Tag: Cesar Almeida

Cesar Almeida wants UFC-ranked opponent after ultra-violent knockout

Did Saturday’s ultra-violent UFC knockout earn Cesar Almeida a top-15 opponent?

LAS VEGAS – Eleven days into 2025, predictions were already being made that [autotag]Cesar Almeida[/autotag]’s UFC Fight Night 249 finish of [autotag]Abdul Razak Alhassan[/autotag] could end up on the Knockout of the Year candidates list in a little less than 12 months.

Almeida (7-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) violently stiffened Alhassan (12-7 MMA, 6-7 UFC) , who struggled to regain full consciousness for an elongated period of time Saturday at the UFC Apex. An established kickboxer prior to his MMA transition, Almeida thinks Saturday’s finish ranks atop his personal-best list.

“This is the best (knockout) of my life,” Almeida told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference.

The UFC brass was also impressed with Almeida’s handiwork. He won a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus for the knockout, an admittedly emotional feat.

“I will save this money for my future and my daughters. The first fight in the Apex, I won $50,000 and saved this money for my daughter. If I win it now again, I’ll save it again. I need to save money. No sell.”

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Almeida, 36, is still a relative newcomer to MMA but he doesn’t have much time to waste. After passing a veteran test like Alhassan, Almeida thinks he’s ready to fight an opponent that has a number next to their name.

“I think this fight puts me in for the next fight I want – top 15,” Almeida said. “I don’t know. I have one chance now for top 15, maybe in May in Brazil.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 249.

Abdul Razak Alhassan releases statement after scary UFC Fight Night 249 knockout

When the UFC broadcast returned from commercial, Abdul Razak Alhassan still was unable to sit upright on the stool.

[autotag]Abdul Razak Alhassan[/autotag] exited the cage at UFC Fight Night 249 still a bit woozy Saturday after he suffered a scary knockout loss to [autotag]Cesar Almeida[/autotag].

The knockout sequence, which is already being billed as a potential Knockout of the Year contender just one show into the promotion’s 2025 schedule, saw Alhassan (12-7 MMA, 6-7 UFC) charge toward Almeida (7-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) after some successful offense, only to be knocked stiff with a big punch.

Almeida was still not back to his feet when the broadcast returned from commercial. He struggled to sit upright on the stool as his corner and promotion and commission officials tried to assist him.

However, Alhassan ultimately left the cage under his own power and appeared, according to his video message, to be checked out at a medical facility.

“I’m sorry fans,” Alhassan said in an Instagram story post hours after the fight. “I got greedy and I got caught. No excuses. I’m sorry to my fans, my true fans. I got greedy and went for it and got caught. There’s nothing I can do but cry myself to sleep.”

Alhassan, 39, has been with the UFC since 2016. Eight of his 14 UFC appearances have ended by knockout, many being victories. Saturday’s loss marked the third fight in a row he did not capture a victory.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 249.

UFC Fight Night 249 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay: Santiago Ponzinibbio’s $16,000 leads

The UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program has now paid out more than $31 million to athletes since its deal began with Venum.

LAS VEGAS – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 249 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $173,500.

The program, a comprehensive plan that includes outfitting requirements, media obligations and other items under the fighter code of conduct, replaces the previous payments made under the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy.

UFC Fight Night 249 took place at the UFC Apex. The entire card streamed on ESPN+.

The full UFC Fight Night 249 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:

* * * *

[autotag]Mackenzie Dern[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Amanda Ribas[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Santiago Ponzinibbio[/autotag]: $16,000
def. [autotag]Carlston Harris[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Cesar Almeida[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Abdul Razak Alhassan[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Roman Kopylov[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Chris Curtis[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Christian Rodriguez[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Austin Bashi[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Punahele Soriano[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Uros Medic[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Felipe Bunes[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Jose Johnson[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Marco Tulio[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Ihor Potieria[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Thiago Moises[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Trey Ogden[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Jacobe Smith[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Preston Parsons[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Ernesta Kareckaite[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Nicolle Caliari[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Bruno Lopes[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Magomed Gadzhiyasulov[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Fatima Kline[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Viktoriia Dudakova[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Nurullo Aliev[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Joe Solecki[/autotag]: $6,000

Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program’s payout tiers, which appropriate the money generated by Venum’s multi-year sponsorship with the UFC, fighters are paid based on their total number of UFC bouts, as well as Zuffa-era WEC fights (January 2007 and later) and Zuffa-era Strikeforce bouts (April 2491 and later). Fighters with 1-3 bouts receive $4,000 per appearance; 4-5 bouts get $4,500; 6-10 bouts get $6,000; 11-15 bouts earn $11,000; 16-20 bouts pocket $16,000; and 21 bouts and more get $21,000. Additionally, champions earn $42,000 while title challengers get $32,000.

In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-30 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.

Full 2025 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:

  • “UFC Fight Night 249: Dern vs. Ribas 2” – $173,500

Year-to-date total: $173,500
2024 total: $8,280,500
2023 total: $8,188,000
2022 total: $8,351,500
2021 total: $6,167,500
Program-to-date total: $31,191,000

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 249.

4 first-time UFC winners’ highlight-reel prelim finishes passed over for bonuses

There was plenty of competition for post-fight bonus awards at UFC Fight Night 249 – no question about it.

There was plenty of competition for post-fight bonus awards at UFC Fight Night 249 – no question about it.

In 14 fights at the promotion’s first event of 2025, there were nine finishes. Four of those nine came on the preliminary card at the UFC Apex, and all four were by fighters who won in the UFC for the first time. But five more finishes came on the main card, and those debuting fighters were left with their proverbial cheese out in the wind.

The UFC handed out four $50,000 bonuses after Saturday’s event in Las Vegas, all to fighters on the main card. Check out the winners below.

Performance of the Night: Cesar Almeida

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 11: (L-R) Cesar Almeida of Brazil punches Abdul Razak Alhassan of Ghana in a middleweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on January 11, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Cesar Almeida def. Abdul Razak Alhassan via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 4:16

[autotag]Cesar Almeida[/autotag] (7-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) was knocked down by Abdul Razak Alhassan (12-7 MMA, 6-7 UFC) early in their fight on the main card. But he got back up, got his wits about him, then got into a firefight. He ate a whole bunch of punches right before he cocked back and threw a bomb, and it connected to put Alhassan out without the need for a follow-up. True, it’s the first major event of the year – but Alhassan fell and landed in the kind of way we’re likely to see again come December in the best-of-2025 conversation.

Fight of the Night: Roman Kopylov def. Chris Curtis

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 11: (R-L) Roman Kopylov of Russia punches Chris Curtis in a middleweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on January 11, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Roman Kopylov def. Chris Curtis via TKO (head kick) – Round 3, 4:59

[autotag]Roman Kopylov[/autotag] (14-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) vs. [autotag]Chris Curtis[/autotag] (31-12 MMA, 5-4 UFC) was a straight-up slugfest, but it will go down in history for its statistically crazy ending. Kopylov drilled Curtis and put him on the canvas in the last few seconds. He started to walk away, and when Curtis looked up toward the referee, the fight was waved off – with one second left for a Kopylov TKO win. Kopylov likely was headed toward a decision win, but the stoppage took the judges out of the equation – much to Curtis’ dismay.

Performance of the Night: Mackenzie Dern

Mackenzie Dern def. Amanda Ribas, UFC Fight Night 249 (via UFC)

Mackenzie Dern def. Amanda Ribas via submission (armbar) – Round 3, 4:56

[autotag]Mackenzie Dern[/autotag] (16-5 MMA, 11-5 UFC) exacted a measure of revenge on Amanda Ribas (12-7 MMA, 7-6 UFC) when she submitted her with a third-round armbar. Ribas beat Dern in their first fight in 2019, but that is like a lifetime in MMA. Dern seemed comfortable in the striking game, but when the fight hit the canvas she was always going to be in her world.

Passed-up bonus-eligible stoppages:

UFC Fight Night 249 video: Cesar Almeida rallies for vicious KO of Abdul Razak Alhassan

Cesar Almeida set the early benchmark for best UFC knockout of 2025 with an insane comeback vs. Abdul Razak Alhassan at UFC Vegas 101.

[autotag]Cesar Almeida[/autotag] turned the tables on [autotag]Abdul Razak Alhassan[/autotag] in violent fashion at UFC Fight Night 249.

After absorbing a knockdown from Alhassan (12-7 MMA, 6-7 UFC) early in the middleweight bout at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on Saturday, Almeida (6-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) got back to his feet and engaged in a firefight. He tucked his chin and connected with a huge punch, putting the lights out on his opponent in highlight-reel fashion at the 4:16 mark of Round 1.

Check out the replay of the early Knockout of the Year contender below (via X):

Alhassan was down for several minutes after the knockout punch landed, but eventually got up to the stool and left the octagon under his own power.

Almeida, meanwhile celebrated the result that was the high point of his early UFC career.

“I knew when I accepted the the fight it was a dangerous fight,” Almeida said in his post-fight interview with Michael Bisping. “I knew I needed this fight to grow in the division and get up there (in the rankings). He almost finished the fight, and I got back and found the KO. I am so happy. Cesar ‘The King’ is back, motherf*ckers.”

Up-to-the-minute UFC Fight Night 249 results include:

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 249.

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Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Cesar Almeida prediction, pick, start time for UFC Fight Night 249

Abdul Razak Alhassan and Cesar Almeida are poised to give the judges a break at UFC Vegas 101, but how long will it last?

[autotag]Abdul Razak Alhassan[/autotag] and [autotag]Cesar Almeida[/autotag] meet Saturday on the UFC Fight Night 249 main card at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom. 

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UFC main cards, 2024: 0-0

Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Cesar Almeida UFC Fight Night 249 preview

Alhassan (12-6 MMA, 6-6 UFC) is looking to put a frustrating stretch behind him. His last victory came against Claudio Ribeiro in January 2023. Since then, he lost by submission to Joe Pyfer, and then had a no contest just seconds into a fight against Cody Brundage. Alhassan also had an October fight scrapped on the scale when Josh Fremd missed weight. … Almeida (6-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) is coming off a three-fight 2024 campaign. In April, Almeida finished Dylan Budka in the second round, dropped a split decision to Roman Kopylov in June, and then rebounded with a unanimous decision win over Ihor Potieria in October.

Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Cesar Almeida UFC Fight Night 249 expert pick, prediction

Since we can’t go to the Apex without the UFC force-feeding us middleweights as the featured fights, Alhassan and Almeida will throw down for our viewing pleasure.

Although wrestling Almeida appears to be the obvious answer on paper, I’m not sure Alhassan is the right man for that job.

Despite his nickname being “Judo Thunder,” Alhassan has not exactly been a reliable grappling threat during his UFC tenure. Even when getting aggressive in the takedown department, Alhassan hasn’t shown a potent submission game and his gas tank makes grappling output an arguable liability.

Whereas Almeida, despite still being green with parts of his MMA game, has demonstrated some of the savvy that you’d like to see from former kickboxers or muay Thai fighters.

Alhassan can be one of the more frustrating fighters to try and forecast, so I’m just hoping that we get an exciting contest.

I’ll pick Almeida to survive any potentially early storms en route to scoring a stoppage by strikes in Round 2.

Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Cesar Almeida UFC Fight Night 249 odds

The oddsmakers and the public are favoring the Brazilian fighter, listing Almeida -260 and Alhassan +205 via FanDuel.

Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Cesar Almeida UFC Fight Night 249 start time, how to watch

As the main card opener, Alhassan and Almeida are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 8:40 p.m. ET. The fight will stream on ESPN+.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 249.

Every UFC newcomer in 2024: Full list of over 100 debuting fighters

Check out the names and records of each fighter who made their UFC debut in 2024.

Every year, the UFC welcomes new faces to the promotion.

Some will become ranked fighters, future title challengers, and possibly champions. A couple of names have already made a significant impact in their debut year.

Kayla Harrison, who is ranked No. 2 by the promotion in the women’s bantamweight division, is likely next up for a title shot. Carlos Prates claimed No. 14 in the welterweight division after ripping through four opponents.

On the flip side, unfortunately, some of the names will fizzle out and look to continue their careers in other promotions.

In 2024, the new names and faces reached triple digits, totaling 103. Those fighters went 46-57. Debuting fighters who faced an opponent with at least one bout of UFC experience went 29-39.

Check out the full list of debuting fighters and their records below:

UFC debuting fighters in 2024

  • [autotag]Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady[/autotag] (15-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]AJ Cunningham[/autotag] (11-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Alice Ardelean[/autotag] (9-7 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
  • [autotag]Andre Lima[/autotag] (10-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Angel Pacheco[/autotag] (7-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Antonio Trocoli[/autotag] (12-5 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
  • [autotag]Baergeng Jieleyisi[/autotag] (19-6 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Bekzat Almakhan[/autotag] (11-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Bernardo Sopaj[/autotag] (11-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Bolaji Oki[/autotag] (9-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Brendson Ribeiro[/autotag] (16-7 MMA, 1-2 UFC)
  • [autotag]Cameron Smotherman[/autotag] (12-4 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Carli Judice[/autotag] (3-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Carlos Leal[/autotag] (21-6 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Carlos Prates[/autotag] (21-6 MMA, 4-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Carlos Vera[/autotag] (11-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Cesar Almeida[/autotag] (6-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Changho Lee[/autotag] (10-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Charalampos Grigoriou[/autotag] (8-5 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
  • [autotag]Chris Padilla[/autotag] (15-6 MMA, 2-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Cody Haddon[/autotag] (8-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Connor Matthews[/autotag] (7-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Cortavious Romious[/autotag] (9-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Danny Barlow[/autotag] (9-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Danny Silva[/autotag] (9-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Dariya Zheleznykova[/autotag] (9-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Dione Barbosa[/autotag] (7-3 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]DongHun Choi[/autotag] (9-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Dylan Budka[/autotag] (7-4 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
  • [autotag]Ernesta Kareckaite[/autotag] (5-1-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Fatima Kline[/autotag] (6-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Felipe Bunes[/autotag] (13-7 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Felipe Lima[/autotag] (14-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Feng Xiaocan[/autotag] (10-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Hyder Amil[/autotag] (10-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Ibo Aslan[/autotag] (14-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Igor Severino[/autotag] (9-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Ivan Erslan[/autotag] (14-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]James Llontop[/autotag] (14-5 MMA, 0-3 UFC)
  • [autotag]Jean Matsumoto[/autotag] (16-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Jean Silva[/autotag] (14-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Jhonata Diniz[/autotag] (8-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Jordan Vucenic[/autotag] (13-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Jose Medina[/autotag] (11-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Jose Ochoa[/autotag] (7-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Julia Polastri[/autotag] (13-4 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Kaan Ofli[/autotag] (11-3-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Kai Asakura[/autotag] (21-5 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Kayla Harrison[/autotag] (18-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Kiru Sahota[/autotag] (12-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Klaudia Sygula[/autotag] (6-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Lone’er Kavanagh[/autotag] (8-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Lucas Rocha[/autotag] (17-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Luis Pajuelo[/autotag] (8-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Magomed Gadzhiyasulov[/autotag] (9-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Mairon Santos[/autotag] (14-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Mansur Abdul-Malik[/autotag] (7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]MarQuel Mederos[/autotag] (9-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Mauricio Ruffy[/autotag] (11-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Michael Page[/autotag] (22-3 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Mitch Ramirez[/autotag] (8-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Mitch Raposo[/autotag] (9-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Nathan Fletcher[/autotag] (9-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Navajo Stirling[/autotag] (6-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Nikolay Veretennikov[/autotag] (12-5 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Nyamjargal Tumendemberel[/autotag] (8-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Oban Elliott[/autotag] (12-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Oumor Sy[/autotag] (11-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Ozzy Diaz[/autotag] (9-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Pedro Falcao[/autotag] (16-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Puja Tomar[/autotag] (9-4 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Quang Le[/autotag] (8-2 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
  • [autotag]Rafael Cerqueira[/autotag] (11-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Ramazan Temirov[/autotag] (18-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Ramon Taveras[/autotag] (10-3 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Rei Tsuruya[/autotag] (10-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Reinier de Ridder[/autotag] (18-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Robelis Despaigne[/autotag] (5-2 MMA, 1-2 UFC)
  • [autotag]Robert Bryczek[/autotag] (17-6 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Robert Valentin[/autotag] (10-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Roberto Romero[/autotag] (8-4-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Ronaldo Rodriguez[/autotag] (17-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Ryan Loder[/autotag] (7-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Sean Sharaf[/autotag] (4-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Serhiy Sidey[/autotag] (11-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Shi Ming[/autotag] (17-5 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Stephanie Luciano[/autotag] (6-1-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Steven Nguyen[/autotag] (9-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Stewart Nicoll[/autotag] (8-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]SuYoung You[/autotag] (14-3 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Thomas Petersen[/autotag] (9-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Timmy Cuamba[/autotag] (8-3 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
  • [autotag]Tom Nolan[/autotag] (8-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Tuco Tokkos[/autotag] (10-5 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
  • [autotag]Valter Walker[/autotag] (12-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Victor Hugo[/autotag] (25-5 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Vinicius Oliveira[/autotag] (21-3 MMA, 2-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Wang Cong[/autotag] (6-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Xiao Long[/autotag] (27-9 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Yi Zha[/autotag] (25-5 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
  • [autotag]Zachary Scroggin[/autotag] (7-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
  • [autotag]Zhang Mingyang[/autotag] (18-6 MMA, 2-0 UFC)
  • [autotag]Zygimantas Ramaska[/autotag] (9-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC)

Cesar Almeida responds to criticism of UFC 307 referee: ‘This is normal’

referee Dave Seljestad went under fire for questionable officiating – but fight winner Cesar Almeida says it’s all normal.

SALT LAKE CITY – [autotag]Cesar Almeida[/autotag] largely dominated his UFC 307 bout Saturday in Salt Lake City, but much of the narrative coming out of the bout was surrounding the non-fighter in the cage.

Throughout the 15 minutes that resulted in a unanimous decision win for Almeida (6-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC), officiating of the bout vs. Ihor Potieria (20-7 MMA, 2-5 UFC) was called into question by many viewers including commentator Jon Anik.

Referee Dave Seljestad, a veteran referee from the Pete Suazo Utah Athletic Commission that regulated the event, witnessed and acknowledged several fouls throughout the bout and also quickly separated the fighters along the fence on multiple occasions.

For the victor, the officiating did not seem abnormal. Almeida acknowledged the two fighters were tired and said that could’ve lead to the judges’ decision.

“I think it’s because (we) were a little tired in the three rounds,” Almeida told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference at Delta Center. “He tried this, to stop the fight. He keep it brief, but this is normal. This is MMA. The guy can make this several times wrestling in the middle of the fight. … It’s normal. The fans say this, but in the cage it’s very hard this fight.”

A win is a win for Almeida, who controlled Potieira for much of their middleweight bout. The victory was hugely important for Almeida as it bounced him back into the win column after a June split decision loss to Roman Kopylov.

“I’m so happy today and this night because I’m back to the win,” Almeida said. “This is very important for me. I have my own strategy for the fight. I’m keeping this game and distance and connecting the hands, kicks, a lot of kicks, and the arm of the guy and it worked. It was very, very nice.

As he spoke to reporters backstage, Almeida sported a black wrap on his right hand. He was unsure the extent of the damage and said he needs to see a physician. Whenever it is that he’s ready to return, Almeida suggested a ranked opponent be next.

“I’m back to the gym Monday,” Almeida said. “(I’ll be back in) December or January. It depends on my hand. … I don’t know. Maybe in the top 15. I feel ready.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 307.

 

UFC 307 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay: Program cracks $29 million total paid since Venum deal

The UFC has now paid more than $29 million to its athletes under the Promotional Guidelines Compliance program following UFC 307.

SALT LAKE CITY – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC 307 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $407,500.

The program, a comprehensive plan that includes outfitting requirements, media obligations and other items under the fighter code of conduct, replaces the previous payments made under the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy.

UFC 307 took place at Delta Center in Utah. The main card aired on ESPN+ pay-per-view following prelims on ESPNews and ESPN+.

The full UFC 307 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:

* * * *

[autotag]Alex Pereira[/autotag]: $42,000
def. [autotag]Khalil Rountree[/autotag]: $32,000

[autotag]Julianna Peña[/autotag]: $32,000
def. [autotag]Raquel Pennington[/autotag]: $42,000

[autotag]Mario Bautista[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Jose Aldo[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Roman Dolidze[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Kevin Holland[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Kayla Harrison[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Ketlen Vieira[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Joaquin Buckley[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Stephen Thompson[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Iasmin Lucindo[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Marina Rodriguez[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Alexander Hernandez[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Austin Hubbard[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Cesar Almeida[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Ihor Potieria[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Ryan Spann[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Ovince Saint Preux[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Tecia Pennington[/autotag]: $16,000
def. [autotag]Carla Esparza[/autotag]: $16,000

[autotag]Court McGee[/autotag]: $21,000
def. [autotag]Tim Means[/autotag]: $21,000

Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program’s payout tiers, which appropriate the money generated by Venum’s multi-year sponsorship with the UFC, fighters are paid based on their total number of UFC bouts, as well as Zuffa-era WEC fights (January 2007 and later) and Zuffa-era Strikeforce bouts (April 2011 and later). Fighters with 1-3 bouts receive $4,000 per appearance; 4-5 bouts get $4,500; 6-10 bouts get $6,000; 11-15 bouts earn $11,000; 16-20 bouts pocket $16,000; and 21 bouts and more get $21,000. Additionally, champions earn $42,000 while title challengers get $32,000.

In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-30 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.

Full 2024 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:

Year-to-date total: $6,302,500
2023 total: $8,188,000
2022 total: $8,351,500
2021 total: $6,167,500
Program-to-date total: $29,039,500

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 307.

Cesar Almeida def. Ihor Potieria at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City: Best photos

Check out the best photos from Cesar Almeida’s unanimous decision win over Ihor Potieria at UFC 307 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City.

Check out the best photos from [autotag]Cesar Almeida[/autotag]’s unanimous decision win over [autotag]Ihor Potieria[/autotag] at UFC 307 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City. (Fight and venue photos by Stephen R. Sylvanie, USA Today Sports)