Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 282. | Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
The one-time UFC light heavyweight title challenger is clearing up what seemed to be a desire to leave the world’s largest MMA promotion, following a split draw against Jan Blachowicz at UFC 282.
Magomed Ankalaev says his post-fight interview at UFC 282 was mistranslated.
When the judges’ scorecards were read after his fight against Jan Blachowicz this past Saturday, Ankalaev was shocked to hear it ruled a split draw.
“I don’t know what to say,” said Ankalaev through a translator in his post-fight interview. “I won that fight. Why didn’t I get my belt? I don’t know what to say.”
Two of the three judges had Blachowicz up against Ankalaev heading into the fourth and fifth rounds, where the Russian fighter erased most of his deficit with a wrestling-heavy performance. Derek Cleary scored it 48-46 for Ankalaev, Mike Bell scored it 48-47 for Blachowicz, but Sal D’Amato had it even at 47-47, resulting in the split draw.
Losing out on the vacant UFC light heavyweight championship frustrated Ankalaev, who seemed to suggest he may not fight in the promotion again because of the poor judging.
“I always do whatever I have to do to adjust,” said Ankalaev. “If I’m losing in the standup, I’ll go down to grappling and wrestling; if I’m losing the wrestling, I’ll stand up. I can do both things, but I don’t know if I’m going to fight for this organization again, because honestly, I don’t know what just happened.”
However, it turns out Ankalaev said nothing about not fighting in the promotion. In a statement to Damon Martin of MMA Fighting, the 30-year-old said he was done fighting in Las Vegas, not the UFC.
“It was mistranslated, I said I didn’t want to fight in this city anymore,” said Ankalaev. “Because the judges were horrible. I won this fight. Not one person online said I lost this fight. Even Jan Blachowicz said I won this fight. I get it. After the second round, my knee was gone but I still fought. I bit down on my mouthguard and I did the best I can. This fight can only help me grow and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
A new UFC light heavyweight champion will be crowned next year, but neither Ankalaev nor Blachowicz are involved. Instead of an immediate rematch, UFC president Dana White booked Glover Teixeira vs. Jamahal Hill for UFC 283 in January.
Darren Till is defeated by Dricus du Plessis at UFC 282 by way of submission. | Photo by Carmen Mandato/Zuffa LLC
Nate Diaz tells Darren Till he ‘sucks’.
Darren Till took a beating at UFC 282, and Nate Diaz wants to remind him of it.
Diaz, now a free agent, blasted Till following his submission loss to Dricus du Plessis on Saturday, not mincing words about what he thought of ‘The Gorilla’s’ irregular performance.
Nate Diaz shares his views on Darren Till pic.twitter.com/O2JRU6XZ1A
— 176.37 lb Bendaman (@Bendaman2001) December 11, 2022
‘Damn till sucks’, Diaz posted in a video of Till being submitted.
Till had spontaneous moments of success against du Plessis in an otherwise one-sided and lopsided fight in which he was almost finished in the first round. He had a strong showing in the second round but failed to carry that momentum into the third, with du Plessis forcing the tap with a nasty face crank he secured from full mount.
The loss marked Till’s third straight defeat, with the Liverpudlian 1-5 in his last five fights. He plans to take ‘some time off’ from competition but has no intention of retiring just yet. A return to welterweight, where he once fought for the title, should be expected.
Naoya Inoue v Jason Moloney | Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images
The Monster returns.
This week, ‘The Monster’ Naoya Inoue returns to action with hopes of becoming the undisputed bantamweight champion of the world. To do this he will need to beat Britain’s Paul Butler in front of a friendly crowd at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo.
The 29-year-old Inoue comes into this one with a 23-0 (20 KOs) record and a reputation as one of the hardest pound for pound punchers on the planet (especially when it comes to body shots). He will be defending his WBA (Super), WBC, IBF and The Ring titles.
Inoue’s last win was a sensational two round TKO of Nonito Donaire to add the WBC belt to his collection.
Butler will be defending his WBO title. He’s 34 with a record of 36-2 (15 KOs). He won his title last time out, with a unanimous decision win over Jonas Sultan. His last loss was in 2018, when he failed to beat Emmanual Rodriguez for the vacant IBF bantamweight title (which Rodriguez lost to Inoue a year later, via second round KO).
Bout Order
Main Card (5 a.m. ET, ESPN+)
Undisputed bantamweight championship: Naoya Inoue vs. Paul Butler (ring walks expected at 7:30 a.m. ET)
Super bantamweight: Yoshiki Takei vs. Bruno Tarimo
Super lightweight: Any Hiraoka vs. Min Ho Jung
Featherweight: Takuma Inoue vs. Jake Bornea
Super featherweight: Satoshi Shimizu vs. Landy Cris Leon
Featherweight: Hironori Miyake vs. Peter McGrail
Tickets
Tickets at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan are available here.
Live Stream
Inoue vs. Butler will air on ESPN+.
A monthly subscription to ESPN+ costs $ 9.99 a month or $ 99.99 a year. ESPN+ can also be included in The Disney Bundle with Hulu. The ad-supported version of that package is $ 13.99. The no-ads version is $ 19.99.
The show is also available on Amazon Prime in Japan and PPV in Australia ($ 29.95).
ESPN+ can be viewed on the following devices:
Web browsers
ESPN+ web browser and system requirements
Mobile devices and tablets
Apple iPhones and iPads
Android phones and tablets
Amazon Fire tablet
Smart TVs
Android TV devices
Samsung Tizen smart TVs
Gaming consoles and streaming devices
Amazon Fire TV
Apple tvOS
Chromecast
Oculus Go
Playstation
Portal TV
Roku
Xbox
Xfinity Flex and X1 TV Box
Live news, updates and round-by-round commentary is available here on Bloody Elbow.
2022 Wrestling World Cup (freestyle and women) from Coralville, Iowa. | United World Wreslting
The best in world went at it at #WrestleCoralville this weekend.
The 2022 Wrestling World Cup for freestyle and women’s wrestling is happening live this weekend in Coralville, Iowa. At that event takes place over December 10 and 11 and features teams competing competing for one of the last bits of silverware remaining on the table for 2022.
The freestyle competition will feature the United States, Iran, Japan, Georgia and Mongolia. There will also be an All-World team made up of wrestlers who placed highly in international competition, but whose countries failed to qualify for this event. It’s expected that the USA (which has Jordan Burroughs on the team) and Iran will be vying for the championship here.
The women’s competition will have the United States, Japan, Mongolia, Ukraine, China and an All-World Team. Of those teams Japan is expected to be formidable, having just nearly sweeped the U23 world championships.
The entire event will be streamed over on uww.org, all you need is an email address to make an account and watch all the matches.
Rosters
Freestyle
All-world:
57 kg – Zelimkhan Abakarov (Albania) 61 kg – Georgi Vangelov (Bulgaria) 65 kg – Iszmail Muszukajev (Hungary) 70 kg – Ernazar Akmataliev (Kyrgyzstan) 74 kg – Tajmuraz Salkazanov (Slovakia) 79 kg – Arsalan Budazhapov (Kyrgyzstan) 86 kg – Azamat Dauletbekov (Kazakhstan) 92 kg – Osman Nurmagomedov (Azerbaijan) 97 kg – Batyrbek Tsakulov (Slovakia) 125 kg – Oleksandr Khotsianivskyi (Ukraine)
Georgia:
57 kg – Beka Bujiashvili 61 kg – Teimuraz Vanishvili 65 kg – Beka Lomatdze 70 kg – Zurabi Iakobiashvili 74 kg – Giorgi Sulava 79 kg – Vladimeri Gamkrelidze 86 kg – Tarzan Maisuradze 92 kg – Miriani Maisuradze 97 kg – Givi Matcharashvili 125 kg – Geno Petriashvili
Iran:
57 kg – Reza Momenijouijadeh 61 kg – Armin Habibzadeh 65 kg – Rahman Amouzad 65 kg – Mohammadreza Bagheri 70 kg – Aliakbar Fazlikhalili 70 kg – Amirmohammad Yazdani 74 kg – Mohmmadsadegh Firouzpour 79 kg – Mohammad Nokhodi 79 kg – Ali Savadkouhi 86 kg – Alireza Karimi 92 kg – Amirhossein Firouzpour 97 kg – Kamran Ghasempour 97 kg – Amirali Azarpira 125 kg – Amirreza Valadi
57 kg – Zanabazar Zandanbud 57 kg – Nasanbuyan Narmandakh 61 kg – Narankhuu Narmandakh 61 kg – Munkh Erdene Altansuvd 65 kg – Tsogbadrakh Tseveensuren 65 kg – Tulga Tumur Ochir 70 kg – Temuulen Enktuya 70 kg – Khanburged Gankhuyag 74 kg – Suldkhuu Olonbayar 74 kg – Sumiyabazar Zandanbud 79 kg – Dulguun Altanzul 79 kg – Batzul Damjin 86 kg – Bat Erdene Byambasuren 86 kg – Tsogtgerel Munkhbaatar 92 kg – Gankhuyag Ganbaatar 92 kg – Bymanbadorj Bat Erdene 97 kg – Orgilokh Dagvadorj 97 kg – Batzul Ulziisaikhan 125 kg – Lkhagvagerel Munkhtur 125 kg – Batmagnai Enkhtuvshin
USA:
57kg – Zane Richards 57kg – Nick Suriano 61kg – Seth Gross 61kg – Daniel Deshazer 65kg – Yianni Diakomihalis 65kg – Evan Henderson 70kg – Tyler Berger 70kg – Alec Pantaleo 74kg – Jason Nolf 74kg – Vincenzo Joseph 79kg – Jordan Burroughs 79kg – Chance Marsteller 86kg – Zahid Valencia 86kg – Mark Hall 92kg – Nathan JACKSON 92kg – Jay Aiello 97kg – Kyle Snyder 97kg – Kollin Moore 125kg – Hayden Zillmer 125kg – Nick Gwiazdowski
Women
All-World:
50 kg – Anna Lukasiak (Poland) 53 kg – Maria Prevolaraki (Greece) 55 kg – Karla Godinez (Canada) 57 kg – Zhala Aliyeva (Azerbaijan) 59 kg – Anastasia Nichita (Moldova) 62 kg – Aisuluu Tynybekova (Kyrgyzstan) 65 kg – Mimi Hristova (Bulgaria) 68 kg – Irina Ringaci (Moldova) 72 kg – Zhamila Bakbergenova (Kazakhstan) 76 kg – Yasemin Adar (Turkey)
China:
50 kg – Meng Fan 50 kg – Jiang Zhu 53 kg – Li Deng 55 kg – Qianyu Pang 57 kg – Yongxin Feng 59 kg – Zhang Qu 62 kg – Xinyuan Sun 62 kg – Xiaojuan Luo 65 kg – Jia Long 68 kg – Feng Zhou 68 kg – Yue Han 72 kg – Qiandegenchagan 76 kg – Juan Wang
50 kg – Otgonjargal Dolgorjav 50 kg – Namuuntsetseg Tsogt Ochir 53 kg – Bolortuya Bat Ochir 53 kg – Khulan Batkhuyag 55 kg – Otgonjargal Ganbaatar 55 kg – Sumiya Erdenchimeg 57 kg – Davaachimeg Erkhembayar 57 kg – Erdenesuvd Bat Erdene 59 kg – Khongorzul Boldsaikhan 59 kg – Bolortuya Khurelkhuu 62 kg – Tserenchimed Sukhee 62 kg – Bolortungalag Zorigt 65 kg – Purevsuren Uliziisaikhan 65 kg – Shoovdor Baatarjav 68 kg – Delgermaa Enkhsaikhan 68 kg – Urtnasan Gan Ochir 72 kg – Davaanasan Enk Amar 72 kg – Sarnai Bayarbaatar 76 kg – Ariunjargal Ganbat 76 kg – Zagardulam Naigalsuren
Ukraine:
50 kg – Oksana Livach 53 kg – Lilija Malanchuk 55 kg – Oleksandra Khomenets 57 kg – Alina Hrushyna Akobiia 59 kg – Yuliia Tkach Ostapchuk 62 kg – Ilona Prokopevniuk 65 kg – Tetiana Sova Rizhko 68 kg – Alla Belinska 72 kg – Anastasiya Alpyeva 76 kg – Anastasiia Osniach Shustova
USA:
50 kg – Alyssa Lampe 50 kg – Erin Golston 53 kg – Felicity Taylor 53 kg – Ronna Gross 55 kg – Jacarra Winchester 55 kg – Jenna Burkert 57 kg – Alexandra Hedrick 57 kg – Amanda Martinez 59 kg – Lexie Basham 59 kg – Michaela Beck 62 kg – Kayla Miracle 62 kg – Jennifer Rogers 65 kg – Mallory Velte 68 kg – Sienna Ramirez 68 kg – Solin Piearcy 72 kg – Amit Elor 72 kg – Skylar Grote 76 kg – Dymond Guilford 76 kg – Yelena Makoyev
Day 1 Results
Freestyle
Round 1
MONGOLIA (MGL) v. UNITED STATES (USA), 3-7
57 kg – Zane Raye Rhodes Richards (USA) df. Zanabazar Zandanbud (MGL) by VSU, 10-0 61 kg – Daniel Nkrumah Deshazer (USA) df. null (MGL) by VFO, 0-0 65 kg – Tulga Tumur Ochir (MGL) df. John Michael Diakomihalis (USA) by VPO1, 10-3 70 kg – Tyler Daniel Berger (USA) df. Munkhtulga Zuunbayan (MGL) by VSU, 10-0 74 kg – Sumiyabazar Zandanbud (MGL) df. Vincenzo Joseph (USA) by VPO, 8-0 79 kg – Jordan Ernest Burroughs (USA) df. Temuujin Mendbileg (MGL) by VSU, 10-0
Protecting home soil.@alliseeisgold | #WrestlwCoralville pic.twitter.com/JyaNcGaEkl
— United World Wrestling (@wrestling) December 10, 2022
86 kg – Zahid Valencia (USA) df. Bat Erdene Bayasgalan (MGL) by VSU, 10-0 92 kg – Nathan Dyamin Jackson (USA) df. null (MGL) by VFO, 0-0 97 kg – Kyle Frederick Snyder (USA) df. Batzul Ulziisaikhan (MGL) by VIN, 0-0 125 kg – Lkhagvagerel Munkhtur (MGL) df. Hayden Nicholas Zillmer (USA) by VPO1, 3-1
JAPAN (JPN) v. IRAN (IRI), 1-9
57 kg – Reza Hossein Momenijoujadeh (IRI) df. Taichi Yamaguchi (JPN) by VPO1, 6-5 61 kg – Kaito Morikawa (JPN) df. Ebrahim Esmaeil Elahichouran (IRI) by VSU1, 13-2 65 kg – Mohammadreza Mehdi Bagheriheidrabadi (IRI) df. Ryoma Anraku (JPN) by VPO1, 2-1 70 kg – Aliakbar Aliasghar Fazlikhalili (IRI) df. Keitaro Ono (JPN) by VPO1, 9-6 74 kg – Mohmmadsadegh Biglar Firouzpourbandpei (IRI) df. Kirin Kinoshita (JPN) by VPO1, 3-1 79 kg – Ali Bakhtiar Savadkouhi (IRI) df. Yajuro Yamaski (JPN) by VSU, 11-0 86 kg – Alireza Mohammad Karimimachiani (IRI) df. Tatsuya Shirai (JPN) by VSU, 11-0 92 kg – Kamran Ghorban Ghasempour (IRI) df. Satoshi Miura (JPN) by VSU, 10-0
— United World Wrestling (@wrestling) December 10, 2022
92 kg – Osman Nurmagomedov (UWW) df. Satoshi Miura (JPN) by VSU, 10-0 97 kg – Batyrbek Tsakulov (UWW) df. Yohei Shinada (JPN) by VSU, 10-0 125 kg – Oleksandr Khotsianivskyi (UWW) df. Hiroto Ninomiya (JPN) by VSU, 11-0
Round 3
UNITED STATES (USA) v. GEORGIA (GEO), 10-0
57 kg – Nicholas Raymond Suriano (USA) df. Beka Bujiashvili (GEO) by VPO1, 6-3
Doubles for days.@NickSuriano_NJ | #WrestleCoralville pic.twitter.com/CXtsLGbuYu
— United World Wrestling (@wrestling) December 11, 2022
61 kg – Seth Anthony Gross (USA) df. Teimuraz Vanishvili (GEO) by VSU, 11-0 65 kg – John Michael Diakomihalis (USA) df. Beka Lomtadze (GEO) by VSU, 11-0 70 kg – Alec William Pantaleo (USA) df. Giorgi Elbakidze (GEO) by VPO, 8-0 74 kg – Jason Michael Nolf (USA) df. Giorgi Sulava (GEO) by VSU, 10-0 79 kg – Jordan Ernest Burroughs (USA) df. Vladimeri Gamkrelidze (GEO) by VPO1, 5-3 86 kg – Zahid Valencia (USA) df. Sandro Aminashvili (GEO) by VSU, 11-0 92 kg – Nathan Dyamin Jackson (USA) df. Miriani Maisuradze (GEO) by VPO1, 10-4 97 kg – Kyle Frederick Snyder (USA) df. Givi Matcharashvili (GEO) by VPO, 6-0 125 kg – Hayden Nicholas Zillmer (USA) df. Solomon Manashvili (GEO) by VPO1, 8-7
IRAN (IRI) v. All-World Team (UWW), 6-4
57 kg – Zelimkhan Abakarov (UWW) df. Reza Hossein Momenijoujadeh (IRI) by VSU1, 12-2 61 kg – Georgi Valentinov Vangelov (UWW) df. Ebrahim Esmaeil Elahichouran (IRI) by VPO1, 5-1 65 kg – Rahman Mousa Amouzadkhalili (IRI) df. Taiyrbek Zhumashbek Uulu (UWW) by VPO, 5-0 70 kg – Amirmohammad Babak Yazdanicherati (IRI) df. Ernazar Akmataliev (UWW) by VPO1, 10-7
World silver medalists Amirmohamad YAZDANI and Ernazar AKMATALIEV put on a 17-point show, but the Iranian came out on top, 10-7.#WrestleCoralville | #TheHomeOfWrestling pic.twitter.com/vAPkmY6fTV
— United World Wrestling (@wrestling) December 11, 2022
74 kg – Tajmuraz Mairbekovic Salkazanov (UWW) df. Mohmmadsadegh Biglar Firouzpourbandpei (IRI) by VPO, 9-0 79 kg – Mohammad Ashghar Nokhodilarimi (IRI) df. Arsalan Budazhapov (UWW) by VSU1, 12-2 86 kg – Alireza Mohammad Karimimachiani (IRI) df. Azamat Dauletbekov (UWW) by VPO, 4-0 92 kg – Osman Nurmagomedov (UWW) df. Amirhossein Biglar Firouzpourbandpei (IRI) by VPO1, 10-10 97 kg – Amirali Hamid Azapira (IRI) df. Batyrbek Tsakulov (UWW) by VSU, 10-0 125 kg – Amirreza Fardin Masoumi Valadi (IRI) df. Oleksandr Khotsianivskyi (UWW) by VSU, 12-0
Women’s
Round 1
JAPAN (JPN) v. MONGOLIA (MGL), 5-5
50 kg – Otgonjargal Dolgorjav (MGL) df. Hanano Sakurai (JPN) by VPO1, 3-3 53 kg – Rino Kataoka (JPN) df. Otgonjargal Ganbaatar (MGL) by VPO1, 5-1 55 kg – Moe Kiyooka (JPN) df. Bolortuya Bat Ochir (MGL) by VPO1, 6-4 57 kg – Ruka Natami (JPN) df. Erdenesuvd Bat Erdene (MGL) by VPO, 3-0 59 kg – Himeka Tokuhara (JPN) df. Davaachimeg Erkhembayar (MGL) by VPO1, 5-3 62 kg – Tserenchimed Sukhee (MGL) df. Yui Sakano (JPN) by VPO1, 7-5 65 kg – Orkhon Purevdoj (MGL) df. Miyu Imai (JPN) by VPO1, 9-4 68 kg – Purevsuren Ulziisaikhan (MGL) df. Kumi Kobayashi (JPN) by VFA, 6-0 72 kg – Davaanasan Enkh Amar (MGL) df. Yuka Fujikura (JPN) by VIN, 0-0 76 kg – Nodoka Yamamoto (JPN) df. Burmaa Ochirbat (MGL) by VPO, 2-0
CHINA (CHN) v. UNITED STATES (USA), 8-2
50 kg – Jiang Zhu (CHN) df. Emily King Shilson (USA) by VSU, 10-0 53 kg – Li Deng (CHN) df. Amy Ann Fearnside (USA) by VSU, 10-0 55 kg – Qianyu Pang (CHN) df. Jenna Rose Burkert (USA) by VPO, 4-0 57 kg – Yongxin Feng (CHN) df. Amanda Martinez (USA) by VSU, 10-0 59 kg – Qi Zhang (CHN) df. Michaela Hope Beck (USA) by VSU, 11-0 62 kg – Xiaojuan Luo (CHN) df. Kayla Colleen Kiyoko Miracle (USA) by VPO1, 6-4 65 kg – Jia Long (CHN) df. Mallory Maxine Velte (USA) by VPO1, 12-8 68 kg – Feng Zhou (CHN) df. Sienna Ariana Ramirez (USA) by VSU, 10-0 72 kg – Amit Elor (USA) df. Qiandegenchagan (CHN) by VPO, 5-0 76 kg – Dymond Precious Guilford (USA) df. Juan Wang (CHN) by VPO1, 7-2
That smile ❤️ #WrestleCoralville | @_DymondGuilford pic.twitter.com/JPSzLGWRXD
— United World Wrestling (@wrestling) December 11, 2022
JAPAN (JPN) v. MONGOLIA (MGL), 5-5
50 kg – Otgonjargal Dolgorjav (MGL) df. Hanano Sakurai (JPN) by VPO1, 3-3 53 kg – Rino Kataoka (JPN) df. Otgonjargal Ganbaatar (MGL) by VPO1, 5-1 55 kg – Moe Kiyooka (JPN) df. Bolortuya Bat Ochir (MGL) by VPO1, 6-4 57 kg – Ruka Natami (JPN) df. Erdenesuvd Bat Erdene (MGL) by VPO, 3-0 59 kg – Himeka Tokuhara (JPN) df. Davaachimeg Erkhembayar (MGL) by VPO1, 5-3 62 kg – Tserenchimed Sukhee (MGL) df. Yui Sakano (JPN) by VPO1, 7-5 65 kg – Orkhon Purevdorj (MGL) df. Miyu Imai (JPN) by VPO1, 9-4 68 kg – Purevsuren Ulziisaikhan (MGL) df. Kumi Kobayashi (JPN) by VFA, 6-0 72 kg – Davaanasan Enk Amar (MGL) df. Yuka Fujikura (JPN) by VIN, 0-0 76 kg – Nodoka Yamamoto (JPN) df. Burmaa Ochibert (MGL) by VPO, 2-0
CHINA (CHN) v. UNITED STATES (USA), 8-2
50 kg – Jiang Zhu (CHN) df. Emily King Shilson (USA) by VSU, 10-0 53 kg – Li Deng (CHN) df. Amy Ann Fearnside (USA) by VSU, 10-0 55 kg – Qianyu Pang (CHN) df. Jenna Rose Burkert (USA) by VPO, 4-0 57 kg – Yongxin Feng (CHN) df. Amanda Martinez (USA) by VSU, 10-0 59 kg – Qi Zhang (CHN) df. Michaela Hope Beck (USA) by VSU, 11-0 62 kg – Xiaojuan Luo (CHN) df. Kayla Colleen Kiyoko Miracle (USA) by VPO1, 6-4 65 kg – Jia Long (CHN) df. Mallory Maxine Velte (USA) by VPO1, 12-8 68 kg – Feng Zhou (CHN) df. Sienna Ariana Ramirez (USA) by VSU, 10-0 72 kg – Amit Elor (USA) df. Qiandegenchagan (CHN) by VPO, 5-0 76 kg – Dymond Precious Guilford (USA) df. Juan Wang (CHN) by VPO1, 7-2
MONGOLIA (MGL) v. UKRAINE (UKR), 3-7
50 kg – Otgonjargal Dolgorjav (MGL) df. Oksana Livach (UKR) by VPO1, 8-2 53 kg – Otgonjargal Ganbaatar (MGL) df. Albina Rillia (UKR) by VPO1, 6-4 55 kg – Alina Hrushyna Akobiia (UKR) df. Bolortuya Bat Ochir (MGL) by VFA, 5-0 57 kg – Yuliia Tkach Ostapchuk (UKR) df. Erdenesuvd Bat Erdene (MGL) by VFA, 2-0 59 kg – Iryna Bondar (UKR) df. Davaachimeg Erkhembayar (MGL) by VFA, 4-0 62 kg – Tserenchimed Sukhee (MGL) df. Iryna Koliadenko (UKR) by VPO1, 12-7 65 kg – Kateryna Zelenykh (UKR) df. Orkhon Purevdorj (MGL) by VPO1, 12-10
Kateryna ZELENYKH and Orkhon PUREVDORJ put up 22 points in what was the Match of the Day.
Headphone users, watch your . pic.twitter.com/vAozyim7oN
— United World Wrestling (@wrestling) December 10, 2022
68 kg – Tetiana Sova Rizhko (UKR) df. Purevsuren Ulziisaikhan (MGL) by VPO1, 5-2 72 kg – Alla Belinska (UKR) df. Davaanasan Enkh Amar (MGL) by VPO1, 6-5 76 kg – Anastasiia Osniach Shustova (UKR) df. Tsevegmed Enkhbayar (MGL) by VFA, 4-0
All-World Team (UWW) v. CHINA (CHN), 5-5
50 kg – Jiang Zhu (CHN) df. Anna Lukasiak (UWW) by VFA, 4-2 53 kg – Li Deng (CHN) df. Maria Prevolarkai (UWW) by VPO1, 2-1 55 kg – Qianyu Pang (CHN) df. Karla Lorena Godinez Gonzalez (UWW) by VPO, 4-0 57 kg – Yongxin Fend (CHN) df. Zhala Aliyeva (UWW) by VIN, 14-6 59 kg – Anastasia Nichita (UWW) df. Qi Zhang (CHN) by VFA, 2-1 62 kg – Aisuluu Tynybekova (UWW) df. Xiaojuan Luo (CHN) by VPO, 4-0 65 kg – Mimi Nikolova Hristova (UWW) df. Jia Long (CHN) by VPO1, 10-8 68 kg – Irina Ringaci (UWW) df. Feng Zhou (CHN) by VPO1, 7-4 72 kg – Zhamila Bakbergenova (UWW) df. Qiandegenchagan (CHN) by VPO1, 4-2 76 kg – Juan Wang (CHN) df. Yasemin Adar Yigit (UWW) by VPO1, 5-1
Upset alert
Juan WANG took down two-time world champions Yasemin ADAR YIGIT ( /UWW) twice with 20 seconds left and punched China’s ticket to the WW World Cup final.#WrestleCoralville | #TheHomeOfWrestling pic.twitter.com/Ra0Q81bppD
— United World Wrestling (@wrestling) December 11, 2022
Round 3
UNITED STATES (USA) v. All-World Team (UWW), 6-4
50 kg – Erin Simone Golston (USA) df. Anna Lukasiak (UWW) by VPO, 6-0 53 kg – Maria Pevolaraki (UWW) df. Felicity Kay Taylor (USA) by VPO1, 4-1 55 kg – Jenna Rose Burkert (USA) df. Karla Lorena Godinez Gonzalez (UWW) by VPO, 4-0 57 kg – Alexandra Wray Hedrick (USA) df. Zhala Aliyeva (UWW) by VIN, 0-0 59 kg – Anastasia Nichita (UWW) df. Lexie Rena Basham (USA) by VSU1, 12-2 62 kg – Kayla Colleen Kiyoko Miracle (USA) df. Aisuluu Tynybekova (UWW) by VPO1, 9-3 65 kg – Mallory Maxine Velte (USA) df. Mimi Nikolova Hristova (UWW) by VFA, 12-0 68 kg – Irina Ringaci (UWW) df. Solin Nicole Piearcy (USA) by VPO1, 4-2 72 kg – Zhamila Bakbergenova (UWW) df. Skylar Allison Elizabeth Grote (USA) by VPO, 6-0 76 kg – Yelena Ivanovna Makoyed (USA) df. Yasemin Adar Yigit (UWW) by VFA, 8-4
Day 2 Results
Freestyle
Final 3 – 4
All-World Team (UWW) v. GEORGIA (GEO), 8-2
57 kg – Zelimkhan Abakarov (UWW) df. Beka Bujiashvili (GEO) by VPO1, 4-1 61 kg – Georgi Valentinov Vangelov (UWW) df. Teimuraz Vanishvili (GEO) by VIN, 0-0 65 kg – Taiyrbek Zhumashbek Uulu (UWW) df. Beka Lomtadze (GEO) by VSU1, 14-4 70 kg – Ernazar Akmataliev (UWW) df. Giorgi Elbakidze (GEO) by VPO1, 4-3 74 kg – Tajmuraz Mairbekovic Salkazanov (UWW) df. Giorgi Sulava (GEO) by VSU, 10-0 79 kg – Vladimeri Gamkrelidze (GEO) df. Arsalan Budazhapov (UWW) by VSU1, 12-2 86 kg – Azamat Dauletbekov (UWW) df. Sandro Aminashvili (GEO) by VPO1, 4-1 92 kg – Osman Nurmagomedov (UWW) df. Miriani Maisuradze (GEO) by VPO, 3-0 97 kg – Batyrbek Tsakulov (UWW) df. Givi Matcharashvili (GEO) by VPO1, 7-7 125 kg – Solomon Manashvili (GEO) df. Oleksandr Khotsianivskyi (UWW) by VIN, 0-0
Final 1-2
IRAN (IRI) v. UNITED STATES (USA), 4-6
57 kg – Zane Raye Rhodes Richards (USA) df. Reza Hossein Momenijoujadeh (IRI) by VPO1, 6-2 61 kg – Seth Anthony Gross (USA) df. Ebrahim Esmaeil Elachichouran (IRI) by VSU, 10-0 65 kg – Rahman Mousa Amouzadkhalili (IRI) df. John Michael Diakomihalis (USA) by VPO1, 5-4
Rahman AMOUZAD shines in the biggest moments.#WrestleCoralville | #TheHomeOfWrestling pic.twitter.com/XZYfZ9774M
— United World Wrestling (@wrestling) December 12, 2022
70 kg – Alec William Pantaleo (USA) df. Amirmohammad Babak Yazdanicherati (IRI) by VPO1, 4-3 74 kg – Mohmmadsadegh Biglar Firouzpourbandpei (IRI) df. Jason Michael Nolf (USA) by VPO1, 2-1 79 kg – Ali Bakhtiar Savadkouhi (IRI) df. Jordan Ernest Burroughs (USA) by VPO1, 6-6
Ali SAVADKOUHI becomes the first Iranian wrestler to ever beat Jordan BURROUGHS . He defeated the six-time world champion, 6-6.#WrestleCoralville | #TheHomeOfWrestling pic.twitter.com/coqz8u4brL
— United World Wrestling (@wrestling) December 12, 2022
86 kg – Zahid Valencia (USA) df. Alireza Mohammad Karimimachiani (IRI) by VPO1, 5-3 92 kg – Nathan Dyamin Jackson (USA) df. Amirhossein Biglar Firouzpourbandpei (IRI) by VPO1, 8-4 97 kg – Kyle Frederick Snyder (USA) df. Kamran Ghorban Ghasempour (IRI) by VPO, 5-0 125 kg – Amirreza Fardin Masoumi Valadi (IRI) df. Hayden Nicholas Zillmer (USA) by VPO1, 6-1
Women’s
Final 3-4
UNITED STATES (USA) v. MONGOLIA (MGL), 3-7
50 kg – Otgonjargal Dolgorjav (MGL) df. Erin Simone Golston (USA) by VFA, 6-0 53 kg – Otgonjargal Ganbaatar (MGL) df. Felicity Kay Taylor (USA) by VSU1, 12-1 55 kg – Bolortuya Bat Ochir (MGL) df. Jenna Rose Burkert (USA) by VPO1, 7-6 57 kg – Alexandra Wray Hedrick (USA) df. Erdenesuvd Bat Erdene (MGL) by VPO1, 6-4 59 kg – Davaachimeg Erkhembayar (MGL) df. Lexie Rena Basham (USA) by VSU1, 13-2 62 kg – Tserenchimed Sukhee (MGL) df. Kayla Colleen Kiyoko Miracle (USA) by VSU1, 16-5
— United World Wrestling (@wrestling) December 11, 2022
65 kg – Orkhon Purevdorj (MGL) df. Mallory Maxine Velte (USA) by VPO1, 9-6 68 kg – Solin Nicole Piearcy (USA) df. Purevsuren Ulziisaikhan (MGL) by VPO, 2-0 72 kg – Davaanasan Enkh Amar (MGL) df. Skylar Allison Elizabeth Grote (USA) by VPO1, 7-1 76 kg – Dymond Precious Guilford (USA) df. Burmaa Ochirbert (MGL) by VSU, 10-0
Final 1-2
CHINA (CHN) v. UKRAINE (UKR), 4-6
50 kg – Oksana Livach (UKR) df. Jiang Zhu (CHN) by VPO1, 4-4 53 kg – Li Deng (CHN) df. Albina Rillia (UKR) by VPO1, 2-1 55 kg – Alina Hrushnya Akobiia (UKR) df. Qianyu Pang (CHN) by VPO1, 4-1 57 kg – Yuliia Tkach Ostapchuk (UKR) df. Yongxin Feng (CHN) by VFA, 4-0 59 kg – Qi Zhang (CHN) df. Iryna Bondar (UKR) by VPO1, 7-2 62 kg – Iryna Koliadenko (UKR) df. Xinyuan Sun (CHN) by VFA, 4-0 65 kg – Jia Long (CHN) df. Kateryna Zelenykh (UKR) by VFA, 12-12 68 kg – Tetiana Sova Rizhko (UKR) df. Yue Han (CHN) by VPO1, 5-4 72 kg – Qiandegenchagan (CHN) df. Alla Belinska (UKR) by VPO1, 9-1 76 kg – Anastasiia Osniach Shustova (UKR) df. Juan Wang (CHN) by VPO1, 9-5
2022 IBJJF No-Gi World Championships: Live Results | IBJJF
Catch all the action from one of the biggest grappling tournaments of the year.
This year, the No-Gi Worlds once again assembles an international court of grappling royalty to the Anaheim Convention Center in sunny California. Kicking off Saturday afternoon, black belts familiar to the worlds or other promotions like ADCC will battle across multiple brackets and eight weight classes.
Ramzan Kadyrov shaking hands with his Akhmat MMA fighter, Magomed Ankalaev.
In a rare English language social media post Sunday, the Chechen dictator took aim at the UFC and Dana White for the UFC 282 main event controversy.
Following a split draw in the UFC 282 main event that saw Ramzan Kadyrov’s fighter, Magomed Ankalaev, denied a UFC championship, the Chechen dictator has called out the organization and its leading figure.
In a rare English language social media post Sunday, Kadyrov took aim at UFC President Dana White and blamed “politics” and “dirty” refereeing as the reasons why Ankalaev was not awarded the vacant light-heavyweight title.
“Dana White, what happened to you?” Kadyrov wrote to his approximately 3 million followers on Telegram. “You were a normal, principled man, and today you took the championship belt out of the ring without handing it to the clear winner. Or has politics entered the UFC ring and requires you to referee dirty? It’s a sport, Dana. Be honest.”
Kadyrov’s statement is in reference to the UFC 282 main event, which saw Ankalaev challenge Jan Blachowicz for the recently-vacated light-heavyweight title.
Originally scheduled as the co-main event of the evening, the fight was elevated to the marquee spot on the UFC’s final pay-per-view event of the year after champion Jiri Prochazka suffered a shoulder injury during training camp and opted to vacate his title.
Though the sudden development allowed Ankalaev to secure his first title shot in the world’s leading MMA promotion, it also served as the latest example of a warlord’s ever-growing influence within the UFC.
Ankalaev is a one of a handful of UFC fighters currently affiliated with Kadyrov, the strongman leader of Chechnya routinely accused of orchestrating human rights abuses including assassinations, abductions, torture, extrajudicial killings, and purges targeting the local LGBTQ+ community.
Their relationship dates back to 2016, when Ankalaev first joined Kadyrov’s Akhmat MMA fight club, a state-sponsored mixed martial arts gym founded by Kadyrov himself. Since then, the Dagestan-born fighter has continued to represent Kadyrov during competition, including throughout his UFC tenure.
Ankalaev has continued to maintain ties to Kadyrov despite the U.S. Department of the Treasury prohibiting U.S. citizens or people present in the United States from doing business with Kadyrov. At the time, the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control cited “extrajudicial killing, torture, or other gross violations” among the reasons for sanctioning Kadyrov. The U.S. Treasury also issued sanctions in 2020 directed at several of Kadyrov’s businesses, including Akhmat MMA.
Chechen dictator Ramzan Kadyrov called out UFC President Dana White following the split draw in the UFC 282 main event.
The result saw Kadyrov’s fighter (Ankalaev) denied a UFC title, which the dictator ironically blamed on “politics” before demanding UFC change the result pic.twitter.com/zN3LMvXgI7
— Karim Zidan (@ZidanSports) December 11, 2022
Given that Ankalaev would have been Kadyrov’s first homegrown UFC champion, the dictator is now demanding that the UFC reverse its decision and crown Ankalaev as champion.
“Take an example from Mairbek Khasiev, (ACA league), who stops any [judging] in the league, any bias, demanding objectivity and not mixing sports with politics,” Kadyrov wrote, in reference to the Absolute Championship Akhmat founder who disqualified ACA fighters for being too boring and is known for reversing judging decisions.
“Hey, Dana White, were are you going? Save the face of the league, your own face. Admit your mistake, give the belt to the real winner, and apologize for this show. Save your league’s reputation.”
Rising UFC superstar Paddy Pimblett argues against those who question his UFC 282 win.
Lightweight star Paddy Pimblett picked up his fourth straight UFC win on Saturday night at UFC 282 against veteran Jared Gordon. The Liverpool native won the bout via unanimous decision, which many aren’t agreeing with.
“Paddy the Baddy,” of course, thinks otherwise. But as he told reporters during his post-event scrum, it’s all justified based on how he thinks fights are scored nowadays.
“Look at his face and look at mine. Fights are scored on damage now.”
UFC president Dana White was critical of Gordon’s performance, particularly in the final round where he thinks the latter put his foot off the gas pedal out of complacency. Pimblett admitted to doing the same thing but agrees with White’s assessment of Gordon’s game plan.
“I coulda pushed it more in that third round, but I coasted a bit. Thought I’m two rounds up, I coasted a bit, especially with the ankle. It’s me own silly fault, I shouldn’t have coasted in the third round.
“(Gordon) should’ve tried to stay standing with me because me ankle was pretty compromised in the third round. I was worried about me ankle.
“So because of that, I think if he woulda tried to strike with me a bit more, he woulda caught me more ‘cause I couldn’t move properly. Me foot wasn’t a hundred percent. So I think if he woulda stayed striking, he would’ve had a lot more success, ‘cause me mobility was a little bit stuck. I would’ve been stuck in the mud.
“When he started pushing me against the cage, I was like, ‘Let’s chill.’ And then, I was landing more significant strikes with me back against the cage. I think he landed three or four significant strikes in the third round. I was landing knees to the body, knees to the face, little elbows, little punches.”
Pimblett also said in a separate interview that he was upset at people thinking he lost.
“I’m a nice guy, why does everyone hate me?” Pimblett said about the reaction to the decision.
“I’m pretty pissed off to be honest, that Joe Rogan came in and said that was a close fight,” Pimblett said. “It wasn’t a split decision, it was a unanimous decision, so I’m pretty pissed off that people thought I lost, it’s annoying me. It’s annoying me a lot.
“Anyone who thinks I lost that can go eat me a—hole.”
Post-fight interview with Paddy Pimblett.
Pimblett: “It wasn’t a split decision, it was a unanimous decision, so I’m pretty pissed off that people thought I lost, it’s annoying me. It’s annoying me a lot.” pic.twitter.com/JSgYyyL3yy
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) December 11, 2022
For what it’s worth, MMA Decisions compiled scorecards which had 24 of the 25 members of the media all scoring it for Gordon.
With his UFC 282 win, Pimblett’s record now improves to 20-3.
Jamahal Hill during his Contender Series bout in 2019. | Photo by Chris Unger/DWCS LLC
Glover Teixeira and Jamahal Hill will fight for the still-vacant UFC light heavyweight title in Brazil, according to UFC President Dana White.
A new light heavyweight champion was expected to be crowned after Saturday night’s UFC 282. But since the headliner between former champion Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev ended in a draw, the title remains vacant.
UFC president Dana White spoke to the media afterward to air out his frustrations.
“I think the main event was terrible. What are you gonna do?” White said at the post-fight press conference.
“We’ve seen this. This is nothing new. It’s like the Paddy Pimblett fight. Gordon had a horrible game plan going into that third round. You think he won the first two rounds? Why throw away the third round and not go in and try to fight your ass off and try to win?
“If you think you know who won what round or whatever, you’re crazy. I’ve been doing this for 23 years, I’ve no f—ng idea what those guys are gonna do or what they’re gonna say.”
White then broke some news about the company’s next steps involving the 205-pound title.
“You do Glover vs. Jamahal Hill in Brazil. For the vacant title. Done.”
According to White, the Teixeira vs. Hill matchup came about quickly, thanks to fellow executives Hunter Campbell and Mick Maynard.
“We got out of the Octagon, we were all bummed out in my green room at the back, and then Hunter and Mick started talking. Hunter had talked to somebody and Mick had already talked to somebody and they’re like ‘What about doing this in Brazil?’ We’ll turn it right around and do this thing in Brazil.
“Everybody started to cheer up a little bit and it got a lot more fun back in the green room.”
Teixeira was supposed to fight Jiri Prochazka in a rematch on Saturday, but the latter was forced off the contest due to a severe shoulder injury.
As for Hill, he’s on a three-fight stoppage streak, most recently against former title contender Thiago Santos, whom he defeated via fourth-round TKO. And he was rightly elated upon hearing the news.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Jamahal Hill (@sweet_dreams_jhill)
Raul Rosas Jr. makes his promotional debut against Jay Perrin on the UFC 282 prelims | Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Check out the live results and highlights for the UFC 282 prelims.
Stay up to date with what’s happening today with the UFC 282 preliminary card, which is going down from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
We are in store for eight preliminary bouts tonight, including the UFC debut of 18-year-old bantamweight prospect, Raul Rosas Jr. He will be facing Jay Perrin, who made his professional debut in 2014 when Raul was just nine-years-old. We’re also getting a clash of top-15 heavyweights when the #9 rated, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, collides with the #11 rated, Chris Daukaus.
The early prelims begin at 6:00pm ET/3:00pm, PT, immediately followed by the regular preliminary card. Both broadcasts can be streamed on ESPN+. The PPV main card is slated for 10:00pm ET/7:00pm PT, and can be purchased on ESPN+.
Prelims:
Raul Rosas Jr. vs. Jay Perrin: Bantamweight
Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Chris Daukaus: Heavyweight
Edmen Shahbazyan def. Dalcha Lungiambula at 4:41 of round 2: Middleweight
Shahbazyan took the center of the Octagon right away, and started to unload his range strikes. He was throwing a lot of front kicks and straight punches, which was keeping Lungiambula on the outside. Lungiambula then shot in for the takedown, but after a slight struggle Shahbazyan was able to remain vertical. Towards the end of the round, Lungiambula unloaded a big punch that looked like it briefly dropped Shahbazyan, but it could have been a slip.
Lungiambula was really launching his heavy left hand out there early in the second round. One of his punches actually slid down to the cup of Shahbazyan, which caused a brief timeout. Upon the restart, Lungiambula took the center and Shahbazyan played the outside. Shahbazyan then blasted a knee up the middle that rocked Lungiambula. Smelling blood in the water, Shahbazyan went after his dazed opponent with a flurry of punches, prompting a desperation takedown from Lungiambula. Shahbazyan got on top and started to pound away until the referee stopped the contest.
The layoff paid off, @EdmenShahbazyan is back in the win column! #UFC282 pic.twitter.com/9WtpykOpGT
— UFC (@ufc) December 11, 2022
Edmen Shahbazyan brought the barrage
Stream #UFC282 TONIGHT on @ESPNPlus ➡️ https://t.co/4XaKa7EqGb pic.twitter.com/0ZwFDRRpR0
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 11, 2022
The Golden Boy @EdmenShahbazyan shines with the 2nd round stoppage!
[ #UFC282 Prelims are LIVE on ESPN 2 ] pic.twitter.com/tIfjwnHcjZ
— UFC (@ufc) December 11, 2022
Chris Curtis def. Joaquin Buckley by KO at 2:49 of round 2: Middleweight
Buckley was more active than Buckley to get this one going. Curtis kind of just hung out in the center of the Octagon with his jab, while Buckley exploded in and out with strikes. Curtis did unload a massive haymaker that landed flush, but Buckley ate it like a champ. Buckley then endured a cup kick that brought a pause to the match, but not much recovery time was taken. The fight resumed and Buckley went back to throwing volume. He wasn’t really landing that often, and Curtis started to pressure forward.
Curtis was bringing more forward pressure in the second round, but Buckley was still the fighter throwing all the volume. Buckley then started to pressure, and even ripped a few punches to the body. Then as Buckley threw a head kick, Curtis stepped in with a piston of a left hand that flattened Joaquin. Curtis got on top and started dropping hammers that put Buckley completely out for a second. EEK!
ACTION MAN LIVES UP TO HIS NAME @Actionman513 puts a stop to this one in Round 2!! #UFC282 pic.twitter.com/HoWjFbX1WI
— UFC (@ufc) December 11, 2022
Early prelims:
Daniel da Silva vs. Vinicius Salvador: Flyweight
Billy Quarantillo def. Alexander Hernandez by TKO at 4:30 of round 2: Featherweight
The fighters got after it right away, swapping combinations back and forth. Hernandez changed levels and landed a takedown up against the fence, and then started to tee off as Quarantillo stood to his feet. In open space, Hernandez was connecting with the heavier punchers, while Quarantillo was more volume based. Hernandez went back to the takedown and sliced open Quarantillo with some wicked elbows from the full guard. Quarantillo was staying active with strikes from his back, but Hernandez had gravity on his side.
Hernandez closed the distance in the second stanza, and started grinding on Quarantillo against the cage. In open space, Quarantillo kicked the leg out from under Hernandez, which lead to the fight drifting back into the grappling realm. It seemed like Hernandez was slowing down, just as Quarantillo started to pick it up. Quarantillo backed up Hernandez behind his punches, and then hit a takedown to get on top. Quarantillo started to unload a storm of ground punches, with Hernandez having to eat a lot of shots to get up. Quarantillo then unloaded the gas tank with his punches, letting them go nonstop until the referee intervened and he was awarded the standing TKO. What a rally!
WHAT A COMEBACK FOR BILLY Q #UFC282 pic.twitter.com/Lx18cbkt4F
WHAT A COMEBACK FOR @BILLYQMMA!!! #UFC282 pic.twitter.com/Fg55J4mrmu
— UFC (@ufc) December 11, 2022
A between rounds pop quiz for @BillyQMMA #UFC282 pic.twitter.com/O8HnuGouBd
— UFC (@ufc) December 11, 2022
TJ Brown def. Erik Silva by submission (Arm Triangle) at 3:41 of round 3: Featherweight
Brown rocked Silva right away with a big right hand, and then quickly started wrestling. He got Silva down to his back, and was able to control for quite some time. Silva then worked his way back to his feet to snag a takedown of his own, but didn’t do anything with it before Brown wrestled up. This round was mostly grappling, but it did start with that haymaker, and it ended with a flurry from both men.
Brown pressured to begin the second act, but Silva met him with some stinging counter punches. Silva then changed levels and earned himself a takedown, but Brown ultimately out-scrambled Erik to reach top position. Brown methodically transitioned to the back, and threatened with a rear-naked choke until the bell.
Brown scored a few punches and a knee to open the final round, while Silva shot for the takedown. It was Brown who ended up finding the takedown, and locked down top control in the middle off the cage. He kept hunting for an arm triangle, and it was only a matter of time before he had it locked up. Silva tried to defend by grabbing his own leg, but the squeeze was on so Erik tapped out.
TRIANGLE FOR TJ #UFC282 pic.twitter.com/R9qI0yQ1IX
— ESPN+ (@ESPNPlus) December 11, 2022
Cameron Saaiman def. Steven Koslow by TKO at 4:13 of round 3: Bantamweight
Koslow found himself on top early in the opening round, and was able to pin Saaiman’s back to the ground. After a bit of time passed by, Saaiman was able to sweep into top position. From his back, Koslow started to threaten with an active rubber guard that tied up Saaiman, and eventually scrambled his way on top. Koslow started to throw some strikes, but Saaiman swept him again to end the round on top.
Koslow went to the takedown in the second round, which initiated some more exciting scrambles. Saaiman started to tin the scrambles, and eventually found his way to the back. Koslow then escaped out of the back door, and went to shoot in. As Saaiman was defending, he landed an illegal knee to the face while Koslow was on both of his knees. A timeout was called, and the doctor came in to check on the fouled fighter. After taking some time to recover, Koslow elected to continue, and Saaiman was deducted a point. The fight resumed, and Koslow landed a blow that badly cut Saaiman around his left eye.
Koslow went back to the grappling in the final round, and although he took the back, he lost the position and Saaiman got on top. It was then Saaiman’s turn to take the back and lose the position, followed by Koslow getting the dominant position and then losing that, too. Saaiman ended up on the back again, and was able to dish out a little bit of punishment. Koslow found a way to stand to his feet, but was too fatigued to handle the barrage of punches coming his way. Saaiman then started teeing off with nasty knees from the Thai clinch, to which the referee decided enough was enough.
Cameron Saaiman brought the finishing combo #UFC282
Stream #UFC282 TONIGHT on @ESPNPlus ➡️ https://t.co/4XaKa7EqGb pic.twitter.com/PbHkgKYbYX
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 11, 2022
No judges needed! @Cameron_Saaiman gets the finish in his UFC debut #UFC282 pic.twitter.com/8oXTqJcC0P
Referee Marc Goddard giving instructions to Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira at UFC 281. | Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
The veteran referee explained why he was happy with his decision to stop Pereira vs. Adesanya at UFC 281.
There is nothing referee Marc Goddard would change about his stoppage of Israel Adesanya vs. Alex Pereira at UFC 281 this past November.
The former UFC middleweight champion was ahead on the judges’ scorecards 3-1 when Pereira started coming forward and connecting with several punches that staggered Adesanya. The ‘Last Stylebender’ was caught between the cage and ‘Po Atan,’ who was unwavering in his onslaught. Not seeing a great response from Adesanya, Goddard stepped in and stopped the fight in the fifth and final round.
Adesanya protested, saying that he was ‘fine’ and waiting for Pereira to ‘gas out’ before he could respond. And though some support Adesanya, others agree with Goddard and his stoppage, which he still stands by.
“I feel very good,” Goddard told Mike Bohn of MMA Junkie. “Israel, I think he’s a great guy. I think he was a fantastic champion. I’m not just saying it because I’m here [at the World MMA Awards]. I like guy a lot. I like all the fighters. That’s my job, I’m down the line, and if I done that fight again, 11 times out of 10, I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m very comfortable with my actions, and the people who know me will know I’m my harshest critic. It’s a very fine line. We don’t get second takes, reverse angles, etc. And ultimately, like I said, much to people’s adverse opinion, people find it weird when we say we’re there to protect the fighters when they knock hell’s bells out of each other for 25 minutes.
“At the end of the day, my job is to act instinctually and correctly to protect the guys,” continued Goddard. “It was an amazing fight. Congratulations to Alex, all the respect in the world to Izzy. God bless to both of them. I’m happy with what I did.”
Goddard understands that Adesanya may have wanted to ‘go out on his shield,’ but the referee continues to stress that the protection of the fighters is his priority.
A month removed from their fight, Adesanya and Pereira have expressed interest in a potential rematch in the near future.
File under: Bloodyelbow.com | Leave a comment »