Bellator heavyweight Frank Mir taps to strikes against Javy Ayala in the second round, at Bellator 212 in Honolulu. Lot of blood leaking into Frank's left eye, and it looks like he may be signaling a mouth injury of some sort. Lost his mouthpiece in an exchange moments before the finish.

Brett Okamoto, ESPN Staff Writer14h ago

Bellator's featherweight super prospect A.J. McKee moved to 13-0 tonight with a submission win over Daniel Crawford. McKee is only 23, and all 13 of his pro fights have been under the Bellator banner. He called for a title shot afterwards. Bellator champ Patricio Freire has been dismissive of McKee's accomplishments so far.

Brett Okamoto, ESPN Staff Writer14h ago

Saturday's Jessica-Rose Clark vs. Andrea Lee fight has been canceled, according to sources. Clark was sent to the hospital earlier this morning due to complications from her weight cut. She has since been released but the fight is still canceled. The news was first reported by MYMMANews.

Ariel Helwani, ESPN Staff Writer1d ago

UFC is in serious talks to book Cain Velasquez vs. Francis Ngannou as the main event for UFC Phoenix on Feb. 17, according to multiple sources. Velasquez, who wrestled at Arizona State University, hasn't fought since his win over Travis Browne at UFC 200 in 2016. Ngannou is coming off a first-round TKO win over Curtis Blaydes last month. The fight isn't finalized just yet, sources say, but is currently moving in the right direction.

Ariel Helwani, ESPN Staff Writer2d ago

A lightweight matchup in the works for the Feb. 17 UFC Fight Night on ESPN+ in Phoenix: Scott Holtzman (12-2) vs. Nik Lentz (29-9-2), per sources.

Brett Okamoto, ESPN Staff Writer2d ago

Ben Askren vs. Robbie Lawler has officially been moved from UFC 233 to UFC 235 on March 2 in Las Vegas. Both fighters were expected to compete next month, but the card was pulled after the promotion could not find a proper main event. Askren was the ONE Championship welterweight champion until recently signing with the UFC. Lawler was once the UFC's welterweight champion.

Greg Rosenstein, ESPN Staff Writer2d ago

A bantamweight fight between Jimmie Rivera (22-2) and Aljamain Sterling (16-3) has been added to UFC Fight Night on Feb. 17 in Phoenix. The bout was first reported by AZCentral.com and confirmed by ESPN. Key matchup at 135 pounds.

Brett Okamoto, ESPN Staff Writer3d ago

Cynthia Calvillo vs. Cortney Casey has been moved to UFC on ESPN 1 on February 17 in Phoenix according to ESPN's Ariel Helwani. Calvillo (7-1) is coming off a first-round submission win against Poliana Botelho in November. Casey (8-6) most recently defeated Angela Hill on August 25 in a split decision.

Greg Rosenstein, ESPN Staff Writer3d ago

Per sources, the Joseph Benavidez vs. Deiveson Figueiredo flyweight bout scheduled on the canceled UFC 233 on Jan. 26 will move up to Jan. 19 ESPN+ card in Brooklyn. Not official, but that's the plan.

Brett Okamoto, ESPN Staff Writer3d ago

Ben Askren texted ESPN's Ariel Helwani on his response to being moved off UFC 233. "I was ready and willing to save the day for my new bosses. Heck, I'm ready to fight tomorrow. If Robbie needs a little more time get ready to lose to me, so be it. Though I'd be more than happy to fight in Brooklyn and then kick his ass on March 2."

Greg Rosenstein, ESPN Staff Writer3d ago

The UFC is moving a planned pay-per-view event, UFC 233 on Jan. 26 in Anaheim, to a later date, according to sources. The date is being pushed back for multiple reasons. It is not yet known when the PPV will be rescheduled or if it will remain in Anaheim. But the UFC still intends to promote 12 PPV events in 2019, as planned.

Brett Okamoto, ESPN Staff Writer3d ago

Veteran MMA broadcaster Jimmy Smith will be a free agent come early 2019, sources told ESPN. Smith recently completed a one-year deal with UFC and will now be looking for a new broadcast home next year. He has yet to sign with anyone but is hoping to do so soon, sources say.

Ariel Helwani, ESPN Staff Writer4d ago

Jon Jones is in front of the California State Athletic Commission today to tie up loose ends from his license revocation there last year, and the state has asked him to enroll in VADA ahead of UFC 232 ... in addition to the UFC's USADA program. Under discussion now.

Brett Okamoto, ESPN Staff Writer4d ago

LFA women's flyweight champion Sabina Mazo has signed with the UFC, sources told ESPN. The Colombian-born Mazo (5-0) is considered a rising star in women's MMA. Her Octagon debut isn't set yet, however, she is targeting March or April, sources say.

Ariel Helwani, ESPN Staff Writer4d ago

Tyron Woodley told ESPN's Ariel Helwani he is still recovering from a hand injury. He had surgery after his fight against Darren Till in September but has not been cleared to return to action. He expects to next fight in the first quarter of 2019.

Greg Rosenstein, ESPN Staff Writer5d ago

Bellator MMA has officially announced bantamweight James Gallagher will headline an event in his native Dublin, Ireland on Feb. 23. His opponent will be Steven Graham. Gallagher is coming off his first loss to Ricky Bandejas at Bellator 204, but the promotion still views him as a high profile face of the company. He trains out of SBG Ireland, alongside UFC star Conor McGregor.

Brett Okamoto, ESPN Staff Writer5d ago