Jamahal Hill became the first Dana White’s Contender Series graduate to earn UFC gold after a dominant, exhausting five-round decision win over former champion Glover Teixeira, who announced his retirement post-fight. Elsewhere, Brandon Moreno ended his Deiveson Figueiredo series with a third-round TKO before his rival confirmed he’ll be moving up to bantamweight – while there were emphatic victories for Gilbert Burns and Jessica Andrade. Continue reading
Tag: Jessica Andrade
Before Jessica Andrade matchup, Lauren Murphy believes Shevchenko isn’t going to win forever
Ahead of her main card matchup against former strawweight champion Jessica Andrade this weekend in Brazil, former title challenger Lauren Murphy spoke about Taila Santos’ split decision defeat by reigning titlist Valentina Shevchenko – whose last display reinforces the belief she’s not untouchable after finding herself in danger against the Brazilian last summer. Continue reading
UFC Vegas 52: Andrade earns historic sub win over Lemos on return to strawweight division
After falling short against Valentina Shevchenko in her bid to become a two-weight world champion, the former women’s strawweight titlist headlined a largely forgettable Fight Night card from the Apex on Saturday night and wasted no time: delivering a first-round standing arm-triangle choke win over her Brazilian compatriot, Amanda Lemos on her return to 115lbs. Continue reading
Casey O’Neill’s patient progression stance is one more UFC prospects should follow
Across the promotion’s four female weight classes, only four fighters – including an impressive flyweight still in her debut UFC year – are unbeaten with 3-0 records or better. The conscious decision to reject their fast-track route attempts speak to the 24-year-old’s desire for more well-rounded growth with time, something many rising stars before her skipped to their detriment.
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UFC 266: Volkanovski outlasts Ortega, retaining featherweight title in frenetic thriller
Alexander Volkanovski survived a R3 frenzy, where he was knocked down with a bullet left-hand and recovered from two tight submission manoevures before outlasting Brian Ortega (#2) via UD to retain his featherweight title: 49-46, 50-45, 50-44. Valentina Shevchenko made the sixth defence of her flyweight crown against Lauren Murphy, while there were other big winners too.
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UFC 266: Volkanovski-Ortega, Shevchenko-Murphy and Nick Diaz’s return on Sept. 25
After more than a 400-day absence, UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski defends his title vs. Brian Ortega (#2) at the UFC 266 PPV in September. Elsewhere, Lauren Murphy challenges Valentina Shevchenko for women’s flyweight gold, after Nick Diaz’s welcome return after a six-year hiatus to rematch Robbie Lawler, 17 years on from their first meeting. Continue reading
UFC 262: Viviane Araujo looking to do what Cynthia Calvillo couldn’t
At the midway point of this weekend’s UFC 262 card in Houston, #7 ranked women’s flyweight Viviane Araujo has a golden opportunity to do what Cynthia Calvillo (#5) couldn’t late last year – produce a statement display and beat former title challenger Katlyn Chookagian (#2), putting her one step closer to a future title shot against dominant champion Valentina Shevchenko. Continue reading
UFC 261: Post-fight presser comments as Shevchenko, Namajunas and Usman talk
Promoter Dana White confirmed that UFC Africa is more than just a fantasy after all, a dominant Valentina Shevchenko spoke about next steps in her division as well as a possible Amanda Nunes trilogy, while Rose Namajunas – rematch aside – is eyeing a few possible contenders and reigning champion Kamaru Usman continues to see the fruits of his labour at welterweight. Continue reading
UFC 261: Kamaru Usman knocks out Jorge Masvidal, retains welterweight strap
Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman vowed to produce a better display in their rematch and did exactly that: being the first to KO Jorge Masvidal (#4), retaining his 170lb strap for the fourth time with a devastating right-hand. Beforehand, Rose Namajunas made history becoming a two-time champion while Valentina Shevchenko completed another dominant title defence.
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UFC 261: Usman-Masvidal 2 set to headline full crowd PPV in Jacksonville
Kamaru Usman will make the fourth defence of his welterweight strap against #4 ranked Jorge Masvidal, headlining next month’s UFC 261 PPV with three title fights – Valentina Shevchenko and Zhang Weili the other champions scheduled for title defences. Set to be held at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, it’ll be the first event with fans since UFC 248 on March 7 last year. Continue reading
UFC 261: Valentina Shevchenko to defend flyweight title vs. Jessica Andrade next
Reports today have confirmed UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko (20-3) will make the fifth defence of her title against former strawweight title-holder Jessica Andrade (21-8) in two months’ time, an intriguing bout expected to headline their UFC 261 PPV event on April 24. Continue reading
UFC 255: Cynthia Calvillo under no illusions ahead of Katlyn Chookagian bout
#4 ranked women’s flyweight contender Cynthia Calvillo is preparing for an intriguing matchup against Katlyn Chookagian (#2) this weekend. After her UD win over Jessica Eye back in June, she’s itching to continue climbing up the rankings with another impressive showing on PPV against a former title challenger on the same card as defending champ Valentina Shevchenko. Continue reading