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The best MMA fighters in the world travel to United Arab Emirates for PFL Dubai. The the main card pits Russian Usman Nurmagomedov (20-0-0) defending his PLF Lightweight World Championship against English fighter Alfie Davis (20-5-1) in five-round title bout on ESPN Unlimited.
This is the first matchup between Nurmagomedov and Davis, while both fighters have the similar records withe the same amount of wins. However, Nurmagomedov is undefeated. For PFL Dubai, Nurmagomedov is the heavy favorite for victory.
Want to watch PFL Dubai 2026 online? Here’s what you need to know.
When Is PFL Dubai? Date, Time
PFL Dubai takes place tonight, Saturday, Feb. 7 from Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The main card starting at 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT.
PFL Dubai Livestream: How to Watch PFL Online
Get an ESPN Unlimited subscription here for $29.99/month, which will get you instant access to the livestream for PFL Dubai online. Unlike pay-per-view events, PFL is available to stream online free for ESPN Unlimited subscribers.
For new subscribers, ESPN Unlimited bundle comes with Disney+ and Hulu for $35.99/month. The bundle comes with ESPN Unlimited, as well as Disney+ and Hulu for free when you purchase access to the livestream feed.
ESPN Unlimited features everything that ESPN has to offer, including access to all of its networks and streaming service, like ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPN on ABC, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network and ESPN+. It’s the ideal streamer for sports fans who want it all. Learn more about ESPN Unlimited here.
If you’re outside of the United States, but you’d still like to watch PFL Dubai, you can use a virtual private network, like NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Proton VPN. These are online subscriptions that allows you to access live feeds of matches with ESPN Unlimited — even if you’re not in the U.S.A.
Australia’s Jack Della Maddalena grapples with Russia’s Islam Makhachev during the first round of a welterweight title bout at the UFC 322 mixed martial arts event, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Russia’s Islam Makhachev, top, grapples with Australia’s Jack Della Maddalena, bottom, during the third round of a welterweight title bout at the UFC 322 mixed martial arts event, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Kyrgyzstan’s Valentina Shevchenko, top, grapples with China’s Zhang Weili during the fifth round of a women’s flyweight title bout at a UFC 322 mixed martial arts event, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Kyrgyzstan’s Valentina Shevchenko celebrates after defeating China’s Zhang Weili during a women’s flyweight title bout at a UFC 322 mixed martial arts event, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
China’s Zhang Weili, left, kicks Kyrgyzstan’s Valentina Shevchenko, right, during the fourth round of a women’s flyweight title bout at the UFC 322 mixed martial arts event, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Alina Habba, center, watches the UFC 322 mixed martial arts event, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Ethyn Ewing, right, punches Malcolm Wellmaker, left, during the third round of a featherweight bout at the UFC 322 mixed martial arts event, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Ethyn Ewing, right, punches Malcolm Wellmaker, left, during the second round of a featherweight bout at the UFC 322 mixed martial arts event, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
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Australia’s Jack Della Maddalena grapples with Russia’s Islam Makhachev during the first round of a welterweight title bout at the UFC 322 mixed martial arts event, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
NEW YORK — Islam Makhachev needed a unanimous decision to defeat Jack Della Maddalena to win the 170-pound championship and tie the UFC record of 16 straight victories to cap a pair of lackluster title fights on Saturday night at UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden.
Makhachev — never seriously tested in the lopsided bout — proved to be the better grappler and used repeated takedowns to neutralize Della Maddalena’s offense and go on to win 50-45 on all three cards.
Makhachev (28-1) surrendered his lightweight title earlier this year after four straight title defenses so he could move up and go for gold in another weight class. He’s matched UFC Hall of Fame fighter Anderson Silva for the record of 16 straight wins.
Makhachev joined a short list in UFC history — the company just celebrated the Nov. 12, 1993, anniversary date of its first card — of male fighters who won championships in two weight classes. The others: Henry Cejudo, Daniel Cormier, Randy Couture, Georges St-Pierre, B.J. Penn, Conor McGregor, Jon Jones, Alex Pereira and Ilia Topuria.
“This is the dream. All my life I wanted two belts,” Makhachev said. “The belt, so heavy and I like it.”
Della Maddalena — who ended an 18-fight career win streak, that featured 14 finishes — walked out of the cage without conducting the traditional post-fight interview and lost his first title defense since he beat Belal Muhammad via unanimous decision in May to wrest away the welterweight championship.
Shevchenko defends her 125-pound crown
Valentina Shevchenko successfully defended her 125-pound championship via unanimous decision in a methodical five-round bout against Zhang Weili. In a matchup between who are widely considered the two best pound-for-pound fighters in the women’s division, the action never got going and both fighters spent more time clutching each other on the canvas than putting a serious scare into the other.
Zhang, a former two-time strawweight champion and the first Chinese champion in UFC history, vacated her 115-pound title last month so she could get her shot at Shevchenko. The fighters were booed between rounds, and the end of the fifth round was met with a muted reaction — a packed crowd that included acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba and actor Ice-T — for a dud championship bout positioned as the co-main event.
Zhang (26-4) failed to join Amanda Nunes as the only UFC women to become champions in two weight classes. She also declined to say if she would return to 115 pounds.
The 37-year-old Shevchenko (26-4-1) won her 11th overall title fight once she swept the scorecards 50-45 against Zhang. She also became the first female UFC fighter to record 60 career takedowns — and the fight indeed ended with Zhang on her back.
The show went on without an appearance from President Donald Trump, a close friend of UFC CEO Dana White, who normally has a cageside seat for the tri-state area’s biggest events.
Trump was on Makhachev’s mind moments after he won the championship fight. Makhachev said he wanted to make his first title defense next year when UFC is scheduled to hold a card at the White House.
“Donald Trump, let’s go,” Makhachev said. “Open the White House. I’m coming.”
UFC fans at the Garden, though, did get a big fight well ahead of the main event when a massive brawl broke out near one of the tunnels used for fight entrances and spilled through the stands and near press row.
The stir — which involved MMA fighter Dillon Danis — had the crowd howling and caused a short delay to the start of the pay-per-view card as police and security tried to bust up the melee.
Fists continued to fly at a furious pace once UFC 322 truly got underway.
Beneil Dariush (in 16 seconds of the first round), Carlos Prates (at 1:28 of the second round), and Michael Morales (at 3:27 of the first round) each won with devastating knockouts to open the card.
“I am regretting not going to ufc at msg now,” New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson posted on social media.
Ewing wins big at MSG
Ethyn Ewing needed only two days’ notice — and short rest — to win his first fight for UFC.
Ewing won his UFC debut — just eight days after his last professional fight — via unanimous decision over Malcolm Wellmaker on an undercard bout Saturday night at UFC 322.
Ewing got the call on Thursday morning after Cody Haddon dropped out of the fight with an injury that he was needed in a pinch. One problem, Ewing missed that call — and many, many more trying to wake the MMA fighter.
He joked he slept through about 40 missed calls before finally getting around to answering the phone — and he answered the bell at the Garden, where former New York Knicks’ great Patrick Ewing’s No. 33 banner hangs in the rafters.
The 27-year-old Ewing won a Nov. 7 fight as part of the A1 Combat 32 promotion and has won nine straight MMA fights overall.
He wouldn’t mind sticking around the big time — and called out White to try and make it happen.
“I have to say, that was an amazing performance,” Ewing said inside the cage. “Mr. White?”
Ewing swept the scorecards in the 145-pound bout, 30-27, 29-28, 29-28.
The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas will host a weekend of both bull riding and MMA and bull riding action, from October 23 to 26, according to announcements tied to the event. The resort will serve as home base for the Kansas City Outlaws during the PBR Camping World Teams Championship and also play host to the Tuff‑N‑Uff 149 fight card, delivering a unique blend of MMA and bull-riding entertainment. During the stay, spectators will get opportunities to engage with the sports beyond simply watching them.
The schedule features open team workouts, a pre-game tailgate experience with music and photo ops, and an official send-off for the Outlaws. On one evening, the Tuff-N-Uff 149 MMA card will headline with the Professional Featherweight Championship bout between fighters Brandao and Kamaka III. These events aim to integrate the adrenaline of MMA and bull riding into one multi-day entertainment weekend.
For fans of bull riding, the Outlaws’ presence brings the team competition from the PBR arena into the guest experience. Attendees will be able to view professional bull-riding action on large screens, enjoy live music, cash-bar service and fan-centric activations. At the same time, MMA enthusiasts have the chance to experience the sport live via the Tuff-N-Uff card, including a weigh-in session and an after-party following the fights.
The combined schedule underlines the growing crossover appeal of hosting multiple high-intensity sports in one setting. The weekend is positioned as a destination for those drawn to both MMA and bull riding, with the resort leveraging its entertainment venues to bring the two worlds together.
From head-lining fights in the Pearl Theater to fan activations in the Stables area, the venue aims to deliver continuous action. By offering both bull riding and MMA events, the resort taps into two audiences often associated with raw competition and physical intensity. Guests can expect a weekend filled with sporting spectacle, social activations, and a convergence of traditional rodeo-style bull riding alongside modern cage fighting.
UFC head Dana White: The 60 Minutes Interview – CBS News
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UFC CEO Dana White explains how he helped turn the UFC into a global empire worth billions. He talks about his friendship with President Trump and his plans for a 2026 fight on the White House lawn.
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As sports betting becomes more and more ubiquitous, betting companies are doubling down on sports, from team sponsorship to laying bets on everything from touchdowns to tennis volleys.
Here’s a look at how the worlds of betting and sport are fast becoming almost indistinguishable.
It’s no surprise that sports wagering has gone off the charts in the past few years, particularly as legislation around the U.S. and elsewhere in the world has relaxed. But it’s more than just putting a few dollars on your home team.
To a large extent, they’re as much a part of the game as the players themselves.
Sponsorships Are the New Front Row Seats
It used to be unheard of to spot betting logos plastered on team jerseys or stadium walls. Now? They’re everywhere. From Premier League football teams to American professional basketball teams, betting brands are partnering with sports brands more than ever.
Just look at Betway, for example. You’ll see their logo for the Betway app not only on team kits in Europe but also on digital banners flashing during televised games. It’s not just about visibility, it’s about influence. By backing teams financially, these operators are embedding themselves directly into the sports culture, making betting feel like a natural part of the fan experience.
And the money is no chump change, either. In some cases, betting companies are investing tens of millions of dollars into multi-year sponsorship deals. The deals enable clubs to diversify their books and keep star talent, and give betting sites unfathomable access to fan bases that are dedicated and passionate.
Betting Options Galore – There’s Something for Everyone
While the sponsorships are gaudy, it’s what actually brings fans back that is the betting options themselves. Platforms today are slick, speedy, and completely loaded with options. Want to wager on who’s going to score first in the Super Bowl? Done. Think Djokovic is going to take the third set 6-4? There’s a bet for that. Rugby, baseball, MMA, even eSports, you name it, and there’s a line on it.
Consider the instance of the Betway app, for instance. It is among the more popular sports betting platforms for one to join the wagering industry. The app offers a choice of betting markets for the likes of soccer, rugby, tennis, basketball, and more. It is user-friendly, super-fast, and gets you moving from scrolling scores to the actual bet in seconds. For those who want something more out of their watching, sites like Betway are the solution.
Sportsbooks Are Shaping the Viewing Experience
PHOTO: Unsplash
The reach of gambling isn’t limited to the sportsbook, though. It’s spreading to how we watch sports as well.
Broadcasters now partner with sportsbooks to show real-time odds during games. You’ll see live betting lines appear on your screen during halftime or even in between free throws. Some channels even have analysts who break down betting angles alongside traditional stats.
Meanwhile, social media is filled with tips for a bet, predictions, and memes whenever there is a high-profile game being played. The line between fan and punter has become blurred completel,y and operators could not be happier.
The Rise of Micro-Betting and Instant Wagers
One of the strongest trends changing the way we bet is micro-betting. Instead of wagering on the victor of a whole game, you can now wager on in-game occurrences as small as a point in a tennis match. Who scores the next point in a tennis match? Is the next football play a run or a pass? These lightning-fast wagers keep fans engaged second by second.
It’s a natural move in an era of digits and dwindling attention spans. People want instant gratification, and bookmakers are cashing in by offering more instant, live choices than ever. It’s adrenaline and analytics, and it’s addicting in more than one sense of the term.
Ethical Gray Zones and the Question of Influence
With this sort of money and access at stake, it’s only human nature to ask the question: Is it all just a bit too close to home?
Critics argue that the close relationship between sport and betting raises ethical issues, especially when younger people are the target audience. The worry is that regular exposure to gambling advertising may become embedded in younger people’s minds and normalize betting, making gambling appear less of a serious activity and more as a meaningless part of supporting a sport.
There are integrity issues with matches as well. When huge sums of money flow through betting pools, the temptation to cheat grows, something leagues and operators say they’re guarding against through data monitoring and integrity collaborations. But the lines are becoming less distinct. As betting operators become increasingly influential in the sporting world, their influence, both financial and cultural, is growing ever larger.
A Changing Game, on and off the Field
So, what’s the big deal for sports fans? First, it means there’s more entertainment than ever. Betting has added a new level of drama and tension to every game.
Every corner kick, every at-bat, every buzzer-beater has the potential to be the one that wins or loses your bet. For some, that’s a thrill they’re willing to chase.
At the same time, the growing presence of betting companies, from the Betway app to in-stadium partnerships, means we’re living in a new era of sports – one where money, media, and mobile apps all collide to create a hybrid fan experience.
DALTON, Ga., July 16, 2025 (Newswire.com)
– SYNLawn, one of the largest manufacturers and innovators of plant-based artificial grass and synthetic surfacing, announced a special giveaway to celebrate the final Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) match of Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier, a legendary American professional mixed martial artist. His retirement fight is his third match against the current BMF titleholder, Max Holloway. The milestone match will take place at UFC 318 on Saturday, July 19, in Poirier’s home state of Louisiana at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.
In honor of this trilogy bout, SYNLawn will select three lucky giveaway winners. Each winner will receive an exclusive prize package that includes a pack of Poirier’s world-famous Louisiana Style Hot Sauce, a t-shirt featuring Poirier, and other cool SWAG items. The online contest starts today and ends at 12 pm EDT on Sunday, July 20.
“We’re excited to launch this giveaway for MMA fans who’ve supported Dustin throughout his impressive career,” said George Neagle, president of SYNLawn Global. “Known for his grit, heart, and unforgettable performances inside the octagon, Poirier leaves behind a legacy that has inspired fans around the world. From headlining UFC main events to capturing the interim lightweight title, his journey is a testament to perseverance, dedication, and passion for the sport. SYNLawn is thrilled to be part of this celebration to honor a true champion.”
To enter the giveaway, participants must complete an entry form on the SYNLawn website at www.synlawn.com/dustin-poirier. To be eligible to win, entrants must be at least 18 years of age and reside in one of the 48 contiguous states. There is a link on the giveaway page for fans interested in donating to Poirier’s international nonprofit organization, The Good Fight Foundation, which has raised thousands of dollars for initiatives to help underserved communities. Fans are also encouraged to follow SYNLawn on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and YouTube.
About SYNLawn®
For more than 20 years, SYNLawn® has led the industry as one of the largest manufacturers and innovators of artificial grass and synthetic surfacing. As part of the Sport Group Holding® family of companies, SYNLawn delivers the best products available on the market. SYNLawn’s turnkey network of over 120 distributors seamlessly combines environmental stewardship with industry-leading innovations. SYNLawn uses PCR content and bio-based ingredients, such as soy and sugarcane, and consumer-conscious additives, such as antimicrobials, to meet customers’ wide range of needs. With more than 350,000 residential and commercial installations, the company is raising the bar for global synthetic turf standards and transforming the idea of grass. We have an award-winning, proprietary system with a large percentage of renewable content. From rooftops to road medians and rocket-launch viewing sites, SYNLawn has installed over 150 million square feet of U.S. soy-backed grass in the United States of America and over 30 other countries since 2008. SYNLawn added more soy than ever to its products in 2021. For more information visit www.SYNLawn.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and YouTube.
In Texas, we speak with TikTok star Keith Lee, whose viral food reviews hype up small restaurants across the country. And in Maryland, we examine a program that offers care and housing to retired service members at a much lower cost than most nursing homes. Watch these stories and more on Eye on America with host Michelle Miller.
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KTXL) – Ahead of Saturday’s fight in Paris against Ekaterina Shakalova, Aspen Ladd (11-5) speaks with FOX40’s Sean Cunningham about her decision to leave UFC for the Professional Fighters League, making her debut with Bellator MMA during Saturday’s fight, living in Pollock Pines while training throughout the Sacramento region and her future in Mixed Martial Arts at 29-years-old.
After beating champion Brandon Moreno, Denver’s own Brandon Royval claimed the title of No. 1 contender in the UFC’s flyweight division. That means in May, Royval will have his shot at the championship at UFC 301 in May.
However, Brandon’s dream’s are bigger than a championship belt. He wants to create a better world by harnessing the power of Colorado’s kids.
His passion stems from knowing what life would be like without mixed martial arts.
“I feel like MMA gave me a purpose and an identity,” said Royval, who’s spent the last 15 years training for these kinds of moments. “It gave me a reason of being. It pulled me out of a lot of place that I could have been, a lot of possible trouble.”
In years past, Royval needed to carry a second job to support his dream of fighting in the UFC. One of those jobs was at the Lookout Juvenile Correctional Facility.
What he saw there was untapped potential, and it sparked his drive to reach kids.
“When you work in the juvenile facility for years you see kids that are actually leaders,” Royval said. “Maybe they’re not using their leadership for the best reasons. Instead of being on the side of where they messed up and where the problems occur, being on the preventative side I think is what will make the biggest difference.”
That motivation led him to the Denver Dream Center, a group dedicated to helping people rebuild their lives and restore their dreams by providing free resources and services that address immediate and long-term needs in the areas of homelessness, hunger, poverty, addiction, abuse, and education and assisting those transitioning from various levels of incarceration.
Every Wednesdsay night the Dream Center hosts a safe space called “Vibe Night” for young people to drop in and hang out.
Royval is there every Wednesday.
“Humbled,” he said. “I’m constantly being humbled.”
In addition to admittedly losing in a lot of the games they play, Royval provides a shining example of dreams realized to the kids he works so hard to connect with.
“Anything’s possible really,” Royval said. “I’m making my dreams come true. I became number one off of hard work and consistency.”
“They can definitely see that through me because they’re not seeing an athlete at all,” he said with a wry smile.
Someday, Royval would like to open his own space where kids could learn the martial arts. That way he could dedicate more of his time and resources to keeping kids out of that juvenile facility.
“Having that open to you, having a high-level facility at a cheap rate would be ideal for me,” said Royval. “In the future that’s something I want to open up. A safe haven, a place where kids can learn martial arts and get away you know.”
Until then, Brandon Royval will keep fighting – and winning – inside and outside of the UFC octagon.
The first major sports organization is recognizing cannabis can play a role in training and medical recovery
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is the first sports organization to fully change their stance on cannabis and THC. Official Mixed Martial Arts events are now cleared for weed. UFC is the parent of the full-contact combat sport MMA which is based on striking, grappling and ground fighting, incorporating techniques from various combat sports from around the world. The first documented use of the term mixed martial arts was in a review of UFC 1 by television critic Howard Rosenberg. In the waning of days of 2023, they set another record when they shared they are dropping cannabis as a banned substance.
In 2021, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) took steps to shield professional fighters from penalties related to THC-positive test results. Now, the organization has gone one step further and officially removed cannabis from its revised list of prohibited substances for athletes.
“UFC’s goal for the Anti-Doping Policy is to be the best, most effective, and most progressive anti-doping program in all of professional sports,” said Hunter Campbell, UFC Chief Business Officer. “UFC is proud of the advancements we have made with our anti-doping program over the past eight years, and we will continue to maintain an independently administered drug-testing program that ensures all UFC athletes are competing under fair and equal circumstances. With this new iteration of the program, UFC has once again raised the bar for health and safety in combat sports.”
“The criteria for prohibited substances will be modeled after WADA’s In and Out of Competition programs with modifications based on historical findings”. Marijuana was removed from the prohibited.
MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) is generally considered to be one of the most dangerous sports in the world because of the consistent hits to the head and body. A spinning heel kick to the jaw would have anyone gritting their teeth. Every fighter should expect to get injured at some point in their career. Injuries occur during training because they spend most of their time in sparring (low-intensity fighting), grappling, heavy bag, etc. Common injuries include skin lacerations, bone fractures, and concussions.
Medical marijuana will be a huge help after fights with inflammation, pain management and can help speed recovery. The players will be the beneficiaries this policy as it will
ESPN and SiriusXM have teamed up to give listeners nationwide access to ESPN’s live audio coverage of select UFC events on SiriusXM Fight Nation (channel 156), SiriusXM’s dedicated combat sports channel. Listeners tuning in to SiriusXM Fight Nation will hear the live call from the UFC audio on ESPN networks, giving them access to the excitement of the UFC on the SiriusXM radios in their cars or anywhere they go with the SiriusXM app.
SiriusXM subscribers can hear the English-language, live UFC audio broadcast of all UFC Fight Night events – from beginning-to-end –, the UFC PPV Early Prelims and Prelims, and Dana White’s Contender Series events.
This Week’s UFC Event
UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Craig
Coverage begins this Saturday, November 18 from 2:00pm to 10:00PM ET
SiriusXM Fight Nation (Ch. 156) is available to subscribers nationwide in their car and on the SiriusXM app. Click here to learn more about SiriusXM Fight Nation programming.
Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed on Instagram and Threads (both of which he owns) that he had ACL surgery on his knee last week — and recovery is proving to be a challenge.
Zuck told followers he suffered the injury while practicing MMA in his backyard for an upcoming fight.
“I was training for a competitive MMA fight early next year, but now that’s delayed a bit,” he said. “Still looking forward to doing it after I recover. Thanks to everyone for the love and support.”
On threads, Meta’s competition to Elon Musk’s X, Zuckerberg updated his followers on his progress.
Naturally, the CEO has found himself playing UFC games to fill the void of not being able to fight in real life — except things became “a bit too real” when his character in the game was also, ironically, injured.
“My fighter started 39 years old, but turns out every time you lose your fighter needs 9 months to recover from injuries plus time to get a new fight and then training camp,” he explained. “I chose the hardest difficulty and found myself sitting here at the peak of post-surgery pain with my fighter 0-8, almost 54 years old, still trying to get his first win in the UFC.”
A classic case of life imitating art.
Zuck’s long since been a fan of martial arts (he rented out the entire UFC APEX in Las Vegas for a match in 2022, after all) but has been taking the sport more seriously as of late.
This past May, the billionaire won a gold medal in his first-ever Jiu-Jitsu competition in Woodside, California.
“MMA is the perfect thing,” Zuckerberg told host Joe Rogan on an August 2022 episode of The Joe Rogan Experience. “After an hour or two of working out or rolling or wrestling with friends, or training with different folks, it”s like now I’m ready to go solve whatever problem at work for the day.”
According to Healthline, healing from ACL surgery takes at least nine months, including the initial post-surgery healing phase and physical therapy further down the line.
ESPN and SiriusXM have teamed up to give listeners nationwide access to ESPN’s live audio coverage of select UFC events on SiriusXM Fight Nation (channel 156), SiriusXM’s dedicated combat sports channel. Listeners tuning in to SiriusXM Fight Nation will hear the live call from the UFC audio on ESPN networks, giving them access to the excitement of the UFC on the SiriusXM radios in their cars or anywhere they go with the SiriusXM App.
SiriusXM subscribers can hear the English-language, live UFC audio broadcast of all UFC Fight Night events – from beginning-to-end –, the UFC PPV Early Prelims and Prelims, and Dana White’s Contender Series events.
This Week’s UFC Fight Night Event
UFC Fight Night: Almeida vs. Lewis
Coverage begins this Saturday, November 4 from 6:00pm to 12:00AM ET
Future UFC Events
November 11 – UFC 295: Procházka vs. Pereira
November 18 – UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Craig
SiriusXM Fight Nation (Ch. 156) is available to subscribers nationwide in their car and on the SiriusXM App. Click here to learn more about SiriusXM Fight Nation programming.
Sean Hannity had one combat sport in mind while outlining how he gears up for potential shootings just hours after a mass killing in Maine left at least 16 people dead on Wednesday.
“And then I always ask the question – when something like this happens, what is your plan? What do you do? I have a personal security plan. I train in mixed martial arts,” the Fox News host mentioned in an interview with GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley.
“I’ve been a big believer in the Second Amendment for a long time with the prayer that I would never have to use it.”
The Fox News host’s comments arrived after the deadly shootings at a bar and bowling alley in the city of Lewiston, the state’s second-largest city. Law enforcement sources told the Associated Press that dozens of people were also wounded in the shootings.
State police have since identified a person of interest in the shootings: a military-trained firearms instructor who was committed to a mental health facility for two weeks over the summer.
Hannity went on to ask Haley what she views as the “underlying cause” of shootings in America before the candidate called for “serious law and order,” the defunding of sanctuary cities and to acknowledge “the cancer in America that is mental health.”
Social media users mocked Hannity over his mention of his MMA training, joking that he’s training to “block bullets with his body” during a shooting.
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It’s fight night for UFC fans, or should we say fight early afternoon? Islam Makhachev defends his lightweight title against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 on Saturday, Oct. 21, with the match taking place at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT. Makhachev won at UFC 284 back in February, and Volkanovski is eager to level the score in the re-match, with a chance to take the title.
The pay-per-view event is broadcasting live from Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Fans can live stream all of the action online, with Makhachev vs. Volkanovski streaming live on ESPN+.
As mentioned, the Makhachev vs. Volkanovski main card has an early start time of 2 p.m. ET, with the two fighters expected to take the ring shortly afterwards. The preliminaries start at 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT. Watch the PPV live feed at plus.espn.com.
UFC 294 PAY-PER-VIEW PRICE, OFFERS
Want to watch Makhachev vs. Volkanovski? The UFC 294 fight isn’t airing on TV so the only way to watch it is to get pay-per-view live stream on ESPN+. The PPV price for UFC 294 is $79.99, if you’re an ESPN+ subscriber.
Not a subscriber? One month of ESPN+ costs just $10.99. You can get access to the UFC 294 live stream for $79.99 taking your one-time total to $90.98. In addition to letting you live stream Makhachev vs. Volkanovski online, you’ll get 30 days of access to the entire ESPN+ library — including 30 For 30, Payton’s Place, Man in the Arena with Tom Brady, The Pat McAfee Show and much more.
If you want the best deal for ESPN+ with the UFC 294 live stream, you’ll want to spring for the ESPN+ annual plan, which goes for $134.98. This is 25% off, or $55 less than paying for an annual plan at $110.99 and the UFC livestream at $79.99 separately.
HOW TO WATCH UFC 294 ONLINE: STREAM MAKHACHEV VS. VOLKANOVSKI 2
ESPN+ is the exclusive home for UFC 294, so the only way to watch Makhachev vs. Volkanovski online is through the sports network’s streaming service, which lets you access the pay-per-view live stream on your smartphone, laptop, tablet or smart TV via the ESPN+ app.
Want to watch UFC 294 online free? While ESPN+ offers a free live feed to UFC Fight Night, UFC 294 is a PPV event. The only official live stream for UFC 294 is through the ESPN+ app and the service no longer offers a free trial. If you want to watch Makhachev vs. Volkanovski 2, then you have to sign up for the pay-per-view event.
UFC 294 CO-MAIN CARD
The co-main event during UFC 294 is middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev going up against former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. In addition, the event features light heavyweights Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker doing battle, while Ikram Aliskerov and Warlley Alves fight in a middleweight bout.
The latest UFC 294 predictions have Makhachev as the favorite vs. Volkanovski, and Chimaev as the odds-on favorite vs. Usman.
While many of us spent our summer Fridays resting on a beach, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg spent his time in between meetings much differently — getting beat up on a floating barge.
In a video posted to Meta-owned Instagram with the caption “summer vibes,” Zuckerberg can be seen training with MMA fighters Alexander Volkanovski and Israel Adesanya in a dramatically edited clip that features the trio fighting, kicking, and flipping into the crystal-clear waters surrounded by mountains and evergreens.
Facebook’s founder has been training for more than a year and takes his hobby seriously. (The gold medal-winning jiu-jitsu champion reportedly set up an octagon in his backyard for MMA practice and training — his wife wasn’t pleased.)
In May, on an episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience,” he said training helps him as a CEO.
“After an hour or two of working out, or rolling or wrestling with friends, or training with different folks, it’s like now I’m ready to go solve whatever problem at work for the day,” Zuckerberg said.
For the past few months, Zuckerberg and X owner Elon Musk have been sparring (on social media only, sadly) in a war of words about a potential real-life cage match between the billionaires. But after months of back and forth, Zuck ended the chatter by publicly writing that “Elon isn’t serious.”
Based on Zuckerberg’s summer activities, Musk may want to stay that way.
However, Musk takes home his own gold. Tesla’s CEO is currently the world’s richest person, per Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index, with roughing $234 billion as of Wednesday afternoon. Zuckerberg is ranked the No. 10 richest, with $109 billion.
BUCHAREST, Feb 2 (Reuters) – The woman from Moldova thought it was love. Internet celebrity Andrew Tate had offered her a new life. They’d even discussed marriage. He asked for only one thing: absolute loyalty.
“You must understand that once you are mine, you will be mine forever,” Tate told her on Feb. 4 last year in one of dozens of WhatsApp messages cited by Romanian prosecutors who allege he trafficked and sexually exploited several women.
Tate, an influencer with millions of online followers, urged the Moldovan woman to join him in Romania. “Nothing bad will happen,” he reassured her on Feb. 9. “But you have to be on my side.”
The following month, Romanian prosecutors say, Tate raped the woman twice in the country while seeking to enlist her in a human-trafficking operation focused on making pornography for the online platform OnlyFans, a site that allows people to sell explicit videos of themselves.
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The allegations and messages are included in a previously unpublished court document, dated Dec. 30 and reviewed by Reuters, which paints the most detailed picture yet of the illicit business allegedly run by Tate, a former kickboxing world champion, and his brother Tristan.
They came to light following the arrest of the brothers on Dec. 29 on charges of forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women.
British-American Andrew Tate, 36, who’s been based mainly in Romania since 2017, and his 34-year-old brother have denied all the allegations against them. Reuters was unable to reach them in police detention for comment.
In response to questions, their attorney Eugen Vidineac said he couldn’t publicly confirm or deny information about the case while the investigation was ongoing. Romania’s anti-organized crime unit also said its prosecutors couldn’t comment on the probe.
Reuters translated the WhatsApp exchanges with the Moldovan women – which appear in Romanian in the court document – back into English, their original language. While accurate, the translation of the Romanian version provided by prosecutors may not be identical to the initial wording.
The brothers used deception and intimidation to bring six women under their control and “transform them into slaves”, prosecutors said in the document. The 61-page file, produced by Bucharest court officials, comprises minutes of a hearing when a judge extended the Tates’ detention plus evidence submitted by the prosecution.
Attorney Vidineac said the brothers’ alleged victims weren’t mistreated, but “lived off the backs of the famous Tates”, according to the court document. “They were joyful and nobody was forcing them to do these things,” he added.
Vidineac acknowledged in the document that Andrew Tate and the Moldovan woman had sex but he said it was consensual and accused her of fabricating the rape claims.
Reuters couldn’t independently corroborate the version of events provided by prosecutors or the defence lawyer, and was unable to reach the six women named in the document for comment. The news organization does not typically identify alleged victims of sexual crimes unless they have chosen to release their names.
Two of the women told Romanian TV station Antena3 on Jan. 11 that they’re not victims and the Tates are innocent. The station identified them only by first names, Beatrice and Iasmina.
“You cannot list me as a victim if I say I am not one,” Beatrice told the station. The four other women, including the Moldovan woman, haven’t publicly commented.
ONLYFANS: WE’VE MONITORED TATE
The allegations facing Tate have put intense focus on a self-described misogynist who has built an online fanbase, particularly among young men, by promoting a lavish, hyper-macho image of driving fast cars and dating beautiful women.
In 2022, he was the world’s eighth-most Googled person, outranked only by figures such as Johnny Depp, Will Smith and Vladimir Putin, according to Google’s analysis.
Prosecutors say the Tates controlled the victims’ OnlyFans’ accounts and earnings amounting to tens of thousands of euros, underlining concerns among some human rights groups about the potential for the exploitation of women on such platforms.
Reuters couldn’t verify the existence of the alleged victims’ OnlyFans accounts.
UK-based OnlyFans has 150 million users who pay “creators” monthly fees of varying amounts for their content, much of it erotic or pornographic, but also in areas such as fitness training and music.
The company, whose 1.5 million creators can earn anything from hundreds of dollars to tens of thousands a month, says on its website it’s “the safest digital media platform”. It was founded in 2016 and grew rapidly during COVID-19 lockdowns.
An OnlyFans spokesperson told Reuters that Andrew Tate “has never had” a creator account or received payments. They said OnlyFans had been monitoring him since early 2022 and taken “proactive measures” to stop him posting or monetizing content, without elaborating on the reasons for the scrutiny or the steps taken.
The spokesperson added that creators as a whole underwent extensive identification checks and that all content was reviewed by the platform, which worked closely with law enforcement. Vidineac declined to comment about the measures taken by OnlyFans against Tate.
HOW I GET WOMEN TO LOVE ME
Andrew Tate’s image has been stoked by a series of contentious comments. He’s compared women to dogs and said they bear some responsibility for being raped. His remarks got him banned from Facebook, Instagram and other leading social media platforms last year.
A spokesperson for Meta said Tate was banned in August 2022 from its Facebook and Instagram platforms for violating its policies, which forbid “gender-based hate, any threats of sexual violence, or threats to share non-consensual intimate imagery”.
Tate said on a podcast in 2021 that he had started a webcam business in Britain that had peaked with 75 women working for him earning $600,000 a month – a sum Reuters was unable to independently verify. He didn’t elaborate in the podcast on what the women did.
Up until last month, his website offered a course costing more than $400 that promised to teach “every step to building a girl who is submissive, loyal and in love with you”.
“THAT IS MY SKILL. To extremely efficiently get women in love with me,” he said on the website. The pages about the course, reviewed by Reuters, were removed in January.
In a separate YouTube video aimed at men who want to make money by putting women on OnlyFans, Tate called the platform “the greatest hustle in the world”. The original date of the video, which was uploaded multiple times, is unclear.
In the court document, lawyer Vidineac said Tate’s online persona was a “virtual character” constructed to gain followers and make money, and had “nothing to do with the real man”.
Tate’s Twitter account, reinstated in November, one month after billionaire Elon Musk bought the platform, protests his innocence to his 4.8 million followers. “They have arrested me to ‘look’ for evidence … which they will not find because it doesn’t exist,” said a Jan. 15 post.
AMERICAN WOMAN ‘VERY AFRAID’
Tate first met the Moldovan woman virtually on Instagram in January 2022 before they met in person in London the following month, and by March she was in Romania, prosecutors said in the court document, which includes WhatsApp exchanges between Feb. 4 and Apr. 8.
Authorities moved on the brothers on Apr. 11, when police raided one of their properties in Bucharest on suspicion that an American woman was being held there against her will.
According to prosecutors, the American woman – another of the alleged six victims – met Tristan Tate online in November 2021, then in person in Miami the following month. They said he lured her to Romania by expressing “false feelings” for her and promising a serious relationship, paid for her plane ticket and said he could help her earn “100K a month” on OnlyFans.
Tristan Tate picked her up at Bucharest airport in a Rolls-Royce on April 5 2022, and took her back to his house, which had two armed guards, the court document said.
He told her she wasn’t a prisoner but said the guards wouldn’t let her outside without his permission, it added. He said it was dangerous for her to leave “because he had enemies”.
There were cameras all over the house, which Tristan Tate monitored remotely, prosecutors said in the document. He once messaged the American to say he could see where she was and what she was doing, they said.
When she moved to another house with four of Andrew Tate’s “girlfriends” she was allowed outside but only if accompanied by other women, said the prosecutors, adding that she was “very afraid” of the brothers.
In the document, Tate’s lawyer said the American woman had a mobile phone, internet access and the freedom to leave the house as she pleased.
The woman has not spoken publicly about the Tates or the prosecutors’ allegations.
Romanian prosecutors said on Jan. 15 that as part of their probe into the suspects they had seized assets worth almost $4 million, including a fleet of luxury cars from Andrew Tate’s compound on the outskirts of Bucharest.
‘SEXUALLY EXPLOITATIVE CONTENT’
The detention of the Tates, along with two Romanian women accused of working for them, has been extended to Feb. 27. Their appeal against that detention was rejected by a court on Wednesday. A judge can order their detention for up to 180 days while the investigation is ongoing, which means it could stretch into late June.
The suspected accomplices, Georgiana Naghel and Luana Radu, controlled the six victims’ OnlyFans and TikTok accounts on behalf of the Tates, skimming off half the revenue and fining women for being late or sniffling on camera, said prosecutors.
The pair threatened to beat the women up if they did not do their job, according to the court document.
Naghel and Radu have denied all the allegations against them. Vidineac, who also represents Naghel, and Radu’s lawyer said they couldn’t comment on the case.
The Tates’ operation put women on TikTok to drive traffic to OnlyFans because of its lucrative subscriptions, prosecutors said. Reuters couldn’t independently verify the existence of the TikTok accounts in question.
TikTok said in a statement that Andrew Tate was banned from its platform, and that it had been taking action against videos and accounts related to him that violated its prohibition against “sexually exploitative content”.
The company declined to comment further, citing Romania’s ongoing investigation.
Reporting by Luiza Ilie, Octav Ganea and Andrew R.C. Marshall. Editing by Jason Szep and Pravin Char
By becoming UFC lightweight champion Saturday, Islam Makhachev fulfilled a prophecy.
Maybe it was really just a lifelong friend expressing faith and brotherhood, but when Khabib Nurmagomedov briefly interrupted a Makhachev news conference three years ago, it felt like something far more consequential. Let’s call it a coronation-in-waiting.
Nurmagomedov was still the champion then, having just defended his 155-pound belt that night at UFC 242 with a dominant finish of Dustin Poirier. Makhachev had competed earlier that evening in Abu Dhabi — scene of this weekend’s fight card, too — and also had put on a thrashing performance. Another thrashing performance. After beating up Davi Ramos to run his record to 18-1, Makhachev was sitting at the postfight dais explaining to reporters how he’d gotten it done.
Until Nurmagomedov entered the scene. The champ was carrying his UFC belt, and he placed it on the table in front of Makhachev, then walked off after speaking just two words.
“Future champ.”
Nurmagomedov’s emphasis was on “champ,” but the essential word here was the other one. That’s something Makhachev immediately made clear.
“I already waiting when he retired,” a smiling Makhachev said as he glanced over at the shiny strap. “I want to fight for this belt. This my dream.”
That dream came true Saturday in the main event of UFC 280, when Makhachev upstaged a star-studded fight card lineup with a stunning second-round submission of Charles Oliveira. It was an achievement that somehow became even more meaningful when the coveted belt was wrapped around the new champ’s waist by a beaming Nurmagomedov, who lifted his friend onto his shoulders and paraded him around the Octagon.
Then Makhachev tried to hand Nurmagomedov the belt that he had worn until his sudden retirement two years ago, which fulfilled a promise Khabib had made to his mother following the death of his father, Abdulmanap. Back in their native Dagestan, the elder Nurmagomedov had coached not just his son but also Makhachev, and the new champ wanted to honor his longtime coach with a touching gesture for Khabib, who now serves as his coach and cornerman.
“My belt for my coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov,” Makhachev said. “Many years ago, he told me, ‘Just train hard and you going to be champion.’ And I want to give [Khabib] this belt. His father make me, I know.”
Nurmagomedov would have none of it. “Yours,” he said as he draped the strap back over Makhachev’s shoulder.
This moment and all that led up to it signified the brotherhood between these two fighters. During introductions for the main event, Nurmagomedov appeared more nervous than Makhachev, more nervous than he’d ever looked before one of his own fights. And when his friend finished Oliveira, the UFC’s all-time leader in submissions, with a head-and-arm choke at 3:16 of Round 2, the typically stoic Nurmagomedov raced into the Octagon with an ear-to-ear smile to lift up Makhachev with a bear hug that could have squeezed the life out of a lesser man.
But Makhachev was up to the moment, just as he had been up to everything thrown at him during the fight. From the start, he did not hesitate to attack Oliveira, who was coming off consecutive finishes of Justin Gaethje, Poirier and Michael Chandler. And while the title was vacant going into this fight because Oliveira had been stripped after missing weight before his May bout with Gaethje, pretty much the whole MMA world considered the Brazilian the de facto champ.
And yet this result kind of felt predestined. Was it because of the endorsement of Nurmagomedov, who has never been known for flights of hyperbole? If Khabib said Makhachev was a future champ, many in the sport seemed to believe that it must be true. Khabib had repeatedly shown that he could do it all inside the cage. So why doubt that he could divine the future?
Sure, Makhachev had done his part to show himself worthy of accolades. He has been a dominant force since he entered the UFC in 2015, winning 10 fights in a row going into Saturday. But he certainly did not have the resume to match Oliveira, having never faced anyone on the level of Gaethje, Poirier, Chandler or Tony Ferguson. Yet Makhachev walked into the cage this weekend as a nearly 2-to-1 betting favorite.
And then he showed why.
It’s tempting to label Makhachev as Khabib 2.0, though that’s an oversimplification built on their friendship, shared heritage, wrestling skills and boundless confidence. But Makhachev has a well-rounded skill set that sets him apart from all others in his division. And he also has some extra promotional muscle in his corner.
That was evident during Makhachev’s postfight interview inside the Octagon. After he and Nurmagomedov tried to hand each other the title belt, Nurmagomedov interjected to put his friend’s accomplishment in context and to immediately build on it.
“Last couple of years, I told you guys Islam Makhachev is the best fighter,” Nurmagomedov said. “Not in lightweight — he’s the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter right now, today.”
No. 1 pound-for-pound, already? That is a hallowed spot that, in the ESPN rankings and the eyes of many others, is occupied at the moment by UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, who happened to be sitting cageside at Etihad Arena. Nurmagomedov knew this. He wanted to pick a fight, a massive fight, for his friend.
“Now is our plan: fly all the way to Australia and fight with pound-for-pound king, Volkanovski,” Nurmagomedov said.
“Where the short guy?” Makhachev said. “Where?”
Volkanovski was promptly escorted into the cage and a global superfight was made on the spot.
Make that two brilliant performances in one night for Team Makhachev.
“Father’s plan” worked. Islam Makhachev is the new lightweight champion after defeating Charles Oliveria by second-round submission (arm triangle) to win the vacant belt at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Saturday. Makhachev entered the fight on a 10-fight winning streak and was set to finalize the plan of his coach and longtime teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov, the former UFC lightweight champion: To win the belt.
For Oliveira, who lost the belt on the scales back in May, this was his first defeat in 11 fights.
Earlier on the card, the bantamweight division took center stage. Champion Aljamain Sterling dominated TJ Dillashaw with a TKO victory, while Sean O’Malley escaped with a split-decision win over Petr Yan. Should the winners fight each other? And how about the losers? A fight between either pair could be a must-see.
So what should come next? Let’s take a look at what fights could be ahead in 2023.
Islam Makhachev, lightweight champion (defeated Charles Oliveira to win the vacant lightweight title)
Well, Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Volkanovski and the UFC made this one pretty easy. Everything is lined up. Makhachev gets to defend his belt against the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. And Volkanovski gets a shot at a second title — in his home country of Australia.
Send the contracts. Print the fight posters. We’re going to Perth, Australia on Feb. 12 for UFC 284 and this is the main event.
Dariush is so, so, so deserving of a title fight, but even he seems to know it isn’t in the cards — yet. There are just too many big fights ahead of him right now. One would think he’ll have to get his chance if he continues to win, but it won’t be right now.
Charles Oliveira (lost by second-round submission to Islam Makhachev)
Oliveira is a perfect foe for McGregor, if and when McGregor ever returns. He keeps saying he will, but it feels like we’re never any closer to it.
If he does come back though, this is the one. Oliveira has arguably the most exciting style in the sport right now. He’s already beaten a lot of the obvious opponents you’d book him against next. He deserves the attention a megafight against McGregor would bring him. And I bet he’d even take the fight at 170 pounds, if that’s what McGregor demanded.
Wild card: Beneil Dariush
If Dariush doesn’t get a title shot, which doesn’t feel likely, this would be a big fight for him, and one Dariush deserves.
From a rankings standpoint, it makes perfect sense. Would love to see Oliveira in the biggest fight possible. This probably isn’t that, but it’s a quality, quality matchup.
Sean O’Malley, middleweight (defeated Petr Yan by split decision)
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Sean O’Malley beats Petr Yan via split decision after an explosive third round. (edited)
What should be next: Sterling vs. O’Malley
UFC president Dana White said the two winners of these fights would square off, and there’s no reason to deviate from that after watching them play out.
Whether you agree with the scoring of O’Malley’s split decision win over Yan or not, there’s no doubting he proved himself to be elite. He just beat the No. 1-ranked contender and a former champion. And Sterling feels even more like an undisputed champion now, getting the better of one of the best bantamweights of all time.
Convincingly. Sterling wants big fights, because big fights equal big money. O’Malley is instantly the biggest fight for him, and the rankings justify it. This should be the next title fight at 135 pounds.
This would feel out of place, and I don’t see it happening, but we still don’t know what is going to be next for Cejudo. He’s coming back and obviously wants a shot at the belt. Again, Sterling wants big fights, and this would be one that’s easy to sell. There would be a storyline behind it. Cejudo walked away a couple years ago as the champ, on a dominant run that included two divisions. He’s a character in this story, but it’s hard to see him getting a shot ahead of O’Malley.
TJ Dillashaw (lost to men’s bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling by second-round TKO)
Petr Yan, middleweight (lost to Sean O’Malley by split decision)
What should be next: Dillashaw vs. Yan
You’ve got to feel a little bit for Yan. That’s back-to-back fights that plenty of observers felt he won. Sometimes, the margins in this sport can be cruel. The difference between two massive wins and two stinging losses comes down to fine details.
Yan is still considered one of the best, as is Dillashaw. Stylistically, this is a sick fight. Both of these guys hit hard, incorporate kicks, switch stances. It’s a Fight-of-the-Night candidate on paper, and the obvious next move for both, depending how Dillashaw’s health is coming off what appeared to be yet another shoulder injury.
Belal Muhammad hands Sean Brady his first career loss with a flurry of punches in a TKO victory.
What should be next: Wait.
Wait for what? I’m honestly not sure. Something to open up. Right now, you’re looking at Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman III next. And the UFC is going to try to book Khamzat Chimaev against Colby Covington. That only leaves Gilbert Burns as far as a welterweight ranked higher than Muhammad, but the UFC wants to book Burns against Jorge Masvidal.
The only answer is to wait. He’s officially unbeaten in his last eight contests so, if Muhammad refuses to fight anyone else, you can’t blame him. Maybe Covington refuses to fight Chimaev. Maybe Masvidal refuses to fight Burns. My guess is Muhammad will be in no rush to book any other fight and let those scenarios play out.
Rakhmonov is looking a little like a boogeyman at 170 pounds, and Neal is back on track with two consecutive wins after suffering a pair of losses. Whoever wins this fight on Jan. 14 will be looking up the rankings, and Muhammad will make for an obvious target.
If all of the names ahead of Muhammad are booked, don’t be surprised if the UFC asks Muhammad to stay active and accept a fight against one of these two. We’ll have to see where things stand by Jan. 14, but this figures to be a real option for Muhammad come early 2023.
When Khabib Nurmagomedov vacated the UFC’s lightweight championship and retired from mixed martial arts two years ago, the sport’s expectations turned to his longtime teammate and protégé, Islam Makhachev. And now his time has come.
Makhachev (22-1) will attempt to win the UFC’s 155-pound title on Saturday when he meets Charles Oliveira (33-8) in the main event of UFC 280 inside Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The pay-per-view airs at a special time of 2 p.m. ET.
The timing of the matchup probably couldn’t be any better. Makhachev was always expected to fight for the belt at some point, and he will now do so against a foe in Oliveira whom no one wants to bet against. Oliveira has battled through adversity in each of his three title defenses against Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje before earning a finish.
The Brazilian fighter has won 11 in a row, securing 10 finishes in the process. The only reason he is not technically the lightweight champion this week is that he missed weight by one-half pound ahead of his most recent win against Gaethje in May.
In addition to the main event, bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling (21-3) will defend his title against TJ Dillashaw (17-4), who surrendered it in 2019 after he tested positive for a banned substance. And fan favorite Sean O’Malley (15-1) will face the biggest test of his career in Petr Yan (16-3).
Follow along as Brett Okamoto, Marc Raimondi and Jeff Wagenheim recap the fights as they happen, or watch the card live on ESPN+ PPV.
Fight in progress: Women’s flyweight: Katlyn Chookagian (18-4, 11-4 UFC, +175) vs. Manon Fiorot (9-1, 4-0 UFC, -210)
Borralho’s momentum as an up-and-coming 185-pound fighter continues.
With a steady diet of grappling and submission attempts, Borralho pulled out a unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) win over Muradov. He was never able to get close to finishing Muradov, but earned mount several times and had Muradov in bad positions.
Muradov shot in for several takedowns and had some success in top position in the second round. But Borralho showed himself to be a slicker grappler, using a guillotine submission attempt three times to sweep and get on top. From there, he passed to mount. Muradov defended well in those spots, he just couldn’t get his own offense going.
Borralho, 29, has won his first three UFC fights and 10 straight overall. The Brazilian-born fighter earned his way into the UFC with a first-round TKO finish over Jesse Murray last year on Dana White’s Contender Series. Muradov, a 32-year-old Tajikistan-born Uzbek fighter, has dropped two straight following a three-fight UFC winning streak.
As this meeting of top-10 205-pounders began, it appeared that Krylov might not make it out of the first minute, much less the full three rounds.
Blasted with punch after punch by Oezdemir and wobbled in the opening seconds, Krylov hung tough before eventually turning the tide and seizing control.
By late in the third round, it was looking like Krylov might be the one getting the finish, as he had an exhausted Oezdemir in deep trouble, but the fight went the distance and Krylov took the clear decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28). It was just the second decision among his 29 career wins.
Krylov, a 30-year-old from Ukraine, won his second in a row after dropping three of four.
Oezdemir, who is 33 and from Switzerland, had strong moments beyond the fast start, but as the fight wore on, the No. 10 light heavyweight in ESPN’s rankings slowed down and appeared increasingly drained. He has lost three of his last four fights.
Nurmagomedov, of Dagestan, picked up his first win of 2022 behind judges’ scores of 30-27, 29-28 and 29-28.
The fight was competitive, but Nurmagomedov, cousin of Khabib, was more aggressive and the better wrestler. According to UFC Stats data, Nurmagomedov racked up 7:55 of control time, mostly in top position. He ate a hard upkick from Omargadzhiev in the second round, but he wore the shot well and went back to controlling the Russian fighter on the ground. He dropped Omargadzhiev with a right hand on the feet in the third round.
This was Nurmagomedov’s first appearance since he picked up a win against Jared Gordon in March 2021. He is 2-1 overall in the UFC.
Omargadzhiev falls to 0-2 since earning a contract on Contender Series last year.
Petrosyan was the one wearing damage on his face at the end of three rounds, but looks were deceiving as the former kickboxing world champion controlled the fight from the get-go to win all three rounds (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) for his third victory in his past four fights.
Petrosyan, who is 31 and fights out of Armenia, maintained proper distance for much of what turned out to be a striking contest nearly from start to finish. Dobson did get three takedowns over the first two rounds, but seemed content to mostly stand and trade.
The problem for Dobson, a 30-year-old from Powell, Ohio, was that he didn’t trade enough. He bloodied up Petrosyan and landed the more telling punches, but his punches and kicks were relatively few and far between. Dobson threw less than half as many strikes as Petrosyan.
As a result, Dobson lost for the second straight time since joining the UFC last year off of Dana White’s Contenders Series.
Mokaev’s quest to become the youngest champion in UFC history is still in play, although it nearly took a disastrous turn in this fight.
Mokaev, who fights out of England, submitted Gordon with an armbar with just 34 seconds remaining in their 125-pound contest. The finish came after Mokaev himself was nearly forced to tap to a rear-naked choke in the second round. Gordon took the 22-year-old phenom’s back and threatened with the choke as the second round expired.
Gordon, 32, suplexed Mokaev in the third round and was in great position for an upset, but Mokaev found the finish late. He improves to 3-0 in the UFC, with all three wins coming this year.
“There’s a 10-year difference [in age] between me and this guy,” Mokaev said. “I’m 22 years old. This is my third fight in the UFC in six months. The weight cut is hard, but I have the best team.”
To become the youngest champion in UFC history, Mokaev will have to win the title by March 2024. He would beat the current record by Jon Jones if that happens.
Rosa absorbed a hard right hand to the face in the fight’s opening minute — and it contributed to her winning the bout. The 27-year-old from Brazil, who came into the fight with twice as many knockout wins as submissions, took the fight to the canvas shortly after being stung by that punch from Lansberg, a two-time Muay Thai world champion and multiple-time medalist.
Rosa immediately recognized that getting away from standup fighting was her smartest route to victory. And that’s what Rosa proceeded to do, taking down Lansberg three times over the first two rounds to control the bout and win (29-27, 29-27, 28-28) for the seventh time in her past eight fights. Rosa had a point deducted in Round 2 for a knee to the face of her grounded opponent.
Lansberg, who is 40 years old and from Sweden, has lost three fights in a row.
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