Amanda Nunes Stops Holly Holm In One Round To Defend Bantamweight Championship

Amanda Nunes made another defense of her Bantamweight Championship, picking up her second first round finish in a row, defeating Holly Holm. At UFC 239 in the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, Nunes landed a head kick which dropped Holm and concluded the bout in just under five minutes.

“I told my coach I wanna knock her out the same way she knocks people out,” said Nunes in the post-fight interview.

This became the fourth defence of the UFC Bantamweight Championship by Nunes. In between those wins was another fight where she claimed the UFC Featherweight Championship, defeating Cris Cyborg back in December.

The fight took place in the co-main event slot of UFC 239, with the main event being Jon Jones versus Thiago Santos for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.

Israel Adesanya Set To Face Robert Whittaker In Middleweight Unificaton Bout

The UFC Middleweight and Interim Middleweight Championship will be unified on October 5th, when Robert Whittaker takes on Israel Adesanya at UFC 243. Set to take place in Australia, it will be the third time within a year that the promotion held an event within the country.

The fight was formally announced on Friday at one of UFC’s quarterly press conferences, previewing many of the big upcoming fights. The press conference was hosted by Dana White and was in the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“He’s fought twice in the last maybe three years. I’ve been busy,” said Adesanya when comparing himself to Whittaker. The Aussie defended himself, saying “It’s just one of those things, I got sick and you can’t help that.” Adesanya responded to that by claiming he fought through a knee injury in his last appearance.

Israel Adesanya has had an electric year and a half, defeating top contenders in Derek Brunson, Anderson Silva and Kelvin Gastelum. Robert Whittaker’s last fight was at UFC 225, where he got his first Championship defence over Yoel Romero.

The press conference featured other big names in the UFC like Daniel Cormeir, Stipe Miocic, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Dustin Poirier, Max Holloway and Frankie Edgar.

7/7/19 8:01 PM EST Correction: Venue removed as it is not confirmed yet.

Demetrius Andrade Retains WBO Middleweight Championship In A Clean Sweep

Demetrius Andrade saw a perfect score on the judges scorecards on Saturday, going over Maciej Sulecki and retaining his WBO Middleweight Championship. Despite it being the 27th victory in his professional career, it was the first time Andrade had fought in his hometown of Providence, Rhode Island, USA. The middleweight went all twelve rounds at the Dunkin Donuts Center, with all three judges giving him the win with a score of 120-107.

Andrade got off to a hot start in the fight, knocking down Sulecki in the first round. No more knockdowns came in the bout but every round that followed was a clinic being put on by Andrade. In most rounds he had a low stance keeping his head typically below Sulecki’s, despite the similar height. He even showboated in some rounds by flailing arms, lowering guard and having fancy footwork.

With the victory on Saturday, Demetrius Andrade stays on the current Mount Rushmore of the middleweight division along with Jermall Charlo, Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin.

Another championship bout went down in the co-main slot, with Khalid Yafai having a unanimous victory of Norbelto Jimenez (117-109, 119-107 & 118-108) to retain his WBA Super Flyweight Championship.

Francis Ngannou Defeats Junios dos Santos in Heavyweight Eliminator Bout

On Saturday, Francis Ngannou made himself next in line for a shot at the UFC Heavyweight Championship, defeating Junior dos Santos in quick fashion. Just over a minute into the first of five rounds, Ngannou caught dos Santos with punches, dropping him and making referee Herb Dean end the fight. Ngannou’s victory happened at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, in front of 10 thousand fans live in attendance.

Defeating the #3 seed in the heavyweight division, he is lined up to face the winner of Daniel Cormier versus Stipe Miocic, which goes down on August 17th. He made it clear that this fight is what he wants, touching on it in the post-fight interview.

The co-main event of the show had another eliminator bout, as #2 seeded flyweight Joseph Benavidez defeated #3 seed Jussier Formiga in the second round with punches. The current flyweight champion is Henry Cejudo, who recently defeated Marlon Moraes to become a two-division champion.

UFC holds a flagship event next week, with a two championship event happening as part of their “International Fight Week.” Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones will face Thiago Santos with Bantamweight Champion Amanda Nunes fighting Holly Holm in the fight before.

UFC on ESPN 3: N’Gannou vs. Dos Santos Full Report

A week before UFC’s next PPV, Minneapolis, Minnesota hosted a heavyweight clash between Francis Ngannou and Junior Dos Santos. Along with the main event was 11 other fights, including six on the prelims. Let’s first look at how the preliminary card went down.

Bout 1: Junior Albini (14-5) vs. Maurice Greene (7-3) (Heavyweight)

Fittingly, the evening started with a heavyweight fight. Junior Albini faced Maurice Greene, who was fighting in his home state. Early in the first round, Greene landed a combination of punches which shook Albini. Halfway into the round, Albini was dropped by punches. When they got back up Albini had Greene retreating with some punches. Albini was taken down by punches once again with a minute and a half left in the round, with Greene landing a few more punches before referee Jason Herzog called an end to the bout.

My Scorecard:

Fighter	Round 1	Round 2	Round 3	Total
Albini
Greene

Bout 2: Amanda Ribas (6-1) vs. Emily Whitmire (4-2) (Strawweight)

In the next bout, we had a fight between two Strawweights who have small MMA records. This was also Ribas’ UFC debut. In the first round, Ribas got on Whitmire’s back while she was standing. She tried for a rear naked choke for over a minute. They eventually went to the ground where Ribas’ control continued. Whitmire was able to turn herself over and take top position on Ribas. After battling up against the cage in the second round Ribas took down Whitmire again. In top position, she landed some punches and then tried for the rear naked choke again. Whitmire tapped out shortly after. She gave a very grateful in the interview afterwards.

My Scorecard:

Fighter	Round 1	Round 2	Round 3	Total
Ribas	10
Whitmire	9

Bout 3: Dequan Townsend (21-8) vs. Dalcha Lungiambula (9-1) (Light Heavyweight)

Continuing with the prelims, Dequan Townsend fought Dalcha Lungiambula in a light heavyweight contest. There was a clear height difference between the fighters with Townsend having the advantage. Both fighters showcased their fast and powerful punches early on. They clinched up against the cage after an exchange of punches. Lumbiambula tried to throw Townsend on the ground but they got back up shortly. They stayed on the ground for longer when Lungiambula tripped Townsend. He landed another takedown when they got back up. Lunbiambula landed another takedown within the first minute of the second round. The fight stayed on the ground until the final 10 seconds of the round when the referee stood them up. In the first 30 seconds of the final round, Lungiambula dropped Townsend with punches. He landed a few more on the ground before it was ended.

My Scorecard:

Fighter	Round 1	Round 2	Round 3	Total
Townsend	9	9
Lunbiambula	10	10

Bout 4: Dan Moret (13-5) vs. Jared Gordon (14-3) (Lightweight)

In the next bout Dan Moret battled Jared Gordon. In the second minute of the fight Gordon landed a takedown on Moret after taking a head kick. Moret fought his way back to his feet eventually. He landed knees in a clinch which woke up the crowd. Moret started to string together punches on the feet. Moret got a takedown but they stood back up against the cage right after. Gordon tried for a takedown early in the second, but Moret reversed it into a leg sweep which gave him a takedown instead. Moret tried for a rear naked choke and an armbar. Gordon landed some strikes by standing up and punching Moret who was on the ground. Moret put in a rear naked choke early in the third round after Gordon slipped from a kick. Gordon got out of it and went back to hitting Moret from top position. Moret escaped being smothered by Gordon with a minute and a half left in the round. Gordon shot for a takedown but Moret turned it into a scenario where he could take his back. Gordon was on his back but was just able to turn around and take top position yet again. The fight became the first one of the night to go the distance, with the judges giving it to Jared Gordon (30-27, 30-27 29-28).

My Scorecard:

Fighter	Round 1	Round 2	Round 3	Total
Moret	10	9	9	28
Gordon	9	10	10	29

Bout 5: Vinicius Moreira (9-2) vs. Eryk Anders (11-4) (Light Heavyweight)

In the next fight we had Vinicius Moriera and Eryk Anders squared off. In the opening seconds of the fight Moreira tried to land a takedown but instead found himself on bottom position. They stood back up quickly, with Moreira trying for a single leg takedown. Anders got out of the predicament and caught Moreira in an awkward position, being able to land punches on him. Anders landed tons of strikes until the referee ended the fight. Afterwards the commentators were scrutinizing the referee for stopping the fight so late.

My Scorecard:

Fighter	Round 1	Round 2	Round 3	Total
Moreira
Anders

Bout 6: Journey Newson (9-1) vs. Ricardo Ramos (12-2) (Bantamweight)

Finishing off the preliminary portion of the card was Journey Newson and Ricardo Ramos. The reach and height differential significantly benefitted Ramos. The first round had evenly matched striking until Newson tried for a takedown but he found Ramos on his back. Ramos tried for a rear naked choke but Newson escaped. Newson tried for a guillotine but wasn’t successful either. They went back to stand-up as the round wound down. The second round was purely stand-up with neither fighter having a shining moment. In the final round Ramos landed a takedown but was immediately put in a guillotine. Ramos escaped and slammed down Newson when they were standing up against the cage. With a minute left in the final round, Ramos landed a spinning elbow which dropped Newson. Newson got back on his feet quickly and endured the rest of the round. The two fighters went the three scheduled rounds. All three judges had Ricardo Ramos winning all of the rounds (30-27, 30-27 & 30-27).

My Scorecard:

Fighter	Round 1	Round 2	Round 3	Total
Newson	9	10	9	28
Ramos	10	9	10	29

Bout 7: Paul Craig (11-3) vs. Alonzo Menifield (8-0) (Light Heavyweight)

Starting off the main card was yet another light heavyweight bout, with Alonzo Menifield putting his undefeated record on the line against Paul Craig. After Craig was up against the cage for a minute or so, he failed to land a takedown. Craig kept trying to take the fight to the ground but couldn’t. Menifield wasn’t landing anything hard on stand-up but was consistently walking down Craig. After Craig failed to do a spinning kick, Menifield caught Craig with punches which dropped him and ended the fight.

My Scorecard:

Fighter	Round 1	Round 2	Round 3	Total
Craig
Menifield

Bout 8: Polo Reyes (8-6) vs. Drew Dober (20-9) (Lightweight)

In the next bout, Polo Reyes fought Drew Dober in a lightweight bout. Early on Dober was landing good strikes. Reyes was dropped but recovered and got back to his feet. When Reyes was knocked down a second time, referee Jason Herzog stepped in to end the bout.

My Scorecard:

Fighter	Round 1	Round 2	Round 3	Total
Reyes
Dober

Bout 9: Vinc Pichel (11-2) vs. Roosevelt Roberts (8-0) (Lightweight)

Making it two lightweight bouts in a row, Vinc Pichel fought Roosevelt Roberts. Roberts looked to be the second person on this card to extend their undefeated record. The first round had some pretty close striking between both fighters. Roberts slammed Pichel on his head in the final minute of the first. The second round had more close striking. On the ground Pichel took top position as the round came to a close. Pichel landed a takedown a minute into the final round. Pichel put in a standing guillotine but eventually let it go. When the fight went back to the ground, Pichel was dominant on the ground. He took Roberts’ back, and then went into top position when Roberts rolled over. The fight went all three rounds with the fighters being respectful towards each other afterwards. All three judges gave the fight to Vinc Pichel (29-28, 29-28 & 29-28).

My Scorecard:

Fighter	Round 1	Round 2	Round 3	Total
Pichel	9	10	10	29
Roberts	10	9	9	28

Bout 10: Anthony Rocco Martin (16-4) vs. Demain Maia (26-9) (#12) (Welterweight)

In the next fight, we saw a Minnesota fighter in Anthony Rocco Martin versus veteran fighter Demian Maia. Maia went after a takedown in the first round and landed it. He was dominant on the ground for the majority of the round. In the second round Maia failed for a takedown early. He landed it upon second attempt. With the final 30 seconds left in the round, the referee stood them up. The final round had Martin showcase his successful stand-up. The fight came to a close while Martin was hitting a grounded Maia. The judges gave the fight to Demain Maia (29-28, 29-28 & 28-28).

My Scorecard:

Fighter	Round 1	Round 2	Round 3	Total
Martin	9	9	10	28
Maia	10	10	9	29

Bout 11: Joseph Benavidez (27-5) (#2) vs. Jussier Formiga (23-5) (#1) (Flyweight)

In the co-main event of the show, the top two ranked Flyweights in Joseph Benavidez and Jussier Formiga faced each other. The first round had some back and forth striking. Benavidez got a cut near his left eye in the first round. Formiga landed a good takedown in the second round. As the second round was coming to a close, Benavidez started to string together punches that made Formiga fall. The referee intervened, ending the bout.

My Scorecard:

Fighter	Round 1	Round 2	Round 3	Total
Benavidez	10
Formiga	9

Bout 12: Junior Dos Santos (21-5) (#3) vs. Francis Ngannou (13-3) (#2) (Heavyweight)

In the main event of the evening, #2 ranked heavyweight Francis Ngannou fought #3 ranked Junior Dos Santos. Early on, Dos Santos made Ngannou slip with a leg kick. Ngannou threw a right hook which landed well. Dos Santos turned his back to Ngannou after throwing a hook, which allowed Ngannou to punch him many times. He got dropped and was hit a few more times before Herb Dean stepped in to end it. In just over a minute, Francis Ngannou got the victory. After the fight he said he wants to face the winner between Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier.

My Scorecard:

Fighter	Round 1	Round 2	Round 3	Round 4	Round 5	Total
Ngannou
Dos Santos

As previously mentio ned, UFC will be holding a PPV event next weekend. In the main event of UFC 239, Jon Jones will attempt to defend his light heavyweight championship against Thiago Santos. In the co-main, Amanda Nunes will defend the bantamweight championship against Holly Holm.

Jermall Charlo Gets Unanimous Victory Over Brandon Adams

In a homecoming fight for Jermall Charlo, the WBC Middleweight Champion successfully defended his gold in a 12 round battle with Brandon Adams. Winning on all three scorecards quite decisively (119-109, 120-108 & 120-108), Charlo picked up his 28th career victory in the NRG Arena in his hometown of Houston, Texas, USA.

While the scorecards were one-sided in favour of Charlo, it wasn’t an easy fight for him. Adams was frequently hard to hit and displayed a good chin, never getting knocked down during the 36 minutes of competition. Also, Charlo admitted afterwards that he hurt one of his hands “in like the second round.”

The victory was the first defence of the WBC Middleweight Championship for Charlo, defending the interim belt once beforehand. Canelo Alvarez is the most prominent Middleweight champion, holding the WBA Super, IBF and The Ring Championships. Demetrius Andrade and Robert Brant also hold belts in the division.

In the co-main event slot, Erickson Lubin picked up a fourth-round stoppage victory over Zakaria Attou. Attou’s corner threw in the towel after he endured a knockdown.

Jermall’s twin brother Jermell Charlo fought last week in Nevada, defeating Jorge Cota in three rounds. The victory was a bounce back from his first pro loss, losing to Tony Harrison via decision on a card he shared with his brother.

Richard Commey Gets Eighth Round Stoppage Over Ray Beltran

Richard Commey picked up an eight round stoppage against Ray Beltran on Saturday in Temecula, California, USA at the Pechanga Resort & Casino. Commey retained his IBF Lightweight Championship, in what was his first appearance since defeating Isa Chaniev in February to win it.

Commey had the edge from the start, scoring two knockdowns on Beltran in the first round, and yet another in the fifth. In the eighth round, it was a left hook from Commey that sent Beltran to the floor. Despite his willingness to continue, the referee made the decision to end the bout.

Ray Beltran’s battle started early this week when he didn’t make weight the day before. Despite not making weight initially, by Saturday, Richard Commey weighed more due to rehydration.

The fighters clashed heads twice in the fight, with the right eye of Commey swelling because of this. Upon both collisions, it looked like Commey got the worse of the exchange.

In the co-main event in Temecula, Carlos Adames defeated Patrick Day in a 10 round bout to retain his NABO and NABF Super Welterweight Championships. The scorecards favoured him unanimously (97-93, 97-93 & 98-91).

Korean Zombie Pulls Off First Round Victory Over Renato Moicano

Chan Sung Jung, better known as “Korean Zombie” had a quick and dominant performance on Saturday over Renato Moicano. Sung Jung came in as the underdog, being the #12 ranked Featherweight facing the fifth-ranked fighter. Although it was scheduled for five rounds, not more than a minute was needed for Sung Jung to get the victory at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, USA.

The fight only lasted a minute, with Sung Jung taking control of the fight with a strong overhand right which dropped Moicano. On the ground, Sung Jung tried for a rear naked choke on top position and landed strikes after Moicano flattened out on the ground. The referee stopped the contest with just a few seconds left in the first minute.

Sung Jung has now tripled his losses with wins, extending his record to 15-5. Renato Moicano was only given his third career loss from this bout, with the previous one coming from Jose Aldo back in February. The Korean Zombie bounced back from a previous prolific loss to Yiar Rodriguez, where an elbow landed in the final seconds of the fifth round.

Henry Cejudo Becomes Bantamweight Champ and Double Champ In Chicago

Henry Cejudo added his name to the short list of UFC double champions on Saturday after defeating Marlon Moraes for the Bantamweight Championship. After a succession of hammer fist strikes on the ground in the third round the referee stopped the fight, making Cejudo the winner. After his win in Chicago, Illinois at the United Center, Cejudo became the 7th UFC fighter to hold two belts at once.

The first round went more in Moraes’ favour, with his striking being what gave him the edge. In the second round Cejudo landed better strikes, consistently finding success with throwing knees while in a clinch. Cejudo took Moraes to the ground in the third where he tried for a guillotine choke, did elbows from a top position and then did hammerfist punches which lead to the fight’s conclusion.

After the fight he listed Dominick Cruz, Cody Garbrandt and Uriah Faber as who he wants to fight next. He also said he wants to fight at 145 pounds in the future.

Earlier on the card Valentina Shevchenko retained her Flyweight Championship, defeating Jessica Eye with a head kick KO.

All of the website’s coverage of UFC 238 can be found here

Many Matches Announced For AEW’s “Fyter Fest”

A few matches have been announced for All Elite Wrestling’s collaborative event with gaming tournament CEO, which takes place in late June. “Fyter Fest,” an event parodying the infamous “Fyre Festival” will happen on June 29th, with tickets going on-sale through Ticketmaster tomorrow at Noon Eastern Time.

The most recently announced match is between the recently debuted Jon Moxley and Joey Janela. Moxley has made headlines throughout the week, debuting at AEW on Saturday, and announcing dates at Northeast Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling in the following days. Formerly known as Dean Ambrose, Moxley had his farewell match in WWE back in late April, and stayed out of the public eye until recently.

One of the head figures of AEW, Cody, will also be in action as he is set to face Darby Allin in a singles match. Other household names of the promotion, Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks, also known as The Elite, will face the team of Neville and The Lucha Bros (Pentagon Jr. and Rey Fenix).

The event is built within the CEO gaming tournament, a three-day event where people compete against each other in numerous fighting video games. The tournament launched in 2010 and has run annually since then. In 2018, the event partnered with New Japan Pro Wrestling to hold a similar wrestling event held within the venue.

Promoter of CEO Alex Jebailey will also be involved in a pro wrestling match against Michael Nakazawa, a frequent Dramatic Dream Team wrestler. Nakazawa walso made an appearance in AEW’s pre-show battle royale on Saturday.