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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…

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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…

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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 …

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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…

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 flyweight Gillian Robertson is staying on an upcoming event, but she has a new opponent. Robertson (7-4) was initially scheduled to face Taila Santos at the UFC Fight Night event on June 20, but now she will be taking on Cortney Casey (9-7). The reason for Santos’ withdrawal was not given, although the Brazilian could be facing potential visa or travel complications to get to the United States. This matchup was initially reported by ESPN, and Robertson retweeted the announcement to confirm this fight was in the works.

In her four UFC wins, Robertson has recorded four stoppages all in the flyweight division. In doing so, “Savage” currently holds the record for the most finishes at women’s flyweight -- even though her bout with Sarah Frota was a catchweight, Robertson successfully made weight. Rober…

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Former Ultimate Fighting Championship flyweight title contender Tim Elliott will welcome Legacy Fighting Alliance flyweight champion Brandon Royval to the UFC at the promotion's planned event on May 30.

Sherdog has learned from a source close to both fighters that the flyweights will meet at the organization’s next event in Las Vegas.

Elliott, the winner of Season 24 of "The Ultimate Fighter," will make his return to the Octagon on the heels of a two-fight losing streak. The latest defeat came in January at UFC 246, where the 12-year veteran fell to unbeaten Russian talent Askar Askarov by unanimous decision.

Royval last competed in November at LFA 79, when he defended his flyweight crown for the first time. “Raw Dawg” won the title in his second attempt after first falling short against eventual UFC bantamweight…

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Max Holloway is using his talents and resources to help give back to the Hawaiian community during the coronavirus pandemic.

Holloway is offering the chance to win private training lessons and dinner with the former UFC featherweight champion in exchange for donations to the Maui Food Bank and Hawaii Food Bank. A winner — and four friends — will be selected through a raffle as part of the All 4 Hawaii Challenge.

Each donation of at least $10 will receive a raffle entry. The winner will also receive Holloway’s signed UFC gloves and will get to select whether they want self defense or MMA-themed training. The donation period runs through May 31.

For Holloway, it’s about helping out during a time of great hardship and uncertainty.

“Unemployment in Hawaii is near 40%, and because our economy is based on tourism…

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

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After their bout fell through at UFC Fight Night 171, Marvin Vettori and Karl Roberson will get a chance to settle their differences at an event on June 13.

MMAFighting.com was first to report the middleweight pairing. The UFC Fight Night event does not yet have an official location or headliner. Broadcast plans are also unknown at this time.

Roberson was hospitalized after missing weight last week and was not medically cleared to compete at UFC Fight Night 171 in Jacksonville, Florida on May 13. Roberson and Vettori later had a brief altercation when they crossed paths in the fighter hotel, as the Italian competitor hurled obscenities toward his would-be foe.

Prior to last week, Vettori…

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The coronavirus pandemic has affected everyone in the mixed martial arts community differently these past couple months.

Lorenz Larkin, who won his fourth straight fight under the Bellator MMA banner on Dec. 29, used the unexpected downtime to focus on other pursuits. Whether that was off roading with his 13-year-old son or working on business ventures outside of the MMA realm, the California native has done his best to remain productive as shelter-in-place orders put limitations on normal activity.

One thing he hasn’t been able to do much, however, is train.

“I almost forgot I was a fighter,” Larkin told Sherdog.com with a laugh.

Larkin took some time off following his unanimous decision triumph against Keita Nakamura at the end of the year, and just as he was ready to get back into the gym, COVID-19 chang…

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The condition of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov has taken a turn for the worse.

According to RT Sport, the father of UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is once again in critical condition and on life support at a military hospital in Moscow. After undergoing a heart bypass surgery, Abdulmanap had to be connected to a life support machine when his condition deteriorated on Tuesday, per “multiple reports” from Russian outlets. Abdulmanap awakened from a coma on Friday but is now once again unconscious and unable to breathe on his own.

Abdulmanap initially fell ill with pneumonia at the end of April and was transported from a medical facility in Dagestan to Moscow as a result of heart problems. Abdulmanap was reportedly diagnosed with coronavirus once he arrived in the Russian capital.

Khabib recently posted a vi…

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Heavyweights always seem to draw solid ratings for the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

The UFC on ESPN 8 main card attracted an average audience of 1.198 million to ESPN this past Saturday, according to ShowBuzz Daily. The card took place at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida and was headlined by a heavyweight showdown pitting Alistair Overeem against Walt Harris. Overeem defeated Harris via second-round technical knockout.

That figure checks in as the second-highest rating for a UFC on ESPN main card since the promotion debuted on the network in February 2019. That aforementioned UFC on ESPN 1 card, topped by a heavyweight tilt between Francis Ngannou and Cain Velasquez, still holds the No. 1 spot with an average audience of 1.463 million viewers.

UFC on ESPN 8 marked conclusion of a stretch…

Listen to this scream by @NateTheTrain, who's rolling in Round 2 #UFCFL pic.twitter.com/SWW6nPYVcv

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) May 16, 2020

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Nate Landwehr was one of the most colorful fighters in action at UFC on ESPN 8.

The former M-1 Challenge champion taunted opponent Darren Elkins, showboated and yelled at UFC president Dana White, who was seated cageside at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday night.

“Oh, I heard it,” White said at the UFC on ESPN 8 post-fight press conference. “There was like six people in there, I heard him screaming. That guy was a nut. That was a fun fight. It was a fun fight, and that guy was fun.”

These two are madmen @DarrenElkinsMMA @NateTheTrain #UFCFL pic.twitter.com/FWR4HMkxS0

…

@Giga_Chikadze is LAUNCHING but @Beast144_1 is UNPHASED. #UFCFL pic.twitter.com/w9l1TyLxYH

— UFC (@ufc) May 17, 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. Giga Chikadze did as expected at UFC on ESPN 8, as he cruised to a clear-cut unanimous decision over Irwin Rivera on Saturday’s preliminary card at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida.

Chikadze was able to have his way with Irwin, a Titan FC bantamweight champion who was fighting up a weight class on one day’s notice. The former Glory Kickboxing competitor improved to 3-0 in the Octagon after taking split decisions over Brandon Davis and Jamall Emmers in his first two UFC appearances.

The Kings MMA product claimed after his latest victory that he has only shown a fraction of his potential thus far in the Las Vegas-based promotion.

“I think most fans have only seen Giga at 25 pe…

HE ONLY NEEDED SECONDS!

Take a bow, @Trailblaze2top!

Tune in now LIVE on @ESPN. #UFCFL pic.twitter.com/Jpw2V3PS1M— UFC (@ufc) May 17, 2020

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Kevin Holland first appeared on the radar of MMA fans at UFC 227, when he accepted a short-notice fight with Thiago Santos for his Octagon debut.

Though he didn’t win, the fighter dubbed “Big Mouth” by UFC president Dana White made a lasting impression by giving a game effort against an opponent who would go on to give Jon Jones a run for his money at light heavyweight.

A little less than two years later, the Forth Worth, Texas, native may have finally had his breakthrough performance in the Las Vegas-based promotion. Holland won four the fourth time in five outings against Anthony Hernandez at UFC on ESPN 8 on Saturday, but it …

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. As he does from time to time, Jon Jones took to Twitter this past week to share a number of thoughts regarding mixed martial arts. Among those musings was more speculation about a future move to heavyweight, a transition Jones has teased often in the past. In this instance, “Bones” seemed to be intrigued by former foe Ovince St. Preux’s performance competing up a division at UFC Fight Night 171 on Wednesday evening, and said seeing OSP’s fight with Ben Rothwell made a heavyweight move “seem more real to me.”

That, in turn, piqued the interest of top heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou, who replied to Jones’ post. Things escalated quickly from there, as the light heavyweight champion insisted that he wouldn’t hesitate to accept a bout with perhaps the most feared knockout artist in the sport today.

“Who would you guys consid…

Dan Ige has been on a roll for the last two years, and he continued his ascent up the featherweight ladder on Saturday with a win over Edson Barboza at UFC on ESPN 8, his sixth in a row within the Las Vegas-based promotion.

Ige (14-2) fought a tough battle with Barboza (20-9), who dropped down to featherweight from 155 pounds, and eked past the Brazilian via split decision. Ige struggled early with the former lightweight contender, as he was rocked by punches in the first and low kicks in the first two frames. However, the Hawaiian remained calm in the duel and eventually stormed back in the latter stages of the second and throughout the third. 

When the dust settled and the smoked cleared after 15 minutes of hell, the outcome of the skirmish was in doubt. While one cageside judge saw it 29-28 for Barboza, that tally was offset by the other two who turned in the same score for Ige. Though “Dynamite” didn’t blow up Barboza like he undoubtedly would have preferred, …

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Saturday's UFC on ESPN 8 coverage will begin at approximately 6:05 p.m. ET.

Check out the MMA Forums to discuss the card or enter your comments and predictions below.

Additionally, the UFC on ESPN 8 post-fight press conference can be viewed here immediately following Saturday's event.

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 r…