UFC 261 was a monumental Pay Per View night for the premier fight organization. It was the company’s first fully live event since the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Thanks to a main card that consisted of three title fights, UFC 261 raked in a gate of $3.3 million and packed the Jacksonville Arena in Jacksonville, FL with 15,269 fans.
As for the five-fight main card, here are some notable highlights: The first two fights ended via leg kicks. Bout one saw Jimmy Crute (12-2) unable to continue after veteran Anthony Smith (35-16) disabled his leg. Then, Long Island native Chris Weidman (15-6) suffered a horrific leg break after connecting with the thick part of Uriah Hall’s (18-9) shin bone.
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The title fights were something to watch. Women’s Flyweight champ Valentina Shevchenko (21-3) dismantled Jessica Andrade (21-9) by securing a crucifix hold and beating her into submission. The fight was stopped in round two.
Strawweight Rose Namajunas (11-4) earned back her belt by knocking out Weili Zhang (21-2) a minute into the first round with a beautifully timed front switch kick to the head. Then, Nigerian Kamaru Usman (19-1) starched Florida’s own Jorge Masvidal with a right hand that will surely grace sports highlight reels for years to come. It seems unlikely that the Welterweight champ will be challenged in the coming years.
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
After undergoing surgery in which a titanium rod was inserted into his tibia, Weidman said he would return to the ring.
Sports Editor Andrew Rosario contributed to this article.
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