Gaziev entered the fight hoping to turn around his recent fortunes but faced a relentless opponent. The match was characterized by heavy exchanges and fierce competition, described as a back-and-forth battle throughout.

Key fight statistics:

• Brando Pericic improved his MMA record to 7-1 and his UFC record to 3-0.
• Shamil Gaziev’s MMA record now stands at 14-2, with a UFC record of 3-2.
• This was Gaziev’s second consecutive knockout loss.

The bout showcased Pericic’s striking prowess, as he landed heavy kicks and punches consistently. Observers noted that the Australian contender’s performance solidified his position as a formidable force in the heavyweight rankings.

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Della Maddalena entered the weekend officially as the No. 1 contender at welterweight, riding an impressive 18-fight winning streak. However, Prates’s performance shattered that streak—he became the first fighter to stop Della Maddalena at the UFC level.

Prates’s journey has been nothing short of impressive. He has won all seven of his UFC bouts by knockout or TKO, and this latest victory marks his third first-round KO/TKO win in just over eight months. His previous triumph was against former champion Leon Edwards, further solidifying his reputation.

Key statistics:

• Prates improved his UFC record to 7-1, with all victories by knockout or TKO.
• Della Maddalena had not fought in his home country for three years prior to this event.
• This was the second UFC event held in Australia in 2026.
• Prates’s only loss was a decision to Ian Machado Garry twelve months ago.

After the fight, Prates confidently dubbed himself the new No. 1 contender at 170 pounds. Observers noted that his back-to-back stoppage wins over former champions have sent a clear message throughout the division—he is a legitimate threat to anyone holding the title.

As for Della Maddalena, this loss will undoubtedly prompt some soul-searching. His recent defeat raises questions about his future trajectory in the welterweight ranks. Officials have yet to confirm what this means for him moving forward.

Looking ahead, Carlos Prates is expected to rise significantly in the welterweight rankings following this decisive victory. The implications of such a win could lead to an imminent title shot—one that many fans and analysts are now eagerly anticipating.

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What does Alice Pereira’s recent knockout of Hailey Cowan signify for her future in the UFC? The answer is clear: it marks a pivotal moment in her burgeoning career.

At just 20 years old, Pereira has already made history as the youngest female to compete in the UFC. With a professional MMA record of 6-1, she is rapidly gaining attention for her explosive fighting style. Her latest victory over Cowan, achieved through a devastating knee knockout, has been described as a level of power and violence not often seen in the women’s bantamweight division.

Pereira’s journey in the UFC began in September 2025, when she made her debut against Montse Rendon, a match she lost by split decision. However, her recent performance against Cowan has reignited her momentum, showcasing her potential to become a dominant force in the sport.

Hailey Cowan, on the other hand, has struggled to find her footing in the UFC. With a professional record of 7-5 and no wins in the UFC after three fights, Cowan’s career has been described as “weird” and challenging. The knockout from Pereira left Cowan stiffened and unconscious, with follow-up shots raining down, further emphasizing the ferocity of Pereira’s striking.

Four of Pereira’s five regional wins prior to joining the UFC came by knockout, indicating her capability to finish fights decisively. This latest victory not only boosts her confidence but also raises expectations for her future bouts.

Alice Pereira has expressed her ambition to become the “youngest everything” in MMA, and with her recent performance, she is well on her way to achieving that goal. The MMA community is now left to wonder how far she can go in the sport.

As Pereira continues to develop her skills and gain experience, the question remains: will she be able to maintain this momentum and secure a title shot in the near future? Details remain unconfirmed, but her trajectory suggests she is a fighter to watch.

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In a stunning development on March 27, 2026, Maycee Barber faced a knockout loss against Alexa Grasso at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington. Grasso secured the victory just 2:42 into the first round, marking a significant moment in both fighters’ careers.

This rematch was particularly noteworthy as Grasso had previously defeated Barber by unanimous decision in 2021. The latest outcome not only ended Barber’s impressive seven-fight winning streak but also represented Grasso’s return to form after a challenging three-fight stretch without a victory.

Prior to the fight, Barber was ranked #3 and Grasso #5 in the UFC women’s flyweight division, highlighting the stakes involved. Grasso’s victory improved her MMA record to 17-5-1, while Barber’s record fell to 15-3.

Grasso, a former women’s flyweight champion, expressed her excitement post-fight, stating, “Thank you so much everyone that’s here, I hope you enjoyed the fight. Thank you for the love. I’m back. Alexa without injuries is a different Alexa and I’m so happy.” This statement underscores her determination to reclaim her status in the division.

In her post-fight comments, Grasso also revealed her intention to finish the fight with a submission, highlighting her extensive jiu-jitsu training. “Of course my striking is always the first weapon, but I was training so hard to get a finish by submission because I train jiu-jitsu a lot, so I wanted to finish,” she said.

The fight’s outcome has significant implications for both fighters. For Barber, it marks a pivotal moment in her career, as she must now regroup after a loss that many viewed as unexpected. Meanwhile, Grasso’s victory not only revitalizes her career but also positions her for potential future title opportunities.

As Grasso called for the UFC to hold an event in her hometown of Guadalajara, Mexico, the fight has sparked discussions about the future of both fighters in the competitive landscape of women’s MMA.

Overall, this rematch served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sport, where fortunes can change in an instant, and fighters must continuously adapt to remain at the top.

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