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Augusto Sakai is gaining momentum in the UFC’s heavyweight division, but his latest triumph didn’t come without controversy.

Sakai defeated Blagoy Ivanov via split decision in the co-main event of UFC on ESPN 9 on Saturday night in Las Vegas. In a competitive bout, Sakai appeared to be aided by a fence grab that prevented him from being taken down in the Round 3. After an otherwise strong final 10 minutes from Sakai, judges Junichiro Kamijo and Ron McCarthy scored the fight 29-28 for the Brazilian, while Michael Bell submitted a 30-27 tally in favor of Ivanov.

Although a takedown at that juncture of the fight might have allowed Ivanov to sway the scorecards in his favor, Sakai claims the move was unintentional and didn’t alter the trajectory of the fight.

“It was something completely subconscious. It was involunt…

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At no point was the outcome ever in doubt. Gilbert Burns was just that dominant against Tyron Woodley in the UFC on ESPN 9 main event on Saturday night.

When all was said and done, the scorecards — 50-44, 50-44 and 50-45 in favor of Burns — painted an accurate picture of the lopsided nature of the bout. Burns nearly finished Woodley during a frenzied opening salvo, and from there, he never allowed the former welterweight champion to find a rhythm. Woodley spent the majority of the 25 minutes on his heels hunting for an opening that never arrived as Burns landed takedowns, controlled positioning and outstruck his opponent at every turn.

“I think I made a statement, to beat the former champ the way I beat him, and being the underdog and people saying, ‘Oh if Woodley shows up,’” Burns said. “And he said he was motivated, …

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. Sherdog's live UFC on ESPN 9 coverage will begin Saturday at 6 p.m. ET. Check out the MMA Forums to discuss the card or enter your comments and predictions below. Round 1 Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:Tristen Critchfield scores the round:Tyler Treese scores the round:Round 2 Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:Tristen Critchfield scores the round:Tyler Treese scores the round:Round 3 Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:Tristen Critchfield scores the round:Tyler Treese scores the round:The Official Result Round 1 Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:Tristen Critchfield scores the round:Tyler Treese scores the round:Round 2 Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:Tristen Critchfield scores the round:Tyler Treese scores the round:Round 3 Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:Tristen Critchfield…

What a round for @BlondeFighter!

Relentless after this takedown at #UFCVegas pic.twitter.com/GMHoWWwoSt

— UFC (@ufc) May 31, 2020 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. It wasn’t the sister she really wanted to defeat, but Katlyn Chookagian is nonetheless 1-1 against the Shevchenko family.

One fight removed from a TKO loss in a flyweight championship bout to Valentina Shevchenko earlier this year, Chookagian authored an absolutely dominant performance against Antonina Shevchenko at UFC on ESPN 9, winning a lopsided unanimous verdict at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on Saturday night. All three judges submitted 30-25 scorecards in favor of Chookagian.

Shevchenko was never competitive. “Blonde Fighter” mounted her opponent in each frame, threatened with multiple rear-naked chokes in Round 1 and unloaded hellacious ground…

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 returns after a week off with an ESPN offering, and all but one fighter successfully made weight. After delivering three events in the span of eight days, the UFC is back with UFC on ESPN 9, which will be headlined by a welterweight scrap between former champion Tyron Woodley and fast-rising contender Gilbert Burns.

This is the first fight back for Woodley (19-4-1) since he dropped the 170-pound belt to Kamaru Usman in March 2019. Prior to that, Woodley was on an impressive win streak that saw him knock out Robbie Lawler to claim the belt in 2016 and then defend it against Stephen Thompson, Demian Maia and Darren Till. “The Chosen One” looked good on the scales and came in at 170.5 pounds.

The five-fight win streak for “Durinho” is his most impressive stretch of his career, and he is unbeate…

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. Next week’s Ultimate Fighting Championship pay-per-view card is getting a late addition. On Friday, MMA Fighting reported first that Evan Dunham (18-8-1) would be meeting Herbert Burns (10-2) in a 150-pound catchweight affair at UFC 250. Dunham subsequently confirmed the pairing on his Instagram, and Burns’ brother Gilbert Burns also hinted at a potential matchup for his sibling at Virtual Media Day. Dunham and Burns will come to blows on June 6 in Las Vegas, and they will likely be placed on the preliminary portion of the card.

The longtime lightweight Dunham will be looking to turn things around after a pair of knockout defeats to Olivier Aubin-Mercier and Francisco Trinaldo in 2018. Although Dunham retired after the Trinaldo defeat, the Xtreme Couture staple changed his mind and was slated to come back in April against Micha…

UFC planeja Robert Whittaker x Darren Till para 25 de julho, na Ilha da Luta. Confronto seria em agosto, mas está perto de ser antecipado para ser a luta principal do evento. | combate | Globoesporte https://t.co/p3jnqHhP3b

— Raphael Marinho (@raphamarinho) May 28, 2020 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. An upcoming July event for the Ultimate Fighting Championship now has a high-stakes headliner. According to Combate on Thursday evening, the promotion is looking to book Robert Whittaker (20-5) against Darren Till (18-2-1) at middleweight. The two will square off as the main event for a card on July 25, and the location has not yet been determined although it is being considered for “Fight Island.” Both men were initially tapped to headline the Aug. 15 event in Dublin, but that event was scratched due to the coronavirus.

W…

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. Former Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight champ Tyron Woodley got real on Media Day for a few minutes. Arriving to the UFC’s Virtual Media Day on Thursday as the first fighter to sit before the screen and answer questions, Woodley sat down wearing an N95 mask that remained on for the extent of the digital scrum. Among the many topics he discussed included the hard times he experienced following his 2019 championship defeat to Kamaru Usman.

Although Woodley ultimately claimed that he grew as a fighter following the one-sided decision loss to Usman at UFC 235, he did not initially take it well.

“I went into a state of depression for a while,” he admitted before mentioning that his diet and life suffered as a result of the loss. Eventually, Woodley pushed through it. “I got to the point where I felt like I faced it head…

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A clash between Petr Yan and Jose Aldo is in the works to decide the UFC’s new bantamweight champion.

UFC president Dana White revealed the news during an appearance on SportsCenter Wednesday.

“My people are probably gonna kill me for this one,” White said. “[Henry] Cejudo has retired. So we’re talking right now about Petr Yan vs. Jose Aldo for the vacant title. We don’t have a date or a place set for that, but that’s the fight we’re looking at right now.”

Cejudo announced his retirement following a victory over Dominick Cruz in the UFC 249 co-main event on May 9. While many speculated that it was a negotiating ploy, the promotion removed him from its bantamweight rankings over the weekend, signaling that the Olympic gold medalist had vacated the crown.

While there is no location confirmed for Yan vs. Aldo,…

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The most controversial member of American Top Team has parted ways with the renowned Florida-based camp.

UFC welterweight contender Colby Covington confirmed his departure from ATT in a recent interview with The Score. Covington was removed from the roster of the gym’s fighters on the ATT website earlier this week.

“I’m not a member of American Top Team in Coconut Creek,” Covington told The Score. “I’m a member of Colby Covington, Inc. I’m a member of Colby Covington business and Colby Covington team. This is my team now. You can direct your complaints at me.”

Covington recently had public disputes with ATT stablemates Jorge Masvidal and Dustin Poirier, and in the past drew the ire of other training partners for his comments about Brazilians.

“Chaos” said he is still putting together his team, but there wil…

The UFC has filed 4 new trademark applications for UFSEA.

The filings indicate an intent to use the UFSEA trademark in connection with mixed martial arts events and a clothing brand.

These filings come on the heels of the UFC's filings back in April for 'FIGHT ISLAND.' pic.twitter.com/Cqa6AZEESW— Josh Gerben (@JoshGerben) May 27, 2020

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The Ultimate Fighting Championship has filed four trademarks for the “UFCSEA” name, perhaps another sign that the highly-anticipated “Fight Island” is close to becoming a reality.

Trademark attorney Josh Gerben on Wednesday revealed the filings by Zuffa, LLC, which occurred on May 19. Gerben points out that the language in the new trademark filings for “UFCSEA” is the same as the filings for “Fight Island” on April 13, including “arranging …

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Sam Stout and his family are grieving following the death of his month-old daughter, Sydney Love Stout.

The UFC veteran revealed on Instagram last week that his daughter passed away in her sleep. A GoFundMe page has been set up in memory of Sydney to help the Stouts with day-to-day costs, counseling and other expenses. The initial goal was $5,000, but as of Tuesday night, more than $28,000 had been raised. Sam and his wife, Jessie Stout, have a 6-year-old daughter named Logan.

“Most of you already know that we lost Sydney Love Stout in her sleep the night before last. We tried to save her but it was too late,” Stout wrote. “The last month with her was the best month of my life, and this is now the worst time of my life... it still doesn’t feel real.

“Jessie and I haven’t let go of each other since yesterday and w…

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Kamaru Usman is ready to defend his UFC welterweight title in July. The problem, according to the reigning champion, is finding an opponent who is ready and willing to accept that opportunity.

Usman was expected to defend his belt against Jorge Masvidal during International Fight Week before the coronavirus pandemic changed the UFC’s plans. However, “The Nigerian Nightmare” is willing to change course and square off with Conor McGregor if “Gamebred” is unavailable. However, Usman says both Masvidal and McGregor have been uncharacteristically quiet when it comes to the topic of a fight with him. In Masvidal’s case, Usman claims the American Top Team product has had multiple opportunities to accept a bout.

"This is what I have to say: Both [McGregor and Masvidal]," Usman told ESPN. "Both guys are champions of Twitter, ta…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgvsWlRbdlQ&w=560&h=315]

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Gabriel Green will get the opportunity to make his Ultimate Fighting Championship debut on less than a week’s notice.

Green will step in for the injured Kevin Holland against Daniel Rodriguez in a welterweight bout at UFC on ESPN 9 this Saturday. MMAjunkie.com was first to report the new matchup. UFC on ESPN 9 is expected to take place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas and is headlined by a welterweight clash pitting Tyron Woodley against Gilbert Burns. The card will air on ESPN and ESPN+.

Green has compiled a six-bout finishing streak while competing for a variety of promotions, including Bellator MMA and Combate Americas. His last professional defeat came against current UFC competitor Jalin Turner at Bellator 170 in January 2017. Green has competed primarily…

Credit: Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com Credit: Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com Credit: Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com Credit: Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com

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Ciryl Gane will square off against Shamil Abdurakhimov at an Ultimate Fighting Championship event on July 11.

French outlet ”La Voix des Guerriers” was first to report the heavyweight bout. The card has not been formally announced by the UFC and does not yet have a location or venue. Frankie Edgar is expected to make his bantamweight debut against Pedro Munhoz at the event. Gane vs. Abdurakhimov was originally scheduled for UFC 249, but Gane withdrew due to a collapsed lung.

A 30-year-old native of Paris, Gane has kicked off his professional tenure with six consecutive triumphs – including three within the Las Vegas-based promotion. “Bon Gamin” went the distance for the first time in his caree…

Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com

The recent training video posted by former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson has generated a buzz throughout the combat sports world.

Tyson later revealed that his comeback plan was to have some exhibition bouts and donate the money raised to “COVID causes.” Shortly thereafter, Evander Holyfield began training as well, sparking rumors of a third bout between the two rivals.

While that could still be in play, another possibility for Tyson’s return was revealed over the weekend, when Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship president David Feldman revealed to MMAFighting.com that his organization had offered “Iron Mike” $20 million to compete, with Wanderlei Silva as a potential opponent. Tyson said no to the initial proposal, but Feldman expressed confidence in his ability to get the deal done with additional incentives.

Silva, the other half of that pairing, confirmed to Sherdog.com that he has already accepted a lucrative offer from …

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_cb4tABQFo&w=560&h=315]

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The COVID-19 outbreak forced the Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki to take a long and unexpected break, but the Polish MMA promotion is still making the headlines by signing some of the hottest prospects in Europe.

KSW’s latest roster addition is undefeated Polish prospect Mateusz Legierski (6-0). KSW will share "Dynamit" with Oktagon MMA since he is currently holding the lightweight strap in the Czech promotion.

"I am really excited to add Oktagon champion Mateusz Legierski to the KSW roster," KSW CEO Martin Lewandowski told Sherdog.com. "If you've ever seen him fight you will know why they call him 'Dynamite', he is one of Europe's best and most exciting prospects. I am also very happy to share Legierski with the Oktagon promotion. I have great respect for Pavol…

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Bryan Caraway is struggling to pay for his mother’s funeral expenses, and the UFC veteran is asking for help to cover costs during a difficult time.

Caraway has started a GoFundMe account to raise money for the funeral to with a goal of $12,000 . As of Sunday evening, more than $6,000 had been raised. Caraway’s mom passed away on May 12.

“My mother passed away and the funeral homes are brutal. I had no idea how expensive they are and how much [they] gouge hurting people,” Caraway wrote on Instagram. “My momma means the world to me and was the strongest/toughest person I know. She has a heart of gold and only saw the good in people. She was a mom to so many people and would give or do anything to help you. I'm completely devastated and can barely handle this. She did so much for everyone. else I just want her to have th…

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A lightweight clash pitting Dustin Poirier against Dan Hooker is in the works for an upcoming UFC event on June 27.

Combate was first to report the bout, which was originally scheduled for UFC San Diego on May 16 before the coronavirus pandemic hit. According to MMAjunkie.com, the promotion hopes to hold the fight at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. However, that plan is based upon Hooker’s ability to enter the United States from New Zealand; if that is not an option, the contest could be scheduled for “Fight Island” in July.

Poirier hasn’t competed since falling to Khabib Nurmagomedov via third-round submission in a lightweight championship fight at UFC 242 this past September. Prior to that defeat, “The Diamond” had been unbeaten in his previous six Octagon appearances. He is 9-2 with on no contest since moving from feathe…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2r1fi1ZCnVM&w=560&h=315] 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. Editor's note: The article has been updated at 5:40 p.m. ET to reflect the name change of the event from UFC Fight Night 172 to UFC on ESPN 9. Ultimate Fighting Championship President Dana White has announced the full bout order for the May 30 card.

On Friday, White spoke to commentator Jon Anik on ESPN’s YouTube page, where he broke down the full fight lineup of the May 30 event. UFC on ESPN 9, which does not have an official location but is being considered for the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, will be headlined by a welterweight tilt between former champ Tyron Woodley and the surging Gilbert Burns.

Woodley last competed in March 2019, where he lost his 170-pound strap against Kamaru Usman by one-sided decision. The loss snapped a seven-fight unbeaten streak that sa…

I’m fighting Tecia Torres June 20

— BriannaTheBull (@briannathebull) May 22, 2020 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. An important strawweight affair is coming to the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s Fight Night card on June 20. On Friday, strawweight Brianna Van Buren (9-2) announced via Twitter that she will be facing Tecia Torres (10-5) at UFC Fight Night 174. The two will square off on June 20, and the location has yet to be determined although it is expected to go down at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Van Buren first made her name by winning the inaugural one-night Invicta Fighting Championships strawweight tournament. That night, she beat Manjit Kolekar, Juliana Lima and Kailin Curran at Phoenix Series 1 to win it all. From that tournament triumph, Van Buren was signed by the UFC, and she topped fellow former Invicta vet…

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. Fireworks are coming at the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s pay-per-view card this June. Chase Hooper (9-0-1) announced on his Instagram on Thursday night that he will be meeting Alex Caceres (15-12, 1 NC) at UFC 250. The two will be fighting on June 6, and although there is no official location for the event, it is expected to be held in Las Vegas at the UFC Apex -- subject to the Nevada State Athletic Commission’s approval.

Hooper made his triumphant UFC debut when he trounced Daniel Teymur at UFC 245 in December. “The Teenage Dream” announced himself on the major stage on the second season of Dana White's Contender Series, where he took an exciting decision over Canaan Kawaihae and was given a developmental contract. A subsequent draw and two finishes led to Hooper’s UFC signing.

The enigmatic Caceres has alternated w…

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 vacant Ultimate Fighting Championship flyweight throne will be up for grabs this summer. According to a report from MMA Junkie on Friday, the UFC is putting together a flyweight rematch for the title that has no owner. Deiveson Figueiredo (18-1) will be squaring off once again with Joseph Benavidez (28-6), and they are expected to face one another on July 18. There is no location or venue for this card, or any specificity on whether it is a Fight Night card or a pay-per-view.

The two first came to blows at UFC Fight Night 169 in February, and Figueiredo emerged victorious via second-round knockout. The bout itself was marred in controversy, as the two clashed heads to open up a massive cut on Benavidez’ forehead, and the stoppage came shortly thereafter. Additionally, Figueiredo missed weight, eliminating his ability to take ho…

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 is finally starting to put together events that may take place on the fabled “Fight Island.” Posting on her Instagram on Thursday, Paige VanZant (8-4) hinted at an upcoming matchup by writing “Coming to an island near you…….” Her post was followed by a report on Combate announcing her next fight, which would take place at flyweight against Amanda Ribas (9-1). The two women will tangle at an upcoming card on July 11, and the venue is anticipated to be "Fight Island." The two were first set to meet at UFC Fight Night 170, but a broken arm led to VanZant’s withdrawal.

VanZant has not competed since January 2019, when she tapped Rachael Ostovich with a second-round armbar. The victory snapped a two-fight skid for “12 Gauge,” which saw her get put to sleep by a rear-naked choke from Michelle Waters…