A thrilling UFC 269 card saw one of the greatest upsets in the history of the sport, and was topped off by an excellent main event. CHeck out those highlights and everything else after the jump.
Charles Oliveira def. Dustin Poirier via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) (Rd. 3 1:02)
Charles Oliveira has defended his UFC lightweight champion after weathering a heavy first round from Dustin Poirier. Poirier came out fast, and won the first, by hurting Oliveira a couple times, but from there Oliveira was able to turn it around get his takedown game going and find the standing rear-naked choke finish in the third round.
25 to eternity
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
[ @DustinPoirier #UFC269 ] pic.twitter.com/kWdV8a664Y
--️ THE CHAMP IS HERE!
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
[ @CharlesDoBronxs #UFC269 ] pic.twitter.com/zCJwxtT3em
It’s time.@CharlesDoBronxs vs @DustinPoirier starts ------! #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/IaAdQkEbiT
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
The power of Poirier --
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
[ @DustinPoirier #UFC269 ] pic.twitter.com/cWUQpiS7rA
These boys came to ---------- -- #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/nM7RgratwO
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
DUSTIN DROPS THE CHAMP!
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
[ @DustinPoirier #UFC269 ] pic.twitter.com/L3tR72RkTy
What a first round ------ #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/eZaRG1ysDC
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
Raining down elbows from the top --
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
[ @CharlesDoBronxs #UFC269 ] pic.twitter.com/YfwaBvqeeE
Round 2 in the books -- #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/x2wIgUMe6O
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
The Oliv-Era ------------------ -- #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/WwD5vva6MG
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
-- @DustinPoirier just donated $20,000 to a hometown charity of @CharlesDoBronxs choice.
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) December 12, 2021
Being a champion doesn't begin and end with twelve pounds of gold. #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/y4AElHBkX4
Do Bronx does it again --
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
[ @CharlesDoBronxs #UFC269 ] pic.twitter.com/CrEzE6tUlR
Julianna Peña def. Amanada Nunes via Submission (Read-Naked Choke) (Rd. 2 3:26)
In a stunning upset, Julianna Peña dethroned Amanda Nunes via submission in the second round. Peña survived the first round, while forcing the champion to work in the grappling elements. Once the round turned, Nunes seemed really tired, and Peña began to rock her, and eventually got the club and sub finish. Maybe the biggest upset in UFC history.
Ready for her first shot at UFC gold --
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
[ @VenezuelanVixen #UFC269 ] pic.twitter.com/kOkwGcgSmc
The GOAT is here to put on a show --
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
[ @Amanda_Leoa #UFC269 ] pic.twitter.com/cRveetHOLD
No more words --
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
-- @Amanda_Leoa vs ---- @VenezuelanVixen starts NOW! #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/vRYk8yGAVN
The Lioness doing damage early --
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
[ @Amanda_Leoa #UFC269 ] pic.twitter.com/xz9FHm5o35
It is all Amanda here in round 1️⃣
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
[ @Amanda_Leoa #UFC269 ] pic.twitter.com/GcyCYgmbOi
WE'VE GOT A FIGHT -- #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/8c1JfgkJSO
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
JULIANNA PENA SHOCKS THE WORLD -- #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/LNr4amWe94
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
The biggest upset in UFC --------------! @VenezuelanVixen is the NEW UFC BW champion -- #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/5nxFJQP44a
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
The new champ @VenezuelanVixen talks to @JoeRogan after shocking the world -- #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/R3EtnrFGpC
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
Geoff Neal def. Santiago Ponzinibbio via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
Geoff Neal did enough in a close fight to get the decision over Santiago Ponzinibbio. While it wasn't a boring fight, it lacked signature moments, but its still a critical win for Neal as he tries to get back on track.
Ranked WWs are ---- -------- --
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
---- @HandzOfSteelMMA vs ---- @SPonzinibbioMMA
[ #UFC269 Tune in NOW on ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/bN0K8eAW0O ] pic.twitter.com/HelJnZ2b1m
Starting to pick up the pace --#UFC269 pic.twitter.com/SHPGLbsna0
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
Finding his range in the 3rd
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
[ @HandzOfSteelMMA #UFC269 ] pic.twitter.com/I4qQOUMjGL
---------- ---- ---------- notches the win via SD after a hard fought battle --
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
[ @HandzOfSteelMMA #UFC269 Tune in NOW on ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/bN0K8ejl9g ] pic.twitter.com/ETDmACPceZ
Kai Kara-France def. Cody Garbrandt via TKO (Punches) (Rd. 1 3:21)
Kai Kara-France gave Cody Garbrandt a very rude introduction to the flyweight division by knocking him down three times in the first round, and getting the finish. Garbrandt has major questions about where his career is headed, while Kara-France could be on the verge of a title shot.
Continuing the action with some flyweight FIREWORKS --
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
---- @KaiKaraFrance welcomes ---- @Cody_NoLove to 125 NOW!
[ #UFC269 Tune in LIVE on ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/bN0K8eAW0O ] pic.twitter.com/InKuzU2HMg
DON'T BLINK --
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
[ @KaiKaraFrance #UFC269 ] pic.twitter.com/D3gP2juBmV
Statement: made
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
[ @KaiKaraFrance #UFC267 ] pic.twitter.com/ngzze3SopY
Living up to the name Don't Blink ------
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
[ @KaiKaraFrance #UFC269 ] pic.twitter.com/tPUFhouB24
Sean O'Malley def. Raulian Paiva via TKO (Punches) (Rd. 1 4:42)
Sean O'Malley was put in the cage with someone who didn't look like he had a chance to beat him in Raulian Paiva, and predictably he stopped the fight near the end of the first round. It would be nice to see O'Malley get stepped up in competition again.
Hold on to your seats for this one --
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
---- @RaulianPaivaMMA vs ---- @SugaSeanMMA opens the PPV main card NOW!
[ #UFC269 We’re Live on ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/bN0K8eAW0O ] pic.twitter.com/nUZZqEKJMY
Startin' to heat up --#UFC269 pic.twitter.com/jz6emaIdWP
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
THE SUGA SHOW!!!!!!!!!!
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
[ @SugaSeanMMA #UFC269 ] pic.twitter.com/bpQRnGBwf9
The hype is REAL with @SugaSeanMMA -- #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/qT0nLjfidS
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
Josh Emmett def. Dan Ige via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
In a very tightly contested three-round fight, Dan Ige and Josh Emmett engaged in a back and forth affair that saw Emmett pickup the decision victory. First round was clearly Emmett's, second was clearly Ige's, and so the swing round was a very close third round, that could've gone either way.
Exciting featherweights take the stage NEXT! --
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
-- @JoshEmmettUFC goes head-to-head with @DynamiteDan808 to close out the #UFC269 prelims on ESPN2 & @ESPNPlus! pic.twitter.com/5Px7swf0kk
The power in the hands of @JoshEmmettUFC --#UFC269 pic.twitter.com/8zVqlxjMKA
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
Starting the second FIRING --
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
[ @JoshEmmettUFC @DynamiteDan808 #UFC269 ] pic.twitter.com/Px6RFVYYXO
IGE HAS HIM HURT!
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
[ @DynamiteDan808 #UFC269 ] pic.twitter.com/ZlgrBJHsiN
Trading shots in the third -- #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/ymj31slPLA
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
Our featured prelim goes the distance! How do you have it scored? -- #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/Bvdh62KaNx
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
Dominick Cruz def. Pedro Munhoz via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Dominick Cruz weathered two early knockdowns to rally back and get the decision victory over Pedro Munhoz in what looked like a fairly vintage performance beyond those first two early scares. The only fight thus far on the card that's been a Fight of the Night contender.
The Young Punisher takes on The Dominator NOW --
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
---- @PedroMunhozMMA vs ---- @DominickCruz
[ #UFC269 Prelims are LIVE on ESPN2 & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/v6C6qVJ7iC
On the edge of our seats for this one --#UFC269 pic.twitter.com/FBa0j8L77r
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
OH MY GOODNESS --How'd he survive?! #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/9lJGtj2jEb
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
What a first round -- #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/plisQcGaqr
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
Turning the tables and UNLOADING in the second! --
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
[ @DominickCruz #UFC269 ] pic.twitter.com/jHiKvERgVs
An absolute SLUGFEST -- #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/6ciWeN8ZgG
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
Vintage @DominickCruz -- #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/yGc1gFEKEj
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
Tai Tuivasa def. Augusto Sakai via KO (Punches) (Rd. 2 0:26)
Tai Tuivasa remains among the most fun fighters in the UFC. Whether its walking out to Barbie Girl, scoring a brutal KO, or drinking beer after beer out of shoes when he's finished. He is can't miss TV, and a total blast.
We don’t expect this to go all 3 rounds --
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
Catch ---- @AugustoSakai vs ---- @BamBamTuivasa NEXT!
[ #UFC269 Prelims are LIVE on ESPN2 & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/WqhAhbBOWX
Tai Tuivasa just walked out to “Barbie Girl” -- pic.twitter.com/anKGq4NPVB
— MMA Junkie (@MMAjunkie) December 12, 2021
Finding his range early --
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
[ @BamBamTuivasa #UFC269 ] pic.twitter.com/qIz1SKSV6E
The big boys are starting to throw BOMBS --
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
[ @AugustoSakai @BamBamTuivasa #UFC269 ] pic.twitter.com/3ZCcIFmfyp
BAM BAM DOES IT AGAIN --
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
[ @BamBamTuivasa #UFC269 ] pic.twitter.com/UdC0pgmVvZ
--
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
[ @BamBamTuivasa #UFC269 ] pic.twitter.com/vmOkxiRDAk
Bruno Silva def. Jordan Wright via TKO (Punches)(Rd 1. 1:28)
Bruno Silva wasted no time wrecking Jordan Wright just 90 seconds into the first round. Silva devastated Wright with a heavy 1-2 and after brief ground and pound that was all he needed. With three straight UFC wins, Silva seems ready for a ranked opponent.
Opening up the #UFC269 prelims with a battle at 185 --
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
---- Jordan Wright vs ---- Bruno Silva
[ #UFC269 Prelims are LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/2ztPEpv9Ts
THERE IT IS, FOLKS!!!! --
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
---- Bruno Silva just came with a STATEMENT! #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/IZ7nb3Zekr
Make that ---------- IN A ROW for Bruno Silva -- #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/CVFPqntrUl
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
Andre Muniz def. Eryk Anders via Submission (Armbar) (Rd. 1 3:13)
After breaking Jacare Souza's arm in his last fight, Andre Muniz followed it up with an identical-looking armbar to earn the tap against Eryk Anders. Back to back very impressive submissions from a rising light heavyweight contender in Muniz.
A clash of styles meets in the middle of the Octagon --
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
---- @AndreMunizUFC vs ---- @ErykAnders closes out the early prelims!
[ #UFC269 Early Prelims are LIVE on @UFCFightPass & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/D6EEiu2xUz
The ground game of @AndreMunizUFC is NO JOKE -- #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/oWFvJ2Cw4h
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
We have a new contender in the MW division --
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
[ @AndreMunizUFC #UFC269 ] pic.twitter.com/muf8hiDmEY
This arm bar from @AndreMunizUFC looked familiar -- #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/w5KNkwf71a
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
Erin Blanchfield def. Miranda Maverick via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Erin Blanchfield took Miranda Maverick to school, and absolutely dominated her on the ground. Blanchfield got takedowns early in each round, and landed a series of heavy ground and pound, as well as threatening with a series of submission attempts. An excellent performance for someone who's only 22 years old.
Fast rising flyweight prospects face off NOW! --
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
---- @FearTheMaverick vs ---- @Blanchfield_MMA
[ #UFC269 Early Prelims are LIVE on @UFCFightPass & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/YFrugDN3Y5
The ladies are letting it fly early #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/v4gTUEVEKh
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
Takes two to tangle -- #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/fiWhtH4aUl
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
A -------- -------------- clinic from @Blanchfield_MMA --
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
[ #UFC269 Early Prelims are LIVE on @UFCFightPass & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/LA2Dcfv53U
Ryan Hall def. Darrick Minner via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-27)
Ryan Hall continues to be the weirdest fighter in the UFC. No one else does anything like he does, the rolling takedown attempts, the relentless leg lock attempts, and the distance striking. Versus Darrick Minner he was able to draw him into his spider web, and scramble to get the decision victory. Hope to see Hall back in there soon, because he's a breath of fresh air.
An exciting matchup at 1️⃣4️⃣5️⃣ is on deck!
— UFC (@ufc) December 11, 2021
---- @RyanHall5050 faces ---- @DarrickMinner
[ #UFC269 Early Prelims are LIVE on @UFCFightPass & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/XedsML8AYD
Beautiful grappling early from @RyanHall5050.
— UFC (@ufc) December 11, 2021
[ #UFC269 Early Prelims are LIVE on @UFCFightPass & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/3HCUELFnOg
Straight HAYMAKERS from @DarrickMinner --
— UFC (@ufc) December 11, 2021
[ #UFC269 Early Prelims are LIVE on @UFCFightPass & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/qJxBARdMr0
That's one way to defend an arm bar --
— UFC (@ufc) December 11, 2021
[ @DarrickMinner #UFC269 ] pic.twitter.com/45jThxnVgq
We've got a real high level clash on the canvas on our hands --#UFC269 pic.twitter.com/NGOIKAmfpe
— UFC (@ufc) December 11, 2021
For the first time tonight, we head to the judges scorecards --#UFC269 pic.twitter.com/u8bgIkuWWE
— UFC (@ufc) December 11, 2021
Your winner by UD @RyanHall5050 --#UFC269 pic.twitter.com/1SBX37iOeV
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
Tony Kelley def. Randy Costa via TKO (Ground and Pound) (Rd. 2 4:15)
In a brilliant performance, Tony Kelley drowned Randy Costa under relentless pressure. Kelley came out guns blazing and never let Randy Costa get going. By the second round, Kelley caught Costa in the Thai plum, and unloaded a string of body knees, which led to the finish. A really great performance by Kelley.
Our second bout of the card gets underway NOW! --
— UFC (@ufc) December 11, 2021
---- @RandyCosta135 vs ---- @TonyKelleyMMA
[ #UFC269 Early Prelims are LIVE on @UFCFightPass & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/LAPlcdWdGV
Action right out the gates! #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/JYqhrEdOnI
— UFC (@ufc) December 11, 2021
Going OFF!!! @TonyKelleyMMA just came in to get it done -- #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/IzMfelFGVQ
— UFC (@ufc) December 11, 2021
A DOMINANT performance makes that 2️⃣ in a row for @TonyKelleyMMA! --
— UFC (@ufc) December 11, 2021
[ #UFC269 Early Prelims are LIVE on @UFCFightPass & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/j3i1tD3bh9
Gillian Robertson def. Priscila Cachoeira via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) (Rd. 1 4:59)
Gillian Robertson got to showcase her world-class grappling skills by submitting Priscila Cachoeira on the buzzer of the first round. Robertson took her time finding her takedown entry, but once she found it she chained from a kimura attempt, to an arm-bar attempt, before finally finding the finish with the rear-naked choke. Cachoeira, in addition to missing weight by three pounds, appeared to be attempting to gouge Robertson's eyes to get out of the finish, so not a banner day for her.
The first fight of 2021’s final PPV starts NOW!
— UFC (@ufc) December 11, 2021
----@Savage_UFC vs ---- @PedritaUFC
[ #UFC269 Early Prelims are LIVE on @UFCFightPass & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/zrbKLkjrER
First takedown of the night --
— UFC (@ufc) December 11, 2021
[ @Savage_UFC #UFC269 ] pic.twitter.com/nbmQRF5KlQ
THE SAVAGE GETS THE TAP AT THE LAST SECOND --
— UFC (@ufc) December 11, 2021
[ @Savage_UFC #UFC269 ] pic.twitter.com/MXbU313xkO
Your new flyweight finish queen @Savage_UFC --
— UFC (@ufc) December 11, 2021
[ #UFC269 Early Prelims are LIVE on @UFCFightPass & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/jrSUC29QRh
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