Makhachev retains lightweight belt with first-round KO of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294
Islam Makhachev (26-1-0) used a devastating kick with his left leg to Alexander Volkanovskiโs right temple, then quickly pounced and used nine hammering blows with his left hand before referee Marc Goddard stopped the fight at the 3:06 mark of the first round.
UFC won't punish fighters for marijuana use in policy change
The UFC will no longer punish fighters for using marijuana in most cases, making a major change to its anti-doping policy. The worlds largest mixed martial arts promotion wont allow fighters to compete while under the influence of cannabinoids, but the promotion recognizes that MMA fighters often use marijuana for pain management or relaxation. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)The UFC will no longer punish fighters for using marijuana in most cases, making a major change to its anti-doping policy. The UFC won't allow fighters to compete while under the influence of cannabinoids, but Novitzky said the promotion recognizes that MMA fighters often use marijuana for pain management or relaxation. Mixed martial arts once frequently showcased fighters semi-openly using steroids and testosterone replacement therapy, among other performance enhancements.
No longer Dana White's dream, UFC's Fight Island is real
A few months later, the project that came to be known as Fight Island is real and ready for competition. And while Fight Island is not exactly the idyllic scene evoked by its name, the octagon inside an air-conditioned arena on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island also sits inside a bubble that seems highly unlikely to burst. Rather than a deserted tropical paradise, Yas Island is a modern tourist destination with amusement parks, malls and a Formula One racetrack. Fight Island will host four UFC events in 14 days, starting with three championship fights at UFC 251 this weekend. I dont know, White said.
Masvidal finally gets title shot on short notice at UFC 251
Jorge Masvidal had to fly halfway around the world on six days' notice to get the first UFC title shot in his 17-year mixed martial arts career. But Burns tested positive for coronavirus last week, and the UFC went back to Masvidal to keep its card intact. Masvidal quickly headed to the Middle East for his first title shot after seven years and 18 fights in the UFC. He took the fight on short notice, but let's not act like he hasn't been training for this, Usman said. Aldo also has lost his last two fights, but he curiously got this title shot from the UFC after Henry Cejudo abruptly retired.
One Championship making deliberate plans for return to cage
Sityodtong still plans to be a bit more measured on his own path to get One Championship back in the cage during this unprecedented public health crisis. One Championship definitely will return to action this summer, Sityodtong told The Associated Press on Wednesday. Sityodtong is working with government officials and health experts on the fastest path back in China, Thailand and Singapore, One Championship's hometown. Once he finalizes his plans, Sityodtong plans to speed up One's calendar to hold as many events as prudently possible in 2020. But One Championship, which held its most recent show Feb. 28, is proceeding down this difficult path more deliberately than the UFC.
UFC 'Fight Island' revealed in Abu Dhabi, will host 4 shows
The UFC's mysterious Fight Island is actually Yas Island, a popular tourist destination in Abu Dhabi where the mixed martial arts promotion will hold four shows in July. The UFC revealed the location Tuesday and announced a series of fan-free shows at Fight Island, starting with a card tentatively featuring three title fights at UFC 251 on July 11. The UFC has staged past fight cards most recently in September on the leisure island in the United Arab Emirates. The UFC will hold subsequent shows on Yas Island on July 15, July 18 and July 25. White told ESPN, his promotion's broadcast partner, that Fight Island will encompass a hotel and restaurants along with an octagon.
UFC, boxing back on in Vegas after Nevada approves return
The Nevada Athletic Commission unanimously agreed Wednesday to allow two UFC events and two Top Rank boxing shows in Las Vegas over the next two weeks. The UFC immediately confirmed its plans to stage a show without fans in attendance Saturday night at the UFC Apex arena on its expansive corporate complex in Las Vegas, followed by the UFC 250 pay-per-view show at the same place June 6. Top Rank is expected to hold fan-free boxing shows at the MGM Grand on June 9 and June 11. The commission on Wednesday approved stringent coronavirus safety protocols to accompany the return of combat sports to their hometown. The Nevada commissions safety protocols include immediate testing and mandated quarantine at a hotel upon all participants arrival in Las Vegas, followed by another test and isolation period before the events.
Lace them up: Boxing set for June 9 return in Las Vegas
FILE - In this Feb. 22, 2020, file photo, Tyson Fury, of England, lands a right to Deontay Wilder, left, during a WBC heavyweight championship boxing match in Las Vegas. Boxing promoter Bob Arum says he plans to stage a card of five fights on June 9 at the MGM Grand. It's the first of a series of fights over the next two months at the Las Vegas hotel. A second fight card will be held two nights later. Hearn told The Athletic that the first fight card is tentatively set for July 15.