The undefeated McKee, a former LFA champ, did not get the memo. The Kill Cliff FC fighter started strong, relying on his wrestling to get Pettis down in the opening round, eventually getting to the back and raining down ground n’ pound.

Wrestling was the story again in round two, and while Pettis showed plenty of skill and dexterity of his back, he simply couldn’t find a way to get his offense going in more than fits and starts. In the third, it was McKee all over Pettis, getting him belly down, flattening him out, and dropping lefts and rights as Pettis covered up. Pettis was able to survive the round, but lost the war overall, or the fight anyhow. The #1-ranked bantamweight fell to the unranked newcomer by unanimous decision.

A similar fate met #2-ranked Raufeon Stots in the PFL Chicago main event. Paired up with the unbeaten Renat Khavalov, a prodigy of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Stots had a rough night at the office. Like Pettis, he went the distance, like Pettis, he dropped a unanimous decision.

The wins, and who earned them, puts the PFL’s bantamweight division in an interesting spot. Marcirley Alves, who won the PFL bantamweight World Tournament last year, is soon to take on Naoki Inoue in a crossover fight with RIZIN. The PFL has no sitting bantamweight champ, with the title vacant, and any of McKee, Khavalov, and perhaps the winner of Alves vs. Inoue could be in play.

The post PFL Chicago Sees Undefeated McKee, Khavalov Score Big Wins Over Pettis, Stots appeared first on Cageside Press.

Prochazka was trying to regain the title he once held, while City Kickboxing’s Carlos Ulberg was getting his first championship opportunity in the main event in Miami, Florida.

A bit of a chess match opened the UFC 327 main event, though Ulberg would look to work in some calf kicks. In an early exchange, Ulberg’s knee appeared to buckle, and Prochazka took immediate advantage, kicking his kegs out from under him. Prochazka being aware meant he kept the fight standing, and continued to target the leg. A couple of outside kicks to the back of the knee forced Ulberg to step lightly, and he later fell off a kick of his own.

When Ulberg connected with a left hand, he went down on his own, and it seemed it was game over for “Black Jag.” The New Zealand native had other plans. Backed up against the fence almost for balance, Ulberg caught Prochazka with a check left hook on the way in. Prochazka went down, rolling over, but Ulberg had it in him to get on top and add some finishing strikes. The ref called it, and Carlos Ulberg, despite an apparently serious calf injury, had light heavyweight gold!

Ulberg suggested after the fight that he’d blown out his knee. He may be the first UFC champion to see an interim title fight in play the very same night he won his UFC title – but he won it nonetheless, and in memorable fashion.

Official Result: Carlos Ulberg def. Jiri Prochazka by KO, Round 1, 3:45

The post UFC 327: Carlos Ulberg Suffers Nasty Leg Injury, Still Finishes Prochazka to Claim Gold appeared first on Cageside Press.

Murzakanov (16-0) entered undefeated and on the verge of breaking into the elite tier, and facing the biggest name of his career in Costa. Murzakanov doesn’t overcomplicate things he pressures, throws with intent, and looks to make opponents uncomfortable from the opening bell.

Costa (15-4) moved up to the light heavyweight division following a 7-4 run at middleweight, highlighted by a title challenge against then-champion Israel Adesanya in 2020. Now 34 and coming off a win, Costa looked to make a statement in his new division by ending Murzakanov’s undefeated streak.

Round 1 – Murzakanov’s left hand was clearly his power shot, but early on it was his jab that he looked to establish. Costa disrupted that plan, using leg kicks to keep him off balance and prevent him from settling into a rhythm.

Murzakanov eventually found the jab, but Costa continued to target the lead leg with inside kicks before mixing in well-placed body kicks. The shots landed clean, though they did little to slow Murzakanov’s forward pressure.

Costa stayed committed to attacking the body, while Murzakanov absorbed the shots in search of an opening for his left hand. A brief pause came after an eye poke, but once the action resumed, Murzakanov pressed forward aggressively.

He backed Costa to the fence and unleashed a flurry of heavy shots, but Costa answered with a clean strike that rocked him. Costa then returned to working the legs and body.

A well-timed shot from Costa knocked Murzakanov off balance and sent him to the canvas. Costa followed him down, taking top position and landing elbows.

Murzakanov managed to get back to his feet, but Costa continued to fire heavy shots to both the head and body.

The round closed with both men trading in the center of the cage.

Round 2 – Murzakanov went back to his high-pace heavy-shot style, but he still had a tough time reaching the Brazilian. The Russian would rush in with an attack, but he just couldn’t seem to cut Costa off the way he wanted to.

Costa would attack the body, and Murzakanov would just rush in. Rinse and repeat, over and over again.

Costa began to slow down unable to get out of the way of the way of Murzakanov’s attacks that he avoided easily in the first round. Costa would then land to the body, and Murzakanov would go at him again.

The round ended with the two on the fence.

Round 3 – The fight continued on the same way it had the first two rounds, but Murzakanov slowed down quite a bit. Costa hurt him with a shot, Murzakanov fell, and that was it.

Paulo Costa ended the undefeated run of the Russian.

Official Result: Paulo Costa def. Azamat Murzakanov via R3 TKO, 1:23

The post Paulo Costa Ends Murzakanov’s Undefeated Run With R3 TKO appeared first on Cageside Press.

Blaydes (19-5) for the most part refused to engage with Hokit’s multitude of characters from fight week and the way through the ceremonial weigh-ins. He has been one of the most consistent heavyweights in the UFC for years, with wins over top competition and a reputation built on dominant wrestling and ground control.

Blaydes also carries real power, but it’s his ability to dictate where the fight takes place that separates him. It’s a tool he’ll look to use against Hokit on Saturday night.

Hokit’s (8-0) impressive start to his UFC career has taken on a different light with the heavyweight playing different characters for the cameras. At media day he grabbed the microphone, spoke as different characters, and then put the mic down and left.

Antics aside he’s one of the more intriguing new names in the heavyweight division. He’s finished every opponent he’s faced, including two quick stoppages to begin his UFC run. Hokit’s very unpredictable, and while he’s undefeated he’s also untested. Blaydes will be a very big jump in caliber of opponent on Saturday night.

Round 1 – Hokit tried to get under Blaydes’ skin during the fighter introductions and carried that energy into the opening moments of the fight.

Round 3 – Blaydes came out aggressively, landing early on Hokit, who appeared to bait him by feigning damage to draw an attack. Blaydes shot in for a takedown but couldn’t bring him down.

Hokit’s hand speed remained a major factor, as he continued to fire sharp, fast combinations. The two heavyweights traded relentlessly in what quickly became one of the wildest fights you’ll see.

With just over two minutes remaining, Blaydes began to slow, but he refused to back down. Both men continued exchanging heavy shots, each strike drawing a reaction from the crowd as it seemed like it could end the fight at any moment.

Blaydes slipped shots and fired back in bursts, but Hokit still had enough in the tank to answer with precise flurries.

Blaydes would land a combination, and Hokit would respond in kind, neither willing to give ground.

In the final 10 seconds, both fighters emptied the tank, throwing everything they had until the horn sounded.

Official Result: Josh Hokit def. Curtis Blaydes via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

The post Josh Hokit Takes Decision Over Blaydes In FOTY Candidate appeared first on Cageside Press.

Reyes (15-5) entered the UFC in 2017 and quickly put together an impressive six-fight win streak, including four finishes and a TKO victory over former champion Chris Weidman. That run earned him a title shot against former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, which he lost by decision.

Since then, Reyes has gone 3-5 and enters this fight coming off a loss to headliner Carlos Ulberg, but an impressive finish of Walker could put him in position for a rematch later this year.

Walker (22-9) came into the fight off a victory over Mingyang Zhang last August in China. The victory stopped a two-fight skid, and Walker rode the momentum into a main card matchup with Reyes.

Round 1 – Walker opened the fight targeting the lead leg with kicks, while Reyes fired an early head kick that was blocked. Fighting out of the southpaw stance, Reyes allowed Walker to continue working the inside leg kicks with consistency.

Reyes remained patient, searching for openings, but threw multiple head kicks without much setup. Walker answered with a head kick of his own, which was also blocked, and continued to find success attacking the lead leg as Reyes made few adjustments defensively.

Reyes did land a clean left hand as Walker closed the distance, but Walker returned to the leg kicks and attempted to follow with combinations, most of which were blocked.

The round closed with Walker pressing forward, finishing his attack with a right hand.

Round 2 – Walker continued to circle away from Reyes’ power side, using kicks and lateral movement to stay out of danger.

For much of the second round, the fight had the feel of a sparring session, with both men taking turns initiating offense without fully committing.

Walker mixed in a body kick, slipped a left hand, and shot for a takedown, but Reyes defended it well.

The round ended to boos from the crowd.

Round 3 – The third round followed a similar pattern, with Walker continuing to move well while Reyes repeatedly threw head kicks without much setup.

Reyes mixed in leg kicks in an effort to slow Walker’s movement, but the fight maintained a sparring-like feel, with both fighters taking turns initiating offense rather than fully committing.

Reyes walked away with a split-decision, but even the commentary team wasn’t sure about that fight.

Official Result: Dominick Reyes def. Johnny Walker via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)

The post Dominick Reyes Takes Split Decision Over Walker In Lackluster Fight appeared first on Cageside Press.

Swanson’s career wraps after a run that started in 2004 and saw him become a fan favorite. His UFC 206 classic in 2016, against Doo-Ho Choi, was a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame.

While Landwehr would check one, Swanson did land a second, then a third outside leg kick early on. Landwehr would eventually land one of his own, but not before Swanson connected with a jab. Moments later, it was a right hand connecting for “Killer” Cub. A right hand to the body and blows up top saw a very relaxed Swanson opening up early. Moments later, Landwher was rocked, dropping to one leg. Then, another knocked. Landwehr got up, only to be dropped again! Again Landwehr stood up, and ate a nasty body shot.

Landwehr, tough as nails, stayed in there, firing a few ow kicks of his own. Then another right hand, Landwehr went down again, and that was it! Ref Herb Dean had seen enough, and Landwehr was seen wrestling the ref, clearly out of it, as the fight wrapped.

After the win, Swanson stripped off his gloves, cementing his retirement. Flat-out, an incredible way to finish her career, tearing through a fighter five years younger with way less mileage.

“I’ve been doing this a long time, I’m terrified every time I come out here but I try and be brave and just focus, and I’m so proud I was able to accomplish that tonight,” Swanson said after the bout as a career highlight reel played.

Official Result: Cub Swanson def. Nate Landwehr by TKO, Round 1, 4:06

The post UFC 327: Cub Swanson Tears Through Nate Landwehr in Retirement Fight appeared first on Cageside Press.

Of course, with Bellator acquired by the PFL and mothballed, it was coming inside the UFC octagon rather than the Bellator cage, but what once would have been a featherweight title fight was finally arriving nonetheless.

Pico was lighter and more mobile early, flashing a punch and high kick that both fell short. A jab may have grazed Pitbull; he fired one back to the body moments later, taking a more reserved approach.

After eating a Pitbull punch or two on the way in, Pico finally shot for his first takedown, which the former Bellator champ fought off. A Pitbull leg kick clearly hurt Pico after that, while Pico nearly pounced on a slip by Patricio Freire. Another low kick from Pitbull landed, again tripping him up for a moment. The next takedown for Pico, however, was perfectly timed as he ducked down into a double-leg and landed it. Plenty of time on the clock but Pitbull found room to scramble out and get to the fence, with Pico still on him with a bodylock.

Back at range, Pico landed a combo. Pico was finding success with his hooks, and Pitbull chose to switch to southpaw, leading to a wild exchange where the pair spun around. Pico came out of that with a small cut on the nose, but was otherwise no worse for the wear.

More looping hbooks landed for Pico early in round two. The shorter Pitbull, meanwhile, hit air in response. Pick then doubled up, and landed a third punch, an uppercut, in a smart little combo. Then came a level change, with Pico landing a takedown only for Pitbull to pop straight back up to his feet. Pico landed a left hand off the break. A low kick from Pitbull landed, those being his best weapon through the first half of the fight. Pico answered with a combo. Moments later, he rocked Pitbull, who stumbled backwards. Several Pico jabs split the guard.

Pico went high with a kick that missed, then touched the outside of the leg in the final minute. Pitbull’s face was showing damage. Another Pico right hand stunned Pitbull; a takedown landed moments later, allowing Pico to land a handful of elbows.

Round one had been close, round two had been all Pico. In the third, he teed off with a combo and ripped the body hard to cap it off. Vintage Pico, shades of his early Bellator run. After looking for a takedown, Pico was tied up by Patricio Pitbull, leading to little more than a rest spot. Back at center, Pico doubled up on his jab. Another clinch, with Pitbull and Pick exchanging knees, and elbow smashing home with an elbow. A level change saw Pico turn the corner, take the back, and lock up Pitbull along the fence. The takedown would eventually come, and the clock was quickly running out for Patricio Pitbull.

#13-ranked featherweight Pitbull was bloodied up, and at the end, wanted to brawl. Pico was having none of it, tapping his head with his finger: brains over brawn. A clear win on the scorecards for Aaron Pico, who will likely be ranked following the victory.

Official Result: Aaron Pico def. Patricio Pitbull by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

The post UFC 327: Aaron Pico Looks Sharp, Notches First UFC Win Over Patricio Pitbull in Bellator Alumni Battle appeared first on Cageside Press.

Holland (28-15) remains one of the more dangerous welterweights on the UFC roster, with a well-rounded skill set that makes him a threat everywhere. His biggest issue, however, has been consistency. After dropping back-to-back fights, he entered this matchup looking to get back in the win column against Brown.

Brown (20-7) finds himself in a similar position to Holland. Each time he’s built momentum with a win streak, he’s stumbled and been forced to reset. Coming off a loss to Gabriel Bonfim last November, he entered this matchup looking to get back on track against Holland.

Round 1 – Brown came out aggressive, applying early pressure, but Holland’s constant movement made him a difficult target. Holland darted in and out, landing shots before quickly exiting range, frustrating Brown’s attempts to respond. Meanwhile, Brown’s lead leg began to show damage from Holland’s calf kicks.

Brown landed a sharp left hook that briefly buckled Holland and opened a cut, but Holland answered with another heavy calf kick that clearly affected Brown.

Brown adjusted by improving his movement to avoid further damage to the leg, but Holland soon landed a clean left hand that dropped him. Holland followed up with ground-and-pound, though Brown was able to recover, establish his guard, and land a few elbows from his back.

Brown briefly threatened with a triangle attempt, prompting Holland to stand—only to eat a hard upkick on the way out.

The round ended with Holland back on top, continuing to work ground-and-pound.

Round 2 – Brown was warned in the first round for hooking his toes in the fence.

Holland came out aggressively in the second, throwing a wild right hand that missed and nearly put him out of position. He quickly returned to attacking with calf kicks and even joked mid-fight, telling Brown, “This a crazy fight, ain’t it?”

Holland followed with a clean side kick to the body and continued to target Brown’s lead leg. When Brown ducked in, Holland snatched up an anaconda choke and threatened to finish the fight.

Brown fought hard to free his legs and buy time, eventually escaping as Holland tried to adjust the position. Back on the feet, Brown was immediately met with a spinning elbow from Holland.

Holland found his rhythm and began to open up with his striking, though he missed on a spinning backfist. Brown shot for a takedown, briefly getting caught in a guillotine before Holland pushed him against the fence.

Brown reversed the position, and Holland once again threatened with a guillotine as the round came to a close.

Round 3 – Holland opened the round with a sharp one-two, the right hand landing clean on Brown. Brown continued to dip his head and fire back, staying aggressive. Holland went back to the calf kick, but Brown checked it, drawing an audible reaction from Holland.

The two spent the next stretch battling along the fence, trading positions in a series of reversals. Holland mixed in short strikes, including slapping shots, before Brown would reverse and regain control, only for Holland to do the same moments later.

Brown later shot for a double-leg takedown but couldn’t secure it.

The fight ultimately went to the scorecards, with Brown looking to control the action in the clinch down the stretch.

Official Result: Kevin Holland def. Randy Brown via Unanimous Decision (30-27×3)

The post Kevin Holland Takes Decision Win After Fun Scrap With Brown appeared first on Cageside Press.

A stacked card saw the promotion’s featherweight and bantamweight titles on the line. Danny Sabatello was putting his 135lb title on the line in the night’s co-main event, against Japanese challenger Joji Goto. The former Bellator star earned a split decision in December to dethrone Naoki Inoue, and is 3-0-1 in his last four bouts.

In the main event, undefeated 17-0 featherweight champion Razhabali Shaidulloev looked to make his third title defense against Yuta Kubo.

Making his promotional debut at RIZIN Landmark 13 was Ireland’s James Gallagher, looking for his fourteenth professional win. Fellow Bellator alum and former lightweight champ in that promotion, Patricky Pitbull, also returned. At 40, he was looking to snap a four-fight skid.

Where to Watch RIZIN Landmark 13

Sunday, April 12 (Saturday in the west) sees RIZIN at the Marine Messe Fukuoka in Fukuoka, Japan for RIZIN Landmark 13. The action streams live on RIZIN.tv following select prelims on Youtube. Full Results can be found below.

RIZIN Landmark 13 Results

Razhabali Shaidulloev def. Yuta Kubo by TKO (ground n’ pound), Round 1, 4:13 – for the RIZIN featherweight championship
Danny Sabatello def. Joji Goto by unanimous decision – for the RIZIN bantamweight championship
Yoshinori Horie def. Patricky Pitbull by split decision
Kyohei Hagiwara vs. Abijah Kaleo Meheula ends in a No Contest – Meheula missed weight, only Hagiwara eligible to win, otherwise fight will be No Contest
Azizbek Temirov def. Ryuya Fukuda by KO (uppercut), Round 1, 1:40
Taio Asahisa def. Simphayak Hamagym by KO (body shot), Round 1, 1:45 – Kickboxing
Makoto Shinryu def. Nkazimulo Zulu by submission (kimura), Round 1, 2:52
Natasha Kuziutina def. Ayaka Hamasaki by submission (arm-bar), Round 1
Kazumasa Majima def. James Gallagher by technical submission (arm-triangle choke), Round 3, 2:34
Nurkhan Zumagazy def. Tenya by unanimous decision
Hinotori def. Ryosuke Honda by TKO (soccer kick and hammerfists), Round 1, 4:59
Hyuga Miyagawa def. Seiya Inoue by unanimous decision

Opening Ceremony

Shun Okamoto def. Daiki Yahiro by unanimous decision – Special Rules MMA
Tomoaki Arimatsu def. Kodai Yamasaki by TKO (punches), Round 1, 4:37 – Special Rules MMA
Ryota Oki def. Ginji Arai by unanimous decision – Special Rules MMA
Ryusei Imamura def. Yu-Ki by TKO (leg kick), Round 2, 0:55 – Kickboxing

The post RIZIN Landmark 13 Full Results appeared first on Cageside Press.

Gamrot (25-4) entered the fight coming off a loss to Charles Oliveira last October. The former KSW champion and #8 lightweight has previously been on the cusp of a title shot, but now looks to rebuild his momentum, starting with Ribovics.

Ribovics (15-2) has quickly emerged as a fan favorite, thanks to all-action fights like his war with Daniel Zellhuber at UFC 306. While he’s undeniably dangerous, he can be hittable and more importantly, his takedown defense remains a question mark against elite wrestlers.

Round 1 – Ribovics came out aggressively, as is his style, throwing with power early. Gamrot didn’t rush to grapple right away, instead firing back with a sharp, improved jab. When Ribovics threw a leg kick, Gamrot caught it clean and turned it into a takedown.

Gamrot quickly advanced to side control, while Ribovics used an overhook to try and control Gamrot’s right arm. Ribovics worked hard to get back to his feet, but Gamrot stayed one step ahead, smoothly adjusting his position to maintain control.

Ribovics made his way to the fence in an attempt to stand, but Gamrot was relentless, keeping him pinned and neutralizing the escape.

Ribovics continued to look for a way out, but Gamrot remained composed on top, controlling the action until the end of the round.

Round 2 – Ribovics’ corner urged him to stop throwing kicks to avoid giving Gamrot easy takedowns, but he came out and immediately fired off three straight kicks.

Gamrot shot for a single leg, and Ribovics nearly went airborne to avoid it—and did. However, after overextending on a right hand, Ribovics was taken down again. With his back against the fence, he used it to stand, but couldn’t shake Gamrot’s control.

No matter what position Ribovics worked toward, Gamrot stayed one step ahead—light, composed, and dominant throughout the exchanges. After mixing in elbows, Gamrot locked up a head-and-arm choke and secured the finish.

Gamrot took the mic and called out Diego Lopes.

Official Result: Mateusz Gamrot def. Esteban Ribovics via R2 SUB (Arm Triangle), 4:19

The post Mateusz Gamrot Dominate, Finished Ribovics, Calls Out Diego Lopes appeared first on Cageside Press.