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2020 in UFC
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| 2020 in UFC | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information | ||||
| First date | January 18, 2020 | |||
| Last date | December 19, 2020 | |||
| Events | ||||
| Total events | 46 (5 Cancelled) | |||
| UFC | 11 | |||
| Fights | ||||
| Total fights | 456 | |||
| Title fights | 19 | |||
| Chronology | ||||
| ||||
The year 2020 was the 28th year in the history of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), a mixed martial arts promotion based in the United States.
Partnership
[edit]Starting in 2021, a partnership between the UFC and Dapper Labs's Flow platform for MMA fans to own, maintain and trade UFC-branded collectibles was announced on February 26, 2020.[1]
Onwards from April 2021, the UFC announced Venum as their exclusive outfitting partner on July 11, 2020.[2]
2020 UFC Honors awards
[edit]Starting in 2019, the UFC created year-end awards with "UFC Honors President's Choice Awards" for categories "Performance of the Year" and "Fight of the Year" being chosen by UFC CEO Dana White. The other "UFC Honors Fan Choice Awards" are for categories "Knockout of the Year", "Submission of the Year", "Event of the Year", "Comeback of the Year" and, from 2020, "Debut of the Year" in which fans are able to vote for the winner on social media.[3]
Winners receive a trophy commemorating their achievement along with a set of tires from sponsor Toyo Tires.[4]
2020 UFC.com awards
[edit]2020 by the numbers
[edit]The numbers below records the events, fights, techniques, champions and fighters held or performed for the year of 2020 in UFC.[18]
| Events | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Events | PPV | Continents | Countries | Cities | Fight Night Bonuses |
| 41 | 11 | 4 | 4 | 9 | 167 Total $8,350,000 |
| Longest Event | Shortest Event | Highest Income
Live Gate |
Lowest Income
Live Gate |
Highest
Attendance |
Lowest
Attendance |
| UFC 251
3:07:27 |
UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Sakai
1:17:33 |
UFC 246
$11,089,129.30 |
UFC Fight Night: Benavidez vs. Figueiredo
$402,958 |
UFC 246
19,040 |
UFC Fight Night: Anderson vs. Błachowicz 2
6,449 |
| Title Fights | |||||
| Undisputed
Title Fights |
Title Changes | Champions Remained
in Their Divisions |
Number of
Champions |
Number of
Interim Champions |
Number of
Title Defenses |
| 18 | 0 | 10 FLY – Deiveson Figueiredo FW – Alexander Volkanovski LW – Khabib Nurmagomedov WW – Kamaru Usman MW – Israel Adesanya HW – Stipe Miocic WSW – Zhang Weili WFYW – Valentina Shevchenko WBW – Amanda Nunes WFW – Amanda Nunes |
13 | 2 | 15 |
| Champions | |||||
| Division | Beginning of The Year | End of The Year | Division | Beginning of The Year | End of The Year |
| Heavyweight | Stipe Miocic | Stipe Miocic | Bantamweight | Henry Cejudo | Petr Yan |
| Light Heavyweight | Jon Jones | Jan Błachowicz | Flyweight | Henry Cejudo | Deiveson Figueiredo |
| Middleweight | Israel Adesanya | Israel Adesanya | Women's Bantamweight | Amanda Nunes | Amanda Nunes |
| Welterweight | Kamaru Usman | Kamaru Usman | Women's Flyweight | Valentina Shevchenko | Valentina Shevchenko |
| Lightweight | Khabib Nurmagomedov | Khabib Nurmagomedov | Women's Strawweight | Zhang Weili | Zhang Weili |
| Featherweight | Alexander Volkanovski | Alexander Volkanovski | Women's Featherweight | Amanda Nunes | Amanda Nunes |
| Fights | |||||
| Most Knockouts
at A Single Event |
Most submissions
at A Single Event |
Most Decisions
at A Single Event |
Total Number
of Fights |
Total Number
of Cage Time |
|
| UFC Fight Night: Hall vs. Silva
7 |
UFC Fight Night: Figueiredo vs. Benavidez 2
5 |
UFC Fight Night: Lee vs. Oliveira UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs. Neal 9 |
456 | 83:33:19 | |
| Knockouts | Submissions | Unanimous Decisions | Split Decisions | No Contests | |
| 139 | 82 | 185 | 35 | 5 | |
| Fighters | |||||
| Number of
Fighters |
UFC
Debutants |
Releases /
Retired |
Fighters
Suspended |
Number of Fighters
Missed weight |
|
| (At the end of Dec 31, 2020) 576 |
123 | 93 | 40 | 46 | |
| Champion feats[18] | |||||
| |||||
| Fighter feats[18] | |||||
| |||||
Releases and retirements
[edit]These fighters have either been released from their UFC contracts, announced their retirement or joined other promotions:
| Month | Day | ISO | Fighter | Division | Reason | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1 | Wuliji Buren | Bantamweight | Released | [19] | |
| 7 | Jordan Mein | Welterweight | Signed with Bellator MMA | [20] | ||
| 9 | Kyle Bochniak | Featherweight | Released | [21] | ||
| 11 | Thiago Alves | Welterweight | Released | [22] | ||
| 15 | Jin Soon Son | Bantamweight | Released | [23] | ||
| 22 | Gina Mazany | Women's Bantamweight | Released | [24] | ||
| 28 | Nordine Taleb | Welterweight | Signed with ARES FC | [25] | ||
| 30 | Desmond Green | Lightweight | Released | [26] | ||
| February | 3 | Alex White | Featherweight | Released | [27] | |
| 11 | Ben Saunders | Welterweight | Released | [28] | ||
| Brad Katona | Bantamweight | Released | [28] | |||
| Brandon Davis | Featherweight | Released | [28] | |||
| Carlos Huachin | Bantamweight | Released | [28] | |||
| Daniel Spitz | Heavyweight | Released | [28] | |||
| Darko Stošić | Light Heavyweight | Released | [28] | |||
| Grigory Popov | Bantamweight | Released | [28] | |||
| Hector Aldana | Welterweight | Released | [28] | |||
| Kalindra Faria | Women's Flyweight | Released | [28] | |||
| Lucie Pudilová | Women's Bantamweight | Released | [28] | |||
| Luke Jumeau | Welterweight | Released | [28] | |||
| Martin Bravo | Featherweight | Released | [28] | |||
| Nathan Coy | Welterweight | Released | [29] | |||
| Polo Reyes | Featherweight | Released | [28] | |||
| Salim Touahri | Welterweight | Released | [28] | |||
| 12 | Juan Adams | Heavyweight | Released | [30] | ||
| 13 | Júnior Albini | Heavyweight | Released | [31] | ||
| 25 | Daniel Teymur | Featherweight | Released | [32] | ||
| March | 6 | Chad Laprise | Welterweight | Released | [33] | |
| 19 | Cyril Asker | Heavyweight | Released | [34] | ||
| Dong Hyun Ma | Lightweight | Released | [34] | |||
| Isabella de Pádua | Women's Flyweight | Released | [34] | |||
| Ismail Naurdiev | Welterweight | Chose not to re-sign | [34] | |||
| Jodie Esquibel | Women's Strawweight | Released | [35] | |||
| Khalid Murtazaliev | Middleweight | Released | [34] | |||
| Kyle Prepolec | Lightweight | Released | [34] | |||
| Marcos Rosa Mariano | Lightweight | Released | [34] | |||
| Matthew Lopez | Bantamweight | Released | [34] | |||
| Talita Bernardo | Women's Bantamweight | Released | [34] | |||
| Teemu Packalén | Lightweight | Chose not to re-sign | [36] | |||
| Tonya Evinger | Women's Bantamweight | Released | [34] | |||
| 29 | Trevor Smith | Middleweight | Released | [37] | ||
| May | 10 | Henry Cejudo | Bantamweight | Retired | [38] | |
| June | 7 | Charles Byrd | Middleweight | Retired | [39] | |
| 19 | Siyar Bahadurzada | Welterweight | Retired | [40] | ||
| 27 | Oskar Piechota | Middleweight | Released | [41] | ||
| July | 1 | John Gunther | Middleweight | Released | [42] | |
| 26 | Fabrício Werdum | Heavyweight | Chose not resign | [43] | ||
| Peter Sobotta | Welterweight | Retired | [44] | |||
| 28 | Antônio Rogério Nogueira | Light Heavyweight | Retired | [45] | ||
| August | 7 | Corey Anderson | Light Heavyweight | Signed with Bellator MMA | [46] | |
| Ray Borg | Bantamweight | Released | [47] | |||
| 9 | Roman Bogatov | Lightweight | Released | [48] | ||
| 12 | Paige VanZant | Women's Flyweight | Signed with BKFC | [49] | ||
| 13 | Evan Dunham | Featherweight | Released | [50] | ||
| Max Rohskopf | Lightweight | Released | [51] | |||
| 16 | Daniel Cormier | Heavyweight | Retired | [52] | ||
| 20 | Callan Potter | Lightweight | Released | [53] | ||
| Klidson Abreu | Light Heavyweight | Released | [33] | |||
| Nad Narimani | Featherweight | Released | [53] | |||
| September | 2 | Ricardo Lamas | Featherweight | Retired | [54] | |
| 3 | Todd Duffee | Heavyweight | Released | [55] | ||
| 11 | Austin Springer | Featherweight | Released | [56] | ||
| 18 | John Dodson | Bantamweight | Released | [57] | ||
| 21 | Duda Santana | Women's Bantamweight | Released | [58] | ||
| Stevie Ray | Lightweight | Retired | [59] | |||
| October | 2 | Iuri Alcântara | Bantamweight | Released | [60] | |
| Jeff Hughes | Heavyweight | Released | [60] | |||
| Khadis Ibragimov | Light Heavyweight | Released | [60] | |||
| Mara Romero Borella | Women's Flyweight | Released | [60] | |||
| 7 | Ben Sosoli | Heavyweight | Released | [61] | ||
| Nadia Kassem | Women's Strawweight | Released | [61] | |||
| Dequan Townsend | Light Heavyweight | Released | [61] | |||
| Brett Johns | Bantamweight | Signed with Bellator MMA | [62] | |||
| 15 | James Vick | Welterweight | Released | [63] | ||
| 19 | Zelim Imadaev | Welterweight | Released | [64] | ||
| 24 | Khabib Nurmagomedov | Lightweight | Retired | [65] | ||
| 29 | Enrique Barzola | Bantamweight | End of contract | [66] | ||
| November | 13 | John Phillips | Middleweight | Released | [67] | |
| Justin Ledet | Light Heavyweight | Released | [67] | |||
| Bevon Lewis | Middleweight | Released | [67] | |||
| 16 | Jussier Formiga | Flyweight | Released | [68] | ||
| 20 | Anderson Silva | Middleweight | Released | [69] | ||
| December | 4 | Cole Smith | Bantamweight | Released | [70] | |
| 7 | Rachael Ostovich | Women's Flyweight | Released | [71] | ||
| 8 | Gadzhimurad Antigulov | Light Heavyweight | Released | [72] | ||
| Matt Wiman | Lightweight | Released | [72] | |||
| Saparbek Safarov | Middleweight | Released | [72] | |||
| 23 | Anthony Pettis | Welterweight | Signed with PFL | [73] | ||
| Erik Koch | Welterweight | Released | [74] | |||
| Jessin Ayari | Lightweight | Released | [75] | |||
| 24 | Mark De La Rosa | Bantamweight | Released | [76] | ||
| Yoel Romero | Middleweight | Released | [77] |
Debut UFC fighters
[edit]The following fighters fought their first UFC fight in 2020:
| Month | Day | ISO | Fighter | Division | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18 | Aleksa Camur | Light Heavyweight | UFC 246 | |
| Ode' Osbourne | Bantamweight | ||||
| 25 | Herbert Burns | Featherweight | UFC Fight Night 166 | ||
| Jamahal Hill | Light Heavyweight | ||||
| Nate Landwehr | Featherweight | ||||
| Tony Gravely | Bantamweight | ||||
| February | 8 | Austin Lingo | Featherweight | UFC 247 | |
| Khaos Williams | Welterweight | ||||
| Youssef Zalal | Featherweight | ||||
| 15 | Brok Weaver | Lightweight | UFC Fight Night 167 | ||
| Daniel Rodriguez | Welterweight | ||||
| Shanna Young | Women's Bantamweight | ||||
| 23 | Joshua Culibao | Featherweight | UFC Fight Night 168 | ||
| 29 | Aalon Cruz | Featherweight | UFC Fight Night 169 | ||
| Darrick Minner | Featherweight | ||||
| Kyler Phillips | Bantamweight | ||||
| Norma Dumont | Women's Featherweight | ||||
| Spike Carlyle | Featherweight | ||||
| Steve Garcia | Lightweight | ||||
| T.J. Brown | Featherweight | ||||
| March | 7 | Jamall Emmers | Featherweight | UFC 248 | |
| 14 | David Dvořák | Flyweight | UFC Fight Night 170 | ||
| May | 13 | Isaac Villanueva | Light Heavyweight | UFC Fight Night 171 | |
| Philipe Lins | Heavyweight | ||||
| 16 | Irwin Rivera | Bantamweight | UFC on ESPN 8 | ||
| Rodrigo Nascimento | Heavyweight | ||||
| 30 | Brandon Royval | Flyweight | UFC on ESPN 9 | ||
| June | 13 | Anthony Ivy | Welterweight | UFC on ESPN 10 | |
| Christian Aguilera | Welterweight | ||||
| Gabriel Green | Welterweight | ||||
| Gustavo Lopez | Bantamweight | ||||
| Mariya Agapova | Women's Flyweight | ||||
| Zarrukh Adashev | Flyweight | ||||
| 20 | Justin Jaynes | Lightweight | UFC on ESPN 11 | ||
| Max Rohskopf | Lightweight | ||||
| 27 | Jason Witt | Welterweight | UFC on ESPN 12 | ||
| Jinh Yu Frey | Women's Strawweight | ||||
| Kay Hansen | Women's Strawweight | ||||
| Kyle Daukaus | Middleweight | ||||
| July | 12 | Jiří Procházka | Light Heavyweight | UFC 251 | |
| Maxim Grishin | Light Heavyweight | ||||
| Roman Bogatov | Lightweight | ||||
| Zhalgas Zhumagulov | Flyweight | ||||
| 16 | Andreas Michailidis | Middleweight | UFC on ESPN 13 | ||
| Khamzat Chimaev | Welterweight | ||||
| Modestas Bukauskas | Light Heavyweight | ||||
| Mounir Lazzez | Welterweight | ||||
| 19 | Amir Albazi | Flyweight | UFC Fight Night 172 | ||
| Carlos Felipe | Heavyweight | ||||
| Malcolm Gordon | Flyweight | ||||
| Roman Dolidze | Middleweight | ||||
| 26 | Jai Herbert | Lightweight | UFC on ESPN 14 | ||
| John Castañeda | Bantamweight | ||||
| Niklas Stolze | Welterweight | ||||
| Rhys McKee | Welterweight | ||||
| Tom Aspinall | Heavyweight | ||||
| August | 1 | Cody Durden | Flyweight | UFC Fight Night 173 | |
| Nate Maness | Bantamweight | ||||
| Vincent Cachero | Bantamweight | ||||
| Carlton Minus | Lightweight | ||||
| Jordan Wright | Middleweight | ||||
| 8 | Alexander Muñoz | Lightweight | UFC Fight Night 174 | ||
| Ali Alqaisi | Bantamweight | ||||
| Joaquin Buckley | Middleweight | ||||
| Johnny Muñoz Jr. | Bantamweight | ||||
| Peter Barrett | Featherweight | ||||
| 15 | Chris Daukaus | Heavyweight | UFC 252 | ||
| Danny Chavez | Featherweight | ||||
| Kai Kamaka III | Featherweight | ||||
| Parker Porter | Heavyweight | ||||
| Tony Kelley | Featherweight | ||||
| 22 | Matthew Semelsberger | Welterweight | UFC on ESPN 15 | ||
| Timur Valiev | Bantamweight | ||||
| Trevin Jones | Bantamweight | ||||
| 29 | Austin Springer | Featherweight | UFC Fight Night 175 | ||
| Bill Algeo | Featherweight | ||||
| Impa Kasanganay | Middleweight | ||||
| September | 5 | Ray Rodriguez | Bantamweight | UFC Fight Night 176 | |
| 12 | Alexander Romanov | Heavyweight | UFC Fight Night 177 | ||
| Kevin Croom | Featherweight | ||||
| Roque Martinez | Heavyweight | ||||
| 19 | Jerome Rivera | Flyweight | UFC Fight Night 178 | ||
| Sarah Alpar | Women's Bantamweight | ||||
| T.J. Laramie | Featherweight | ||||
| 27 | Danilo Marques | Light Heavyweight | UFC 253 | ||
| Ľudovít Klein | Lightweight | ||||
| William Knight | Light Heavyweight | ||||
| October | 4 | Cameron Else | Bantamweight | UFC on ESPN 16 | |
| Duško Todorović | Middleweight | ||||
| Jordan Williams | Middleweight | ||||
| Nassourdine Imavov | Middleweight | ||||
| 11 | Alan Baudot | Heavyweight | UFC Fight Night 179 | ||
| Dricus du Plessis | Middleweight | ||||
| Ilia Topuria | Featherweight | ||||
| KB Bhullar | Middleweight | ||||
| Stephanie Egger | Women's Bantamweight | ||||
| Tagir Ulanbekov | Flyweight | ||||
| 18 | Mark Striegl | Bantamweight | UFC Fight Night 180 | ||
| Mateusz Gamrot | Lightweight | ||||
| Guram Kutateladze | Lightweight | ||||
| 25 | Jacob Malkoun | Middleweight | UFC 254 | ||
| Liliya Shakirova | Women’s Flyweight | ||||
| Miranda Maverick | Women's Flyweight | ||||
| Phil Hawes | Middleweight | ||||
| Shavkat Rakhmonov | Welterweight | ||||
| 31 | Adrian Yañez | Bantamweight | UFC Fight Night 181 | ||
| Charlie Ontiveros | Lightweight | ||||
| Kevin Natividad | Bantamweight | ||||
| Victor Rodriguez | Bantamweight | ||||
| November | 14 | Jamey Simmons | Featherweight | UFC Fight Night 182 | |
| Kanako Murata | Women's Strawweight | ||||
| Ramiz Brahimaj | Welterweight | ||||
| 21 | Dustin Stoltzfus | Middleweight | UFC 255 | ||
| Jared Gooden | Welterweight | ||||
| Louis Cosce | Welterweight | ||||
| Sasha Palatnikov | Welterweight | ||||
| 28 | Josh Parisian | Heavyweight | UFC on ESPN 18 | ||
| December | 5 | Jordan Leavitt | Lightweight | UFC on ESPN 19 | |
| 12 | Sam Hughes | Women's Strawweight | UFC 256 | ||
| 19 | Cory McKenna | Women's Strawweight | UFC Fight Night 183 | ||
| Jamie Pickett | Middleweight | ||||
| Jimmy Flick | Flyweight | ||||
| Tafon Nchukwi | Middleweight |
Suspended fighters
[edit]The list below is based on fighters suspended either by (1) United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) or World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for violation of taking prohibited substances or non-analytical incidents, (2) by local commissions on misconduct during the fights or at event venues, or (3) by the UFC for reasons also stated below.
| ISO | Name | Nickname | Division | From | Duration | Tested positive for / Info | By | Eligible to fight again |
Ref. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fabrício Werdum | Vai Cavalo | Heavyweight | Apr 25, 2018 | 2 years | Trenbolone, an anabolic steroid. | USADA | Apr 1, 2020 | [78] [79] |
Reduced suspension as a result of 'substantial assistance' | |
| T.J. Dillashaw | Bantamweight | Jan 18, 2019 | 1 year (NYSAC) 2 years (USADA) |
Erythropoietin (EPO). | NYSAC and USADA | Jan 18, 2021 | [80] [81] |
|||
| Michel Prazeres | Welterweight | Mar 9, 2019 | 2 years | Exogenous boldenone and its metabolite 5β-androst-1-en-17β-ol-3-one. | USADA | Mar 9, 2021 | [82] | |||
| Hu Yaozong | Totoro | Light Heavyweight | Mar 9, 2019 | Initially 1 year but reduced to 10 months | Arimistane and its metabolite from contamination supplement. | USADA | Jan 9, 2020 | [83] | ||
| Roman Dolidze | Bazooka | Light Heavyweight | Mar 12, 2019 | 1 year | Clomiphene hormone and its metabolites M1 and M2, as well as 4-chloro-18-nor-17β-hydroxymethyl,17α-methyl-5α-androst-13-en-3α-ol (M3), which is a long-term metabolite of dehydrochlormethyltestosterone (DHCMT). | USADA | March 12, 2020 | [84] | ||
| Jessica Penne | Women's Flyweight | Apr 8, 2019 | Initially 4 years but reduced to 20 months | Stanozolol metabolites 16β-hydroxystanozolol and 3′-hydroxystanozolol. | USADA | Dec 8, 2020 | [85] | Original suspension was 4 years after second violation, but reduced to 20 months in February 2020 | ||
| Melissa Gatto | Women's Bantamweight | Jun 5, 2019 | 1 year | Furosemide, a diuretic. | USADA | Jun 5, 2020 | [86] | |||
| Bruno Silva | Blindado | Middleweight | Jun 14, 2019 | 2 years | Boldenone and its metabolite. | USADA | Jun 14, 2021 | [87] | ||
| Vince Murdock | Featherweight | Jul 6, 2019 | 20 months | GW1516, a hormone modulator that is better known as cardarine. It is often sold on the black market as endurobol. |
USADA | Sep 6, 2020 | [88] | Originally banned for 20 months and reduced to 14 months after documenting neurological condition moyamoya | ||
| Giacomo Lemos | Heavyweight | Jul 9, 2019 | 2 years | Drostanolone and its metabolite 2α-methyl-5α-androstan-3α-ol-17-one. | USADA | Jul 9, 2021 | [90] | |||
| John Allan | Light Heavyweight | Jul 13, 2019 | 1 year | Tamoxifen. | USADA and CSAC | Jul 13, 2020 | [90] | Fined $4,800 by the CSAC | ||
| Istela Nunes | Women's Strawweight | Jul 22, 2019 | 2 years | Stanozolol metabolites 16β-hydroxystanozolol and 3′-hydroxystanozolol. | USADA | Jul 22, 2021 | [91] | |||
| Sean O'Malley | Bantamweight | Aug 6, 2019 | 6 months | Ostarine. | USADA | Feb 6, 2020 | [92] | |||
| Khalid Taha | The Warrior | Bantamweight | Oct 6, 2019 | 1 year | Furosemide (diuretics). | USADA | Oct 6, 2020 | [93] | ||
| Priscila Cachoeira | Women's Flyweight | Oct 12, 2019 | 4 months | Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and its metabolites chlorothiazide and 4amino-6chloro-1,3-benzenedisulfonamide (ACB). | USADA | Feb 12, 2020 | [94] | |||
| Ovince Saint Preux | OSP | Light Heavyweight | Oct 25, 2019 | 3 months | Ostarine and S-23, the family of selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs). | USADA | Jan 25, 2020 | [95] | Ostarine came from a tainted supplement | |
| Diego Sanchez | Nightmare | Welterweight | Oct 26, 2019 | 3 months | Ostarine and S-23, the family of selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs). | USADA | Jan 26, 2020 | [95] | Ostarine came from a tainted supplement | |
| Kelvin Gastelum | Middleweight | Nov 3, 2019 | Initially 9 months but reduced to 5 months | Marijuana. | USADA | Apr 3, 2020 | [96] | Original suspension was 9 months, but reduced to 5 months after Gastelum's successful completion of a drug treatment program | ||
| Isabella de Pádua | Belinha | Women's Flyweight | Nov 16, 2019 | 2 years | 19-Norandrosterone (19-NA), the main urinary metabolite of nandrolone (19-nortestosterone) and other 19-norsteroids (class of anabolic agent). | USADA and CABMMA | Nov 16, 2021 | [82] [97] |
Released | |
| Rachael Ostovich | Women's Flyweight | Jan 3, 2020 | 8 months | Ostarine and GW1516. | USADA | Sep 9, 2020 | [98] | Prohibited substance found in supplement | ||
| Duda Santana | Cowboyzinha | Women's Bantamweight | Jan 10, 2020 | 1 year | Selective androgen receptor modulator LGD-4033 | USADA | Jan 10, 2021 | [99] | Released by UFC | |
| Lara Procópio | Women's Bantamweight | Feb 17, 2020 | 6 months | Ostarine | USADA | Aug 17, 2020 | [100] | |||
| Raphael Pessoa | Bebezão | Heavyweight | Mar 4, 2020 | 1 year | hydrochlorothiazide and its metabolites chlorothiazide and 4-amino-6-chloro-1,3-benzenedisulfonamide | USADA | Mar 4, 2021 | [101] | ||
| Deron Winn | Middleweight | Mar 7, 2020 | 9 months | Amphetamines. | NSAC | Dec 7, 2020 | [102] | Fined $1,800 | ||
| Chase Sherman | The Vanilla Gorilla | Heavyweight | May 13, 2020 | 9 months | Anastrozole | USADA | Feb 13, 2021 | [103] | ||
| Jamahal Hill | Sweet Dreams | Light Heavyweight | May 30, 2020 | 6 months | Marijuana. | NSAC | Nov 30, 2020 | [102] | Fined 15% of his fight purse | |
| Aleksander Doskalchuk | Flyweight | Jun 6, 2020 | 14 months | Mesterolone. | USADA | Aug 6, 2021 | [104] | |||
| Luis Peña | Violent Bob Ross | Lightweight | Jun 17, 2020 | 4+1⁄2 months | Marijuana. | NSAC | Nov 2, 2020 | [102] | Reduced suspension was due to his fight being taken on short notice, fined 15% of his fight purse | |
| Tim Elliott | Flyweight | Jun 17, 2020 | 4+1⁄2 months | Marijuana. | NSAC | Nov 2, 2020 | [102] | Reduced suspension was due to his fight being taken on short notice, fined 15% of his fight purse | ||
| Marc-Andre Barriault | Power Bar | Middleweight | Jul 21, 2020 | 6 months | Ostarine | USADA | Jan 21, 2021 | [105] | ||
| Jesse Ronson | The Body Snatcher | Welterweight | Jul 22, 2020 | 20 months | Metandienone | USADA | Mar 22, 2022 | [106] | ||
| Jorge Gonzalez | George St. | Light Heavyweight | Aug 5, 2020 | 2 years | Stanozolol metabolites, drostanolone metabolite and tamoxifen metabolite. | USADA | Aug 5, 2022 | [107] | ||
| Yair Rodríguez | El Pantera | Featherweight | Sep 8, 2020 | 6 months | 3 Whereabouts Failures in Last Year | USADA | Mar 8, 2021 | [108] | ||
| Kevin Croom | The Hard Hitting Hillbilly | Lightweight | Sep 19, 2020 | 4+1⁄2 months | Marijuana. | NSAC | Jan 26, 2021 | [109] | With addition of $1,800 fine | |
| Niko Price | The Hybrid | Welterweight | Sep 19, 2020 | 6 months | Marijuana | NSAC | Mar 19, 2021 | [110] | With addition of $8,500 fine | |
| Oskar Piechota | Imadło | Middleweight | Sep 25, 2020 | 22 months | Growth hormone releasing peptide 2 (GHRP-2 or pralmorelin) and GHRP-2 (1-3) free acid, a metabolite of GHRP-2, | USADA | Jul 25, 2022 | [111] | ||
| Erik Koch | The Phoenix | Welterweight | Oct 3, 2020 | 18 months | 3′-hydroxy-stanozolol, a metabolite of stanozolol | USADA | Apr 3, 2022 | [112] | ||
| Charlie Ontiveros | The American Badboy | Welterweight | Oct 30, 2020 | 6 months | Chlorodehydromethyltestosterone metabolites | NSAC | Apr 30, 2021 | [113] | With addition of $2,245.36 | |
| Raquel Pennington | Rocky | Women's Bantamweight | Nov 7, 2020 | 6 months | 7-Keto-DHEA and AOD-9064 | USADA | May 7, 2021 | [114] | Self-reporting doping violation when she found out she had ingested banned substances prescribed by her doctor to help treat a medical condition | |
| Liliya Shakirova | Women's Flyweight | Dec 5, 2020 | 2 years | Meldonium | USADA | Dec 5, 2022 | [115] |
Title fights
[edit]| Title fights in 2020 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight class | Method | Round | Time | Event | Notes | |||
| Women's Flyweight | Valentina Shevchenko (c) | def. | Katlyn Chookagian | TKO (elbows and punches) | 3 | 1:03 | UFC 247 | [a] |
| Light Heavyweight | Jon Jones (c) | def. | Dominick Reyes | Decision (unanimous) (48–47, 48–47, 49–46) | 5 | 5:00 | UFC 247 | [b] |
| Flyweight | Deiveson Figueiredo | def. | Joseph Benavidez | TKO (punches) | 2 | 1:54 | UFC Fight Night 169 | [c] |
| Women's Strawweight | Zhang Weili (c) | def. | Joanna Jędrzejczyk | Decision (split) (48–47, 47–48, 48–47) | 5 | 5:00 | UFC 248 | [d] |
| Middleweight | Israel Adesanya (c) | def. | Yoel Romero | Decision (unanimous) (48–47, 48–47, 49–46) | 5 | 5:00 | UFC 248 | [e] |
| Bantamweight | Henry Cejudo (c) | def. | Dominick Cruz | TKO (knee and punches) | 2 | 4:58 | UFC 249 | [f] |
| Lightweight | Justin Gaethje | def. | Tony Ferguson | TKO (punches) | 5 | 3:39 | UFC 249 | [g] |
| Women's Featherweight | Amanda Nunes (c) | def. | Felicia Spencer | Decision (unanimous) (50–44, 50–44, 50–45) | 5 | 5:00 | UFC 250 | [h] |
| Bantamweight | Petr Yan | def. | José Aldo | TKO (punches) | 5 | 3:24 | UFC 251 | [i] |
| Featherweight | Alexander Volkanovski (c) | def. | Max Holloway | Decision (split) (47–48, 48–47, 48–47) | 5 | 5:00 | UFC 251 | [j] |
| Welterweight | Kamaru Usman (c) | def. | Jorge Masvidal | Decision (unanimous) (50–45, 50–45, 49–46) | 5 | 5:00 | UFC 251 | [k] |
| Flyweight | Deiveson Figueiredo | def. | Joseph Benavidez | Technical Submission (rear-naked choke) | 1 | 4:48 | UFC Fight Night 172 | [l] |
| Heavyweight | Stipe Miocic (c) | def. | Daniel Cormier | Decision (unanimous) (49–46, 49–46, 48–47) | 5 | 5:00 | UFC 252 | [m] |
| Light Heavyweight | Jan Błachowicz | def. | Dominick Reyes | TKO (punches) | 2 | 4:36 | UFC 253 | [n] |
| Middleweight | Israel Adesanya (c) | def. | Paulo Costa | TKO (punches) | 2 | 3:59 | UFC 253 | [o] |
| Lightweight | Khabib Nurmagomedov (c) | def. | Justin Gaethje (ic) | Technical Submission (triangle choke) | 2 | 1:34 | UFC 254 | [p] |
| Women's Flyweight | Valentina Shevchenko (c) | def. | Jennifer Maia | Decision (unanimous) (49–46, 49–46, 49–46) | 5 | 5:00 | UFC 255 | [q] |
| Flyweight | Deiveson Figueiredo (c) | def. | Alex Perez | Submission (guillotine choke) | 1 | 1:57 | UFC 255 | [r] |
| Flyweight | Deiveson Figueiredo (c) | vs. | Brandon Moreno | Draw (majority) (48–46, 47–47, 47–47) | 5 | 5:00 | UFC 256 | [s] |
- ^ For the UFC Women's Flyweight Championship.
- ^ For the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.
- ^ For the vacant UFC Flyweight Championship. Figueiredo missed weight (127.5 lbs) and became ineligible to win the title.
- ^ For the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship.
- ^ For the UFC Middleweight Championship.
- ^ For the UFC Bantamweight Championship.
- ^ For the interim UFC Lightweight Championship.
- ^ For the UFC Women's Featherweight Championship.
- ^ For the vacant UFC Bantamweight Championship.
- ^ For the UFC Featherweight Championship.
- ^ For the UFC Welterweight Championship.
- ^ For the vacant UFC Flyweight Championship.
- ^ For the UFC Heavyweight Championship.
- ^ For the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.
- ^ For the UFC Middleweight Championship.
- ^ For the UFC Lightweight Championship.
- ^ For the UFC Women's Flyweight Championship.
- ^ For the UFC Flyweight Championship.
- ^ For the UFC Flyweight Championship.
Events list
[edit]- 1Abdul Razak Alhassan was disqualified for the Fight of the Night bonus due to missing weight, as a result a third Performance of the Night bonus was awarded.
See also
[edit]References
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- ^ Dawson, Alan (July 15, 2020). "The Kattar vs. Ige main event for the UFC's next 'Fight Island' card is so good it could be the Fight of the Year, an analyst said". businessinsideraustralia. Archived from the original on February 19, 2023. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
- ^ "UFC on ESPN 13 bonuses: Weight miss costs Abdul Razak Alhassan $50K for 'Fight of the Night'". MMA Junkie. July 16, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
- ^ "UFC 251: Jorge Masvidal and Kamaru Usman make weight for title fight". www.sportingnews.com. July 10, 2020. Retrieved July 12, 2020.
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- ^ "UFC 246 bonuses: Conor McGregor leads pack of five $50,000 winners". MMA Junkie. January 19, 2020. Retrieved January 19, 2020.
External links
[edit]2020 in UFC
View on GrokipediaImpact of COVID-19
Event Disruptions and Resumption
The COVID-19 pandemic led to significant disruptions in UFC's event schedule beginning in March 2020, shortly after UFC 248 on March 7. On March 16, UFC president Dana White announced the postponement of the organization's next three events—originally scheduled for March 21 in London, March 28 in Columbus, Ohio, and April 11 in Portland, Oregon—due to the escalating global health crisis.[4] These postponements followed the March 14 Fight Night event in Brasilia, Brazil, which proceeded without spectators as one of the last major sports events to do so before widespread shutdowns. Further cancellations mounted in April as the pandemic intensified. The highly anticipated UFC 249, initially set for April 18 in Brooklyn, New York, was postponed amid venue and broadcast partner concerns from ESPN and Disney.[5] On April 9, White declared all future UFC events postponed indefinitely, marking a full operational shutdown.[5] This included the outright cancellation of the cards planned for April 25 in Lincoln, Nebraska, and May 2 in Oklahoma City, while the events originally scheduled for May 9 and May 16 were relocated to new venues in Jacksonville, Florida.[6] UFC resumed operations on May 9, 2020, with UFC 249 at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, headlined by Justin Gaethje versus Tony Ferguson for the interim lightweight championship. To ensure safety, the promotion implemented rigorous protocols, including a comprehensive 25-page health and safety plan developed in consultation with medical experts and athletic commissions.[7] Key measures encompassed mandatory daily COVID-19 testing for all participants starting 48 hours before arrival, isolation in designated hotels to create a "bubble" environment, temperature screenings, mask requirements, and social distancing enforcement, with early events held without live audiences to minimize transmission risks.[7][8] In adapting to these constraints, UFC accelerated the use of its Apex facility in Las Vegas for smaller-scale Fight Night events, starting with UFC Fight Night: Woodley vs. Burns on May 30, which marked the promotion's return to Nevada under the new protocols approved by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.[7] This shift allowed for controlled, low-contact productions in a compact arena, facilitating more frequent events while adhering to capacity limits and enhanced sanitation standards. These domestic strategies paved the way for the subsequent international expansion to Fight Island in Abu Dhabi later in the year.Partnership with Abu Dhabi and Fight Island
On June 9, 2020, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) announced a partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) to host a series of international events on [Yas Island](/page/Yas Island) amid the COVID-19 pandemic.[9] This collaboration built on a prior long-term agreement established in 2019, enabling UFC to conduct fights outside the United States where travel restrictions and health protocols had disrupted operations. The centerpiece of the partnership was "Fight Island," a bio-secure bubble concept transforming Yas Island into a controlled quarantine zone for fighters, coaches, staff, and production teams.[10] Participants underwent rigorous testing upon arrival in Abu Dhabi, including multiple PCR tests over a 48-hour quarantine period, followed by daily health screenings within the isolated environment spanning hotels, training facilities, and event venues.[11] International travel logistics were managed through chartered flights and visa exemptions for over 1,200 athletes and personnel from more than 70 countries, circumventing U.S. entry bans that would have prevented many international fighters from competing domestically.[12] This setup facilitated seven events in Abu Dhabi in 2020: UFC 251 on July 11, UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. Till on July 25, UFC 253 on September 26, UFC Fight Night: Holm vs. Aldana on October 3, UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen on October 10, UFC Fight Night: Ortega vs. The Korean Zombie on October 17, and UFC 254 on October 24, with the series continuing into 2021 with UFC 257.[2][13] The partnership provided significant economic and promotional advantages, positioning Abu Dhabi as a global hub for combat sports while ensuring UFC's revenue stream through uninterrupted pay-per-view and broadcast deals.[14] DCT Abu Dhabi covered substantial hosting costs, including infrastructure adaptations, in exchange for enhanced worldwide visibility via ESPN and other networks reaching millions of viewers.[15] Events were held at the du Forum (later renamed Flash Forum) for most cards and the Etihad Arena for select bouts, with attendance beginning at zero spectators to prioritize safety protocols before gradually permitting limited crowds in later series.[11] This arrangement not only sustained UFC's 2020 schedule of 41 events but also demonstrated a scalable model for pandemic-era sports hosting.[2]Awards and Honors
2020 UFC Honors Awards
The 2020 UFC Honors Awards, presented by UFC officials including CEO Dana White, celebrated exceptional individual performances and bouts amid a year defined by the promotion's resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. These official selections highlighted fighters who delivered defining moments, with criteria emphasizing technical brilliance, entertainment value, and overall impact on the sport. The awards drew from event-specific recognitions, such as Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses, which often foreshadowed annual honors by showcasing standout efforts across the 41 events held that year. Due to health restrictions, the ceremony adopted a limited virtual format, with announcements delivered via UFC's website and social media channels in January and February 2021, allowing global fans to engage digitally without in-person gatherings.[16] Under the President's Choice category, Performance of the Year went to Joaquin Buckley for his second-round knockout of Impa Kasanganay at UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen on October 11, 2020. Buckley's jumping spinning back kick finish, which flipped Kasanganay across the Octagon, not only earned a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus but also symbolized the unpredictable excitement of UFC's Abu Dhabi-based cards.[17] The Fight of the Year was awarded to the strawweight championship clash between champion Zhang Weili and challenger Joanna Jędrzejczyk at UFC 248 on March 7, 2020. The five-round war, culminating in a split decision victory for Zhang, featured relentless striking exchanges and earned both fighters Fight of the Night honors, setting a benchmark for intensity early in the year.[3] Additional official honors included Debut of the Year to Khamzat Chimaev for his rapid three-fight winning streak in July 2020, showcasing his dominance with finishes against John Phillips, Rhys McKee, and Gerald Meerschaert. Event of the Year was given to UFC 254: Nurmagomedov vs. Gaethje on October 24, 2020, highlighted by Khabib Nurmagomedov's title defense and subsequent retirement announcement. A pivotal highlight intertwined with the awards was Khabib Nurmagomedov's post-fight retirement announcement after defending his lightweight title with a second-round triangle choke submission of Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 on October 24, 2020, capping his perfect 29-0 record and emotional journey following personal losses. This moment, while not a President's Choice winner, resonated deeply in official selections for embodying perseverance.[18]2020 UFC.com Awards
The 2020 UFC.com Awards featured a collection of editorial rankings and fan-driven selections published on the UFC's official website, recognizing exceptional performances amid a challenging year marked by the COVID-19 pandemic. These awards emphasized standout moments through top 10 lists curated by UFC staff, alongside interactive polls that encouraged fan participation via the platform and social media channels. Unlike the formal UFC Honors ceremony, which focused on singular winners in categories like Fight of the Year, the UFC.com awards offered broader, ranked compilations and included mid-year editions to highlight early accomplishments, fostering ongoing community engagement throughout the season.[3] In the editorial Best Fighters of 2020 ranking, Deiveson Figueiredo was named Fighter of the Year for capturing the flyweight title via second-round TKO against Joseph Benavidez on February 29, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Benavidez vs. Figueiredo (after Benavidez missed weight), followed by a third-round submission defense against Benavidez on July 18, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Figueiredo vs. Benavidez 2, a first-round knockout of Alex Perez at UFC 255 in November, and a majority draw defense against Brandon Moreno at UFC 256 in December. These feats solidified Figueiredo's dominance in a revived division.[19] In the Best Fight category, UFC.com's year-end top 10 list crowned the strawweight title bout between champion Zhang Weili and Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 248 as the premier contest, praised for its non-stop action over five rounds that pushed both fighters to their limits and resulted in a split decision victory for Zhang. Ranked second was the flyweight championship clash between Deiveson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno at UFC 256, a grueling five-round war that ended in a majority draw and showcased Figueiredo's title defense resilience. Other highlights included Dustin Poirier vs. Dan Hooker at UFC Fight Night: Poirier vs. Hooker, which earned third place for its high-volume striking exchanges, and Dan Hooker vs. Paul Felder at UFC Fight Night: Hooker vs. Felder, noted for Felder's late heroics in a split decision loss. Mid-year polls on UFC.com similarly spotlighted Justin Gaethje's TKO win over Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 as a top early contender, reflecting fan excitement for the interim lightweight title fight.[3][20] The Best Submission rankings highlighted technical mastery, with Ariane Lipski's kneebar victory over Luana Carolina at UFC Fight Night: Figueiredo vs. Benavidez 2 topping the list for its rarity and precision in the women's flyweight division. Khabib Nurmagomedov's triangle choke submission of Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 secured fourth place, underscoring the undefeated champion's grappling dominance in his final bout. Charles Oliveira's guillotine choke against Kevin Lee at UFC Fight Night: Lee vs. Oliveira ranked fifth, exemplifying Oliveira's submission prowess early in the year. Fan polls integrated into UFC.com's coverage amplified these selections, with social media discussions boosting visibility for entries like Aljamain Sterling's rear-naked choke over Cory Sandhagen at UFC 250. The mid-year awards echoed this focus, naming Oliveira's triangle choke on Lee as a standout from the first half.[21][22] For Best Upset, Roxanne Modafferi's unanimous decision win over undefeated prospect Maycee Barber at UFC 246 led the editorial top 10, celebrated as a veteran masterclass that halted Barber's hype train at +500 betting odds. Shana Dobson's second-round TKO of Mariya Agapova at UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen took second, a shocking turnaround given Dobson's underdog status. Julian Erosa's third-round submission of Sean Woodson at UFC on ESPN: Poirier vs. Hooker rounded out the podium, highlighting Erosa's experience against a taller, favored opponent. These picks drew from fan-submitted nominations on UFC.com, emphasizing underdog stories that resonated during the year's unpredictable schedule. The half-year edition pinpointed Modafferi's victory as the biggest early shock.[23][24] The Best Knockout category culminated with Joaquin Buckley's viral spinning back kick knockout of Impa Kasanganay at UFC Fight Night: Ortega vs. The Korean Zombie, which not only topped UFC.com's list but also garnered massive fan votes through platform polls for its highlight-reel flair and unexpected brutality. Cody Garbrandt's last-second right hand against Raphael Assuncao at UFC 250 earned second place, reviving Garbrandt's career with a dramatic finish. Sean O'Malley's head-kick knockout of Eddie Wineland at the same event placed third, lauded for its precision and showmanship. Social media integration on UFC.com amplified these moments, with Buckley's KO becoming a meme-worthy sensation that boosted fan interaction. Mid-year rankings favored Garbrandt's stoppage as an early highlight.[17] Overall, the UFC.com Awards distinguished themselves by blending expert curation with fan input, providing a digital-centric celebration that captured the year's 41 events and encouraged global audience participation beyond the official end-of-year honors.[25]Statistics and Records
2020 by the Numbers
In 2020, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) conducted 41 events, comprising 11 pay-per-view numbered events and 30 Fight Night events.[2] These events featured a total of 456 individual fights across various weight classes.[2] The promotion maintained a rigorous schedule amid the COVID-19 pandemic, hosting events approximately every 8.4 days on average, calculated from the first event on January 18 to the last on December 19.[13] Fight outcomes in 2020 reflected a mix of finishes and decisions, with knockouts accounting for 139 victories (30.5% of total fights), submissions for 82 (18%), unanimous decisions for 185 (40.6%), and split decisions for 35 (7.7%).[2] The remaining outcomes included 5 draws, contributing to an overall emphasis on decisive results despite the high proportion of decisions. Note that official outcome totals sum to 446, with the remaining 10 fights possibly including additional no contests or unclassified results per full event data. Total fight time across all bouts amounted to 83 hours, 33 minutes, and 19 seconds.[1]| Outcome Type | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Knockouts | 139 | 30.5% |
| Submissions | 82 | 18.0% |
| Unanimous Decisions | 185 | 40.6% |
| Split Decisions | 35 | 7.7% |
| Draws | 5 | 1.1% |
Notable Achievements and Milestones
In 2020, the UFC hosted a record 41 events, surpassing the previous high of 40 set in 2019 and demonstrating the promotion's resilience amid global disruptions.[2] This marked the most events in a single calendar year in UFC history, with fights taking place across nine cities in four countries. Additionally, the organization distributed $8.35 million in performance and fight bonuses across those events, reflecting heightened competition and standout performances in a challenging year.[27] Khamzat Chimaev achieved a 3-0 UFC record in just 66 days, beginning with his debut submission of John Phillips on July 15, followed by a 17-second knockout of Rhys McKee on July 25, and culminating in a first-round knockout of Gerald Meerschaert on September 19. This rapid ascent set a modern benchmark for the fastest trio of UFC victories, showcasing Chimaev's dominance in the middleweight and welterweight divisions.[28] A defining milestone came with Khabib Nurmagomedov's retirement immediately after defending his lightweight title against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 on October 24, preserving his undefeated 29-0 professional record and cementing his legacy as one of the sport's most dominant champions. In the flyweight division, Deiveson Figueiredo won the vacant title via third-round technical submission over Joseph Benavidez on July 18, following a prior second-round TKO victory on February 29 (without the title due to weight miss), before retaining the belt via majority draw against Brandon Moreno at UFC 255 on November 21, solidifying his reign amid intense competition. The year also highlighted the growing prominence of women's divisions, with bouts like Michelle Waterson vs. Angela Hill serving as the main event for UFC Fight Night on September 12, underscoring the viability and appeal of all-female headliners in a post-Ronda Rousey era.[29][30] Active win streaks reached notable lengths, with Islam Makhachev extending his UFC record to eight consecutive victories by submitting Thiago Moises at UFC Fight Night on November 14, positioning him as a key contender in the lightweight division. Veterans like Donald Cerrone pushed career milestones, competing in three UFC bouts during the year to reach a total of 35 Octagon appearances by December, approaching his eventual all-time high of 38 fights and exemplifying the grueling pace for enduring competitors.[31] The COVID-19 pandemic introduced unprecedented operational firsts, including the UFC's inaugural event without live spectators on March 14 at UFC Fight Night: Lee vs. Oliveira in Brasilia, Brazil, which proceeded amid early restrictions and set the template for empty-arena productions. Later, the introduction of Fight Island in Abu Dhabi marked the first international bio-secure bubble series, hosting 11 events from July to October in a controlled "safe zone" environment to facilitate global participation without travel quarantines.[32]Roster Changes
Releases and Retirements
In 2020, the UFC undertook a significant roster overhaul, releasing dozens of fighters amid an expanded roster that had grown to over 700 active competitors, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic's disruptions to scheduling and financial pressures. UFC president Dana White announced plans to cut approximately 60 fighters by year's end, citing the need to streamline operations and address performance issues, contract expirations, and age-related concerns. This wave of releases particularly impacted divisions like middleweight and women's flyweight, creating openings for emerging talent while reshaping competitive landscapes. Notable departures included former middleweight title challenger Yoel Romero, who was released in December after a 1-2 record in his last three fights and at age 43, prompting him to sign with Bellator MMA shortly thereafter.[33] Similarly, light heavyweight Corey Anderson was released in August 2020 upon his request following health issues after his March 2020 unanimous decision loss to Jan Błachowicz, ending his UFC tenure with a 6-5 record and leading to his immediate move to Bellator, where he captured the light heavyweight title. Women's strawweight Paige VanZant was also released in August after back-to-back losses, transitioning to bare-knuckle boxing with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. Other prominent releases encompassed welterweight Ben Saunders in February after a four-fight skid, and women's flyweight Rachael Ostovich in December amid a 1-3 run. These cuts, often performance-based, contributed to shakeups such as a thinned middleweight division, where the loss of veterans like Romero and Anderson intensified competition for title contention.[34] Retirements in 2020 were equally transformative, with several high-profile fighters stepping away due to a mix of championship achievements, injury accumulations, and personal decisions amid the uncertainties of the global health crisis. Undisputed lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov announced his retirement in October immediately after submitting Justin Gaethje in the fifth round at UFC 254, retiring undefeated at 29-0 and vacating his title, a move influenced by a promise to his late father to retire upon achieving 30 wins.[35] Two-division champion Daniel Cormier retired in August after a third-round TKO loss to Stipe Miocic at UFC 252, closing out his career at 22-3-1 with two UFC titles and citing the physical toll at age 41 as a key factor.[36] Flyweight and bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo retired in May at age 33 following a second-round TKO defense against Dominick Cruz at UFC 249, vacating both belts due to nagging injuries including a shoulder issue, though he later returned in 2023. Other notable retirements included featherweight Ricardo Lamas in September after a unanimous decision win over Bill Algeo, ending a 12-year UFC stint at 20-10 with two title shots behind him; lightweight Matt Wiman in December following a first-round knockout loss to Jordan Leavitt, retiring at 36-14 after 21 UFC bouts plagued by injuries; and lightweight Stevie Ray, who stepped away in September 2020 via social media after a 23-10 record, opting for family priorities over further fights. These exits, particularly in the lightweight and heavyweight divisions, marked the end of eras for fan favorites and opened pathways for younger contenders, underscoring the pandemic's role in accelerating career decisions.[37][38]Debut UFC Fighters
In 2020, the Ultimate Fighting Championship saw 123 fighters make their promotional debuts, reflecting an expansion driven by the resumption of events following the COVID-19 shutdown.[2] These newcomers hailed from diverse backgrounds, including regional promotions like Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) and Cage Warriors, as well as international circuits that fed into UFC scouting pipelines.[39] The Dana White's Contender Series played a pivotal role, awarding contracts to numerous prospects throughout the year and facilitating their quick integration into the roster.[40] Fight Island events in Abu Dhabi provided unique opportunities for international talents, easing travel restrictions and enabling debuts for fighters from Europe, Brazil, and beyond who might otherwise have faced delays.[11] Debuts were distributed across all weight classes, with lighter divisions like flyweight and strawweight seeing a surge in new signings from agile, high-volume strikers and grapplers emerging from regional scenes.[41] Overall, these debutants achieved 49 wins against 70 losses, plus one draw and one no contest, yielding a win rate of approximately 41%—a figure that underscored the competitive depth of the promotion while highlighting standout performers who exceeded expectations.[1] Early successes among this group often translated into rapid rises in the rankings, establishing future title challengers and injecting fresh narratives into divisions. Among the most prominent debuts was that of Khamzat Chimaev, a Swedish-based fighter of Chechen origin who had built a reputation in Brave Combat Federation. Chimaev entered the UFC on July 15, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Kattar vs. Ortega on Fight Island, securing a first-round submission victory in his middleweight debut.[42] He followed with two more dominant wins within 66 days, including a 10-day turnaround bout and a third against a ranked opponent, propelling him to immediate contender status and earning him the 2020 UFC Honors Debut of the Year award.[41] His explosive grappling and finishing ability quickly positioned him as a welterweight phenom, setting the stage for high-stakes matchups in subsequent years. Marina Rodriguez, a Brazilian strawweight who earned her UFC contract via Dana White's Contender Series in 2018, made her Octagon debut on January 19, 2020, at UFC 246.[43] Rodriguez, known for her Muay Thai striking honed in regional Brazilian promotions, defeated Tecia Torres by unanimous decision, launching a four-fight win streak that included victories over ranked contenders.[44] This momentum carried her into title contention by late 2020, showcasing how Contender Series alumni could transition seamlessly into the women's divisions and challenge established hierarchies.[41] Brandon Royval, an American flyweight and former LFA champion, debuted on short notice on May 30, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Eye vs. Calvillo.[45] As a heavy underdog against veteran Tim Elliott, Royval submitted his opponent in the second round with a rare heel hook, demonstrating his unorthodox grappling from regional circuits. He capped the year with an upset submission win over former title challenger Brandon Moreno, earning a shot at the flyweight belt and establishing himself as a chaotic force in one of the promotion's most stacked divisions.[41] Other notable debuts included Jamahal Hill at light heavyweight, who impressed with knockout power in his August 2020 entry, and Ilia Topuria at featherweight, whose grappling pedigree from European promotions shone in a unanimous decision win on October 10, 2020.[41] Tom Aspinall's heavyweight debut in July 2020, a first-round finish via punches and submission, highlighted British talent benefiting from Fight Island logistics.[46] These early impacts not only boosted win rates for select debut classes but also revitalized divisions, creating compelling storylines for 2021 and beyond.[2]Suspended Fighters
In 2020, the UFC's anti-doping program, administered by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), continued its rigorous testing regime amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, conducting a total of 3,551 tests on 719 fighters through increased random out-of-competition sampling.[47] This effort resulted in multiple positive findings for prohibited substances, leading to temporary suspensions ranging from six months to two years, with many cases involving anabolic agents like ostarine or boldenone.[48] USADA announced approximately 15-20 sanctions specifically tied to UFC athletes that year, emphasizing the program's focus on maintaining integrity despite logistical hurdles.[49] Prominent cases included bantamweight Sean O'Malley, who accepted a reduced six-month USADA suspension in January 2020 following two positive tests for ostarine in August 2019, marking his second violation; he was eligible to return by March 2020 and competed at UFC 248.[50] Similarly, strawweight Lara Procopio received a retroactive six-month ban in September 2020 for ostarine detected in an February out-of-competition sample, rendering her immediately eligible upon announcement.[51] Bantamweight Duda Santana faced a two-year suspension in September 2020 for clenbuterol, which ultimately led to her release from the UFC roster without a planned return.[52] Middleweight Marc-Andre Barriault was handed a 16-month ineligibility period starting July 2020 for boldenone, following a positive test; he appealed unsuccessfully and targeted a 2021 comeback.[53] Featherweight Yair Rodriguez incurred a six-month suspension announced in December 2020 for three whereabouts failures, barring him until March 2021.[54] Several fighters also faced shorter suspensions for marijuana metabolites, a substance treated more leniently but still resulting in disciplinary action. In September 2020, the Nevada State Athletic Commission suspended light heavyweight Jamahal Hill (six months), flyweight Tim Elliott (one year), lightweight Luis Pena (six months), and heavyweight Deron Winn (one year) after positive tests, with fines ranging from $500 to $2,500; these were tied to USADA findings but handled locally.[55] Former heavyweight Fabricio Werdum completed a reduced suspension in April 2020, allowing his return after cooperating with investigators on a prior boldenone violation from 2019.[56] Appeals processes often shortened bans, as seen with O'Malley and Werdum, though repeat offenders like Santana faced longer terms without reduction. Beyond anti-doping, legal issues and contract disputes contributed to temporary inactivity for some fighters, though these rarely resulted in formal UFC suspensions. Light heavyweight champion Jon Jones vacated his title in August 2020 amid a public contract dispute with UFC executives over pay and weight class moves, leading to several months of inactivity before his heavyweight debut in 2021; no formal ban was imposed, but the standoff delayed his competition.[57] Jones also faced a March 2020 DWI arrest in New Mexico, but it did not trigger a UFC suspension, allowing him to fight earlier that year.[58] Permanent releases for severe violations, such as Santana's, were distinct from these temporary measures.Competition
Title Fights
In 2020, the Ultimate Fighting Championship hosted 18 title fights across various weight classes, a notable figure given the disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced events into limited-venue formats like the UFC Apex and Fight Island. These bouts included defenses, unifications, and vacancies, with three new undisputed champions crowned and one interim title established due to the prolonged absence of lightweight titleholder Khabib Nurmagomedov. The year saw intense competition in lighter divisions, particularly flyweight and bantamweight, while heavyweights and middleweights featured high-stakes rematches and trilogy conclusions.[2] The lightweight division was particularly active, with an interim title created after Nurmagomedov's inactivity led to Justin Gaethje capturing the belt against Tony Ferguson at UFC 249; this paved the way for a unification bout later in the year (against Gaethje at UFC 254), following a title defense against Dustin Poirier at UFC 251.[59] Flyweight experienced significant turnover, as Deiveson Figueiredo won the vacant title early and defended it twice successfully before a controversial majority draw against Brandon Moreno to close the year. Bantamweight saw the crowning of Petr Yan as champion in a grueling fight for the vacant belt, following Henry Cejudo's unexpected retirement after his defense at UFC 250.[60] Women's divisions highlighted dominant performances, with Amanda Nunes retaining her featherweight title while holding the bantamweight belt simultaneously, and Valentina Shevchenko extending her flyweight reign with two lopsided victories. Strawweight champion Weili Zhang solidified her status in a split-decision war often hailed as one of the year's best fights. Middleweight champion Israel Adesanya made two successful defenses against undefeated challengers, maintaining his unblemished record. Heavyweight saw champion Stipe Miocic prevail in a close decision trilogy win over Daniel Cormier at UFC 252, while the light heavyweight division saw a new champion, Jan Błachowicz, claim the vacant title against Dominick Reyes at UFC 253 after Jon Jones vacated it. Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman dominated a short-notice challenge from Jorge Masvidal, showcasing his wrestling prowess.[61]| Event | Date | Weight Class | Fighters | Outcome | Method/Rounds | Stakes/Implications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UFC 247 | February 8 | Light Heavyweight | Jon Jones (c) vs. Dominick Reyes | Jones def. Reyes | Unanimous Decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47), 5 rounds | Title defense; Jones extended his record for most light heavyweight title wins to 12.[62] |
| UFC 247 | February 8 | Women's Flyweight | Valentina Shevchenko (c) vs. Katlyn Chookagian | Shevchenko def. Chookagian | TKO (elbows), Round 3, 1:03 | Title defense; Shevchenko's seventh consecutive UFC win solidified her divisional dominance.[63] |
| UFC Fight Night: Benavidez vs. Figueiredo | February 29 | Flyweight | Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Joseph Benavidez | Figueiredo def. Benavidez | TKO (punches), Round 2, 1:54 | Vacant title; Figueiredo became the first Brazilian flyweight champion, ending Benavidez's title hopes.[60] |
| UFC 248 | March 7 | Middleweight | Israel Adesanya (c) vs. Yoel Romero | Adesanya def. Romero | Unanimous Decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47), 5 rounds | Title defense; Controversial decision kept Adesanya undefeated at 19-0.[64] |
| UFC 248 | March 7 | Strawweight | Weili Zhang (c) vs. Joanna Jędrzejczyk | Zhang def. Jędrzejczyk | Split Decision (48-47, 48-47, 47-48), 5 rounds | Title defense; Epic war earned Fight of the Year honors, affirming Zhang's status as champion.[65] |
| UFC 249 | May 9 | Interim Lightweight | Justin Gaethje vs. Tony Ferguson | Gaethje def. Ferguson | TKO (punches), Round 5, 3:39 | Interim title; Created due to Nurmagomedov's inactivity; Gaethje's knockout power ended Ferguson's 12-fight win streak.[59] |
| UFC 250 | June 6 | Bantamweight | Henry Cejudo (c) vs. Dominick Cruz | Cejudo def. Cruz | TKO (punches), Round 2, 4:58 | Title defense; Cejudo retired immediately after, vacating the belt and opening the division.[66] |
| UFC 250 | June 6 | Women's Featherweight | Amanda Nunes (c) vs. Felicia Spencer | Nunes def. Spencer | Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-44, 50-44), 5 rounds | Title defense; Nunes maintained dual-champion status, dominating with striking volume.[67] |
| UFC 251 | July 11 | Lightweight | Khabib Nurmagomedov (c) vs. Dustin Poirier | Nurmagomedov def. Poirier | Submission (rear-naked choke), Round 3, 2:06 | Title defense; Nurmagomedov improved to 28-0, controlling with grappling.[68] |
| UFC 251 | July 11 | Welterweight | Kamaru Usman (c) vs. Jorge Masvidal | Usman def. Masvidal | Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-45, 49-46), 5 rounds | Title defense; Usman's wrestling neutralized Masvidal's short-notice entry.[61] |
| UFC 251 | July 11 | Bantamweight | Petr Yan vs. Jose Aldo | Yan def. Aldo | TKO (punches), Round 5, 3:24 | Vacant title; Yan became champion in a bloody battle, ending Aldo's comeback bid.[69] |
| UFC 252 | August 15 | Heavyweight | Stipe Miocic (c) vs. Daniel Cormier | Miocic def. Cormier | Unanimous Decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47), 5 rounds | Title defense (trilogy); Miocic evened the series at 2-1, reclaiming dominance in the division.[70] |
| UFC 253 | September 26 | Middleweight | Israel Adesanya (c) vs. Paulo Costa | Adesanya def. Costa | TKO (ground and pound), Round 2, 3:59 | Title defense; Adesanya broke Costa's undefeated streak in a one-sided affair.[71] |
| UFC 253 | September 26 | Light Heavyweight | Jan Błachowicz vs. Dominick Reyes | Błachowicz def. Reyes | TKO (punches), Round 2, 4:36 | Vacant title; Błachowicz claimed the light heavyweight championship after Jon Jones vacated it.[72] |
| UFC 254 | October 24 | Lightweight | Khabib Nurmagomedov (c) vs. Justin Gaethje | Nurmagomedov def. Gaethje | Submission (triangle choke), Round 2, 1:34 | Title unification; Nurmagomedov retired undefeated at 29-0 post-fight.[73] |
| UFC 255 | November 21 | Flyweight | Deiveson Figueiredo (c) vs. Alex Perez | Figueiredo def. Perez | Submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 1:57 | Title defense; Quick finish highlighted Figueiredo's grappling improvements.[74] |
| UFC 255 | November 21 | Women's Flyweight | Valentina Shevchenko (c) vs. Jennifer Maia | Shevchenko def. Maia | Unanimous Decision (49-46 x3), 5 rounds | Title defense; Shevchenko outstruck Maia 231-101, extending her win streak to 19.[75] |
| UFC 256 | December 12 | Flyweight | Deiveson Figueiredo (c) vs. Brandon Moreno | Figueiredo vs. Moreno | Majority Draw (48-46 Figueiredo, 47-47 x2), 5 rounds | Title fight; Figueiredo deducted a point for a low blow; set up immediate rematch.[76] |
Events List
The 2020 UFC schedule consisted of 41 events, a record for the promotion at the time, with activities suspended from mid-March to early May due to the COVID-19 pandemic before resuming in a bubble format initially in Jacksonville, Florida, and later at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas and on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. These events were held without live audiences for the majority of the year to comply with health restrictions, resulting in zero reported attendance for 36 events; the pre-pandemic events in January, February, and early March drew crowds totaling over 71,000 fans across six cards. The schedule peaked in August with five events, all at the UFC Apex, contributing to the promotion's unprecedented output of 456 fights throughout the year.[2][1] Each event awarded $50,000 bonuses for Fight of the Night (shared by two fighters) and one or more Performance of the Night awards, leading to typical per-event totals of $100,000 to $150,000; a total of 94 bonuses were distributed across the year, highlighting standout performances in a season marked by resilience amid global challenges.[20][2]| Event Name | Date | Venue | City/Country | Attendance | Fight of the Night | Performance of the Night | Bonus Totals | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UFC 246: McGregor vs. Cerrone | January 18, 2020 | T-Mobile Arena | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA | 19,040 | None | McGregor, Pettis, Rodriguez, Ige, Magny | $250,000 | [77] |
| UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. dos Santos | January 25, 2020 | PNC Arena | Raleigh, North Carolina, USA | 14,533 | dos Santos vs. Blaydes | Blaydes, RDA | $150,000 | [78] |
| UFC Fight Night: Anderson vs. Błachowicz | February 15, 2020 | Santa Ana Star Center | Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA | 6,449 | Holtzman vs. Miller | Błachowicz | $100,000 | [79] [80] |
| UFC Fight Night: Felder vs. Hooker | February 22, 2020 | Spark Arena | Auckland, New Zealand | 10,025 | Felder vs. Hooker | Crute | $100,000 | [81] [82] |
| UFC Fight Night: Benavidez vs. Figueiredo | February 29, 2020 | Chartway Arena | Norfolk, Virginia, USA | 7,098 | Phillips vs. Silva | Figueiredo | $100,000 | [83] [84] |
| UFC 248: Adesanya vs. Romero | March 7, 2020 | T-Mobile Arena | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA | 15,077 | Weili vs. Jędrzejczyk | No POTN awarded | $100,000 | [83] [85] |
| UFC Fight Night: Lee vs. Oliveira | March 14, 2020 | Ginásio Nilson Nelson | Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil | 0 | Moroz vs. Bueno Silva | Oliveira, Cutelaba | $150,000 | [83] |
| UFC 249: Ferguson vs. Gaethje | May 9, 2020 | VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena | Jacksonville, Florida, USA | 0 | Ferguson vs. Gaethje | Gaethje | $100,000 | [83] |
| UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Teixeira | May 13, 2020 | VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena | Jacksonville, Florida, USA | 0 | Kelleher vs. Azure | Teixeira, Luque | $150,000 | [83] |
| UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Harris | May 16, 2020 | VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena | Jacksonville, Florida, USA | 0 | Yadong vs. Vera | Harris | $100,000 | [83] |
| UFC Fight Night: Woodley vs. Burns | May 30, 2020 | UFC Apex | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA | 0 | Royval vs. Elliott | Burns | $100,000 | [83] |
| UFC 250: Nunes vs. Spencer | June 6, 2020 | UFC Apex | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA | 0 | Sandhagen vs. Edgar | Nunes | $100,000 | [83] |
| UFC Fight Night: Eye vs. Calvillo | June 13, 2020 | UFC Apex | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA | 0 | Dos Anjos vs. Lee | Calvillo | $100,000 | [83] |
| UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Volkov | June 20, 2020 | UFC Apex | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA | 0 | Emmett vs. Mitchell | Blaydes | $100,000 | [83] |
| UFC Fight Night: Poirier vs. Hooker | June 27, 2020 | UFC Apex | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA | 0 | Poirier vs. Hooker | Poirier | $100,000 | [83] |
| UFC 251: Usman vs. Masvidal | July 11, 2020 | Etihad Arena | Abu Dhabi, UAE | 0 | Namajunas vs. Andrade | Weili | $100,000 | [83] |
| UFC Fight Night: Kattar vs. Ige | July 15, 2020 | Etihad Arena | Abu Dhabi, UAE | 0 | Ige vs. Korean Zombie | Kattar | $100,000 | [83] |
| UFC Fight Night: Figueiredo vs. Benavidez 2 | July 18, 2020 | Etihad Arena | Abu Dhabi, UAE | 0 | Lazzez vs. Alhassan; Fiziev vs. Diakiese (double FOTN) | Figueiredo | $150,000 | [83] |
| UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. Till | July 25, 2020 | Etihad Arena | Abu Dhabi, UAE | 0 | Whittaker vs. Till | No POTN awarded | $100,000 | [83] |
| UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs. Shahbazyan | August 1, 2020 | UFC Apex | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA | 0 | Green vs. Vannata | Brunson | $100,000 | [83] |
| UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Oleinik | August 8, 2020 | UFC Apex | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA | 0 | Lewis vs. Oleinik | No POTN awarded | $100,000 | [83] |
| UFC 252: Miocic vs. Cormier 3 | August 15, 2020 | UFC Apex | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA | 0 | Kamaka vs. Kelley | Miocic | $100,000 | [83] |
| UFC Fight Night: Munhoz vs. Edgar | August 22, 2020 | UFC Apex | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA | 0 | Edgar vs. Munhoz | No POTN awarded | $100,000 | [83] |
| UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Rakić | August 29, 2020 | UFC Apex | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA | 0 | Lamas vs. Algeo | Rakić | $100,000 | [83] |
| UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Sakai | September 5, 2020 | UFC Apex | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA | 0 | Multiple (four POTN) | Kelleher, Muniz, Pereira, OSP | $200,000 | [83] [86] |
| UFC Fight Night: Waterson vs. Hill | September 12, 2020 | UFC Apex | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA | 0 | Waterson vs. Hill | Hill | $100,000 | [83] [20] |
| UFC Fight Night: Covington vs. Woodley | September 19, 2020 | UFC Apex | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA | 0 | Multiple (four POTN) | Chimaev, Dern, Costa, Jackson | $200,000 | [83] [87] |
| UFC 253: Adesanya vs. Costa | September 26, 2020 | Etihad Arena | Abu Dhabi, UAE | 0 | Royval vs. Kara-France | Adesanya | $100,000 | [83] |
| UFC Fight Night: Holm vs. Aldana | October 3, 2020 | Etihad Arena | Abu Dhabi, UAE | 0 | Holm vs. Aldana | No POTN awarded | $100,000 | [83] |
| UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen | October 10, 2020 | Etihad Arena | Abu Dhabi, UAE | 0 | Moraes vs. Sandhagen | No POTN awarded | $100,000 | [83] |
| UFC Fight Night: Ortega vs. The Korean Zombie | October 17, 2020 | Etihad Arena | Abu Dhabi, UAE | 0 | Kutateladze vs. Gamrot | No POTN awarded | $100,000 | [83] |
| UFC 254: Khabib vs. Gaethje | October 24, 2020 | Etihad Arena | Abu Dhabi, UAE | 0 | Kenney vs. Wood | Khabib | $100,000 | [83] |
| UFC Fight Night: Hall vs. Silva | October 31, 2020 | UFC Apex | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA | 0 | Hall vs. Silva | Mitchell | $100,000 | [83] |
| UFC Fight Night: Santos vs. Teixeira | November 7, 2020 | UFC Apex | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA | 0 | Barcelos vs. Taha | Teixeira | $100,000 | [83] |
| UFC Fight Night: Felder vs. dos Anjos | November 14, 2020 | UFC Apex | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA | 0 | Felder vs. dos Anjos | No POTN awarded | $100,000 | [83] |
| UFC 255: Figueiredo vs. Perez | November 21, 2020 | UFC Apex | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA | 0 | Palatnikov vs. Cosce | Figueiredo, Shevchenko | $150,000 | [83] |
| UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Clark | November 28, 2020 | UFC Apex | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA | 0 | Smith vs. Clark | No POTN awarded | $100,000 | [83] |
| UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Vettori | December 5, 2020 | UFC Apex | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA | 0 | Hermansson vs. Vettori | No POTN awarded | $100,000 | [83] |
| UFC 256: Figueiredo vs. Moreno | December 12, 2020 | UFC Apex | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA | 0 | Figueiredo vs. Moreno | No POTN awarded | $100,000 | [83] |
| UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs. Neal | December 19, 2020 | UFC Apex | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA | 0 | Multiple (four POTN) | Thompson, Tybura, Font, Flick | $200,000 | [83] [88] |