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{{pp|small=yes}}
{{short description|MMA event in 2021}}
{{short description|MMA event in 2021}}
{{Infobox MMA event
{{Infobox MMA event
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==Background==
==Background==
The promotion had initially planned to hold the event in [[Singapore]]. However, negotiations with the Singaporean government fizzled amongst [[COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore|COVID-19 protocols]] and the promotion initially turned to their home base of Las Vegas.<ref name="LasVegas" /> On March 15, UFC president [[Dana White]] announced the event would be moved to [[Jacksonville, Florida]], with a full capacity of "15,000 UFC fans", marking the first time since [[UFC 248]] on March 2020 that a full capacity crowd would be available (the UFC hosted a trio of events in [[Abu Dhabi]] in January with a limited number of fans).<ref name="Usman vs. Masvidal 2" /> Jacksonville also hosted the UFC's first fights back after the start of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] on May 2020, before the organization started hosting events in either Las Vegas or Abu Dhabi.<ref name="Usman vs. Masvidal 2" />
The promotion had initially planned to hold the event in [[Singapore]]. However, negotiations with the Singaporean government fizzled amongst [[COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore|COVID-19 protocols]] and the promotion initially turned to their home base of Las Vegas.<ref name="LasVegas" /> On March 15, UFC president [[Dana White]] announced the event would be moved to [[Jacksonville, Florida]], with a full capacity of "15,000 UFC fans", marking the first time since [[UFC 248]] in March 2020 that a full capacity crowd would be available (the UFC hosted a trio of events in [[Abu Dhabi]] in January with a limited number of fans).<ref name="Usman vs. Masvidal 2" /> Jacksonville also hosted the UFC's first fights back after the start of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] in May 2020, before the organization started hosting events in either Las Vegas or Abu Dhabi.<ref name="Usman vs. Masvidal 2" />


A [[UFC Welterweight Championship]] rematch between the current champion [[Kamaru Usman]] (also [[The Ultimate Fighter: American Top Team vs. Blackzilians]] welterweight winner) and [[Jorge Masvidal]] headlined the event.<ref name="Usman vs. Masvidal 2" /> They previously met at [[UFC 251]], where Usman defended his title via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dazn.com/en-GLOBAL/news/mma/ufc-251-usman-vs-masvidal-fight-island-results-live-updates-highlights-full-card/16p3thlge05d018iil3yxb3due|title=UFC 251 results: Kamaru Usman dominates Jorge Masvidal to retain UFC Welterweight title|publisher=dazn.com|author=Andreas Hale|date=2020-07-14|access-date=2021-03-16}}</ref>
A [[UFC Welterweight Championship]] rematch between the current champion [[Kamaru Usman]] (also [[The Ultimate Fighter: American Top Team vs. Blackzilians]] welterweight winner) and [[Jorge Masvidal]] headlined the event.<ref name="Usman vs. Masvidal 2" /> They previously met at [[UFC 251]], where Usman defended his title via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dazn.com/en-GLOBAL/news/mma/ufc-251-usman-vs-masvidal-fight-island-results-live-updates-highlights-full-card/16p3thlge05d018iil3yxb3due|title=UFC 251 results: Kamaru Usman dominates Jorge Masvidal to retain UFC Welterweight title|publisher=dazn.com|author=Andreas Hale|date=2020-07-14|access-date=2021-03-16}}</ref>


A [[UFC Women's Strawweight Championship]] bout between the current champion [[Zhang Weili]] and former champion [[Rose Namajunas]] took place as the co-main event.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/30970542/zhang-weili-vs-rose-namajunas-strawweight-title-being-targeted-ufc-261|title=Sources: Zhang Weili vs. Rose Namajunas for strawweight title being targeted for UFC 261|publisher=espn.com|author=Ariel Helwani|date=2021-02-26|access-date=2021-03-12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3124621/ufc-261-zhang-weili-confirmed-fight-rose|title=UFC 261: Zhang Weili confirmed to fight Rose Namajunas on April 24 in strawweight title clash|publisher=scmp.com|author=Mathew Scott|date=2021-03-09|access-date=2021-03-12}}</ref>
A [[UFC Women's Strawweight Championship]] bout between the current champion [[Zhang Weili]] and former champion [[Rose Namajunas]] took place as the co-main event.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/30970542/zhang-weili-vs-rose-namajunas-strawweight-title-being-targeted-ufc-261|title=Sources: Zhang Weili vs. Rose Namajunas for strawweight title being targeted for UFC 261|work=espn.com|author=Ariel Helwani|date=2021-02-26|access-date=2021-03-12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3124621/ufc-261-zhang-weili-confirmed-fight-rose|title=UFC 261: Zhang Weili confirmed to fight Rose Namajunas on April 24 in strawweight title clash|publisher=scmp.com|author=Mathew Scott|date=2021-03-09|access-date=2021-03-12}}</ref>


A [[UFC Women's Flyweight Championship]] bout between current champion [[Valentina Shevchenko (fighter)|Valentina Shevchenko]] and former strawweight champion [[Jéssica Andrade]] completed the triad of title fights.<ref name="WFLW">{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/30956964/valentina-shevchenko-jessica-andrade-flyweight-title-fight-set-ufc-261-dana-white-sayst|title=Valentina Shevchenko-Jessica Andrade flyweight title fight set for UFC 261|publisher=espn.com|author=Brett Okamoto|date=2021-02-24|access-date=2021-02-24}}</ref>
A [[UFC Women's Flyweight Championship]] bout between current champion [[Valentina Shevchenko]] and former strawweight champion [[Jéssica Andrade]] completed the triad of title fights.<ref name="WFLW">{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/30956964/valentina-shevchenko-jessica-andrade-flyweight-title-fight-set-ufc-261-dana-white-sayst|title=Valentina Shevchenko-Jessica Andrade flyweight title fight set for UFC 261|work=espn.com|author=Brett Okamoto|date=2021-02-24|access-date=2021-02-24}}</ref>


A middleweight rematch between former [[UFC Middleweight Championship|UFC Middleweight Champion]] [[Chris Weidman]] and [[Uriah Hall]] was expected to take place at [[UFC 258]] in February.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/11/ufc-258-uriah-hall-chris-weidman-middleweight-rematch-booked|title=Uriah Hall, Chris Weidman agree to rematch at UFC 258 on Feb. 13|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2020-11-17|access-date=2021-01-28}}</ref> They met previously in September 2010 at a Ring of Combat event for the organization's middleweight title, with Weidman winning via TKO.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/ufc-news-uriah-hall-set-to-rematch-chris-weidman-at-ufc-258-mma/|title=Uriah Hall set to rematch Chris Weidman at UFC 258|publisher=essentiallysports.com|author=Keith D'Souza|date=2020-12-09|access-date=2021-01-29}}</ref> However, Weidman was pulled from that event in late-January due to a [[COVID-19 testing|positive COVID-19 test]]. The pairing remained intact and eventually took place at this event.<ref name="delay">{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/ufc/story/_/id/30800907/chris-weidman-tests-positive-covid-19-bout-vs-uriah-hall-pushed-back|title=Chris Weidman tests positive for COVID-19, bout vs. Uriah Hall now off|publisher=espn.com|author=Ariel Helwani|date=2021-01-28|access-date=2021-01-28}}</ref><ref name="delayed">{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/01/ufc-news-uriah-hall-vs-chris-weidman-rematch-shifts-ufc-259-ufc-261-positive-covid-19-result|title=Uriah Hall vs. Chris Weidman rematch shifts from UFC 258 to UFC 261 after positive COVID-19 result|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2021-01-29|access-date=2021-01-29}}</ref>
A middleweight rematch between former [[UFC Middleweight Championship|UFC Middleweight Champion]] [[Chris Weidman]] and [[Uriah Hall]] was expected to take place at [[UFC 258]] in February.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/11/ufc-258-uriah-hall-chris-weidman-middleweight-rematch-booked|title=Uriah Hall, Chris Weidman agree to rematch at UFC 258 on Feb. 13|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2020-11-17|access-date=2021-01-28}}</ref> They met previously in September 2010 at a Ring of Combat event for the organization's middleweight title, with Weidman winning via TKO.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/ufc-news-uriah-hall-set-to-rematch-chris-weidman-at-ufc-258-mma/|title=Uriah Hall set to rematch Chris Weidman at UFC 258|publisher=essentiallysports.com|author=Keith D'Souza|date=2020-12-09|access-date=2021-01-29}}</ref> However, Weidman was pulled from that event in late-January due to a [[COVID-19 testing|positive COVID-19 test]]. The pairing remained intact and eventually took place at this event.<ref name="delay">{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/ufc/story/_/id/30800907/chris-weidman-tests-positive-covid-19-bout-vs-uriah-hall-pushed-back|title=Chris Weidman tests positive for COVID-19, bout vs. Uriah Hall now off|work=espn.com|author=Ariel Helwani|date=2021-01-28|access-date=2021-01-28}}</ref><ref name="delayed">{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/01/ufc-news-uriah-hall-vs-chris-weidman-rematch-shifts-ufc-259-ufc-261-positive-covid-19-result|title=Uriah Hall vs. Chris Weidman rematch shifts from UFC 258 to UFC 261 after positive COVID-19 result|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2021-01-29|access-date=2021-01-29}}</ref>


[[Johnny Walker (fighter)|Johnny Walker]] was expected to face [[Jimmy Crute]] in a light heavyweight bout.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/30638332/ufc-light-heavyweights-jimmy-crute-johnny-walker-agree-march-27-fight-sources-say|title=UFC light heavyweights Jimmy Crute, Johnny Walker agree to March 27 fight, sources say|publisher=espn.com|author=Brett Okamoto|date=2021-01-02|access-date=2021-03-12}}</ref> However, Walker pulled out due to an injury and was replaced by former [[UFC Light Heavyweight Championship]] challenger [[Anthony Smith (fighter)|Anthony Smith]].<ref name="CruteSmith">{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/02/ufc-261-anthony-smith-replaces-johnny-walker-meets-jimmy-crute|title=Anthony Smith replaces Johnny Walker, meets Jimmy Crute at UFC 261 in April|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Danny Segura|date=2021-02-09|access-date=2021-02-09}}</ref>
[[Johnny Walker (fighter)|Johnny Walker]] was expected to face [[Jimmy Crute]] in a light heavyweight bout.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/30638332/ufc-light-heavyweights-jimmy-crute-johnny-walker-agree-march-27-fight-sources-say|title=UFC light heavyweights Jimmy Crute, Johnny Walker agree to March 27 fight, sources say|work=espn.com|author=Brett Okamoto|date=2021-01-02|access-date=2021-03-12}}</ref> However, Walker pulled out due to an injury and was replaced by former [[UFC Light Heavyweight Championship]] challenger [[Anthony Smith (fighter)|Anthony Smith]].<ref name="CruteSmith">{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/02/ufc-261-anthony-smith-replaces-johnny-walker-meets-jimmy-crute|title=Anthony Smith replaces Johnny Walker, meets Jimmy Crute at UFC 261 in April|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Danny Segura|date=2021-02-09|access-date=2021-02-09}}</ref>


[[Randy Brown (fighter)|Randy Brown]] and [[Alex Oliveira (fighter)|Alex Oliveira]] were expected to meet in a welterweight bout at [[UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Gane]], but Brown pulled out due to undisclosed reasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/02/ufc-fight-night-186-randy-brown-out-alex-oliveira-needs-new-opponent|title=Randy Brown out of UFC Fight Night 186; Alex Oliveira needs new opponent|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=John Morgan|date=2021-02-22|access-date=2021-02-22}}</ref> They eventually fought each other at this event.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/03/ufc-261-randy-brown-alex-oliveira-and-more-added|title=Rescheduled matchup of Randy Brown vs. Alex Oliveira among additions to UFC 261|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Staff|date=2021-03-24|access-date=2021-03-28}}</ref>
[[Randy Brown (fighter)|Randy Brown]] and [[Alex Oliveira (fighter)|Alex Oliveira]] were expected to meet in a welterweight bout at [[UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Gane]], but Brown pulled out due to undisclosed reasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/02/ufc-fight-night-186-randy-brown-out-alex-oliveira-needs-new-opponent|title=Randy Brown out of UFC Fight Night 186; Alex Oliveira needs new opponent|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=John Morgan|date=2021-02-22|access-date=2021-02-22}}</ref> They eventually fought each other at this event.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/03/ufc-261-randy-brown-alex-oliveira-and-more-added|title=Rescheduled matchup of Randy Brown vs. Alex Oliveira among additions to UFC 261|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Staff|date=2021-03-24|access-date=2021-03-28}}</ref>


A bantamweight bout between Mark Striegl and Johnny Muñoz was expected to take place at the event.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/3/3/22311586/johnny-munoz-vs-mark-striegl-added-to-ufc-261|title=Johnny Munoz vs. Mark Striegl added to UFC 261|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Mike Heck|date=2021-03-03|access-date=2021-03-24}}</ref> However, Striegl was removed from the bout on March 24 due to undisclosed reasons and replaced by Jamey Simmons.<ref name="StrieglOut">{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/03/ufc-261-johnny-munoz-vs-jamey-simmons-booked-mark-striegl-out|title=With Mark Striegl out, Jamey Simmons targeted to fight Johnny Munoz at UFC 261|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King|date=2021-03-24|access-date=2021-03-24}}</ref> In turn, Simmons also pulled out on April 8 for undisclosed reasons. As a result, Munoz was removed from the card as well and will be rescheduled for a future event.<ref name="SimmonsMunozOff">{{Cite web|url=https://btgpodcast.co/breaking-johnny-munoz-vs-jamey-simmons-off-for-ufc-261/|title=Johnny Munoz vs Jamey Simmons off for UFC 261|publisher=behindthegrind.co|author=Jack Welch|date=2021-04-08|access-date=2021-04-19}}</ref>
A bantamweight bout between Mark Striegl and Johnny Muñoz was expected to take place at the event.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/3/3/22311586/johnny-munoz-vs-mark-striegl-added-to-ufc-261|title=Johnny Munoz vs. Mark Striegl added to UFC 261|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Mike Heck|date=2021-03-03|access-date=2021-03-24}}</ref> However, Striegl was removed from the bout on March 24 due to undisclosed reasons and replaced by Jamey Simmons.<ref name="StrieglOut">{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/03/ufc-261-johnny-munoz-vs-jamey-simmons-booked-mark-striegl-out|title=With Mark Striegl out, Jamey Simmons targeted to fight Johnny Munoz at UFC 261|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King|date=2021-03-24|access-date=2021-03-24}}</ref> In turn, Simmons also pulled out on April 8 for undisclosed reasons. As a result, Muñoz was removed from the card as well and will be rescheduled for a future event.<ref name="SimmonsMunozOff">{{Cite web|url=https://btgpodcast.co/breaking-johnny-munoz-vs-jamey-simmons-off-for-ufc-261/|title=Johnny Munoz vs Jamey Simmons off for UFC 261|publisher=behindthegrind.co|author=Jack Welch|date=2021-04-08|access-date=2021-04-19}}</ref>


==Results==
==Results==
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{{MMAevent bout
{{MMAevent bout
|Women’s Flyweight
|Women’s Flyweight
|[[Valentina Shevchenko (fighter)|Valentina Shevchenko]] (c)
|[[Valentina Shevchenko]] (c)
|def.
|def.
|[[Jéssica Andrade]]
|[[Jéssica Andrade]]
Line 79: Line 78:
{{MMAevent bout
{{MMAevent bout
|Light Heavyweight
|Light Heavyweight
|[[Anthony Smith (mixed martial artist)|Anthony Smith]]
|[[Anthony Smith (fighter)|Anthony Smith]]
|def.
|def.
|[[Jimmy Crute]]
|[[Jimmy Crute]]
Line 120: Line 119:
{{MMAevent bout
{{MMAevent bout
|Featherweight
|Featherweight
|Patrick Sabatini
|[[Pat Sabatini]]
|def.
|def.
|Tristan Connelly
|[[Tristan Connelly]]
|Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 29–28, 29–28)
|Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 29–28, 29–28)
|3
|3
Line 141: Line 140:
{{MMAevent bout
{{MMAevent bout
|Lightweight
|Lightweight
|[[Rodrigo Vargas (fighter)|Rodrigo Vargas]]
|[[Kazula Vargas]]
|def.
|def.
| Rong Zhu
|[[Rong Zhu]]
|Decision (unanimous) (30–26, 29–28, 29–28)
|Decision (unanimous) (30–26, 29–28, 29–28)
|3
|3
Line 151: Line 150:
{{MMAevent bout
{{MMAevent bout
|Flyweight
|Flyweight
|Jeff Molina
|[[Jeff Molina]]
|def.
|def.
|Qileng Aori
|[[Aori Qileng]]
|Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–27)
|Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–27)
|3
|3
Line 161: Line 160:
{{MMAevent bout
{{MMAevent bout
|Women’s Strawweight
|Women’s Strawweight
|Ariane Carnelossi
|[[Ariane Carnelossi]]
|def.
|def.
|Na Liang
|Na Liang
Line 170: Line 169:
}}
}}
{{MMAevent end|notes=yes}}
{{MMAevent end|notes=yes}}
<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/event/ufc-261|title=UFC 261: Usman vs. Masvidal 2|publisher=Ultimate Fighting Championship|access-date=2021-03-12}}</ref>
<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/event/ufc-261|title=UFC 261: Usman vs. Masvidal 2|date=5 March 2021 |publisher=Ultimate Fighting Championship|access-date=2021-03-12}}</ref>


==Bonus awards==
==Bonus awards==
The following fighters received $50,000 bonuses.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-261-bonuses-kamaru-usman-rose-namajunas-50000-jacksonville-florida|title=UFC 261 bonuses: Kamaru Usman, Rose Namajunas among $50,000 no-brainers|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Staff|date=2021-04-25|access-date=2021-04-25}}</ref>
The following fighters received $50,000 bonuses.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-261-bonuses-kamaru-usman-rose-namajunas-50000-jacksonville-florida|title=UFC 261 bonuses: Kamaru Usman, Rose Namajunas among $50,000 no-brainers|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Staff|date=2021-04-25|access-date=2021-04-25}}</ref>
*'''Fight of the Night: Jeff Molina vs. Qileng Aori'''
*'''Fight of the Night: Jeff Molina vs. Aori Qileng'''
*'''Performance of the Night: Kamaru Usman''' and '''Rose Namajunas'''
*'''Performance of the Night: Kamaru Usman''' and '''Rose Namajunas'''


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{{2021 in mixed martial arts}}
{{2021 in mixed martial arts}}


[[Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship events]]
[[Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship flagship events]]
[[Category:2021 in mixed martial arts]]
[[Category:2021 in mixed martial arts]]
[[Category:April 2021 sports events in the United States]]
[[Category:April 2021 sports events in the United States]]

Latest revision as of 20:01, 11 February 2024

UFC 261: Usman vs. Masvidal 2
The poster for UFC 261: Usman vs. Masvidal 2
PromotionUltimate Fighting Championship
DateApril 24, 2021 (2021-04-24)
VenueVyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
CityJacksonville, Florida, United States
Attendance15,269[1]
Total gate$3,300,000[1]
Buyrate700,000[2]
Event chronology
UFC on ESPN: Whittaker vs. Gastelum UFC 261: Usman vs. Masvidal 2 UFC on ESPN: Reyes vs. Procházka

UFC 261: Usman vs. Masvidal 2 was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that took place on April 24, 2021 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, United States.[3][4]

Background

[edit]

The promotion had initially planned to hold the event in Singapore. However, negotiations with the Singaporean government fizzled amongst COVID-19 protocols and the promotion initially turned to their home base of Las Vegas.[3] On March 15, UFC president Dana White announced the event would be moved to Jacksonville, Florida, with a full capacity of "15,000 UFC fans", marking the first time since UFC 248 in March 2020 that a full capacity crowd would be available (the UFC hosted a trio of events in Abu Dhabi in January with a limited number of fans).[4] Jacksonville also hosted the UFC's first fights back after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020, before the organization started hosting events in either Las Vegas or Abu Dhabi.[4]

A UFC Welterweight Championship rematch between the current champion Kamaru Usman (also The Ultimate Fighter: American Top Team vs. Blackzilians welterweight winner) and Jorge Masvidal headlined the event.[4] They previously met at UFC 251, where Usman defended his title via unanimous decision.[5]

A UFC Women's Strawweight Championship bout between the current champion Zhang Weili and former champion Rose Namajunas took place as the co-main event.[6][7]

A UFC Women's Flyweight Championship bout between current champion Valentina Shevchenko and former strawweight champion Jéssica Andrade completed the triad of title fights.[8]

A middleweight rematch between former UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman and Uriah Hall was expected to take place at UFC 258 in February.[9] They met previously in September 2010 at a Ring of Combat event for the organization's middleweight title, with Weidman winning via TKO.[10] However, Weidman was pulled from that event in late-January due to a positive COVID-19 test. The pairing remained intact and eventually took place at this event.[11][12]

Johnny Walker was expected to face Jimmy Crute in a light heavyweight bout.[13] However, Walker pulled out due to an injury and was replaced by former UFC Light Heavyweight Championship challenger Anthony Smith.[14]

Randy Brown and Alex Oliveira were expected to meet in a welterweight bout at UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Gane, but Brown pulled out due to undisclosed reasons.[15] They eventually fought each other at this event.[16]

A bantamweight bout between Mark Striegl and Johnny Muñoz was expected to take place at the event.[17] However, Striegl was removed from the bout on March 24 due to undisclosed reasons and replaced by Jamey Simmons.[18] In turn, Simmons also pulled out on April 8 for undisclosed reasons. As a result, Muñoz was removed from the card as well and will be rescheduled for a future event.[19]

Results

[edit]
Main card
Weight class Method Round Time Notes
Welterweight Kamaru Usman (c) def. Jorge Masvidal KO (punch) 2 1:02 [a]
Women’s Strawweight Rose Namajunas def. Zhang Weili (c) KO (head kick) 1 1:18 [b]
Women’s Flyweight Valentina Shevchenko (c) def. Jéssica Andrade TKO (elbows) 2 3:19 [c]
Middleweight Uriah Hall def. Chris Weidman TKO (leg injury) 1 0:17
Light Heavyweight Anthony Smith def. Jimmy Crute TKO (doctor stoppage) 1 5:00
Preliminary card (ESPN / ESPN+)
Welterweight Randy Brown def. Alex Oliveira Submission (rear-naked choke) 1 2:50
Welterweight Dwight Grant def. Stefan Sekulić Decision (split) (28–29, 29–28, 29–28) 3 5:00
Middleweight Brendan Allen def. Karl Roberson Submission (ankle lock) 1 4:55
Featherweight Pat Sabatini def. Tristan Connelly Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 29–28, 29–28) 3 5:00
Early preliminary card (ESPN2 / ESPN+)
Bantamweight Danaa Batgerel def. Kevin Natividad TKO (punches) 1 0:50
Lightweight Kazula Vargas def. Rong Zhu Decision (unanimous) (30–26, 29–28, 29–28) 3 5:00
Flyweight Jeff Molina def. Aori Qileng Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–27) 3 5:00
Women’s Strawweight Ariane Carnelossi def. Na Liang TKO (punches) 2 1:28
  1. ^ For the UFC Welterweight Championship.
  2. ^ For the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship.
  3. ^ For the UFC Women's Flyweight Championship.

[20]

Bonus awards

[edit]

The following fighters received $50,000 bonuses.[21]

  • Fight of the Night: Jeff Molina vs. Aori Qileng
  • Performance of the Night: Kamaru Usman and Rose Namajunas

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Mike Bohn (2021-04-25). "UFC 261 post-event facts: Kamaru Usman's octagon streak hits rarified air". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2021-04-26.
  2. ^ Mookie Alexander (2021-04-27). "Report: UFC 261 generated over 700,000 domestic pay-per-view buys". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved 2021-04-27.
  3. ^ a b Raphael Marinho (2021-02-18). "Without agreement to perform UFC 261 in Singapore, UFC opts for Las Vegas". globoesporte.globo.com. Retrieved 2021-02-18. (in Portuguese)
  4. ^ a b c d Staff (2021-03-15). "UFC 261 heads to Florida with Usman-Masvidal 2 leading three title fights in front of full crowd". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2021-03-15.
  5. ^ Andreas Hale (2020-07-14). "UFC 251 results: Kamaru Usman dominates Jorge Masvidal to retain UFC Welterweight title". dazn.com. Retrieved 2021-03-16.
  6. ^ Ariel Helwani (2021-02-26). "Sources: Zhang Weili vs. Rose Namajunas for strawweight title being targeted for UFC 261". espn.com. Retrieved 2021-03-12.
  7. ^ Mathew Scott (2021-03-09). "UFC 261: Zhang Weili confirmed to fight Rose Namajunas on April 24 in strawweight title clash". scmp.com. Retrieved 2021-03-12.
  8. ^ Brett Okamoto (2021-02-24). "Valentina Shevchenko-Jessica Andrade flyweight title fight set for UFC 261". espn.com. Retrieved 2021-02-24.
  9. ^ Mike Bohn (2020-11-17). "Uriah Hall, Chris Weidman agree to rematch at UFC 258 on Feb. 13". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2021-01-28.
  10. ^ Keith D'Souza (2020-12-09). "Uriah Hall set to rematch Chris Weidman at UFC 258". essentiallysports.com. Retrieved 2021-01-29.
  11. ^ Ariel Helwani (2021-01-28). "Chris Weidman tests positive for COVID-19, bout vs. Uriah Hall now off". espn.com. Retrieved 2021-01-28.
  12. ^ Mike Bohn (2021-01-29). "Uriah Hall vs. Chris Weidman rematch shifts from UFC 258 to UFC 261 after positive COVID-19 result". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2021-01-29.
  13. ^ Brett Okamoto (2021-01-02). "UFC light heavyweights Jimmy Crute, Johnny Walker agree to March 27 fight, sources say". espn.com. Retrieved 2021-03-12.
  14. ^ Danny Segura (2021-02-09). "Anthony Smith replaces Johnny Walker, meets Jimmy Crute at UFC 261 in April". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2021-02-09.
  15. ^ John Morgan (2021-02-22). "Randy Brown out of UFC Fight Night 186; Alex Oliveira needs new opponent". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2021-02-22.
  16. ^ Staff (2021-03-24). "Rescheduled matchup of Randy Brown vs. Alex Oliveira among additions to UFC 261". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2021-03-28.
  17. ^ Mike Heck (2021-03-03). "Johnny Munoz vs. Mark Striegl added to UFC 261". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2021-03-24.
  18. ^ Nolan King (2021-03-24). "With Mark Striegl out, Jamey Simmons targeted to fight Johnny Munoz at UFC 261". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2021-03-24.
  19. ^ Jack Welch (2021-04-08). "Johnny Munoz vs Jamey Simmons off for UFC 261". behindthegrind.co. Retrieved 2021-04-19.
  20. ^ "UFC 261: Usman vs. Masvidal 2". Ultimate Fighting Championship. 5 March 2021. Retrieved 2021-03-12.
  21. ^ Staff (2021-04-25). "UFC 261 bonuses: Kamaru Usman, Rose Namajunas among $50,000 no-brainers". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2021-04-25.
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