UFC 277
UFC 277: Peña vs. Nunes 2 was a mixed martial arts pay-per-view event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) that took place on July 30, 2022, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.[1] The event marked the promotion's sixth visit to the venue and featured a card of 13 bouts across various weight classes, highlighted by championship rematches in the women's bantamweight and flyweight divisions.[2] It drew an announced attendance of 19,442 spectators, generating a live gate of $4,455,691 and marking the arena's highest single-night gate in its history.[3] The main event was a women's bantamweight title rematch between champion Julianna Peña and former champion Amanda Nunes, who had lost the belt to Peña via second-round submission at UFC 269 seven months prior.[4] Nunes delivered a dominant performance, winning by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-44, 50-43) after five rounds to reclaim the title.[3] In doing so, she became the first fighter in UFC history to have multiple simultaneous two-division title reigns, holding the title alongside her featherweight belt.[5] The co-main event saw interim flyweight champion Brandon Moreno face top contender Kai Kara-France to unify the division's title, with Moreno securing the undisputed championship via third-round TKO (body kick and punches) at 4:34.[4] This victory extended Moreno's reign and earned him Fight of the Night honors for the back-and-forth battle.[6] Other notable main card results included Sergei Pavlovich's first-round TKO (punches) of Derrick Lewis at 0:55, extending Pavlovich's streak of four consecutive first-round UFC finishes, and Pedro Munhoz's third-round TKO (punches) upset over Sean O'Malley, who suffered a severe leg injury similar to that of Chris Weidman earlier in the year.[7][8] The event also featured Performance of the Night bonuses for Alexandre Pantoja's first-round submission of Alex Perez on the preliminary card and Michael Morales' third-round TKO of Adam Fugitt.[9]Event Overview
Date, Location, and Promotion
UFC 277: Peña vs. Nunes 2 was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the world's leading promotion in the sport, held as the organization's 277th numbered pay-per-view event.[1][10] The event took place on July 30, 2022, at the American Airlines Center, a multi-purpose arena in Dallas, Texas, United States, with a capacity of approximately 20,000 for MMA configurations.[1][11] This pay-per-view marked the UFC's return to Dallas after nearly four years, the first event in the city since UFC 228: Woodley vs. Till on September 8, 2018, also at the American Airlines Center.[12][13]Attendance and Financials
UFC 277 achieved significant audience engagement, drawing a paid attendance of 19,442 spectators to the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. This figure marked the highest attendance for a UFC event in the state at the time, exceeding previous UFC shows held in Dallas and establishing a new benchmark for MMA crowds in Texas.[3][14] The event generated a total gate revenue of $4,455,691, reflecting strong ticket sales and contributing to its status as one of the promotion's top-performing numbered events in the region. This financial success underscored the draw of the main event rematch between Amanda Nunes and Julianna Peña, alongside the co-main flyweight title fight.[3] Official pay-per-view buy figures were not released by the UFC, though the event's performance was considered solid for a women's headlined card based on historical comparisons.Background
Main Event and Co-Main Event Origins
The main event of UFC 277 featured a highly anticipated rematch for the UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship between champion Julianna Peña and former champion Amanda Nunes. Peña had captured the title in one of the most shocking upsets in UFC history at UFC 269 on December 11, 2021, submitting Nunes via rear-naked choke at 3:26 of the second round after entering as a significant underdog.[15] Nunes, who had dominated the division with four successful title defenses since winning the belt in 2016, sought immediate revenge to reclaim her status as the division's premier force.[16] The buildup was intensified by their roles as opposing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter Season 30, which premiered on May 3, 2022, where personal tensions escalated through on-screen confrontations and strategic clashes, transforming their professional rivalry into a deeply personal feud ahead of the July 30 rematch.[17] Peña's journey to the championship embodied an underdog narrative rooted in perseverance. As the inaugural female winner of The Ultimate Fighter, she earned her UFC contract by defeating Jessica Rakoczy via first-round TKO in the Season 18 finale on November 30, 2013, marking the first women's edition of the reality series.[18] Over the subsequent years, Peña compiled a 6-3 record in the UFC, including key victories over fighters like Sara McMann, Nicco Montaño, Cat Zingano, and Jessica Eye, steadily climbing the rankings despite setbacks such as losses to Valentina Shevchenko, Raquel Pennington, and Germaine de Randamie, before securing her title shot against Nunes.[19] Nunes, meanwhile, brought a storied dual-division legacy to the bout, having become the first woman to simultaneously hold UFC titles in two weight classes after defeating Cris Cyborg for the Women's Featherweight Championship at UFC 232 on December 29, 2018. Although her last featherweight defense came against Felicia Spencer at UFC 250 on June 6, 2020, Nunes maintained the belt while prioritizing bantamweight defenses, entering UFC 277 as the reigning featherweight champion focused on restoring her supremacy at 135 pounds.[9] The co-main event pitted interim UFC Flyweight Champion Brandon Moreno against rising contender Kai Kara-France for the interim title, stemming from scheduling disruptions caused by former champion Deiveson Figueiredo's injury. Moreno, who had previously won the undisputed flyweight title against Figueiredo at UFC 263, was set to defend his title in a trilogy rematch that was repeatedly delayed due to Figueiredo's lingering injury; the planned July matchup ultimately led to this interim bout to keep the division active.[20] This rematch traced back to their initial encounter at UFC 245 on December 14, 2019, where Moreno defeated Kara-France via unanimous decision in a closely contested three-round bout, setting the stage for Kara-France's ascent as a top contender with subsequent wins over Cody Garbrandt and Rogerio Bontorin.[21] Kara-France's inclusion highlighted his momentum in the division, while the interim framework addressed Figueiredo's absence, ensuring title contention progressed amid the champion's recovery timeline (Figueiredo later reclaimed the undisputed title by defeating Moreno in their trilogy bout at UFC 283 on January 21, 2023).[22]Fight Card Development and Changes
The UFC 277 event was first announced on May 21, 2022, during the UFC Fight Night: Holm vs. Vieira broadcast, with the main event rematch between women's bantamweight champion Julianna Peña and Amanda Nunes, alongside the co-main event interim flyweight title bout between Brandon Moreno and Kai Kara-France.[23] The undercard began to take shape in the following weeks, with initial bouts including light heavyweight veterans Magomed Ankalaev vs. Anthony Smith and welterweights Neil Magny vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov added by late May, while additional matchups like Derrick Lewis vs. Sergei Pavlovich and Jessica Eye vs. Miesha Tate were confirmed by early June, filling out a preliminary lineup focused on established contenders and prospects.[24] As the event approached in July 2022, several undercard and preliminary bouts underwent changes due to injuries and visa issues, reshaping the lineup without affecting the main card. A middleweight bout between Sean Strickland and Alex Pereira, originally slated for the card, was relocated to UFC 276 on July 2 to position Pereira as a potential title challenger sooner.[25] In the lightweight division, Diego Ferreira withdrew due to injury and was replaced by Rafa Garcia against Drakkar Klose on the preliminary card.[26] Similarly, Ramiz Brahimaj pulled out of his welterweight debut against Michael Morales with an undisclosed injury, leading to unbeaten newcomer Adam Fugitt stepping in as a replacement.[27] Heavyweight Justin Tafa was removed from his matchup with Don'Tale Mayes amid visa complications, initially prompting Waldo Cortes-Acosta to step in before undefeated prospect Hamdy Abdelwahab was ultimately selected as the opponent.[26] Further adjustments included the women's flyweight bout, where Mariya Agapova exited due to a knee injury, with Joselyne Edwards—fresh off a fight at UFC 275—filling in against Ji Yeon Kim; this contest proceeded at a catchweight of 137.5 pounds after Edwards missed the flyweight limit.[27] A lightweight matchup between Ignacio Bahamondes and Ľudovít Klein was scrapped entirely owing to visa problems for Bahamondes, with Klein reassigned to a later event.[28] Additionally, the welterweight clash between Orion Cosce and Mike Mathetha, which had been postponed from UFC 271 due to Cosce's prior withdrawal, was rescheduled here but went ahead at a catchweight of 172.5 pounds following Cosce's failure to make 170 pounds.[29] These shifts contributed to a final card of 13 bouts, structured across a main card on pay-per-view, a preliminary card on ESPN/ESPN+, and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass, emphasizing resilience in booking amid logistical hurdles.[3]Fight Card and Results
Main Card
The main card of UFC 277 featured five high-stakes bouts, headlined by a women's bantamweight title rematch and an interim flyweight championship fight, all broadcast on pay-per-view from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.[1] In the main event, Amanda Nunes defeated Julianna Peña via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-44, 50-43) after five rounds to regain the UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship.[9] Nunes dominated with precise striking, landing over 150 significant strikes and dropping Peña multiple times, while mixing in takedowns to control the pace across all rounds. Peña showed resilience by surviving heavy damage and attempting late submissions, but could not overcome Nunes' technical superiority. The co-main event saw Brandon Moreno defeat Kai Kara-France via TKO (body kick and punches) at 4:34 of the third round to win the UFC Interim Flyweight Championship.[4] Moreno pressured Kara-France throughout, absorbing leg kicks while advancing with combinations, culminating in a devastating liver kick that dropped his opponent for the finish. Kara-France's resilience kept him competitive early, but Moreno's cardio and clinch work proved decisive. Sergei Pavlovich defeated Derrick Lewis via TKO (punches) at 0:55 of the first round in a heavyweight clash.[4] Pavlovich overwhelmed Lewis with explosive power, landing a left hook to drop him early before unleashing ground strikes for the quick stoppage. Lewis, known for his knockout ability, was unable to mount offense in the brief exchange. Alexandre Pantoja submitted Alex Perez via rear-naked choke at 1:31 of the first round in a flyweight bout.[4] Pantoja secured a takedown immediately and transitioned swiftly to the back for the choke, showcasing his grappling expertise in a high-paced opener. Perez engaged aggressively on the feet but was caught in the scramble. Magomed Ankalaev defeated Anthony Smith via TKO (punches) at 3:09 of the second round in the light heavyweight opener.[4] Ankalaev controlled the fight with superior striking volume and takedowns, finishing with ground-and-pound after wearing down Smith, who appeared compromised by an ankle injury. Smith's durability allowed him to survive the first round, but he couldn't counter Ankalaev's pressure.| Bout | Winner | Method | Round/Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women's Bantamweight Championship: Julianna Peña (c) vs. Amanda Nunes | Amanda Nunes | Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-44, 50-43) | 5 / 5:00 | Nunes regains title[9] |
| Interim Flyweight Championship: Brandon Moreno vs. Kai Kara-France | Brandon Moreno | TKO (body kick and punches) | 3 / 4:34 | Moreno wins interim title[4] |
| Heavyweight: Derrick Lewis vs. Sergei Pavlovich | Sergei Pavlovich | TKO (punches) | 1 / 0:55 | -[4] |
| Flyweight: Alex Perez vs. Alexandre Pantoja | Alexandre Pantoja | Submission (rear-naked choke) | 1 / 1:31 | -[4] |
| Light Heavyweight: Anthony Smith vs. Magomed Ankalaev | Magomed Ankalaev | TKO (punches) | 2 / 3:09 | -[4] |
Preliminary Card
The preliminary card of UFC 277 featured eight bouts across various weight classes, including welterweight, lightweight, heavyweight, middleweight, and a catchweight affair, providing a diverse showcase of emerging and established talent ahead of the main events. These fights, held on July 30, 2022, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, highlighted aggressive striking exchanges and competitive decisions, with several stoppages underscoring the undercard's intensity.[4] In the welterweight opener, Alex Morono defeated Matthew Semelsberger by unanimous decision after three rounds, with judges scoring it 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27; Morono's volume striking and takedown defense proved decisive in a back-and-forth contest.[4] Following that, lightweight veteran Drew Dober stopped Rafael Alves via knockout (punch to the body) at 1:30 of the third round, capping a wild striking battle where Dober absorbed heavy shots before landing the fight-ending blow.[4] The heavyweight bout saw Hamdy Abdelwahab initially defeat Don'Tale Mayes by split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29), but the result was later overturned to a no contest after Abdelwahab tested positive for the anabolic agent methenolone.[4][30] In another lightweight matchup, Drakkar Klose outpointed Rafa García by unanimous decision (29-28 across all cards), relying on superior wrestling and ground control to secure the victory over three rounds.[4] On the early prelims, welterweight prospect Michael Morales earned a technical knockout victory over Adam Fugitt via strikes at 1:09 of the third round, overwhelming his opponent with relentless pressure and ground-and-pound.[4] Joselyne Edwards won a contentious catchweight bout (137.5 pounds) against Ji Yeon Kim by split decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29), edging out a decision through effective clinch work despite Kim's late rally.[4] Middleweight Nicolae Negumereanu claimed a second-round TKO over Ihor Potieria at 3:33, using a combination of punches and knees in the clinch to force the stoppage after a competitive first frame.[4] Rounding out the card, Orion Cosce defeated Mike Mathetha (fighting as Blood Diamond) by unanimous decision (29-28 on all scorecards) in a welterweight clash marked by Cosce's crisp boxing and ability to avoid significant damage.[4]| Fight | Result | Method | Round/Time | Division |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Morono vs. Matthew Semelsberger | Morono def. Semelsberger | Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) | 3 rounds | Welterweight |
| Drew Dober vs. Rafael Alves | Dober def. Alves | KO (punch) | 3, 1:30 | Lightweight |
| Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Don'Tale Mayes | No Contest (overturned from Abdelwahab split decision win) | N/A | N/A | Heavyweight |
| Drakkar Klose vs. Rafa García | Klose def. García | Unanimous Decision (29-28 x3) | 3 rounds | Lightweight |
| Michael Morales vs. Adam Fugitt | Morales def. Fugitt | TKO (strikes) | 3, 1:09 | Welterweight |
| Joselyne Edwards vs. Ji Yeon Kim | Edwards def. Kim | Split Decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29) | 3 rounds | Catchweight (137.5 lb) |
| Nicolae Negumereanu vs. Ihor Potieria | Negumereanu def. Potieria | TKO (punches and knees) | 2, 3:33 | Middleweight |
| Orion Cosce vs. Mike Mathetha | Cosce def. Mathetha | Unanimous Decision (29-28 x3) | 3 rounds | Welterweight |