BRROKLYN, NY–Philadelphia-born Danny Garcia (36-3, 21 KOs) handled Phoenix native Jose Benavídez Jr (27-1-1, 18 KOs) throughout 12 rounds en route to a majority decision at Barclays Center. The larger Benavídez seemingly could not find an answer for Garcia, who seemed loose and quick for the contest. The judges scored the bout 114-114, 116-112 and 117-111.

Garcia landed 233 of 746 punches; Benavidez was 117 of 600.

Danny Garcia: 

“I did take a break going through mental things, things went dark (breaking down crying), I went through anxiety, deep depression, just trying to be strong.

“It was the pressure of life, being a good dad, just letting it out right now (crying) because it was stuck inside, it rained on me for a year and a half and the only way to do better is to fight and I’m a fighter, if you battle anxiety and depression, you can get out of it, that’s what I did today. I fought.

I still battle some days, I have dark days, but I try my best to stay positive, but I feel good, I gave the fans a good fight tonight.

“(Angel) was there with me the whole way. I’m nothing without this man.  I thank him every day, to be Danny Garcia again, people ask me all the time, why do I fight? I make a lot of money. Why does Warren Buffett is still making money? I’m a fighter. This is what I do, what I love to do. Hopefully, I don’t become a meme with the crying face.

“I’d like the rematch with Keith Thurman, he took my ‘0.’ I’ll take Lara for the middleweight title at 155 pounds.”

Angel Garcia:

“Love is the key. Love is the key to everything.” 

Jose Benavidez Jr.:

“I’m happy with my performance. I feel like I did good. I’m fighting in his backyard, one of the best, I took his punches like they were nothing.

“I thought I won the fight. But it is what it is, a loss makes you stronger.

“It’s tough, things don’t always go your way, they’re ups and downs. I try to be positive, like when the doctor said I would never walk again. I didn’t let that get to me. The only one that can stop me is me.

“He’s a great personality, we had a hell of a fight. We’re happy to be here.”

Demirezen Decisions Kownacki in a Slugfest

Turkish heavyweight, Ali Eren Demirezen (17-1, 12 KOs) edged Polish-born Adam Kownacki (20-3, 15 KOs) via unanimous decision in their 10-round heavyweight fight. The bout featured mixed displays of heavyweight power and boxing skill, with both fighters taking damage throughout the 10 rounds. Ultimately, the judges scored the contest 96-94, 97-93 and 97-93 for Demirezen.

The two threw a staggering 1766 punches with Demirezen landing 256 of 915.  Kownacki was 276 of 851, but Demirezen landed more power punches by a 239 to 186 tally.

Ali Eren Demirezen:

“I truly love fighting in the U.S. and I love New York so I said before you will see me more on SHOWTIME and PBC.

“I was nervous because he’s a strong fighter and I could be much better but it’s my first time here and he’d fought here before.”

Adam Kownacki:

“I’m a bit rusty, I think he was getting off first in the exchanges, I didn’t’ sit down as much, I think the rust played a part, being out so long

“I was out of the ring since last October, camp was good but I don’t know, I was letting him get off first, I wasn’t moving my feet, I went back to the old me instead of the first few rounds when I was doing good.

“I have two kids, I’ll have a long talk with my wife to see what I want to do. I’ve had so many fights here, so many great memories, I don’t want to go out like a loser. I would like another fight to leave my fans with a win.”

Russell Stops Barthelemy via controversial sixth round stoppage

Maryland son, Gary Antuanne Russell (15-0, 15 KOs) stopped former world champion and Las Vegas native Rances Barthelemy (29-1-1, 15 KOs) in the sixth round their super lightweight 10-round matchup. The opening rounds of the fight featured heavy-handed actions, with both fighters landing powerful shots. The official stoppage came in a controversial manner, as Barthelemy was dropped from a leaping right hook from Russell.  Barthelemy seemingly beat the 8-count and looked ready to continue fighting. However referee Sharda Murdagh waved the fight off at 50 seconds of round six, handing Russell the TKO victory.

Gary Antuanne Russell:

“First and foremost I want to thank God, I want to tell my father up above I did it for him, we’re going to keep it going for pops, I want to thank showtime for letting me participate. I know Rances was a high-grade class athlete and he wanted to continue. Emotions were high. Whether we or bruised or beaten, as a warrior, you always want to continue but the referee was doing their job and if he was allowed to continue it would have been the same outcome.  I would have gotten him.

“It’s the first of many [without my father] I had to have tunnel vision. This is something my dad instilled in us, no matter what you go through in life and death, two things are inevitable, he raised us to be men and well-rounded men. Being thorough means to be prepared, and he prepared us for boxing and for life outside of boxing. I thank my father and I did what I had to do.

“In the sixth round I had him backing up, I knew he was looking for his right cross and I caught him backing up and I shot my hook and put him down, he was buzzed but he wanted to keep going. He’s a warrior.”

Rances Barthelemy:

“No, they shouldn’t have stopped it. I felt good, it was good shot, I’m not denying that, but they shouldn’t have stopped it.

“I got up and told him I’m fine and I’m good to go

“Of course I want the rematch, but with a different referee.”

Orlando Cuellar – Barthelemy’s Trainer:

“I’m unhappy , this was a good fight these fans paid good money to see, how can you take this opportunity away, he’s been down before and gotten up. He’s fought on. You’re supposed to give your fighter every opportunity to continue. The referee took away the chance for both to show their character, for Rances to continue and for Gary Antuanne to show his character by fighting on in a hard fight. You robbed the fans. We want a rematch but with a different referee.”

–NON TELEVISED ACTION–

Ukrainian-born Sergiy Derevyanchenko (14-4, 10 KOs) decidedly handled San Diego native Joshua Conley (17-4-1, 11 KOs) in their 10-round middleweight bought. The fight went the distance, with all three judges scoring in favor of Derevyanchenko. Two of them scored the contest 99-91 and the last scored it 98-92, officially awarding the Ukrainian the unanimous decision.

Vito Mielnicki JR. (12-1, 8 KOs) of Roseland, New Jersey stopped Jimmy Williams (18-9-2, 6 KOs) of New Haven, Connecticut at 2:12 of the sixth round of their 8-round super welterweight matchup. Mielnicki JR unleased a series of strong blows on Williams, forcing his corner to intervene, providing the New Jersey native with another TKO victory.

Philadelphia native Miguel Román (2-0, 0 KOs) and Baltimore-born Marcus Redd (0-1, 0 KOS) fought to a decision in their super bantamweight four-round bout. Both fighters displayed strong technical boxing during the fight. Romàn, however, won the decision, with all three judges scoring the contest 39-37 in his favor.

Junior Younan (17-0-1, 11 KOs) wasted no time in making a statement against fellow Brooklyn resident Dauren Yeleussinov (10-2-1, 9 KOs) . In the first round of the scheduled eight-round the super middleweight bout, Younan unloaded shots on his opponent, not stopping until the referee stepped between the two  at 1:47 of round 1.

Ricky Lopez (21-5-2, 6 KOS) and Joe Perez (16-6-4, 10 KOS) were looking for knockouts in this fast-paced super featherweight 6-rounder. However, the fight went the distance, ultimately leaving the outcome to the judges. Although one judge scored in favor of San Diego native Joe Perez by a 58-56 tally, the two others did not agree, with both scoring it 57-57, ending the fight in a majority draw.

Ismael Villareal (12-0, 8 KOS) of Bronx, New York dropped and stopped LeShawn Rodriguez(13-1, 10 KOs) of Port Jefferson, New York in the sixth round of their eight-round super welterweight bout to maintain his perfect record. Following a knockdown in the second round, Villareal repeated this in the sixth, Rodriguez got to his feet, but was wobbly, forcing the referee to stop the bout.

Dwyke Flemmings JR (2-0, 2 KOs) of Paterson, New Jersey defeated Angelo Thompson (0-3, 0 KOs) of Irvington, New Jersey via TKO in their super welterweight contest. In the first round, both fighters threw hard shots and landed combinations. This continued in the following round, however, Flemmings JR turned up the intensity, backing Thompson down, with the referee officially stopping the bout at 2:32 of the second round.

Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya (23-1-0), delivered a strong performance as he successfully defended his UFC middleweight title against Jared “The Killa Gorilla” Cannonier (15-6-0) at The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The opening two rounds featured many of Adesanya’s patented leg kicks, with Cannonier also attempting to establish his own rhythm. The champion continued to utilize his reach and striking ability to break down the #1 contender, and through three more rounds, did not let up on his pressure. Cannonier, although not deterred, could not find an answer for “The Last Stylbender.” Nonetheless, Adesanya cruised to a resounding victory, reaffirming his position as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the UFC. Israel Adesanya defeated Jared Cannonier via unanimous decision, 49-46, 49-46, and 50-45.

Volkanovski Decisions Holloway to Defend Featherweight crown

The night’s co-main event saw the highly anticipated rematch between undisputed featherweight champion Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski (25-1-0) and #1 ranked contender Max “Blessed” Holloway (23-7-0). The first round opened with both fighters testing and gauging the reactions of the other. As the round progressed, the champion showcased his elite level of striking, touching the chin of the challenger multiple times to start the contest. The second round featured much of the same, with Volkanovski able to cut open the left eye of Holloway, restricting his vision. In the third round, both fighters exchanged punches and kicks. The champion, however, would leave nothing to chance. The jab, in particular, worked well for him, setting up the rest of his shots en route to a resounding victory. Holloway seemingly did not have an answer for “The Great,” with the 145 lb champ dominating all 5 rounds of their title match. Alexander Volkanovski defeated Max Holloway via unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the contest 50-45 in favor of the Australian. 

“I want to be busy, and this division doesn’t keep me busy,” Volkanovski said. Don’t be surprised if we see a possible attempt at double champ status by “The Great.”

Pereira Stops Strickland in 1

In a highly anticipated middleweight-bought, up-and-comer Alex “Poatan” Pereira (5-1-0) faced #4 ranked Sean “Tarzan” Strickland (25-3-0). The Brazilian showcased why he is one of the most exciting prospects in the UFC, knocking out Strickland within one round. The former Glory kickboxing champion landed a powerful left hook to his opponent’s chin, sending him to the canvas and finishing it with two resounding right crosses. Unsurprisingly, Pereira called for the next opportunity at the middleweight title, citing his kickboxing bouts with current champion Israel Adesanya. Alex Pereira defeated Sean Strickland via TKO at 2:36 of Round 1.

Babarena Stops Lawler in 2

The second fight of the main card showcased UFC legend and former welterweight champion “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler against the tough Bryan “Bam Bam” Barbarena. The contest opened with both fighters throwing and landing powerful shots attempting to establish dominance. The second round did not see a decrease in pace, as Lawler and Barbarena both began to bleed following multiple exchanges. Following a back and forth between the two, Barbarena unleashed a flurry of strikes on the former champion, prompting referee Mark Smith to get in between the two and stop the fight. Bryan Barbarena defeated Robbie Lawler via TKO at 4:47 of round 2.

O’Malley and Munhoz fight to a No-Contest

The main card opener featured ranked bantamweight contenders “Sugar” Sean O’ Malley (15-1-0) against Pedro “The Young Punisher”  Munhoz (19-7-0). O’ Malley outstruck Munhoz in the opening round, taking advantage of his length and speed to land strikes on Munhoz. The second round featured much of the same, with the taller O’Malley taking advantage of the reach discrepancy to reach Munhoz’s body and head with strikes. With less than 2 minutes left in the round, O’Malley unintentionally poked the Brazilian in the left eye. Following confirmation from medical officials, referee Jason Herzog called the match. The fight ended in a no contest and as a disappointing opener for the main card

The final fight of the preliminary card featured lightweights Jalin “The Tarantula” Turner (13-5-0) and #14 ranked Brad “Quake “ Riddell (10-3-0). The lengthy Jalin Turner opened the fight using his reach advantage to hurt Riddell with an overhand right. After a flurry of punches, Turner took full mount over Riddell and sank in a guillotine, forcing Riddell to tap. Jalin Turner defeated Brad Riddell via submission at 0:45 of Round 1.

The third fight of the prelims pitted UFC legends Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone (36-17-0) against Jim “A-10 “ Miller ( 35-16). Both fighters entered this fight seeking the title of winningest fighter in the history of the UFC. The contest proved to be high-paced from the very start, with both fighters attempting submission attempts in the first round. In the second round, Miller would find an opening on Cerrone’s neck and cinched in the guillotine choke. Miller defeated Cerrone via submission at 3:28 of round 2. Following the contest, Donald Cerrone announced his retirement from the UFC.

The second fight of the prelims pitted welterweight prospect Ian Garry (10-0-0) against the durable Gabe Green (11-4-0). Garry scored another resounding win, adding to the hype train of the young fighter, who many say bears a strong resemblance to another, legendary, Irish martial artist. The undefeated self-proclaimed “future” of the UFC showcased his striking abilities from the opening bell, outlanding Green 113-78 throughout the contest. Ian Garry defeated Gabe Green via unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the fight 30-27.

In the prelim card opener, middleweight contender Dricus Du Plessis (17-2-0) scored an important win against #12 ranked Brad Tavares (19-7-0) In a bloody showcase of upper weight power, both fighters took large shots in the three-round matchup. Du Plessis however, landed the more dangerous shots, laying the damage on Tavares. Dricus Du Plessis defeated Brad Tavares via unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the fight 29-28.

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (16-0,11 KOs), delivered the performance of a lifetime, as he successfully defended his WBC super flyweight title against Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (50-6-1, 43 KOs). The current youngest active world champion in boxing showcased why he is the future of the sport, as he stopped the hard-hitting veteran Rungvisai in his hometown within eight rounds.

Rodriguez looked to establish dominance from the opening bell, throwing quick and powerful shots, ensuring Rungvisai would never find his rhythm. He nearly made the former champion’s glove touch the mat in the fourth following a powerful right hand to the head. This dominance continued to the seventh, where Rodriguez dropped Rungvisai with a powerful left hook to the temple. The punishment only continued in the eighth, and following a powerful overhand left as well as a barrage of shots referee Mark Colo-oy waved it off. Rodriguez defeated Rungvisai via TKO at 1:50 in the eighth round.

Following this impressive win, the door is wide open for Rodriguez to challenge either WBA champion Juan Francisco Estrada or former #1 pound-for-pounder Roman “Chocalito” Gonzalez. Whoever his next opponent is one thing is for certain, the entire boxing world will be watching to see how he follows up from this elite-level performance.

The co-main-event pitted IBF and WBA unified super bantamweight champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev (11-0, 8 KOs against the veteran underdog Ronny Rios (33-4, 16 KOs). Akhmadaliev flexed his power throughout the fight, throwing hard shots at the seasoned super bantamweight. He continued his dominance through the rest of the match, and with less than a minute left in the 12th round, Akhmadaliev dropped Rios for the first time in the fight. Following the standing 8-count, the champion unloaded with one final assault, prompting the referee to get in between both fighters and stop the fight. Akhmadaliev defeated Rios via TKO at 2:06 in the 12th round.

The second fight of the main card pitted undisputed welterweight champion Jessica McCaskill (12-2, 4 KOs) against challenger Alma Ibarra (10-2, 5 KOs).  Both women opened the fight with strong swings, looking to put a quick end to the fight, especially McCaskill, who flexed her power from the opening bell. The 147lb champion laid the damage on through the first three rounds. Going into the fourth round, Ibarra told her trainer she’d had enough, prompting her corner to stop the fight. McCaskill defeated Ibarra via RTD at 0:10 of the fourth round to remain the undisputed women’s welterweight champion.

McCaskill expressed interest in moving down to 140 lbs., a weight class she has experience in, to face junior welterweight champion, Chantelle Cameron. “She’s done spectacular in her career, and we’re doing so well at 147…” said McCaskill. “I think it’s time to move back down to 140, there’s some great fighters [there].”

In the main card opener, featherweight prospect Raymond “Savage” Ford (12-0-1, 6 KOs) retained his WBA Continental Americas Featherweight title as well as won the vacant IBF North American Featherweight against an undefeated Richard Medina Jr. (13-1, 7 KOs) After a solid opening set of rounds from Ford, he continued to dominate late in the fight, winning a resounding unanimous decision against the hometown fighter. The final decision reflected this dominance, with all judges scoring in favor of Ford, 100-90, 100-90, and 99-91. Ford outstruck Medina 191-79.