Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

UFC 261

UFC 261: Usman vs. Masvidal 2 was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) on April 24, 2021, at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. The card headlined a welterweight championship rematch between champion Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal, with co-main events featuring two women's title fights: strawweight champion Weili Zhang defending against Rose Namajunas and flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko facing Jessica Andrade. Broadcast on pay-per-view, ESPN, and ESPN+, the event included 13 bouts in total and marked a significant milestone as the first UFC show to host a full-capacity indoor crowd since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The main event saw Usman secure his fifth consecutive title defense by stopping Masvidal via in the second round at 1:02, avenging a controversial doctor-stoppage loss from their 2020 encounter and extending his unbeaten streak to 18 fights. In the co-main event, Namajunas delivered one of the night's biggest upsets by knocking out Zhang with a head kick just 1:18 into the first round, claiming the strawweight title for the second time in her career. retained her flyweight championship by (elbows) at 3:19 of the second round, extending her to seven. Other notable prelim and early prelim results contributed to a card that showcased a mix of established stars and rising talents. UFC 261 drew widespread attention for its return to pre-pandemic normalcy, accommodating over 15,000 fans in a sold-out arena—the first such indoor sporting event in the United States in more than a year—amid easing restrictions in . The raucous atmosphere amplified the excitement of the triple-title header, with high-profile attendees including celebrities and political figures underscoring the event's cultural impact. Critically acclaimed for its action-packed fights and production quality, the reportedly exceeded 700,000 buys, reinforcing UFC's resilience and popularity during a challenging period for live sports.

Background

Announcement and Planning

UFC 261 was initially slated for the in , but organizational decisions shifted the location amid ongoing restrictions and varying state protocols. On March 15, 2021, UFC president announced the event as a major card featuring three title fights, including a championship rematch between and , a strawweight title bout between and , and a women's flyweight title defense by against Jessica Andrade. The announcement highlighted the event's significance as the first UFC pay-per-view to host a full-capacity crowd since on March 7, 2020, enabling unrestricted attendance without pandemic-related limitations for the first time in over a year. To facilitate this milestone, the event was rescheduled for April 24, 2021, at in , selected for the state's favorable reopening policies that permitted 100% capacity indoor gatherings.

Fight Card Development

The development of the UFC 261 fight card began in late February 2021 with the booking of the flyweight title fight between champion and former strawweight champion Jessica Andrade as a potential co-main event. This matchup was selected to highlight Andrade's move up in weight class following her dominant performances at strawweight. Shortly thereafter, on February 26, 2021, the strawweight title bout pitting champion against former champion was targeted for the card, marking Namajunas's return to title contention after a year away from the . The welterweight title rematch between champion and was officially announced as the main event on March 15, 2021, setting up a high-profile rubber match following their controversial short-notice clash at UFC 251. This booking elevated the event to feature three championship fights, a rare occurrence aimed at capitalizing on the return of full-capacity crowds. Additionally, the middleweight rematch between and former champion , initially slated for in February, was relocated to UFC 261 on January 29, 2021, after Weidman tested positive for COVID-19. This shift provided a marquee non-title main card opener, building on their history from Season 17. The preliminary card saw several adjustments due to injuries and scheduling conflicts. A bantamweight bout originally set between Mark Striegl and Johnny Munoz Jr. underwent multiple changes: Striegl was removed on March 24, 2021, for undisclosed reasons and replaced by Jamey Simmons, but Simmons then withdrew on April 8, 2021, due to a , leading to the fight's cancellation. Other prelim fights, such as the matchup between and , proceeded as initially booked without reported alterations. Amid ongoing concerns, the UFC implemented rigorous protocols including partnerships for screening apps and optional masking for attendees, with last-minute testing for fighters to prevent disruptions; however, no bouts were scratched on event day due to positive tests. The full 13-bout card was finalized and confirmed approximately one week before the event on April 24, 2021, ensuring a stacked lineup across main, preliminary, and early preliminary cards.

Event Details

Venue and Attendance

UFC 261 was held at the in , a multi-purpose indoor venue that opened in and was previously known as the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena until its renaming in 2019. The arena has a seating capacity of approximately 15,000 for events, providing an intimate yet expansive setting for high-profile combat sports gatherings. Jacksonville had established itself as a key hub for the UFC during the , hosting the organization's inaugural post-shutdown events in May 2020 without spectators, including , UFC Fight Night: vs. , and UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Harris, which marked the sport's gradual return amid global restrictions. The event drew an attendance of 15,269 paid spectators, achieving a complete sellout in minutes and setting an arena record for the highest gross from ticket sales at $3.3 million. This marked the UFC's first full-capacity crowd since the onset of the in early 2020, signifying a pivotal step toward normalcy in live spectatorship. The enthusiastic atmosphere was amplified by Florida's relaxed guidelines at the time, which permitted indoor gatherings without mandatory masking or for fully vaccinated individuals, though the UFC provided optional face coverings to attendees upon entry. These measures, aligned with state policies under Governor , contributed to the event's high-energy vibe while prioritizing voluntary health screenings via a partnered app.

Broadcasting and Promotion

UFC 261 was broadcast in the United States with the main card available exclusively on through starting at 10 p.m. ET on April 24, 2021, while the prelims aired on and at 8 p.m. ET, and early prelims on and at 6 p.m. ET. Internationally, the event reached audiences through ESPN's partnerships in multiple countries, with live coverage available in over 900 million homes across more than 170 territories via various broadcasters and . The generated approximately 700,000 domestic buys in the United States, a figure boosted by the card's three title fights—including the rematch between and —and the excitement surrounding the return of full-capacity crowds. Promotion for UFC 261 centered on the theme of "return to normalcy" following the , highlighting the first major UFC event with a full audience since early 2020. Official trailers emphasized the intense rivalry between Usman and Masvidal, recapping their controversial first encounter, alongside ' underdog journey aiming to reclaim the strawweight title from Weili Zhang. campaigns and pre-fight press conferences amplified the anticipated electric atmosphere, featuring fighter faceoffs and hype videos shared across UFC's platforms to engage global fans. With no capacity restrictions, production elements were enhanced for the live event, incorporating full lighting and during fighter entrances to heighten the for the in-person crowd and broadcast viewers.

Results

Main Card

The main card of UFC 261 featured five high-stakes bouts, headlined by three championship fights, showcasing a mix of technical mastery, dramatic finishes, and unfortunate injuries. In the light heavyweight opener, Anthony Smith defeated via (doctor stoppage) at 5:00 of Round 1 due to a leg injury. The fight began with both fighters exchanging strikes and kicks, with Crute landing several low kicks early. Midway through the round, Smith connected with a precise calf kick to the back of Crute's left , causing Crute's leg to buckle severely and rendering him unable to bear weight. Between rounds, the doctor examined Crute and stopped the contest, awarding Smith the victory in a bout that highlighted the dangers of targeted leg strikes. The middleweight rematch saw defeat via (injury) at 0:17 of Round 1. Just 17 seconds into the fight, Weidman attempted a low kick with his right leg, which Hall checked by raising his left . The impact snapped Weidman's tibia in a gruesome injury reminiscent of his own infamous leg break against years earlier, forcing an immediate stoppage by referee . Hall expressed sympathy for his opponent post-fight, noting the win felt hollow given the circumstances. Valentina Shevchenko retained her women's flyweight title against Jessica Andrade via (strikes) at 3:19 of Round 2. Shevchenko controlled the pace from the outset, using superior footwork to evade Andrade's power punches and secure a takedown in the first round. In the second, Shevchenko clinched and took Andrade down, advancing to and landing a barrage of elbows that opened a cut on Andrade's face, prompting referee Dan Miragliotta to intervene. The victory marked Shevchenko's fourth consecutive title defense, underscoring her technical dominance in both striking and . Rose Namajunas captured the women's strawweight championship from Zhang Weili via KO (head kick) at 1:18 of Round 1, in one of the night's biggest upsets. Weili, entering as a heavy favorite and on a 21-fight win streak, pressed forward aggressively, but Namajunas countered with crisp combinations. Midway through the round, Namajunas unleashed a perfectly timed left high kick that caught Weili flush on the jaw, dropping her to the canvas. Namajunas followed up with ground strikes to seal the finish, reclaiming the belt she had previously held and ending Weili's dominant reign. In the welterweight main event, champion defended his title against via KO (punch) at 1:02 of Round 2. The first round saw Masvidal utilize his karate-style striking to land jabs and low kicks, while Usman countered with to take the fight to the mat and neutralize threats. Emerging stronger in the second, Usman closed distance rapidly, feinted a , and unleashed a devastating overhand right that dropped Masvidal. Usman then swarmed with additional punches on the ground until referee halted the action, marking Usman's fifth title defense and solidifying his status as the division's pound-for-pound elite.

Preliminary Card

The preliminary card for UFC 261, broadcast on ESPN and , featured four bouts showcasing established fighters and rising prospects in , , and divisions. These matchups highlighted a mix of dominance and competitive decision battles, setting the tone for the evening's action at in . In the opener, Randy Brown defeated via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:50 of the first round. Brown, leveraging his reach advantage, targeted Oliveira's lead leg early with kicks that visibly impaired his mobility, creating an opening for a right hand that dropped the Brazilian. Seizing the moment, Brown transitioned to the back and locked in a one-armed rear-naked choke, forcing the tap despite Oliveira's resistance; this finish marked Brown's fourth UFC submission victory and underscored his opportunistic striking-to-grappling transitions. The following welterweight bout saw edge out Stefan Sekulic via (29-28, 28-29, 29-28). Both fighters struggled with low striking accuracy in a standup-heavy affair, landing under 40% of attempts, but Grant's crisper combinations and superior defense (defending 80% of Sekulic's attempts) swayed two judges in his favor. Sekulic pressed forward aggressively but couldn't capitalize on clinch work, resulting in a razor-close verdict that reflected Grant's effective counterstriking over three rounds. Middleweight contender Brendan Allen submitted Karl Roberson via ankle lock at 4:55 of the first round. Allen immediately shot for a , grounding Roberson and methodically advancing position in a chess match; from the bottom, he isolated the limb and cranked the ankle lock, a rare finish in UFC history, showcasing his expertise against Roberson's defensive scrambling. This quick victory propelled Allen toward contention with his aggressive ground control. Closing the prelims, Pat Sabatini outgrappled Tristan Connelly to a (30-27, 29-28, 29-28). Sabatini dictated the pace with multiple takedowns and prolonged back control, threatening rear-naked chokes that forced Connelly to expend energy in escapes; while Connelly landed sharper strikes on the feet, the judges rewarded Sabatini's control time (over 10 minutes) and submission attempts as the defining factors in a tactical wrestling showcase.

Early Preliminary Card

The early preliminary card for UFC 261 featured four bouts streamed exclusively on and ESPN+, showcasing a mix of UFC newcomers and prospects in a bid to highlight emerging international talent ahead of the high-profile main events. These opening fights emphasized exchanges, striking flurries, and quick finishes, setting an energetic tone for the evening with debuts from fighters like , Liang Na, Aoriqileng, and . The card opened with a women's strawweight clash between debutant and Chinese newcomer Liang Na, both making their UFC debuts. The fight began with a frantic pace of mutual striking on the feet, but Carnelossi quickly transitioned to the ground, securing a and landing ground-and-pound strikes to close the first round. In the second, Carnelossi again took Na down early and unleashed a barrage of punches from top position, forcing a stoppage at 1:28 via (strikes). Carnelossi's control and finishing power marked her as a promising addition to the division, overcoming Na's early resilience in a bout that highlighted her transitional aggression. Next, in the flyweight division, faced Aoriqileng, with Aoriqileng entering on his promotional debut after a strong regional run. Aoriqileng started aggressively, landing a takedown and pressuring Molina with strikes in the first round, but Molina weathered the storm and reversed momentum in the second by dropping Aoriqileng with counters and dominating the clinch. The third round saw Molina's higher volume of strikes and effective defense secure the victory via (29-28, 29-28, 29-27). Molina's adaptability and late-round pacing underscored his growing presence as a technical flyweight prospect, turning a potential upset into a hard-fought win against the debuting Aoriqileng's pressure. The lightweight bout pitted Peruvian newcomer Kazula Vargas, also on his UFC debut, against Rong Zhu, who sought to rebound from a prior loss. Vargas controlled the tempo from the outset with leg kicks and forward pressure, stuffing a guillotine attempt in the second round to maintain top control. Despite Zhu's rally in the final frame with increased striking output, Vargas's consistent output earned him a unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-28). The tactical pacing favored Vargas's striking volume, positioning him as an emerging talent with strong takedown defense in a matchup that tested both fighters' endurance. Closing the early prelims was a showdown between Mongolian debutant and Kevin Natividad, marking Batgerel's first UFC appearance. The fight exploded immediately, with Batgerel landing a precise left hook that dropped Natividad just 50 seconds in, followed by hammerfists on the ground for a stoppage at 0:50 of the first round. Batgerel's explosive power and finishing instinct shone in the brief but intense exchange, establishing him as a high-upside prospect with potential early in his UFC tenure.

Aftermath

Bonus Awards

At UFC 261, the promotion awarded its standard post-fight performance bonuses of $50,000 each, recognizing exceptional efforts in the octagon. The Fight of the Night bonus went to Jeff Molina and Aori Qileng for their flyweight preliminary bout, which featured non-stop action and exchanges over three full rounds, culminating in a unanimous decision victory for Qileng. Two Performance of the Night bonuses were presented: one to for his dominant second-round knockout of in the welterweight title main event, marking his fourth consecutive title defense; and the other to for her stunning first-round head-kick knockout of Weili Zhang in the co-main event, capturing the women's strawweight championship. In total, $150,000 was distributed across the three bonuses, in line with UFC policy for highlighting standout performances. The awards were selected by UFC executives and announced by president immediately following the event's conclusion.

Records and Impact

UFC 261 marked significant title changes in two divisions. In the co-main event, defeated Weili Zhang via first-round knockout with a head kick, reclaiming the UFC women's strawweight championship and ending Zhang's undefeated 5-0 record in the UFC, which had included her title-winning performance against Jessica Andrade and her first title defense against at UFC 248. In the main event, retained the UFC title for the fourth time in his reign by knocking out in the second round, extending his personal title defense record at the time. The event set several notable records and achievements. Usman's victory improved his overall to 19 consecutive fights, establishing the longest in history up to that point. UFC 261 generated approximately 700,000 domestic buys, positioning it as a key post-pandemic benchmark for UFC viewership recovery. It was the first UFC event to host a full-capacity crowd since the began in March 2020, drawing 15,269 attendees to and producing a live gate of $3.3 million, which boosted organizational revenue and fighter morale amid ongoing restrictions elsewhere. Additionally, Chris Weidman's fight against ended just 17 seconds in when Weidman's fractured upon checking a leg kick, an injury that underscored the severe risks of such techniques in and echoed Anderson Silva's similar break against Weidman in 2013. The broader impact of UFC 261 extended to the UFC's operational and . As the organization's first major event with unrestricted , it revitalized the live event model by demonstrating feasibility and fan enthusiasm, contributing an estimated $17 million in economic impact to Jacksonville alone through tourism and local spending. Namajunas' emphatic title recapture elevated her profile within the sport, setting the stage for her subsequent move to the flyweight division and a title challenge against at , where she aimed to become a double champion. The event played a pivotal role in UFC's financial recovery, helping drive overall company revenue to approximately $1 billion amid the pandemic's lingering effects, with its strong gate and buy numbers signaling a return to pre-crisis performance levels. Looking ahead, UFC 261 established a for resuming normal operations, influencing subsequent event planning by encouraging other venues and leagues to adopt full-capacity formats sooner, as UFC president highlighted its success in leading the sports industry's post-pandemic pivot.

References

  1. [1]
    UFC 261: Usman vs Masvidal 2
    Apr 24, 2021 · UFC returns to live events in Jacksonville, Florida on April 24 with 3 title fights including Usman vs Masvidal 2, Shevchenko vs Andrade and ...Missing: date | Show results with:date
  2. [2]
    UFC 261: Usman vs. Masvidal 2 Fight Results - ESPN
    Apr 24, 2021 · Masvidal 2. April 24, 2021. VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, FL. Main Card - Final. Welterweight - Main Event - Title Fight. Kamaru ...Missing: date | Show results with:date
  3. [3]
    UFC 261 start time -- Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal - CBS Sports
    Apr 24, 2021 · Date: April 24 ; Location: VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena -- Jacksonville, Florida ; Start time: 10 p.m. ET ; How to watch: ESPN+ PPV (main card) | ...
  4. [4]
    Official Scorecards | UFC 261: Usman vs Masvidal 2
    Apr 24, 2021 · UFC 261: USMAN vs. MASVIDAL 2 will take place Saturday, April 24 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Early prelims will ...Missing: date | Show results with:date
  5. [5]
    Usman tops Masvidal, UFC 261 returns sports world to normal
    Apr 24, 2021 · UFC 261 returned a sense of normalcy to the sports world with a packed house, a raucous crowd and another victory for Kamaru Usman.
  6. [6]
    UFC 261: Usman defends belt with brutal knockout at full-capacity ...
    Apr 25, 2021 · The sold-out event touted as the first full-capacity sporting event held indoors in more than a year drew a star-studded crowd. There was no ...
  7. [7]
    UFC 261 start time, who is fighting tonight at 'Usman vs Masvidal 2 ...
    Apr 24, 2021 · Complete UFC 261 fight card preview for the Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal 2-led event. Get UFC 261 start time, location, date, bout order, TV
  8. [8]
    UFC 261 to take place in front of live, capacity crowd
    Mar 15, 2021 · The event, which was expected to take place at the Apex in Las Vegas, now will be at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, the same venue where the ...Missing: history changes
  9. [9]
    UFC 261 Real or Not: Kamaru Usman-Jorge Masvidal is the right ...
    Mar 15, 2021 · UFC president Dana White announced Monday on Twitter that UFC 261 will feature three title fights, including Usman-Masvidal 2, Valentina ...
  10. [10]
    Dana White confirms Kamaru Usman vs Jorge Masvidal 2 for UFC ...
    Mar 16, 2021 · Dana White confirms Kamaru Usman vs Jorge Masvidal 2 for UFC 261 on card featuring three title fights and arena full of fans · Belal Muhammad ...
  11. [11]
    LOOK: Fans flock to UFC 261 for first full-capacity UFC event in more ...
    Apr 24, 2021 · LOOK: Fans flock to UFC 261 for first full-capacity UFC event in more than a year ... sold out and 15,000 fans are expected to be in attendance ...
  12. [12]
    UFC 261 to welcome full crowd in Jacksonville, Florida
    Mar 16, 2021 · The UFC intends to stage a pay-per-view show in front of an arena full of fans on April 24 in Jacksonville, Florida. Advertisement.
  13. [13]
    UFC to return to Jacksonville's VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
    UFC is holding mixed martial arts at Jacksonville on April 24 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, with what Dana White termed a "full crowd."Missing: Singapore February date
  14. [14]
    Valentina Shevchenko vs Jessica Andrade title fight set for UFC 261 ...
    Feb 24, 2021 · Their five-round showdown is expected to join the upcoming UFC 261 pay-per-view (PPV) event on April 24, according to ESPN, though a city and ...Missing: announced | Show results with:announced
  15. [15]
    Sources: Zhang Weili vs. Rose Namajunas for strawweight title ...
    Feb 26, 2021 · While the fight isn't yet finalized, April 24 is the date the promotion and both fighters are targeting.Missing: announced | Show results with:announced
  16. [16]
    Kamaru Usman, Jorge Masvidal set for rematch as UFC to ... - ESPN
    Mar 15, 2021 · Kamaru Usman will defend his UFC welterweight title in a rematch against Jorge Masvidal in the headliner of UFC 261 on April 24 in Jacksonville, ...
  17. [17]
    Chris Weidman vs. Uriah Hall Fight Reportedly Moved to UFC 261 ...
    Jan 29, 2021 · Uriah Hall Fight Reportedly Moved to UFC 261 on April 24. The Chris Weidman vs. Uriah Hall bout, which was set for UFC 258 on Feb.Missing: announced | Show results with:announced
  18. [18]
    Fight booking wire (April 19-25): UFC 261 loses Jamey Simmons vs ...
    Apr 19, 2021 · Saturday's UFC 261 is down a fight after losing a bantamweight preliminary bout between Johnny Munoz and Jamey Simmons. The reason for the ...
  19. [19]
    UFC partners with COVID-19 screening app, mask maker for UFC 261
    Apr 21, 2021 · Dana White is letting fans choose whether they want to wear masks to the promotion's first indoor events with a full capacity crowd.
  20. [20]
    UFC 261 fight card | Full schedule including Usman v Masvidal 2
    Apr 22, 2021 · Check out the full UFC 261 fight card and confirmed schedule ahead of Kamaru Usman v Jorge Masvidal 2 on UFC Fight Island.
  21. [21]
    VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena - Visit Jacksonville
    This 15,000-seat multipurpose arena was built in 2003 and is home to the Jacksonville Sports Hall of Fame; Jacksonville's ABA Basketball team, the Giants; the ...
  22. [22]
    Jacksonville prepares for full-crowd UFC 261 at arena
    Come Saturday night, the arena is expected to open to a full-capacity 15,000 for a pay-per-view slugfest on the multibillion-dollar global mixed martial arts ...
  23. [23]
    UFC announces three events to be held without fans at Jacksonville ...
    Apr 25, 2020 · The Ultimate Fighting Championship is returning to competition on 9 May for three shows without fans in eight days in Jacksonville, Florida.
  24. [24]
    UFC 261 economic impact in Jacksonville estimated above $17 million
    The fights drew heavyweight numbers in the seats, too: In all, 15,269 fans attended UFC 261, yielding the arena's highest-ever gate receipts of $3.3 million ( ...Missing: attendance | Show results with:attendance
  25. [25]
    UFC 261 sells out in minutes, breaks arena gate record in Jacksonville
    Mar 26, 2021 · “Thank you UFC fans!!! – Sold out in minutes. One of the fastest sell outs in UFC history. – Arena record for highest gross. – 15k attendance I ...
  26. [26]
    Dana White: COVID face masks optional for UFC 261 in Jacksonville
    Apr 20, 2021 · UFC President Dana White will not require MMA fans to wear COVID face masks for the promotion's return to live events at UFC 261 in ...
  27. [27]
    UFC 261: Usman vs. Masvidal 2 Live Saturday on ESPN+ PPV
    Apr 22, 2021 · UFC 261: Usman vs. Masvidal 2 will stream exclusively on ESPN+ PPV this Saturday, April 24, at 10 pm ET from VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, FL.
  28. [28]
    UFC 261 viewers guide: Three title fights, a full house and ... - ESPN
    Apr 24, 2021 · By the numbers​​ 15,000+: Fans are back at UFC 261 with more than 15,000 fans expected to be in attendance.
  29. [29]
    ABU DHABI EXTEND PARTNERSHIP TO 2028 | UFC
    Oct 19, 2023 · ... broadcast footprint of more than 900 million homes across more than 170 countries. That partnership was deepened further as Abu Dhabi hosted ...
  30. [30]
    Report: UFC 261 sells over 700000 PPVs in United States
    Apr 27, 2021 · ... UFC 261 sold at least 700,000 buys domestically in the United States. ... Ben Askren, which sold a reported 1.3 million PPV buys, we should ...
  31. [31]
    Usman Tops Masvidal, UFC 261 Returns Sports World To Normal
    Apr 25, 2021 · UFC 261 returned a sense of normalcy to the sports world Saturday night with one of its craziest events in years. Billed as the first full- ...Missing: trailers | Show results with:trailers
  32. [32]
    UFC releases 'no excuses' promo for Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge ...
    Apr 21, 2021 · On Wednesday, the UFC released an extended promo video for Saturday's rematch, which headlines a trio of world championship bouts at UFC 261.Missing: normalcy trailers
  33. [33]
    Fight By Fight Preview | UFC 261: Usman vs Masvidal 2
    Apr 19, 2021 · Nine months after colliding on short notice, Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal meet for a second time with the welterweight title once again ...
  34. [34]
    Fights And Fireworks: What Went Down At UFC 261 - LowKick MMA
    May 4, 2021 · Last April 24, 2021, in Jacksonville, Florida, UFC 261 was held to a record number crowd inside Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena. ... lighting him ...
  35. [35]
    UFC 261 results: Anthony Smith stops Jimmy Crute with brutal leg ...
    Apr 24, 2021 · After Crute had landed several kicks of his own earlier in the round, Smith fired off one of his own with his foot landing just behind the knee.Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
  36. [36]
    UFC 261 results: Chris Weidman suffers horrifying broken leg in ...
    Apr 25, 2021 · The 185-pound rematch was instantly called off and ruled a TKO for Hall (17-9) just 17 seconds into the bout inside VyStar Veterans Memorial ...
  37. [37]
    UFC 261 results: Chris Weidman suffers devastating broken leg ...
    Apr 24, 2021 · It was somber ending to a highly anticipated fight and Hall could only pay tribute to Weidman afterwards as he earned the TKO victory but that ...
  38. [38]
    UFC 261 results, highlights: Valentina Shevchenko dominates ...
    Apr 25, 2021 · Shevchenko (21-3) had her way with stunning ease against former strawweight champion Jessica Andrade (21-9) by dominating her on the ground en route to a ...Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
  39. [39]
    UFC 261 results: Valentina Shevchenko smashes Jessica Andrade ...
    Apr 24, 2021 · UFC 261 results: Valentina Shevchenko smashes Jessica Andrade with crucifix elbows, gets TKO · Valentina Shevchenko def. Jessica Andrade via TKO ...
  40. [40]
    UFC 261 results, highlights: Rose Namajunas stuns Weili Zhang ...
    Apr 25, 2021 · Namajunas (10-4) captured the UFC women's strawweight title for the second time by delivering a lead-leg head kick to floor Weili Zhang before ...Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
  41. [41]
    Rose Namajunas Beats Zhang Weili via 1st-Round Knockout at UFC ...
    Apr 25, 2021 · One well-timed head kick was all it took for Namajunas to put the champion down and reclaim her belt. Zhang was left stunned by what happened, ...<|separator|>
  42. [42]
    UFC 261 results, highlights: Kamaru Usman pounds Jorge Masvidal ...
    Apr 25, 2021 · A MASSIVE knockout victory for Usman. Official result: Kamaru Usman def. Jorge Masvidal via knockout (punches), Round 2. player headshot.
  43. [43]
    UFC 261 Results: Kamaru Usman Knocks Out Jorge Masvidal to ...
    Apr 24, 2021 · Usman (19-1) knocked out Masvidal (35-15) in the second round with a ferocious right hand, erasing whatever doubts remained he had any peer in ...
  44. [44]
    UFC 261 'Usman vs. Masvidal 2' Play-by-Play, Results & Round ...
    Apr 24, 2021 · UFC 261 'Usman vs. Masvidal 2' Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring · Ariane Carnelossi vs. Na Liang · Jeff Molina vs. Qileng Aori · Rodrigo ...
  45. [45]
    UFC 261 rookie report: Grading the newcomers in Jacksonville
    Apr 24, 2021 · When an early prelim between a pair of promotional newcomers is awarded the "Fight of the Night" in a UFC event – much less a card as insane as ...
  46. [46]
    Welcome To The UFC: Liang Na
    Apr 20, 2021 · Chinese newcomer Liang Na will get the party started in Jacksonville this Saturday when she opens the early prelims vs Ariane Carnelossi at UFC ...
  47. [47]
    UFC 261 play-by-play and live results - MMA Junkie
    Apr 24, 2021 · Follow along with our round-by-round updates and official results. To discuss the show, be sure to check out our UFC 261 discussion thread.
  48. [48]
    UFC 261 bonuses: Kamaru Usman, Rose Namajunas among ...
    Apr 25, 2021 · The UFC handed out four $50,000 post-fight bonuses after its return to full arenas Saturday. UFC 261 took place Saturday at VyStar Veterans ...
  49. [49]
    UFC 261 Bonus Report: Kamaru Usman pockets extra $50k for ...
    Apr 24, 2021 · UFC 261 Bonus Report: Kamaru Usman pockets extra $50k for knockout of Jorge Masvidal · Fight of the night: Jeff Molina and Qileng Aori each ...
  50. [50]
    UFC 261 bonuses: Kamaru Usman, Rose Namajunas rewarded for ...
    Apr 24, 2021 · All four fighters will receive an extra $50,000 for their efforts. Usman defended the UFC welterweight championship for a fourth consecutive ...Missing: awards | Show results with:awards
  51. [51]
    UFC 261 Bonuses: Kamaru Usman, Rose Namajunas Easy Choices ...
    Apr 25, 2021 · UFC 261 Bonuses: Kamaru Usman, Rose Namajunas Easy Choices for $50K Awards. Kamaru Usman and Rose Namajunas authored back-to-back candidates ...
  52. [52]
    UFC 261: Sports world reacts to highlight reel KOs by Namajunas ...
    Apr 25, 2021 · UFC 261: Sports world reacts to highlight reel KOs by Namajunas and Usman. A memorable night at UFC 261 ended with a trio of knockouts in the ...Missing: records changes
  53. [53]
    UFC 261 to have first full fan attendance since before COVID
    Apr 23, 2021 · Saturday's pay-per-view event in Jacksonville, featuring three title fights, will welcome 15,000 fans inside masks-optional VyStar Veterans ...
  54. [54]
    Pros react to Chris Weidman's gruesome broken leg at UFC 261
    Apr 24, 2021 · Former UFC middleweight Chris Weidman suffered the same injury of his two-time opponent Anderson Silva when he broke his leg on a kick checked by Uriah Hall at ...
  55. [55]
    Rose Namajunas Regains The Strawweight Title | Breaking Barriers
    Mar 29, 2023 · Now it was time for Zhang vs “Thug Rose” on April 24, 2021, in Jacksonville, Florida, and in the UFC 261 co-main event, Namajunas was about to ...
  56. [56]
    UFC: How the pandemic helped UFC find another level of success
    Apr 8, 2022 · The UFC was the first major sports league in the US to return to action after a shutdown caused by the pandemic. And it was the first to welcome full-capacity ...<|control11|><|separator|>