UFC octagon set up. Photo: Getty Images
A very important chapter in the middleweight category (up to 83,9 kg) will be written this Saturday (28). Former champion of the category, Israel Adesanya enters the most famous octagon in the world at the Climate Pledge Arena to try to return to the win column after almost three years of setbacks. He will have Joe Pyfer in his way, who is experiencing a completely different moment. Since his defeat to Jack Hermansson , the American has racked up three consecutive wins and now seeks to change his level as an athlete and enter the top 5.
If Pyfer can defeat a former champion, Maycee Barber can do the same, and in turn, avenge a defeat suffered in 2021 against Alexa Grasso . Since that loss to the Mexican, she has defeated seven opponents in a row. With another positive result, she could qualify to finally challenge for the flyweight title (up to 56,7 kg).
Brazil in the octagon
Lerryan Douglas wins the Contender Series. Photo: Reproduction/UFC
The main card will feature the debut of Brazilian Lerryan Douglas in the world's biggest MMA event. After securing his contract in September 2025 with a knockout in seconds at the Contender Series, the Paranaguá native will face veteran Julian Erosa in a featherweight bout (up to 65,7 kg). At 30 years old, he could become another prospect in the division packed with Brazilian representatives.
The first fight of the night will be entirely Brazilian. In the strawweight division (up to 52,1 kg), Alexia Burguesinha faces Bruna Brasil . In addition, the preliminary fights feature two more bouts involving Brazilian athletes: Gabriella Fernandes takes on Casey O'Neil in the flyweight division (up to 56,7 kg), while Bruno Lopes faces Navajo Stirling.
MAIN CARD
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Joe Pyfer defeated Israel Adesanya by technical knockout (punches) at 4:18 of round 2.
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Alexa Grasso defeated Maycee Barber by knockout (punch) at 2:42 of round 1.
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Michael Chiesa defeated Niko Price by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:03 of round 1.
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Lerryan Douglas defeated Julian Erosa by knockout (punches) at 3:33 of round 1.
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Yousri Belgaroui defeated Mansur Abdul-Malik by technical knockout (punches and knee strike) at 1:21 of round 3.
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Terrance McKinney defeated Kyle Nelson by technical knockout (high kick and punches) at 0:24 of round 1.
PRELIMINARY CARD
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Tofiq Musayev defeated Ignacio Bahamondes by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 30-27)
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Lance Gibson Jr. defeated Chase Hooper by technical knockout (punches and kicks) at 2:04 of round 1.
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Fortuna Tyrrell defeated Marcin Tybura by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Casey O'Neill defeated Gabriella Fernandes by knockout (punches) at 3:11 of round 1.
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Navajo Stirling defeated Bruno Lopes by technical knockout (punches) at 4:05 of round 2.
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Ricky Simon and Adrian Yanez finished in a majority draw by the judges (29-28, 28-28, 28-28)
Strawweight (up to 52,1 kg): Alexia Thainara defeated Bruna Brasil by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.
You need to log in to comment.