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  • WON Preview: May 16, 2016 Wrestling Observer newsletter: Potential UFC sale, WWE releases, plus tons of news

    READ IT HERE: May 16, 2016 Wrestling Observer newsletter: Potential UFC sale, WWE releases, plus tons of news

    Our lead story updates the talks of a UFC sale, plus an updated look at how the WWE is doing as a business, a look at WWE cuts, the booking behind the ROH Global Wars PPV and how New Japan and ROH are working together even more closely than on the surface, Global Wars coverage, a look at the status of a lot of ROH talent, coverage of the UFC debut in Holland, the hidden story of just how much of the male audience has been lost by WWE, as well as what WWE can learn from the NBA, and historical bios on Billy Wicks and Kato Kung Lee.

    There is also a look at the ESPN story on the potential sale of the UFC, what we know is legit, numbers being thrown around, who actually owns UFC, Dana White’s reaction to the story, moves UFC has made, Dana White’s long-term future if there is a sale, timing of the sale and sustaining the brand popularity.  Plus there’s also a look at the various companies listed that are in talks of buying.

    An update on WWE financials is in this issue, plus a look at the WWE Network numbers, what last year’s patterns tell us about the numbers, the company’s profits and losses, how well every division does for WWE and what is the most important for the bottom line, how well the company is doing financially compared to last year, what is projected by WWE this year for the WrestleMania quarter, update on injured wrestlers and their returns, Vince McMahon talks WWE injuries, and how much cash on hand the company has right now.

    There is also a look at how WWE is going to be changing how it reports information and what information they are going to be keeping secret as compared to the past. Also, there is a look at the dichotomy between social media numbers and WWE network subscribers and what it says.

    You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer

    You can also order print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to Dave@WrestlingObserver.com. 

    Rates are:

    For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com. For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

    If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.

    If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. 

    Also in this issue:

    • Update on Dragon Lee
    • CMLL gets TV in Canada
    • Notes from this week’s Elite show with the Atlantis vs. park main event
    • Wrestler coming off WWE tryout debuts in Elite
    • Update on the Lucha Libre World Cup and what looks like its new means of broadcasting into the U.S.
    • Konnan goes off on AAA
    • A look at the AAA/Lucha Underground partnership
    • A lineup of stars coming for the World Cup
    • King of Gate tournament opens
    • Pro Wrestling NOAH’s next big show
    • A look at New Japan’s big matches over the next five weeks including the Super Juniors tournament open
    • We also look at the major lineups for the Super Juniors tournament
    • More on the first Keiji Muto vs. Jun Akiyama match
    • Kenta Kobashi promoting a show
    • A look at the career of former AWA and WWF promoter Dennis Hilgart and the heyday of Milwaukee wrestling
    • A look at plans for an Andre the Giant feature film
    • A look back at the Andre vs. Chuck Wepner boxer vs. wrestler match
    • Notes on a new book about pro wrestling’s first major national closed circuit show, headlined by Muhammad Ali vs. Antonio Inoki
    • House of Hardcore notes
    • Major indie show this weekend expected to draw big crowd
    • Former WWF star coming out of retirement
    • Radio announcer for pro wrestling who went on to be a major player in television passes away
    • Plans for Ultima Lucha 3
    • Lots more season three notes from tapings this past week including many newcomers, new characters and what looks like the situation with one of its biggest stars
    • Notes on ROH’s house show with New Japan in Dearborn, MI
    • Notes on Anderson Silva’s gall bladder surgery
    • Lots of notes on the UFC show this week in Brazil
    • Dana White updates on Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz
    • Update on C.M. Punk in UFC
    • Vitor Belfort speaks out against UFC
    • Lots of new major UFC fights for the summer
    • Update on Paige VanZant in Dancing With The Stars
    • More on the encounter between VanZant and Ronda Rousey

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: April 5, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Wrestlemania 15 review, ESPN Outside the Lines recap, tons more. Full review of WrestleMania 15, plus tons of news.

    The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

    Also in this issue:

    If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. 

    If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today.

    New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Rates are:

    For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com. For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

    If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.

  • FREE WOL: Adam Rose, Lucha Underground, Dave Meltzer, more!

    Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive is FREE today! Tons to talk about including the latest on Adam Rose, NXT, Lucha Underground, an appearance by Dave Meltzer talking UFC, calls and emails and more! A fun show as always so check it out! And don’t forget to listen LIVE AND FREE every day at 12 PT/3 ET on Sports Byline USA affiliates, or on the TuneIn Radio website or smartphone app searching Sports Byline USA!

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  • Adam Rose expected home after wife asks judge for leniency

    Cassandra Leppan, the wife of the indefinitely suspended Ray “Adam Rose” Leppan, was in Florida court Thursday morning asking a judge for leniency regarding her husband after his post-midnight arrest on Wednesday morning.

    He faces battery and tampering with a witness charges.

    The judge talked about invoking a restraining order against Ray, barring him from any contact with her. She begged the judge not to do so because she wants him back home, noting that they have a special needs child who needs both parents.

    According to TMZ.com, Ray’s lawyer argued that his physical actions were more passionate than violent. However, the judge noted a previous domestic violence incident that didn’t get any media play in March, noting a pattern. In the end, the judge allowed Ray to return home. Bond was set for $1000, virtually ensuring Rose will be out by day’s end.

    Ray was ordered to get counseling from his pastor once a week until the next court date.

  • Daily Pro Wrestling History (05/12): Koloff vs. Magnum Russian Chain match; Kevin Steen wins ROH World Title

    1966 

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Ron Reed defeated Tor Kamata
    – Jerry Kozak defeated Oki Shikina
    – Pat O’Connor defeated Lee Henning
    – The Mongolian Stomper defeated The Viking
    – Bob Geigel & Bob Brown defeated Bobo Brazil & Bob Ellis in three falls

    1967 

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
    – AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Larry Hennig in a 2 out of 3 falls match
    – Johnny Valentine beat Bob Boyer 
    – Johnny Powers beat Doug Gilbert 
    – Harley Race drew Rene Goulet
    – Stan The Moose beat Jake Barman 

    1973 

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
    – Indian Strap Match: Wahoo McDaniel beat Superstar Billy Graham
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens beat Dusty Rhodes & Dick Murdoch in 2 out of 3 falls
    – European Rules: Billy Robinson beat Horst Hoffman
    – Geoff Portz beat Rene Goulet
    – Reggie Parks beat Ric Flair
    – Greg Gagne beat Kenny Jay

    1978

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:
    – WWWF World Champion Bob Backlund defeated Spiros Arion via countout
    – Gorilla Monsoon defeated Butcher Vachon 
    – Superstar Billy & Luke Graham defeated Dusty Rhodes & Haystacks Calhoun

    1980

    Portland, Oregon:
    – The Sheepherders defeated Roddy Piper and Rick Martel to win the NWA Pacific Tag Team Titles

    1984

    Spencer, North Carolina:
    – The Masked Outlaw (Dory Funk Jr.) defeated NWA Mid Atlantic Heavyweight Champion Angelo Mosca Jr. to win the championship 

    San Antonio, Texas:
    – NWA World champion Kerry Von Erich defeated Ric Flair 

    1985 

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – AWA Champion Rick Martel beat Nick Bockwinkel  
    – Larry Hennig & Jerry Blackwell went to a no contest with AWA Tag Team Champions Road Warriors
    – Jim Garvin beat the Crusher dq
    – Jerry Blackwell beat Terry Gordy dq
    – Steve Regal drew Buck Zumhofe
    – Fabulous Freebirds Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts beat Steve O & Buck Zumhofe & Kenny Jay

    1986

    Greenville, South Carolina:
    – Nikita Koloff defeated Magnum TA in a Russian chain match

    1990 

    Detroit, Michigan: 
    – NWA U.S. Tag Team Champions Brian Pillman & Tom Zenk defeated the Samoan Swat Team
    – Mike Rotunda & NWA Tag Team Champion Scott Steiner defeated The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane) 
    – The Road Warriors defeated Doom in a Street Fight

    1999

    Springfield, Missouri:
    – Vampiro defeated Lash Laroux
    – Hugh Morrus defeated Jerry Flynn
    – La Parka & Silver King defeated Super Calo & Lizmark Jr
    – Chavo Guerrero Jr. defeated Juventud Guerrera
    – Konnan defeated Disco Inferno
    – WCW World TV Champion Booker T defeated Brian Adams
    – Sting defeated Ric Flair and Diamond Dallas Page

    2002 

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Keiji Mutoh, George Hines & Kaz Hayashi defeated Genichiro Tenryu, Arashi & Nobutaka Araya to win the All Japan Giant Baba Memorial Cup Six-Man Tournament

    2012

    ROH Border Wars: Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
    – Grizzly Redwood defeated Delirious    
    – Eddie Edwards defeated Rhino (with Truth Martini)    
    – The All Night Express (Rhett Titus and Kenny King) and T.J. Perkins defeated The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) and Mike Mondo    – Jay Lethal defeated Tommaso Ciampa
    – Lance Storm defeated Mike Bennett (with Bob Evans)    
    – Michael Elgin defeated Adam Cole    
    – Roderick Strong (with Truth Martini) defeated Fit Finlay to retain the ROH World Television Championship    
    – Wrestling’s Greatest Tag Team (Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin) defeated The Briscoe Brothers (Jay Briscoe and Mark Briscoe) to win the ROH World Tag Team Championship
    – Kevin Steen defeated Davey Richards to win the ROH World Title

  • WWE NXT results: Finn Balor returns; Nakamura’s Full Sail debut

    • The Big News: Samoa Joe and Finn Balor will square off one more time, on June 8 at NXT Takeover.
    • The Medium News: Balor returned to the NXT rings and put away The Drifter
    • The Little Beaver Sized News: Rachel Ellering debuted and Alex Riley did one last job.

    The show kicks off this week with the longest reigning NXT Champion in history! The now former champion, Finn Balor, returns to Full Sail University for the first time since losing his championship.

    The fans chanted “Thank you Finn”, which made him thank the fans. Finn moved on to address the new champion, Samoa Joe. He brought up that both Takeover matches could have gone either way, but Balor won, however in Lowell, Massachusetts that match could also go either way.

    This was the cue, not for Samoa Joe, but for Elias Sampson. Sampson played a song dedicated to Balor losing the belt. Sampson told Balor that he is nothing without the title, so Balor gave him a Pele Kick, which sent The Drifter drifting away.

    ********

    They replayed Eric Young’s backstage interview from last week, saying the cream always rises to the top and he is now where he belongs.

    ********

    Finn Balor said that he will finish saying what he needs to say to Samoa Joe when he gets done kicking Elias Sampson’s ass.

    ********

    NXT Tag Team Champions American Alpha defeated Corey Hollis & John Skylar

    Hollis and Skylar now have matching gear, so they are an official team. The crowd exploded for Gable and Jordan, chanting that they deserve it. This match was your normal American Alpha match. Gable ran wild with chain wrestling, Jordan got in a little before Gable tagged in and got cut off for the heat.

    Hollis and Skylar got more in this match than you would probably expect considering their respective pushes, but Jordan got the hot tag and it was Full Suplex University on their foes. The Revival came out to watch the finish of the match, which distracted the champs momentarily, but they picked up the win with Grand Amplitude.

    After the match the champs laid down the gauntlet for The Revival, but Dash & Dawson backed away saying it would be done on their time.

    ********

    Shinsuke Nakamura did a brief promo mocking the idea of Alex Riley’s rage.

    ********

    In a Loser Retroactively Gets Fired Match, Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Alex Riley

    When they called him to wish him well in his future endeavors, do you think Riley screamed “SAYITTOMYFACE”?

    Riley used his size to mock Nakamura at first, but that didn’t last long since Nakamura then mocked him back. Riley took over by rolling out of the way of a knee drop and spent most of his time on offense making fun of the idea of Strong Style, which was the cue for Nakamura to make his comeback. Honestly this was more of a squash than the opener, as Nakamura won quickly with the Kinshasa.

    ********

    Austin Aries was in William Regal’s office and wanted proof to show how great he is. Blake & Murphy barged in and demanded a tag team title match. Aries brought up how disrespectful this was and we got an argument. Mr. Regal said next week will be Blake & Murphy vs Austin Aries and a partner of Aries choosing.

    ********

    Alexa Bliss pinned Rachael Ellering

    Women’s Division time. The former pixie going one on one with the daughter of Paul Ellering, Rachael. A few weeks ago, Alexa defeated Tessa Blanchard, so now Corey Graves joked that she’s going to beat everyone’s daughter.

    This match was just fine except for a spot where it looked like Ellering missed a dropkick by several feet, but they changed camera angles so you didn’t see it. Anyway Alexa won with the Sparkle Splash.

    ********

    Bayley was backstage and said Asuka gave her the fight of a lifetime in Dallas and now she is training and will win again. Up walked Nia Jax who said Bayley was weaker. This led to a challenge for a future match.

    They then announced the math for next week.

    ********

    Finn Balor defeated Elias Sampson

    Main event time, Balor’s first match since going down in defeat to Samoa Joe 3 weeks ago. Sampson worked on Finn’s injured shoulder that he has taped up following the beating Joe gave him. Balor made his comeback with some hard chops and kicks to The Drifter. Balor used the corner dropkick and finished Sampson off with 1916, which is the new name for the Bloody Sunday DDT. 1916 is the year of the Irish uprising.

    After the match Balor said he is not taking anything away from Samoa Joe…yet, but he wants his rematch. Balor is obsessed with NXT and obsessed with being NXT Champion, but now he is possessed like a demon stalking his prey. He is possessed with going after what belongs to him.

    This brought out Samoa Joe. Joe shouted at him from the ramp, saying he deserves nothing and does not deserve a title shot. William Regal ran out and shouted that we will not break down into chaos before announcing Joe vs Balor for Takeover on June 8. while Joe continued to rant rom the ramp, Balor did a running dive over the top, taking out the champion.

    So that does it for this week! Thank you for reading and until next week, remember to say your vitamins and take your prayers!

  • WOR: UFC sale update, Adam Rose, Lucha Underground, tons more!

    Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer returns tonight with tons to talk about including the latest on the potential UFC sale, UFC’s value vs. WWEs, this weekend’s show and why Anderson Silva is off, Bellator’s weekend show, Ultimate Fighter has another new twist, Adam Rose is indefinitely suspended, Smackdown and ROH TV taping notes, Lucha Underground, questions and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!

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  • Four weeks of ROH TV tapings from Toronto, ONT: June PPV main event announced

    By Jeff Lam

    Here are the results from the ROH TV tapings in Toronto, Ontario.  They shot 4 episodes all together.  Good crowd, really hot for any Bullet Club appearances.  However, not the hottest for anything else on the show.  As the show was for TV tapings, the matches were shorter.

    Prior to the tapings, Nigel McGuinness announced that at the next PPV, it would be Jay Lethal v Jay Briscoe II.  McGuinness then joined Kevin Kelly on commentary for the TV tapings (no Mr. Wrestling III tonight).

    1st Taping:

    ACH d. Lio Rush
    Fun Match.  Post Match had a run in attack by Silas Young on ACH.

    Motorcity Machine Guns d. The Addicition and RPG Vice

    Addiction came out and cut a heel promo on the Toronto crowd.  The MCMG came out to make a challenge, followed by RPG Vice, and started a 3-way tag match.  Match ended with Alex Shelley getting the pin on Christopher Daniels.

    The Elite (Kenny Omega, Young Bucks) d. Michael Elgin, Yoshitatsu and Tanahashi
    Kenny Omega getting the pin on Yoshitatsu after hitting the One Winged Angel.  Loudest pop so far, with the Bullet Club appearance.

    2nd Taping:

    Okada (w/ Gedo) d. Matt Sydal

    Okada with the win after hitting the Rainmaker.  Big pop for Okada’s appearance (much louder than the other NJPW talent so far, apart from Bullet Club).  Really great competitive match between the two.

    Colt Cabana d. Adam Page (of the Bullet Club)

    Big pop for Cabana’s appearance.  Chants of CM Punk and Art of Wrestling during match.  Post-match saw Bullet Club (represented by Tama Tanga and Tanga Roa) hit the ring with a beat down on Colt.  Adam Page now carries around a hangman’s noose.   Choked out Colt with the rope during beat down. 

    BJ Whitmer Promo
    Had the most heat on the show so far, but not the good kind of heat though.  Crowd just didn’t like him or cared what he had to say.  Chants of boring.  Segment was at least saved by a Steve Corino run-in.  But Whitmer got away before Corino could lay hands on him.

    Jay Lethal d. Donovan Dijak
    Finish saw The Elite run in and super kick Dijak while the ref’s back was turned.  Lethal pushed the Bullet Club members out and took advantage of the downed Dijak and got the pin after hitting the Lethal Injection.  Other Bullet Club members ran in after the match to beat down on Lethal, however, the Briscoes make the save.

    3rd Taping:

    Dalton Castle d. Gedo

    Tetsuya Naito d. Moose
    Really good match.  Naito sold a lot for Moose.  Naito mocked Moose throughout the match with his fist pump taunt.  Naito’s character was amazing and over with the crowd.  Really contrasts his appearance last year, when the crowd had a more tepid reaction to him.  Amazing to see what a year can do.

    ANX d. Cheeseburger and Jushin Thunder Liger
    Liger with maybe as big a pop as Okada in terms of NJPW talent.  Rhett Titus with the pin on Cheeseburger.  Big chants for Liger post match.

    Silas Young with promo on ACH
    After cutting a promo on ACH, Young gets down and into the crowds face.  While being held back by officials on the outside, ACH sneaks to the ring makes a running top rope dive, taking out Young.  ACH with the escape into the crowd.

    Kyle O’Reilly d. Kushida
    Best match of the night so far.  Great technical bout with the two exchanging holds throughout.  Great back and forth match.  It’s too bad that they couldn’t go longer, but it was a TV taping match, so it’s understandable.  O’Reilly with the upset victory over Kushida after a quick roll up.  

    4th Taping:

    Dalton Castle d. Kamaitachi, Cedric Alexander, Caprice Coleman

    Four-way match, and again, Dalton is the crowd favourite.  Kamaitachi got a nice pop when he entered.  His entrance didn’t have a video package though.  Dalton picked up the win after landing the pin on Kamaitachi.  Lots of fun high flying action and comedy spots.  Another win for Dalton to build up to his eventual TV title match.  Post-match saw Veda Scott with heat on Cedric Alexander, unimpressed with his losing.  Scott about to fire Cedric, but before she can, he quits on her.

    Tomohiro Ishii d. Will Ferrara
    Maybe weakest match of the evening.  Crowd wasn’t buying into Ferrara, but they loved Ishii.  I think by this time, the crowd was getting tired as well.

    Team ROH (Briscoes, Roderick Strong, Jay Lethal) d. Bullet Club (Tama Tanga, Tanga Roa, Matt Jackson, Kenny Omega)

    Finish saw Jay Briscoe hitting the Jay Driller on Tanga Roa.   Fun TV main event, although not as exciting as last year’s Team ROH vs Bullet Club matches.  It was interesting having Jay Lethal fight alongside Jay Briscoe since they’re fighting on the next PPV.  I don’t recall them butting heads during the match.  However, post-match, a confrontation ensued between the two. 

    After Lethal leaves, the Briscoes make an announcement that they’re coming to NJPW to take the IWGP tag titles off of Tama Tanga and Tanga Roa.

  • May 16, 2016 Wrestling Observer newsletter: Potential UFC sale, WWE releases, plus tons of news

    ESPN on 5/10 broke a story that UFC is in advanced talks to sell the company, noting at least four major bidders.

    Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

  • TUF 23 recap: Double J tries to get on the winning track

    This season, both the women’s strawweight division and the men’s light heavyweight division will be competing. At the end of the season, Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Claudia Gadelha fight on the TUF 23 Finale with Joanna Champion defending her strawweight title.

    Last week, Gadelha’s team won again to take a 2-0 lead. She picked Andrew Sanchez to face Myron Dennis on this week’s show – her #1 pick from the men against Joanna’s #3 pick. Here we go!

    **********

    Jedrzejczyk is not happy with not having won a single fight so far and is being hard on her team as a result. “They are training like little girls in the primary schools. They train like pussies – I must say this. I must be honest with them. No more nice Joanna.”

    After Jedrzejczyk gives her speech in the locker room, Myron Dennis calls a team meeting of his own at the house. They all get in a football huddle and he promises to get the win for them to give them motivation. Sanchez isn’t happy about it and says they could have done the same thing at the gym.

    Gadelha and all her coaches come over to the house to cook Brazilian barbecue for all the fighters. “We are with them to the end of this.” Back at the gym, she’s working him very hard, but when he steps on the scale, he’s just 200 pounds. He says being smaller and faster is an advantage compared to the other guys.

    More drama at the gym as Jedrzejczyk is pissed that Gadelha’s team hasn’t finished cleaning up or left and starts throwing their equipment at them. Gadelha says they are being disrespectful. Jedrzejczyk says not cleaning up after yourself is disrespectful. This just keeps escalating.

    Weigh-in: Dennis is 204.5, Sanchez is 200.

    * Andrew Sanchez (Team Gadelha) vs. Myron Dennis (Team Jedrzejczyk)

    Dennis is in the red trunks and Sanchez the blue. “Big” John McCarthy is our referee. Sanchez gets an early takedown and decks Dennis with a right hand on the ground. Sanchez is landing some nice ground and pound until he jumps up at 1:47 looking to pass – and ends up right back where he was before in guard. Dennis kicks him away at 2:27 but Sanchez jumps to half guard. Dennis moves him back to full but eats some hard rights doing so. Dennis finally scrambles to his feet at 3:18. Sanchez takes him down again with 75 seconds left. Sanchez is given two warnings to work. Despite that, Sanchez owned this round.

    Surprise surprise: Sanchez goes for a takedown right away in R2 but Dennis avoids it and they reset at 25 seconds. Dennis is grinning like a maniac. McCarthy warns the fighters to watch their fingers. Sanchez shoots for a single leg and gets it at 1:44. Dennis kicks him away briefly at 3:30 but Sanchez jumps back on. They get up with 70 seconds left after multiple warnings by McCarthy to work. Sanchez shoots for a single again and has it at 4:20. That’s a wrap. He’s taking a unanimous decision.

    Dana White buries Dennis’ performance in the fight and with good reason. SANCHEZ ADVANCES AND TEAM GADELHA GOES UP 3-0.

    This was a very forgettable episode. Next week’s fight choice is Lanchana Green (Gadelha) vs. Helen Harper (Jedrzejczyk). See you then!

  • UFC reaffirms flyweight title shot for fall TUF…but with a twist

    The UFC announced on Wednesday’s UFC Tonight that the format for the 24th season of The Ultimate Fighter will still be a televised tournament for a shot at the flyweight title currently held by Demetrious Johnson.

    An interesting twist is that the coaches were announced as Joseph Benavidez and Henry Cejudo, two of the top contenders for the championship that Johnson has already dispatched. In Benavidez’s case, Johnson has beaten him twice.

    The fighters brought in will be 16 talents from outside the UFC with the idea of them being pushed as flyweight champions from smaller promotions. Benavidez and Cejudo will each have an eight-man team. Another interesting note is that if by some chance, the tournament winner can take the title from Johnson, there is a good chance they would have to face Benavidez or Cejudo.

    Johnson will defend his title against the tournament winner on Saturday, December 3rd in Las Vegas, flanked by Benavidez and Cejudo battling in what is essentially a No. 1 contenders fight. This will be an intriguing test promotionally as the public won’t know who Johnson is facing until days or a week before the fight. It wasn’t noted on the show when Johnson will learn who his opponent is.

    The season will start airing on August 31st on Fox Sports One.