July 3, 2022 at 1:59 AM EDT
Adesanya talks who is next
Greg Rosenstein·
Managing Editor, Combat
July 3, 2022 at 1:18 AM EDT
Israel Adesanya defeats Jared Cannonier by unanimous decision
Adesanya defeats Cannonier via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 50-45) to retain the belt. He called out Alex Pereira, a rising contender who defeated Adesanya years ago in kickboxing. Would watch.
Greg Rosenstein·
Managing Editor, Combat
July 3, 2022 at 1:12 AM EDT
Round 5: Izzy going to win this by decision
Cannonier needs a knockout. With 1 minute left he lands a nice hook but it’s not enough in this matchup. Izzy is just on another level in this division. He should cruise to another title defense.
Greg Rosenstein·
Managing Editor, Combat
July 3, 2022 at 1:06 AM EDT
Round 4: Action has slowed between both fighters
Hard jab by Izzy open the round and then a front kick. Cannonier has a nice combination land but Izzy gets out of the way. Cannonier trying for the takedown but hasn’t been successful yet. Nice right hand by Cannonier. Close round to score. Not a ton of action and the fans are restless.
Greg Rosenstein·
Managing Editor, Combat
July 3, 2022 at 12:58 AM EDT
Round 3: Cannonier back in this fight
Nice counter left by Cannonier early on. Cannonier tries to catch a kick and take Adesanya down, but Adesanya stays up and lands a punch on the break. Cannonier later on goes for another takedown attempt and presses Izzy up against the cage. Adesanya gets out of it. Impressive defense there. Cannonier’s offensive output has increased this round. He’s JUST missing on a few strikes including a spinning backfist. Final minute spent with Cannonier pressing Adesanya up against the fence.
Greg Rosenstein·
Managing Editor, Combat
July 3, 2022 at 12:53 AM EDT
Round 2: Adesanya takes it
Izzy continues to attack the lead leg of Cannonier. Now he’s landing kicks to the body. Cannonier tries for the takedown but is unsuccessful. Head kick landed by Izzy. Now there’s a stop in the fight as Izzy accidentally poked Cannonier’s eye. The fight resumes with little action.
Izzy is up 2-0.
Greg Rosenstein·
Managing Editor, Combat
July 3, 2022 at 12:46 AM EDT
Round 1: Adesanya up early
First half a bit of a feel-out round. Adesanya working the jab early and attacking Cannonier’s leg with kicks. Cannonier being patient but unable to land anything of note so far. Adesanya’s timing the difference so far.
Greg Rosenstein·
Managing Editor, Combat
July 3, 2022 at 12:40 AM EDT
Adesanya-Cannonier is here
Both fighters are in the cage and it’s about to start.
Greg Rosenstein·
Managing Editor, Combat
July 3, 2022 at 12:21 AM EDT
Volkanovski wins by unanimous decision
Alexander Volkanovski went 50-45 on all three judges scorecards. Pure domination. He said he would
“I just proved to you that I want to be in this Octagon as much as possible. I want to be busy. I don’t think this decision will keep me busy.” He wants to move up to lightweight at a shot at two belts.
Greg Rosenstein·
Managing Editor, Combat
July 3, 2022 at 12:17 AM EDT
Round 5: Volkanovski finishes in dominant fashion
No doubt this time. This was an utter blowout by Alexander Volkanovski. He should win 5-0 on the scorecards.
Greg Rosenstein·
Managing Editor, Combat
July 3, 2022 at 12:10 AM EDT
Round 4: Volkanovski on cruise control
Hard elbow by Volkanovski opens the round. Blood continues to gush for Max. Holloway lands a nice combination that ends in a high kick. Doesn’t do much damage but at least shows something. Volkanovski on cruise control in this one. He’s just the better fighter at this stage of their career.
Greg Rosenstein·
Managing Editor, Combat
July 3, 2022 at 12:04 AM EDT
Round 3: Volkanovski continues to land
Nice combination by Volkanovski. His speed is on another level tonight. The cut over the eye of Holloway has now been reopened and blood is streaming down. Despite the height and reach disadvantage, Volkanovski has been able to get inside and do damage. The champ lands another hard combination. He has more power than Max and it shows.
Greg Rosenstein·
Managing Editor, Combat
July 2, 2022 at 11:58 PM EDT
Round 2: Volkanovski opens up huge cut
Big right hook lands for Volkanovski. The champ grabbed Holloway, pressed him against the cage and connected on a nice elbow. Nice takedown defense by Holloway to avoid being sent to the mat. A short left by Volkanovski just opened up a cut that has blood streaming down Max’s face. Volkanovski peppering Holloway with jabs.
He should be up 20-18.
Greg Rosenstein·
Managing Editor, Combat
July 2, 2022 at 11:51 PM EDT
Round 1: Big round for the champ
Volkanovski lands a nice combination that ends in a straight right. Both fighters traded leg kicks. Volkanovski then lunged in and landed a hard right. The Australian has the speed and timing advantage. Left jab connects by Volkanovski. Max coming alive late in the first with a hard right landing.
Greg Rosenstein·
Managing Editor, Combat
July 2, 2022 at 11:44 PM EDT
Volkanovski-Holloway 3 is here
Fight about to go down in moments. Both fighters in the cage.
Greg Rosenstein·
Managing Editor, Combat
July 2, 2022 at 11:27 PM EDT
KO puts out Strickland
Greg Rosenstein·
Managing Editor, Combat
July 2, 2022 at 11:23 PM EDT
Alex Pereira knocks out Sean Strickland in first!
Pereira landed a hard left hook to the jaw of Strickland, knocking him out instantly midway through Round 1. That was brutal!
Greg Rosenstein·
Managing Editor, Combat
July 2, 2022 at 11:14 PM EDT
Sean Strickland vs. Alex Pereira moments away
Greg Rosenstein·
Managing Editor, Combat
July 2, 2022 at 11:10 PM EDT
Scorecards for Barbarena vs. Lawler
Greg Rosenstein·
Managing Editor, Combat
July 2, 2022 at 11:03 PM EDT
Bryan Barbarena finishes Robbie Lawler in the 2nd!
Barberena and Lawler went back and forth until a heavy combination by Barberena was too much for Lawler. He landed hard elbows and punches, including a huge right hook, that forced the referee to step in early. He’s now 18-8 in his career.
Greg Rosenstein·
Managing Editor, Combat