Former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya will return to action against Joe Pyfer in the main ...

<p>Former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya will return to action against Joe Pyfer in the main event of UFC Seattle on March 28, UFC CEO Dana White announced Tuesday.</p><p>Adesanya will step into the Octagon for the first time since a knockout loss to Nassourdine Imavov last February. The 36-year-old has lost three in a row and four of his last five.</p><p>Adesanya is one of the greatest middleweights in UFC history. He held the division's title from 2019-22 and again in 2023, making five successful defenses.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Pyfer, ranked No. 15 in the weight class, is looking to enter title contention with a victory over Adesanya. The 29-year-old is riding a three-fight winning streak and is 6-1 in the promotion overall.</p><p>White also confirmed a previously reported rematch between ex-women's flyweight champion Alexa Grasso and Maycee Barber.</p>

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - FEBRUARY 01: Israel Adesanya of Nigeria prepares to face Nassourdine Imavov of Russia in a middleweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at anb Arena on February 01, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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Adesanya-Pyfer to headline UFC Seattle in March

Khamzat Chimaev wants to fight Alex Pereira at the UFC's event at the White House.  The middlewei...

<p>Khamzat Chimaev wants to fight Alex Pereira at the UFC's event at the White House.</p><p>The middleweight champion called out the light heavyweight titleholder Monday in a post on X.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Let’s go White House 🦾<br>Don’t worry, I will finish you fast <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexPereiraUFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlexPereiraUFC</a> ⚰️</p>— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) <a href="https://twitter.com/KChimaev/status/2010645960523972765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The UFC is planning a monumental event on the White House grounds later this year, though a firm date hasn't been announced. CEO Dana White has said the promotion will begin booking fights for the card in February.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Chimaev has yet to defend the 185-pound championship since his title win over Dricus Du Plessis in August. However, this isn't the first time the 31-year-old Chechen has talked about moving to 205 pounds. In December, he <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3422400" href="https://thescore.com/news/3422400">said</a> he wanted to defend his belt once and then change weight classes.</p><p>Chimaev also said last month he didn't think Pereira was interested in facing him in the Octagon.</p><p>"I don't think he wants that fight," Chimaev said. "Everyone knows this guy is not on my level. ... That's why he's running away."</p><p>Ranked No. 3 pound-for-pound in the UFC, Chimaev has been one of the most dominant fighters in the sport since his 2020 Octagon debut. He holds a 15-0 professional record.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 16: Khamzat Chimaev of Russia reacts after round one against Dricus Du Plessis of South Africa in the UFC middleweight championship fight during the UFC 319 event at the United Center on August 16, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Chimaev calls out Pereira for UFC White House event: 'I will finish you'

Jon Jones doesn't have much faith that the UFC will schedule a superfight between him and light h...

<p>Jon Jones doesn't have much faith that the UFC will schedule a superfight between him and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.</p><p>Jones, a former two-division champion, retired from MMA last June but almost immediately said he planned to fight again. Although he and Pereira have both expressed interest in squaring off at the UFC's highly anticipated event at the White House later this year, Jones doubts the bout will come to fruition.</p><p>"Pereira wants to fight me, but I don't think (UFC CEO) Dana White's gonna allow that to happen," Jones told <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh9fvU44nz0">Red Corner MMA</a>. "It will be interesting to see what Dana wants."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>White has repeatedly said he doesn't "trust" Jones to headline an event at the White House. Despite being one of the greatest and most popular fighters in UFC history, Jones' career has been marred by issues outside the cage, including failed drug tests and legal troubles.</p><p>In his final fight before retiring, Jones defended the heavyweight title with a TKO win over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November 2024 at New York's Madison Square Garden.</p><p>The UFC tried to book a long-awaited unification bout between Jones and then-interim champion Tom Aspinall last year, but Jones turned it down and opted to retire instead. Aspinall was then promoted to undisputed heavyweight champion.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 14: (L-R) Jon Jones and Alex Pereira attend the UFC 306 at Riyadh Season Noche UFC event at Sphere on September 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Jones doubts UFC will book Pereira fight

The Atlanta Falcons have hired former star quarterback and NFL MVP Matt Ryan as their new preside...

<p>The Atlanta Falcons have hired former star quarterback and NFL MVP Matt Ryan as their new president of football, the team announced Saturday.</p><p>Ryan assumes the position immediately and will oversee all aspects of football for the organization. He will report to owner Arthur Blank and work with Falcons president and CEO Greg Beadles.</p><p>"Throughout his remarkable 14-year career in Atlanta, Matt's leadership, attention to detail, knowledge of the game and unrelenting drive to win made him the most successful player in our franchise's history," Blank said in a <a href="https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/atlanta-falcons-name-matt-ryan-president-of-football">statement</a>. "I am confident those same qualities will be a tremendous benefit to our organization as he steps into this new role."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ryan interviewed with the Falcons on Friday evening. Atlanta interviewed four other executives for the job: the Chicago Bears' Ian Cunningham, Detroit Lions' Mike Disner, Carolina Panthers' Brandt Tilis, and San Francisco 49ers' Josh Williams.</p><p>Ryan, 40, will now help lead the Falcons' search for a general manager and head coach. The team will interview Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver on Saturday for its head coaching position, according to <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/2010001611792494647?s=20">NFL Network's Ian Rapoport</a>.</p><p>Ryan played in the NFL for 16 seasons from 2008-23. He spent 14 seasons with the Falcons, leading the team to the postseason five times and making one Super Bowl appearance. Ryan spent his final season with the Indianapolis Colts and retired in April 2024.</p><p>He spent the last three seasons working for CBS as a game and studio analyst.</p><p>"Arthur gave me the chance of a lifetime almost twenty years ago, and he's done it again today," Ryan said. "While I appreciate the time I had with the Colts and with CBS, I've always been a Falcon. It feels great to be home. I could not be more excited, grateful, or humbled by this new opportunity."</p>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 3: Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan smiles on the sidelines prior to an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 3, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Falcons hire former star QB Ryan as president of football

As 2026 gets underway, many fighters share the same New Year's resolution: win a UFC championship...

<p><em>As 2026 gets underway, many fighters share the same New Year's resolution: win a UFC championship. Of course, that dream will come true for only a select few.</em></p><p><em>Below, theScore's Nick Baldwin predicts who will be wearing gold in each weight class at the end of the year.</em></p><h3>Flyweight</h3><p><strong>Current champion: </strong>Joshua Van<br><strong>Champion at end of 2026: </strong>Alexandre Pantoja</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792347/cropped_GettyImages-2222687886.jpg?ts=1751171192" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792347/w220xh124_GettyImages-2222687886.jpg?ts=1751171192 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792347/w320xh180_GettyImages-2222687886.jpg?ts=1751171192 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792347/w640xh360_GettyImages-2222687886.jpg?ts=1751171192 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792347/w768xh432_GettyImages-2222687886.jpg?ts=1751171192 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792347/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2222687886.jpg?ts=1751171192 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The flyweight division is wide open after Van unceremoniously snatched the title from Pantoja at UFC 323 in December. Manel Kape and Tatsuro Taira have a case for the next title shot after closing the year with big wins over Brandon Royval and Brandon Moreno, respectively. Kyoji Horiguchi could also be next in line if he beats Amir Albazi on Feb. 7. Then, of course, there's Pantoja, the former champion who could be the current champion if it weren't for a flukey arm injury. Pantoja turns 36 in April, so there's a chance this is the year we see his fall from grace, but until it happens, I'll take the guy who's proven himself over and over again.</p><h3>Bantamweight</h3><p><strong>Current champion: </strong>Petr Yan<br><strong>Champion at end of 2026: </strong>Merab Dvalishvili</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812867/cropped_GettyImages-2250239940.jpg?ts=1767832484" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812867/w220xh124_GettyImages-2250239940.jpg?ts=1767832484 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812867/w320xh180_GettyImages-2250239940.jpg?ts=1767832484 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812867/w640xh360_GettyImages-2250239940.jpg?ts=1767832484 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812867/w768xh432_GettyImages-2250239940.jpg?ts=1767832484 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812867/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2250239940.jpg?ts=1767832484 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Yan shook up the bantamweight division when he beat Dvalishvili and reclaimed the title at UFC 323. The question is, how long can he stay on top this time? No one seems to hang on to the 135-pound belt for very long. There's a world where Yan beats Dvalishvili again and then either Umar Nurmagomedov or Sean O'Malley to make it through a full year as champion. There's also a chance that Nurmagomedov breaks through and captures gold himself. That said, I can't help but think that on his best night, Dvalishvili is the guy to beat at 135 pounds.</p><h3>Featherweight</h3><p><strong>Current champion: </strong>Alexander Volkanovski<br><strong>Champion at end of 2026: </strong>Lerone Murphy</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797882/cropped_GettyImages-2230531120.jpg?ts=1755461514" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797882/w220xh124_GettyImages-2230531120.jpg?ts=1755461514 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797882/w320xh180_GettyImages-2230531120.jpg?ts=1755461514 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797882/w640xh360_GettyImages-2230531120.jpg?ts=1755461514 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797882/w768xh432_GettyImages-2230531120.jpg?ts=1755461514 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797882/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2230531120.jpg?ts=1755461514 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Geoff Stellfox / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>It wouldn't be a surprise if Volkanovski - who turns 38 in September - retires from MMA this year. Even if he doesn't, it's hard to see him making it through the gauntlet of contenders - Diego Lopes, Movsar Evloev, and Murphy - without a loss. That's not a knock on Volkanovski, who's one of the greatest featherweights in UFC history. This is a young man's game, and he can defy the odds only so many times. Volkanovski will beat Lopes again in their UFC 325 rematch on Jan. 31, but Evloev and Murphy are more challenging matchups for the Australian. Between those two, something tells me this is Murphy's year.</p><h3>Lightweight</h3><p><strong>Current champion: </strong>Ilia Topuria<br><strong>Champion at end of 2026: </strong>Ilia Topuria</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792595/cropped_GettyImages-2222691526.jpg?ts=1751374122" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792595/w220xh124_GettyImages-2222691526.jpg?ts=1751374122 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792595/w320xh180_GettyImages-2222691526.jpg?ts=1751374122 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792595/w640xh360_GettyImages-2222691526.jpg?ts=1751374122 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792595/w768xh432_GettyImages-2222691526.jpg?ts=1751374122 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792595/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2222691526.jpg?ts=1751374122 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Topuria is taking a break from the sport due to issues in his personal life. That could mean he fights only once - maybe twice, at most<em> </em>- this year. His next Octagon appearance will likely be against the winner of the interim title bout between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, which is scheduled for UFC 324 on Jan. 24. After that, it'd likely be Arman Tsarukyan. I'd be relatively confident in Topuria to win any of those matchups (though Tsarukyan would have the best shot at playing spoiler). My only real concern about Topuria is that he might decide to vacate the title due to his issues outside the cage.</p><h3>Welterweight</h3><p><strong>Current champion: </strong>Islam Makhachev<br><strong>Champion at end of 2026: </strong>Islam Makhachev</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810168/cropped_GettyImages-2246911347.jpg?ts=1763323505" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810168/w220xh124_GettyImages-2246911347.jpg?ts=1763323505 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810168/w320xh180_GettyImages-2246911347.jpg?ts=1763323505 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810168/w640xh360_GettyImages-2246911347.jpg?ts=1763323505 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810168/w768xh432_GettyImages-2246911347.jpg?ts=1763323505 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810168/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2246911347.jpg?ts=1763323505 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Makhachev has a long reign ahead of him after dominating Jack Della Maddalena to become the welterweight champion at UFC 322 in November. His toughest challenge at 170 pounds is probably Shavkat Rakhmonov, but at this point, who knows if Rakhmonov will even get the opportunity to fight for the title?</p><h3>Middleweight</h3><p><strong>Current champion: </strong>Khamzat Chimaev<br><strong>Champion at end of 2026: </strong>Khamzat Chimaev</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814916/cropped_GettyImages-2230533715.jpg?ts=1766417226" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814916/w220xh124_GettyImages-2230533715.jpg?ts=1766417226 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814916/w320xh180_GettyImages-2230533715.jpg?ts=1766417226 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814916/w640xh360_GettyImages-2230533715.jpg?ts=1766417226 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814916/w768xh432_GettyImages-2230533715.jpg?ts=1766417226 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814916/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2230533715.jpg?ts=1766417226 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cooper Neill / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Chimaev should have no problem remaining the middleweight champion between now and December. He proved during his absurdly lopsided title win over Dricus Du Plessis in August that he's in a league of his own. Nassourdine Imavov, Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez, and others can try to dethrone him, but they'll all fail. Unless Chimaev jumps up to light heavyweight to challenge for a second title, I'm very confident he'll still be the 185-pound champ this time next year.</p><h3>Light heavyweight</h3><p><strong>Current champion: </strong>Alex Pereira<br><strong>Champion at end of 2026: </strong>Jiri Prochazka</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804122/cropped_GettyImages-2238997032.jpg?ts=1759531516" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804122/w220xh124_GettyImages-2238997032.jpg?ts=1759531516 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804122/w320xh180_GettyImages-2238997032.jpg?ts=1759531516 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804122/w640xh360_GettyImages-2238997032.jpg?ts=1759531516 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804122/w768xh432_GettyImages-2238997032.jpg?ts=1759531516 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804122/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2238997032.jpg?ts=1759531516 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Yes, I'm aware Prochazka has lost twice to Pereira. And yes, I'm still picking him to reclaim the light heavyweight title before the end of the year - but not by beating the current champion. Pereira wants to move up to heavyweight, and if he opts to do so in his next fight, that'll pave the way for Prochazka to fight Carlos Ulberg for the vacant title. It's a close matchup on paper, but I'd pick Prochazka to win.</p><h3>Heavyweight</h3><p><strong>Current champion: </strong>Tom Aspinall<br><strong>Champion at end of 2026: </strong>Tom Aspinall</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812308/cropped_GettyImages-2243289892.jpg?ts=1764705791" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812308/w220xh124_GettyImages-2243289892.jpg?ts=1764705791 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812308/w320xh180_GettyImages-2243289892.jpg?ts=1764705791 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812308/w640xh360_GettyImages-2243289892.jpg?ts=1764705791 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812308/w768xh432_GettyImages-2243289892.jpg?ts=1764705791 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812308/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2243289892.jpg?ts=1764705791 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>I feel less sure about Aspinall ending 2026 as the heavyweight champion than I did a few months ago - but that's not his fault. Aspinall is planning to undergo multiple eye surgeries in January to address the injuries he suffered against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in October. If he's still sidelined by, say, the third quarter of the year, it wouldn't be unlike the UFC to strip him of the title. (Which kind of sounds like a sick joke given how long Jon Jones held up the division, but I digress.) When Aspinall is active, he's the best heavyweight in the world, so I ultimately have to go with the Englishman to be on top of the division 12 months from now.</p><h3>Strawweight</h3><p><strong>Current champion: </strong>Mackenzie Dern<br><strong>Champion at end of 2026: </strong>Zhang Weili</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624692/cropped_GettyImages-2148565522.jpg?ts=1713070891" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624692/w220xh124_GettyImages-2148565522.jpg?ts=1713070891 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624692/w320xh180_GettyImages-2148565522.jpg?ts=1713070891 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624692/w640xh360_GettyImages-2148565522.jpg?ts=1713070891 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624692/w768xh432_GettyImages-2148565522.jpg?ts=1713070891 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624692/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2148565522.jpg?ts=1713070891 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>With all due respect to Dern, who rose to the occasion in her title win against Virna Jandiroba at UFC 321, we all know Zhang is the real champ. She vacated the title to move up in weight and challenge Valentina Shevchenko for a second belt. After a tough loss, Zhang will return to her natural weight class and reclaim what's rightfully hers.</p><h3>Women's flyweight</h3><p><strong>Current champion: </strong>Valentina Shevchenko<br><strong>Champion at end of 2026: </strong>Valentina Shevchenko</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810114/cropped_GettyImages-2246904861.jpg?ts=1763269122" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810114/w220xh124_GettyImages-2246904861.jpg?ts=1763269122 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810114/w320xh180_GettyImages-2246904861.jpg?ts=1763269122 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810114/w640xh360_GettyImages-2246904861.jpg?ts=1763269122 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810114/w768xh432_GettyImages-2246904861.jpg?ts=1763269122 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810114/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2246904861.jpg?ts=1763269122 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Shevchenko's longevity in this sport needs to be studied. She's 37 years old, entering her 23rd year as a professional MMA fighter, and has fought 31 times. And yet, she's still competing at the highest of levels. Her two title defenses in 2025 - against Manon Fiorot and Zhang - were enough for me to believe she can keep this going for at least another year.</p><h3>Women's bantamweight</h3><p><strong>Current champion: </strong>Kayla Harrison<br><strong>Champion at end of 2026: </strong>Amanda Nunes</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814918/cropped_GettyImages-1497568425.jpg?ts=1766417597" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814918/w220xh124_GettyImages-1497568425.jpg?ts=1766417597 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814918/w320xh180_GettyImages-1497568425.jpg?ts=1766417597 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814918/w640xh360_GettyImages-1497568425.jpg?ts=1766417597 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814918/w768xh432_GettyImages-1497568425.jpg?ts=1766417597 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814918/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1497568425.jpg?ts=1766417597 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jordan Jones / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>It won't be an easy task for Nunes to emerge from a two-and-a-half-year retirement and reclaim the women's bantamweight title - especially against Harrison - but if anyone can do it, it's the women's GOAT. My biggest concern is that Nunes beats Harrison at UFC 324 but retires again before the end of the year. If that happens, oh well. I have to trust my gut and go with "The Lioness."</p>

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Predicting UFC champions at end of 2026

As the UFC, PFL, and other MMA promotions get ready for their 2026 campaigns, it's time to lay ou...

<p>As the UFC, PFL, and other MMA promotions get ready for their 2026 campaigns, it's time to lay out some of our wishes for the new year.</p><p>Here are 10 realistic matchups (not yet booked) we hope come to fruition sometime in the next 12 months.</p><h3>Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira</h3><p>Jones briefly retired from mixed martial arts last June, but the former UFC two-division champion reversed course within weeks. Over the past several months, he's campaigned for a spot on the UFC's upcoming card at the White House, specifically targeting a matchup against light heavyweight champ Pereira.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Whether it happens in Washington or elsewhere, Jones-Pereira is one of the biggest bouts the UFC can put together. Jones' resume as an all-time great speaks for itself. Pereira has been one of the sport's biggest names over the last few years, and he got his mojo back when he reclaimed the 205-pound crown against Magomed Ankalaev in October. Now that Jones is no longer heavyweight champion, a superfight against Pereira makes sense - and won't hold up the division.</p><h3>Ilia Topuria vs. Arman Tsarukyan</h3><p>It may still be a while before Topuria steps into the Octagon again, as the UFC lightweight champion is dealing with personal issues. Whenever he's ready to return, a fight against Tsarukyan is a must. Unfortunately, it likely won't be Topuria's next title defense, as Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett are squaring off for the interim 155-pound belt at UFC 324 on Jan. 24, with the winner presumably next in line. However, if the promotion wants to keep its promise of always delivering the best fights, we'll get Topuria-Tsarukyan sometime in 2026. Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira to win the vacant title last summer and is already seen as a relatively unbeatable champion. If anyone has a shot to dethrone him, it's Tsarukyan, who has won five straight and is coming off a dominant performance against Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar in November.</p><h3>Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane 2</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807171/cropped_GettyImages-2243288181.jpg?ts=1761425956" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807171/w220xh124_GettyImages-2243288181.jpg?ts=1761425956 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807171/w320xh180_GettyImages-2243288181.jpg?ts=1761425956 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807171/w640xh360_GettyImages-2243288181.jpg?ts=1761425956 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807171/w768xh432_GettyImages-2243288181.jpg?ts=1761425956 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807171/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2243288181.jpg?ts=1761425956 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Many want to see Aspinall defend the UFC heavyweight championship against the likes of Jones, Pereira, or even Francis Ngannou, but a rematch with Gane has to happen first. Their initial meeting at UFC 321 in October was ruled a no-contest after Gane poked Aspinall in both eyes in the opening round. Aspinall plans to undergo multiple surgeries to address the injuries he suffered, but if the Englishman returns in 2026, another matchup against Gane would be very compelling. Despite being the large favorite going in, Aspinall was outstruck and had his nose bloodied by Gane before the premature finish.</p><h3>Islam Makhachev vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov</h3><p>Makhachev is on top of the UFC welterweight division - and pound-for-pound rankings - after a dominant win over Jack Della Maddalena last November. The good news is that there are numerous contenders in line for a title shot, including Ian Machado Garry, Michael Morales, and Carlos Prates. The bad news is that Makhachev would be a heavy favorite against all of them. The most intriguing opponent for the Dagestani is Rakhmonov, who was once considered the heir to the throne before Makhachev moved up in weight. A fight against Rakhmonov could be the only way to truly challenge Makhachev for the foreseeable future.</p><h3>Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili 3</h3><p>Dvalishvili won the first fight, Yan won the rematch, and now we need to see the trilogy. Umar Nurmagomedov and Sean O'Malley will have a case for the next bantamweight title shot if they win their respective fights at UFC 324, but the truth is, Dvalishvili deserves an immediate rematch after dropping the belt to Yan at UFC 323 in December. The Georgian successfully defended the title three consecutive times in 2025 and cemented himself as one of the greatest bantamweights in promotion history. He and Yan need to settle the score.</p><h3>Jiri Prochazka vs. Carlos Ulberg</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804281/cropped_GettyImages-2239284585.jpg?ts=1759634918" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804281/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239284585.jpg?ts=1759634918 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804281/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239284585.jpg?ts=1759634918 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804281/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239284585.jpg?ts=1759634918 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804281/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239284585.jpg?ts=1759634918 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804281/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239284585.jpg?ts=1759634918 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>If Pereira moves to heavyweight, a vacant light heavyweight title bout between Prochazka and Ulberg would make all the sense in the world. Even without the belt on the line, the UFC would be wise to book this matchup. Prochazka had a big 2025, earning knockouts of Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr. Ulberg also impressed, beating Jan Blachowicz by decision and then Dominick Reyes via knockout. Prochazka and Ulberg are two of the most exciting and violent fighters in the division. On paper, this feels like a potential Fight of the Year.</p><h3>Francis Ngannou vs. Vadim Nemkov</h3><p>This bout was on last year's list, and it makes even more sense now. Ngannou still has one fight left on his PFL contract after sitting out all of 2025. Nemkov is coming off a statement win over Renan Ferreira in December in which he claimed the promotion's heavyweight championship. With Nemkov at the peak of his career and Ngannou turning 40 this year, this could be a competitive matchup at this point.</p><h3>Mackenzie Dern vs. Zhang Weili</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769667/cropped_GettyImages-2198473286.jpg?ts=1739133788" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769667/w220xh124_GettyImages-2198473286.jpg?ts=1739133788 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769667/w320xh180_GettyImages-2198473286.jpg?ts=1739133788 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769667/w640xh360_GettyImages-2198473286.jpg?ts=1739133788 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769667/w768xh432_GettyImages-2198473286.jpg?ts=1739133788 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769667/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2198473286.jpg?ts=1739133788 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Zhang's bid to become a two-division champion at UFC 322 in November was unsuccessful, as she lost to Valentina Shevchenko in lopsided fashion. But she's still considered the top strawweight in the world despite Mackenzie Dern capturing the vacant 115-pound title at UFC 321 in October. Zhang should return to her original weight class and try to get back what was once hers.</p><h3>Justin Gaethje vs. Dan Hooker</h3><p>This fight was scheduled for UFC 313 last March, but Hooker withdrew due to an injury. Depending on how their next fights unfold, it would be great to see the promotion rebook this matchup. After all, Gaethje and Hooker are two of the most exciting fighters on the roster.</p><h3>Michael Morales vs. Carlos Prates</h3><p>Morales and Prates, two of the hottest contenders in the UFC welterweight division, should square off to determine who's best fit to challenge for the title later this year.</p>

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10 MMA fights we want booked in 2026

With 2025 nearly in the books, theScore's Nick Baldwin celebrates the best of the best in mixed m...

<p><em>With 2025 nearly in the books, theScore's Nick Baldwin celebrates the best of the best i</em><em>n mixed martial arts with nine year-end awards.</em></p><h3>Male Fighter of the Year</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>Islam Makhachev</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810168/cropped_GettyImages-2246911347.jpg?ts=1763323505" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810168/w220xh124_GettyImages-2246911347.jpg?ts=1763323505 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810168/w320xh180_GettyImages-2246911347.jpg?ts=1763323505 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810168/w640xh360_GettyImages-2246911347.jpg?ts=1763323505 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810168/w768xh432_GettyImages-2246911347.jpg?ts=1763323505 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810168/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2246911347.jpg?ts=1763323505 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Merab Dvalishvili was the front-runner for this award virtually all year - from Jan. 18, when he upset Umar Nurmagomedov in his first UFC bantamweight title defense, until Dec. 6, when he dropped the belt to Petr Yan in his fourth defense of the year. Fans will remember Dvalishvili's 2025 campaign for a long time, but in the end, Makhachev takes the prize. He made quick work of short-notice replacement Renato Moicano in his final lightweight title defense at UFC 311 in January. Then, the Dagestani moved up to welterweight at UFC 322 in November and became the promotion's 11th two-division champion with an absurdly dominant win over Jack Della Maddalena. That performance once again cemented Makhachev as the top pound-for-pound fighter in MMA.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Female Fighter of the Year</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>Valentina Shevchenko</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810114/cropped_GettyImages-2246904861.jpg?ts=1763269122" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810114/w220xh124_GettyImages-2246904861.jpg?ts=1763269122 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810114/w320xh180_GettyImages-2246904861.jpg?ts=1763269122 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810114/w640xh360_GettyImages-2246904861.jpg?ts=1763269122 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810114/w768xh432_GettyImages-2246904861.jpg?ts=1763269122 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810114/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2246904861.jpg?ts=1763269122 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Shevchenko appeared to be on a downward slope in recent years, as she went winless in 2023 and scored just one victory in 2024. But the UFC women's flyweight champion returned to her dominant ways in 2025. She handed Manon Fiorot her first loss in seven years at UFC 315 in May. Six months later, Shevchenko outclassed former strawweight champion Zhang Weili at UFC 322. The matchup was billed as a long-awaited superfight, but in the end, it wasn't even remotely competitive. Shevchenko, at 37 years old, proved this year that she has a lot left in the tank.</p><h3>Event of the Year</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>UFC 317</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792351/cropped_GettyImages-2222690337.jpg?ts=1751173475" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792351/w220xh124_GettyImages-2222690337.jpg?ts=1751173475 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792351/w320xh180_GettyImages-2222690337.jpg?ts=1751173475 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792351/w640xh360_GettyImages-2222690337.jpg?ts=1751173475 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792351/w768xh432_GettyImages-2222690337.jpg?ts=1751173475 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792351/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2222690337.jpg?ts=1751173475 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>There were several memorable events this year, including UFC 322 and UFC 323, but UFC 317 stood out above the rest. In the main event of the June 28 card, Ilia Topuria made history by knocking out Charles Oliveira in devastating fashion and becoming the 10th fighter in Octagon history to capture titles in two weight classes. The event also featured an epic bout between Joshua Van and Brandon Royval, Alexandre Pantoja submitting Kai Kara-France to retain the flyweight title, and a slew of finishes on the prelims. UFC 317 had a bit of everything, and it ended on a high note with Topuria's crowning moment.</p><h3>Fight of the Year</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>Joshua Van vs. Brandon Royval at UFC 317</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">WHAT A FIGHT 😱<br><br>[ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC317?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC317</a> is LIVE on <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNPlus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ESPNPlus</a> PPV NOW ] <a href="https://t.co/tKrUgcmfGV">pic.twitter.com/tKrUgcmfGV</a></p>— UFC (@ufc) <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1939169116147040580?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Speaking of that epic fight between Van and Royval, it just happened to be the best we saw all year. The two flyweights slugged it out for three rounds, showing tenacity, heart, and an insane amount of perseverance. They combined for 419 significant strikes, the most in a three-round bout in UFC history. Van sealed the deal with a knockdown late in the third round, earning a unanimous decision victory and a title shot against then-champion Pantoja.</p><h3>Knockout of the Year</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>Mauricio Ruffy's spinning-wheel-kick knockout of King Green at UFC 313</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">King Green vs Mauricio Ruffy | FINISH <br><br>On March 8, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena, King Green faced Mauricio Ruffy. Midway through Round 1, Ruffy was settling in and testing his range. He unleashed a spinning wheel kick that sent Green to the shadow realm, securing a… <a href="https://t.co/uRxtF0c7vo">pic.twitter.com/uRxtF0c7vo</a></p>— MMAVisualized (@MMAVisualized) <a href="https://twitter.com/MMAVisualized/status/1908966305698558141?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>There were a ton of knockouts to choose from this year, but Ruffy's March 8 victory held up as the best. Just two minutes into the biggest fight of his career, Ruffy - a surging lightweight prospect at the time - clocked Green with a spinning wheel kick, sending him to the land of wind and ghosts in the blink of an eye. It was one of the most creative and vicious knockouts we'd seen in a long time.</p><h3>Submission of the Year</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>Jean Silva's ninja choke against Bryce Mitchell at UFC 314</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">JEAN SILVA WINS THE FIGHT BY SUBMITTING BRYCE MITCHELL IN THE 2ND ROUND 🔥🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC314?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC314</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MMA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MMA</a> <a href="https://t.co/pyQLCB6zC8">pic.twitter.com/pyQLCB6zC8</a></p>— FEDZ_MMA (@Fedzmma) <a href="https://twitter.com/Fedzmma/status/1911254102018830782?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Mitchell is an elite grappler, but he was the one doing the tapping when he fought Silva on April 12. During an exchange in the clinch, Silva trapped Mitchell in a ninja choke then dragged him to the mat and forced the tap, like a boa constrictor putting its prey to rest.</p><h3>Round of the Year</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>Round 1 of Iwo Baraniewski vs. Ibo Aslan at UFC 323</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="pl" dir="ltr">IWO BARANIEWSKI 🤯<br><br>CO TU SIĘ WYDARZYŁO, ABSOLUTNA WOJNA, Z PIEKŁA DO NIEBA 🔥 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC323?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC323</a> <a href="https://t.co/Tgqj2HRbhr">pic.twitter.com/Tgqj2HRbhr</a></p>— Czas na MMA (@CzasNaMMA) <a href="https://twitter.com/CzasNaMMA/status/1997454492414202324?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Baraniewski-Aslan is a perfect example of why MMA fans are MMA fans. The Dec. 6 undercard bout lasted just 1:29, but it was a legitimate contender for Fight of the Year. Aslan dropped Baraniewski early on, but the latter survived and went on to score two knockdowns of his own. "This looks like a bar fight," UFC color commentator Joe Rogan exclaimed as the two swung for the fences. Baraniewski closed the show with a TKO finish, delivering one of the most exhilarating moments of 2025.</p><h3>Upset of the Year</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>Raoni Barcelos def. Payton Talbott at UFC 311</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815228/cropped_GettyImages-2194086397.jpg?ts=1766594817" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815228/w220xh124_GettyImages-2194086397.jpg?ts=1766594817 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815228/w320xh180_GettyImages-2194086397.jpg?ts=1766594817 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815228/w640xh360_GettyImages-2194086397.jpg?ts=1766594817 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815228/w768xh432_GettyImages-2194086397.jpg?ts=1766594817 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815228/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2194086397.jpg?ts=1766594817 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images / MediaNews Group / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Talbott went into the fight as a red-hot bantamweight prospect with a 9-0 professional record and a 3-0 UFC record. A -1050 betting favorite, Talbott was expected to take care of business and continue his rise in the division. Barcelos, however, had other plans. He dominated Talbott on the ground from start to finish, scoring eight takedowns and amassing over nine minutes of control time. Barcelos took home a lopsided unanimous decision win (30-27, 30-27, 30-26), recording the sixth-biggest upset in UFC history based on odds.</p><h3>Breakout Fighter of the Year</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>Joshua Van</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815229/cropped_GettyImages-2250450979.jpg?ts=1766594927" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815229/w220xh124_GettyImages-2250450979.jpg?ts=1766594927 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815229/w320xh180_GettyImages-2250450979.jpg?ts=1766594927 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815229/w640xh360_GettyImages-2250450979.jpg?ts=1766594927 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815229/w768xh432_GettyImages-2250450979.jpg?ts=1766594927 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815229/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2250450979.jpg?ts=1766594927 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Van began the year ranked No. 15 in the UFC flyweight division and ended it with the belt around his waist. That's the definition of breakout fighter. The 24-year-old defeated Rei Tsuruya, Bruno Silva, Royval, and Pantoja over the past 12 months (two of those victories came in the span of four weeks), going from top prospect to champion in record speed. Van had one of the best years in the entire sport and likely would've been Fighter of the Year had it not been for the fluky ending to his title win over Pantoja at UFC 323.</p>

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2025 MMA awards: Our top fighters, moments of the year

An estimated 33 million viewers globally watched the Dec. 19 boxing match between Jake Paul and A...

<p>An estimated 33 million viewers globally watched the Dec. 19 boxing match between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua on Netflix, the streaming platform announced Tuesday.</p><p>Joshua, a former two-time unified heavyweight champion, knocked out Paul, a YouTube star turned boxer, in the sixth round at Kaseya Center in Miami.</p><p>In comparison, 60 million households tuned in to Netflix for Paul's clash with Mike Tyson in November 2024.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Netflix has over 300 million subscribers worldwide.</p><p>Paul-Joshua marked the fourth boxing event Netflix has been involved in. The company helped promote Paul-Tyson last year and Katie Taylor-Amanda Serrano 3 and Terence Crawford-Canelo Álvarez earlier in 2025.</p><p> </p>

Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua during a public weigh-in at the Fillmore Miami Beach, Florida. Anthony Joshua will take on YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a heavyweight bout in Miami on December 19. Picture date: Thursday December 18, 2025.

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Netflix says Paul-Joshua drew 33M viewers

Seattle Kraken defenseman Brandon Montour is expected to be out for approximately four weeks afte...

<p>Seattle Kraken defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4487" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4487">Brandon Montour</a> is expected to be out for approximately four weeks after undergoing hand surgery, the team announced Monday. He has been placed on injured reserve.</p><p>Montour missed the Kraken's last two games after being injured during a scrum in a Dec. 16 contest against the Colorado Avalanche.</p><p>The 31-year-old has scored six goals and added 10 assists in 27 games this season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>In Montour's absence, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9762" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9762">Josh Mahura</a> re-entered the lineup after sitting out most of November.</p>

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 10: Brandon Montour #62 of the Seattle Kraken skates with the puck against the Los Angeles Kings during the first period at Climate Pledge Arena on December 10, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

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Kraken's Montour expected to miss about 4 weeks after hand surgery

"I can't believe I watched this."  That was a text message I received after Jake Paul's latest Ne...

<p>"I can't believe I watched this."</p><p>That was a text message I received after Jake Paul's latest Netflix boxing spectacle against former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua on Friday night in Miami. This time, Paul fought an elite boxer, not a washed-up MMA fighter or internet celebrity. He was a massive underdog going in and looked the part once the bell rang. Paul circled around the ring, content to simply stay out of harm's way. But that couldn't last forever. Joshua finally uncorked a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3432712" href="https://thescore.com/news/3432712">literal jaw-crushing</a> knockout in the sixth round to give the boxing community the Jake Paul knockout loss it had been waiting years to see.</p><p>Even then, though, nothing was satisfying about any of this. If you'd been waiting to see Paul finally take on a real challenge and pay for it, well, he <em>got paid</em> a lot for it and didn't even get knocked fully unconscious. A letdown.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>As for Joshua, the only way for him to meet expectations was by finishing Paul early on, and that didn't happen. Again, a letdown.</p><p>And if you were rooting for chaos, Paul came up very<em>, very</em> short of pulling off a miracle. You guessed it, another letdown.</p><p>Financials aside, everyone lost in this equation - the audience most of all.</p><p>The truth is, this isn't the first time people have felt robbed of their Friday or Saturday night after a Jake Paul fight. Many share the sentiment of that text message - <em>I can't believe I got suckered in and watched this abomination </em>- anytime he steps into the ring. Paul is the fight game's ultimate swindler. When was the last time he had a "fun" bout, Anderson Silva in 2022? People get caught up in the theatrics of it all - the polarizing persona, the press conferences, the bold predictions - and trick themselves into having outlandish expectations. But then they tune in, reality quickly sets in, and they remember who Paul is: a 28-year-old who's boxed at a relatively low level for half a decade. There's no hiding that fact when he actually steps into the ring.</p><p>It's a constant disappointment, a recurring damp squib. But that's not Paul's problem. He's just being a smart businessman. It's everyone else's.</p><p>Despite Paul's promises to win a world title one day, it's been clear from the start that none of this is about him becoming a world-class boxer or climbing the ladder the traditional way. It's always been about entertainment and money, nothing more. So, if it's not even fun to watch, what's the point?</p><p>Paul's career may continue for years to come. He said after the loss to Joshua that he plans to take some time off but was adamant we'll see him again. He's made millions as a boxer and has no reason to give up on his lucrative partnership with Netflix. Plus, there will always be someone lining up to fight him, whether it's a UFC champion, an NFL wide receiver, or perhaps even heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Now that Joshua has broken the proverbial seal, who's to say other genuine boxers won't follow his lead given the massive payday that comes attached to these events?</p><p>But will there always be people lining up to <em>watch</em> him fight? Until now, the answer has been yes, unequivocally.</p><p>After this latest fiasco with Joshua, it feels like the appetite within the boxing community - and outside of it - to see Jake Paul in a boxing ring is starting to dry up.</p><p>People can only be deceived so many times. This felt like one too many.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33812202/related

Last straw: Is it time to stop caring about Jake Paul's boxing career?

Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian said he believes the only reason Jake Paul lo...

<p>Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian said he believes the only reason Jake Paul lost to Anthony Joshua was the vast size difference between the two.</p><p>Paul squared off with Joshua in a professional heavyweight bout Friday in Miami, suffering a sixth-round knockout loss and a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3432712" href="https://thescore.com/news/3432712">double broken jaw</a> in the toughest test of his boxing career.</p><p>Joshua, a former two-time unified heavyweight champion, weighed in 27 pounds heavier than Paul and boasted a six-inch reach advantage and a five-inch edge in height. Bidarian, Paul's adviser and business partner, said he showed "unbelievable heart" by reaching the sixth round against a much larger fighter.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Jake Paul lasted a lot longer than anyone said he was going to," Bidarian <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phn4YXIZztg">said</a> at the postfight press conference. "I haven't seen the official scorecards ... but I think he might've won a round or two or even three. He was doing tremendously well in there against a person who is vastly more skilled, vastly larger, vastly more powerful."</p><p>He added: "The reality is, Jake lost because of the size difference. Not because of the skill difference. AJ was hanging on that neck, pushing him down, and when you have someone that heavy constantly doing that, it does suck the energy out of you."</p><p>Paul was initially scheduled to face WBA lightweight champion Gervonta "Tank" Davis - who competes at 135 pounds - in a Nov. 14 exhibition bout. However, he moved on from that matchup after Davis was accused of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping, and intentional infliction of emotional distress in a civil lawsuit filed by an ex-girlfriend.</p><p>Paul agreed to face Joshua a month later instead.</p><p>The YouTube star turned boxer's professional record fell to 12-2 with the loss to Joshua.</p>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 19: Nakisa Bidarian speaks after Jake Paul v Anthony Joshua at Kaseya Center on December 19, 2025 in Miami, Florida.

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Bidarian: Paul lost to Joshua 'because of the size difference'

Former featherweight title challenger Brian Ortega is moving up to the lightweight division to fa...

<p>Former featherweight title challenger Brian Ortega is moving up to the lightweight division to face Renato Moicano in a rematch at UFC 326, the promotion announced Saturday.</p><p>The event is scheduled to take place March 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.</p><p>Ortega is looking to snap a two-fight losing streak. The 34-year-old is coming off a unanimous decision defeat to former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling at UFC Shanghai in August. Ortega hasn't been victorious since he submitted Yair Rodriguez in February 2024.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>His fight against Sterling was moved to a 153-pound catchweight after Ortega experienced a severe weight cut.</p><p>Moicano has also dropped back-to-back fights, losing to then-lightweight champion Islam Makhachev by first-round submission at UFC 311 in January and Beneil Dariush via unanimous decision at UFC 317 in June. The 36-year-old Brazilian's most recent win came against Benoit Saint Denis in September 2024. Moicano is a former featherweight who moved up to 155 pounds in 2020.</p><p>The UFC also added a middleweight bout between Paulo Costa and Brunno Ferreira and a bantamweight matchup between Cody Garbrandt and Xiao Long to the card.</p><p>UFC 326 will be headlined by a rematch between BMF champion Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira.</p><p> </p>

SHANGHAI, CHINA - AUGUST 23: Brian Ortega prepares to face Aljamain Sterling in a 153-pound catchweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Shanghai Indoor Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Shanghai, China.

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Ortega moving to lightweight, gets Moicano rematch at UFC 326

Jake Paul underwent surgery Saturday morning after breaking his jaw in two places in a sixth-roun...

<p>Jake Paul underwent surgery Saturday morning after breaking his jaw in two places in a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3431858" href="https://thescore.com/news/3431858">sixth-round knockout loss</a> to Anthony Joshua on Friday night in Miami.</p><p>The YouTube star turned boxer said he had two titanium plates inserted on each side of his jaw and "some teeth" removed.</p><p>"Everything went smooth," Paul <a href="https://x.com/jakepaul/status/2002404632589427056">wrote</a> on X. "Thanks for all the love. Lots of pain and stiffness. Gotta eat liquids for seven days."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DSfdZQLjbf-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DSfdZQLjbf-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
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</div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DSfdZQLjbf-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Jake Paul (@jakepaul)</a></p>
</div></blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>Joshua, a former two-time unified heavyweight champion, dropped Paul four times in the lopsided bout, which streamed live on Netflix. Paul called it a "nice little ass whooping from one of the best to ever do it."</p><p>After the fight, Paul said in the ring he thought he had suffered a broken jaw. Later that night, Paul confirmed the injury, posting an image of an X-ray on social media.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Double broken jaw. Give me Canelo in 10 days. <a href="https://t.co/8R8NK4OeUv">pic.twitter.com/8R8NK4OeUv</a></p>— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) <a href="https://twitter.com/jakepaul/status/2002276994042474799?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Paul, 28, fell to 12-2 as a professional boxer with the loss.</p>

YouTuber Logan Paul (R) holds his brother, US boxer and influencer Jake Paul, after he lost to British boxer Anthony Joshua (off frame) in a nontitle heavyweight bout at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, on December 19, 2025.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33804653/related

Paul has surgery on broken jaw after getting KO'd by Joshua

Former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua pummeled Jake Paul in their highly an...

<p>Former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua pummeled Jake Paul in their highly anticipated boxing match, biding his time before scoring a sixth-round knockout Friday night at Kaseya Center in Miami.</p><p>The stoppage came 1:31 into the round. It marked the first knockout loss of Paul's career.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The moment Anthony Joshua knocked Jake Paul out! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JakeJoshua?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JakeJoshua</a> <a href="https://t.co/TiP0ovbpzf">pic.twitter.com/TiP0ovbpzf</a></p>— Netflix (@netflix) <a href="https://twitter.com/netflix/status/2002243701436039325?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Joshua dropped Paul, a YouTube star turned boxer, three times - twice in the fifth round and once earlier in the sixth - before scoring the finish.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Joshua returned to the win column in what was his first fight since September 2024. The 36-year-old Englishman was coming off a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois.</p><p>"It wasn't the best performance. It wasn't the best," Joshua said of Friday's victory during his postfight interview in the ring. "The end goal was to get Jake Paul, pin him down, and hurt him. That has been the request leading up (to the fight), and that was what was on my mind. It took a bit longer than expected, but the right hand finally found a destination."</p><p>Paul said he was "feeling good" after the loss but <a href="https://x.com/netflixsports/status/2002245376724680903">believes he broke his jaw</a>.</p><p>"I gave it my all. ... Anthony's a great fighter," Paul said. "I got my ass beat, but that's what this sport's about. I'm gonna come back and keep on winning."</p><p>He added: "I think my jaw is broken, by the way. It's definitely (broken). But man, that was good. Nice little ass whooping from one of the best to ever do it."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Double broken jaw. Give me Canelo in 10 days. <a href="https://t.co/8R8NK4OeUv">pic.twitter.com/8R8NK4OeUv</a></p>— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) <a href="https://twitter.com/jakepaul/status/2002276994042474799?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Paul's six-fight winning streak came to an end with the loss. The 28-year-old now sits at 12-2 as a professional boxer.</p><p>Joshua praised Paul for his efforts in what was the latter's toughest fight to date.</p><p>"He's done really well tonight," Joshua said. "I want to give him his props. He got up time and time again. It was difficult in there for him, but he kept on trying to find a way. It takes a real man to do that. Anyone who laces up these gloves, we always say we give them their respect. We have to give Jake his respect for trying and trying and trying. Well done.</p><p>"But he came up against a real fighter tonight that had a 15-month layoff. We shook off the cobwebs and I can't wait to roll into 2026."</p><p>Joshua, who's now 5-1 in his last six outings, could have a massive year ahead of him. It was reported earlier this month that Riyadh Season is planning to hold a mega fight between Joshua and former WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in 2026. Joshua <a href="https://x.com/ringmagazine/status/2002253466018676785">sent a message</a> to Fury after his triumph over Paul.</p><p>"If Tyson Fury is as serious as he thinks he is, and he wants to put down his Twitter fingers and put on some gloves and come and fight one of the realest fighters out there that will take on any challenge," Joshua said, "step in the ring with me next if you're a real bad boy. Don't do all that talking, 'AJ this, AJ that.' Let's see you in the ring and talk with your fists."</p><p>Paul said he plans to "take a little break" from boxing but vowed to continue his career.</p><p>"For sure," Paul said when asked if he wants to keep fighting. "We're gonna heal the broken jaw, come back and fight people my weight, (and) go for the cruiserweight world title."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><center><u>                         </u></center></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-kuDdm" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/kuDdm/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="58" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><em>Review our commentary and analysis from the entire card <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3428383" href="https://thescore.com/news/3428383">here</a>.</em></p><h3>Round 1 🥊</h3><p>Joshua takes the center of the ring immediately, stalking Paul. Joshua lands a glancing right hand but otherwise a feeling-out process in Round 1.</p><p><strong>theScore scores the round 10-9, Joshua.</strong></p><h3>Round 2 🥊</h3><p>Joshua continues to walk down Paul, but he hasn't landed much of consequence yet. It feels like he's waiting to land a big shot. Paul has done a good job of staying out of danger.</p><p><strong>theScore scores the round 10-9, Joshua.</strong></p><h3>Round 3 🥊</h3><p>Joshua is getting a bit more aggressive. Paul lands a jab, his best shot of the fight so far. Joshua gets in some good punches in the clinch and also lands a nice body shot. Paul keeps grabbing hold of Joshua, clearly trying to avoid damage. He's slowing down a bit.</p><p><strong>theScore scores the round 10-9, Joshua.</strong></p><h3>Round 4 🥊</h3><p>Joshua starts the round with a sharp jab that snaps Paul's head back. Paul lands a flurry of punches and a jab. Joshua tags Paul with an uppercut. Paul keeps slipping and falling to the canvas. At the end of the round, Paul goes for a takedown! This is getting out of hand.</p><p><strong>theScore scores the round 10-9, Joshua.</strong></p><h3>Round 5 🥊</h3><p>The fight is heating up now. Paul is winging big shots but missing. Joshua is coming forward. Joshua drops Paul! He's OK. 1:15 left in the round. Joshua drops him again! Paul is up. Fifty-two seconds. Joshua lands some big shots late.</p><p><strong>theScore scores the round 10-8, Joshua.</strong></p><h3>Round 6 🥊</h3><p>Joshua drops Paul again 25 seconds in. Paul gets up and says he wants to continue. Big uppercut from Joshua. Paul sticks his tongue out. Joshua is going in for the kill. He knocks Paul down with a big punch. The referee waves it off! Joshua wins.</p><p><strong>Official result</strong>: Anthony Joshua def. Jake Paul via KO at 1:31 of Round 6.</p>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 19: (L-R) Jake Paul fights Anthony Joshua in their heavyweight bout during Jake Paul v Anthony Joshua at Kaseya Center on December 19, 2025 in Miami, Florida.

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Joshua KOs Paul in 6th round of heavyweight bout

Anthony Joshua stopped Jake Paul in the sixth round of their heavyweight boxing match Friday. the...

<p><em>Anthony Joshua stopped Jake Paul in the sixth round of their heavyweight boxing match Friday. theScore's Nick Baldwin provided analysis of each round as the two squared off at Kaseya Center in Miami. Relive the action - and the entire main card - below.</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-32NJw" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/32NJw/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="58" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>12:03 a.m. - </strong>Official result: Anthony Joshua def. Jake Paul via KO at 1:31 of Round 6. Read full recap <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3431858" href="https://thescore.com/news/3431858">here</a>.</p><h3>Round 6 🥊</h3><p>Joshua drops Paul again 25 seconds in. Paul gets up and says he wants to continue. Big uppercut from Joshua. Paul sticks his tongue out. Joshua is going in for the kill. He knocks Paul down with a big punch. The referee waves it off! Joshua wins.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The moment Anthony Joshua knocked Jake Paul out! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JakeJoshua?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JakeJoshua</a> <a href="https://t.co/TiP0ovbpzf">pic.twitter.com/TiP0ovbpzf</a></p>— Netflix (@netflix) <a href="https://twitter.com/netflix/status/2002243701436039325?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Round 5 🥊</h3><p>The fight is heating up now. Paul is winging big shots but missing. Joshua is coming forward. Joshua drops Paul! He's OK. 1:15 left in the round. Joshua drops him again! Paul is up. Fifty-two seconds. Joshua lands some big shots late.</p><p><strong>theScore scores the round 10-8, Joshua.</strong></p><h3>Round 4 🥊</h3><p>Joshua starts the round with a sharp jab that snaps Paul's head back. Paul lands a flurry of punches and a jab. Joshua tags Paul with an uppercut. Paul keeps slipping and falling to the canvas. At the end of the round, Paul goes for a takedown! This is getting out of hand.</p><p><strong>theScore scores the round 10-9, Joshua.</strong></p><h3>Round 3 🥊</h3><p>Joshua is getting a bit more aggressive. Paul lands a jab, his best shot of the fight so far. Joshua gets in some good punches in the clinch and also lands a nice body shot. Paul keeps grabbing hold of Joshua, clearly trying to avoid damage. He's slowing down a bit.</p><p><strong>theScore scores the round 10-9, Joshua.</strong></p><h3>Round 2 🥊</h3><p>Joshua continues to walk down Paul, but he hasn't landed much of consequence yet. It feels like he's waiting to land a big shot. Paul has done a good job of staying out of danger.</p><p><strong>theScore scores the round 10-9, Joshua.</strong></p><h3>Round 1 🥊</h3><p>Joshua takes the center of the ring immediately, stalking Paul. Joshua lands a glancing right hand but otherwise a feeling-out process in Round 1.</p><p><strong>theScore scores the round 10-9, Joshua.</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814673/cropped_GettyImages-2252799938.jpg?ts=1766205902" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814673/w220xh124_GettyImages-2252799938.jpg?ts=1766205902 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814673/w320xh180_GettyImages-2252799938.jpg?ts=1766205902 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814673/w640xh360_GettyImages-2252799938.jpg?ts=1766205902 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814673/w768xh432_GettyImages-2252799938.jpg?ts=1766205902 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814673/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2252799938.jpg?ts=1766205902 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Megan Briggs / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>11:35 p.m. -</strong> Bell rings, here we go!</p><p><strong>11:28 p.m. - </strong>Paul is coming out now alongside rapper 6ix9ine. He's wearing Hulkamania gear.</p><p><strong>11:24 p.m. -</strong> Alright, it's finally time. Joshua is walking out to the ring first to "What We Do" by rapper Freeway.</p><p><strong>11:18 p.m. - </strong>The national anthems are happening now. Walkouts up next.</p><p><strong>11:03 p.m. - </strong>The main event is moments away. Eight rounds of heavyweight boxing between Paul and Joshua. They closed at +750 and -950 on theScore Bet, respectively. Who are you picking to win?</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">HERE. WE. GO.<br><br>IT’S TIME FOR JAKE PAUL vs. ANTHONY JOSHUA.<br><br>LIVE NOW ONLY ON NETFLIX! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JakeJoshua?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JakeJoshua</a> <a href="https://t.co/U2orqahEG2">pic.twitter.com/U2orqahEG2</a></p>— Netflix Sports (@netflixsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/netflixsports/status/2002228029024563420?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-2q4SL" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/2q4SL/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="58" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>10:47 p.m. - </strong>Official result: Alycia Baumgardner def. Leila Beaudoin via unanimous decision (117-110, 117-110, 118-109) to retain WBO, IBF, and WBA women's junior lightweight titles.</p><p><strong>10:44 p.m. - </strong>The co-main event is over. Alycia Baumgardner cruised past Leila Beaudoin and will get the judges' nod.</p><p><strong>10:23 p.m. - </strong>Baumgardner drops Beaudoin with a right hand in the final second of the seventh round! Beaudoin survives, but Baumgardner is in control.</p><p><strong>10:20 p.m. - </strong>Round 6 of Baumgardner-Beaudoin comes to an end. It's been a tactical matchup so far. Baumgardner is likely ahead, but she isn't dominating. Beaudoin is still in the fight.</p><p><strong>9:50 p.m. - </strong>It's time for the co-main event. Alycia Baumgardner is walking to the ring to defend her WBO, IBF, and WBA women's junior lightweight titles against Leila Beaudoin. The fight is being contested over 12 three-minute rounds, which is a rarity for women's boxing.</p><p><strong>9:45 p.m. - </strong>The betting public likes Paul to pull off the massive upset against Joshua. Ninety-three percent of the wagers on theScore Bet are on Paul to emerge victorious. The odds have also gotten a bit closer, with Joshua sitting at -950 and Paul at +750.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Looking to place a wager on Paul-Joshua? Check out our best bets <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3428607" href="https://thescore.com/news/3428607">here</a>.</strong></p></blockquote><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The betting public is RIDING on a Jake Paul upset win tonight. WHO YOU GOT?! 🥊🫨 <a href="https://t.co/OGeSYigVGA">https://t.co/OGeSYigVGA</a> <a href="https://t.co/W4c9lbSMuI">pic.twitter.com/W4c9lbSMuI</a></p>— theScore Bet (@theScoreBet) <a href="https://twitter.com/theScoreBet/status/2002189768671576248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-k0rox" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/k0rox/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="58" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>9:24 p.m. - </strong>Official result: Anderson Silva def. Tyron Woodley via TKO at 1:33 of Round 2. Read full recap <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3432393" href="https://thescore.com/news/3432393">here</a>.</p><p><strong>9:20 p.m. - </strong>Silva drops Woodley in the second round, and the referee decides to wave off the fight. Silva, a former UFC middleweight champion and one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, wins his comeback fight at the age of 50.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">ANDERSON SILVA DROPS TYRON WOODLEY ARE YOU SERIOUS 😨<br><br>THE REFEREE STOPS IT IN THE 2ND ROUND.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JakeJoshua?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JakeJoshua</a> is LIVE now ONLY on Netflix! <a href="https://t.co/6Hl339QKty">pic.twitter.com/6Hl339QKty</a></p>— Netflix Sports (@netflixsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/netflixsports/status/2002202996768116980?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>9:10 p.m. - </strong>Former UFC champions Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley are walking to the ring now. They're scheduled to square off in a six-round cruiserweight bout. Silva was supposed to fight Chris Weidman in a trilogy bout, but Weidman was unable to make it to the event after suffering an injury in training.</p><p>Silva is back for the first time since a unanimous decision loss to Paul in October 2022, while Woodley is stepping into the ring for the first time since a knockout defeat to Paul in December 2021.</p><p><strong>9:05 p.m. - </strong>Boxing analyst Andre Ward says on the broadcast he believes Joshua's career "will be over" if he loses to Paul.</p><p>"It's not gonna be good. ... He may fight on, but it's essentially over," Ward says. "Nobody will believe in him anymore."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Andre Ward on what happens if Anthony Joshua loses to Jake Paul tonight: "Joshua's career will be over ... nobody will believe in him anymore."<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JakeJoshua?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JakeJoshua</a> is LIVE now ONLY on Netflix! <a href="https://t.co/GB2Ri0rVgD">pic.twitter.com/GB2Ri0rVgD</a></p>— Netflix Sports (@netflixsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/netflixsports/status/2002196664740651410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>8:55 p.m. -</strong> Paul has arrived at Kaseya Center for the biggest fight of his career. He's carrying a cane and wearing a skin-tight muscle shirt and a chain necklace.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jake Paul is in the building! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JakeJoshua?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JakeJoshua</a> <a href="https://t.co/iWkyAMGjWU">pic.twitter.com/iWkyAMGjWU</a></p>— Netflix (@netflix) <a href="https://twitter.com/netflix/status/2002193499027091601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-YIk2g" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/YIk2g/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="58" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>8:51 p.m. - </strong>Official result: Jahmal Harvey def. Kevin Cervantes via unanimous decision (60-53, 60-53, 60-53).</p><p><strong>8:49 p.m. -</strong> Harvey cruises past Cervantes to improve to 2-0 as a professional. He scored a knockdown in the first round and outlanded his opponent 185-37 throughout the fight.</p><p><strong>8:21 p.m. -</strong> It's time for the first fight. We have three undercard bouts before Paul-Joshua. First up are super featherweights Jahmal Harvey and Kevin Cervantes.</p><p><strong>8:15 p.m. - </strong>Joshua is in the building for tonight's highly anticipated showdown with Paul, arriving in an all-camo fit.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Anthony Joshua HAS ARRIVED in ALL CAMO 👀👊🥊<br><br>——-<br><br>LIVE only on Netflix<br>TONIGHT, December 19 <br>8 PM ET | 5 PM PT<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JakeJoshua?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JakeJoshua</a> <a href="https://t.co/LVwiQFlgwW">pic.twitter.com/LVwiQFlgwW</a></p>— MVP - Most Valuable Promotions (@MostVpromotions) <a href="https://twitter.com/MostVpromotions/status/2002184771632574762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>8:00 p.m. - </strong>The broadcast has begun. We're just hours away from the biggest test of Paul's boxing career, an eight-round bout against former two-time unified heavyweight champion Joshua.</p><p>This fight came together just over a month ago. Paul was scheduled to face WBA lightweight champion Gervonta "Tank" Davis on Nov. 14, but he moved on from that matchup due to Davis' ongoing legal issues and agreed to face Joshua instead.</p><p>Joshua is returning to the ring for the first time since September 2024, when he suffered a surprise knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in an IBF heavyweight title bout. The 36-year-old Englishman was on a hot streak going into that fight, having won four in a row, and he's hoping to get back into the heavyweight title mix.</p><p>This is Paul's second fight of the year. The 28-year-old American earned a unanimous decision over former middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in June. Of course, his most notable victory to date came against Mike Tyson in November 2024, which marked Netflix's first foray into boxing. Netflix has held several other boxing events since then, and the streaming giant is closing out the year with a bang with Paul-Joshua.</p><blockquote><p>🥊 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fboxing%2Forganization%2Finternational%2Fcompetition%2Fboxing%2Fevent%2Fccc1c1df-4065-45d5-8480-b8fa91eb34be&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3428383&amp;tags=LiveBlog"><strong>Check out all markets available for the Paul-Joshua fight on theScore Bet here</strong></a></p></blockquote><p>Here's a full look at the main card:</p><ul>
<li>Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua</li>
<li>Alycia Baumgardner vs. Leila Beaudoin</li>
<li>Anderson Silva vs. Tyron Woodley</li>
<li>Jahmal Harvey vs. Kevin Cervantes</li>
</ul><p><em>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).</em></p><p><em>ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.</em></p><p> </p>

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Analysis from Anthony Joshua's KO win over Jake Paul

Anderson Silva defeated Tyron Woodley via TKO in a cruiserweight bout on the Jake Paul-Anthony Jo...

<p>Anderson Silva defeated Tyron Woodley via TKO in a cruiserweight bout on the Jake Paul-Anthony Joshua undercard Friday night at Kaseya Center in Miami.</p><p>The stoppage came at the 1:33 mark of the second round.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">ANDERSON SILVA DROPS TYRON WOODLEY ARE YOU SERIOUS 😨<br><br>THE REFEREE STOPS IT IN THE 2ND ROUND.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JakeJoshua?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JakeJoshua</a> is LIVE now ONLY on Netflix! <a href="https://t.co/6Hl339QKty">pic.twitter.com/6Hl339QKty</a></p>— Netflix Sports (@netflixsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/netflixsports/status/2002202996768116980?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Silva, a UFC Hall of Famer and former middleweight champion, returned to the boxing ring for the first time since a unanimous decision loss to Paul in October 2022.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>With the victory, Silva, 50, improved his professional boxing record to 4-2.</p><p>In his postfight interview, the Brazilian expressed interest in rescheduling a trilogy bout with UFC rival Chris Weidman.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congrats to Anderson Silva ! He called me out. Your Venom is here. I will see you soon…<a href="https://twitter.com/netflix?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@netflix</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MostVpromotions?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MostVpromotions</a></p>— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrisweidman/status/2002207729683779737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Woodley, a former UFC welterweight champion, stepped into the ring for the first time since a knockout loss to Paul in December 2021. The 43-year-old fell to 0-3 in boxing.</p>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 19: Anderson Silva celebrates victory over Tyron Woodley in their cruiserweight bout during Jake Paul v Anthony Joshua at Kaseya Center on December 19, 2025 in Miami, Florida.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33798975/related

Silva TKOs Woodley in 2nd round on Paul-Joshua undercard

A middleweight bout between Reinier de Ridder and Caio Borralho has been added to UFC 326, the pr...

<p>A middleweight bout between Reinier de Ridder and Caio Borralho has been added to UFC 326, the promotion announced.</p><p>The event is scheduled for March 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.</p><p>De Ridder is looking to get back on track after suffering a stoppage loss to Brendan Allen in the UFC Vancouver main event in October. The former ONE Championship two-division titleholder signed with the UFC last year and scored four straight victories, including a split decision over former champ Robert Whittaker in July. De Ridder, a 34-year-old Dutchman, is ranked No. 8 in the 185-pound division.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Borralho is also seeking a win after dropping a unanimous decision to Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Paris in September. The defeat ended the 32-year-old Brazilian's nine-fight winning streak. Borralho is seventh in the weight class.</p><p>A rematch between BMF champion Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira is scheduled to headline UFC 326.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 09: Reinier de Ridder of The Netherlands prepares to face Gerald Meerschaert in a middleweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on November 09, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33797039/related

De Ridder-Borralho set for UFC 326 in March

Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua meet in an eight-round professional heavyweight bout Friday night at...

<p>Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua meet in an eight-round professional heavyweight bout Friday night at Kaseya Center in Miami. It will be the biggest test of Paul's career by a mile. Until now, the YouTube star turned boxer has largely feasted on MMA fighters, over-the-hill boxers like Mike Tyson and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., and influencers. But this time, Paul is taking on a former two-time heavyweight champion who, at 36 years old, isn't far removed from his prime.</p><p>Here's everything you need to know ahead of the blockbuster matchup.</p><h3>How do I watch the fight?</h3><p>The event will stream on Netflix, with the main card beginning at 8 p.m. ET. It requires a basic subscription to watch, starting at $7.99 USD a month.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>What are the rules?</h3><p>The Florida Athletic Commission sanctioned Friday's main event as a professional boxing match. Paul and Joshua will wear 10-ounce gloves and fight a maximum of eight three-minute rounds. The result will count on each fighter's record.</p><h3>Why did Paul agree to fight Joshua?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792733/cropped_GettyImages-2222690466.jpg?ts=1765901838" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792733/w220xh124_GettyImages-2222690466.jpg?ts=1765901838 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792733/w320xh180_GettyImages-2222690466.jpg?ts=1765901838 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792733/w640xh360_GettyImages-2222690466.jpg?ts=1765901838 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792733/w768xh432_GettyImages-2222690466.jpg?ts=1765901838 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792733/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2222690466.jpg?ts=1765901838 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>This, of course, wasn't supposed to be Paul's next fight. He was scheduled to face WBA lightweight champion Gervonta "Tank" Davis in a Nov. 14 exhibition, but Paul moved on from that matchup after Davis' ex-girlfriend filed a lawsuit alleging he'd committed domestic violence.</p><p>So, why go from Davis, who competes at 135 pounds, to Joshua, who weighed in at 252.5 pounds for his last fight? Doesn't that seem a bit insane? While we don't know Paul's exact thought process behind fighting a top-tier heavyweight on relative short notice, here's the truth: This is basically a win-win scenario for him.</p><p>Paul is a +550 underdog on theScore Bet, and the odds should arguably be quite a bit wider than that. He's <em>expected </em>to lose - and in devastating fashion. Any scenario other than a quick knockout loss is a win for Paul, and even then, it's hard to say how much his stock would go down.</p><p>He also gets to change the narrative that he handpicks his opponents, choosing only to fight those twice his age or with minimal ring experience. Paul is getting in there with a former unified heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist who wants to knock his head off. What can the haters say now?</p><h3>How will Joshua's size come into play?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763434/cropped_GettyImages-2173599154.jpg?ts=1765901925" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763434/w220xh124_GettyImages-2173599154.jpg?ts=1765901925 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763434/w320xh180_GettyImages-2173599154.jpg?ts=1765901925 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763434/w640xh360_GettyImages-2173599154.jpg?ts=1765901925 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763434/w768xh432_GettyImages-2173599154.jpg?ts=1765901925 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763434/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2173599154.jpg?ts=1765901925 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Richard Pelham / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Joshua, who's 6-foot-6 with an 82-inch reach, towered over Paul, who's 6-foot-1 with a 76-inch reach, during their first faceoff in November. And Joshua will look every bit as big when he steps into the ring Friday.</p><p>It's impossible to know what to expect from any of Paul's fights, but overcoming that kind of size disadvantage - not to mention the gap in skill - will be a tough task.</p><p>Expect Joshua to rely heavily on his size, whether that means picking Paul apart from the outside with jabs or being aggressive and looking for a knockout.</p><h3>Does Paul have a chance?</h3><p>Everybody has a puncher's chance, but Paul doesn't have much else going for him in this fight with Joshua. The best boxer he's faced is either 58-year-old Tyson, Chavez, or Tommy Fury, and that's saying a lot. As long as there's no gentleman's agreement for Joshua to carry Paul in the first few rounds - a la Floyd Mayweather Jr. versus Conor McGregor in 2017 - Joshua should be able to end things in a hurry.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33767881/related

Everything you need to know ahead of Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua

Jake Paul faces the biggest challenge of his boxing career Friday when he takes on former unified...

<p>Jake Paul faces the biggest challenge of his boxing career Friday when he takes on former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in an eight-round professional bout at Kaseya Center in Miami.</p><h3>Tale of the tape</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>   </th>
<th>Paul</th>
<th>Joshua</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Country</td>
<td> USA</td>
<td> England</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Age</td>
<td> 28</td>
<td> 36</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Height</td>
<td> 6-1</td>
<td> 6-6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Reach</td>
<td> 76 in</td>
<td> 82 in</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Record</td>
<td> 12-1</td>
<td> 28-4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KOs</td>
<td> 7</td>
<td> 25</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The odds heavily favor Joshua to defeat Paul, courtesy of theScore Bet.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Fighter</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td> Jake Paul</td>
<td> +600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anthony Joshua</td>
<td> -950</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><blockquote><p>👉 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fboxing%2Forganization%2Finternational%2Fcompetition%2Fboxing&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3428607"><strong>Check out all markets available for Friday Night's boxing card on theScore Bet here</strong></a></p></blockquote><p>So, where's the value in this fight? Here are some bets to consider.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>🥊 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=9037dc9c-5e86-4670-9d39-91bc17fc93b6&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=9&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=7&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fboxing%2Forganization%2Finternational%2Fcompetition%2Fboxing%2Fevent%2Fccc1c1df-4065-45d5-8480-b8fa91eb34be&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3428607">Bet: Joshua wins by KO/TKO/DQ (-350)</a>
</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814043/cropped_GettyImages-2173602056.jpg?ts=1765819073" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814043/w220xh124_GettyImages-2173602056.jpg?ts=1765819073 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814043/w320xh180_GettyImages-2173602056.jpg?ts=1765819073 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814043/w640xh360_GettyImages-2173602056.jpg?ts=1765819073 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814043/w768xh432_GettyImages-2173602056.jpg?ts=1765819073 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814043/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2173602056.jpg?ts=1765819073 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Richard Pelham / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The biggest question about Friday's main event is whether Joshua plans to take it seriously or go easy on Paul. Anything is possible after Paul admitted he didn't go for the knockout in his 2024 fight with Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. carried Conor McGregor in the early rounds of their 2017 blockbuster.</p><p>But if this fight is 100% real and legitimate, Joshua knocks Paul out. Probably quickly. The massive size difference and skill gap make this one of the biggest mismatches in boxing history. Some believe Paul and Joshua have a gentleman's agreement to go the distance - or at least make it to the later rounds - and essentially engage in a glorified sparring match. But it won't be a good look for Joshua if he doesn't stop Paul given he's a top-10 heavyweight and Paul is a former YouTuber who has mostly faced MMA fighters and influencers.</p><p>If Joshua takes it easy on Paul, that could ruin his reputation and kibosh a planned 2026 fight with fellow ex-heavyweight champ Tyson Fury. It's unlikely he would risk that.</p><h3>🥊 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=8cad0469-f597-4c0e-a0a5-c1c31a0876c4&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=13&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=9&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fboxing%2Forganization%2Finternational%2Fcompetition%2Fboxing%2Fevent%2Fccc1c1df-4065-45d5-8480-b8fa91eb34be&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3428607">Bet: Fight goes under 4.5 rounds (-225)</a>
</h3><p>Again, this will come down to how seriously Joshua takes the fight. Considering he knocked out former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in the second round of their March 2024 tilt, he should have no problem putting away Paul in under 4.5 rounds.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756004/cropped_GettyImages-2185060877.jpg?ts=1731909041" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756004/w220xh124_GettyImages-2185060877.jpg?ts=1731909041 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756004/w320xh180_GettyImages-2185060877.jpg?ts=1731909041 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756004/w640xh360_GettyImages-2185060877.jpg?ts=1731909041 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756004/w768xh432_GettyImages-2185060877.jpg?ts=1731909041 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756004/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2185060877.jpg?ts=1731909041 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Al Bello / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>🥊 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=eb4d8070-0142-4ea7-8954-010b4bd6e6ff&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=9&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=2&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fboxing%2Forganization%2Finternational%2Fcompetition%2Fboxing%2Fevent%2Fccc1c1df-4065-45d5-8480-b8fa91eb34be&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3428607">Bet: Joshua wins in Round 1 (+350)</a>, <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=3614d506-8100-4c2a-b85f-3440543116f5&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=5&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fboxing%2Forganization%2Finternational%2Fcompetition%2Fboxing%2Fevent%2Fccc1c1df-4065-45d5-8480-b8fa91eb34be&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3428607">Round 2 (+400)</a>, <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=4b07110b-af76-44a0-8cd0-ef9098869b8f&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=13&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=2&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fboxing%2Forganization%2Finternational%2Fcompetition%2Fboxing%2Fevent%2Fccc1c1df-4065-45d5-8480-b8fa91eb34be&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3428607">Round 3 (+550)</a>, or <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=f5a4e2e5-dbdd-4e79-9951-e1d888d87d52&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=17&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=2&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fboxing%2Forganization%2Finternational%2Fcompetition%2Fboxing%2Fevent%2Fccc1c1df-4065-45d5-8480-b8fa91eb34be&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3428607">Round 4 (+750)</a>
</h3><p>It's tough to find a viable plus-money bet on Joshua since he's a -950 favorite (90.5% implied probability). But if you're looking to make a few dart throws, there are pretty attractive prices on Joshua winning in any of the first four rounds.</p><blockquote><p>👉 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fboxing%2Forganization%2Finternational%2Fcompetition%2Fboxing&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3428607"><strong>Check out all markets available for Friday Night's boxing card on theScore Bet here</strong></a></p></blockquote><h3>Main card (8 p.m. ET, Netflix)</h3><ul>
<li>Anthony Joshua (-1000) vs. Jake Paul (+650)</li>
<li>Alycia Baumgardner (-1400) vs. Leila Beaudoin (+750)</li>
<li>Anderson Silva (-275) vs. Tyron Woodley (+200)</li>
<li>Jahmal Harvey (-3500) vs. Kevin Cervantes (+1200)</li>
</ul><h3>Preliminary card (4:45 p.m. ET, YouTube)</h3><ul>
<li>Cherneka Johnson (-900) vs. Amanda Galle (+550)</li>
<li>Caroline Dubois (-4000) vs. Camilla Panatta (+1400)</li>
<li>Yokasta Valle (-1400) vs. Yadira Bustillos (+750)</li>
<li>Avious Griffin (-650) vs. Justin Cardona (+450)</li>
<li>Keno Marley (TBD) vs. Diarra Davis Jr. (TBD)</li>
</ul><p><em>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).</em></p><p><em>ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.</em></p><div> </div>

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Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua bets: Will we get a KO?

Anthony Joshua weighed in 27 pounds heavier than Jake Paul on Thursday ahead of their highly anti...

<p>Anthony Joshua weighed in 27 pounds heavier than Jake Paul on Thursday ahead of their highly anticipated heavyweight fight Friday at Kaseya Center in Miami.</p><p>Joshua, a former two-time unified champion, came in at 243.4 pounds, while Paul, a YouTube star turned boxer, tipped the scale at 216.4 pounds.</p><p>Joshua was 250 pounds or heavier in his last five fights, but he was contractually obligated to not be above 245 pounds against Paul.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><blockquote><p>👉 <strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fboxing%2Forganization%2Finternational%2Fcompetition%2Fboxing%2Fevent%2Fccc1c1df-4065-45d5-8480-b8fa91eb34be&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3430958">Check out all of the markets available for the Jake Paul-Anthony Joshua fight on theScore Bet here</a></strong></p></blockquote><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Anthony Joshua weighs in almost 30 pounds heavier than Jake Paul ⚖️👀 <a href="https://t.co/CZsIn6Wo6n">pic.twitter.com/CZsIn6Wo6n</a></p>— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) <a href="https://twitter.com/MMAFighting/status/2001717483284103389?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Paul, a massive underdog in the main event, is looking to close out the year with his seventh straight win. The 28-year-old American earned a unanimous decision victory over former middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in June.</p><p>Joshua is returning to the ring for the first time since a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. The 36-year-old Englishman had won four in a row before that defeat.</p><p>Paul and Joshua hold professional records of 12-1 and 28-4, respectively.</p><p><em>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).</em></p><p><em>ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.</em></p>

MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 17: Anthony Joshua speaks during the press conference for Jake Paul v Anthony Joshua at The Fillmore Miami Beach on December 17, 2025 in Miami Beach, Florida.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33780860/related

Joshua 27 pounds heavier than Paul for heavyweight bout

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/nick-baldwin/content_cards