UFC Fight Night 199, the promotion's last event of the year, went down Saturday night in Las Vegas. The card was packed with memorable finishes, many of which opened to the door to exciting new matchup possibilities...
TMZ: Ex-UFC Fighter Chael Sonnen Cited for Alleged Brawl at Hotel in Las Vegas
Dec 19, 2021
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 10: Submission grappling promoter Chael Sonnen attends the 13th annual Fighters Only World Mixed Martial Arts Awards at the Worre Studios on December 10, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images)
Former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen received five misdemeanor battery citations after his alleged involvement in a brawl at a Las Vegas hotel, per TMZ Sports.
The 44-year-old was detained by police and brought away in handcuffs but was not arrested.
A witness told police Sonnen was banging on a hotel room door before he got into an altercation with a couple that was walking by, per TMZ.
Paramedics also responded to the scene, but it's unclear if there were any injuries in the incident.
Sonnen was best known for his UFC career, earning several title fights but never a championship. He posted a 31-17-1 MMA record as a professional, last competing in June 2019 in a loss to Lyoto Machida in Bellator 222.
The fighter also spent time as a color commentator for UFC and Bellator after being known for his trash-talk during his career.
Jake Paul Calls out Nate Diaz, Jorge Masvidal After Knockout Win over Tyron Woodley
Dec 19, 2021
US YouTube personality Jake Paul gestures during his weigh-in event ahead of the boxing fight against US martial artist Tyron Woodley in Tampa, Florida, on December 17, 2021. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP) (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)
After knocking out Tyron Woodley in the sixth round of their boxing match on Saturday night, former YouTuber Jake Paul turned his attention to future opponents and called out two UFC fighters.
Paul name-dropped Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz in his post-fight interview, saying he'd fight either or both of them if their UFC contracts allows them to accept his challenge.
Jake Paul calls out Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal following his KO of Tyron Woodley: "Y'all are some bitches for leaving this arena. I know you don't want that s***. I'll take out both of y'all next. Get out of your contracts with daddy Dana. I'mma f*** them up too."
Both Diaz and Masvidal were in attendance at Saturday's fight. In an interview, Diaz said he wasn't interested in the main event and instead was there to support a friend who fought on the undercard.
Nice to see my ol pal Nathan Diaz here this evening π
In October, UFC president Dana White confirmed that Diaz has one fight left on his contract. The Stockton, California-native is 1-3 in his last four fights, most recently losing a unanimous decision to Leon Edwards at UFC 263 in June. It was Diaz's first appearance in the octagon since Nov. 2019 when he fought Masvidal for the "BMF" title at Madison Square Garden. Masvidal won the bout by doctor stoppage.
Masvidal is coming off back-to-back losses to UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. He was brutally knocked out in their second meeting this past April in the main event of UFC 261. Masvidal has not disclosed what's next for him, but a fight against former friend turned bitter rival Colby Covington makes sense. Covington is also coming off a second loss to Usman in November at UFC 268.
Paul improved to 5-0 with four knockout victories after his second win over Woodley. He was originally scheduled to face Tommy Fury on Saturday, but Fury dropped out of the fight due to an undisclosed injury and Woodley accepted the rematch on two weeks' notice.
The UFC promoted its final event of 2021 on Saturday night: The UFC Fight Night 199 card out of Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. From the early vantage point, the card really didnβt look like much...
UFC Fight Night 199 Results: Derrick Lewis Sets Record with Knockout of Chris Daukaus
Dec 19, 2021
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 17: (L-R) Opponents Derrick Lewis and Chris Daukaus face off during the UFC Fight Night weigh-in at UFC APEX on December 17, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Derrick Lewis defeated Chris Daukaus via first-round knockout in the main event of UFC Fight Night 199 from the Apex facility in Las Vegas on Saturday.
Lewis is now the all-time leader in KO victories in UFC history.
Daukaus was understandably cautious to start the fight, doing a lot of feinting on the outside and scoring a couple of leg kicks. But Lewis turned up the pressure and caught Daukaus clean. Daukaus did his best to try to weather the storm, but Lewis threw a flurry at him and eventually sent him facedown to the mat.
Lewis has the second-most wins in UFC heavyweight history at 17 behind Andrei Arlovski's 21. In typical Lewis fashion, he threw his protective cup into the crowd as part of his celebration.
The entertaining heavyweight said after the fight that he's no longer interested in main event fights and only wants to be booked for three-round bouts. But Lewis said he will have his eyes on the upcoming heavyweight title fight between champion Francis Ngannou and interim champ Ciryl Gane at UFC 270.
Here's a look at the complete results and a closer look at the other action on the main card.
Main Card
Derrick Lewis def. Chris Daukaus via KO (punches) at 3:36 of Round 1
Belal Muhammad def. Stephen Thompson via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-26, 30-26)
Amanda Lemos def. Angela Hill via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
Ricky Simon def. Raphael Assuncao via KO (punches) at 2:14 of Round 2
Mateusz Gamrot def. Diego Ferreira via TKO (knee) at 3:26 of Round 2
Cub Swanson def. Darren Elkins via TKO (strikes) at 2:12 of Round 1
Prelims
Gerald Meerschaert def. Dustin Stoltzfus via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:58 of Round 3
Justin Tafa def. Harry Hunsucker via TKO (head kick) at 1:53 of Round 1
Melissa Gatto def. Sijara Eubanks via TKO (body kick) at 0:45 of Round 3
Charles Jourdain def. Andre Ewell via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 29-27)
Raquel Pennington def. Macy Chiasson via submission (guillotine choke) at 3:07 of Round 2
Don'tale Mayes def. Josh Parisian via TKO (strikes) at 3:26 of Round 3
Jordan Leavitt def. Matt Sayles via submission (inverted triangle choke) at 2:05 of Round 2
*Raoni Barcelos vs. Victor Henry was canceled.
Belal Muhammad def. Stephen Thompson
The pairing of Stephen Thompson and Belal Muhammad was a classic striker vs. grappler matchup. In this instance, Muhammad was able to use his wrestling to cancel Thompson's karate style in a one-sided fight.
The small Octagon paid dividends for Muhammad, as he was able to use his forward pressure to back Thompson to the cage. Muhammad was relentless with his takedown attempts, wearing down Thompson before landing a big slam and taking his back. But referee Herb Dean felt Thompson was adequately defending himself and allowed him to make it out of the round.
Thompson came out firing to start the second round, but Muhammad was once again able to get the fight to the ground. He maintained top position for most of the round and attacked with a kimura lock, but Thompson was once again able to survive.
A personal best 5οΈβ£th takedown for @BullyB170.
Muhammad wasted no time going for a takedown at the beginning of the third round. Thompson was visibly frustrated as his opponent wanted no part of a striking battle, but he couldn't do anything to stop Muhammad's pressure.
Gotta give full credit to Belal Muhammad on that one. Saw his path to victory and took it, convincingly, against one of the most difficult style matchups in the division. Stephen Thompson badly needed a win tonight, we were expecting his best. Belal beat him. Moving on up.
It's rare to see Thompson dominated like he was Saturday night. Muhammad, who called out both welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and likely next title challenger Leon Edwards, could be one fight away from a title shot after such a dominant performance.
Amanda Lemos def. Angela Hill
Angela Hill set a new record for most fights in strawweight history with 19, and Amanda Lemos gave her an absolute battle.
Lemos landed a huge front kick early on in the first round that dropped Hill. She tried going for a guillotine, but Hill survived and reversed the position. Hill was able to land a big punch that got Lemos' attention.
The third round was back-and-forth with both women landing often. Hill connected with a spinning back elbow that dropped Lemos to the mat. But Lemos was seen as the winner in two of the three judges' eyes.
Lemos is on a five-fight win streak and will continue to climb the ladder at 115 pounds. It's yet another heartbreaking split-decision loss for Hill, which has been a theme throughout her career.
Ricky Simon def. Raphael Assuncao
The bantamweight matchup between Ricky Simon and Raphael Assuncao was a matchup between an old lion and a rising young cub. In this case, the youngster dominated the aging veteran.
The 29-year-old Simon put the pressure on the 39-year-old Assuncao early and was able to get him to the ground with a huge slam. Simon remained on top until the end of the first round.
Simon surprisingly didn't shoot for another takedown to start the second round, but it paid off for him. He was able to land a big overhand right that sat Assuncao down, and he earned the biggest win of his career.
Simon is on a four-fight win streak and has likely earned a spot in the bantamweight rankings. He called out Sean O'Malley in his post-fight interview.
Mateusz Gamrot def. Diego Ferreira
In a bout between two high-level grapplers, lightweights Mateusz Gamrot and Diego Ferreira were evenly matched to start their fight. Gamrot was aggressively trying to get the fight to the ground, but Ferreira's top-notch scrambling was on full display as he refused to accept bottom position.
Late in the second round, Gamrot was able to wrap his arms around Ferreira and control him against the fence. A well-placed knee seemed to cause an injury to Ferreira, and he indicated to the referee to stop the fight.
A win over the 12th-ranked Ferreira should earn Gamrot a spot in the top 15 on Monday morning. Gamrot shot his shot in his post-fight interview, calling out popular lightweight Michael Chandler for a fight. Gamrot will likely need one or two more wins before he earns a high-profile matchup like that.
Cub Swanson def. Darren Elkins
Veteran featherweights Cub Swanson and Darren Elkins were sure to put on an exciting fight, and the fireworks started early. Swanson came down with his hands low, completely disregarding Elkins' striking. Elkins tried to answer back but got clipped.
Swanson was able to avoid all of Elkins' takedown attempts and continued to pour on the damage. He threw a spinning wheel kick that grazed Elkins, and Herb Dean stepped in as Elkins stumbled to the mat.
The UFC officially closes out its 2021 calendar with a Fight Night card that features one of the most entertaining men in the heavyweight division in Derrick Lewis fighting a rising ...
Nate Diaz: I'm Not Fighting Conor Mcgregor Until 'His Leg Grows Back'
Dec 18, 2021
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JUNE 12: Nate Diaz prepares to fight Leon Edwards of Jamaica during their UFC 263 welterweight match at Gila River Arena on June 12, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona.
While many think now is the right time for a trilogy bout between Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor, the former isn't interested in another bout with the Irishman until "his leg grows back," he tweeted Friday.
Iβm not fighting Conor until his leg grows back and he beats some people so we know he can even fight still till then Can I get on January card @ufc Thanks
McGregor fractured his leg in a fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July. He hasn't fought since then, though he said last month that he could be cleared to spar by April.
Diaz and McGregor first met at UFC 196 in March 2016. Diaz upset McGregor by submission, though he lost the rematch at UFC 202 in August 2016, losing a majority decision.
Diaz has since been angling for a matchup against Poirier. However, according to Poirier, the two might not meet until UFC 271.
Maybe UFC 271 they couldn't make it happen on 270. I said yes
UFC 271 is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 12 at the Toyota Center in Houston. Israel Adesanya will be looking to retain the middleweight title against Robert Whittaker in the main event.
Jon Jones Reaches Plea Deal on Misdemeanor Domestic Violence Charge After Arrest
Dec 16, 2021
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 23: Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones poses on the red carpet prior to the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2020 Induction Ceremony at Park Theater at Park MGM on September 23, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones reached a plea deal to have his domestic violence charge dropped this week.
TMZ Sports reported court records showed Jones pleaded no-contest to a misdemeanor charge of destroying property as part of the deal. He will also have to undergo anger management counseling and pay restitution to the victim, along with avoiding further legal troubles.
Jones was arrested on domestic violence and felony tampering with a vehicle charges in September at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Police said Jones' fiancee told them the fighter "touched the back of my head and pulled my hair a little bit but he did not hit me or anything."
After the charges against him were reported, Jones posted on social media that he needed to stop drinking alcohol.
"I have way too much trauma to consume alcohol, my brain simply can't handle it anymore," Jones said. "Now is the time to work harder than ever."
Jones has not fought in the UFC since February 2020.
The official UFC rankings are a farce. That sounds harsh, but it's the truth. The entire system seems to be predicated on the whims and fancies of the voting panelists, many of whom don't even appear to closely follow mixed martial arts...
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 11: Amanda Nunes prepares to fight Julianna PeΓ±a in their womans bantamweight title fight during the UFC 269 on December 11, 2021, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Louis Grasse/PxImages/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Amanda Nunes is ready to jump at the first opportunity to earn her UFC women's bantamweight championship back from Julianna Pena.
"You guys think I'm going to go out unbalanced," Nunes wrote on Instagram. "I undoubtedly accept the rematch. Give me a little time to get my s--t together and I will be back better than ever."
The Brazilian dropped the belt to Pena at UFC 269 this past Saturday. The new champion made it clear she was willing to stage a rematch.
"We can do it next; I'm free next month, two months from nowβwhenever they want to do it, I'm ready," Pena said at a post-fight news conference. "If she wants to do a rematch, we can do a rematch."
Heading into UFC 269, there were questions over Nunes' future in the bantamweight division. She had fought at the featherweight limit in her previous two fights and seemingly had little else to prove within the bantamweight class.
Losing to Pena all but guarantees she'll continue splitting her time between the two divisions for the time being.
Both fighters have something to gain from a rematch. Nunes can gain a measure of revenge, while Pena can further legitimize herself as the champion by defeating the former bantamweight queen for a second time. Despite her loss, Nunes would probably be the favorite in a return bout.
Considering she was riding a 12-fight winning streak, the 33-year-old may have grown a bit complacent and failed to respect Pena's ability.
Her coach, Mike Brown, told ESPN's Marc Raimondi she "was a little out of control" and "wasn't fighting smart at all."
"I think she thought maybe in her head that she's just going to crack her and get her out of there or something," Brown said. "But she was just not setting anything up."
There are still plenty of hurdles to clear before Nunes vs. Pena 2 is made official. But working out the final details shouldn't be too hard given the mutual interest in stepping back inside the cage.
