MMA News

Tag: Islam Makhachev

  • Michael Bisping Explains Why Ilia Topuria’s Chances Are High To Beat Islam Makhachev

    Michael Bisping Explains Why Ilia Topuria’s Chances Are High To Beat Islam Makhachev

    Michael Bisping is intrigued by a potential showdown between UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria and lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

    The 145-pound titleholder has expressed interest in moving up to challenge Makhachev, who is currently ranked as the UFC’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter. While acknowledging the Dagestani’s dominance, the former fighter-turned-commentator believes Topuria’s well-rounded skill set could make the fight competitive — despite the size difference.

    “That’s an incredible fight,” Bisping told Submission Radio. “Ilia Topuria, what he’s been able to do, what he’s achieved in such a short space — so impressed. The same with Islam. Islam is incredible. Nobody can sit here and criticize Islam. The fight style that he has, the way that he’s able to use his wrestling to such effectiveness. The striking is always improving and catching up.

    “But on the flip side, Ilia is a smaller guy, though. So you take two guys with great skill sets — the bigger guy is always going to win. But if anyone could make that happen, it’s Ilia Topuria. The man said what he’s going to do right from the beginning, changed his bio to champion of the world. He’s knocked out (Alexander) Volkanovski. He’s knocked out Max Holloway. He’s knocking out everybody, and apparently, he’s even better at wrestling than he is at boxing.”

    Topuria’s stock has skyrocketed following his knockout victories over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway.

    Meanwhile, Makhachev recently secured his fourth lightweight title defense with a quick submission of Renato Moicano at UFC 311.

  • Daniel Cormier Warns Islam Makhachev Against Potential Middleweight Move

    Daniel Cormier Warns Islam Makhachev Against Potential Middleweight Move

    Daniel Cormier has cautioned UFC lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev against a potential move to middleweight despite a fight against welterweight champion Belal Muhammad likely being off the table.

    Makhachev has expressed interest in skipping the welterweight division entirely and jumping straight to middleweight in pursuit of becoming a two-division UFC champ. However, Cormier believes that current middleweight titleholder Dricus Du Plessis is often underestimated, despite recent wins over top-tier opponents in Robert Whittaker, Sean Strickland, and Israel Adesanya.

    “I know it may not look as appealing to some as they want their world champions to look, but we just watched him submit Israel Adesanya,” Cormier said on his YouTube channel. “We just watched him break him down over the course of three rounds and get him to a point where Izzy got submitted by him — something we’d never seen before. We have seen him beat Sean Strickland, we have seen him finish Robert Whittaker. At some point, we have to respect Dricus Du Plessis.

    “I think Islam respects him. I don’t know that Islam would understand how hard it would be to fight a guy of that size. I think this guy might weigh 220 when he’s not making weight. Many people talk about the amount of weight that the Russians cut, and Islam cuts weight to make 155, but I don’t know even on his heaviest days if he weighs 185. Now, I’m not saying that he can’t do it — I just think that it’s much harder than anyone understands to go up two weight classes.”

    Du Plessis is set to defend his title against Strickland in a rematch at UFC 312 this Saturday in Sydney, Australia.

  • Ilia Topuria Explains Why He Prefers Islam Makhachev Superfight Over UFC Title Defense

    Ilia Topuria Explains Why He Prefers Islam Makhachev Superfight Over UFC Title Defense

    Ilia Topuria is eager to secure a fight with UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev, believing that a victory would solidify his status as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

    The reigning featherweight champ has set his sights on the top spot as the sport’s best, putting him at odds with Makhachev. Topuria has repeatedly expressed his desire to move up in weight for a superfight, a sentiment he reiterated in a recent interview with Fox Sports Australia.

    “Me, personally, what I want to do is move up to 155 because I know that I can become a two-weight world champion,” Topuria said. “Islam, he’s a great fighter, he’s the No. 1 pound-for-pound for the people. For me, it’s me, myself — I’m the best fighter in the world. I know that I can do with him whatever I want to do because I know that I am much better than him.”

    Topuria has built a strong case for being the best fighter in the world, topping multiple Fighter of the Year lists at the end of 2024, surpassing names like Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway.

    “This is something that I want to do,” Topuria said. “The UFC knows that. But at the end of the day, this is something that the UFC decides because they know how to run the business. They know how to do it, they have a lot of experience. So if they tell me that they want me to keep defending the belt in the 145 division, maybe I will do that. But if they let me go up to 155, I will do that also.”

    If “El Matador” remains at featherweight, potential challengers include Diego Lopes and Movsar Evloev, as well as a rumored rematch with Alexander Volkanovski.

    “I think Diego deserves it more because Movsar has more fights in the UFC, but he has eight fights, eight decisions, [one] by split decision. You need to finish someone,” Topuria said. “Do something, do something relevant, put yourself in that spot, and why not? We can do it.

    “But if you don’t finish anyone, I fight for the fans. I fight to entertain the fans, and I need someone inside the cage to be entertained. I don’t need someone who is only looking for the win and grabs you and this and that. Which, by the way, he wouldn’t be able to do that with me—I would knock him out in the first round. But I need someone to hype up the fight.”

  • Chael Sonnen Warns UFC: Move Islam Makhachev To 170 Or Watch Him ‘Retire Like Khabib Did’

    Chael Sonnen Warns UFC: Move Islam Makhachev To 170 Or Watch Him ‘Retire Like Khabib Did’

    Former fighter-turned-analyst Chael Sonnen thinks the UFC has a big decision to make regarding lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev’s future.

    Makhachev started his year on the right foot last month, becoming the first champion at 155 pounds to record four consecutive defenses. The Dagestani did so at the expense of late-notice replacement opponent Renato Moicano, whom he submitted in the first round at UFC 311.

    Moving forward, the 33-year-old has expressed his desire to achieve two-division glory. And it would appear that the timeframe on that coming to fruition could be short, with Makhachev’s coach suggesting late last year that the Russian could look to depart the sport on top soon enough.

    In the eyes of Sonnen, such an event would only be brought about if the UFC forces the champ to remain at 155 pounds — a factor he also saw as the leading cause of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement as titleholder back in 2020.

    “Khabib did not retire because he didn’t want to fight Conor (McGregor) a second time. The UFC showed him the wrong numbers,” Sonnen said in an interview with MMA Junkie. “Every time they had a meeting, they showed more commas and more zeros, but it was the wrong number. If they had made the weight class 170 (pounds), they would have caught Khabib for one more fight.

    “The number one reason any combat athlete retires is that they don’t want to make that weight anymore. Sooner or later, it bites everybody in the ass,” Sonnen continued. “Islam can either retire like Khabib did. Khabib didn’t want to tell anybody he didn’t want to make the weight, and no combat athlete will ever admit that. … So, they can either eventually part ways with Islam and watch him retire and talk about what could have been, or they can move him out of the goddamn weight class. That’s the truth.”

    One potential stumbling block in the way of a welterweight move for Makhachev is the presence of friend and occasional training partner Belal Muhammad on the throne. Because of that, the Dagestani has even pondered a two-division move up to middleweight to challenge Dricus Du Plessis.

    It remains to be seen what lies in the future of Makhachev, but in Sonnen’s eyes, a continued stay at lightweight will soon signal the end of the champ’s career.

  • Sean Strickland On Islam Makhachev’s Middleweight Hopes: ‘Stay In Your Weight Class!’

    Sean Strickland On Islam Makhachev’s Middleweight Hopes: ‘Stay In Your Weight Class!’

    Sean Strickland intends to remind Islam Makhachev that the UFC’s distinct weight classes exist for a reason.

    Following his commanding fourth title defense against Renato Moicano at UFC 311, the lightweight champion’s aspirations to conquer a second weight class have reached new heights — something he has been expressing for some time now.

    However, the Dagestani champion faces a difficult conundrum, as he is on good terms with reigning welterweight champ Belal Muhammad, which complicates his path toward two-division glory.

    As a result, Makhachev has proposed an ambitious vision, declaring that his physique and skill set are more than capable of propelling him up two weight classes to take on middleweight kingpin Dricus Du Plessis.

    “Stillknocks” has already cautioned the 155-pound champion that he might be biting off more than he can chew, suggesting it would be wise to rethink his bold move — a sentiment that Strickland fully supports.

    Strickland is poised for a title rematch with Du Plessis, which will headline UFC 312 next weekend. If “Tarzan” secures victory in this highly anticipated showdown, it’s almost unfathomable to think that the first defense of his second reign as 185-pound champion could be against Makhachev.

    During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Strickland was probed about the possibility of facing Makhachev should the Russian champion decide to step into his division.

    “We fought on the same card once, right? Bro, I actually really like that guy,” Strickland told. “He’s actually a really f**king good dude, which is funny because I think a lot of Muslims don’t like me because I talk a lot of sh*t. But he’s a good dude.”

    The outspoken American fighter went on to suggest that Makhachev might be able to handle a move up to welterweight, but stepping into the middleweight division would be a bridge too far for him.

    “Again, there’s weight classes for a f*king reason. Stay in your weight class, maybe do 170 [pounds], but there are weight classes for a f**king reason, dude. I don’t want to talk too much sh*t on you because I like you, but stay in your weight class.”

    Strickland and Makhachev both featured on the UFC 302 card this past June, where Makhachev successfully defended his lightweight title with a submission victory over Dustin Poirier, while “Tarzan” triumphed over Paulo Costa, securing himself a second shot at the middleweight crown.

  • Dricus Du Plessis Willing To Fight Islam Makhachev For ‘Easy Payday’ When It Makes Sense

    Dricus Du Plessis Willing To Fight Islam Makhachev For ‘Easy Payday’ When It Makes Sense

    Dricus Du Plessis seems inclined to entertain a potential champ vs. champ showdown with Islam Makhachev, though he isn’t fully sold on the proposition just yet.

    Even before his dominant fourth title defense at UFC 311 against Renato Moicano, reigning lightweight champion Makhachev made no secret of his ambitions to claim gold in a second weight class.

    However, a key obstacle stands in his way — Makhachev finds himself in a bit of a dilemma, as his strong relationship with current welterweight champion Belal Muhammad makes pursuing that matchup a tricky situation.

    Consequently, Makhachev has put forth an audacious idea, expressing that he has the frame and tools necessary to ascend two weight classes and challenge Du Plessis for the middleweight title.

    During a recent interview with mainevent, “Stillknocks” weighed in on Makhachev’s bold ambitions, offering a nod of respect for his exceptional talent.

    However, Du Plessis made it clear that the Dagestani champion might be aiming a bit too high, suggesting that while Makhachev is undeniably skilled, he’s simply not on the level required to face a true 185-pound powerhouse like himself.

    “It’s hard to really think and take it seriously right now,” Du Plessis said. “I’ve got a big fight coming up, so I didn’t make anything of it. If we get to a situation where we are not at right now — he’s an incredible fighter, make no mistake. He was so incredibly good against Moicano. He proved once again why he is the pound-for-pound best in the world.

    “[But] I don’t care how good you are — he obviously trains with 185 [pound]ers in his gym, so he knows. He doesn’t train against me. Believe me, it’s not the same thing. Even on a technical level, the standup. His wrestling and grappling is phenomenal. I’d just overpower him, that’s what I think.

    “Stillknocks” is set to defend his middleweight title against his former rival, Sean Strickland, in the headlining bout of UFC 312 on Feb. 8. If he emerges victorious, a showdown with the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev would likely be next on the horizon.

    However, Du Plessis made it clear that if the UFC comes calling or special circumstances arise, he would be more than willing to shatter Makhachev’s dream of becoming a two-division titleholder.

    “It makes a massive difference. He’s a big lightweight, but I’m a big middleweight. There’s a big difference between a big lightweight and a big middleweight. But if there’s ever the situation where there’s no fight for me, no fight for him that makes sense, I’ll be more than happy to do that. Easy payday.”

    The 31-year-old South African was last in action at UFC 305 this past August, where he triumphed over former champion Israel Adesanya, submitting him to successfully defend his title for the first time.

  • Islam Makhachev Teases Change Of Stance On Fighting ‘Friend’ Belal Muhammad: ‘We Will See How The (Rakhmonov) Fight Goes…’

    Islam Makhachev Teases Change Of Stance On Fighting ‘Friend’ Belal Muhammad: ‘We Will See How The (Rakhmonov) Fight Goes…’

    Islam Makhachev has made it very clear in recent times that his goal is to become a two-weight world champion by moving up to welterweight. He’s already tied for the second longest win streak in UFC history, meaning that isn’t exactly a whole queue of new and exciting opponents for him to face at lightweight.

    It would be a shame if we don’t get to see the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the sport today get the opportunity to really test himself and in some ways, now might be the right time to pull the trigger. However, there is one issue with that plan.

    Belal Muhammad has previously spent time training with Makhachev and the rest of their team before he won the 170-pound title at UFC 304 in July last year. Even if they both agreed to face each other, Muhammad already has his next title challenger lined up after Shavkat Rakhmonov defeated Ian Garry at UFC 310 when the champion withdrew due to an injury.

    In the following video, originally posted by Ushatayka, the 155-pound king talks about the options for his next fight where he suggests that two-weight supremacy will be his next challenge.

    “I don’t see a lot of work to do in my division, I beat almost everybody. I think about moving up to 170 and I can stay there.”

    There is, of course, the small matter of his former training partner being the current champion at welterweight but Makhachev has made comments both before and after UFC 311 which suggest that he isn’t against the idea of challenging Muhammad if it means getting his hands on a second belt. He said that whilst he isn’t going to say anything for sure, there are conversations that need to happen in the near future.

    “I don’t want to make any statements, we will see how the fight goes. I have not spoken to the UFC since my last fight, we need to sit and talk these moments.”

  • Anthony Smith Maintains Jon Jones Is P4P Best Because Islam Makhachev ‘Has Taken A Legitimate Loss’

    Anthony Smith Maintains Jon Jones Is P4P Best Because Islam Makhachev ‘Has Taken A Legitimate Loss’

    When it comes to the ever-polarizing pound-for-pound debate between Jon Jones and Islam Makhachev, UFC light heavyweight contender Anthony Smith is in the corner of his former opponent.

    This past weekend, Makhachev did no harm to his claim to top spot, where he already currently sits in the official UFC rankings. The Dagestani secured a record-breaking fourth successful defense of his lightweight belt and fifth UFC title win at the expense of Renato Moicano.

    One man who has long been against that has been UFC CEO Dana White, instead putting forth heavyweight kingpin Jones as the clear and obvious P4P number one.

    Interestingly, despite Moicano being a lower-ranked and late-notice replacement opponent for Makhachev after the withdrawal of Arman Tsarukyan, White finally acknowledged Makhachev as the P4P best while interacting with the media in Los Angeles.

    During an appearance on Tuesday’s episode of The Ariel Helwani Show on Uncrowned, though, Smith dismissed that take owing to one discrepancy when it comes to Jones and Makhachev’s record — one “legitimate” defeat.

    “I still think it’s Jon Jones,” Smith said. “He’s gone through three different generations of fighters and has continued to win. And again, Islam has taken a legitimate loss and Jon Jones hasn’t.

    “I think you take them all and put them in a room, Jon Jones walks out,” Smith concluded.

    Makhachev’s sole career loss came a decade ago at UFC 192, where he was knocked out cold by Adriano Martins.

    On paper, Jones boasts the same number of setbacks. But the importance of that has long been dismissed in MMA circles due to it coming via disqualification for a now-legal 12-6 elbow against Matt Hamill in 2009.

  • CSAC Releases Fight-Day Weights For UFC 311; Dvalishvili, Moicano, Talbott Among Biggest Changes

    CSAC Releases Fight-Day Weights For UFC 311; Dvalishvili, Moicano, Talbott Among Biggest Changes

    Some fighters piled on plenty of pounds between hitting the scale last Friday and making the walk for the UFC 311 pay-per-view on Saturday.

    The mixed martial arts leader opened its PPV account for 2025 this past weekend in Los Angeles, where Inglewood’s Intuit Dome played host to two championship contests and a host of intriguing matchups.

    While facts such as fight-day weights and base purses are rarely seen officially, the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) provides more disclosure for events under its jurisdiction.

    And amid conversations in the MMA community after the release of payouts for those who competed at UFC 311, there’s a new topic of discussion regarding weight discrepancy.

    Renowned MMA reporter Aaron Bronsteter shared the figures via CSAC this week, with the most notable increases from weigh-in day to fight night coming from Tagir Ulanbekov, Payton Talbott, Merab Dvalishvili, Raoni Barcelos and Renato Moicano — all of whom weighed 17 percent more a day on from weighing in.

    With his 26.8-pound change, Moicano was 3.8 pounds heavier for his unsuccessful title challenger opposite Islam Makhachev in the UFC 311 main event.

    The biggest discrepancy, meanwhile, came in the main card middleweight contest between Reinier de Ridder and Kevin Holland. With a 15 percent increase, the Dutchman boasted a 21.6-pound advantage over “Trailblazer,” who gained just 4 percent post-weigh-in.

    Second in that regard was the gap between Jamahal Hill and Jiří Procházka. “Sweet Dreams” took to the cage 13.6 pounds heavier than his fellow former champ, who ultimately emerged victorious after knocking the American out in round three.

  • Tom Aspinall Reacts To Dana White ‘Jumping Ship’ From Jon Jones To Islam Makhachev In P4P Debate

    Tom Aspinall Reacts To Dana White ‘Jumping Ship’ From Jon Jones To Islam Makhachev In P4P Debate

    Tom Aspinall, like many fans and fellow fighters, tuned into UFC 311 to watch a man that many believe is at the very top of the sport right now. Islam Makhachev may have undergone a change to his opponent literally the day before fight night but this didn’t affect him one bit.

    The lightweight champion still went out there like it was business as usual and submitted Renato Moicano in the first round. It may not have been the Arman Tsarukyan rematch that people have wanted to see for such a long time but it once again showed that when Makhachev says it doesn’t matter who you put him in there with, he means it.

    At 33-years old, he’s now the record holder for the most consecutive lightweight title defenses with four and by earning his 15th consecutive win inside the Octagon, he is tied at second with Kamaru Usman for the longest winning streak in UFC history with one spot to go until he draws level with Anderson Silva.

    Another Makhachev win meant more people making the case for why he is the pound-for-pound number one fighter in the sport today. Whilst some may argue that the accomplishments of Jon Jones speak for themselves, others might state that “Bones” hasn’t been overly active or facing the same level of opposition.

    It was only a matter of time before Dana White was once again asked about this topic having been very vocal in the past that it’s Jones with no room for debate. After seeing the UFC boss change his answer, Aspinall commented on this during a video on his YouTube channel.

    “Now we’re seeing Dana White coming out and saying that he’s the pound-for-pound No. 1 in the world, Islam Makhachev,” Aspinall said. “As we all know, to me, pound-for-pound is a lot of made-up stuff. I don’t look into that. But it’s just funny that he’s kind of jumped ship now from Jon Jones to Islam.”

    Regardless of whether or not Makhachev was able to convince anyone else that he is the best fighter in the sport today, Aspinall was happy to see him go out there and get the win. In many ways, it felt like a fairly routine outing for the 155-pound king but that doesn’t bother the Brit one bit.

    “Islam did what he was supposed to do: went out there, fought whoever was put in front of him, which is what a champion is supposed to do. Fought a guy that the UFC told him to fight, got the win, and he’s levels above anybody else in that division. He’s going to hold the belt for a long, long time, and that is something that I’m very excited for because I’m a massive Islam Makhachev fan.”

  • Islam Makhachev Gets Sent A Reminder: ‘The Lightweight Champion Is Called Charles Oliveira!’

    Islam Makhachev Gets Sent A Reminder: ‘The Lightweight Champion Is Called Charles Oliveira!’

    Islam Makhachev broke the record for consecutive title defenses in the lightweight division this past weekend at UFC 311. The pound-for-pound best fighter in the sport continued living up to his approach of not caring who is put in front of him by accepting to fight Renato Moicano on just one days notice before submitting him in the first round.

    Makhachev’s dominant streak has many believing that the biggest test for him will be when he moves up a weight class, rather than anyone that currently competes at 155-pounds. There has already been talk of what could possibly be next for the champion and the options at lightweight are fairly limited right now.

    Alongside rebooking the rematch with Arman Tsarukyan or potentially facing the winner of Justin Gaethje and Dan Hooker, there is one name that appears to have been excluded from conversations despite him being one of the most popular fighters on the roster. Charles Oliveira may have been beaten by Makhachev once in the past but the two men were scheduled to meet in a rematch that never happened.

    After bouncing back from his loss at UFC 280, he was set to challenge the champion at UFC 294 but “Do Bronx” withdrew from the fight due to a cut that he suffered in his final training session. The former champ recently put on a dominant performance against Michael Chandler in November to return to the win column following a defeat to Tsarukyan at UFC 300.

    Oliveira was in attendance at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles on Saturday night where in a video posted on social media by the UFC, he called for his long awaited rematch with Makhachev.

    “It was a great fight, he’s the champion. He did what he had to do but I’m next and he knows that. The lightweight champion is called Charles Oliveira, I’m ready for that.”

  • Islam Makhachev’s Manager Teases ‘Unpredictable’ Plans After UFC 311 That Don’t Include Tsarukyan, Oliveira Or Topuria

    Islam Makhachev’s Manager Teases ‘Unpredictable’ Plans After UFC 311 That Don’t Include Tsarukyan, Oliveira Or Topuria

    Islam Makhachev’s manager hints that the UFC is cooking something truly spectacular for the lightweight champion’s next fight.

    Makhachev swiftly dispatched his short-notice replacement opponent, Renato Moicano, claiming a lopsided first-round submission victory in the UFC 311 main event this past weekend at the Intuit Dome in California.

    The Dagestani champion was originally set to face Arman Tsarukyan in a highly anticipated rematch. However, the plan took an unexpected turn last Friday when UFC CEO Dana White announced that “Ahalkalakets” had been forced to pull out due to a back injury.

    Makhachev’s victory at UFC 311 etched his name into the record books with a remarkable fourth consecutive title defense, reaffirming his status as the sport’s top pound-for-pound fighter. The dominant performance reignited discussions about a potential move to a higher weight class to fulfill his long-held dream of becoming a two-division UFC champion.

    While the reigning lightweight king stated in the UFC 311 post-fight press conference that he isn’t rushing the decision, he emphasized his determination to capture gold in a second weight class. He also outlined plans to make his return during the UFC’s annual International Fight Week, typically held in late June or early July.

    Tsarukyan is still the leading challenger for Makhachev’s 155-pound crown, but White has emphasized that withdrawing from UFC 311 means he’ll need to earn his way back into the title conversation.

    As for Makhachev’s next challenge, a rematch with Charles Oliveira, whom he defeated at UFC 280 to claim the belt, seems like a strong possibility. Meanwhile, reigning featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has also hinted at moving up in weight for a potential champion vs. champion super fight.

    However, according to Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, none of these three names are even on the table for his client’s next opponent.

    In a recent social media post, Abdelaziz hinted that the UFC is planning something entirely surprising for the 33-year-old Russian.

    “The UFC has a completely different plan for Islam which doesn’t include Oliveira, Arman or Ilia. But it’s an unpredictable sport and you don’t know what could happen.” Abdelaziz wrote on X.

    The Dominance MMA owner further spotlighted two fresh contenders who could be next in line to challenge Makhachev.

    “If Justin Gaethje beats [Dan] Hooker he can be easily next. If Beneil Dariush beats Poirier he can also be next. These would be two new names that Islam hasn’t fought yet.”

    Makhachev is riding an unprecedented 15-fight win streak, a remarkable run that includes triumphs over a roster of high-profile opponents such as Tsarukyan, Dustin Poirier, and Alexander Volkanovski, among others.

  • Paddy Pimblett Reacts To Islam Makhachev’s Submission Of Renato Moicano: ‘You Tap That Quick? Go Asleep!’

    Paddy Pimblett Reacts To Islam Makhachev’s Submission Of Renato Moicano: ‘You Tap That Quick? Go Asleep!’

    UFC lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett wasn’t impressed with the quick nature of Renato Moicano’s decision to tap to an Islam Makhachev choke on Saturday night.

    Moicano found himself competing with gold on the line for the first time this weekend, replacing the injured Arman Tsarukyan to challenge Makhachev on just 24 hours’ notice.

    Unfortunately for the Brazilian, it wasn’t to be a fairytale moment in Los Angeles. He was submitted inside the first round of the UFC 311 main event, marking the champ’s fourth consecutive title defense.

    Among those tuning in for Makhachev’s latest defense was another 155lber frequently linked to a showdown with Moicano, the #13-ranked Pimblett.

    “The Baddy” posted his reaction to the fight-ending sequence from the first PPV headliner of 2025. While he gave props to Moicano for stepping up on late notice, he berated the challenger for not ‘going out on his shield’.

    “You f*cking tap that quick, Renato? Go asleep, lad. Go out on your shield,” Pimblett said following Makhachev’s submission. “I f*cking hate that. You’re in a f*cking choke. You’re not going to snap your neck. Go asleep.

    “Second straight win by D’Arce choke. That was too easy. “It was like, ‘Yeah, give him the sub, lad.’ I thought that would put more of a fight than that,” Pimblett continued. “Credit to Renato for stepping up on 24 hours’ notice, but come on brother, you’re never going to get that opportunity again, at least go out on your shield and go to sleep.”

    Before being initially booked to compete against Beneil Dariush at UFC 311, Moicano had been linked to a clash with the rising Pimblett in 2025.

    With the Liverpool native yet to have his next assignment added to the calendar, perhaps talk will turn back toward that matchup following the setback to Moicano’s title hopes in California.

  • Dana White Finally Concedes Defeat In Controversial Debate: ‘Are You Happy? Is Everybody Happy Now?’

    Dana White Finally Concedes Defeat In Controversial Debate: ‘Are You Happy? Is Everybody Happy Now?’

    For years, Dana White has hailed Jon Jones as the UFC’s pound-for-pound No. 1 fighter. However, following UFC 311 on Saturday night, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has finally claimed top spot in the UFC CEO’s eyes.

    The recognition came after Makhachev submitted late replacement opponent Renato Moicano in the first round of the main event at Intuit Dome — an accomplishment White acknowledged to reporters.

    “Yeah, I’ll give it to him,” White said during the UFC 311 post-event press conference. “Are you happy? Is everybody happy now? One hundred percent, there’s no doubt about it. He’s the pound-for-pound best in the world, and he’s definitely the best to ever do it in that division.”

    Makhachev’s victory marked his fourth consecutive title defense, surpassing legends Khabib Nurmagomedov, Benson Henderson, and BJ Penn for the most in lightweight division history. Additionally, it was Makhachev’s 15th straight win in the UFC, placing him second only to Anderson Silva’s record of 16 consecutive victories.

    Makhachev was initially scheduled to face Arman Tsarukyan in a highly anticipated rematch. However, Tsarukyan withdrew during Friday’s weigh-ins due to a back injury.

    Despite the sudden change, White commended Makhachev for his readiness to compete against anyone.

    “Islam was willing to fight anybody,” White said. “He’s stayed active, and he went out tonight and performed the way a guy should on a short-notice fight when you’re the best in the world, and you’re the champion.”

  • UFC 311 Payouts Revealed: Islam Makhachev Gets Less Than Moicano, Holland, & 5 Others

    UFC 311 Payouts Revealed: Islam Makhachev Gets Less Than Moicano, Holland, & 5 Others

    The base payouts for Saturday’s UFC 311 pay-per-view have been disclosed, and it’s safe to say that some of the figures have raised eyebrows in the mixed martial arts community.

    MMA’s leading promotion opened its PPV schedule for the new year this weekend in Los Angeles, where Inglewood’s Intuit Dome played host to a number of intriguing contests, including two championship battles and the latest outings for a number of promising prospects.

    Closing the show was lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev, who submitted Renato Moicano on just 24 hours’ notice following the sudden withdrawal of original challenger Arman Tsarukyan. Despite his main event spot, though, the Dagestani wasn’t the highest paid champ on the card when it comes to base pay.

    The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) revealed the payouts to MMA Fighting following the conclusion of UFC 311, with bantamweight champ Merab Dvalishvili’s $500K marking the highest figure. Makhachev’s number, meanwhile, emerged as $200K.

    Interestingly, that also puts the lightweight titleholder behind six others in addition to “The Machine,” including defeated opponent Moicano ($200K), Jiří Procházka ($250K), Kevin Holland ($250K), Reinier de Ridder ($210K), Jailton Almeida ($220K) and Grant Dawson ($212K).

    It’s worth noting that these figures are only the contracted amounts and don’t factor in the kind of PPV bonus Makhachev is likely to be the recipient of behind the scenes.

    See below for the full list of disclosed pay sums for UFC 311.

    UFC 311 Disclosed Payouts

    Islam Makhachev: $200,000 (no win bonus)

    Renato Moicano: $250,000 (no win bonus)

    Merab Dvalishvili: $500,000 (no win bonus)

    Umar Nurmagomedov: $100,000 (no win bonus)

    Jiří Procházka: $250,000 ($200,000 purse, $50,000 win bonus)

    Jamahal Hill: $200,000

    Kevin Holland: $250,000

    Reinier de Ridder: $210,000 ($105,000 purse, $105,000 win bonus)

    Jailton Almeida: $220,000 ($110,000 purse, $110,000 win bonus)

    Serghei Spivac: $100,000

    Payton Talbott: $43,000

    Raoni Barcelos: $96,000 ($48,000 purse, $48,000 win bonus)

    Bogdan Guskov: $86,000 ($43,000 purse, $43,000 win bonus)

    Billy Elekana: $12,000

    Grant Dawson: $212,000 ($106,000 purse, $106,000 win bonus)

    Diego Ferreira: $100,000

    Zachary Reese: $30,000

    Azamat Bekoev: $24,000 ($12,000 purse, $12,000 win bonus)

    Karol Rosa: $75,000

    Ailín Pérez: $72,000 ($36,000 purse, $36,000 win bonus)

    Rinya Nakamura: $26,000

    Muin Gafurov: $28,000 ($14,000 purse, $14,000 win bonus)

    Ricky Turcios: $28,000

    Bernardo Sopai: $24,000 ($12,000 purse, $12,000 win bonus)

    Tagir Ulanbekov: $72,000 ($36,000 purse, $36,000 win bonus)

    Clayton Carpenter: $28,000

  • Islam Makhachev Welcomes Dricus Du Plessis Title Fight After UFC 311, Says Alex Pereira Is ‘Too Much’

    Islam Makhachev Welcomes Dricus Du Plessis Title Fight After UFC 311, Says Alex Pereira Is ‘Too Much’

    Islam Makhachev is eyeing another championship belt after successfully defending his lightweight title with a first-round submission win over Renato Moicano in the UFC 311 main event.

    This victory marked Makhachev’s fourth consecutive title defense, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s top pound-for-pound fighters and fueling speculation about a move to another weight class to pursue dual-champion status.

    While not rushing the decision, Makhachev is clear about his long-term goal of holding another title.

    “I don’t know when it’s going to happen, but I told them I’m not [going to] leave this sport without [a] second belt,” Makhachev said during the UFC 311 post-fight press conference. “I need the second belt to be, and after I’ll talk like, ‘I’m the greatest’ or something. But right now, my goal is to be double champion. I don’t know if it’s going to be next fight or when, [but] I’m still fighting, still winning. I defend my belt how many times the UFC wants; I will defend. When they give me [a] chance, I want to be double champion.”

    Makhachev, an occasional teammate and training partner of current welterweight champion Belal Muhammad, has ruled out fighting his friend. However, he has expressed openness to facing middleweight titleholder Dricus Du Plessis. The South African is scheduled for a rematch with Sean Strickland at UFC 312, with the winner expected to face Khamzat Chimaev next.

    “I can be three-division also,” Makhachev said, referring to his ambitions beyond a second title. “Just give me the chance, that’s it. I will fight with [Dricus] Du Plessis. If they give me the chance, I will fight with him also. I swear, if Dana White sends me [the] contract, I will fight with him.”

    When asked about potentially facing light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, however, Makhachev dismissed the idea with humor.

    “No, it’s too much [laughs],” he said. “I need the [Daniel Cormier] diet program to be 200 pounds [laughs].”

  • ‘Jon Jones Could Never’ – Fans React As Islam Makhachev Submits Renato Moicano On 24 Hours’ Notice At UFC 311

    ‘Jon Jones Could Never’ – Fans React As Islam Makhachev Submits Renato Moicano On 24 Hours’ Notice At UFC 311

    New, last-minute challenger, no problem for Islam Makhachev.

    Makhachev became the first fighter in UFC lightweight history to defend the championship four times with a quick submission victory over Renato Moicano in the main event of UFC 311.

    Moicano appeared to get off to a decent start, landing a couple of strong shots on the champ during the first round. When the fight got to the ground, however, it wasn’t close.

    The Dagestani was able to lock in a D’Arce choke and scored a quick submission to retain the gold.

    Islam Makhachev Submits Late-Notice Challenger Renato Moicano To Keep Lightweight Title At UFC 311

    https://twitter.com/zekesnow1135/status/1880858006285656320
    https://twitter.com/ParamPam1990/status/1880858560294474025
    https://twitter.com/destroynectar/status/1880859259208093728

    Makhachev was originally scheduled to defend the championship against No. 1 contender Arman Tsarukyan before the Armenian withdrew on the day of the weigh-ins with a back injury.

    The champ won the title by defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 before retaining the belt against then-featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski twice, at UFC 284 and UFC 294, and Dustin Poirier at UFC 302.

    Moicano, meanwhile, was originally booked to face Beneil Dariush on tonight’s card. He entered UFC 311 on a four-fight win streak and with six wins in his last seven. He had most recently defeated Benoît Saint Denis at UFC Paris in September.

  • UFC 311 Results & Highlights: Islam Makhachev Submits Renato Moicano 

    UFC 311 Results & Highlights: Islam Makhachev Submits Renato Moicano 

    UFC 311 took place tonight from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California and MMA News has you covered with all the results and highlights! 

    In the main event, Islam Makhachev put his lightweight title on the line against Renato Moicano, who stepped in on short notice due to an injury to Arman Tsarukyan. While in the co-main event, bantamweight champ Merab Dvalishvili faced Umar Nurmagomedov. 

    UFC 311 Results: Main Card

    • Lightweight Championship: Islam Makhachev def. Renato Moicano via submission: R1, 4.05
    • Bantamweight Championship: Merab Dvalishvili def. Umar Nurmagomedov via unanimous decision (48-47×2 49-46)
    • Light Heavyweight: Jiří Procházka def. Jamahal Hill via TKO: R3, 3.01
    • Heavyweight: Jailton Almeida def. Serghei Spivac via TKO: R1, 4.53 
    • Middleweight: Reinier de Ridder def. Kevin Holland via submission: R1, 3.31

     
    Preliminary Card

    • Bantamweight: Raoni Barcelos def. Payton Talbott via unanimous decision (30-27×2, 30-26)
    • Middleweight: Azamat Bekoev def. Zachary Reese via KO: R1, 3.04
    • Light Heavyweight: Bogdan Guskov def. Billy Elekana via submission: R2, 3.33
    • Lightweight: Grant Dawson def. Diego Ferreira via unanimous decision (30-27×3)

     
    Early Preliminary Card

    • Women’s Bantamweight: Ailín Pérez def. Karol Rosa via unanimous decision (29-28×2, 30-27)
    • Bantamweight: Muin Gafarov def. Rinya Nakamura via unanimous decision (30-27×3)
    • Bantamweight: Benardo Sopaj def. Ricky Turcios via unanimous decision (30-27×2, 29-28)

    Flyweight: Tagir Ulanbekov def. Clayton Carpenter via unanimous decision (30-27×2, 29-28)

    Preliminary Card Highlights

    Bogdan Guskov def. Billy Elekana

    Bogdan Guskov submitted Billy Elekana with a guillotine choke in the second round of their light heavyweight matchup.

    Azamat Bekoev def. Zachary Reese

    Azamat Bekoev stopped Zachary Reese with ground-and-pound in round one of their middleweight bout.

    Main Card Highlights

    Reinier de Ridder def. Kevin Holland

    Reinier de Ridder sunk in a rear-naked choke to get the win against Kevin Holland in round one.

    Jailton Almeida def. Serghei Spivac

    in this heavyweight bout, Jailton Almeida earned a TKO of Serghei Spivac in the first round.

    Jiří Procházka def. Jamahal Hill

    Jiří Procházka earned a TKO of Jamahal Hill in the third round of their light heavyweight matchup.

    Merab Dvalishvili def. Umar Nurmagomedov

    In the co-main event, Merab Dvalishvili retained his bantamweight strap with a decision against Umar Nurmagomedov.

    Islam Makhachev def. Renato Moicano

    In the main event, Islam Makhachev submitted Renato Moicano in the first round to retain his lightweight title.

  • Khamzat Chimaev Shares His Unfiltered Opinion On Islam Makhachev’s Potential Move To Middleweight

    Khamzat Chimaev Shares His Unfiltered Opinion On Islam Makhachev’s Potential Move To Middleweight

    Khamzat Chimaev has given a candid take on the prospect of Islam Makhachev making a leap to higher weight classes down the line.

    Makhachev will defend his lightweight title against Renato Moicano in the headline bout of Saturday’s UFC 311 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Originally, the Dagestani champion was set to make his fourth title defense against Arman Tsarukyan, but just a day before the fight, “Ahalkalakets” was forced to withdraw due to a back injury.

    The reigning UFC 155-pound champion has long voiced his desire to become a two-division champion by moving up a weight class, vowing not to retire until he achieves this goal. However, standing in the way of Makhachev’s quest for a second UFC title is welterweight champ Belal Muhammad.

    Despite this, Makhachev has made it clear that he would steer clear of a clash with “Remember the Name” due to their shared respect. Makhachev’s manager has even hinted that, if necessary, his client could bypass welterweight altogether and leap straight to middleweight in the future to claim ‘champ-champ’ status.

    During a recent interview with Aslanbek Badaev, “Borz” weighed in on the possibility of Makhachev making the leap to the 185-pound division. Chimaev offered a measured response, stating that if anyone was truly capable of climbing weight classes and dominating, it would be UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov.

    “Well if Islam wants to, and Abdelaziz wants, let him go and try, Chimaev said. “I don’t know. i can’t give an asnwer about Islam now as I haven’t trained with him. Maybe it’s possible, maybe not. I anyone could move [and complete] at 170 or 185 [pounds], it would be Khabib. As for Islam, if have many doubts becuase of his last fight at 155. It was tough for him. Although I had a tough fightwith Gilbert Buns [at 170], then I moved up to 185 and it was easier [to fight] there. Maybe Islam will have the same situation. He might move up and it will become much esasier. Well only the Octagon can show.”

    Makhachev is on an impressive 14-fight win streak, with his latest victory coming at UFC 303 in June 2024. There, he secured a gritty fifth-round submission over Dustin Poirier to successfully retain his title.

  • MMA Legend Discusses Why Renato Moicano Could Be Bigger Test For Islam Makhachev Than Arman Tsarukyan

    MMA Legend Discusses Why Renato Moicano Could Be Bigger Test For Islam Makhachev Than Arman Tsarukyan

    Renato Moicano might pose a more demanding test for Islam Makhachev than Arman Tsarukyan — at least, that’s the perspective of an MMA legend.

    Makhachev had spent months training to defend his lightweight title against Arman Tsarukyan in the highly anticipated main event of UFC 311 this Saturday at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. However, on Friday, the matchup was abruptly derailed when UFC CEO Dana White revealed that “Ahalkalakets” had to withdraw from their rematch because of a back injury.

    Eventually, “Money” swooped in at the last moment to save the UFC 311 main event, stepping up as Tsarukyan’s replacement. Moicano had originally been scheduled to face Beneil Dariush on the same card.

    Many fans and analysts alike see Moicano as an easy matchup for Makhachev, a sentiment echoed by the oddsmakers who have installed the Dagestani as an overwhelming favorite heading into the fight. However, Demetrious Johnson sees things quite differently.

    During a recent video on his YouTube channel, “Mighty” weighed in on the reshuffled UFC 311 main event between Makhachev and Moicano following Tsarukyan’s sudden withdrawal. The former UFC flyweight champion emphasized how the short-notice aspect of the matchup brings a fresh dynamic, and boldly suggested that “Money” might pose a more formidable challenge for Makhachev than many expect.

    “I think it’s a better fight, Johnson said. “Here’s the reason why: you look at what ‘Money’ Moicano has done recently. He is on a tear because the man ‘can’t afford to lose,’ and I think it’s a tougher fight for Islam Makhachev. The reason is that you have to do it within 24 hours; you have no idea what the game plan’s going to be, and the whole thing changes.

    “But right now, Islam Makhachev is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, so he can fight anybody on any given day. But you do have to make some adjustments, because the way that ‘Money’ fights compared to what Arman does is night and day different. I feel Renato Moicano is way more dangerous than Arman just because he’s not going to rely on the wrestling. He’s gonna go after him, he’s gonna throw knees, he’s gonna throw combinations. And he’s a f**king dog. He’s gonna bring a dog fight.”

  • UFC 311: Islam Makhachev vs. Renato Moicano Ceremonial Weigh-In Live Stream

    UFC 311: Islam Makhachev vs. Renato Moicano Ceremonial Weigh-In Live Stream

    UFC 311 takes place on Saturday night, and MMA News is here to bring you the final faceoffs from the ceremonial weigh-ins!

    The upcoming pay-per-view event at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California provides a chance for UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev to record his fourth successful title defense.

    While that was initially set to come in the form of a rematch opposite top contender Arman Tsarukyan, a back injury sustained during his weight cut forced the planned challenger to withdraw. Stepping in on 24 hours’ notice will be Renato Moicano, who was originally slated to share the cage with Beneil Dariush on Saturday’s main card.

    The stakes will also be high in the co-main event, which will see undefeated bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili look to complete his ascent to the top by unseating current kingpin Merab Dvalishvili in his first defense.

    Elsewhere on the UFC 311 card, a pair of former light heavyweight champs in Jiří Procházka and Jamahal Hill collide, the always entertaining Kevin Holland meets ex-ONE Championship titleholder Reinier de Ridder, and Jailton Almeida and Serghei Spivac battle to establish themselves in the heavyweight title picture.

    Ahead of the event, all fighters set to compete tomorrow night successfully made weight, and all that remains on Friday is for the athletes to face off one final time at the UFC 311 ceremonial weigh-ins!

    Check out a live stream via the official UFC YouTube channel below, commencing at 7 PM ET.

    UFC 311 Ceremonial Weigh-In Video

  • Islam Makhachev Reacts To Late-Notice UFC 311 Opponent Change: ‘It Doesn’t Matter Who’

    Islam Makhachev Reacts To Late-Notice UFC 311 Opponent Change: ‘It Doesn’t Matter Who’

    Islam Makhachev remains unfazed by whoever stands across from him in the Octagon on Saturday night, as he’s focused on accomplishing the task at hand.

    Makhachev was initially slated to defend his lightweight title against former rival Arman Tsarukyan in the main event of UFC 311 this weekend at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

    However, on Friday morning, the headliner took an unforeseen turn when UFC CEO Dana White announced that “Ahalkalakets” had been forced to withdraw from the rematch due to a back injury.

    Makhachev will now square off against Renato Moicano in the newly revamped main event of UFC 311. Originally scheduled to face Beneil Dariush in a 155-pound clash on the main card, “Money” has now seized the eleventh-hour opportunity to challenge for the UFC title after Tsarukyan’s injury sidelined the original matchup.

    The Dagestani champion embraced the unanticipated shift, proudly echoing his own quote, which White had prominently displayed on the walls of the UFC Performance Institute.

    “‘What does this title represent? It means you’re the best in the world and if you’re the best in the world, it doesn’t matter who’s going to be standing across from you. What do I say? No? NEVER. Let’s do this!’” Makhachev wrote on X.

    Makhachev is riding a remarkable 14-fight win streak, with his most recent appearance at UFC 303 in June 2024. There, he secured a gritty fifth-round submission victory over Dustin Poirier to successfully retain his title.

    Meanwhile, Moicano is on a four-fight win streak and has been relentless since his move to the 155-pound division, boasting six victories in his last seven bouts. “Money” enters this title fight on the back of a dominant second-round TKO (doctor’s stoppage) over Benoît Saint Denis at UFC Paris in September.

  • Arman Tsarukyan’s First Statement On UFC 311 Withdrawal: ‘Hardest Decision I’ve Ever Had To Make’

    Arman Tsarukyan has spoken publicly following his decision to pull out of Saturday’s UFC 311 pay-per-view.

    Tsarukyan is currently in Los Angeles, where he had hoped to avenge his 2019 loss to Islam Makhachev to capture the lightweight crown and cement himself among the all-time top names at 155 pounds.

    But the chance to do so will have to wait, with the Armenian withdrawing from the opening numbered event of 2025 just one day out after injuring his back while cutting weight.

    The news was first reported by Red Corner MMA before being confirmed by UFC CEO Dana White, who also revealed that Renato Moicano has been pulled from his original showdown with Beneil Dariush to challenge Makhachev in tomorrow night’s headliner.

    A clearly devastated Tsarukyan, meanwhile, recently took to social media with his first remarks since the disappointing revelation emerged.

    “I regret to inform everyone that the news is that I had to pull out of UFC 311 with a back injury is true. This was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make in my fighting career. I would like to thank the UFC for understanding and I look forward to competing for my first UFC Championship in the future. Thank you all for your support.”

  • Arman Tsarukyan Out Of Islam Makhachev Rematch At UFC 311, Renato Moicano Steps In

    Arman Tsarukyan Out Of Islam Makhachev Rematch At UFC 311, Renato Moicano Steps In

    Disaster has struck one day out from the first pay-per-view of 2025, with Arman Tsarukyan out of UFC 311.

    Tsarukyan and Makhachev faced off at Thursday’s press conference ahead of their second meeting inside the cage Saturday night in Los Angeles.

    Years on from their competitive collision at a 2019 UFC Fight Night in Moscow, which the Russian won on the scorecards, the pair were set to do battle for Makhachev’s lightweight crown on Jan. 18.

    But during the weigh-ins, a report from Red Corner MMA emerged revealing that Tsarukyan has withdrawn just north of 24 hours out from his first title challenge on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage.

    Dana White later confirmed the news himself on social media, while also announcing that Renato Moicano will step in to challenge Makhachev in tomorrow night’s headliner.

    The Brazilian had already hit the scale for UFC 311, with Moicano making championship weight ahead of his previously scheduled three-round contest with Beneil Dariush.

    While he is only ranked #10 in the division, he is riding a four-fight win streak. He’s also coming off a dominant showing opposite Benoît Saint Denis in Paris, a similar result that netted Dustin Poirier a title shot against Makhachev last year.

  • UFC 311: Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan 2 Weigh-In Live Stream & Results

    UFC 311: Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan 2 Weigh-In Live Stream & Results

    UFC 311 takes place tomorrow night, and MMA News is here to bring you the official weigh-in results!

    After staging fights at Las Vegas’ Apex facility to kick off 2025, the mixed martial arts leader will host its first pay-per-view of the new year from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

    Two titles will be on the line at the top of the card, with Islam Makhachev defending his lightweight belt against familiar foe Arman Tsarukyan in the main event. Co-headlining, meanwhile, will be a first-time clash between reigning bantamweight kingpin Merab Dvalishvili and undefeated challenger Umar Nurmagomedov.

    Also on the main card will be returns for ex-light heavyweight champions Jiří Procházka and Jamahal Hill, as well as charging 155-pound contender Renato Moicano and the always entertaining Kevin Holland.

    UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2 Weigh-In Results

    UFC 311 takes place Saturday, January 18 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. The main card begins at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT, with the preliminary card starting at 6 PM ET/3 PM PT.

    See above for a replay of the UFC 311 Weigh-In Show, and check out the full results below.

    Main Card:

    • Lightweight Championship: Islam Makhachev (154.5lbs) vs. Arman Tsarukyan
    • Bantamweight Championship: Merab Dvalishvili (134lbs) vs. Umar Nurmagomedov (135lbs)
    • Light Heavyweight: Jiří Procházka (204.5lbs) vs. Jamahal Hill (204.5lbs)
    • Lightweight: Beneil Dariush (155lbs) vs. Renato Moicano (155lbs)
    • Middleweight: Kevin Holland (183.5lbs) vs. Reinier de Ridder (184.5lbs)

    Preliminary Card:

    • Bantamweight: Payton Talbott (135.5lbs) vs. Raoni Barcelos (135.5lbs)
    • Heavyweight: Jailton Almeida (235lbs) vs. Serghei Spivac (233lbs)
    • Light Heavyweight: Bogdan Guskov (205.5lbs) vs. Billy Elekana (200lbs)
    • Lightweight: Grant Dawson (156lbs) vs. Diego Ferreira (156lbs)

    Early Preliminary Card:

    • Middleweight: Zachary Reese (185.5lbs) vs. Azamat Bekoev (185.5lbs)
    • Women’s Bantamweight: Karol Rosa (135.5lbs) vs. Ailín Pérez (135lbs)
    • Bantamweight: Rinya Nakamura (135.5lbs) vs. Muin Gafarov (136lbs)
    • Bantamweight: Ricky Turcios (136lbs) vs. Benardo Sopaj (135lbs)
    • Flyweight: Tagir Ulanbekov (125.5lbs) vs. Clayton Carpenter (125.5lbs)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0mAy87Dps0