Stipe Miocic V Junior dos Santos II: What will go down:

Stipe Miocic and JDS run it back this weekend.

The baddest man on the plant will leave Dallas, Texas this weekend as the undisputed UFC Heavyweight championship is up for grabs as Stipe Miocic once again meets former champ Junior 'Cigano' dos Santos in a rematch of their incredible 2014 slugfest. Two of the most feared natural strikers in Heavyweight history, Miocic and dos Santos faced eachother back in December 2014, losing a razor thin decision to 'Cigano' in a true barn burner. After his close loss to Brazil's dos Santos, Stipe recovered to stop each of his last four opponents, including Mark Hunt, Andrei Arlovski and in enemy territory in Brazil, claimed the title from fan favourite Fabrício Werdum. At UFC 203 Stipe made his first successful title defence against Alistair Overeem, despite an early first round scare, which seen Cleveland star Stipe dropped and subsequently fell into a syncing guillotine, before a ground and pound barrage rendered 'The Reem' unconscious, as the Ohio crowd entered a state of ecstasy. Regarded as one of the best natural boxers in MMA history, the former champ JDS has been in some incredible wars against the likes of Cain Velasquez, Mark Hunt and Saturday's opponent Miocic. With a punshing left uppercut and a massive over hand right, one shot from Junior could result in lights out for anyone on the planet, and with a BJJ black belt, dos Santos can more than handle himself on the canvas. It is hugely unlikely that this bout goes to the ground, with it's most likely conclusion resulting from a huge shot or a gruelling decision display. Miocic was tagged by Junior a couple of notable times in their opening bout, but with experienced gained from four successive stoppage wins and JDS' worrying inactivity since their opening bout, Miocic retains in my opinion.

Stipe Miocic via knockout.

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UFC Summer Kickoff Press Conference Recap:

A huge summer of fights await!

We are just one day out from the monumental UFC 211 card from Dallas, Texas, but first, big business awaits at the UFC Summer Kickoff Press Conference as Dana White promises that 'the summer of 2017 will be one of the biggest in UFC history'. With stars from UFC 212 through UFC 214 in attendance, fireworks and fight announcements are a certainty for this presser. With the earlier announcement of Gunnar Nelson's clash with Santiago Ponzinibbio, and Joanne Calderwood's meeting with Cynthia Calvillo, expect huge clashes to be confirmed from the UFC brass.

Before the event got underway, UFC Lightweight contender Kevin Lee took to Twitter to post a video of a backstage clash between UFC 214 headliners Daniel Cormier and long term rivals Jon 'Bones' Jones, as the UFC Light Heavyweight title rematch takes place this summer. Jon Anik got us underway for the presser, with stars like Amanda Nunes, Valentina Shevchenko, Chris Weidman, Kelvin Gastelum, Michael Johnson and the newly signed Justin Gaethje on display. The first question was posed to the retuning Jon Jones who was greeted with a mixed bag of boos and applause as he was questioned about his feelings toward the rematch and whether or not we would finally see a second bout with Cormier materialise. Jones told how his MMA career made 'a lot to me' and confirmed how both himself and Cormier almost came 'to blows behind the curtains'. Jones then told how 'DC' wasn't the actual champ and how Daniel had never beaten him, so in his mind the belt across from him was 'a piece of s

Jason Knight stops Chas Skelly in the final round:

Jason Knight's stock continues to soar! 

Two established Featherweight grapplers met at UFC 211 in Texas, as hometown hero Chas Skelly took on fellow American Jason 'The Kid' Knight. With both on impressive winning steaks, only one would remain intact at the fights conclusion. Both men are very durable fighters, so with that being said, the finish is hugely unpredictable.

Referee Jacob Montavo got us started for the opening round Jason Knight stung Skelly with a lighting fast combination, followed by a good leg kick, before a shot from Skelly landed flushed. Skelly then utilised his superior wrestling to bring the bout to the mat. From the bottom, Knight was hugely active, almost securing a rare Omoplata finish, before scrambling. Knight was really displaying his incredible grappling as he used a Gogoplata to sweep Skelly, before losing a Kimura as both returned to the feet. Knight landed an important takedown of his own as the first round came to a close. Promising start for 'The Kid'.

The second round began with a oblique kick for Knight, who followed with a right hand over the top. Knight then caught a kick attempt from Skelly dropping him to the canvas, as he landed counter right after counter right. Knight was plodding forward landing each shot, before a feeble double leg was stuffed by 'The Kid'. A nasty cut opened up under the eye of Knight as both men traded shots at the buzzer.

Both men embraced at the beginning of the final round, Knight landing a similar right counter, this time dropping Skelly before some poor refereeing seen Skelly eat some unneeded shots. Big performance from Knight.

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No contest as Alvarez lands illegal knees twice:

Unfortunate end to phenomenal second round.

A huge Lightweight scrap headlines the UFC 211 Prelims, as former division king Eddie Alvarez looks to recover from his loss to Conor McGregor, in a dangerous matchup against heavy hitter Dustin 'The Diamond' Poirier. #3 ranked Alvarez took the 155lbs title from Rafael Dos Anjos in spectacular fashion before his most recent defeat, while Poirier recovered from a KO loss to Michael Johnson as he dominated Lightweight veteran Jim Miller. Alvarez must utilise his wrestling and not allow himself to get drawn into a striking affair with 'The Diamond' who can crack and end 'The Underground King{s}' night early on. Big implications for the victor, in this Fight Of The Night contender.

The opening of three scheduled rounds was sanctioned by long time referee Herb Dean, as both men threw early fronts to draw reactions in the usual feeling out process. Poirier landed with a good body kick as he pushed Alvarez backward. Both men then exchanged body shots with Poirier following with a solid straight left, drawing a frail takedown attempt from Eddie, easily defended by 'The Diamond'. Another left landed flush for Poirier as Eddie looked nervous. A decent right hand scored for Poirier as Eddie looked to respond. First round to 'The Diamond'.

Poirier looked extremely loose at the beginning of the second, as Alvarez threw fire with a right hand, and shot for a double leg at the fenced, but Dustin was so far successful in his defence. Claret was flowing out of the eye of Alvarez after Poirier almost starched him, as he survived and both men began swinging for the fences. Both men in big trouble. Big takedown landed for Alvarez, as he looked to secure a front face lock, and then controversially landed two huge illegal knee, as Herb Dean mistaken the new unified rules for the old rules pre 2017. Dean then declared that the fight was over with Poirier telling how 'it feels like something is pushing on my eye', suspecting a fractured orbital. Illegal knee results in a bizarre no contest.

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David Branch secures drawn out decision win in UFC return:

A successful yet uneventful return for New York native Branch.

A second run in the Ultimate Fighting Championship begins tonight for David Branch as the former two-division WSOF champ takes on impressive polish youngster Krzysztof Jotko. Branch is a phenomenal grappler and with a huge experience advantage over Jotko, it will most certainly prove to be a huge factor in this exciting Middleweight clash.

Don Turnage played peacemaker for the bout tonight as both men engaged early on. Branch immediately looked to clinch against the fence, before Jotko landed a surprise takedown of his own. After a failed single leg attempt, Branch landed a decent knee in close. Not the most spectacular first round we've seen tonight.

The second round seen Jotko closing the distance early, but good head movement from Branch made it hard for him to find his target. Jotko once more elected to clinch up before landing a good spinning back-fist. Jotko was displaying some really positive movement sliding in and out of range well to give Branch something to consider. Superb explosive takedown scored for Branch, but the Pole was almost immediately back to his feet. Referee Turnage then questionably decided to break the action when Jotko raised his hands, before a bodylock produced a takedown for David Branch.

The third and final round could easily decide this bout with a closely contested battle so far. A positive sense of urgency from both men as they tried to land something solid, but Jotko was noticeably hesitant. Despite his corner's demands, Branch continued to clinch up with very little action on display in this final round. Another double leg proved successful for Branch, who so far didn't showcase any of his grappling prowess. A good uppercut stung Branch late on, as a chorus of boos rang around the American Airlines Centre. The judges were in for a difficult decision as David Branch proved successful on his second UFC debut with a split decision victory.

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Frankie Edgar wins via doctor stoppage after ground and pound masterclass:

Frankie Edgar proves too much for 'El Pantera'.

Former Lightweight kingpin Frankie 'The Answer' Edgar is making one final push for UFC gold as he looks to earn a title shot against Mexico's incredible striker Yair 'El Pantera' Rodríguez. A win over UFC Hall of Famer B.J. Penn inserted Rodríguez into permanent spotlight but faces his most challenging test to date in the form of one of the most well rounded fighters in MMA history. Can Edgar utilise his wrestling, or will Rodríguez add 'The Answer' to his highlight reel?

This fascinating matchup got underway with a good combination from Frankie forcing the youngster to take a step back. A reverse elbow landed flush for Yair as Edgar moved forward eager for the takedown, and eventually got the Mexican down. Frankie is of course very active and dangerous on top, landing some good ground and pound from guard. Some really productive elbows were busting up Yair, with Edgar really exerting his experience. Edgar then stacked the guard and landed some big shots, opening up a gash on the face or 'El Pantera'. Dominant round for the legend Frankie Edgar.

The second round began with a spinning back from Rodriguez, before a wonderful throw from Edgar seen a successful takedown. Rodríguez quickly searched for a kneebar as Edgar so far survived. Yair gave up on the heel hook as Edgar smashed him with short elbows, before Edgar moved to guard after a failed back take. Frankie was just annihilating that massive cut under the eye of Yair, as the Mexican youngster survived. Another damaging round for Yair as the doctor took a much needed look at Rodríguez's eye. Yair told how he could still see out of his eye, as the doctor called the fight. Dominant display from Frankie Edgar, difficult loss for 'El Pantera' to take.

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Demian Maia earns Tyron Woodley date with Masvidal decision:

Demian Maia to face Tyron Woodley for Welterweight crown.

Huge title implications await the winner of this Welterweight eliminator as the victor between grappler Demian Maia and striker Jorge Masvidal, will face reigning champion Tyron Woodley per UFC President Dana White. The greatest grappler to ever step foot in mixed martial arts, Brazil's Demian Maia presents arguably the most difficult path to UFC gold for 'Gamebred' Masvidal, but anything can happen. Maia is overdue a second UFC title opportunity, and a win over Jorge will finally award his that. Maia completely outclassed Carlos Condit last time out, with Jorge Masvidal finished 'Cowboy' Cerrone in comprehensive style in Denver in his most previous outing. What a matchup!

The first of three rounds seen an early takedown defence for Masvidal, but Maia hung onto the leg of the former Lightweight, but was immediately taken to the mat, before securing a standing body triangle, as he looked to set up a rear-naked choke victory. Masvidal was so far defending expertly, but was still carrying the weight of the Brazilian. Jorge executed a phenomenal reversal and dropped Maia from his back, and tagged Demian repeatedly. Excellent heart from Jorge who was exhausted on his stool.

The second round began with a stoppage as some loose tape wasn't cut from Masvidal's glove. Wonderful stuff from Masvidal seen a unsuccessful takedown attempt from Maia. Masvidal was lighting up the leg of Maia, as Maia shot over and over. Masvidal attempted a limp Anaconda choke, which Maia escaped with ease. Maia was looking to take the back of Jorge once more looked to survive. Masvidal once again survived as he dominated wrist control preventing that RNC.

The third and final round began with a blocked high kick from Jorge, and then a damaging inside leg kick against the knee of Maia. A solid kick to the body of Maia punished the Brazilian, as he threw Masvidal to the mat with a single leg transition. Masvidal once more so far defended the rear-naked choke successfully as the buzzer sounded for the end of the bout. It goes the distance, as the judges are left with a incredibly difficult decision to resolve. Masvidal landed considerably more strikes while Maia landed takedowns throughout. Demian Maia claims the split decision as Tyron Woodley awaits.

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