UFC on ABC 1 Prelims: Joselyne Edwards Downs Yanan Wu in Octagon Debut
Overwhelmed with emotion!@JoselyneMMA29 with the win at #UFCFightIsland7.
[ #InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/yhSx8C9Tlv
— UFC (@ufc) January 16, 2021 Sign up for ESPN+ right here, and you can then stream the UFC live on your smart TV, computer, phone, tablet or streaming device via the ESPN app. Joselyne Edwards proved she belongs at the sport’s highest level.The promotional newcomer made a successful Ultimate Fighting Championship debut as a short-notice replacement for Bethe Correia, as she captured a unanimous decision against Yanan Wu in the featured UFC on ABC 1 prelim on Saturday at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Edwards (10-2, 1-0 UFC) swept the scorecards with 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28 nods from the judges.
Wu (11-4, 1-3 UFC) had her moments — she did her best work in the third round, where she connected with a right hook that snapped her opponent’s head sideways — but appeared to be a step…
Dana White-Khabib Nurmagomedov Meeting Yields No Definitive Decision on Return
Prior to the UFC’s debut on ABC, the revelation of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s next move was billed as something akin to LeBron James’ infamous “Decision.” In reality, it wasn’t much of a decision at all.
UFC president Dana White revealed the gist of his meeting with Nurmagomedov during Saturday’s broadcast, but as it turns out, the lightweight champion didn’t reveal anything definitive regarding a potential comeback.At best, Nurmagomeodv is taking a wait-and-see approach.
“Like I said, I thought that in his last fight his father had passed away, he’d been through a lot,” White said. “He’d been away from his family during that time, got injured while he was training and I thought that he made an emotional decision. There was no reason to make a hasty decision like that then when he didn’t have to.
“I talked to him, I told him to take his time. We would get together later on. Last night, we did. And basically the way that he feels right now is, he’s accomplished…
Alexander Volkanovski-Brian Ortega Featherweight Title Bout Set for UFC 260 on March 27
Alexander Volkanovski will defend his featherweight belt against Brian Ortega at UFC 260.
Promotion broadcast partner ESPN was first to report the pairing. UFC 260 takes place on March 29 at an as yet to be announced location. According to the report, Volkanovski vs. Ortega will serve as the co-main event because a heavyweight championship clash pitting Stipe Miocic against Francis Ngannou has been targeted for the evening’s headliner. However, that heavyweight bout has not been finalized.Volkanovski claimed featherweight gold with a five-round verdict against Max Holloway at UFC 245 and successfully defended the crown with a contentious split verdict over the Hawaiian in their rematch at UFC 251 this past July. The 32-year-old City Kickboxing representative has won 19 consecutive fights — including nine in the UFC.
Ortega, meanwhile, will get a second shot at the 145-pound belt after taking a beating from Holloway in a fourth-round TKO defeat at UFC 231 in De…
Eldar Eldarov Overcomes Leonardo Mafra Texeira, Retains Title In Brave CF 46 Headliner
Eldar Eldarov mixed up wrestling with strikes to close the round. A fantastic showing from the 29-year-old. #BRAVECF46 pic.twitter.com/itTHDhVynv
— BRAVE Combat Federation (@bravemmaf) January 16, 2021Eldar Eldarov scored his first title defense in Brave Combat Federation’s opening event of 2021.
Eldarov (13-1) put his 165-pound championship on the line against Leonardo Mafra Texeira (15-6) in the main event of Brave CF 46 at Wow Arena in Sochi, Russia, on Saturday. After a few seconds of studying, Eldarov teased Mafra with a boxing combination, setting the tone for the rest of the round. The defending champion looked pretty confident with his punches, many of which found their way to Mafra’s face with ease. The Brazilian challenger retaliated with a few punches and some knees of his own.In the last minute, Eldarov pushed the pace to take Mafra to the canvas. Even though “Macarrao" managed to defend the takedown attempt, he ate a few p…
Phil Hawes Injured; UFC on ABC 1 Prelim Bout vs. Nassourdine Imavov Canceled
UFC on ABC 1 is down to 10 bouts after a last-minute injury forced Phil Hawes out of a proposed middleweight clash against Nassourdine Imavov.
The promotion announced the news on Saturday morning. It was revealed on the broadcast that Hawes suffered some type of leg injury. UFC on ABC 1 takes place at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi and is headlined by a featherweight clash between Max Holloway and Calvin Kattar. Hawes vs. Imavov was set for the prelims which air on ESPN+ beginning at 12 p.m. ET/9 p.m. PT. The main card airs on ABC and ESPN+ at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT.Hawes earned a UFC contract with a 78-second TKO of Khadzhimurat Bestaev on Dana White’s Contender Series this past August before scoring an 18-second KO of Jacob Malkoun in his promotional debut at UFC 254.
Imavov was also successful in his first promotional foray, as he outpointed Jordan Williams at UFC on ESPN 16. The 25-year-old MMA Factory product has been victorious in his last six professional outi…
Nick Browne Wins Lightweight Championship in Grueling LFA 97 Main Event
.@NyquilNick vs. @AEstrazulasMMA is now up in the main event of #LFA97!
Who will talk away the #andNEW LFA #lightweight champion?@ShellsDotCom@USENDmoney@Krushmatized@PsoRite@GLCDirect2000@AthleticCBD@IncaKolaUSA@HartmanArena@UFCFightPass pic.twitter.com/klYd0wKXzH
— LFA (@LFAfighting) January 16, 2021 The Legacy Fighting Alliance lightweight championship is vacant no more. The main event of LFA 97 saw Nick Browne and Arthur Estrazulas compete in the biggest fight of their professional mixed martial arts careers. Even on the judges' scorecards after two rounds, Estrazulas (12-5) would rock Browne (11-1) with a huge counter left hook to start Round 3. However, the wrestling of Browne would let him recover as he managed to control his Brazilian opponent. The two fighters continued to go back-and-forth in the championship rounds, with each man landing damaging blows and trading positions. After five grueling rounds, Browne was awarded the …Andre Ewell Steps In for Merab Dvalishvili Against Cody Stamann at UFC Fight Night 184
Since starting his career off at an impressive 17-1 including three wins inside the Octagon, Stamann has gone through tumultuous times. A Suloev stretch kneebar defeat to Aljamain Sterling in 2018 snapped a 10-fight win streak, although he did go on to win his next bout against Alejan…
Enjoying Vacation in Brazil, Henry Cejudo Talks About Potential UFC Return
Last Tuesday, Cejudo interrupted his vacation to participate in the Combate podcast “Mundo da Luta.” Speaking in impressive Portuguese, the Olympic champion confirmed that he has no immediate plans to return, but did not close the door entirely to competition.
“Dana White knows my number,” Cejudo said. “I’m here in Natal enjoying my vacation, but trained yesterday with Pitbull brothers. If Uncle Dana needs me for next week, I’ll be ready.”
Cejudo…
WBC Champ Ryan Garcia Plans for Retirement at 26, Transition Into MMA
WBC lightweight interim champ @KingRyanG has said he wants to retire by 26 but told us if he does keep fighting it'll be in the octagon... really.
LISTEN:#UFC @danawhite @oscardelahoya @canelo @ufc #boxing pic.twitter.com/tqIOqAexp6
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) January 14, 2021 A star undefeated boxer plans on only sticking around the ring for another few years before possibly moving on to MMA. Speaking on the Rich Eisen Show on Thursday, WBC interim lightweight champ Ryan Garcia (21-0, 18 KOs) does not intend on keeping to the boxing ring for much longer. The 22-year-old went professional in 2016, and competed 13 times in the first 18 months of his career. Ranked among the top lightweights in the world already, Garcia does not see the need to stay too long.“Yeah, I plan to,” Garcia said flatly when asked about his boxing retirement at the age of 26. “If I say it, I plan to do it.”
Garcia continued, “I plan to, at 26, to ret…
March 13 UFC Fight Night Draws Eryk Anders-Darren Stewart Middleweight Matchup
A two-fight win streak for Anders came to an end in May 2020, when Kryzsztof Jotko captured a unanimous verdict over the former University of Alabama linebacker. The two prior wins coming over Vinicius Moreira Castro and Gerald Meerschaert, “Ya Boi” was on the winning track after a trio …
UFC on ABC 1 Weigh-in Results: All Fighters Make Weight
WHAT A START TO THE YEAR
@BlessedMMA vs @CalvinKattar on Fight Island
[ Saturday at 3pmET on @ABCNetwork ] pic.twitter.com/E7a6ovLEtP — UFC (@ufc) January 15, 2021 Sign up for ESPN+ right here, and you can then stream the UFC live on your smart TV, computer, phone, tablet or streaming device via the ESPN app. The Ultimate Fighting Championship kicks off 2021 with a return to network television as it puts on its first show on the American Broadcasting Company. Headlining UFC on ABC 1 is a featherweight bout between former king Max Holloway and surging contender Calvin Kattar. The 11-fight card is now official after the weigh-ins took place, and all fighters managed to make weight.Many fans don’t believe that Holloway (21-6) should be called a former champion. Many spectators thought “Blessed” did enough to win his rematch against Alexander Volkanovski, but the Hawaiian was on the wrong side of a split decision. Prior to losing back-to-b…
LFA 97 Weigh-in Results: Lightweight Title Fight Set; 3 Fighters Heavy
From my conversation with @LFAfighting boss @edblackhouse, as he talks #LFA becoming the #NCAA of #MMA. Sending 62 talents to the #UFC and #Bellator in 2020 alone. Full interview also talking promoting during a #pandemic is up on @sherdogdotcom now. pic.twitter.com/Auo9VVwD34
— Jason Burgos (@CheapSeatsChat) January 14, 2021 The Legacy Fighting Alliance will hold its first mixed martial arts event of 2021 on Friday, and the championship topper is good to go.LFA 97 is headlined by a lightweight bout between Nick Browne and Arthur Estrazulas for the promotion's vacant title. The nine-fight card is now official after the weigh-ins took place.
Both fighters in the main event had no issue making weight, but three other fighters came in heavy. Jose Martinez and Cam Ansel both failed to make the lightweight limit, while Guilherme Santos missed the featherweight cap by 1.6 pounds. All three matches are still going forward, though, with the ove…Ryan Hall Returns to Face Dan Ige at March 13 UFC Card
BREAKING: Ryan Hall is back! Multiple sources have told me that Hall is set to return to the Octagon on March 13 against Dan Ige. Contracts have already been issued for the fight. #UFC https://t.co/NyGnkNce0g
— Cole Shelton (@ColeShelton91) January 14, 2021 Sign up for ESPN+ right here, and you can then stream the UFC live on your smart TV, computer, phone, tablet or streaming device via the ESPN app. Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight Ryan Hall is back in action for the first time since 2019. The news first coming from BJPenn.com on Thursday, Hall (8-1) will be setting foot inside the Octagon after a lengthy layoff against Dan Ige (14-3). The two featherweights will collide at the UFC Fight Night card on March 13, which will presumably take place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The news has since been confirmed by other outlets. Hall previously called out Ige in November on Instagram, and he will now be getting his wish, as the two h…UFC, USADA Announce Change in Marijuana Policy, Allowing Positive Tests Without Violation
UFC news: Marijuana no longer violates anti-doping policy. https://t.co/SE25ebYQyh
— Jeff Novitzky (@JeffNovitzkyUFC) January 14, 2021 Sign up for ESPN+ right here, and you can then stream the UFC live on your smart TV, computer, phone, tablet or streaming device via the ESPN app. The Ultimate Fighting Championship and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency are turning the corner on marijuana in the sport. Per MMA Junkie on Thursday, the promotion and agency announced together that the marijuana policies in effect for the UFC athletes has changed drastically. As a result, fighters that test positive for marijuana, no matter the level or threshold the fighter reaches, will not be found in violation of the anti-doping policy. This new policy also applies to various substances found in CBD products. Instead, fighters will be evaluated for if they used the substance for “performance-enhancing purposes.”This change will not impact commissions or federations…
Miranda Maverick to Face Gillian Robertson at UFC 258 on Feb. 13
Miranda Maverick will square off against Gillian Robertson in a flyweight contest at UFC 258.
Maverick initially announced the bout on her Instagram account and it was later confirmed by MMAFighting.com. UFC 258 is expected to take place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on Feb. 13 and is headlined by a welterweight title tilt between Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns.Maverick has won four consective fights, including a first-round stoppage of Liana Jojua at UFC 254 on Oct. 24. The Invicta FC veteran’s current winning streak includes triumphs over Pearl Gonzalez and DeAnna Bennett.
Robertson, meanwhile, had a two-fight winning streak snapped in a decision loss to Taila Santos at UFC Fight Night 183 on Dec. 19. Prior to that Robertson had posted victories over Poliana Botelho and Cortney Casey in the Octagon.
Entering Final Fight of UFC Deal, Carlos Condit Willing to Consider Other Organizations
Carlos Condit will enter his UFC on ABC 1 bout against Matt Brown on the final fight of his current promotional deal.
“The Natural Born Killer” isn’t looking too far ahead, however. Not after ending a five-bout losing streak with a much-needed decision triumph over Court McGee this past October.“My performance over the last couple years has not been stellar,” Condit said during a virtual media session on Wednesday. “It has not been the best period of my career as far as wins and losses. What’s really important is putting on a good show on Saturday night, and then I think I’ll be in a good position to kind of figure out exactly what I want to do.”
UFC president Dana White said that the promotion would make more than 60 cuts before the conclusion of 2020, and while it’s unclear if that figure has been reached, notably names such as Yoel Romero and Anthony Pettis are no longer with the Las Vegas-based organization.
If Condit doesn’t deliver a victory on Sat…
UFC 258, Three Other Events Approved for Las Vegas in February
The Ultimate Fighting Championship is heading back to Sin City next month.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission approved UFC events for Feb. 6, Feb. 13, Feb. 20 and Feb. 27 during a meeting on Wednesday. None of the cards have been officially announced by the promotion, but it is likely that all four will take place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.As it stands, UFC Fight Night on Feb. 6 is expected to be headlined by a heavyweight tilt between Alistair Overeem and Alexander Volkov; UFC 258 on Feb. 13 features a welterweight championship clash between Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns; UFC Fight Night on Feb. 20 is topped by a heavyweight bout pitting Curtis Blaydes against Derrick Lewis and UFC Fight Night on Feb. 27 will see a light heavyweight main event between Dominick Reyes and Jiri Prochazka.
That means the Las Vegas-based organization is likely to return to U.S. soil following a trio of events on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi on Jan. 16, Jan. 20 and Jan. 23.
Bellator Fighter, Ex-Glory Champ Robin Van Roosmalen Hospitalized After Car Accident
The GLORY family is heartbroken to learn of Melissa Van Roosmalen’s passing and critical injuries sustained to Robin Van Roosmalen in a car accident. We send our deepest condolences to the Van Roosmalen family and their loved ones. pic.twitter.com/A1SMuCLMh4
— GLORY Kickboxing (@GLORY_WS) January 13, 2021Robin Van Roosmalen has been hospitalized with injuries suffered in a serious car accident on Wednesday, according to a report from RTV Utrecht.
Van Roosmalen and his sister, Melissa Van Roosmalen, were pulled over in their car on the shoulder of the road in Nieuwegein, Netherlands, when they were hit by a truck. Melissa Van Roosmalen died as a result of the crash, while Van Roosmalen remains hospitalized. According to the report, the driver of the truck was arrested.Further details regarding Van Roosmalen’s condition are currently unavailable. Both Bellator, where Van Roosmalen is currently under contact, and Glory Kickboxing, where Va…
Dana White Reacts to Spencer Fisher’s Admission of CTE: He’s Not Going to Be the Last’
Spencer Fisher will never be the same following a 33-fight MMA career that included 17 bouts in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
In a heart-wrenching feature on MMAFighting.com, Fisher revealed that he suffered severe brain trauma as a result of fighting and has been battling numerous symptoms that hinder him in daily activities. Fisher, who was forced to retire when diagnosed with brain lesions that signaled the onset of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), has dealt with issues such as memory loss, dizziness, vertigo and depression while struggling to hold a regular job since the conclusion of his UFC tenure.UFC officials did not comment for the feature on Fisher, but Dana White did address the ex-fighter’s condition when speaking with MMAjunkie.com on Wednesday. White said that the promotion is working to study athlete brain health through its collaborative venture with the Cleveland Clinic, and the UFC also recently donated $1 million to the Lou Ruvo Cen…
Ex-UFC Middleweight Bevon Lewis Suspended 6 Months for Positive Marijuana Test
The Nevada State Athletic Commission has suspended Bevon Lewis six months for a positive marijuana test stemming from his Nov. 7 bout at UFC on ESPN 17.
Lewis, who was also fined $1,200, will be eligible to return to action on May 7 pending payment of his fine and $145.36 in legal fees. Lewis’ sanction was determined at a monthly NSAC meeting on Wednesday.Lewis suffered a third-round technical knockout loss to Trevin Giles at UFC on ESPN 17. The Dana White’s Contender Series alum went 1-3 within the Las Vegas-based promotion before reportedly being released late last year.
In addition to Lewis, the NSAC has handed down marijuana-related sanctions to the likes of Jamahal Hill, Tim Elliott, Kevin Croom, Niko Price, Luis Pena and Trevin Jones in 2020.
Leon Edwards vs. Khamzat Chimaev, Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Ciryl Gane on Tap for March 13
The Ultimate Fighting Championship’s March 13 event looks like it will have some pivotal bouts at the top of the card.
The highly-anticipated welterweight clash between Leon Edwards and Khamzat Chimaev has been rescheduled for that date after twice falling through due to positive COVID-19 tests. MMAjunkie.com was first to report the booking. Edwards and Chimaev were initially supposed to square off at UFC Fight Night 183 on Dec. 19 before the Englishman tested positive for COVID-19, and they were rebooked for UFC on ESPN 20 on Jan. 20, but on that occasion Chimaev fell victim to coronavirus. Edwards vs. Chimaev will serve as the headliner for the event.Meanwhile, a heavyweight showdown between Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Ciryl Gane is also in the works for March 13. La Sueur was first to report that verbal agreements were in place for the matchup. The UFC card does not yet have an official venue or location.
Edwards did not compete at all in 2020 due to having p…
Omari Akhmedov vs. Tom Breese Pushed Back to UFC on ESPN 20
A middleweight clash between Omari Akhmedov and Tom Breese has been moved from UFC on ABC 1 on Jan. 16 to UFC on ESPN 20 on Jan. 20.
The promotion announced the rescheduled bout on Tuesday, citing “COVID-related issues.” Further details were not revealed. UFC on ESPN 20 takes place at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi and is headlined by a welterweight tilt between Michael Chiesa and Neil Magny.Akhmedov, 33, had a six-bout unbeaten streak snapped in his last outing, when he dropped a unanimous decision to Chris Weidman at UFC Fight Night 174 on Aug. 8. The Dagestani known as “Wolverine” is 8-4-1 during his promotional tenure and 20-5-1 as a professional overall.
Breese, meanwhile, has alternated wins and losses in his last four Octagon appearances. Most recently, th 29-year-old Birmingham England native scored a first-round TKO of K.B. Bhullar at UFC Fight Night 179 on Oct. 10. Breese began his UFC career at welterweight, going 3-1 before moving up to 185 pounds.
Pat Miletich Removed From LFA Commentary Duties Following Capitol Protests
Pat Miletich’s participation in the protests that turned into a violent coup at the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6 might have cost him his job with Legacy Fighting Alliance.
Multiple social media posts showed Miletich with a group of protestors supporting President Donald Trump, who marched from the White House to the Capitol, where hundreds entered the building to interrupt a ceremonial event affirming Joe Biden’s victory in the November election. In the riot that ensued, five people were killed — including a Capitol police officer — and the Senate was forced to evacuate.Of course Pat Miletich was in DC on Jan 6th. pic.twitter.com/nVp1yayVAp
— John S. Nash (@heynottheface) January 11, 2021While it doesn’t appear that the UFC Hall of Famer entered the builiding, he announced that he was let go from his commentating position with LFA.
“I just want to let you guys know that I just got a call from the folks at the LFA and they basi…