PARAMOUNT AND UFC ANNOUNCE DEBUT EVENT ON PARAMOUNT+UFC 324: SATURDAY, JANUARY 24 | T-MOBILE ARENA IN LAS VEGAS

LOS ANGELES and LAS VEGAS (November 27, 2025) – Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, (“Paramount”) (NASDAQ: PSKY) and UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization,today announced their first live event together, kicking off a historic partnership as Paramount+ becomes the exclusive home of UFC events in the U.S. and Latin America. On Saturday, January 24, fans can watch UFC 324, the first of 13 marquee numbered events scheduled in 2026–all included with a Paramount+ subscription, at no additional cost, live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. 

UFC 324 will be headlined by two marquee championship fights. In the main event, lightweight superstars collide as former interim UFC lightweight champion and former BMF titleholder Justin Gaethje takes on fan favorite Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett in an interim UFC lightweight title fight. In the co-main event, UFC women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison looks to defend her title and lay claim to G.O.A.T status as she takes on UFC Hall of Famer Amanda Nunes, who returns to the Octagon for the first time since 2023. The announcement was made today, Thanksgiving Day, by Dana White during a special segment on CBS and Paramount+.

The main card of UFC® 324: GAETHJE vs. PIMBLETT will take place at an all-new start time of 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. The prelims will start at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT and the early prelims will kick off at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT. All bouts will be available on Paramount+. 

This event marks a historic milestone for UFC fans in the U.S. and Latin America. For the first time in history, fans will enjoy unprecedented access to every marquee numbered event and all UFC Fight Night events exclusively on Paramount+, with no pay-per-view charge. *In Australia, Paramount+ subscribers will enjoy the preliminary fights for all marquee numbered events and all 30 UFC Fight Night events, included with their subscription, at no additional cost.

In support of this seminal partnership, Paramount has launched a 360° marketing campaign and unlocked remarkable integration across the entire Paramount ecosystem—Paramount+, CBS, TV Media including all cable networks, outdoor, in theaters, digital and social. The new brand spot, leveraging Hollywood’s highest profile franchises and cinematic giants, debuted today across all divisions demonstrating a unified commitment to elevating  UFC, its athletes  and its thrilling  live events. 

Throughout the weekend, the spot will continue in rotation across Paramount+, CBS, and TV media platforms as well as externally, airing during marquee sports programming on Black Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

“Paramount+ and UFC are transforming the mixed martial arts fan experience,” said Cindy Holland, Chair of Direct-To-Consumer, Paramount. “Every division of Paramount is working in concert to ensure maximum visibility and unparalleled accessibility to current and future fans–making Paramount+ the definitive home of UFC.”

“Saturday, January 24th in Las Vegas kicks off this incredible partnership with Paramount,” said UFC President and CEO Dana White. “I am so excited for UFC fans that our first card has six current and former champions, including the long-awaited return of the greatest female fighter of all time – which is definitely the biggest women’s fight ever. Also, in the main event we have Justin Gaethje versus Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title to see who will face Ilia Topuria later this year on Paramount+. This card is absolutely stacked – every fight is a must-see. This deal is such a huge win for fans with no more pay-per-view. I look forward to 2026 being our best year ever.”

Additional bouts on the card include:

  • Former UFC bantamweight champion and No. 2 ranked contender “Suga” Sean O’Malley (18-3, fighting out of Phoenix, Ariz.) looks to get back into title contention against No. 5 ranked Song “Kung Fu Kid” Yadong (22-8-1, fighting out of Heilongjiang, China)
  • Expect fireworks as No. 5 ranked heavyweight contender Waldo Cortes Acosta (16-2, fighting out of Phoenix, Ariz. by way of Fundacion, Barahona, Dominican Republic) takes on UFC knockout king  and No. 8 ranked Derrick Lewis (29-12, fighting out of Houston, Texas)
  • Featherweights lock horns as No. 6 ranked contender Arnold Allen (20-3, fighting out of Trimley St. Martin, Suffolk, England) takes on No. 11 Jean Silva (16-3, fighting out of São Paulo, Brazil)
  • Former champions clash as No. 3 ranked women’s flyweight contender Alexa Grasso (16-5-1, fighting out of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico) takes on No. 6 ranked “Thug” Rose Namajunas (15-7, fighting out of Denver, Colo.) in the featured prelim
  • Don’t blink as rising star Ateba Gautier (9-1, fighting out of Doula Cameroon) takes on Andrey Pulyaev (10-3, fighting out of Novosibirsk, Russia) in a middleweight bout


UFC® 324: GAETHJE vs. PIMBLETT tickets will go on sale Fri., December 12 at 10 a.m. PT and are available for purchase at AXS.com. For the latest information on ticket information and additional bouts for this event, please visit UFC.com. All bouts are live and subject to change.

UFC VIP Experience packages are also available via On Location, UFC’s Official VIP Experience Provider. Enjoy exclusive access with an official ticket package that includes premium seating, all-inclusive hospitality, meet-and-greets and more. Visit UFCVIP.com for more information.

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About Paramount, a Skydance Corporation
Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (Nasdaq: PSKY) is a leading, next-generation global media and entertainment company, comprised of three business segments: Studios, Direct-to-Consumer, and TV Media. The Company’s portfolio unites legendary brands, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount  Television, CBS – America’s most-watched broadcast network, CBS News, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, Showtime, Paramount+, Pluto TV, and Skydance’s Animation, Film, Television, Interactive/Games, and Sports divisions. For more information please visit www.paramount.com. 

About UFC®
UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and approximately 330 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while distributing programming to more than 950 million broadcast and digital households across more than 210 countries and territories. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE:TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.



ALL-ACTION FLYWEIGHTS (#3) BRANDON ROYVAL AND (#6) MANEL KAPE HEADLINE FINAL UFC EVENT OF 2025

Las Vegas – UFC® hosts its final event of 2025 at UFC APEX with an all-action flyweight main event as No. 3 ranked contender Brandon Royval goes toe-to-toe with No. 6 Manel Kape. Also on the card, No. 15 ranked featherweight contender Giga Chikadze returns to the Octagon to take on rising prospect Kevin Vallejos.  

UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: ROYVAL vs. KAPE takes place Saturday, December 13 in Las Vegas. The prelims will be available on ESPN+ (English and Spanish) beginning at 4 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. ET and on ESPN2 which will join in progress at 6:30 p.m. PT / 9:30 p.m. ET. The main card available on ESPN2, ESPN Desportes and ESPN+ beginning at 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET.

UFC APEX VIP Experience packages are available via On Location, UFC’s Official VIP Experience Provider. Enjoy exclusive access with an official ticket package that includes premium seating, all-inclusive hospitality, in-seat beverage service, meet-and-greets with UFC Octagon Girls and more. Visit UFCVIP.com for more information.

Royval (17-8, fighting out of Englewood, Colo.) intends to end the year on a high note and reinsert himself into the championship conversation at 125-pounds. Among the most exciting athletes on the UFC roster, Royval owns the record for the most Fight of the Night bonuses in UFC flyweight history with five, including those earned in victorious performances over Tatsuro Taira, Matt Schnell and Kai Kara-France. He now looks to put his well-rounded skills on display against Kape and secure another signature finish.

Exciting striker Kape (21-7, fighting out of Phuket, Thailand by way of Porto, Portugal) competes in his second UFC main event in a row aiming to deliver a statement performance. Tied for the second-most knockouts in UFC flyweight history, he has entertained fans with finishes over Asu Almabayev, Zhalgas Zhumagulov and Ode’ Osbourne. Kape now seeks to break into the Top 5 of the division by taking out Royval in dominant fashion. 

Chikadze (15-5, fighting out of Huntington Beach, Calif.) plans to defend his spot in the rankings and prove he can still compete with the best in the world. A rangy striker with a Karate black belt, Chikadze holds notable knockout wins over Edson Barboza, Cub Swanson and Jamey Simmons. He now has his sights set on handing Vallejos his first UFC loss and turn his attention towards the top of the division.

Argentina’s Vallejos (16-1, fighting out of Buenos Aires, Argentina) makes his third Octagon appearance of 2025 focused on securing the biggest win of his young career. Still only 23 years old, Vallejos has already proven that is he a prospect to watch with victories over Danny Silva, SeungWoo Choi and Cam Teague. He now intends to become the first person to knockout Chikadze and launch himself into the featherweight rankings.

Additional bouts on the card include:

  • An intriguing welterweight bout sees veteran Neil Magny (31-14, fighting out of Denver, Colo.) look to spoil the anticipated UFC debut of Yaroslav Amosav (28-1, fighting out of Kiev, Ukraine)
  • No. 5 ranked strawweight contender Amanda Lemos (15-5-1, fighting out of Para, Brazil) aims to defend her spot in the rankings against No. 10 Gillian Robertson (16-8, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.)
  • Kennedy Nzechukwu (14-6, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) faces Marcus Buchecha (5-2, fighting out of Boca Raton, Fla.) in a heavyweight contest
  • An exciting featherweight tilt pits Joanderson Brito (17-5-1, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) against Melsik Baghdasaryan (8-3, fighting out of Glendale, Calif.)
  • Featherweight strikers collide as Melquizael Costa (24-7, fighting out of Para, Brazil) faces Morgan Charriere (21-11-1, fighting out of Poissy, Île-de-France, France)
  • Cesar Almeida (7-1, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) collides with Cezary Oleksiejczuk (16-3, fighting out of ??czna, Poland) in a middleweight bout
  • Sean Sharaf(4-1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) and Steven Asplund (6-1, fighting out of Minneapolis, Minn.) vie for their first UFC wins in a heavyweight contest
  • Bantamweight action sees No. 15 ranked contender Luana Santos (9-2, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) lock horns with Melissa Croden (7-2, fighting out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada)
  • Undefeated debuting heavyweights Allen Frye Jr. (6-0, fighting out of Wilmington, N.C.) and Guilherme Pat (5-0, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) intend to impress
  • Jamey-Lyn Horth (8-2, fighting out of Squamish, British Columbia, Canada) and Tereza Bleda (7-1, fighting out of Prague, Czech Republic) meet in a flyweight bout

For the latest information on bout announcements and additional information for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts are subject to change. Please click?here?to apply for the event.

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About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 259 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 975 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.

About ESPN+?? ??

https://espnpressroom.com/us/espnplus

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.?ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst. 



THRILLING WELTERWEIGHT CONTENDERS (#14) GABRIEL BONFIM AND RANDY BROWN HEADLINE AT UFC® APEX

Las Vegas – UFC® returns to UFC APEX with an action-packed welterweight matchup featuring No. 14 ranked contender Gabriel Bonfim and division veteran Randy Brownlocking horns in the main event. In addition, exciting flyweights Matt Schnelland The Ultimate Fighter season 33 winner Joseph Morales square off in the co-main event. 

UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: BONFIM vs. BROWN takes place Saturday, November 8 in Las Vegas and will be available on ESPN+ (English and Spanish). The prelims will air at 1 p.m. PT / 4 p.m. ET, followed by the main card airing at 4 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. ET.

UFC APEX VIP Experience packages are available via On Location, UFC’s Official VIP Experience Provider. Enjoy exclusive access with an official ticket package that includes premium seating, all-inclusive hospitality, in-seat beverage service, meet-and-greets with UFC Octagon Girls and more. Visit UFCVIP.com for more information.

Brazil’s Bonfim (18-1, fighting out of Brasília, Brazil) sets forth to deliver fireworks once more. The Dana White’s Contender Seriesstandout has made an impact in his division by securing wins against formidable opponents such as Stephen Thompson, Khaos Williams, and Trevin Giles. Bonfim now has his sights set on delivering an impressive performance against Brown and continue his climb up the ranks.

Brown (20-6, fighting out of Queens, N.Y., by way of Spanish Town, Jamaica) returns to competition looking for his second win in the 2025 season. A 10-year Octagon veteran, Brown has earned his stripes by delivering notable finishes against tough foes such as Nicolas Dalby, Muslim Salikhov, and Bryan Barberena. He now plans to make the most of his first UFC main event and add Bonfim to his highlight reel. 

Schnell (17-9 1 NC, fighting out of Shreveport, La.) looks for back-to-back wins. Since making his debut back in 2016, Schnell has become a fan-favorite with his performances over the likes of Jimmy Flick, Su Mudaerji, and Tyson Nam. He now looks to remind Morales and the rest of the 125-pound division why he’s one of the best in his class. 

Morales (13-2, fighting out of Sacrament, Calif.) aims to make another splash. Most recently defeating Alibi Idiris to become the winner of The Ultimate Fighter season 33, Morales looks to keep his momentum going and secure a second straight win. He now aims to steal the show and deliver a statement against Schnell.

Additional bouts on the card include:

  • All-action welterweights Muslim Salikhov (22-5, fighting out of Buynaksk, Dagestan, Russia) and Uroš Medi?(10-3, fighting out of Anchorage, Alaska by way of Novi Sad, Serbia) meet
  • Lightweights Chris Padilla (16-6, fighting out of Gardena, Calif.) and Dana White’s Contender Series signee Ismael Bonfim(20-5, fighting out of fighting out of Brasília, Brazil) go toe-to-toe
  • All-action bantamweights Ricky Simon(22-6, fighting out of Vancouver, Wash.) and Raoni Barcelos(20-5, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) square off
  • An exciting middleweight contest sees Christian Leroy Duncan(12-2, fighting out of Gloucester, England)look to build on his momentum by handing Dana White’s Contender Series signee standout Marco Tulio(14-1, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) his first Octagon loss
  • Dana White’s Contender Series featherweightcontract winners Hyder Amil(11-1, fighting out of The Bay Area, Calif. by way of Cebu City, Philipines) and Jamall Emmers (21-8, fighting out of Redlands, Calif.) lock horns
  • Dana White’s Contender Series bantamweight alumniAdrian Yanez(17-6, fighting out of Houston, Texas) and Cristian Quiñonez(18-5, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) meet in a battle of exciting strikers
  • Top ranked bantamweights No.10 Mayra Bueno Silva(10-5-1, fighting out of Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Brazil) and No. 11 Jacqueline Cavalvanti(9-1, fighting out of Almada, Portugal) clash
  • Undefeated Dana White’s Contender Seriescontract winner Josh Hokit(6-0, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) makes a quick turnaround to welcome UFC newcomer Max Gimenis(6-1, fighting out of Elliot City, Md.) to the heavyweight division
  • Dana White’s Contender Series signees Miles Johns(15-4, fighting out of Kansas City, Mo.) and Daniel Marcos(17-7 1NC, fighting out of Boca Raton, Fla. by way of Lima, Peru) square off
  • No. 13 ranked strawweight Tecia Pennington(15-7, fighting out of Colorado Springs, Colo. by way of Fall River, Mass.) takes on Dana White’s Contender Series signee and No. 15 Denise Gomes(11-3, fighting out of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) 
  • Jackson McVey(6-1, fighting out of St. Charles, Miss.) looks for his first UFC win as he faces off against The Ultimate Fighter season 32 finalist Robert Valentin(11-6 1 NC, fighting out of Zurich, Switzerland)

For the latest information on bout announcements and additional information for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts are subject to change. Please click?here?to apply for the event.

###

About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 259 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 975 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.

About ESPN+?? ??

https://espnpressroom.com/us/espnplus

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.?ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst. 



UFC 323 CAPS OFF 2025 WITH TWO CHAMPIONSHIP BOUTS

Las Vegas – UFC® 323 comes to Las Vegas with a pair of thrilling championship matchups. In the main event, UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili goes for a record-breaking fourth title defense in a calendar year as he rematches with former champion and No. 2 ranked Petr Yan. The co-main event will see UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja take on No. 1 ranked contender Joshua Van in a highly anticipated contest.  

UFC® 323: DVALISHVILI vs. YAN 2 will take place Saturday, December 6 at T-Mobile Arena with the main card at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT. The prelims will be available at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The early prelims will kick off at 6:00 p.m. ET / 3:00 p.m. PT. Coverage details will be announced soon.

UFC® 323 tickets will go on sale Friday, October 24 at 10 a.m. PT and are available at AXS.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club ® will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, October 22 at 10 a.m. PT via the website UFCFightClub.com. A special Internet ticket presale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, October 23 at 10 a.m. PT. To access the presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com. 

UFC VIP Experience packages are available via On Location, UFC’s Official VIP Experience Provider. Enjoy exclusive access with an official ticket package that includes premium seating, all-inclusive hospitality, meet-and-greets and more. Visit UFCVIP.com for more information.

Media members wishing to apply for fight week credentials may sign up here.

No. 3 ranked pound-for-pound fighter Dvalishvili (21-4, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Tiblisi, Georgia) steps into the Octagon for a fourth time in 2025 looking to add another UFC record to his ever-growing list of accomplishments. Currently on the longest win streak in UFC bantamweight history at 13, he has made his case as the greatest 135-pounder of all time with dominant performances over Cory Sandhagen, Sean O’Malley (twice) and Henry Cejudo. Dvalishvili now intends to make his biggest statement yet by replicating his 2023 win over Yan in a shutout performance.

Yan (19-5, fighting out of Yekaterinburg, Sverdlovsk Oblast, Russia) aims to make the most of his second opportunity with Dvalishvili and reclaim his spot at the top of the bantamweight division. The former champion has never been finished in his MMA career and earned his current shot at UFC gold with notable wins over Song Yadong, Deiveson Figueiredo and Marcus McGhee. Yan now has his sights set on spoiling Dvalishvili’s historic ambitions with a signature display of the skills that make him one of the most feared competitors in the 135-pound class.

UFC flyweight king Pantoja (30-5, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Arraial Do Cabo, Brazil) is on his own quest to be recognized as the best to ever do it at 125-pounds. The owner of the most wins (14) and finishes (8) in UFC flyweight history, Pantoja has earned the respect of fans and fighters alike with impressive victories over Kai Kara-France, Kai Asakura and Steve Erceg. He now seeks to deliver his best outing yet against the upstart Van in one of the most anticipated flyweight bouts in recent memory.

Van (15-2, fighting out of Houston, Texas) sets out to prove that he has all the skills to back up the hype that has earned him the No. 1 contender spot at flyweight. Still just 24 years old, he has made himself known amongst fans as can’t-miss viewing by landing the highest significant strikes per minute in UFC history (8.86) throughout his wins over Brandon Royval, Bruno Silva and Rei Tsuruya. Van now looks to become the first UFC champion born after the year 2000 by upsetting Pantoja in dramatic fashion.

Additional bouts on the card include:

  • Thrilling light heavyweight action sees former champion and No. 4 ranked Jan Blachowicz (29-11-1, fighting out of Warsaw, Poland) take on the marauding No. 11 ranked Bogdan Guskov (18-3, fighting out of Dukent, Uzbekistan)
  • Top 5 flyweights collide as former champion and No. 2 ranked Brandon Moreno (23-8-2, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Tijuana, Mexico) battles No. 5 Tatsuro Taira (17-1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Okinawa, Japan)
  • Former UFC bantamweight and flyweight champion Henry Cejudo (16-5, fighting out of Phoenix, Ariz.) returns to the Octagon to defend his No. 10 spot in the bantamweight rankings against rising star Payton Talbott (10-1, fighting out of Reno, Nev.)
  • No. 14 ranked UFC middleweight contender Marvin Vettori (19-9-1, fighting out of Mezzocorona, Italy) faces Brunno Ferreira (14-2, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil) in an all-action contest
  • No. 6 ranked UFC flyweight contender Maycee Barber(14-2, fighting out of Denver, Colo.) aims to defend her spot in the rankings against No. 9 ranked Karine Silva (19-5, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil)
  • Lightweight strikers collide as Edson Barboza (24-13, fighting out of Rio de Janiero, Brazil) matches up with Jalin Turner (14-9, fighting out of San Bernardino, Calif.)
  • Rising lightweight contenders aim to impress as Nazim Sadykhov (11-1-1, fighting out of Brooklyn, N.Y. by way of Baku, Azerbaijan) and Fares Ziam (17-4, fighting out of Lyon, France) go toe-to-toe
  • Muhammad Naimov (13-3, fighting out of Dushanbe, Tajikistan) meets The Ultimate Fighter season 32 featherweight winner Mairon Santos (17-1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) in an exciting 145-pound bout
  • Dana White’s Contender Series season 9 signee Iwo Baraniewski (6-0, fighting out of Warsaw, Poland) intends to impress in his UFC debut against Ibo Aslan (14-3, fighting out of Istanbul, Turkey)
  • No. 14 ranked UFC lightweight contender Grant Dawson (23-2-1, fighting out of Lee’s Summit, Mo.) takes on formidable striker Manuel Torres (16-3, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico)
  • Terrance McKinney (17-7, fighting out of Spokane, Wash.) and Chris Duncan (14-2, fighting out of Glasgow, Scotland) lock horns in a must-see lightweight tilt
  • Dana White’s Contender Series graduate Mansur Abdul-Malik (8-0-1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) meets Antonio Trocoli (12-5 1NC, fighting out of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil) at middleweight

For the latest information on bout announcements and additional information for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts are subject to change. Please click?here?to apply for the event.

###

About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 259 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 975 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.

About T-Mobile Arena

T-Mobile Arena, the 20,000-seat venue located on the Las Vegas Strip between Park MGM and New York-New York, opened April 6, 2016. The arena hosts more than 100 events annually including major headline entertainment, awards shows, UFC, boxing, basketball and other sporting events, family shows and special events. T-Mobile Arena also is the home of the Vegas Golden Knights, a National Hockey League expansion team and the city’s first professional sports team, as well as UFC’s exclusive Las Vegas arena destination. The venue, named the No. 1 venue on Billboard Magazine’s 2018 Arena Power List as well as the “Best New Major Concert Venue” by Pollstar Magazine in 2016, features 50 luxury suites, more than two dozen private loge boxes, complete broadcast facilities, and other specially designed exclusive hospitality offerings and fan amenities destined to create a guest experience second to none. Toshiba Plaza, an adjacent two-acre outdoor entertainment space, features performance stages, a variety of video screens and other interactive content and display areas. Designed and built to prioritize environmental sustainability, T-Mobile Arena was awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design® (LEED) Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council in 2016. T-Mobile Arena is a privately funded joint venture between AEG and MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information, visit T-MobileArena.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

All of ESPN. All in One Place.

ESPN offers its full suite of networks and services directly to fans within the ESPN App. Designed to give fans more choice, flexibility and access to all of ESPN, the ESPN App provides a unique viewing experience that includes integrated game stats, multiview options, a synchronized two-screen feature, a vertical video feature called Verts and a personalized SportsCenter For You, as well as ESPN BET information, ESPN Fantasy sports, commerce, and more. These new features are available to all fans who watch on the ESPN App on mobile and connected TV devices, whether they subscribe directly or through a traditional pay TV package. Bundling options available for fans include a limited time offer for the ESPN DTC Unlimited plan with Disney+ and Hulu for $29.99/month for the first 12 months. For more visit stream.espn.com.



FEATHERWEIGHT FIREWORKS BETWEEN (#12) STEVE GARCIA AND (#13) DAVID ONAMA HEADLINE RETURN TO UFC® APEX

Las Vegas – UFC® returns to UFC APEX with an all-action featherweight matchup sure to deliver fireworks as No. 12 ranked contender Steve Garcia takes on No. 13 David Onama in the main event. In addition, No. 6 ranked heavyweight contender Waldo Cortes Acosta faces off with No. 9 Ante Delija.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: GARCIA vs. ONAMA takes place Saturday, November 1 in Las Vegas and will be available on ESPN+ (English and Spanish). The prelims will air at 1 p.m. PT / 4 p.m. ET, followed by the main card airing at 4 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. ET.

UFC APEX VIP Experience packages are available via On Location, UFC’s Official VIP Experience Provider. Enjoy exclusive access with an official ticket package that includes premium seating, all-inclusive hospitality, in-seat beverage service, meet-and-greets with UFC Octagon Girls and more. Visit UFCVIP.com for more information.

Garcia (18-5, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) intends to make the most of his first UFC main event. Known for his striking power, Garcia is currently riding a six-fight win streak, including five knockouts in a row over the likes of Kyle Nelson, Melquizael Costa and Chase Hooper. He now sets forth to defend his spot in the rankings against Onama and turn his attention towards the top of the division.

The always-exciting Onama (14-2, fighting out of Kansas City, Mo. by way of Kyangwali, Uganda) returns to action for the second time in 2025. On a four-fight win streak of his own, he earned his spot in the Top 15 with victories over Giga Chikadze, Roberto Romero and Jonathan Pearce. Onama now looks to secure another signature stoppage by taking out Garcia.

Cortes Acosta (14-2, fighting out of Phoenix, Ariz. by way of Fundacion, Barahona, Dominican Republic) makes his fourth Octagon appearance of the year. One of the most active heavyweight contenders, Cortes Acosta has impressed fans with wins over Serghei Spivac, Ryan Spann and Andrei Arlovski. He now aims to build another long win streak by halting Delija in highlight-reel fashion.

Croatia’s Delija (26-6, fighting out of Dubrovnik, Croatia) makes a quick turnaround to continue his ascent up the heavyweight ladder. A well-rounded mixed martial artist with 19 finishes to his name, Delija made headlines with his first-round knockout of veteran Marcin Tybura in September. He now plans to prove that win was no fluke with an equally impressive performance against Cortes Acosta. 

Additional bouts on the card include:

  • Phil Rowe (11-5, fighting out of Orlando, Fla.) and Seokhyeon Ko (12-2, fighting out of Seoul, South Korea) square off in an intriguing welterweight contest
  • Top 5 bantamweights collide as No. 3 Ketlen Vieira (15-4, fighting out of Manuas, Amazonas, Brazil) battles No. 4 Norma Dumont (12-2, fighting out of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil)
  • Flyweight actions sees Allan Nascimento (21-6, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) lock horns with Rafael Estevam (14-0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
  • Jeremiah Wells (12-4-1, fighting out of Philadelphia, Penn.) and Themba Gorimbo (14-5, fighting out of Johannesburg, South Africa) face off in a welterweight contest
  • Alice Ardelean (10-7, fighting out of Birmingham, England) returns against Montserrat Conejo Ruiz (10-4, fighting out of El Paso, Texas by way of Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico) at strawweight
  • Dana White’s Contender Series signee Donte Johnson (6-0, fighting out of Fond du Lac, Wisc.) looks to impress in his UFC debt against Nick Klein (6-3, fighting out of Adell, Wisc.)
  • Charles Radtke (10-5, fighting out of Chicago, Ill.) and Daniel Frunza (9-3, fighting out of Miami, Fla. by way of Iasi, Romania) collide in an explosive welterweight matchup
  • A light heavyweight bout pits Billy Elekana (8-2, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) against Dana White’s Contender Series signee Kevin Christian (9-2, fighting out of Rio Preto da Eva, Amazonas, Brazil)
  • Timmy Cuamba (9-3, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) and ChangHo Lee (11-1, fighting out of Seoul, South Korea) go head-to-head in a bantamweight bout
  • An exciting featherweight fixture sees Isaac Dulgarian (7-1, fighting out of Kansas City, Mo.) take on the undefeated Yadier del Valle (9-0, fighting out of Houston, Texas)
  • Talita Alencar (6-1-1, fighting out of Deerfield Beach, Fla. by way of Carutapera, Maranhão, Brazil) and Ariane Carnelossi (15-3, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) compete at strawweight

For the latest information on bout announcements and additional information for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts are subject to change. Please click?here?to apply for the event.

###

About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 259 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 975 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.

About ESPN+?? ??

https://espnpressroom.com/us/espnplus

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.?ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst. 



UFC® RETURNS TO MADISON SQUARE GARDEN WITH CHAMPIONSHIP SUPER FIGHT DOUBLEHEADER

Las Vegas – UFC® returns to Madison Square Garden with a historic card headlined by pair of championship super fights. In the main event, UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena looks to fend off former UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. The co-main event will see No. 1 ranked women’s pound-for-pound fighter and UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko defend her title against No. 2 ranked pound-for-pound Zhang Weili.

UFC® 322: DELLA MADDALENA vs. MAKHACHEV takes place Sat., November 15 at Madison Square Garden in New York City with the main card at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on ESPN+ PPV. The prelims will be available on ESPNNEWS, ESPN Deportes and Disney+, as well as simulcast in English and Spanish on ESPN+, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The early prelims will kick off at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on ESPN+, Disney+ and UFC Fight Pass.

UFC® 322: DELLA MADDALENA vs. MAKHACHEV will go on sale Fri., September 19 at 10 a.m. ET and are available for purchase at ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wed., September 17 at 10 a.m. ET via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thurs., September 18 starting at 10 a.m. ET. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

UFC welterweight titleholder Della Maddalena (18-2, fighting out of Perth, Western Australia) aims to kick off his reign as champion with an all-time performance. Currently on an 18-fight winning streak, he has proven he has all the tools to hold the belt for the foreseeable future with victories over Belal Muhammad, Gilbert Burns and Kevin Holland. Della Maddalena now looks to etch his name in the history books by taking out Makhachev in highlight-reel fashion.

Former UFC lightweight champion Makhachev (27-1, fighting out of Makhachkala, Russia) takes his 15-fight winning streak to the welterweight division, aiming to join a select group of fighters in UFC history to win belts in two divisions. The No. 1 ranked pound-for-pound fighter in 2023, 2024 and 2025, Makhachev earned his distinction as one of the best of all time with notable victories over Dustin Poirier, Alexander Volkanovski and Charles Oliveira. He now has his sights set on leaving no doubt that he is the most skilled fighter in the UFC with a win in The World’s Most Famous Arena.

Shevchenko (25-4-1, fighting out of Bishkek, Chuy Province, Kyrgyzstan) plans to add to her remarkable resume with another win over a fellow champion. The greatest flyweight in UFC history, Shevchenko holds several divisional records, including most wins, most knockouts, most takedowns, most strikes and most control time. She now intends to cement herself as one of the greatest of all time with a dominant display against Zhang.

Two-time UFC strawweight champion Zhang (26-3, fighting out of Beijing, China) seeks to become just the second woman to win UFC belts in two different divisions. One of the most dominant athletes in the 115-pound division’s history, she rose through the pound-for-pound ranks with impressive victories over Tatiana Suarez, Carla Esparza and Joanna Jedrzejczyk. Zhang now aims to start another reign in a new division by stopping Shevchenko.

Additional bouts on the card include:

  • Former UFC welterweight champion and No. 4 ranked contender Leon Edwards (22-5 1NC, fighting out of Birmingham, England) returns to action against No. 9 ranked Carlos Prates (22-7, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil)
  • Top flyweight contenders collide as No. 4 ranked Erin Blanchfield (13-2, fighting out of Saddle Brook, N.J.) meets No. 8 Tracy Cortez (12-2, fighting out of Scottsdale, Ariz.)
  • An exciting middleweight bout sees No. 15 ranked contender Roman Kopylov (14-4, fighting out of Bachatsky, Kemerovo, Russia) battle Gregory Rodrigues (17-6, fighting out of Deerfield Beach, Fla. by way of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil)
  • Bo Nickal (7-1, fighting out of Pleasant Gap, Penn.) and Rodolfo Vieira (11-3, fighting out of Orlando, Fla. by way of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) lock horns in a clash of middleweight grapplers
  • Undefeated Dana White’s Contender Series signee Baisangur Susurkaev (10-0, fighting out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. by way of Chechnya, Russia) returns against Eric McConico (10-3-1, fighting out of Phoenix, Ariz.) at middleweight

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit UFC.com. All bouts are live and subject to change. Please click?here?to apply for the event.? 

###

About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 259 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 975 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.

About Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.

Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment) is a leader in live entertainment, delivering unforgettable experiences while forging deep connections with diverse and passionate audiences. The Company’s portfolio includes a collection of world-renowned venues – New York’s Madison Square Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and Beacon Theatre; and The Chicago Theatre – that showcase a broad array of sporting events, concerts, family shows, and special events for millions of guests annually. In addition, the Company features the original production, the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes, which has been a holiday tradition for more than 90 years. More information is available at www.msgentertainment.com. ??

About ESPN+

https://espnpressroom.com/us/espnplus

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.?ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.



UFC® RETURNS TO VANCOUVER WITH THRILLING MIDDLEWEIGHT CLASH BETWEEN

Vancouver – UFC® returns to Vancouver with a pivotal middleweight contenders’ tilt between No. 5 ranked Reinier De Ridder and No. 6 Anthony Hernandez. Former title challenger and No. 7 ranked bantamweight contender Marlon Vera collides with surging No. 10 Aiemann Zahabi. Also, a high-stakes flyweight contenders’ bout sees recent title challenger and No. 2 ranked Manon Fiorot battle Canadian No. 5 Jasmine Jasudavicius.

The event will be held in partnership with Destination Vancouver.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: DE RIDDER vs. HERNANDEZ takes place at Rogers Arena on Saturday, October 18, with the main card live at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT on Sportsnet and TVA Sports. The prelims will start at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT on Sportsnet and TVA Sports.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: DE RIDDER vs. HERNANDEZ tickets will go on sale Friday, August 22 at 10 a.m. PT and are available for purchase at Ticketmaster.ca. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, August 20 at 10 a.m. PT via UFCFightClub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, August 21 starting at 10 a.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

Please click here to apply for UFC Fight Night media credentials.

De Ridder (21-2, fighting out of Breda, Netherlands) aims to stake his claim for a title shot by delivering another highlight-reel finish. A talented submission specialist, he has secured thrilling victories over Robert Whittaker, Bo Nickal and Gerald Meerschaert. De Ridder now looks to push his win streak to five bouts by dispatching Hernandez.

Hernandez (15-2 1NC, fighting out of Dunnigan, Calif., USA) plans to continue his momentum by netting his ninth consecutive victory. A relentless competitor, he has earned notable wins against Roman Dolidze, Brendan Allen and Roman Kopylov. Hernandez now hopes to crack the Top 5 by becoming the first fighter to finish De Ridder in the UFC.

Vera (23-10-1, fighting out of Chone, Manabi, Ecuador) hopes to deliver a vintage performance against another rising contender. Among the most exciting finishers at bantamweight, he holds spectacular stoppages over Dominick Cruz, Frankie Edgar and Sean O’Malley. Vera now intends to finish Zahabi and prove he is still among the best in the world.

Canadian standout Zahabi (13-2, fighting out of Montreal, Que.) plans to continue his ascent up the 135-pound division. Currently ron a six-fight win streak, he holds exciting victories over Jose Aldo, Pedro Munhoz and Javid Basharat. Zahabi now intends turn heads by finishing Vera and securing a crack at a Top 5 opportunity.

Recent title challenger Fiorot (12-2, fighting out of Nice, France) has her sight set on a show-stealing performance against a rising contender. A talented striker, she holds notable victories over Erin Blanchfield, Rose Namajunas and Katlyn Cerminara. Fiorot now plans to defend her spot in the rankings by halting Jasudavicius’ momentum.

Jasudavicius (14-3, fighting out of Niagara, Ont.) looks to continue her hot streak by taking out a Top 5 contender. Currently riding a five-fight win streak, she holds impressive finishes against Jessica Andrade, Ariane da Silva and Priscila Cachoeira. Jasudavicius now intends to insert her name into the title conversation by stopping Fiorot in emphatic fashion.

Additional bouts on the card include:

  • Kevin Holland (28-14 1NC, fighting out of Fort Worth, Texas, USA) locks horns with Mike Malott (12-2-1, fighting out of Burlington, Ont.) in an exciting welterweight bout
  • Azamat Bekoev (20-3, fighting out of Fairfield, N.J., USA by way of Nalchik, Russia) faces Yousri Belgaroui (8-3, fighting out of Amsterdam, the Netherlands) in a middleweight bout
  • No. 14 ranked flyweight contender Bruno Silva (14-7-2 1NC, fighting out of Piracicaba, Sao Paulo, Brazil) squares off with HyunSung Park (10-1, fighting out of Gyeonggi-do, South Korea)
  • Danny Barlow (9-1, fighting out of Memphis, Tenn., USA) meets Djorden Santos (10-2, fighting out of Brasília, DF, Brazil) at middleweight
  • Stephanie Luciano (6-2-1, fighting out of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil) takes on Ravena Oliveira Morais (7-2-1, fighting out of Miguel Calmon, Bahia, Brazil) in strawweight bout

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit UFC.com. All bouts are live and subject to change.

###

About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 259 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 975 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.

About CSE

Canucks Sports & Entertainment is Western Canada’s sports & entertainment leader providing world class entertainment in multiple venues in British Columbia. From watching one’s first NHL game to singing along with a favourite artist, Canucks Sports & Entertainment strives to create unforgettable moments that inspire, excite, and unite us all. Regardless of the score, the event or the night, our goal is to provide a world class experience for you and your guests from the moment you arrive, to the end of the event.



PARAMOUNT AND TKO ANNOUNCE HISTORIC UFC MEDIA RIGHTS AGREEMENT PARAMOUNT TO BECOME EXCLUSIVE HOME OF UFC IN THE U.S.

LOS ANGELES, CA and NEW YORK, NY – August 11, 2025 – Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, (“Paramount”) (NASDAQ: PSKY) and TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (“TKO”) (NYSE: TKO), a premium sports and entertainment company, today announced a seven-year media rights agreement in which Paramount will become the exclusive home of all UFC events in the U.S.

Starting in 2026, Paramount will exclusively distribute UFC’s full slate of 13 marquee numbered events and 30 Fight Nights via its direct-to-consumer streaming platform, Paramount+, with select numbered events to be simulcast on CBS, Paramount’s leading broadcast network.

As part of the agreement, UFC and Paramount will move away from UFC’s existing Pay-Per-View model in favor of making these premium events available at no additional cost to the expansive U.S. subscriber base of Paramount+. This shift in distribution strategy will unlock greater accessibility and discoverability for sports fans and provide an important catalyst for driving engagement and further subscriber growth for Paramount+. Paramount intends to explore UFC rights outside the U.S. as they become available in the future.

“I couldn’t be more excited to join forces with Dana, Ari, and Mark. Rarely do opportunities arise to partner on an exclusive basis with a global sports powerhouse like UFC – an organization with extraordinary global recognition, scale, and cultural impact,” said David Ellison, Chairman and CEO of Paramount. “Paramount’s advantage lies in the expansive reach of our linear and streaming platforms. Live sports continue to be a cornerstone of our broader strategy — driving engagement, subscriber growth, and long-term loyalty, and the addition of UFC’s year-round must-watch events to our platforms is a major win. We look forward to delivering this premium content to millions of fans in the U.S., and potentially beyond.”

“This is a milestone moment and landmark deal for UFC, solidifying its position as a preeminent global sports asset,” said Ariel Emanuel, Executive Chair and CEO, TKO. “Our decade-long journey with UFC has been defined by continuous growth and expansion, and this agreement is an important realization of our strategy. We believe wholeheartedly in David’s vision and look forward to being in business with a company that will prioritize technology as a means to enhance storytelling and the overall viewing experience.”

“Paramount is a platinum partner with significant reach,” said Mark Shapiro, President and COO, TKO. “Our new agreement unlocks powerful opportunities at TKO for years to come – meaningful economics for investors; expanded premium inventory for global brand partners; and deeper engagement for UFC’s passionate fanbase. Just as importantly, our athletes will love this new stage.”

UFC is the world’s premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization. UFC events take place year-round with approximately 43 live events annually, delivering more than 350 hours of live event content. In the U.S., UFC has approximately 100 million fans who are highly engaged across linear, digital, and social platforms. Further, UFC is one of the few truly global sports properties, with programming reaching nearly 950 million broadcast and digital households across more than 210 countries and territories in 50 languages, as well as a roster of approximately 600 of the world’s best male and female MMA athletes representing 75 countries.

The seven-year term, which begins in 2026, has an average annual value (“AAV”) of $1.1 billion. The contract’s payment schedule is weighted more toward the back end of the deal.

# # #

About Paramount, a Skydance Corporation

Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (Nasdaq: PSKY) is a leading, next?generation global media and entertainment company, comprised of three business segments: Studios, Direct-to-Consumer, and TV Media. The Company’s portfolio unites legendary brands, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Television, CBS – America’s most-watched broadcast network, CBS News, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, Showtime, Paramount+, Pluto TV, and Skydance’s Animation, Film, Television, Interactive/Games, and Sports divisions. For more information please visit www.paramount.com.

About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and approximately 318 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while distributing programming to more than 950 million broadcast and digital households across more than 210 countries and territories. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.

About TKO
TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO) is a premium sports and entertainment company. TKO owns iconic properties including UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization; WWE, the global leader in sports entertainment; and PBR, the world’s premier bull riding organization. Together, these properties reach 1 billion households across 210 countries and territories and organize more than 500 live events year-round, attracting more than three million fans. TKO also services and partners with major sports rights holders through IMG, an industry-leading global sports marketing agency; and On Location, a global leader in premium experiential hospitality.



THE OCTAGON RETURNS TO T-MOBILE ARENA WITH CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLEHEADER

Las Vegas – UFC® returns to Las Vegas with a highly anticipated UFC light heavyweight championship rematch between titleholder Magomed Ankalaev and No. 1 ranked challenger Alex Pereira. In the co-main event, UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvilitakes on No. 4 ranked challenger Cory Sandhagen. 

UFC® 320: ANKALAEV vs. PEREIRA 2 will take place Saturday, October 4 at T-Mobile Arena with the main card at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT on ESPN+ PPV. The prelims will be available on ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, ESPN+, and Disney+, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The early prelims will kick off at 6:00 p.m. ET / 3:00 p.m. PT on ESPN+, Disney+, and UFC Fight Pass. 

UFC® 320 tickets will go on sale Friday, August 8 at 10 a.m. PT and are available at AXS.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club ® will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, August 6 at 10 a.m. PT via the website UFCFightClub.com. A special Internet ticket presale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, August 7 at 10 a.m. PT. To access the presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.  

UFC VIP Experience packages are available via On Location, UFC’s Official VIP Experience Provider. Enjoy exclusive access with an official ticket package that includes premium seating, all-inclusive hospitality, meet-and-greets and more. Visit UFCVIP.com for more information.

Media members wishing to apply for fight week credentials may sign up here.

Ankalaev (20-1-1 1NC, fighting out of Makhachkala, Russia) looks to settle his rivalry with Pereira in dominant fashion. Most recently dethroning Pereira to become champion, Ankalev made a name for himself in the 205-pound division by defeating top ranked contenders such as Aleksandar Raki?, Johnny Walker, and Anthony Smith on his path to gold. He now sets forth to deliver a statement performance against Pereira and kickstart an unforgettable title reign.

Pereira (12-3, fighting out of Danbury, Conn. By way of São Paulo, Brazil) returns to action looking for redemption. Since making his Octagon debut in 2021, Pereira, a two-division world champion, has become a must-watch competitor, building a legendary resume by knocking out former champions such as Israel Adesanya, Ji?í Procházka, and Jamahal Hill. He now aims to dispose of Ankalaev and reclaim the light heavyweight crown. 

Dvalishvili (20-4, fighting out of Long Island, N.Y. by way of Tbilisi, Georgia) sets out to defend the bantamweight title for a third time in 2025. Currently on a 12-fight win streak and the No. 3 ranked Men’s Pound-for-Pound fighter, he has become one of the world’s best by taking out the likes of Sean O’Malley (x2), Umar Nurmagomedov, and Henry Cejudo. Dvalishvili now looks to add a win over Sandhagen to his list of accolades and further solidify his spot as one of the greatest of all time. 

Sandhagen (18-5, fighting out of Aurora, Colo.) sets out for the biggest fight of his career. The Colorado native has become a top ranked competitor by collecting wins against formidable opponents such as Deiveson Figueiredo, Rob Font, and Marlon Vera. Sandhagen now sets his sights on Dvalishvili as he looks to achieve his dream of becoming a UFC champion. 

Additional bouts on the card include:

  • A high-stakes light heavyweight contest sees No. 2 ranked challenger Jiri Prochazka(31-5-1, fighting out of Brno, Czech Republic) collide with No. 4 Khalil Rountree Jr.(15-6, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.)
  • No. 14 ranked UFC middleweight Abus Magomedov (28-6-1, fighting out of Düsseldorf, Germany) takes on Dana White’s Contender Series standout Joe Pyfer(14-3, fighting out of Philadelphia, Penn.)
  • Dana White’s Contender Series signee Ateba Gautier(8-1, fighting out of Yaounde, Cameroon) makes a quick turnaround and faces off against Ozzy Diaz(10-3, fighting out of Downtown Los Angeles, Calif.) 
  • Dana White’s Contender Series contract winners Edmen Shahbazyan(15-5, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) and Andre Muniz(24-7, fighting out of Montes Claros, MG, Brazil) are set for middleweight action 
  • Flyweights Veronica Hardy(9-5-1, fighting out of New York, N.Y. by way of Caracas, Venezuela) and The Ultimate Fighterseason 30 finalist Brogan Walker(8-4, fighting out of Hagatna, Guam) lock horns
  • Top ranked bantamweight competitors No. 5 Macy Chiasson(31-5-1, fighting out of Dallas, Texas by way of New Orleans, La.) and No. 9 Yana Santos(16-8 1NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Saint Petersburg, Russia) look to steal the show 

For the latest information on bout announcements and additional information for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts are subject to change. Please click?here?to apply for the event.

###

About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 259 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 975 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.

About T-Mobile Arena

T-Mobile Arena, the 20,000-seat venue located on the Las Vegas Strip between Park MGM and New York-New York, opened April 6, 2016. The arena hosts more than 100 events annually including major headline entertainment, awards shows, UFC, boxing, basketball and other sporting events, family shows and special events. T-Mobile Arena also is the home of the Vegas Golden Knights, a National Hockey League expansion team and the city’s first professional sports team, as well as UFC’s exclusive Las Vegas arena destination. The venue, named the No. 1 venue on Billboard Magazine’s 2018 Arena Power List as well as the “Best New Major Concert Venue” by Pollstar Magazine in 2016, features 50 luxury suites, more than two dozen private loge boxes, complete broadcast facilities, and other specially designed exclusive hospitality offerings and fan amenities destined to create a guest experience second to none. Toshiba Plaza, an adjacent two-acre outdoor entertainment space, features performance stages, a variety of video screens and other interactive content and display areas. Designed and built to prioritize environmental sustainability, T-Mobile Arena was awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design® (LEED) Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council in 2016. T-Mobile Arena is a privately funded joint venture between AEG and MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information, visit T-MobileArena.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.



TOM ASPINALL AND CIRYL GANE HEADLINE UFC® 321 IN ABU DHABI FOR EPIC HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT

Abu Dhabi, UAE: UFC®, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation, returns to the UAE capital in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) for the highly anticipated UFC® 321. Taking place on Saturday, October 25 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the event will feature an electrifying showdown between UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall and no.1 contender Ciryl Gane.

UFC® 321 tickets go on sale at 1 p.m. GST on Friday, July 25 via ticketmaster.ae, while hotel packages are available via etihadarena.ae. Early access to tickets will be available from 1 p.m. GST on Thursday, July 24, for those who registered their interest.

VIP Experience packages will be available via On Location, UFC’s Official VIP Experience Provider. Fans can enjoy exclusive access with premium seating, VIP weigh-in access, all-inclusive hospitality, athlete meet-and-greets and more. For full package details, visit UFCVIP.com.

UFC® 321 is the second UFC event scheduled in Abu Dhabi this year. In recent years, Abu Dhabi has hosted some of the highest-calibre UFC bouts, featuring world champions, rising stars, and unforgettable moments. From Khabib Nurmagomedov’s dominant title defense at UFC® 242 to the thrilling showdown between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway at UFC® 308, the city has further cemented its status as a global stage for world-class MMA action.

Heavyweight champion Aspinall (15-3, fighting out of Manchester, England) returns to the Octagon® looking to cement his legacy in the heavyweight division. A well-rounded finisher with a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Aspinall secured his title with a stunning first-round KO of Sergei Pavlovich. He also boasts dominant wins over Alexander Volkov, Curtis Blaydes, and Andrei Arlovski, and now aims to defend his belt for the first time as the undisputed heavyweight king.

Former interim champion Gane (13-2, fighting out of Paris, France) looks to make history in his first appearance of 2025. Known for his elite footwork and striking finesse, Gane rose through the heavyweight ranks with impressive victories over Derrick Lewis, Tai Tuivasa, and Alexander Volkov. The French star now sets his sights on another statement win as he attempts to reclaim UFC gold.

  • Additional bouts on the card include:
    Aleksandar Rakic (14-5, fighting out of Vienna, Austria) will take on undefeated Azamat Murzakanov (15-0, fighting out of New Jersey, USA) in a light heavyweight matchup.
  • Two heavyweight contenders face off as Alexander Volkov (38-11, fighting out of Moscow, Russia) takes on Jailton Almeida (22-3, fighting out of Salvador, Brazil).
  • Azat Maksum (15-2, fighting out of Kaskelen, Kazakhstan) faces Mitch Raposo (9-3, fighting out of Massachusetts, USA), who looks to get back in the win column, in a flyweight fight.
  • Ikram Aliskerov (16-2, fighting out of Dagestan, Russia) takes on vs JunYong Park (19-6, fighting out of Seoul, South Korea) in what promises to be a thrilling middleweight fight.
  • Hamdy Abdelwahab (4-1, fighting out of New York, USA, by way of Egypt) faces off against Chris Barnett (23-9, fighting out of Florida, USA) in a heavyweight bout.

For further information on UFC® 321 and to stay updated with Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, visit VisitAbuDhabi.ae.

ENDS

About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and approximately 309 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 950 million households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors, fuels economic progress and helps achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

For more information about DCT Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit tcaabudhabi.ae and visitabudhabi.ae. For Abu Dhabi Calendar, please visit inabudhabi.ae.



HIGHLY ANTICIPATED FEATHERWEIGHT CLASH BETWEEN (#3) DIEGO LOPES AND (#10) JEAN SILVA HEADLINES NOCHE UFC ON SEPTEMBER 13

Las Vegas – UFC® returns to Frost Bank Center in San Antonio to celebrate Mexican Independence Day with a highly anticipated featherweight clash between No. 3 ranked contender Diego Lopes and No. 10 Jean Silva. Also on the card, No. 2 ranked strawweight contender Tatiana Suarez and No. 4 ranked Amanda Lemos collide with title aspirations on the line.

NOCHE UFC: LOPES vs. SILVA takes place Saturday, September 13 in San Antonio and will be available exclusively on ESPN+ (English and Spanish). The prelims will start at 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT, followed by the main card at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT.

NOCHE UFC: LOPES vs. SILVA tickets go on sale Friday, July 25 at 10 a.m. CT and are available for purchase at ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, July 24 starting at 10 a.m. CT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

Media members wishing to apply for NOCHE UFC: LOPES vs. SILVA fight week credentials may sign up here.

Former featherweight title challenger and Mexico resident Lopes (26-7, fighting out of Puebla, México by way of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil) sets out to secure another highlight-reel victory. A well rounded athlete, he has proven he can finish anyone, anywhere in victories over Sodiq Yusuff, Pat Sabatini and Gavin Tucker. Lopes now aims to defend his spot in the divisional rankings by becoming the first man to defeat Silva in the UFC.

Silva (16-2, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) aims to earn the biggest victory of his career and vault himself into the championship conversation. A fan favorite for his all-action fighting style, Silva has finished an impressive 15 of his 16 wins, including those over Bryce Mitchell, Melsik Baghdasaryan and Drew Dober. He now intends to keep his momentum going by taking out Lopes in dominant fashion.

Mexican-American Suarez (11-1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) returns to the Octagon looking to deliver another statement performance. One of the most credentialed grapplers in MMA, Suarez has become a top contender at 115 pounds by defeating former UFC champions Jessica Andrade, Carla Esparza and Alexa Grasso. She now sets forth to put her submission skills to the test against Lemos and solidify her position at the top of the division.

Lemos (15-4-1, fighting out of Para, Brazil) competes for the second time in 2025 aiming to break into the Top 5 rankings. A powerful striker with the most knockdowns landed in UFC strawweight history (6), she has worked her way up the divisional ladder with notable victories over Iasmin Lucindo, Mackenzie Dern and Marina Rodriguez. Lemos now has her sights set on earning another post-fight bonus by finishing Suarez.

Additional bouts on the card include:

  • Former UFC bantamweight champion and current No. 2 ranked contender Raquel Pennington (16-10, fighting out of Colorado Spring, Colo.) takes on No. 4 ranked Norma Dumont (12-2, fighting out of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil)
  • Submission ace Claudio Puelles (13-4, fighting out of Lima, Peru) intends to become the first man to submit Joaquim Silva (13-6, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil) in a lightweight bout
  • An exciting flyweight bout pits Edgar Chairez (12-6 1NC, fighting out of Mexicali, Baja California Mexico) against Alessandro Costa (14-4, fighting out of Puebla, Mexico)
  • Lightweight action sees Rafa Garcia (17-4, fighting out of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico) battle Jared Gordon (21-7 1NC, fighting out of Queens, N.Y.)
  • Jose Daniel Medina (11-5, fighting out of Santa Cruz, Bolivia) faces Dusko Todorovic (12-6, fighting out of Belgrade, Serbia) in an all-action middleweight contest
  • Flyweights Jesus Aguilar (11-3, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) and Luis Gurule (10-1, fighting out of Sheridan, Colo.) lock horns
  • Montserrat Rendon (6-1, fighting out of Cancun, Mexico) aims to spoil the UFC debut of Alice Pereira (5-0, fighting out of Bahia, Brazil) in a bantamweight tilt

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts are live and subject to change. Please click here to apply for the event.

###

About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and approximately 266 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 900 million households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.

About Frost Bank Center

The premier entertainment venue in South Texas, the newly named Frost Bank Center is home to the San Antonio Spurs (NBA) and the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. The Bexar County-owned arena has also hosted hundreds of concerts and special events since opening in 2002 and underwent a $110+ million renovation in 2015 to enhance the fan experience at all levels. For more information go to frostbankcenter.com.

About ESPN+  

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 25.3 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).      

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.



UFC BRINGS WORLD-CLASS MMA TO QATAR WITH HISTORIC FIGHT NIGHT DEBUT IN DOHA ON NOVEMBER 22

Doha, Qatar: UFC®, the world’s leading mixed martial arts organization, brings the Octagon® to Qatar for the first time on Saturday, November 22. In partnership with Visit Qatar, this action-packed Fight Night at Doha’s state-of-the-art ABHA Arena marks a milestone moment for regional fans and UFC’s global rise.

Fans are encouraged to register their interest via UFC.com/Qatar to have the best chance of securing tickets early.

Set for November 22, the unforgettable debut of UFC® FIGHT NIGHT DOHA will deliver a stacked lineup of thrilling bouts, spotlighting the best in combat sports and live entertainment. Marking a major milestone in UFC’s regional expansion, the event brings the electrifying energy of a blockbuster showdown to fans in Doha and across the Middle East.

Known for hosting world-class sporting events, Qatar adds another milestone with the debut of UFC® FIGHT NIGHT DOHA. This event contributes to Qatar’s goal of becoming a leading global destination for sport.

Dana White, UFC President and CEO, commented: “I’ve always said we’re going to take UFC all over the world—and Qatar is the next stop. They already hosted the World Cup and Formula 1, and now we’re bringing a UFC Fight Night there for the first time. Our fights in the Middle East are always incredible so I can’t wait to get out there.”

Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar said: “This collaboration marks a significant step that reflects our continued commitment to positioning Qatar as a leading global destination for major sporting events. The event forms part of a vibrant season of major activities, supported by ongoing infrastructure development and notable growth in the events and conferences sector. The inclusion of UFC, with its fanbase of over 700 million worldwide, underscores this strategic direction and offers a unique platform to showcase Qatar’s sporting excellence and cultural richness. We look forward to welcoming the UFC community and visitors from all around the world to Doha this November for an exceptional experience that highlights our capabilities and strengthens our international partnerships.”

With a soon-to-be-announced fight card, the highly anticipated inaugural UFC® FIGHT NIGHT DOHA will see some of UFC’s most talented athletes enter the Octagon® for a must-see event for both longtime and new UFC fans in the region.

For more information on this historic event and for the latest updates visit ufc.com. For those looking for details on local attractions and travel tips, visit the official tourism site at visitqatar.com.

ENDS

About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and approximately 300 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 950 million households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 70 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.

About Visit Qatar

Visit Qatar is the main arm of Qatar Tourism. Visit Qatar’s mission is to promote and expand tourism in Qatar by cultivating its rich culture, developing thrilling attractions, enhancing Qatar’s calendar, becoming the leading MICE destination in the region, diversifying events and luxury experiences. Visit Qatar is rooted in Service Excellence, boosting the entire tourism value chain, and increasing local and international visitor demand in Qatar. Through Visit Qatar’s network of international offices in priority markets, cutting-edge digital platforms, and marketing campaigns, Visit Qatar is expanding Qatar’s presence globally and enhancing the tourism sector.

Web: www.visitqatar.com



MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDERS (#8) ROMAN DOLIDZE AND (#9) ANTHONY HERNANDEZ HEADLINE AT UFC® APEX

Las Vegas – UFC® returns to UFC APEX with a thrilling middleweight matchup featuring No. 8 ranked contender Roman Dolidze taking on No. 9 Anthony Hernandez in the main event. In addition, No. 7 ranked flyweight Alex Perez locks horns with No. 9 Steve Erceg.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: DOLIDZE vs. HERNANDEZ takes place Saturday, August 9 in Las Vegas and will be available on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ (English and Spanish). The prelims will air at 3 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. ET, followed by the main card airing at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET.

UFC APEX VIP Experience packages are available via On Location, UFC’s Official VIP Experience Provider. Enjoy exclusive access with an official ticket package that includes premium seating, all-inclusive hospitality, in-seat beverage service, meet-and-greets with UFC Octagon Girls and more. Visit UFCVIP.com for more information.

Georgia’s Dolidze (15-3, fighting out of Batumi, Georgia) looks for a second straight main event win. The battle-hardened veteran has wowed fans with dominant performances against notable names such as Marvin Vettori, Kevin Holland, and Anthony Smith. Dolidze now sets forth to defend his spot in the rankings by stopping Hernandez in impressive fashion.

Hernandez (14-2 1NC, fighting out of Dunnigan, Calif.) returns to action looking to build on his momentum and further his climb up the rankings. Currently on a seven-fight win streak, Hernadez has made an impact at 185pounds with highlight-reel finishes against the likes of Michel Pereira, Roman Kopylov, and Edmen Shahbazyan. Hernandez now aims to secure the biggest win of his career and position himself for a future shot at the division’s Top 5.

Perez (25-9, fighting out of Lemoore, Calif.) makes his way back to the Octagon with intentions of securing a win in the first bout of his 2025 campaign. The Dana White’s Contender Series contract winner has become a top-ranked contender by defeating formidable opponents such as Matheus Nicolau, Jussier Formiga, and Jordan Espinosa. Perez now looks to steal the show and deliver a performance to remember against Erceg.

Erceg (12-4, fighting out of Perth, Wester Australia) returns to competition looking for redemption. The former title challenger has made a quick impact at flyweight by taking out the likes of Matt Schnell, Alessandro Costa, and David Dvo?ák. Erceg now turns his attention to Perez as he looks for an empathic finish and find his path back to UFC gold.

Additional bouts on the card include:

  • Andre Fili (24-12, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) squares off with Christian Rodriguez (12-3, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.) at featherweight
  • A bantamweight contest pits Dana White’s Contender Series signee Elijha Smith (8-1, fighting out of Colorado Springs, Colo.) against Road to UFC standout Toshiomi Kazama (11-4, fighting out of Tokyo, Japan)
  • Dana White’s Contender Series bantamweight signees Miles Johns (15-3 1NC, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) and Jean Matsumoto (16-1, fighting out of Braganca Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil) square off
  • No. 14 Joselyne Edwards (15-6, fighting out of Panama City, Panama) goes toe-to-toe with Priscila Cachoeira (13-6, fighting out of Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
  • Middleweight fireworks are set as Eryk Anders (17-8 1NC, fighting out of Birmingham, Ala.) meets Christian Leroy Duncan (11-2, fighting out of Gloucester, England)
  • An intriguing strawweight contest pits No. 8 ranked contender Iasmin Lucindo (17-6, fighting out of Fortaleza, CE, Brazil) against No. 12 Angela Hill (18-14, fighting out San Diego, Calif.)
  • Julius Walker (6-1, fighting out Springfield, Miss.) takes on Rafael Cerqueira (11-2, fighting out of Salvador, BA Brazil) at light heavyweight
  • Gabriella Fernandes (10-3, fighting out of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil) and Julija Stoliarenko (11-9-2, fighting out of Kaunas, Lithuania) are set for a flyweight bout

For the latest information on bout announcements and additional information for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts are subject to change. Please click?here?to apply for the event.

###

About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 259 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 975 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.

About ESPN+?? ??

https://espnpressroom.com/us/espnplus

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.?ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst. 



UFC RETURNS TO ABU DHABI WITH A BLOCKBUSTER CARD FOR UFC® 321 ON OCTOBER 25

Abu Dhabi, UAE: UFC, the world’s leading mixed martial arts organisation, together with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), promises another showstopping event in the UAE capital, further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a global destination for top-tier sporting events. Fans are encouraged to register their interest early for the best chance to secure tickets via Visit Abu Dhabi. UFC® 321 tickets will go on sale on Friday, July 25 via etihadarena.ae and Ticketmaster.ae.  

The much-anticipated return of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, headlined by UFC® 321, promises an unforgettable celebration of the very best in combat sports and live entertainment. The week is one of the most anticipated on the UFC calendar, filled with international championship talent and high-stakes action.

With over 20 events hosted in Abu Dhabi since 2010, UFC has become a powerhouse on the region’s sports and entertainment scene. Before UFC® 321 takes over Abu Dhabi on October 25, the Octagon® returns this summer with UFC FIGHT NIGHT: WHITTAKER vs. DE RIDDER on Saturday July 26, as former middleweight champion and No.5 ranked Robert Whittaker faces rising star Reinier de Ridder in a must-see showdown at the Etihad Arena – all made possible through UFC’s long-standing partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi.

With UFC® 321 on the horizon in October, stay tuned for more details as anticipation builds for one of the UFC’s biggest events of the year.

VIP Experience packages for UFC® 321 will be available soon via On Location, UFC’s Official VIP Experience Provider. These exclusive packages offer premium seating, VIP access to weigh-ins, all-inclusive hospitality, meet-and-greets with UFC athletes and more. For additional information, please visit UFCVIP.com to view package details. 

For further information on UFC® 321 and the latest updates, please visit VisitAbuDhabi.ae.



Walsh Back on the Marquee in Santa Ynez

SANTA YNEZ, CALIFORNIA – Junior middleweight contender Callum Walsh looks to continue his ascent up the 154-pound rankings when he takes on veteran Elias Espadas on Saturday night in the ten-round main event of the UFC Fight Pass “Hollywood Fight Nights” event at the Chumash Casino Resort on Saturday night. Fighters for the seven-bout card weighed-in Friday morning before participating in the ceremonial weigh-in at the Sports Bar at Chumash at the host casino later in the afternoon. 

Walsh (13-0, 11 KOs) of Ventura, California by way of Cork, Munster, Ireland will be making the fourth defense of the regional WBC Continental Americas light middleweight title he claimed in 2024 with a ninth-round knockout of Dauren Yeleussinov at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. Walsh, the WBC #6/IBF #6 ranked contender, made his third appearance at the famed Garden last time out, scoring a devastating first-round knockout of Dean Sutherland this past March. Walsh weighed-in at the 154-pound junior middleweight limit. 

Espadas (23-6-1, 16 KOs) of Merida, Yucatán, Mexico earned this opportunity with a hard-fought majority draw with unbeaten Sadriddin Akhmedov on a UFC Fight Pass-broadcasted event in Commerce, California just two months back. Notably, well-regarded 154-pound contender Xander Zayas stopped Espadas in five in 2022. The thirteen-year pro figures to gauge where Walsh stands amongst the other junior middleweight prospects and contenders. Espadas weighed-in at 153.8-pounds on Friday. 

In the co-feature, undefeated Umar Dzambekov (11-0, 8 KOs) of Los Angeles, California by way of Grozny, Chechnya, Russia will take on former world title challenger Roamer Alexis Angulo (28-3, 23 KOs) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic by way of Patia, Cauca, Colombia in an eight-round light heavyweight bout. 

Dzambekov, who scaled 176-pounds, will be taking a step-up in class after knocking out his last two opponents inside the first round. Of the seven previous opponents Dzambekov has fought in scheduled eight-rounders, only two were able to last the distance. Angulo, who weighed-in at 174.6-pounds, goes rounds and will figure to provide a stern test for the up-and-coming Dzambekov. Only an over-the-contracted-weight David Benavidez was able to stop Angulo in 2020. Angulo fought Gilberto Ramirez to a twelve-round decision defeat in his first attempt at a world title in 2018 and also went the distance against Edgar Berlanga in 2022. 

Cain Sandoval (15-0, 13 KOs) of Sacramento, California will take on short-notice replacement Yonathan Eniz (36-22-1, 17 KOs) of Dolores, Buenos Aires, Argentina in an eight-round junior welterweight fight. Sandoval, who was originally geared up to take on fellow unbeaten Jesus Madueno, weighed-in at 142.6-pounds on Friday. Eniz, who took the fight on just over a week’s notice, also came in at 142.6-pounds. 

Roxy Verduzco (4-0, 1 KO) of Los Angeles will take a step-up against veteran Celene Roman (6-3-1) of Ontario, California by way of Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico in an eight-round featherweight bout. Verduzco, a multiple-time national amateur champion, appears to be on the fast-track towards contention as she moves up to the eight-round distance in just her fifth pro bout. Roman ended a nearly ten-year sabbatical with a four-round majority decision over Amanda DeRosa in February. Verduzco scaled 125.8-pounds, while Roman came in at 124.4-pounds. 

Opening up the UFC Fight Pass portion of the card, Daniel Barrera (8-1-1, 4 KOs) of Eastvale, California will meet Basilio Franco (10-3, 8 KOs) of Norwalk, California by way of Yahualica De Gonzalez Gallo, Jalisco, Mexico in an eight-round super flyweight bout. Barrera, who scaled 115, will be looking to rebound from his first career defeat to Christopher Rios in February. Franco, who scaled 113.6-pounds and will be making his United States debut, has won six straight entering the bout on Saturday. 

The YouTube-broadcast portion of the card will be capped by once-beaten prospect Gor Yeritsyan (20-1, 16 KOs) of Los Angeles by way of Yerevan, Armenia who takes on Vernon Brown (13-2-1, 9 KOs) of Chicago, Illinois in an eight-round welterweight bout. Yeritsyan, a Wild Card Boxing Club stablemate of Walsh and Sandoval, weighed-in at 146.4-pounds. Brown, returning from a three-plus year layoff, came in at 146.2-pounds. 

MMA veteran Jenelyn Olsim of Ventura by way of Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines will make her transition to the pro boxing game in the curtain raiser against Jessica Radtke Maltez (1-2-1) of Waconia, Minnesota in a four-round featherweight fight. Olsim, who has competed professionally in mixed martial arts since 2016, scaled 125-pounds, while Radtke Maltez, coming off of a six-round decision defeat to Roxy Verduzco in April, came in at 124-pounds. 

Quick Weigh-in Results:

WBC Continental Americas Light Middleweight Championship, 12 Rounds

Walsh 154

Espadas 153.8

Light heavyweights, 8 Rounds

Dzambekov 176

Angulo 174.6

Light welterweights, 8 Rounds

Sandoval 142.6

Eniz 142.6

Featherweights, 8 Rounds

Verduzco 125.8

Roman 124.4

Super flyweights, 8 Rounds

Barrera 115

Franco 113.6

Welterweights, 8 Rounds

Yeritsyan 146.4

Brown 146.2

Featherweights, 4 Rounds

Olsim 125

Radtke Maltez 124

Tickets for the event, promoted by 360 Promotions, are available online at chumashcasino.com 

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortegajr.mario@gmail.com 



MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT BETWEEN (C) DRICUS DU PLESSIS AND (#3) KHAMZAT CHIMAEV HEADLINES UFC® RETURN TO CHICAGO

Las Vegas – UFC® returns to Chicago with a blockbuster middleweight championship bout that will see Dricus Du Plessis defend his title against undefeated No. 3 ranked contender Khamzat Chimaev. Also, an exciting battle of middleweight strikers will see No. 7 ranked contender Jared Cannonier face Michael ‘Venom’ Page.

UFC® 319: DU PLESSIS vs. CHIMAEV tickets will go on sale Friday, June 20 at 10 a.m. CT and are available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, June 18 at 10 a.m. CT via the website UFCFightClub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, June 19 at 10 a.m. CT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

UFC® 319: DU PLESSIS vs. CHIMAEV will take place Saturday, August 16 at United Center with the main card at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on ESPN+ PPV. The prelims will be available on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and Disney+, as well as simulcast in English and Spanish on ESPN+, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The early prelims will kick off at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass.

Media members wishing to apply for fight week credentials may sign up here.

Du Plessis (23-2, fighting out of Pretoria, South Africa) has his sights set on another dominant title defense. Unbeaten for nearly seven years, he holds memorable victories over former UFC titleholders Sean Strickland, Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker. Du Plessis now plans to hand Chimaev his first loss to continue his reign atop the middleweight division.

Chimaev (14-0, fighitng out of The United Arab Emirates by way of Chechnya, Russia) intends to make the most of his first title opportunity. A powerful grappler and striker, he has earned thrilling wins against Robert Whittaker, Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns. Chimaev now hopes to dethrone Du Plessis and achieve his dream of becoming UFC champion.

Cannonier (18-8, fighting out of Glendale, Ariz.) looks to build off his spectacular TKO victory over Gregory Rodrigues in February. A perennial middleweight contender, he also holds wins over Sean Strickland, Marvin Vettori and Derek Brunson. Cannonier now aims to turn away Page and earn a shot at the Top 5.

Page (23-3, fighitng out of London, England) returns to middleweight following his dominant performance against Shara Magomedov earlier this year. A dynamic striker, he also holds victories over Kevin Holland, Douglas Lima and Paul Daley. Page now plans to insert his name in the middleweight title picture by taking out Cannonier in emphatic fashion.

Additional bouts on the card include:

  • Gerald Meerschaert (37-19, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.) takes on Michal Oleksiejczuk (20-9 1NC, fighting out of Barki, Poland) at middleweight
  • Edson Barboza (24-12, fighting out of Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) battles Drakkar Klose (15-3-1, fighting out of Glendale, Ariz. by way of South Haven, Mich.) in a lightweight bout
  • Lightweight veterans clash when King Green (32-17-1 1NC, fighting out of Fontana, Calif.) meets Diego Ferreira (19-6, fighting out of Pharr, Texas by way of Careiro da Várzea, Amazonas, Brazil)
  • No. 12 ranked women’s flyweight contender Karine Silva (18-5, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil) faces No. 15 JJ Aldrich (14-7, fighting out of Aurora, Colo.)
  • Bryan Battle (13-2 1NC, fighting out of Charlotte, N.C.) locks horns with Nursulton Ruziboev (36-9-2 2NC, fighting out of Tashkent, Uzbekistan) at middleweight
  • No. 11 ranked flyweight contender Tim Elliott (21-13-1, fighting out of Kansas City, Mo.) collides with recent title challenger and No. 15 Kai Asakura (21-5, fighting out of Tokyo, Japan)
  • Chase Hooper (16-3-1, fighting out of Enumclaw, Wash.) faces Alexander Hernandez (16-8, fighting out of Denver, Colo. by way of San Antonio, Texas) in an intriguing lightweight tilt
  • Former UFC strawweight champion and current No. 5 ranked contender Jessica Andrade (26-14, fighting out of Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) squares off with No. 11 Loopy Godinez (13-5, fighting out of Vancouver, B.C., Canada by way of Aguascalientes, Mexico)

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts are live and subject to change.

###

About UFC® ? 

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and approximately 266 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 900 million households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.

About United Center

The United Center is a 960,000 square-foot multi-use entertainment facility that has welcomed more than 70 million fans since opening in 1994.  Home of the Chicago Bulls (NBA) and the Chicago Blackhawks (NHL), the United Center hosts more than 200 events each year, including the best sporting events, musical performers, family shows and special events in the industry. A commitment to creating iconic stories and providing superior service makes the United Center one of the premiere venues in the world. For more information, visit www.unitedcenter.com.

About ESPN+ 

https://espnpressroom.com/us/espnplus

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.



13TH ANNUAL UFC INTERNATIONAL FIGHT WEEK™ HEADLINED BY UFCÒ 317: TOPURIA vs. OLIVEIRAON JUNE 28

Las Vegas – UFCÒ, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, today announced that the 13th Annual UFC International Fight Week™ will take place from Wednesday, June 25, through Sunday, June 29, with numerous events taking place throughout Las Vegas, including locations such as T-Mobile Arena, Resorts World Las Vegas, and the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

UFC International Fight Week is highlighted by the prestigious UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and UFC X, the fully interactive, two-day fan experience. The week-long celebration is anchored by the highly anticipated UFCÒ 317: TOPURIA vs. OLIVEIRA, which takes place on Saturday, June 28, at T-Mobile Arena. Tickets for UFC 317 are available via AXS.

Overview of Events

On Thursday, June 26, UFC hosts the 2025 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at 7 p.m. at T-Mobile Arena. Hosted by Jon Anik, the annual ceremony honors contributors and athletes who helped shape UFC and left an indelible mark on the sport of mixed martial arts.

UFC Hall of Fame inductees include former UFC light heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort, former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler, former UFC bantamweight and featherweight champion Amanda Nunes, UFC® 14 and UFC® 15 heavyweight tournament winner Mark Kerr, former co-creator of The Ultimate Fighter Craig Piligian, and the UFC 236 interim middleweight championship bout between Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum. 

Tickets to the induction ceremony are priced at $25 (not including fees), with all proceeds benefiting the UFC Foundation, UFC’s 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is committed to supporting charitable programs and initiatives throughout the state of Nevada and beyond. Tickets are available via AXS. The ceremony will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASSÒ.

UFC X takes place Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on the second floor of the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, one of the premier meeting and conference venues in Las Vegas. Tickets for UFC X start at $30 for one-day access and $50 for two-day access. All children ages 12 and under will receive free entry when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Tickets are available via AXS. UFC X is produced by global full-service cultural marketing agency 160over90.

Spanning more than 200,000 square feet, UFC X, the organization’s fully immersive and easily accessible two-day fan experience includes brand and partner activations, live stage programming, autograph sessions, and meet & greets – providing fans with unparalleled access to UFC champions and Hall of Famers, top-ranked contenders, and other UFC personalities.

Fans who attend UFC X will be able to purchase exclusive merchandise at the UFC Store, while also having the opportunity to participate in numerous activities with brand partners such as Meta, ESPN+, Bud Light, Monster, Cuervo, New Amsterdam Vodka, Thorne, Dave & Busters, Total Wireless, Air National Guard, 19 Crimes, Morgan & Morgan, and Wolfpak. 

Athletes confirmed to attend UFC X include Israel Adesanya, Caio Borralho, Michael Chandler, Merab Dvalishvili, Justin Gaethje, Kayla Harrison, Matt Hughes, Robbie Lawler, Chuck Liddell, Diego Lopes, Brandon Moreno, Amanda Nunes, Paddy Pimblett, Alexander Volkanovski, Weili Zhang, and many more. Athlete appearances are subject to change.

Fans who travel to Las Vegas from around the world for International Fight Week will also be able to enjoy ceremonial weigh-ins, press conferences and other activities of a traditional UFC Fight Week, leading to the schedule’s culminating event, UFCÒ 317: TOPURIA vs. OLIVEIRA.

In addition, Resorts World Las Vegas, the 3,506-room luxury property and “Official Partner of UFC International Fight Week,” hosts three official parties during the week. On Saturday, June 28, the Official UFC 317 Viewing Party takes place at RedTail at 5 p.m., followed by the Official UFC 317 After Party at Zouk Nightclub, headlined by Nelly, beginning at 10:30 p.m. On Sunday, June 29, the Official UFC Pool Party takes place at AYU Dayclub beginning at 11 a.m.

For more information on all the week’s activities and events, please visit UFCFIGHTWEEK.COM.



THE OCTAGON® RETURNS TO VANCOUVER FOR THRILLING UFC FIGHT NIGHT® EVENT

Vancouver – UFC® returns to Vancouver for an exciting UFC Fight Night® event, in partnership with Destination Vancouver, at Rogers Arena on Saturday, October 18.

Fans can register their interest at UFC.com/Vancouver. Stay tuned for future bout announcements.

UFC Fight Night will mark Vancouver’s seventh UFC event since 2010. This ties Toronto for 2nd most UFC events in Canada. UFC’s most recent visit to the city for UFC 289 in 2023 saw 17,628 fans in attendance and resulted in a CAD $5.14 million live gate.

UFC Fight Nighttickets will go on sale Friday, August 22 at 10 a.m. PT and are available for purchase at Ticketmaster.ca. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, August 20 at 10 a.m. PT via UFCFightClub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, August 21 starting at 10 a.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

Since debuting in the Great White North with UFC 83 in 2008, UFC has held a total of 35 premiere sporting events in Canada that span across 11 cities.

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit UFC.com. All bouts are live and subject to change. Please click here to apply for UFC Fight Night media credentials.

###

About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 259 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 975 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.

About CSE

Canucks Sports & Entertainment is Western Canada’s sports & entertainment leader providing world class entertainment in multiple venues in British Columbia. From watching one’s first NHL game to singing along with a favourite artist, Canucks Sports & Entertainment strives to create unforgettable moments that inspire, excite, and unite us all. Regardless of the score, the event or the night, our goal is to provide a world class experience for you and your guests from the moment you arrive, to the end of the event.



MARK KERR NAMED TO UFC® HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2025

Las Vegas – UFC® today announced that UFC® 14 and UFC® 15 heavyweight tournament winner Mark Kerr will be inducted into the 2025 Class of the UFC Hall of Fame as a Pioneer.

The 2025 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place as part of the 13th Annual UFC International Fight WeekÔ, on Thursday, June 26, at T-Mobile Arena, and will be streamed live, exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®.

“Mark Kerr was a high-level wrestler who also fought for PRIDE and was one of the early pioneers of the sport,” said UFC President and CEO Dana White.

Kerr will enter the UFC Hall of Fame as the 21st member of the Pioneer Era Wing, which includes athletes who turned professional before November 17, 2000, (when the unified rules of mixed martial arts were adopted). Other requirements include a minimum age of 35 or those who have been retired for one year or more.

A veteran of 27 fights during his 12-year MMA career, Kerr compiled a record of 15-11,1 NC (10-4,1 NC – UFC / PRIDE), securing victories over former King of the Cage super heavyweight champion Dan Bobish, former K-1 World Grand Prix champion Branko Cikatic, and former Shooto heavyweight champion Enson Inoue.

Kerr made his professional MMA debut on January 19, 1997, by competing in a heavyweight tournament as part of World Vale Tudo Championship 3. He defeated all three of his opponents during the event, each in the first round, to capture the WVC 3 heavyweight tournament title.  

Kerr would make his UFC debut six months later by entering the tournament of UFC® 14: SHOWDOWN, which took place on July 27, 1997, in Birmingham, Alabama. He defeated both of his opponents, Moti Horenstein and Dan Bobish, via TKO and submission, respectively, in a combined four minutes, to win the heavyweight tournament.

Three months later, Kerr would return to the Octagon® and compete in the heavyweight tournament for UFC® 15: COLLISION COURSE, which took place on October 17, 1997, in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Kerr defeated both opponents, Greg Stott and Dwayne Cason, in a combined 70 seconds, to win his second consecutive UFC heavyweight tournament title.

With those victories, Kerr became one of only five athletes to win multiple UFC tournaments, residing with UFC Hall of Famers Royce Gracie, Mark Coleman, Dan Severn, and Don Frye in the exclusive club. 

Kerr would leave UFC following Collision Course, Japan-based MMA promotion PRIDE Fighting Championships. Over the next three years, he would win six of his first eight bouts in PRIDE as a heavyweight, securing victories in a variety of ways while earning the nickname, “The Smashing Machine,” for his punishing style.  

For the next nine years, Kerr would continue to compete against top contenders across multiple MMA promotions before retiring in 2009.
Outside the Octagon, the 56-year old Kerr served as the subject of a critically acclaimed documentary titled The Smashing Machine, which chronicled his career while competing across multiple MMA organizations. A film with the same name, starring Dwayne Johnson as Kerr, is set to be released by A24 on October 3.

A native of Toledo, Ohio, Kerr began his wrestling career as a freshman at Bettendorf High School in Iowa, where he was a teammate of future UFC Hall of Famer Pat Miletich. Kerr returned to Toledo and joined the wrestling team at Waite High School, becoming Ohio Division I state champion in 1986.

Following high school, Kerr began his collegiate wrestling career at Syracuse University, competing for the Orangemen in the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association. During his tenure on the collegiate mats, Kerr won the conference title in 1989, 1991 and 1992, while also earning All-America honors and the NCAA Division I National Championship in his final season.

Kerr would spend the next four years as a freestyle wrestler, winning silver and gold medals during the United World Wrestling World Cup in 1992 and 1994, as well as the silver medal at the UWW Pan American Games in 1995. He also won the USA Wrestling World Team Trials in 1993 and 1994.

Kerr also competed in ADCC Submission Fighting Championship, a grappling competition, defeating future UFC heavyweight champions Josh Barnett and Ricco Rodriguez en route to winning gold medals during the 1999, 2000 and 2001 tournaments. In 2022, he was inducted into the inaugural class of the ADCC Hall of Fame.

To view Kerr’s UFC FIGHT PASS collection please visit: https://ufcfightpass.com/playlist/31248

To see a complete list of UFC athletes and fights enshrined in the UFC Hall of Fame, as well as details regarding the UFC Hall of Fame format, please visit UFCHOFFAQ. For additional information, please visit UFC.com.

About UFC®
UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and approximately 300 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to over 950 million households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 70 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.



TOP FLYWEIGHT CONTENDERS (#3) AMIR ALBAZI AND (#5) TATSURO TAIRA HEADLINE AT UFC® APEX

Las Vegas – UFC® returns to UFC APEX with a high-stakes flyweight matchup featuring No. 3 ranked contender Amir Albazi taking on No. 5 Tatsuro Taira in the main event. In addition, No. 10 ranked bantamweight Karol Rosa squares off with No. 12 Nora Cornolle

UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: ALBAZI vs. TAIRA takes place Saturday, August 2 in Las Vegas and will be available on ESPN and ESPN+ (English and Spanish). The prelims will air at 3 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. ET, followed by the main card airing at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET.

UFC APEX VIP Experience packages are available via On Location, UFC’s Official VIP Experience Provider. Enjoy exclusive access with an official ticket package that includes premium seating, all-inclusive hospitality, in-seat beverage service, meet-and-greets with UFC Octagon Girls and more. Visit UFCVIP.com for more information.

Albazi (17-2, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Baghdad, Iraq) looks to make the most of his third straight main event. He has solidified his spot among the best at 125pounds by defeating formidable foes such as Kai Kara-France, Alessandro Costa, and Francisco Figueiredo. Albazi now sets forth to defend his spot in the rankings by stopping Taira in impressive fashion.

Japan’s Taira (16-1, fighting out of Okinawa, Japan) returns to action looking for another thrilling finish. The rising star has made an impact in just three short years by taking out top talent such as Alex Perez, Carlos Hernandez, and Edgar Chairez. Taira now aims to make a statement against Albazi and crack the Top 3 in the flyweight division.

Rosa (18-7, fighting out of Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) makes her way back to the Octagon with intentions of securing a win in the first bout of her 2025 campaign. A battle-hardened veteran of the bantamweight division, Rosa has become a top-ranked contender by beating tough opponents such as Pannie Kianzad, Yana Santos, and Lina Länsberg. She now sets forth to steal the show and deliver a performance to remember against Cornolle.

France’s Cornolle (9-2, fighting out of Epinay sur Seine, France) answers the call to action as she looks to secure the biggest win of her career. A well-rounded mixed martial artist with all but one win coming by either knockout or submission, Cornolle has turned heads with key performances against Joselyne Edwards, Melissa Mullins, and Hailey Cowan. She now sets her sights on Rosa as she looks to deliver another highlight-reel finish and continue to climb the rankings.

Additional bouts on the card include:

  • Middleweight action sees Dana White’s Contender Series signees Nick Klein (6-2, fighting out of Adell, Wisc. by way of Milwaukee, Wisc.) and Andrey Pulyaev (9-3, fighting out of Novosibirsk, Russia) face off
  • Rodolfo Vieira (10-3, fighting out of Orlando, Fla. by way of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) goes toe-to-toe with Tresean Gore (6-3, fighting out of Lawrenceville, Ga.) at middleweight
  • A thrilling flyweight bout pits undefeated prospect Andre Lima (11-0, fighting out of Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil) against Felipe Bunes (14-7, fighting out of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil)
  • Flyweight fireworks are expected as Dana White’s Contender Series contract winner Piera Rodriguez (10-2, fighting out of Maracaibo, Venezuela) and Ketlen Souza (15-5, fighting out of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil) lock horns
  • Middleweights collide as Azamat Bekoev (10-2, fighting out of Vladikavkaz, Russia) takes on unbeaten Dana White’s Contender Series alumnus Torrez Finney (11-0, fighting out of Chattanooga, Tenn.)

For the latest information on bout announcements and additional information for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts are subject to change. Please click?here?to apply for the event.

###

About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 259 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 975 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.

About ESPN+?? ??

https://espnpressroom.com/us/espnplus



UFC® RETURNS TO PARIS FOR MUST-SEE NIGHT OF ACTION ON SEPTEMBER 6 AT ACCOR ARENA

Paris, France – UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation, today announced its return to the French capital for the fourth consecutive year, continuing its commitment to bring world-class MMA events to France, on Saturday, September 6 at Accor Arena.

Hosted in coordination with Fédération Française de Boxe (FFB), tickets for the event will go on general sale at 10 a.m. CEST on Friday, July 4, via Accor Arena. Fight Club members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets early at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2, whilst those who registered their interest early in this event will gain access at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 3.

Known for their electric atmosphere, UFC events in Paris have been packed with passionate French fans. After defeating Serghei Spivac, former interim UFC heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane praised the crowd, saying, “Thank you to the fans – you are crazy, the best fans in the world.”

France’s UFC presence continues to grow, with standout talent making waves across divisions. No. 1 ranked middleweight contender Nassourdine Imavov recently secured the biggest win of his career by defeating former champion and UFC legend Israel Adesanya at UFC FIGHT NIGHT: ADESANYA vs. IMAVOV. In the women’s flyweight division,Manon Fiorot impressed despite falling short against legend Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 315: MUHAMMAD vs. DELLA MADDALENA. Benoit Saint Denis, a former French special forces soldier, remains a fan favourite in the lightweight division following a dominant win on the same card as Fiorot.

VIP Experience packages will be available soon via On Location, UFC’s Official VIP Experience Provider. These exclusive packages offer premium seating, VIP access to weigh-ins, all-inclusive hospitality, meet-and-greets with UFC athletes, and more. For additional information, visit UFCVIP.com to view package details.

Fans are advised to register their interest for the event early via UFC.com/Paris to secure their tickets in advance and to follow @UFCFRA on Twitter and Instagram for all the latest updates.

ENDS

About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and approximately 300 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 950 million households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 70 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.



HEAVYWEIGHT KNOCKOUT ARTISTS (#9) DERRICK LEWIS AND (#14) TALLISON TEIXEIRA HEADLINE UFC® RETURN TO NASHVILLE

Las Vegas – UFC® returns to Nashville with a clash of heavyweight knockout artists as former world title challenger and current No. 9 ranked contender Derrick Lewis battles No. 14 Tallison Teixeira. Also, fan favorite No. 15 ranked featherweight contender Calvin Kattar takes on Steve Garcia.

UFC® FIGHT NIGHT: LEWIS vs. TEIXEIRA takes place Sat., July 12 at Bridgestone Arena. The entire card will be available on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, as well as in English and Spanish on ESPN+, starting with the prelims at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT followed by the main card at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.

UFC® FIGHT NIGHT: LEWIS vs. TEIXEIRA tickets will go on sale Fri., May 30 at 10 a.m. CT and are available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wed., May 28 at 10 a.m. CT via the website UFCFightClub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thurs., May 29 starting at 10 a.m. CT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

UFC KO king Lewis (28-12, 1NC, fighting out of Houston, Texas) aims to add to his record 15 UFC knockouts with another highlight-reel stoppage. Stepping into his 10th UFC main event, Lewis has consistently entertained fans with his finishes of Curtis Blaydes, Alexander Volkov and Rodrigo Nascimento. He now looks to defend his spot in the rankings from another rising prospect with a dominant showcase.

Dana White’s Contender Series standout Teixeira (8-0, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) plans to make the most of his first UFC main event with a spectacular upset. Undefeated with an impressive 100 percent first-round finishing rate, Teixeira proved he has what it takes to compete with the best in the world with victories over Justin Tafa and Arthur Lopes. He now has his sights set on taking out Lewis in the biggest opportunity of his career.

Kattar (23-9, fighting out of Methuen, Mass.) makes his second Octagon appearance of 2025. The owner of five Fight of the Night bonuses, he holds notable wins over Giga Chikadze, Dan Ige and Jeremy Stephens. Now, Kattar is determined to deliver a vintage performance by going toe-to-toe with Garcia.

Garcia (17-5, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) intends to extend his winning streak and break into the featherweight rankings. He is currently tied for the fourth most consecutive knockouts in UFC history with five, including those over Kyle Nelson, Melquizael Costa and Chase Hooper. Garcia now looks to make his biggest statement yet by finishing Kattar.

Additional bouts on the card include:

  • Jake Matthews (21-7, fighting out of Epping, Victoria, Australia) clashes with Chidi Njokuani (25-10, 1NC, fighting out of Garland, Texas) in a thrilling welterweight contest
  • Light heavyweight action sees Junior Tafa (6-3, fighting out of Brisbane, Australia) take on Tuco Tokkos (10-5, fighting out of Deerfield Beach, Fla. by way of London, England)
  • Dana White’s Contender Series alum Ateba Gautier (7-1, fighting out of Yaounde, Cameroon) looks for another impressive KO when he faces Robert Valentin (11-5, 1NC, fighting out of Zurich, Switzerland)
  • Vitor Petrino (11-2, fighting out of Santa Luzia, Minas Gerais, Brazil) makes his heavyweight debut against Austen Lane (13-6, 1NC, fighting out of Jacksonville, Fla.)
  • Max Griffin (20-11, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) makes his first Octagon appearance of 2025 as he welcomes Chris Curtis (31-12, 1NC, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) back to the welterweight division
  • Strawweight prospects lock horns as Fatima Kline (7-1, fighting out of Hyde Park, N.Y.) battles Melissa Martinez (8-1, fighting out of Mexico City, Mexico)
  • Former flyweight title challenger Lauren Murphy (16-6, fighting out of Denver, Colo., by way of Houston, Texas) returns against Eduarda Moura (11-1, fighting out of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil)

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit UFC.com. All bouts are live and subject to change. Please click?here?to apply for credentials to the event.

###

About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and approximately 266 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 900 million households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.

About Bridgestone Arena

Serving as the home for numerous national and international events, Bridgestone Arena has the distinction of being one of the busiest venues in the United States since the doors first opened in 1996, hosting more than 28 million guests during that time. The NHL’s Nashville Predators have been the primary tenants of Bridgestone Arena since 1998 and boast one of the most unique game atmospheres in the NHL. The list of acts that have called the 2021 Pollstar Arena of the Decade nominee home is lengthy and includes the Country Music Association Awards, the Country Music Television Awards and the SEC Basketball Tournament through 2035. Bridgestone Arena has 16 consecutive and 19 overall nominations for the Pollstar Magazine Arena Year of the Award, winning the award in 2014, 2017 and 2023.

About ESPN+ 

https://espnpressroom.com/us/espnplus

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading multiplatform sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, the leading sports app, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, leading social and digital platforms, ESPN.com, ESPN Audio, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.



UFC TAKES OVER SMOOTHIE KING CENTER IN NEW ORLEANS WITH BMF HEADLINER

Las Vegas – UFC® returns to New Orleans, Louisiana with an epic showdown for the UFC BMF title between titleholder Max Holloway and No. 5 ranked lightweight Dustin Poirier, a Louisiana native making his final walk to the Octagon against an opponent he has squared off against twice. Also featured on the card, ranked middleweights No. 10 Marvin Vettori and No. 11 Brendan Allen square off in a high stakes matchup.

UFC® 318: HOLLOWAY vs. POIRIER 3 will take place Saturday, July 19 at Smoothie King Center with the main card at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT on ESPN+ PPV. The prelims will be available on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, Disney+, and ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The early prelims will kick off at 6:00 p.m. ET / 3:00 p.m. PT on ESPN+, Disney+, and UFC Fight Pass.

UFC VIP Experience packages are available via On Location, UFC’s Official VIP Experience Provider. Enjoy exclusive access with an official ticket package that includes premium seating, all-inclusive hospitality, in-seat beverage service, meet-and-greets with UFC Octagon Girls and more. Visit UFCVIP.com for more information.

“For Dustin Poirier to be able to finish his remarkable UFC career in New Orleans is special, said Peter Dropick, Executive Vice President of Event Development and Operations, UFC. “Thank you to the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, the Louisiana Office of Tourism, New Orleans & Company and Smoothie King Center for helping us make this happen. It’s been 10 years since we’ve held an event in New Orleans, we know the fans are ready for us to be back!”

“Hosting a world-class UFC event in New Orleans is not only a celebration of one of Louisiana’s greatest athletes and dear friend, Dustin Poirier, but also a major economic win for our state,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “We’re grateful to UFC leadership, the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, local organizers, and everyone who worked to bring this incredible event to our state. Louisiana will be on the world stage once again— and we couldn’t be prouder.”

“Once again, all eyes will be on Louisiana as New Orleans hosts a sporting event that has millions of fans. We’re also excited to see and support Louisiana legend Dustin Poirier end his historic career in the state where he was born and raised. It’s truly a Cinderella story,” said Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.

“This is a unique opportunity for sports fans across the state to celebrate our hometown hero on the global stage at a premier UFC event right here in New Orleans,” said Jay Cicero, President and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. “The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation and ASM Global have been working with our partners at the State of Louisiana, New Orleans & Company, and the Louisiana Office of Tourism, to make this event a reality. We encourage all Louisiana sport fans to be part of this historic night – tickets are on sale now, and we look forward to filling the Smoothie King Center on July 19!”

“UFC 318 provides a tremendous opportunity for New Orleans to showcase why we are built to host major events to sports enthusiasts, as well as a global viewing audience,” said Walt Leger, President & CEO of New Orleans & Company, the official destination marketing and sales organization for the New Orleans tourism industry. “We are excited to welcome the entire UFC team, fans and journalists to New Orleans to watch a great lineup of fights and enjoy the best New Orleans has to offer.” 

“We are extremely thrilled to host the final UFC fight for Louisiana legend Dustin Poirier, who will make his final walk to the Octagon in the Smoothie King Center in July,” said ASM New Orleans/Smoothie King Center General Manager Evan Holmes. “Poirier targeted New Orleans for his final fight to bring full-circle a long career that began with Louisiana roots. And we couldn’t be happier to be a part of this iconic moment for him.”

Holloway (26-8, fighting out of Waianae, Hawaii) looks to deliver another unforgettable finish. One of the greatest featherweights of all-time, the Hawaii native has become a fan-favorite over the years with his highlight-reel performances against notable names such as Justin Gaethje, The Korean Zombie, and Frankie Edgar. He now sets forth to avenge his losses to Poirier and successfully defend the BMF crown.

Poirier (30-9, 1NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Lafayette, La.) sets out for battle one last time. Competing in the UFC for almost 15 years, Poirier has delivered countless memorable moments, most notably against top talent such as Conor McGregor (x2), Michael Chandler, and Dan Hooker. Looking to go out on top, Poirier plans for the perfect storybook ending to a legendary career by defeating Holloway in emphatic fashion.

Vettori (19-8-1, fighting out of Mezzocorona, Italy) returns to action looking for redemption. A near decade long veteran of the 185-pound division, Vettori has earned his spot amongst the best by defeating the likes of Roman Dolidze, Paulo Costa, and Kevin Holland. He now aims to deliver a statement performance against Allen and reinsert his name back in the mix for UFC gold.

Allen (24-7, fighting out of Delray Beach, Fla. by way of Covington, La.)  makes his return to the Octagon for the opportunity of a lifetime in his home state. The Dana White’s Contender Series contract winner has become a prominent contender by defeating the likes of Chris Curtis, Paul Craig, and Bruno Silva. Allen now turns his attention to Vettori as he looks to secure the biggest win of his career and continue to climb the rankings.

Additional bouts on the card include:

  • No. 7 ranked strawweight Amanda Ribas (12-6, fighting out of Varginha, Minas Gerais, Brazil) locks horns with No. 10. Tabatha Ricci (11-3, fighting out of Ventura, Calif. by way of Birigui, São Paulo, Brazil)
  • Kyler Phillips (12-3, fighting out of Denver, Colo.) and Vinicius Oliveira (22-3, fighting out of Lomba Do Pinheiro, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil) battle at bantamweight
  • Welterweight veterans Neil Magny (29-14, fighting out of Denver, Colo.) and Gunnar Nelson (19-6-1, fighting out of Reykjavik, Iceland)clash in an intriguing bout
  • A welterweight tilt sees Adam Fuitt (10-4, fighting out of Eugene, Ore.) face off with Islam Dulatov (12-6, fighting out of Dusseldorf, Germany)
  • Jimmy Crute (12-4-2, fighting out of Bendigo, Victoria, Australia) takes on Marcin Prachnio (17-8, fighting out of Warsaw, Poland) at light heavyweight
  • A middleweight contest pits Ikram Aliskerov (16-2, fighting out of Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia) against Brunno Ferreira (13-2, fighting out of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil)
  • Carli Judice (4-2, fighting out of Lafayette, La.) collides with Nicolle Caliari (8-3, fighting out of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil) at flyweight

For the latest information on bout announcements and additional information for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts are subject to change. Please click?here?to apply for the event.

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About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 259 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 975 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.

About ESPN+?? ??

https://espnpressroom.com/us/espnplus

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.?ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst. 



WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLEHEADER HEADLINES UFC INTERNATIONAL FIGHT WEEKÔ

Las Vegas – UFC International Fight WeekÔ returns to Las Vegas with a pair of thrilling world championship bouts. A new UFC lightweight king will be crowned when undefeated former featherweight titleholder Ilia Topuria moves up to battle former 155-pound champ Charles Oliveira for the vacant crown. Also, UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja defends against fellow The Ultimate Fighter season 24 castmate and No. 4 ranked contender Kai Kara-France.

UFC® 317: TOPURIA vs. OLIVEIRA tickets are on sale now and are available for purchase at AXS.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.

UFC® 317 will take place Saturday, June 28 at T-Mobile Arena with the main card at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on ESPN+ PPV. The prelims will be available on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and Disney+, as well as simulcast in English and Spanish on ESPN+, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The early prelims will kick off at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on ESPN+, UFC Fight Pass and Disney+.

Media members wishing to apply for fight week credentials may sign up here.

Men’s No. 3 pound-for-pound fighter Topuria (16-0, fighting out of Alicante, Spain) intends to become the 10th athlete to win championships in two UFC divisions. A well-rounded competitor, he has earned memorable finishes over Max Holloway, Alexander Volkanovski and Bryce Mitchell. Topuria now looks to conquer another weight class by stopping Oliveira in emphatic fashion.

Oliveira (35-10 1NC, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) has his sights set on handing Topuria his first career loss. A decorated grappler, he holds thrilling submission wins against Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier and Jim Miller. Oliveira now plans to become the first two-time lightweight champion in UFC history with a show-stealing performance.

No. 10 men’s pound-for-pound fighter Pantoja (29-5, fighting out of Arraial Do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) goes for his fourth consecutive title defense. A submission ace, he has delivered exciting finishes over Kai Asakura, Alex Perez and Matt Schnell. Pantoja hopes to continue his reign atop the 125-pound division with a standout showing.

Kara-France (25-11 1NC, fighting out of Auckland, New Zealand) is coming off a spectacular KO win against Steve Erceg last year. A heavy-handed striker, he also holds notable victories over Askar Askarov, Cody Garbrandt and Rogerio Bontorin. Kara-France now looks to dethrone Pantoja and achieve his dream of becoming UFC champion.

Additional bouts on the card include:

  • No. 9 ranked lightweight contender Beneil Dariush (22-6-1, fighting out of Yorba Linda, Calif.) locks horns with No. 10 Renato Moicano (20-6-1, fighting out of Brasília, Brazil)
  • No. 1 ranked flyweight contender Brandon Royval (17-7, fighting out of Denver, Colo.) faces No. 6 Manel Kape (21-7, fighting out of Phuket, Thailand by way of Porto, Portugal)
  • No. 12 ranked middleweight contender Paulo Costa (14-4, fighting out of Contagem, MG, Brazil) squares off with No. 14 Roman Kopylov (14-3, fighting out of Bachatsky, Kemerovo, Russia)
  • Jack Hermansson (24-8, fighting out of Oslo, Norway, by way of Uddevalla, Sweden) takes on Gregory Rodrigues (16-6, fighting out of Deerfield Beach, Fla. by way of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil ) in an intriguing middleweight tilt
  • Jhonata Diniz (9-1, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil) meets Justin Tafa (7-5 1NC, fighting out of Brisbane, Australia) at heavyweight
  • No. 8 ranked flyweight contender Viviane Araujo (13-6, fighting out of Brasilia, DF, Brazil) clashes with No. 10 Tracy Cortez (13-2, fighting out of Phoenix, Ariz.)

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts are live and subject to change.

###

About UFC® ? 

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and approximately 266 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 900 million households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.

About T-Mobile Arena

T-Mobile Arena, the 20,000-seat venue located on the Las Vegas Strip between Park MGM and New York-New York, opened April 6, 2016. The arena hosts more than 100 events annually including major headline entertainment, awards shows, UFC, boxing, basketball and other sporting events, family shows and special events. T-Mobile Arena also is the home of the Vegas Golden Knights, a National Hockey League expansion team and the city’s first professional sports team, as well as UFC’s exclusive Las Vegas arena destination. The venue, named the No. 1 venue on Billboard Magazine’s 2018 Arena Power List as well as the “Best New Major Concert Venue” by Pollstar Magazine in 2016, features 50 luxury suites, more than two dozen private loge boxes, complete broadcast facilities, and other specially designed exclusive hospitality offerings and fan amenities destined to create a guest experience second to none. Toshiba Plaza, an adjacent two-acre outdoor entertainment space, features performance stages, a variety of video screens and other interactive content and display areas. Designed and built to prioritize environmental sustainability, T-Mobile Arena was awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design® (LEED) Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council in 2016. T-Mobile Arena is a privately funded joint venture between AEG and MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information, visit T-MobileArena.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About ESPN+ 

https://espnpressroom.com/us/espnplus

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.



TOP MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER ROBERT WHITTAKER TO FACE OFF AGAINST REINIER DE RIDDER AT ABU DHABI FIGHT NIGHT ON JULY 26

Abu Dhabi, UAE: UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), returns to the UAE capital with an epic middleweight fight as No.5 ranked Robert Whittaker takes on rising star Reinier de Ridder on Saturday,26 July, at Etihad Arena on Yas Island.

UFC® FIGHT NIGHT: WHITTAKER vs DE RIDDER tickets are now available via etihadarena.ae and Ticketmaster.ae. 

Former champion Whittaker (27-8-0, fighting out of New South Wales, Australia) is one of the UFC’s most respected middleweights, who rose to prominence with standout victories over Yoel Romero, Jared Cannonier and Marvin Vettori. Whittaker looks to return to the win column with a dominant performance against the Dutchman.

De Ridder (20-2-0, fighting out of Breda, Netherlands) has swiftly established himself as one of UFC’s most promising middleweight contenders. Since joining the promotion in late 2024, he has showcased his elite grappling and finishing abilities. Most recently, de Ridder delivered a statement win by handing Bo Nickal his first professional loss. De Ridder is rapidly ascending the middleweight ranks and aims to continue his win streak with a win over the former champion.

Get ready for an electrifying night in the Octagon®, as global stars collide in what promises to be one of the year’s most unforgettable events.

Additional bouts on the card include:? 

  • Nikita Krylov (30-10-0, fighting out of Kislovodsk, Russia) faces Bogdan Guskov (17-3-0 fighting out of Dukent, Uzbekistan), who is looking to continue his win streak, in a light heavyweight match-up.
  • Ramazan Temirov (19-3-0, fighting out of Karshi, Uzbekistan) takes on Asu Almabayev (21-3-0, fighting out of Almaty, Kazakhstan) in what promises to be a thrilling flyweight bout.
  • Ibo Aslan (14-2-0, fighting out of Istanbul, Turkey) will meet American Billy Elekana (7-2-0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nevada) in a light heavyweight bout that should produce fireworks.

VIP Experience packages are available via On Location, UFC’s Official VIP Experience Provider. Enjoy exclusive access with an official ticket package that can feature premium seating, VIP access to weigh-ins, all-inclusive hospitality, meet-and-greets with UFC athletes and more. For more information, visit UFCVIP.com to view package details.

For more information on event, visit: https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/campaign/ufc-fight-night



VITOR BELFORT NAMED TO UFC® HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2025

Las Vegas – UFC® today announced that former UFC light heavyweight champion and UFC® 12 heavyweight tournament winner Vitor Belfort will be inducted into the 2025 Class of the UFC Hall of

Fame as a Pioneer. The 2025 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place as part of the 13th Annual UFC International Fight WeekÔ, on Thursday, June 26, at T-Mobile Arena, and will be streamed live, exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®.

“Vitor Belfort was 19 years when he was signed by UFC and he quickly made an impact by becoming the youngest athlete to win a UFC fight, and UFC tournament,” said UFC President & CEO Dana White. “Vitor was a pioneer of the sport and is definitely a UFC legend. It will be an honor to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer.”

Belfort will enter the UFC Hall of Fame as the 20th member of the Pioneer Era Wing. The Pioneer Era Wing includes athletes who turned professional before November 17, 2000, (when the unified rules of mixed martial arts were adopted). Other requirements include a minimum age of 35 or those who have been retired for one year or more.

A veteran of 41 fights during his 22-year MMA career, Belfort registered a record of 26-14,1 NC (20-14,1 NC – UFC / PRIDE / Strikeforce), securing victories over UFC Hall of Famers Wanderlei Silva, Randy Couture, Rich Franklin, Michael Bisping, and Dan Henderson (Fight Wing); former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold, former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Bobby Southworth, former Strikeforce welterweight champion Nate Marquardt, and former Pancrase heavyweight champion Kazuo Takahashi.

At age 19, Belfort made his professional MMA debut on October 11, 1996, by competing in SuperBrawl 2 in Hawaii. Despite a seven-inch height discrepancy and 100-pound. weight disadvantage, Belfort defeated his opponent, Jon Hess, via knockout in 12 seconds of the first round to launch his career. He immediately signed with UFC following his victory.

Belfort made his UFC debut as a heavyweight by entering the tournament of UFC® 12: JUDGEMENT DAY, which took place on February 7, 1997, in Dothan, Alabama. He defeated his opponents, Tra Telligman and Scott Ferrozzo, both via first-round TKO, to win the heavyweight tournament.

Belfort returned to action three months later, defeating fan favorite Tank Abbott via TKO in 52 seconds during UFC® 13: THE ULTIMATE FORCE, which took place on May 30, 1997, in Augusta, Georgia. The win helped establish Belfort as a rising star and earned him a fight against Couture at UFC 15.

UFC® 15: COLLISION COURSE tookplace on October 17, 1997, in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Belfort and Couture faced off in the co-main event with the winner facing then-UFC heavyweight champion and future UFC Hall of Famer Maurice Smith at UFC Japan.

Couture would defeat Belfort via TKO eight minutes into the first round to hand him his first loss as a professional. Belfort would win his next two fights against Joe Charles and Wanderlei Silva at UFC Japan (December 21, 1997) and UFC Brazil (October 16, 1998), respectively, bringing his record to 6-1. His fight with Couture would also set the stage for two exciting rematches down the road, as both athletes would continue to ascend in popularity.

For the next three years, Belfort won four of his next five fights in PRIDE, with his only loss to future UFC Hall of Famer Kazushi Sakuraba.

Belfort returned to UFC as a light heavyweight on June 22, 2002, losing a decision to UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell in the main event of UFC® 37.5: AS REAL AS IT GETS. He would return to his winning form one year later, defeating Marvin Eastman via TKO in the first round of UFC® 43: MELTDOWN, on June 6, 2003, in Las Vegas.

The win earned him his first title shot and a rematch against Couture in the main event of UFC 46. UFC® 46: SUPERNATURAL took place on January 31, 2004, in Las Vegas. The highly anticipated fight was cut short due to a doctor stoppage 49 seconds into the first round, and Belfort was crowned the new UFC light heavyweight champion.

Belfort would give Couture an immediate rematch at UFC® 49: UNFINISHED BUSINESS on August 21, 2004, in Las Vegas, where he would lose the title due to doctor stoppage in the third round. He would lose his next fight to future UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz in the main event of UFC® 51: SUPER SATURDAY on February 5, 2005, ending his second stint with UFC.

Over the next four years, he would win six of his next nine fights across numerous fight promotions, including Strikeforce and PRIDE, before returning to UFC to face Franklin in the main event of UFC® 103: FRANKLIN vs. BELFORT. Belfort would win his return fight with a memorable KO of Franklin, re-establishing himself as a star inside the Octagon.

For the next nine years, Belfort would compete against the top contenders in the UFC middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. He would fight for both titles, losing to UFC Hall of Famer Anderson Silva and Jon Jones.  He also secured unforgettable victories over Bisping, Rockhold, Henderson and Anthony Johnson during this stretch. His last victory came in 2017, as he defeated Nate Marquardt via unanimous decision at UFC® 212: ALDO vs. HOLLOWAY, in his hometown of Rio de Janeiro. He retired after his next fight, losing via KO to former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida during UFC® 224: NUNES vs. PENNINGTON on May 12, 2018, in Rio.

Belfort enters the UFC Hall of Fame with an impressive resume that includes:

UFC:

  • Most first-round finishes in UFC history – 13

  • Knockouts in 90 seconds or less – 10

  • 18 first-round finishes in 26 career wins

Outside the Octagon, Belfort is an accomplished author, having his autobiography Vitor Belfort: Lições de garra, fé e sucesso published by Thomas Nelson Brazil in 2012. In 2013, he won the Knockout of the Year for his KO of Luke Rockhold in the main event of UFC® on FX: BELFORT vs. ROCKHOLD during the Fighters Only World MMA Awards. Belfort also spent time inside the boxing ring, winning both of his professional matches in 2006 and 2023.

A native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he began training in boxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu at the age of 12. By the age of 18, he was a black belt under Carlson Gracie and had captured Brazilian National Jiu-Jitsu Championships in the absolute and heavyweight divisions. In 2001, he returned to compete in ADCC, winning the bronze medal in the absolute division. He currently lives in Florida, with his wife and children.

To view Belfort’s UFC FIGHT PASS collection please visit: https://ufcfightpass.com/playlist/28686. To see a complete list of UFC athletes and fights enshrined in the UFC Hall of Fame, as well as details regarding the UFC Hall of Fame format, please visit UFCHOFFAQ. For additional information, please visit UFC.com.



HIGH-STAKES FLYWEIGHT MATCHUP BETWEEN (#3) ERIN BLANCHFIELD AND (4) MAYCEE BARBER HEADLINES AT UFC® APEX

Las Vegas – UFC® returns to UFC APEX with a thrilling bout between top flyweights, as No. 3 ranked contender Erin Blanchfield faces off against No. 4 Maycee Barber. Also on the card, No. 7 ranked lightweight contender Mateusz Gamrot meets rising star Ludovit Klein.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: BLANCHFIELD vs. BARBER takes place Saturday, May 31 in Las Vegas and will be available on ESPN+ (English and Spanish). The prelims will air at 3 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. ET followed by the main card, also airing on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET. 

UFC APEX VIP Experience packages are available via On Location, UFC’s Official VIP Experience Provider. Enjoy exclusive access with an official ticket package that includes premium seating, all-inclusive hospitality, in-seat beverage service, meet-and-greets with UFC Octagon Girls and more. Visit UFCVIP.com for more information.

Blanchfield (13-2, fighting out of Elmwood Park, N.J.) looks to deliver a statement and secure her first shot at UFC gold. Still only 25 years old, Blanchfield has become one of the top contenders at 125 pounds by defeating former UFC champions Rose Namajunas and Jéssica Andrade. She now sets forth to halt Barber’s momentum and win in emphatic fashion.

Dana White’s Contender Series signee Barber (14-2, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) makes her long-awaited return to action. A staple in the flyweight division, Barber has made a name for herself by dominating formidable opponents such as Katlyn Cerminara, Amanda Ribas, and Andrea Lee. With her sights now set on Blanchfield, Barber plans to become the clear No. 1 contender.

Perennial top lightweight contender Gamrot (24-3, 1 NC, fighting out of Poznan, Poland) makes his first Octagon appearance of 2025. An elite grappler, Gamrot rose through the 155-pound ranks with impressive performances against Rafael Dos Anjos, Arman Tsarukyan and Jeremy Stephens. He now intends to make an example of Klein and turn his attention back towards the Top 5 of the division.

Klein (23-4-1, fighting out of Nove Zamky, Slovakia) intends on delivering his best performance yet to secure the biggest win of his career. A well-rounded competitor with nine wins by knockout and eight by submission, he is currently on a seven-fight unbeaten streak that includes victories over Ignacio Bahamondes, Thiago Moises and Roosevelt Roberts. Klein now aims to vault into the rankings for the first time by taking out Gamrot.

Additional bouts on the card include:

  • Welterweight action sees Billy Ray Goff (9-3, fighting out of Groton, Conn.) take on SeokHyeon Ko (11-2, fighting out of Seoul, South Korea)
  • Dustin Jacoby(20-9-1, fighting out of Englewood, Colo.) meets Bruno Lopes(14-1, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.) in a battle of light heavyweight veterans
  • Dana White’s Contender Series alumni Zachary Reese (8-2, fighting out of Houston, Texas by way of Shiner, Texas) and Duško Todorovi? (12-5, fighting out of Belgrade, Serbia) compete at middleweight
  • Jafel Filho(16-3, fighting out of Sento Sé, Bahia, Brazil) and Allan Nascimento(20-6, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) are set for flyweight action
  • Jeremiah Wells(12-4-1, fighting out of Philadelphia, Penn.) locks horns with Andreas Gustaffson(11-2, fighting out of Västerås, Sweden) at welterweight
  • No. 3 ranked bantamweight contender Ketlen Vieira (14-5, fighting out of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil) collides with No. 5 Macy Chiasson (14-2, fighting out of Springfield, Ill.)
  • Ramiz Brahimaj(11-5, fighting out of Dallas, Texas by way of the Bronx, N.Y.) clashes with Dana White’s Contender Series signee Oban Elliott(12-2, fighting out of Merthyr Tydfil, Wales) at welterweight
  • Lightweights Kurt Holobaugh(22-9, 1 NC, fighting out of Amite, La.) and Jordan Leavitt (11-3, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) lock horns
  • MarQuel Mederos (10-1, fighting out of Englewood, Colo.) aims to deliver another signature performance when he faces Bolaji Oki (9-2, fighting out of Brussels, Belgium) in a lightweight bout
  • Rayanne Dos Santos(14-8, fighting out of Belém, Pará, Brazil) battles Alice Ardelean(9-7, fighting out of Birmingham, England) at strawweight

For the latest information on bout announcements and additional information for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts are subject to change. Please click?here?to apply for the event.

###

About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 259 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 975 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.

About ESPN+?? ??

https://espnpressroom.com/us/espnplus

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.?ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst. 



UFC® RETURNS TO ATLANTA WITH PIVOTAL BOUT BETWEEN WELTERWEIGHT CONTENDERS (#4) KAMARU USMAN AND (#6) JOAQUIN BUCKLEY

Las Vegas – UFC® returns to Atlanta with a thrilling welterweight bout that sees former champion and current No. 4 ranked contender Kamaru Usman battle surging No. 6 Joaquin Buckley. Also, former strawweight champion and No. 6 ranked flyweight contender Rose Namajunas takes on No. 12 Miranda Maverick.

UFC® FIGHT NIGHT: USMAN vs. BUCKLEY takes place Sat., June 14 at State Farm Arena. The entire card will be available in English and Spanish on ESPN+, starting with the prelims at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. The main card will also air on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, kicking off at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.

UFC® FIGHT NIGHT: USMAN vs. BUCKLEY tickets will go on sale Fri., May 2 at 10 a.m. ET and are available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wed., April 30 at 10 a.m. ET via the website UFCFightClub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thurs., May 1 starting at 10 a.m. ET. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

Usman (20-4, fighting out of Denver, Colo. by way of Auchi, Nigeria) returns with the intention of  delivering a statement performance. A dominant champion for over three years, he holds knockout victories over Colby Covington, Jorge Masvidal and Gilbert Burns. Usman now intends to kick off his 2025 campaign by beginning his ascent back to world title contention.

Buckley (21-6, fighting out of St. Louis, Mo.) plans to continue his momentum by adding a decorated former champion to his resume. A dynamic striker and KO artist, he has earned thrilling finishes against Colby Covington, Stephen Thompson and Vicente Luque. Buckley now hopes to secure his seventh consecutive win to stake his claim for a championship opportunity.

Namajunas (14-7, fighting out of Denver, Colo.) intends to deliver a highlight-reel finish in her first outing of 2025. A two-time former world champion, she has netted spectacular victories over Zhang Weili, Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Jessica Andrade. Namajunas now has her sights set on defending her spot in the rankings by turning away another rising contender.

Maverick (17-5, fighting out of Denver, Colo. by way of Buffalo, Mo.) plans to extend her win streak by taking out her first former UFC titleholder. Victorious in her last four Octagon appearances, she holds notable wins against Andrea Lee, Priscila Cachoeira and Gillian Robertson. Maverick now looks to turn heads by finishing Namajunas to continue her climb up the flyweight rankings.

Additional bouts on the card include:

  • Michael Chiesa (20-7, fighting out of Spokane Valley, Wash.) takes on Court McGee (23-13, fighting out of Orem, Utah) in a clash of welterweight veterans
  • Undefeated Mansur Abdul-Malik (8-0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) looks to keep his 100 percent finish rate intact when he meets gritty Cody Brundage (11-6 1NC, fighting out of Englewood, Colo.) at middleweight
  • Tereza Bleda (7-1, fighting out of Prague, Czech Republic) faces Jamey-Lyn Horth (7-2, fighting out of Squamish, B.C., Canada) in a flyweight tilt
  • Edmen Shahbazyan (14-5, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) squares off with Andre Petroski (13-4, fighting out of Philadelphia, Penn.) at middleweight
  • Georgia’s own Cody Durden (17-7-1, fighting out of Covington, Ga.) locks horns with Jose Ochoa (7-1 1NC, fighting out of Moyobamba, Peru) in a flyweight bout
  • No. 14 ranked light heavyweight contender Alonzo Menifield (16-5-1, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) collides with undefeated Oumar Sy (11-0, fighting out of Paris, France) 

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit UFC.com. All bouts are live and subject to change. Please click?here?to apply for credentials to the event.

###

About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and approximately 266 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 900 million households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.

About State Farm Arena

Home to the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, the award-winning State Farm Arena is a next-generation sports and live entertainment venue focused on experience, sustainability, and service. Inspired by the city, State Farm Arena showcases the core values of the organization: inclusiveness, authenticity, and innovation. From the first ever in-arena barbershop with the Killer Mike SWAG Shop to the Hawk Bar on the court behind the basket to the concourse to the Topgolf Swing Suites, State Farm Arena is True to Atlanta. Community and sustainability are at the core as the arena hosts the largest annual food distribution event with the Million Meal Pack and the arena was also the first venue in the world to earn TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) Platinum certification for zero waste. State Farm Arena was recently named Best Venue by Front Office Sports, a leading multi-platform media and news organization, and consistently ranks among the top 10 concert and event venues in the world from industry-leading publications Pollstar and Billboard. Accessible to every fan with a MARTA station adjacent, the downtown Atlanta arena hosts approximately 175 events and close to 2 million guests annually and stakes its claim as the city’s best sports and live entertainment venue. For more information on State Farm Arena, visit StateFarmArena.com or follow on X @StateFarmArena and Instagram @StateFarmArena.

About ESPN+ 

https://espnpressroom.com/us/espnplus

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading multiplatform sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, the leading sports app, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, leading social and digital platforms, ESPN.com, ESPN Audio, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.



ALL-ACTION WELTERWEIGHTS (#8) GILBERT BURNS AND (#12) MICHAEL MORALES HEADLINE AT UFC® APEX

Las Vegas – UFC® returns to UFC APEX with a thrilling bout between elite welterweights, as No. 8 Gilbert Burns faces off against undefeated No. 12 ranked contender Michael Morales. In addition, an entertaining light heavyweight bout will see Paul Craig lock horns with Rodolfo Bellato.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: BURNS vs. MORALES takes place Saturday, May 17 in Las Vegas, Nevada and will be available on exclusively on ESPN+ (English and Spanish). The prelims will air at 1 p.m. PT / 4p.m. ET, followed by the main card airing at 4 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. ET. 

UFC APEX VIP Experience packages are available via On Location, UFC’s Official VIP Experience Provider. Enjoy exclusive access with an official ticket package that includes premium seating, all-inclusive hospitality, in-seat beverage service, meet-and-greets with UFC Octagon Girls and more. Visit UFCVIP.com for more information.

Burns (22-8, fighting out of Boca Raton, Fla. by way of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) returns to action for the first time in 2025. A decorated grappler that also wields knockout power, Burns has made a name for himself at 170-pounds by securing victories against Jorge Masvidal, Neil Magny, and Stephen Thompson. The Brazilian now sets forth to derail the Morales hype train with a statement performance.

Morales (17-0, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico by way of Pesaje, Ecuador) steps back inside the Octagon for his first UFC main event. The undefeated prospect has made a splash at welterweight by delivering emphatic finishes of Neil Magny, Jake Matthews, and Max Griffin. Morales now turns his attention towards Burns as he looks to secure the biggest win of his career and enter the Top 10 rankings.

Always entertaining, Craig (17-9-1, fighting out of Coatbridge, Scotland) returns to the light heavyweight division looking to make an immediate impact. A submission specialist, he has impressed with stoppage victories over UFC champion Magomed Ankalaev, as well as former champions “Shogun” Rua and Jamahal Hill. Craig now intends to hand Bellato his first loss in the UFC in emphatic fashion.

Dana White’s Contender Series signee Bellato (12-2-1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) aims to deliver another bonus-earning performance. A proven finisher with 11 of his 12 wins coming before the final bell, Bellato showed he has what it takes to compete in the UFC with his debut stoppage of Ihor Potieria. He now has his sights set on adding Craig’s name to his resume.

Additional bouts on the card include:

  • Julian Erosa (31-12, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) and Melquizael Costa (23-7, fighting out of Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil) return to the Octagon for an all-action featherweight showdown
  • Featherweight standouts meet at lightweight as Sodiq Yusuff (13-4, fighting out of Bladensburg, Md. by way of Lagos, Nigeria) takes on The Ultimate Fighter season 32 winner Mairon Santos (16-1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Duque De Caxias, Rio de Janeiro)
  • Lightweight veterans face off as Jared Gordon (20-7, 1NC, fighting out of Queens, N.Y.) battles Thiago Moises (19-8, fighting out of Indaiatuba, Brazil)
  • Gabe Green(11-4, fighting out of San Pedro, Calif) welcomes UFC newcomerMatheus Camilo (9-2, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) to the lightweight division
  • A middleweight contest pits Dustin Stoltzfus(16-6, fighting out of Germersheim, Germany) against Nursulton Ruziboev(35-9-2 2 NC, fighting out of Tashkent, Uzbekistan)
  • No. 14 ranked strawweight contender Luana Pinheiro(11-4, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and No. 15 Tecia Pennington(14-7, fighting out of Colorado Springs, Colo. by way of Fall River, Mass.) square off in a high-stakes matchup
  • Elise Reed(8-4, fighting out of Princeton, N.J.) takes on Denise Gomes(10-3, fighting out of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) at strawweight
  • Road to UFC Asia signee HyunSung Park(9-0, fighting out of Gyeonggi-do, South Korea) takes on Dana Whites Contender Series contract winner Carlos Hernandez(10-4, fighting out of Chicago, Ill.)
  • Bantamweights Luana Santos(8-2, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) and Tainara Lisboa(7-2, fighting out of Santos, Sao Paulo, Brazil) look to steal the show

For the latest information on bout announcements and additional information for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts are subject to change. Please click?here?to apply for the event.

###

About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 259 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 975 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.

About ESPN+?? ??

https://espnpressroom.com/us/espnplus

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.?ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst. 



UFC® RETURNS TO PRUDENTIAL CENTER IN NEWARK, NEW JERSEY WITH BLOCKBUSER CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLEHEADER

Las Vegas – UFC® returns to Newark, N.J. with another stacked card, headlined by a pair of blockbuster championship bouts. In the main event, reigning bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili rematches with former title holder and No. 1 ranked contender Sean O’Malley. The co-main event will see women’s bantamweight champion Julianna Pena defend her newly won belt against No. 2 ranked Kayla Harrison.

UFC® 316: DVALISHVILI vs. O’MALLEY 2 takes place Saturday, June 7 at Prudential Center, with the main card available on ESPN+ PPV at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. The prelims will be available on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, as well as simulcast in English and Spanish on ESPN+, at 8p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The early prelims will kick off at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass.

UFC®returns to Prudential Center after setting the venue’s live sporting event gate record in 2024 with UFC® 302 headlined by Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier. UFC® 316: DVALISHVILI vs. O’MALLEY 2 will mark the eleventh UFC event at the famed arena dating back to 2007.

UFC® 316: DVALISHVILI vs. O’MALLEY 2 will go on sale this Friday, April 18 at 10 a.m. ET and are available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.

“NJSEA, the city of Newark and Prudential Center continue to be great partners to us,” said Peter Dropick, Executive Vice President of Event Development and Operations, UFC. “Makhachev vs. Poirier was one of our top fights last year and set the gate record at this famed arena. We’re thrilled to be returning for the third year in a row. I know UFC 316 will be another special night.”

“New Jersey is proud to be a premium entertainment destination for visitors across the country and world,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “We are excited to welcome the UFC back to Newark, bringing an incredible experience to thousands of fans while also generating economic activity for the region.” 

“Hosting UFC in Newark for the third year in a row shows that our city rises to the same level of excitement as the event’s electrifying fight card,” said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “It is an honor to be selected and to welcome fans from all across the globe to deliver the perfect one-two-punch of hospitality and entertainment.” 

“For the third consecutive year, Prudential Center is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to welcome our partners at UFC back to Newark,” said Tad Brown, Chief Executive Officer, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. “UFC 316 promises to be another record-breaking night as Prudential Center continues to deliver as a destination for marquee events. We look forward to hosting fans from all over the world for the next unforgettable night in New Jersey’s rich combat sports history.”

Dvalishvili (19-4, fighting out of Long Island, N.Y. by way of Tbilisi, Georgia) looks to leave no doubt that he is the best bantamweight on the planet. The first Georgian-born champion in UFC history, Dvalishvili is currently on an 11-fight win streak, the longest in UFC bantamweight history, which includes victories over Umar Nurmagomedov, Sean O’Malley and Henry Cejudo. He now intends to further etch his name into the record books with another dominant performance.

Former champion O’Malley (18-2, fighting out of Glendale, Ariz.) makes his return to the Octagon for the first time since dropping the title to Dvalishvili last September. An elite and exciting striker with the most post-fight bonuses in UFC bantamweight history (9), he has entertained fans with finishes of Aljamain Sterling, Raulian Paiva and Kris Moutinho. O’Malley now plans to regain UFC gold by taking out Dvalishvili with a vintage showing.

Pena (12-5, fighting out of Chicago, Ill.) seeks to make her second reign as bantamweight champion a historic one. The first woman to win The Ultimate Fighter, Pena holds notable wins over former UFC champions Amanda Nunes, Raquel Pennington and Nicco Montano. She now looks to make her biggest statement yet by handing Harrison her first loss in the UFC.

A two-time Olympic gold medalist in Judo for the United States, Harrison (18-1, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) has her sights set on adding UFC gold to her impressive resume. In her short time as part of the UFC roster, Harrison has already earned impressive wins over former champion Holly Holm and Ketlen Vieira. She now intends to start off her 2025 campaign with a title-winning effort.

Current bouts also on the card include:

  • No. 7 ranked bantamweight contender Marlon Vera (23-10-1, fighting out of Chone, Manabi, Ecuador) looks to halt the momentum of No. 10 Mario Bautista (15-2, fighting out of Phoenix, Ariz.)
  • Thrilling welterweight actions pits No. 14 ranked contender Vicente Luque (23-10-1, fighting out of Brasilia, Brazil) against Kevin Holland (27-13, 1NC, fighting out of Fort Worth, Texas)
  • An exciting flyweight bout pits No. 12 ranked contender Bruno Silva (14-6-2 1NC, fighting out of Piracicaba, Sao Paulo, Brazil) against No. 14 Joshua Van (14-2, fighting out of Houston, Texas)
  • Light heavyweight action sees No. 10 ranked contender Johnny Walker (21-9 1NC, fighting out of Dublin, Ireland by way of Rio das Ostras, Brazil) take on undefeated No. 12 ranked Azamat Murzakanov (14-0, fighting out of Fairfield, N.J. by way of Nalchik, Russia)
  • No. 14 ranked flyweight contender Ariane da Silva (17-10, fighting out of Curitiba, Parana, Brazil) aims to defend her spot in the rankings against Wang Cong (7-1, fighting out of Shanghai, China)

For the latest information on bout announcements and additional information for this event, please visit UFC.com. All bouts are subject to change. Please click?here?to apply for the event. 

###

About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 228 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to over 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About Prudential Center

Prudential Center is the world-class sports and entertainment venue located in downtown Newark, New Jersey. Opened in October 2007, the state-of-the-art arena is the home of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) three-time Stanley Cup Champion New Jersey Devils, Seton Hall University’s NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball program, and more than 210 concerts, family shows and special events each year. Ranked in the Top 5 worldwide by Pollstar, Billboard and Venues Today, Prudential Center is recognized as one of the premier venues in the United States, and hosts over 2 million guests annually. For more information about Prudential Center, visit https://www.prucenter.com/ and follow the arena on Facebook, X and Instagram @PruCenter. Prudential Center is a HBSE property.

About ESPN+ 

https://espnpressroom.com/us/espnplus

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading multiplatform sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, the leading sports app, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, leading social and digital platforms, ESPN.com, ESPN Audio, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.



AMANDA NUNES NAMED TO UFC® HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2025

Las Vegas – UFC® today announced that former UFC bantamweight and featherweight champion Amanda Nunes will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s Modern Wing as a member of the Class of 2025. Nunes will enter the Hall of Fame as the third female inductee in UFC history.

The 2025 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place as part of the 13th Annual UFC International Fight WeekÔ, on Thursday, June 26, at T-Mobile Arena, and will be streamed live, exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®.

“Amanda Nunes is the greatest female fighter of all-time,” said UFC President & CEO Dana White. “Amanda was a great champion who had one of the most legendary careers in combat sports history. She is an incredible person, and it will be an honor to induct her into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer.”

Nunes will enter the UFC Hall of Fame as the 15th member of the Modern Wing. The Modern Era category includes athletes who turned pro on or after November 17, 2000, when the first UFC event under the unified rules of MMA was held. Other requirements include a minimum age of 35 or those who have been retired for one year or more.
A veteran of 28 fights during her 15-year professional MMA career, Nunes compiled a record of 23-5 (17-3 UFC / Strikeforce), securing victories over UFC Hall of Famer Ronda Rousey, UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko (twice), UFC bantamweight champion Julianna Pena, former UFC featherweight champions Germaine de Randamie (twice) and Cris Cyborg, and former UFC bantamweight champions Miesha Tate, Holly Holm, and Raquel Pennington.

Nunes made her professional MMA debut on March 8, 2008, losing her first fight via armbar submission in the first round. She would bounce back by winning her next six fights, including her Strikeforce debut, with a KO in 14 seconds against Julia Budd to improve her record to 6-1. In 2013, Nunes signed with UFC.

Nunes made her UFC debut on the FX prelims of UFC® 163: ALDO vs. KOREAN ZOMBIE, which took place on August 3, 2013, at HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She defeated Sheila Gaff via first-round TKO to launch her UFC career. 

Nunes returned to the Octagon® three months later in November to face Germaine de Randamie on the FS1 prelims of UFC®: FIGHT FOR THE TROOPS 3, which took place on November 6, 2013, at Fort Campbell in Kentucky. She defeated Germaine via first-round TKO, earning a chance to meet undefeated bantamweight Cat Zingano. After winning the first round, Nunes would lose via TKO in the third, marking her first loss inside the Octagon. 

Nunes would win her next 12 fights over six years (March 21, 2015 – March 6, 2021), capturing or defending her title nine times and cleaning out the bantamweight and featherweight divisions in the process. Eight of her 12 fights were won by KO or submission.

Nunes faced number one-ranked Julianna Pena in the co-main event of UFC® 296: OLIVEIRA vs. POIRIER, which took place on December 11, 2021, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Pena would stun the world with her second-round submission of Nunes via rear-naked choke, handing her the fifth, and last loss of her career.

Nunes earned an immediate rematch against Pena, meeting seven months later in the main event of UFC® 277: PENA vs. NUNES 2, which took place on July 30, 2022, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. She would reclaim the bantamweight title with a convincing unanimous decision victory.

Nunes retired on June 10, 2023, after defeating Irene Aldana via unanimous decision, defending the bantamweight title in the main event of UFC® 289: NUNES vs. ALDANA.

Nunes enters the UFC Hall of Fame with an impressive resume that includes:

UFC:

  • First woman to become a two-division champion and hold both UFC bantamweight and featherweight titles simultaneously.

  • Longest winning streak in UFC women’s history – 12

  • Most title fight wins in UFC women’s history – 11 (T-4th most in UFC history)

  • Most finishes in UFC women’s history – 10

  • Most first-round finishes in UFC women’s history – 9

  • Most knockdowns in UFC women’s history – 8

  • Most knockouts in UFC women’s history – 7

  • Second-most wins in UFC women’s history – 16 (Jessica Andrade, 17)

Outside the Octagon, Nunes has been honored with several awards throughout her career, receiving Female Fighter of the Year in by MMA Junkie in2018 and 2019, and by the Fighters Only World MMA Awards in 2016, 2018 and 2019.

A native of Pojuca, Bahia, Brazil, Nunes began competing in karate, boxing, and capoeira at the age of seven. At 16, she began training in judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. With a brown belt in judo and black belt in jiu-jitsu, she captured several medals as an amateur, including gold medals at the 2008 Pan American Jiu-Jitsu Championship and 2009 World Jiu-Jitsu Championship. In 2012, Nunes became a World Champion of the North American Grappling Association in the lightweight and absolute divisions. She currently resides in Florida, with her wife, former UFC fighter Nina, and their two children.

To view Nunes’ UFC FIGHT PASS collection please visit: https://ufcfightpass.com/playlist/28685

To see a complete list of UFC athletes and fights enshrined in the UFC Hall of Fame, as well as details regarding the UFC Hall of Fame format, please visit UFCHOFFAQ. For additional information, please visit UFC.com.



UFC HOSTS FIRST-EVER EVENT IN AZERBAIJAN ON JUNE 21 WITH BLOCKBUSTER LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT BETWEEN JAMAHAL HILL AND KHALIL ROUNTREE JR

Baku, Azerbaijan: UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Baku City Circuit (BCC) Operations Company, today announced UFC’s debut event in Baku, Azerbaijan on Saturday, June 21 at the Baku Crystal Hall.  An epic main event sees former UFC light heavyweight champion and No. 4-ranked contender Jamahal Hill take on No. 7-ranked Khalil Rountree Jr.

Tickets for UFC FIGHT NIGHTÒ: HILL vs. ROUNDTREE JR will go on sale at 10 a.m. AZT on Friday, April 25, via iTicket. Fight Club members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets early at 10 a.m. AZT on Wednesday, April 23, whilst those who registered their interest early in this event will gain access at 10 a.m. AZT on Thursday, April 24.

The partnership was announced at a signing ceremony with UFC President and CEO Dana White, and Minister of Youth and Sports Azerbaijan Farid Gayibov in Miami ahead of UFC 314: VOLKANOVSKI vs. LOPES this Saturday.

“Azerbaijan and the city of Baku have an incredible history of hosting massive global sporting events,” said UFC President and CEO Dana White. “We have so many great athletes from in and around this country that it was a natural next destination for us. I’m excited to have our debut event there on June 21.”

Minister of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan Farid Gayibov emphasized the significance of the event in advancing Azerbaijan’s role in the international sports community while stating, “Hosting UFC in Baku marks another significant milestone in our efforts to develop Azerbaijan as a regional sports leader. Thanks to President Ilham Aliyev’s unwavering support and attention, along with his successful sports policy, Azerbaijan has gained international recognition in the world of sports — and the city of Baku has established itself as a key hub for major global sporting events. This partnership with UFC further strengthens our reputation as a global sports hub, showcasing our commitment to sports development and international cooperation”.

Maqsud Farzullaev, General Director of Baku City Circuit Operations Company, added, “After our successful collaboration with Formula 1, partnering with UFC is an extraordinary next step for Baku. This event will not only highlight the city’s world-class facilities but also elevate Azerbaijan’s prominence on the global sporting stage. We are proud to contribute to the growth of UFC and combat sports in the region, further solidifying Baku as a go-to destination for major international sports.”

Former champion Hill (12-3 1NC, fighting out of Michigan, United States) aims to make a quick return to the Octagon® for his second bout of 2025. The first Dana White’s Contender Series alum to become an undisputed UFC champion, he earned his way to the title with wins over Thiago Santos, Johnny Walker and Jimmy Crute. Hill now plans to make a statement against Rountree Jr. and turn his attention to the championship picture.  

Rountree Jr. (14-6 1NC, fighting out of Nevada, United States) competes for the first time since his valiant Fight of the Night effort against Alex Pereira at UFC® 307 last October. A devastating striker with 9 of his 13 wins coming by way of KO, Rountree Jr. has entertained fans with his victories over Chris Daukaus, Karl Roberson and Modestas Bukauskas. He now looks to take Hill’s spot in the top five with another signature performance. 

Also featuring on this stacked card will be the highly anticipated return of Kyoji Horiguchi (34-5, fighting out of Florida, United States, by way of Gunma, Japan) as he aims to become the first ever Japanese UFC champion. Standing in his way will be No.10-ranked flyweight Tagir Ulanbekov (16-2, fighting out of Makhachkala, Russia) who is training under former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and also has his eyes on the top of the flyweight division.

Expect fireworks as heavyweights collide with No.5 ranked Curtis Blaydes (18-5, fighting out of Chicago, United States) taking on Dana White’s Contender Series stand out Rizvan Kuniev (13-2-1, fighting out of Dagestan, Russia) who will be looking to make a statement in his Octagon debut.

Additional bouts on the card include:

  • Ismail Naurdiev (24-7, fighting out of Rabat, Morocco) will take on Junyong Park (18-6, fighting out of Seoul, South Korea) in a middleweight match up.
  • Hamdy Abdelwahab (6-0, fighting out of New York, United States by way of Cairo, Egypt) takes on Mohammed Usman (10-4, fighting out of Texas, United States) in a heavyweight bout.  
  • In a bantamweight bout Irina Alekseeva (5-2, fighting out of Chelyabinsk, Russia) faces Klaudia Sygula (6-2, fighting out of Lodz, Poland).
  • Daria Zhelezniakova (9-2, fighting out of Paris, France by way of Saint Petersburg, Russia) meets Melissa Mullins (7-1, fighting out of Coventry, England) in a bantamweight bout.

Azerbaijani athletes are rapidly emerging as a formidable presence in UFC, showcasing world-class wrestling, striking and grit. Fighters like Rafael Fiziev have delivered dominant performances against elite opponents, including former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos and King Green.

With UFC’s history of sellout events, fans are advised to register their interest early at ufc.com/Baku to secure their seats for this highly anticipated event and to follow @UFCEurasia on social media for the latest updates.

– ENDS –

About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and approximately 300 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 950 million households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 70 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.



UFC RETURNS TO ABU DHABI FOR A THRILLING FIGHT NIGHT ON JULY 26

Abu Dhabi, UAE: UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), is excited to announce the return of UFC to Abu Dhabi on Saturday,26th July, at the Etihad Arena.  

UFC® FIGHT NIGHT ABU DHABI tickets will go on sale soon, so fans are encouraged to register their interest early for the best chance to secure tickets via VisitAbuDhabi. 

UFC returns to Abu Dhabi following two spectacular events in 2024. In October, UFC® 308: TOPURIA vs. HOLLOWAY featured Spain’s Ilia Topuria defending his featherweight title with a stunning third-round knockout over top contender Max Holloway. In August, fans were treated to an elite bantamweight showdown at UFC® FIGHT NIGHT: SANDHAGEN vs. NURMAGOMEDOV, where Umar Nurmagomedov secured a hard-fought victory over Cory Sandhagen with a five-round decision. 

With 20 events held in the emirate since 2010, UFC has become a mainstay in the region’s sports and entertainment calendar. Through its long-term partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi, UFC continues to bring exciting fight cards featuring top global talents to the UAE capital. With a passionate fan base and state-of-the-art venues, Abu Dhabi has become a global sports hub for major events.

Stay tuned for details on the upcoming fight card, as UFC prepares for an unforgettable line-up of bouts. Some of UFC’s most talented athletes will enter the Octagon® for another action-packed night on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island. 

VIP Experience packages will soon be available via On Location, UFC’s Official VIP Experience Provider. Enjoy exclusive access with an official ticket package that can feature premium seating, VIP access to weigh-ins, all-inclusive hospitality, meet-and-greets with UFC athletes and more. For additional information, please visit?UFCVIP.com?to view package details. 

For further information on UFC® FIGHT NIGHT ABU DHABI and the latest updates, please visit VisitAbuDhaibi.ae.



BANTAMWEIGHT BLOCKBUSTER BETWEEN (#4) CORY SANDHAGEN AND (#5) DEIVESON FIGUEIREDO HEADLINES FIRST UFC® EVENT IN DES MOINES

Las Vegas – UFC® delivers its first event in Des Moines, Iowa, headlined by a pivotal bantamweight bout that will see No. 4 ranked contender Cory Sandhagen collide with No. 5 Deiveson Figueiredo. The co-main event will see No. 13 ranked middleweight contender Reinier De Ridder square off with undefeated Bo Nickal.

UFC® FIGHT NIGHT: SANDHAGEN vs. FIGUEIREDO takes place Sat., May 3 at Wells Fargo Arena. The entire card will be available on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes, as well as simulcast on ESPN+ in English and Spanish, starting with the prelims at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. The main card will then kick off at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.

UFC® FIGHT NIGHT: SANDHAGEN vs. FIGUEIREDO tickets will go on sale Fri., March 21 at 10 a.m. CT and are available for purchase at Hy-VeeTix.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wed., March 19 at 10 a.m. CT via the website UFCFightClub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thurs., March 20 starting at 10 a.m. CT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

Sandhagen (17-5, fighting out of Aurora, Colo.) plans to kick off his 2025 campaign with another highlight-reel performance. A dynamic striker who has won three of his last four, he has delivered thrilling stoppages of Frankie Edgar, Marlon Moraes and Song Yadong. Sandhagen now intends to defend his spot in the rankings by taking out Figueiredo.

Former UFC flyweight champion Figueiredo (24-4-1, fighting out of Soure, Pará, Brazil) looks to stake his claim for a bantamweight title shot. A dangerous finisher, he has secured exciting submission victories over Cody Garbrandt, Alex Perez and Joseph Benavidez. Figueiredo now hopes to become the first fighter to knock out Sandhagen and continue his ascent up the 135-pound ladder.

De Ridder (19-2, fighting out of Breda, Netherlands) looks to continue his hot streak and cement his status as a title threat. A former champion outside the UFC, he has earned memorable wins against Kevin Holland and Gerald Meerschaert since joining the world’s premier MMA promotion last year. De Ridder is now determined to hand Nickal his first career loss.

The surging Nickal (7-0, fighting out of State College, Penn.) plans to continue his winning ways with a dominant performance. A three-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion, he has earned notable victories over Paul Craig, Cody Brundage and Jamie Pickett. Nickal now has his sights set on earning the biggest win of his career to crack the middleweight Top 15.

Additional bouts on the card include:

  • Jeremy Stephens (29-21 1NC, fighting out of San Diego, Calif.) returns to the Octagon against Mason Jones (11-2 1NC, fighting out of Blaenavon, Wales)
  • No. 15 ranked bantamweight contender Montel Jackson (15-2, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.) takes on unbeaten Daniel Marcos (17-0 1NC, fighting out of Boca Raton, Fla. by way of Lima, Peru)
  • Thomas Petersen (9-3, fighting out of Webster, Minn.) locks horns with Don’Tale Mayes (11-8 1NC, fighting out of Louisville, Ken.) at heavyweight
  • Ryan Loder (8-1, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) meets Azamat Bekoev (19-3, fighting out of Vladikavkaz, Russia) in a middleweight bout
  • Junior Tafa (6-3, fighting out of Brisbane, Australia) faces Tuco Tokkos (10-5, fighting out of Deerfield Beach, Fla. by way of London, England) at light heavyweight
  • No. 9 ranked strawweight contender Marina Rodriguez (17-5-2, fighting out of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil) battles No. 12 Gillian Robertson (15-8, fighting out of Port St. Lucie, Fla. by way of Niagara Falls, Canada)
  • No. 10 ranked bantamweight contender Yana Santos (15-8 1NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Saint Petersburg, Russia) takes on former champion and current No. 11 Miesha Tate (20-9, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.)
  • Santiago Ponzinibbio (31-8, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) meets Daniel Rodriguez (18-5, fighting out of Alhambra, Calif.) in an exciting welterweight tilt
  • Trevor Peek (9-3 1NC, fighting out of Denver, Colo. by way of Scottsboro, Ala.) meets JeongYeong Lee (11-2, fighting out of Daegu, South Korea) at featherweight
  • Cameron Smotherman (12-4, fighting out of Houston, Texas) faces Dana White’s Contender Series signee Serhiy Sidey (11-2, fighting out of Burlington, Ontario, Canada) in a bantamweight bout

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit UFC.com. All bouts are live and subject to change. Please click?here?to apply for credentials to the event.

###

About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and approximately 266 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 900 million households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.

About Wells Fargo Arena

Wells Fargo Arena, located in the heart of downtown Des Moines, Iowa, is a premier entertainment and event venue and part of the Iowa Events Center. With a seating capacity of over 17,000, the arena hosts a diverse range of events, including concerts, family shows, sporting events, conventions, and more. As a key destination in the Midwest, Wells Fargo Arena is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, top-notch amenities, and its ability to deliver world-class experiences to both fans and event organizers. The venue is a part of the Iowa Events Center and is owned by Polk County and professionally managed by Oak View Group, which is committed to bringing the best in live entertainment to central Iowa.

About ESPN+ 

https://espnpressroom.com/us/espnplus

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading multiplatform sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, the leading sports app, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, leading social and digital platforms, ESPN.com, ESPN Audio, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.



ROBBIE LAWLER NAMED TO UFC® HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2025

Las Vegas – UFC® today announced that former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s Modern Wing as a member of the Class of 2025. The 2025 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place as part of the 13th Annual UFC International Fight WeekÔ on Thursday, June 26, at T-Mobile Arena and will be streamed live, exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®.

“Robbie Lawler is one of the most badass athletes to every step inside the Octagon,” said UFC President & CEO Dana White. “Robbie was an absolute killer, and I have a ton of respect for his toughness and his fighting style, which helped grow the sport of MMA and UFC by attracting a lot of new fans. Robbie had an amazing career, and it will be an honor to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer.”

Lawler will enter the UFC Hall of Fame as the 16th member of the Modern Wing. The Modern Era category includes athletes who turned pro on or after November 17, 2000 (when the first UFC event under the unified rules of MMA was held) and who are a minimum age of 35, or who have been retired for one year or more.

A veteran of 47 fights during his 22-year MMA career, Lawler compiled a 30-16,1 NC (19-15 – UFC / PRIDE / Strikeforce), registering victories over UFC Hall of Famer Donald Cerrone, Frank Trigg (Fight Wing), former UFC welterweight champion Johny Hendricks, former interim UFC welterweight champion Carlos Condit, former Strikeforce and WEC welterweight champion Nick Diaz, and former WEC light heavyweight champion Scott Smith.

Lawler made his professional MMA debut on April 7, 2001, winning each of his first four fights across three organizations by first round KO before signing with UFC.

Lawler made his UFC debut on the prelims of UFC® 37: HIGH IMPACT, which took place on May 10, 2002, in Bossier City, Louisiana. He defeated his opponent, Aaron Riley, via unanimous decision to launch his career inside the Octagon. Lawler would win three of his next six fights with UFC over two years, ending his first stint with the organization after losing to former UFC middleweight champion Evan Tanner during UFC® 50: THE WAR OF ’04.

For the next seven years, Lawler would compete 18 times in other promotions outside UFC, securing a 11-6,1 NC record before making his return. This stint also included appearances in PRIDE and Strikeforce, as it was acquired by Zuffa and merged into UFC.

He returned to UFC competition as a welterweight in 2012, defeating Josh Koscheck via first-round TKO during UFC® 157: ROUSEY vs. CARMOUCHE, which took place on February 23, 2013, in Anaheim, Calif. 

Lawler would win his next two fights over Bobby Voelker and Rory MacDonald and set up his first title fight with Hendricks for the vacant UFC welterweight title at UFC 171.

UFC® 171: HENDRICKS vs. LAWLER, took place on March 15, 2014, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Lawler and Hendricks fought for five rounds, with Johny winning a unanimous decision. The first of two fights between the athletes, the UFC 171 main event won several awards for Fight of the Year in 2014.

Following his loss at UFC 171, Lawler won his next two fights against Jake Ellenberger and Matt Brown, to earn his second shot at the welterweight title as the number one contender against Hendricks in the main event of UFC 181.

UFC® 181: HENDRICKS vs. LAWLER II took placeon December 6, 2014, in Las Vegas, Nev.; Lawler and Hendricks would compete for all five rounds, with Lawler winning the title via split decision.

Lawler’s status as a legendary fighter would be secured during his next two fights, as he would defend the welterweight title against Rory MacDonald and Carlos Condit during UFC 189 (2015) and UFC 195 (2016). Both fights would be five-round wars that would earn Fight of the Year honors by several media outlets during their respective years. In 2023, his UFC 189 fight with MacDonald would also enter the Fight Wing of the UFC Hall of Fame. During his career, he also scored seven knockouts and landed more than 1,200 significant strikes in welterweight competition.

Lawler would lose the welterweight title to Tyron Woodley in the main event of UFC 201, which took place on July 30, 2016. Over the next seven years, he would continue to fight top contenders in the middleweight and welterweight divisions. He retired after securing a 38-second KO of Niko Price during UFC 290 on July 8, 2023.

Outside the Octagon, Lawler has been honored with numerous awards throughout his career, being named Fighter of the Year in 2014 by MMA Junkie and the Fighters Only World MMA Awards. 

A native of San Diego, Calif., Lawler began training in taekwondo at age eight and karate at age 10. His family relocated to Bettendorf, Iowa, when he was 10 years old, and he began to compete in wrestling at age 16 under the guidance of UFC Hall of Famer Pat Miletich. Lawler also wrestled in high school, earning All-State honors. He currently lives in Florida with his wife.

To view Lawler’s UFC FIGHT PASS collection please visit: https://ufcfightpass.com/playlist/28688

To see a complete list of UFC athletes and fights enshrined in the UFC Hall of Fame, as well as details regarding the UFC Hall of Fame format, please visit UFCHOFFAQ. For additional information, please visit UFC.com.