UFC 314 LIVE!
Paddy Pimblett secured the biggest win of his UFC career to date with a vicious and ruthless performance against Michael Chandler. Liverpool favourite 'Paddy The Baddy' dominated Saturday night’s co-main event in Miami and delivered a statement victory that will take him into the top 10 of the lightweight rankings and potentially provide a crucial stepping stone in his ambitions to earn a world title opportunity.
Chandler was busted open badly and immediately left the octagon for treatment on a nasty facial wound. That bout was the chief support act for Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes, a massive clash for the vacant men’s featherweight title which Volk won to claim back the belt he held for more than four years before losing it to Ilia Topuria. There was defeat in the long-awaited UFC debut of legendary four-time Bellator world champion Patricio Pitbull, who was outclassed by Mexico’s Yair Rodriguez.
Jean Silva continued his incredible form by submitting Bryce Mitchell, after Dominick Reyes opened the main card with a stunning knockout of Nikita Krylov. There were dominant wins too on the early prelim bill for Virna Jandiroba, Chase Hooper and Julian Erosa, plus a Dan Ige stoppage. Follow UFC 314 live below!
UFC 314 latest results
- Alexander Volkanovski beats Diego Lopes to regain featherweight title
- Dominant Paddy Pimblett destroys bloodied Michael Chandler
- Patricio Pitbull loses to Yair Rodriguez on UFC debut
- Jean Silva submits Bryce Mitchell by front choke
- Dominick Reyes stops Nikita Krylov in first round
Paddy Pimblett next fight: Who 'The Baddy' wants to face next
07:11 , George FloodPaddy Pimblett has his sights firmly set on the top of the UFC lightweight division after his stunning victory over Michael Chandler.
‘Paddy the Baddy’ was in ferocious form to totally dismantle the former Bellator world champion in Saturday night’s huge co-main event at UFC 314 in Miami, dominating Chandler, who was busted open and bleeding badly before the referee waved off a one-sided fight in the third round
It was a significant career-best win for Pimblett as he passed what was supposed to be comfortably his toughest test in MMA to date against a top-level opponent with flying colours, winning a ninth fight in a row and maintaining his unbeaten UFC record with a seventh consecutive triumph inside the octagon.
Alexander Volkanovski beats Diego Lopes to regain featherweight title
06:18 , George Flood48-47, 49-46, 49-46 - all in favour of Alexander Volkanovski, who wins by unanimous decision to deservedly claim the vacant men’s UFC featherweight title.
He is back on top at 145lbs. What a comeback!
Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes
06:15 , George FloodHere come those all-important scores.
Both men think they have got this.
Or is it mere bravado from Lopes, who didn’t do enough?
Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes
06:14A captivating final round to finish a fantastic, competitive title fight.
Both men had success in that last five minutes, but surely Volk has done enough here despite Lopes also raising his hand.
We await the judges’ scorecards, but I’d be stunned if we weren’t about to see the popular Australian regain the belt he held for more than four years before being bested by Ilia Topuria last year.
Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes
06:07 , George FloodVolk looks to be in survival mode all of a sudden after being rocked by a thunderous uppercut blow midway through the fourth.
There’s blood smeared all over his face as Lopes tries to jump on him, but somehow the former champion is still managing to counter well enough to keep him at bay.
No doubt that was Lopes’ round! But was it his first of the night? The second was very, very close.
Five minutes to go. Are we in for a huge finish?
Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes
06:01Lopes is just not doing enough here, plain and simple.
He’s thrown out some good kicks, but he really needs to up the tempo and quickly impose himself on Volk, who is still landing the better strikes.
He’s not having much success with those takedown attempts and has taken one or two big shots, but I’d still have Volk 3-0 up.
Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes
05:55 , George FloodThis is vintage stuff from Volk, he looks sharper, stronger and better prepared.
A short left hook buzzes Lopes, who staggers backwards towards the cage and slams his back against the post.
But there’s an awkward bleeding cut on the right cheek of the Australian, who is dropped by a stinging right hand late in the second round.
Lopes wants to drive home the advantage but doesn’t have the time.
Was that enough to take the round away from Volk? Probably not.
Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes
05:47Volk is looking good early on here, rocking Lopes twice with his striking power.
A surprisingly tentative start from Lopes, who is now taken down with a minute left in the first round.
His defence is strong, bur Volk continues to thunder in some heavy shots.
Now Lopes is down on his back and there are more massive strikes raining down from the former champion.
What a start from Volkanovski!
Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes
05:43 , George FloodHere we go!
Is Alexander Volkanovski primed for a second world title reign at featherweight?
He’s the underdog against in-form Brazilian Diego Lopes...
Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes in main event
05:28Right, time for the main event of the night at UFC 314 in Miami!
The men’s featherweight title recently vacated by Ilia Topuria is up for grabs next as former long-reigning champion Alexander Volkanovski meets Brazil’s Diego Lopes.
Paddy Pimblett calls out top lightweight contenders after Michael Chandler destroyed
05:24 , George FloodPimblett rightly hits out at his haters in his post-fight interview, calling them a “gang of mushrooms”.
Asked who he wants next, he says any of the top four men at lightweight - calling out Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier and “that little posh boy” and “sausage” Arman Tsarukyan.
He says he is coming for that world title shot, and it might not be too far away.
What a night for the Liverpool superstar.
Dominant Paddy Pimblett stops Michael Chandler in third round
05:18 , George FloodThere is blood everywhere from that awful wound on Chandler’s face.
Pimblett is relentless, sitting on top of his opponent now and thundering in spiteful strikes and elbows.
The referee has seen enough and steps in to wave it off!
Incredible! Total domination from Paddy The Baddy and he viciously eases to by far the biggest win of his career to date.
That No7 ranking in the lightweight division now beckons.
“What now?” he roars at the camera.
Staggering - he’s beaten Chandler up badly.
Chandler has exited the octagon immediately to have that awful wound seen to.
Where does he go from here?!
Michael Chandler vs Paddy Pimblett
05:15 , George FloodA huge shot from Pimblett busts Chandler’s face wide open early in the third!
Wow. The blood is oozing out of a huge gash under his left eye.
Pimblett seizes the initiative with more strikes and now has him locked up again on the mat.
Chandler is in a world of trouble here.
Michael Chandler vs Paddy Pimblett
05:13Brutal stuff from Paddy The Baddy as he has Chandler trapped in that body triangle, delivering more crushing strikes and elbows from behind.
Chandler is taking some big punishment before being saved by the buzzer.
A brilliant round for Pimblett. 2-0 up here?
He’s looking really good at the moment...
Michael Chandler vs Paddy Pimblett
05:11 , George FloodChandler scores another takedown with less than three minutes to go in the round, then slamming him down to the canvas for good measure.
But here’s Pimblett again with the powerful elbows.
Chandler has his back but Pimblett evades it so well and is now on top on the mat.
Pimblett is going for that left arm of Chandler’s that looks very vulnerable as he lies flat on his back near the fence.
Pimblett with the ground strikes now, Chandler manages to sit up but Pimblett has his back.
A storm of vicious elbows and ground strikes rain down from Pimblett, who has his back once more and locks in that body triangle.
Chandler is in pure survival mode at the moment. 30 seconds left in the round...
Michael Chandler vs Paddy Pimblett
05:08Chandler is trying to be the aggressor early in the second round, but Pimblett jabs well repeatedly to back him up.
Pimblett lunges forward with a well-timed attack, striking and throwing out a couple of effective kicks.
Paddy with some nice combinations now, forcing Chandler back across the octagon.
Now Pimblett takes a painful kick that lands on the cup. He will need time to recover from that.
Michael Chandler vs Paddy Pimblett
05:05 , George FloodA spicy end to an entertaining opening round as Chandler finds some success with counters but Pimblett finishes strongly.
First round shaded by The Baddy?
Michael Chandler vs Paddy Pimblett
05:04Pimblett gets to his feet and is then lifted by Chandler, who drives in more shuddering blows.
Paddy is up against the fence and tries to lock in the submission with his long legs, but both men are now back on their feet and exchanging strikes and kicks in the middle of the octagon.
Pimblett is showing more confidence now as he kicks and punches, looking to make the most of his considerable height, size and reach advantage.
Michael Chandler vs Paddy Pimblett
05:02Chandler twice rushes Pimblett in quick succession as they trade strikes at close range.
Chandler scores the first takedown of the fight, getting Pimblett’s back near the fence, controlling his right arm and thundering in some spiteful knees.
This is a tricky spot for Pimblett, but he gets to a knee and responds with some painful elbows.
Michael Chandler vs Paddy Pimblett
05:00 , George FloodHERE WE GO!
Such a huge night for Paddy the Baddy.
He is massive in there compared to Chandler, throwing out a succession of early leg kicks.
Michael Chandler vs Paddy Pimblett
04:57A reminder that as this is a co-main event, it is fought over five rounds rather than three.
Will that play into Chandler’s hands?
Michael Chandler vs Paddy Pimblett
04:56 , George FloodPaddy Pimblett looks as confident as ever as he dances his way to the octagon, soaking up the adulation from the crowd.
He’s worked his way up to 12th in the lightweight rankings and will take Michael Chandler’s spot at No7 with a career-best win tonight that he hopes could be a stepping stone on the road to an eventual world title shot.
It’s a really tough division though, ruled over by reigning UFC pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev.
While much of the focus has been on whether Pimblett can take this next step, this is surely must-not-lose territory for Chandler.
Michael Chandler vs Paddy Pimblett
04:53 , George FloodPaddy Pimblett has won all six of his fights in the UFC to date, eight in a row overall, choking out King Green on his last appearance at UFC 304 in Manchester last summer having been extremely fortunate to get a decision win over Jared Gordon in 2022.
Tony Ferguson was his signature win, but this is a huge step up.
Michael Chandler is an all-action dynamo, with much fanfare greeting the former Bellator world champion’s move to the UFC in 2021.
He’s yet to really hit the heights aside from wins over Dan Hooker and Ferguson, losing four of his last five - albeit against elite opposition in Charles Oliveira (twice), Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje.
Michael Chandler vs Paddy Pimblett next
04:47 , George FloodIt’s time for the huge co-main event of the night in Miami!
Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett faces by far the biggest test of his career to date against Michael Chandler next.
Don’t go anywhere. This should be electric!
Yair Rodriguez wants next featherweight champion in Mexico
04:46 , George FloodYair Rodriguez says he wants a title shot next.
He is demanding to face the winner of tonight’s main event between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes in his native Mexico later in 2025.
He was already ranked at No5 in the division before tonight’s statement win.
Yair Rodriguez beats Patricio Pitbull by unanimous decision
04:42 , George FloodAll three judges score the fight 30-27 in favour of Yair Rodriguez, who gets his first win since submitting Josh Emmett in February 2023 after losing to both Alexander Volkanovski and Brian Ortega.
A tough first foray into the UFC for Bellator legend Pitbull, who started too slowly and then could just not figure out the tricky Mexican.
He will be back! Only his eighth-ever loss, but he’s now lost three of his last four fights.
Yair Rodriguez vs Patricio Pitbull
04:38 , George FloodSome showboating before the final horn from Rodriguez, but the two men embrace in a show of respect.
What a win this will be for the Mexican, who will surely take it on the scorecards.
A harsh welcome to the UFC for Pitbull.
Yair Rodriguez vs Patricio Pitbull
04:37 , George FloodPitbull is desperately clinging on here amid some vicious strikes and elbows on the ground from Rodriguez.
Pitbull somehow almost locks in the armbar out of nowhere!
But Rodriguez is out of it and now targets the Brazilian’s leg, trying the heel hook.
Great action in this third and final round. Pitbull is out and the fight will finish on the feet...
Yair Rodriguez vs Patricio Pitbull
04:35 , George FloodPitbull is the aggressor early in the third, but Rodriguez has landed so many more shots across the board.
Now the debutant is floored by a huge right hand!
Rodriguez furiously unloads the ground strikes to body and head, with Pitbull trying his hardest to evade them and escape.
Yair Rodriguez vs Patricio Pitbull
04:32Rodriguez is trying to repeatedly drive home the high kicks - they look good but not sure they are doing much damage.
Rodriguez with a nice striking combination at close range, then going back to kicking to the body.
He then shows great takedown defence to thwart Pitbull, who pushes him up against the cage.
Rodriguez ends the round with his own stylish takedown.
The Mexican is two rounds up here, surely.
Pitbull will likely need a stoppage to prevent his highly-anticipated UFC debut from ending in defeat.
Yair Rodriguez vs Patricio Pitbull
04:28 , George FloodPitbull has clearly upped the tempo early in round two, letting his hands go at pace and throwing out plenty of kicks.
He rather wasted the majority of his first round in the octagon.
Rodriguez responds in kind with his own flurry of kicks - he lands to the calf but the body kicks are easily evaded.
Another takedown scored by Pitbull, but Rodriguez slides back and cleverly gets back to his feet quickly.
He then lands flush with a stinging straight right hand.
Yair Rodriguez vs Patricio Pitbull
04:25 , George FloodFinally Pitbull springs into action with 30 seconds left in the first, kicking well to secure a takedown.
He’s controlling Rodriguez on the mat, but he’s going to run out of time in the round.
A little bit of afters following the buzzer, with complaints about punching to the back of the head.
Yair Rodriguez vs Patricio Pitbull
04:23 , George FloodA perhaps understandably slow start from Pitbull.
He’s yet to really do anything as Rodriguez continues to produce some nice kicks.
There were a couple of decent combinations too from the Mexican earlier in the round.
A sharp head kick from Rodriguez. Pitbull hasn’t laid a glove on him yet.
Rodriguez does well to avoid a takedown. Finally Pitbull tries to throw a punch or two.
Yair Rodriguez vs Patricio Pitbull
04:21Underway in the UFC career of Patricio Pitbull!
Rodriguez has made an assertive start with a variety of eye-catching kicks...
Yair Rodriguez vs Patricio Pitbull
04:17 , George FloodJust one fight left now before Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett faces the toughest test of his career against Michael Chandler.
And it’s a big one - the keenly-anticipated UFC debut of 37-year-old four-time Bellator world champion Patrício Andre de Sousa Freire - better known as Patricio Pitbull.
But the man who previously knocked out Chandler in the first round doesn’t have an easy task at all against former UFC interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez.
The Mexican is on the comeback trail after following his unsuccessful title challenge against Alexander Volkanovski by being submitted by Brian Ortega on home soil in Mexico City last February.
Jean Silva targeting featherweight title shot
04:07 , George FloodJean Silva is certainly a character, sporting those Fighting Nerds glasses and giving some for Joe Rogan to wear.
The Sao Paulo-based gym is certainly having a moment with so many top fighters.
He says that he doesn’t think Bryce Mitchell is “right in the head” after some of the comments made this week, saying he initially thought they were just part of selling the fight.
He’s practicing his spinning kicks as he’s asked who he wants next.
He says he expects Diego Lopes to win the vacant featherweight title against Alexander Volkanovski later, then wants a shot at it.
It won’t be long before he’s in those kinds of fights, that’s for sure.
Jean Silva submits Bryce Mitchell in second round
04:00 , George FloodSome vicious elbows find their mark from Silva.
Mitchell is trying to shoot for these takedowns but Silva’s defence is too good at the moment and the man from Arkansas is taking some strong punishment.
Great speed from Silva to evade the latest takedown attempt and quick as a flash he’s locked in another choke!
This time Mitchell taps immediately.
Jean Silva is a monster talent, no doubt about it.
The rest of the featherweight division should be very worried.
Bryce Mitchell vs Jean Silva
03:57 , George FloodA big kick to the body to open the second round and now Mitchell is floored by a massive right hand!
Silva lets him back up and then rams in another spiteful kick to the body.
But there’s a good shot from Mitchell, who goes for the takedown but Silva is defending doggedly against the fence.
He evades it and then fires in an eye-catching left hand.
We’re back upright in the middle of the octagon. This is heating up very nicely indeed now.
Bryce Mitchell vs Jean Silva
03:54 , George FloodMitchell is outlanding the fearsome striker Silva at the moment, looking very good with those repeated low kicks.
Silva escapes the first takedown attempt, though he is beginning to find his mark with some heavy punches.
Silva lands a nice kick of his own and now locks in the guillotine!
Mitchell is desperately trying to escape but this looks ominous...
Somehow he gets out of it and back to his feet! Now Silva looks to lock in the choke.
Again Mitchell escapes. Superb powers of recovery and the buzzer sounds to end the first.
Bryce Mitchell vs Jean Silva
03:52 , George FloodA tentative start as both men try to figure each other out early on.
Mitchell throwing out some decent leg kicks.
Silva is reluctant to let his hands go early on, no doubt wary of being taken to the mat by an expert grappler as Mitchell spins a good kick to the body.
Mitchell produces a couple more sharp kicks to the left calf of Silva, which already looks damaged.
Bryce Mitchell vs Jean Silva
03:49Here we go!
This should be anything but dull...
Bryce Mitchell vs Jean Silva
03:45 , George FloodNow this should be very tasty as heated featherweight rivals Bryce Mitchell and Jean Silva collide.
American Bryce ‘Thug Nasty’ Mitchell was last seen knocking out Kron Gracie at UFC 310 in December, having also beat Dan Ige either side of his defeats by Ilia Topuria and Josh Emmett.
Brazilian Jean Silva, formerly of Dana White's Contender Series, is a proper talent, rattling off 12 straight wins including four consecutive stoppages in the UFC.
He made extremely light work of Melsik Baghdasaryan in February, having also stopped Drew Dober, Charles Jourdain and Westin Wilson.
This is grappling specialist vs knockout supremo. Expect fireworks!
Did someone say potential Fight of the Night contender?
Amanda Nunes to be inducted into UFC Hall of Fame
03:40Really nice moments at Kaseya Center as Amanda Nunes can’t hold back the tears after being surprised by the announcement that she will be soon inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
Fully deserved. The greatest there has ever been in women’s MMA, no question.
Dominick Reyes eyeing title shot after Nikita Krylov stoppage
03:36“One more, and then a title shot,” Dominick Reyes tells Joe Rogan after that special stoppage.
Magomed Ankalaev is the current men’s UFC light-heavyweight champion, having won a unanimous decision against Alex Pereira at UFC 313 in Las Vegas last month.
Dominick Reyes stops Nikita Krylov in first round
03:26 , George FloodOH MY WORD!
Reyes has the measure of his opponent here following that early shot and now absolutely smokes Krylov with a blistering straight counter left hand that lands flush and leaves an overeager Krylov slumped on the canvas.
He overstretched on the attack there and paid a heavy price.
He’s defenceless as Reyes rains down more heavy blows and the referee rightly waves it off.
Stunning from Reyes. The Devastator indeed!
His third knockout win on the spin.
Nikita Krylov vs Dominick Reyes
03:24A lovely right hand early on from Reyes makes Krylov think.
He’s started well here, The Devastator...
Nikita Krylov vs Dominick Reyes
03:21Time to get underway with the main card!
To light-heavyweight we go as Dominick Reyes attempts to produce a third straight win after bouncing back from a four-fight losing streak - that included unsuccessful title challenges against Jon Jones and Jan Blachowicz - to stop both Dustin Jacoby and Anthony Smith.
But it’s a very tough test against former heavyweight Nikita Krylov, something of a forgotten man after a two-year absence since his submission of Ryan Spann.
He’s won three in a row after also beating Alexander Gustafsson and Volkan Oezdemir.
This is No8 (Krylov) vs No11 (Reyes) at light-heavyweight.
Main card action coming up
03:04 , George FloodRight then, that’s the entire prelim bill in the books in Miami - that rather flew by, didn’t it?
The main fight card is coming up, headlined by Paddy Pimblett’s toughest lightweight test to date against Michael Chandler before Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes compete for the vacant men’s featherweight title.
Nikita Krylov vs Dominick Reyes is up first at light-heavyweight, followed by what should be an absolute cracker between featherweight rivals Bryce Mitchell and Jean Silva.
And let’s not forget the small matter of the hotly-anticipated UFC debut of legendary four-time Bellator world champion Patricio Pitbull.
This should be epic! Stay tuned for live updates....
President Donald Trump in the building
03:00 , George FloodPresident Donald Trump has just entered the arena alongside UFC chief Dana White with Kid Rock playing in the background.
The arena go wild as more ‘USA’ chants ring out at Kaseya Center, with Trump shaking hands with Joe Rogan.
There were suggestions that Elon Musk would also be in attendance tonight.
Such a big, big win that for Dan Ige, regardless of what you think about what was a very poor stoppage.
His first win since knocking out Andre Fili early last February, having then lost to Diego Lopes and Lerone Murphy.
He’s 19-9 overall now.
Only a second-ever loss for Woodson and first since 2020.
His four-fight win streak is over.
Dan Ige stops Sean Woodson in third round
02:54 , George FloodIge’s landed some thudding blows after finding his range early in the third and Woodson stumbles back after a thunderous counter left, badly hurt! That was flush.
His face is busted open and Ige is going hunting, Woodson covering up first against the cage and then on his knees.
Referee Andrew Glenn has seen enough and steps in to wave it off!
That seemed like a very premature stoppage and both Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier are furious on the commentary.
Rogan calls it one of the worst stoppages he has ever seen.
Ige was throwing so many short shots, Woodson was covered up and had been rocked but didn’t have much of a chance to recover.
Woodson looks perplexed.
Dan Ige vs Sean Woodson
02:49 , George FloodMore solid low leg kicks from the taller and rangy Woodson - that’s been the best weapon of this fight so far.
More feinting and strikes thrown in bunches, but Ige really hasn’t found his range yet, those kicks to the calf largely keeping him at bay.
He finally throws out a nice low kick of his own and goes for the takedown, but it’s well defended quickly by Woodson.
Back to the feet and the much smaller Ige is again trying to measure the distance better, producing a spinning kick before the buzzer.
Dan Ige vs Sean Woodson
02:46An intriguing opening round fought entirely on the feet, both men throwing plenty of strikes but only landing intermittently.
A solid start from Ige but Woodson quickly settles into the bout and throws out some smart leg kicks.
So much feinting going on as they try to work each other out.
First round to Woodson?
Dan Ige vs Sean Woodson
02:42 , George FloodDan ‘50K’ Ige could really do with a win here after losing three of his last four fights, including successive unanimous decision defeats to Diego Lopes and Lerone Murphy.
Sean Woodson, though, has only lost once in professional MMA - and that was back in 2020 as he was submitted by Julian Erosa.
He’s won four in a row since drawing with Luis Saldana in the summer of 2022, immediately stopping Fernando Padilla in December after outpointing all of Alex Caceres, Charles Jourdain and Dennis Buzukja.
Dan Ige vs Sean Woodson
02:37 , George FloodIt’s time for the feature fight of his prelim card in Miami.
Back to the men’s featherweight division as American duo Dan Ige and Sean Woodson go head to head.
Virna Jandiroba beats Yan Xiaonan by unanimous decision
02:35 , George FloodAll three judges score the bout 30-27 in favour of Jandiroba, who will surely find herself as the No1 contender to women’s strawweight champion Zhang Weili next week.
A dominant performance on the ground by the Brazilian, who notches up her fifth straight win.
A damaging defeat for Yan and her hopes for another world title opportunity.
Yan Xiaonan vs Virna Jandiroba
02:31 , George FloodFor the second time in this fight Jandiroba locks in an armbar when there are just seconds to go.
Yan is saved again, but she will definitely have lost this on the cards.
Yan Xiaonan vs Virna Jandiroba
02:28 , George FloodInto the final round we go.
Yan is defending desperately again, trapped low against the cage by the relentless Jandiroba.
The Brazilian has been on top on the ground for eight minutes in this fight so far.
She’s surely on her way to No1 contender status here in the women’s strawweight division.
Yan Xiaonan vs Virna Jandiroba
02:23 , George FloodBrilliant from Yan to finally break free from that truly gruelling sequence and turn the tables in an awesome display of defiant spirit.
But Jandiroba is so wily and almost locks in another armbar before the end of round two.
Yan Xiaonan vs Virna Jandiroba
02:22 , George FloodDown goes Yan again early in the second - the pressure constantly exerted by Jandiroba is just relentless.
She’s got her back again on the mat, totally controlling proceedings and locking in the body triangle as she searches for the submission while hammering in some vicious elbows.
Jandiroba continually runs her hands and forearm across the face of Yan, trying to expose her neck for the choke.
This is really, really horrible for Yan, who will not yield.
Gritty stuff from Jandiroba but so effective.
Yan Xiaonan vs Virna Jandiroba
02:17 , George FloodJandiroba’s pressure relents as she takes a step back and Yan tries to keep her at bay by throwing out the up kicks.
But the Brazilian leaps on her again, getting her back before locking in the armbar!
Yan is in big trouble, but she’s saved by the buzzer to signal the end of the round.
A few more seconds there and she surely would have tapped.
Yan Xiaonan vs Virna Jandiroba
02:16Jandiroba struggles to find her range early on but then looks to trap Yan against the fence.
She gets another takedown and takes control on the mat, using her body so well to apply significant pressure.
Can she find a submission? Yan defending frantically with a minute-and-a-half still left in the round.
Her body is being contorted into all sorts of awkward angles on the canvas.
Yan Xiaonan vs Virna Jandiroba
02:12The second of two women’s fights on the bill now as we head to the strawweight division.
China’s Yan Xiaonan looks to build on her win over Tabatha Ricci, having been outpointed by compatriot Zhang Weili when challenging for the title at UFC 300 in Las Vegas a year ago.
She’s ranked as the No1 contender in the division and is now up against No3 Virna Jandiroba of Brazil, who has won four in a row against Angela Hill, Marina Rodriguez, Loopy Godinez and Amanda Lemos.
The stakes are high here with a likely world title shot on the line.
Chase Hooper beats Jim Miller by unanimous decision
02:04Here come the scores:
30-27, 29-28, 29-28 - all in favour of Chase Hooper, who wins by unanimous decision.
A fifth straight win in the UFC for The Dream, who really showed his grappling abilities there against the most experienced man around.
He improves to 16-3-1 overall and 8-3 in the UFC.
A second defeat in his last three for Miller, who drops to 38-19-1.
Hooper is disappointed not to have entertained the fans with a finish as he speaks to Joe Rogan in the octagon. What next?
“I’m tired of beating up old guys,” he says.
Jim Miller vs Chase Hooper
01:56 , George FloodHooper is still absolutely controlling and dominating a gruelling grapple-fest on the ground as the seconds tick down in this final round.
He still can’t find that submission, but Miller has been exhausted for a long time now and just can’t find a way to turn the tide.
This will be a very comfortable decision win for Hooper, but credit to Miller for not letting him find a way to make him tap.
Jim Miller vs Chase Hooper
01:53 , George FloodMiller still looking very tired indeed as the third round begins on the feet, before another takedown driven against the fence by Hooper.
He’s on his back quick as a flash once again, sapping yet more energy and maneuvering him around the octagon at will.
He’s again trying to lock up that leg.
Jim Miller vs Chase Hooper
01:50Miller is really feeling the pace of this now as Hooper continues to nail the takedown attacks and largely dominate the exchanges on the ground.
Hooper is continually on his back and dictating everything, now showing some acrobatics to try and lock in a submission on that right leg.
He can’t quite manage it, but that was a really strong second from Hooper.
Jim Miller vs Chase Hooper
01:46Just a brilliant, brilliant all-action opener in which momentum continually shifted back and forth.
Guillotines, triangles - you name it, that round had it.
Hooper is so clever and rangy, but Miller is as tough and experienced as they come.
Fascinating fight. First round to Hooper.
Jim Miller vs Chase Hooper
01:43 , George FloodA captivating first round so far, some incredible grappling action as both men try their hardest to lock in those early submissions.
The crowd is loving this!
Jim Miller vs Chase Hooper
01:42 , George FloodMiller has amassed a 38-18-1 record since making his professional MMA debut way back in 2005.
He last fought when submitting Damon Jackson at UFC 309 in New York in November, extending his record run of most UFC wins to 27.
Miller had previously lost to King Green on the cards at UFC 300.
The much younger Hooper - AKA The Dream - has a sizable height advantage and is looking for a fifth consecutive win after outpointing Nick Fiore and submitting all of Jordan Leavitt, Viacheslav Borshchev and Clay Guida, the latter in the first round at UFC 310 in December.
Jim Miller vs Chase Hooper
01:36 , George Flood41-year-old lightweight stalwart Jim Miller is in action next at Kayesa Center.
A-10 continues his record-breaking career against a fellow American some 16 years his junior in Chase Hooper.
Julian Erosa stops Darren Elkins in round one
01:20Down goes Elkins again and a patient and measured Erosa springs in to thunder down some spiteful blows to the head to force the referee to step in.
A brilliant win for Erosa - Elkins simply never managed to recover from that thunderous up kick that completely threw off his equilibrium.
A third consecutive victory for Erosa and 31st in MMA in total. Elkins’ winning streak is snapped at two.
Darren Elkins vs Julian Erosa
01:18 , George FloodErosa lands a heavy strike before he’s taken down again by Elkins.
A brief attempt at a guillotine choke doesn’t come off for Erosa.
Elkins has still not recovered at all from that shuddering up kick and he’s knocked down again.
He’s all over the place at times and his face already showing plenty of damage.
Darren Elkins vs Julian Erosa
01:15Elkins recovers well to take down Erosa, who unleashes a furious kick from the canvas and hurts Elkins! What a shot.
He’s really struggling to shake that off...
Darren Elkins vs Julian Erosa
01:14 , George FloodThe legendary Bruce Buffer is back on the mic and we’re officially underway in tonight’s main prelim bill!
Elkins on his backside within seconds...
Paddy Pimblett: Michael Chandler is a legend... but I'll finish him
01:13 , George FloodPlenty of respect shown by Paddy Pimblett towards Michael Chandler before the duo go head to head in tonight’s huge co-main event showdown.
“He’s a Bellator legend – he held the belt multiple times,” Pimblett told UFC.com this week.
“In the UFC, what an entertaining fighter he is. He’s one of the fighters that I love watching.
“But he hasn’t had the best record – he’s 2-4 – but his losses are two against Charles [Oliveira], one against [Justin] Gaethje, one against [Dustin] Poirier.
“Poirier and Gaethje held interim belts, and Charles held the undisputed belt. He’s fought top competition so, when I finish him, my name best be regarded in there with them.
“Beat Chandler, and then it’s a top five (opponent), and then a title fight. That’s the goal. That’s the plan.”
Darren Elkins vs Julian Erosa
01:00 , George FloodDarren ‘The Damage’ Elkins is hunting for a third consecutive victory tonight after recovering from his points defeat by Jonathan Pearce to submit TJ Brown and beat Daniel Pineda on the cards.
Julian ‘Juicy J’ Erosa is also coming off back-to-back wins, submitting both Ricardo Ramos and Christian Rodriguez in the first round.
He had previously been stopped early by both Alex Caceres and Fernando Padilla.
Main prelims set to begin
Sunday 13 April 2025 00:55We’re edging closer to our main card in Miami, headlined by Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes and Michael Chandler vs Paddy Pimblett.
It’s time for the main prelim portion of the night, with Dan Ige vs Sean Woodson the feature bout in the men’s featherweight division.
It’s to featherweight up first too for Darren Elkins vs Julian Erosa.
A really huge night all around at 145lbs, culminating in that huge main event for the vacant title.
Michal Oleksiejczuk stops Sedriques Dumas in first round
Sunday 13 April 2025 00:43Absolutely emphatic from Oleksiejczuk, who sets out his stall early and shows his experience and quality.
He floors Dumas with a well-timed left and then jumps in immediately to rain down the painful strikes and elbows, forcing the referee to quickly step in and wave it off.
Dumas is furious with that stoppage, but he wasn’t doing nearly enough to prevent it.
A roar to the camera from Oleksiejczuk, who really needed that after losing three fights in a row and four of his last five.
Wild to think he’s still only 30, given how long he has been in the UFC. His debut was in 2017.
Dumas keeps shaking his head. Replays actually show it was the left forearm that connected with the temple of Dumas, who stumbled back and down and couldn’t escape.
Sedriques Dumas vs Michal Oleksiejczuk
Sunday 13 April 2025 00:35 , George FloodTime for the final fight on the early prelim bill in Miami.
It’s back to the men’s middleweight division as Sedriques ‘The Reaper’ Dumas chases back-to-back wins having outpointed Russian Denis Tiuliulin last summer.
He’s now up against Michal Oleksiejczuk of Poland, loser of three fights in a row against Sharabutdin Magomedov, Kevin Holland and Michel Pereira.
He’s lost four of his last five overall, having previously impressed up at light-heavyweight.
Su Mudaerji beats Mitch Raposo by split decision
Sunday 13 April 2025 00:28Here come the scores:
29-28 Raposo, 29-28 Su Mudaerji, 29-28 Su Mudaerji.
Su Mudaerji wins by split decision!
Raposo looks stunned, but not sure he can have too many complaints in truth.
His second straight loss in the UFC.
A first win for Su Mudaerji since January 2021 after a run of three successive losses.
Su Mudaerji vs Mitch Raposo
Sunday 13 April 2025 00:26 , George FloodThe final bell sounds.
Six takedowns from 19 attempts in the end from Raposo, but Su Mudaerji quickly got back up every time.
Only nine significant strikes landed by the American, compared to 38 from The Tibetan Eagle.
How will the judges score this? Not an easy one by any means.
Su Mudaerji vs Mitch Raposo
Sunday 13 April 2025 00:22Raposo carries and dumps his opponent but he hasn’t had a chance to get anything going on the mat in this bout so far.
He appeals to the referee after a kick from Su Mudaerji that looked to land on the inside of his thigh.
Another eye-catching takedown now from Raposo, but the defence on those from Su Mudaerji has been excellent all night.
Su Mudaerji vs Mitch Raposo
Sunday 13 April 2025 00:19 , George FloodRather harsh boos from the crowd at the end of round two.
Would definitely hand the second to Su Mudaerji, who did the more effective work and landed the better strikes and kicks.
Raposo is struggling to impose himself at the moment.
All to play for in the third. Four minutes to go...
Su Mudaerji vs Mitch Raposo
Sunday 13 April 2025 00:15 , George FloodRaposo lands a left hand early in the second and shoots for another takedown after a couple more largely ineffective kicks from Su Mudaerji.
It’s too telegraphed though and The Tibetan Eagle shrugs him off pretty easily.
Su Mudaerji kicks well to the calf before a nice striking combination lands from Raposo.
Su Mudaerji with another spiteful low kick after a miscalculation on his own kick attempt from Raposo.
Su Mudaerji vs Mitch Raposo
Sunday 13 April 2025 00:12 , George FloodLovely takedown with just over a minute to go in the first round from Raposo!
He does it again and tries to take the back of Su Mudaerji, who tries to keep him at bay and scrambles to the fence as he attempts to get back to his feet.
Not the most action-packed round but enough there from underdog Raposo to shade it.
Su Mudaerji vs Mitch Raposo
Sunday 13 April 2025 00:09 , George FloodImmediate chants of “USA” ring out from the crowd as this bout gets underway with Brazil’s reigning UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja watching on.
A tentative start to proceedings, with some snapping strikes and searching kicks.
Raposo shoots for the takedown but Su Mudaerji lands a right hand and escapes.
Su Mudaerji vs Mitch Raposo
Sunday 13 April 2025 00:03This is only Mitch Raposo’s second fight in the UFC, following his split-decision loss to Brazil’s Andre Lima at UFC 302 last summer - a bout he took at very short notice.
The highly-touted 26-year-old prospect from Fall River, Massachusetts will be very eager to get that first victory in the octagon tonight.
Su Mudaerji vs Mitch Raposo
Saturday 12 April 2025 23:59Now it’s over to the men’s flyweight division, where Su Mudaerji and Mitch Raposo are both hoping to bounce back from defeats.
‘The Tibetan Eagle’ Mudaerji has actually lost three in a row now, submitted by Matt Schnell and Tim Elliott before losing a decision to Charles Johnson in October.
He hasn’t won since outpointing Zarrukh Adashev in Abu Dhabi back in January 2021.
Tulio reveals in his post-fight octagon interview with Joe Rogan that he badly hurt his left hand early on in that bout.
Remarkable that he continued to throw and land it with such venom.
Marco Tulio stops Tresean Gore in round two
Saturday 12 April 2025 23:49 , George FloodAbsolutely vicious from Tulio, who twice puts Gore down with explosive kicks to the head.
Gore somehow defies the odds to get up after the first as Tulio is unable to finish, but the referee instantly waves it off following the second.
Devastating stuff from the Brazilian, who has now won 10 fights in a row including his first two in the UFC.
A third defeat in five UFC fights for Gore, but that was brave, brave stuff.
Tulio looks like he could really make an impact in a middleweight division led by Dricus du Plessis.
Tresean Gore vs Marco Tulio
Saturday 12 April 2025 23:48Tulio showcasing a wonderful array of kicks early in the second round that thud painfully into their target.
He’s again combining those heavy strikes - the left hook is a proper weapon - with a series of vicious low kicks to the calf and body kicks.
But we’ll have a break now after a kick from Tulio lands in the groin of Gore, who is given time to recover.
He’s told to stay away from his corner before quickly informing the referee that he’s fine to continue.
Tresean Gore vs Marco Tulio
Saturday 12 April 2025 23:43 , George FloodGore hasn’t managed to shrug off that wincing elbow and he’s now taking heavy punishment with strikes, elbows and kicks and blood and damage to the face.
Gore goes down after another onslaught ending in a stiff left hook, but he’s allowed back up. Now both men land a heavy shot each at the same time!
Gore lands a big shot before a remarkable spinning kick from Tulio finds its mark.
An incredible first round draws to a close. Wow.
Tresean Gore vs Marco Tulio
Saturday 12 April 2025 23:41 , George FloodGore now hurt by a vicious elbow and then a right hand, before Tulio fires to the body and continues with those piercing calf kicks.
No shortage of action in this first round so far.
Tresean Gore vs Marco Tulio
Saturday 12 April 2025 23:41Some heavy early shots rain down from Tulio, who carries a lot of power in both hands.
Gore tries to fight fire with fire as the duo exchange a flurry of low kicks before Tulio continues to rattle in some thunderous strikes, though he’s also tagged with a well-timed right.
It’s a fierce striking battle at the moment, Gore briefly floored as Tulio combines his heavy strikes with step-in elbows and effective low kicks.
But he’s hurt by a hook from Gore!
Tresean Gore vs Marco Tulio
Saturday 12 April 2025 23:34 , George FloodNora Cornolle quickly calls out Argentina’s Ailin Perez during her post-fight interview with Joe Rogan.
To the men’s middleweight division now for Tresean Gore vs Marco ‘Matuto’ Tulio.
Ultimate Fighter 2019 finalist Gore - Mr Vicious - lost his first two fights in the UFC against Bryan Battle and Cody Brundage but has since reeled off back-to-back wins, submitting both Josh Fremd and Antonio Trocoli.
Brazil’s Tulio has won nine fights in a row now, including a first-round stoppage of Ukraine’s Ihor Potieria on his UFC debut in January.
Nora Cornolle beats Hailey Cowan by submission in round two
Saturday 12 April 2025 23:25 , George FloodGood action early in the second with some nice elbows and strikes from Cornolle, who also kicks to the body and follows up with a solid right hand.
They go to the mat once more and Cornolle, having narrowly missed out on locking in that armbar early in the first, has the rear-naked choke.
Cowan desperately tries to escape but it’s no use and she eventually taps.
Cornolle wins by submission!
Nora Cornolle vs Hailey Cowan
Saturday 12 April 2025 23:21 , George FloodA gruelling grapple-fest for the majority of round one, Cowan clearly in the ascendancy after her takedown was almost followed by Cornolle locking in an armbar that would have ended proceedings early.
Cowan recovers her composure to clearly take the first round, getting on Cornolle’s back and locking in a body triangle.
Nora Cornolle vs Hailey Cowan
Saturday 12 April 2025 23:17 , George FloodThe fight goes quickly to the fence as both women try to gain supremacy early in round one.
Cornolle almost locks in the armbar, but Cowan escapes.
Now the American is trying to get on top on the canvas.
Nora Cornolle vs Hailey Cowan
Saturday 12 April 2025 23:13About to get underway in our first fight of the night in Miami!
Not ideal preparations for Nora Cornolle, who was the only fighter on the bill to miss weight on Friday.
She missed it twice in fact, weighing in at two pounds over the bantamweight limit at 138lbs before weighing 137.5lbs at her second attempt.
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