UFC 2024 - THE TKO ERA

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DANA WHITE'S CONTENDER SERIES WEEK SIX​

Featherweight Bout: Alexander Loof (5-1) vs. Michael Trizano (10-3)
The opening bout on the contender series week six would see Ultimate Fighter winner Michael Trizano look to make a return to the UFC as he takes on Swedish Striker Alexander Loof. This bout however would be very much dominated by the striker Loof who was able to not only keep the bout standing but also pick Trizano apart with strikes on the way to a unanimous decision.
Result: Alexander Loof by unanimous decision

Bantamweight Bout: Rico DiSciullo (11-2) vs. Mateus Soares (7-1)
Another Ultimate Fighter alumni would look to make a return as Rico DiSciullo battled LFA standout Mateus Soares. This bout would very much be a dominant showing for Soares and his heavy hands as he hurt Rico several times in the opening round before finally managing to put him away in the second with a series of hooks.
Result: Mateus Soares by 2nd round knockout

Middleweight Bout: Eslam Abdul Baset (15-2) vs. Vladimir Mineev (16-1-1)
MMA fighter and kickboxer Vladimir Mineev was in action in the next contest against Egypt's Eslam Abdul Baset. This would be a one round clash of two stories as in the early going Mineev was able to pick off Baset. But as the bout wore on Eslam would manage to land a takedown on Mineev before landing several elbows for a debatable TKO finish.
Result: Eslam Abdul Baset by 1st round TKO

Women's Strawweight Bout: Jacinta Austin (6-2) vs. Valesca Machado (13-4)
Invicta veteran and former contender series alumni Valesca Machado looked to redeem herself in the next bout as she took on Oktagon standout Jacinta Austin. This bout however would be a dominant showing for Austin and her ground game as she took Machado down at will and controlled her for the decision.
Result: Jacinta Austin by unanimous decision

Women's Flyweight Bout: DeAnna Bennett (13-8-1) vs. Maritza Sanchez (6-1)
Another Ultimate fighter alumni and Bellator veteran DeAnna Bennett looked to make a return in the next bout as she took on Combate prospect Maritza Sanchez. This would be a back and forth contest as Bennett and the Alpha Male prospect Sanchez battled it out on the feet and on the mat enroute to a split decision win for Sanchez.
Result: Maritza Sanchez by Split Decision

Lightweight Bout: Daniel James Allen (5-0) vs. Nathan Jones (14-12)
Making his return to the contender series would be undefeated prospect Daniel James Allen. The all american wrestler would put in a solid account for himself against the experienced Nathan Jones. As not only did Allen manage to dominate the action on the ground but he also picked him off on the feet on the way to a unanimous decision.
Result: Daniel James Allen by unanimous decision

Lightweight Bout: Mathieu Chaumont (7-3) vs. Axel Sola (7-0)
The final bout of the night would be a clash of countrymen as Mathieu Chaumont battled Axel Sola. This would be an all striking affair in the first round until Sola rocked Chaumont with a left hook. From here a straight right followed and this would put Chaumont down for a KO finish.
Result: Axel Sola by 1st round knockout

Dana's Verdict
Alexander Loof - While the bout may not have provided the finish, Dana couldn't help but praise Loof's striking display in this bout and made it clear he wanted to see more which is why he would be joining the UFC.

Mateus Soares - Calling this a no brainer. Dana welcomed Soares to the UFC.

Eslam Abdul Baset - Admitting that he wasn't overly impressed with Baset despite the finish. Dana said Mick and Sean both wanted him and for that he will be in the UFC.

Jacinta Austin - Again not sure because of the decision. Dana credited Jacinta for beating a tough girl and elected to sign her.

DeAnna Bennett - Impressed with her skills and abilities. Dana made it clear that DeAnna would be receiving a call soon.

Maritza Sanchez - After praising the fight. Dana elected to sign Sanchez.

Daniel James Allen - While still questioning Allen's overall readiness. Dana agreed to give him a shot.

Axel Sola - Branding this a no brainer. Dana signed Sola

 

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DANA WHITE'S CONTENDER SERIES WEEK 7​

Bantamweight Bout: Cameron Smotherman (9-4) vs. Josh Rettinghouse (18-5)
opening this week's Contender series would be the return of Cameron Smotherman to the Series itself. Hoping to redeem himself this week, Smotherman faced a tough out in King of the cage and M1 Veteran Josh Rettinghouse. Despite Smotherman's attempt to get this fight to the ground, Rettinghouse was able to land some big punches for an early first round knockout.
Result: Josh Rettinghouse by 1st round knockout

Featherweight Bout: Dylan Salvador (6-2) vs. Jordan Vucenic (12-2)
The next bout of the night would see French striker Dylan Salvador in action against Cage Warriors champion Jordan Vucenic. This would be a back and forth battle between both European standouts. While Salvador seemed to have a slight edge on the feet, Vucenic definitely got the better of things on the ground. After three rounds of action it would be Vucenic who was awarded the decision.
Result: Jordan Vucenic by unanimous decision

Welterweight Bout: Joilton Santos Lutterbach (38-10) vs. Ding Meng (34-8)
Two experienced veterans did battle in the next bout as KSW veteran Loilton Lutterbach battled Ding Meng. This would be a very technical and skilled bout which in many ways was akin to a chess match. With both men showing a lot of technique and skill through the three rounds, the finish was sudden and brutal as a standing elbow in the third from Meng dropped Joilton and allowed him to follow up with more strikes.
Result: Ding Meng by 3rd round TKO

Middleweight Bout: Mikhail Ragozin (22-6) vs. Kerim Engizek (20-4)
The next bout of the evening would be in the middleweight division as we saw M1 veteran Mikhail Rogozin take on Oktagon standout Kerim Engizek. This bout would very much be a showcase for the German Engizek who would rock Ragozin several times in the opening round before finally picking up the knockout in the second with a left hook.
Result: Kerim Engizek by 2nd round KO

Heavyweight Bout: Stuart Austin (18-8) vs. Shota Betlemidze (22-2-1)
English Heavyweight and Bellator/PFL veteran Stuart Austin would step into the cage next against Rizin veteran Shota Betlemidze. This bout would shockingly prove to be one of the fastest finishes in the contender series history as Shota blasted Austin in the openin seconds with a straight right and several follow up punches for the knockout.
Result: Shota Betlemidze by 1st round knockout

Women's Flyweight Bout: Denise Kielholtz (8-5) vs. Jady Larissa Menezes (4-1)
The semi final bout of the night would see Bellator veteran and kickboxer Denise Kielholtz take on Glory kickboxer Jady Larissa Menezes. This bout would very much be a straight kickboxing bout with Kielholtz and Jady keeping the fight standing with one another the entire time. After three rounds of competitive action it would be Jady who was awarded the decision.
Result: Jady Larissa Menezes by split decision

Lightweight Bout: Dan Moret (16-8) vs. Mansher Khera (7-0)
The main event of the evening would see UFC and Bellator veteran Dan Moret vying for a octagon return as he took on unbeaten standout Mansher Khera. Unfortunately for Moret this bout would very much be a showcase for the grappling and top game of Khera who controlled Moret for the entire first round before securing a rear naked choke in the second.
Result: Mansher Khera by 2nd round submission

Dana White's Verdict
Josh Rettinghouse - Branding this a now or never situation, Dana White welcomed Josh to the UFC.

Jordan Vucenic - Impressed with Vucenic's grit and toughness. Dana would sign Jordan to a contract.

Ding Meng - Again branding this a now or never situation. Dana officially signed Ding Meng to the UFC.

Kerim Engizek - Calling him a true standout of the night. Dana called this signing a no brainer.

Shota Betlemidze - Hesitant about Shota's age. Dana said based on that finish alone he would give him a shot.

Denise Kielholtz - Despite her loss, Dana was thoroughly impressed with Kielholtz and said they would be offering her a fight.

Jady Menezes - Highly impressed. Dana would offer Jady a contract.

Mansher Khera - Impressed with his win, Dana would sign Mansher to a contract

 

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DANA WHITE'S CONTENDER SERIES WEEK 8​

Featherweight Bout: Kurtis Campbell (4-0) vs. Richie Smullen (12-3-1)
Ultimate fighter veteran Richie Smullen stepped into the cage in the next bout of the evening as he took on undefeated prospect Kurtis Campbell. This contest would prove to be quite a back and forth battle with Campbell being the more refined technical striker while Smullen showed his heart and kept things scrappy. After three rounds Campbell would be awarded a decision.
Result: Kurtis Campbell by split decision

Heavyweight Bout: Roman Lukashevich (6-0) vs. Evan Nedd (14-8)
Veteran Evan Nedd took on ONE FC and ACA veteran Roman Lukashevich. This bout was very much a dominant one sided showing for Roman as he'd not only dominate the fight on the ground but also hurt Nedd several times on the feet. Following a big slam in the second round, Roman landed several punches for a stoppage.
Result: Roman Lukashevich by 2nd round TKO
Light Heavyweight Bout: Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev (4-0) vs. Billy Elekana (6-1)
LFA and PFL standout Billy Elekana took on unbeaten ACA veteran Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev. This would sadly be an uninspired affair which Yakhyaev took Elekana down repeatedly and maintained top position. This would be until the third round where he secured a rear naked choke.
Result: Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev by 3rd round submission

Middleweight Bout: Sergei Martynov (17-5) vs. Jered Gwerder (7-4)
ACB veteran Sergei Martynov would step into the cage against Bellator and LFA veteran Jered Gwerder. This bout would very much see Sergei control and dominate the fight on the feet throughout the first two rounds. In the third round Martynov managed to drop Jered with a left hook an followed with several punches for a knockout.
Result: Sergei Martynov by 3rd round Knockout

Women's Flyweight Bout: Jennifer Gonzalez (14-5) vs. Poliana Botelho (9-5)
UFC veteran Poliana Botelho stepped into the cage in the next bout of the night against SFL veteran Jennifer Gonzalez. This bout sadly wouldn't be a homecoming for Botelho but instead a dominant showing for Jennifer who controlled Poliana on the ground before securing an armbar in the second for the victory.
Result: Jennifer Gonzalez by 2nd round submission

Middleweight Bout: Ryder Newman (6-1) vs. Valery Myasnikov (17-3-2)
Looking for another shot at the UFC, Ultimate fighter alumni Ryder Newman took on the highly regarded M1 and ACA standout Valery Myasnikov in the next bout of the evening. This bout sadly wouldn't last long for Newman who was hurt in the early going by Myasnikov who never let him off the hook and landed a flurry of punches for a knockout.
Result: Valery Myasnikov by 1st round Knockout

Welterweight Bout: Cezary Oleksiejczuk (13-3) vs. Isaac Moreno (6-0)
Looking to join his brother Michal in the UFC, Cezark Oleksiejczuk found himself facing Isaac Moreno in what proved very much to be a striker vs grappler clash. This contest would very much be dominated and ruled by the takedowns and grappling of Moreno who stifled Cezary for a decision.
Result: Isaac Moreno by unanimous decision

Dana White's Comments
Kurtis Campbell - While impressed with his technique, Dana felt that it was perhaps a little too soon for Campbell. So he passed on signing him.

Roman Lukashevich - Citing the need for quality Heavyweights. Dana welcomed Roman to the UFC.

Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev - Despite being impressed with his grappling, Dana passed on Abdulrakhman believing him to be one dimensional.

Sergei Martynov - Despite not being completely impressed. Dana would offer Martynov a contract.

Jennifer Gonzalez - Highly impressed with her record and beating a UFC veteran. Dana welcomed Gonzalez to the UFC.

Valery Myasnikov - Highly impressed with Myasnikov. Dana signed him to the UFC.

Isaac Moreno - Again citing his one dimensional approach tonight. Dana passed for now on Moreno

 

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DANA WHITE'S CONTENDER SERIES WEEK 9​

Featherweight Bout: Ulka Sasaki (24-10-2) vs. Jason Knight (23-8)
The opening bout of the ninth week of the Contender series would see two UFC veteran collide as Ulka Sasaki took on Jason Knight. This bout would very much be contested primarily on the ground with Sasaki seemingly getting the better of the grappling exchanges as he put Knight in several submissions which came close to ending the fight on his way to a decision.
Result: Ulka Sasaki by unanimous decision

Heavyweight Bout: Jagroop Bhullar (6-0) vs. Shelton Graves (11-6)
Undefeated Canadian Heavyweight Jagroop Bhullar would be in action in the next bout of the evening as he took on PFL and Contender series veteran Shelton Graves. Unfortunately for the veteran Graves this would not be a successful return for him as he'd swiftly be grounded by Bhullar who wasted little time in securing a arm triangle for the submission.
Result: Jagroop Bhullar by 1st round submission

Welterweight Bout: Sabah Homasi (17-12) vs. Shakbhan Alkhasov (8-0)
The next bout of the night would see unbeaten UAE prospect Shakbhan Alkhasov take on Ultimate fighter and Bellator veteran Sabah Homasi. This bout would very much see Alkhasov control and dominate Sabah for the first two rounds of the fight and for most of the third. This would be until he started to tire and in the final minute Homasi managed to launch a comeback ending with a series of punches for a late knockout!
Result: Sabah Homasi by 3rd round Knockout

Welterweight Bout: Rami Hamed (13-3) vs. Boris Medvedev (18-2)
Titan FC prospect Rami Hamed would take on M1 Global standout Boris Medvedev in the next bout of the night. This bout wouldn't be a long lengthy showcase for either man and instead was a flash finish as Medvedev dropped Hamed in the early seconds with a big overhand right and followed up with some ground and pound for the stoppage.
Result: Boris Medvedev by 1st round knockout

Light Heavyweight Bout: Osman Diaz (8-2) vs. Akhmad Gasanov (10-0)
The next bout of the evening would see Bellator and LFA veteran Osman Diaz battle undefeated prospect Akhmad Gasanov. In his return fight to the contender series Osman Diaz would very much redeem himself as after a back and forth opening round he managed to drop Gasanov with a series of knees to the body for a TKO.
Result: Osman Diaz by 2nd round TKO

Heavyweight Bout: Luke Fernandez (3-0) vs. Chase Sherman (18-12)
Making an attempt to return to the UFC would be heavyweight veteran Chase Sherman as he took on undefeated wrestler Luke Fernandez. This bout would very much be a showcase for Fernandez who not only was able to take down Sherman at will, but surprisingly was able to out box Chase on the feet for a decision.
Result: Luke Fernandez by unanimous decision

Welterweight Bout: Oliver Enkamp (11-4) vs. Benjamin Bennett (7-1)
LFA standout Benjamin Bennett would take on UFC and Bellator veteran Oliver Enkamp. This fight would very much act as a showcase for the grappling of Enkamp who was able to take down Bennett at will and came close to putting him away with a couple of submissions on his way to a decision.
Result: Oliver Enkamp by decision

Dana White's Verdict

Ulka Sasaki - Calling himself a fan of Jason Knight and admitting he was impressed with the grappling exchanges in this fight. Dana would offer Sasaki a contract.

Jagroop Bhullar - Impressed with Bhullar's grappling and his record. Dana welcomed Bhullar to the UFC heavyweight division.

Sabah Homasi - Despite being impressed with Homasi's comeback. Dana would pass on Sabah at this time.

Boris Medvedev - Branding this a no brainer. Dana welcomed Boris to the UFC.

Osman Diaz - Again citing this a no brainer. Dana welcomed Osman to the UFC.

Luke Fernandez - Calling his performance impressive but wanting to give him more time. Dana signed Luke to a developmental contract.

Oliver Enkamp - While praising Oliver on beating a talented prospect. Dana would pass on Enkamp.

 

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DANA WHITE'S CONTENDER SERIES WEEK 10​

Welterweight Bout: Dakota Cochrane (34-13) vs. Kamal Magomedov (11-0)
Bellator, Bare Knuckle FC and LFA Veteran Dakota Cochrane opened the show against Brave veteran Kamal Magomedov. This would very much be a gritty fight which was mostly contested in the clinch and up against the fence. After three rounds of action, it would be the veteran Cochrane who was awarded a split decision verdict.
Result: Dakota Cochrane by split decision

Lightweight Bout: Kubanychbek Abdisalam Uulu (21-3) vs. Nick Browne (14-3)
ACA and Brave veteran Kubanychbek Abdisalam Uulu wasted no time in making an impression in the next fight of the night. The heavy handed Lightweight would very much run through Bellator veteran Nick Browne as he hurt him in the early going of the first round before dropping a series of hammerfists on the ground for an early knockout.
Result: Kubanychbek Abdisalam Uulu by 1st round knockout

Flyweight Bout: Luthando Biko (12-3) vs. Eimar Hernandez (7-0)
Following this big knockout was a flyweight bout between unbeaten prospect Eimar Hernandez and EFC veteran Luthando Biko. Unfortunately this fight would be a fairly tepid affair on the feet with neither man truly committing to anything ahead of the judges decision which was ruled in the favor of Biko.
Result: Luthando Biko by unanimous decision

Welterweight Bout: Dmitry Bikrev (15-3) vs. Rasul Magomedov (6-0)
Heavy handed AMC veteran Dmitry Bikrev would take on undefeated grappler Rasul Magomedov in the next contest of the night. This fight would be a grappling heavy affair as Bikrev couldn't defend against the relentless takedowns from Magomedov. Following three rounds of action, Magomedov would be awarded a decision.
Result: Rasul Magomedov by unanimous decision

Flyweight Bout: Hiromasa Ougikubo (26-8-2) vs. Ali Bagautinov (21-7)
Former Flyweight title contender Ali Bagautinov looked to make a successful return to the octagon as he battled TUF and Rizin veteran Hiromasa Ougikubo. Despite this being billed as a striker vs grappler clash, it was surprising to see Hiromasa actually get the better of Ali on the feet until in the second round he caught Ali in a guillotine for the submission.
Result: Hiromasa Ougikubo by 2nd round submission

Middleweight Bout: Austin Vanderford (11-2) vs. Patrik Kincl (28-10)
Former Bellator title contender Austin Vanderford would battle against KSW and Oktagon veteran Patrik Kincl. This fight would very much be a showcase bout for Vanderford who dominated the fight wherever it went culminating with a second round stoppage when Kincl could not defend against a series of strikes on the ground.
Result: Austin Vanderford by 2nd round TKO

Featherweight Bout: Joo Sang Yoo (7-0) vs. Austin Lingo (9-3)
Former UFC fighter Austin Lingo would look to make a return to the octagon as he took on unbeaten prospect Joo Sang Yoo. The undefeated prospect would very much dominate this fight for the first two rounds before dropping Lingo in the third with an uppercut and following with several punches for a stoppage.
Result: Joo Sang Yoo by 3rd round knockout

Dana's Verdicts

Dakota Cochrane - Despite offering a lot of respect for Cochrane based on his experience and willingness to fight anywhere. Dana for now would pass on Cochrane.

Kubanychbek Abdisalam Uulu - Highly impressed with his power and finishing instincts Dana would welcome Uulu to the octagon.

Luthando Biko - Having not been impressed with Biko. Dana would pass on signing him.

Rasul Magomedov - Similar to Biko, Dana would pass on Magomedov.

Hiromasa Ougikubo - Very impressed with Hiro being willing to stand with Ali before submitting him. Dana would sign Hiro

Austin Vanderford - Calling this a no brainer. Dana signed Austin Vanderford

Joo Sang Yoo - Highly impressed with Yoo. Dana welcomed him to the UFC

 

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Dana White's Contender Series Week Eleven​

Welterweight Bout: Tahir Abdullaev (16-2) vs. Alibeg Rasulov (13-0)
Opening the show would be a welterweight bout as UAE standout Tahir Abdullaev took on unbeaten standout Alibeg Rasulov. Despite the heavy handed Tahir managing to connect early and wobble Rasulov. The remainder of this fight would see Alibeg take down and control Tahir enroute to a debatable and unimpressive decision.
Result: Alibeg Rasulov by split decision

Flyweight Bout: Paris Moran (10-2) vs. Christian Natvidad (5-0)
Flyweight's would be the next port of call as Fury FC champion Paris Moran took on Christian Natvidad. This would very much be a battle and a back and forth scrap from the off. Both men would have their moments on the feet as well as on the mat itself which led to the fight being ruled a majority draw.
Result: Majority Draw

Bantamweight Bout: Louis Lee Scott (8-0) vs. Ricky Steele (8-2)
Ultimate fighter and Contender series veteran Ricky Steele looked to make a solid second impression as he took on heavy handed striker Louis Lee Scott. Unfortunately for Steele, he'd be dropped early n the first round before some ground and pound followed for a TKO finish.
Result: Louis Lee Scott by 1st round TKO

Bantamweight Bout: Soo Chul Kim (21-7-1) vs. Demarte Pena (14-2)
One, Rizin and Bellator veteran Soo Chul Kim would take on highly touted Demarte Pena in the next bout of the evening. Unfortunately this fight would turn into a very lack luster affair as Pena seemed content to take down his opponent and hold him in position for a decision.
Result: Demarte Pena by unanimous decision

Flyweight Bout: Tyson Nam (22-14-1) vs. Sam Creasey (18-5)
Heavy handed flyweight Tyson Nam looked to make a return to the UFC as he battled England's Sam Creasey. This would very much be a fight of two stories as in the early going Sam Creasey managed to pick off Nam with strikes until in the second round Nam connected with some heavy strikes for a second round knockout.
Result: Tyson Nam by 2nd round knockout

Featherweight Bout: Omar Solomonov (12-2) vs. Heliton dos Santos (23-8-1)
Brave veteran Omar Solomonov would take on Brazilian veteran Heliton Dos Santos in the next contest of the evening. This bout would very much be strictly contested on the feet for three rounds and saw both men have their moments until in the third Heliton managed to connect with a big overhand to score a knockout on Solomonov.
Result: Heliton Dos Santos by 3rd round knockout

Middleweight Bout: Matej Penaz (9-1) vs. Albert Duraev (16-5)
UFC veteran Albert Duraev looked to make a successful return through the contender series and in the early going of his fight with Matej Penaz it looked just that as he took down Penaz and threatened a submission. However Penaz would survive and the fight would return to it's feet. Not long after Penaz landed a big headkick to knockout Duraev in the first round.
Result: Matej Penaz by 1st round knockout

Dana White's Verdict
Alibeg Rasulov - Unimpressed with the win. Dana passed on Rasulov.
Paris Moran and Christian Natvidad - Highly impressed with both men in the fight. Dana offered both flyweights a contract.
Louis Lee Scott - Blown away by the early finish. Dana offered Scott a contract.
Demarte Pena - Unimpressed with what he had seen. Dana passed on Pena.
Tyson Nam - Despite the finish. Dana would pass on Nam.
Heliton Dos Santos - Impressed with the fight and the finish. Dana signed Dos Santos.
Matej Penaz - Very impressed with Penaz. Dana signed him to a contract.

 

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Dana White's Contender Series Week Twelve​

Welterweight Bout: Gleison Tibau (37-19) vs. Islam Dulatov (10-1)
Opening the final show on this season of the Contender Series, former UFC veteran Gleison Tibau would battle against model turned fighter Islam Dulatov. A noted finisher, Dulatov would very much live up to this billing as he dropped Tibau with a left cross and followed up with several punches for a knockout.
Result: Islam Dulatov by 1t round knockout

Flyweight Bout: Shajidul Haque (16-5) vs. Choi Seung Guk (8-3)
The second bout of the night would be Flyweight action as Cage Warriors veteran Shajidul Haque battled UFC veteran Choi Seung Guk. Unfortunately this fight in a later quote by Dana White was reminiscent of a sparring match with both men never really getting out of first gear. In the end it would be Haque who was awarded a split decision victory.
Result: Shajidul Haque by split decision

Middleweight Bout: Yuri Panferov (7-1) vs. George Smith (6-3)
Making his return to the Contender Series, Yuri Panferov looked to make better on his second appearance as he took on England's George Smith. This bout would very much be a coming out party for Panferov who took down Smith at will and beat him up with ground and pound before the referee called the bout off during the second round.
Result: Yuri Panferov by 2nd round TKO

Bantamweight Bout: Nathan Fletcher (8-1) vs. John Sweeney (13-3)
The next bout of the night was a Bantamweight bout as England's Nathan Fletcher took on LFA Bantamweight champion John Sweeney. This bout very much acted as a showcase bout for Sweeney who constantly beat Fletcher to the punch and rocked him on several occasions on the way to a unanimous decision.
Result: John Sweeney by unanimous decision

Bantamweight Bout: Jonas Magard (16-6) vs. Liam Gittins (13-4)
Denmark's Jonas Magard would compete in the next bout opposite Cage Warriors' Bantamweight champion Liam Gittins. This bout would very much be quite the high level grappling clash. With both the competitors coming close at stages with submissions until in the third round Gittins would secure a D'Arce choke for the victory.
Result: Liam Gittins by 3rd round submission

Flyweight Bout: Nkazimulo Zulu (15-6-1) vs. Jacob Silva (11-9)
Flyweight veteran Jacob Silva was in action in the next bout of the night against striker and TUF alum Nkazimulo Zulu. This bout very much served as a showcase for Zulu who hurt Silva several times in the first before finally knocking him out with a high kick at the end of the first.
Result: Nkazimulo Zulu by 1st round knockout

Welterweight Bout: Michael Lombardo (14-4) vs. Nueraji Taiyilake (10-1)
The main event of the night would see China's Nueraji Taiyilake take on Bellator and Contender series alumni Michael Lombardo. Despite having some mixed success in the past, this fight was a dominant showing for Lombardo who hurt Nueraji early in the first and managed to stop him in the second.
Result: Michael Lombardo by 2nd round knockout

Dana White's Verdict
Islam Dulatov - Calling this a no brainer. Dana welcomed Islam to the UFC.
Shajidul Haque - Far from impressed with the fight or his showing. Dana passed on Haque.
Yuri Panferov - Highly impressed with his showing. Dana signed Panferov.
John Sweeney - Impressed with his skillset. Dana welcomed Sweeney to the UFC.
Liam Gittins - Calling this a no brainer. Dana signed Liam Gittins.
Nkazimulo Zulu - Very impressed with the finish Dana would sign Zulu
Michael Lombardo - Calling this now or never. Dana elected to sign Lombardo

 

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UFC ON ABC 6

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA​

Fight Pass Prelims

Middleweight Bout: Zachary Reese vs. Antony Ivy
Opening the show would be Middleweight action as Antony Ivy looked to make good in his return to the octagon opposite Zachary Reese. While the opening round may have been a slightly tepid affair, the second saw a lot more in the way of aggression from both men until an uppercut from Ivy dropped Reese. Several punches on the ground then followed leading to a TKO finish for Ivy.
Result: Anthony Ivy by 2nd round TKO

Women's Strawweight bout: Puja Tomar vs. Rayanne dos Santos
The second bout of the evening would unfortunately be a relatively lack luster affair as in Women's Strawweight action we'd see Puja Tomar battle Rayanne Dos Santos. In what was mainly a grappling heavy affair, Tomar would maintain top control on her way to a unanimous decision verdict.
Result: Puja Tomar by unanimous decision

Heavyweight Bout: Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Junior Tafa
Heavyweight action would be the next port of call of the evening as Junior Tafa battled the returning Hamdy Abelwahab. This would very much be a traditional striker vs grappler bout with Hamdy looking to ground the striker at all costs. Following three rounds of close action, it would be Hamdy who was awarded the split decision.
Result: Hamdy Abdelwahab by split decision

Women's Strawweight bout: Eduarda Moura vs. Denise Gomes
Women's Strawweight was the next port of call for the evening. In this bout we'd see a decent kick boxing match between Eduarda Moura and Denise Gomes. While neither fighter really managed to deal much damage to one another, following three rounds it would be Gomes who was awarded the decision.
Result: Denise Gomes by split decision

Bantamweight bout: Brad Katona vs. Jesse Butler
The final bout on fight pass would be in the bantamweight division as two time TUF winner Brad Katona took on Jesse Butler. This would be a pretty dominant showing for Brad Katona who managed to mix up his striking and grappling to out work and control Butler on his way to a decision win.
Result: Brad Katona by unanimous decision

Under Card

Lightweight Bout: Sidney Outlaw vs. Bobby Moffett
Making his UFC debut, Bellator veteran Sidney Outlaw found himself matched up with returning veteran Bobby Moffett. Unfortunately this bout would be a listless grappling affair which saw Outlaw takedown and control Moffett the entire fight until it hit the scorecards.
Result: Sidney Outlaw by unanimous decision

Welterweight bout: Joe Giannetti vs. Max Griffin
Returning to the UFC, Ultimate fighter contestant Joe Giannetti took on veteran Max Griffin. This bout would primarily be contested on the feet and we'd see both men have their moments before it wound up hitting the scorecards where Griffin would be awarded a split decision.
Result: Max Griffin by split decision

Middleweight bout: Brunno Ferreira vs. Dustin Stoltzfus
Heavy handed Brazilian Brunno Ferreira would take on contender series standout Dustin Stoltzfus. Similar to the last bout this fight was contested on the feet mainly and it saw Dustin land the cleaner shots on his way to a decision.
Result: Dustin Stoltzfus by unanimous decision

Light Heavyweight Bout: Vyacheslav Vasilevsky vs. Emiliano Sordi
The next bout of the night would see the debut of two veterans as Vyacheslav Vasilevsky took on Emiliano Sordi. Both Light Heavyweights really would come into this aggressive and have their moments until Vasilevsky in the third managed to drop Sordi with a straight left and land some ground and pound for a TKO.
Result: Vyacheslav Vasilevsky by 3rd round TKO

Lightweight Bout: Michael Johnson vs. Jared Gordon
Two Lightweight veterans would collide in the final fight booked for the main card as Michael Johnson battled Jared Gordon. In a dominant one sided showing, the boxing of Michael Johnson allowed him to pick apart and hurt Gordon several times on his way to a decision.
Result: Michael Johnson by unanimous decision

Main Card

Heavyweight Bout: Serghei Kharitonov vs. Marcos Rogerio De Lima
Making his long awaited UFC debut would be Pride and Strikeforce veteran Serghei Kharitonov as he battled ranked brazilian heavyweight Marcos Rogerio De Lima. Despite De Lima's attempts to take this to the ground, a sloppy takedown attempt led to Serghei landing a big uppercut flooring Marcos for a first round knockout.
Result: Serghei Kharitonov by 1st round knockout

Lightweight Bout: Tony Ferguson vs. Joe Lauzon
With his back very much against the wall Tony Ferguson battled Lightweight veteran Joe Lauzon in the next fight of the evening. This would be an exciting back and forth fight in which both men had their moments but it was the leg kicks of Ferguson which appeared to make a difference. In the end Ferguson would finally get back on the winning track in which he revealed would be his retirement fight.
Result: Tony Ferguson by Split Decision

Bantamweight Bout: Rob Font vs. Mario Bautista
Ranked Bantamweights collided in the next bout of the night and sadly it was quite a listless, uninspired affair as Mario Bautista managed to hold Rob Font down on the canvas for three rounds leading to a unanimous decision.
Result: Mario Bautista by unanimous decision

Middleweight Bout: Chris Curtis vs. Gregory Rodrigues
Seemingly a recurring trend for the evening, the second grappling heavy fight in a row would take place as Gregory Rodrigues managed to take down Chris Curtis at will and come close to submitting him on occasion en route to a decision.
Result: Gregory Rodrigues by unanimous decision

Middleweight Bout: Nassourdine Imavov vs. Jack Hermansson
The co-main event of the evening would be a battle between ranked middleweights as Nassourdine Imavov took on Jack Hermansson. This would be a dominant showing for Imavov who not only neutralized Jack on the ground but picked him off on the feet on his way to a decision.
Result: Nassourdine Imavov by unanimous decision

Bantamweight Bout: Jose Aldo vs. Dominick Cruz
The main event of the evening would see two former WEC and UFC champions collide as Jose Aldo took on Dominick Cruz. This fight would see both men have their moments for all five rounds but it would be the striking advantage of Aldo which made the difference and afforded him the decision.
Result: Jose Aldo by unanimous decision

Press Conference Notes
~ Expressing his disappointment at the lackluster card. Dana White would grant performance bonuses to Ivy and Kharitonov while FOTN went to Vasilevsky and Sordi.
~ Dana also confirmed that along with Tony, Joe Lauzon retired tonight.
~ Nassourdine Imavov called for a title shot

Cuts/Retirements
Tony Ferguson
Joe Lauzon
Jesse Butler