Former UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion “Thug” Rose Namajunas took a big step towards a title shot with a key win tonight at UFC 251: “Usman vs Masvidal” in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Namajunas edged out Jéssica “Bate Estaca” Andrade by Split Decision in their main card rematch.

In other main card action at UFC 251, rising star Amanda Ribas made quick work of “12 Gauge” Paige VanZant in their flyweight contest, and Karol Rosa took a one-sided Unanimous Decision victory over Vanessa “Miss Simpatia” Melo, who missed weight by five pounds for their bantamweight matchup.

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The Ultimate Fighting Championship came to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates tonight for UFC 251: “Usman vs Masvidal.” The event was headlined by a UFC Welterweight Championship bout between Kamaru “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman and rival Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal.

In the co-main event, UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski faced Max “Blessed” Holloway in a rematch. Petr “No Mercy” Yan clashed with José “Scarface” Aldo for the vacant UFC Bantamweight Championship. MMARising.com has live play-by-play for the UFC 251 card.

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Recent strawweight title challenger Emily “Gordinha” Ducote put herself back into championship contention with a hard-fought victory tonight at Invicta Fighting Championships 40 in Kansas City, Kansas. Ducote rallied to defeat Juliana “Ju Thai” Lima by Unanimous Decision in the main event.

Elsewhere on tonight’s card, Alesha “Half Pint” Zappitella picked up her second straight victory with a close and competitive Split Decision verdict over Lindsey “Damsel” VanZandt in an atomweight contender’s bout, and Chelsea Chandler quickly submitted Olivia “Phoenix” Parker at 145 pounds.

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Invicta Fighting Championships showcased its latest all-female card tonight at Police Athletic League in Kansas City, Kansas. Invicta FC 40 featured a strawweight contender’s bout between recent title challenger Emily “Gordinha” Ducote and veteran Brazilian standout Juliana “Ju Thai” Lima.

In the atomweight co-feature, Alesha “Half Pint” Zappitella looked to move one step closer to a title shot when she battled fellow contender Lindsey “Damsel” VanZandt, who returned for her fourth Invicta FC appearance. MMARising.com has live play-by-play for tonight’s Invicta FC 40 card.

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Talented 20-year-old rising star Kay Hansen made the most of an important opportunity in her short-notice UFC debut tonight at UFC on ESPN 12: “Poirier vs Hooker” in Las Vegas, Nevada. Hansen submitted former Invicta FC champion Jinh Yu Frey in round three of their strawweight matchup.

Frey held an early edge on the feet in the opening round, but Hansen was in complete control once she was able to take the fight to the mat. She used a slick armbar transition to secure the fight-ending finish and immediately solidified herself as a top prospect for the UFC in the 115-pound division.

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The Ultimate Fighting Championship remained at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada tonight for UFC on ESPN 12: “Poirier vs Hooker.” The event was headlined by a lightweight bout between former title challenger Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier and top contender Dan “The Hangman” Hooker.

In the welterweight co-main event, “Platinum” Mike Perry looked to halt a two-fight losing streak when he battled Mickey Gall. Also on the card, Gian Villante faced off against Maurice “The Crochet Boss” Green in heavyweight action. MMARising.com has live play-by-play for the UFC on ESPN 12 card.

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Following a frustrating defeat in January, Raquel “Rocky” Pennington put herself back in contention at 135 pounds with a crucial win tonight at UFC on ESPN 11: “Blaydes vs Volkov” in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pennington took a convincing decision victory over Marion “The Belizean Bruiser” Reneau.

Much like her fiancée, Tecia Torres, had done earlier on the card tonight, Pennington came on strong in rounds two and three of her main card bout with Reneau. Showcasing crisp combinations and knees in the clinch battles, Pennington wore Reneau down en route to a well-deserved victory.

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Facing a potential must-win situation, Tecia “The Tiny Tornado” Torres responded with one of her best performances to date tonight at UFC on ESPN 11: “Blaydes vs Volkov” in Las Vegas, Nevada. Torres took a clear Unanimous Decision win over rising star Brianna “Tha Bull” Van Buren.

In addition to Torres’s impressive strawweight showing, the UFC on ESPN 11 preliminary card also featured a pair of women’s flyweight matchups. Gillian “The Savage” Robertson and “Lucky” Lauren Murphy both moved up the ladder at 125 pounds with crucial victories in their bouts tonight.

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