In the main event, a pair of former UFC talents face off, as UFL bantamweight champ Hunter Azure puts his title on the line against Vince Morales. The bout is also the final fight of the five-match Team Phoenix vs. Team Vegas, with Azure and Morales the captains of their respective teams, under coaches Henry Cejudo and Frank Mir.

A $50,000 bonus goes to the fighters on the winning team, not to mention bragging rights. The night’s co-headliner, meanwhile, sees another pair of UFC veterans face off as Sheymon Moraes takes on TJ Brown.

Where to Watch UFL 5

The United Fight League set up shop at the Gila River Hotels & Casinos in Chandler, Arizona on Friday, August 30, 2024 for UFL 5; the card streams live on Rumble. Full results from the event can be found below.

UFL 5: Phoenix vs. Vegas Results

Main Card

Phoenix vs. Vegas: Vince Morales def. Hunter Azure (c) by submission (modified D’arce choke), Round 3, 4:06 – for the UFL bantamweight championship
Phoenix vs. Vegas: Sheymon Moraes def. TJ Brown by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27)
Phoenix vs. Vegas: Trent Miller def. Marcus Nash by KO, Round 1, 1:59
Phoenix vs. Vegas: Ray Waters def. William Gibson by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Phoenix vs. Vegas: Jackson Santa Cruz def. Anvar Boynazarov by submission (short choke), Round 1, 2:17

Preliminary Card

Yevgeni Shinkarevsku def. Richard Mahan by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Desmond Manabat def. Angel Atoigue by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Kaleo Meheula def. Cris Mims by TKO (strikes), Round 1, 2:54

Team Vegas wins the $50,000 bonus for winning the team versus team showdown over Team Phoenix.

The post UFL 5: Phoenix vs. Vegas Full Results appeared first on Cageside Press.

In a recent interview with Cageside Press, Azure (11-3) noted that he’s been able to shore up his training, now going through a second camp designed to prepare him for a full five rounds.

“Second camp preparing for five rounds, so got to make some adjustments from last camp. It was a little easier, kind of knew what to expect this time around,” explained Azure, who faces fellow UFC ex-pat Vince Morales on August 30. “I feel camp was a lot smoother, and just the preparation with my coaches and everything, we’re all clicking right now. It’s good that it’s a week out, and I’m excited to perform next week.”

The UFL has positioned itself as a fighter-friend promotion, offering signed athletes health coverage and shares in the company.

“They’ve been amazing,” Azure said in regards to working with the company. “They’re a new promotion, so it’s cool to see how they’re trying to run things, and bring a new aspect into MMA. I’m super grateful and thankful to them for this opportunities they’re giving me. So it’s good to kind of help grow with them and see all these little steps they’re going.”

For Azure, the key is to fight for a promotion that treats him well, “and just making sure I can perform at and my best, and able to continue to get high-ranked fights and high level fights.”

Morales, meanwhile, has been on Azure’s radar since their time under the UFC banner.

“I love the match-up. I’d seen him, we were in the UFC around the same time, so I definitely watched him fight, I’d known of him, and knowing we could cross paths when I was in the UFC. Now a few years later, saw his name, love the match-up still and he’s going to be a tough dude, tough opponent for sure,” Azure stated. “A fight like that is kind of what what gets me ready. Knowing he’s a tough guy, he’s coming to come there ready to fight and be in front of me. That motivates me, and I’m just excited to put on an amazing fight for the fans with him.”

Team Phoenix, in the Team versus Team format at UFL 5, is coached by Fight Ready’s Henry Cejudo, the infamous Triple C and a former UFC double champ, while Team Las Vegas is headed up by Frank Mir. The winning team at the end of the night will gain an extra $50,000 to split between them.

“Especially in MMA, it’s always nice to see that extra money at the end. As a team, there’s three of us from Fight Ready on the team aspect,” Azure observed. “We haven’t talked too much about it, we all know our goal and that’s to win and have our performance that night. We’re just going to kind of let the team aspect take care of itself. We know if we do our jobs, we’re going to win that team race and team points and get the extra fifty thousand at the end.”

Perhaps Cejudo can give them the extra push to claim that bonus money. Speaking of, is Henry Cejudo as cringe as his persona makes him seem? Not so much, admitted Azure. “In real life, no. He’s a great dude, a great father and a good person to talk to.”

Watch our full interview with UFL 5’s Hunter Azure above.

The post UFL 5’s Hunter Azure Looking for High-Ranked, High-Level Fights appeared first on Cageside Press.

It’s a pretty cool moment between opponents who just fought — being completely civil and supportive of each other. Not a side of fighting a lot of fans often get, and a reminder that The Ultimate Fighter still has something to offer fight fans.

We’re recapping every episode of TUF 31 this season — if you haven’t caught this week’s episode and are looking to stay spoiler-free, turn back now.

There’s one fight left in the opening round, and Conor McGregor’s team, comprised entirely of rookies, is 0-7 against Michael Chandler’s rookies. That sees McGregor bantamweight Rico DiSciullo paired up with Hunter Azure.

Conor works on the clinch game with DiSciullo early in the episode, then move to some striking drills. “Technique first, speed second, and power is in the back pocket,” McGregor tells his students.

We take a look at Azure’s home life, and his work at Fight Ready, where he coaches amateurs. “To win this show would mean the world to me. There’s no option but to win.” Azure came into the UFC by way of the Contender Series, and was splitting wins and losses, with the UFC opting not to renew his deal after a loss to Jack Shore in 2021.

Weigh-in day goes off without a hitch. “Rico is the last man standing for the prospects and the Team McGregor’s only hope to avoid a historic sweep, which would be the first time that has ever happened in Ultimate Fighter history,” observes UFC President Dana White.

Fight time. A quick start to DiSciullo versus Azure sees exchange after fiery exchange in the opening minute or two. When Azure takes the fight to the fence, DiSciullo batters him with hammer fists, but Azure completes the takedown. He nearly mounts, basically a three-quarter mount, which allows him to score some ground n’ pound. DiSciullo would get back up, only to be taken down again. This time, Azure goes to work on top with DiSciullo closing his guard at times. Azure moves to half-guard, but DiScuillo uses the fence to scramble out. Azure takes him right back down again, and piles on with more ground n’ pound finishing strong.

“Find that uppercut,” McGregor tells DiScuillo between rounds. “Phenomenal,” Chandler tells Azure.

DiSciullo stays well outside early in the second, staying long with his strikes to avoid the takeodwn. The opening minute sees DiSciullo land several nasty shots, but want happens next turns out to be one of the best finishes of the season. DiSciullo drops Azure with a right hand, then falls to his knees to deliver a smashing double-hammer fist! McGregor immediately erupts, running around the outside of the cage, while Azure looks completely out of it.

Roosevelt Roberts and McGregor then get into a bit of a shouting match, but it goes nowhere. After that, it’s time to look at the next round of match-ups, and Team McGregor is pulling for Rico to fight Timur Valiev. Dana White will set the final Ultimate Fighter 31 semifinal match-ups (we’ll get them next week); McGregor, meanwhile, lets DiSciullo drive his Lamborghini, a little celebration for a job well done.

The post The Ultimate Fighter 31: Team McGregor Gets on the Board in Style appeared first on Cageside Press.

In a big test for middleweight prospect SD Dumas, he was paired up with Aaron Highbaugh — who was looking to bounce back from a loss to UFC vet Jared Gooden back in January.

Elsewhere on the card, a couple of names recognizable to UFC fans: Hunter Azure was fighting for the first time since his release from the promotion. Justin Scoggins, meanwhile, had taken his last couple of fights for RIZIN in Japan, but had not fought since 2019.

Also fighting Friday, bare-knuckle boxing vet Uly Diaz, holder of the fastest stoppage in BKFC history. Diaz was fighting for the second time in a matter of weeks, after scoring a submission victory at Titan FC 74 earlier this month.

Jorge Masvidal’s iKON FC 2 takes place this Friday, March 18, 2022, at the Miami Airport Convention Center in Miami, Florida. The cards streams live on UFC Fight Pass started at 8PM ET. Full results can be found below.

• SD Dumas def. Aaron Highbaugh via unanimous decision (30×27, 30×27, 30×27)
• Keith Richardson def. Hunter Azure via submission (rear-nake choke) Round 2, 2:05
• Justin Scoggins def. Eduardo Diez via unanimous decision (30×27, 29×28, 29×28)
• Brandon Johnson def. Uly Diaz via submission (arm-triangle) Round 1, 3:23
• Daniel Compton def. David Gladfeather via submission (armbar) Round 2, 2:04
• Amun Cosme def. Alexey Fedorees via submission (armbar) Round 1, 3:14
• Alexander Schenk def. Nicholas Maupin via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-27)

The post iKON FC 2: Highbaugh vs. Dumas Full Results appeared first on Cageside Press.

UFC Roster Watch, an automated service that monitors the promotion’s fighter database, was first to note that light heavyweight Fabio Cherant had been removed from the roster. Cageside Press later confirmed that the “Water Buffalo” is no longer with the company.

Additionally, a report from MMA Junkie on Monday revealed that bantamweight Hunter Azure had parted ways with the organization.

Hunter Azure (9-2), a 29-year old Montana native training at Fight Ready in Arizona, last competed in April of 2021, coming up short against Jack Shore. The 2019 Dana White’s Contender Series winner went 2-2 through four fights in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, picking up wins against TUF 27 champ Brad Katona, and Katona’s fellow Canadian Cole Smith.

In addition to the Shore loss, Azure fell to Brian Kelleher in a featherweight bout in May 2020. Despite losing via knockout, Azure shared in the Fight of the Night bonus at UFC Fight Night 171.

Fabio Cherant (7-4) went 0-3 in his run with the UFC. After capturing the LFA light heavyweight championship last year, Cherant jumped straight into the thick of things, facing Alonzo Menifield at UFC 260 last March. He wound up submitted, and adding insult to injury, missed weight for the fight.

Cherant would fight twice more for the promotion, and was knocked out by William Knight last August before losing a decision against Carlos Ulberg earlier this month.

The post Fabio Cherant, Hunter Azure Latest Fighters to Exit UFC appeared first on Cageside Press.

Undefeated Welsh talented and former Cage Warriors champ Jack Shore was back in action at UFC Vegas 23 on Saturday. With the bantamweight having gone 2-0 to start his run in the promotion, a third straight win could send his stock skyrocketing, but he’d have to get past Hunter Azure, who had posted a 2-1 record in the UFC after entering off the Contender Series in 2019.

Azure began the fight with a slew of leg kicks, then Shore initiated a clinch. Shore was able to drag Azure down several times, taking the back briefly on the third takedown. Azure reversed position by standing up and spinning around into guard. Shore then popped up and returned to the feet with a minute left in the round. Same-side hooks laned for both Shore and Azure simultaneously, then a head kick from Shore. Azure initiated a clinch late in the round to ride the clock out.

Azure generated another clinch early in the first round, but Shore did not allow any progress, breaking away from the clinch. Shore landed a jab then drove Azure to the cage, taking him down. Azure countered the takedown by trying a guillotine, allowing him to secure top position. Shore returned to his feet and the clinch then got away from the cage after Azure reversed position. Shore opened up on the feet, landing a few combinations to end the round.

Azure initiated a clinch exchange right away in the third round, but it was short-lived. Shore landed a jab, then Azure ducked under an uppercut to attempt a takedown along the fence. Shore got back to the center of the cage and landed a right hook as Azure was coming in. Shore then got a takedown of his own against the cage, eventually taking the back of Azure. That turned into a seated position against the cage and another takedown. A scramble took place that featured a forward roll and Shore was able to maintain top position. He opened up some ground and pound towards the end of the fight to secure the victory.

Jack Shore def. Hunter Azure by Split Decision (30-27 x2, 28-29)

The post UFC Vegas 23 Results: Jack Shore Wins Gritty Fight Over Hunter Azure appeared first on Cageside Press.

But like John Kavanagh said ‘you either win or you learn’ and learn Azure did.

In his next fight, a bout with Cole Smith in September, he looked better than ever. Most notable of the changes were his wrestling, where he racked up five takedowns – which he said was a conscious move.

“I was trying to strike too much in my fights,” Azure admitted. “So it was just me getting back to my roots and finding my wrestling and trying to get comfortable with that and striking – just mix it all together.”

The mixing of styles, he said, is the most important part. While getting back to what he does best helps, he knows he needs to keep polishing up all parts.

“I was just favoring one style in each fight instead of just mixing it more,” he said. “I’m just trying to combine that together. It’s a mixed martial arts fight, so I’ve got to be prepared all over.”

Although getting back to the basics was a choice he made internally, he credits the changing of teams for executing it so well. Formerly of MMA Lab, Azure moved over to fellow Arizona gym Fight Ready.

“I have great coaches here at Fight Ready and they’ve been putting a lot of time and work into me,” he said. “It was nothing personal about the changes, just where I felt more comfortable and where I felt like I needed to grow. [Fight Ready] is a heavy wrestling gym with a lot of wrestlers, so I just wanted to stick with my roots.”

And wrestling isn’t the only roots that Azure has been putting down. Azure and his fiancé are the parents to a soon to be one year old boy. Fatherhood, for Azure, has been a huge motivator through camp – both in having a purpose to fight and getting to see his son around the gym.

“Through the camp, just waking up to him every day and seeing him, and having a family – it drove me,” he said. “I’m excited about the fact my fight is the same day as his birthday. We’ve got to spend a little time out there after the fight and give him a good first birthday.”

He added that he hopes he can supply his son with a 50k bonus check for his performance as well. That fight will take place this Saturday at UFC Vegas 23. He’ll fight Jack Shore as part of the preliminary card.

Listen to the whole audio of this interview at 36:51.

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The post UFC Vegas 23’s Hunter Azure Getting Back to, Putting Down Roots appeared first on Cageside Press.

John Makdessi Interview (2:39)

One of the longest tenured UFC fighters in the land kicks off this episode of Top Turtle MMA. John Makdessi joins the show to discuss his longevity in the sport, having made his UFC debut back at UFC 124. He also discusses facing young up and comers prior to his bout with Ignacio Bahamondes – including a discussion about how more and more youngsters are having MMA as their first discipline and what that looks like to someone who has fought as long as him. Plus, he delves into his change of camp and so much more.

Combat Countdown: Next Countries to Get a UFC Champ (17:52)

A few years ago, Gumby and Shockwave broke down the countries that were more likely to get their first champ. Since then, we’ve seen Nigeria, Cameroon, and Russia all join the fold. So it seems about time to try that exercise again. 3 years from now, who are we most likely going to look back and see with a champ from their homeland? Well, let the guys give you their top 5 list (with an honorable mention or two) and see if you agree. Of course, if they missed a big one, be sure to give them hell for it on Twitter.

Hunter Azure Interview (36:51)

Finally, to end the show, Hunter Azure pops by to talk about his fight at UFC on ABC with Jack Shore. He talks about being tasked  with a highly touted prospect and why the UFC may have given him such a chance. Plus, he talks about getting back to his roots of wrestling. In his last fight, he scored more takedowns than the rest of his UFC career combined. He shares about the focus and training that went into those changes and whether or not we can expect more of the same against Shore.

The post TTP Ep. 267 with John Makdessi, Hunter Azure, and Next Countries to Get a UFC Champ appeared first on Cageside Press.

Shore (13-0) returns to the octagon for his third UFC fight on April 10, against Hunter Azure (9-1) on the second UFC on ABC fight card.

“Tank” is getting a lot of hype because he is the real deal. He is a proven finisher inside the cage. He is currently undefeated, and all but one of his victories have come by way of finish. Eight submissions – seven rear-naked chokes and four KO/TKOs.

The bantamweight also has the country of Wales behind him, and he is ready to be the face of Welsh MMA.

“You know, it obviously comes with added pressure. I’m thankful for the fact that I have a tough mindset and quite mentally strong in the sense that I’m in my own little world, and I don’t let the opinions and the outside factors affect me too much,” Shore told Cageside Press ahead of his return to action. “If people want to see me as the face of Welsh MMA or one of the front runners, it’s a great honor for me, and I will carry it on my shoulders. Jack Marshman, John Phillips, and Brett Johns laid the path for me to follow, so if I can continue to lay the foundations and lead the way for some of the youngsters… it’ll be great.”

Shore had a very frustrating 2020. He was supposed to fight in London against Geraldo de Freitas last March, but the COVID pandemic put a halt to that. He finally got a second UFC fight on ‘Fight Island’ but had four opponents thrown his way before one stuck. He eventually fought Aaron Phillips and submitted him in the second round.

The Welsh flag continues to fly! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿@JackShoreMMA remains undefeated at #UFCFightIsland1

📺 Action continues on @ESPN. #InAbuDhabi @VisitAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/bD470F900A

— UFC (@ufc) July 15, 2020

Trying to capitalize on his momentum, Shore was scheduled to fight Khalid Taha in November at UFC Fight Night: Santos vs. Teixeira, in what would be his first fight in the United States. Unfortunately, visa issues forced him off the card, and Shore took the rest of the year to rest his body.

Refreshed and ready to go, Shore says he wants to fight three times and, if he is lucky, four. But of course, he must get by Azure which is confident he will.

“It’s going to be an exciting one for sure; I don’t really know which way it will go,” Shore said. “It’s either going to be a wrestling match or two wrestlers that don’t really want to wrestle, which turns into a striking match. We’ll see. I’m coming for the finish definitely, always looking for the finish.”

Shore finally returns on April 10 in what is the UFC’s return to ABC.

Check out the rest of the interview above, where Shore talks about having a full training camp, first fight in the USA, wrestling in the UK, predictions for the UFC on ABC 2 card, and more.

The post Jack Shore Discusses UFC on ABC 2 Scrap with Azure, Being Front Runner in Welsh MMA appeared first on Cageside Press.

Multiple sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, have confirmed to Cageside Press that undefeated and highly touted Welsh fighter Jack Shore will fight Hunter Azure on April 10.

Jack “Tank” Shore (13-0) is a former Cage Warriors bantamweight champion and has submitted all but one of his opponents. Shore is coming off a short 2020 year, but that wasn’t his fault. The fighter from Wales was supposed to appear at UFC London last year, only for the event to be cancelled. He returned later in 2020, submitting Aaron Phillips at UFC Fight Night: Kattar vs. Ige on ‘Fight Island.’ Shore was scheduled to fight Khalid Taha in November, but travel issues put a halt to Shore coming to Las Vegas. Before Phillips, Shore submitted Nohelin Hernandez, in Shore’s octagon debut.

The victory earned Shore a Performance of the Night bonus.

Azure (9-1) is coming off a unanimous decision victory against Cole Smith on September 5, 2020 at UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Sakai. Prior to the Smith win in May of last year, Azure lost to Brian Kelleher via knockout, which is the only blemish on Azure’s record. Azure is a Dana White’s Contender Series alumni. He dominated Chris Ocon to earn a UFC contract.

The winner of Shore vs. Azure could very well be just one fight away from the bantamweight top 15 rankings.

No official venue or location has been announced for the UFC’s April 10 event. As of now, the fight card breaks down as follows:

• Darren Till vs. Marvin Vettori
• Arnold Allen vs. Sodiq Yusuff
• Nina Ansaroff vs. Mackenzie Dern
• Jarjis Danho vs. Yorgan De Castro
• Ignacio Bahamondes vs. John Makdessi
• Norma Dumont vs. Bea Malecki
• Sam Alvey vs. Zak Cummings
• Kyle Daukaus vs. Aliskhab Khizriev
• Jordan Griffin vs. Luis Saldana
• Jack Shore vs. Hunter Azure

The post UFC: Jack Shore vs. Hunter Azure Targeted For April 10 appeared first on Cageside Press.