Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian said he believes the only reason Jake Paul lo...

<p>Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian said he believes the only reason Jake Paul lost to Anthony Joshua was the vast size difference between the two.</p><p>Paul squared off with Joshua in a professional heavyweight bout Friday in Miami, suffering a sixth-round knockout loss and a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3432712" href="https://thescore.com/news/3432712">double broken jaw</a> in the toughest test of his boxing career.</p><p>Joshua, a former two-time unified heavyweight champion, weighed in 27 pounds heavier than Paul and boasted a six-inch reach advantage and a five-inch edge in height. Bidarian, Paul's adviser and business partner, said he showed "unbelievable heart" by reaching the sixth round against a much larger fighter.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Jake Paul lasted a lot longer than anyone said he was going to," Bidarian <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phn4YXIZztg">said</a> at the postfight press conference. "I haven't seen the official scorecards ... but I think he might've won a round or two or even three. He was doing tremendously well in there against a person who is vastly more skilled, vastly larger, vastly more powerful."</p><p>He added: "The reality is, Jake lost because of the size difference. Not because of the skill difference. AJ was hanging on that neck, pushing him down, and when you have someone that heavy constantly doing that, it does suck the energy out of you."</p><p>Paul was initially scheduled to face WBA lightweight champion Gervonta "Tank" Davis - who competes at 135 pounds - in a Nov. 14 exhibition bout. However, he moved on from that matchup after Davis was accused of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping, and intentional infliction of emotional distress in a civil lawsuit filed by an ex-girlfriend.</p><p>Paul agreed to face Joshua a month later instead.</p><p>The YouTube star turned boxer's professional record fell to 12-2 with the loss to Joshua.</p>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 19: Nakisa Bidarian speaks after Jake Paul v Anthony Joshua at Kaseya Center on December 19, 2025 in Miami, Florida.

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Bidarian: Paul lost to Joshua 'because of the size difference'

Former featherweight title challenger Brian Ortega is moving up to the lightweight division to fa...

<p>Former featherweight title challenger Brian Ortega is moving up to the lightweight division to face Renato Moicano in a rematch at UFC 326, the promotion announced Saturday.</p><p>The event is scheduled to take place March 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.</p><p>Ortega is looking to snap a two-fight losing streak. The 34-year-old is coming off a unanimous decision defeat to former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling at UFC Shanghai in August. Ortega hasn't been victorious since he submitted Yair Rodriguez in February 2024.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>His fight against Sterling was moved to a 153-pound catchweight after Ortega experienced a severe weight cut.</p><p>Moicano has also dropped back-to-back fights, losing to then-lightweight champion Islam Makhachev by first-round submission at UFC 311 in January and Beneil Dariush via unanimous decision at UFC 317 in June. The 36-year-old Brazilian's most recent win came against Benoit Saint Denis in September 2024. Moicano is a former featherweight who moved up to 155 pounds in 2020.</p><p>The UFC also added a middleweight bout between Paulo Costa and Brunno Ferreira and a bantamweight matchup between Cody Garbrandt and Xiao Long to the card.</p><p>UFC 326 will be headlined by a rematch between BMF champion Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira.</p><p> </p>

SHANGHAI, CHINA - AUGUST 23: Brian Ortega prepares to face Aljamain Sterling in a 153-pound catchweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Shanghai Indoor Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Shanghai, China.

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Ortega moving to lightweight, gets Moicano rematch at UFC 326

Jake Paul underwent surgery Saturday morning after breaking his jaw in two places in a sixth-roun...

<p>Jake Paul underwent surgery Saturday morning after breaking his jaw in two places in a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3431858" href="https://thescore.com/news/3431858">sixth-round knockout loss</a> to Anthony Joshua on Friday night in Miami.</p><p>The YouTube star turned boxer said he had two titanium plates inserted on each side of his jaw and "some teeth" removed.</p><p>"Everything went smooth," Paul <a href="https://x.com/jakepaul/status/2002404632589427056">wrote</a> on X. "Thanks for all the love. Lots of pain and stiffness. Gotta eat liquids for seven days."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DSfdZQLjbf-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DSfdZQLjbf-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
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</div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DSfdZQLjbf-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Jake Paul (@jakepaul)</a></p>
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<script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>Joshua, a former two-time unified heavyweight champion, dropped Paul four times in the lopsided bout, which streamed live on Netflix. Paul called it a "nice little ass whooping from one of the best to ever do it."</p><p>After the fight, Paul said in the ring he thought he had suffered a broken jaw. Later that night, Paul confirmed the injury, posting an image of an X-ray on social media.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Double broken jaw. Give me Canelo in 10 days. <a href="https://t.co/8R8NK4OeUv">pic.twitter.com/8R8NK4OeUv</a></p>— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) <a href="https://twitter.com/jakepaul/status/2002276994042474799?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Paul, 28, fell to 12-2 as a professional boxer with the loss.</p>

YouTuber Logan Paul (R) holds his brother, US boxer and influencer Jake Paul, after he lost to British boxer Anthony Joshua (off frame) in a nontitle heavyweight bout at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, on December 19, 2025.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33804653/related

Paul has surgery on broken jaw after getting KO'd by Joshua

Former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua pummeled Jake Paul in their highly an...

<p>Former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua pummeled Jake Paul in their highly anticipated boxing match, biding his time before scoring a sixth-round knockout Friday night at Kaseya Center in Miami.</p><p>The stoppage came 1:31 into the round. It marked the first knockout loss of Paul's career.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The moment Anthony Joshua knocked Jake Paul out! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JakeJoshua?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JakeJoshua</a> <a href="https://t.co/TiP0ovbpzf">pic.twitter.com/TiP0ovbpzf</a></p>— Netflix (@netflix) <a href="https://twitter.com/netflix/status/2002243701436039325?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Joshua dropped Paul, a YouTube star turned boxer, three times - twice in the fifth round and once earlier in the sixth - before scoring the finish.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Joshua returned to the win column in what was his first fight since September 2024. The 36-year-old Englishman was coming off a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois.</p><p>"It wasn't the best performance. It wasn't the best," Joshua said of Friday's victory during his postfight interview in the ring. "The end goal was to get Jake Paul, pin him down, and hurt him. That has been the request leading up (to the fight), and that was what was on my mind. It took a bit longer than expected, but the right hand finally found a destination."</p><p>Paul said he was "feeling good" after the loss but <a href="https://x.com/netflixsports/status/2002245376724680903">believes he broke his jaw</a>.</p><p>"I gave it my all. ... Anthony's a great fighter," Paul said. "I got my ass beat, but that's what this sport's about. I'm gonna come back and keep on winning."</p><p>He added: "I think my jaw is broken, by the way. It's definitely (broken). But man, that was good. Nice little ass whooping from one of the best to ever do it."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Double broken jaw. Give me Canelo in 10 days. <a href="https://t.co/8R8NK4OeUv">pic.twitter.com/8R8NK4OeUv</a></p>— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) <a href="https://twitter.com/jakepaul/status/2002276994042474799?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Paul's six-fight winning streak came to an end with the loss. The 28-year-old now sits at 12-2 as a professional boxer.</p><p>Joshua praised Paul for his efforts in what was the latter's toughest fight to date.</p><p>"He's done really well tonight," Joshua said. "I want to give him his props. He got up time and time again. It was difficult in there for him, but he kept on trying to find a way. It takes a real man to do that. Anyone who laces up these gloves, we always say we give them their respect. We have to give Jake his respect for trying and trying and trying. Well done.</p><p>"But he came up against a real fighter tonight that had a 15-month layoff. We shook off the cobwebs and I can't wait to roll into 2026."</p><p>Joshua, who's now 5-1 in his last six outings, could have a massive year ahead of him. It was reported earlier this month that Riyadh Season is planning to hold a mega fight between Joshua and former WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in 2026. Joshua <a href="https://x.com/ringmagazine/status/2002253466018676785">sent a message</a> to Fury after his triumph over Paul.</p><p>"If Tyson Fury is as serious as he thinks he is, and he wants to put down his Twitter fingers and put on some gloves and come and fight one of the realest fighters out there that will take on any challenge," Joshua said, "step in the ring with me next if you're a real bad boy. Don't do all that talking, 'AJ this, AJ that.' Let's see you in the ring and talk with your fists."</p><p>Paul said he plans to "take a little break" from boxing but vowed to continue his career.</p><p>"For sure," Paul said when asked if he wants to keep fighting. "We're gonna heal the broken jaw, come back and fight people my weight, (and) go for the cruiserweight world title."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><center><u>                         </u></center></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-kuDdm" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/kuDdm/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="58" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><em>Review our commentary and analysis from the entire card <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3428383" href="https://thescore.com/news/3428383">here</a>.</em></p><h3>Round 1 🥊</h3><p>Joshua takes the center of the ring immediately, stalking Paul. Joshua lands a glancing right hand but otherwise a feeling-out process in Round 1.</p><p><strong>theScore scores the round 10-9, Joshua.</strong></p><h3>Round 2 🥊</h3><p>Joshua continues to walk down Paul, but he hasn't landed much of consequence yet. It feels like he's waiting to land a big shot. Paul has done a good job of staying out of danger.</p><p><strong>theScore scores the round 10-9, Joshua.</strong></p><h3>Round 3 🥊</h3><p>Joshua is getting a bit more aggressive. Paul lands a jab, his best shot of the fight so far. Joshua gets in some good punches in the clinch and also lands a nice body shot. Paul keeps grabbing hold of Joshua, clearly trying to avoid damage. He's slowing down a bit.</p><p><strong>theScore scores the round 10-9, Joshua.</strong></p><h3>Round 4 🥊</h3><p>Joshua starts the round with a sharp jab that snaps Paul's head back. Paul lands a flurry of punches and a jab. Joshua tags Paul with an uppercut. Paul keeps slipping and falling to the canvas. At the end of the round, Paul goes for a takedown! This is getting out of hand.</p><p><strong>theScore scores the round 10-9, Joshua.</strong></p><h3>Round 5 🥊</h3><p>The fight is heating up now. Paul is winging big shots but missing. Joshua is coming forward. Joshua drops Paul! He's OK. 1:15 left in the round. Joshua drops him again! Paul is up. Fifty-two seconds. Joshua lands some big shots late.</p><p><strong>theScore scores the round 10-8, Joshua.</strong></p><h3>Round 6 🥊</h3><p>Joshua drops Paul again 25 seconds in. Paul gets up and says he wants to continue. Big uppercut from Joshua. Paul sticks his tongue out. Joshua is going in for the kill. He knocks Paul down with a big punch. The referee waves it off! Joshua wins.</p><p><strong>Official result</strong>: Anthony Joshua def. Jake Paul via KO at 1:31 of Round 6.</p>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 19: (L-R) Jake Paul fights Anthony Joshua in their heavyweight bout during Jake Paul v Anthony Joshua at Kaseya Center on December 19, 2025 in Miami, Florida.

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Joshua KOs Paul in 6th round of heavyweight bout

Anthony Joshua stopped Jake Paul in the sixth round of their heavyweight boxing match Friday. the...

<p><em>Anthony Joshua stopped Jake Paul in the sixth round of their heavyweight boxing match Friday. theScore's Nick Baldwin provided analysis of each round as the two squared off at Kaseya Center in Miami. Relive the action - and the entire main card - below.</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-32NJw" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/32NJw/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="58" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>12:03 a.m. - </strong>Official result: Anthony Joshua def. Jake Paul via KO at 1:31 of Round 6. Read full recap <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3431858" href="https://thescore.com/news/3431858">here</a>.</p><h3>Round 6 🥊</h3><p>Joshua drops Paul again 25 seconds in. Paul gets up and says he wants to continue. Big uppercut from Joshua. Paul sticks his tongue out. Joshua is going in for the kill. He knocks Paul down with a big punch. The referee waves it off! Joshua wins.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The moment Anthony Joshua knocked Jake Paul out! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JakeJoshua?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JakeJoshua</a> <a href="https://t.co/TiP0ovbpzf">pic.twitter.com/TiP0ovbpzf</a></p>— Netflix (@netflix) <a href="https://twitter.com/netflix/status/2002243701436039325?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Round 5 🥊</h3><p>The fight is heating up now. Paul is winging big shots but missing. Joshua is coming forward. Joshua drops Paul! He's OK. 1:15 left in the round. Joshua drops him again! Paul is up. Fifty-two seconds. Joshua lands some big shots late.</p><p><strong>theScore scores the round 10-8, Joshua.</strong></p><h3>Round 4 🥊</h3><p>Joshua starts the round with a sharp jab that snaps Paul's head back. Paul lands a flurry of punches and a jab. Joshua tags Paul with an uppercut. Paul keeps slipping and falling to the canvas. At the end of the round, Paul goes for a takedown! This is getting out of hand.</p><p><strong>theScore scores the round 10-9, Joshua.</strong></p><h3>Round 3 🥊</h3><p>Joshua is getting a bit more aggressive. Paul lands a jab, his best shot of the fight so far. Joshua gets in some good punches in the clinch and also lands a nice body shot. Paul keeps grabbing hold of Joshua, clearly trying to avoid damage. He's slowing down a bit.</p><p><strong>theScore scores the round 10-9, Joshua.</strong></p><h3>Round 2 🥊</h3><p>Joshua continues to walk down Paul, but he hasn't landed much of consequence yet. It feels like he's waiting to land a big shot. Paul has done a good job of staying out of danger.</p><p><strong>theScore scores the round 10-9, Joshua.</strong></p><h3>Round 1 🥊</h3><p>Joshua takes the center of the ring immediately, stalking Paul. Joshua lands a glancing right hand but otherwise a feeling-out process in Round 1.</p><p><strong>theScore scores the round 10-9, Joshua.</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814673/cropped_GettyImages-2252799938.jpg?ts=1766205902" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814673/w220xh124_GettyImages-2252799938.jpg?ts=1766205902 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814673/w320xh180_GettyImages-2252799938.jpg?ts=1766205902 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814673/w640xh360_GettyImages-2252799938.jpg?ts=1766205902 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814673/w768xh432_GettyImages-2252799938.jpg?ts=1766205902 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814673/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2252799938.jpg?ts=1766205902 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Megan Briggs / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>11:35 p.m. -</strong> Bell rings, here we go!</p><p><strong>11:28 p.m. - </strong>Paul is coming out now alongside rapper 6ix9ine. He's wearing Hulkamania gear.</p><p><strong>11:24 p.m. -</strong> Alright, it's finally time. Joshua is walking out to the ring first to "What We Do" by rapper Freeway.</p><p><strong>11:18 p.m. - </strong>The national anthems are happening now. Walkouts up next.</p><p><strong>11:03 p.m. - </strong>The main event is moments away. Eight rounds of heavyweight boxing between Paul and Joshua. They closed at +750 and -950 on theScore Bet, respectively. Who are you picking to win?</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">HERE. WE. GO.<br><br>IT’S TIME FOR JAKE PAUL vs. ANTHONY JOSHUA.<br><br>LIVE NOW ONLY ON NETFLIX! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JakeJoshua?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JakeJoshua</a> <a href="https://t.co/U2orqahEG2">pic.twitter.com/U2orqahEG2</a></p>— Netflix Sports (@netflixsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/netflixsports/status/2002228029024563420?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-2q4SL" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/2q4SL/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="58" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>10:47 p.m. - </strong>Official result: Alycia Baumgardner def. Leila Beaudoin via unanimous decision (117-110, 117-110, 118-109) to retain WBO, IBF, and WBA women's junior lightweight titles.</p><p><strong>10:44 p.m. - </strong>The co-main event is over. Alycia Baumgardner cruised past Leila Beaudoin and will get the judges' nod.</p><p><strong>10:23 p.m. - </strong>Baumgardner drops Beaudoin with a right hand in the final second of the seventh round! Beaudoin survives, but Baumgardner is in control.</p><p><strong>10:20 p.m. - </strong>Round 6 of Baumgardner-Beaudoin comes to an end. It's been a tactical matchup so far. Baumgardner is likely ahead, but she isn't dominating. Beaudoin is still in the fight.</p><p><strong>9:50 p.m. - </strong>It's time for the co-main event. Alycia Baumgardner is walking to the ring to defend her WBO, IBF, and WBA women's junior lightweight titles against Leila Beaudoin. The fight is being contested over 12 three-minute rounds, which is a rarity for women's boxing.</p><p><strong>9:45 p.m. - </strong>The betting public likes Paul to pull off the massive upset against Joshua. Ninety-three percent of the wagers on theScore Bet are on Paul to emerge victorious. The odds have also gotten a bit closer, with Joshua sitting at -950 and Paul at +750.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Looking to place a wager on Paul-Joshua? Check out our best bets <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3428607" href="https://thescore.com/news/3428607">here</a>.</strong></p></blockquote><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The betting public is RIDING on a Jake Paul upset win tonight. WHO YOU GOT?! 🥊🫨 <a href="https://t.co/OGeSYigVGA">https://t.co/OGeSYigVGA</a> <a href="https://t.co/W4c9lbSMuI">pic.twitter.com/W4c9lbSMuI</a></p>— theScore Bet (@theScoreBet) <a href="https://twitter.com/theScoreBet/status/2002189768671576248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-k0rox" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/k0rox/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="58" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>9:24 p.m. - </strong>Official result: Anderson Silva def. Tyron Woodley via TKO at 1:33 of Round 2. Read full recap <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3432393" href="https://thescore.com/news/3432393">here</a>.</p><p><strong>9:20 p.m. - </strong>Silva drops Woodley in the second round, and the referee decides to wave off the fight. Silva, a former UFC middleweight champion and one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, wins his comeback fight at the age of 50.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">ANDERSON SILVA DROPS TYRON WOODLEY ARE YOU SERIOUS 😨<br><br>THE REFEREE STOPS IT IN THE 2ND ROUND.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JakeJoshua?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JakeJoshua</a> is LIVE now ONLY on Netflix! <a href="https://t.co/6Hl339QKty">pic.twitter.com/6Hl339QKty</a></p>— Netflix Sports (@netflixsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/netflixsports/status/2002202996768116980?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>9:10 p.m. - </strong>Former UFC champions Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley are walking to the ring now. They're scheduled to square off in a six-round cruiserweight bout. Silva was supposed to fight Chris Weidman in a trilogy bout, but Weidman was unable to make it to the event after suffering an injury in training.</p><p>Silva is back for the first time since a unanimous decision loss to Paul in October 2022, while Woodley is stepping into the ring for the first time since a knockout defeat to Paul in December 2021.</p><p><strong>9:05 p.m. - </strong>Boxing analyst Andre Ward says on the broadcast he believes Joshua's career "will be over" if he loses to Paul.</p><p>"It's not gonna be good. ... He may fight on, but it's essentially over," Ward says. "Nobody will believe in him anymore."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Andre Ward on what happens if Anthony Joshua loses to Jake Paul tonight: "Joshua's career will be over ... nobody will believe in him anymore."<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JakeJoshua?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JakeJoshua</a> is LIVE now ONLY on Netflix! <a href="https://t.co/GB2Ri0rVgD">pic.twitter.com/GB2Ri0rVgD</a></p>— Netflix Sports (@netflixsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/netflixsports/status/2002196664740651410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>8:55 p.m. -</strong> Paul has arrived at Kaseya Center for the biggest fight of his career. He's carrying a cane and wearing a skin-tight muscle shirt and a chain necklace.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jake Paul is in the building! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JakeJoshua?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JakeJoshua</a> <a href="https://t.co/iWkyAMGjWU">pic.twitter.com/iWkyAMGjWU</a></p>— Netflix (@netflix) <a href="https://twitter.com/netflix/status/2002193499027091601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-YIk2g" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/YIk2g/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="58" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>8:51 p.m. - </strong>Official result: Jahmal Harvey def. Kevin Cervantes via unanimous decision (60-53, 60-53, 60-53).</p><p><strong>8:49 p.m. -</strong> Harvey cruises past Cervantes to improve to 2-0 as a professional. He scored a knockdown in the first round and outlanded his opponent 185-37 throughout the fight.</p><p><strong>8:21 p.m. -</strong> It's time for the first fight. We have three undercard bouts before Paul-Joshua. First up are super featherweights Jahmal Harvey and Kevin Cervantes.</p><p><strong>8:15 p.m. - </strong>Joshua is in the building for tonight's highly anticipated showdown with Paul, arriving in an all-camo fit.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Anthony Joshua HAS ARRIVED in ALL CAMO 👀👊🥊<br><br>——-<br><br>LIVE only on Netflix<br>TONIGHT, December 19 <br>8 PM ET | 5 PM PT<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JakeJoshua?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JakeJoshua</a> <a href="https://t.co/LVwiQFlgwW">pic.twitter.com/LVwiQFlgwW</a></p>— MVP - Most Valuable Promotions (@MostVpromotions) <a href="https://twitter.com/MostVpromotions/status/2002184771632574762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>8:00 p.m. - </strong>The broadcast has begun. We're just hours away from the biggest test of Paul's boxing career, an eight-round bout against former two-time unified heavyweight champion Joshua.</p><p>This fight came together just over a month ago. Paul was scheduled to face WBA lightweight champion Gervonta "Tank" Davis on Nov. 14, but he moved on from that matchup due to Davis' ongoing legal issues and agreed to face Joshua instead.</p><p>Joshua is returning to the ring for the first time since September 2024, when he suffered a surprise knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in an IBF heavyweight title bout. The 36-year-old Englishman was on a hot streak going into that fight, having won four in a row, and he's hoping to get back into the heavyweight title mix.</p><p>This is Paul's second fight of the year. The 28-year-old American earned a unanimous decision over former middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in June. Of course, his most notable victory to date came against Mike Tyson in November 2024, which marked Netflix's first foray into boxing. Netflix has held several other boxing events since then, and the streaming giant is closing out the year with a bang with Paul-Joshua.</p><blockquote><p>🥊 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fboxing%2Forganization%2Finternational%2Fcompetition%2Fboxing%2Fevent%2Fccc1c1df-4065-45d5-8480-b8fa91eb34be&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3428383&amp;tags=LiveBlog"><strong>Check out all markets available for the Paul-Joshua fight on theScore Bet here</strong></a></p></blockquote><p>Here's a full look at the main card:</p><ul>
<li>Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua</li>
<li>Alycia Baumgardner vs. Leila Beaudoin</li>
<li>Anderson Silva vs. Tyron Woodley</li>
<li>Jahmal Harvey vs. Kevin Cervantes</li>
</ul><p><em>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).</em></p><p><em>ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.</em></p><p> </p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33797711/related

Analysis from Anthony Joshua's KO win over Jake Paul

Anderson Silva defeated Tyron Woodley via TKO in a cruiserweight bout on the Jake Paul-Anthony Jo...

<p>Anderson Silva defeated Tyron Woodley via TKO in a cruiserweight bout on the Jake Paul-Anthony Joshua undercard Friday night at Kaseya Center in Miami.</p><p>The stoppage came at the 1:33 mark of the second round.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">ANDERSON SILVA DROPS TYRON WOODLEY ARE YOU SERIOUS 😨<br><br>THE REFEREE STOPS IT IN THE 2ND ROUND.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JakeJoshua?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JakeJoshua</a> is LIVE now ONLY on Netflix! <a href="https://t.co/6Hl339QKty">pic.twitter.com/6Hl339QKty</a></p>— Netflix Sports (@netflixsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/netflixsports/status/2002202996768116980?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Silva, a UFC Hall of Famer and former middleweight champion, returned to the boxing ring for the first time since a unanimous decision loss to Paul in October 2022.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>With the victory, Silva, 50, improved his professional boxing record to 4-2.</p><p>In his postfight interview, the Brazilian expressed interest in rescheduling a trilogy bout with UFC rival Chris Weidman.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congrats to Anderson Silva ! He called me out. Your Venom is here. I will see you soon…<a href="https://twitter.com/netflix?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@netflix</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MostVpromotions?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MostVpromotions</a></p>— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrisweidman/status/2002207729683779737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Woodley, a former UFC welterweight champion, stepped into the ring for the first time since a knockout loss to Paul in December 2021. The 43-year-old fell to 0-3 in boxing.</p>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 19: Anderson Silva celebrates victory over Tyron Woodley in their cruiserweight bout during Jake Paul v Anthony Joshua at Kaseya Center on December 19, 2025 in Miami, Florida.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33798975/related

Silva TKOs Woodley in 2nd round on Paul-Joshua undercard

A middleweight bout between Reinier de Ridder and Caio Borralho has been added to UFC 326, the pr...

<p>A middleweight bout between Reinier de Ridder and Caio Borralho has been added to UFC 326, the promotion announced.</p><p>The event is scheduled for March 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.</p><p>De Ridder is looking to get back on track after suffering a stoppage loss to Brendan Allen in the UFC Vancouver main event in October. The former ONE Championship two-division titleholder signed with the UFC last year and scored four straight victories, including a split decision over former champ Robert Whittaker in July. De Ridder, a 34-year-old Dutchman, is ranked No. 8 in the 185-pound division.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Borralho is also seeking a win after dropping a unanimous decision to Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Paris in September. The defeat ended the 32-year-old Brazilian's nine-fight winning streak. Borralho is seventh in the weight class.</p><p>A rematch between BMF champion Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira is scheduled to headline UFC 326.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 09: Reinier de Ridder of The Netherlands prepares to face Gerald Meerschaert in a middleweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on November 09, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33797039/related

De Ridder-Borralho set for UFC 326 in March

Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua meet in an eight-round professional heavyweight bout Friday night at...

<p>Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua meet in an eight-round professional heavyweight bout Friday night at Kaseya Center in Miami. It will be the biggest test of Paul's career by a mile. Until now, the YouTube star turned boxer has largely feasted on MMA fighters, over-the-hill boxers like Mike Tyson and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., and influencers. But this time, Paul is taking on a former two-time heavyweight champion who, at 36 years old, isn't far removed from his prime.</p><p>Here's everything you need to know ahead of the blockbuster matchup.</p><h3>How do I watch the fight?</h3><p>The event will stream on Netflix, with the main card beginning at 8 p.m. ET. It requires a basic subscription to watch, starting at $7.99 USD a month.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>What are the rules?</h3><p>The Florida Athletic Commission sanctioned Friday's main event as a professional boxing match. Paul and Joshua will wear 10-ounce gloves and fight a maximum of eight three-minute rounds. The result will count on each fighter's record.</p><h3>Why did Paul agree to fight Joshua?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792733/cropped_GettyImages-2222690466.jpg?ts=1765901838" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792733/w220xh124_GettyImages-2222690466.jpg?ts=1765901838 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792733/w320xh180_GettyImages-2222690466.jpg?ts=1765901838 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792733/w640xh360_GettyImages-2222690466.jpg?ts=1765901838 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792733/w768xh432_GettyImages-2222690466.jpg?ts=1765901838 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792733/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2222690466.jpg?ts=1765901838 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>This, of course, wasn't supposed to be Paul's next fight. He was scheduled to face WBA lightweight champion Gervonta "Tank" Davis in a Nov. 14 exhibition, but Paul moved on from that matchup after Davis' ex-girlfriend filed a lawsuit alleging he'd committed domestic violence.</p><p>So, why go from Davis, who competes at 135 pounds, to Joshua, who weighed in at 252.5 pounds for his last fight? Doesn't that seem a bit insane? While we don't know Paul's exact thought process behind fighting a top-tier heavyweight on relative short notice, here's the truth: This is basically a win-win scenario for him.</p><p>Paul is a +550 underdog on theScore Bet, and the odds should arguably be quite a bit wider than that. He's <em>expected </em>to lose - and in devastating fashion. Any scenario other than a quick knockout loss is a win for Paul, and even then, it's hard to say how much his stock would go down.</p><p>He also gets to change the narrative that he handpicks his opponents, choosing only to fight those twice his age or with minimal ring experience. Paul is getting in there with a former unified heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist who wants to knock his head off. What can the haters say now?</p><h3>How will Joshua's size come into play?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763434/cropped_GettyImages-2173599154.jpg?ts=1765901925" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763434/w220xh124_GettyImages-2173599154.jpg?ts=1765901925 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763434/w320xh180_GettyImages-2173599154.jpg?ts=1765901925 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763434/w640xh360_GettyImages-2173599154.jpg?ts=1765901925 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763434/w768xh432_GettyImages-2173599154.jpg?ts=1765901925 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763434/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2173599154.jpg?ts=1765901925 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Richard Pelham / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Joshua, who's 6-foot-6 with an 82-inch reach, towered over Paul, who's 6-foot-1 with a 76-inch reach, during their first faceoff in November. And Joshua will look every bit as big when he steps into the ring Friday.</p><p>It's impossible to know what to expect from any of Paul's fights, but overcoming that kind of size disadvantage - not to mention the gap in skill - will be a tough task.</p><p>Expect Joshua to rely heavily on his size, whether that means picking Paul apart from the outside with jabs or being aggressive and looking for a knockout.</p><h3>Does Paul have a chance?</h3><p>Everybody has a puncher's chance, but Paul doesn't have much else going for him in this fight with Joshua. The best boxer he's faced is either 58-year-old Tyson, Chavez, or Tommy Fury, and that's saying a lot. As long as there's no gentleman's agreement for Joshua to carry Paul in the first few rounds - a la Floyd Mayweather Jr. versus Conor McGregor in 2017 - Joshua should be able to end things in a hurry.</p>

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Everything you need to know ahead of Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua

Jake Paul faces the biggest challenge of his boxing career Friday when he takes on former unified...

<p>Jake Paul faces the biggest challenge of his boxing career Friday when he takes on former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in an eight-round professional bout at Kaseya Center in Miami.</p><h3>Tale of the tape</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>   </th>
<th>Paul</th>
<th>Joshua</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Country</td>
<td> USA</td>
<td> England</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Age</td>
<td> 28</td>
<td> 36</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Height</td>
<td> 6-1</td>
<td> 6-6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Reach</td>
<td> 76 in</td>
<td> 82 in</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Record</td>
<td> 12-1</td>
<td> 28-4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KOs</td>
<td> 7</td>
<td> 25</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The odds heavily favor Joshua to defeat Paul, courtesy of theScore Bet.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Fighter</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td> Jake Paul</td>
<td> +600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anthony Joshua</td>
<td> -950</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><blockquote><p>👉 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fboxing%2Forganization%2Finternational%2Fcompetition%2Fboxing&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3428607"><strong>Check out all markets available for Friday Night's boxing card on theScore Bet here</strong></a></p></blockquote><p>So, where's the value in this fight? Here are some bets to consider.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>🥊 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=9037dc9c-5e86-4670-9d39-91bc17fc93b6&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=9&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=7&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fboxing%2Forganization%2Finternational%2Fcompetition%2Fboxing%2Fevent%2Fccc1c1df-4065-45d5-8480-b8fa91eb34be&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3428607">Bet: Joshua wins by KO/TKO/DQ (-350)</a>
</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814043/cropped_GettyImages-2173602056.jpg?ts=1765819073" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814043/w220xh124_GettyImages-2173602056.jpg?ts=1765819073 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814043/w320xh180_GettyImages-2173602056.jpg?ts=1765819073 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814043/w640xh360_GettyImages-2173602056.jpg?ts=1765819073 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814043/w768xh432_GettyImages-2173602056.jpg?ts=1765819073 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814043/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2173602056.jpg?ts=1765819073 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Richard Pelham / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The biggest question about Friday's main event is whether Joshua plans to take it seriously or go easy on Paul. Anything is possible after Paul admitted he didn't go for the knockout in his 2024 fight with Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. carried Conor McGregor in the early rounds of their 2017 blockbuster.</p><p>But if this fight is 100% real and legitimate, Joshua knocks Paul out. Probably quickly. The massive size difference and skill gap make this one of the biggest mismatches in boxing history. Some believe Paul and Joshua have a gentleman's agreement to go the distance - or at least make it to the later rounds - and essentially engage in a glorified sparring match. But it won't be a good look for Joshua if he doesn't stop Paul given he's a top-10 heavyweight and Paul is a former YouTuber who has mostly faced MMA fighters and influencers.</p><p>If Joshua takes it easy on Paul, that could ruin his reputation and kibosh a planned 2026 fight with fellow ex-heavyweight champ Tyson Fury. It's unlikely he would risk that.</p><h3>🥊 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=8cad0469-f597-4c0e-a0a5-c1c31a0876c4&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=13&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=9&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fboxing%2Forganization%2Finternational%2Fcompetition%2Fboxing%2Fevent%2Fccc1c1df-4065-45d5-8480-b8fa91eb34be&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3428607">Bet: Fight goes under 4.5 rounds (-225)</a>
</h3><p>Again, this will come down to how seriously Joshua takes the fight. Considering he knocked out former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in the second round of their March 2024 tilt, he should have no problem putting away Paul in under 4.5 rounds.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756004/cropped_GettyImages-2185060877.jpg?ts=1731909041" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756004/w220xh124_GettyImages-2185060877.jpg?ts=1731909041 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756004/w320xh180_GettyImages-2185060877.jpg?ts=1731909041 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756004/w640xh360_GettyImages-2185060877.jpg?ts=1731909041 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756004/w768xh432_GettyImages-2185060877.jpg?ts=1731909041 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756004/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2185060877.jpg?ts=1731909041 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Al Bello / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>🥊 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=eb4d8070-0142-4ea7-8954-010b4bd6e6ff&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=9&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=2&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fboxing%2Forganization%2Finternational%2Fcompetition%2Fboxing%2Fevent%2Fccc1c1df-4065-45d5-8480-b8fa91eb34be&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3428607">Bet: Joshua wins in Round 1 (+350)</a>, <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=3614d506-8100-4c2a-b85f-3440543116f5&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=5&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fboxing%2Forganization%2Finternational%2Fcompetition%2Fboxing%2Fevent%2Fccc1c1df-4065-45d5-8480-b8fa91eb34be&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3428607">Round 2 (+400)</a>, <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=4b07110b-af76-44a0-8cd0-ef9098869b8f&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=13&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=2&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fboxing%2Forganization%2Finternational%2Fcompetition%2Fboxing%2Fevent%2Fccc1c1df-4065-45d5-8480-b8fa91eb34be&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3428607">Round 3 (+550)</a>, or <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=f5a4e2e5-dbdd-4e79-9951-e1d888d87d52&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=17&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=2&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fboxing%2Forganization%2Finternational%2Fcompetition%2Fboxing%2Fevent%2Fccc1c1df-4065-45d5-8480-b8fa91eb34be&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3428607">Round 4 (+750)</a>
</h3><p>It's tough to find a viable plus-money bet on Joshua since he's a -950 favorite (90.5% implied probability). But if you're looking to make a few dart throws, there are pretty attractive prices on Joshua winning in any of the first four rounds.</p><blockquote><p>👉 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fboxing%2Forganization%2Finternational%2Fcompetition%2Fboxing&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3428607"><strong>Check out all markets available for Friday Night's boxing card on theScore Bet here</strong></a></p></blockquote><h3>Main card (8 p.m. ET, Netflix)</h3><ul>
<li>Anthony Joshua (-1000) vs. Jake Paul (+650)</li>
<li>Alycia Baumgardner (-1400) vs. Leila Beaudoin (+750)</li>
<li>Anderson Silva (-275) vs. Tyron Woodley (+200)</li>
<li>Jahmal Harvey (-3500) vs. Kevin Cervantes (+1200)</li>
</ul><h3>Preliminary card (4:45 p.m. ET, YouTube)</h3><ul>
<li>Cherneka Johnson (-900) vs. Amanda Galle (+550)</li>
<li>Caroline Dubois (-4000) vs. Camilla Panatta (+1400)</li>
<li>Yokasta Valle (-1400) vs. Yadira Bustillos (+750)</li>
<li>Avious Griffin (-650) vs. Justin Cardona (+450)</li>
<li>Keno Marley (TBD) vs. Diarra Davis Jr. (TBD)</li>
</ul><p><em>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).</em></p><p><em>ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.</em></p><div> </div>

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Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua bets: Will we get a KO?

Anthony Joshua weighed in 27 pounds heavier than Jake Paul on Thursday ahead of their highly anti...

<p>Anthony Joshua weighed in 27 pounds heavier than Jake Paul on Thursday ahead of their highly anticipated heavyweight fight Friday at Kaseya Center in Miami.</p><p>Joshua, a former two-time unified champion, came in at 243.4 pounds, while Paul, a YouTube star turned boxer, tipped the scale at 216.4 pounds.</p><p>Joshua was 250 pounds or heavier in his last five fights, but he was contractually obligated to not be above 245 pounds against Paul.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><blockquote><p>👉 <strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fboxing%2Forganization%2Finternational%2Fcompetition%2Fboxing%2Fevent%2Fccc1c1df-4065-45d5-8480-b8fa91eb34be&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3430958">Check out all of the markets available for the Jake Paul-Anthony Joshua fight on theScore Bet here</a></strong></p></blockquote><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Anthony Joshua weighs in almost 30 pounds heavier than Jake Paul ⚖️👀 <a href="https://t.co/CZsIn6Wo6n">pic.twitter.com/CZsIn6Wo6n</a></p>— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) <a href="https://twitter.com/MMAFighting/status/2001717483284103389?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Paul, a massive underdog in the main event, is looking to close out the year with his seventh straight win. The 28-year-old American earned a unanimous decision victory over former middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in June.</p><p>Joshua is returning to the ring for the first time since a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. The 36-year-old Englishman had won four in a row before that defeat.</p><p>Paul and Joshua hold professional records of 12-1 and 28-4, respectively.</p><p><em>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).</em></p><p><em>ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.</em></p>

MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 17: Anthony Joshua speaks during the press conference for Jake Paul v Anthony Joshua at The Fillmore Miami Beach on December 17, 2025 in Miami Beach, Florida.

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Joshua 27 pounds heavier than Paul for heavyweight bout

UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria said Monday that he has been absent from the sport because ...

<p>UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria said Monday that he has been absent from the sport because of extortion threats related to "false allegations of domestic abuse."</p><p>Topuria, who last stepped into the Octagon when he knocked out Charles Oliveira to claim the 155-pound title at UFC 317 in June, announced in November that he wouldn't fight again until at least the second quarter of 2026.</p><p>"Over the past several weeks, I have made the difficult decision to temporarily step away from defending my title," Topuria <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DSSIdnGDJKi/?hl=en&amp;img_index=1">wrote</a> in a social media post. "This was not a decision I took lightly. However, when circumstances arise that threaten your personal integrity, your family, and your reputation, there comes a point when you must address them directly.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"In recent months, I have been subjected to severe and unacceptable pressure, including threats to disseminate false allegations of domestic abuse unless financial demands were met. These allegations are entirely unfounded."</p><p>He added: "All relevant evidence has been carefully preserved and documented, including audio recordings, written communications, witness statements, and video material. This evidence has been submitted to the appropriate judicial authorities in order to pursue legal action for attempted extortion, falsification of evidence, misappropriation of funds and personal property, and multiple threats. ...</p><p>"I have full confidence in the judicial process and will allow the legal system to determine the facts based on evidence."</p><p>The UFC booked an interim title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett - which will headline UFC 324 on Jan. 24 - in Topuria's absence.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 28: Ilia Topuria of Spain enters the Octagon in the UFC lightweight championship bout during the UFC 317 event at T-Mobile Arena on June 28, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Topuria: 'False allegations of domestic abuse' behind UFC absence

Flyweight contender Manel Kape stated his case for the next title shot Saturday, defeating Brando...

<p>Flyweight contender Manel Kape stated his case for the next title shot Saturday, defeating Brandon Royval via TKO in the final UFC main event of the year.</p><p>The stoppage came at the 3:18 mark of the first round at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="no" dir="ltr">MANEL KAPE KO INSIDE 1 ROUND!!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFCVegas112?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFCVegas112</a><a href="https://t.co/dNJhDg0Wzk">pic.twitter.com/dNJhDg0Wzk</a></p>— Kenny B 📟🏝 (@KennyBalii) <a href="https://twitter.com/KennyBalii/status/2000083694808186942?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>With the victory, Kape tied former title challenger Joseph Benavidez for the most knockouts in UFC flyweight history (five). "Starboy" also entered a four-way tie for the promotion's longest active knockout streak (three).</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Afterward, he sent a message to newly crowned 125-pound champion Joshua Van, who dethroned Alexandre Pantoja last weekend at UFC 323.</p><p>"Just sign the contract," Kape said, according to <a href="https://x.com/DamonMartin/status/2000088660209995829?s=20">MMA Fighting's Damon Martin</a>. "Just be ready. Nobody can f-----g deny the belt. I’m the f-----g best."</p><p>Kape and Royval entered Saturday's fight ranked sixth and second among flyweights in the UFC, respectively.</p><p>Kape is now riding a three-fight winning streak and is 7-1 in his last eight Octagon appearances. The 32-year-old completed his 2025 campaign with a 2-0 record after stopping Asu Almabayev in March.</p><p>Royval, a former title challenger, is now riding a two-fight skid and is 2-3 in his last five outings. The 33-year-old dropped a unanimous decision to Van in a Fight of the Year candidate in June.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 13: Manel Kape of Angola prepares to face Brandon Royval in a flyweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on December 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Kape TKOs Royval in last UFC main event of 2025

Vadim Nemkov made quick work of Renan Ferreira to capture the vacant PFL heavyweight championship...

<p>Vadim Nemkov made quick work of Renan Ferreira to capture the vacant PFL heavyweight championship.</p><p>Nemkov submitted Ferreira with an arm-triangle choke at the 4:00 mark of the first round in the PFL Lyon main event Saturday in Lyon, France.</p><p>Nemkov used an intelligent game plan to break down Ferreira, exploiting his weakness on the ground. He secured a takedown 30 seconds into the fight, landed some ground-and-pound, and advanced to full mount. Ferreira briefly reversed the position, but Nemkov got back on top and locked in a choke to force the tap.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">ARM TRIANGLE IN THE FIRST ROUND! <br><br>Vadim Nemkov is now your <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ANDNEW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ANDNEW</a> PFL Heavyweight World Champion! 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PFLLyon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PFLLyon</a> | LDLC Arena, Lyon | 📺LIVE NOW on the ESPN app <a href="https://t.co/cocO4pZ8CR">pic.twitter.com/cocO4pZ8CR</a></p>— PFL (@PFLMMA) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFLMMA/status/1999951758471077891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>After the victory, Nemkov said he wants to fight Francis Ngannou next. Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, has one fight left on his PFL contract and is expected to return to the SmartCage in 2026.</p><p>Nemkov, a former Bellator heavyweight and light heavyweight titleholder, is one of the top pound-for-pound fighters outside the UFC. The 33-year-old Russian is now riding a 15-fight unbeaten streak dating back to 2016.</p><p>Ferreira, the 2023 PFL heavyweight tournament champ, suffered consecutive losses for the first time in his career.</p><p>In the co-main event, MMA legend Cris Cyborg tapped out Sara Collins with a rear-naked choke to retain the women's featherweight title. The stoppage came at the 2:55 mark of the third round.</p><p>Cyborg, 40, said she plans to have one more MMA fight next year and then retire. The Brazilian expressed interest in a featherweight title defense against Leah McCourt and also floated the idea of moving down to bantamweight to face flyweight star Dakota Ditcheva.</p>

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JANUARY 25: Vadim Nemkov of Russia looks on after defeating Tim Johnson of the USA during the heavyweight bout during the Road To Dubai - Champions Series Nurmagomedov versus Hughes on January 25, 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

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Nemkov, Cyborg earn stoppages in PFL Lyon title fights

UFC CEO Dana White doesn't want anything to do with Francis Ngannou.  A former heavyweight champi...

<p>UFC CEO Dana White doesn't want anything to do with Francis Ngannou.</p><p>A former heavyweight champion who left the UFC in 2023, Ngannou <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3424176" href="https://thescore.com/news/3424176">revealed</a> Wednesday that his PFL contact is "very close" to expiring and that he wants to fight Jon Jones next year. That led to speculation that Ngannou could re-sign with the UFC.</p><p>However, White shut down any chance of a reunion.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"There was nothing that made me happier than throwing that guy over to the f-----g PFL," White said in an interview with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W-YRPE9j3w">TheMacLife's Oscar Willis</a> that aired Thursday. "Let me tell you what: If we let guys go, feel bad for the f-----g company that gets them. We let them go for a f-----g reason. I don't have to let anybody go.</p><p>"I don't want to be in business with guys that I don't like and that I don't think are good guys."</p><p>In January 2023, Ngannou left the UFC as a free agent - and therefore vacated the heavyweight title - following a year of contract negotiations. The 39-year-old Cameroonian signed with the PFL four months later but has stepped into the SmartCage just once, earning a knockout of Renan Ferreira in October 2024.</p><p>White and Ngannou had a rocky relationship at times while Ngannou was in the UFC, and White has criticized the heavyweight on numerous occasions since his departure. In October 2024, White said, "Francis isn't a good guy" and added, "We'll never be in business together."</p><p>Ngannou, still one of the top heavyweights in MMA, recently expressed interest in fighting Jones at the UFC's event at the White House in 2026. However, he hasn't ruled out re-signing with the PFL.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 15: UFC President and CEO Dana White holds the championship belt in the Octagon during the UFC 322 event at Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2025 in New York City.

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White: Nothing 'made me happier than throwing' Ngannou to PFL

Washington Capitals forward Ryan Leonard will miss three-to-four weeks due to a shoulder injury, ...

<p>Washington Capitals forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13827" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13827">Ryan Leonard</a> will miss three-to-four weeks due to a shoulder injury, the team announced Thursday.</p><p>Leonard suffered the injury Dec. 5 against the Anaheim Ducks when he took a big hit from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2912" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2912">Jacob Trouba</a>.</p><p>"He'll be out for the foreseeable future with the shoulder, and (he) sustained some facial injuries as well," Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery told reporters.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Like I said yesterday, it's not an ideal scenario, but could've been worse. He'll be back before you know it."</p><p>Leonard is in the midst of his first full NHL season after making his debut in April. The 20-year-old has seven goals and 18 points in 29 games.</p>

ANAHEIM, CA - DECEMBER 5: Ryan Leonard #9 of the Washington Capitals skates on the ice during warm ups prior to the game against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on December 5, 2025 in Anaheim, California.

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Capitals' Leonard out 3-4 weeks with shoulder injury

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou teased Wednesday that he could be flipping to a n...

<p>Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou teased Wednesday that he could be flipping to a new chapter in his career "soon," revealing that his contract with the PFL is close to expiring.</p><p>"I'm getting very close with the PFL contract," Ngannou said on "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2or8aNYuOsg">The Ariel Helwani Show</a>." "They have to give me a fight."</p><p>Ngannou signed with the PFL as a free agent in May 2023, though he has fought just once in the promotion, scoring a first-round TKO of Renan Ferreira in October 2024. He's competed in two boxing matches since joining the PFL, losing to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in October 2023 and March 2024, respectively.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 39-year-old Cameroonian didn't specify when his PFL contract expires but said he expects to be a free agent before the UFC's event at the White House next summer.</p><p>When asked which matchups interest him the most, Ngannou said he wants to fight Jon Jones in MMA and Deontay Wilder in boxing. He said that he isn't confident either will materialize in 2026 but that "there's a chance that everything can happen."</p><p>Ngannou also didn't rule out re-signing with the PFL. However, he expressed frustration about the inactivity he's experienced in the promotion.</p><p>"I don't really want to stay out this long," Ngannou said.</p><p>"The Predator" is still considered one of the top heavyweights in MMA, though he's made just one appearance in the cage - against Ferreira - in nearly four years. His final UFC bout was a January 2022 victory over Ciryl Gane. He vacated the heavyweight title the following year, leaving the promotion as a free agent.</p><p> </p>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 14: Francis Ngannou is seen in attendance in support of Kamaru Usman of Nigeria before facing Joaquin Buckley in a welterweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at State Farm Arena on June 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Ngannou says PFL deal nearly up, wants to fight Jones

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski shut down speculation that he may retire after h...

<p>UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski shut down speculation that he may retire after his UFC 325 rematch with Diego Lopes.</p><p>Volkanovski, 37, is scheduled to defend his title against Lopes in the promotion's Jan. 31 main event in Sydney, 90 minutes from his hometown of Windang, Australia. He told <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgqczMwRycg">10 News' Brooke East</a> that he hopes to win the fight and then return to the Octagon soon after, likely against either Movsar Evloev or Lerone Murphy.</p><p>"I don't know where that came from," Volkanovski said of the rumors that UFC 325 could be his final fight. "It hasn't been planned to be my last fight. So you don't need to really worry about that."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Volkanovski added that he isn't sure how much longer he plans to fight but acknowledged he's closer to the end of his career. Fighting professionally since 2012, Volkanovski joined the UFC in 2016 and has over 30 pro bouts.</p><p>"I think you're gonna just take it as it goes from here on," Volkanovski said. "But there's definitely no plans on (retirement yet). My plans are going out there and not taking too much damage. Going out there and really setting a statement, and being really impressive in there, and then maybe getting a quick turnaround. And then we'll see what happens from there."</p><p>Volkanovski began a second stint as 145-pound champion when he earned a unanimous decision win over Lopes in a vacant title bout at UFC 314 in April. He previously held the belt from 2019-24 before dropping it in a knockout loss to Ilia Topuria.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 05: Alexander Volkanovski is seen on stage during the UFC It's On Seasonal Press Conference at T-Mobile Arena on December 05, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Volkanovski: Not retiring after UFC 325 fight vs. Lopes

UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev wants to defend his title once, then move up to light h...

<p>UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev wants to defend his title once, then move up to light heavyweight to challenge for a second belt.</p><p>"One more fight and then I'll move up (to the next weight class)," Chimaev told <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuEFj8xJDbE">ESPN's Brett Okamoto</a> on Monday.</p><p>Chimaev captured the 185-pound title with a dominant win over Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 in August. He said he plans to make his first defense after Ramadan ends in March. Although the promotion has yet to name his next opponent, No. 2-ranked contender Nassourdine Imavov appears to be the most likely option.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Chimaev said Monday he isn't too excited about fighting the current middleweight contenders, including Imavov, Sean Strickland, and Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez, and hopes to eventually secure a lucrative matchup against light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.</p><p>However, he said he isn't sure Pereira is willing to sign on the dotted line.</p><p>"I don't think he wants that fight," Chimaev said. "Everyone knows this guy is not on my level. He's a good striker, one of the best strikers. I give respect for him. He has knockout power and everything. But ask 99% of the world who is watching UFC, they're gonna tell you who is gonna win.</p><p>"He knows it. ... That's why he's running away. Why he accept the fight against Du Plessis? Why he not accept the fight against me? I beat Du Plessis. I destroyed the guy, five rounds."</p>

DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 22: Khamzat Chimaev is seen in attendance during the UFC Fight Night event at ABHA Arena on November 22, 2025 in Doha, Qatar.

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Chimaev eyes move to light heavyweight after 1 more fight

Petr Yan regained the UFC bantamweight title Saturday night, shocking Merab Dvalishvili with a un...

<p>Petr Yan regained the UFC bantamweight title Saturday night, shocking Merab Dvalishvili with a unanimous decision victory in the UFC 323 main event in Las Vegas.</p><p>In the co-headliner, Joshua Van became the new flyweight champion in anticlimactic fashion after Alexandre Pantoja badly hurt his arm 26 seconds into the fight.</p><p>Here are five takeaways from the final pay-per-view event of the ESPN era.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Yan is all the way back</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812942/cropped_GettyImages-2250453579.jpg?ts=1765134545" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812942/w220xh124_GettyImages-2250453579.jpg?ts=1765134545 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812942/w320xh180_GettyImages-2250453579.jpg?ts=1765134545 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812942/w640xh360_GettyImages-2250453579.jpg?ts=1765134545 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812942/w768xh432_GettyImages-2250453579.jpg?ts=1765134545 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812942/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2250453579.jpg?ts=1765134545 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Yan's career turnaround has been a sight to behold.</p><p>It feels like a lifetime ago that he was on a three-fight skid and had lost four of his last five. Following a lopsided defeat to Dvalishvili in 2023, many thought Yan's days as a bantamweight contender were over, his brief title reign just a footnote in the division's history.</p><p>But look at him now. Yan, at age 32, delivered the performance of a lifetime against a legitimate pound-for-pound great. He solved the impossible puzzle. He learned from the previous matchup, made adjustments, and fought as perfect a fight as you can versus a machine like Dvalishvili. Yan is back on top of the world, the end of the road nowhere in sight like it was - or at least seemed to be - a couple years ago.</p><p>It's hard to say how long Yan will be champion, but anything that follows this is gravy - because one expected him to be here.</p><h3>Did Dvalishvili's activity catch up to him?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812945/cropped_GettyImages-2250456065.jpg?ts=1765134722" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812945/w220xh124_GettyImages-2250456065.jpg?ts=1765134722 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812945/w320xh180_GettyImages-2250456065.jpg?ts=1765134722 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812945/w640xh360_GettyImages-2250456065.jpg?ts=1765134722 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812945/w768xh432_GettyImages-2250456065.jpg?ts=1765134722 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812945/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2250456065.jpg?ts=1765134722 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>I almost hate to say it because I don't want to take anything away from Yan's performance, but it's worth at least considering whether four title defenses in a year was too much to ask even of Dvalishvili.</p><p>That's not just four fights against anybody. That's four fights against the best of the best. The training camps, weight cuts, and, of course, the fights themselves all take a toll on a fighter's body. Perhaps all of that finally caught up to Dvalishvili.</p><p>If you ask him whether he regrets making a two-month turnaround to fight Yan, he'd probably say he'd do it again in a heartbeat. That's the fighter's mentality. But was it smartest thing in the world? In hindsight, maybe there's a reason Dvalishvili was the first UFC fighter to ever attempt this many title defenses in a year.</p><h3>Bantamweight is suddenly super interesting</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789913/cropped_GettyImages-2219389037.jpg?ts=1749657354" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789913/w220xh124_GettyImages-2219389037.jpg?ts=1749657354 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789913/w320xh180_GettyImages-2219389037.jpg?ts=1749657354 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789913/w640xh360_GettyImages-2219389037.jpg?ts=1749657354 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789913/w768xh432_GettyImages-2219389037.jpg?ts=1749657354 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789913/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2219389037.jpg?ts=1749657354 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Elsa / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The one objectively great thing about Yan dethroning Dvalishvili is that the bantamweight division is, all of a sudden, completely wide open and very intriguing.</p><p>Dvalishvili deserves an immediate rematch as the arguable bantamweight GOAT. That's what I want to see most. But he should probably take some time off. So, in case Yan fights someone else while Dvalishvili rests and heals up, a fight against Umar Nurmagomedov - if he gets past Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 324 - sounds awesome. So does a rematch with Sean O'Malley if he beats Song Yadong on the Jan. 24 card.</p><p>This is what happens when a dominant champion loses the title. It spices things up and forges new matchups, adding a new level of excitement to the division. Nurmagomedov and O'Malley - both of whom lost to Dvalishvili earlier this year - should especially be thrilled that someone else rules over the division now.</p><h3>Van-Pantoja 2 is a must, even if not right away</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812886/cropped_GettyImages-2250450497.jpg?ts=1765084683" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812886/w220xh124_GettyImages-2250450497.jpg?ts=1765084683 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812886/w320xh180_GettyImages-2250450497.jpg?ts=1765084683 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812886/w640xh360_GettyImages-2250450497.jpg?ts=1765084683 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812886/w768xh432_GettyImages-2250450497.jpg?ts=1765084683 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812886/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2250450497.jpg?ts=1765084683 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Speaking of rematches, how do you not run things back with Van and Pantoja after that heartbreaker of a "fight"? This was arguably the most intriguing matchup of Pantoja's title reign to date, and it ended in 26 seconds, thanks to a fluke elbow injury. What a way for Pantoja's impressive run as champion to end.</p><p>For what it's worth, I have no issue with Van celebrating the title win, as he worked hard for this moment. It's also not his fault that Pantoja got hurt. This isn't how he wanted the fight to go. But to say Van is clearly the best flyweight in the world would be ... questionable at best. He might be, but he has yet to prove it. Until he beats Pantoja - or at least defends the title against someone else - it won't really feel like he's a champion.</p><p>UFC CEO Dana White said Pantoja could be sidelined for a while, so if Van fights someone else in the meantime - say, Tatsuro Taira, who scored a huge win over Brandon Moreno on the undercard - that would be fine. But Pantoja needs to fight for the title as soon as he's healthy. And hopefully it's against Van because it could've been an epic fight.</p><h3>Cejudo left it all in the Octagon</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812946/cropped_GettyImages-2250446542.jpg?ts=1765134745" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812946/w220xh124_GettyImages-2250446542.jpg?ts=1765134745 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812946/w320xh180_GettyImages-2250446542.jpg?ts=1765134745 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812946/w640xh360_GettyImages-2250446542.jpg?ts=1765134745 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812946/w768xh432_GettyImages-2250446542.jpg?ts=1765134745 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812946/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2250446542.jpg?ts=1765134745 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cooper Neill / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Henry Cejudo was never a fan favorite, but it felt like the MMA community appreciated what he did in his retirement fight.</p><p>The former two-division champion was outmatched versus Payton Talbott, which wasn't too shocking considering it was a 38-year-old facing a 27-year-old. But Cejudo left it all out there in what turned out to be quite the slugfest. He ate heavy shots but kept pushing forward and trying to win.</p><p>It was a gutsy, inspirational performance - arguably more so than some of his best wins - from a legend of the sport. It was also a reminder that this a young man's game.</p>

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UFC 323 takeaways: Yan completes unimaginable career turnaround

Petr Yan is once again the king of the UFC bantamweight division.  Yan defeated Merab Dvalishvili...

<p>Petr Yan is once again the king of the UFC bantamweight division.</p><p>Yan defeated Merab Dvalishvili via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47) to recapture the 135-pound title in the UFC 323 main event Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.</p><p>With the victory, Yan avenged a unanimous decision loss to Dvalishvili that came in a 2023 non-title bout.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I'm very, very happy," Yan said through an interpreter in his postfight interview. "I worked so hard, I prepared so hard for this moment."</p><p>Yan ended Dvalishvili's 14-fight winning streak, which dated back to September 2018. It was the fourth-longest winning streak in promotion history.</p><p>Yan is the third fighter to win the 135-pound title twice after Dominick Cruz and TJ Dillashaw.</p><p>"No Mercy" delivered a masterful performance, battering Dvalishvili on the feet and displaying impressive takedown defense. He outlanded the former champion 139-134 in significant strikes - though visibly did the most damage - and stopped 27 of 29 takedown attempts. Yan even completed five takedowns of his own.</p><p>Afterward, Dvalishvili - one of the world's top pound-for-pound fighters coming in - said he wants to fight Yan again.</p><p>"I want a rematch. I want to run it back," Dvalishvili said.</p><p>Dvalishvili was attempting to become the first fighter to successfully defend a UFC title four times in a calendar year. "The Machine" beat Sean O'Malley to win the belt in September 2024 and then defeated Umar Nurmagomedov, O'Malley, and Cory Sandhagen in his first three defenses earlier this year.</p><p>Dvalishvili, a 34-year-old from Georgia, lost for the first time since facing Ricky Simon in his second UFC appearance in April 2018.</p><p>Yan has experienced a wild career turnaround over the last 18 months.</p><p>The 32-year-old Russian initially captured the title in July 2020 with a TKO win over Jose Aldo. But then he lost four of his next five, including the lopsided defeat to Dvalishvili.</p><p>Since then, Yan has won four straight, beating Song Yadong, Deiveson Figueiredo, Marcus McGhee, and now Dvalishvili.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 06: (L-R) Petr Yan of Russia punches Merab Dvalishvili of Georgia in the UFC bantamweight championship fight during the UFC 323 event at T-Mobile Arena on December 06, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Yan batters Dvalishvili in rematch to reclaim UFC bantamweight title

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