The UFC returned to its corporate headquarters at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 24, 2024, for UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs Borralho (also known as UFC Vegas 96). The ESPN-televised event featured a critical middleweight main event between former title challenger Jared "Tha Killa Gorilla" Cannonier and undefeated rising star Caio "The Natural" Borralho, with significant title implications hanging in the balance. The card also showcased The Ultimate Fighter 32 Finales, determining tournament champions in both the featherweight and middleweight divisions.
Originally scheduled for 12 fights, the event was reduced to 11 bouts when the featherweight clash between Zygimantas Ramaska and Nathan Fletcher was cancelled just minutes before the broadcast began due to a medical issue with Fletcher. Despite the late cancellation, UFC Vegas 96 delivered exceptional entertainment value with dramatic finishes, historic performances, and career-defining victories that reshaped multiple divisional landscapes.
The event marked several significant milestones: Gerald Meerschaert broke Anderson Silva's long-standing UFC middleweight record for most finishes, Wang Cong set the record for fastest debut in UFC women's flyweight history, and both Ultimate Fighter champions secured their UFC contracts with spectacular finishes. With four $50,000 performance bonuses awarded (later expanded to five when Dana White personally added a bonus for Wang Cong), UFC Vegas 96 proved that APEX events can deliver main arena-level excitement despite the smaller venue.
Table of Contents
Main Card - UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs Borralho
Caio Borralho (Brazil) defeats Jared Cannonier (USA) via Unanimous Decision (49-45, 49-45, 48-46) - Fight of the Night
In a five-round main event that lived up to its billing as a generational clash, 31-year-old Brazilian prospect Caio Borralho announced his arrival as a legitimate title contender by dominating 40-year-old former title challenger Jared Cannonier. Borralho improved to an impressive 17-1 overall and extended his UFC winning streak to seven consecutive victories, while Cannonier dropped to 17-8 and saw his championship aspirations likely end for good.
The fight showcased a classic striker versus striker matchup, with Cannonier's devastating knockout power and boxing fundamentals battling against Borralho's technical kickboxing, superior footwork, and diverse striking arsenal. From the opening round, Borralho established his game plan centered on attacking Cannonier's lead leg with thunderous calf kicks while using his jab to control distance.
The first round saw both fighters feeling each other out cautiously, though an early eye poke from Borralho briefly halted the action. After the restart, Cannonier connected with a big overhand right, but Borralho's relentless low calf kicks began taking their toll, at one point momentarily sitting Cannonier down on the canvas. The Brazilian controlled range effectively with his kicks and jab, stymying much of Cannonier's offense and keeping the veteran defensive for large portions of the round.
Cannonier came out with urgency in the second round, backing Borralho against the fence and landing quality combinations. The veteran appeared to have gained a better understanding of the timing and combinations needed to penetrate Borralho's defense, connecting with powerful punches that briefly wobbled the Brazilian. However, Borralho recovered his footing and continued methodically attacking Cannonier's legs with kicks that landed with audible thuds. He also mixed in punishing front kicks to the body that began sapping Cannonier's energy.
The third round saw the pace intensify dramatically. Both men landed clubbing shots in heated exchanges, with Cannonier's overhand right remaining his most dangerous weapon. But Borralho shifted his approach, surprisingly upping the pressure without resorting to wrestling. The tactical adjustment worked brilliantly—Borralho began throwing in combination while continuing to mix targets, attacking legs, body, and head with equal effectiveness.
In the final minute of the third round, Borralho landed a huge sequence that nearly finished the fight. He connected with a combination that left Cannonier badly wobbled and briefly hitting the canvas, taking massive shots while barely surviving into the championship rounds. The damage was severe enough that many observers felt Cannonier was fortunate the round ended when it did.
The fourth round was competitive and potentially the closest of the fight. Borralho's jab continued snapping Cannonier's head back, and his low kicks kept the American's combinations at bay. For several minutes, the Brazilian controlled range masterfully, but Cannonier surged back midway through the frame with heavy hands that opened a nasty cut and swelling under Borralho's right eye. The eye quickly began swelling shut, adding intrigue to the championship round.
With everything on the line in the fifth round, Borralho delivered a masterclass performance. He seized the center of the Octagon with his excellent jab, then began picking apart his opponent with perfectly timed counters. As Cannonier tried desperately to close distance and land fight-changing power, Borralho consistently timed him with precision strikes.
Then came the definitive moment. Borralho worked Cannonier toward the fence and unleashed a powerful straight punch that completely took away the American's legs. Cannonier crumpled to the canvas in dramatic fashion, his delayed reaction to the knockdown spelling potential disaster. Borralho swarmed with an onslaught of ground strikes, attempting to finish the clearly hurt veteran.
In an incredible display of heart and championship durability, Cannonier somehow survived despite being badly compromised. He managed to cling onto Borralho in desperation, preventing follow-up strikes from landing clean. When Borralho attempted a Von Flue choke, Cannonier resisted through sheer will, surviving to hear the final horn and leave the result in the judges' hands.
The scorecards were decisive. All three judges scored the fight for Borralho, with two rendering 49-45 scores and one scoring it 48-46. The wide margins likely reflected 10-8 scorecards for Borralho in the fifth round, given his dominant performance and near-finish of Cannonier.
In his post-fight interview, Borralho made his championship intentions crystal clear, calling out middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis: "You know who I want next. I've called you out two times already. You've already beat Sean [Strickland]. You've already beat [Israel] Adesanya. You already beat all these guys. So Dricus du Plessis, get your ass over here or in South Africa. I'm coming for you, boy!"
The victory was far and away the best performance of Borralho's career. Despite failing to land a single takedown, he stood toe-to-toe with a fearsome and proven knockout artist and dominated him through superior striking. The Dana White's Contender Series graduate, who had always been a tricky counter-striker with powerful kicks, showed vastly improved comfort in the pocket and boxing aptitude compared to previous performances.
Skilled, big for the middleweight division, and exceptionally well-conditioned, Borralho announced himself as a serious threat to Du Plessis' reign. With the Fighting Nerds camp producing multiple elite fighters, Borralho represents the next wave of Brazilian talent poised to challenge for UFC gold. Now 7-0 in the UFC, the 31-year-old has punched his way into the upper echelon of the middleweight division and appears destined for a title shot in 2025.
For Cannonier, the loss likely signals the end of his championship aspirations. At 40 years old, having suffered back-to-back losses (following his controversial stoppage loss to Nassourdine Imavov), the veteran faces an uncertain future. However, his incredible toughness and resilience in surviving Borralho's fifth-round onslaught demonstrated he remains a dangerous gatekeeper capable of testing any prospect in the division.
Tabatha Ricci (Brazil) defeats Angela Hill (USA) via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
In a high-paced strawweight bout that delivered non-stop action, Brazilian contender Tabatha "Baby Shark" Ricci earned her second consecutive victory of 2024 with a hard-fought unanimous decision over veteran Angela "Overkill" Hill. The 30-year-old Ricci improved to 11-2 overall and 6-1 in the UFC, while the 39-year-old Hill dropped to 16-14 overall and 11-14 in the UFC.
The fight showcased an entertaining striking battle between two contrasting styles. Hill, known for her volume striking and awkward angles, attempted to implement her game plan of staying on the outside and picking Ricci apart with combinations. However, Ricci's improved boxing looked sharp and effective, as "Baby Shark" consistently found success closing distance and landing clean power shots.
Throughout the 15-minute contest, both women maintained an exhausting pace, combining for over 250 total strikes. Ricci's pressure and power punching appeared to be the difference, as she repeatedly walked through Hill's volume to land the harder, more impactful shots. The Brazilian's improved striking fundamentals were evident, representing significant technical growth from her previous performances.
All three rounds were competitive and closely contested, with neither woman establishing complete dominance in any frame. The judges ultimately saw the fight the same way, with all three scoring it 29-28 for Ricci. The unanimous nature of the decision reflected Ricci's consistent effectiveness throughout the bout, even if the narrow margins indicated how competitive the fight was.
For Ricci, the victory marked back-to-back wins in 2024 and positioned her for a potential ranked opponent in her next outing. The Brazilian continues building momentum in the competitive strawweight division, with her improved striking making her a more well-rounded threat. For Hill, the loss extended a difficult period in her career, though the veteran's toughness and activity level demonstrated she remains a live opponent capable of testing any strawweight.
Ryan Loder (USA) defeats Robert Valentin (Switzerland) via TKO (Elbows from Crucifix) at 1:49 of Round 2 - TUF 32 Middleweight Tournament Winner
In The Ultimate Fighter 32 Middleweight Tournament Final, Team Valentina Shevchenko's Ryan Loder earned his UFC contract with a brutal second-round stoppage of Team Alexa Grasso's Robert Valentin. The 29-year-old American improved to 8-1 overall with the victory, while Valentin fell to 9-3 overall in a disappointing finale appearance.
Loder demonstrated superior grappling throughout the contest, controlling position and landing consistent ground strikes. The finish came in devastating fashion in the second round when Loder secured the crucifix position—a dominant control position where he trapped both of Valentin's arms while mounted on his back.
From the crucifix, Loder unleashed a vicious barrage of elbows directly to Valentin's unprotected face. The Swiss fighter had no means of defending himself with both arms trapped, absorbing brutal elbow after elbow until referee Mark Smith was forced to intervene. The stoppage came at 1:49 of the second round, giving Loder the TKO victory and the Ultimate Fighter championship.
The win earned Loder a multi-fight UFC contract and positioned him as an intriguing addition to the middleweight division. His grappling-heavy style and finishing ability make him a dangerous opponent for anyone looking to test their ground game. For Valentin, the loss was a heartbreaking end to his Ultimate Fighter journey, though his performance throughout the season demonstrated he has the skills to compete at the UFC level if given another opportunity.
Mairon Santos (Brazil) defeats Kaan Ofli (Turkey/Germany) via KO (Left Hook) at 1:30 of Round 2 - TUF 32 Featherweight Tournament Winner
In The Ultimate Fighter 32 Featherweight Tournament Final, Team Alexa Grasso's Mairon Santos captured the championship with a spectacular second-round knockout of Team Valentina Shevchenko's Kaan Ofli. The Brazilian improved to 15-1 overall with the victory, while Ofli dropped to 13-3 overall in a devastating finale loss.
The fight was competitive through the first round and into the second, with both men exchanging strikes and looking for openings. Santos, fighting out of the renowned Fighting Nerds gym in São Paulo alongside Caio Borralho, demonstrated the high-level striking that has made the Brazilian camp one of the most respected in MMA.
Early in the second round, Santos landed a perfectly placed left hook that caught Ofli flush on the chin. The shot was absolutely devastating—Ofli's legs gave out immediately and he crumpled to the canvas, completely unconscious before hitting the mat. Referee Mark Smith immediately waved off the fight at 1:30 of round two, with no follow-up shots necessary.
The walk-off knockout was one of the most spectacular finishes in Ultimate Fighter finale history and announced Santos as a legitimate prospect in the featherweight division. The victory earned him a multi-fight UFC contract and positioned him for an exciting UFC career. With the Fighting Nerds now producing yet another high-level prospect, Santos joins teammates Borralho and others in representing the next generation of elite Brazilian fighters.
Michael Morales (Ecuador) defeats Neil Magny (USA) via TKO (Ground Strikes) at 4:39 of Round 1 - Performance of the Night
In a welterweight showcase bout, undefeated Ecuadorian prospect Michael Morales made a massive statement by stopping durable veteran Neil Magny in the first round, earning a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus. The 25-year-old Morales improved to an impressive 17-0 overall and 5-0 in the UFC, while the 37-year-old Magny dropped to 29-12 overall and 22-11 in the UFC.
Morales entered the bout as an overwhelming betting favorite, and he quickly demonstrated why. The Ecuadorian prospect showcased superior striking from the opening bell, landing clean combinations and demonstrating the technical skills that have made him one of the most exciting prospects in the welterweight division.
Late in the first round, Morales connected with a hard shot that dropped Magny to the canvas. Showing excellent finishing instinct, Morales immediately followed to the ground and unleashed vicious ground-and-pound. He landed brutal punches and elbows to Magny's unprotected head, forcing referee Mark Smith to step in and halt the contest at 4:39 of the opening round.
After the finish, Morales celebrated with a Spiderman-inspired pose, delighting fans and showcasing the personality that makes him a potential star. The victory over the notoriously durable Magny—who had only been finished by strikes twice in his previous 40 UFC fights—demonstrated Morales' elite finishing ability.
The performance earned Morales his fourth UFC victory inside the distance and positioned him for a significant step up in competition. With an unblemished 17-0 record and five straight UFC wins, the Ecuadorian appears destined for a top-15 ranking and potentially a number next to his name in the near future. For Magny, the loss extended a difficult stretch in his career, though the veteran's willingness to face dangerous prospects remains commendable.
Gerald Meerschaert (USA) defeats Edmen Shahbazyan (Armenia/USA) via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) at 4:12 of Round 2 - Performance of the Night
In a dramatic come-from-behind victory that made UFC history, 36-year-old submission specialist Gerald "GM3" Meerschaert overcame near-disaster to submit Edmen Shahbazyan, breaking Anderson Silva's long-standing UFC record for most finishes in middleweight history. The Wisconsin native improved to 37-17 overall and secured his 12th UFC middleweight finish, while the 27-year-old Shahbazyan dropped to 13-5 overall.
The fight appeared to be heading toward a disastrous outcome for Meerschaert in the opening moments of the second round. Shahbazyan connected with a devastating uppercut to Meerschaert's body that badly hurt the veteran. The Armenian-American swarmed with a vicious follow-up assault, landing powerful strikes that had Meerschaert in serious trouble against the fence.
Referee Mark Smith closely monitored the situation as Shahbazyan unleashed an onslaught of punches and knees. Each time Smith instructed Meerschaert to "move" and show he was still in the fight, the durable veteran responded just enough to keep the bout going. It appeared to be only a matter of time before the fight was stopped, but Meerschaert's legendary toughness kept him alive.
In a stunning turn of events, Meerschaert managed to survive the barrage and work his way back to his feet. He began landing a few shots of his own, gradually recovering from the brutal body shot. Then, displaying the opportunistic grappling that has defined his career, Meerschaert timed a level-change perfectly and secured a takedown, putting Shahbazyan on his back in the center of the Octagon.
Once on the ground, Meerschaert worked methodically to secure the arm-triangle choke. He clamped onto the submission with textbook technique, climbed off to the proper side to maximize pressure, and squeezed until Shahbazyan was forced to tap at 4:12 of the second round.
The come-from-behind submission victory was vintage Meerschaert, showcasing both his incredible durability and his opportunistic finishing ability. More significantly, the finish gave GM3 his 12th stoppage victory in the UFC's middleweight division, surpassing Anderson Silva's previous record of 11 finishes at 185 pounds—a record that had stood for years.
In his post-fight interview, an emotional Meerschaert acknowledged the historic nature of the achievement while crediting his toughness and experience for allowing him to survive and capitalize on the finish. The $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus was well-deserved recognition for a gutsy, historic performance from one of the UFC's most durable veterans.
The Prelims - UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs Borralho
Francis Marshall (USA) defeats Dennis Buzukja (USA) via Split Decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29)
In a battle between Dana White's Contender Series graduates, Francis Marshall returned from a year-long layoff to earn a split decision victory over Dennis Buzukja in a New York versus New Jersey showdown. The fight marked Marshall's return to the win column after his 2023 debut loss, while Buzukja suffered his first setback in the UFC.
Marshall accepted the bout on short notice, having been away from competition for approximately one year. Despite the lengthy layoff and limited preparation time, he looked sharp and effective throughout the 15-minute contest. The fight was closely contested across all three rounds, with both Dana White's Contender Series products showcasing the skills that earned them UFC contracts.
The judges were split on the outcome, with one scoring it 30-27 for Marshall, another seeing it 29-28 for Marshall, and the third judge scoring it 28-29 for Buzukja (equivalent to 29-28 for Buzukja). The split decision reflected how competitive the fight was, though Marshall's activity and effective striking appeared to sway the majority of judges.
For Marshall, the victory was crucial in keeping his UFC career on track after the debut setback. For Buzukja, the close split decision loss was disappointing but not devastating, as his competitive performance demonstrated he belongs at the UFC level.
Zachary Reese (USA) defeats Jose Medina (Mexico) via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Texas native Zachary Reese bounced back from his UFC debut loss with a comprehensive unanimous decision victory over Jose Medina, though notably it marked the first time in his career that Reese had failed to earn a stoppage. The Dana White's Contender Series graduate improved to 7-1 overall and 1-1 in the UFC, while Medina dropped to 11-6 overall.
All three judges scored the fight 30-27 for Reese, indicating a clear and decisive victory despite the lack of a finish. Reese controlled the fight with superior striking and cage generalship, consistently outlanding Medina and dictating where the fight took place. The Texas fighter showcased improved patience and technical striking compared to his debut, though his inability to secure a finish suggested some areas for continued development.
The victory was important for Reese, who had dropped his UFC debut in December 2023 in his home state of Texas. With back-to-back quality efforts in 2024—a knockout victory earlier in the year and now this decision win—Reese has positioned himself for continued progression in the light heavyweight division. For Medina, the lopsided loss highlighted the significant step up in competition from regional circuits to the UFC level.
Viacheslav Borshchev (Russia) defeats James Llontop (Peru) via Split Decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29)
Russian lightweight Viacheslav Borshchev edged Peruvian fighter James Llontop in an entertaining 15-minute kickboxing match that had fans on their feet throughout. Both Dana White's Contender Series graduates remained upright and active across all three rounds, delivering a highly entertaining striking battle that showcased their respective skills.
In all three frames, the fighters traded blows at range and in close quarters, with neither man attempting takedowns or grappling exchanges. The striking-only approach resulted in a fan-friendly contest with constant action, though it made for difficult scoring as both men had success landing combinations.
The judges split on the decision, with one scoring it 30-27 for Borshchev, another seeing it 29-28 for Borshchev, and the third rendering a 28-29 scorecard for Llontop (equivalent to 29-28 for Llontop). The split decision reflected the competitive nature of the bout, though Borshchev's slightly higher output and effective striking appeared to earn him the victory in the eyes of the majority.
The win was important for Borshchev in building momentum in the competitive lightweight division, while Llontop showed in defeat that he possesses the striking skills to compete with quality opposition at the UFC level.
Jacqueline Cavalcanti (Brazil) defeats Josiane Nunes (Brazil) via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 27-30)
Brazilian bantamweight Jacqueline Cavalcanti earned her second consecutive UFC victory with a closely contested split decision over countrywoman Josiane Nunes in an all-Brazilian striking battle. The 26-year-old Cavalcanti improved to 7-1 overall and 2-0 in the UFC, while Nunes dropped to 10-3 overall.
The fight showcased a classic clash of styles, with Cavalcanti using good footwork and straight punches to pop Nunes as the diminutive Brazilian deployed her signature pressuring style and hooks. Cavalcanti fought as a technician, working behind her jab and using proper boxing fundamentals to control distance and land clean shots. Nunes, meanwhile, played the role of brawler, constantly pressuring forward and winging hooks in an attempt to break through Cavalcanti's technical defense.
Each woman had moments where they landed quality shots, and neither grabbed control to the point where the outcome felt assured. The competitive nature of all three rounds resulted in an entertaining 15-minute affair that kept fans engaged throughout.
When the scorecards were tallied, two judges scored it 29-28 for Cavalcanti while one saw it 27-30 for Nunes (equivalent to 30-27 for Nunes). The wide disparity in one judge's scoring drew criticism from observers, with many feeling the 30-27 scorecard for Nunes was difficult to justify given the competitive nature of the fight. Despite the questionable scorecard, Cavalcanti secured the split decision victory.
Set to turn 27 the following week, the victory served as a nice early birthday present for Cavalcanti, who extended her winning streak to five consecutive victories overall. The Brazilian continues showing abundant upside in the bantamweight division, with her technical striking making her an intriguing prospect for future matchmaking.
The Early Prelims - UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs Borralho
Wang Cong (China) defeats Victoria Leonardo (USA) via KO (Right Hand) at 1:02 of Round 1 - Performance of the Night (Added by Dana White)
Chinese prospect Wang "The Joker" Cong made an explosive UFC debut, knocking out Victoria Leonardo in just 62 seconds to set the UFC women's flyweight record for fastest debut victory. The 31-year-old Cong improved to 6-0 overall with the spectacular finish, while Leonardo dropped to 10-5 overall.
Cong, a world champion in Sanda (Chinese kickboxing) and Road to UFC Season 3 winner, wasted no time demonstrating why she's considered one of the most dangerous prospects in women's MMA. The Joker immediately took the center of the Octagon and began working behind her jab, setting up the devastating finish.
The knockout came suddenly and spectacularly. Cong rifled a perfectly timed one-two combination—a crisp jab followed immediately by a powerful straight right hand—that caught Leonardo flush on the chin. The American southpaw crumpled to the canvas, clearly unconscious from the impact. Cong walked away confidently before the referee even intervened, knowing her work was done. The official stoppage came at 1:02 of the opening round.
The walk-off knockout was one of the most impressive UFC debuts in recent memory and immediately put the women's flyweight division on notice. Cong's striking credentials are world-class—she holds a kickboxing victory over former UFC women's flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko from 2015, when she captured the Kunlun Fight women's lightweight (60kg) championship.
Initially, Cong was not included in the official post-fight bonuses announced after the event. However, UFC President Dana White, who was not in attendance at UFC Vegas 96, watched the fight on television at Mystique Boston nightclub and immediately recognized the injustice. Cong posted on social media expressing disappointment at not receiving a bonus, and White responded hours later via social media:
"I was out of town and watched the fight on TV. You looked AMAZING. I'm adding another PON bonus for [you]. Congrats [you] get 50k."
The additional $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus brought the total bonus payout for the event to $250,000 and demonstrated White's willingness to personally correct bonus decisions when he feels worthy performances were overlooked. For Cong, the spectacular debut and bonus recognition positioned her as an immediate contender in the women's flyweight division and a potential future star for the UFC's continued expansion in the Chinese market.
Event Summary and Aftermath
UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs Borralho delivered exceptional entertainment value despite being held at the smaller UFC APEX venue. The 11-fight card (reduced from 12 due to a late cancellation) produced six finishes—three knockouts, three submissions—giving fans a solid 55% finish rate and ensuring memorable action throughout the evening.
Performance Bonuses
UFC officials initially awarded four $50,000 bonuses, which were later expanded to five when Dana White personally added a bonus for Wang Cong:
- Fight of the Night: Jared Cannonier vs. Caio Borralho ($50,000 each)
- Performance of the Night: Gerald Meerschaert (arm-triangle submission of Edmen Shahbazyan)
- Performance of the Night: Michael Morales (first-round TKO of Neil Magny)
- Performance of the Night: Wang Cong (62-second knockout of Victoria Leonardo - added by Dana White)
The total bonus payout of $250,000 recognized the exceptional performances that made UFC Vegas 96 a memorable event.
Historic Achievements
Gerald Meerschaert: GM3's submission victory over Edmen Shahbazyan gave him his 12th finish in the UFC's middleweight division, breaking Anderson Silva's long-standing record of 11 middleweight finishes. The achievement cemented Meerschaert's legacy as one of the most prolific finishers in UFC history.
Wang Cong: The Chinese prospect's 62-second knockout of Victoria Leonardo set the record for fastest debut win in UFC women's flyweight history, immediately establishing her as a fighter to watch in the 125-pound division.
Caio Borralho: Extended his UFC winning streak to seven consecutive victories, giving him the second-longest active winning streak in the middleweight division behind only champion Dricus Du Plessis.
Divisional Implications
Middleweight: Caio Borralho's dominant victory over Jared Cannonier positioned him as the clear next contender for champion Dricus Du Plessis. The Brazilian's aggressive call-out of the champion suggests a title fight could materialize in early 2025. For Cannonier, the loss likely ends his championship aspirations at age 40.
Welterweight: Michael Morales' impressive stoppage of Neil Magny solidified his status as one of the division's most exciting prospects. With an unblemished 17-0 record and five straight UFC wins, Morales appears ready for a ranked opponent and potential top-15 placement.
Women's Flyweight: Wang Cong's spectacular debut immediately inserted her into the title conversation. With world-class striking credentials and a victory over former champion Valentina Shevchenko (albeit in kickboxing), Cong represents a serious threat to anyone in the division.
Women's Strawweight: Tabatha Ricci's victory over Angela Hill positioned her for a potential ranked opponent, with her improved boxing making her a more dangerous contender in the competitive 115-pound division.
The Ultimate Fighter 32 Results
Both Ultimate Fighter finales delivered exciting finishes, with Ryan Loder (middleweight) and Mairon Santos (featherweight) earning their UFC contracts with second-round stoppages. The Fighting Nerds camp's continued success—with both Mairon Santos and Caio Borralho securing major victories on the same card—reinforced the São Paulo-based gym's status as one of the premier camps in Brazil.
Event Statistics
UFC Vegas 96 marked the promotion's 703rd event overall, the 241st event in Las Vegas, and the 103rd event held at the UFC APEX. The APEX venue continues serving as an effective platform for prospect development and meaningful matchmaking, even if it lacks the atmosphere of arena shows.
The late cancellation of the Zygimantas Ramaska vs. Nathan Fletcher bout due to Fletcher's medical issue was unfortunate but highlighted the unpredictable nature of fight week. Despite losing a fight, the card's quality remained high throughout.
UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs Borralho ultimately succeeded in delivering exciting fights, crowning two Ultimate Fighter champions, creating new contenders, and producing historic achievements. The event demonstrated that APEX cards, when properly matched and featuring motivated fighters, can rival major arena shows in terms of action and significance.
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