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Combat sports fans, buckle up—this weekend is stacked. From high-stakes title fights in the UFC to cross-promotional showdowns, tournament drama in the PFL, and a classic Muay Thai rematch at Lumpinee Stadium, the global fight calendar is on fire. Whether you’re tracking the return of Alexander Volkanovski in Miami, watching rising stars emerge in Orlando, or tuning in for elbows and intensity in Bangkok, there’s no shortage of action, storylines, and suspense.
Here’s your in-depth preview of everything going down from April 11 to 13—don’t miss a beat.
Combat sports fans were spoiled this weekend with a global buffet of fights from four premier platforms: UFC, ONE Championship, BKFC, and Boxing. From upsets and knockouts to redemptions and retirements, this weekend had everything. Whether you were watching the lights of Las Vegas, the legacy of Lumpinee, or the bare-knuckle brutality of Dubai, the combat world delivered moments we won’t forget anytime soon.
Let’s dive into the highlights.
UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs. Murphy is set to electrify the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 5, 2025. In the featherweight main event, veteran knockout artist Josh Emmett (18-4, 11 KOs) looks to reassert his status among the elite as he faces undefeated British rising star Lerone Murphy (13-0-1). Murphy, known for his slick footwork and pinpoint striking (with over 53% accuracy), has already notched impressive wins over Makwan Amirkhani and Gabriel Santos. A victory here could catapult him into title contention, while Emmett—ranked #6—aims to bounce back after losses to Yair Rodriguez and Ilia Topuria.
The card also features:
Pat Sabatini vs. Joanderson Brito – Brito enters on a three-fight first-round finish streak; Sabatini, a BJJ black belt, has six career submission wins.
Brad Tavares vs. Gerald Meerschaert – Two seasoned middleweights with over 40 UFC appearances combined. Meerschaert holds the UFC record for most submissions in middleweight history (9).
UFC Mexico City: Moreno Shines at Home, Torres and Abega Deliver Fireworks
The UFC’s return to Mexico City was everything fans hoped for — fast finishes, back-and-forth battles, and a raucous home crowd rallying behind their fighters. Headlining the night was former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno, who rebounded from back-to-back losses with a sharp and calculated unanimous decision win over the rising Steve Erceg.
Moreno mixed striking and wrestling with ease, neutralizing Erceg’s offense and dominating the later rounds. The judges all saw it 49–46 in his favor, a clear return to form. Speaking after the fight, Moreno said:
“Fighting in front of my people here in Mexico City is always an honor. Steve was a tough opponent, but I was determined to show that I'm still a top contender in this division. I'm ready for whatever comes next”
— Brandon Moreno, post-fight interview
In the co-main, Manuel Torres sent a thunderbolt through the lightweight division with a brutal first-round TKO over veteran Drew Dober, who has long been known for his durability and knockout power. Torres wasted no time, walking Dober down and landing a crushing combo that ended it at just 1:45 into Round 1.
“I knew Drew was a dangerous striker, but I trusted my training and saw an opening early. Getting this win in front of my home crowd is a dream come true”
— Manuel Torres, post-fight interview
To his credit, Dober remained gracious in defeat, posting the following on social media:
“Well, that sucked. A beautifully timed one-two by Manuel Torres. As much as I love Mexico City, it's given me two of my most embarrassing losses of my career, haha. But the food and people are still the best. I'm happy and healthy and excited to be a stay-at-home dad for a while”
— Drew Dober via Instagram
Elsewhere on the card, Ateba Abega made a jaw-dropping debut, flattening Jose Medina with a perfectly timed flying knee just moments into the fight. The knockout earned him a $50,000 bonus and instantly put his name on fans’ radars.
“I've been dreaming of this moment for years. To come into the UFC and get a finish like that is just the beginning. I'm here to make a statement”
— Ateba Abega, post-fight interview
As the UFC returns to Mexico City on March 29, 2025, fans are set for an electrifying night at Arena CDMX. This event not only showcases top-tier talent but also highlights the UFC's ongoing commitment to the passionate Mexican MMA community.
Mexico City's altitude—over 7,300 feet above sea level—adds an additional layer of intrigue to this card. Fighters will need to adjust their conditioning to avoid gassing out early, particularly those not acclimated to the elevation. Historically, this has played a factor in past Mexico City events, where pace and cardio have often dictated the outcome of fights.
UFC London & ONE Championship 172 Recap: A Weekend of Shocks, Legends, and Rising Stars
Combat sports fans experienced a rollercoaster ride of emotions this past weekend, as two iconic venues—London's packed O₂ Arena and Japan's legendary Saitama Super Arena—hosted unforgettable nights of action. UFC London and ONE Championship 172 delivered spectacular knockouts, thrilling submissions, record-breaking moments, and career-defining victories. From shocking upsets and emotional farewells to the rise of new contenders and champions, these events underscored exactly why combat sports remain uniquely compelling. Let’s dive into the unforgettable moments, remarkable statistics, and intriguing storylines that will shape the future of MMA and kickboxing alike.