UFC 2024 - THE TKO ERA

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UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Curtis 2

UFC APEX

Under Card

Women's Bantamweight Bout: Melissa Mullins vs. Nora Cornolle
Opening up the evening was a Bantamweight bout for the women as unbeaten Melissa Mullins battled Nora Cornolle. This bout very much would be a showcase for Mullins and her grappling as she used strong clinch work and takedowns to constantly bring Nora down to the canvas. Once on the mat all Nora could do is defend as best she could while Mullins worked her over with relentless ground and pound leading to a decision.
Result: Melissa Mullins by unanimous decision

Middleweight Bout: Dylan Budka vs. Curtis Millender
Returning to the octagon as a Middleweight after a brief stint previously as a Welterweight. Curtis Millender would find himself in a bit of a styles clash as his opponent Dylan Budka made it clear early on he had no intention of standing with his opponent. To his credit Millender would not only stuff the takedowns but begin to land some heavy strikes culminating with a big series of punches which ended the bout early
Result: Curtis Millender by 1st round knockout

Bantamweight Bout: Dan Argueta vs. Jean Matsumoto
Bantamweights were the next port of call for the evening and unfortunately for Dan Argueta he'd be in for quite a long night against his opponent Jean Matsumoto. While a tough fighter in his own right Argueta was clearly at a disadvantage on the feet. This allowed Matsumoto very much to land at will and pick Argueta apart for all three rounds leading to a unanimous decision verdict.
Result: Jean Matsumoto by unanimous decision

Bantamweight Bout: Alateng Heili vs. Victor Hugo
Bantamweight action followed once more as Alateng Heili battled Victor Hugo in a classic striker vs grappler match. Similar to the last bout this wound up being quite a one sided showcase. As Alateng was able to dominate the bout on the feet with Hugo's only offense really being from a couple of leg locks he attempted early in the fight. Again we'd hit the scorecards for our second straight unanimous decision.
Result: Alatengheili by unanimous decision

Woman's Bantamweight Bout: Norma Dumont vs. Germaine De Randamie
making her return to the octagon for the first time in four years would be former UFC Featherweight champion Germaine De Randamie. Unfortunately for her it seemed that ring rust would be a factor as Dumont managed to hurt her early. To her credit not only did GDR survive this early stun but she came back with a vengeance leading to a highly exciting back and forth striking affair which led to a split decision for the former champion.
Result: Germaine De Randamie by split decision

Women's Strawweight Bout: Cynthia Calvillo vs. Piera Rodoriguez
Women's action would then continue as Cynthia Calvillo battled Piera Rodriguez. This was a must win fight for both women with Calvillo in particular in need of a victory. While the fight had some scrappy exchanges on the feet, we'd see Calvillo's grappling edge make the difference in this bout as she'd manage to stifle Piera Rodriguez in various points through the fight to give her a much needed victory.
Result: Cynthia Calvillo by unanimous decision

Heavyweight Bout: Valter Walker vs. Łukasz Brzeski
Making his octagon debut in the next bout of the night would be Valter Walker and it was clear he wasn't looking for this fight to last long as he unloaded on Lukasz Brzeski early with a big straight right hand which he followed with a big takedown. From here several ground punches followed for an early TKO finish.
Result: Valter Walker by first round TKO

Welterweight Bout: Court McGee vs. Alex Morono
veterans did battle in the final bout on the undercard and this would be a decent back and forth battle. In the early going it was Morono who would seem to have the upper hand on the feet but it was the pressure and conditioning of McGee which would eventually make a difference. After three back and forth rounds we'd go to the scorecards where Court McGee would be awarded a split decision victory.
Result: Court McGee beat Alex Morono by split decision

Main Card

Lightweight Bout: Charlie Campbell vs. Trevor Peek
Kicking off the main card would be an exciting Lightweight slug fest as Charlie Campbell battled Trevor Peek. It seemed for this match a no takedown rule may have been made as both men completely avoided grappling and opted to just stand and bang. As this back and forth slug fest entered it's third round it seemed hard to pick a winner until Campbell dropped Peek before the final bell for a decision!
Result: Charlie Campbell by unanimous decision

Lightweight Bout: Ignacio Bahamondes vs. Christos Giagos
Following the exciting bout before it we'd see another fight solely contested on the feet. However unlike the one before it which was a back and forth battle, this fight was a straight up showcase for the striking of Ignacio Bahamondes. After out classing the veteran on the feet from the first bell, Ignacio rocked Giagos a couple of times before finally in the second he'd finish the bout after dropping Giago with a wheel kick
Result: Ignacio Bahamondes by 2nd round TKO

Featherweight Bout: Morgan Charriere vs. Seung Woo Choi
Making his american debut, the last pirate Morgan Charriere very much lived up to the hype with a dominant showing against the tough Seung Woo Choi. After battering Choi in the first round with numerous hard punches and kicks. It seemed that Choi would just keep coming forward, this was until in the second round a series of strikes to the body caused Woo to drop leading to a stoppage win.
Result: Morgan Charriere by 2nd round TKO

Featherweight Bout: Alexander Hernandez vs. Damon Jackson
The co-main event of the evening was a Featherweight bout and it seemed early on this fight was very much over when Hernandez dropped Jackson and began to unload on him with strikes. To his credit Jackson would survive this rally while Hernandez looked to press. This was until Jackson shockingly managed to take Alex down and get his back before securing a rear naked choke finish to close the 1st round.
Result: Damon Jackson by 1st round submission

Middleweight Bout: Brendan Allen vs. Marvin Vettori
Finally it was time for the main event of the evening and this was a middleweight clash as Brendan Allen looked to secure his biggest victory yet against former title contender Marvin Vettori. This was quite a scrappy, action packed fight which was primarily contested on the feet in the early going. As the bout wore on however we'd see Allen begin to secure some takedowns while Vettori started to get the better of the striking. All this would culminate with a debatable decision victory for Allen.
Result: Brendan Allen by split decision

Press Conference Notes
~ Dana White gave fight of the night to Campbell vs Peek. Performance bonuses to those who finished their fights
~ Morgan Charriere and Damon Jackson expressed an interest in fighting one another.
~ Angered at the result of this bout, Marvin Vettori requested a quick turn around.
~ Court McGee revealed his next fight would be his retirement bout.
~ Melissa Mullins called out Germaine De Randamie.
~ Cynthia Calvillo officially announced her retirement

Cuts/Retirements
Lukas Brzeski
Alex Morono - Retired
Cynthia Calvillo - Retired​

 

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UFC ON ABC 6​

The UFC will finally head to Saudi Arabia! Having been rumored to make it's debut in Saudi Arabia in March, we now know that it will be in June that the UFC finally arrives in Riyadh and the Kingdom Arena. For this historic first event in Saudi Arabia the UFC is coming with a stacked fight card loading with key fights across it's divisions. The early prelims will begin with a Middleweight bout as Zachary Reese looks to get back on the winning track against returning UFC veteran Anthony Ivy who is currently riding a 6 fight win streak. India's Puja Tomar will make her octagon debut as she takes on Invicta standout Rayanne Dos Santos. Unbeaten heavyweight wrestler Hamdy Abdelwahab will make his return off suspension to fight striker Junior Tafa. Unbeaten finisher Eduarda Moura will look to continue her impressive streak against Denise Gomes. While the final fight on the fight pass prelims will see two time ultimate fighter winner Brad Katona battle against Jesse Butler.

Meanwhile on the televised portion of the undercard, Bellator veteran Sidney Outlaw will make his octagon debut as he takes on a returning UFC veteran Bobby Moffett. Former Ultimate fighter standout Joe Giannetti returns to the octagon after six years to face the veteran Max Griffin. Prolific Brazilian finisher Brunno Ferreira looks to make it two straight in the octagon against veteran Dustin Stoltzfus. Making his long awaited UFC debut, Vyacheslav Vasilevskiy a veteran of over 40 fights takes on Argentina's Emiliano Sordi who is also making his octagon debut. While headlining the televised portion of the prelims will be a battle between two long time UFC veterans in the Lightweight division as Michael Johnson and Jared Gordon do battle.

The main card of this event will open up with a UFC debut that is perhaps over a decade in the making as Pride, Bellator and Strikeforce veteran Sergei Khartinov finally does the walk to the octagon against the dangerous Brazilian Marcos Rogerio De Lima. A must win fight in the Lightweight division follows as Tony Ferguson looks to snap his current losing streak against a returning veteran Joe Lauzon. Ranked Bantamweight striker Rob Font battles a recent entry into the rankings Mario Bautista. Middleweight veteran Chris Curtis looks to keep his place in the top 15 as he battles the surging Brazilian Gregory Rodrigues. The Co-Main event will see two top ten middleweights collide as Nassourdine Imavov takes on Jack Hermansson with both men of course being victorious once already this year. While in the main event, a WEC dream match will happen as former UFC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo returns from retirement once again in the Bantamweight Division. Standing across from Jose, will be former UFC Bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz with both former champions looking to show that they still have what it takes to compete with the best.

Fight Pass Prelims
Middleweight Bout: Zachary Reese vs. Antony Ivy
Women's Strawweight bout: Puja Tomar vs. Rayanne dos Santos
Heavyweight Bout: Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Junior Tafa
Women's Strawweight bout: Eduarda Moura vs. Denise Gomes
Bantamweight bout: Brad Katona vs. Jesse Butler

Under Card
Lightweight Bout: Sidney Outlaw vs. Bobby Moffett
Welterweight bout: Joe Giannetti vs. Max Griffin
Middleweight bout: Brunno Ferreira vs. Dustin Stoltzfus
Light Heavyweight Bout: Vyacheslav Vasilevsky vs. Emiliano Sordi
Lightweight Bout: Michael Johnson vs. Jared Gordon

Main Card
Heavyweight Bout: Serghei Kharitonov vs. Marcos Rogerio De Lima
Lightweight Bout: Tony Ferguson vs. Joe Lauzon
Bantamweight Bout: Rob Font vs. Mario Bautista
Middleweight Bout: Chris Curtis vs. Gregory Rodrigues
Middleweight Bout: Nassourdine Imavov vs. Jack Hermansson
Bantamweight Bout: Jose Aldo vs. Dominick Cruz

 

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UFC 300

T-Mobile Arena
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Prelims

Bantamweight Bout: Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Cody Garbandt
Opening up this historic UFC card was a bout between two former UFC champions as Cody Garbrandt battled Deiveson Figueiredo. This would be a interesting fight between two powerful punchers and we'd see see Garbrandt actually stun Deiveson briefly with a looping cross. Unfortunately as the round closed in a wild exchange we'd see Cody get clipped and fall to the canvas allowing Figueiredo to follow up with several more strikes for a TKO Finish.
Result: Deiveson Figueiredo by 1st round TKO

Lightweight Bout: Bobby Green vs. Jim Miller
Four time lucky would be the case as veterans Bobby Green and Jim Miller would do battle. This was a scrappy battle of wills with Bobby Green showing the edge on the feet as he landed multiple jabs on his opponent. Miller in part looked to take down Bobby Green and in the early rounds he very much struggled to do so. As the fight wore on however Miller managed to land some take downs and even stunned Green briefly to pick up a split decision.
Result: Jim Miller by split decision

Women's Strawweight Bout: Jessica Andrade vs. Marina Rodriguez
Women's MMA was the next port of call for the evening as another former champion would be in action when Jessica Andrade battled Marina Rodriguez. From the off Jessica Andrade was aggressive in this one and pressured Marina. While this allowed Marina some early openings to land some strikes, she'd soon be overwhelmed and taken down by Andrade who picked up a 1st round arm triangle submission as a result.
Result: Jessica Andrade by 1st round submission

Lightweight Bout: Renato Moicano vs. Jalin Turner
The final match on the fight pass prelims saw ranked Lightweights collide as Jalin Turner took on Renato Moicano. This would be a straight up kick boxing bout between the two fighers and we'd see Jalin Turner very much dominate the proceedings thanks to his reach and length advantage. After a strong showing through the first round, Jalin Turner managed to land some heavy strikes early in the second for a knockout victory.
Result: Jalin Turner by 2nd round Knockout

Featherweight Bout: Sodiq Yusuff vs. Diego Lopes
Two top Featherweight prospects did battle in the next bout of the evening and this would be a wild fight from the very beginning. Yusuff as we'd see had a distinct power advantage and managed to stun Lopes on several occasions. Unfortunately for him we'd see Lopes manage to catch him rushing in with a takedown before securing Yusuff's back for a rear naked choke submission finish in the first round.
Result: Diego Lopes by 1st round submission

Women's Bantamweight Bout: Kayla Harrison vs. Holly Holm
Our fourth champion of the evening would be in action as Holly Holm battled the debuting Kayla Harrison. This bout very much was an atypical striker vs grappler affair with Holly Holm looking to move around and pick her opponent off. Unfortunately for her Kayla Harrison was able to press Holly Holm against the cage before taking her down to the mat. From here Kayla wound quickly mount Holly and finish her with ground and pound.
Result: Kayla Harrison by 1st round TKO

Featherweight Bout: Aljamain Sterling vs. Calvin Kattar
Former UFC Bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling made his Featherweight debut in the next bout of the evening as he took on striker Calvin Kattar. While Calvin Kattar had a noted edge in the boxing realm, Aljamain Sterling managed to hold his own when the fight was on the streak before he'd manage to use his grappling advantage to take Calvin down and keep him there en route to a unanimous decision.
Result: Aljamain Sterling by unanimous decision

Light Heavyweight Bout: Jiri Prochazka vs. Aleksandar Rakic
The final fight on the prelims saw former Light Heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka take on Light Heavyweight standout Aleksandar Rakic. This fight would be a striking battle as Rakic could never seem to land a takedown on Jiri. This allowed Jiri to very much walk down Rakic and wear him down with his aggression before landing a series of elbows in the clinch in the third which dropped Rakic for a 3rd round knockout.
Result: Jiri Prochazka by 3rd round Knockout

Main Card

Middleweight Bout: Bo Nickal vs. Cody Brundage
Opening the main card would be the next bout in the career of top prospect Bo Nickal. The elite wrestler showed no time in this bout before looking for a takedown on his opponent. Despite an early guillotine threat coming his way from Cody Brundage, Nickal was able to escape with relative ease. From here in top position Nickal wasted little time in softening up Brundage with ground and pound before submitting him with an arm triangle.
Result: Bo Nickal by 1st round submission

Lightweight Bout: Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan
Former Lightweight champion Charles Oliveira looked to make his climb back to a title opportunity as he faced top prospect Arman Tsarukyan. The powerful prospect looked to out muscle Charles in the early going and despite some relative early success. Charles Oliveira managed to rock Arman badly with a front kick and followed up with a series of heavy strikes which actually dropped Tsarukyan leading to a 1st round knockout.
Result: Charles Oliveira by 1st round knockout

BMF Title: Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway
The BMF title was our first of three title matches in the evening as we'd see Justin Gaethje battle Max Holloway. This was a wild fight contested purely on the feet with both men having different strategies as Holloway looked to out move and out box Gaethje while Justin looked to break Max down with leg kicks. In the early few rounds it seemed like Max was getting the better of the fight until Justin's damage began to accumulate and Holloway had several bad cuts opened on him. This would eventually lead to a 4th round doctor stoppage.
Result: Justin Gaethje by 4th round doctor stoppage

Women's Strawweight Championship: Zhang Weili vs. Yan Xiaonan
The co-main event of this historic night would be a interesting clash between Chinese women's strawweights Zhang Weili and Yan Xiaonan. While the early rounds of this fight were competed on the feet with Weili being slightly ahead of her more technically refined counter striking opponent. The ground game of Zhang came into play in the later stages as she managed to take down and control Yan leading to a unanimous decision.
Result: Zhang Weili by unanimous decision

Light Heavyweight Championship: Alex Pereira vs. Jamahal Hill
The main event of the evening would see Alex Pereira take on former Light Heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill. Unfortunately for the returning Hill, this match was a dominant showing for the champion who managed to piece up Hill with some vicious Leg Kicks in the first two rounds before fully displaying his striking in the third round landing a vicious left hook for a 3rd round knockout victory.
Result: Alex Pereira by 3rd round knockout

Press Conference Notes
~ It was confirmed that Magomed Ankalaev would be the next challenger for Alex Pereira's championship
~ Justin Gaethje called for a bout with Islam Makhachev. As did Charles Oliveira.
~ Aljamain Sterling requested Max Holloway for his next bout at Featherweight
~ Dana White confirmed that Bo Nickal would fight a ranked opponent in his next fight
~ Kayla Harrison called for a bout with Mayra Bueno Silva
~ Deiveson Figueiredo called out Petr Yan

 

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UFC 303 Confirmed
T-Mobile Arena​

The UFC will once again head to Vegas for UFC 303. With UFC 300 now complete, focus turns to what is next for the UFC future. Having already announced UFC 301 and UFC 302, we know that UFC 303 will be headlined by a much anticipated catchweight bout between Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor. This long awaited clash will see the ever popular McGregor take on the always exciting Chandler following a stint in which both men coached the Ultimate Fighter. Meanwhile in the co-main event of the evening the UFC Women's Bantamweight championship will be on the line as the newly crowned champion Raquel Pennington will defend her championship against former title holder Juliana Pena. With both McGregor and Pena returning for this card, the main card will also see the long awaited UFC return of Heavyweight great Stipe Miocic. While originally set to fight Jon Jones before his severe injury, Miocic will now take on the ever popular heavyweight slugger Derrick Lewis. An exciting pair of Light Heavyweight strikers Khalil Rountree and Philipe Lins will also collide on the main card while opening the main card portion will be an exciting debut. With the likes of Chandler, Kayla Harrison and MVP making impressive debuts lately having built their careers in previous promotions. We now know that the highly regarded Douglas Lima will make his UFC debut in the Middleweight division against Jiu Jitsu ace Rodolfo Viera. Lima of course is a former Bellator Welterweight champion and holds victories over the likes of Paul Daley, Michael Page and Rory Macdonald in his storied career.

Meanwhile on the televised portion of the prelims, former UFC title contender Dominick Reyes will battle Jimmy Crute in a must win fight for both men. Meanwhile heavyweights Marcin Tybura and Karl Williams will look to rebound from recent losses in a clash. Having suffered his first defeat in the octagon, powerhouse Joe Pyfer will return to the cage as he takes on the tough, gritty veteran Brad Tavares. Meanwhile in an interesting Welterweight clash Ultimate fighter winner Court McGee will step in the cage with none other than Paul Felder. A former ranked Lightweight, Felder for years now has sat behind the broadcast table but in the past year rumors circulated about a prospect return. Now we know Felder will be stepping in the cage at a new weight class. The final fight on the televised portion of the prelims will be what promises to be an exciting clash of Featherweight standouts. As veteran Chris Wade will return to the octagon to take on the always exciting and ever popular WEC standout Cub Swanson. As for the prelims on fight pass, former UFC Heavyweight champ Junior Dos Santos will look to return to the UFC against Josh Parisian. Meanwhile Lightweight veteran Jesse Ronson will take on grappler Jordan Leavitt. On top of this Bantamweight standout Kris Moutino makes his UFC return as he takes on debuting former Bellator champion Eduardo Dantas. Meanwhile Bantamweight Saidyokub Kakhramonov returns to the octagon to take on Bellator veteran Josh Hill. While rounding out these prelims will be the return of Jennifer Maia to the cage as she takes on Montana De La Rosa

Fight Pass Prelims
Heavyweight Bout: Junior Dos Santos vs. Josh Parisian
Lightweight Bout: Jesse Ronson vs. Jordan Leavitt
Bantamweight Bout: Eduardo Dantas vs. Kris Moutino
Bantamweight Bout: Saidyokub Kakhramonov vs. Josh Hill
UFC Women's Flyweight: Jennifer Maia vs. Montana De La Rosa

Under Card
Light Heavyweight Bout: Dominick Reyes vs. Jimmy Crute
Heavyweight Bout: Marcin Tybura vs. Karl Williams
Middleweight Bout: Joe Pyfer vs. Brad Tavares
Welterweight Bout: Paul Felder vs. Court McGee
Featherweight Bout: Cub Swanson vs. Chris Wade

Main Card
Middleweight Bout: Douglas Lima vs. Rodolfo Viera
Light Heavyweight Bout: Khalil Rountree vs. Phillipe Lins
Heavyweight Bout: Derrick Lewis vs. Stipe Miocic
Women's Bantamweight Championship: Raquel Pennington vs. Juliana Pena
Catchweight Bout: Michael Chandler vs. Conor McGregor

 

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UFC SWEDEN CONFIRMED​

The UFC will return to Sweden for the first time in 5 years. With rumors long been apparent that the UFC was planning it's return to Stockholm, we now know they will do so with a card stacked full of local talents. This begins on fight pass in the middleweight division as popular standout Andreas Gustafsson Berg takes on knockout artist Robin Roos. Following this former UFC veteran Andreas Stahl will make his return to the octagon as he faces Finland's Olli Santalahti. Welterweight UFC veteran Ange Loosa will look to return to the winning track as he takes on debuting standout Niko Skonback. Undefeated Featherweight Waltteri Hakkinen will make his debut as he takes on veteran Fernando Flores in his toughest fight to date. Another debut will see Italian SBG standout Walter Cogliandro make his first appearance opposite Denmark's Jon Furuheim. Popular finish star Toumas Gronvall will also appear on the fight pass prelims against fellow countryman Mark Vologdin. Rounding out the fight pass prelims will be Eemil Kurhela taking on Nigeria's Wasiu Adeshina.

Meanwhile in an interesting start to the televised portion of the Undercard. Elin Oberg will make her UFC debut against veteran Maryna Moroz. Highly rated Bantamweight Abdul Hussein makes his octagon debut against veteran Janne Elonen-Kulmala. Allstars prospect David Jacobsson follows on the debuts as he takes on submission specialist Henri Lintula. Making his long awaited return to the octagon will be the Austrian Wonderboy Ismail Naurdiev as he takes on TUF Brazil 3 champion Warrley Alves. In flyweight action Amir Malekpour will take on the highly regarded Jonny Touma. While headling the undercard will be the debut of Ali Yazbeck as he takes on exciting UFC standout Da'Mon Blackshear. The main card meanwhile will begin with former UFC Women's Featherweight champion Germaine De Randamie battling Sweden's Pannie Kianzad. Following this popular Swedish Light Heavyweight Karl Albrektsson makes his octagon debut against striking standout Marcin Prachnio. Following this will be an exciting clash in the women's strawweight division as Loma Lookboonmee takes on Josefine Knutsson. Following this rising TUF champion Bryan Battle will look to pick up his biggest win to date against Gunnar Nelson. While in what promises to be an emotional fight Alexander Gustafsson will make one last walk to the octagon against OSP in what is being touted as a dual retirement fight. A surprising return will act as the co-main event of the evening as Gegard Mousasi returns to the UFC to battle tough veteran Eryk Anders. While in the mai event of the card will be headlined by Khamzat Chimaev taking on Paulo Costa in a heated grudge match.

Fight Pass Prelims
Middleweight Bout: Andreas Gustafsson Berg vs. Robin Roos
Welterweight Bout: Andreas Stahl vs. Olli Santalahti
Welterweight Bout: Niko Skonback vs. Ange Loosa
Featherweight Bout: Waltteri Hakkinen vs. Fernando Flores
Featherweight Bout: Walter Cogliandro vs. Jon Vetle Furuheim
Bantamweight Bout: Tuomas Gronvall vs. Mark Vologdin
Featherweight Bout: Eemil Kurhela vs. Wasiu Adeshina

Undercard
Women's Flyweight Bout: Elin Oberg vs. Maryna Moroz
Bantamweight Bout: Abdul Hussein vs. Janne Elonen-Kulmala
Welterweight Bout: David Jacobsson vs. Henri Lintula
Middleweight Bout: Ismail Naurdiev vs. Warlley Alves
Flyweight Bout: Amir Malekpour vs. Jonny Touma
Bantamweight Bout: Ali Yazbeck vs. Da'Mon Blackshear

Main Card
Women's Bantamweight Bout: Germaine De Randamie vs. Pannie Kianzad
Light Heavyweight bout: Karl Albrektsson vs. Marcin Prachnio
Women’s Strawweight: Loma Lookboonmee vs. Josefine Knutsson
Welterweight Bout: Gunnar Nelson vs. Bryan Battle
Light Heavyweight bout: Alexander Gustafsson vs. Ovince St Preux
Middleweight Bout: Gegard Mousasi vs. Eryk Anders
Middleweight Bout: Khamzat Chimaev vs. Paulo Costa

 

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UFC FIGHT NIGHT 243 CONFIRMED
KFC YUM CENTER​

For the second time only in the UFC's rich history, the promotion will head to Louisville. The first time the UFC did so was over 13 years ago with a fight night card headlined by a clash between Diego Sanchez and Martin Kampmann. This return card will feature a very intriguing fight at it's headline in the Bantamweight Division. Before we get there however, let's begin with the early fights on the prelims. Exclusive to fight pass, the night will kick off with the debut of Emmanuel Sanchez. The Bellator veteran will take on dangerous finisher Mandel Nallo in what looks to be an intriguing first clash of the evening. "The Chechen Wolf" Shamil Nikaev will also make his debut in the octagon, as he takes on submission specialist Claudio Puelles. In middleweight action Makhmud Muradov will look to continue his impressive run of form as of late as he takes on debuting Middleweight standout Sharaf Davlatmurodov. Justine Kish will return to the octagon on this card as she takes on debuting women's flyweight standout Denise Kielholtz. Amateur wrestling standout Lance Gibson Jr will also make his official UFC debut as he battles Georgian Guram Kutaledze. Two Women's Flyweights will also debut against one another as Sumiko Inaba takes on Lucie Bertaud while veteran Steve Garcia takes on Vladimir Tokov.

The televised portion of the undercard will also feature some intriguing octagon debuts. This begins with Team Alpha Male's Chris Gonzalez who makes his octagon debut against veteran Bryce Logan. Following this bout, we know that Pete Rodriguez will look to turn his UFC fortunes around as he battles veteran Marcio Breno who is making his debut. Veteran Cortney Casey will return to the octagon after a lay off as she takes on unbeaten finisher Keri Taylor Melendez in Keri's octagon debut. Bantamweight veteran Cody Gibson will also be on the card as he welcomes former Bellator Bantamweight Champion Darrion Caldwell to the UFC octagon. Caldwell will not be the only former Bellator champion on the card either as Ilima Lei Macfarlane makes the UFC walk for the very first time as she takes on the debuting Diana Avsaragova. While headlining the televised portion of the preliminary card we will see veteran and notorious finisher Gerald Meerschaert look to become the first man to defeat unbeaten UFC prospect Bo Nickal.

Moving to the main card of the show, the main feature will be kicked off by the octagon return of Will Brooks. Brooks previously has fought in promotions such as the UFC and Bellator but is riding an impressive win streak which he will risk as he takes on the dangerous ultimate fighter winner Kurt Holobaugh. Following this in what has been described as a potential title eliminator bout Kayla Harrison will take on the dangerous Mayra Bueno Silva. A Heavyweight clash of styles will follow as striker Alexander Volkov will take on submission specialist Jailton Almeida. The Co-Main event of the evening will see former top ranked Lightweight Beneil Dariush look to reclaim his past success as he takes on the returning Rafael Fiziev. Meanwhile in the main event, former UFC Bantamweight champion Petr Yan will look to continue his climb back to another title shot as he takes on former two time UFC flyweight champion Deveison Figueiredo.

Fight Pass Prelims
Lightweight Bout: Emmanuel Sanchez vs. Mandel Nallo
Lightweight Bout: Shamil Nikaev vs. Claudio Puelles
Middleweight Bout: Sharaf Davlatmurodov vs. Makhmud Muradov
Women's Flyweight Bout: Denise Kielholtz vs. Justine Kish
Lightweight Bout: Lance Gibson Jr vs. Guram Kutaledze
Women's Flyweight Bout: Sumiko Inaba vs. Lucie Bertaud
Lightweight Bout: Vladimir Tokov vs. Steve Garcia

Under Card
Lightweight Bout: Chris Gonzalez vs. Bryce Logan
Welterweight Bout: Marcio Breno vs. Pete Rodriguez
Women's Flyweight Bout: Keri Taylor Melendez vs. Cortney Casey
Bantamweight Bout: Darrion Caldwell vs. Cody Gibson
Women's Flyweight Bout: Ilima-Lei Macfarlane vs. Diana Avsaragova
Middleweight Bout: Bo Nickal vs. Gerald Meerschaert

Main Card
Lightweight Bout: Will Brooks vs. Kurt Holobaugh
Women's Bantamweight Bout: Kayla Harrison vs. Mayra Bueno Silva
Heavyweight Bout: Jailton Almeida vs. Alexander Volkov
Lightweight: Beneil Dariush vs. Rafael Fiziev
Bantamweight Bout: Petr Yan vs. Deveison Figueiredo

 

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UFC ON ESPN 55
UFC APEX​

Fight Pass Prelims
Women's Flyweight bout: Brogan Walker vs. Shannon Clark
Making her debut in the first bout of the evening, undefeated prospect Shannon Clark very much showed herself to be an exciting prospect to watch. As she picked former TUF finalist Brogan Walker apart in the early goings of this women's flyweight bout before pouring the offense on in the 3rd round. A body shot would drop Brogan Walker and several punches on the ground would follow giving Shannon a TKO finish.
Result: Shannon Clark by 3rd round TKO

Heavyweight bout: Caio Machado vs. Don'Tale Mayes
Heavyweight action was the next port of call for the evening. Unfortunately for fans in attendance this was a fairly listless and at times incredibly sloppy affair with little in the way of action. Following three rounds of clinching, a split decision verdict would be afforded to Mayes.
Result: Don'Tayle Mayes by split decision

Lightweight bout: Maheshate Hayisaer vs. Gabriel Benítez
Lightweight action then followed and in the complete opposite of the fight before it, we'd be treated to a back and forth battle between Maheshate Hayisaer and Gabriel Benitez. While he may have come up short in the first round having been dropped, Benitez would rally back in the second and managed to mount his foe before pumelling him with ground and pound for a stoppage.
Result: Gabriel Benitez by 2nd round TKO

Women's Flyweight bout: Ivana Petrović vs. Liang Na
Two women in desperate need of a win would be in action in the next bout. Sadly for Liang Na this wouldn't be her night as a big overhand punch by Ivana dropped her and a hook followed catching her on her way back up for a impressive first round knockout.
Result: Ivana Petrovic by 1st round KO

Lightweight bout: James Llontop vs. Gabriel Green
Making his octagon debut, striking specialist James Llontop very much lived up to the hype against Gabriel Green. As following a hard body kick which hurt Green, a series of punishing knees from the clinch followed affording James a TKO finish.
Result: James Llontop by 1st round TKO

Under Card
Heavyweight bout: Austen Lane vs. Jhonata Diniz
Making his UFC debut, kickboxing specialist Jhonata Diniz very much delivered what was expected of him in this fight as he pieced up Austen Lane in the early going of this of this fight before a big hook put Lane down for an emphatic knockout victory.
Result: Jhonta Diniz by 1st round KO

Middleweight bout: Tresean Gore vs. Trent Miller
Top rated prospect Trent Miller was the next debut of the evening and he very much lived up to the hype as he dropped Tresean Gore early in the first round with a flying knee before clamping on a power guillotine for an early finish.
Result: Trent Miller by 1st round submission.

Welterweight bout: Jordan Mein vs. Rolando Bedoya
Making his return to the octagon, Welterweight Jordan Mein nearly saw his return go up in smoke when Rolando Bedoya managed to drop him in the early going with a wild hook. Luckily for Mein he was able to soon recover and would use his grappling advantage to ground Bedoya and stifle him for a decision victory.
Result: Jordan Mein by unanimous decision.

Lightweight bout: Austin Hubbard vs. Michal Figlak
It was then time for the final bout on the prelims and unfortunately this was a dull affair with both Austin Hubbard and Michal Figlak being a little gun shy in exchanges. Following 3 low output rounds, the fight went to the scorecards with a decision going to Hubbard.
Result: Austin Hubbard by split decision

Main Card
Lightweight bout: Joel Álvarez vs. Mateusz Rębecki
Opening up the main card of the event would be a lightweight clash as Joel Alvarez took on Mateuz Rebecki. While the opening round of this fight would be quite the back and forth battle. It wouldn't take long for the grappling advantage of Rebecki to take hold and he'd be able to keep Alvarez on the ground for a decision.
Result: Mateusz Rebecki by unanimous decision

Bantamweight bout: Victor Henry vs. Rani Yahya
Two Bantamweight veterans would do battle in the next bout of the night as Victor Henry took on Rani Yahya. While Yahya looked to take the fight to the ground, Henry managed to keep the bout standing and would effectively pick Rani off with his striking. This led to the fight going to the scorecards and a unanimous victory for Victor Henry.
Result: Victor Henry by unanimous decision

Featherweight bout: Gabriel Santos vs. Youssef Zalal
Making his return to the octagon, Youssef Zalal found himself matched up with the dangerous Gabriel Santos. This would be a destructive showing for Zalal who dropped Santos with a hook and several more punches followed on the ground giving Zalal a 1st round knockout.
Result: Youssef Zalal by 1st round knockout

Lightweight bout: Gauge Young vs. Alex Reyes
Highly touted prospect Gauge Young made his UFC debut in the next bout of the evening and he quickly put on a showcase as he landed a quick flurry of punches which put Reyes down on the canvas. From here a series of elbows and punches followed for a first round TKO
Result: Gauge Young by 1st round TKO

Women's Flyweight bout: Ariane Lipski vs. Karine Silva
The co-main event of the evening would see a women's flyweight bout between Ariane Lipski and Karine Silva. This was a classic striker vs grappler bout between the pair and while Lipski had her moments on the feet, it was the grappling of Silva which made the difference. After three rounds of fighting, the judges would award Silva a decision victory.
Result: Karine Silva by unanimous decision

Flyweight bout: Manel Kape vs. Matheus Nicolau
Finally it was time for the main event of the evening between two ranked Flyweight contenders. This would be a destructive performance for Kape who punished Nicolau with punches, elbows, knees and kicks leading to a first round TKO finish.
Result: Manel Kape by 1st round TKO

Press Conference Notes
~ Manel Kape called for a title fight or a bout with Kai Kara-France
~ Austin Hubbard and Gabriel Benitez agreed to fight one another
~ Mateusz Rebecki asked for a ranked opponent

Cuts
Brogan Walker
Liang Na
Gabriel Green
Austen Lane
Tresean Gore
Rolando Bedoya
Gabriel Santos
Michal Figlak
Alex Reyes

 

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UFC Fight Night 244 confirmed​

In some exciting news today another UFC fight night event has been announced. For the first time in five years the UFC will return to the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Flordia. The last time the UFC came this way of course was fight night 150 which was headlined by Jacare vs. Jack Hermansson. Opening this card on the preliminary side will be a Heavyweight contest between two grapplers as Mohammed Usman and Karl Williams look to get back on the winning track. Following this prospects Danny Silva and Isaac Dulgarian will collide in an effort to pick up their first UFC victory. Women's strawweight submission standout Jaqueline Amorin will also be on the card against the returning Sabina Mazo. Bantamweight action will also be on the undercard as Charalampos Grigorious and Caolan Loughan will look to pick up their second UFC victory. Middleweight strikers Abus Magomedov and Michal Olekseijczuk will also do battle in a must win bout for one another while unbeaten Heavyweight Valter Walker will take on the debuting Hugo Cunha. Headlining the prelims will be a Middleweight contest between Jacob Malkoun and Edmen Shahbazyan.

As for the main card, the night will begin with a exciting flyweight contest as Brazilian finisher Jafel Filho will look to keep his win streak alive as he takes on returning flyweight veteran Dustin Ortiz. Following this will be an intriguing featherweight clash as Christian Rodriguez looks to continue his impressive run as of late against Julio Arce. On top of this lightweight veterans will collide as Mike Davis takes on Thiago Moises. While at Light Heavyweight Kennedy Nzechwuku will take on the recently debuted Ibo Aslan. The co-main event of the evening will see Manon Fiorot look to get back on the winning track as she takes on Amanda Ribas. While in the main event of the night Bantamweight contender Cory Sandhagen will take on the highly touted Umar Nurmagomedov.

Under Card
Heavyweight Bout: Mohammed Usman vs. Karl Williams
Featherweight Bout: Danny Silva vs. Isaac Dulgarian
Women's Strawweight bout: Jaqueline Amorin vs. Sabina Mazo
Bantamweight Bout: Charalampos Grigoriou vs. Caolan Loughan
Welterweight Bout: Chidi Njokuani vs. Charlie Radtke
Middleweight Bout: Abusupiyan Magomedov vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
Heavyweight Bout: Valter Walker vs. Hugo Cunha
Middleweight Bout: Jacob Malkoun vs. Edmen Shahbazyan

Main Card
Flyweight Bout: Jafel Filho vs. Dustin Ortiz
Featherweight Bout: Christian Rodriguez vs. Julio Arce
Lightweight Bout: Mike Davis vs. Thiago Moises
Light Heavyweight Bout: Kennedy Nzechwuku vs. Ibo Aslan
Women's Flyweight Bout: Manon Fiorot vs. Amanda Ribas
Bantamweight Bout: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov

 

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UFC 301

Jeunesse Arena
​

Fight Pass Prelims
Women's Strawweight bout: Ariane Carnelossi vs. Elise Reed
Opening the show, Women's Strawweights each in need of a victory would collide. Unfortunately for Elise Reed, this bout would be a one sided showcase of Ariane Carnelossi's Muay Thai abilities. Following a series of knees and elbows in the clinch, the referee would call a stop to this contest at the midpoint of round one.
Result: Ariane Carnelossi by 1st round TKO

Flyweight bout: Alessandro Costa vs. Kevin Borjas
Flyweight action was the next port of call for the evening as Alessandro Costa and Kevin Borjas would do battle in what was a scrappy back and forth clash. While Costa's wild striking gave him his moments, Borjas appeared to be landing the cleaner shots. This was until the third round where in a wild exchange on the ground, Costa caught Borjas in an armbar for the win.
Result: Alessandro Costa by 3rd round submission

Bantamweight bout: Jack Shore vs. Joanderson Brito
Bantamweight action was the next port of call for the evening and we'd see Wales' Jack Shore battle Brazilian Joanderson Brito. This was quite an action packed back and forth battle in the early going with both men having their moments. Unfortunately for Shore in the second round he'd be stung with a big right hand and several follow up punches followed for a somewhat early stoppage.
Result: Joanderson Brito by 2nd round TKO

Heavyweight bout: Augusto Sakai vs. Timothy Johnson
Two former ranked UFC Heavyweights then made their returns to the octagon in the next bout of the night. Unfortunately this would be quite the listless affair marred by low out put and little activity. Following three rounds of inaction Augusto Sakai was awarded a decision victory.
Result: Augusto Sakai by unanimous decision

Under Card
Middleweight bout: Lyoto Machida vs. Kendall Grove
For the very last time the Dragon would walk to the octagon as Lyoto Machida made his UFC return for his retirement bout. Against him was another returning veteran Kendall Grove. While this bout was mainly controlled by Machida, Grove to his credit did have his moments until a body kick from Machida was all she wrote as Grove collapsed to the floor awarding Lyoto his last win.
Result: Lyoto Machida by 3rd round knockout

Women's Strawweight bout: Karolina Kowalkiewicz vs. Iasmin Lucindo
With Brazilian fighters so far having their run tonight. The next fighter up would be young prospect Iasmin Lucindo. Sadly for her in this bout Lucindo's ground game was negated by Karolina Kowalkiewicz's experience, as Karolina managed to keep the fight standing and out box her opponent for a decision.
Result: Karolina Kowalkiewicz by unanimous decision

Middleweight bout: Paul Craig vs. Caio Borralho
Ranked Middleweights did battle in the next contest of the night. Sadly for Scotland's Paul Craig this was a fight well dominated by his opponent Caio Borralho. Dominating the fight on the feet and the mat, Borralho after a big first round managed to secure a second round rear naked choke victory.
Result: Caio Borralho by 2nd round submission

Lightweight bout: Joaquim Silva vs. Drakkar Klose
The final fight on the prelims was a lightweight clash between Joaquim Silva and Drakkar Klose. This bout would be a chaotic slug fest and a true war of attrition in which both men had their moments and both men would be dropped at times. With both men making it to the scorecards it was Klose who was awarded a narrow victory.
Result: Drakkar Klose by split decision

Main Card
Lightweight bout: Elves Brener vs. Myktybek Orolbai
Opening the main card was an exciting clash between Lightweight prospects. While in the early goings of this clash the wild style of Elves Brenner seemed to be the difference maker as he hurt Orolbai badly. Slowly the fight would turn the tide with Orolbai able to control and neutralize Brener for a decision.
Result: Myktybek Orolbai by unanimous decision

Women's Bantamweight: Ketlen Viera vs. Macy Chiasson
Ranked Women's Bantamweights did battle in the next fight of the night. Sadly for TUF winner Macy Chiasson this bout was a grappling showcase for Ketlen Viera who was all over Chiasson on the mat. Despite Chiasson's ability to defend herself early on, Ketlen eventually secured an arm triangle for the win.
Result: Ketlen Viera by 3rd round submission

Light Heavyweight bout: Anthony Smith vs. Vitor Petrino
Veteran Anthony Smith took on unbeaten prospect Vitor Petrino in the next bout of the evening. Unfortunately for Smith who looked to pick up a much needed win. This bout was a dominant showing for the finisher Petrino who dropped Smith early and then caught him again on the way up with a series of punches for a knockout.
Result: Vitor Petrino by 1st round knockout

Women's Straweight bout: Natalia Silva vs. Tracy Cortez
The co-main event of the evening saw a clash of unbeaten women strawweight prospects. Very much a striker vs grappler fight, this bout was a showcase for the striker Silva who was able to keep the fight standing and pick apart Tracy Cortez for all three rounds for a decision.
Result: Natalia Silva by unanimous decision

UFC Flyweight Championship: Alexandre Pantoja (c) vs. Amir Albazi
Finally in the main event of the evening, Flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja defended his title against Amir Albazi. This was very much a dominant showcase for Pantoja who would hurt Albazi a few times on the feet and control him on the ground throughout for a unanimous decision.
Result: Alexandre Pantoja by unanimous decision

Press Conference Notes
~ When asked what was next for him Pantoja mentioned fighters such as Mokaev, Ercej and a rematch with Moreno down the line
~ Vitor Petrino called out Jiri Prochazka
~ Drakkar Klose and Myktybek Orolbai expressed an interest in fighting one another
~ Lyoto Machida formally announced his retirement. Kendall Grove was also revealed to have retired
~ Dana named Klose/Silva as FOTN. Performance bonuses to Machida, Petrino and Carnelossi

 

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UFC 304

Johanessburg, South Africa​

For the very first time the UFC will head to South Africa. With rumors running rampant that the UFC was looking to break into Africa this year. We now have full confirmation that Johannesburg will be the holder of this historic event. Opening the fight pass portion of this card on the prelims will be former ranked flyweight David Dvorak who looks to get back on the winning path against debuting flyweight Luthando Biko. TUF 29 Champion Ricky Turcios will also compete on these early prelims against the debuting local talent Sylvester Chipfumbu. Highly touted welterweight Mark Hulme will also make his debut against dangerous finisher Uros Medic. Undefeated welterweight Eliezer Kubanza will also be making his octagon debut against veteran Treven Giles. Brave veteran Nicholas Hwende will also make his first appearance in the cage as he takes on Gaston Bolanos while in the final fight on fight pass veteran Faaez Jacobs makes his UFC debut opposite the returning Timur Valiev.

On the televised portion of the prelims veteran and former title contender Jessica Penne will look to return to the winning track as she takes on undefeated Nigerian Juliet Ukah. Lightweight Bradley Swanepoel will also step into the octagon for the first time as he faces dangerous finisher AJ Cunningham. Following this in the flyweight ranks Jimmy Flick will take on the debuting Nkazimulo Zulu in what will be a styles clash to say the least. Middleweights will then collide as Abdul Razak Al-Hassan takes on the dangerous Marco Tulio. While in the headline bout on the televised portion of the prelims, fans will see the steadily improving Bantamweight Cameron Saaiman take a dangerous submission specialist in Luan Lacerda.

The main card meanwhile will start out with women's Bantamweight action as Ravena Oliveira looks to play spoiler to the debuting undefeated Dayne Van Wyk. Another highly anticipated debut will follow in the second bout of the main card as Igeu Kabesa steps into the octagon for the very first time against veteran and prolific finisher Carlos Diego Ferreira. After this in featherweight action former ranked standout Sodiq Yusuff will look to get back on the winning path as he takes on a veteran also in dire need of a win Pat Sabatini. Former training partners will then do battle in the co-main event of the evening as former champion Kamaru Usman returns to the Welterweight division to battle the always dangerous Vincente Luque. Finally in the main event of the evening the UFC Middleweight Championship will be up for grabs as Dricus Du Plessis makes his first title defense against the heavy handed veteran Jared Cannonier.

Fight Pass Prelims
Flyweight Bout: Luthando Biko vs. David Dvorak
Bantamweight Bout: Sylvester Chipfumbu vs. Ricky Turcios
Welterweight Bout: Mark Hulme vs. Uros Medic
Welterweight Bout: Eliezer Kubanza vs. Trevin Giles
Bantamweight Bout: Nicholas Hwende vs. Gaston Bolanos
Bantamweight Bout: Faaez Jacobs vs Timur Valiev

Under Card
Women's Strawweight Bout: Juliet Ukah vs. Jessica Penne
Lightweight Bout: Bradley Swanepoel vs. AJ Cunningham
Flyweight Bout: Nkazimulo Zulu vs. Jimmy Flick
Middleweight Bout: Abdul Razak Al-Hassan vs. Marco Tulio
Bantamweight Bout: Cameron Saaiman vs. Luan Lacerda

Main Card
Women's Bantamweight Bout: Dayne Van Wyk vs. Ravena Oliveira
Lightweight Bout: Igeu Kabesa vs. Carlos Diego Ferreira
Featherweight Bout: Sodiq Yusuff vs. Pat Sabatini
Welterweight Bout: Kamaru Usman vs. Vincente Luque
Middleweight Championship Bout: Dricus Du Plessis (c) vs. Jared Cannonier

 

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UFC FIGHT NIGHT 241

St Louis, Missouri​

FIGHT PASS PRELIMS
Women Strawweight bout: Istela Nunes vs. Fatima Kline
Opening the card would be the debut of undefeated standout Fatima Kline. Facing UFC veteran Istela Nunes, Fatima Kline very much showed the reason for the high praise she's received so far in her fledgling career. Very much outworking her opponent on the feet and also showing a solid ground game as she managed to control Nunes. This bout would be a dominant showing for Kline and awarded her a decision.
Result: Fatima Kline by unanimous decision

Welterweight bout: Trey Waters vs. Billy Goff
During the next bout of the night we'd see a tale of two game plans told as Billy Goff looked to take his opponent Trey Waters down to the mat throughout the bout. Unfortunately for Billy Goff, Trey Waters showed himself able to defend every takedown of Goffs and managed to pick him apart on the feet with his jab. This would take the fight to the scorecards for the second time this evening and we'd see Waters be given a unanimous decision.
Result: Trey Waters by unanimous decision

Women's Flyweight bout: Juliana Miller vs. Beatriz Consuli
Undefeated prospect Beatriz Consuli made her debut taking on former Ultimate fighter winner Julianna Miller. Unfortunately for Miller who was in dire need of an octagon victory herself this was a dominant showing for Consuli who out classed Miller on the feet and on the canvas. While this was a very dominant showing for Consuli, she never seemed able to find the right position or shot to finish her opponent.
Result: Beatriz Consuli by unanimous decision

Flyweight bout: Charles Johnson vs. Jake Hadley
Flyweights were the next port of call for the evening and we'd see Charles Johnson battle Jake Hadley. This would be a back and forth collision with Charles Johnson having a striking edge while Jake Hadley seemingly had the grappling advantage. After three back and forth rounds in which both men got to show their respective skillsets, the judges would award the split decision verdict to Charles Johnson.
Result: Charles Johnson by split decision

UNDERCARD
Welterweight bout: Jared Gooden vs. Kevin Jousset
Opening up the undercard portion of the show would be a dominant showcase for France's Kevin Jousset. Picking apart Jared Gooden from the off, Jousset would hurt his opponent several times on the feet in the early stages. Gooden after being rocked with a big knee strike would back up against the cage and a series of punches by Jousset followed which allowed him to take the knockout finish.
Result: Jousset by 1st round KO

Lightweight bout: Chase Hooper vs. Viacheslav Borshchev
Lightweight action was the next port of call of the evening. Despite being an underdog to many who spoke about the fight beforehand this was a career best showing for your prospect Chase Hooper who grounded Viacheslav Borschev from the off and managed to control him on the ground throughout the fight for a decision victory.
Result: Chase Hooper by unanimous decision

Women's Bantamweight bout: Julia Avila vs. Cecile Bolander
Undefeated women's bantamweight prospect Cecile Bolander made her UFC debut in the next fight of the evening. Against her would be dangerous veteran Julia Avila and in the early going it seemed that Avila was going to be a tough test for Bolander as she threw off a take down attempt. Unfortunately for Avila, in looking to amp the aggression she'd eventually follow Bolander to the mat and get caught in an armbar giving the unbeaten prospect her first UFC win.
Result: Cecilie Bolander by 1st round submission

Bantamweight bout: Toshiomi Kazama vs. Casey Kenney
Making his most anticipated return to the octagon after a three year lay off. Casey Kenney looked to get back on the winning track in his return against Toshiomi Kazama. This would be a great return showing for Kenney who dropped Kazama early and very much swarmed him to take a dominant first round. In the second the fight would follow the same routine until Kenney picked up a TKO finish.
Result: Casey Kenney by 2nd round TKO

Lightweight bout: Terrance McKinney vs. Esteban Ribovics
Two vicious finishers did battle in the next bout of the night as Terrance McKinney would take on Esteban Ribovics. This would be an entertaining battle from the off with both men rocking one another early. A big difference however would be the body work of McKinney and this was on display when a crushing knee to the body put Esteban down for a 1st round knockout.
Result: Terrance McKinney by 1st round Knockout

MAIN CARD
Welterweight bout: Matt Brown vs. Tim Means
Opening up with a rematch between two Welterweight veterans. Both Tim Means and Matt Brown made no secret in the build up that they had come to brawl in tonight's fight. To their credit they honored their promises and we'd see a wild back and forth brawl for all three rounds. While both men were rocked and hurt on occasion it seemed that Means was landing the cleaner punches and this led to him taking a decision win. Following the bout Matt Brown would leave his gloves in the octagon indicating his retirement.
Result: Tim Means by split decision

Women's Bantamweight bout: Danyelle Wolf vs. Bella Mir
The second bout on the prelims would be the UFC debut of the daughter of former heavyweight champion Frank Mir. Standing across from the unbeaten Bella Mir would be former boxer Danyelle Wolf. Sadly for Wolf she'd have little chance to show her striking as she'd be dropped by Mir who wasted little time in locking on a guillotine choke to secure the submission.
Result: Bella Mir by 1st round submission

Lightweight bout: Vinc Pichel vs. Alexander Sarnavisky
Former Bellator standout Alexander Sarnavisky made his octagon debut in the next bout of the night and it would be in highly dominating fashion against veteran Vinc Pichel. After stuffing an early takedown, Alexander dropped Vinc with a lead hook and followed him to the ground. From here a series of follow up strikes would knock Pichel out awarding Alex the victory.
Result: Alexander Sarnavisky by 1st round knockout

Light Heavyweight bout: Carlos Ulberg vs. Alonzo Menifield
Light Heavyweights would be the next up as Light Heavyweight sluggers Carlos Ulberg and Alonzo Menifield would do battle. With both fighters exchanging some heavy strikes back and forth in the first two rounds. It seemed that the third round would very much be the tipping point for the fight. Looking to close things out Menifield would lunge at Ulberg only to be caught coming in with a hook which dropped him. From here Ulberg followed with several more shots for the TKO.
Result: Carlos Ulberg by 3rd round TKO

Women's Strawweight bout: Tecia Torres vs. Tabatha Ricci
The Co-Main event of the evening would be strawweight action as Tecia Torres took on Tabatha Ricci. Unfortunately for the returning Torres this wouldn't be a good showcase for her skills as she'd be grounded by Ricci who used her wrestling advantage to control Torres for all three rounds in order to pick up a unanimous decision victory.
Result: Tabatha Ricci by unanimous decision

Welterweight bout: Neil Magny vs. Sean Brady
The main event of the evening would see two ranked Welterweights do battle. Unfortunately for everyone this would be quite a grappling and clinch heavy affair with Brady sticking to his game plan of taking Neil Magny down and controlling him. In short bursts on the feet Neil Magny would manage to use his range and jab to keep Brady at bay but this work wouldn't be enough as Brady picked up a decision victory.
Result: Sean Brady by unanimous decision

PRESS CONFERENCE NOTES
~ Dana White confirmed that Brown/Means was FOTN and that everyone who finished tonight would be given bonuses.
~ Carlos Ulberg called for a fight with Vitor Petrino
~ Sean Brady demanded a top 5 opponent
~ Terrance McKinney and Chase Hooper asked to fight one another

RELEASES
~ Istela Nunes
~ Juliana Miller
~ Jared Gooden
~ Toshiomi Kazama
~ Danyelle Wolf
~ Matt Brown - Retired

 

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UFC FIGHT NIGHT 245

DUBLIN, IRELAND​

The UFC once again returns to Ireland! For the first time in eight years the UFC will head to Ireland for a special fight night event. The event will be headlined by a much anticipated grudge match as the controversial former title contender Colby Covington looks to get back on the winning track as he takes on rising star Ian Machado-Garry. The co-main event of the evening will see another controversial standout as Lightweight Paddy Pimblett looks to keep his unbeaten UFC record in tact against veteran Jim Miller. Also on the main card will be Featherweight standout William Gomis, the french fighter is currently 3-0 in the cage and will look to make it 4 straight against Ireland's Shem Rock. The much anticipated debut of Danni McCormack will also feature on the main card as she takes on the gritty Sam Hughes. Rounding out the main card and kicking off the show will be the debut of Sammy Jo Luxton. The popular European standout will take on veteran Andrea Lee in what is a must win fight for the veteran.

On the televised portion of the event fans will see Scotland's Paul Craig attempt to get back on the winning path as he takes on Middleweight debutant Dario Bellandi. Two UFC veterans returning to the octagon after years away will also do battle as heavy handed finisher Darren Stewart takes on TUF Smashes winner Norman Parke in a Light Heavyweight bout. France's Morgan Charriere will look to keep his octagon record perfect as he takes on rising prospect Harry Hardwick. Flyweight veterans Sam Creasey and Shajidul Haque will both make their octagon debuts against one another. Popular lightweight Chris Bungard will make his octagon debut againt Italy's Michelangelo Colangelo. Unbeaten heavyweight Luke Newland will also make his debut against Scotland's Louie Sutherland. While opening the televised portion of the prelims will be the UFC debut of Will Currie who will take on Haider Khan.

The fight pass prelims meanwhile will include a variety of local talent from Ireland as well as the UK as a whole. This includes the debut of the highly touted Jordan Vucenic who will take on Germany's James Hendin. Welterweight Kiefer Crosbie meanwhile will look to pick up his first win against Luca Poclit while Rhys Mckee gets a third opportunity to make a new impression as he takes on the debuting James Sheehan. Caolan Loughran meanwhile will look to build on his last victory as he takes on the debuting Raphael Uchegbu. Bantamweight standout Liam Gittins will also be making his debut as he takes on Amir Malekpour. Ireland's Shauna Bannon meanwhile will attempt to return to the winning track as she takes on Lachana Green while headling the fight pass prelims will be the debut of Shanelle Dyer who will take on Kate Bakic.

Fight Pass Prelims
Featherweight Bout: Jordan Vucenic vs. James Hendin
Welterweight Bout: Kiefer Crosbie vs. Luca Poclit
Welterweight Bout: Rhys McKee vs. James Sheehan
Bantamweight Bout: Caolan Loughran vs. Raphael Uchegbu
Bantamweight Bout: Liam Gittins vs. Amir Malekpour
Women's Strawweight: Shauna Bannon vs. Lachana Green
Women's Flyweight Bout: Shanelle Dyer vs. Kate Bakic

Prelims
Middleweight Bout: Will Currie vs. Haider Khan
Heavyweight Bout: Luke Newland vs. Louie Sutherland
Lightweight Bout: Chris Bungard vs. Michelangelo Colangelo
Flyweight Bout: Sam Creasey vs. Shajidul Haque
Featherweight Bout: Morgan Charriere vs. Harry Hardwick
Light Heavyweight Bout: Norman Parke vs. Darren Stewart
Middleweight Bout: Paul Craig vs. Dario Bellandi

Main Card
Women's Flyweight Bout: Sammy Jo Luxton vs. Andrea Lee
Women's Strawweight Bout: Danni McCormack vs. Sam Hughes
Featherweight Bout: William Gomis vs. Shem Rock
Lightweight Bout: Paddy Pimblett vs. Jim Miller
Welterweight Bout: Coly Covington vs. Ian Machado Garry

 

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UFC FIGHT NIGHT 246

San Jose, California​

For the first time in a decade the UFC will return to San Jose. The last time the UFC featured in San Jose we'd see a thrilling contest between Matt Brown and Robbie Lawler at the helm. While also on the card would be names such as Anthony Johnson, Jorge Masvidal, Brian Ortega, Gilbert Burns and Joanna Jedrzejczyk. This time round the UFC returns with two of it's most popular and captivating talents that the octagon has ever seen making their returns. As for the very first time Nate and Nick Diaz will compete on the very same card. In the main event of the evening Nate Diaz in his octagon return will take on another returning face as former UFC Lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez will look to pick up one final victory in what has been confirmed to be Eddie's final fight. The co-main event of the evening will see former Strikeforce champion Nick Diaz also return to the cage as he takes on Ultimate Fighter champion Mike Chiesa in what is a must win clash for both. Former women's champion Carla Esparza will step back into the cage as she takes on the debuting Xiong Jing Nan. Another women's veteran Lauren Murphy will also return to the cage as she takes on Bellator veteran Bruna Ellen, while heavyweights Mario Piazzon and Anton Vyagizin will debut against one another.

Kicking off the main card meanwhile will be a special dual retirement fight as former title contender Yushin Okami returns to the octagon to take on the also returning Yoshihiro Akiyama. Another retirement fight of note will see former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Rashad Evans step into the cage one last time as he takes on Jacob Malkoun. Veteran JJ Aldrich will also be returning to the cage as she takes on the unbeaten Veronika Borisova. Another veteran facing a debutant will be Rani Yahya who finds himself matched up with Bobby Seronio III while in a much anticipated welterweight clash striker Cosmo Alexandre debuts opposite Magomed Magomedkerimov. Former title contender Alexis Davis will also return to the UFC as she takes on Paula Cristina while opening the televised portion of the undercard will be a clash between Diaba Belbita and the debuting Michelle Nicolini. On the fight pass exclusive prelims meanwhile featherweight Lucas Brennan will make his debut against Gabriel Miranda while Bantamweight Guillermo Torres looks to make a successful debut against Aiemann Zahabi. Unbeaten flyweights Alan Martinez and Luis Elias will also collide while Ramil Kamilov debuts against veteran Shane Campbell.

FIGHT PASS PRELIMS
Featherweight: Lucas Brennan vs. Gabriel Miranda
Flyweight Bout: Alan Martinez vs. Luis Elias
Welterweight Bout: Ramil Kamilov vs. Shane Campbell
Bantamweight: Guillermo Torres vs. Aiemann Zahabi

UNDER CARD
Women's Strawweight Bout: Michelle Nicolini vs. Diana Belbita
Women's Flyweight: Paula Cristina vs. Alexis Davis
Welterweight Bout: Cosmo Alexandre vs. Magomed Magomedkerimov
Bantamweight Bout: Bobby Seronio III vs. Rani Yahya
Women's Flyweight: Veronika Borisova vs. JJ Aldrich
Middleweight Bout: Rashad Evans vs. Jacob Malkoun

MAIN CARD
Middleweight Bout: Yushin Okami vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama
Heavyweight Bout: Mario Piazzon vs. Anton Vyagizin
Women's Flyweight: Bruna Ellen vs. Lauren Murphy
Women's Strawweight Bout: Xiong Jing Nan vs. Carla Esparza
Welterweight Bout: Nick Diaz vs. Mike Chiesa
Lightweight Bout: Nate Diaz vs. Eddie Alvarez

 

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UFC ON ESPN 56

UFC APEX

Fight Pass Prelims
Heavyweight Bout: Anthony Cassar vs. Thomas Petersen
Kicking off the show would be the debut of 2-0 prospect Anthony Cassar. The highly rated prospect and amateur wrestling standout very much made a strong impression in his UFC debut as he was able to out muscle and out wrestle Thomas Petersen throughout round one before using effective ground and pound to gain the finish in the second.
Result: Anthony Cassar by 2nd round TKO

Middleweight Bout: Denis Tiuliulin vs. Dani Barbir
Another unbeaten standout making his debut would be Dani Barbir in the next contest of the night. A noted finisher, Dani Barbir very much seemed fit to live up to this bill as a big overhand put Denis Tiuliulin down in the opening seconds. While Denis to his credit survived this, the onslaught of strikes from Barbir soon led to the referee waving off the contest.
Result: Dani Barbir by 1st round TKO

Light Heavyweight Bout: Rasul Magomedov vs. Dequan Townsend
Another unbeaten prospect then fought in his UFC debut. While not an exciting fight by any means this bout was very much a showcase of Rasul Magomedov's grappling and offensive wrestling. After stifling his opponent for three rounds, Magomedov would be awarded the victory.
Result: Rasul Magomedov by unanimous decision

Lightweight Bout: Genaro Valdez vs. Richie Lewis
In the last fight on fight pass, highly rated prospect Richie Lewis made his UFC debut against Genaro Valdez. This bout very much was a showcase for Richie who not only out wrestled his opponent but also managed to out strike him enroute to a unanimous decision showing.
Result: Richie Lewis by unanimous decision

Under Card
Light Heavyweight Bout: Atilla Vegh vs. Karlos Vemola
Opening up the televised portion of the undercard would be a clash of two veterans at light heavyweight. Making his return to the octagon Karlos Vemola found himself up against the debuting Atilla Vegh. Unfortunately this would be a fairly lack luster fight with Vegh's counter striking giving him the verdict.
Result: Atilla Vegh by unanimous decision

Flyweight Bout: Wilson Reis vs. Nate Maness
Former title contender Wilson Reis returned to the cage looking to reclaim his success of old. Unfortunately for him rising prospect Nate Maness managed to drop Reis at the midpoint of the opening round with a 1 2 strike combination before several follow up punches followed for the knockout. Following the fight and announcements Wilson Reis would leave his gloves in the cage.
Result: Nate Maness by 1st round KO

Welterweight Bout: Niko Price vs. Wellington Turman
Looking to get back on the winning track, veteran Niko Price returned to the cage against Wellington Turman. With both men knowing their backs were against the wall. This made for quite the scrappy encounter until a series of punches against the cage by Price dropped Turman for a KO finish.
Result: Niko Price by 1st round KO

Featherweight Bout: Ryan Hall vs. David Onama
The next contest of the night very much was a straight grappling bout as Ryan Hall showed no intention of standing with David Onama. Instead the grappler managed to keep taking this fight to the ground and controlling Onama before finally securing an armbar in the third for a victory.
Result: Ryan Hall by 3rd round submission

Lightweight Bout: Chris Gruetzmacher vs. Brad Riddell
The final bout of the prelims was a scrappy lightweight bout between veterans as Chris Gruetzmacher took on Brad Riddell. With Chris looking to take his opponent down on several occasions through the bout. Riddell's takedown defense kept the fight upright and we'd see him out strike Chris for a decision.
Result: Brad Riddell by unanimous decision

Main Card
Women's Flyweight Bout: Antonina Shevchenko vs. Veronica Hardy
Opening the main card was a women's flyweight bout between veteran Antonina Shevchenko and rising prospect Veronica Hardy. What followed was three rounds of technical kickboxing with this fight contested on the feet purely. After three rounds of action it would be Hardy who was awarded the split decision. Following the result Antonina Shevchenko announced her retirement from MMA.
Result: Veronica Hardy by split decision

Featherweight: Doo Ho Choi vs. Kron Gracie
The next bout was very much a striker vs grappler affair with Kron Gracie constantly looking to either pull guard or take his opponent down. Unfortunately for Gracie his opponent had no interest in going along with this approach and at the end of the round he'd land a flurry on Gracie to secure a knockout.
Result: Doo Ho Choi by 1st round knockout

Light Heavyweight Bout: Ryan Spann vs. Rafael Carvalho
Former Bellator champion Rafael Carvalho would then make his octagon debut in the next fight of the night. Unfortunately for Carvalho he'd be in for a rude awakening in this contest as some heavy punches dropped him early on allowing Spann to pick up a first round TKO.
Result: Ryan Spann by 1st round TKO

Welterweight Bout: Daniel Rodriguez vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio
Welterweight veterans would collide in the next bout of the night. This would be an exciting back and forth battle between the pair of veterans with Santiago being the more technical and Rodriguez having a power advantage. After three rounds of back and forth action, the fight would be awarded to Ponzinibbio.
Result: Santiago Ponzinibbio by split decision

Women's Bantamweight Bout: Miesha Tate vs. Yana Santos
Former women's champion Miesha Tate looked to continue her attempt at reclaiming past glories as she took on former title contender Yana Santos. This would very much be a showcase of Miesha's wrestling as she would take down Santos and work her over with ground and pound enroute to a third round stoppage.
Result: Miesha Tate by 3rd round TKO

Light Heavyweight Bout: Volkhan Oezdemir vs. Azamat Murzakanov
Lastly in the main event of the night unbeaten standout Azamat Murzakanov looked to enter the top ten with a win over former title contender Volkhan Oezdemir. In the early rounds Azamat very much looked like a future contender but unfortunately as we entered the championship rounds, Azamat gassed out allowing Volkhan to make a comeback leading to a late knockout.
Result: Volkhan Oezdemir by 4th round KO

Press Conference Notes
~ Dana White confirmed Performances of the night were to go to Oezdemir, Choi and Spann. While fight of the night would go to Ponzinibbio and Rodriguez
~ Doo Ho Choi and Ryan Hall agreed to fight one another
~ Richie Lewis called for a fight with Jim Miller

Releases/Retirements
Denis Tiuliulin
Genaro Valdez
Wilson Reis - Retired
Wellington Turman
Chris Gruetzmacher
Antonina Shevchenko - Retired​

 

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UFC 305​

For the first time this year the UFC will go to Madison Square Garden. In what is promising to be one of the bigger events of the calendar year. This exciting card will begin on fight pass with 5 interesting fights. The night will begin with veteran and ultimate fighter winner Tim Elliott in action against the highly regarded debuting Kai Asukara. Kai of course is the former Rizin Bantamweight champion who will be looking to replicate that success. Heavyweight action would be the next port of call for the night as heavyweight veteran Martin Buday will take on former contender series alumni Alexander Soldatkin. In welterweight action veteran Jordan Mein will take on rising prospect Gabriel Bonfim while in Light Heavyweight action Alain Van De Merckt will look to make his debut against Mingyang Zhang. Lastly on fight pass we know that Lightweight prospect Ismael Bonfim will take on the returning ranked contender Gregor Gillespie.

Meanwhile the televised portion of the undercard will open with the return of former title contender Kevin Lee as he takes on veteran Nicolas Dalby. Following this we know that two longtime Lightweight stalwarts Renato Moicano and Bobby Green will do battle. Then in Bantamweight action former champion TJ Dillashaw will look to make his return to the octagon against another returning fighter Kyoji Horiguchi. Dillashaw will not be the only former champion looking to make a return as we know that former women's star Joanna Jedrzejczyk will take on French striker Manon Fiorot. While in the final fight on the prelims Bantamweight slugger Garrett Armfield will take on a highly anticipated, debuting standout Bibiano Fernandes who was a former ONE FC Champion.

The main card meanwhile will open with an interesting fight between two veteran Welterweights as we know that former Lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos will take on former title contender Demian Maia in what is being tabbed as the retirement fight for Demian Maia. The second bout of the main card will see Alexander Volkanovski return to the cage for the first time since losing his championship as he takes on returning prospect Zabit Magomedsharipov. A heavyweight title eliminator bout then follows as Ciryl Gane will take on Curtis Blaydes in a striker vs grappler bout. While in the co-main event of the evening former champion Sean Strickland will take on former title contender Marvin Vetorri. Meanwhile in the main event of the evening the heavyweight championship will be on the line as Jon Jones returns to the cage following injury to take on interim champion Tom Aspinall.

Fight Pass
Flyweight Bout: Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asukara
Heavyweight Bout: Alexander Soldatkin vs. Martin Buday
Weltweright Bout: Gabriel Bonfim vs. Jordan Mein
Light Heavyweight Bout: Alain Van De Merckt vs. Mingyang Zhang
Lightweight Bout: Gregor Gillespie vs. Ismael Bonfim

Under Card
Welterweight Bout: Kevin Lee vs. Nicolas Dalby
Lightweight Bout: Bobby Green vs. Renato Moicano
Bantamweight Bout: TJ Dillashaw vs. Kyoji Horiguchi
Women's Flyweight: Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Manon Fiorot
Bantamweight Bout: Bibiano Fernandes vs. Garrett Armfield

Main Card
Welterweight Bout: Rafael Dos Anjos vs. Demian Maia
Featherweight Bout: Alexander Volkov vs. Zabit Magomedsharipov
Heavyweight Bout: Ciryl Gane vs. Curtis Blaydes
Middleweight Bout: Sean Strickland vs. Marvin Vettori
Heavyweight Championship: Jon Jones (c) vs. Tom Aspinall