UFC 321 is upon us.  In Saturday's main event, Tom Aspinall defends the heavyweight title for the...

<p>UFC 321 is upon us.</p><p>In Saturday's main event, Tom Aspinall defends the heavyweight title for the first time against Ciryl Gane. In the co-headliner, Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern vie for the vacant strawweight belt.</p><p>Here are three key storylines ahead of the UFC's return to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Is there more pressure on Aspinall or Gane?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759507/cropped_GettyImages-2188809136.jpg?ts=1733633402" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759507/w220xh124_GettyImages-2188809136.jpg?ts=1733633402 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759507/w320xh180_GettyImages-2188809136.jpg?ts=1733633402 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759507/w640xh360_GettyImages-2188809136.jpg?ts=1733633402 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759507/w768xh432_GettyImages-2188809136.jpg?ts=1733633402 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759507/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2188809136.jpg?ts=1733633402 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The narrative going into UFC 321 is that there's a ton of pressure on Aspinall, which is fair. After all, this is the guy who spent the better part of two years calling out Jon Jones and accusing the all-time great of ducking him, only to finally be promoted to heavyweight champion earlier this year when Jones retired. Aspinall finally has a chance to begin his own run as the baddest man on the planet - and back up everything he said about Jones - with a big win over Gane. Wouldn't it be a bit ironic - and soul-crushing - if he goes out there and gets starched in two minutes?</p><p>That said, there might be even more pressure on Gane. The 35-year-old Frenchman has challenged for the undisputed title twice before, losing to Jones and Francis Ngannou in lopsided fashion. This could very well be his final opportunity to win gold in the Octagon, especially considering his most recent win - a split decision over Alexander Volkov last December - was highly, highly controversial.</p><p>Even if Aspinall loses this weekend, he has time to work his way back into the title picture. Gane may not have that same luxury.</p><h3>What will the strawweight division look like without Zhang Weili?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751178/cropped_GettyImages-2162685172.jpg?ts=1729633960" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751178/w220xh124_GettyImages-2162685172.jpg?ts=1729633960 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751178/w320xh180_GettyImages-2162685172.jpg?ts=1729633960 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751178/w640xh360_GettyImages-2162685172.jpg?ts=1729633960 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751178/w768xh432_GettyImages-2162685172.jpg?ts=1729633960 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751178/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2162685172.jpg?ts=1729633960 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>We're entering a new era in the UFC strawweight division.</p><p>With Zhang Weili set to vacate the title and move up to flyweight for a superfight against Valentina Shevchenko, the promotion will crown a new champion: either Jandiroba or Dern.</p><p>It's been a while since the strawweight title didn't go through Handan, China. Zhang reclaimed the title in 2022 and rattled off three defenses, cementing herself as one of the most dominant champions in the promotion. The rest of the division has kind of felt like an afterthought, so it might seem empty without Zhang around. And neither Jandiroba nor Dern will find it easy to convince MMA fans that they're suddenly the best in the world at 115 pounds.</p><p>That said, this isn't the first time this has happened nor will it be the last. It's becoming more and more common for fighters to vacate their titles - especially if they are going after a second one - so we will have to get used to it. Plus, Jandiroba and Dern have both earned this opportunity. Jandiroba is on the best streak of her career, having beaten former title challengers Yan Xiaonan and Amanda Lemos in her two most recent fights. Dern has won two in a row, including a main-event victory over Amanda Ribas, and even holds a win over Jandiroba from way back in 2020.</p><p>The strawweight division won't be the same without Zhang, but sometimes, a little refresh can be a good thing. And hey, Zhang can always come back if flyweight doesn't work out.</p><h3>Is Nurmagomedov fighting for another title shot?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806777/cropped_GettyImages-2242628286.jpg?ts=1761169695" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806777/w220xh124_GettyImages-2242628286.jpg?ts=1761169695 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806777/w320xh180_GettyImages-2242628286.jpg?ts=1761169695 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806777/w640xh360_GettyImages-2242628286.jpg?ts=1761169695 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806777/w768xh432_GettyImages-2242628286.jpg?ts=1761169695 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806777/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2242628286.jpg?ts=1761169695 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Umar Nurmagomedov is back for the first time since challenging Merab Dvalishvili for the bantamweight title in January. The bout resulted in his first career loss, so, in that sense, it was a disappointment. But Nurmagomedov put on the kind of performance that made it really, really seem like he's the clear-cut No. 2 in the division - and that he'd be seeing Dvalishvili again someday.</p><p>That <em>someday</em> could come quickly if Nurmagomedov gets past Mario Bautista on Saturday.</p><p>With Dvalishvili doing everything humanly possible to clean out the 135-pound division in record speed, he's already having to resort to rematches. He's scheduled to face Petr Yan at UFC 323 on Dec. 6 in Las Vegas, where he'll become the first champion to defend his title four times in a calendar year. After that, there aren't many options. Sean O'Malley and Cory Sandhagen already got their chance. Song Yadong, Deiveson Figueiredo, and Aiemann Zahabi all likely need at least one more win. This leaves Nurmagomedov as the most likely candidate.</p><p>If Nurmagomedov beats Bautista and Dvalishvili retains his title against Yan, nothing will make more sense than a rematch between those two.</p>

Tom Aspinall during the Heavyweight fight at the Co-op Live Arena, Manchester. Picture date: Saturday July 27, 2024.

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3 biggest storylines ahead of UFC 321

Former UFC star Dustin Poirier has had a difficult time accepting the fact he's retired.  Poirier...

<p>Former UFC star Dustin Poirier has had a difficult time accepting the fact he's retired.</p><p>Poirier ended his legendary career in July after losing to Max Holloway at UFC 318 in his home state of Louisiana. Poirier, 36, had fought professionally since 2009.</p><p>"It's harder than I thought it would be," Poirier told <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRaoMZ3VM4s">MMA Fighting's Mike Heck</a>. "I thought it would be a relief when I finally put the gloves down, and I don't have this weight on my back or this cloud over my head of getting better or what's next ... that's been like that in my mind for 20 years. I thought it would be a relief and an exhale, and life would begin in a different way. But it kind of hasn't yet.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Maybe I'm still processing, maybe it's gonna take more time than I expected. But when you do something for this long and dedicate your life to it, every day I was waking up with a fire under me, trying to be a better fighter."</p><p>Poirier put together a tremendous resume in his 14 years in the Octagon, capturing an interim lightweight title, beating the likes of Holloway, Conor McGregor (twice), Eddie Alvarez, and Justin Gaethje, and earning a record 10 Fight of the Night bonuses. He was ranked in the top 10 of the lightweight division for years and is considered one of the greatest fighters to never win an undisputed title.</p><p>"I miss it more than I thought I would," Poirier said. "I'm still processing it all. I think day by day, time heals all, but I'm just hoping I get into a better flow. I've been just really trying to keep my mind busy, staying busy doing things so I don't have time to sit around. But god, I gotta tell you, the days are long. The days are long when I'm not waking up, training, coming home, training again, doing road work. It's a way of life. It's not just a sport I competed in. It was the way I lived my life."</p><p>Despite his urge to keep competing, Poirier said it's very unlikely he will return to MMA, noting that his wife and family prefer he stay retired.</p><p>"It was such a perfect send-off," Poirier said of his retirement fight in New Orleans. "I'd be doing myself a disservice by coming back. Never say never, but it would take the perfect circumstances and everything for me to ever put a pair of gloves back on and fight somebody."</p>

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JULY 19: Dustin Poirier prepares to face Max Holloway in the BMF championship bout during the UFC 318 event at Smoothie King Center on July 19, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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Poirier: Retirement 'harder than I thought it would be'

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels won't play Monday against the Kansas City Chiefs...

<p>Washington Commanders quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199756" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199756">Jayden Daniels</a> won't play Monday against the Kansas City Chiefs due to a low-grade hamstring strain, sources told <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1981037640687170004">NFL Network's Ian Rapoport</a>.</p><p>Daniels suffered the injury in the third quarter of Sunday's 44-22 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.</p><p>As a result, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/55285" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/55285">Marcus Mariota</a> will reportedly be the Commanders' starting quarterback at Arrowhead Stadium.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Daniels, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, missed two games earlier this season due to a knee injury. The 24-year-old has scored eight touchdowns and thrown for 1,031 yards so far this year.</p><p>Mariota tallied three touchdowns and 363 yards in his two starts this season. Washington went 1-1 in those games. The 31-year-old replaced Daniels in last weekend's tilt against Dallas and threw a pick-6 to <a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174214">DaRon Bland</a> on his first drive.</p>

Football: Washington Commanders Jayden Daniels (5) in action, looks on vs Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.Green Bay, WI 9/19/2025CREDIT: Erick W. Rasco

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Report: Commanders' Daniels out for MNF vs. Chiefs

Brendan Allen inserted himself into the middleweight title picture with an upset win over Reinier...

<p>Brendan Allen inserted himself into the middleweight title picture with an upset win over Reinier de Ridder.</p><p>Allen used his grappling to overwhelm De Ridder en route to a TKO victory in the UFC Vancouver main event Saturday night at Rogers Arena. De Ridder was visibly exhausted at the end of the fourth round and retired in his corner. Announcer Joe Martinez said De Ridder couldn't continue.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">IT'S OVER 😱 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFCVancouver?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFCVancouver</a><br><br>The fight is waved off as Brendan Allen beats Reinier de Ridder! <a href="https://t.co/tfepppLw71">pic.twitter.com/tfepppLw71</a></p>— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) <a href="https://twitter.com/UFCEurope/status/1979734348422062568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"It felt great to do exactly what I said I would do," Allen said in his postfight interview. "I'm a different monster."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Allen handed De Ridder, a former ONE Championship two-division titleholder, his first loss in the UFC. De Ridder had been a breakthrough star over the last year, recording four wins - including a decision over former champ Robert Whittaker - since debuting last November. Many believed De Ridder would receive a title shot against champion Khamzat Chimaev had he won Saturday.</p><p>But instead, Allen made the most of a short-notice opportunity and halted De Ridder's momentum. Allen is once again a contender in the 185-pound division after earning his second straight win and further removing himself from a recent two-fight skid that made fans question his place in the division. After this latest victory, Allen could very well crack into the top five, as he was ranked No. 9 and De Ridder No. 4 heading into Saturday's main event.</p><p>Allen agreed to face De Ridder just over a month ago, replacing Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez.</p><p>"This was three-and-a-half weeks of training," Allen said. "I did this off the couch. ... When my head's clear and we're on, I'm the best in the world."</p><p>Allen said he hopes to fight Chimaev for the title next but is also open to matchups against former champions Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland.</p><p>"Chimaev, you want a good grappler? You want someone who's young and hungry? Come get it, baby," Allen said. "If not, Dricus, where you at? I've been trying to get you for a minute. And if not, Sean, it's time to run it back, baby."</p><p>De Ridder had a strong start in the fight, controlling Allen on the ground for most of the first round. He attempted an arm-triangle choke, got into full mount multiple times, and softened Allen up with strikes.</p><p>De Ridder got on top of Allen again early in the second round, but this time, Allen reversed the position and then spent the rest of the frame on top. The same thing happened in the third. De Ridder secured a takedown, took Allen's back, and attempted a rear-naked choke. But Allen defended it, reversed the position again, and punished De Ridder with ground-and-pound, including heavy elbows.</p><p>In the fourth round, Allen immediately landed a high-amplitude takedown, clearly recognizing a path to victory. He continued to smother De Ridder, officially recording 4:56 of control time in that stanza alone. At the end of the round, De Ridder slowly got up and walked to his corner, but he didn't answer the bell for the fifth.</p>

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - OCTOBER 18: Brendan Allen prepares to face Reinier de Ridder of The Netherlands in a middleweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Rogers Arena on October 18, 2025 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

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Allen wins UFC Vancouver main event after De Ridder retires on stool

MMA rivals Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman are set to meet in a boxing match on the undercard of...

<p>MMA rivals Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman are set to meet in a boxing match on the undercard of Jake Paul versus Gervonta "Tank" Davis on Nov. 14 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Most Valuable Promotions announced Thursday.</p><p>The bout will be contested as a six-round heavyweight fight. The event will stream live on Netflix.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DP4BlV3DoY_/?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/DP4BlV3DoY_/?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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<script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>Silva and Weidman squared off twice in the UFC in 2013. Weidman famously knocked out Silva in the first fight, ending the Brazilian's historic 2,457-day middleweight title reign. Five months later, Weidman successfully defended the belt in the rematch after Silva suffered a gruesome broken leg.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I am super excited to embark on another battle against Chris," Silva said in a press release. "We have a history, and on Friday, Nov. 14, live only on Netflix, we're putting another stamp on our chapter together. It will be a spectacle for the fans."</p><p>Silva, 50, retired from MMA in 2020 but has since competed in three boxing matches, beating Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Tito Ortiz in 2021 and losing to Paul in 2022. Weidman, 41, will be making his professional boxing debut. He retired from MMA in January but was briefly scheduled to rematch Luke Rockhold in the Global Fight League (GFL) before the promotion canceled all of its events indefinitely.</p><p>"I'm undefeated in boxing, and it's gonna stay that way. ... I'm the original spider killer," Weidman said in the release.</p><p>Silva is one of the greatest fighters in MMA history, having held the UFC middleweight title from 2006-13. He owns numerous Octagon records, including the most successful title defenses in middleweight history (10) and the most finishes in title fights (9). Silva was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2023.</p><p>Weidman defended the UFC middleweight championship three times between 2013-15, also earning wins over Lyoto Machida and Vitor Belfort. He dropped the title to Rockhold at UFC 194 and then went 3-7 in his last 10 appearances in the promotion, including a nasty leg break of his own in 2021.</p>

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - SEPTEMBER 29: UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman and former middleweight champion Anderson Silva face off for the media during the UFC 168: Weidman v SIlva 2 Press Tour at Copacabana Palace on September 29, 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

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Silva-Weidman boxing match set for Paul-Davis card

Ian Machado Garry believes Leon Edwards will lose to Carlos Prates in devastating fashion at UFC ...

<p>Ian Machado Garry believes Leon Edwards will lose to Carlos Prates in devastating fashion at UFC 322.</p><p>"I think (Prates is) gonna absolutely starch Leon," Garry told "<a href="https://x.com/arielhelwani/status/1978192513694654621">The Ariel Helwani Show</a>" on Tuesday. "I've been saying this for a long time: I think (Edwards) should be retired. And we might see that."</p><p>Edwards, a former welterweight champion, is looking to bounce back from a two-fight skid when he faces Prates on Nov. 15 at Madison Square Garden in New York. The 34-year-old Englishman dropped the title to Belal Muhammad in July 2024 and then suffered the first stoppage loss of his career - a fourth-round submission - against Sean Brady at UFC London in March.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Garry, one of the division's top contenders, said he's surprised Edwards agreed to fight Prates, who has earned knockouts in all five of his UFC victories.</p><p>"(Edwards has) been shouting and screaming about wanting to fight a striker for so long, and now he's got his opportunity, and I think he's gonna absolutely get punched around," Garry said.</p><p>Garry has had beef with Edwards since being kicked out of his gym, Team Renegade in Birmingham, England, two years ago. Edwards said Garry's behavior didn't align with the gym's culture, while Garry claimed that Edwards' coach didn't want him around because he viewed him as a "threat."</p><p>There was a time Garry was eager to fight Edwards, but he said Tuesday he doesn't care if it ever happens.</p><p>"I have no interest ever for him to ever earn any money off me doing all the hard work of being the more interesting fighter. ... If he was willing to fight me for all or nothing, I'd fight him in a heartbeat," Garry said. "Because I'd make sure he'd leave there absolutely punched around, unconscious, and then leave with no benefit."</p><p>He added: "I'm gonna have a Brazil flag on my shoulders come Nov. 15, cheering Carlos Prates on, watching him spark Leon Edwards unconscious."</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 07: Ian Machado Garry of Ireland enters the Octagon in a welterweight bout during the UFC 310 event at T-Mobile Arena on December 07, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Garry predicts Edwards gets KO'd by Prates: 'He should be retired'

Welterweight contender Sean Brady is set to fight Michael Morales at UFC 322 on Nov. 15 at Madiso...

<p>Welterweight contender Sean Brady is set to fight Michael Morales at UFC 322 on Nov. 15 at Madison Square Garden in New York, he announced Monday on "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YMaMdkNMMY">The BradyBagz Show</a>."</p><p>Brady-Morales is the third marquee welterweight bout set for the card, in addition to the main event between champion Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev, as well as Leon Edwards versus Carlos Prates.</p><p>Brady, ranked No. 2 in the division, is coming off the biggest win of his career, a submission of Edwards at UFC London in March. The 32-year-old Philadelphia native is riding a three-fight winning streak and is 18-1 as a professional.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Morales, the No. 8-ranked welterweight, is one of the hottest up-and-comers in the division. Most recently, the 26-year-old Ecuadorian knocked out former title challenger Gilbert Burns in the first round of a UFC Fight Night main event in May. Morales holds a 6-0 record in the UFC and an 18-0 record as a pro.</p><p>UFC 322 will also feature a women's flyweight title bout between Valentina Shevchenko and former strawweight champion Zhang Weili, who's moving up to 125 pounds for the first time in the Octagon.</p>

Sean Brady following the welterweight bout against Leon Edwards during UFC Fight Night at The O2, London. Picture date: Saturday March 22, 2025.

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Brady says he's fighting Morales at UFC 322

Former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira dazzled in his return to the Octagon, submitting Mat...

<p>Former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira dazzled in his return to the Octagon, submitting Mateusz Gamrot with a rear-naked choke in the UFC Rio de Janeiro main event Saturday night.</p><p>The finish came at the 2:48 mark of the second round at Farmasi Arena in Oliveira's home country of Brazil.</p><p>"I'm trying to hold back the tears right now," Oliveira said in his postfight interview. "This is all for you guys. It's not about money, fame, status, or anything. Screw it, this is Brazil."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Oliveira is back in the win column after suffering a devastating knockout loss to current champ Ilia Topuria at UFC 317 in June. Some thought it was ill-advised for Oliveira to return so soon after such a defeat, but the 35-year-old put on a flawless performance against Gamrot, silencing his doubters in the process.</p><p>After the win, Oliveira said he wants to fight Max Holloway for the BMF title next. They've fought once before, in a UFC main event in 2015. Holloway won via first-round TKO after Oliveira suffered a freak injury. They've both put together Hall of Fame-worthy careers since that meeting, and a rematch would be big business for the promotion.</p><p>"Hey (UFC chief business officer) Hunter (Campbell), Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway, BMF, let's make that happen," Oliveira said.</p><p>Oliveira is now tied with Neil Magny for the second-most wins in UFC history (24), three behind Jim Miller. "Do Bronx" also extended several of his own UFC records, including most finishes (21) and most submissions (17).</p><p>In the first round of Saturday's main event, Gamrot was the first to engage in the grappling department, scoring a takedown 40 seconds in. But Oliveira quickly proved he had the edge on the ground, throwing up several submission attempts off his back. Oliveira eventually returned to his feet, then got on top of Gamrot and took his back. He attempted to sink in a rear-naked choke, but Gamrot defended it.</p><p>Oliveira aggressively attacked on the feet at the start of the second round, landing solid punches, including a left hook. Gamrot connected with a few shots of his own. Oliveira scored a takedown midway through the frame and took Gamrot's back again. He applied another rear-naked choke, and although it appeared to be across Gamrot's jaw and not under his chin, Oliveira's tight squeeze forced the tap.</p><p>Oliveira fought in Brazil for the first time since March 2020, when he submitted Kevin Lee in an empty arena in Brasilia just days after large gatherings were banned due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Saturday's bout was Oliveira's second main event in his home country and his first time competing in front of a Brazilian crowd since 2019.</p><p>Oliveira, who's ranked No. 4 in the lightweight division, has now alternated wins and losses in his past seven Octagon appearances. He held the 155-pound title from 2021-22 until Islam Makhachev took over the division, but he's largely remained in contention since.</p><p>Gamrot suffered the first stoppage loss of his career. The 34-year-old Pole is 1-2 in his last three outings.</p><p>Gamrot, the eighth-ranked lightweight in the promotion, accepted the matchup with Oliveira on two-and-a-half weeks' notice after Rafael Fiziev withdrew due to an injury.</p><p> </p>

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 11: Charles Oliveira of Brazil reacts after a victory against Mateusz Gamrot of Poland in a lightweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Farmasi Arena on October 11, 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

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Oliveira submits Gamrot in UFC Rio main event

Newly crowned UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira said Friday he broke his foot in his re...

<p>Newly crowned UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira said Friday he broke his foot in his recent win over Magomed Ankalaev.</p><p>Pereira finished Ankalaev by 80-second TKO in last weekend's UFC 320 main event to reclaim the 205-pound title.</p><p>"I did an X-Ray in Las Vegas and an MRI here (in Brazil), and we have a fracture on my foot," Pereira said in Portuguese during a Q&amp;A ahead of Saturday's UFC Rio de Janeiro event, according to <a href="https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/449453/alex-pereira-reveals-injury-suffered-in-ufc-320-win-eyes-ufc-white-house-fight">MMA Fighting's Alexander K. Lee</a>. "But I still don't know what will happen, or how long it will take for me to recover."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 38-year-old Brazilian said he hopes to return at the UFC's event at the White House, which is tentatively planned for June 14.</p><p>"It's something that interests me," Pereira said. "I think I'll focus on this."</p><p>Though several high-profile matchups await Pereira, including a potential move to heavyweight against either Tom Aspinall or Jon Jones, he didn't commit to an opponent.</p><p>One of 10 two-division champions in UFC history, Pereira avenged a unanimous decision loss to Ankalaev - which occurred at UFC 313 in March - with a decisive victory in their rematch.</p>

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 10: Alex Pereira is seen on stage during a Q&A session prior to the UFC Fight Night ceremonial weigh-in at Farmasi Arena on October 10, 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

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Pereira injured his foot in UFC 320 title win

Lightweight contenders Charles Oliveira and Mateusz Gamrot made weight Friday ahead of the UFC Ri...

<p>Lightweight contenders Charles Oliveira and Mateusz Gamrot made weight Friday ahead of the UFC Rio de Janeiro main event Saturday night in Brazil.</p><p>Oliveira and Gamrot both weighed in at 156 pounds.</p><p>Bantamweight Saimon Oliveira was the lone fighter on the card to miss weight. He came in at 144 pounds, a whopping eight over the divisional limit. His opponent, Luan Lacerda, made weight at 136 pounds. The UFC said the fight will proceed as scheduled.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Oliveira, a former lightweight champion, is looking to get back on track after suffering a knockout loss to Ilia Topuria in a vacant title bout at UFC 317 in June. The Brazilian will compete in his home country for the first time since 2020.</p><p>Gamrot agreed to the matchup on short notice, replacing Rafael Fiziev, who withdrew due to injury. The Pole is 4-1 in his past five Octagon appearances and could enter the title conversation with a victory over Oliveira, his toughest test to date.</p>

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 10: Charles Oliveira of Brazil poses on the scale during the UFC Fight Night official weigh-in at the Windsor Marapendi on October 10, 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

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Oliveira, Gamrot make weight for UFC Rio; 1 fighter misses by 8 pounds

"Poatan" is back on top of the world.  Alex Pereira hammered Magomed Ankalaev with elbows on the ...

<p>"Poatan" is back on top of the world.</p><p>Alex Pereira hammered Magomed Ankalaev with elbows on the ground and scored a TKO finish at the 1:20 mark of the first round to reclaim the light heavyweight title in the UFC 320 main event Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.</p><p>With the victory, Pereira avenged a unanimous decision loss to Ankalaev that occurred at UFC 313 in March.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_RReu5WGhw4?si=_Yd_5cSjQXWKWsnQ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>Pereira closed the distance as soon as the fight started, looking to land punches. He tagged Ankalaev with a hard right hand that forced the Dagestani to shoot a takedown. Pereira fended off the attempt, got on top, and began teeing off with punches and then elbows. Referee Herb Dean gave Ankalaev a few moments to try to escape the position, but he eventually stepped in and waved off the fight.</p><p>Pereira became the third person to win the UFC light heavyweight title twice, joining Randy Couture and Jon Jones. The 38-year-old Brazilian improved to 6-1 in his last seven Octagon appearances. He now sits at 10-2 in the promotion overall.</p><p>Pereira, a former middleweight champion and one of 10 two-division titleholders in UFC history, first captured 205-pound gold in November 2023, knocking out Jiri Prochazka in the second round at UFC 295. He defended the belt three times in 2024 with finishes of Jamahal Hill, Prochazka, and Khalil Rountree Jr. before losing to Ankalaev earlier this year.</p><p>Ankalaev suffered just the second defeat of his professional career, falling to 21-2-1 (1 NC). The 33-year-old was riding a 14-fight unbeaten streak and hadn't lost since his UFC debut in 2018.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: Alex Pereira of Brazil reacts to his win over Magomed Ankalaev of Russia in the UFC light heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 320 event at T-Mobile Arena on October 04, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Pereira TKOs Ankalaev in under 2 minutes, regains UFC title

Merab Dvalishvili defeated Cory Sandhagen via unanimous decision to retain the bantamweight title...

<p>Merab Dvalishvili defeated Cory Sandhagen via unanimous decision to retain the bantamweight title in the UFC 320 co-main event Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.</p><p>The judges scored the fight 49-45, 49-45, and 49-46.</p><p>One of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world, Dvalishvili became the first UFC bantamweight champion to record three successful title defenses in a calendar year.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He also extended his winning streak to 14, which is the third-longest in UFC history behind Anderson Silva (16), Kamaru Usman (15), and Islam Makhachev (15).</p><p>"I keep getting better," Dvalishvili said in his postfight interview.</p><p>"The Machine" used pace and pressure to cruise past Sandhagen, outlanding the challenger 114-80 in significant strikes and completing 20 of 37 takedowns. Dvalishvili became the first UFC fighter to land 100 career takedowns and also set a new record for the most takedowns landed in a five-round title bout.</p><p>Dvalishvili nearly scored a finish in the second round. He rocked Sandhagen with heavy punches on the feet and then pummeled him with ground-and-pound, but Sandhagen survived.</p><p>Dvalishvili's relentless attack continued in the championship rounds, as he constantly backed Sandhagen up and shot takedowns to secure the clear-cut victory.</p><p>Afterward, Dvalishvili said he hopes to fight again at UFC 322 in December.</p><p>"Petr Yan looked good (in his last fight), and I think he's ready," Dvalishvili said. "I want to keep busy. Hunter Campbell and Dana White, if you have a spot in December, I would love to make a quick turnaround."</p><p>The 34-year-old Georgian is in the midst of an all-time run, avoiding defeat since 2018. Dvalishvili won the bantamweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Sean O'Malley at UFC 306 in September 2024 and has defended it against Umar Nurmagomedov, O'Malley, and now Sandhagen.</p><p>Ranked No. 4 in the division, Sandhagen challenged for the undisputed title for the first time. The 33-year-old fell to 1-2 in his last three Octagon outings.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: Merab Dvalishvili of Georgia awaits the start of a round in the UFC bantamweight championship fight during the UFC 320 event at T-Mobile Arena on October 04, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Dvalishvili cruises past Sandhagen, retains UFC bantamweight title

Former light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka mounted a wild comeback to stop Khalil Rountree ...

<p>Former light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka mounted a wild comeback to stop Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 320.</p><p>Prochazka knocked out Rountree at the 3:04 mark of the third round Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.</p><p>Prochazka was losing 20-18 on all three judges' scorecards entering the third round.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F24615152518107445%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=476&amp;t=0" width="476" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></figure><p>Rountree performed well in the first two rounds, picking Prochazka apart with hard punches and kicks. But Prochazka upped his aggression in the third and turned it into a Round of the Year candidate, swinging wild punches and eventually catching Rountree with a devastating left hook that put the former title challenger out cold.</p><p>With the victory, Prochazka is now riding a two-fight winning streak after knocking out former champion Jamahal Hill at UFC 311 in January. The 32-year-old Czech fighter could be in line for a title shot next, though Carlos Ulberg - who beat Dominick Reyes at UFC Perth last weekend - is also in contention.</p><p>Rountree was coming off a dominant win over Hill at UFC Baku in June. The 35-year-old is 1-2 in his last three Octagon appearances.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: (L-R) Jiri Prochazka of the Czech Republic strikes Khalil Rountree Jr. in a light heavyweight fight during the UFC 320 event at T-Mobile Arena on October 04, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Prochazka KOs Rountree to cap slugfest at UFC 320

theScore's Nick Baldwin makes his picks for the UFC 320 main-card bouts ahead of Saturday's event...

<p><em>theScore's Nick Baldwin makes his picks for the UFC 320 main-card bouts ahead of Saturday's event in Las Vegas.</em></p><h3>Light heavyweight championship</h3><p><strong>Magomed Ankalaev (21-1-1, 1 NC)<br>vs.<br>Alex Pereira (12-3)</strong></p><p>As much as I'd like to say Alex Pereira can make the rematch more interesting than the first fight, I don't have any reason to think it'll play out much differently than when Magomed Ankalaev outworked him at UFC 313 in March to seize the title.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ankalaev proved to be a tough stylistic matchup for Pereira, and that'll be the case again. He kept Pereira on the back foot, outstruck the former kickboxing champion, and mixed in some clinch work. Pereira was too concerned about being taken down, and as a result, he wasn't aggressive enough on the feet, which is when "Poatan" shines.</p><p>Pereira <em>can </em>beat Ankalaev, but at 38 years old, it's an uphill battle. He likely needs a knockout - or at least a knockdown to swing a round in his favor - while Ankalaev has several paths to victory, including by suffocating the challenger on the ground. I'll take the Dagestani to put on a similar performance as he did in the spring, cementing himself as the top 205-pound fighter in the promotion.</p><p><strong>The pick: </strong>Ankalaev, unanimous decision</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804077/cropped_GettyImages-2238994938.jpg?ts=1759507718" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804077/w220xh124_GettyImages-2238994938.jpg?ts=1759507718 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804077/w320xh180_GettyImages-2238994938.jpg?ts=1759507718 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804077/w640xh360_GettyImages-2238994938.jpg?ts=1759507718 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804077/w768xh432_GettyImages-2238994938.jpg?ts=1759507718 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804077/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2238994938.jpg?ts=1759507718 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>Bantamweight championship</h3><p><strong>Merab Dvalishvili (20-4)</strong><br><strong>vs.<br>Cory Sandhagen (18-5)</strong></p><p>I can't see this going well for Cory Sandhagen.</p><p>And that's not a knock on him by any means, but rather a vote of confidence in Dvalishvili. The bantamweight champ is on a different level than his peers, with recent performances like his upset of Umar Nurmagomedov in January or his submission of Sean O'Malley in June making it difficult to pick against him.</p><p>Sandhagen needs to keep this fight standing at all costs. He has a crafty striking arsenal and could theoretically outwork Dvalishvili if he fights at a distance. But that's way easier said than done. "The Machine" is literally that: a man who walks forward, walks forward some more, and absolutely drowns you with pressure. Boasting perhaps the best cardiovascular endurance in the UFC, Dvalishvili never slows down. I fear Sandhagen will be backing up and trying to fend off takedowns throughout much of the fight.</p><p>I'm expecting another Dvalishvili clinic.</p><p><strong>The pick: </strong>Dvalishvili, unanimous decision</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804120/cropped_GettyImages-2238995293.jpg?ts=1759531472" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804120/w220xh124_GettyImages-2238995293.jpg?ts=1759531472 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804120/w320xh180_GettyImages-2238995293.jpg?ts=1759531472 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804120/w640xh360_GettyImages-2238995293.jpg?ts=1759531472 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804120/w768xh432_GettyImages-2238995293.jpg?ts=1759531472 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804120/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2238995293.jpg?ts=1759531472 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>Light heavyweight bout</h3><p><strong>Jiri Prochazka (31-5-1)</strong><br><strong>vs.</strong><br><strong>Khalil Rountree Jr. (14-6, 1 NC)</strong></p><p>The two title fights at the top of UFC 320 are great, but this is the people's main event. Jiri Prochazka versus Khalil Rountree Jr. will either be one of the best fights of the year or end in a devastating knockout - or both. It's also a really tough one to call.</p><p>I'm leaning toward Prochazka to turn the fight into a slugfest and bust up Rountree down the stretch. But it wouldn't surprise me if Rountree takes advantage of Prochazka's suboptimal defense and either outworks or knocks out the former champion.</p><p><strong>The pick: </strong>Prochazka, third-round TKO</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><h3>Featherweight bout</h3><p><strong>Josh Emmett (19-5)</strong><br><strong>vs.</strong><br><strong>Youssef Zalal (17-5-1)</strong></p><p>Youssef Zalal has looked terrific since returning to the UFC in 2024, winning four fights with three finishes. A win over Josh Emmett would catapult him into the featherweight title mix. Emmett is the more seasoned fighter and has the most knockout power in the featherweight division, but it's hard to back a 40-year-old over a 29-year-old. Give me Zalal to outwork Emmett and score the biggest win of his career.</p><p><strong>The pick: </strong>Zalal, unanimous decision</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804123/cropped_GettyImages-2238997080.jpg?ts=1759531554" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804123/w220xh124_GettyImages-2238997080.jpg?ts=1759531554 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804123/w320xh180_GettyImages-2238997080.jpg?ts=1759531554 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804123/w640xh360_GettyImages-2238997080.jpg?ts=1759531554 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804123/w768xh432_GettyImages-2238997080.jpg?ts=1759531554 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804123/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2238997080.jpg?ts=1759531554 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>Middleweight bout</h3><p><strong>Abus Magomedov (28-6-1)</strong><br><strong>vs.</strong><br><strong>Joe Pyfer (14-3)</strong></p><p>I'm still not completely sold that Joe Pyfer is ready to be a contender in the middleweight division. Still, he's probably just good enough to get past someone of Abus Magomedov's caliber. I'll take Pyfer to score a late stoppage in a rather competitive fight.</p><p><strong>The pick: </strong>Pyfer, third-round TKO</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804121/cropped_GettyImages-2238995504.jpg?ts=1759531512" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804121/w220xh124_GettyImages-2238995504.jpg?ts=1759531512 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804121/w320xh180_GettyImages-2238995504.jpg?ts=1759531512 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804121/w640xh360_GettyImages-2238995504.jpg?ts=1759531512 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804121/w768xh432_GettyImages-2238995504.jpg?ts=1759531512 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804121/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2238995504.jpg?ts=1759531512 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure>

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UFC 320 predictions: Will Pereira retake the throne?

Usman Nurmagomedov earned a unanimous decision victory in his rematch with Paul Hughes, capturing...

<p>Usman Nurmagomedov earned a unanimous decision victory in his rematch with Paul Hughes, capturing the vacant PFL lightweight championship Saturday at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.</p><p>The judges scored the fight 50-45, 49-46, and 48-47 in Nurmagomedov's favor. However, the first two scorecards didn't seem to accurately reflect the competitiveness of the fight. PFL color commentator Jimmy Smith said on the broadcast he thought 48-47 was the correct score, and other pundits blasted the lopsided scorecards on social media.</p><p>Nurmagomedov, a former Bellator lightweight champion, added a second promotional title to his resume. He remains undefeated as a professional, with a record of 20-0 (1 NC).</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 27-year-old Dagestani now holds a 2-0 record against Hughes after beating him via majority decision in January in the final 155-pound title bout in Bellator history.</p><p>Saturday's rematch was another entertaining, back-and-forth fight after Nurmagomedov and Hughes delivered a Fight of the Year candidate earlier in 2025. Both men landed heavy shots on the feet, with Hughes perhaps getting the best of the exchanges, while Nurmagomedov excelled in the grappling department, taking Hughes' back and attacking the neck multiple times.</p><p>Nurmagomedov, a cousin of UFC Hall of Famer Khabib, returned to the cage for the first time since his first win over Hughes. He's now 9-0 (1 NC) under the PFL/Bellator banner.</p><p>Hughes, a 28-year-old from Belfast, Northern Ireland, fell to 3-2 in the PFL and 14-3 as a pro.</p><p>In the PFL Dubai co-main event, Corey Anderson defeated Dovlet Yagshimuradov by unanimous decision in a rematch to claim the vacant light heavyweight title.</p>

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - OCTOBER 03: Usman Nurmagomedov receives the Lightweight belt after defeating Paul Hughes of Ireland in the PFL Lightweight World Title Fight during the PFL Championship Series :Road to Dubai on October 03, 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

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Nurmagomedov beats Hughes again to claim PFL title

The UFC returns to Las Vegas on Saturday night for a light heavyweight title rematch, as T-Mobile...

<p>The UFC returns to Las Vegas on Saturday night for a light heavyweight title rematch, as T-Mobile Arena plays host to UFC 320. In the main event, Magomed Ankalaev will defend his belt for the first time against former two-division champion Alex Pereira. In the co-main event, Merab Dvalishvili will put the bantamweight championship up for grabs versus Cory Sandhagen.</p><p>Here are some of the best bets for UFC 320.</p><blockquote><p><strong>👉 <a target="_blank" href="https://about.espnbet.com/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-320&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3359384">Check out all the odds for UFC 320 on ESPN BET and theScore Bet here</a></strong></p></blockquote><h3>👊 <a target="_blank" href="https://about.espnbet.com/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=9d5d50fe-d44e-4024-9166-bb0516ef6b7f&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=5&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=4&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-320&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3359384">Favorite bet: Merab Dvalishvili (-400) def. Cory Sandhagen</a>
</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803829/cropped_GettyImages-2219118542.jpg?ts=1759348985" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803829/w220xh124_GettyImages-2219118542.jpg?ts=1759348985 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803829/w320xh180_GettyImages-2219118542.jpg?ts=1759348985 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803829/w640xh360_GettyImages-2219118542.jpg?ts=1759348985 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803829/w768xh432_GettyImages-2219118542.jpg?ts=1759348985 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803829/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2219118542.jpg?ts=1759348985 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ed Mulholland / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Given the form Dvalishvili has shown in recent years, it's hard to pick against him at 135 pounds. Sandhagen is no slouch himself, but he'll need to put on an absolute masterclass to have any shot at dethroning "The Machine." Dvalishvili's pace, control, and cardiovascular endurance should allow the Georgian to dictate where the fight goes, keep Sandhagen guessing, and ultimately grind his way to another successful title defense. Even though -400 is a pretty expensive price, Dvalishvili is worth it and would be a great addition to a parlay.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>
<strong>👊 </strong><a target="_blank" href="https://about.espnbet.com/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=b0d38be6-ce98-4f42-8a56-d6df3d111f49&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=11&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=4&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-320&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3359384">Best underdog bet: Khalil Rountree Jr. (+155) def. Jiri Prochazka</a>
</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791433/cropped_GettyImages-2221385317.jpg?ts=1750545034" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791433/w220xh124_GettyImages-2221385317.jpg?ts=1750545034 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791433/w320xh180_GettyImages-2221385317.jpg?ts=1750545034 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791433/w640xh360_GettyImages-2221385317.jpg?ts=1750545034 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791433/w768xh432_GettyImages-2221385317.jpg?ts=1750545034 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791433/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2221385317.jpg?ts=1750545034 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ed Mulholland / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>There aren't too many intriguing underdogs on the UFC 320 card, but Khalil Rountree Jr. may be worth grabbing. The former light heavyweight title challenger is facing Jiri Prochazka in a fight that feels 50-50. Prochazka will win if it turns into a slugfest, but Rountree could pull off the upset if he stays composed and picks apart the former champion.</p><p>Prochazka deserves to be the favorite, but Rountree is a solid underdog pick.</p><h3>
<strong>👊 </strong><a target="_blank" href="https://about.espnbet.com/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=b287d7ad-d15e-4957-8eed-04d2ef5db8da&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=11&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=7&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-320%2Fevent%2F49fc1979-83f3-46cf-bafe-ce5ab2ed4834&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3359384">Best prop bet: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira goes over 2.5 rounds (-175)</a>
</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803954/cropped_GettyImages-2204069022.jpg?ts=1759432527" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803954/w220xh124_GettyImages-2204069022.jpg?ts=1759432527 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803954/w320xh180_GettyImages-2204069022.jpg?ts=1759432527 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803954/w640xh360_GettyImages-2204069022.jpg?ts=1759432527 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803954/w768xh432_GettyImages-2204069022.jpg?ts=1759432527 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803954/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2204069022.jpg?ts=1759432527 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The first Ankalaev-Pereira bout easily went the distance, and I don't have any reason to believe the rematch won't go past two-and-a-half rounds. An early Pereira knockout is always a possibility, but as we saw at UFC 313 in March, Ankalaev's pressure and clinch work lessen the chance of that happening. Saturday's main event will be another long fight.</p><blockquote><p><strong>👉 <a target="_blank" href="https://about.espnbet.com/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-320&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3359384">Check out all the odds for UFC 320 on ESPN BET and theScore Bet here</a></strong></p></blockquote><h3>Main card</h3><ul>
<li>Magomed Ankalaev (-260) vs. Alex Pereira (+210)</li>
<li>Merab Dvalishvili (-400) vs. Cory Sandhagen (+300)</li>
<li>Jiri Prochazka (-185) vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. (+155)</li>
<li>Youssef Zalal (-550) vs. Josh Emmett (+375)</li>
<li>Joe Pyfer (-270) vs. Abus Magomedov (+220)</li>
</ul><h3>Preliminary card</h3><ul>
<li>Ateba Gautier (-2500) vs. Tre'ston Vines (+900)</li>
<li>Edmen Shahbazyan (-350) vs. Andre Muniz (+270)</li>
<li>Farid Basharat (-550) vs. Chris Gutierrez (+375)</li>
<li>Daniel Santos (-160) vs. JooSang Yoo (+135)</li>
</ul><h3>Early preliminary card</h3><ul>
<li>Macy Chiasson (-195) vs. Yana Santos (+165)</li>
<li>Patchy Mix (-330) vs. Jakub Wiklacz (+260)</li>
<li>Punahele Soriano (-330) vs. Nikolay Veretennikov (+260)</li>
<li>Austin Vanderford (-300) vs. Ramiz Brahimaj (+240)</li>
<li>Veronica Hardy (-800) vs. Brogan Walker (+500)</li>
</ul>

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UFC 320 bets: Will Ankalaev, Dvalishvili retain titles?

UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev and former champ Alex Pereira made weight Friday ...

<p>UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev and former champ Alex Pereira made weight Friday prior to squaring off for the second time in the UFC 320 main event Saturday in Las Vegas.</p><p>Ankalaev and Pereira both weighed in at 204.5 pounds.</p><p>Bantamweight titleholder Merab Dvalishvili and Cory Sandhagen were also on the mark for the co-main event. They came in at 135 and 134.5 pounds, respectively.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Here are the UFC 320 weigh-in results.</p><h3>Main card (ESPN+ PPV at 10 p.m. ET)</h3><ul>
<li>Magomed Ankalaev (204.5) vs. Alex Pereira (204.5)</li>
<li>Merab Dvalishvili (135) vs. Cory Sandhagen (134.5)</li>
<li>Jiri Prochazka (206) vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. (205)</li>
<li>Youssef Zalal (146) vs. Josh Emmett (146)</li>
<li>Joe Pyfer (186) vs. Abus Magomedov (185.5)</li>
</ul><h3>Preliminary card (ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET)</h3><ul>
<li>Ateba Gautier (186) vs. Tre'ston Vines (185)</li>
<li>Edmen Shahbazyan (185.5) vs. Andre Muniz (185.5)</li>
<li>Farid Basharat (136) vs. Chris Gutierrez (136)</li>
<li>Daniel Santos (151) vs. JooSang Yoo (152.5)</li>
</ul><h3>Early preliminary card (ESPN+ at 6 p.m. ET)</h3><ul>
<li>Macy Chiasson (137.5)* vs. Yana Santos (135)</li>
<li>Patchy Mix (136) vs. Jakub Wiklacz (136)</li>
<li>Punahele Soriano (170.5) vs. Nikolay Veretennikov (170.5)</li>
<li>Ramiz Brahimaj (170.5) vs. Austin Vanderford (170.5)</li>
<li>Veronica Hardy (125.5) vs. Brogan Walker (124.5)</li>
</ul><p><em>*Missed bantamweight limit by 1.5 pounds.</em></p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 03: Magomed Ankalaev of Russia poses on the scale during the UFC 320 official weigh-ins at UFC Apex on October 03, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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UFC 320 weigh-in results: Ankalaev, Pereira cleared for rematch

UFC 320 is upon us.  In Saturday's main event, Magomed Ankalaev defends the light heavyweight tit...

<p>UFC 320 is upon us.</p><p>In Saturday's main event, Magomed Ankalaev defends the light heavyweight title in an immediate rematch with former two-division champion Alex Pereira. In the co-headliner, bantamweight champ Merab Dvalishvili puts his belt on the line against Cory Sandhagen.</p><p>Here are three key storylines ahead of the UFC's return to T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Is Pereira's career on the line vs. Ankalaev?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774301/cropped_GettyImages-2204072149.jpg?ts=1741553108" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774301/w220xh124_GettyImages-2204072149.jpg?ts=1741553108 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774301/w320xh180_GettyImages-2204072149.jpg?ts=1741553108 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774301/w640xh360_GettyImages-2204072149.jpg?ts=1741553108 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774301/w768xh432_GettyImages-2204072149.jpg?ts=1741553108 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774301/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2204072149.jpg?ts=1741553108 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Sure, it might be a tad dramatic to suggest Pereira's career would be over if he loses to Ankalaev for a second straight time this weekend. But no one ever wants to be 0-2 against the current champion in their division, and that's the predicament Pereira would find himself in if he comes up short at UFC 320.</p><p>This time last year, the Brazilian was about to make his third successful title defense of 2024, a TKO win over Khalil Rountree Jr. to cement one of the best campaigns we've seen in MMA. Now, he's one loss away from sitting outside the title picture for the first time since he joined the UFC.</p><p>There's always a chance Pereira could turn things around if he loses to Ankalaev again, but at 38 years old, it's not particularly likely. It would be tough to work his way back to a title shot as long as Ankalaev is champion. And looking beyond the light heavyweight division, there wouldn't be much appetite for superfights against Jon Jones or Tom Aspinall anymore - matchups that, not even a year ago, would've been major box-office attractions.</p><p>While a second defeat to Ankalaev wouldn't necessarily be a death sentence for Pereira's career, it would be a sign that his time as one of the UFC's biggest stars is over for good.</p><h3>Dvalishvili seeking Fighter of the Year award</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789442/cropped_GettyImages-2219120442.jpg?ts=1749409609" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789442/w220xh124_GettyImages-2219120442.jpg?ts=1749409609 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789442/w320xh180_GettyImages-2219120442.jpg?ts=1749409609 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789442/w640xh360_GettyImages-2219120442.jpg?ts=1749409609 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789442/w768xh432_GettyImages-2219120442.jpg?ts=1749409609 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789442/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2219120442.jpg?ts=1749409609 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Elsa / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Dvalishvili is on a roll.</p><p>The bantamweight champ is looking to become just the eighth fighter in UFC history to record three successful title defenses in a calendar year. He upset Umar Nurmagomedov in January, finished Sean O'Malley in their rematch in June, and is now hoping to get past another top contender in Sandhagen.</p><p>As we've progressed through 2025, it's become clear that this might be the year of "The Machine." Dvalishvili has been very impressive, outmatching his opponents and smashing records. If he beats Sandhagen on Saturday, the Fighter of the Year award will be his to lose.</p><p>The winner of the UFC 322 main event between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev will also have a solid argument, but it's tough to go against three straight title defenses in one of the promotion's deepest divisions.</p><h3>Who's getting the next light heavyweight title shot after Pereira?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766148/cropped_GettyImages-2194643230.jpg?ts=1737261062" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766148/w220xh124_GettyImages-2194643230.jpg?ts=1737261062 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766148/w320xh180_GettyImages-2194643230.jpg?ts=1737261062 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766148/w640xh360_GettyImages-2194643230.jpg?ts=1737261062 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766148/w768xh432_GettyImages-2194643230.jpg?ts=1737261062 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766148/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2194643230.jpg?ts=1737261062 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cooper Neill / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The light heavyweight division will get some clarity at UFC 320.</p><p>The main event between Ankalaev and Pereira isn't the only big 205-pound matchup on the card. Additionally, former champion Jiri Prochazka will square off with Rountree in a fight that could determine the No. 1 contender.</p><p>However, a title shot for the winner of Prochazka-Rountree is far from a sure thing. Carlos Ulberg is also on the hunt for a crack at the belt, and he set a high bar last weekend in Perth, Australia, when he knocked out Dominick Reyes in violent fashion. Prochazka and Rountree will need to deliver if they want to jump ahead of Ulberg in the title race.</p><p>It'll also depend on who leaves UFC 320 with the belt. If Ankalaev remains champion, the promotion will have several options, as the Dagestani has never fought Prochazka, Rountree, or Ulberg. Prochazka might be the biggest matchup of those three. Pereira, on the other hand, has beaten Prochazka twice and Rountree once, making Ulberg the front-runner if "Poatan" regains the title.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 08: (L-R) Alex Pereira of Brazil faces Magomed Ankalaev of Russia in the UFC light heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 313 event at T-Mobile Arena on March 08, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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3 biggest storylines ahead of UFC 320

Two marquee matchups are set for the UFC's debut event in Qatar next month.  Lightweight contende...

<p>Two marquee matchups are set for the UFC's debut event in Qatar next month.</p><p>Lightweight contenders Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker will headline the Nov. 22 Fight Night card in Doha, Qatar, UFC CEO Dana White announced Wednesday.</p><p>Former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad will return against Ian Machado Garry in the co-main event.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Tsarukyan hasn't stepped into the Octagon since earning a split-decision win over former 155-pound champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 in April 2024. The 28-year-old was scheduled to challenge Islam Makhachev for the title at UFC 311 in January, but he withdrew the day before the event due to an injury. White later indicated that Tsarukyan would have to win another fight to earn a title shot again.</p><p>Hooker, the No. 6-ranked lightweight, has also been idle for over a year. The 35-year-old is coming off a split-decision victory over Mateusz Gamrot in August 2024. Hooker has won three straight.</p><p>Muhammad is looking to get back on track after dropping the 170-pound title in a unanimous decision loss to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 in May. The 37-year-old was riding an 11-fight unbeaten streak before that fight.</p><p>Garry beat Carlos Prates in his most recent Octagon appearance, earning a unanimous decision in the UFC Kansas City main event in April. The 27-year-old holds a 9-1 record in the promotion.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 13: Arman Tsarukyan of Georgia prepares to fight in a lightweight fight during the UFC 300 event at T-Mobile Arena on April 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Tsarukyan-Hooker, Muhammad-Garry to headline UFC Qatar

UFC legend Dustin Poirier doesn't plan to come out of retirement to compete in mixed martial arts...

<p>UFC legend Dustin Poirier doesn't plan to come out of retirement to compete in mixed martial arts again, but he says he'd be willing to face Nate Diaz in a boxing match.</p><p>"Zuffa Boxing, (12 rounds), me and Nathaniel. I'd do it," Poirier <a href="https://x.com/DustinPoirier/status/1972884857102717423">wrote</a> Monday night on X. "Only one more fight I'd take."</p><p>He <a href="https://x.com/DustinPoirier/status/1972886134679277942">added</a>: "I'm retired, I'm done, but Nate is one that got away."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Poirier, a former interim lightweight champion, retired from MMA in July after he lost to Max Holloway in a trilogy bout at UFC 318 in his home state of Louisiana.</p><p>Poirier and Diaz were scheduled to square off in a marquee bout in the UFC in 2018, but Poirier withdrew due to an injury. They've both talked about rescheduling the matchup several times since, but it never materialized in the Octagon.</p><p>Diaz, one of the biggest stars in MMA history, left the promotion in 2022 and has since competed twice in boxing. He suffered a unanimous decision loss to Jake Paul in his professional debut in 2023 and then earned a win over former UFC title challenger Jorge Masvidal last year.</p><p>Zuffa Boxing, headed by UFC CEO Dana White, is expected to hold its first event in 2026. On Monday, it announced a long-term U.S. media rights deal with Paramount+ and CBS.</p>

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JULY 18: Dustin Poirier poses on the scale during the UFC 318 ceremonial weigh-ins at Smoothie King Center on July 18, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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Poirier open to boxing match vs. Nate Diaz: 'I'd do it'

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