#fight-night

#fight-night

The promotion's own private venue and production facility was a godsend during the coronavirus pandemic, allowing the UFC to consistently and safely put on events when just about every other sports league was shut down. Since fans returned to venues, however, the company has been frequently criticized for seemingly lackluster fight cards attached to Fight Night shows at the Apex, with the term " Apex slop " entering the MMA lexicon.

This Saturday's UFC Rio sees the octagon return to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for a Fight Night event with a modified main event, and a whole lot of Brazilian talent. Charles Oliveira was originally slated to face Rafael Fiziev in the night's main event, but with Fiziev injured, former KSW champ and lightweight contender Mateusz Gamrot stepped up to the save the day. Gamrot has been adamant that he's eager to test "Do Bronx" (with a new nickname, "The Predator," also in play) on the ground, despite the Brazilian holding the UFC's submissions record at 16.

Elijah Smith, with Gilbert Smith in his corner, landed a Rampage Jackson-style slam knockout on Toshiomi Kazama in the opening round of their bantamweight fight.

Poirier derived his most palpable jubilation that night from what UFC matchmaker Joe Silva said to him immediately after the fight.

Tofiq Musayev will make his UFC debut against Myktybek Orolbai at UFC Baku, set for June 21 at Baku Crystal Hall, Baku, Azerbaijan.

Gilbert Burns suffered a first-round TKO loss to undefeated newcomer Michael Morales, highlighting his struggle and marking a 4-fight losing streak in his career.