UFC Paris LIVE results: Gane vs Tuivasa stream, latest updates and how to watch fights tonight
Re-live updates and results from the Accor Arena as the UFC visited France for the very first time
Ciryl Gane capped off a historic night for French mixed martial arts by sending his fellow Parisians into raptures on Saturday, knocking out Tai Tuivasa in the main event of the UFC’s first ever trip to the City of Light.
Gane showed off his technical abilities – almost unrivalled in the heavyweight division – in the first round, but had to survive a heavy knockdown from Tuivasa in an enthralling second frame to earn a crucial win. It was in the third round that Gane broke down the Australian with body kicks that set up kicks and punches to the head of Tuivasa, a flurry of which put away the tourist to spark ecstasy in the Accor Arena. The result saw 32-year-old Gane, who has only been competing in MMA for four years, bounce back from the sole defeat of his professional career so far – a decision loss to former teammate Francis Ngannou in January.
In the co-main event, Robert Whittaker similarly bounced back from a title-fight defeat, outpointing Marvin Vettori with a clinical performance in the pair’s middleweight showdown.
Re-live updates and results as the UFC visited France for the very first time ever.
UFC Paris LIVE
It’s worth saying that there was a display of respect between Imavov and Buckley after their fight.
UFC Paris LIVE
Next up, more middleweight action! It’s former champion Robert Whittaker vs ex-title challenger Marvin Vettori.
UFC Paris LIVE
Nassourdine Imavov def. Joaquin Buckley via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).
UFC Paris LIVE
Buckley vs Imavov – Round 3
This is a better spell by Buckley, but Imavov is still fighting well.
Buckley is starting to connect with hooks, as Imavov begins to breathe more heavily...
One minute to go! Buckley might have left it too late here, although anything can happen – as Leon Edwards proved last month against Kamaru Usman.
A big left hook lands for Buckley! Imavov taunts him but barely makes it to the buzzer!
To the judges’ scorecards we’ll go...
UFC Paris LIVE
Buckley vs Imavov – Round 3
Final round... Again Imavov is able to get a body lock and drag Buckley to the mat.
Buckley wills himself back up. The middleweight separate, and Buckley lands a spiteful uppercut. Imavov retaliates with a hook.
UFC Paris LIVE
Buckley vs Imavov – Round 2
Imavov’s timing is sharper than his opponent’s at the moment. The Frenchman is able to secure a takedown against the fence, too.
He soon takes the back and looks for a rear naked choke... Buckley is doing a good job at fighting the hold so far...
Imavov is landing numerous punches, however, and ends the round firmly in control.
There’s more heat between the fighters after they stand and separate.
UFC Paris LIVE
Buckley vs Imavov – Round 2
Buckley’s coach tells him, probably accurately, that the American lost that first round.
Buckley tries to get on the front foot but misses with a few punches, and he’s caught with a well-timed right hook from the taller Imavov.
“Nassourdine” is the chant in the Accor Arena. We’ll have a brief pause in the action for an accidental eye poke by Imavov.
Back under way. Buckley storms forward and almost catches Imavov with a winging right hook!
UFC Paris LIVE
Buckley vs Imavov – Round 1
Imavov catches a kick from Buckley and forces his opponent to the cage wall, where he connects with a left hook.
Again the middleweights find themselves out in the open, and Imavov quickly gets back on the front foot.
Again Imavov backs up Buckley against the fence, where he tries for an elbow. Buckley comes back with a couple of tidy punches, before chasing Imavov back into the centre of the ring with a double-leg takedown attempt...
Imavov sprawls to stuff the takedown, then gets into mount to end the round!
UFC Paris LIVE
Buckley vs Imavov – Round 1
A bit of heat behind this one after some online exchanges between the middleweights...
Imavov is a *big* man – particularly tall, making Buckley look like a welterweight.
He blocks a head kick from Buckley. Now the American kicks low, and again.
Imavov is hunting down Buckley now. The pair grapple briefly against the fence. They separate, and Imavov knocks Buckley’s mouthguard out with a front kick!
He wants to follow up as referee Marc Goddard gives Buckley back his mouthguard, and the official has to warn Imavov.
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