Round 1 – Petroski applied early pressure, landing calf kicks as Brundage spent much of the opening moments waiting and allowing him to find a rhythm. Brundage mixed in a few teep kicks and leg kicks of his own, trying to create space.

Petroski eventually brought the fight to the ground, taking top position in side control while Brundage focused on defending against incoming elbows.

Petroski worked to set up a cradle, but Brundage disrupted the attempt with strikes from his back.

As the round came to a close, Petroski continued to look for elbows from the top position.

Round 2 – Brundage came out aggressively, firing heavy shots and dropping Petroski before landing on top and unleashing a wild barrage of ground and pound.

Petroski tried to defend himself, but Brundage gave him no room to recover, staying relentless with his offense.

The referee allowed Petroski every opportunity to survive, but ultimately had to step in and stop the fight.

It was a massive victory for Cody Brundage, snapping his three-fight losing streak and potentially securing his spot on the UFC roster.

Not a bad way to celebrate a birthday.

Official Result: Cody Brundage def. Andre Petroski via R2 TKO, 0:44

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Nicknamed the “Battle Giraffe,” Rowston had gone 1-1 in two Contender Series stints, earning his contract earlier this year and making the quick turnaround to appear at home in Australia for his first walk to the octagon.

The fight was started with Petroski looking to chop at the long legs of Rowston. Rowston was composed and looking for his spot as he did time a nice knee to the body. As the round went on Rowston was getting looser and mixing up his hands and kicks. Petroski went to the inside to get some back but Rowston landed a check left hook dropping him. Petroski threatened with the armbar but Rowston landed big ground and pound sending the ref in.

After the win, the towering middleweight noted that years ago, another famed middleweight had made his UFC debut in Perth – Israel Adesanya, who happened to be on hand for the performance. Rowston then cut a promo suggesting fans get onboard his train now, as it’s headed straight to the top. A memorable coming out for the DWCS alum.

Official Result: Cameron Rowston def. Andre Petroski by TKO (ground and pound), Round 1, 2:41

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Rowston (12-3) will make his UFC debut on the same card as teammates Navajo Stirling and Carlos Ulberg, marking a special night for the Australian middleweight.

“Yeah it’s how I would want to do it for sure. We have a big team rolling in where it feels like the pressure in fight week. You’re a little bit more distracted with the teammates in a good way,” Rowston told reporters on Wednesday.

“There’s good banter. There’s a lot happening and we don’t just go up and sit in a hotel room and think about eating food. We get out, we do some team walks, and we get out into the park in the sun. It’s been really nice.”

In Perth, Rowston will face Petroski in what is considered an uncommon matchup for a UFC debutant against an established middleweight. It’s a challenge he says he’s grateful to embrace.

“It’s a good matchup. It’s just like you’re just throwing me into the fire straight away. This is my opportunity to catapult myself into the mix of the middleweight division,” he said.

“I’d much rather do it this way than have to slowly climb my way up in like 3 or 4 fights.”

Watch the entire media day scrum with Cam Rowston above. He takes on Andre Petroski at UFC Perth on Saturday night.

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Saturday brought another main card six fights deep. All of the fights on the main card also went to a decision, though not all of them went the distance with one ending due to technical decision (via head clash). In the main event Joaquin Buckley was denied by the former welterweight champ Kamaru Usman in a five-round Fight of the Night winner. Some tricky, sensitive matchups for the fighters on this card.

Joaquin Buckley

Kamaru Usman turned back the clock and utilized his wrestling to derail the surging Joaquin Buckley in the main event of UFC Atlanta. Buckley entered the fight riding a six-fight win streak seeing him stop four fighters in the stretch. Buckley entered the fight ranked at #7 in the welterweight division, while the former welterweight champ was ranked at #5.

The only move really for Buckley at this point-as the welterweight rankings are stagnant in some areas- is to fight Geoff Neal. Neal has won three of his last five losing only to Shavkat Rakhmanov and Ian Machado Garry in that nearly four-year stretch. The #11 ranked UFC welterweight was supposed to fight Carlos Prates on UFC 314 in April before he was forced to withdraw. If Neal is healthy, that is 100% the fight to make. A slick boxer that has excellent cage clinch work, Neal is incredibly dangerous. This will be an exciting back and forth standup battle that would be at treat for fans and an easy fight night headliner. Leaning on the optimistic side as well in terms of timing- Buckley will need a few months after the five-round dogfight, hopefully Neal is ready by then.

Buckley’s next fight: Geoff Neal 

Miranda Maverick

Rose Namajunas’s last round knockdown secured a unanimous decision win over Miranda Maverick in the co-main event of UFC Atlanta on Saturday. The loss snaps a four-fight win streak for Maverick seeing her defeating the likes of Priscila Cachoeira, Andrea Lee, Dione Barbosa and Jamey-Lyn Horth. Maverick entered the fight ranked at #11 while Rose was ranked at #7 in the women’s flyweight division.

Cortez is currently ranked at #10 in the division while Araujo is ranked at #8. Tracy’s last time out was actually on short notice against Rose after Macy Barber withdrew last July.  Cortez lost a five round unaimous decision in that fight. Cortez was temporarily slated against Maverick in July but will instead face Viviane on UFC 317. Araujo has won two of her last three with wins over Jenifer Maia and most recently, Karine Silva, last November. Good fight to make with the winner of this one likely rounding out the top 10-12. The loser would likely fall towards the tail end of the divisional rankings.

Maverick’s next fight: Loser of Viviane Araujo vs. Tracy Cortez

Andre Petroski

Andre Petroski was out-struck by a sharp and focused looking Edmen Shahbazyan on the way to a unanimous decision defeat Saturday. Petroski is now 8-3 with the UFC and had his three-fight win streak snapped with the loss.

Petroski should take on the loser of Jun Yong Park vs Ismail Naurdiev who fight on June 21. The timing would match up perfectly especially if the fight goes the distance. Ismail Naurdiev is currently on his second stint with the UFC after going 2-2 in 2019-2020. Naurdiev defeated Bruno Silva via unanimous decision back in October to welcome himself back to the UFC. Jun Yong Park is 8-3 with the UFC and has won five of his last six dating back to 2021. (Only dropping a split decision to Andre Muniz in December of 2023). A meaningful middleweight fight for the loser of this one as this division still needs to be sorted out.

Andre’s next fight: Loser of Jun Yong Park vs Ismail Naurdiev

Cody Garbrandt

Ranoi Barcelos defeated Cody Garbrandt in a high paced fight that went the distance. Garbrandt has now won just three of his last 10 fights dating back to losing the belt in 2017.

This outcome for Garbrandt does potentially set up a pretty interesting next fight. As a former bantamweight champion, he still holds a name but realistically turns 34 this next month at 135lbs.- which is an elite division. Garbrandt has been defeated by high level guys and the UFC 316 edition of Losers pitting him against Patchy Mix would still be a solid option. Patchy, who had a terrible UFC debut against then, #10 ranked, Mario Bautista needs a bounce back fight.

Cody desperately needs a win against relevant competition to finally plant his footing from his multiyear free fall. If Mix chooses to strike, Cody could have the potential to end the fight. And if the bout goes to the ground, Patchy has a good shot to stop the bout as well. Loser might be looking at whispers from the fan base of fighting for a roster spot with another loss.

Garbrandt’s next fight: Patchy Mix

Cody Brundage

Cody Brundage lost a technical decision to the undefeated Mansur Abdul-Malik at UFC Atlanta, after the bout was stopped prematurely due to an accidental clash of heads. A disappointing outing undoubtedly for Brundage as he is now 5-6, 1 NC in the UFC.

Brundage was matched up against The Ultimate Fighter Season 32 winner, Ryan Loder in March. However, the fight never went down as Loder withdrew. Instead, he fought Azamat Bekoev in May and was finished in the first round. This would great fight to revisit now after both outcomes though the timing isn’t the best. Both guys need to establish themselves within a chaotic middleweight division.

Brundage’s next fight: Ryan Loder

Oumar Sy

Alonzo Menifield defeated Oumar Sy in a technical battle that saw Sy’s decision to strike, ultimately cost him his undefeated record. Menifield entered the fight ranked at #15 in the light heavyweight division while Sy was on the outside looking in, without a ranking.

The light heavyweight division is an extremely shallow place and there is no reason to rush the 29-year-old after this misstep.  Sy is just 2-1 with the UFC. He’s got options. If Paul Craig vs Rodlfo Bellato is not rebooked after its no contest ending, then Bellato would be an excellent next opponent for Sy. Bellato is a two-time Contender Series vet that is 1-0-1, 1 NC with the promotion. Bellato is 12-2-1 as a pro, so very similar experience level. However, it’s understandable if that matchup doesn’t happen as the feature preliminary bout of UFC Atlanta between Craig and Bellato ended controversially. A good back up would be winner of Jimmy Crute vs Marcin Prachnio. Both fighters have 10 fights with the promotion and Crute has a draw and a loss to Menifield. Ideally, Bellato and Sy fight to determine their legitimacy within the division.

Sy’s next fight:  Rodolfo Bellato or Loser of Jimmy Crute vs Marcin Prachnio 

The post What’s Next: UFC Atlanta Losers appeared first on Cageside Press.

Edman was coming off a knockout win over Dylan Budka while Petroski was riding a three fight win streak of his own into this contest.

The first round started with each fighter gauging distance and taking a cautious approach. Shahbazyan controlled the center of the cage threatening with body kicks and quick jab early. Shahbazyan was able to put more volume on Petroski in the opening five minutes, jumping out to an early lead.

Round two started with Petroski showing an increase sense of urgency. Petroski landed a good right hook upstairs. Edman continued to march forward landing a combination to the head and body. After the second round the Atlanta crowd started to rain down boo’s due to lack of activity in the fight. While not the most entertaining matchup, Shahbazyan was more than likely up two rounds.

A clash of heads started of the third round as referee Kevin Macdonald momentarily stopped the fight. When action resumed Petroski attempted a takedown but was unsuccessful. A massive kick to the body from Shahbazyan dropped Petroski in the middle of the third. Petroski was able to recover as Edman elected to have his opponent stand again. Petoski shot in for another desperation takedown but Shahbazyan successfully defended. Edman landed a nice low leg kick with 40 seconds left in the fight cruising to a unanimous decision victory.

Shahbazyan improved his record to 8-5 in the UFC and looks to be in top form.

Official Result: Edmen Shahbazyan def. Andre Petroski by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

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“It’s incredible. Honestly I never expected to be here,” Petroski told reporters including Cageside Press at his post-fight scrum on Saturday.

“I didn’t expect to be 10 fights into a UFC career. It’s awesome to be 8-2 in the UFC. I’m proud of it.”

Petroski (13-3) didn’t really know what to expect when it came to his MMA career much less his run in the UFC.

“I don’t know. I just know I love this sport. I know that my skills are up there. I know that I can compete with the best of them, but it just feels a little surreal for sure,” he said.

Petroski defeated Rodolfo Vieira by decision at UFC Vegas 102 putting him at 8-2 and on a three-fight win streak. With plenty of 2025 left to go Petroski could go on a tear this year, but he has other priorities in mind.

“I got to go home and be a father. It’s tough when you’re focused on fighting all the time it’s hard to be in that mindset. I love my kids, but it’s definitely something I need to work on for sure,” he said.

“I’m there, but I can get better for sure.”

Watch the entire post-fight scrum with Andre Petroski above.

The post Andre Petroski Didn’t Know He’d Be 10 Fights Into UFC Career appeared first on Cageside Press.

Jared Cannonier

It wasn’t without adversity, but the ‘Killa Gorilla’ showed he still has enough left in the tank to fend off fighters of Gregory Rodrigues’ calibre. Cannonier was staring down the barrel of three-fight skid and with him turning 41 next month, this was a must-win if he wanted to keep getting relevant matchups.

Despite the nice rebound victory, I highly doubt the UFC will be looking to throw him back into the title picture so quickly. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if his next booking is in the same vein as this one (i.e., another younger, unranked contender). However, I’m hoping the promotion tries to squeeze every drop of action Cannonier still has in him. And is there a more fun, explosive matchup for him than Paulo Costa?

Cannonier’s next fight: Paulo Costa

Youssef Zalal

‘The Moroccan Devil’ did what ‘Robocop’ couldn’t as he defeated the top10 ranked veteran on a losing streak to enter the rankings. Zalal comfortably won the first two rounds and got on his bike for the entre third round, knowing Kattar needed a finish. Though he got the win, and that is the most important thing for him, the third round left a bad taste in a lot of people’s mouths. For that reason, I doubt he gets rewarded with a matchup that will help keep climbing the featherweight ladder. While anticipating writing this article, I expected to match Zalal up with Aljamain Sterling next, but after this performance, I think he will get tasked with defending his ranking against an unranked opponent, just like Kattar just had to do.

Steve Garcia’s fight with Edson Barboza next week in Seattle just fell through after the Brazilian pulled out. Why don’t just switch those fights up? The two veterans Kattar and Barboza can fight each other, while Garcia gets to fight a ranked opponent after all in Zalal.

Zalal’s next fight: Steve Garcia

Edmen Shahbazyan

The still surprisingly young Shahbazyan got a 95-second knockout at UFC Vegas 102 over the type of opposition he’s expected to beat. It was a sweet highlight to get him back in the win column. He has faced a lot of growing pains throughout the years, but at still only 27 years of age, I believe the correct route for the UFC is to keep booking him in fights where he can rack up more than one or two of these KOs in a row.

Despite having lost four straights, Warlley Alves is a fighter who is always game and brings his ‘kill-or-be-killed’ fighting style in every bout he’s in. Exactly the type of opponent ‘The Golden Boy’  should be getting right now.

Shahbazyan’s next fight: Warlley Alves

Nazim Sadykhov

Sadykhov was coming off a 15-month layoff after his draw with Viacheslav Borshchev back at UFC 295. He didn’t get the friendliest of matchups in his comeback as fans know how skilled the Bonfim brothers are. It took him some time to find the right shot, but ‘Black Wolf’ landed a nice question mark kick that damaged Bonfim’s eye and forced a doctor’s stoppage in between rounds.

This is Sadykhov’s second UFC win via doctor’s stoppage and after just a 5-minute fight and a long layoff, he should be looking to get back in the octagon in the coming months. There have been talks of a fight night card in Perth around June or July. It’s a perfect opportunity to have him fight another lightweight prospect in Tom Nolan

Sadykhov’s next fight: Tom Nolan

Andre Petroski

Petroski was an over two-to-one betting underdog in this UFC Vegas 102 fight, but his stellar takedown defence and superior power helped him squeak out a victory over the decorated grappler Rodolfo Vieira. This is Petroski’s third consecutive win, but he hasn’t scored a finish since May of 2022. That is why despite the win streak, I don’t expect Petroski to get rewarded with a matchup with the likes of Bo Nickal, who he called out in his post-fight interview. Instead, I believe he will be tasked with another tough matchup until he can muster up a win streak that makes him an undeniable candidate for a ranking. Marco Tulio, who has knocked out his last three opponents and hasn’t lost since 2018 fits that bill to a tee.

Petroski’s next fight: Marco Tulio

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Both men had won their last two outings, but it was little surprise to see Vieira, a highly-decorated jiu-jitsu world champ, having put away opponents Cody Brundage and Armen Petrosyan with arm-triangle chokes in both instances.

Immediately off the opening bell at UFC Vegas 102, both fighters met in the middle of the cage, looking to control the distance early. Vieira ran into a left hook and got caught by Petroski pressing forward. Petroski landed a few low leg kicks, while Vieira sprung forward attempting a takedown. Petroski defended well and circled on the outside. Vieira again attempted a takedown against the cage but Petroski stayed on his feet. A three punch combination landed for Vieira in the final fifteen seconds of the opening round.

To start the second, Vieira pressed forward looking for a takedown early. The former jiu-jitsu world champion controlled the pace well continuing to march forward pushing Petroski to the fence. A massive straight right hand landed for Vieira. Petroski was on the retreat for a large portion of the fight as both grapplers traded on the feet until the round ended.

In the third, Vieira landed an early leg kick and again maintained the center of the cage. None of the seven takedowns attempted by Vieira had landed throughout the fight until midway through the final five minutes. Vieira worked to the back of Petroski as he stood up against the cage, eventually separating. A stinging jab landed for Vieira who seemed to be the more active fighter through the final two rounds. In the final minute, Petroski tried a takedown of his own and landed a few punches on Vieira as he scrambled back to his feet.

After three hard fought and competitive rounds, the judges awarded a unanimous decision to Petroski. The third round was the most clear-cut of the contest. Pertroski gave credit to his team before calling out highly touted prospect Bo Nickal in his post fight interview with Daniel Cormier. This win marked the third in a row for Petroski who may be knocking on the door of the middleweight top fifteen next week.

Official Result: Andre Petroski def. Rodolfo Vieira by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

The post UFC Vegas 102: Andre Petroski Defeats BJJ Ace Rodolfo Vieira, Calls Out Bo Nickal appeared first on Cageside Press.

Petroski (11-3) came into the APEX hoping to start a win streak. Coming off a decision victory over Josh Fremd in July that snapped a two-fight losing streak his mission was to build on the victory.

Budka (7-3) is a veteran of the Contender Series, but lost his first official UFC bout to Cesar Almeida via second round TKO. He missed weight, coming in at 188.5 pounds, and looked rather scary on the scale. Even with all that doctors cleared him to fight against Petroski.

Some heavy shots were fired from both men in the early going of Saturday’s preliminary card encounter, with Budka, apparently no worse for the wear after the weight miss, launching a jump knee. About two minutes in, Petroski, who had been targeting the body, found his opening and landed a takedown, putting Budka on the back.

Despite sitting in top position for the remainder of the round, however, Andre Petroski couldn’t make much happen. He’d eventually find space to drill the sides of Budka, and passed to mount in the final ten seconds, but simply ran out of time.

After a clear 10-9 for Petroski in round one, Dylan Budka looked to get his offense going, taking a more traditional approach with uppercuts and body kicks, rather than the jump knees and explosive, flashy striking her displayed early in round one. Another kick to the body landed for Budka, but moments later, he found himself taken down again.

It wasn’t a much better round for Budka, who had to contend with Petroski going to the body and head. But Petroski had been less active than expected, earning warnings for both activity and grapping the cage.

Regardless, Budka appeared to be in need of a finish heading into round three. Instead, it was Petroski, after a bit of standup, changing levels and charging into another takedown. Budka had his back against the fence, but through two rounds had shown no ability to regain his feet. With Petroski in half guard, that didn’t appear to be changing any time soon. Petroski would never come close to a finish, but his wrestling was enough to keep Budka on his back for the bulk of the fight, leading to a clear-cut decision win.

Official Result: Andre Petroski def. Dylan Budka by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

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Things were perhaps a little more dire for Petroski, having dropped two straight. Fremd for his part had seen a two-fight win streak snapped by Roman Kopylov last time out.

The fight began with Andre moving in and out of distance before he clipped Fremd with a shot that floored him. Fremd quickly returned to his feet but Petroski landed a kick and missed a strike, which he turned into a body lock to get his opponent to the ground. Petroski was able to quickly transition to side control and began looking for ways to isolate the far side elbow or shoulder.

Josh bridged and looked to escape but found no success as Petroski landed minimal damage. Midway thru the round and Petroski continued to hold his opponent in side control. With nearly a minute left in the round, Fremd transitioned to full mount before briefly controlling the head a neck of his opponent. Petroski finished the round on top as Fremd continued to scramble, giving up his back and taking a couple of shots in the process.

To start the second round, Fremd flicked out his jab and Petroski was able to find another high kick. Petroski attempted a desperate shot from distance and crashed into the cage with his opponent. Andre was ultimately able to secure the takedown as he tripped his opponent while holding a leg elevated. Petroski immediately looked for looked for a guillotine on the ground. Josh defended the guillotine but ended up giving up a deep head and arm choke. Fremd was able to defend against the choke for an extended period of time and eventually Petroski let go of the attempt. With nearly a minute left in the round, Petroski was able to pass to full mount. But Fremd was able to wiggle out the back door. Fremd began to look for an armbar from an awkward position but wasn’t able to get anything meaningful before the round ended.

To start the final round, Petroski went to the body twice with a jab and a kick. Fremd came back, closing distance, and throwing a flying knee as his opponent moved against the fence. Josh uncorked a few knees to the body of his opponent against the cage before the two moved back into space. Fremd began to throw his jab, trying to find his range before Andre was able to land yet another takedown.

Petroski quickly moved to side control then to full mount before Josh momentarily gave up his back in an attempt to escape. Fremd rolled back over and began to cage walk, catching his opponent’s head in a figure four for just a second. But Petroski quickly escaped and again returned to side control and landed some nasty short raking elbows to the face of his opponent. Petroski was able to scramble and get to his knees with 30 seconds left, attempting to return to his feet, with the help of the cage. Andre continued to land damage, keeping Josh from returning to his feet as the final horn sounded.

Official Result: Andre Petroski def. Josh Fremd by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

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