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With his back to the wall and in danger, Israel Adesanya produced a second-round KO win over long-time rival Alex Pereira to regain his UFC middleweight title, after Gilbert Burns beat Jorge Masvidal into submission over 15 minutes before the two-time welterweight title challenger retired in his hometown. Continue reading “UFC 287: Adesanya regains title with R2 KO in Pereira rematch, after Burns retires Masvidal”
Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya knows pressure rests on his shoulders with fierce rival Alex Pereira up next, one final time tonight. The stark truth is a 0-3 record stares at him across two disciplines – regardless of the circumstances – so will he get the last laugh to reclaim gold overnight? Continue reading “UFC 287: It’s now or never for Israel Adesanya vs. arch-nemesis Alex Pereira”
Alex Pereira and Zhang Weili reigned supreme as two new champions were crowned at UFC 281 during a memorable PPV card that exceeded expectations last weekend, with seven first-round finishes and surprise results galore – as well as a Fight of the Year contender at lightweight.
Continue reading “Unpacking last weekend’s unforgettable UFC 281 as Pereira, Weili emerge the evening’s biggest winners”
Former interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane stayed composed and rallied from the first knockdown of his UFC career en route to a third-round TKO finish against Tai Tuivasa during a fun headliner, capping an electric Fight Night card in Paris leaving many talking points – including Robert Whittaker’s future after a masterful decision win over Marvin Vettori and Nassourdine Imavov now riding a three-fight win streak, what’s his next move at 185lbs? Continue reading “UFC Paris: Five things we learned from a memorable Fight Night card in new surroundings”
Assuming he gets past former title challenger Marvin Vettori this weekend, you can’t help but think former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker wants an upset at UFC 281 on Nov. 12 when former foe Israel Adesanya defends his strap against kickboxing adversary Alex Pereira next. Judging by his recent comments, that could determine his immediate future…
Continue reading “UFC FN Paris: Whittaker ponders move up to 205lbs, ahead of co-main event matchup with Vettori”
Israel Adesanya made the fifth defence of his middleweight title against Jared Cannonier, on an evening where the champion’s next challenge presented itself: former kickboxing foe Alex Pereira, who thunderously ended #4 ranked Sean Strickland’s four-year unbeaten run. In the co-main event, featherweight titlist Alexander Volkanovski closed the chapter on his Max Holloway trilogy with a one-sided UD win before stressing a desire to move up to lightweight. Continue reading “UFC 276: Adesanya outpoints Cannonier, after Volkanovski dominates Holloway in trilogy fight”
Title shot next? It wasn’t an electrifying main event, but light-heavyweight Magomed Ankalaev took Thiago Santos’ best strikes – R2 knockdown included – and weathered the Brazilian’s storm over 25 minutes. Prior, featherweight Sodiq Yusuff (#12) returned to winning ways, while bantamweight contender Song Yadong (#14) blasted Marlon Moraes (#10) in the co-main event.
Continue reading “UFC Vegas 50: Ankalaev thoroughly tested, but eventually outworks Santos in title eliminator”
UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman made the fifth defence of his 170lb title with a back-and-forth, competitive decision win over Colby Covington (#1) in their much-anticipated rematch, making it a perfect night for trainer Trevor Wittman after wins for Justin Gaethje (#2) in a lightweight title eliminator as well as Rose Namajunas defending her strawweight strap. Continue reading “UFC 268: Kamaru Usman outpoints Colby Covington to retain welterweight strap”
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