Tag: UFC on ABC 7

Marlon Vera: Figueiredo should have been lost a point for UFC Saudi Arabia kick

Marlon Vera thinks Deiveson Figueiredo should have been docked a point at UFC on ABC 7.

[autotag]Marlon Vera[/autotag] thinks [autotag]Deiveson Figueiredo[/autotag] should have been docked a point at UFC on ABC 7.

Vera (23-10-1 MMA, 15-9 UFC) was not happy with the axe kick Figueiredo (24-3-1 MMA, 13-3-1 UFC) landed on him while he was grounded on his back – just after the Round 1 horn sounded in their bantamweight bout this past Saturday in Abu Dhabi.

“Chito” lost the fight by unanimous decision, but says if referee Keith Peterson acknowledged the illegal blow and penalized Figueiredo for it, the outcome would have been different.

“The only thing that I want to take away from this fight, or at least I want to start with, it was like, that axe kick that he landed in the first round, that wasn’t an accident,” Vera on his YouTube channel. “That went straight into my face. I feel like that should be taken a point deducted automatically. That’s my thought and what I believe. You go by the rules, you don’t kick a grounded opponent. I would get it if I was playing the game with the hand.

“When you’re a downed opponent – not down, but I was in my guard and that was a clean-ass kick to the face. … That’s something different that could change the route of the fight because I’m getting my head bounced on the ground. At the end of the day, that’s an illegal shot, and I would say if that would be a point deduction we could be talking a different story right now.”

Had Peterson deducted a point from Figueiredo, the bout would have been ruled a majority draw. Vera also addressed coming back five months after being battered in his title fight against bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley at UFC 299 in March.

“I just want to say one thing about me coming back a little too quick, me and the team definitely got to the conclusion that we definitely came back too soon,” Vera said. “I went into a five-round war with the champion and we all agreed that after my March title fight that we would come back either November in New York or December.

“There was no chance of us coming back earlier, so I feel that was a mistake on us. I would say on me, on the team’s decision, because at the end of the day, we are a team and we all agreed to come back even if we say not to. Sometimes you feel good and you just say, ‘F*ck it, let’s do it,’ and you roll the dice.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 7.

UFC on ABC 7 live updates: Results, round-by-round coverage of every fight

Check out live round-by-round updates and official results from UFC on ABC 7 in Abu Dhabi.

UFC on ABC 7 takes place Saturday, and you can join us for live round-by-round updates and official results beginning at noon ET (9 a.m. PT). UFC on ABC 7 (ABC, ESPN2, ESPN+) takes place at Etihad Arena in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

In the main event, Cory Sandhagen (17-4 MMA, 10-3 UFC) takes on Umar Nurmagomedov (17-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) in a bantamweight title eliminator. In the co-feature, Shara Magomedov (13-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) meets Michal Oleksiejczuk (19-8 MMA, 17-6 UFC) at middleweight.

Plus, former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo (23-3-1 MMA, 12-3-1 UFC) takes on Marlon Vera (23-9-1 MMA, 15-8 UFC) at bantamweight, Michael Chiesa (16-7 MMA, 11-7 UFC) tries to send Tony Ferguson (25-10 MMA, 15-8 UFC) out of the UFC on a historic eight-fight skid, and Mackenzie Dern (13-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) takes on Loopy Godinez (12-4 MMA, 7-4 UFC).

Follow along with our round-by-round updates and official results beginning at approximately noon ET for the prelims on ESPN2 and ESPN+ and 3 p.m. ET for the main card on ABC and ESPN+.

Enjoy the fights, everyone.

UFC on ABC 7 full fight card

MAIN CARD (ABC/ESPN+, 3 p.m. ET)

  • Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov
  • Shara Magomedov vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
  • Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Marlon Vera
  • Michael Chiesa vs. Tony Ferguson
  • Mackenzie Dern vs. Loopy Godinez
  • Joel Alvarez vs. Elves Brener

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN2/ESPN+, noon ET)

  • Azamat Murzakanov def. Alonzo Menifield via KO (punches) – Round 2, 3:18
  • Kaue Fernandes def. Mohammad Yahya via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 4:45
  • Shamil Gaziev def. Don’Tale Mayes via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Guram Kutateladze def. Jordan Vucenic via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Sam Hughes def. Viktoriia Dudakova via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 27-30)
  • Jai Herbert def. Rolando Bedoya via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
  • Sedriques Dumas def. Denis Tiuliulin via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

 

Joel Alvarez vs. Elves Brener

Round 1 –

Result:
Recap:
Photos:
Records: Alvarez (20-3 MMA, 5-2 UFC), Brener (16-4 MMA, 3-1 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ABC/ESPN+
Referee:
Judging:

Alonzo Menifield vs. Azamat Murzakanov

Round 1 – Jab by Murzakanov. Menifield pressing the action here. Clean jab by Murzakanov. Big right lands for Murzakanov. Oh! A big knee connects for Murzakanov! He’s on the attack! Menifield ia backing up. Good body shot by Murzakanov. Murzakanov presses Menifield against the cage. We’re halfway through the round. They keep reversing each other. They break free. Good jab by Murzakanov. Murzakanov presses Menifield agaisnt the cage briefly. Back to striking. A big right lands for Murzakanov. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Murzakanov.

Round 2-  Good combo by Murzakanov. Menifield’s left eye is busted up. Good jab by Murzakanov. Good uppercuts by Murzakanov. A clean combo by Murzakanov. What a chin on Menifield. Good uppercut by Menifield! Body shot by Murzakanov. Murzakanov presses Menifield against the cage and Menifield reverses him. We’re halfway through the round. Huge right lands for Murzakanov! Oh! Menifield is wobbled! He goes down! It’s over!

Result: Azamat Murzakanov def. Alonzo Menifield via KO (punches) – Round 2, 3:18
Recap:
Photos: UFC on ABC 7: Best photos from Abu Dhabi
Records: Murzakanov (14-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC), Menifield (15-5-1 MMA, 8-4-2 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN2/ESPN+
Referee: Dan Movahedi

Kaue Fernandes vs. Mohammad Yahya

Round 1 – Leg kick by Yahya. More leg kicks by Yahya. Now it’s Fernandes with the leg kicks and his seem to be having more impact. Yahya is limping. Very tactical fight here. We’re halfway through the round. More kicks from Fernandes. Man, Yahya’s leg is a mess. Big right hand connects for Fernandes. More leg kicks from Fernandes. Huge lumps on the legof Yahya. Oh! Fernandes drops Yahya! Ground-and-pound! It’s over! What a showing by Fernandes.

Result: Kaue Fernandes def. Mohammad Yahya via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 4:45
Recap: Kaue Fernandes floors Mohammad Yahya for first promotional win
Photos: UFC on ABC 7: Best photos from Abu Dhabi
Records: Fernandes (8-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC), Yahya (12-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN2/ESPN+
Referee: Marc Goddard

Shamil Gaziev vs. Don’Tale Mayes

Round 1 – Gaziev connects early here! He’s going after Mayes. He closes the distance and presses Mayes against the cage. And there’s the takedown for Gaziev! Gaziev moves to halfguard. Some ground-and-pound for Gaziev. Mayes unable to get up. Pure control by Gaziev. Elbows by Gaziev. Gaziev going for an arm-triangle, but the bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Gaziev.

Round 2 – Oh! Two right hands connnect for Mayes! Jab by Gaziev. Uppercut lands for Mayes. Knee to the body by Mayes. Mayes grabs the shorts of Gaziev and gets a warning. Knee to the body by Gaziev. A righthand connects for Gaziev! He closes the distance and presses Mayes against the cage. Good control by Gaziev. Both men look very tired. Knees to the legs by Gaziev. Two minute left. Good knees by Gaziev. Mayes just unable to escape the clinch against the cage. Short shots by Gaziev. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Gaziev.

Round 3 – Gaziev putting on the pressure here on Mayes. Good jab by Gaziev. Body shot by Mayes. Gaziev shoots and gets the takedown on Mayes. Gaziev going for an Ezekiel choke! Mayes gets out. Pure control here for Gaziev. More shots from Gaziev. Mayes taunting and talking to Gaziev from bottom, but unable to get up. More shotshere and there by Gaziev. The crowd is booing. Not a ton going on here. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Gaziev. Overall 30-27, Gaziev.

Result: Shamil Gaziev def. Don’Tale Mayes via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: UFC on ABC 7: Best photos from Abu Dhabi
Records: Gaziev (13-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC), Mayes (11-7 MMA, 4-5 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN2/ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson
Judging: Howard Hughes, David Lethaby, Darryl Ransom 30-27.

Guram Kutateladze vs. Jordan Vucenic

Round 1 – Quick shots connect for Vucenic. He’s looking sharp on the feet. Good pressure here by Vucenic. Uppercut by Vucenic. Kutateladze has yet to find his rythm. leg kick by Kutateladze. Big righthand sits down Kutateladze! Vucenic all over him. Kutateladze ties up Vucenic and recovers but still on bottom. Some shots here and there by Vucenic. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-8, Vucenic.

Round 2 – Kutateladze has a mouse under his left eye. Vucenic comes out with intense pressure. Kutateladze shoots and Vucenic scrambles out of it. Vucenic back to walking down Kutateladze. They clinch and Vucenic presses Kutateladze against the cage. Good elbow on the break by Kutateladze. Jabs by Vucenic. Vucenic presses Kutateladze against the cage. We’re halfway through the round. Shoulder strikes by Vucenic. Kutateladze reverses the position. Two minutes left. Vucenic reverses the position. They break free. Good body shot by Kutateladze. Kutateladze is getting back in the fight. Oh! An accidental clash of heads. The fight is paused, but it resumes shortly. Kutateladze gets the takedown. The bellr rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Kutateladze

Round 3 – Good uppercut by Vucenic. He shoots for a takedown, Kutateladze defends well and they go against the cage. Vucenic controlling here. Vucenic almost gets the takedown, but ends on botom in a scramble. Three minutes left. Good shots from top by Kutateladze. Kutateladze takes the back of Vucenic after a crazy scramble. He sinks in the body triangle. Some short shots by Kutateladze, but mainly just control. One minute left. Kutateladze holding on to the position. Short shots by Kutateladze. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Kutateladze. Overall 28-28.

Result: Guram Kutateladze def. Jordan Vucenic via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: UFC on ABC 7: Best photos from Abu Dhabi
Records: Kutateladze (13-4 MMA, 2-2 UFC), Vucenic (13-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN2/ESPN+
Referee: Greg Kleynjans
Judging: Ben Cartlidge, Vito Paolillo, Clemens Werner 29-28.

Viktoriia Dudakova vs. Sam Hughes

Round 1 – Good boxing early by Dudakova. She shoots and takes down Hughes. Hughes working the omoplata! Dudakova gets out and ends up pressing Hughes against the cage after a scramble. They break free. Dudakova tries to gets a takedown, but Hughes defends well. Dudakova presses Hughes against the cage. Good control here, Hughes breaks free. Good jabs by Dudakova. Hughes with a nice leg kick. Good pressure here by Hughes. Nice combo that ends with a knee to the head by Dudakova. More leg kicks from Hughes. Oh! Again, Dudakova with a series of knees to the head. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Dudakova.

Round 2 – Clean combo lands for Dudakova. Dudakova shoots and gets the takedown. Hughes working the high guard. Good control here by Dudakova, but no damage. Hughes gets her off and they’re back to striking. We’re halfway through the round. Dudakova looks tired. Both connect. Dudakova shoots and fails to get the takedown. They clinch and Hughes briefly takes her against the cage. Back to stiking. Good exchange for both as each connects. Hughes with a right hand. Hughes putting it on Dudakova! Dudakova shoots and fails. They get into a scramble and Dudakova is trying to go for a knee bar. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Hughes.

Round 3 – Good right hand by Dudakova. She looks very tired. Nice jab by Hughes. Both connect here. Body kick by Hughes. Dudakova shoots and Hughes stops it. Dudakova trying to scramble, but Hughes gets top position. Good shots by Hughes. Hughes lets Dudakova back up. We’re halfway through the round. Good right hand and then a body shot by Hughes. Dudakova shoots and gets the takedown. Nasty elbows from bottom by Hughes. One minute left. Hughes gets back to her feet, but is being pressed against the cage. The bell rings. Very close fight.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Hughes. Overall 29-28, Hughes.

Result: Sam Hughes def. Viktoriia Dudakova via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 27-30)
Photos: UFC on ABC 7: Best photos from Abu Dhabi
Records: Hughes (9-6 MMA, 4-5 UFC), Dudakova (8-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Broadcast: ESPN2/ESPN+
Referee: Dan Movahedi
Judging: David Lethaby, Daryl Ransom 29-28. Howard Hughes 27-30.

Rolando Bedoya vs. Jai Herbert

Round 1 – Leg kicks early by Bedoya. More leg kicks. Herbert very tentative in the first minute. Big leg kicks by Bedoya. They just keep adding up. A right hand connects and drops Bedoya! He gets right back up and seems ok. A few more leg kicks land for Bedoya. Bedoya presses Herbert against the cage. We’re halfway through the round. Herbert breaks free. They trade jabs. Jab by Herbert. Jab to the body by Herbert. Herbert has a mouse under his right eye. Leg kick by Bedoya. More jabs by Herbert. Big leg kick by Bedoya. And again. Right-hand lands for Herbert. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Herbert.

Round 2 – Bedoya back to the kicks, lands three in the first few seconds. A couple of right hands connect for Herbert. Good chin by Bedoya. Bedoya putting on the pressure here. Ops, a knee to the groin from Bedoya halts the fight. It resumes a few seconds after. Bedoya pressing here. There looks to be a speed advantage for Herbert. Body kick by Bedoya. Good combo from up close by Bedoya. Good right hand by Herbert. Leg kick by Bedoya. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Herbert.

Round 3 – Bedoya closes the distance and presses Herbert against the cage, but hets reversed. Bedoya quickly gets a reversal of his own and goes back to pressing Herbert against the cage. Herbert gets a judo throw and takes down Bedoya. Bedoya back up and the fight resumes on the feet. Jabs by Herbert. Front kick by Herbert. Bedoya is slowing down. Jabs leg kick by Herbert. Bedoya presses Herbert against the cage. Herbert breaks free.  Two minutes left. Bedoya chsing here, but mainly losing in the counter. Good right by Bedoya. They trade leg kicks. Knee to the body by Herbert. Oh! Clean right connects for Herbert. Herbert shoots for a takedown and Bedoya stuffs it, The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Herbert. Overall 30-27, Herbert.

Result: Jai Herbert def. Rolando Bedoya via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Photos: UFC on ABC 7: Best photos from Abu Dhabi
Records: Herbert (13-5-1 MMA, 3-4-1 UFC), Bedoya (14-4 MMA, 0-3 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN2/ESPN+
Referee: Lukasz Bosacki
Judging: Mike Bell, Hadi Mohamed Ali,30-27. David Lethaby 29-28.

Sedriques Dumas vs. Denis Tiuliulin

Round 1 – Leg kick by Dumas. Oh! Nice knee by Tiuliulin as Dumas shot for a takedown. They get into a scramble, but Dumas ends on top while locking Tiuliulin from the back. They’re by the cage, with Dumas controlling Tiuliulin. Not much going on. Tiuliulin reverses the position and ends on top, in Dumas’ guard. Dumas gets back up and presses Tiuliulin against the cage. Knee to the groin from Dumas halts the bout. They get broken up. The fight resumes shortly on the feet. Dumas shoots, but gets stuffed. Dumas ties up Tiuliulin and controls him against the cage. Not much damage here. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Dumas.

Round 2 – Oh! They’re brawling a bit. Good right hand by Dumas. A couple of jabs land for Dumas. More jabs from Dumas. Dumas closes the distance and presses Tiuliulin against the cage. Dumas controlling. Tiuliulin on one knee and being pressed against the cage. Two minutes left. Dumas just controlling, not much damage. The referee breaks it and resumes it in the middle of the cage with one minute left. Tiuliulin on the attack. Leg kick by Tiuliulin. Jab by Dumas. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Dumas.

Round 3 – Tiuliulin pressing here, likely needs a finish. Flying knee attempt by Tiuliulin. Solid jab by Dumas. More jabs. Right hand connects for Dumas. Tiuliulin is moving forward still, but his volume is dropping. Push kick lands by Dumas. Jab to the body by Dumas. Rise and repeat, another body kick and jab by Dumas. Dumas shoots and Tiuliulin reverses him! Tiuliulin on top with three minutes left. Good control here by Tiuliulin, but Dumas doing a good job at tying him up, avoiding damage. Two minutes left. Some shots here and there by Tiuliulin. Dumas kicks off Tiuliulin. One minute left here. Righthand lands for Dumas. Dumas shoots and Tiuliulin stuffs it. Again. Big right lands for Tiuliulin. Oh! It looks like Tiuliulin slightly hurt Dumas. He shoots and takes down Dumas. The bell rings seconds after.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Tiuliulin. Overall 29-28, Dumas.

Result: Sedriques Dumas def. Denis Tiuliulin via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Photos: UFC on ABC 7: Best photos from Abu Dhabi
Records: Dumas (10-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC), Tiuliulin (11-10 MMA, 1-5 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN2/ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson
Judging: Ben Cartlidge, Clemens Werner 29-28. Vito Paolillo 30-27.

What time does UFC on ABC 7 start?

UFC on ABC 7 kicks off with prelims at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and ESPN+, followed by the main card at 3 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN+.

Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov fight odds

  • BetMGM: Nurmagomedov -350, Sandhagen +275
  • DraftKings: Nurmagomedov -375, Sandhagen +295
  • FanDuel: Nurmagomedov -340, Sandhagen +275

Shara Magomedov vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk fight odds

  • BetMGM: Magomedov -275, Oleksiejczuk +220
  • DraftKings: Magomedov -265, Oleksiejczuk +215
  • FanDuel: Magomedov -260, Oleksiejczuk +215

Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Marlon Vera fight odds

  • BetMGM: Figueiredo -145, Vera +120
  • DraftKings: Figueiredo -130, Vera +110
  • FanDuel: Figueiredo -135, Vera +115

Michael Chiesa vs. Tony Ferguson fight odds

  • BetMGM: Chiesa -550, Ferguson +400
  • DraftKings: Chiesa -520, Ferguson +390
  • FanDuel: Chiesa -520, Ferguson +400

UFC on ABC 7 full fight card

MAIN CARD (ABC/ESPN+, 3 p.m. ET)

  • Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov
  • Shara Magomedov vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
  • Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Marlon Vera
  • Michael Chiesa vs. Tony Ferguson
  • Mackenzie Dern vs. Loopy Godinez
  • Joel Alvarez vs. Elves Brener

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN2/ESPN+, noon ET)

  • Alonzo Menifield vs. Azamat Murzakanov
  • Kaue Fernandes vs. Mohammad Yahya
  • Shamil Gaziev vs. Don’Tale Mayes
  • Guram Kutateladze vs. Jordan Vucenic
  • Viktoriia Dudakova vs. Sam Hughes
  • Rolando Bedoya vs. Jai Herbert
  • Sedriques Dumas vs. Denis Tiuliulin

UFC on ABC 7 video: Azamat Murzakanov moves to 14-0 with thunderous KO of Alonzo Menifield

Azamat Murzakanov knocked out Alonzo Menifield at UFC on ABC 7 to move to 14-0, then called for a top five name at light heavyweight.

[autotag]Azamat Murzakanov[/autotag] was confident in his ability to knock out [autotag]Alonzo Menifield[/autotag] at UFC on ABC 7, and he did exactly that.

After both men traded shots and got their licks in over the course of more than a round, a final back-and-forth exchange in the second stanza saw Murzakanov (14-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) land a slick multi-punch combination that dropped Menifield (15-5-1 MMA, 8-5-1 UFC) to the mat for the knockout finish at the 3:18 mark.

The Russian elevated his undefeated record with the result, which you can watch below (via X):

After the performance, Murzakanov declared himself as ready for the elite of the light heavyweight division.

“I’d like to ask UFC a question: 14-0, nobody is worried about that?” Murzakanov told Daniel Cormier through an interpreter in his post-fight interview. “Maybe you want to give me someone in the top five next?”

Up-to-the-minute UFC on ABC 7 results include:

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 7.

UFC on ABC 7 video: Kaue Fernandes floors Mohammad Yahya for first promotional win

Kaue Fernandes picked up the first finish of the night at UFC on ABC 7, but more imporantly, the first win of his UFC career.

[autotag]Kaue Fernandes[/autotag] woke up the crowd by scoring the first finish of the night at UFC on ABC 7.

Fernandes (9-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC) picked up his first win in the UFC by stopping Mohammad Yahya at 4:45 of Round 1 in their lightweight bout at Etihad Arena in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Fernandes started by chopping away at the legs of Yahya (12-5 MMA, 0-2 UFC), compromising his movement. Then Fernandes found an opening for a crisp 1-2, punctuated by a hard right hand that sent Yahya to the mat. The follow-up storm was enough for referee Marc Goddard to call a stop to the contest, and the celebration for the Brazilian was on.

Check out video of the finish below (via X):

Fernandes rebounds from a split decision loss to Marc Diakiese in his November UFC debut. The 29-year-old striker’s last three wins came by first-round finish and he now has six total such victories in his career.

Up-to-the-minute UFC on ABC 7 results include:

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 7.

What time is Marlon Vera vs. Deiveson Figueiredo? Walkout time for UFC on ABC 7 fight

Here’s when to expect Marlon Vera and Deiveson Figueiredo to make their cage walks at UFC Abu Dhabi.

[autotag]Marlon Vera[/autotag] and [autotag]Deiveson Figueiredo[/autotag] meet in a pivotal bantamweight clash at UFC on ABC 7. This bout scheduled for three rounds is taking place Saturday, Aug. 3 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Vera (23-9-1 MMA, 15-8 UFC) enters the bout roughly five months removed from his failed attempt at claiming the 135-pound title from Sean O’Malley at UFC 299. Vera has vowed to “make an example” of Figueiredo, who is determined to add his name to the UFC record books.

A former flyweight champion, Figueiredo (23-3-1 MMA, 12-3-1 UFC) has won his first two bouts at bantamweight against Rob Font and former champ Cody Garbrandt. A third victory against Vera just might be the breakthrough he needs to be taken seriously in the division.

Here are the walkout times for the UFC on ABC 7 bout between Vera and Figueiredo.

When does the UFC on ABC 7 fight card start?

  • The UFC on ABC 7 lineup consists of 14 fights. Prelims start at noon ET and the main card at 3 p.m. ET.

Marlon Vera vs. Deiveson Figueiredo walkout time

  • As the featured bout, Vera and Figueiredo are expected to walk out to the cage at approximately 4:30 p.m. ET.
  • The fight will air on ABC and stream on ESPN+.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 7.

What time is Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov fight? Walkout time for UFC on ABC 7 main event

Here’s when to expect Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov to make their cage walks at UFC Abu Dhabi.

[autotag]Cory Sandhagen[/autotag] and [autotag]Umar Nurmagomedov[/autotag] have the opportunity to assert themselves as the next title challenger in the bantamweight division when they meet in the UFC on ABC 7 main event. This bout is scheduled for five rounds is taking place Saturday, Aug. 3 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Sandhagen (17-4 MMA, 10-3 UFC) stumbled for a bit with back-to-back losses T.J. Dillashaw and Petr Yan but has since reeled off three wins in a row to reestablish himself as a title threat. Sandhagen has defeated contenders Song Yadong, Marlon Vera and most recently Rob Font last August.

Undefeated Nurmagomedov (17-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) aims to be the next champion under the tutelage of UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov. This fight against Sandhagen represents by far the biggest jump in competition of his career.

Here are the walkout times for the UFC on ABC 7 main event between Sandhagen and Nurmagomedov.

When does the UFC on ABC 7 fight card start?

  • The UFC on ABC 7 lineup consists of 14 fights. Prelims start at noon ET and the main card at 3 p.m. ET.

Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov walkout time

  • As the main event, Sandhagen and Nurmagomedov are expected to walk out to the cage at approximately 5:30 p.m. ET.
  • The fight will air on ABC and stream on ESPN+.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 7.

Joel Alvarez vs. Elves Brener prediction, pick, start time, odds for UFC on ABC 7

Between Joel Alvarez and Elves Brener, the underdog is the pick to score a finish at UFC Abu Dhabi.

[autotag]Joel Alvarez[/autotag] and [autotag]Elves Brener[/autotag] meet Saturday on the main card of UFC on ABC 7 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom. 

Last event: 3-2
UFC main cards, 2024: 64-56-3

Joel Alvarez vs. Elves Brener UFC on ABC 7 preview

After having a four-fight winning streak snapped by Arman Tsarukyan in a fight where he suffered a horrifying cut, Alvarez (20-3 MMA, 5-2 UFC) rebounded to win his most recent fight as he choked out Marc Diakiese by second-round D’arce choke in July 2023. … Brener (16-4 MMA, 3-1 UFC) kicked off his UFC tenure by winning his first three bouts, but the streak came to an end after he dropped a unanimous decision to Myktybek Orolbai in May.

Joel Alvarez vs. Elves Brener UFC on ABC 7 expert pick, prediction

Despite usually ripping the UFC matchmakers for their selection of the main-card opener, I got to give them credit for once again going back to Joe Silva’s surefire card formatting signature of shunning heavyweight slop-fests to the prelims while using lightweights and featherweights to properly kick off the featured fights.

This week, Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby smartly chose a fight between Alvarez and Brener to start the main card.

Even though Alvarez has some obvious on-paper advantages as far as reach and height are concerned, I’d argue that the abnormally large lightweight will likely finish his career at middleweight given all that he must be sacrificing just to make it to the scale.

Don’t get me wrong: Alvarez appears to have some solid skills for being a clear size bully; I just don’t believe that he can continue to fight effectively past the first frame when factoring in the shown diminishing returns of his weight cut.

For that reason, I’ll happily take a flier on a durable and dogged underdog like Brener to survive the early storm and pull away down the stretch.

The pick is Brener by third-round TKO.

Joel Alvarez vs. Elves Brener UFC on ABC 7 odds

The oddsmakers and the public are siding with the Spaniard, listing Alvarez -188 and Brener +152 via FanDuel.

Joel Alvarez vs. Elves Brener UFC on ABC 7 start time, how to watch

As the main card opener, Alvarez and Brener are expected to walk out to the cage at approximately 3 p.m. ET. The fight will air on ABC and stream on ESPN+.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 7.

Mackenzie Dern vs. Loopy Godinez prediction, pick, start time, odds for UFC on ABC 7

Mackenzie Dern and Loopy Godinez both struggle to connect their games, but who will get the job done at UFC Abu Dhabi?

[autotag]Mackenzie Dern[/autotag] and [autotag]Loopy Godinez[/autotag] meet Saturday on the main card of UFC on ABC 7 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom. 

Last event: 3-2
UFC main cards, 2024: 64-56-3

Mackenzie Dern vs. Loopy Godinez UFC on ABC 7 preview

Despite her recent struggles, Dern (13-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) enters UFC on ABC 7 believing she can still be champion. If there’s any chance for that to happen, she must win Saturday after losing four of her past six bouts. Dern is coming off back-to-back losses to Jessica Andrade and Amanda Lemos. … Godinez (12-4 MMA, 7-4 UFC) appeared to be inching oh so close to strawweight title contention as she was on a four-fight winning streak until losing a unanimous decision to Virna Jandiroba this past March.

Mackenzie Dern vs. Loopy Godinez UFC on ABC 7 expert pick, prediction

Despite Dern being the more known and experienced product between the two of them, I’d argue that both ladies are still developing fighters.

Although there’s a lot to like about Godinez’s potential, she seems to be going through growing pains when it comes to connecting her game. The same can still be said for Dern, but there’s no denying the finishing upside she has over a decent majority of her peers.

Add in the fact that Dern appears to be back with well respected striking coach Jason Parillo, and I can’t help but be somewhat optimistic for the Brazilian in this spot.

It’s still a tight fight that I see having a high potential to go to decision, but I’ll semi-reluctantly side with Dern to edge out the scorecards for throwing with the kind of eye-catching power that (right or wrong) tends to catch the eyes of the judges.

Mackenzie Dern vs. Loopy Godinez UFC on ABC 7 odds

Despite the oddsmakers technically opening the Mexican as the slight favorite, public money has come in on the Brazilian and flipped the line, listing Dern -130 and Godinez +106 via FanDuel.

Mackenzie Dern vs. Loopy Godinez UFC on ABC 7 start time, how to watch

Dern and Godinez are expected to walk out to the cage at approximately 3:30 p.m. ET. The fight will air on ABC and stream on ESPN+.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 7.

Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chiesa prediction, pick, start time, odds for UFC on ABC 7

Michael Chiesa shouldn’t have much trouble against whatever is left of the once-ferocious Tony Ferguson at UFC Abu Dhabi.

[autotag]Tony Ferguson[/autotag] and [autotag]Michael Chiesa[/autotag] meet Saturday on the main card of UFC on ABC 7 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom. 

Last event: 3-2
UFC main cards, 2024: 64-56-3

Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chiesa UFC on ABC 7 preview

Justin Gaethje (TKO), Charles Oliveira (unanimous decision), Beneil Dariush (unanimous decision), Michael Chandler (knockout), Nate Diaz (submission), Bobby Green (submission), and Paddy Pimblett (unanimous decision): Yes, it’s been a tough slate dating back to May 2020, but seven losses in a row is still seven losses in a row. One more, and Ferguson (25-10 MMA, 15-8 UFC) will hold the UFC record for consecutive losses. Hard to believe Ferguson, who once was on an impressive 12-fight winning streak, has reached this point in his career. …Chiesa (16-7 MMA, 11-7 UFC) has reached a crossroads in his career, as well, caused by a combination of injuries and a current three-fight skid with losses to Vicente Luque, Sean Brady and most recently Kevin Holland in July 2023.

Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chiesa UFC on ABC 7 expert pick, prediction

Despite these two originally being booked to fight at lightweight back in 2016, Chiesa and Ferguson now find themselves meeting up a division over eight years later.

Although Ferguson still technically holds a winning record against UFC-level southpaws at 4-3, those stats hold little water given the stylistic dynamic of this matchup. And despite being a “Ferguson truther” during his cursed series with Khabib Nurmagomedov that never came to be, I find myself much less confident in the former interim champion these days.

I still believe that Ferguson – at one point – was the uncrowned king at 155 pounds. Those days, however, are long gone.

Even though D’arce chokes appear to be real-life kryptonite for Chiesa, I can’t help but see the more concentrated game of “Maverick” mowing through whatever is left of the once-ferocious Ferguson at this point in their perspective careers.

The pick is Chiesa to lock up a rear-naked choke by the beginning of Round 2.

Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chiesa UFC on ABC 7 odds

The oddsmakers and the public are heavily favoring the younger fighter, listing Chiesa -620 and Ferguson +430 via FanDuel.

Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chiesa UFC on ABC 7 start time, how to watch

Ferguson and Chiesa are expected to walk out to the cage at approximately 4 p.m. ET. The fight will air on ABC and stream on ESPN+.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 7.