BodySlam

Category: UFC

The latest UFC news, results, and recaps from UFC Fight Nights and numbered Pay-Per-View events.

  • UFC Freedom 250: Derrick Lewis vs. Josh Hokit Added

    UFC Freedom 250: Derrick Lewis vs. Josh Hokit Added

    UFC’s White House event now has a new bout added to the card. Named UFC Freedom 250, the first ever sporting event taking place at the White House goes down on Sunday, June 14. Originally, the card had six fights only, but a seventh has now been added.

    At UFC 327 in Miami, Florida, Dana White went live on Instagram during the main card. He was even filming himself live while sitting cage-side, where he revealed he had an announcement. This was right after Josh Hokit picked up a decision victory over Curtis Blaydes in a brutal fight, and Dana announced that Hokit would be on the card.

    His opponent? Derrick Lewis. Dana explained that President Trump, who was sitting next to White at UFC 327, asked him why Derrick Lewis wasn’t on the UFC Freedom 250 card. Dana went on to say he immediately called up Derrick, who accepted the fight over the phone before going back to see Hokit, where he then also accepted the fight.

    Dana White attributed the fight being made to Donald Trump and Joe Rogan. The latter mentioned on commentary immediately after Josh Hokit’s win that he needed to be on the UFC Freedom 250 card, thus, it was made.

    https://x.com/bodyslamnetmma/status/2043168732252438748?s=46

    Josh Hokit versus Derrick Lewis joins a star-studded card, which you can see below.

    • UFC Lightweight Championship: Ilia Topuria(c) vs. Justin Gaethje
    • Interim UFC Heavyweight Championship: Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane
    • Sean O’Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi
    • Mauricio Ruffy vs. Michael Chandler
    • Bo Nickal vs. Kyle Daukus
    • Diego Lopes vs. Steve Garcia
    • Derrick Lewis vs. Josh Hokit

    Again, not Saturday as usual, UFC Freedom 250 will be live on Paramount+ on Sunday, June 14.

  • UFC 327 Performance Bonuses Revealed

    UFC 327 Performance Bonuses Revealed

    As usual, UFC awards a couple fighters with performance bonuses if they put on a good showing. The $50,000 bonuses were awarded to UFC 327 fighters who put on a good showing and on Saturday night, three bonuses were given, with Josh Hokit receiving two of the three.

    For ‘Fight Of The Night’, UFC awarded 50 grand to Josh Hokit and Curtis Blaydes for their epic clash in the heavyweight feature. Both men laid it all on the line and there were several times it seemed like either fighter would fall and crumble to the ground, but it never happened. From round one to round three, they did not stop striking and it went to a decision, which ultimately saw Josh Hokit get his hand raised.

    For this, Josh Hokit was also awarded another $50,000 for “Performance Of The Night”. Whoever had their hand raised in that one, was sure to get some extra cash and it happened to be Hokit.

    https://x.com/ufc/status/2043189432128516127?s=46

    For the third bonus and second “Performance Of The Nght”, that $50,000 goes to our new UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Carlos Ulberg. Carlos takes home the vacant title after knocking out Jiri Prochazka in round one. While the fight was only less than a round, it sure did have all the drama.

    Carlos was injured in the opening minutes of the fight. He threw a head kick and when he stepped back, his right knee exploded. It’s not confirmed, but believed to be an ACL injury. This made Carlos very unstable as he wobbled around the cage on one leg. Jiri, who noticed the injury, pointed down a decided to acknowledge the injury and give Carlos a chance. Prochazka charged in to throw fists with Ulberg, but the mistake cost him.

    Carlos Ulberg landed a devastating check hook when Jiri Prochazka forced inward, and down went Jiri. Carlos Ulberg, on one leg, knocks out his opponent in one round and is the new UFC Lightweight Champion. Not only was he awarded the bonus money, every fighter on the card who won by finish gets an extra $25,000, so Carlos will be taking that home, too.

    https://x.com/bodyslamnetmma/status/2043181682233102787?s=46

    UFC 327 was a night to remember. You can see the full results here.

  • Gable Steveson Officially Signs With UFC

    Gable Steveson Officially Signs With UFC

    Gable Steveson is officially signed to the UFC. The company made the announcement live at UFC 327 in Miami, Florida while Gable sat in the crowd, next to his training partner, Jon Jones.

    Gable Steveson is currently undefeated in MMA at 3-0. But, he’s a very accomplished collegiate wrestler, notably winning the Olympic gold medal in men’s freestyle 125 kg at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Gable is also a 2x NCAA Heavyweight Champion for the University of Minnesota and a 2x Dan Hodge Trophy winner.

    Gable has also competed one time in Dirty Boxing, where he picked up a first round knockout victory. Now, he will put together his wrestling and striking skills to compete in the UFC. But, that’s not all, we also have a date. During the announcement, it was revealed that Gable Steveson will make his UFC debut at UFC 329, which is International Fight Week for the company.

    https://x.com/bodyslamnetmma/status/2043170438092607503?s=46

    Gable began training with Jon Jones while he was still an active wrestler, helping Jones get ready for his own fights. Now, it’s Jon Jones who’s training Steveson for his UFC debut in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As of now, an opponent has not yet been named. We will be sure to post an update when announced.

  • UFC 327: Prochazka vs. Ulberg Live Results

    UFC 327: Prochazka vs. Ulberg Live Results

    UFC 327 is live from Miami, Florida at the Kaseya Center on April 11. The event is headlined by a vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship bout between former champion Jiri Prochazka and first time challenger, “Black Jag” Carlos Ulberg. Both men are looking to get their hand raised and go home with the gold after former champion Alex Pereira vacated the championship in order to move up and fight for the UFC Heavyweight Championship later this year. Finally, tonight, a new champion will be crowned.

    In the co-main event, former title challenger Paulo Costa will take on the surging Azamat Murzakanov in a possible contender eliminator bout. This comes after the original co-main event of Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira was cancelled and pushed back to next months pay-per-view card. Plus, Curtis Blaydes battles un-ranked Josh Hokit, Cub Swanson steps foot in the cage for the last time to take on Nate Landwehr and much more on the main card.

    The Prelims will be headlined by a highly anticipated fight between Patricio Pitbull and Aaron Pico, plus, we kick things off with Charles Radtke taking on Francisco Prado in what’s sure to be fireworks. You’re able to  watch the full card on Paramount+. The prelims kick off at 5:30 ET, followed by the main card at 9 ET. Plus, you can follow along with the full UFC 327 live results below.

    UFC 327 Main Card (Paramount+, 9PM ET):

    • Vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship: Carlos Ulberg def. Jiri Prochazka via Knockout (Punch, Round 1)
    • Paulo Costa def. Azamat Murzakanov via TKO (Head Kick, Round 3) 
    • Josh Hokit def. Curtis Blaydes via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) 
    • Dominick Reyes def. Johnny Walker via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
    • Cub Swanson def. Nate Landwehr via TKO (Punch, Round 1)

    UFC 327 Prelims (Paramount+ 5:30 PM ET):

    • Aaron Pico def. Patricio Ptibull via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
    • Mateusz Gamrot def. Esteban Ribovics via Submission (Arm-Triangle, Round 2) 
    • Kevin Holland def. Randy Brown via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
    • Tatiana Suarez def. Loopy Godinez via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke, Round 2)
    • Chris Padilla vs. MarQuel Mederos Ends via Majority Draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28) 
    • Vicente Luque def. Kevin Gastelum via Submission (D’Arce Choke, Round 1) 
    • Charles Radtke def. Francisco Prado via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26) 
  • UFC 327: Cub Swanson vs. Nate Landwehr Preview

    UFC 327: Cub Swanson vs. Nate Landwehr Preview

    UFC 327 is one day away and while we have a massive vacant Light-Heavyweight Championship bout between Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg at the top of the bill, it’s the main card opener that may mean the most for a lot of fans.

    Cub Swanson’s Swan Song

    Cub Swanson is the last of a dying breed and the final WEC fighter currently on the UFC roster. WEC (World Extreme Cagefighting) was purchased by Zuffa in 2006 and merged with the UFC. This was a significant change that saw 135 pound, 145 pound, and 155 pound fighters make their way to UFC.

    WEC was the home of many legends such as Urijah Faber, Jose Aldo and even Demetrious Johnson, who all eventually made their mark on the UFC. Now, Cub Swanson is the last WEC fighter standing and after Saturday night, it’ll be the end of an era. An emotional parting for fans who’ve watched the WEC fighters grow under the UFC banner.

    https://x.com/mmajunkie/status/2042591478770250101?s=46

    UFC 327: Cub Swanson vs. Nate Landwehr

    Though Cub Swanson has been relaxed and seems fairly calm coming into UFC 327, it will not be a cake-walk. Standing across from him is Nate ‘The Train’ Landwehr. Nate is a veteran in his own right at the ripe age of 37, just five years younger than Cub. Nate holds a record of 18-7, and though he’s on a two fight losing streak, he brings a war every time.

    It’s not a Nate Landwehr fight if he isn’t bloody, and you could say the same about Cub Swanson. With 11 finishes under his belt, Nate is coming to spoil the party and not allow Cub to walk away with a satisfactory ending.

    Cub Swanson will not back down, though. With 30 wins, Cub has 18 finishes and he loves to make it chaotic. If this is the last fight of a dying breed on Saturday night, you know they’re going to go out with a bang!

    For fans looking to add a little more excitement to a fight like Cub Swanson vs Nate Landwehr, many also explore how can I bet on UFC fights before fight night.

    UFC 327 is live on Paramount+ starting with the early prelims at 5:30 ET.

  • Max Holloway Defends BMF Title at UFC 318 as Dustin Poirier Announces Retirement After Loss

    Former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway defeated Dustin Poirier in an exciting clash at UFC 318, with the 33-year-old Hawaiian-born fighter making up for previous defeats to The Diamond back in 2019 and 2012.

    Holloway won by a unanimous decision against Poirier, who suffered a defeat in his final UFC fight in his home state of Louisiana. The win means Holloway earns the symbolic BMF title and comes off the back of his defeat to Ilia Topuria last October.

    UFC fans who want to place a wager on UFC 319 can do so with confidence after checking out the key information here in relation to the best UFC betting sites out there. Selecting the right provider can help you make the most of our bets, so it’s always good to stay informed. 

    Poirier has called time on an explosive UFC career that saw him complete a 30-10 record, with one further fight ending in a no contest. The 36-year-old never won an undisputed title but was certainly an individual who achieved a great deal, and he paid respect to the UFC and its president, Dana White, after the encounter with Holloway.

    “I’m grateful for this experience and journey. I want to thank (UFC president) Dana White and the UFC for giving a kid a platform to make something of his life, to help keep my family in a safe place.” 

    “I’m forever in debt to the company and mixed martial arts. It’s taught me everything I know and I’m just thankful I got to walk this walk.”

    Meanwhile, Holloway was full of praise for his opponent after completing their trilogy with a victory.

    “Max is tough to deal with in here. He’s slick; he’s crafty; he’s fast; he’s the champ. I got nothing but respect for Max – he’s one of the good guys,” 

    “I’ve been chasing my dreams – it’s been incredible. I’m a kid living his dream out here, throwing punches, throwing knees. It’s incredible.” Holloway added.

    On ending his career in Louisiana, Poirier emotionally added.

    “It’s been overwhelming, honestly. I feel appreciated, I feel seen. I’ve never got to step outside a fight and look at it this way … but this week was unbelievable. I feel loved by the fans, Louisiana and the company. It’s been incredible. I didn’t know I touched as many people as I did just by chasing my dreams.”

    Holloway is seemingly hoping to secure a rematch with the reigning lightweight champion Topuria, an encounter that looks entirely plausible. 

    Topuria knocked out Holloway last year at UFC 308, and after Holloway’s win over Poirier, the German-born Georgian/Spanish fighter took to social media to claim ‘still mine’ while holding a replica of the BMF title, leading many to assume a rematch is on the cards.

    When asked about a potential fight with Topuria, White commented.

    “I think he’s in a great position right now.” 

    “He just defended that BMF title. He’s ranked number four in the world [at lightweight].”

    “Anything is possible for Max right now.”

    Watch this space.

     

  • Joe Rogan Makes Bold Prediction About Conor McGregor’s UFC Return

    Joe Rogan Makes Bold Prediction About Conor McGregor’s UFC Return

    Incredibly, it’s almost four years since Conor McGregor last appeared in a UFC bout, and talk of a comeback seems further and further away, not least because of various legal wranglings that the Irish fighter has been dealing with. 

    Barely a week goes by without pundits and fans discussing a possible imminent return for the Dubliner, but one individual, the world’s most popular podcaster, and UFC expert, Joe Rogan, does not feel that a return to the Octagon is on the cards for the 36-year-old.

    Though McGregor is hugely important to the UFC, the action goes on regardless, and there is more than enough interest in the upcoming fights, and fans who want to bet on the outcome can do so with the aid of this amazing Caesars promo code. Using a promotion of this kind will give you many UFC betting options for any fight.

    McGregor’s last UFC fight came in July 2021 and did not end well. He came up against Dustin Poirier in Las Vegas and suffered a TKO, barely six months after losing to ‘The Diamond’ in Abu Dhabi. 

    The defeat certainly knocked McGregor back, and previous attempts to get back into the fight game were hampered by injuries, and in many ways, it does feel like issues that he has outside MMA encounters have led to the UFC distancing itself from an individual who had arguably been itsmost bankable asset.

    During an episode of his wildly successful Joe Rogan Podcast, the host talked with UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, and he voiced his opinions on what the future might hold for McGregor, stating.

    “All these legal problems that he has, scooting around on yachts, and driving around in a Lamborghini. He’s wealthy, what’s really sad is if he comes back when he’s like 39 or 40 and his body just doesn’t have it anymore.”

    When asked about his thoughts on whether he might get back into the fight game, Rogan continued.

    “If I had to bet, no,” 

    “No, I don’t think he comes back, because he hasn’t come back yet, and he could have.”

    “If he really wanted to, he would have been back in the gym, had a fight scheduled, drug tested, clean, training, gone through a camp, and had a fight. He had a broken toe before his fight against Chandler. I understand that. OK, why should you fight with a broken toe?”.

    Clearly, from a financial perspective, McGregor has no need to get back into UFC, but he obviously feels there is some unfinished business to take care of. The issue is, the way he ended his last UFC chapter is not the way he wants to be remembered, but the longer he goes without getting back, the less likely he is either returning or certainly doing so in any effective manner.

    He’s been toying with all manner of other projects, from endorsements to appearing in a big Hollywood movie. However, there is a sense that it’s only in the Octagon that he truly feels at home, and that’s why there is always going to be a hankering for a comeback.

    On an earlier podcast, Rogan was even clearer in his assessment of the situation, concluding.

    “The ship has sailed.”

    “It’s like, we want him to come back [but] it ain’t happening,” Rogan added, a statement that’s hard to argue with.