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UFC 277: Peña vs. Nunes 2
The poster for UFC 277: Peña vs. Nunes 2
PromotionUltimate Fighting Championship
DateJuly 30, 2022 (2022-07-30)
VenueAmerican Airlines Center
CityDallas, Texas, United States
Attendance19,442[1]
Total gate$4,455,691[1]
Event chronology
UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Aspinall UFC 277: Peña vs. Nunes 2 UFC on ESPN: Santos vs. Hill

UFC 277: Peña vs. Nunes 2 was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that took place on July 30, 2022, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, United States.[2]

Background

[edit]

A UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship rematch between current champion (also The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rousey vs. Team Tate bantamweight winner) Julianna Peña and former champion (also then UFC Women's Featherweight Champion) Amanda Nunes headlined the event.[3] The pairing previously met at UFC 269 in last December, where Peña captured the title by submission in the second round in a major upset.[4] They were also the head coaches for the 30th season of The Ultimate Fighter.[5] This was the seventh time in UFC history that champions in different divisions fought for the same title, following UFC 94, UFC 205, UFC 226, UFC 232, UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Dillashaw and UFC 259.

An interim UFC Flyweight Championship bout between former champion Brandon Moreno and Kai Kara-France took place at the event.[6] The pairing previously met at UFC 245 in December 2019, with Moreno winning via unanimous decision.[7] Alexandre Pantoja served as backup and potential replacement for this fight.[8]

Sean Strickland was expected to face former Glory Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira in a middleweight bout at this event.[9] However, the promotion decided to move the pairing to UFC 276.[10]

A middleweight bout between former Strikeforce and UFC Middleweight Champion Luke Rockhold and former title challenger Paulo Costa was expected to take place at the event.[11] However, the bout was postponed to UFC 278 for unknown reasons.[12]

A welterweight bout between Orion Cosce and Mike Mathetha took place at the event.[13] The duo was previously scheduled to meet at UFC 271 and UFC 275, but the bout was cancelled due to Mathetha getting injured and Cosce pulling out due to undisclosed reasons, respectively.[14][15]

Ji Yeon Kim and Mariya Agapova were expected to meet in a women's flyweight bout at the event.[16] However, Agapova was forced out of the fight due to a knee injury and was replaced by Joselyne Edwards who had fought only six weeks prior in UFC 275.[17]

Carlos Diego Ferreira was scheduled to meet Drakkar Klose in a lightweight bout.[18] However, Ferreira was forced out the event in mid July due to an injury.[19] He was replaced by Rafa García.[20]

A lightweight bout featuring Ignacio Bahamondes and Ľudovít Klein was originally scheduled for the preliminary card.[21] However, Bahamondes pulled out on July 15 and Klein was relocated against Mason Jones a week earlier at UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Aspinall.[22]

Justin Tafa and Don'Tale Mayes were expected to meet in a heavyweight bout at the preliminary card.[23] Tafa pulled out due to undisclosed reasons and was replaced by promotional newcomer Hamdy Abdelwahab on July 18.[20]

Ramiz Brahimaj was scheduled to meet Michael Morales in a welterweight bout.[24] However, Brahimaj was forced out the event in mid July due to an undisclosed injury.[20] He was replaced by Adam Fugitt.[25]

At the weigh-ins, two fighters missed weight for their respective bouts. Joselyne Edwards weighed in at 137.5 pounds, one and a half pounds over the bantamweight non-title fight limit. Orion Cosce weighed in at 172.5 pounds, one and a half pounds over the welterweight non-title fight limit. Both bouts proceeded at catchweight with Edwards and Cosce each fined 20% of their purses, which went to their opponents Ji Yeon Kim and Mike Mathetha respectively.[26]

Results

[edit]
Main card
Weight class Method Round Time Notes
Women's Bantamweight Amanda Nunes def. Julianna Peña (c) Decision (unanimous) (50–45, 50–44, 50–43) 5 5:00 [a]
Flyweight Brandon Moreno def. Kai Kara-France TKO (body kick and punches) 3 4:34 [b]
Heavyweight Sergei Pavlovich def. Derrick Lewis TKO (punches) 1 0:55
Flyweight Alexandre Pantoja def. Alex Perez Submission (neck crank) 1 1:31
Light Heavyweight Magomed Ankalaev def. Anthony Smith TKO (punches) 2 3:09
Preliminary card (ESPN / ABC / ESPN+)
Welterweight Alex Morono def. Matthew Semelsberger Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 30–27) 3 5:00
Lightweight Drew Dober def. Rafael Alves KO (punch to the body) 3 1:30
Heavyweight Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Don'Tale Mayes No Contest (overturned) 3 5:00 [c]
Lightweight Drakkar Klose def. Rafa García Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) 3 5:00
Early preliminary card (ESPN+ / UFC Fight Pass)
Welterweight Michael Morales def. Adam Fugitt TKO (punches) 3 1:09
Catchweight (137.5 lb) Joselyne Edwards def. Ji Yeon Kim Decision (split) (28–29, 29–28, 30–27) 3 5:00
Light Heavyweight Nicolae Negumereanu def. Ihor Potieria TKO (punches and knees) 2 3:33
Catchweight (172.5 lb) Orion Cosce def. Mike Mathetha Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) 3 5:00
  1. ^ For the UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship.
  2. ^ For the interim UFC Flyweight Championship.
  3. ^ Originally a split decision (29–28, 28–29, 29–28) win for Abdelwahab; overturned after he tested positive for methenolone.[27]

[28]

Bonus awards

[edit]

The following fighters received $50,000 bonuses.[29]

  • Fight of the Night: Brandon Moreno vs. Kai Kara-France
  • Performance of the Night: Alexandre Pantoja and Drew Dober

The following fighters received Crypto.com "Fan Bonus of the Night" awards paid in bitcoin of US$30,000 for first place, US$20,000 for second place, and US$10,000 for third place.[30]

  • First Place: Brandon Moreno
  • Second Place: Amanda Nunes
  • Third Place: Derrick Lewis

Aftermath

[edit]

On February 3, 2023, it was announced that the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) suspended Hamdy Abdelwahab for two years after he tested positive twice for anabolic agent methenolone and its metabolites. He also was flagged for a tampering violation. His victory was also overturned to a no contest and he will be eligible to return to competition on July 30, 2024, two years from the first positive test.[27]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

UFC 277

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
UFC 277: Peña vs. Nunes 2 was a mixed martial arts pay-per-view event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) that took place on July 30, 2022, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.[1] The event marked the promotion's sixth visit to the venue and featured a card of 13 bouts across various weight classes, highlighted by championship rematches in the women's bantamweight and flyweight divisions.[2] It drew an announced attendance of 19,442 spectators, generating a live gate of $4,455,691 and marking the arena's highest single-night gate in its history.[3] The main event was a women's bantamweight title rematch between champion Julianna Peña and former champion Amanda Nunes, who had lost the belt to Peña via second-round submission at UFC 269 seven months prior.[4] Nunes delivered a dominant performance, winning by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-44, 50-43) after five rounds to reclaim the title.[3] In doing so, she became the first fighter in UFC history to have multiple simultaneous two-division title reigns, holding the title alongside her featherweight belt.[5] The co-main event saw interim flyweight champion Brandon Moreno face top contender Kai Kara-France to unify the division's title, with Moreno securing the undisputed championship via third-round TKO (body kick and punches) at 4:34.[4] This victory extended Moreno's reign and earned him Fight of the Night honors for the back-and-forth battle.[6] Other notable main card results included Sergei Pavlovich's first-round TKO (punches) of Derrick Lewis at 0:55, extending Pavlovich's streak of four consecutive first-round UFC finishes, and Pedro Munhoz's third-round TKO (punches) upset over Sean O'Malley, who suffered a severe leg injury similar to that of Chris Weidman earlier in the year.[7][8] The event also featured Performance of the Night bonuses for Alexandre Pantoja's first-round submission of Alex Perez on the preliminary card and Michael Morales' third-round TKO of Adam Fugitt.[9]

Event Overview

Date, Location, and Promotion

UFC 277: Peña vs. Nunes 2 was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the world's leading promotion in the sport, held as the organization's 277th numbered pay-per-view event.[1][10] The event took place on July 30, 2022, at the American Airlines Center, a multi-purpose arena in Dallas, Texas, United States, with a capacity of approximately 20,000 for MMA configurations.[1][11] This pay-per-view marked the UFC's return to Dallas after nearly four years, the first event in the city since UFC 228: Woodley vs. Till on September 8, 2018, also at the American Airlines Center.[12][13]

Attendance and Financials

UFC 277 achieved significant audience engagement, drawing a paid attendance of 19,442 spectators to the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. This figure marked the highest attendance for a UFC event in the state at the time, exceeding previous UFC shows held in Dallas and establishing a new benchmark for MMA crowds in Texas.[3][14] The event generated a total gate revenue of $4,455,691, reflecting strong ticket sales and contributing to its status as one of the promotion's top-performing numbered events in the region. This financial success underscored the draw of the main event rematch between Amanda Nunes and Julianna Peña, alongside the co-main flyweight title fight.[3] Official pay-per-view buy figures were not released by the UFC, though the event's performance was considered solid for a women's headlined card based on historical comparisons.

Background

Main Event and Co-Main Event Origins

The main event of UFC 277 featured a highly anticipated rematch for the UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship between champion Julianna Peña and former champion Amanda Nunes. Peña had captured the title in one of the most shocking upsets in UFC history at UFC 269 on December 11, 2021, submitting Nunes via rear-naked choke at 3:26 of the second round after entering as a significant underdog.[15] Nunes, who had dominated the division with four successful title defenses since winning the belt in 2016, sought immediate revenge to reclaim her status as the division's premier force.[16] The buildup was intensified by their roles as opposing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter Season 30, which premiered on May 3, 2022, where personal tensions escalated through on-screen confrontations and strategic clashes, transforming their professional rivalry into a deeply personal feud ahead of the July 30 rematch.[17] Peña's journey to the championship embodied an underdog narrative rooted in perseverance. As the inaugural female winner of The Ultimate Fighter, she earned her UFC contract by defeating Jessica Rakoczy via first-round TKO in the Season 18 finale on November 30, 2013, marking the first women's edition of the reality series.[18] Over the subsequent years, Peña compiled a 6-3 record in the UFC, including key victories over fighters like Sara McMann, Nicco Montaño, Cat Zingano, and Jessica Eye, steadily climbing the rankings despite setbacks such as losses to Valentina Shevchenko, Raquel Pennington, and Germaine de Randamie, before securing her title shot against Nunes.[19] Nunes, meanwhile, brought a storied dual-division legacy to the bout, having become the first woman to simultaneously hold UFC titles in two weight classes after defeating Cris Cyborg for the Women's Featherweight Championship at UFC 232 on December 29, 2018. Although her last featherweight defense came against Felicia Spencer at UFC 250 on June 6, 2020, Nunes maintained the belt while prioritizing bantamweight defenses, entering UFC 277 as the reigning featherweight champion focused on restoring her supremacy at 135 pounds.[9] The co-main event pitted interim UFC Flyweight Champion Brandon Moreno against rising contender Kai Kara-France for the interim title, stemming from scheduling disruptions caused by former champion Deiveson Figueiredo's injury. Moreno, who had previously won the undisputed flyweight title against Figueiredo at UFC 263, was set to defend his title in a trilogy rematch that was repeatedly delayed due to Figueiredo's lingering injury; the planned July matchup ultimately led to this interim bout to keep the division active.[20] This rematch traced back to their initial encounter at UFC 245 on December 14, 2019, where Moreno defeated Kara-France via unanimous decision in a closely contested three-round bout, setting the stage for Kara-France's ascent as a top contender with subsequent wins over Cody Garbrandt and Rogerio Bontorin.[21] Kara-France's inclusion highlighted his momentum in the division, while the interim framework addressed Figueiredo's absence, ensuring title contention progressed amid the champion's recovery timeline (Figueiredo later reclaimed the undisputed title by defeating Moreno in their trilogy bout at UFC 283 on January 21, 2023).[22]

Fight Card Development and Changes

The UFC 277 event was first announced on May 21, 2022, during the UFC Fight Night: Holm vs. Vieira broadcast, with the main event rematch between women's bantamweight champion Julianna Peña and Amanda Nunes, alongside the co-main event interim flyweight title bout between Brandon Moreno and Kai Kara-France.[23] The undercard began to take shape in the following weeks, with initial bouts including light heavyweight veterans Magomed Ankalaev vs. Anthony Smith and welterweights Neil Magny vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov added by late May, while additional matchups like Derrick Lewis vs. Sergei Pavlovich and Jessica Eye vs. Miesha Tate were confirmed by early June, filling out a preliminary lineup focused on established contenders and prospects.[24] As the event approached in July 2022, several undercard and preliminary bouts underwent changes due to injuries and visa issues, reshaping the lineup without affecting the main card. A middleweight bout between Sean Strickland and Alex Pereira, originally slated for the card, was relocated to UFC 276 on July 2 to position Pereira as a potential title challenger sooner.[25] In the lightweight division, Diego Ferreira withdrew due to injury and was replaced by Rafa Garcia against Drakkar Klose on the preliminary card.[26] Similarly, Ramiz Brahimaj pulled out of his welterweight debut against Michael Morales with an undisclosed injury, leading to unbeaten newcomer Adam Fugitt stepping in as a replacement.[27] Heavyweight Justin Tafa was removed from his matchup with Don'Tale Mayes amid visa complications, initially prompting Waldo Cortes-Acosta to step in before undefeated prospect Hamdy Abdelwahab was ultimately selected as the opponent.[26] Further adjustments included the women's flyweight bout, where Mariya Agapova exited due to a knee injury, with Joselyne Edwards—fresh off a fight at UFC 275—filling in against Ji Yeon Kim; this contest proceeded at a catchweight of 137.5 pounds after Edwards missed the flyweight limit.[27] A lightweight matchup between Ignacio Bahamondes and Ľudovít Klein was scrapped entirely owing to visa problems for Bahamondes, with Klein reassigned to a later event.[28] Additionally, the welterweight clash between Orion Cosce and Mike Mathetha, which had been postponed from UFC 271 due to Cosce's prior withdrawal, was rescheduled here but went ahead at a catchweight of 172.5 pounds following Cosce's failure to make 170 pounds.[29] These shifts contributed to a final card of 13 bouts, structured across a main card on pay-per-view, a preliminary card on ESPN/ESPN+, and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass, emphasizing resilience in booking amid logistical hurdles.[3]

Fight Card and Results

Main Card

The main card of UFC 277 featured five high-stakes bouts, headlined by a women's bantamweight title rematch and an interim flyweight championship fight, all broadcast on pay-per-view from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.[1] In the main event, Amanda Nunes defeated Julianna Peña via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-44, 50-43) after five rounds to regain the UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship.[9] Nunes dominated with precise striking, landing over 150 significant strikes and dropping Peña multiple times, while mixing in takedowns to control the pace across all rounds. Peña showed resilience by surviving heavy damage and attempting late submissions, but could not overcome Nunes' technical superiority. The co-main event saw Brandon Moreno defeat Kai Kara-France via TKO (body kick and punches) at 4:34 of the third round to win the UFC Interim Flyweight Championship.[4] Moreno pressured Kara-France throughout, absorbing leg kicks while advancing with combinations, culminating in a devastating liver kick that dropped his opponent for the finish. Kara-France's resilience kept him competitive early, but Moreno's cardio and clinch work proved decisive. Sergei Pavlovich defeated Derrick Lewis via TKO (punches) at 0:55 of the first round in a heavyweight clash.[4] Pavlovich overwhelmed Lewis with explosive power, landing a left hook to drop him early before unleashing ground strikes for the quick stoppage. Lewis, known for his knockout ability, was unable to mount offense in the brief exchange. Alexandre Pantoja submitted Alex Perez via rear-naked choke at 1:31 of the first round in a flyweight bout.[4] Pantoja secured a takedown immediately and transitioned swiftly to the back for the choke, showcasing his grappling expertise in a high-paced opener. Perez engaged aggressively on the feet but was caught in the scramble. Magomed Ankalaev defeated Anthony Smith via TKO (punches) at 3:09 of the second round in the light heavyweight opener.[4] Ankalaev controlled the fight with superior striking volume and takedowns, finishing with ground-and-pound after wearing down Smith, who appeared compromised by an ankle injury. Smith's durability allowed him to survive the first round, but he couldn't counter Ankalaev's pressure.
BoutWinnerMethodRound/TimeNotes
Women's Bantamweight Championship: Julianna Peña (c) vs. Amanda NunesAmanda NunesUnanimous Decision (50-45, 50-44, 50-43)5 / 5:00Nunes regains title[9]
Interim Flyweight Championship: Brandon Moreno vs. Kai Kara-FranceBrandon MorenoTKO (body kick and punches)3 / 4:34Moreno wins interim title[4]
Heavyweight: Derrick Lewis vs. Sergei PavlovichSergei PavlovichTKO (punches)1 / 0:55-[4]
Flyweight: Alex Perez vs. Alexandre PantojaAlexandre PantojaSubmission (rear-naked choke)1 / 1:31-[4]
Light Heavyweight: Anthony Smith vs. Magomed AnkalaevMagomed AnkalaevTKO (punches)2 / 3:09-[4]

Preliminary Card

The preliminary card of UFC 277 featured eight bouts across various weight classes, including welterweight, lightweight, heavyweight, middleweight, and a catchweight affair, providing a diverse showcase of emerging and established talent ahead of the main events. These fights, held on July 30, 2022, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, highlighted aggressive striking exchanges and competitive decisions, with several stoppages underscoring the undercard's intensity.[4] In the welterweight opener, Alex Morono defeated Matthew Semelsberger by unanimous decision after three rounds, with judges scoring it 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27; Morono's volume striking and takedown defense proved decisive in a back-and-forth contest.[4] Following that, lightweight veteran Drew Dober stopped Rafael Alves via knockout (punch to the body) at 1:30 of the third round, capping a wild striking battle where Dober absorbed heavy shots before landing the fight-ending blow.[4] The heavyweight bout saw Hamdy Abdelwahab initially defeat Don'Tale Mayes by split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29), but the result was later overturned to a no contest after Abdelwahab tested positive for the anabolic agent methenolone.[4][30] In another lightweight matchup, Drakkar Klose outpointed Rafa García by unanimous decision (29-28 across all cards), relying on superior wrestling and ground control to secure the victory over three rounds.[4] On the early prelims, welterweight prospect Michael Morales earned a technical knockout victory over Adam Fugitt via strikes at 1:09 of the third round, overwhelming his opponent with relentless pressure and ground-and-pound.[4] Joselyne Edwards won a contentious catchweight bout (137.5 pounds) against Ji Yeon Kim by split decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29), edging out a decision through effective clinch work despite Kim's late rally.[4] Middleweight Nicolae Negumereanu claimed a second-round TKO over Ihor Potieria at 3:33, using a combination of punches and knees in the clinch to force the stoppage after a competitive first frame.[4] Rounding out the card, Orion Cosce defeated Mike Mathetha (fighting as Blood Diamond) by unanimous decision (29-28 on all scorecards) in a welterweight clash marked by Cosce's crisp boxing and ability to avoid significant damage.[4]
FightResultMethodRound/TimeDivision
Alex Morono vs. Matthew SemelsbergerMorono def. SemelsbergerUnanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)3 roundsWelterweight
Drew Dober vs. Rafael AlvesDober def. AlvesKO (punch)3, 1:30Lightweight
Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Don'Tale MayesNo Contest (overturned from Abdelwahab split decision win)N/AN/AHeavyweight
Drakkar Klose vs. Rafa GarcíaKlose def. GarcíaUnanimous Decision (29-28 x3)3 roundsLightweight
Michael Morales vs. Adam FugittMorales def. FugittTKO (strikes)3, 1:09Welterweight
Joselyne Edwards vs. Ji Yeon KimEdwards def. KimSplit Decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29)3 roundsCatchweight (137.5 lb)
Nicolae Negumereanu vs. Ihor PotieriaNegumereanu def. PotieriaTKO (punches and knees)2, 3:33Middleweight
Orion Cosce vs. Mike MathethaCosce def. MathethaUnanimous Decision (29-28 x3)3 roundsWelterweight

Awards

Performance Bonuses

At UFC 277, the traditional post-fight performance bonuses were awarded to recognize exceptional efforts in the cage. The Fight of the Night honor went to the co-main event flyweight bout between Brandon Moreno and Kai Kara-France, praised for its high-paced, back-and-forth action that kept fans engaged throughout the three rounds.[31][32] Two fighters received Performance of the Night awards: Alexandre Pantoja for his dominant 91-second rear-naked choke submission victory over Alex Perez in the flyweight division, and Drew Dober for his third-round knockout (body punch) victory over Rafael Alves in the lightweight bout at 1:30, showcasing his striking power.[32][33][34] Each recipient earned $50,000 for their achievement, consistent with the standard UFC bonus structure at the time.[31][10] These awards are selected through an internal process involving UFC executives and media panelists, who evaluate fights based on criteria such as technical skill, excitement, and decisive finishes, with announcements typically made by UFC President Dana White during the post-event press conference.[35]

Fan and Special Recognitions

At UFC 277, the Crypto.com Fan Bonus of the Night was awarded based on fan votes cast through the UFC app and social media platforms during the event, recognizing fighters for their popularity and excitement generated among viewers.[36] First place went to Brandon Moreno, who received 18.95% of the votes and was awarded $30,000 in Bitcoin for his flyweight title defense against Kai Kara-France.[36] Amanda Nunes secured second place with 15.36% of the votes, earning $20,000 in Bitcoin following her bantamweight championship victory over Juliana Peña.[36] Third place was claimed by Derrick Lewis, who received $10,000 in Bitcoin for his performance in the heavyweight bout against Sergei Pavlovich (11.63% of votes).[36] This fan-voted initiative, introduced as part of a partnership between the UFC and Crypto.com announced in April 2022, aimed to enhance interactivity at pay-per-view events by directly involving the audience in rewarding standout fighters beyond traditional performance metrics. The bonuses, valued at $30,000 for first, $20,000 for second, and $10,000 for third—all paid in Bitcoin—represent the UFC's broader strategy to integrate cryptocurrency and fan incentives into its programming, building on efforts to deepen audience engagement that began evolving in the early 2020s.[37]

Aftermath

Immediate Outcomes and Controversies

Following UFC 277 on July 30, 2022, one notable post-event development involved preliminary card fighter Hamdy Abdelwahab, whose split decision victory over Don'Tale Mayes was overturned to a no contest in February 2023 after he tested positive for the anabolic agent methenolone and its metabolites in samples collected on event day and August 27, 2022.[30][38] Abdelwahab accepted a two-year suspension from the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), rendering him ineligible until July 30, 2024, while the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation officially ruled the bout a no decision due to the failed tests.[30][38] Media coverage immediately celebrated Amanda Nunes' unanimous decision win over Julianna Peña as a historic reclamation of the women's bantamweight title, reaffirming her status as the division's greatest champion and a two-division titleholder.[39][40] In the co-main event, Brandon Moreno's third-round TKO of Kai Kara-France was widely praised for injecting fresh excitement into the flyweight division, with commentators highlighting the fight's intensity and Moreno's path toward title contention.[41][42] Regarding title implications, Nunes expressed immediate interest in defending her newly regained bantamweight belt while maintaining her featherweight championship, though she noted openness to potential moves up in weight if opportunities arose.[43] Moreno, securing the interim flyweight title, called out champion Deiveson Figueiredo in the Octagon for a unification bout, setting the stage for a potential fourth encounter between the rivals to resolve the division's leadership.[5][44] The event itself saw minor controversies, primarily related to weigh-ins where Joselyne Edwards and Orion Cosce each missed the bantamweight and welterweight limits by 1.5 pounds, respectively, resulting in 20 percent purse fines but no fight cancellations.[45] Additionally, a quick first-round TKO stoppage in the Derrick Lewis vs. Sergei Pavlovich bout drew brief criticism from Lewis and some observers for being premature, though it did not lead to formal appeals or changes.[5] No significant in-fight rule violations or broader event disputes emerged.[45]

Long-Term Fighter Impacts

Amanda Nunes's dominant performance at UFC 277, where she reclaimed the women's bantamweight title from Julianna Peña via unanimous decision, proved to be a pivotal moment in her illustrious career. This victory marked her final title win in the Octagon, as she went on to defend the belt once more against Irene Aldana at UFC 289 in June 2023 before announcing her retirement immediately following the event.[46][47] Nunes's retirement solidified her status as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, often referred to as the GOAT in women's MMA due to her dual-division championships and 17 UFC wins, culminating in her induction into the UFC Hall of Fame's Modern Wing in 2025. In November 2025, Nunes expressed interest in returning to the UFC to pursue a third-division championship.[48][49] Julianna Peña's shocking upset victory over Nunes at UFC 269 in 2021 was reversed at UFC 277, leading to a period of relative inactivity as she dealt with injuries and recovery. She did not compete again until October 2024, when she challenged Raquel Pennington for the vacant bantamweight title at UFC 307 and won via split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47), reclaiming the championship she had held briefly two years prior.[50] Peña lost her title to Kayla Harrison by submission in her first defense at UFC 316 on June 7, 2025. As of November 2025, Harrison remains the women's bantamweight champion.[51] In the flyweight division, Brandon Moreno's interim title win over Kai Kara-France at UFC 277 elevated his status, but his subsequent career saw multiple title opportunities and setbacks. He lost the undisputed flyweight championship to Deiveson Figueiredo via second-round submission at UFC 283 in January 2023, then challenged for the vacant title against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 290 in July 2023, falling short by unanimous decision. Moreno lost to Brandon Royval by split decision at UFC Fight Night in Mexico City on February 24, 2024, and has maintained his position as a top contender in the division through 2025 with ongoing activity in non-title bouts.[52][53] Among other notable participants, Alexandre Pantoja's first-round submission win over Alex Perez on the preliminary card propelled him toward flyweight stardom, culminating in his capture of the undisputed title against Moreno at UFC 290 in 2023, which he has defended multiple times since, including submissions over Kai Asakura in December 2024 and Kai Kara-France in June 2025.[54][55] Sergei Pavlovich's first-round knockout of Derrick Lewis at UFC 277 launched a brief undefeated streak, earning him an interim heavyweight title shot against Tom Aspinall at UFC 295 in November 2023, where he was stopped in the first round; he has since compiled a 3-2 record through 2025, remaining a knockout threat but without further title contention.[56][57] Lewis, known for his fan appeal and knockout power, continued his journeyman career post-UFC 277 with inconsistent results, including a loss to Spann in December 2022 followed by knockout wins over Rozenstruik in March 2024, Nascimento in June 2024, and Tallison Teixeira in July 2025, extending his UFC record for most knockouts to 15 while hovering outside the top 10.[58][59] The event's high-profile title fights significantly enhanced the visibility of the women's bantamweight and flyweight divisions, contributing to increased matchmaking depth and fan engagement in the years following, as evidenced by subsequent title changes and defenses that kept these weight classes prominent on major cards through 2025.[60] Hamdy Abdelwahab's debut win at UFC 277 was overshadowed by a positive drug test for methenolone, resulting in a two-year suspension announced in February 2023; a second violation in 2024 led to another six-month ban, ultimately culminating in his release from the UFC roster in October 2025 after limited appearances, effectively ending his Octagon tenure.[61][62] No significant new controversies emerged from the event by late 2025, with the focus shifting to the retirements of figures like Nunes and the ongoing evolutions in divisional hierarchies through title transitions.

References

  1. UFC 277: Peña vs Nunes
  2. UFC 277: Peña vs. Nunes 2 Fight Results - ESPN
  3. UFC 277 post-event facts: Amanda Nunes makes history by ...
  4. UFC 277: Peña vs Nunes 2 Results
  5. Nunes reclaims 'champ-champ' status, Moreno wins interim belt
  6. UFC 277 -- Amanda Nunes vs. Julianna Pena 2: Fight card, results ...
  7. UFC 277 results, highlights: Sergei Pavlovich stops Derrick Lewis in ...
  8. UFC 277 results: Biggest winners, loser from 'Pena vs. Nunes' 2 last ...
  9. Official Scorecards | UFC 277: Peña vs Nunes 2
  10. UFC 277: Peña vs. Nunes 2 | MMA Event - Tapology
  11. Julianna Pena, Amanda Nunes rematch to headline UFC 277 in ...
  12. Public Events Schedule | UFC 277: Peña vs Nunes 2
  13. Events & Fights - UFC Stats
  14. Jake Paul-Nate Diaz PPV set to become one of AAC's highest ...
  15. UFC 277 Salaries and Payouts
  16. UFC 277 live blog: Julianna Pena vs. Amanda Nunes 2 | MMA Fighting
  17. Nunes gets revenge, recaptures title from Peña - ESPN
  18. Julianna Peña, Amanda Nunes UFC rivalry moves to The Ultimate ...
  19. Pena Pins, Diaz Dazzles: Finale Results | UFC
  20. Julianna Peña And The Legacy Of Two-Time Women's Champions
  21. Brandon Moreno vs. Kai Kara-France 2 targeted for UFC 277 for ...
  22. Coach Conversations | Brandon Moreno vs Kai Kara-France 2 | UFC
  23. Brandon Moreno vs. Kai Kara-France 2, Magomed Ankalaev vs ...
  24. UFC 277 fight card: Julianna Pena vs. Amanda Nunes 2, Brandon ...
  25. Latest UFC 277 fight card, PPV lineup for 'Pena vs. Nunes 2' on July ...
  26. Sean Strickland vs. Alex Pereira middleweight clash shifts to UFC 276
  27. Updates To UFC 277: Peña vs Nunes 2
  28. UFC 277 hit with multitude of withdrawals. Here's where the card ...
  29. UFC 277 card: Which 6 fights have been canceled and why?
  30. UFC 277 Update: Two Fighters Exit July 30 Event Due to Injury
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  36. What are UFC fight bonuses and how they're awarded - Bolavip
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  38. UFC to implement fan-voted bonuses to be paid out in bitcoin - ESPN
  39. Hamdy Abdelwahab Accepts Doping Sanction - USADA
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  46. Amanda Nunes retires after routing Irene Aldana at UFC 289 - ESPN
  47. Amanda Nunes | Forever The G.O.A.T. | UFC
  48. Amanda Nunes Named To UFC Hall Of Fame Class Of 2025
  49. UFC 316: Can Julianna Pena pull another title-fight upset? - ESPN
  50. Julianna Peña - UFC.com
  51. Recap Every UFC Title Fight From 2022
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  53. Alexandre Pantoja submits Kai Asakura, retains title at UFC 310
  54. Aspinall stops Pavlovich to win UFC interim heavyweight title - ESPN
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  57. Main Card Results | UFC Nashville
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