

Round 1

There's the opening bell! We start with a touch of gloves. Dalby closes the distance, obviously looking to strike. Alves had looked like he was angling to grapple, but couldn't take the initiative. Dalby throws some strikes and a spin kick, but Alves defended against them all. Dalby can't hit a set-up left jab, but then hits Alves with a straight right. Alves steps in, seemingly willing to take strikes if it means getting close enough to wrestle. A jab is wide from Dalby, but then he scores with a right roundhouse kick to the ribs. Alves gets hold of Dalby. Alves looks to sweep a leg out from under Dalby so as to take him down with a trip. Dalby blocks the takedown by grabbing the cage! Referee Herb Dean loudly gives a verbal warning! Alves shows great control, keeping Dalby pressed against the cage. They exchange close-quarters punches from that position for about half a minute. Alves tries to maintain control, but Dalby wrestles his way out of trouble and circles back to the center. Alves appeared to be going to try and get in close, but Dalby took the initiative first. Dalby hits a left hand, but misses with a vicious right hand. An attempt to land a hook to the body from Dalby fails to land. Alves takes the chance and grabs Dalby into a clinch. We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. Alves attempts to wrestle Dalby to the ground. The takedown is successful, Dalby pulls guard. Alves throws a few relatively weak right hands. From his back, Dalby manages to pull Alves toward the cage. Alves cannot stop Dalby from walking his way up via the cage, but does retain control. Alves managed to get behind Dalby in that scrabble, and has a degree of back control. Alves, holding Dalby from behind, tries to lift him up and force him to the ground. Alves doesn't even have to struggle, he swiftly takes Dalby down with ease. Dalby spins and lands on his back, but Alves followed in and gets the mount! Alves rocks Dalby with a crunching elbow to the skull! The strikes are hard enough to force Dalby to roll to the side, giving up his back in the process! Alves tries to get the rear naked choke applied. Dalby doesn't allow the arm to go under his chin. Dalby tries to move Alves off his back but can't. Alves tries to finish Dalby off with a rear naked choke. Dalby doesn't allow the rear naked choke to be applied. The time is up, and that's the end of round one.

I have to give that round to Alves, but only a 10-9.

Round 2

There's the bell for the start of the round! Coming forward, Alves is willing to take some hits if it means being able to get close enough to grapple. A punch from Dalby fails to land. Alves gets hold of Dalby, not having to have taken even one shot while coming in. With control of the clinch, Alves tries to complete a takedown. The takedown is completed, Dalby is on his back and pulls half guard. Alves attempts to pass half guard and gain a better position. Dalby comfortably blocks the attempt and keeps Alves in half guard. Dalby tries to sweep Alves but can't do it. Alves throws a few right hands to the body. Dalby tries a sweep from the bottom of half guard, but doesn't budge Alves. We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. Alves keeps Dalby guessing with a few quick strikes. Dalby tries a sweep from the bottom of half guard, but doesn't budge Alves. Alves attempts to pass half guard and gain a better position. He passes half guard but can't secure side control as Dalby starts a scramble for position. Alves manages to come out on top, holding Dalby down in turtle position, facing him. Turtled up, Dalby can do nothing about giving up his back. Alves pounds away, but is unable to land many clean shots. There's under a minute left in this round. Alves pounds away with right hands and Dalby is having trouble doing anything about it! Referee Herb Dean jumps in and saves Dalby from taking any more shots!

The winner, by TKO; Warlley Alves!

Official Result: Warlley Alves def. Nicholas Dalby by TKO (Strikes) in 4:26 of Round 2.

 

Lightweight Bout: Terrence McKinney (13-4) vs. Ismael Bonfim (16-3)

Another match is about to begin; Terrance 'T.Wrecks' McKinney (13-4, 3-1 in UFC) vs. Ismael 'Marreta' Bonfim (16-3, UFC Debut).

Marc Goddard will be the referee. Our judges at cageside are: Matt Hume, Cardo Urso, and Tony Weeks.

Bonfim gets a good reaction from the fans as he enters the arena, he's fighting in front of a home crowd tonight in your UFC debut.

Round 1

We are underway! They start with a touch of gloves. They come together and strike. McKinney misses a left hook and gets countered with two jabs that are followed by a right hook. The two fighters engage. McKinney misses with a big left hand, allowing Bonfim to counter with a jab and a right hook that is avoided at the last second. The two combatants meet in the center and start to strike. McKinney misses a left cross that leaves him wide open to the counter. Bonfim comes in with a few quick jabs that are followed by a good right hand. Bonfim stalks forward, pressuring McKinney. Bonfim is now in the pocket. Bonfim hits a couple of minor left hands, but McKinney evades a big right punch. Bonfim comes forward and the two fighters exchange strikes. McKinney hits two right hands on the counter. Bonfim connects with two left hands and then he hits a nice straight right. They come together and trade leather but neither fighter really does any damage. We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. The two fighters come together and strike but it's really tentative and nothing comes of it. Moving forward constantly, Bonfim is pressuring McKinney. Bonfim steps into the pocket, showing little fear of McKinney. A quick flurry of five punches from Bonfim sees all of them hit home and then he hits McKinney with a right to the side of the ribs. Bonfim comes forward to attack. McKinney tries to hit a jab, but misses. A flurry of three punches from Bonfim see three of them land and then he lands a right hand to the body. The two fighters engage. McKinney misses a big left hand, putting him off balance and allowing Bonfim to attack with a sequence of jabs that are followed by a left hook to the body. We have one minute of the round remaining. The fighters go toe-to-toe with strikes but the flurry ends without any really damaging shots landing. Bonfim steps forward and a striking exchange begins. McKinney hit a counter right hand. Bonfim moves in behind four quick punches, all of them landing, and then he hits McKinney with a beauty of a straight right. The two fighters engage. McKinney hits a jab but has a left hand absorbed on the gloves. Bonfim hits a pair of jabs and also connects with a right hand. The time runs out on round one.

That round goes to Bonfim, 10-9 on my card.

Round 2

There's the bell for the start of the round! The two fighters engage with strikes but nothing significant lands. Both fighters meet in the center. McKinney misses with a right jab but connects with a left hand. Bonfim hits a pair of jabs and also lands a left hook to the body. The two fighters engage with strikes but neither lands anything worthwhile. Bonfim studies his opponent, looking pretty relaxed and confident at this point. Bonfim stalks forward, pressuring McKinney. Bonfim moves inside, into the pocket, looking to pressure McKinney. Attacking with a quick flurry, Bonfim lands three of three punches and then he hits a nice straight right. There's a takedown attempt from McKinney. Bonfim not only stops the takedown with a great sprawl, he blasts McKinney with a knee strike too! McKinney goes limp and lands with a thud on the mat - he is out cold! Welcome to UFC Ismael Bomfim! Huge knockout!

The winner, by knock out; Ismael Bonfim!

Official Result: Ismael Bonfim def. Terrence McKinney by KO (Knee) in 2:16 of Round 2.

Bantamweight Bout: Cody Stamann (18-4) vs. Raulian Paiva (21-4)

Next up, Cody 'The Spartan' Stamann (20-5-1, 6-4-1 in UFC) going head to head with Raulian Paiva (21-4, 3-3 in UFC).

The referee is Herb Dean. The judges for this bout are: Tony Weeks, Marcos Rosales, and Nelson Hamilton.

Paiva, being in front of a home crowd, gets a loud cheer as he enters.

Round 1

And here we go! Paiva confidently comes in closer. Attacking with intent, Paiva scores with one out of a flurry of three punches and then hits Stamann with a straight right. Stamann keeps slightly out of range, looking for a chance to dart in and start grappling. Showing good hand speed, Paiva lands three out of a flurry of five punches but finds nothing but air with a big right. The two fighters engage. Stamann quickly throws a punch and lands it and then lands a left kick to the rib cage. Paiva blitzes his opponent with a rapid five punch flurry. The two fighters engage. Paiva scores with two punches out of a flurry but doesn't make contact on a low kick. Stamann attacks with five quick punches and lands four of them but misses with a big right hand. A tentative jab from Stamann lands. Paiva comes in fast with five quick punches, landing three of them, and then lands a big right hand. We pass the halfway mark of this round. Paiva lands two of four quick punches and then catches Stamann with a right hook. They come together and strike. Paiva hits a left cross. Stamann throws four quick punches and lands two of them and then lands a right hook. Moving forward constantly, Paiva is pressuring Stamann. Stamann hit a counter left hand. Paiva throws three punches, but Stamann defended successfully against them all. They exchange strikes but nothing really gets through. Both fighters come together and strike. Stamann attacks with five quick punches and lands two of them but has a right hook blocked. Paiva throws three quick punches and lands one of them but gets a leg kick checked. The time is up, and that's the end of round one. That was a quality round and the fans are really getting into this.

That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Paiva.

Round 2

We are back underway! Stamann steps forward, willing to take a few shots as long as he can get close enough to wrestle. Paiva throws a one-two, but Stamann was equal to it. Stamann is able to grab Paiva. Using his wrestling skills, Stamann is trying to push Paiva up against the cage. Paiva ends up backed against the cage. Stamann traps Paiva up against the cage, using double underhooks for control. They remain there, hitting each other with short punches, for about a minute. Stamann uses a vicious foot stomp. Stamann shows great control, keeping Paiva pressed against the cage. They remain there, hitting each other with short punches, for about a minute. The referee decides that the grappling against the cage has been going on too long, and he brings them back to the center. They come together and strike. Stamann misses a right cross that leaves him wide open to the counter. Paiva comes in with a sequence of quick jabs that are followed by a kick to the leg. Both fighters step in to strike. Paiva hits a couple of jabs and also hits a right cross. Stamann throws four quick punches and lands two of them and then lands a low kick. Paiva closes in on Stamann, looking to unleash some strikes. Paiva lands three of four quick punches but misses with a vicious right hand. There's under a minute left in this round. The two fighters engage. Stamann lands two of a flurry of quick punches but only finds gloves with a right hand. Paiva lands a five strike combination that ends with a right cross. Stamann is knocked down by that shot! Paiva starts pounding away on Stamann, looking to finish him off! Paiva pounds away and Stamann is having serious difficulty surviving them! Paiva tries to pound on Stamann with elbows, but none of the blows land with any degree of power. Round two ends as time expires.

That round goes to Paiva, 10-9 on my card. With one round left, Stamann realistically needs to stop his opponent in order to win.

Round 3

There's the bell for the start of the final round! The two combatants meet in the center and start to strike. Stamann nails two quick punches from a flurry and then hits a right hand. Paiva lands four of five quick punches but gets a right hand blocked. Stamann appeared to be going to try and get in close, but Paiva took the initiative first. A jab is wide from Paiva, but then he catches Stamann with a right hook. Taking a few gulps of breath, Paiva is giving the first hint that he is starting to tire a touch. The two fighters engage. Stamann nails three quick punches from a flurry and then hits a glancing blow with a high kick. Paiva quickly throws a punch and lands it and then lands a nice right hook. Paiva comes in looking to strike. Stamann may have been aiming to get in close, but Paiva aggressively took the initiative. Showing good hand speed, Paiva lands two out of a flurry of three punches but misses when he attempts a big head kick to follow. The corner of Stamann are urging him forward, knowing that he needs a finish. The two fighters engage with strikes but nothing significant lands. We move into the second half of this round. Both fighters come together and strike. Paiva counters a right hand with a pair of left jabs that are followed by a quick kick. Both fighters move in and engage. Stamann lands a left jab but doesn't get a leg kick. Showing good technique, Paiva hits a nice five punch combination. Stamann glances at the clock, grimacing slightly. The two fighters come forward and engage. Paiva scores with three punches out of a sudden flurry but misses with a head kick attempt. Stamann throws three quick punches and lands one of them but finds a big right hand blocked. The two fighters engage. Paiva finds a good angle and lands a nice one-two. Stamann hits a two punch combination as cover for a quick leg kick. Both fighters meet in the center. Paiva hits a jab but misses with a right hand. Stamann throws four quick punches and lands one of them but gets a right hand blocked. The time expires on round three, and that is the end of the fight.

I have to give that round to Paiva, but only a 10-9.

The judges' scores are now being announced.

All three judges give 30-27. Raulian Paiva is the winner by unanimous decision!

Official Result: Raulian Paiva def. Cody Stamann by Unanimous Decision.

Welterweight Bout: Mounir Lazzez (11-2) vs. Gabriel Bonfim (11-0)

Moving on to the next match, in which Mounir 'The Sniper' Lazzez (11-2, 2-1 in UFC) squares off with Gabriel 'Marretinha' Bonfim (11-0, UFC Debut).

Herb Dean is the referee for this fight. Our judges are: Nelson Hamilton, Matt Hume, and Cardo Urso.

Bonfim gets a good reaction from the fans as he enters the arena, he's fighting in front of a home crowd tonight.

Round 1

Round one begins! They start with a touch of gloves. They come together and strike but neither fighter does any damage. Lazzez stalks forward, pressuring Bonfim. Lazzez looks to pressure Bonfim, stepping into the pocket. Lazzez lands a left jab but then can't connect with a head kick. The two combatants meet in the center and start to strike. Lazzez misses a right cross that leaves him open to the counter. Bonfim attacks with a jab and a kick to the leg. An exchange of strikes sees both fighters fail to land anything significant. An exchange of strikes does not produce any damage. Both fighters come together and strike. Bonfim scores with a left hook. Lazzez lands a left jab and also lands cleanly with a powerful straight right! Bonfim wobbles, then falls! Lazzez starts pounding away on Bonfim, looking to finish him off! Lazzez fires away with punches, but Bonfim doesn't take any undue damage. Lazzez pounds away with rights but fails to land any significant blows. Lazzez blocks Bonfim as he tries a transition to guard. Lazzez fires away with punches, but Bonfim doesn't take any undue damage. Bonfim tries to transition to a guard, but can't manage it. Lazzez pounds away, but Bonfim isn't troubled by the strikes. Bonfim tries to pull guard on Lazzez but doesn't get anywhere with the attempt. Lazzez throws a few strikes, but is clearly slowing things down so that he can catch his breath. Lazzez blocks Bonfim as he tries a transition to guard. Lazzez fires away with punches, but Bonfim doesn't take any undue damage. Round one ends as time expires.

That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Lazzez.

Round 2

Round two begins! Both fighters meet in the center. Bonfim misses a right cross that leaves him wide open to the counter. Lazzez comes in with a left jab and a low kick that narrowly misses. They come together and strike. Lazzez scores with a jab but misses with a roundhouse kick to the body. Bonfim finds a way past his opponent's guard and lands a sharp one-two. They come together and strike. Bonfim slips past a right hook attempt and attacks with a good right hook. Both fighters come together and strike. Lazzez dodges a right hand and counter-attacks with a jab and a superb head kick! Bonfim is knocked down! Lazzez moves in quickly, kneeling beside Bonfim and starting to hammer down with punches! Lazzez pounds away with right hands, but doesn't really do a great deal of damage. Lazzez throws some small strikes, but is clearly just taking a moment to try and catch his breath. Lazzez blocks Bonfim as he tries a transition to guard. Lazzez fires off a few punches, but they aren't thrown with any great force. Lazzez blocks an attempt to pull guard. Lazzez fires away with punches, but Bonfim doesn't take any undue damage. Lazzez blocks Bonfim as he tries a transition to guard. Lazzez throws a few right hands as he takes a moment to plan ahead. Bonfim tries to move to guard, but Lazzez doesn't allow it. In side control, Lazzez throws a couple of punches designed to keep Bonfim guessing. Lazzez blocks an attempt to pull guard. Lazzez punches down at Bonfim, but they are easily taken on the gloves. Bonfim tries to pull guard on Lazzez but doesn't get anywhere with the attempt. Lazzez unloads with some right hands, but Bonfim deals with them comfortably. Round two ends as time expires.

That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Lazzez. With one round left, Bonfim realistically needs to stop his opponent in order to win.

Round 3

There's the bell for the start of the final round! Lazzez lands a jab and then hits Bonfim with a beauty of a straight right. Bonfim shoots in, looking for a takedown. The takedown is completed, Lazzez is on his back and pulls guard. Bonfim starts trying to work to get past the guard. Lazzez allows the pass, but it's just a ploy to allow him to try and scramble. Lazzez manages to come out on top, with Bonfim pulling half guard. Lazzez throws a few right hands to the body. Bonfim uses an underhook to work some separation, then quickly scrambles. He may regret that choice, as it gives Lazzez the perfect opportunity to get side control. Lazzez fires away with punches, but Bonfim doesn't take any undue damage. Lazzez blocks Bonfim as he tries a transition to guard. Lazzez keeps Bonfim guessing with a few quick strikes. Bonfim tries to transition to a guard, but can't manage it. Lazzez throws a few weak-looking punches as he decides on his next move. Lazzez blocks Bonfim as he tries a transition to guard. Lazzez fires off a few punches as he catches his breath. Bonfim tries to move to guard, but Lazzez doesn't allow it. Lazzez pounds away with rights but fails to land any significant blows. Bonfim tries to pull guard on Lazzez but doesn't get anywhere with the attempt. With no progress being made, referee Herb Dean stands them back up. Lazzez is slowing just a little as he starts to get into the gas tank a bit. Bonfim is slowing just a little as he starts to get into the gas tank a bit. Bonfim comes in, looking for a takedown. Lazzez partially defends it and ends up hopping on one foot while Bonfim has a hold of the other. Bonfim can't get Lazzez down and so settles for pushing him up against the cage. Bonfim scores with an glancing elbow strike from the clinch. Time runs out and that's the end of the fight.

An extremely close round, could have gone either way, but personally I'll give it to Bonfim 10-9.

The official scores are being reported now.

All three judges have given 30-27. The winner, by unanimous decision, is Mounir 'The Sniper' Lazzez!

Official Result: Mounir Lazzez def. Gabriel Bonfim by Unanimous Decision.

Lightweight Bout: Thiago Moises (16-6) vs. Guran Kutateladze (12-3)

Another match is about to begin; Thiago Moises (16-6, 5-4 in UFC) fighting 'The Georgian Viking' Guram Kutateladze (12-3, 1-1 in UFC).

The referee is Jason Herzog. The judges are: Nelson Hamilton, Matt Hume, and Cardo Urso.

Moises gets a good reaction from the fans as he enters the arena, he's fighting in front of a home crowd tonight.

Round 1

There's the opening bell! They come together and strike. Moises slips past a right hook and counters with two jabs that are followed by a right hook that is ducked. A quick exchange of strikes doesn't lead to anything. The two fighters engage. Kutateladze scores with a jab but can't hit a right cross. Moises lands two of four quick punches but fails on a leg kick attempt. They engage in the center. Kutateladze goes to the body with a spin kick. Showing great hand speed, Moises lands a four strike combination that ends with a right cross. Both fighters move in and engage. Kutateladze misses a right hook and leaves himself open to be countered with a quick left jab and a low kick that narrowly misses. Both fighters move in and engage. Kutateladze hits a kick to the leg. Moises lands with a quick punch but misses with a spinning back kick. The two fighters engage. Moises hits a couple of jabs but misses a high kick. Kutateladze misses with a left jab but connects cleanly with a right hand. The two combatants meet in the center and start to strike. Moises hits two out of a flurry of three punches and then lands a left kick to the rib cage. Kutateladze lands three quick jabs and then goes to the body with a sharp hook. The two fighters engage. Kutateladze hits a left jab and also hits a left roundhouse kick to the body. Moises attacks with four quick punches and lands two of them but is off target with a head kick thanks to the head movement of Kutateladze. Both fighters move in and engage. Moises scores with one punch out of a sudden flurry but Kutateladze slips past a right hand. Kutateladze uses a left jab but misses a right hook. There's under a minute left in this round. Both fighters step in to strike. Moises lands a quick punch and then lands a left kick to the body. Kutateladze quickly throws three punches and two of them land but misses a spinning back kick. The two fighters engage. Kutateladze lands a left jab and also scores with a left kick to the body. Moises manages to connect with three punches out of a flurry but misses a right hook. Time expires and we come to the end of round one.

I think Moises took that round, 10-9 on my score card.

Round 2

There's the bell and round number two begins! The two fighters come forward and engage. Kutateladze hits a jab but can't get a kick to the body. Moises lands a left jab but can't connect on a spin kick. The two fighters engage with strikes but neither can land a significant shot. The two fighters engage. Kutateladze misses a right cross that leaves him open to the counter. Moises attacks with a jab and a right hand that narrowly fails to connect. Both fighters step in to strike. Kutateladze misses with a left jab but hits a right cross. Moises throws four quick punches and lands three of them but can't hit a right cross. Moises is starting to slow down a touch, perhaps conserving a little energy. They engage in the center. Kutateladze misses a big right hand, putting him off balance and allowing Moises to attack with a few quick jabs that are followed by a high kick that misses. The two fighters engage. Kutateladze uses a left jab and also scores with a quick kick to the lead leg. Moises throws five quick punches and lands one of them and then nails a vicious right cross! Kutateladze is knocked down by that shot! Moises moves in quickly, kneeling beside Kutateladze and starting to hammer down with punches! Moises pounds away and Kutateladze is having serious difficulty surviving them! Moises fires away with punches, but Kutateladze doesn't take any undue damage. Moises blocks Kutateladze as he tries a transition to guard. Moises tries to lock Kutateladze in an arm triangle. Kutateladze blocks it. Kutateladze tries to move to guard, but Moises doesn't allow it. Moises pounds away, but Kutateladze isn't troubled by the strikes. Moises blocks Kutateladze as he tries a transition to guard. Moises pounds away with right hands, but doesn't do much damage. Round two ends as time expires.

I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Moises. With one round left, Kutateladze realistically needs to stop his opponent in order to win.

Round 3

Our last round, round three, begins! Both fighters move in and engage. Kutateladze hits a jab and also hits a kick to the leg. Displaying some good boxing, Moises throws a flurry of four punches that end with a right hook. The two fighters engage. Kutateladze scores with a jab and also scores with a quick kick to the lead leg. Moises scores with two punches out of a flurry and then hits a glancing high kick. Taking a few gulps of breath, Kutateladze is giving the first hint that he is starting to tire a touch. The two fighters engage. Moises hits a couple of jabs but doesn't connect with a right hand. Kutateladze uses a left jab and also lands a nice right hook. They come together and strike. Kutateladze lands a left jab and a right cross. Moises lights up his opponent with four quick punches. The two fighters come forward and engage. Moises finds a good angle and lands a nice one-two. Kutateladze hits a jab and also nails a right cross. The two fighters engage. Moises slips past a right hook attempt and attacks with a left jab and a right hook that is avoided at the last second. Moises, looking shattered, can't stop Kutateladze pulling him into a clinch. With control of the clinch, Kutateladze tries to complete a takedown. The takedown is completed, Moises is on his back and pulls guard. Kutateladze pounds away with right hands, but doesn't do much damage. Moises works some separation, then tries to quickly scramble his way into a better position. He may regret that choice, as it gives Kutateladze the perfect opportunity to come over the top and get side control. Kutateladze throws a few weak-looking punches as he decides on his next move. Kutateladze blocks Moises as he tries a transition to guard. Kutateladze fires away with punches, but Moises doesn't take any undue damage. Kutateladze blocks an attempt to pull guard. Kutateladze pounds away, but Moises calmly deals with them. Moises tries to move to guard, but Kutateladze doesn't allow it. The fight comes to an end as the time limit expires.

I think Kutateladze took that round, 10-9 on my score card.

The judges' scores are now being announced.

All three judges give a score of 29-28. So the winner, by unanimous decision, is Thiago Moises!

Official Result: Thiago Moises def. Guran Kutateladze by Unanimous Decision.

Heavyweight Bout: (#14) Shamil Abdurakhimov (20-7) vs. Jailton Almeida (17-2)

Moving on to the next match, in which Shamil 'Abrek' Abdurakhimov (20-7, 5-5 in UFC) fights Jailton 'Malhadinho' Almeida (17-2, 3-0 in UFC)

Refereeing this bout will be Marc Goddard. The judges for this bout are: Marcos Rosales, Nelson Hamilton, and Matt Hume.

The weight difference here is obvious, as Almeida must be giving up at least 35lbs to his opponent. Almeida  gets a good reaction from the fans as he enters the arena, he's fighting in front of a home crowd tonight.

Round 1

There's the opening bell! Both fighters meet in the center. Abdurakhimov misses a right cross that leaves him wide open to the counter. Almeida comes in with a clean right hand. The two combatants meet in the center and start to strike. Almeida feints one way, throwing Abdurakhimov off balance, then steps to the other side. Abdurakhimov misses a right hook and leaves himself open to be countered with a jab and a solid right hand. They stand and trade in the center of the cage but neither fighter gives or takes any real damage. They come together and strike. Abdurakhimov misses a big right hand, putting him off balance and allowing Almeida to attack with a right hook. Abdurakhimov comes forward on the attack. Almeida hit two counter left hands. Abdurakhimov throws two quick punches but doesn't hit with either. They come together and trade leather but neither fighter really does any damage. They engage in the center. Abdurakhimov misses with a big right hand, allowing Almeida to counter with a quick left jab and a right hook that is avoided at the last second. An exchange of strikes happens right in the center of the cage but nothing comes of it. We move into the second half of this round. They come together and strike but neither fighter does any damage. An exchange of strikes happens right in the center of the cage but neither fighter lands anything good. They come together and strike. Abdurakhimov hits a jab but has a right hand taken on the gloves. Almeida connects with a quick head kick. Abdurakhimov steps back against the cage and tries to cover up...I think he has been hurt! Grabbing a brief clinch, Almeida uses a short knee strike to the chest. I think Abdurakhimov blocked most of it. Abdurakhimov circles back to the center, having gotten the time he needed to regain his wits somewhat. Abdurakhimov initiates an exchange of strikes. Almeida lands two left hands in the exchange. Abdurakhimov throws a quick one-two but doesn't land either blow. An exchange of strikes happens right in the center of the cage but nothing comes of it. Both fighters step in to strike. Abdurakhimov misses a right hook and gets countered with a jab and a low kick that narrowly misses. The time is up, and that's the end of round one.

I have to give that round to Almeida, but only a 10-9.

Round 2

And here we go, round two! The two fighters come forward and engage. Neither fighter lands a significant strike in a quick exchange. Almeida has a right hand taken on the gloves. Abdurakhimov has a right hand taken on the gloves. Both fighters step in to strike. Almeida dodges a right hand and counter-attacks with a jab and a glancing blow with a right head kick. Abdurakhimov is slowing just a little as he starts to get into the gas tank a bit. The two fighters engage. Abdurakhimov misses a right cross that leaves him wide open to the counter. Almeida comes in with a left hook. They stand and trade, but all the shots are either off target or are safely dealt with. For the first time, Almeida is starting to breathe a little heavier. Abdurakhimov stalks forward, pressuring Almeida. Almeida hit two counter left hands. A one-two from Abdurakhimov fails to land. Both fighters step in to strike. Almeida hits a left hand. Abdurakhimov scores with a jab and also connects cleanly with a right hand. The two fighters come forward and engage. Almeida uses a left jab and also hits a kick to the lead leg. Abdurakhimov scores with a jab but doesn't make contact on a low kick. We move into the second half of this round. The fighters go toe-to-toe with strikes but the flurry ends without any really damaging shots landing. Both fighters step in to strike. Abdurakhimov misses with a big right hand, allowing Almeida to counter with a quick left jab and a left roundhouse kick to the body. An exchange of strikes happens right in the center of the cage but nothing comes of it. The two fighters come forward and engage. Almeida counters a right hand with a pair of left jabs that are followed by a right hook that is ducked. We have one minute of the round remaining. Both fighters come together and strike. Both fighters throw, both fighters fail to hit the target. Almeida throws a leg kick but doesn't make contact. Abdurakhimov doesn't connect with a right hand. Both fighters meet in the center. Almeida counters a right hand with a glancing blow from a right head kick. Seeing that Abdurakhimov looks shattered, Almeida easily pulls him into a clinch. Abdurakhimov gets caught with a knee strike to the body as they grapple. Almeida tries to pick Abdurakhimov up for a slam. Almeida has him! Slams him down! Abdurakhimov pulls guard. Round two is brought to an end as time runs out.

That round goes to Almeida, 10-9 on my card. By my scorecard, Abdurakhimov really needs a finish in this final round or he will lose the fight.

Round 3

And here we go, one last round! The two combatants meet in the center and start to strike. Abdurakhimov counters a short body kick with a left cross. The two fighters engage. Almeida slips past a right hook and counters with a right cross. Retreating, Abdurakhimov looks punch-drunk...he may be in big trouble! He is covering up as best as he can, but is very unsteady on his feet! Almeida tries to finish with a scorching right hand, but Abdurakhimov slips past it at the very last possible second. Circling back to the center, Abdurakhimov looks like he has regained his composure. Abdurakhimov is starting to have to push himself now, and his corner respond by urging him on a little louder. Both fighters meet in the center. Abdurakhimov misses with a big right hand, allowing Almeida to counter with a left jab and a right cross. There's no question that Abdurakhimov is getting badly outstruck so far in this fight. That said, he has such power that it would only take one clean shot to turn the tables entirely. Abdurakhimov is breathing very hard. Both fighters come together and strike. Almeida scores with a jab and also connects cleanly with a right hand. Abdurakhimov uses a left jab and also connects cleanly with a right hand. Both fighters come together and strike. Abdurakhimov misses with a big right hand, allowing Almeida to counter with a left jab and a right hand that narrowly fails to connect. Almeida is definitely slowing, his gas tank is being challenged here. Both fighters come together and strike. Abdurakhimov scores with a jab but has a right hook blocked. Almeida launches a right head kick that did damage. Backing off, Abdurakhimov looks very wobbly, I think he may be hurt! A brutal right hand sends Abdurakhimov staggering backward! He stumbles and crashes down to the floor! Almeida quickly pounces, looking to rain down punches on the stunned Abdurakhimov! Almeida pounds away with rights and Abdurakhimov is eating some heavy shots! Almeida starts trying to work to go from side control to mount. Abdurakhimov allows the mount attempt, but it's just a ploy to allow him to try and scramble. The scramble sees Almeida up first, and he is quick to grab a waist lock on Abdurakhimov, gaining back control. Almeida controls Abdurakhimov from behind and slams a left hand into the side of the head. Almeida tries to push Abdurakhimov toward the cage, but can't. Almeida stops Abdurakhimov from breaking free of back control. Almeida tries to pick Abdurakhimov up and dump him onto the ground. Abdurakhimov keeps his composure, and Almeida cannot get past his takedown defence. Almeida is breathing very hard. Abdurakhimov breaks free from Almeida, and circles back to the center. They stand and trade, but all the shots are either off target or are safely dealt with. Time runs out and that's the end of the fight.

That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Almeida.

Here come the official scores.

All three judges score the contest as 30-27. The winner, by unanimous decision, is Jailton 'Malhadinho' Almeida!

Official Result: Jailton Almeida def. Shamil Abdurakhimov by Unanimous Decision.

Middleweight Bout: Brad Taveres (19-7) vs. Gregory Rodrigues (13-4)

Moving on to the next match, in which Brad Tavares (19-7, 14-7 in UFC) squares off with Gregory 'Robocop' Rodrigues (13-4, 4-1 in UFC).

Refereeing this bout will be Herb Dean. The judges are: Matt Hume, Cardo Urso, and Tony Weeks.

There's a roar from the crowd as Rodrigues enters, he is from around here.

Round 1

The fight begins! They stand and trade in the center of the cage but neither fighter gives or takes any real damage. They come together and strike. A nice feint from Rodrigues causes Tavares to become open. Rodrigues just about lands a head kick. Tavares hits a glancing blow with a high kick. A strike appears to have opened up a small gash underneath the eye of Tavares. The two fighters engage with strikes but neither can land a significant shot. Tavares comes forward and the two fighters start trading blows. Rodrigues lands a left hand in the exchange. A jab is wide from Tavares, but then he catches Rodrigues with a right hook. Both fighters meet in the center. Tavares scores with one punch out of a sudden flurry and then lands a spin kick to the body. Rodrigues hits a left jab and also scores with a great right hook. Both fighters step in to strike. Tavares uses a left jab but misses a right hook. Rodrigues is off target with a left jab but lands with a left hand to the body. We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. They stand and trade in the center of the cage but neither fighter can land a good shot. The two fighters engage. Rodrigues misses a right hook and leaves himself open to be countered with a right cross. Tavares moves forward, constantly trying to pressure Rodrigues into exchanging strikes. Rodrigues lands two left hands in the exchange. A jab is wide from Tavares, but then he lands a big right hand. The two combatants meet in the center and start to strike. Rodrigues hits a left roundhouse kick to the body. Tavares misses with a left jab but nails a right cross. Rodrigues immediately backs up against the cage and covers up! I think that last strike may have really rocked him! Rodrigues somehow dodges a vicious overhand right. Rodrigues circles back to the center, having gotten the time he needed to regain his wits somewhat. We have one minute of the round remaining. Both fighters meet in the center. Rodrigues lands a left jab but misses with a spinning kick. Tavares scores with a single punch out of a flurry but fails to land a body kick. The two fighters engage. Tavares slips past a right hook and counters with a left jab and a left kick to the body. Round one ends as time expires.

I think Rodrigues took that round, 10-9 on my score card. The cut man goes to work between rounds trying to patch up Tavares.

Round 2

Round two begins! The two fighters come forward and engage. Tavares lands a left jab but has a right hook blocked. Rodrigues scores with two punches out of a sudden flurry but gets a right hand blocked. An exchange of strikes does not produce any damage. Both fighters step in to strike. Rodrigues scores with a jab but doesn't find the mark with a right hook. Tavares hits a left jab and also lands a nice right hook. They engage in the center. There's a stalemate as both fighters throw but fail to land a hit. Tavares tries a right hand but it gets absorbed on his opponent's gloves. Rodrigues is off-target with a jab and also doesn't connect with a right roundhouse kick to the body. The two fighters come together and strike but it's really tentative and nothing comes of it. The two fighters engage. Rodrigues counters a right hand with a few quick jabs that are followed by a big right hand that just misses. We pass the halfway mark of this round. Both fighters come together and strike. Rodrigues lands a left jab and also hits a left roundhouse kick to the body. Tavares uses a left jab and also hits a good right hand. They engage in the center. Rodrigues hits a jab but has a right hand absorbed on the gloves. Tavares finds a way past his opponent's guard and lands a sharp one-two. For the first time, Rodrigues is starting to breathe a little heavier. Both fighters step in to strike. Rodrigues hits a left jab but can't hit a right cross. Tavares is off-target with a jab but connects cleanly with a right hand. Both fighters meet in the center. Tavares parries away a body kick and counters with a jab and a good right hook. We're into the final minute of the round. Both fighters meet in the center. Rodrigues misses a big right hand, putting him off balance and allowing Tavares to attack with a left jab and a right cross. Both fighters step in to strike. Tavares hits a jab but can't connect on a spin kick. Rodrigues hits a jab but has a right hand blocked. Tavares moves forward, constantly trying to pressure Rodrigues into exchanging strikes. Rodrigues fires off a counter jab. Tavares lands a jab and then he hits a nice straight right that lands hard. They engage in the center. Rodrigues finds a way past his opponent's guard and lands a sharp one-two. Tavares hits a left cross. Round two ends as time expires.

That was a good round, full of action, hopefully we've got more of the same to come. That round goes to Tavares, 10-9 on my card. 

It looks like whoever can win this final round should also win the fight.

Round 3

Our last round, round three, begins! Tavares comes forward, walking down Rodrigues. Rodrigues fires off a counter jab. Tavares can't hit a set-up left jab, but then he scores with a right cross. Tavares stalks forward, pressuring Rodrigues. Rodrigues hits a jab in the exchange. Tavares can't connect with his set-up strikes, but then he hits Rodrigues with a beauty of a straight right. Tavares is still moving well, but he is definitely breathing a little deeper now. The two fighters come together and strike but it's really tentative and nothing comes of it. Rodrigues looked like he was going to step in and grapple, but Tavares simply took the initiative first. Tavares lands a left hand and then hits a nice straight right. Rodrigues looks to have been cut under his eye. Tavares closes in on Rodrigues, looking to unleash some strikes. Rodrigues uses a brace of left jabs while backing away, doing no damage at all. Tavares can't hit a set-up left jab, but then hits a nice straight right. Tavares comes forward and the two fighters start trading blows. Rodrigues hits a jab in the exchange. Tavares hits a left hand but Rodrigues dodges the roundhouse body kick that comes next. Tavares lands a jab and then lands a big right hand. That last punch may have landed badly, Tavares is shaking it out as if his hand got damaged. If it's a break, that's really going to affect his striking ability dramatically. Rodrigues looked like he was going to step in and grapple, but Tavares simply took the initiative first. A jab lands from Tavares, but finds nothing but air with a big right. We pass the halfway mark of this round. Tavares moves forward, constantly trying to pressure Rodrigues into exchanging strikes. Tavares moves inside, into the pocket, looking to pressure Rodrigues. Tavares throws a one-two, but Rodrigues was equal to it. The two fighters come forward and engage. Tavares scores with a jab but has a right hand taken on the gloves. Rodrigues hits a jab and also scores with a great right hook. The two fighters stand and trade strikes, neither lands a significant blow in the exchange. Tavares, who looks very tired, clinches rather than trying to move away. Rodrigues looks to sweep a leg out from under Tavares so as to take him down with a trip. It doesn't work, Tavares defended against it well. Rodrigues looks for a trip takedown by sweeping a leg. Rodrigues can't get Tavares down to the ground. The grappling doesn't last long, as they soon break away from each other. A little fatigue may be creeping in, Tavares is starting to move noticeably more slowly now. A little fatigue may be creeping in, Rodrigues is starting to move noticeably more slowly now. Tavares hits a left hand, but misses with a vicious right hand. Referee Herb Dean calls for a pause, he wants to check the cut on Rodrigues. The doctor checks the wound, and doesn't take long to signal to the referee that it is only minor. The referee brings them to the center and we're back underway! Rodrigues, who looks drained, comes forward looking for a takedown. Tavares almost got away but not quite; he is left hopping while Rodrigues has hold of one leg. Unable to complete the takedown, Rodrigues instead pushes Tavares up against the cage. The fight comes to an end as the time limit expires.

That round goes to Tavares, 10-9 on my card.

The judges' scores are now being announced.

All three judges give 29-28. Brad Tavares is the winner by unanimous decision!

Official Result: Brad Tavares def. Gregory Rodrigues by Unanimous Decision,

Light Heavyweight Bout: Mauricio Rua (27-13-1) vs. Ihor Potieria (20-3)

In the last of the preliminary fights, Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua (27-13-1, 11-11-1 in UFC) battles Ihor 'Duelist' Potieria (20-3, 0-1 in UFC) in the UFC Light Heavyweight division.

Herb Dean is the referee for this fight. Our judges are: Matt Hume, Cardo Urso, and Tony Weeks.

Shogun, being in front of a home crowd, gets a loud cheer as he enters.

Round 1

Round one begins! They touch gloves. Both fighters move in and engage. Potieria has a left hand taken on the gloves. Shogun doesn't connect with a right hand. They engage in the center. Potieria slips past a right hook attempt and attacks with a jab and a left hook. Both fighters step in to strike. Shogun misses with a big right hand, allowing Potieria to counter with a nice left hook. Both fighters come together and strike. Shogun misses with a big right hand, allowing Potieria to counter with a jab and a leg kick that misses. The two fighters engage. Shogun hits a left hand. Potieria uses a right jab but has a left hand blocked. The two fighters come together and strike but it's really tentative and nothing comes of it. The two fighters come forward and engage. Shogun lands a left hook. Potieria lands a right jab but misses a left hook. We pass the halfway mark of this round. They come together and strike. Shogun misses a jab but hits a left roundhouse kick to the body. Potieria lands a quick punch but doesn't get a leg kick. The two fighters engage with strikes but neither can land a significant shot. They engage in the center. Potieria scores with a right hook. Shogun lands a left jab and also scores with a vicious head kick! Potieria is knocked down! Shogun knows that this is a golden opportunity and quickly pounces on Potieria, looking to finish him off by raining down punches! Shogun starts unloading with massive rights and Potieria is getting pasted! Referee Herb Dean has no option but to leap in and stop the fight!

The winner, by TKO; Mauricio Rua!

Official Result: Mauricio Rua def. Ihor Potieria by TKO (Strikes) in 3:49 of Round 1.

Main Card

Light Heavyweight Bout: (#9) Paul Craig (16-5-1) vs. (#12) Johnny Walker (19-7)

Our first main fight is up next, in which Paul 'Bearjew' Craig (16-5-1, 8-5-1 in UFC) battles Johnny Walker (19-7, 5-4 in UFC).

The referee is Herb Dean. The judges for this bout are: Tony Weeks, Marcos Rosales, and Nelson Hamilton.

There's a roar from the crowd as Walker enters, he is from around here.

Round 1

We are underway! Walker confidently moves in closer, looking to throw some strikes. Walker fails to find a home for his jab, but then scores with a right cross. Walker can't connect with his set-up strikes, but then scores with a right cross that landed hard. A punch from Walker fails to land. Craig seizes the chance and grabs Walker into a clinch. Craig is looking to muscle Walker back against the cage. Craig does it, Walker is stuck with his back to the cage. Craig looks to set up a trip takedown. Walker is taken down by a quick inside leg trip, he can do nothing but pull half guard! Craig attempts a slicing elbow strike to the head, but isn't able to connect. Walker tries to transition to full guard, but can't manage it. Craig is trying to get out of half guard and into a better position. He passes half guard, but Walker was ready and immediately starts to scramble. Walker manages to come out on top, holding Craig down from behind with a waist-lock. Walker pounds away with right hands, hitting several big shots. Walker fires away and manages to connect with two or three heavy shots that rock Craig! Walker unloads with big right hands, landing several that clearly hurt Craig. Walker fires away with punches, but does little in the way of damage. Craig takes the opportunity to stand up, albeit under back control. Walker releases Craig and backs away. Walker can't connect with his set-up strikes, but then lands a big right hand. Craig staggers backward into the cage and covers up, I think he's hurt! A right head kick from Walker lands clean and knocks Craig down and out! It's all over!

Johnny Walker takes the win by knock out!

Official Result: Johnny Walker def. Paul Craig by KO (Head Kick) in 3:58 of Round 1

Women´s Flyweight Bout: (#4 STW) Jessica Andrade (23-9) vs. (#4) Lauren Murphy (15-5)

Next up, Jessica 'Bate Estaca' Andrade (23-9, 14-7 in UFC) battling 'Lucky' Lauren Murphy (15-5, 7-5 in UFC).

The referee is Marc Goddard. Our judges are: Cardo Urso, Tony Weeks, and Marcos Rosales.

Andrade, being in front of a home crowd, gets a loud cheer as she enters.

Round 1

There's the opening bell! The two fighters touch gloves. Andrade comes forward and the two fighters start trading blows. Murphy hit a counter left hand. Andrade throws a two-punch combo but Murphy avoids both. The two fighters engage. Murphy misses a right cross that leaves her wide open to the counter. Andrade comes in with a jab and a right hand. They stand and trade in the center of the cage but neither fighter gives or takes any real damage. They engage in the center. Murphy scores with a jab but doesn't connect with a low kick. Andrade hits a punch but is well off target with a head kick. Both fighters meet in the center. Murphy hits a kick to the leg. Andrade connects cleanly with a right hand. An exchange of strikes does not produce any damage. They come together and strike. Andrade is off-target with a jab but lands a low kick. Murphy doesn't connect with a left jab but connects with a right hand. Andrade stalks forward, pressuring Murphy. Murphy scores with two counter jabs. A combo that ends with a head kick attempt fails to land for Andrade. We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. An exchange of strikes happens right in the center of the cage but neither fighter lands anything good. Andrade comes forward to attack. Murphy manages a counter jab. Andrade lands a left jab but can't connect with a right to the body. Andrade comes forward, walking down Murphy. Murphy fires off a counter jab. A jab hits home from Andrade and then she hits Murphy with a straight right. They engage in the center. Murphy hits a jab but doesn't connect with a right hand. Andrade blitzes her opponent with a rapid four punch flurry. There's under a minute left in this round. Both fighters come together and strike. Murphy slips past a right hook and counters with a left jab and a low kick. Andrade moves forward, constantly trying to pressure Murphy into exchanging strikes. Murphy lands a left hand in the exchange. Andrade lands a jab and then she catches Murphy with a crunching right hook. The two fighters come forward and engage. Andrade blocks a leg kick and counters with a left hand to the body. The time runs out on round one.

That was a fun round to watch. That round goes to Andrade, 10-9 on my card.

Round 2

Round two begins! The two fighters engage. Murphy blocks a leg kick and counters with a right hand. Constantly pressuring her opponent, Andrade comes forward. Murphy hit a counter left hand. Andrade hits a left jab and then she lands a right hand. Both fighters come together and strike. Andrade hits a jab but is well off target with a head kick. Murphy scores with a jab but has a right hook blocked. The two combatants meet in the center and start to strike. Andrade lands a left jab but finds her right cross blocked. Murphy scores with a left hook. Both fighters meet in the center. Murphy hits a couple of jabs but has a right hand blocked. With fast hands, Andrade scores with three quick punches that set up a nice uppercut. They come together and trade leather but neither fighter really does any damage. An exchange of strikes doesn't go anywhere. Andrade moves forward, constantly trying to pressure Murphy into exchanging strikes. Murphy lands two left hands in the exchange. Andrade hits a left hand but her big right hand follow-up misses. Andrade comes forward to attack. Murphy lands two left hands in the exchange. A jab hits home from Andrade and then she hits Murphy with a straight right. They come together and strike. Murphy misses with a left jab but hits a kick to the lead leg. Displaying her fast hands, Andrade lands a three strike combination that ends with a right cross. Andrade is still moving well, but she is definitely breathing a little deeper now. The two fighters engage. Murphy lands a leg kick. Andrade hits a jab and also scores with a great right hook. Andrade glances at the clock. We have one minute of the round remaining. The two fighters come forward and engage. Murphy uses a left jab but doesn't connect with a low kick. Andrade hits a left jab and also scores with a quick kick to the lead leg. They come together and strike. Murphy scores with a jab but has a right hand blocked. Andrade hits a good right hand. Both fighters move in and engage. Andrade misses a big right hand, putting her off balance and allowing Murphy to attack with a left jab and a right cross that just misses. Time expires and we come to the end of round two.

That was an exciting round, hopefully the fighters will continue with that pace in the next. I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Andrade.

By my scorecard, Murphy is going to lose this fight if it goes to the judges. She needs a finish in this final round.

Round 3

And here we go, one last round! They come together and strike. Murphy uses a left jab but has a right hook blocked. Andrade hits a left jab and also nails a right cross. Both fighters move in and engage. Andrade hits a left jab but has a right hook blocked. Murphy hits a jab but doesn't connect with a right hand. The two fighters engage. Andrade slips past a right hook attempt and attacks with a quick left jab and a right hand. Murphy is starting to slow down a touch, perhaps conserving a little energy. The two fighters come forward and engage. Murphy dodges a right hand and counter-attacks with a left jab and a right hand that narrowly fails to connect. The two fighters engage. Andrade lands a leg kick. Murphy doesn't connect with a brace of jabs but scores with a right hook. They come together and strike. Murphy uses a left jab but has a right hand absorbed on the gloves. Andrade scores with a great right hook. Andrade studies her opponent, looking pretty relaxed and confident at this point. They engage in the center. Andrade scores with a jab but can't hit a right cross. Murphy hits a pair of jabs but doesn't find the mark with a right hook. The two fighters engage. Murphy misses a right hook and gets countered with a right cross. We are now at the halfway point of the round. Both fighters come together and strike. Andrade lands a left hook to the body. Murphy hits a left jab but finds her right cross blocked. They exchange a few strikes but nothing significant lands. The two fighters engage. Murphy misses a right cross that leaves her open to the counter. Andrade attacks with a quick left jab and a head kick attempt that doesn't connect. The two fighters engage with strikes but nothing significant lands. They come together and strike. Murphy misses a right hook and leaves herself open to be countered with a quick kick to the lead leg. We're into the final minute of the round. Both fighters step in to strike. Andrade lets a body kick sail wide and then counters with a left jab and a great right hook. Both fighters meet in the center. Andrade counters a missed roundhouse kick with a left jab and a right cross. They engage in the center. Murphy misses a right hook and leaves herself open to be countered with a jab and a right cross. The fight comes to an end as the time limit expires.

I have to give that round to Andrade, but only a 10-9.

The judges have given their scores, which are about to be announced.

All three judges have given 30-27. The winner, by unanimous decision, is Jessica 'Bate Estaca' Andrade!

Official Result: Jessica Andrade def. Lauren Murphy by Unanimous Decision.

Welterweight Bout: (#5) Gilbert Burns (20-5) vs. (#12) Neil Magny (27-9)

Moving on to the next match, in which Gilbert 'Durinho' Burns (20-5, 13-5 in UFC) competes against Neil 'The Hatian Sensation' Magny (27-9, 20-8 in UFC).

The referee is Jason Herzog. The judges for this bout are: Marcos Rosales, Nelson Hamilton, and Matt Hume.

About to fight in front of a home crowd, Burns unsurprisingly gets a loud ovation from the crowd as he makes his entrance.

Round 1

Round one begins! Magny confidently comes in closer. Magny lands three of five quick punches and then hits a body kick. Magny had looked like he was angling to grapple, but couldn't take the initiative. Two jabs hit home from Burns and then he hits Magny with a beauty of a straight right. A jab hits home from Burns and then he lands a right hand. Two jabs hit home from Magny and then he catches Burns with a crunching right hook. Burns steps in and works his way to a dominant position in the clinch. Burns looks for a trip takedown. It's unsuccessful, Magny maintained a good solid base. Burns looks for a trip takedown by sweeping a leg. An outside leg trip sweeps Magny down to the ground where he is left on his back pulling guard! Burns attempts to pass guard. Advancing his position, he passes to half guard. Burns keeps Magny guessing with a few quick strikes. Magny tries to get full guard on Burns but doesn't get anywhere. Burns is trying to get out of half guard and into a better position. The pass attempt results in a scramble for position as Magny tries to get back up. The scramble results in Magny turtled with Burns on his back. Taking advantage of a pause, Magny scrambles back up, but Burns gets back control. Burns, holding Magny from behind, looks to try and drag him down to the floor. Burns doesn't even have to struggle, he swiftly takes Magny down with ease. Magny twists and turns as soon as he lands, trying to squirm free - Burns can't maintain his grip and a scramble starts! Magny is up first and quickly grabs Burns as he too stands up, getting back control. Round one is brought to an end as time runs out.

I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Burns.

Round 2

We are back underway! Magny wants to grapple, and appears willing to aggressively come in to do so, even if means risking some strikes. Burns tries to go to the body with a sharp hook but is off-target. Magny seizes the chance and grabs Burns into a clinch. Magny is looking to get Burns in a Muay Thai clinch. Burns wrestles his way into a dominant position in the grapple instead though. Burns attempts a trip to put Magny on the ground. It's unsuccessful, Magny maintained a good solid base. Burns attempts a leg-sweep trip to put Magny on the ground. Burns uses a nice inside leg trip and Magny is forced to pull guard! Burns begins trying to pass the guard. He passes guard but loses his control momentarily and a scramble begins. Magny somehow winds up underneath the north-south control of Burns. Burns pounds away with elbows to the stomach, but can't get any power behind them. Burns blocks Magny as he tries to scramble. Burns looks like he is attempting a north-south choke. The choke is locked in, tight enough that Magny has to tap out!

The winner, by submission, is Gilbert 'Durinho' Burns!

Official Result: Gilbert Burns def. Neil Magny by Submission (North South Choke) in 2:25 of Round 2.

Co-Main Event
Flyweight Championship Bout: (C) Deiverson Figueiredo (21-2-1) vs. (IC) Brandon Moreno (20-6-2)

The co-main event is up next. Deiveson 'Deus da Guerra' Figueiredo (21-2-1, 11-2-1 in UFC) squares off with Brandon 'The Assassin Baby' Moreno (20-6-2, 9-3-2 in UFC) in the UFC Flyweight division. This is a bout to unify the UFC Flyweight title.

Refereeing this bout will be Jason Herzog. Our judges at cageside are: Cardo Urso, Tony Weeks, and Marcos Rosales.

About to fight in front of a home crowd, Figueiredo unsurprisingly gets a loud ovation from the crowd as he makes his entrance.

Round 1

And here we go! They start with a touch of gloves. The two combatants meet in the center and start to strike. Figueiredo hits a couple of jabs but fails to land a body kick. Moreno hits a pair of jabs and also hits a right hand. The two fighters engage. Figueiredo misses a big right hand, putting him off balance and allowing Moreno to attack with a few quick jabs that are followed by a right hand. They come together and strike. Moreno hits a punch and then lands a left kick to the body. Figueiredo hits a punch but comes up short on a body kick. The two fighters engage. Showing good technique, Moreno lands five quick punches. Figueiredo scores with a great right hook. The two fighters engage. Figueiredo misses with a big right hand, allowing Moreno to counter with a pair of jabs that are followed by a right hand that narrowly fails to connect. An exchange of strikes happens right in the center of the cage but nothing comes of it. The two fighters engage. Moreno manages to connect with three punches out of a flurry but only finds gloves with a right hand. Displaying fine boxing, Figueiredo blitzes his opponent with a rapid five punch flurry. Both fighters step in to strike. Moreno dodges a right hand and counter-attacks with a jab and a glancing high kick. Moreno studies his opponent, looking pretty relaxed and confident at this point. Both fighters meet in the center. Moreno misses a right hook and gets countered with a left cross. The fighters go toe-to-toe with strikes but the flurry ends without any really damaging shots landing. Shoulders hunched, Figueiredo studies his opponent, looking for an opportunity. The two fighters come forward and engage. Moreno quickly throws a punch and lands it but doesn't find the mark with a right hook. Figueiredo hits a good right hand. We're into the final minute of the round. They exchange strikes but nothing really gets through. Both fighters come together and strike. Figueiredo connects with a left hand. Moreno blitzes his opponent with a rapid six punch flurry. Round one is brought to an end as time runs out.

I think Moreno took that round, 10-9 on my score card.

Round 2

And here we go, round two! Both fighters move in and engage. Moreno hits a pair of jabs and also hits a right cross. Figueiredo hits a good right hand. The two fighters engage. Displaying his quick hands, Moreno lands four quick punches. Figueiredo connects cleanly with a right hand. The two fighters engage. Moreno throws three quick punches and lands one of them but gets a right hand blocked. Figueiredo throws three quick punches and lands two of them but doesn't make contact on a low kick. The two fighters engage with strikes but nothing significant lands. They come together and strike but neither fighter does any damage. Both fighters come together and strike. Moreno slips past a right hook and counters with a left jab and a right hook that is ducked. The two fighters engage. Moreno is off target with a pair of jabs but connects with a right hand. Displaying quick hands, Figueiredo lights up his opponent with four quick punches. They come together and strike. Moreno hits a jab but doesn't connect with a right hand. Figueiredo scores with a great right hook. Both fighters step in to strike. Showing off his great boxing skill, Figueiredo hits a nice six punch combination. Moreno is off-target with two jabs but connects cleanly with a right hand. They exchange a few strikes but nothing significant lands. We're into the final minute of the round. The two fighters come forward and engage. Moreno manages to connect with only one punch out of a flurry but misses with a roundhouse kick to the body. Figueiredo lands a left hook. Both fighters meet in the center. Moreno dodges a right hand and counter-attacks with a left jab and a right hand. Figueiredo looks to have been cut under his eye. Round two ends as time expires.

That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Figueiredo. I make that 19-19 on my scorecard, all's square.

The cut man tries to stop the bleeding for Figueiredo in between rounds.

Round 3

Round three begins! The two combatants meet in the center and start to strike. Figueiredo scores with a left hook. Moreno finds a good angle and lands a nice one-two. They come together and strike. Figueiredo hits a jab but doesn't get a leg kick. Showing good technique, Moreno hits a nice four punch combination. Figueiredo is slowing just a little as he starts to get into the gas tank a bit. They engage in the center. Moreno scores with two punches out of a sudden flurry and then scores with a quick kick to the lead leg. Figueiredo scores with a great right hook. Moreno rolls his shoulders to relieve a little of the tension that has built up, then moves forward. Both fighters move in and engage. Displaying his quick hands, Moreno hits a nice four punch combination. Figueiredo lands cleanly with a powerful straight right! Moreno wobbles, then falls! Figueiredo knows that this is a golden opportunity and quickly pounces on Moreno, looking to finish him off by raining down punches! Figueiredo pounds away, landing several great shots that rock Moreno! Figueiredo tries to lock Moreno into a kimura. Moreno doesn't allow the kimura to be applied. Figueiredo blocks an attempt to pull guard. Figueiredo tries to lock Moreno into an arm triangle. Moreno doesn't allow the arm triangle to be applied. Moreno tries to pull guard on Figueiredo but doesn't get anywhere with the attempt. Figueiredo fires off a few punches, but they aren't thrown with any great force. Moreno tries to transition to a guard, but can't manage it. Figueiredo keeps Moreno guessing with a few quick strikes. The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. Figueiredo throws a few right hands, but is mainly trying to catch his breath. Figueiredo blocks an attempt to pull guard. Figueiredo pounds away with three elbow strikes in quick succession but doesn't do much damage. Moreno tries to pull guard on Figueiredo but doesn't get anywhere with the attempt. Round three is brought to an end as time runs out.

 I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Figueiredo. Figueiredo is ahead 29-28 on my scorecard.

Round 4

There's the bell and round number four begins! Both fighters come together and strike. Moreno lands two of a flurry of quick punches but can't hit a right cross. Figueiredo nails a vicious right cross! Moreno goes down hard, he's out! 

Deiveson 'Deus da Guerra' Figueiredo takes the win by knock out!

Deiveson 'Deus da Guerra' Figueiredo unifies the UFC Flyweight title and makes his first defence.

Official Result: Deiverson Figueiredo def. Brandon Moreno by KO (Punch) in 0:30 of Round 1.

Main Event
Light Heavyweight Championship Bout: (#1) Glover Teixeira (33-8) vs. (#7) Jamahal Hill (11-1-1 NC)

It's time for the main event of the evening! Glover Teixeira (33-8, 16-6 in UFC) goes up against Jamahal 'Sweat Dreams' Hill (11-1-1 NC, 5-1-1 NC in UFC) in the UFC Light Heavyweight division.

This contest is for the UFC Light Heavyweight title.

Herb Dean will be the referee. The judges for this bout are: Cardo Urso, Tony Weeks, and Marcos Rosales.

Teixeira gets a good reaction from the fans as he enters the arena, he's fighting in front of a home crowd tonight.

Round 1

The fight begins! Hill comes forward, walking down Teixeira. Teixeira hit two counter left hands. Hill comes in fast with five quick punches, landing two of them, and then he scores with a left head kick. Both fighters move in and engage. Teixeira throws three quick punches and lands two of them and then lands with a left hand to the body. Hill scores with one punch out of a sudden flurry but comes up short on a body kick. Hill steps in and looks to unleash. Hill lands two right hands, but Teixeira steps back to avoid a left to the body. A quick flurry of punches from Hill sees two of four hit home but misses with a low kick. It looked like we were about to see a shot from Teixeira, but Hill was more aggressive and took the initiative. Hill lands a flurry of three quick punches but Teixeira steps back to avoid a left to the body. Hill initiates an exchange of strikes. Teixeira lands a left hand in the exchange. Showing good hand speed, Hill lands a flurry of three punches but misses with a vicious left hand. We are now at the halfway point of the round. Hill comes forward on the attack. Teixeira hits two left hands on the counter. Attacking with a quick flurry, Hill lands two of three punches but misses with a spin kick. Hill comes forward looking to force a striking exchange. Teixeira manages a counter jab. A three-punch combo fails to trouble Teixeira. Hill comes forward to attack. Teixeira fires off a counter jab. Stepping in, Hill lands three quick punches but Teixeira avoids a big left. The two fighters engage with strikes but neither lands anything worthwhile. Both fighters move in and engage. Teixeira scores a glancing blow with a right head kick. Displaying some good boxing, Hill throws a flurry of three punches that end with a left hook. We're into the final minute of the round. They exchange strikes but nothing really gets through. Attacking with a quick flurry, Hill lands three punches but his big left hand follow-up misses. Time expires and we come to the end of round one.

Good round, that's the sort of action we like to see. That round goes to Hill, 10-9 on my card.

Round 2

Round two begins! Setting it up with excellent timing, Teixeira comes forward and shoots for the takedown. Hill cannot stop the takedown and has to pull guard. Teixeira throws a few strikes, but they are without venom. Time slips away as Teixeira successfully keeps Hill stuck against the ground. Teixeira throws some minor strikes. Teixeira lies on top of Hill, basically smothering him. Teixeira tries to pass the guard. He passes guard but can't secure side control as Hill starts a scramble for position. Hill scrambles to his feet, but Teixeira grabs him from behind. Teixeira looks to drag Hill down while holding him from behind. Hill digs in and manages to defend the takedown. Hill, controlled from behind, struggles to get free without success. Teixeira tries to pick Hill up and dump him onto the ground. Hill finds himself unable to do anything at all, Teixeira takes him down with impressive ease. Teixeira mounts Hill straight off the takedown! Teixeira unloads with big right hands, but Hill is able to deal with most of them. We're into the final minute of the round. Teixeira pounds away, landing several clean blows on Hill in the process. Teixeira unloads with some right hands, but Hill deals with them comfortably. Hill tries to sweep Teixeira out of mount but can't do it. Teixeira pounds away with right hands, but doesn't do much damage. The time runs out on round two.

I think Teixeira took that round, 10-9 on my score card. I have them tied at 19-19.

Round 3

There's the bell for the start of the round! Both fighters come together and strike. Displaying tight boxing skills, Hill punches in bunches with four rapid strikes. Teixeira hits a good right hand. Hill is slowing just a little as he starts to get into the gas tank a bit. Hill stalks forward, pressuring Teixeira. Teixeira manages a counter jab. Hill comes in fast with three quick punches, landing one of them, and then he hits Teixeira with a body kick. Both fighters step in to strike. Teixeira lands a left jab but has a right hand blocked. Hill nails one quick punch from a flurry and then hits a spinning kick to the body. Hill comes forward looking to force a striking exchange. Teixeira lands two left hands in the exchange. A flurry of four punches from Hill see two of them land and then he lands a left head kick. Both fighters meet in the center. Teixeira is off-target with a jab but scores with a right hook. Hill lands two jabs but misses with a roundhouse kick to the body. The two fighters engage. Teixeira lands a left jab but finds his right cross blocked. Hill hits a couple of jabs and also hits a left cross. There is now a noticeable gash above the hairline of Teixeira where a strike must have cut him. Hill comes forward, walking down Teixeira. Teixeira hit a counter left hand. Hill comes in with a flurry of four quick punches, landing two of them, but Teixeira avoids a big left. Hill, who looks very tired, clinches rather than trying to move away. Teixeira is trying to muscle Hill up against the cage. Teixeira does it, Hill is stuck with his back to the cage. Teixeira attempts a leg-sweep trip to put Hill on the ground. Hill prevents the takedown by grabbing the cage out of desperation! Referee Herb Dean loudly gives a verbal warning! Teixeira smothers Hill against the cage, then hits him with a knee strike to the ribs. Teixeira smothers Hill against the cage, then hits him with a quick elbow strike. Hill waits for Teixeira to try and throw an elbow and quickly turns him, creating enough space to escape away from the cage. Hill is starting to have to push himself now, and his corner respond by urging him on a little louder. The two fighters engage. Teixeira misses a jab but hits a right cross. Hill throws a flurry of five punches that end with a left hook. Round three is brought to an end as time runs out.

I think Hill took that round, 10-9 on my score card. I have Hill ahead 29-28.

In between rounds, the cut man tries to stop the bleeding of Teixeira.

Round 4

There's the bell for the start of the round! Both fighters step in to strike. Teixeira finds a good angle and lands a nice one-two. Hill scores with a single punch out of a flurry but misses with a spinning back kick. Hill, who looks very tired, gets grabbed by Teixeira. Hill gets caught with a couple of nice short punches as Teixeira uses his dirty boxing to inflict some punishment. Teixeira is trying to push Hill so that his back is up against the cage. Teixeira manages it and controls Hill up against the cage. Teixeira is looking to get Hill in a Muay Thai clinch. Teixeira manages it and now controls Hill by the back of the head. Teixeira keeps control of the clinch despite missing a knee strike. Using the clinch, Teixeira drives a knee into the chest of Hill, but didn't get much force behind it. Teixeira tries a knee strike but doesn't connect, but Hill isn't able to get free of the clinch either. Hill looks very tired out there. We go past the halfway point of this round. Using the clinch, Teixeira drives a knee into the chest of Hill, but didn't get much force behind it. Teixeira loses the Muay Thai clinch after a knee strike misses and gives Hill the opportunity to wrestle free. Taking a few gulps of breath, Teixeira is giving the first hint that he is starting to tire a touch. Teixeira comes forward, willing to take a few shots as long as he can get close enough to wrestle. Hill connects with a nice jab and then hits Teixeira with a straight left. Both fighters step in to strike. Hill scores with one punch out of a sudden flurry but fails on a hook attempt to the body. Teixeira scores with a jab and also hits a good right hand. We're into the final minute of the round. The two fighters engage with strikes but neither lands anything worthwhile. The two fighters come forward and engage. Hill counters a right hand with a few quick jabs that are followed by a left cross that just misses. The time runs out on round four.

Incredibly close round, but Hill came out just ahead on my score card. Even if he can take this final round, I can't see Teixeira winning on the judges' scorecards. He needs a finish.

As he sits on his stool, Teixeira starts getting psyched up - he knows it's now or never.

Round 5

It's the final round and we are back underway! They exchange strikes but nothing really gets through. Looking very tired, Hill clinches to try and buy some recovery time. Teixeira is trying to muscle Hill up against the cage. Teixeira manages it and controls Hill up against the cage. Teixeira keeps Hill up against the cage with wrestling, then uses a hard foot stomp. Teixeira is aiming to get Hill into a Muay Thai clinch. He has it hooked, Hill needs to find a way out quickly. Using the clinch, Teixeira hits a knee to the ribs, but couldn't generate a lot of power behind it. Teixeira misses a knee strike, but maintains his control of the clinch. From the clinch, Hill takes a knee to the chest, but there wasn't much power behind it. Hill looks like he doesn't have a lot left to give. Teixeira misses a knee strike, but maintains his control of the clinch. Using the clinch, Teixeira drives a knee into the chest of Hill, but didn't get much force behind it. Hill blocks a knee strike, but cannot get free of the Muay Thai clinch. Teixeira breaks his grip and steps back to consider a new strategy. They engage in the center. Teixeira unsuccessfully goes to the body and gets countered with a jab and a right roundhouse kick to the body. They engage in the center. Teixeira finds a good angle and lands a nice one-two. Hill hits a nice four punch combination. The fighters, both of whom look very tired, fall into a ragged clinch. Teixeira tries to pick Hill up for a slam. Teixeira has him! Slams him down! Hill pulls guard. Hill is controlled against the ground, unable to shift Teixeira off of him. Time runs out and that's the end of the fight.

That round goes to Teixeira, 10-9 on my card.

Here come the official scores.

Marcos Rosales has given 48-47 to Hill.
Cardo Urso scores the contest as 48-47 to Teixeira.
Tony Weeks scores the contest as 48-47... The winner, by split decision, is Glover Teixeira!

Glover Teixeira wins the UFC Light Heavyweight title for the second time.

Official Result: Glover Teixeira def. Jamahal Hill by Split Decision.

UFC 283: Teixeira vs. Hill
Date: January 21, 2023
Venue: Jeunesse Arena
Local: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Attendance: 7,883
Gate: $ 2,418,504
PPV: $737,223

Main Event
Light Heavyweight Championship Bout: (#2) Glover Teixeira def. (#7) Jamahal Hill by Split Decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47)
Co-Main Event
Flyweight Championship Bout: (C) Deiverson Figueiredo def. (IC) Brandon Moreno by KO (Punch) in 0:40 of Round 4.
Welterweight Bout: (#5) Gilbert Burns def. (#12) Neil Magny by Submission (North South Choke) in 2:25 of Round 2.
Women´s Flyweight Bout: (#4 STW) Jessica Andrade def. (#4) Lauren Murphy by Unanimous Decision (All judges 30x27)
Light Heavyweight Bout: (#12) Johnny Walker def. (#9) Paul Craig by KO (Head Kick) in 3:58 of Round 1.

Preliminary Card
Light Heavyweight Bout: Mauricio Rua def. Ihor Potieria by TKO (Strikes) in 3:49 of Round 1.
Middleweight Bout: Brad Tavares def. Gregory Rodrigues by Unanimous Decision (All judges 29x28)
Heavyweight Bout: Jailton Almeida def. (#14) Shamil Abdurakhimov by Unanimous Decision (All judges 30x27)
Lightweight Bout: Thiago Moises def. Guram Kutateladze by by Unanimous Decision (All judges 29x28)
Welterweight Bout: Mounir Lazzez def. Gabriel Bonfim by Unanimous Decision (All judges 30x27)
Bantamweight Bout: Raulian Paiva def. Cody Stamann by Unanimous Decision (All judges 30x27)
Lightweight Bout: Ismael Bonfim def. Terrence McKinney by KO (Knee) in 2:16 of Round 2.
Welterweight Bout: Warlley Alves def. Nicholas Dalby by TKO (Strikes) in 4:26 of Round 2.
Women´s Featherweight Bout: Josiane Nunes def. Zarah Fairn dos Santos by TKO (Strikes) in 2:47 of Round 2.
Bantamweight Bout: Saimon Oliveira def. Daniel Marcos by TKO (Strikes) in 2:33 of Round 3.

Bonus Awards

The following fighters received $50,000 bonuses.

• Fight of the Night: Deiverson Figueiredo vs. Brandon Moreno
• Performance of the Night: Gilbert Burns and Johnny Walker 

Post Fight

Dana White: I didn't think this fight would go all the way... Glover is a certain age, but he comes in and fights these new guys and goes five rounds, this guy is a beast! In my opinion it was a very even fight and in the end no one can complain... as I say, don't let it go to the judges.

Teixeira: It was very special to win in front of the fans in my country and now I'm going to take a few months off and maybe come back in June... I'll wait to see what the UFC has in store for me.

Hill: Man I was so disappointed! I thought I won this fight... I went to the last round with the certainty of victory. It's frustrating, but I'll come back stronger and that belt will still be mine!

Figueiredo: Tonight I showed the world that I'm the best in this division. I needed a win like this against Moreno and that's what I got tonight.

Predictions

feltzz - 7-8
cecede123 - 11-4🏆
Ernsant - 8-6-1 NC

Edited January 17, 2023 by rodrigoviolim

[rodrigoviolim]

UFC Fighter Rankings Update - February 2023

[rodrigoviolim]

UFC Events - February 2023

UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Spivak
UFC originally targeted a return to Seoul in South Korea to host the event. Instead, the event was moved to the UFC Apex in  Nevada.

A heavyweight bout between former UFC Heavyweight Championship challenger Derrick Lewis and Sergey Spivak is expected to headline the event. The pair was previously expected to headline UFC Fight Night: Nzechukwu vs. Cuțelaba in November 2022 but while the event was in progress, Lewis was forced to withdraw due to non-COVID, non-weight cutting illness and the bout was cancelled.

The four finals of the Road to UFC's second season are expected to take place at this event.

UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Spivak
Date: February 4, 2023
Venue: UFC APEX
Local: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Main Event
Heavyweight Bout: (#7) Derrick Lewis (26-10-1 NC) vs. (#12) Sergey Spivak (15-3)
Co-Main Event
Featherweight Bout: (#14) Edson Barboza (22-11) vs. Hakeem Dawodu (13-3-1)
Heavyweight Bout: (#10) Marcin Tybura (23-7) vs. (#14) Blagoy Ivanov (19-4-1 NC)
Lightweight Bout: (#15) Grant Dawson (19-1-1) vs. Drakkar Klose (13-2-1)
Featherweight Bout: Doo Ho Choi (14-4) vs. Kyle Nelson (13-5)
Light Heavyweight Bout: Devin Clark (13-7) vs. Da Un Jung (15-3-1)

Preliminary Card
Middleweight Bout: Jun Young Park (15-5) vs. Denis Tiuliulin (11-6)
Flyweight Bout: Tatsuro Taira (12-0) vs. Jesus Santos Aguilar (7-1)
Women´s Flyweight Bout: Ji Yeon Kim (9-6-2) vs. Mandy Bohm (7-2-1 NC)
Welterweight Bout: Yusaku Kinoshita (6-1) vs. Adam Fugitt (8-3)
Bantamweight Bout: Rinya Nakamura (6-0) vs. Toshiomi Kazama (10-2) (*1)
Featherweight Bout: Jeongyeong Lee (9-1) vs. Zha Yi (21-3) (*2)
Flyweight Bout: Seung Guk Choi (6-1) vs. Hyun Sung Park (7-0) (*3)
Lightweight Bout: Jeka Saragih (13-2) vs. Anshul Jubli (6-0) (*4)

(*1) Road to UFC Season 2 Bantamweight Final
(*2) Road to UFC Season 2 Featherweight Final
(*3) Road to UFC Season 2 Flyweight Final
(*4) Road to UFC Season 2 Lightweight Final

UFC 284: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski
The event will mark the promotion's 16th overall trip to Australia, returning to the country for the first time since UFC 243 in Melbourne in October 2019.

A UFC Lightweight Championship bout between current champion Islam Makhachev and current UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski is expected to headline the event. This will be the eighth time in UFC history that champions in different divisions will fight for the same title, following UFC 94, UFC 205, UFC 226, UFC 232, UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Dillashaw, UFC 259, and UFC 277. If successful, Volkanovski will become the fourth man to be champion in two divisions simultaneously and fifth fighter overall (after Conor McGregor at UFC 205, Daniel Cormier at UFC 226, Amanda Nunes at UFC 232 and UFC 277, and Henry Cejudo at UFC 238), as well as the eighth person overall to win a title in different divisions.

An interim UFC Featherweight Championship bout between The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America featherweight winner Yair Rodríguez and Josh Emmett is expected to take place at the event.

A middleweight bout between former UFC Middleweight Champion (also The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes welterweight winner) Robert Whittaker and former title challenger Paulo Costa was linked to this event. However, Costa disputed the official announcement by the promotion indicating he had never signed a contract and the fight would not take place. The pair was previously expected to headline UFC on ESPN: Whittaker vs. Gastelum in April 2021, but Costa withdrew due to illness.

A women's strawweight bout between Loma Lookboonmee and Elise Reed was scheduled for UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Spivak. However, the pair was moved to this event for undisclosed reasons.

A lightweight bout between Nasrat Haqparast and Jamie Mullarkey was expected to take place at the event. However, Haqparast withdrew due to undisclosed reason and was replaced by Natan Levy.

UFC 284: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski
Date: February 12, 2023
Venue: RAC Arena
Local: Perth, Australia

Main Event
Lightweight Championship Bout: (#C) Islam Makhachev (23-1) vs. (#FW C) Alexander Volkanovski (25-1)
Co-Main Event
Interim Featherweight Championship Bout: (#2) Yair Rodriguez (14-3) vs. (#6) Josh Emmett (18-2)
Lightweight Bout: (#11) Dan Hooker (22-12) vs. (#13) Renato Moicano (17-5-1)
Women´s Bantamweight Bout: (#3) Holly Holm (14-6) vs. (#6) Yana Kunitskaya (14-6-1 NC)
Light Heavyweight Bout: (#13) Jimmy Crute (12-3) vs. Alonzo Menifield (13-3)

Preliminary Card
Light Heavyweight Bout: Tyson Pedro (9-3) vs. Mingyang Zhang (15-6)
Featherweight Bout: Josh Culibao (10-1-1) vs. Melsik Baghdasaryan (7-1)
Welterweight Bout: Jack Della Maddalena (13-2) vs. Randy Brown (16-4)
Lightweight Bout: Joel Alvarez (19-3) vs. Zubaira Tukhugov (20-5-1)
Featherweight Bout: Shane Young (13-6) vs. Blake Bilder (7-0-1)
Heavyweight Bout: Justin Tafa (5-3) vs. Parker Porter (13-7)
Lightweight Bout: Jamie Mullarkey (15-5) vs. Natan Levy (8-1)
Flyweight Bout: Shannon Ross (13-6) vs. Kleydson Rodrigues (7-2)
Featherweight Bout: Jack Jenkins (10-2) vs. Don Shainis (12-4)
Women´s Strawweight Bout: Loma Lookboonmee (7-3) vs. Elise Reed (6-2)
 

UFC Fight Night: Vera vs. Sandhagen
A bantamweight bout between Marlon Vera and former interim UFC Bantamweight Championship challenger Cory Sandhagen is expected to headline the event.

A middleweight bout Gerald Meerschaert and Abusupiyan Magomedov is expected to take place at the event. They were previously scheduled to meet at UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Daukaus but Magomedov was forced to pull from the event due to visa issue.

A light heavyweight bout between William Knight and Marcin Prachnio is expected to take place at the event. They were previously scheduled to meet at UFC Fight Night: Nzechukwu vs. Cuțelaba but the bout was scrapped for undisclosed reasons.

A light heavyweight bout between former interim UFC Light Heavyweight Championship challenger Ovince Saint Preux and 2018 PFL heavyweight tournament winner Philipe Lins is expected to take place at the event. They were previously scheduled to meet at UFC 282 but Lins withdrew from the bout due to an undisclosed reason.

A welterweight bout between Billy Goff and Themba Gorimbo was expected to take place at the event. However, Goff withdrawal due to undisclosed reason and was replaced by A.J. Fletcher.

UFC Fight Night: Vera vs. Sandhagen
Date: February 18, 2023
Venue: UFC APEX
Local: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Main Event
Bantamweight Bout: (#4) Marlon Vera (22-7-1) vs. (#5) Cory Sandhagen (15-4)
Co-Main Event
Lightweight Bout: Jim Miller (35-16-1 NC) vs. Gabriel Benitez (23-10)
Women´s Flyweight Bout: (#3) Katlyn Chookagian (18-5) vs. (#6) Alexa Grasso (15-3)
Light Heavyweight Bout: Ovince St.Preux (26-16) vs. Philipe Lins (15-5)
Middleweight Bout: Gerald Meerschaert (35-15) vs. Abusupiyan Magomedov (25-4-1)
Women´s Flyweight Bout: Taila Santos (19-2) vs. Erin Blanchfield (10-1)

Preliminary Card
Lightweight Bout: Joe Solecki (12-3) vs. Benoit Saint-Denis (10-1-1 NC)
Women´s Bantamweight Bout: (#12) Lina Lansberg (10-7) vs. Mayra Bueno Silva (9-2-1)
Women´s Flyweight Bout: Tereza Bleda (6-1) vs. Juliana Miller (3-1)
Light Heavyweight Bout: William Knight (11-4) vs. Marcin Prachnio (15-6)
Heavyweight Bout: Josh Parisian (15-5) vs. Jamal Pogues (9-3)
Flyweight Bout: Juancamilo Ronderos (4-1) vs. Clayton Carpenter (6-0)
Women´s Strawweight Bout: Hannah Goldy (6-3) vs. Istela Nunes (7-4-1 NC)
Light Heavyweight Bout: Aleksa Camur (6-2) vs. Anton Turkalj (8-1)
Welterweight Bout: AJ Fletcher (9-2) vs. Themba Gorimbo (10-3)
Lightweight Bout: Nazim Sadykhov (7-1) vs. Evan Elder (7-1)

 

UFC Fight Night: Krylov vs. Spann
A light heavyweight bout between Nikita Krylov and Ryan Spann is expected to headline the event.

A lightweight bout between Jordan Leavitt and Victor Martinez is expected to take place the event. They were previously scheduled to meet at UFC on ESPN: Luque vs. Muhammad 2 but Martinez withdrew from the event due to undisclosed reasons.

UFC Fight Night: Krylov vs. Spann
Date: February 25, 2023
Venue: UFC APEX
Local: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Main Event
Light Heavyweight Bout: (#7) Nikita Krylov (28-9) vs. (#9) Ryan Spann (21-7)
Co-Main Event
Welterweight Bout: (#8) Sean Brady (15-1) vs. (#14) Michel Pereira (28-11-2 NC)
Featherweight Bout: Andre Fili (22-9-1 NC) vs. Lucas Almeida (14-1)
Middleweight Bout: Edmen Shahbazyan (12-3) vs. Andre Petroski (9-1)
Heavyweight Bout: Augusto Sakai (15-5-1) vs. Don'Tale Mayes (9-5)
Women´s Strawweight Bout: Tatiana Suarez (8-0) vs. Montana de la Rosa (12-7-1)

Preliminary Card
Middleweight Bout: (#12) Andre Muniz (23-4) vs. Brendan Allen (20-5)
Women´s Flyweight Bout: Courtney Casey (10-10) vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius (7-2)
Lightweight Bout: Jordan Leavitt (10-2) vs. Victor Martinez (13-4)
Welterweight Bout: Mike Mallot (8-1-1) vs. Yohan Lainesse (9-1)
Women´s Bantamweight Bout: Hailey Cowan (7-2) vs. Ailin Perez (7-2)
Flyweight Bout: Ode Osbourne (11-5-1 NC) vs. Carlos Candelario (8-3)
Lightweight Bout: Erick Gonzalez (14-7) vs. Darrius Flowers (12-5)
Bantamweight Bout: Garrett Arnfield (8-3) vs. Jose Johnson (15-7)
Lightweight Bout: Trevor Peek (7-0) vs. Sam Patterson (10-1-1)
Lightweight Bout: Rafael Alves (20-11) vs. Nurullo Aliev (8-0)

* Both cards still subject to change until weigh-ins are announced.

[rodrigoviolim]

UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Spivak  Weigh-in Results: Headliners on Target

The UFC is all set to return to APEX with UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Spivak, a card that features a heavyweight headliner between former title challenger Derrick Lewis and rising contender Sergey Spivak. 

While both main eventers and seven finalists of "The Road To UFC" Season 2 had no trouble making weight, there was one notable miss. Anshul Jubli failed to hit the lightweight limit, weighing 157 pounds for her bout against Jeka Saragih (155). The fight remains maintained as the Road to UFC final at lightweight.

In the main event Lewis will try to recover after being knocked out by Tai Tuivasa and Sergey Pavlovich. "The Black Beast" reached the divisional limit at 265 lbs officially.
Spivak has won five of the last six fights and will have Lewis as his biggest challenge to date in the organization and will make his first main event. The Moldovan native hit 254 lbs for this main event.

This will be the second time this fight has been scheduled. After the start of UFC Fight Night 215, while the event was ongoing, it was announced that Lewis was forced to withdraw due to a non-COVID illness and no weight loss and the fight was cancelled. And the fight has been rescheduled for tomorrow's event.

UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Spivak
Date: February 4, 2023
Venue: UFC APEX
Local: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Main Event
Heavyweight Bout: (#7) Derrick Lewis (265 lbs) vs. (#12) Sergey Spivak (245 lbs)
Co-Main Event
Featherweight Bout: (#14) Edson Barboza (245 lbs) vs. Hakeem Dawodu (145 lbs)
Heavyweight Bout: (#10) Marcin Tybura (250 lbs) vs. (#14) Blagoy Ivanov (251 lbs)
Lightweight Bout: (#15) Grant Dawson (155 lbs) vs. Drakkar Klose (155 lbs)
Featherweight Bout: Doo Ho Choi (145 lbs) vs. Kyle Nelson (145 lbs)
Light Heavyweight Bout: Devin Clark (205 lbs) vs. Da Un Jung (205 lbs)

Preliminary Card
Middleweight Bout: Jun Young Park (185 lbs) vs. Denis Tiuliulin (185 lbs)
Flyweight Bout: Tatsuro Taira (125 lbs) vs. Jesus Santos Aguilar (125 lbs)
Women´s Flyweight Bout: Ji Yeon Kim (125 lbs) vs. Mandy Bohm (125 lbs)
Welterweight Bout: Yusaku Kinoshita (170 lbs) vs. Adam Fugitt (170 lbs)
Bantamweight Bout: Rinya Nakamura (135 lbs) vs. Toshiomi Kazama (135 lbs) (*1)
Featherweight Bout: Jeongyeong Lee (145 lbs) vs. Zha Yi (145 lbs) (*2)
Flyweight Bout: Seung Guk Choi (125 lbs) vs. Hyun Sung Park (125 lbs) (*3)
Lightweight Bout: Jeka Saragih (155 lbs) vs. Anshul Jubli (157 lbs)* (*4)

* Anshul Jubli missed weight by 2 pounds and has been fined a percentage of her purse.

(*1) Road to UFC Season 2 Bantamweight Final
(*2) Road to UFC Season 2 Featherweight Final
(*3) Road to UFC Season 2 Flyweight Final
(*4) Road to UFC Season 2 Lightweight Final

what is your prediction for this card? pick your favorite

[feltzz]

Main Event
Heavyweight Bout: (#7) Derrick Lewis (265 lbs) vs. (#12) Sergey Spivak (245 lbs)
Co-Main Event
Featherweight Bout: (#14) Edson Barboza (245 lbs) vs. Hakeem Dawodu (145 lbs)
Heavyweight Bout: (#10) Marcin Tybura (250 lbs) vs. (#14) Blagoy Ivanov (251 lbs)
Lightweight Bout: (#15) Grant Dawson (155 lbs) vs. Drakkar Klose (155 lbs)
Featherweight Bout: Doo Ho Choi (145 lbs) vs. Kyle Nelson (145 lbs)
Light Heavyweight Bout: Devin Clark (205 lbs) vs. Da Un Jung (205 lbs)

Preliminary Card
Middleweight Bout: Jun Young Park (185 lbs) vs. Denis Tiuliulin (185 lbs)
Flyweight Bout: Tatsuro Taira (125 lbs) vs. Jesus Santos Aguilar (125 lbs)
Women´s Flyweight Bout: Ji Yeon Kim (125 lbs) vs. Mandy Bohm (125 lbs)
Welterweight Bout: Yusaku Kinoshita (170 lbs) vs. Adam Fugitt (170 lbs)
Bantamweight Bout: Rinya Nakamura (135 lbs) vs. Toshiomi Kazama (135 lbs) (*1)
Featherweight Bout: Jeongyeong Lee (145 lbs) vs. Zha Yi (145 lbs) (*2)
Flyweight Bout: Seung Guk Choi (125 lbs) vs. Hyun Sung Park (125 lbs) (*3)
Lightweight Bout: Jeka Saragih (155 lbs) vs. Anshul Jubli (157 lbs)* (*4)

[cecede123]

Heavyweight Bout: (#7) Derrick Lewis (265 lbs) vs. (#12) Sergey Spivak (245 lbs)
Co-Main Event
Featherweight Bout: (#14) Edson Barboza (245 lbs) vs. Hakeem Dawodu (145 lbs)
Heavyweight Bout: (#10) Marcin Tybura (250 lbs) vs. (#14) Blagoy Ivanov (251 lbs)
Lightweight Bout: (#15) Grant Dawson (155 lbs) vs. Drakkar Klose (155 lbs)
Featherweight Bout: Doo Ho Choi (145 lbs) vs. Kyle Nelson (145 lbs)
Light Heavyweight Bout: Devin Clark (205 lbs) vs. Da Un Jung (205 lbs)

Preliminary Card
Middleweight Bout: Jun Young Park (185 lbs) vs. Denis Tiuliulin (185 lbs)
Flyweight Bout: Tatsuro Taira (125 lbs) vs. Jesus Santos Aguilar (125 lbs)
Women´s Flyweight Bout: Ji Yeon Kim (125 lbs) vs. Mandy Bohm (125 lbs)
Welterweight Bout: Yusaku Kinoshita (170 lbs) vs. Adam Fugitt (170 lbs)
Bantamweight Bout: Rinya Nakamura (135 lbs) vs. Toshiomi Kazama (135 lbs) (*1)
Featherweight Bout: Jeongyeong Lee (145 lbs) vs. Zha Yi (145 lbs) (*2)
Flyweight Bout: Seung Guk Choi (125 lbs) vs. Hyun Sung Park (125 lbs) (*3)
Lightweight Bout: Jeka Saragih (155 lbs) vs. Anshul Jubli (157 lbs)*

[Ernsant]

Main Event
Heavyweight Bout: (#7) Derrick Lewis (265 lbs) vs. (#12) Sergey Spivak (245 lbs)
Co-Main Event
Featherweight Bout: (#14) Edson Barboza (245 lbs) vs. Hakeem Dawodu (145 lbs)
Heavyweight Bout: (#10) Marcin Tybura (250 lbs) vs. (#14) Blagoy Ivanov (251 lbs)
Lightweight Bout: (#15) Grant Dawson (155 lbs) vs. Drakkar Klose (155 lbs)
Featherweight Bout: Doo Ho Choi (145 lbs) vs. Kyle Nelson (145 lbs)
Light Heavyweight Bout: Devin Clark (205 lbs) vs. Da Un Jung (205 lbs)

Preliminary Card
Middleweight Bout: Jun Young Park (185 lbs) vs. Denis Tiuliulin (185 lbs)
Flyweight Bout: Tatsuro Taira (125 lbs) vs. Jesus Santos Aguilar (125 lbs)
Women´s Flyweight Bout: Ji Yeon Kim (125 lbs) vs. Mandy Bohm (125 lbs)
Welterweight Bout: Yusaku Kinoshita (170 lbs) vs. Adam Fugitt (170 lbs)
Bantamweight Bout: Rinya Nakamura (135 lbs) vs. Toshiomi Kazama (135 lbs) (*1)
Featherweight Bout: Jeongyeong Lee (145 lbs) vs. Zha Yi (145 lbs) (*2)
Flyweight Bout: Seung Guk Choi (125 lbs) vs. Hyun Sung Park (125 lbs) (*3)
Lightweight Bout: Jeka Saragih (155 lbs) vs. Anshul Jubli (157 lbs)* (*4)

[rodrigoviolim]

UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Spivak  - Play by Play & Results

Preliminary Card

Lightweight Bout: Jeka Saragih (13-2) vs. Anshul Jubli (6-0)

The preliminary fights start with Jeka 'The Deadly Kick' Saragih (13-2, UFC Debut) facing Anshul 'King of Lions' Jubli (6-0, UFC Debut).

This fight is the final match in the Road to UFC Season 2 - Lightweight tournament!

Refereeing this bout will be Marc Goddard. Our judges at cageside are: Zakaria Vann, Daniyal Hazzard, and Ray Leatherman.

Pacing around, Saragih is getting psyched up as the introductions are made.

Round 1

There's the opening bell! They start with a touch of gloves. Stepping in, Saragih lands three quick punches and then lands a roundhouse kick to the body. They engage in the center. Jubli misses a right hook and gets countered with a few quick jabs that are followed by a low kick that narrowly misses. They engage in the center. Jubli misses a big right hand, putting him off balance and allowing Saragih to attack with a couple of jabs that are followed by a wicked right uppercut! Jubli hits the mat, that shot has rocked him! Saragih senses victory and starts to unload with punches! Saragih pounds away with right hands and Jubli is having trouble doing anything about it! The referee has no option but to leap in and stop the fight!

By TKO, the winner is Jeka Saragih! Jeka Saragih has won the Road to UFC Season 2 - Lightweight tournament!

Official Result: Jeka Saragih def. Anshul Jubli by TKO (Strikes) in 1:45 of Round 1.

Flyweight Bout: Seung Guk Choi (6-1) vs. Hyun Sung Park (7-0)

Moving on to the next match, in which Seung Guk Choi (6-1, UFC Debut) battles Hyun 'Peace of Mind' Sung Park (7-0, UFC Debut).

This is the final of the Road to UFC Season 2 - Flyweight tournament!

Mark Smith will be the referee. Our cageside judges are: John Hoehn, Glen Bach, and Zakaria Vann.

Round 1

The fight begins! The two fighters touch gloves. Guk chooses to shoot in on Park. Park almost got away but not quite; he is left hopping while Guk has hold of one leg. Guk can't get Park down and so settles for pushing him up against the cage. Guk pins Park up against the cage and uses dirty boxing to inflict some damage. Park is trapped against the cage and Guk punishes him with some dirty boxing. Guk smothers Park against the cage, then scores with a left to the side of the stomach. Guk pins Park up against the cage and uses dirty boxing to inflict some damage. Park is trapped against the cage and Guk hits him with a short left uppercut. The referee decides that the grappling against the cage has been going on too long, and he brings them back to the center. Park steps forward and a striking exchange begins. Guk throws a counter jab but misses. Park throws some strikes and a fast leg kick, but Guk avoids them all. We are now at the halfway point of the round. Park comes forward and the two fighters exchange strikes. Guk hits a pair of jabs in the exchange. Park throws two quick punches but doesn't hit with either. Looking a bit tense, Park moves around the cage. They engage in the center. Guk hits a left jab but has a right hand blocked. Park hits a jab and also hits a kick to the lead leg. Guk comes in, looking for a takedown. Guk gets a single leg takedown! Park pulls guard off it. Perhaps wary of submissions, Guk keeps extremely tight to Park and peppers him with short punches. Park tries to sweep Guk but can't do it. Guk throws several small strikes at Park, always keeping close body-to-body contact so that he has no space to work with. Guk blocks an attempted sweep. Guk peppers Park with small strikes, making sure to keep very tight and not give him any room to work with. The time is up, and that's the end of round one.

That round goes to Guk, 10-9 on my card.

Round 2

There's the bell for the start of the round! They exchange strikes but nothing really gets through. Guk chooses to shoot in on Park. Park almost stops the takedown but is left hopping on one leg while Guk holds the other. Guk can't get Park down and so settles for pushing him up against the cage. Guk smothers Park against the cage, then scores with a left to the side of the stomach. Guk pins Park up against the cage and hits a couple of nice right hands to the side of the head. Park is trapped against the cage and Guk punishes him with some dirty boxing. Guk smothers Park against the cage, then uses his dirty boxing skills to his advantage. Park is trapped against the cage and Guk hits him with a short left uppercut. Park is controlled up against the cage and eats a sharp right to the ear. We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. With the fighters having been stuck against the cage for quite a while, the referee brings them back to the center. Park comes forward, walking down Guk. Guk hit a counter left hand. A jab is wide from Park, but then he hits a scything kick to the legs of Guk. Moving forward constantly, Park is pressuring Guk. Guk hit a counter left hand. Park can't connect with his set-up strikes, but then he lands a big right hand. They stand and trade, but all the shots are either off target or are safely dealt with. An exchange of strikes does not produce any damage. The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. They stand and trade in the center of the cage but neither fighter can land a good shot. Park steps in and looks to unleash. It looked like we were about to see a shot from Guk, but Park was more aggressive and took the initiative. A jab hits home from Park and then he lands a vicious right cross! He's down! Guk falls to the floor! Park quickly pounces, looking to rain down punches on the stunned Guk! Park fires away with punches and Guk takes several shots that threaten to end the fight! Time expires and we come to the end of round two.

Superb round of action there, there's not a single fan in this building who didn't enjoy that. That round goes to Park, 10-9 on my card.

It looks like whoever can win this final round should also win the fight.

Round 3

There's the bell and the final round begins! They come together and trade leather but neither fighter really does any damage. Park moves forward, constantly trying to pressure Guk into exchanging strikes. Guk fires off a counter jab but doesn't connect. A jab is wide from Park, but then he lands a right head kick. Park can't connect with a jab, but then hits a nice straight right. Guk looks to have been cut above his eye, blood is trickling down. Park steps forward, looking to strike. Guk tries to hit a jab, but misses. Park throws two quick punches but doesn't hit with either. Park is starting to slow down a touch, perhaps conserving a little energy. The two fighters come together and strike but it's really tentative and nothing comes of it. The two combatants meet in the center and start to strike. Guk misses a right cross that leaves him wide open to the counter. Park comes in with a left jab and a right hook. Park comes forward, walking down Guk. Park is now in the pocket. Park lands a jab and then he scores with a leg kick. We pass the halfway mark of this round. Park steps forward and a striking exchange begins. Guk hit two counter left hands. A jab lands from Park but doesn't hit the body kick follow-up. Park initiates an exchange of strikes. Guk misses with a left hand in the exchange. A jab is wide from Park, but then he hits a nice right hook to the ribs. Park initiates an exchange of strikes. Guk manages a counter jab. Park lands a jab and then he catches Guk with a right hook to the body. There's under a minute left in this round. Park comes forward, walking down Guk. Guk misses with a left hand in the exchange. Park lands a left hand and then he catches Guk with a crunching right hook. They engage in the center. Guk misses with a left jab but hits a right cross. Park lands a left jab and also connects cleanly with a right hand. Covering up, Guk backs off until trapped against the cage! Park may have rocked him! Guk eats a right hook and is barely able to stand anymore! The cage is the only reason he is still upright! A brutal right hand lands! Guk slumps against the cage for a second, then collapses to the floor! Park senses victory and starts to unload with punches! Park pounds away with right hands and Guk is having trouble doing anything about it! Referee Mark Smith pulls Park away, stopping the fight!

By TKO, the winner is Hyun Sung Park! Hyun Sung Park wins the Road to UFC Season 2 - Flyweight tournament!

Official Result: Hyun Sung Park def. Seung Guk Choi by TKO (Strikes) in 4:56 of Round 3.

Featherweight Bout: Jeongyeong Lee (9-1) vs. Zha Yi (21-3)

Moving on, Jeongyeong 'The Korean Tiger' Lee (9-1, UFC Debut) battles Zha Yi (21-3, UFC Debut).

The Road to UFC Season 2 - Featherweight tournament ends here!

Our referee is Josh Rosenthal. Our judges at cageside are: John Hoehn, Glen Bach, and Zakaria Vann.

Round 1

The fight begins! Yi shoots in, looking for a takedown. Yeong Lee cannot stop the takedown and only catches Yi in half guard. In half guard, Yi throws a couple of punches designed to keep Yeong Lee guessing. It isn't pretty, but a single underhook allows Yeong Lee to force  his way back to his feet. Both fighters are now on their feet, wrapped up in a clinch. Yi is trying to muscle Yeong Lee up against the cage. He does so and now has Yeong Lee pinned to the cage. Yi pins Yeong Lee up against the cage and hits a couple of nice right hands to the side of the head. Yi pins Yeong Lee up against the cage and stomps down hard on his foot. Yeong Lee is controlled up against the cage and takes a few right hands via some dirty boxing. Yi hits Yeong Lee, who is pressed up against the cage, with a nice short uppercut. Yi uses a hard foot stomp. We pass the halfway mark of this round. An ugly but effective tactic, Yi is pressing Yeong Lee up against the cage and slowly wearing him down. They exchange short punches to the body for about a minute. With no progress being made, the referee separates the two fighters. We have one minute of the round remaining. Yeong Lee throws a punch but Yi was equal to it. Yi seizes the chance and grabs Yeong Lee into a clinch. Yi is trying to muscle Yeong Lee up against the cage. Yi achieves it, pinning Yeong Lee to the cage. An ugly but effective tactic, Yi is pressing Yeong Lee up against the cage and slowly wearing him down. The rest of the round sees them simply engaging in a gruelling close-up battle of short strikes. Time expires and we come to the end of round one.

That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Yi.

Round 2

And here we go, round two! Yi looked like he was going to step in and grapple, but Yeong Lee simply took the initiative first. A jab is wide from Yeong Lee, but then he lands a low kick to the legs. Yeong Lee confidently moves in closer, looking to throw some strikes. Yi hits a tentative left hand. Yeong Lee throws a punch but Yi avoids it. Yeong Lee connects with two left hands and then scores with a right cross. Yeong Lee lands a left hand and then scores with a right cross. Yi looks to have been cut under his eye. A jab hits home from Yeong Lee and then he scores with a destructive right to the body! Yi collapses from that blow, this fight is over! By TKO, the winner is Jeongyeong Lee! 

Jeongyeong Lee has won the Road to UFC Season 2 - Featherweight tournament!

Official Result: Jeongyeong Lee def. Zha Yi by TKO (Punch to the Body) in 1:29 of Round 2.

Bantamweight Bout: Rinya Nakamura (6-0) vs. Toshiomi Kazama (10-2)

Another match is about to begin; Rinya Nakamura (6-0, UFC Debut) taking on Toshiomi Kazama (10-2, UFC Debut).

This is the final of the Road to UFC Season 2 - Bantamweight tournament!

Marc Goddard is the referee for this fight. The judges for this bout are: Daniyal Hazzard, Ray Leatherman, and John Hoehn.

Round 1

And here we go! The two fighters stand and trade strikes but neither lands anything damaging. Nakamura hits a right jab and then hits a nice straight left. The two fighters engage with strikes but neither lands anything worthwhile. Kazama may have been aiming to get in close, but Nakamura aggressively took the initiative. Nakamura lands a right hand and then hits a nice straight left that lands hard. The fighters go toe-to-toe with strikes but the flurry ends without any really damaging shots landing. We move into the second half of this round. Nakamura looks confident, shortening the range as he looks to strike. A jab lands from Nakamura, but Kazama evades a big left punch. The two fighters engage with strikes but neither can land a significant shot. They come together and start wrestling in the over-under clinch position. Nakamura looks like he has gotten the better of the clinch. Nakamura is trying to muscle Kazama up against the cage. He does so and now has Kazama pinned to the cage. Kazama is trapped against the cage and Nakamura punishes him with some dirty boxing. We're into the final minute of the round. Nakamura smothers Kazama against the cage, then scores with a right to the side of the stomach. Nakamura pins Kazama up against the cage and uses dirty boxing to inflict some damage. Nakamura smothers Kazama against the cage, then uses his dirty boxing skills to his advantage. Nakamura uses dirty boxing to punish Kazama while he is pressed up against the cage. The time runs out on round one.

I think Nakamura took that round, 10-9 on my score card.

Most people will expect Nakamura to go on and win this fight now that the first round has gone his way. It's hard to see a scenario where Kazama can do enough to take this fight.

Round 2

And here we go, round two! A jab hits home from Nakamura and then he catches Kazama with a crunching left hook. Nakamura connects with a nice jab and then lands a left hand. Nakamura can't connect with his set-up strikes, but then catches Kazama with a low kick to the front leg. Kazama warily circles, looking for the opening he needs to initiate some grappling. Nakamura lands two right hands and then hits a nice straight left. Kazama warily circles, looking for the opening he needs to initiate some grappling. Nakamura lands a jab and then lands a big left hand. Nakamura lands a jab and then scores with a massive left head kick! Kazama is out! It's all over!

By knock out, the winner is Rinya Nakamura!

Rinya Nakamura wins the Road to UFC Season 2 - Bantamweight tournament!

Official Result: Rinya Nakamura def. Toshiomi Kazama by KO (Head Kick) in 2:08 of Round 2.

Welterweight Bout: Yusaku Kinoshita (6-1) vs. Adam Fugitt (8-3)

Moving on to the next match, in which Yusaku Kinoshita (6-1, UFC Debut) competes against Adam Fugitt (8-3, 0-1 in UFC).

Mark Smith is the referee for this fight. The judges are: John Hoehn, Glen Bach, and Zakaria Vann.

Round 1

And here we go! The fighters touch gloves. Kinoshita throws a quick punch but doesn't land. Both fighters come together and strike. Fugitt hits a jab but misses with a right hand. Kinoshita hits a good right hand. Both fighters step in to strike. Kinoshita lands a left hook. Fugitt lands a left jab and a right cross. The two fighters engage. Fugitt hits a left hand. Kinoshita finds a way past his opponent's guard and lands a sharp one-two. It looked like we were about to see a shot from Fugitt, but Kinoshita was more aggressive and took the initiative. Kinoshita hits a left hand, but misses with a vicious right hand. Kinoshita is slowing just a little as he starts to get into the gas tank a bit. Both fighters move in and engage. Fugitt is well off target with a head kick and gets punished with a left hand. Both fighters step in to strike. Fugitt misses a right cross that leaves him wide open to the counter. Kinoshita comes in with a jab and a low kick that can't connect. It looked like we were about to see Fugitt try and get some grappling started, but Kinoshita was more aggressive and took the initiative. Kinoshita lands a jab and then lands a right hand. Kinoshita is starting to have to push himself now, and his corner respond by urging him on a little louder. A jab hits home from Kinoshita and then he lands a right hand. Kinoshita doesn't look like he has much left in the tank. Fugitt comes in, looking for a takedown. He gets a big takedown and he manages to get side control as a result. Fugitt attempts to kimura Kinoshita from side control. Kinoshita fights off the kimura attempt. Kinoshita tries to transition to a guard, but can't manage it. Fugitt tries to ensnare Kinoshita in an arm triangle. Kinoshita stops Fugitt from applying it. Kinoshita tries to move to guard, but Fugitt doesn't allow it. The time runs out on round one.

Some fans are booing after a round that didn't feature much action. I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Kinoshita.

Round 2

There's the bell for the start of the round! Both fighters step in to strike. Kinoshita hits a two-punch combination, a quick left and a straight right. Fugitt hits a left jab and also scores a glancing blow with a right head kick. The two fighters stand and trade strikes but neither lands anything damaging. A jab is wide from Kinoshita, but then he hits Fugitt with a straight right. Kinoshita rolls his shoulders to relax them, then moves forward. Kinoshita fails to land any of the strikes in a combo that ended with a scything low kick. Kinoshita lands a jab and then lands a low kick to the legs. From the looks of things, I don't think Kinoshita has much energy left. Kinoshita lands a left hand and then catches Fugitt with a right hook. They come together and strike. Fugitt slips past a right hook attempt and attacks with a quick left jab and a right cross. We go past the halfway point of this round. Kinoshita moves forward, constantly trying to pressure Fugitt into exchanging strikes. Fugitt lands a left hand in the exchange. Kinoshita throws a quick one-two but doesn't land either blow. An exchange of blows comes and goes without either fighter really landing anything significant. A tentative jab from Fugitt lands. Kinoshita throws two quick punches but doesn't hit with either. We have one minute of the round remaining. The fighters go toe-to-toe with strikes but neither lands anything significant in the exchange. Kinoshita closes in on Fugitt, looking to unleash some strikes. Kinoshita can't connect with a jab, but then catches Fugitt with a right hook. Fugitt has been cut above his hairline, blood is trickling down. Fugitt looked like he was going to shoot, but Kinoshita simply took the initiative first. Kinoshita throws a quick punch but doesn't hit. Round two ends as time expires.

That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Kinoshita.

With one round left, Fugitt realistically needs to stop his opponent in order to win. The cut man goes to work between rounds trying to patch up Fugitt.

Round 3

It's the final round and we are back underway! Fugitt shoots in, looking for a takedown. The takedown is completed, Fugitt gets side control from it. That's two takedowns from two attempts. Fugitt attempts to kimura Kinoshita from side control. Kinoshita gets caught by the kimura, and it's deep enough that he has to tap!

Adam Fugitt takes the win by submission!

Official Result: Adam Fugitt def. Yusaku Kinoshita by Submission (Kimura) in 0:31 of Round 3.

Women´s Flyweight Bout: Ji Yeon Kim (9-6-2) vs. Mandy Bohm (7-2-1 NC)

Next up, Ji 'Fire Fist' Yeon Kim (9-6-2, 3-6 in UFC) taking on Mandy 'Monster' Bohm (7-2-1 NC, 0-2 in UFC).

The referee is Josh Rosenthal. Our cageside judges are: Daniyal Hazzard, Ray Leatherman, and John Hoehn.

Round 1

Round one begins! The two fighters touch gloves. Bohm closes in on Kim, looking to unleash some strikes. Bohm lands a jab and then scores with a right cross. Bohm closes in on Kim, looking to unleash some strikes. Kim had looked like she was angling for a takedown attempt, but couldn't take the initiative. Bohm uses a left jab, but her big right hand follow-up misses. Bohm can't hit a set-up left jab, but then catches Kim with a low kick to the front leg. Bohm fails to find a home for her jab, but then scores with a right cross. Kim shoots in at speed, looking for a takedown. Bohm almost got away but not quite; she is left hopping while Kim has hold of one leg. Kim drives Bohm up against the cage. Kim tries to maintain control, but Bohm wrestles her way out of trouble and circles back to the center. Kim looked like she was going to step in and grapple, but Bohm simply took the initiative first. Bohm throws a quick one-two but doesn't land either blow. We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. Bohm hits a left jab and then scores with a right cross. Coming forward, Kim is willing to take some hits if it means being able to get close enough to grapple. Bohm connects with a nice jab and then scores with a leg kick. Bohm uses a left jab, but Kim avoids a big right. Kim gets hold of Bohm. Kim tries to wrestle Bohm backward and up against the cage. Kim achieves it, pinning Bohm to the cage. Unable to break free, Bohm is smothered up against the cage. They exchange close-quarters punches from that position for about half a minute. Bohm is pressed up against the cage. They exchange short punches to the body until the round ends.

Round one ends as time expires.

An extremely close round, could have gone either way, but personally I'll give it to Bohm 10-9.

Round 2

And here we go, round two! Kim shoots in at speed, looking for a takedown. Bohm partially defends it and ends up hopping on one foot while Kim has a hold of the other. Kim uses the position to drive Bohm up against the cage. Smothered against the cage, Bohm cannot get free. The next thirty seconds sees them doing very little other than throwing occasional short punches to the body. Showing her ability to control opponents, Kim smothers Bohm against the cage. The next thirty seconds becomes a stalemate as neither fighter risks leaving a crucial opening that the other can exploit. Unable to get free, Bohm is smothered up against the cage. The next minute or so sees them engage in close-quarters dirty boxing. With the fight having been stuck against the cage for a lengthy period of time, the referee restarts them back in the center. Bohm moves confidently around the cage. Bohm hits a left jab and then lands a right hand. Bohm closes the distance, obviously looking to strike. Bohm throws a one-two, but Kim was equal to it. The end of the round is coming quick, there's under a minute left. Kim steps forward, willing to take a few shots as long as she can get close enough to wrestle. Bohm throws two quick punches but doesn't hit with either. Kim seizes the chance and grabs Bohm into a clinch. Kim is looking to muscle Bohm back against the cage. Kim achieves it, pinning Bohm to the cage. Using tight body-to-body control, Kim is slowly wearing Bohm down by pressing her up against the cage and leaning all of her weight on her. The rest of the round sees them remain there, hitting each other with short punches to the body and side of the head. Time expires and we come to the end of round two.

Not much happened in that round, hopefully the fighters will pick up the pace a bit when we restart. I think Kim took that round, 10-9 on my score card.

We go into the final round with everything still to fight for.

Round 3

There's the bell for the start of the final round! Kim wants to grapple, and appears willing to aggressively come in to do so, even if means risking some strikes. Bohm lands a jab and then catches Kim with a right hook. Bohm throws a punch but Kim avoids it. With a clear opportunity, Kim is able to move in fast and clinch with Bohm. Kim is looking to muscle Bohm back against the cage. Kim achieves it, pinning Bohm to the cage. Kim leans all of her weight up against Bohm, pressing her against the cage. Sixty seconds goes by with something of a stalemate happening, neither fighter being able to improve their position or generate an advantage. Showing good control, Kim keeps Bohm stuck against the cage. They remain there, hitting each other with short punches, for about thirty seconds. Referee Josh Rosenthal thinks there has been too little progress, and brings the two fighters back to the center. Kim is starting to slow down a touch, perhaps conserving a little energy. Bohm can't hit a set-up left jab, but then lands a right hand. Kim gets hold of Bohm. Kim is trying to muscle Bohm up against the cage. Kim can't manage it, Bohm fought it. With control of the clinch, Bohm tries to complete a takedown. The takedown is successful, Kim pulls half guard. Bohm begins trying to get her leg free of the half guard. Kim fights the attempt off, and they wind up scrambling for position. As they scramble, Bohm sees an opportunity and dives for a leg. Unable to get the leg, Bohm winds up on her back pulling guard. Bohm made a tactical error there, going for the leg was absolutely the wrong move in that situation. We have one minute of the round remaining. Time slips away as Kim successfully keeps Bohm stuck against the ground. Bohm is controlled against the ground, unable to shift Kim off of her. The time expires on round three, and that is the end of the fight.

That was a very close round but I think Bohm just about edged it.

Here come the official scores. The judges have given 30-27 (Daniyal Hazzard), 29-28 (Ray Leatherman) and 29-28 (John Hoehn).

Ji 'Fire Fist' Yeon Kim is the winner by unanimous decision!

Official Result: Ji Yeon Kim def. Mandy Bohm by Unanimous Decision.

 

Flyweight Bout: Tatsuro Taira (12-0) vs. Jesus Santos Aguilar (7-1)

Moving on, Tatsuro Taira (12-0, 2-0 in UFC) takes on Jesus Santos Aguilar (7-1, UFC Debut).

Refereeing this bout will be Mark Smith. Our judges at cageside are: Ray Leatherman, John Hoehn, and Glen Bach.

Round 1

And here we go! Santos Aguilar steps in, seemingly willing to take strikes if it means getting close enough to wrestle. Taira throws a quick punch but doesn't land. Santos Aguilar is able to grab Taira. Santos Aguilar looks for a trip takedown. It's unsuccessful, Taira maintained a good solid base. Santos Aguilar tries to reap a leg with a sharp sweep in order to trip him to the floor. Taira stops the attempted trip, then uses his wrestling to take control of the grapple. Taira looks to scoop his opponent up for a slam. Taira gets it! Santos Aguilar manages to pull guard upon impact. Taira lies on top of Santos Aguilar, basically smothering him. In guard, Taira throws a couple of punches designed to keep Santos Aguilar guessing. Taira blocks Santos Aguilar as he tries a sweep from the guard. Not allowing his opponent any room to work submissions from, Taira keeps close contact and throws short, stinging strikes. Santos Aguilar works some separation, then tries to quickly scramble his way into a better position. He may regret that choice, as it gives Taira the perfect opportunity to come over the top and get side control. We pass the halfway mark of this round. Taira tries to lock Santos Aguilar into an arm triangle. Santos Aguilar doesn't allow the arm triangle to be applied. Santos Aguilar tries a sweep but gets rolled and Taira has his back! Taira seems to be moving slowly toward a finish as he applies a very tight body triangle. Taira attempts to complete a rear naked choke, having the body triangle locked on tight. Taira flattens Santos Aguilar out with the rear naked choke in deep and forces the tap!

The winner, by submission; Still undefeated Tatsuro Taira!

Official Result: Tatsuro Taira def. Jesus Santos Aguilar by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 4:20 of Round 1.

 

Middleweight Bout: Jun Young Park (15-5) vs. Denis Tiuliulin (11-6)

In the last of the preliminary fights, Jun 'The Iron Turtle' Yong Park (15-5, 5-2 in UFC) faces Denis Tiuliulin (11-6, 1-1 in UFC) in the UFC Middleweight division.

Mark Smith is the referee for this fight. Our judges are: Daniyal Hazzard, Ray Leatherman, and John Hoehn.

Round 1

There's the opening bell! Both fighters come together and strike. Tiuliulin misses a right cross that leaves him wide open to the counter. Park comes in with a glancing blow with a high kick. Both fighters step in to strike. Park misses a jab and also misses with a low kick. Tiuliulin misses with a right hook to the ribs. They stand and trade, but all the shots are either off target or are safely dealt with. The two fighters come forward and engage. Park scores with a jab but has a right hand blocked. Tiuliulin is off target with a left jab but scores with a left kick to the body. Both fighters move in and engage. Tiuliulin misses a right cross that leaves him open to the counter. Park attacks with a quick left jab and a glancing high kick. Both fighters come together and strike. Park misses a head kick attempt and is countered with a left hook to the ribs. Both fighters come together and strike. Both fighters throw but neither can land a shot. Park can't hit a right cross. Tiuliulin can't get past the good guard of Park, three punches were simply absorbed. We go past the halfway point of this round. The two fighters come forward and engage. Tiuliulin misses a right hook and gets countered with a right hand. They come together and strike. Tiuliulin misses a big right hand, putting him off balance and allowing Park to attack with a quick left jab and a right cross that just misses. An exchange of strikes sees both fighters fail to land anything significant. The two fighters come together and strike but it's really tentative and nothing comes of it. We're into the final minute of the round. The two combatants meet in the center and start to strike. Park scores with a jab but can't make contact on a right head kick. Tiuliulin hits a left jab but has a right hand blocked. They engage in the center. Tiuliulin doesn't connect with a right hand. Park attempts a body kick but comes up short. Both fighters come together and strike. Tiuliulin misses a right hook and gets countered with a pair of jabs that are followed by a quick kick to the lead leg. Tiuliulin backs off in pain, he got caught low on that last kick. He is given time to recover. The fight restarts. Round one is brought to an end as time runs out.

You can hear some boos from the audience, they weren't impressed with that round at all.

I think Park took that round, 10-9 on my score card. You can see the confidence rising in Park. He knows that this is his fight to lose now.

Round 2

Round two begins! Both fighters come together and strike. Tiuliulin misses a right cross that leaves him open to the counter. Park attacks with a jab and a big right hand that just misses. Tiuliulin is being totally outstruck so far in this fight. However, he has enough power in his hands that it would only take one shot to end this fight. Both fighters meet in the center. Tiuliulin hits a left jab but has a right hook blocked. Park lands a one-two. It looks like Tiuliulin has been cut under the eye. The two fighters engage with strikes but neither lands anything worthwhile. They come together and strike. Tiuliulin misses a right hook and leaves himself open to be countered with a glancing blow from a high kick. They come together and strike. Park hits a kick to the lead leg. Tiuliulin doesn't connect with a left jab but scores with a great right hook. Park is starting to slow down a touch, perhaps conserving a little energy. For the first time, Tiuliulin is starting to breathe a little heavier. Both fighters step in to strike. Park hits a left cross. Tiuliulin misses a jab but hits a right cross. They engage in the center. Park hits a jab and also hits a left roundhouse kick to the body. Tiuliulin hits a jab and also scores with a great right hook. Both fighters move in and engage. Park counters a right hand with a left kick to the body. The two combatants meet in the center and start to strike. Tiuliulin misses a right hook and gets countered with a jab and a good right hook. The two fighters come forward and engage. Park uses a body kick but it is parried away. Tiuliulin misses a couple of jabs and also has a right hand taken on the gloves. Both fighters come together and strike. Park scores with a jab and also scores with a left kick to the body. Tiuliulin uses a left jab and also lands a nice right hook. The referee calls for a pause, he wants to check the cut on Tiuliulin. The doctor checks the cut, but seems happy that it does not present too much of a problem. The fight will be restarted in the center! They engage in the center. Tiuliulin slips past a right hook attempt and attacks with a left kick to the body. There's under a minute left in this round. They come together and strike. Park hits a left cross. Tiuliulin hits a good right hand. Both fighters move in and engage. Park hits a two-punch combination, a quick left and a straight right. Tiuliulin misses with a left jab but nails a right cross. They come together and trade leather but neither fighter really does any damage. Time expires and we come to the end of round two.

I have to give that round to Tiuliulin, but only a 10-9.

According to my scorecard, that leaves the fighters dead even with just one round remaining.

Round 3

There's the bell for the start of the final round! The fighters go toe-to-toe with strikes but neither lands anything significant in the exchange. The two fighters come forward and engage. Park finds a way past his opponent's guard and lands a sharp one-two. Tiuliulin scores with a great right hook. Park wobbles, but does not go down...he is hurt! He covers up and backs up until trapped against the cage, but Tiuliulin is already advancing to try and finish! Tiuliulin smashes Park with a big right hand through the guard! Park can do nothing but try and cover up! A huge right hand catches Park behind the ear and sends him down! Tiuliulin senses victory and starts to unload with punches! Tiuliulin fires away and manages to connect with two or three heavy shots that rock Park! Tiuliulin tries to pound on Park, but none of the blows land with any degree of power. Park tries to transition to a guard, but can't manage it. Tiuliulin tries to pound on Park, but all the blows are comfortably dealt with. Tiuliulin blocks an attempt to pull guard. Tiuliulin pounds away with right hands, but doesn't do much damage. Park tries to transition to a guard, but can't manage it. We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. Tiuliulin fires off some rights, but Park isn't troubled by them. Park pulls half guard. Tiuliulin fires off a few punches as he catches his breath. Tiuliulin fires off a handful of punches, each easily being blocked with gloves. Park tries to transition to full guard, but can't manage it. In half guard, Tiuliulin throws a couple of punches designed to keep Park guessing. Tiuliulin fires off some rights, but Park isn't troubled by them. Tiuliulin is looking really tired. Park struggles and manages to go from half guard to full guard. We reach the time limit and this fight is over.

I have to give that round to Tiuliulin, but only a 10-9.

The judges' scores are now being announced.

All three judges have scored it 29-28. Denis Tiuliulin wins by unanimous decision!

Official Result: Denis Tiuliulin def. Jun Young Park by Unanimous Decision.

Main Card

Light Heavyweight Bout: Devin Clark (13-7) vs. Da Un Jung (15-3-1)

The main card opens with Devin 'Brown Bear' Clark (13-7, 7-7 in UFC) battling 'Sseda' Da Un Jung (15-3-1, 4-1-1 in UFC).

Mark Smith will be the referee. Our judges are: Ray Leatherman, John Hoehn, and Glen Bach.

Both fighters came in at the same weight at yesterday's weigh ins, but Jung clearly has a significant weight advantage now.

Round 1

The fight begins! We start with a touch of gloves. Jung fails to land with a combo that ended with an attempted roundhouse body kick. Clark moves in fast and clinches with Jung. Jung gets caught with a couple of nice short punches as Clark uses his dirty boxing to inflict some punishment. Clark tries to use some dirty boxing, but Jung uses his wrestling skills to smother him. Clark tries to wrestle Jung backward and up against the cage. Jung ends up backed against the cage. Clark tries to use dirty boxing against Jung, but his opponent's wrestling skills prevent any damage from happening. Jung lands a few quick punches to the side of the head. Clark smothers Jung up against the cage. A full minute passes with the two opponents pressed up close and exchanging short punches to the body and side of the head. Clark uses dirty boxing to punish Jung while he is pressed up against the cage. Clark traps Jung up against the cage, using double underhooks for control. The gruelling grappling contest continues for the next sixty seconds with both fighters looking to avoid leaving any openings. Having been stuck against the cage for a while without any progress, referee Mark Smith brings them back to the center. Clark looked like he was going to shoot, but Jung simply took the initiative first. Jung uses a left jab, but his big right hand follow-up misses. Jung glances at the clock, grimacing slightly. Jung lands a left hand and then catches Clark with a right roundhouse kick to the body. The time is up, and that's the end of round one.

 That round goes to Clark, 10-9 on my card.

There's a buzz in the air. I don't think many people expected Clark to start this well. Let's not forget that he is a heavy underdog in this fight.

 

Round 2

We are back underway! Jung lands a jab and then hits a nice straight right. Clark, looking very tentative, pokes out a quick jab that hits. A jab hits home from Jung and then he hits Clark with a high right head kick. Jung moves in closer, ready to attack. Clark had looked like he was angling for a takedown attempt, but couldn't take the initiative. Jung lands a left hand and then scores with a right cross. A jab is wide from Jung, but then he hits a high right kick to the side of the head. Showing good hand speed, Jung lands a flurry of three punches and then hits Clark with a leg kick. Taking a few gulps of breath, Jung is giving the first hint that he is starting to tire a touch. Circling warily, Clark is looking for a chance to get close enough to grapple. Jung can't connect with a jab, but then lands a right hand. We've now passed the halfway mark in this round. Clark appeared to be going to try and get in close, but Jung took the initiative first. Jung throws a wide hook to the body but Clark avoids it. Attacking with a quick flurry, Jung lands three of four punches but Clark evades a big right punch. Two defensive jabs hit from Clark, but neither had any power. A jab is wide from Jung, but then he hits a nice straight right. Jung switches to a southpaw stance. Jung confidently comes in closer. A defensive jab hits from Clark. Jung fails to find a home for his jab, but then hits a nice straight left. Jung can't hit a set-up right jab, but then lands a big left hand. Attacking with intent, Jung scores with a flurry of three punches and then scores with a fantastic left cross! He's down! Clark falls to the floor! Jung knows that this is a golden opportunity and quickly pounces on Clark, looking to finish him off by raining down punches! Jung pounds away with left hands and Clark is having trouble doing anything about it! With Clark taking a beating, referee Mark Smith has to stop the fight!

By TKO, the winner is Da Un Jung!

Official Result: Da Un Jung def. Devin Clark by TKO (Strikes) in 4:29 of Round 2.

Featherweight Bout: Doo Ho Choi (14-4) vs. Kyle Nelson (13-5)

Next up, 'The Korean Super Boy' Doo Ho Choi (14-4, 3-3 in UFC) facing Kyle 'The Monster' Nelson (13-5, 1-4 in UFC).

The referee is Mark Smith. Our judges are: Zakaria Vann, Daniyal Hazzard, and Ray Leatherman.

Round 1

The fight begins! We start with a touch of gloves. The two fighters come forward and engage. Choi lands a left hook. Nelson hits a left jab but fails on a hook attempt to the body. An exchange of strikes does not produce any damage. The two fighters engage. Choi has a right hook blocked. Nelson misses a jab and also finds his right cross blocked. The two combatants meet in the center and start to strike. Nelson misses a right cross that leaves him open to the counter. Choi attacks with a clean right hand. Choi forces an exchange of strikes. Nelson hits two left hands on the counter. Choi hits two left jabs and then he hits Nelson with a straight right. Moving forward constantly, Choi is pressuring Nelson. Nelson hit a counter left hand. A jab is wide from Choi, but then he lands a big right hand. Choi can't hit a set-up left jab, but then hits a nice straight right that lands hard. They stand and trade, but all the shots are either off target or are safely dealt with. Choi comes forward and the two fighters start trading blows. Nelson hits a jab in the exchange. A jab is wide from Choi, but then he catches Nelson with a right hook. We move into the second half of this round. An exchange of strikes sees both fighters fail to land anything significant. Choi comes in with a flurry of four quick punches, landing three of them, but Nelson dodges a big right head kick follow-up. A quick exchange of strikes doesn't lead to anything. There's under a minute left in this round. The two fighters engage with strikes but neither lands anything worthwhile. Choi can't connect with a jab, but then hits Nelson with a beauty of a straight right. Choi can't hit a set-up left jab, but then hits a nice straight right that lands hard. Time expires and we come to the end of round one.

Great round, very exciting. That round goes to Choi, 10-9 on my card.

Round 2

We are back underway! Choi can't connect with a jab, but then hits a nice straight right that lands hard. That last shot may have done some damage, Nelson is backing off and trying to cover up! He looks dazed and unsteady! Choi smashes Nelson with a big right hand through the guard! Down he goes! Choi knows that this is a golden opportunity and quickly pounces on Nelson, looking to finish him off by raining down punches! Choi fires away with punches and Nelson takes several shots that threaten to end the fight! Choi attempts a kimura. The kimura is locked in, tight enough that Nelson has to tap out!

Doo Ho Choi takes the victory by way of submission!

Official Result: Doo Ho Choi def. Kyle Nelson by Submission (Kimura) in 1:08 of Round 2.

Lightweight Bout: (#15) Grant Dawson (19-1-1) vs. Drakkar Klose (13-2-1)

Next up, Grant 'KGD' Dawson (19-1-1, 8-0-1 in UFC) battling Drakkar Klose (13-2-1, 7-3 in UFC).

Marc Goddard will be the referee. The judges are: John Hoehn, Glen Bach, and Zakaria Vann.

Dawson never stops moving throughout the introductions, he is enjoying being in the spotlight. Dawson and Drakkar lock eyes during the introductions, both fighters look up for this.

Round 1

The fight begins! The two fighters touch gloves. Both fighters want to get in close, and they get into a clinch. Dawson manages to get control of the clinch. Drakkar blocks Dawson from throwing a knee. Dawson is trying to muscle Drakkar up against the cage. He does so and now has Drakkar pinned to the cage. Dawson attempts a leg-sweep trip to put Drakkar on the ground. An outside leg trip sweeps Drakkar down to the ground where he is left on his back pulling guard! Dawson tries to pass the guard. He manages to pass, but only to half guard. Dawson fires off a few punches as he catches his breath. Drakkar works some separation, then tries to quickly scramble his way into a better position. Dawson seizes the opportunity, Drakkar was too slow and gets caught in side control. Dawson tries to lock Drakkar into an arm triangle. Drakkar stops Dawson from applying it. Dawson blocks Drakkar as he tries a transition to guard. Dawson fires off a few punches, but they aren't thrown with any great force. Dawson blocks Drakkar as he tries a transition to guard. Dawson throws a few strikes, but they are without venom. Drakkar tries to pull guard on Dawson but doesn't get anywhere with the attempt. Dawson pounds away on Drakkar, landing several good shots in the process. Dawson pounds away, but Drakkar isn't troubled by the strikes. Round one is brought to an end as time runs out.

I'd say that was definitely 10-9 in favour of Dawson.

Round 2

And here we go, round two! There's a takedown attempt from Drakkar, who set it up well. Dawson almost stops the takedown but is left hopping on one leg while Drakkar holds the other. Drakkar can't get Dawson down and so settles for pushing him up against the cage. Smothered against the cage, Dawson is trapped there, unable to get free. The next thirty seconds or so sees them engage in close-quarters dirty boxing. Dawson is trapped up against the cage. Drakkar and Dawson remain up against the cage for the next minute, doing little other than throwing occasional short punches. Having been stuck against the cage for a while without any progress, referee Marc Goddard brings them back to the center. Dawson steps in and looks to unleash. It looked like we were about to see Drakkar try and get some grappling started, but Dawson was more aggressive and took the initiative. Dawson hits two left jabs and then catches Drakkar with a stunning right hook! He's down! Drakkar falls to the floor! Dawson starts pounding away on Drakkar, looking to finish him off! Dawson pounds away on Drakkar, landing several great shots that rock him! With Drakkar taking a beating, referee Marc Goddard has to stop the fight!

By TKO, the winner is Grant Dawson!

Official Result: Grant Dawson def. Drakkar Klose in 2:44 of Round 2.

Heavyweight Bout: (#10) Marcin Tybura (23-7) vs. (#14) Blagoy Ivanov (19-4-1 NC)

Another match is about to begin; Marcin 'Tybur' Tybura (23-7, 10-6 in UFC) battling Blagoy Ivanov (19-4-1 NC, 3-3 in UFC).

The referee is Josh Rosenthal. The judges are: Zakaria Vann, Daniyal Hazzard, and Ray Leatherman.

Round 1

We are underway! Ivanov rather obviously ignores the offer to touch gloves to begin. They stand and trade in the center of the cage but neither fighter can land a good shot. The two combatants meet in the center and start to strike. Ivanov hits a right jab but has a left hook blocked. Tybura lands a left jab and a right cross. The two fighters come forward and engage. Ivanov misses a big left hand, putting him off balance and allowing Tybura to attack with a jab and a good right hand. They exchange a few strikes but nothing significant lands. Both fighters step in to strike. Neither fighter manages to find the target in an exchange of strikes. Tybura finds his right cross blocked. Ivanov throws two punches but Tybura has a good guard and absorbs all of them with ease. The two fighters come forward and engage. Ivanov misses with a big left hand, allowing Tybura to counter with a right cross. Both fighters meet in the center. Ivanov misses a big left hand, putting him off balance and allowing Tybura to attack with a kick to the lead leg. Both fighters meet in the center. Ivanov scores with a jab but misses a left hook. Tybura lands a left jab but doesn't find the mark with a right hook. We are now at the halfway point of the round. Both fighters come together and strike. Tybura misses with a big right hand, allowing Ivanov to counter with a jab and a left hand. The two combatants meet in the center and start to strike. Ivanov hits a jab but misses a left hook. Tybura lands a left jab and a right cross. They exchange a few strikes but nothing significant lands. We have one minute of the round remaining. They come together and strike. Tybura lands a one-two. Ivanov hits a jab and also hits a right to the body. There's an exchange of strikes at relatively close range but nothing really lands. Time expires and we come to the end of round one.

That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Tybura.

Round 2

We are back underway! Both fighters step in to strike. Ivanov misses a left cross that leaves him wide open to the counter. Tybura comes in with a jab and a right hook. Both fighters meet in the center. Tybura dodges a left hand and counter-attacks with a brace of jabs that are followed by a solid right hand. Both fighters come together and strike. Ivanov is off-target with two jabs but connects with a left hand. Tybura hits a good right hand. For the first time, Ivanov is starting to breathe a little heavier. Both fighters move in and engage. Ivanov lands a right hook. Tybura attacks with three quick punches and lands two of them but doesn't make contact on a low kick. Both fighters step in to strike. Ivanov hits a jab but can't hit a left cross. Tybura hits a two-punch combination, a quick left and a straight right. The two combatants meet in the center and start to strike. Ivanov lands a right jab but has a left hand blocked. Tybura gets his opponent to cover up with two quick punches and then goes downstairs with a leg kick. For the first time, Tybura is starting to breathe a little heavier. We are now at the halfway point of the round. They come together and strike. Ivanov misses a big left hand, putting him off balance and allowing Tybura to attack with a nice right hook. That was the perfect example of how Tybura can use his reach advantage. Ivanov is going to get caught again and again at that sort of range and Tybura will be in no danger at all. The two fighters come forward and engage. Tybura dodges a left hand and counter-attacks with a jab and a low kick that doesn't connect. Both fighters step in to strike. Ivanov is off-target with a jab but hits a left hand. Tybura is off target with a pair of jabs but lands a nice right hook. Looking glassy-eyed, Ivanov staggers backward...he may have been stunned by that last blow! Stunned, Ivanov is left wide open to be grabbed in a guillotine! Tybura pulls him down into guard, tightening it! Ivanov gets free of the guillotine, Tybura didn't have it locked in tight enough. We move into the final sixty seconds of this round. Ivanov starts trying to work to get past the guard. Ivanov passes guard, but Tybura was ready and a scramble for position ensues. The scramble results in Ivanov being on his back pulling half guard. Ivanov doesn't look like he has much left in the tank. Tybura unloads with some right hands, but Ivanov deals with them comfortably. Ivanov uses an underhook to work some separation, then quickly scrambles. It's a bad choice though, as Tybura seizes the opportunity to leap forward and secure side control. The time is up, and that's the end of round two.

That round goes to Tybura, 10-9 on my card.

By my scorecard, Ivanov really needs a finish in this final round or he will lose the fight.

Round 3

It's the final round and we are back underway! Both fighters step in to strike. Ivanov misses with a big left hand, allowing Tybura to counter with a nice left hand. The two fighters engage. Ivanov misses a left hook and leaves himself open to be countered with a left jab and a right hook that is ducked. The two fighters engage. Ivanov misses with a right jab but scores with a left hook. Tybura finds a way past his opponent's guard and lands a sharp one-two. Both fighters come together and strike. Ivanov misses a left cross that leaves him open to the counter. Tybura attacks with a quick left jab and a good right hook. Ivanov looks to have been cut above his eye, blood is trickling down. Looking shattered, they all but collapse into each other and clinch. Tybura tries to wrestle Ivanov backward and up against the cage. Tybura achieves it, pinning Ivanov to the cage. Tybura catches Ivanov with a knee strike to the ribs from the clinch while he is pressed up against the cage. Tybura catches Ivanov with an elbow to the face from the clinch while he is pressed up against the cage. Tybura tries to hit Ivanov with a knee to the thigh area, but Ivanov works enough space that he can slip out and away, back to the center. Tybura is starting to have to push himself now, and his corner respond by urging him on a little louder. The two fighters engage. Tybura scores with a jab and also gets a glancing blow with a high kick. Ivanov finds a good angle and lands a nice one-two. Both fighters look spent, and at close range they fall into a clinch. We move into the second half of this round. Tybura is looking to muscle Ivanov back against the cage. Tybura can't do it though, and ends up being out-wrestled in the grapple. Ivanov looks like he is on the verge of exhaustion. Ivanov tries to take Tybura down. Ivanov doesn't get the takedown, Tybura instead wrestles his way into controlling the grapple. Tybura is trying to push Ivanov so that his back is up against the cage. Tybura manages it and controls Ivanov up against the cage. Tybura is looking really tired. Tybura tries to throw a knee strike, but Ivanov seizes the chance to create some space and break free. We have one minute of the round remaining. They come together and strike. Ivanov hits a right cross. Tybura hits a jab and also scores with a left kick to the body. Both fighters come together and strike. Ivanov misses a left cross that leaves him open to the counter. Tybura attacks with a nice left hand. The two fighters engage. Ivanov misses a left cross that leaves him open to the counter. Tybura attacks with a left jab and a right hand. Time runs out and that's the end of the fight.

That has to go down as a 10-9 round to Tybura.

The ring announcer is now giving the official scores.

All three judges score the contest as 30-27. The winner, by unanimous decision, is Marcin 'Tybur' Tybura!

Official Result: Marcin Tybura def. Blagoy Ivanov by Unanimous Decision.

Co-Main Event
Featherweight Bout: (#14) Edson Barboza (22-11) vs. Hakeen Dawodu (13-3-1)

The co-main event is up next. Edson 'Junior' Barboza (22-11, 16-11 in UFC) fights 'Mean' Hakeem Dawodu (13-3-1, 6-3 in UFC) in the UFC Featherweight division.

Mark Smith is the referee for this fight. Our judges are: Daniyal Hazzard, Ray Leatherman, and John Hoehn.

Round 1

There's the opening bell! We start with a touch of gloves. Both fighters move in and engage. Dawodu scores with a left hook. Barboza finds a way past his opponent's guard and lands a sharp one-two. Both fighters move in and engage. Dawodu misses a body kick attempt and allows Barboza to move in with a left kick to the ribs. They exchange strikes but nothing really gets through. Both fighters come together and strike. Barboza lands a left jab but can't get a kick to the body. Dawodu lands a one-two. They come together and strike. Dawodu is off-target with a jab but lands a right hook. Barboza scores with a jab but comes up short on a body kick. They engage in the center. Dawodu scores with a jab but has a right hand taken on the gloves. Barboza scores with two quick punches that set up a nice uppercut. Both fighters meet in the center. Dawodu hits a jab but misses with a low kick. Barboza lands a left jab but can't make contact on a right head kick. Both fighters come together and strike. Dawodu scores with a jab but fails on a hook attempt to the body. Barboza lands a left jab and a right cross. We are now at the halfway point of the round. They come together and strike. Dawodu hits a left jab but can't hit a right cross. Barboza hits a left jab but misses with a roundhouse kick to the body. The two fighters engage with strikes but nothing significant lands. The two fighters engage. Barboza lands two jabs but has a right hand blocked. Dawodu lands a one-two. We're into the final minute of the round. The two fighters engage. Dawodu hits a left roundhouse kick to the body. Barboza uses a left jab and also lands a left kick to the rib cage. The two fighters come forward and engage. Dawodu scores with a left hook. Barboza is off target with a left jab but gets a glancing blow with a high kick. Barboza appears to have suffered a gash under his eye. The two fighters engage. Barboza misses wildly with a spinning kick and gets countered with a left jab and a spin kick. Round one ends as time expires.

I think Barboza took that round, 10-9 on my score card.

The corner goes to work between rounds trying to close the cut on Barboza.

Round 2

And here we go, round two! Both fighters move in and engage. Barboza misses with a big right hand, allowing Dawodu to counter with a left jab and a massive right hook to the jaw! Barboza wobbles, then falls! Dawodu senses victory and starts to unload with punches! Dawodu pounds away on Barboza, who is getting destroyed by repeated heavy shots to the head! The referee jumps in and saves Barboza from taking any more shots!

The winner, by TKO; Hakeem Dawodu!

Official Result: Hakeem Dawodu def. Edson Barboza by TKO (Strikes) in 0:29 of Round 2.

Main Event
Heavyweight Bout: (#7) Derrick Lewis (26-10-1 NC) vs. (#12) Sergey Spivak (15-3)

It's time for the main event of the evening! Derrick 'The Black Beast' Lewis (26-10-1 NC, 17-7 in UFC) takes on Sergey 'The Polar Bear' Spivak (15-3, 5-3 in UFC) in the UFC Heavyweight division.

Mark Smith will be the referee. Our judges are: Zakaria Vann, Daniyal Hazzard, and Ray Leatherman.

Round 1

 Round one begins! They touch gloves. Both fighters come together and strike. Lewis counters a right hand with a jab and a head kick attempt that narrowly misses. Both fighters step in to strike. Spivak misses a big right hand, putting him off balance and allowing Lewis to attack with a jab and a right hook that is avoided at the last second. They engage in the center. Spivak misses a right cross that leaves him wide open to the counter. Lewis comes in with a great right hook. They exchange strikes but nothing really gets through. Both fighters come together and strike. Lewis slips past a right hook attempt and attacks with a good right hand. They exchange a few strikes but nothing significant lands. The two fighters engage. Lewis misses with a big right hand, allowing Spivak to counter with a nice right hook. The two fighters engage. Lewis misses a right cross that leaves him wide open to the counter. Spivak comes in with a quick left jab and a right hook that is ducked. We are now at the halfway point of the round. An exchange of strikes doesn't go anywhere. The two combatants meet in the center and start to strike. Spivak misses a right hook and leaves himself open to be countered with a nice right hook. That last punch hurt Spivak, he grins in response but I don't think that he's fooling anyone. They engage in the center. Lewis hits a jab but misses with a head kick attempt. Spivak is off target with a left jab but connects cleanly with a right hand. Lewis comes forward on the attack. Spivak misses with a left hand in the exchange. A one-two from Lewis fails to land. We're into the final minute of the round. Lewis stalks forward, pressuring Spivak. Spivak lands a left hand in the exchange. A jab lands from Lewis but his big right hand follow-up misses. A quick exchange of strikes does not produce any damage. The two fighters come forward and engage. Spivak hits a left jab but has a right hand blocked. Lewis nails a right cross. Time expires and we come to the end of round one.

That round goes to Lewis, 10-9 on my card.

Round 2

There's the bell for the start of the round! The two fighters come together and strike but it's really tentative and nothing comes of it. The two fighters engage. Spivak doesn't connect with a leg kick and gets countered with a clean right hand. For the first time, Lewis is starting to breathe a little heavier. Spivak is slowing just a little as he starts to get into the gas tank a bit. The two fighters come forward and engage. Lewis lands a nice right hook. Spivak scores with a great right hook. The two fighters engage. Spivak misses a big right hand, putting him off balance and allowing Lewis to attack with a jab and a right cross. They engage in the center. Spivak misses a right hook and gets countered with a powerful right hook! It's a knock out! Spivak is down and out!

By knock out, the winner is Derrick Lewis!

Official Result: Derrick Lewis def. Sergey Spivak by KO (Punch) in 1:26 of Round 2.

UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Spivak
Date: February 4, 2023
Venue: UFC APEX
Local: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Attendance:  2,022
Gate: $620, 350

Main Event
Heavyweight Bout: (#7) Derrick Lewis def. (#12) Sergey Spivak by KO (Punch) in 1:26 of Round 2. 
Co-Main Event
Featherweight Bout: Hakeem Dawodu def. (#14) Edson Barboza by TKO (Strikes) in 0:29 of Round 2.
Heavyweight Bout: (#10) Marcin Tybura def. (#14) Blagoy Ivanov by Unanimous Decision (All 30x27).
Lightweight Bout: (#15) Grant Dawson def. Drakkar Klose by TKO (Strikes) in 2:44 of Round 2.
Featherweight Bout: Doo Ho Choi def. Kyle Nelson by Submission (Kimura) in 1:08 of Round 2.
Light Heavyweight Bout: Da Un Jung def. Devin Clark by TKO (Strikes) in 4:29 of Round 2.

Preliminary Card
Middleweight Bout: Denis Tiuliulin def. Jun Young Park by Unanimous Decision (All 29x28).
Flyweight Bout: Tatsuro Taira def. Jesus Santos Aguilar by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 4:20 of Round 1.
Women´s Flyweight Bout: Ji Yeon Kim def. Mandy Bohm by Unanimous Decision (30x27, 29x28, 29x28)
Welterweight Bout: Adam Fugitt def. Yusaku Kinoshita by Submission (Kimura) in 0:31 of Round 3.
Bantamweight Bout: Rinya Nakamura def. Toshiomi Kazama by KO (Head Kick) in 2:08 of Round 2.
Featherweight Bout: Jeongyeong Lee def. Zha Yi by TKO (Punch to the Body) in 1:29 of Round 2.
Flyweight Bout: Hyun Sung Park def. Seung Guk Choi by TKO (Strikes) in 4:56 of Round 3.
Lightweight Bout: Jeka Saragih def. Anshul Jubli by TKO (Strikes) in 1:45 of Round 1.

Bonus Awards

The following fighters received $50,000 bonuses.

• Fight of the Night: Edson Barboza vs. Hakeen Dawodu
• Performance of the Night: Derrick Lewis & Tatsuro Taira

Post Fight

Dana White: I won't reveal much yet, but tomorrow we will certainly make a big announcement about our next event in Vegas.

Lewis: Thanks to my coaches and sponsors who continue to support me. And I wanted to tell Curtis Blaydes that I'll be here if he wants a rematch.

Spivak: I didn't follow the strategy that was determined by my team and I paid for it. I hope to come back soon and recover from this defeat.

Dawodu: I respect Barboza, he's one of the toughest in this sport and I'm happy to have won the way he did.

Predictions

feltzz - 10-4 🏆
cecede123 - 9-5
Ernsant - 8-6

[rodrigoviolim]

Francis Ngannou vs. Jon Jones, Aljamain Sterling vs. Henry Cejudo Booked for UFC 285

UFC 285 will feature a championship doubleheader at the top of the card.

Francis Ngannou will defend his heavyweight crown against Jon Jones, while Aljamain Sterling and Henry Cejudo will meet in a bantamweight title on March 4 at Las Vegas. Blurcat.com was first to report the UFC 285 title bouts. 

Francis Ngannou accepted the fight after months of negotiations with the UFC. He competed in the Octagon for the last time in January 2022, in his first title defense in a unification fight against former training partner and interim champion, Ciryl Gane at UFC 270. After five rounds the Cameroonian won and announced that he would heal from an injury. Ngannou is on a six-fight winning streak and owns notable wins over the likes of Andrei Arlovski, Alistair Overeem, Curtis Blaydes (twice), Cain Velasquez, Junior dos Santos, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Stipe Miocic and Ciryl Gane.

Jones has been on the sidellines since defending his light heavyweight crown in a victory over Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 on Feb. 8, 2020. Now 35 years old, “Bones” is regarded as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in MMA history with two separate 205-pound title reigns and a 20-1 record in UFC competition. The only blemishes on Jones’ record are a disqualification loss to Matt Hamill in 2010 and a no contest against Daniel Cormier in 2017 that came as a result of a failed drug test. The New York native owns notable wins over the likes of Thiago Santos, Alexander Gustafsson (twice), Cormier, Glover Teixeira, Chael Sonnen, Vitor Belfort, Lyoto Machida, Quinton Jackson, Rashad Evans, Ryan Bader and Mauricio Rua.

Champion Aljamain Sterling returns after defending his title against T.J. Dillashaw via TKO at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi. Sterling is coming off an impressive eight-fight winning streak that already includes two title defenses.

Former double champion Henry Cejudo returns from retirement. Cejudo had his last fight at UFC 249 where he beat Dominick Cruz by TKO in the second round to defend his bantamweight title. After the fight in the interview he announced his withdrawal from the sport.

UFC 285 takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and is also expected to include a welterweight duel for the title shot between Colby Covington and Khanzat Chimaev as well as a Bantamweight clash between former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt and Julio Arce.

More UFC News

• Max Holloway vs Arnold Allen in the main event of UFC on ESPN 43
• UFC Re-Signs Former Light Heavyweight Champ "Shogun" Rua to Multi-Year Contract
• Doo Ho Choi has decided to take a hiatus from MMA for a while.
• UFC Media Day: Makhachev said he was ready for pressure from the local crowd.
• UFC Media Day: Volkanovski says he wants to make history for future generations of MMA in Australia.
• UFC Media Day: Rodriguez wants to become champion and then face Volkanovski in Mexico
• UFC Media Day: Emmett hopes for a war in the fight against Rodriguez

[rodrigoviolim]

UFC 284: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski  Weigh-in Results: Two title fights, 14 bouts overall official – with one removed

Blurcat.com was on scene and reporting live from Friday’s official UFC 284 fighter weigh-ins, where all but one of the 28 athletes scheduled made weight without issue.

In the main event, UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev (23-1 MMA, 12-1 UFC) puts his belt on the line against featherweight titleholder Alexander Volkanovski (25-1 MMA, 12-0 UFC), who’s moving up a division in hopes of gaining “champ-champ” status.

This is just one of two fights for the title, as number two in the featherweight division Yair Rodriguez (14-3-1 NC MMA, 9-2-1 NC UFC) will challenge for the interim UFC featherweight title against number six Josh Emmett (18-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC). The winner will certainly be Alexander Volkanovski's next opponent, if the Australian decides to remain champion in the division after his fight this Saturday.

The scheduled bout between Jack Jenkins (10-2) and Don Shainis (12-4) at featherweight was pulled from the schedule after Jenkins had to pull out for an as-yet-undisclosed reason.

The weigh-ins took place at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on ESPN+.

UFC 284: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski
Date: February 12, 2023
Venue: RAC Arena
Local: Perth, Australia

Main Event
Lightweight Championship Bout: (#C) Islam Makhachev (155 lbs) vs. (#FW C) Alexander Volkanovski (155 lbs)
Co-Main Event
Interim Featherweight Championship Bout: (#2) Yair Rodriguez (145 lbs) vs. (#6) Josh Emmett (145 lbs)
Lightweight Bout: (#11) Dan Hooker (155 lbs) vs. (#13) Renato Moicano (155 lbs)
Women´s Bantamweight Bout: (#3) Holly Holm (135 lbs) vs. (#6) Yana Kunitskaya (135 lbs)
Light Heavyweight Bout: (#13) Jimmy Crute (205 lbs) vs. Alonzo Menifield (205 lbs)

Preliminary Card
Light Heavyweight Bout: Tyson Pedro (205 lbs) vs. Mingyang Zhang (205 lbs)
Featherweight Bout: Josh Culibao (145 lbs) vs. Melsik Baghdasaryan (145 lbs)
Welterweight Bout: Jack Della Maddalena (170 lbs) vs. Randy Brown (170 lbs)
Lightweight Bout: Joel Alvarez (155 lbs) vs. Zubaira Tukhugov (155 lbs)
Featherweight Bout: Shane Young (145 lbs) vs. Blake Bilder (145 lbs)
Heavyweight Bout: Justin Tafa (265 lbs) vs. Parker Porter (265 lbs)
Lightweight Bout: Jamie Mullarkey (155 lbs) vs. Natan Levy (155 lbs)
Flyweight Bout: Shannon Ross (125 lbs) vs. Kleydson Rodrigues (125 lbs)
Women´s Strawweight Bout: Loma Lookboonmee (115 lbs) vs. Elise Reed (115 lbs)

[feltzz]

Main Event
Lightweight Championship Bout: (#C) Islam Makhachev (155 lbs) vs. (#FW C) Alexander Volkanovski (155 lbs)
Co-Main Event
Interim Featherweight Championship Bout: (#2) Yair Rodriguez (145 lbs) vs. (#6) Josh Emmett (145 lbs)
Lightweight Bout: (#11) Dan Hooker (155 lbs) vs. (#13) Renato Moicano (155 lbs)
Women´s Bantamweight Bout: (#3) Holly Holm (135 lbs) vs. (#6) Yana Kunitskaya (135 lbs)
Light Heavyweight Bout: (#13) Jimmy Crute (205 lbs) vs. Alonzo Menifield (205 lbs)

Preliminary Card
Light Heavyweight Bout: Tyson Pedro (205 lbs) vs. Mingyang Zhang (205 lbs)
Featherweight Bout: Josh Culibao (145 lbs) vs. Melsik Baghdasaryan (145 lbs)
Welterweight Bout: Jack Della Maddalena (170 lbs) vs. Randy Brown (170 lbs)
Lightweight Bout: Joel Alvarez (155 lbs) vs. Zubaira Tukhugov (155 lbs)
Featherweight Bout: Shane Young (145 lbs) vs. Blake Bilder (145 lbs)
Heavyweight Bout: Justin Tafa (265 lbs) vs. Parker Porter (265 lbs)
Lightweight Bout: Jamie Mullarkey (155 lbs) vs. Natan Levy (155 lbs)
Flyweight Bout: Shannon Ross (125 lbs) vs. Kleydson Rodrigues (125 lbs)
Women´s Strawweight Bout: Loma Lookboonmee (115 lbs) vs. Elise Reed (115 lbs)