Former Middleweight Champ Alex Pereira makes a successful light heavyweight debut, while Justin Gaethje delivers a devastating knockout. Get all the fight results and key points from UFC 291 and Bellator x Rizin 2.
In a stunning display of skill and determination, Alex Pereira announced his arrival in the light heavyweight division with a narrow split decision victory over Jan Blachowicz. Pereira’s impressive performance has earned him a shot at the vacant belt, previously held by the injured Jamahal Hill.
In the co-main event of UFC 291, held in Salt Lake City, Pereira showcased his versatility and power as he outclassed Blachowicz in a thrilling battle. The victory not only solidifies Pereira’s position as a major force in his new weight class but also propels him to fifth place in the Sherdog poll.
Meanwhile, in the main event, Justin Gaethje delivered a devastating head kick to Dustin Poirier, avenging his previous loss to Poirier in 2018. Gaethje’s spectacular knockout secures his spot as a top contender in the lightweight division, moving him up to third place in the latest poll.
The card also featured a disappointing performance from Michael Chiesa, who suffered his third consecutive lopsided defeat, this time at the hands of Kevin Holland. Chiesa’s loss drops him out of the welterweight poll, while Holland makes his debut in the same spot.
On the preliminary card, Derrick Lewis put an end to his three-fight losing streak with a dominant 33-second knockout victory over Marcos Rogerio de Lima. Lewis retains his thirteenth ranking in the heavyweight division.
Across the globe in Saitama, Japan, Bellator x Rizin 2 and Super Rizin 2 showcased Seika Izawa defending her Rizin super atomweight title with a swift victory over Claire Lopez. Izawa’s dominance in the division remains unchallenged as she maintains her number one ranking.
This action-packed night of fights has left fans eagerly anticipating the next matchups and potential title fights in the respective divisions.
Fight Results
| Event | Winner | Loser | Method | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UFC 291 – Light Heavyweight | Alex Pereira | Jan Blachowicz | Split Decision | – |
| UFC 291 – Lightweight | Justin Gaethje | Dustin Poirier | KO (Head Kick) | Round 2 |
| UFC 291 – Welterweight | Kevin Holland | Michael Chiesa | Decision (Unanimous) | – |
| UFC 291 – Heavyweight | Derrick Lewis | Marcos Rogerio de Lima | KO (Punches) | Round 1 |
| Rizin 2 – Super Atomweight | Seika Izawa | Claire Lopez | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | Round 1 |
Key Points
- Alex Pereira makes successful light heavyweight debut with a split decision victory over Jan Blachowicz
- Justin Gaethje avenges loss to Dustin Poirier with a second-round head kick knockout
- Michael Chiesa suffers third consecutive defeat, dropping out of the welterweight poll
- Derrick Lewis ends three-fight losing streak with a quick knockout of Marcos Rogerio de Lima
- Seika Izawa defends her Rizin super atomweight title with a dominant victory over Claire Lopez
