UFC 287 LIVE: Adesanya knocks out Pereira – result

Israel Adesanya knocked Alex Pereira out cold to regain the middleweight title in the main event of UFC 287.

It was the fourth fight between the pair, with Pereira beating Adesanya twice in kickboxing before following the Nigerian-New Zealander into mixed martial arts, where he took Adesanya’s UFC title with a TKO in November.

But at the fourth time of asking, Adesanya finally beat his long-time rival, freezing Pereira with a right hook in Round 2 before dropping the champion with a one-two and finishing the fight with a hammer fist.

In the co-main event, Jorge Masvidal suffered a points loss to Gilbert Burns before retiring from MMA. Masvidal, in front of a home crowd in Miami, called time on a 20-year career and praised former US president Donald Trump, who was ringside.

Trump sat in the front row with Mike Tyson and UFC president Dana White, and the Miami-Dade Arena crowd erupted when the 76-year-old arrived.

Re-live updates and see full results from UFC 287, below. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos.

UFC 287 LIVE: Adesanya vs Pereira

• Israel Adesanya knocks Alex Pereira out cold to regain UFC middleweight title

• Adesanya beats Pereira on fourth try, after two kickboxing losses and one in MMA

• Adesanya stops Pereira with vicious right hooks in Round 2 after ‘playing possum’

• Joe Rogan hails knockout as ‘one of the greatest I’ve ever seen’

• Hometown fighter Jorge Masvidal retires after points loss to Gilbert Burns

• Crowd erupts as ex-president Donald Trump sits in front row with Mike Tyson

Crowd erupts as Donald Trump sits in front row at UFC 287

Sunday 9 April 2023 12:47 , Lawrence Ostlere

In one of the more unusual stories from the evening, Donald Trump was greeted by huge cheers as he sat in the front row at UFC 287 alongside Mike Tyson and Dana White in the Miami-Dade Arena.

Former US president Trump is known to have a friendship with UFC president White and has attended numerous events staged by the mixed martial arts promotion.

Crowd erupts as Donald Trump sits in front row at UFC 287

Summary: Adesanya is a champion once more after stunning knockout

Sunday 9 April 2023 12:36 , Lawrence Ostlere

Israel Adesanya is a UFC champion once again after delivering a vicious knockout to his greatest foe Alex Pereira late in the second round at UFC 287 in Miami.

The Nigerian-born fighter who grew up in New Zealand had lost his championship to the Brazilian in November last year but when he was backed against the cage he pulled off a spectacular KO which he said “was from the gods” in his post-fight interview.

Both fighters had a cautious first round with a barrage of leg kicks from both ends with Pereira targeting Adesanya’s right calf, much like he did in their last UFC bout.

They opened up in the second round, standing toe-to-toe and both landing punches, but it was when Adesanya was against the cage and wearing body shots when he unleashed two huge right-hand punches which stunned and then knocked down Pereira.

The 33-year-old then threw a hammer-fist while Pereira was on the mat and the referee quickly stopped the fight before he could land a second.

Adesanya celebrated his victory by mimicking shooting three arrows into his floored opponent, reclaiming his middleweight championship belt.

In the co-main event, Gilbert Burns put on a dominant performance against Jorge Masvidal, winning via unanimous decision in the welterweight division.

It would turn out to be Masvidal’s last fight in the UFC, with the veteran announcing his retirement after the fight. He fought 52 times, won 35 times with 18 of those knockout victories.

In the bantamweight division, Rob Font knocked out Adrian Yanez with a vicious right hook in the first round.

Earlier in the card, Christian Rodriguez defeated Raul Rosas Jnr via decision in the bantamweight division which went all three rounds while Kevin Holland knocked out Santiago Ponzinibbio with a left-hook to the jaw in the third round of their welterweight bout.

UFC 287 LIVE: Israel Adesanya knocks out Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 10:54 , Lawrence Ostlere

On top of his significant prize money scooped an extra $50,000 for the UFC’s Performance of the Night bonus - not a bad night’s work.

UFC 287 LIVE: Israel Adesanya knocks out Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 09:48 , Lawrence Ostlere

Since the fight ended, some rivals have put themselves forwards to fight Israel Adesanya:

UFC 287 LIVE: Israel Adesanya knocks out Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 07:23 , Lawrence Ostlere

Israel Adesanya’s vicious knockout of Alex Pereira was described as a “masterpiece” and a “statement made” by fellow UFC stars, while commentator Joe Rogan called it “one of the greatest KOs I’ve seen in my life”.

Read reaction to a historic night in Miami:

‘One of the greatest KOs I’ve seen’: The moment Israel Adesanya shocked Alex Pereira

UFC 287 LIVE: Israel Adesanya knocks out Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 07:05 , Lawrence Ostlere

Israel Adesanya shocked middleweight rival Alex Pereira with a stunning knockout at UFC 287 by “playing possum”.

Adesanya, who had lost their previous three fights across kickboxing and MMA, seemed to be in serious trouble in the second round after a series of kicks to his lead leg by Pereira, and the Brazilian moved in for the kill.

Pereira began to unload on his seemingly suffering opponent as the New Zealander backed against the cage, and it appeared only a matter of time before he secured a fourth win in their long rivalry.

But after absorbing a flurry of punches and a knee to the head, from seemingly nowhere Adesanya responded with a vicious right hook which visibly stunned Pereira, and the rapt crowd in Miami’s Kaseya Center roared as the challenger followed it up with a two-punch combination which sent his opponent crashing to the canvas and a hammer fist to end the fight.

“I played possum,” Adesanya later explained, suggesting he lured his opponent into a false sense of security.

More from Adesanya here:

Israel Adesanya explains how he pulled off shock knockout of Alex Pereira at UFC 287

UFC 287 LIVE: Israel Adesanya knocks out Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 06:50 , Alex Pattle

UFC 287 LIVE: Israel Adesanya knocks out Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 06:36 , Alex Pattle

Here are tonight’s results in full:

Main card

Israel Adesanya def. Alex Pereira (C) via second-round KO (4:21)

Gilbert Burns def. Jorge Masvidal via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Rob Font def. Adrian Yanez via first-round TKO (punches, 2:57)

Kevin Holland def. Santiago Ponzinibbio via third-round KO (punches, 3:16)

Christian Rodriguez def. Raul Rosas Jr via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Prelims

Kelvin Gastelum def. Chris Curtis via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Luana Pinheiro def. Michelle Waterson-Gomez via split decision (29-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Joe Pyfer def. Gerald Meerschaert via first-round TKO (punches, 3:15)

Loopy Godinez def. Cynthia Calvillo via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

Early prelims

Ignacio Bahamondes def. Trey Ogden via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Steve Garcia def. Shayilan Nuerdanbieke via second-round KO (body punch, 0:36)

Sam Hughes def. Jaqueline Amorim via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

UFC 287 LIVE: Israel Adesanya knocks out Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 06:26 , Alex Pattle

UFC fighter praises Donald Trump as former president watches from ringside

UFC 287 LIVE: Israel Adesanya knocks out Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 06:16 , Alex Pattle

Israel Adesanya beats Alex Pereira with stunning knockout

UFC 287 LIVE: Israel Adesanya knocks out Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 06:11 , Alex Pattle

UFC 287 LIVE: Israel Adesanya knocks out Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 06:10 , Alex Pattle

Dancing his way out of the Octagon...

UFC 287 LIVE: Israel Adesanya knocks out Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 06:08 , Alex Pattle

UFC 287 LIVE: Israel Adesanya knocks out Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 06:07 , Alex Pattle

In their last fight, in November, Adesanya stunned Pereira with a second left in the first round and landed an extra punch on the buzzer.

The consensus is that one more punch – one more second – would have been enough for Adesanya to get the win.

The way he switched off Pereira’s system tonight was so similar to that moment in their last clash. Even the way Pereira tilted after the first punch was similar tonight.

UFC 287 LIVE: Israel Adesanya knocks out Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 06:04 , Alex Pattle

UFC 287 LIVE: Israel Adesanya knocks out Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 06:04 , Alex Pattle

UFC 287 LIVE: Israel Adesanya knocks out Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 06:03 , Alex Pattle

UFC 287 LIVE: Israel Adesanya knocks out Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 06:02 , Alex Pattle

UFC 287 LIVE: Israel Adesanya knocks out Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 06:02 , Alex Pattle

UFC 287 LIVE: Israel Adesanya knocks out Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 06:01 , Alex Pattle

Adesanya says he was “playing possum” against the fence, waiting for a moment to strike.

And when he struck, boy, did he strike. It was a clean right hook from nowhere, and it stunned Pereira still. The next shot was another right hook to put down Pereira.

One hammer fist, and the fight was waved off, but Pereira was already out cold after the second hook.

UFC 287 LIVE: Israel Adesanya knocks out Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 05:59 , Alex Pattle

That is what it looks like to exorcise a demon.

Adesanya suffered a controversial points loss to Pereira in their first fight, a kickboxing match. In their rematch, also in kickboxing, Adesanya was leading but was knocked out. In November, in their first MMA clash, again Adesanya was ahead, but he was beaten in the final round.

Tonight, on his fourth attempt, he finally gets his win over Pereira, and in stunning fashion.

UFC 287 LIVE: Israel Adesanya knocks out Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 05:54 , Alex Pattle

Israel Adesanya def. Alex Pereira via second-round KO (punches, 4:21).

UFC 287 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 05:54 , Alex Pattle

Wow. Wow. Wow.

Pereira was unleashing body hooks and a knee to the head, with Adesanya backed against the cage, when the challenger threw a right hook out of nowhere!!

It froze Pereira, so similarly to the end of Round 1 in their last fight, but this time there was no buzzer to save Pereira; the next punch dropped him, and he was out cold after a hammer fist.

Adesanya then celebrated by imitating firing arrows at his rival.

UFC 287 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 05:51 , Alex Pattle

Round 2

Pereira just leans back far enough to avoid a head kick. He hops towards Adesanya and narrowly misses with a right hook.

Adesanya is being stalked here. His left leg buckles after a low kick from the champion!

Now Pereira unloads punches to the body! Is Adesanya in trouble?!

NO! HE KNOCKS PEREIRA OUT COLD WITH A RIGHT HOOK!

UFC 287 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 05:50 , Alex Pattle

Round 2

Pereira gets right after Adesanya! An uppercut gets through, then a hook!

Adesanya is backed up against the fence, where he lost the last fight... His eyes are wide...

He lands a right hand now, though! Pereira blocks a head kick.

Adesanya looks to stay confident, coming forward and trying some lead right hooks from that southpaw stance.

Now a left lands for the challenger! And another...

UFC 287 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 05:45 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Lots of low kicks from both men early on. Adesanya looks to get behind the jab, standing southpaw at the moment.

This has been a cagey start. Adesanya just about leans back to avoid a head kick, before landing a jab. A right cross is just out of range for the challenger.

The next effort is better from Adesanya, but Pereira responds with more leg kicks.

Adesanya kicks low and hard again, then targets the body with a kick. He repeats the same sequence now.

Adesanya with a solid left cross, but Pereira plays it down. Another leg kick from the Brazilian.

UFC 287 LIVE

Sunday 9 April 2023 05:40 , Alex Pattle

No touch of gloves... Here we go!!!

UFC 287 LIVE

Sunday 9 April 2023 05:39 , Alex Pattle

Jorge Masvidal retires after loss to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287

UFC 287 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 05:38 , Alex Pattle

Bruce Buffer with the fighter introductions...

UFC 287 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 05:33 , Alex Pattle

Now here comes Pereira, who TKOed Adesanya in November and holds a points win and knockout over the Nigerian-New Zealander from their kickboxing days.

Ominous music as the champion emerges.

UFC 287 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 05:30 , Alex Pattle

Time for the main event!

Here comes the challenger, formerly the champion, Israel Adesanya first.

“My f***ing house, let’s go,” he says as he walks out to a fair few boos.

UFC 287 LIVE: Jorge Masvidal takes on Gilbert Burns

Sunday 9 April 2023 05:21 , Alex Pattle

Masvidal calls time on his career, as he suggested he might do with a loss.

“Greatest president in the history of the world, I love that guy,” he says, pointing at Donald Trump.

UFC 287 LIVE: Jorge Masvidal takes on Gilbert Burns

Sunday 9 April 2023 05:16 , Alex Pattle

Gilbert Burns def. Jorge Masvidal via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).

UFC 287 LIVE: Jorge Masvidal takes on Gilbert Burns

Sunday 9 April 2023 05:14 , Alex Pattle

Round 3

Uppercut from Burns! Again Masvidal stumbles backwards!

Burns is taking his time to pick his shots, but they’re all landing clean.

Masvidal fires back with a right hand of his own, and Burns decides to change tack. He grabs another body lock and forces Masvidal to the fence. He soon secures a takedown.

Burns with mean elbows from half-guard. And he ends the bout on top.

UFC 287 LIVE: Jorge Masvidal takes on Gilbert Burns

Sunday 9 April 2023 05:11 , Alex Pattle

Round 3

Final round! Masvidal needs a big round here, probably a finish even.

Masvidal with a spinning back kick to the body. Burns grazes him with a left hook.

Clean right cross from Burns, and Masvidal staggers back with a dazed look in his eyes!!

He beckons on Burns, but he is feeling the effects of that shot.

UFC 287 LIVE: Jorge Masvidal takes on Gilbert Burns

Sunday 9 April 2023 05:08 , Alex Pattle

Round 2

The crowd is restless. Burns is in control but not doing too much with the position.

Now he shuffles himself and Masvidal towards the fence, where the latter is able to stand!

The crowd enjoyed that. There’s a brief scramble, but it ends with Burns getting another body lock and slamming the hometown hero to the canvas once again.

Eventually Masvidal stands once more. He gets off a few knees to the body and reverses the position, holding Burns against the fence.

Burns responds in kind, before stepping away. Thirty seconds for Masvidal to strike with Burns.

Masvidal looks exhausted. He eats a right hook. Again he laughs it off, but he felt that.

UFC 287 LIVE: Jorge Masvidal takes on Gilbert Burns

Sunday 9 April 2023 05:04 , Alex Pattle

Round 2

Burns presses forward and knocks down Masvidal with a short right hook!!

Masvidal might have been off balance as much as anything, but he jumps back up anyway.

Burns picks him up and slams him to the mat, though! Burns is soon into full guard.

UFC 287 LIVE: Jorge Masvidal takes on Gilbert Burns

Sunday 9 April 2023 05:02 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Burns’ guard keeps a Masvidal combination at bay, but the American lands a low kick thereafter.

Body kick from Burns, who sees his first grappling effort of the night neutralised by Masvidal.

Masvidal with a body kick of his own. Burns just about connects with a right hand. Masvidal tries a knee and hook in close; the crowd reacts positively, but neither shot landed.

A right hand snaps back Masvidal’s head! Ouch. He sticks out his tongue and fires back with a jab.

Burns gets a body-lock takedown late in the round! There’s just enough time for a few hammer fists, too...

UFC 287 LIVE: Jorge Masvidal takes on Gilbert Burns

Sunday 9 April 2023 04:58 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

The atmosphere has really picked up for this one. Masvidal has hinted that he may retire if he loses tonight...

Burns is 36; Masvidal, 38. Burns is the heavy favourite with the bookies; Masvidal with the Miami crowd.

Low kick from Masvidal early. Burns switches stances back and forth before throwing a body kick. Now the Brazilian kicks low. “Let’s go, Jorge,” is the chant in the arena.

Burns connects with a right hand, and Masvidal acknowledges it.

UFC 287 LIVE: Jorge Masvidal takes on Gilbert Burns

Sunday 9 April 2023 04:55 , Alex Pattle

More cheers for Masvidal as Bruce Buffer does the fighter introductions.

Here we go...

UFC 287 LIVE: Jorge Masvidal takes on Gilbert Burns

Sunday 9 April 2023 04:54 , Alex Pattle

For what it’s worth, Holland was leading on the Verdict MMA global scorecard before his third-round finish of Ponzinibbio.

UFC 287 LIVE: Jorge Masvidal takes on Gilbert Burns

Sunday 9 April 2023 04:52 , Alex Pattle

A few boos for Burns, but the Brazilian is a hard man to dislike.

UFC 287 LIVE: Jorge Masvidal takes on Gilbert Burns

Sunday 9 April 2023 04:52 , Alex Pattle

The last two results tonight:

UFC 287 LIVE: Jorge Masvidal takes on Gilbert Burns

Sunday 9 April 2023 04:49 , Alex Pattle

A great reception for Masvidal, as you would expect.

UFC 287 LIVE: Jorge Masvidal takes on Gilbert Burns

Sunday 9 April 2023 04:46 , Alex Pattle

It’s time for the co-main event... Gilbert Burns vs Jorge Masvidal in a clash of welterweight contenders!

Fan favourite and hometown fighter Masvidal has lost three in a row, coming up short in two title fights with Kamaru Usman before being dominated by rival Colby Covington last time out. That loss to Covington was 13 months ago, and days after the fight, Masvidal was charged with an alleged assault on Covington – his former friend and teammate.

Meanwhile, Burns is 2-2 in his last four. The Brazilian also lost a title fight with Usman, bounced back to beat Stephen Thompson, lost a war with Khamzat Chimaev, then most recently submitted Neil Magny in January.

UFC 287 LIVE: Rob Font stops Adrian Yanez in first round

Sunday 9 April 2023 04:38 , Alex Pattle

Rob Font def. Adrian Yanez via first-round TKO (punches, 2:57).

UFC 287 LIVE: Rob Font vs Adrian Yanez

Sunday 9 April 2023 04:37 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

FONT WITH A BRILLIANT SEQUENCE TO WIN IT!

He pieces up Yanez with a series of right hands – an uppercut, hook, cross, another uppercut, a cross again, and finally a hook to drop his opponent!

He adds a couple of shots on the ground, and the referee steps in!

Font’s face is badly swollen, too; that was a fierce fight for as long as it lasted!

UFC 287 LIVE: Rob Font vs Adrian Yanez

Sunday 9 April 2023 04:35 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Many fans and pundits think this will be the fight of the night...

Both men stand orthodox. Font with a wide right hook straight away.

Now Font catches Yanez on the end of a step-in right cross. Double-jab, right hand from Yanez.

Solid jab from Font, nice right hand from Yanez. A left overhand just about lands for Font.

Font with more signature jabs, and he’s really busting up Yanez’s nose.

UFC 287 LIVE: Rob Font vs Adrian Yanez

Sunday 9 April 2023 04:30 , Alex Pattle

American Font was on a four-fight win streak before losing his last two bouts – points defeats by Jose Aldo and most recently Marlon Vera.

Meanwhile, Yanez has won nine in a row, including seven KO/TKOs. The American last fought in June, stopping Tony Kelley in the first round.

UFC 287 LIVE: Rob Font vs Adrian Yanez

Sunday 9 April 2023 04:23 , Alex Pattle

Next up: Rob Font vs Adrian Yanez at bantamweight.

UFC 287 LIVE: Kevin Holland knocks out Santiago Ponzinibbio

Sunday 9 April 2023 04:18 , Alex Pattle

Kevin Holland def. Santiago Ponzinibbio via third-round KO (punches, 3:16).

UFC 287 LIVE: Kevin Holland vs Santiago Ponzinibbio

Sunday 9 April 2023 04:17 , Alex Pattle

Round 3

HOLLAND WITH THE FINISH! He catches a kick, comes over the top with a right cross, then tags Ponzinibbio with a left hook after the Argentine spins around!

Ponzinibbio falls face first, eats a few more punches, and the referee waves it off! Ponzinibbio comes to and complains, but that was a good stoppage.

UFC 287 LIVE: Kevin Holland vs Santiago Ponzinibbio

Sunday 9 April 2023 04:15 , Alex Pattle

Round 3

Ponzinibbio fires off two hard low kicks, early in this final round. Another one, and Holland felt that for sure.

Holland responds with kicks of his own – one to the leg, one to the body.

More leg kicks from Ponzinibbio, while Holland misses with wide left hooks.

UFC 287 LIVE: Kevin Holland vs Santiago Ponzinibbio

Sunday 9 April 2023 04:11 , Alex Pattle

Round 2

Again Ponzinibbio catches a kick, but this time it’s him who follows up with a back fist! No connection, though.

Now the Argentine drives Holland to the fence, but he can’t hold him there for long.

UFC 287 LIVE: Kevin Holland vs Santiago Ponzinibbio

Sunday 9 April 2023 04:09 , Alex Pattle

Before this fight, Robbie Lawler’s classic against Rory MacDonald was inducted into the fight wing of the UFC Hall of Fame.

UFC 287 LIVE: Kevin Holland vs Santiago Ponzinibbio

Sunday 9 April 2023 04:08 , Alex Pattle

For what it’s worth, Verdict MMA’s global scorecard agreed with the judges that Christian Rodriguez was a worthy winner over Raul Rosas Jr.

UFC 287 LIVE: Kevin Holland vs Santiago Ponzinibbio

Sunday 9 April 2023 04:05 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Holland keeps looking for a left hook as Ponzinibbio steps into range. Holland has the height advantage, but the Argentine is the thicker man.

Big left hook from Ponzinibbio now.

He grabs a kick by Holland, and the American smashes Ponzinibbio with a back fist!!

Ponzinibbio drops to the mat but survives to the buzzer, with just a few seconds left on the clock when he ate that strike! Wow!

UFC 287 LIVE: Kevin Holland vs Santiago Ponzinibbio

Sunday 9 April 2023 03:58 , Alex Pattle

Next up is Kevin Holland vs Santiago Ponzinibbio at welterweight.

Holland and Jorge Masvidal, who fights in tonight’s co-main event, were separated by security at a hotel in Miami on Wednesday.

Full story:

Jorge Masvidal and fellow fighter separated by security before UFC 287

UFC 287 LIVE: Donald Trump sits in front row as crowd cheers ex-president

Sunday 9 April 2023 03:55 , Alex Pattle

Donald Trump was greeted by huge cheers as he sat in the front row at UFC 287 on Saturday night, alongside Mike Tyson and Dana White in the Miami-Dade Arena.

Former US president Trump is known to have a friendship with UFC president White and has attended numerous events staged by the mixed martial arts promotion.

Trump was also visited by UFC fighter Jorge Masvidal earlier this week. Miami native Masvidal, who is on the UFC 287 card, visited Trump at the ex-president’s home in Mar-a-Lago after attending one of the 76-year-old’s rallies.

This week, Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 felony charges related to falsifying business records around hush money payments during his 2016 presidential campaign.

Crowd erupts as Donald Trump sits in front row at UFC 287

UFC 287 LIVE: Christian Rodriguez hands Raul Rosas Jr first loss

Sunday 9 April 2023 03:44 , Alex Pattle

Christian Rodriguez def. Raul Rosas Jr via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).

UFC 287 LIVE: Raul Rosas Jr vs Christian Rodriguez

Sunday 9 April 2023 03:41 , Alex Pattle

Round 3

Rosas Jr does well to survive and stand, and the fight ends on the feet...

Scorecards incoming...

UFC 287 LIVE: Raul Rosas Jr vs Christian Rodriguez

Sunday 9 April 2023 03:37 , Alex Pattle

Round 3

Rodriguez has the back, has Rosas Jr flattened out, and is pouring on punches!

UFC 287 LIVE: Raul Rosas Jr vs Christian Rodriguez

Sunday 9 April 2023 03:34 , Alex Pattle

Round 2

Rosas Jr seems to have exerted too much energy at this point in the fight; he’s flagging.

Rodriguez now has the teenager’s back again, and he’s almost got a rear naked choke locked in!

Rosas Jr survives to the buzzer, but he’s facing more adversity than he ever has in the ring.

UFC 287 LIVE: Raul Rosas Jr vs Christian Rodriguez

Sunday 9 April 2023 03:32 , Alex Pattle

Round 2

Once again, Rosas Jr goes straight for a takedown. This time, though, Rodriguez is able to tip the teenager onto his back.

Rodriguez has side control briefly, but Rosas Jr gets free, and both bantamweights stand. Again Rosas Jr shoots for a double-leg takedown, but Rodriguez meets his face with a knee! Well timed!

Rosas Jr absorbs it well and keeps working, grappling Rodriguez against the fence. Again Rodriguez counters the position, however.

He ends up on top, then takes the back as Rosas Jr turns. Now Rodriguez has side control again.

UFC 287 LIVE: Raul Rosas Jr vs Christian Rodriguez

Sunday 9 April 2023 03:28 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Rodriguez is keeping his chin tucked, and Rosas Jr briefly gives up on the choke. The 18-year-old has dragged Rodriguez to the mat now, though.

The buzzer sounds!

UFC 287 LIVE: Raul Rosas Jr vs Christian Rodriguez

Sunday 9 April 2023 03:26 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

A great reception for Rosas Jr! He shoots for a takedown at once, but he does so from a long way away, and Rodriguez reads it.

Rosas Jr goes for another attempt, but Rodriguez is still defending well. Rosas Jr lifts Rodriguez’s leg all the way up to his head, then swings him down to the mat.

Rosas Jr tries to lock in a D’Arce choke, but Rodriguez rolls through before standing. Rosas Jr goes right back to the well, seeking a takedown via a body lock.

A short shot knocks out Rosas Jr’s mouthpiece, and he’s yet to receive it back from the referee, but he won’t mind for now; he’s jumped onto Rodriguez’s back near the fence...

Rosas Jr has a body triangle locked in and is looking for a choke...

UFC 287 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 03:22 , Alex Pattle

Rodriguez is 8-1 as a professional, while Rosas Jr is 7-0.

UFC 287 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 03:15 , Alex Pattle

In the first fight on the main card, Raul Rosas Jr faces Christian Rodriguez at bantamweight.

Rosas Jr, who turned 18 in October, is the youngest fighter on the UFC roster.

UFC 287 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 03:08 , Alex Pattle

We now move onto the main card!

Alex Pereira (C) vs Israel Adesanya 2 (middleweight title)

Gilbert Burns vs Jorge Masvidal (welterweight)

Rob Font vs Adrian Yanez (bantamweight)

Kevin Holland vs Santiago Ponzinibbio (welterweight)

Raul Rosas Jr vs Christian Rodriguez (bantamweight)

UFC 287 LIVE: Kelvin Gastelum wins war with Chris Curtis

Sunday 9 April 2023 03:00 , Alex Pattle

Gastelum roars into the microphone. A huge outpouring of emotion from the former interim-title challenger. That’s his first win in just over two years!

Gastelum talks about a shift in his “soul” and psychology.

“He, has, risen!” he shouts. “I’m back, baby!”

UFC 287 LIVE: Kelvin Gastelum wins war with Chris Curtis

Sunday 9 April 2023 02:57 , Alex Pattle

Kelvin Gastelum def. Chris Curtis via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).

UFC 287 LIVE: Chris Curtis faces Kelvin Gastelum in middleweight clash

Sunday 9 April 2023 02:55 , Alex Pattle

Round 3

The final round begins in back-and-forth fashion, with both middleweights landing jabs.

Clean, short right hook from Curtis. He tries to follow up with a combination, but Gastelum’s defence holds up.

He loops into another right hook from Curtis, though, and a brawl ensues!

Right hook to the body from Curtis. Both men have thrown and landed almost the same number of significant strikes.

Curtis with a slashing elbow, and Gastelum nods at him. Another wild period now!

Gastelum tries a single-leg takedown, but he’s denied! Fight of the night so far! We’ll go to the scorecards.

UFC 287 LIVE: Chris Curtis faces Kelvin Gastelum in middleweight clash

Sunday 9 April 2023 02:50 , Alex Pattle

Round 2

A clean right uppercut lands for Curtis! He adds a left hook. Again, Gastelum remains composed.

Now Curtis unfurls a right uppercut into the ribcage of his opponent. Tidy jabs from Gastelum in response, though.

Strong end to the round for Curtis, as he connects with yet another powerful uppercut to the chin of Gastelum!

UFC 287 LIVE: Chris Curtis faces Kelvin Gastelum in middleweight clash

Sunday 9 April 2023 02:47 , Alex Pattle

Round 2

Gastelum kicks low but is caught by two right hooks as he dips his head to the side!

Gastelum stays composed then hurls an overhand at Curtis, who shells up to block it.

Curtis tags Gastelum with a short punch but seems to have eaten one himself; he drops to the mat! He turtles up, and Gastelum pours on punches!

But Curtis is very much lucid, it appears, and he is able to stand and move away! Gastelum chases him to the fence, but again Curtis gets free.

UFC 287 LIVE: Chris Curtis faces Kelvin Gastelum in middleweight clash

Sunday 9 April 2023 02:43 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Another low kick by Gastelum, then a one-two. Curtis fires back with a short left cross.

Good head movement from Gastelum throughout, too, although he’s caught on the end of a jab as Curtis skips forward.

UFC 287 LIVE: Chris Curtis faces Kelvin Gastelum in middleweight clash

Sunday 9 April 2023 02:41 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Gastelum light on his feet early, bouncing around. He sneaks an uppercut into a combination in close, then darts in and out with a jab on his fellow southpaw.

Harsh low kick by Gastelum now. One-two up top by Curtis! That sees Gastelum stumble back, and the crowd coos!

Curtis swings a hook and uppercut with bad intentions but misses with both. Low kick and jab by Gastelum, who looks really sharp so far.

UFC 287 LIVE: Chris Curtis faces Kelvin Gastelum in middleweight clash

Sunday 9 April 2023 02:35 , Alex Pattle

Next up: Chris Curtis vs Kelvin Gastelum at middleweight.

Gastelum is a former interim-title challenger, having been outpointed by Adesanya in a war in 2019, though he now has just one win his last six bouts.

Meanwhile, fellow American Curtis lost a decision to Jack Hermansson in London last July after winning eight in a row, but he bounced back with a KO of Joaquin Buckley in December.

UFC 287: Luana Pinheiro outpoints Michelle Waterson-Gomez

Sunday 9 April 2023 02:29 , Alex Pattle

Luana Pinheiro def. Michelle Waterson-Gomez via split decision (29-29, 29-28, 29-28).

Boos in Miami as the result is announced!

UFC 287: Michelle Waterson-Gomez takes on Luana Pinheiro

Sunday 9 April 2023 02:26 , Alex Pattle

Round 3

Waterson-Gomez times a single-leg takedown well, and although Pinheiro springs back to her feet, she’s trapped against the fence at once.

The buzzer soon sounds, and we’ll go to the judges’ scorecards!

UFC 287: Michelle Waterson-Gomez takes on Luana Pinheiro

Sunday 9 April 2023 02:23 , Alex Pattle

Round 3

Final round. Nice level-change from Waterson-Gomez as she tries a takedown. She has a rear body lock as she holds Pinheiro against the fence.

Knees to the body from the American as she looks to wear down Pinheiro. A well-timed trip from Waterson-Gomez follows, but Pinheiro is straight back up.

The Brazilian is able to break Waterson-Gomez’s grip and move into space.

UFC 287: Michelle Waterson-Gomez takes on Luana Pinheiro

Sunday 9 April 2023 02:20 , Alex Pattle

Round 2

Pinheiro catches a kick and drives her opponent to the cage wall again.

Once more, Waterson-Gomez shows off some solid takedown defence, and she slices Pinheiro with an elbow while circling into space!

Both women land clean punches in the following exchange. Waterson-Gomez with more harsh low kicks, but – as in Round 1– Pinheiro finishes with a strong right hand!

UFC 287: Michelle Waterson-Gomez takes on Luana Pinheiro

Sunday 9 April 2023 02:17 , Alex Pattle

Round 2

That was a great opening round, and the second starts well, too. Pinheiro lands a hard punch but is caught by two front kicks to the face – a right leg then left leg from Waterson-Gomez!

Waterson-Gomez lands a stinging right low kick, while Pinheiro tags the American with a right overhand. Another is on target for Pinheiro, and her opponent stumbles slightly!

Pinheiro grabs Waterson-Gomez and holds her against the fence. Good takedown defence from Waterson-Gomez, though, and the strawweights move back into the open.

UFC 287: Michelle Waterson-Gomez takes on Luana Pinheiro

Sunday 9 April 2023 02:13 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Both women kick low early on but miss the mark. Waterson-Gomez finds the target on her next attempt, however, as Pinheiro punches over the top but is just out of range.

Now Waterson-Gomez with a teep kick and side kick, though Pinheiro stays light on her feet to avoid the worst of those attempts.

Spinning back elbow from Waterson-Gomez in close! Pinheiro felt that but fires back with a heavy low kick, before tagging her opponent with a one-two upstairs. Both women briefly stand southpaw, before reverting back to orthodox.

Now Pinheiro goes down after a high kick from Waterson-Gomez!! The Brazilian springs back to her feet, though, and looks to get back to work!

And she lands a hard right hand late in the round! It staggers Waterson-Gomez, who is able to survive to the buzzer!

UFC 287: Michelle Waterson-Gomez takes on Luana Pinheiro

Sunday 9 April 2023 02:07 , Alex Pattle

Meanwhile, Pinheiro is on an eight-fight win streak and is 2-0 in the UFC. Last time out, she outpointed Sam Hughes. That was a good 17 months ago, however.

UFC 287: Michelle Waterson-Gomez takes on Luana Pinheiro

Sunday 9 April 2023 02:06 , Alex Pattle

Waterson-Gomez is a real fan favourite but has just one win in her last five fights – a decision over Angela Hill in September 2020, which has been followed by losses to Marina Rodriguez and Amanda Lemos.

Lemos beat Waterson-Gomez via submission in July.

UFC 287: Michelle Waterson-Gomez takes on Luana Pinheiro

Sunday 9 April 2023 01:53 , Alex Pattle

Next we have a women’s strawweight bout between Michelle Waterson-Gomez and Luana Pinheiro!

UFC 287: Up-and-comer Joe Pyfer stops Gerald Meerschaert early

Sunday 9 April 2023 01:50 , Alex Pattle

Joe Pyfer def. Gerald Meerschaert via first-round TKO (punches, 3:15).

UFC 287: Veteran Gerald Meerschaert faces up-and-comer Joe Pyfer

Sunday 9 April 2023 01:48 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Meerschaert stands southpaw; Pyfer orthodox. Pyfer recently made a name for himself with an impressive performance on Dana White’s Contender Series to set up a full UFC debut.

It’s a nervy start to this one, though, and the crowd is already somewhat restless. Lots of feinting from the fighters, not much landing.

Huge right cross from Pyfer out of nowhere, though!! It snaps back the head of Meerschaert, who also wobbles slightly.

Now Pyfer clips Meerschaert again – it’s a left hook and right hand this time, and down goes the veteran!

He turtles up, making little effort to fight back, and the referee steps in! Pyfer with a massive win.

UFC 287: Israel Adesanya vs Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 01:38 , Alex Pattle

Next up: Veteran Gerald Meerschaert faces up-and-comer Joe Pyfer at middleweight.

UFC 287: Cynthia Calvillo vs Loopy Godinez

Sunday 9 April 2023 01:33 , Alex Pattle

Loopy Godinez def. Cynthia Calvillo via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27).

UFC 287: Cynthia Calvillo vs Loopy Godinez

Sunday 9 April 2023 01:31 , Alex Pattle

Third and final round. Calvillo is walking Godinez onto her jab repeatedly – great work.

Calvillo now feints some takedown attempts, as she did in Round 2. She’s also beating up the lead leg of Godinez with low kicks.

Final minute. Godinez grabs ahold of Calvillo, who neutralises her opponent’s takedown effort and drives her to the fence.

The final buzzer sounds, and we’ll go to the judges’ scorecards.

UFC 287: Cynthia Calvillo vs Loopy Godinez

Sunday 9 April 2023 01:24 , Alex Pattle

Some well-timed counter shots from Godinez, who also lands a teep kick to the body of Calvillo in Round 2.

Godinez blocks a high kick from Calvillo, who briefly considers a takedown but decides against it.

Again Calvillo sees a head kick blocked, and she’s tagged by a clean punch from Godinez late in the round.

UFC 287: Israel Adesanya vs Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 01:18 , Alex Pattle

We kick things off with a strawweight clash between Cynthia Calvillo vs Loopy Godinez!

Here’s a recap of the results from the early prelims:

Ignacio Bahamondes def. Trey Ogden via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Steve Garcia def. Shayilan Nuerdanbieke via second-round KO (body punch, 0:36)

Sam Hughes def. Jaqueline Amorim via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

UFC 287: Israel Adesanya vs Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 01:00 , Alex Pattle

Our live coverage will begin with the regular prelims, which will get under way any minute now!

Don’t go anywhere!

UFC 287: Israel Adesanya vs Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 00:45 , Alex Pattle

Conor McGregor has teased an appearance with WWE, after the professional wrestling company announced that it is merging with the UFC.

During Wrestlemania (1-2 April), the most important weekend of the year for WWE, reports emerged that Endeavor – the parent company of the UFC – was in talks to purchase the pro wrestling brand. Those reports have since been confirmed by an official statement, released on Monday (3 April).

Ahead of the announcement, former dual-weight UFC champion McGregor tweeted on Sunday: “Congrats to the @ufc now worth a cool Proper $12bn. Wow!

“Endeavor [about] to scoop the @WWE now also. Incredible. What a powerhouse!”

The Irishman, 34, then shared a mock image of himself holding a UFC belt and the WWE title, adding: “#itsinevitable”.

More here:

Conor McGregor teases WWE appearance as company merges with UFC

UFC 287: Israel Adesanya vs Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 00:30 , Alex Pattle

Since Monday’s announcement that the UFC and WWE will be merging, questions have abounded. The biggest, undoubtedly, has been: What does it mean?

On one side, you have the preeminent promotion in mixed martial arts: the Ultimate Fighting Championship; on the other, the biggest professional wrestling brand around the globe: World Wrestling Entertainment. Except, there are no longer sides. With the UFC’s parent company Endeavor purchasing WWE, a merger will create a ‘$21billlion+ live sports and entertainment powerhouse’.

Those were the words of Vince McMahon, and a day after Wrestlemania – the biggest event of the year for WWE – the company’s executive chairman added: “Given the incredible work that Ari [Emanuel, Endeavor CEO] and Endeavor have done to grow the UFC brand – nearly doubling its revenue over the past seven years – and the immense success we’ve already had in partnering with their team on a number of ventures, I believe that this is without a doubt the best outcome for our shareholders and other stakeholders.”

Endeavor will hold a 51 percent controlling interest in the new company and existing WWE shareholders will hold a 49 percent interest. Emanuel and McMahon will retain their existing roles with Endeavor and WWE, with the former also serving as CEO of the new company and the latter working as executive chairman. Dana White will continue in his role as UFC president, and Nick Khan will remain president of WWE.

But that’s not what you really want to know. Here’s what you are interested in:

What does the UFC and WWE merger mean?

UFC 287: Israel Adesanya vs Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 00:15 , Alex Pattle

Speaking on The MMA Hour in November, days after his TKO loss to Pereira, Adesanya adressed suggestions that the stoppage came somewhat early.

“I don’t blame the referee, Marc [Goddard] did a good job,” Adesanya said, “but you see it when I get up: I’m fine.

“I was lucid. I didn’t get ‘rocked’ rocked; I got ‘hit’ hit against the fence and my thought was, ‘Escape, laterally, either left or right.’

“I went right and as I was going right. It wasn’t because I was rocked [that I fell partially], it was my foot [...] He hit me with two big shots, lateral move... and then I tripped.

“So, it looked bad,” the Nigerian-born New Zealander continued. “I think the referee was like: ‘Two big shots and he wobbles, oh, s***.’ It wasn’t from the shots, I promise you. There’s no reason for me to lie. It was from the legs, which [Pereira] caused, the damage.”

More here:

Israel Adesanya reveals what he was thinking as Alex Pereira secured TKO at UFC 281

UFC 287: Israel Adesanya vs Alex Pereira

Sunday 9 April 2023 00:00 , Alex Pattle

Jorge Masvidal and Kevin Holland were separated by security at a hotel in Miami on Wednesday, days before UFC 287.

Masvidal is set to fight Gilbert Burns in the co-main event of UFC 287 this evening, after Holland faces Santiago Ponzinibbio.

And security had to separate Masvidal and Burns on Wednesday (5 April), as the Americans traded barbs at the hotel in which fighters are staying this week.

The incident was captured by UFC welterweight Belal Muhammad, who posted footage of the exchange on his Instagram account.

Holland, 30, has lost his last two fights, suffering a TKO by Stephen Thompson in December and a submission by Khamzat Chimaev in September. Prior to his first-round loss to Chimaev, Holland was due to fight Daniel Rodriguez, but a series of incidents – including a backstage clash between Holland and Chimaev – led to the new bout.

Meanwhile, Masvidal was also previously involved in another backstage incident at a UFC event, when he punched Leon Edwards at London’s O2 Arena after beating Darren Till in 2019.

More here:

Jorge Masvidal and fellow fighter separated by security before UFC 287

UFC 287: Israel Adesanya vs Alex Pereira

Saturday 8 April 2023 23:45 , Alex Pattle

Here’s tonight’s card in full, subject to any late changes:

Main card

Alex Pereira (C) vs Israel Adesanya 2 (middleweight title)

Gilbert Burns vs Jorge Masvidal (welterweight)

Rob Font vs Adrian Yanez (bantamweight)

Kevin Holland vs Santiago Ponzinibbio (welterweight)

Raul Rosas Jr vs Christian Rodriguez (bantamweight)

Prelims

Chris Curtis vs Kelvin Gastelum (middleweight)

Michelle Waterson-Gomez vs Luana Pinheiro (women’s strawweight)

Gerald Meerschaert vs Joe Pyfer (middleweight)

Cynthia Calvillo vs Loopy Godinez (women’s strawweight)

Early prelims

Ignacio Bahamondes vs Trey Ogden (lightweight)

Shayilan Nuerdanbieke vs Steve Garcia (featherweight)

Jacqueline Amorim vs Sam Hughes (women’s strawweight)

Who is fighting on UFC 287 undercard tonight?

UFC 287: Israel Adesanya vs Alex Pereira

Saturday 8 April 2023 23:38 , Alex Pattle

UFC 287 will air live on BT Sport in the UK, with the broadcaster’s app and website also streaming the fights.

In the US, ESPN+ will stream the action live, as will the UFC’s Fight Pass.

How to watch UFC 287 online and on TV tonight

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