MMA News

Author: Thomas Albano

  • “The Kid Is Legit” – Quillan Salkilld Finishes Beneil Dariush

    “The Kid Is Legit” – Quillan Salkilld Finishes Beneil Dariush

    Facing the toughest test of his career so far, Quillan Salkilld passed once again, putting away veteran Beneil Dariush in the co-main event of UFC Perth and scoring another finish.

    Dariush landed a body kick and jab early, stumbling Salkilld in the opening seconds before Dariush looked to use his grappling skillset. Salkilld was troubled but refused to let himself be taken down.

    The second he worked his way out of Dariush’s grasp, however, Salkilld showed why he’s a rising star. He landed combinations that put Dariush down, finishing the veteran in one round.

    Quillan Salkilld Proves Contender Status By Finishing Beneil Dariush At UFC Perth

    Salkilld, who is likely to enter the UFC rankings, has now won 12 straight since dropping his professional debut. Salkilld is now 5-0 in the UFC, entering this fight off a submission of Jamie Mullarkey at UFC 325 in January.

    Dariush has now lost four of his last five. He entered this fight off being finished in seconds by Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 322 in November.

  • “Boxed Elliott Up” – Steve Erceg Nabs Decision Win With Strikes

    “Boxed Elliott Up” – Steve Erceg Nabs Decision Win With Strikes

    In a battle of former UFC flyweight title contenders, Steve Erceg seems to have picked back up some positive momentum, defeating Tim Elliott at UFC Perth.

    Erceg, the younger fighter, used speed to his advantage, landing well with his strikes. Elliott had his fair share of strikes and scored a couple of takedowns; however, Erceg landed the strongest strikes, courtesy of a combination and a rocking right hand.

    Erceg landed more strikes in the second round and scored a late takedown on Elliott, while also avoiding a leg lock attempt from Elliott on the ground. Erceg worked a counterpunch well with his jab in the third, not allowing Elliott to get much going.

    Erceg took the decision with 29-28 scores on all three scorecards.

    Steve Erceg Scores Decision Over Tim Elliott At UFC Perth

    This fight went on despite concerns in the last 24+ hours due to reported unusual betting line movement.

    Erceg has now won two straight, entering this fight off a win over Ode’ Osbourne at UFC Vegas 109.

    Elliott had won two straight entering this fight; he still has a strong run of late, now 4-2 in his last six. Before tonight, Elliott last fought at UFC 319, submitting Kai Asakura.

  • “First-Team All Violence” – Rahiki Earns Stoppage In Perth

    “First-Team All Violence” – Rahiki Earns Stoppage In Perth

    Marwan Rahiki continues to be an interesting name who may rise up the featherweight ranks, scoring another finish as he defeated Ollie Schmid at UFC Perth.

    Schmid looked to find a way inside and pressure Rahiki, but Rahiki was ready with a counterattack, stopping Schmid before he could get ahead. Rahiki managed to drop Schmid in just a few minutes, courtesy of a counter left.

    Rahiki landed some follow-up shots before the fight was halted.

    Marwan Rahiki Stops Ollie Schmid At UFC Perth

    Rahiki earned a UFC contract with a finish of Ananias Mulumba in October. He made his UFC debut in March, scoring a corner stoppage of Harry Hardwick after two rounds.

    This marked Schmid’s UFC debut. He entered this fight as a 4-2 fighter, coming in off a 15-second knockout of Jeffrey Mesa in March.

  • “The Only Good Heavyweight” – Pericic Drops Gaziev At UFC Perth

    “The Only Good Heavyweight” – Pericic Drops Gaziev At UFC Perth

    In a time where things seem dire and down in the UFC’s heavyweight division, Brando Pericic used UFC Perth to prove he’s one to watch out for.

    Pericic scored a gritty second-round knockout of Shamil Gaziev at UFC Perth.

    Gaziev attempted to use his grappling on Pericic, but Pericic fought him off well. Both connected with strong shots, but Pericic’s punches rocked Gaziev on more than one ocassion during the first round.

    Pericic continued his striking momentum in the second round, landing multiple times until a right hand dropped Gaziev for the win.

    Brando Pericic KOs Shamil Gaziev At UFC Perth

    “The Balkan Bear” is now 7-1 as a pro and 3-0 in the UFC. He scored first-round finishes of Elisha Ellison and Louie Sutherland, respectively, in September and March.

    Gaziev falls to 14-3 and is 3-3 in the UFC since earning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series. He entered this fight off a loss to Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC Qatar this past November.

  • Junior Tafa Obliterates Kevin Christian With Elbows At UFC Perth

    Junior Tafa Obliterates Kevin Christian With Elbows At UFC Perth

    Junior Tafa avoids falling to .500 as a professional MMA fighter and scored his first UFC light heavyweight win, getting a first-round knockout of Kevin Christian during the UFC Perth prelims.

    Christian found a strong method of attack early, landing some leg kicks that did clear damage to Tafa. Tafa, however, responded by finding his power shots, keeping Christian wary from distance.

    Tafa found his way inside and landed a strong combination that brought Christian to his knees and to the mat. Tafa followed him to the ground, where he proceeded to rain down elbows until Christian was out cold.

    Junior Tafa Puts Away Kevin Christian At UFC Perth

    Tafa is now 3-5 in the UFC, having struggles at both heavyweight and light heavyweight. Tafa was 0-2 in the Octagon at light heavyweight entering this fight, getting submitted by both Tuco Tokkos and Billy Elekana over the last 10 months.

    Christian falls to 9-4 as a pro and 0-2 in the UFC. After winning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2024, he made his UFC debut at UFC Vegas 110, getting submitted by Elekana.

  • UFC Perth Results: Della Maddalena vs. Prates Live Updates & Highlights

    UFC Perth Results: Della Maddalena vs. Prates Live Updates & Highlights

    UFC Perth results and highlights are updated live as the action unfolds from the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. The main event will feature a welterweight bout between Jack Della Maddalena and Carlos Prates. MMANews has you covered with all the results and highlights!

    Jack Della Maddalena vs. Carlos Prates – Welterweight Main Event

    After dropping his first two pro bouts, Della Maddalena won 18 straight. This includes his first eight UFC bouts, held between 2022 and 2025, culminating with his win over Belal Muhammad to capture the UFC welterweight championship at UFC 315. This is JDM’s first bout since dropping the title to Islam Makhachev in his first defense at UFC 322.

    Prates is 6-1 since earning a UFC contract, making his UFC debut in 2024. All six of his UFC wins thus far have come by knockout, and his sole loss came against Ian Machado Garry — a bout Prates almost won via a comeback finish. Prates enters this fight off a second-round knockout win over former champion Leon Edwards at UFC 322.

    The co-main event will be a lightweight bout between Beneil Dariush and Quillan Salkilld. Dariush has lost three of his last four, most recently getting knocked out by Benoit Saint-Denis in just 16 seconds at UFC 322. Salkilld is 11-1 professionally, including a 4-0 UFC record. He last fought at UFC 325 in January, submitting Jamie Mullarkey.

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

    How to Watch UFC Perth

    • Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
    • Venue: Meta Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
    • Streaming: Paramount+ (exclusive)
    • Prelims: 4 AM ET / 1 AM PT
    • Main Card: 7 AM ET / 4 AM PT

    UFC Perth Quick Results

    • Main Event: Jack Della Madalena vs. Carlos Prates — Carlos Prates def. Jack Della Maddalena via TKO (Rd. 3, 3:17)
    • Co-Main Event: Beneil Dariush vs. Quillan Salkilld — Quillan Salkilld def. Beneil Dariush via TKO (Rd. 1, 3:29)
    • Tim Elliott vs. Steve Erceg — Steve Erceg def. Tim Elliott via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
    • Marwan Rahiki vs. Ollie Schmid — Marwan Rahiki def. Ollie Schmid via TKO (Rd. 1, 2:47)
    • Shamil Gaziev vs. Brando Pericic — Brando Pericic def. Shamil Gaziev via KO (Rd. 2, 3:44)
    • Tai Tuivasa vs. Louie Sutherland — Louie Sutherland def. Tai Tuivasa via unanimous decision (30-26 x3)

    UFC Perth Results & Highlights

    Preliminary Card (Paramount+, 4 AM ET)

    Lightweight: Kody Steele vs. Dom Mar Fan

    Result: Kody Steele def. Dom Mar Fan via submission (heel hook) (Rd. 1, 3:56)

    Welterweight: Jonathan Micallef vs. Themba Gorimbo

    Result: Jonathan Micallef def. Themba Gorimbo via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)

    Middleweight: Wes Schultz vs. Ben Johnston

    Result: Wes Schultz def. Ben Johnston via submission (guillotine choke) (Rd. 3, 1:50)

    Bantamweight: Colby Thicknesse vs. Vince Morales

    Result: Colby Thicknesse def. Vince Morales via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Middleweight: Jacob Malkoun vs. Gerald Meerschaert

    Result: Jacob Malkoun def. Gerald Meerschaert via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Light Heavyweight: Junior Tafa vs. Kevin Christian

    Result: Junior Tafa def. Kevin Christian via KO (Rd. 1, 2:42)

    Middleweight: Cam Rowston vs. Robert Bryczek

    Result: Cam Rowston def. Robert Bryczek via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

    Main Card (Paramount+, 7 AM ET)

    Heavyweight: Tai Tuivasa vs. Louie Sutherland

    Result: Louie Sutherland def. Tai Tuivasa via unanimous decision (30-26 x3)

    Heavyweight: Shamil Gaziev vs. Brando Pericic

    Result: Brando Pericic def. Shamil Gaziev via KO (Rd. 2, 3:44)

    Featherweight: Marwan Rahiki vs. Ollie Schmid

    Result: Marwan Rahiki def. Ollie Schmid via TKO (Rd. 1, 2:47)

    Flyweight: Tim Elliott vs. Steve Erceg

    Result: Steve Erceg def. Tim Elliott via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Lightweight: Beneil Dariush vs. Quillan Salkilld

    Result: Quillan Salkilld def. Beneil Dariush via TKO (Rd. 1, 3:29)

    Welterweight: Jack Della Maddalena vs. Carlos Prates

    Result: Carlos Prates def. Jack Della Maddalena via TKO (Rd. 3, 3:17)

  • PFL MENA 2026 Season Kickoff Officially Rescheduled For Dubai

    PFL MENA 2026 Season Kickoff Officially Rescheduled For Dubai

    After the original plans for the 2026 season kickoff were postponed, PFL MENA’s first event for this calendar year has now been officially rescheduled.

    Per an announcement from the PFL, the first PFL MENA card of 2026 will now take place on Sunday, May 24.

    For the first time, a PFL MENA card will take place outside of Saudi Arabia. This event will take place at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This is the same arena that has hosted two PFL Champions Series events in 2025, both headlined by Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes, and PFL Dubai this past February, which featured Nurmagomedov vs. Alfie Davis.

    “Dubai is a key market for PFL MENA and a global hub for sport and entertainment, making it the ideal stage for our 2026 season opener, aptly titled ‘Pride of Arabia,’” PFL MENA General Manager Jerome Mazet said in a statement. “Dubai has consistently shown its passion for MMA, and we are excited to bring local stars like Mohammad Yahya and Zamzam Al Hammadi to perform in front of a home crowd.

    “As the beating heart of sport and entertainment in the Arab world, Dubai offers a truly unique atmosphere, with athletes representing multiple nations, we know fans from across the region will be in the arena to support their own. There’s no city that connects cultures, fans and fighters quite like Dubai.”

    PFL MENA’s first event of 2026 was originally scheduled for Friday, May 8, at the Dhahran Expo in Khobar, Saudi Arabia. PFL announced the event’s postponement in a press release on April 9.

    Though PFL did not give a reason for the postponement in its cancellation press release, it is assumed the decision was made due to ongoing tensions and conflict in the Middle East. Despite this, the PFL is going forward with a PFL event in May.

    The May 24 card will feature opening-round matchups in the promotion’s featherweight and lightweight tournaments.

    The main event will see Mohammad Yahya face Mehdi Saadi in a featherweight tournament contest. The co-main event will be a lightweight tournament bout that pits unbeaten Salah Eddine Hamli against Ylies Djiroun.

  • “Statement Win” – Aljamain Sterling Dominates Youssef Zalal

    “Statement Win” – Aljamain Sterling Dominates Youssef Zalal

    Aljamain Sterling may now find himself in contention for a potential bantamweight title shot after a one-sided, mostly master-class performance against Youssef Zalal in the main event of UFC Vegas 116.

    A competitive first round saw plenty of striking exchanges, with Sterling seeming to land the more effective strikes. Sterling also scored a takedown during the round, taking over two minutes of top control time.

    The two continued to have their exchanges on the feet in round two; however, Sterling again was able to take the fight to the ground and control from there. He emphasized this control with some solid ground-and-pound before the round’s end.

    Zalal stole the momentum in the third round, threatening a tight guillotine choke early before Sterling worked his way out. It was Zalal’s best round, landing sharp strikes and gaining back control.

    Sterling, however, took everything right back with a dominant, 10-8-worthy fourth round. Sterling put on a dominant display, controlling Zalal and landing more ground-and-pound while threatening submissions.

    Sterling added one more takedown and strong ground session to end the fight, with all three judges scoring the fight 49-45 in his favor.

    Aljamain Sterling Puts On Master Class Ground Performance On Youssef Zalal At UFC Vegas 116

    Sterling is now 3-1 since moving up to featherweight. The former bantamweight champion entered this fight off a win over Brian Ortega last August. His only loss in the division came against Movsar Evloev.

    This is Zalal’s first UFC loss since his return to the promotion in 2024. He entered this fight 5-0 in his second Octagon stint, coming in off a submission of Josh Emmett at UFC 320.

  • Dana White Shares Account At White House Dinner Shooting

    Dana White Shares Account At White House Dinner Shooting

    UFC CEO and President Dana White was at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton hotel on April 25, where shots were fired.

    According to multiple reports, a 31-year-old California man — who is now in custody — rushed a security checkpoint at the dinner before opening fire. The gunshots took place either near or inside the hotel’s ballroom.

    U.S. President Donald Trump was evacuated from the stage, as well as his wife, Melania. Both of them and all members of the Trump Cabinet are safe.

    Law enforcement officials quickly evacuated those present at the dinner, which was quickly canceled following the incident.

    One officer was shot in the incident but was saved by his bulletproof vest, according to President Trump.

    Dana White Says Shooting At White House Correspondents’ Dinner Was “Crazy, Unique Experience”

    White was one of those whom the media asked about his experience as events unfolded at the dinner. While other attendees talked about a scary scene, White seemed more upbeat.

    “All of a sudden, it started getting noisy,” White recalled. “Tables getting flipped over, guys running in with guns. They were screaming, ‘Get down!’ I didn’t get down. It was f****** awesome.

    “I literally took every minute of it in. It was a pretty crazy, unique experience. I was sitting right in front of the table — where the president was. Nobody got tackled, but guys came in looking for shooters. They came toward our table; I thought the shooter was over by us or something.”

    White has been a longtime close friend of President Trump, who is in his second term as U.S. President, following his 2017-2021 term.

    This incident occurred just under two months before the UFC hosts UFC Freedom 250 on the White House lawn — an event that will be part of multiple events for the 250th anniversary of the United States declaring independence.

    UFC Freedom 250 will be headlined by Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje battling to unify the UFC featherweight championship, and Alex Pereira taking on Ciryl Gane for the interim UFC heavyweight championship.

  • “Incredible Run” – Edwards Gets Decision Over Dumont

    “Incredible Run” – Edwards Gets Decision Over Dumont

    Joselyne Edwards has taken full advantage of a huge opportunity that came her way, defeating Norma Dumont in a women’s bantamweight contender battle that served as the UFC Vegas 116 co-main event.

    Edwards looked to press the action in round one, but was taken down by Dumont. Edwards managed to get back up, and the round saw plenty of grappling exchanges. Edwards seemed to get the better of them, though one late exchange saw her end up on bottom through fault of her own — needing to fight back to get on top.

    Edwards looked to keep some distance and focus on making the fight a striking battle in rounds two and three. Both women had their fair share in the second round, but round three was Edwards’ best, landing a solid volume of striking on Dumont.

    Edwards took the decision on all three judges’ cards, with two 29-28 totals and a 30-27.

    Joselyne Edwards Edges Out Norma Dumont At UFC Vegas 116

    Edwards took this fight on short notice, replacing Yana Santos. She has now won five fights in a row. Edwards just fought a couple of months ago, submitting Nora Cornolle at UFC Houston.

    This is Dumont’s first loss since losing to Macy Chiasson at UFC 274, snapping a six-fight winning streak. She came into this bout off a victory over Ketlen Vieira at UFC Vegas 110.

  • Ryan Spann Knocks Marcus Buchecha Out Stiff At UFC Vegas 116

    Ryan Spann Knocks Marcus Buchecha Out Stiff At UFC Vegas 116

    Ryan Spann has had several highlights throughout his UFC career, and he added a violent one to the mix with his knockout of Marcus Buchecha at UFC Vegas 116.

    Buchecha looked to use his grappling expertise in the first round, looking for a number of takedowns and submissions on Spann. Spann, meanwhile, looked to land with power early and did so. He also managed to fend off an arm-triangle attempt and guillotines while looking to pressure Buechecha.

    The two slowed their pace in the second round, but Spann brought a quick end to things with a right hand. That punch dropped Buchecha on his side, not moving for several seconds as the referee stepped in to wave the fight off.

    Ryan Spann KOs Marcus Buchecha At UFC Vegas 116

    Spann has now won three of his last four and is 2-1 since moving up to heavyweight. He entered this fight off a submission of Lukasz Brzeski at UFC 318 last July.

    Buchecha is now 0-2-1 since debuting in the UFC last year, with both losses coming by stoppage.

  • Jackson McVey Locks Up D’Arce And Submits Sedriques Dumas

    Jackson McVey Locks Up D’Arce And Submits Sedriques Dumas

    The third time is the charm for Jackson McVey, as he finally captured his first UFC victory with a submission of Sedriques Dumas during the UFC Vegas 116 prelims.

    McVey brought the pressure right away, looking to score a takedown on Dumas. When that didn’t work, he maintained control of the clinch until a low blow forced a separation.

    Upon the fight resuming, McVey pressed Dumas to the fence again, this time dropping him with an uppercut. McVey swarmed Dumas with ground-and-pound.

    When the fight wasn’t stopped, McVey locked up a D’Arce choke, scoring the submission just over two minutes into the bout.

    Jackson McVey Submits Sedriques Dumas At UFC Vegas 116

    McVey, an LFA veteran, now improves to 7-2 after arriving in the UFC at 6-0. He dropped his first two Octagon bouts to Brunno Ferreira and Zach Reese last year.

    Dumas is now winless in his last four. He is 1-4 (1 NC) in his last six fights.

  • Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry Targeted For UFC 330

    Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry Targeted For UFC 330

    The first UFC welterweight title defense for Islam Makhachev is nearly set, and it appears that Philadelphia will be getting a noteworthy title fight in the division.

    Per a report from Alvaro Colmenero, Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry is being targeted to headline UFC 330.

    Colmenero reports that Michael Morales is out of the running for the next title shot.

    Colmenero also added that Makhachev has asked for UFC 329 in July, during the UFC’s International Fight Week, but UFC 330 in August is more likely.

    Makhachev surrendered the UFC lightweight championship last year to move up to welterweight. At UFC 322 in November, Makhachev defeated Jack Della Maddalena to become the new welterweight champion.

    Garry, the Cage Warriors and UFC veteran, will enter this title shot off a pair of wins over Carlos Prates and former champion Belal Muhammad in 2025.

    UFC 330 will take place on August 15 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It will be the UFC’s first visit to Philadelphia since 2019.

  • UFC Vegas 116 Results: Sterling vs. Zalal Live Updates & Highlights

    UFC Vegas 116 Results: Sterling vs. Zalal Live Updates & Highlights

    UFC Vegas 116 results and highlights are updated live as the action unfolds from the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main event will feature a featherweight bout between Aljamain Sterling vs. Youssef Zalal. MMANews has you covered with all the results and highlights!

    Aljamain Sterling vs. Youssef Zalal – Featherweight Main Event

    Sterling moved up to featherweight after the end of his bantamweight title run. Sterling defeated Calvin Kattar at UFC 300 in his first bout at 135, but he was defeated by Movsar Evloev at UFC 310. Sterling last fought at UFC Shanghai this past August, defeating Brian Ortega.

    Zalal has won eight straight and is currently 5-0 in his second stint with the UFC. He comes into this bout off a submission of Josh Emmett at UFC 320.

    The co-main event will feature Norma Dumont taking on Joselyne Edwards. Dumont has won six straight, most recently scoring a split decision over Ketlen Vieira at UFC Vegas 110 in November. Edwards has won four straight, most recently submitting Nora Cornolle at UFC Houston in February.

    If you can’t watch the action, check here for all the latest results and highlights from UFC Vegas 116!

    How to Watch UFC Vegas 116

    • Date: Saturday, April 25, 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 116 Quick Results

    • Main Event: Aljamain Sterling vs. Youssef Zalal — Aljamain Sterling def. Youssef Zalal via unanimous decision (49-45 x3)
    • Co-Main Event: Norma Dumont vs. Joselyne Edwards — Joselyne Edwards def. Norma Dumont via unanimous decision (29-28 x2, 30-27)
    • Rafa Garcia vs. Alexander Hernandez — Rafa Garcia def. Alexander Hernandez via unanimous decision (29-28 x2, 30-27)
    • Davey Grant vs. Adrian Luna Martinetti — Davey Grant def. Adrian Luna Martinetti via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
    • Montel Jackson vs. Raoni Barcelos — Raoni Barcelos def. Montel Jackson via split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)
    • Marcus Buchecha vs. Ryan Spann — Ryan Spann def. Marcus Buchecha via KO (Rd. 2, 2:10)

    UFC Vegas 116 Results & Highlights

    Preliminary Card (Paramount+, 5 PM ET)

    Women’s Strawweight: Talita Alencar vs. Julia Polastri

    Results: Talita Alencar def. Julia Polastri via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Welterweight: Max Griffin vs. Victor Valenzuela

    Results: Victor Valenzuela def. Max Griffin via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Lightweight: Francis Marshall vs. Lucas Brennan

    Results: Francis Marshall def. Lucas Brennan via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

    Bantamweight: Jafel Filho vs. Cody Durden

    Results: Cody Durden def. Jafel Filho via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)

    Women’s Bantamweight: Mayra Bueno Silva vs. Michelle Montague

    Results: Michelle Montague def. Mayra Bueno Silva via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)

    Middleweight: Jackson McVey vs. Sedriques Dumas

    Results: Jackson McVey def. Sedriques Dumas via submission (D’Arce choke) (Rd. 1, 2:14)

    Middleweight: Rodolfo Vieira vs. Eric McConico

    Results: Eric McConico def. Rodolfo Vieira via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Main Card (Paramount+, 8 PM ET)

    Heavyweight: Marcus Buchecha vs. Ryan Spann

    Results: Ryan Spann def. Marcus Buchecha via KO (Rd. 2, 2:10)

    Bantamweight: Montel Jackson vs. Raoni Barcelos

    Results: Raoni Barcelos def. Montel Jackson via split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)

    Bantamweight: Davey Grant vs. Adrian Luna Martinetti

    Results: Davey Grant def. Adrian Luna Martinetti via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Lightweight: Rafa Garcia vs. Alexander Hernandez

    Results: Rafa Garcia def. Alexander Hernandez via unanimous decision (29-28 x2, 30-27)

    Women’s Bantamweight: Norma Dumont vs. Joselyne Edwards

    Results: Joselyne Edwards def. Norma Dumont via unanimous decision (29-28 x2, 30-27)

    Featherweight: Aljamain Sterling vs. Youssef Zalal

    Results: Aljamain Sterling def. Youssef Zalal via unanimous decision (49-45 x3)

  • Arman Tsarukyan Dominates Urijah Faber In Technical Fall

    Arman Tsarukyan Dominates Urijah Faber In Technical Fall

    Arman Tsarukyan once again showed why he’s one of the top talents in RAF, not making his bout with Urijah Faber — which served as the RAF 08 main event — even close to being competitive.

    Tsarukyan completely dominated the first period, scoring a takedown and two exposures of Faber, getting his shoulders to the mat and racking up eight points in lightning-quick fashion.

    An aggressive takedown attempt saw Tsarukyan push himself and Faber not just off the mat but also over the announcers’ table. Each man was awarded a point.

    In the third, Tsarukyan landed a double-leg takedown and ended the bout with a technical fall.

    Tsarukyan then called out Colby Covington, with the two having a staredown after the bout.

    Tsarukyan is now 4-0 in RAF, making his debut at RAF 05 in January with a win over Lance Palmer before his infamous two bouts with Georgio Poullas.

    Faber faced Cejudo at RAF 06, losing by technical fall.

    This bout was promoted to the main event after Henry Cejudo withdrew on the day of RAF 08, citing an injury, causing his bout with Merab Dvalishvili to be canceled.

  • “One of the Good Guys” – Burns Retires After Loss To Malott

    “One of the Good Guys” – Burns Retires After Loss To Malott

    Mike Malott will be the new name in the welterweight division’s contender rankings — while one fighter simultaneously lays down his gloves.

    Malott got the Canadian crowd at UFC Winnipeg off their seats with a finish of former title challenger Gilbert Burns in the main event. Burns retired following the fight.

    Both fighters looked to get their striking going during the opening frame. Burns landed a strong right early, but Malott appeared to get more effective strikes off during the round.

    Malott got Burns in some trouble during round two, busting him up with a pair of right hands. Malott also consistently defended Burns’ takedown efforts, stuffing seven takedowns in the first half of the fight’s allotted time.

    Malott didn’t need all 25 minutes, however. He dropped Burns in the third with a combination. Burns tried to get back up but was on wobbly legs. Malott floored him with another right hand, and follow-up shots ended things quickly.

    Mike Malott Stops Retiring Gilbert Burns In UFC Winnipeg Main Event

    Malott has now won four straight and is 7-1 in the UFC. He entered this fight off a win over Kevin Holland at UFC Vancouver.

    Burns ends his career with five losses in a row. He was 3-7 in the UFC since unsuccessfully challenging Kamaru Usman for the UFC welterweight title in 2021.

    Burns is a former Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion and a bronze medalist in the 2015 ADCC World Championship.

    Burns made his professional MMA debut in 2012, going on to make his UFC debut in 2014. After an 8-3 run, Burns found a permanent home at welterweight. He was on a six-fight win streak before challenging Usman at UFC 258.

  • Khamzat Chimaev Signs To Compete In RAF

    Khamzat Chimaev Signs To Compete In RAF

    UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev will be able to use his grappling skills in a new kind of environment, as Chimaev has signed a deal to compete with RAF.

    RAF announced Chimaev’s signing during the RAF 08 broadcast on April 18.

    No opponent, event, or date for Chimaev was named during the announcement.

    Chimaev began wrestling as a youth, going on to win a national youth title in Russia.

    Chimaev won three gold medals in freestyle wrestling at Swedish Nationals. He also holds a win over Jack Hermansson in wrestling.

    Chimaev is scheduled to defend his UFC middleweight championship on May 9 against former champ Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 328.

  • “Quality Violence” – Charles Jourdain Edges Out Kyler Phillips

    “Quality Violence” – Charles Jourdain Edges Out Kyler Phillips

    In front of a native crowd, Charles Jourdain put on a strong display in a war between him and Kyler Phillips, getting the win in the UFC Winnipeg co-main event.

    Phillips looked to bring the fight to the ground in round one, but it resulted in a couple of submission attempts by Jourdain. Still, Phillips got back on top, and he returned the fight to the mat when Jourdain stood.

    Jourdain found openings and landed powerful strikes during round two; he even looked for an early guillotine. Phillips, however, looked to get the fight back to the ground and use his wrestling. A last-minute takedown, however, resulted in Jourdain nearly getting a guillotine or kimura.

    The final round proved to be very competitive, with the fight possibly falling in either man’s favor. Phillips landed some solid strikes and looked to use his grappling where possible. Jourdain landed strong, creative strikes, including an elbow that busted open Phillips, as well as a kimura attempt.

    Charles Jourdain Defeats Kyler Phillips In UFC Winnipeg Co-Main

    Phillips has now lost back-to-back fights after a three-fight win streak. He entered this fight off a loss to Vinicius Oliveira at UFC 318.

    Jourdain has now won three straight and five of his last seven. He entered this fight off a submission of Davey Grant at UFC Vancouver.

  • “Wild” – Jai Herbert Gets Rocked, Ends Up TKOing Mandel Nallo

    “Wild” – Jai Herbert Gets Rocked, Ends Up TKOing Mandel Nallo

    Despite getting stunned during the bout, Jai Herbert managed to regain composure and battle back, eventually putting out Mandel Nallo at UFC Winnipeg.

    The power was on display from just about the very beginning, as Nallo landed a high kick that stumbled Herbert. Nallo landed another, followed by a right hand, and Herbert seemed on the ropes.

    But Herbert landed a right hand, and the momentum completely shifted as he knocked Nallo down. Nallo looked for a desperation leg lock, and back on the feet he tried to aim for the body.

    Herbert landed a three-punch combination and follow-up shots that put Nallo away.

    Jai Herbert Goes From Stunned To Stunning Mandel Nallo At UFC Winnipeg

    Herbert is now 2-2-1 in his last five. He entered this fight off a split decision loss to Chris Padilla at UFC London in March 2025.

    This snaps a five-fight win streak for Nallo, who earned a contract off a first-round finish of Samuel Silva on Dana White’s Contender Series.

  • Jasmine Jasudavicius Scores Decision Win At UFC Winnipeg

    Jasmine Jasudavicius Scores Decision Win At UFC Winnipeg

    Though it wasn’t the most popular fight, Jasmine Jasudavicius has rebounded from a tough loss and proved she’s still relevant in the women’s flyweight title picture, holding off Karine Silva in a decision win at UFC Winnipeg.

    The fight got off to a slow start, but Silva scored noteworthy submission attempts, trying to battle against Jasudavicius in the grappling department. Jasudavicius, however, scored continuous takedowns during the fight’s 15 minutes, showcasing her top control ability.

    Jasudavicius landed some ground strikes, though Silva tried to battle from the bottom. All three judges scored the bout for Jasudavicius.

    Jasmine Jasudavicius Takes Decision Over Karine Silva At UFC Winnipeg

    Jasudavicius had won five straight before her last fight, which saw her lose to Manon Fiorot at UFC Vancouver in October.

    Silva has now lost three of her last four. She once had a nine-fight win streak, including wins in her first four UFC bouts. Before tonight, Silva last fought at UFC 323, losing to Maycee Barber.

  • “Night Night” – Marcio Barbosa Sleeps Dennis Buzukja

    “Night Night” – Marcio Barbosa Sleeps Dennis Buzukja

    Talk about delivering the violence in your UFC debut? Marcio Barbosa did just that, needing just 80 seconds to put away Dennis Buzukja in the featured UFC Winnipeg prelim.

    Buzukja tried to bring the pressure right away, working his jab as he took the center, mixing low kicks. Buzukja continued to come forward, but Barbosa didn’t appear to be backing down.

    As Buzukja looked to come forward with his boxing, he left himself wide open on a miss. Barbosa took advantage, landing a left hand from hell that slept Buzukja for the quick and impressive victory.

    Marcio Barbosa Sends Dennis Buzukja To Shadow Realm At UFC Winnipeg

    Barbosa improves to 18-2, having now won six straight and eight of his last nine. Barbosa earned a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series, knocking out Damon Wilson.

    Buzukja is now just 1-4 in the UFC. This was his first fight back since serving a suspension for an altercation with a fan at UFC 310.

  • Robert Valentin Downs, Submits Julien Leblanc For First UFC Win

    Robert Valentin Downs, Submits Julien Leblanc For First UFC Win

    In what could have been a must-win bout for the sake of his UFC run, Robert Valentin delivered with the kind of performance needed, scoring a first-round submission of Julien Leblanc during the UFC Winnipeg prelims.

    Valentin worked Leblanc over with kicks, landing to the body and head. An overhand right dropped Leblanc, and Valentin dominated on the ground.

    Valentin got to the back and worked a face crank, which then evolved into a rear-naked choke for a submission win.

    Robert Valentin Submits Julien Leblanc At UFC Winnipeg

    Valentin was a popular figure on season 32 of The Ultimate Fighter, defeating Giannis Bachar and Paddy McCory before losing the middleweight final to Ryan Loder. Last year, he suffered a decision loss to Torrez Finney and was finished by Ateba Gautier.

    Leblanc was making his UFC debut tonight. He entered tonight on a five-fight win streak, most recently submitting Ryan Rohovich in November.

  • John Yannis Gets Quick Finish To Start UFC Winnipeg

    John Yannis Gets Quick Finish To Start UFC Winnipeg

    John Yannis got the UFC Winnipeg card off in an impactful way — albeit not in the way the Canadian crowd hoped.

    Yannis needed just a couple of minutes to put away Jamie Siraj in the opening bout of the prelims.

    After some moving in and out and feeling out his opponent, Yannis landed a three-punch combination that troubled Siraj. Yannis kept the pressure on his opponent, landing a damaging knee and dropping Siraj once again.

    A series of elbow shots on the ground forced the referee to step in, giving Yannis the win in just over two minutes.

    John Yannis Stops Jamie Siraq To Open UFC Winnipeg

    This is the first UFC victory for the former Fury FC champion. Yannis made his UFC debut in August, getting choked out by Austin Bashi.

    Siraj made his UFC debut tonight. He last fought in February, submitting Donny Matos.

  • RAF 08 Results: Cejudo vs. Dvalishvili

    RAF 08 Results: Cejudo vs. Dvalishvili

    UPDATE: Henry Cejudo has withdrawn from tonight’s main event. Urijah Faber vs. Arman Tsarukyan has been promoted from co-main event to main event.

    RAF 08 results and highlights are updated live as the action unfolds from the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The main event will feature a middleweight matchup between Urijah Faber and Arman Tsarukyan. MMANews has you covered with all the results and highlights!

    Urijah Faber vs. Arman Tsarukyan – Middleweight Main Event

    The originally scheduled main event would have seen the RAF debut of Merab Dvalishvili, taking on Henry Cejudo. The two had competed at UFC 298, with Dvalishvili taking a clear decision win.

    Cejudo, however, has withdrawn from tonight’s event due to an injury.

    Since 2021, Faber, the UFC Hall of Famer, has competed in various Combat Grappling and wrestling tournaments. Tsarukyan competed in the main event of RAF 07, defeating Georgio Poullas in their highly anticipated and heated rematch from RAF 06 — where the two got into a post-match altercation.

    The RAF light heavyweight title will be on the line tonight when Kyle Snyder defends against Rizabek Aitmukhan, and Helen Maroulis defends the RAF women’s flyweight title against Alexis Janiak.

    If you can’t watch the action, check here for all the latest results and highlights from RAF 08!

    How to Watch RAF 08

    • Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
    • Venue: Liacouras Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    • Streaming: FOX Nation (Exclusive)
    • Start Time: 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT

    RAF 08 Results & Highlights

    Full Card Results (FOX Nation, 8 PM ET)

    Lightweight Main Event: Merab Dvalishvili vs. Henry Cejudo

    Result: BOUT CANCELED DUE TO CEJUDO INJURY

    Middleweight Main Event: Arman Tsarukyan vs. Urijah Faber

    Result: Arman Tsarukyan def. Urijah Faber via technical fall (13-1)

    RAF Light Heavyweight Championship Co-Main Event: Kyle Snyder vs. Rizabek Aitmukhan

    Result: Kyle Snyder def. Rizabek Aitmukhan via points (12-6)

    Cruiserweight: Zahid Valencia vs. Aeoden Sinclair

    Result: Zahid Valencia def. Aeoden Sinclair via points (8-2)

    Heavyweight: Anthony Cassioppi vs. Shamil Sharipov

    Result: Shamil Sharipov def. Anthony Cassioppi via pin (2:45)

    RAF Women’s Flyweight Championship: Helen Maroulis vs. Alexis Janiak

    Result: Helen Maroulis def. Alexis Janiak via technical fall (10-0)

    Featherweight: Real Woods vs. Anthony Ashnault

    Result: Real Woods def. Anthony Ashnault via points (7-2)

    Middleweight: Jason Nolf vs. Joey Blaze

    Result: Jason Nolf def. Joey Blaze via points (11-2)

    Featherweight: Vladimer Khinchegashvili vs. Johnni DiJulius

    Result: Vladimer Khinchegashvili vs. Johnni DiJulius via points (8-5)

    Lightweight: Lance Palmer vs. Cayden Henschel

    Result: Lance Palmer def. Cayden Henschel via points (3-2)

    Featherweight: Jordan Oliver vs. Mike Vanbrill

    Result: Jordan Oliver def. Mike Vanbrill via points (5-0)

    Bantamweight: Darian Cruz vs. Lucas Byrd

    Result: Lucas Byrd def. Darian Cruz via points (2-2) (Byrd gets tiebreaker by being last to score)

  • UFC Winnipeg Results: Burns vs. Malott Live Updates & Highlights

    UFC Winnipeg Results: Burns vs. Malott Live Updates & Highlights

    UFC Winnipeg results and highlights are updated live as the action unfolds from the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The main event will feature a welterweight bout between Gilbert Burns and Mike Malott. MMANews has you covered with all the results and highlights!

    Gilbert Burns vs. Mike Malott – Welterweight Main Event

    Burns at one point was a title challenger, but he’s struggled since then. Not only is he just 3-6 since challenging then-champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 258, but he enters this fight on a four-fight losing streak. Burns most recently fought 11 months ago at UFC Vegas 106, getting stopped in the first round by Michael Morales.

    The rising Malott is 6-1 in the UFC since earning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series. Malott has won three straight, most recently scoring a decision win over Kevin Holland at UFC Vancouver in October.

    The co-main event will be a bantamweight battle between Kyler Phillips and Charles Jourdain. Phillips is 6-3 in the UFC but enters tonight on a two-fight losing skid, most recently dropping a decision against Vinicius Oliveira at UFC 318. Jourdain, meanwhile, has won two straight and four of his last six, most recently submitting Davey Grant at UFC Vancouver.

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

    How to Watch UFC Winnipeg

    • Date: Saturday, April 18, 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 Winnipeg Quick Results

    • Main Event: Gilbert Burns vs. Mike Malott — Mike Malott def. Gilbert Burns via TKO (Rd. 3, 2:08)
    • Co-Main Event: Kyler Phillips vs. Charles Jourdain — Charles Jourdain def. Kyler Phillips via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
    • Mandel Nallo vs. Jai Herbert — Jai Herbert def. Mandel Nallo via TKO (Rd. 1, 2:05)
    • Jasmine Jasudavicius vs. Karine Silva — Jasmine Jasudavicius def. Karine Silva via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
    • Thiago Moises vs. Gauge Young — Gauge Young def. Thiago Moises via split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)

    UFC Winnipeg Results & Highlights

    Preliminary Card (Paramount+, 5 PM ET)

    Bantamweight: Jamie Siraj vs. John Yannis

    Result: John Yannis def. Jamie Siraj via TKO (Rd. 1, 2:43)

    Catchweight (139 lbs): John Castaneda vs. Mark Vologdin

    Result: John Castaneda vs. Mark Vologdin goes to a majority draw (29-27, 28-28 x2)

    Women’s Flyweight: JJ Aldrich vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth

    Result: JJ Aldrich def. Jamey-Lyn Horth via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Women’s Bantamweight: Melissa Croden vs. Darya Zheleznyakova

    Result: Melissa Croden def. Darya Zheleznyakova via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Heavyweight: Tanner Boser vs. Gokhan Saricam

    Result: Gokhan Saricam def. Tanner Boser via KO (Rd. 2, 4:43)

    Middleweight: Robert Valentin vs. Julien Leblanc

    Result: Robert Valentin def. Julien Leblanc via submission (rear-naked choke) (Rd. 1, 2:22)

    Featherweight: Dennis Buzukja vs. Marcio Barbosa

    Result: Marcio Barbosa def. Dennis Buzukja via KO (Rd. 1, 1:20)

    Main Card (Paramount+, 8 PM ET)

    Lightweight: Thiago Moises vs. Gauge Young

    Result: Gauge Young def. Thiago Moises via split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)

    Women’s Flyweight: Jasmine Jasudavicius vs. Karine Silva

    Result: Jasmine Jasudavicius def. Karine Silva via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Lightweight: Mandel Nallo vs. Jai Herbert

    Result: Jai Herbert def. Mandel Nallo via TKO (Rd. 1, 2:05)

    Bantamweight: Kyler Phillips vs. Charles Jourdain

    Result: Charles Jourdain def. Kyler Phillips via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Welterweight: Gilbert Burns vs. Mike Malott

    Result: Mike Malott def. Gilbert Burns via TKO (Rd. 3, 2:08)