MMA News

Author: Thomas Albano

  • “A New Contender” – Gabriel Bonfim Dominates Belal Muhammad

    “A New Contender” – Gabriel Bonfim Dominates Belal Muhammad

    In the biggest opportunity of his MMA career, Gabriel Bonfim fought the best performance he’s ever had in his career, defeating former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad in the UFC Vegas 118 main event.

    Muhammad got off to a head start in the opening frame, working well with his strikes despite being on the back foot. Bonfim, however, managed to string things well together, landing strong strikes late in the round to add to the pressure. Bonfim continued this in the second, landing some power while mixing in leg kicks to slow the former champ down.

    Muhammad looked for a takedown at the start of round three, but Bonfim was able to stuff it.

    Gabriel Bonfim Dominates Belal Muhammad In UFC Vegas 118 Main Event

    Bonfim has now won five straight and is 7-1 in the UFC. He came into this fight off a finish of Randy Brown this past November.

    Muhammad has now lost three straight since winning the UFC welterweight title at UFC 304. He came into this fight after losing the title to Jack Della Maddalena and losing to Ian Machado Garry in 2025.

  • “Put Some Respect…” – Brendan Allen Batters Edmen Shahabzyan

    “Put Some Respect…” – Brendan Allen Batters Edmen Shahabzyan

    Though taking a fight against an unranked fighter was a risk, Brendan Allen delivered a statement victory over Edmen Shahbazyan in the UFC Vegas 118 co-main event, solidifying his status in the UFC middleweight title picture.

    Allen got off to a strong start, controlling things with his striking. He continued to try to pressure, but Shahbazyan ensured Allen couldn’t get a takedown. The “Golden Boy” then scored multiple strong shots in the closing stages of round one.

    The two continued to trade in the second, but Allen’s power picked up, landing some harsh blows that did damage to Shahbazyan. That story remained in the third, as Allen’s punching power left Shahbazyan a bloody mess.

    Allen ultimately came away with the decision win, dropping just one round on one judge’s scorecard and sweeping on the other two.

    Brendan Allen Beats, Bloodies Edmen Shahabzyan At UFC Vegas 118

    Allen has now won three straight and 10 of his last 12 fights. He came into this bout off a short-notice victory over Reinier de Ridder in the UFC Vancouver main event this past October.

    Shahbazyan sees a three-fight win streak snapped with this defeat.

  • Bryce Mitchell Nabs Last-Second Submission Of Santiago Luna

    Bryce Mitchell Nabs Last-Second Submission Of Santiago Luna

    It’s felt like a while since Bryce Mitchell scored a finish, let alone one via submission, but that happened at UFC Vegas 118. With less than 10 seconds left, “Thug Nasty” scored a submission victory over Santiago Luna.

    While Luna attempted to take control early with his striking, Mitchell took over and just about dominated the first round with his grappling, controlling the action on the ground. Mitchell, in fact, spent most of the first two rounds on top, working Luna over with his positioning and preventing Luna from using his striking skillset.

    Luna appeared to take control in the grappling department with a takedown in the third round. Mitchell, however, quickly found a way to reverse the position and get back to business. Eventually, he locked up an arm-triangle choke on Luna, forcing a submission with under 10 seconds remaining.

    Bryce Mitchell Submits Santiago Luna At UFC Vegas 118

    Mitchell has now won two straight — making him 2-0 at bantamweight — and three of his last four in the Octagon. This was Mitchell’s first finish since defeating Kron Gracie at UFC 310. This also marks his first submission win in the UFC since his twister of Matt Sayles in 2019.

    This marks the first loss of Luna’s MMA career, entering this fight 8-0. He is now 2-1 in the UFC after scoring a finish of Quang Le and a decision over Angel Pacheco.

  • Iwo Baraniewski Gets Another Finish In Under 90 Seconds

    Iwo Baraniewski Gets Another Finish In Under 90 Seconds

    Make it another quick finish for Iwo Baraniewski, as he made easy work of Junior Tafa to kick off the UFC Vegas 118 main card.

    The two were slow to start, with Tafa notably pinning Baraniewski briefly against the fence. That quickly changed, with things returning to the center of the Octagon, where Baraniewski landed multiple leg kicks.

    The kicks seemed to bother Tafa, with one hurting him so much that he fell to the ground. Baraniewski jumped right on Tafa, landing ground-and-pound until the referee stepped in.

    Iwo Baraniewski Quickly Stops Junior Tafa At UFC Vegas 118

    Baraniewski now extends his undefeated record to 9-0, including a 3-0 UFC record. After earning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series, Baraniewski scored quick finishes of Ibo Aslan and Austen Lane, with none of his UFC wins (or his DWCS win) going past 90 seconds.

    Tafa falls to 7-6 in MMA. The kickboxer took this fight on short notice after scoring a first-round finish of Kevin Christian at UFC Perth last month.

  • MMA Community Debates The Finish Of Costa vs. Schnell

    MMA Community Debates The Finish Of Costa vs. Schnell

    Though there is debate about the finishing sequence, Alessandro Costa came away with the win over Matt Schnell in the featured prelim of UFC Vegas 118.

    Both men took a cautious approach to start, but Costa started to get his striking going, picking up the pace. Costa landed a combination a couple of minutes in, blasting Schnell with a right hand that made him wobbly before falling flat onto his face.

    Costa got on top and started to throw punches that went unanswered, resulting in referee Herb Dean stepping in to stop the fight.

    Schnell, however, appeared to scramble into grappling for a takedown after the stoppage, needing to be informed by Dean that the fight was over. Schnell protested the stoppage; however, the result will stand.

    Alessandro Costa Gets Bizarre Stoppage Win Over Matt Schnell At UFC Vegas 118

    Costa has now won three of his last four. He came into this bout off a performance bonus-earning finish of Stewart Nicoll in April.

    Schnell has now lost back-to-back fights and five of his last six.

  • Edgar Chairez Eyes UFC Rankings After Submission Of Bruno Silva

    Edgar Chairez Eyes UFC Rankings After Submission Of Bruno Silva

    Edgar Chairez continues his climb up the UFC flyweight rankings, scoring a first-round finish of Bruno Silva during the UFC Vegas 118 prelims.

    The two engaged in a striking scrap early, with both men getting their fair share of shots in. Chairez took over with control, however, by managing to drop Silva twice during the first round.

    The second knockdown came via an uppercut and marked the beginning of the end for Silva. Chairez got on top in the mount, and Silva’s attempt to escape resulted in him giving up his back to Chairez.

    Edgar Chairez Submits Bruno Silva At UFC Vegas 118

    Chairez seized the opportunity and locked in a rear-naked choke for the victory.

    Chairez has now won three straight and is 4-2 (1 NC) in the UFC. His sole losses in the UFC have come against the two most recent flyweight title fight combatants — Joshua Van and Tatsuro Taira.

    Silva, who entered ranked No. 15, has now lost four of five and will most likely drop out of the flyweight rankings.

  • Chelsea Chandler Returns In Style With Win Via Armbar

    Chelsea Chandler Returns In Style With Win Via Armbar

    After over a year away from the Octagon and struggles at the start of her UFC career, Chelsea Chandler’s return is a success, submitting Priscila Cachoeira during the UFC Vegas 118 prelims.

    Cachoeira looked to use her size and strength to her advantage early, as her striking had Chandler on the back foot. The momentum shifted, however, when Chandler landed a combination, emphasized by a left hand that rocked Cachoeira.

    Chandler went in for the kill, and Cachoeira gave up her back on the ground. Chandler looked for a choke at first, but she eventually worked her way over to an armbar attempt. Chandler locked one in for a submission victory in round one.

    Chelsea Chandler Submits Priscila Cachoeira At UFC Vegas 118

    Chandler signed with the UFC in 2022 after starting her MMA career 4-1 in Invicta FC. Chandler scored a performance bonus-earning finish in her UFC debut but had since lost three of her last four, missing weight twice as well.

    Chandler had not been seen since her loss to Joselyne Edwards in April 2025.

    Cachoeira has now lost five of her last six.

  • Joanderson Brito Secures UFC Vegas 118 Win With Ninja Choke

    Joanderson Brito Secures UFC Vegas 118 Win With Ninja Choke

    Joanderson Brito picked up another ninja choke victory in the Octagon, scoring a submission of Jordan Levitt with it late in the first round of their UFC Vegas 118 preliminary card matchup.

    Leavitt looked to stop Brito’s forward pressure with his grappling and control, holding Brito against the fence and in a guillotine hold. Brito then looked to use his striking to bring pressure back on Leavitt, which Leavitt eventually responded to with a takedown attempt.

    That opened an opportunity for Brito, who locked on a ninja choke and scored the submission.

    Joanderson Brito Locks Up Jordan Leavitt For Submission Win At UFC Vegas 118

    Brito has now won two straight and seven of his last nine. He entered this fight off a decision win over Isaac Thomson in December.

    Leavitt is now 3-3 in his last six. He came into this fight off a decision win over Yadier del Valle in February.

  • Ketlen Souza grounds, head kick KOs Ariane Carnelossi

    Ketlen Souza grounds, head kick KOs Ariane Carnelossi

    Ketlen Souza got the night off with a bang at UFC Vegas 118, putting a quick beatdown on Ariane Carnelossi for an impressive first-round finish.

    Carnelossi seemed to gain control in the striking at first, backing Souza up in the opening exchanges of the bout. Souza, however, quickly gained the upper hand and eventually the finish, after landing a small flurry of strikes.

    A right hand got Carnelossi off balance and briefly grounded. After Carnelossi got back to both feet, Souza landed a perfectly timed head kick that knocked Carnelossi down. A couple of follow-up shots then put an exclamation point on the fight’s conclusion.

    Ketlen Souza Finishes Ariane Carnelossi With Head Kick At UFC Vegas 118

    Souza and Carnelossi fought previously in Future FC in 2019, with Carnelossi finishing Souza after a body kick.

    Souza has now won two straight and four of her last six. She entered this fight off a decision win over Bruna Brasil in February.

    Carnelossi has now lost three of her last four. She entered this fight off a loss to Talita Alencar at UFC Vegas 110 in November.

  • UFC Vegas 118 Results: Muhammad vs. Bonfim Live Updates & Highlights

    UFC Vegas 118 Results: Muhammad vs. Bonfim Live Updates & Highlights

    MMA News updates UFC Vegas 118 results and highlights live as the action unfolds from the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main event will feature a welterweight bout between Belal Muhammad and Gabriel Bonfim. MMANews has you covered with all the results and highlights!

    Belal Muhammad vs. Gabriel Bonfim – Welterweight Main Event

    Muhammad was on a win streak between 2019 and 2024, rising up the welterweight ranks en route to defeating Leon Edwards for the title at UFC 304. Muhammad, however, enters this fight off back-to-back losses. Muhammad dropped the welterweight title to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 and lost to Ian Machado Garry at UFC Qatar in November.

    Bonfim is 6-1 since entering the UFC as an undefeated fighter off Dana White’s Contender Series. Bonfim most recently fought in November, finishing Randy Brown in the main event of UFC Vegas 111.

    The UFC Vegas 118 co-main event will feature Brendan Allen and Edmen Shahbazyan in a middleweight matchup.

    Allen has won two straight and nine of his last 11. He most recently fought on short notice in the main event of UFC Vancouver in October, knocking off Reinier de Ridder in a title eliminator.

    Shahbazyan has won three straight, most recently finishing Andre Muniz at UFC 320.

    If you can’t watch the action, check here for all the latest results and highlights from UFC Vegas 118!

    How to Watch UFC Vegas 118

    • Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
    • Venue: Meta Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
    • Streaming: Paramount+ (exclusive)
    • Prelims: 5 PM ET / 2 PM PT
    • Main Card: 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT

    UFC Vegas 118 Quick Results

    • Main Event: Belal Muhammad vs. Gabriel Bonfim — Gabriel Bonfim def. Belal Muhammad via unanimous decision (50-45 x3)
    • Co-Main Event: Brendan Allen vs. Edmen Shahbazyan — Brendan Allen def. Edmen Shahbazyan via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)
    • Fares Ziam vs. Tom Nolan — Tom Nolan def. Fares Ziam via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
    • Bryce Mitchell vs. Santiago Luna — Bryce Mitchell def. Santiago Luna via submission (arm-triangle choke) (Rd. 3, 4:52)
    • Iwo Baraniewski vs. Junior Tafa — Iwo Baraniewski def. Junior Tafa via TKO (Rd. 1, 1:25)

    UFC Vegas 118 Results & Highlights

    Preliminary Card (Paramount+, 5 PM ET)

    Women’s Strawweight: Ketlen Souza vs. Ariane Carnelossi

    Result: Ketlen Souza def. Ariane Carnelossi via TKO (Rd. 1, 1:34)

    Women’s Flyweight: Jeisla Chaves vs. Yuneisy Duben

    Result: Jeisla Chaves def. Yuneisy Duben via split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)

    Featherweight: Jordan Leavitt vs. Joanderson Brito

    Result: Joanderson Brito def. Jordan Leavitt via submission (Ninja choke) (Rd. 1, 4:19)

    Women’s Bantamweight: Priscila Cachoeira vs. Chelsea Chandler

    Result: Chelsea Chandler def. Priscila Cachoeira via submission (armbar) (Rd. 1, 3:42)

    Flyweight: Bruno Silva vs. Edgar Chairez

    Result: Edgar Chairez def. Bruno Silva via submission (rear-naked choke) (Rd. 1, 4:13)

    Bantamweight: Marcus McGhee vs. John Yannis

    Result: Marcus McGhee def. John Yannis via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)

    Catchweight (130 lbs.): Matt Schnell vs. Alessandro Costa

    Result: Alessandro Costa def. Matt Schnell via TKO (Rd. 1, 2:32)

    Main Card (Paramount+, 8 PM ET)

    Light Heavyweight: Iwo Baraniewski vs. Junior Tafa

    Result: Iwo Baraniewski def. Junior Tafa via TKO (Rd. 1, 1:25)

    Bantamweight: Bryce Mitchell vs. Santiago Luna

    Result: Bryce Mitchell def. Santiago Luna via submission (arm-triangle choke) (Rd. 3, 4:52)

    Lightweight: Fares Ziam vs. Tom Nolan

    Result: Tom Nolan def. Fares Ziam via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Middleweight: Brendan Allen vs. Edmen Shahbazyan

    Result: Brendan Allen def. Edmen Shahbazyan via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)

    Welterweight: Belal Muhammad vs. Gabriel Bonfim

    Result: Gabriel Bonfim def. Belal Muhammad via unanimous decision (50-45 x3)

  • Zuffa Boxing 07 Results: Billam-Smith vs. Rozicki Live From Bournemouth

    Zuffa Boxing 07 Results: Billam-Smith vs. Rozicki Live From Bournemouth

    Zuffa Boxing 07 results are coming in live from Bournemouth International Centre in Bournemouth, Dorset, England, as the seventh event from Dana White’s boxing promotion will see the promotion’s first event outside the United States — let alone outside Las Vegas.

    The TKO Group-backed boxing league’s debut in England is headlined by Chris Billam-Smith taking on Ryan Rozicki in cruiserweight action.

    Joe Tessitore calls the action alongside analysts Max Kellerman and Andre Ward.

    How to Watch Zuffa Boxing 07

    • Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
    • Venue: Bournemouth International Centre, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
    • Streaming: Paramount+ (exclusive)
    • Prelims: 11:30 AM ET / 8:30 AM PT
    • Main Card: 4:30 PM ET / 1:30 PM PT

    Zuffa Boxing 06 Results

    Preliminary Card (Paramount+, 12 PM ET)

    Welterweight – Alex MacMillan (3-0) vs. Leo Fanthome (7-2)

    Result: Alex MacMillan def. Leo Fanthome via TKO (Rd. 2, 1:44)

    Light Heavyweight – Leon Hughes (4-0) vs. Mario Vergiev (8-4)

    Result: Leon Hughes def. Mario Vergiev via TKO (Rd. 2, 0:52)

    Heavyweight – Harvey Dykes (7-0-1) vs. Ivan Dychko (15-1)

    Result: Ivan Dychko def. Harvey Dykes via split decision (97-92 x2, 94-95)

    Main Card (Paramount+, 2 PM ET)

    Middleweight – Sam Hickey (4-0) vs. Todd Tompkins (4-0)

    Result: Sam Hickey def. Todd Tompkins via KO (Rd. 2, 1:22)

    Middleweight – Stevie McKenna (15-1) vs. Casey James Streeter (15-3-2)

    Result: Stevie McKenna def. Casey James Streeter via TKO (Rd. 1, 1:04)

    Middleweight – Lee Cutler (15-2) vs. Aaron Sutton (19-2)

    Result: Lee Cutler def. Aaron Sutton via TKO (injury) (Rd. 3, 0:32)

    Cruiserweight – Jack Massey (23-3) vs. Cheavon Clarke (11-2)

    Result: Cheavon Clarke def. Jack Massey via TKO (Rd. 7, 1:24)

    Cruiserweight – Chris Billam-Smith (21-2) vs. Ryan Rozicki (21-1-1)

    Result: Chris Billam-Smith def. Ryan Rozicki via TKO (corner stoppage) (Rd. 7, 3:00)

  • Gable Steveson Shuts Out Alexandr Romanov in RAF Debut

    Gable Steveson Shuts Out Alexandr Romanov in RAF Debut

    About a month-and-a-half before he makes his UFC debut, Gable Steveson found success in his RAF debut, scoring a shutout, technical fall victory over UFC and PFL veteran Alexandr Romanov.

    Steveson’s athleticism proved to be a problem for Romanov, with Steveson using a takedown and turn to quickly rack up a 4-0 lead in the first period. The action was briefly halted after Romanov appeared to suffer an arm injury. Romanov continued the bout, with Steveson up 5-0 at the end of the first.

    Steveson continued his pace into the second, scoring a point on a step-out before adding two more with a takedown. Steveson soon rolled and executed a gutwrench to take a 10-0 win.

    Steveson is a former Olympic and Pan-American Games gold medalist and is the former NCAA All-American and national champion wrestler from the University of Minnesota. Steveson, a protege of Jon Jones, will make his UFC debut at UFC 329 in July, taking on Elisha Ellison.

    Romanov is now 0-2 in RAF. He debuted at RAF 02, losing to Mason Parris.

  • Colby Covington Bests Chris Weidman, Will Face Arman Tsarukyan

    Colby Covington Bests Chris Weidman, Will Face Arman Tsarukyan

    Colby Covington may have recently retired from the UFC, but his run in the RAF continues successfully, defeating Chris Weidman in the RAF 09 co-main event.

    Following the matchup, Covington and Tsarukyan agreed to an RAF battle in the wrestling promotion’s July event in Milwaukee.

    Weidman scored first blood when using Covington’s momentum to score a throw, taking two points. A wild scramble sequence caused a review at the end of the first period, where the officials determined the score to be 4-2 in Weidman’s favor.

    Covington, however, battled right back. His cardio outlasted Weidman’s, with Covington scoring a takedown late in the second to tie the matchup. Weidman then gave up a point when put on the shot clock in the third, and he was unable to score a takedown, giving Covington the win.

    Following the matchup, Covington was given the opportunity to respond to Tsarukyan, who called Covington out following his win earlier in the night. The two agreed to their July bout.

    Covington made his RAF debut at RAF 05, defeating Lance Palmer. He then battled Dillon Danis at RAF 07, dominating in that matchup.

  • Merab Dvalishvili Overwhelms Frankie Edgar For Tech Fall

    Merab Dvalishvili Overwhelms Frankie Edgar For Tech Fall

    While it was a month later than initially planned, Merab Dvalishvili still had a successful debut in RAF, defeating Frankie Edgar at RAF 09.

    Edgar had some success early in the bout, controlling the mat throughout the first period and earning a point on a Dvalishvili shot clock violation. The former UFC bantamweight champion, however, picked things up in the second round, scoring a point when Edgar stepped out of bounds, and adding another two on a takedown.

    Dvalishvili got things out of hand in the third, scoring multiple points through takedowns and exposure points, racking up a 12-1 score for a technical fall victory.

    Dvalishvili was scheduled to make his RAF debut at RAF 08 against Henry Cejudo but injury took Cejudo out of the bout hours before the event was to begin. Dvalishvili used his RAF 09 post-fight interview time to call out Cejudo.

    This marked Edgar’s RAF debut.

  • Darren Till Gets Dropped, Comes Back To KO Aaron Chalmers

    Darren Till Gets Dropped, Comes Back To KO Aaron Chalmers

    Though it was from perfect, Darren Till managed to bring an unbelievable performance in his BKFC debut, scoring a finish of Aaron Chalmers at BKFC 90.

    Late in the first round, Chalmers caught Till with a left hand, causing the Liverpool-born fighter to stumble and his knee to touch the mat, giving Chalmers a knockdown.

    Till was not deterred, however. In the second round, Till would land his own left hand on Chalmers, crumbling him to the canvas.

    Darren Till KOs Aaron Chalmers In BKFC Debut At BKFC 90

    Chalmers was unable to continue and beat the count, giving Till the knockout victory.

    Till, the former UFC welterweight title challenger, fought in boxing three times in 2025. After defeating Anthony Taylor and Darren Stewart, Till defeated Luke Rockhold to become the first bridgerweight champion of Misfits Boxing.

    Chalmers came into this bout off a win over Jack Fincham in September.

  • Arman Tsarukyan Gets Thrown & Pushed But Dominates For Tech Fall

    Arman Tsarukyan Gets Thrown & Pushed But Dominates For Tech Fall

    Arman Tsarukyan continues to be a force to reckon with in RAF, dominating Keelon Jimison for a technical fall victory in the opening bout of RAF 09.

    The bout wasn’t perfect for Tsarukyan, as he let up an early four-point throw to Jimison. Tsarukyan, however, locked in the rest of the way, scoring a takedown and consecutive rolls to quickly rack up points.

    The bout ended in a technical fall after Tsarukyan’s domination on top led to a 16-5 score.

    Tsarukyan called out Colby Covington for his next fight.

    Tsarukyan now improves to 5-0 in RAF. He’s competed in every RAF event in 2026, scoring wins over Lance Palmer, Georgio Poullas (twice), and Urijah Faber prior to tonight’s bout.

    Jimison is now 0-2 in RAF. He made his debut at RAF 02, losing to Cayden Henschel.

  • RAF 09 Results: Steveson vs. Romanov

    RAF 09 Results: Steveson vs. Romanov

    RAF 09 results and highlights are updated live as the action unfolds from the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. The main event will feature the RAF debut of Gable Steveson as he takes on Alexandr Romanov. MMANews has you covered with all the results and highlights!

    Gable Steveson vs. Alexandr Romanov – Heavyweight Main Event

    Steveson won a gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the Olympic Games in Tokyo and is a former multiple-time NCAA-Division I All-American and heavyweight champion from the University of Minnesota. Since then, Steveson has had an unsuccessful stint with the WWE and an unsuccessful tryout with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills. He will make his UFC debut at UFC 329 in July.

    Romanov competed in the UFC from 2020 to 2024. He has since signed with the PFL, making it to the finals of last year’s Heavyweight World Yournament before losing to Oleg Popov. Romanov fought at PFL Chicago in April, submitting Rodrigo Nascimento. Romanov made his RAF debut at RAF 02, losing to Mason Parris.

    The co-main event will feature Colby Covington taking on Chris Weidman.

    Covington, who recently announced his UFC retirement, is 2-0 so far in RAF, defeating Luke Rockhold and Dillon Danis. Weidman, the soon-to-be UFC Hall of Famer, makes his RAF debut tonight. He last competed in the UFC at UFC 310, losing to Eryk Anders.

    How to Watch RAF 09

    • Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026
    • Venue: College Park Center, Arlington, Texas
    • Streaming: FOX Nation (Exclusive)
    • Start Time: 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT

    RAF 09 Results & Highlights

    Full Card Results (FOX Nation, 8 PM ET)

    Middleweight: Arman Tsarukyan vs. Keelon Jimison

    Result: Arman Tsarukyan def. Keelon Jimison via technical fall (16-5)

    Women’s Catchweight (125 lbs): Lucia Yepez vs. Cameron Guerin

    Result: Lucia Yepez def. Cameron Guerin via technical fall (10-0)

    Lightweight: Ridge Lovett vs. Bajrang Punia

    Result: Ridge Lovett def. Bajrang Punia via decision (13-8)

    Lightweight: Zain Rutherford vs. Antrell Taylor

    Result: Zain Rutherford def. Antrell Taylor via decision (8-0)

    Middleweight: Christopher Minto vs. Jason Nolf

    Result: Jason Nolf def. Christopher Minto via decision (8-5)

    Cruiserweight: Parker Keckeisen vs. Georgios Kougioumtsidis

    Result: Parker Keckeisen def. Georgious Kougioumtsidis via decision (10-5)

    Featherweight Championship: Ibragim Ilyasov vs. Real Woods

    Result: Real Woods def. Ibragim Ilyasov via fall (2:11)

    Lightweight: Merab Dvalishvili vs. Frankie Edgar

    Result: Merab Dvalishvili def. Frankie Edgar via technical fall (12-1)

    Light Heavyweight Championship: Kyle Snyder vs. Givi Matcharashvili

    Result: Kyle Snyder def. Givi Matcharashvili via technical fall (10-0)

    Catchweight (200 lbs): Colby Covington vs. Chris Weidman

    Result: Colby Covington def. Chris Weidman via decision (5-4)

    Heavyweight: Gable Steveson vs. Alexander Romanov

    Result: Gable Steveson def. Alexander Romanov via technical fall (10-0)

  • ‘Team Alpha Male Style’ – Song Yadong Submits Deiveson Figueiredo

    ‘Team Alpha Male Style’ – Song Yadong Submits Deiveson Figueiredo

    Deiveson Figueiredo was believed to have the grappling edge in the UFC Macau main event. Song Yadong, however, was the one who jumped the gilly and scored the submission victory.

    A quiet first round saw Figueiredo throw just six strikes in the entire round, while Yadong worked leg kicks while stuffing takedown attempts from Figueiredo — though slipping at the end of the round.

    Yadong continued to defend the takedown attempts in the second round, and he picked up on his striking, landing a couple of strong leg kicks and working a key combination.

    But as Figueiredo went in for another takedown attempt, Yadong was ready and locked in a quick guillotine choke, scoring a submission victory in round two.

    Song Yadong Submits Deiveson Figueiredo At UFC Macau

    Yadong has now won four of his last six bouts and is likely to score a big contender’s battle in his next fight. He entered this fight off a loss to Sean O’Malley at UFC 324.

    Figueiredo has now lost four of his last five. He entered this bout off a loss to Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 324.

  • Alonzo Menifield Blasts Zhang Mingyang In Upset Victory

    Alonzo Menifield Blasts Zhang Mingyang In Upset Victory

    In a case of deja vu, a fight expected to be a coming-out party for Zhang Mingyang in China ends with him getting finished — and this time, it’s in a more brutal upset fashion.

    Despite being a heavy underdog in the matchup, Alonzo Menifield used a perfect strategy to be the one who scored the first-round finish, defeating Mingyang in the co-main event of UFC Macau.

    The two came out early with striking, as Menifield looked to get inside on Mingyang. The strategy seemed to work, as, while he took a couple of shots, Menifield did some damage before pinning Mingyang against the fence and winning the clinch exchanges.

    Menifield then rocked Mingyang, landing combinations near the fence, before dropping him with a left hand. Menifield’s follow-up shots then quickly brought the fight to a close.

    Alonzo Menifield Scores Upset, First-Round Finish Of Zhang Mingyang At UFC Macau

    Menifield has now won three of his last four fights. He rebounds here after a first-round loss to Volkan Oezdemir at UFC Qatar in November.

    Mingyang has now lost back-to-back fights after a 12-fight win streak. Mingyang entered this fight off a second-round TKO loss to Johnny Walker at UFC Shanghai in August.

  • Sergei Pavlovich Destroys Tallison Teixeira At UFC Macau

    Sergei Pavlovich Destroys Tallison Teixeira At UFC Macau

    If you left your seat for a minute, you completely missed Sergei Pavlovich’s quick and powerful victory over Tallison Teixiera at UFC Macau.

    The two stayed patient in the opening seconds, respecting one another’s power and trying to find an opening. When both of them started to let loose, however, it was Pavlovich who did the landing.

    A pair of right hands stumbled Teixeira, causing Pavlovich to fire off a flurry, finishing Teixeira in just 39 seconds.

    Pavlovich then used his post-fight interview to call for a title shot or a title eliminator.

    Sergei Pavlovich KOs Tallison Texieira In Less Than A Minute At UFC Macau

    Pavlovich, who entered this fight ranked No. 3 at heavyweight in the UFC, has now won three straight. He entered this fight off a win over Waldo Cortes-Acosta in August.

    Teixeira now falls to 9-2 and has lost two of his last three. He entered this fight off a decision win over Tai Tuivasa at UFC 324.

  • Kai Asakura Badly Batters Cameron Smotherman For First UFC Win

    Kai Asakura Badly Batters Cameron Smotherman For First UFC Win

    After struggles in his first pair of UFC fights, Kai Asakura’s move up to bantamweight was the performance that people had been waiting for.

    Asakura landed powerful punches in the first round that dropped Cameron Smotherman out cold in their bout at UFC Macau.

    The two traded leg kicks from the outside, as Asakura waited for the opportunity to open up his strikes. He found it when he landed a right hand, rocking Smotherman.

    Askaura pressed Smotherman to the fence, landing a small flurry that ended with a left hand that landed on the button, dropping Smotherman unconscious.

    Kai Asakura Gets First UFC Win With KO Of Cameron Smotherman At UFC Macau

    Asakura is a former RIZIN bantamweight champion. Asakura made his UFC debut at UFC 310, unsuccessfully challenging Alexandre Pantoja for the UFC flyweight championship. He then fought Tim Elliott at UFC 319, losing via submission.

    Smotherman has now lost three straight after winning his UFC debut. He is now 12-7 as a pro in MMA.

  • Low Blow Ends Alex Perez Vs. Su Mudaerji In No Contest

    Low Blow Ends Alex Perez Vs. Su Mudaerji In No Contest

    While it wasn’t the first foul of the fight, a kick from Su Mudaerji landed on the groin of Alex Perez, resulting in Perez becoming unable to continue their UFC Macau main card opening bout.

    The fight, as a result, was declared a no contest.

    The bout was a competitive one, as Perez looked to make use of his boxing and clinch work during the opening round. Su Mudaerji, however, changed the momentum on the dime during round two when he landed a hard left hand that dropped Perez.

    Perez managed to make it back to his feet despite some heavy ground strikes from Su Mudaerji. The fight, however, ended anti-climatically when a kick from Su Mudaerji landed on Perez’s groin.

    Perez was unable to continue after the five-minute timeout period, resulting in the referee declaring the no contest result.

    Alex Perez vs. Su Mudaerji At UFC Macau Ends In No Contest

    Perez has only won two bouts since unsuccessfully challenging Deiveson Figueiredo for the flyweight title at UFC 255.

    Su Mudaerji sees a three-fight win streak snapped; however, he still has not lost since losing to Charles Johnson in late 2024. Su Mudaerji entered this fight off a win over Jesus Santos Aguilar at UFC 326.

  • Luis Felipe Dias Cracks Yi Sak Lee For Quick Finish In Debut

    Luis Felipe Dias Cracks Yi Sak Lee For Quick Finish In Debut

    Luis Felipe Dias put a bow on a strong preliminary card for UFC Macau, landing a right hand to score a finish of Yi Sak Lee in the featured bout of the early card.

    The fight was slow to start, with both fighters trying to read the other before leg kicks were traded. Lee tried to get his boxing going, but Dias landed a couple of strong counterpunches, one of which briefly knocked Lee down.

    Dias landed another strong punch that dropped Lee, causing him to go to his knees and fall on his stomach on the canvas. A couple of follow-up shots brought about the stoppage, giving Dias the win.

    Luis Felipe Dias Crumbles Yi Sak Lee At UFC Macau

    Dias has now won four straight. This marked his UFC debut after submitting Donavon Hedrick to win a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series last year.

    Lee, who falls to 8-2, was also making his UFC debut tonight. He came into this bout off a last-second submission of Daichi Mikami in September.

  • Rei Tsuruya Drops, Submits Short-Notice Opponent At UFC Macau

    Rei Tsuruya Drops, Submits Short-Notice Opponent At UFC Macau

    It was a valiant effort from Luis Gurule, who took a spot on UFC Macau on short notice; however, the offense of Rei Tsuruya was too much to overcome.

    Tsuruya scored a first-round finish of Gurule during the preliminary card of UFC Macau.

    Tsuruya troubled Gurule early, doing damage with a sharp left hand before scoring a takedown. Tsuruya landed plenty of ground-and-pound, controlling the action from the top.

    Rei Tsuruya Submits Short-Notice Opponent Luis Gurule At UFC Macau

    When he wasn’t able to get a TKO finish, Tsuruya looked to lock up a choke. Despite getting back to his feet one time, Gurule wasn’t able to defend another attempt. Tsuruya managed to lock in a body triangle before scoring the submission.

    Tsuruya is now 11-1 in his career and 2-1 in the UFC. He rebounds from his only career loss, which came at UFC 313 at the hands of current UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van.

    Gurule is now just 1-4 in the UFC since earning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2024. He fought just two weeks ago at UFC Vegas 117, scoring a decision over Daniel Barez.

  • Rodrigo Vera Rattles, Drops Kangjie Zhu For KO At UFC Macau

    Rodrigo Vera Rattles, Drops Kangjie Zhu For KO At UFC Macau

    After previously being passed over for a spot on The Ultimate Fighter, Rodrigo Vera sent a statement to those who doubted him.

    In his UFC debut during the UFC Macau prelims, Vera scored a brutal first-round finish of Kangjie Zhu.

    The two went to a striking battle right in the first minute, with both focusing on leg kicks. Vera looked to pressure by closing the distance and trying to land strikes from close range, adding in a takedown attempt to the mix as well.

    Rodrigo Vera Blasts Kangjie Zhu At UFC Macau

    Things quickly came to an end in the second minute of the fight when Vera landed a left hook that dropped Zhu to the mat. Vera followed up with punches that left Zhu defenseless and out cold.

    Vera now improves to a career record of 22-1-1, having not dropped a fight since 2019. This marked his UFC debut after competing on the regional scene with FFC, where he was a champion, as well as bouts in the LFA and Shooto Brazil.

    This also marked Zhu’s UFC debut. He competed in three Road to UFC bouts over the last couple of years, scoring decision wins over Tatsuya Ando, Shin Haraguchi and Bin Xie.