UFC 257

Starting with UFC on ABC: Holloway vs. Kattar, a limited number of fans were allowed inside the newly built Etihad Arena, marking the first time since UFC 248 on March 7, 2020, that non-essential event personnel were in attendance.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/01/ufc-limited-fans-attendance-etihad-arena-fight-island-mma-conor-mcgregor-dustin-poirier|title=Fans are back: UFC will have 'limited' attendance at three-card 'Fight Island' stint at Etihad Arena|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Staff|date=2021-01-07|access-date=2021-01-07}} The venue has maximum capacity of over 18,000, but the UFC was expecting to have closer to 2,000 fans for each of the Fight Island's events during the week.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/1/10/22223333/etihad-arena-lists-official-covid-19-safety-measures-for-fans-at-january-ufc-fight-island-shows|title=Etihad Arena lists official COVID-19 safety measures for fans at January UFC Fight Island shows|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Newswire|date=2021-01-10|access-date=2021-01-11}}

For the event to be broadcast live during Prime time hours on the east coast of North America, the main card began at 7:00 am (January 24) local time in Abu Dhabi, with a full preliminary card beginning at approximately 4:00 am Gulf Standard Time.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/commentary-teams-broadcast-plans-set-for-three-event-stretch-on-fight-island-ending-with-ufc-257|title='Fight Island' commentary teams, broadcast plans set for three events ending with UFC 257|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2021-01-13|access-date=2021-01-13}}

A lightweight rematch between former UFC Featherweight and Lightweight Champion Conor McGregor and former interim champion Dustin Poirier headlined this event.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/11/10/21558071/conor-mcgregor-vs-dustin-poirier-2-officially-booked-for-ufc-257|title=Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier 2 in works for UFC 257|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Damon Martin|date=2020-11-10|access-date=2020-11-11}}{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/11/conor-mcgregor-vs-dustin-poirier-rematch-booked-ufc-257|title=Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier 2 booked for UFC 257|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Danny Segura and Mike Bohn|date=2020-11-19|access-date=2020-11-19}} They met previously in a featherweight bout at UFC 178 on September 27, 2014, where McGregor won by first-round TKO.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2014/09/ufc-178-results-photos-conor-mcgregor-stops-dustin-poirier-in-first-round|title=UFC 178 results, photos: Conor McGregor stops Dustin Poirier in first round|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=2014-09-27|access-date=2020-11-11}}

After defending his lightweight title at UFC 254 in October, Khabib Nurmagomedov immediately announced his retirement, citing his father's death from complications related to COVID-19 in last July as the main reason behind it.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/10/ufc-254-khabib-nurmagomedov-dominates-announces-retirement-ufc-254-justin-gaethje|title=Khabib Nurmagomedov dominates Justin Gaethje, retires after UFC 254 submission win|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Dave Doyle|date=2020-10-24|access-date=2021-01-16}} Despite his announcement, the title was never officially vacated as UFC President Dana White said several times that he believed Nurmagomedov would still fight again.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/10/ufc-news-dana-white-thinks-khabib-nurmagomedov-wont-stay-retired|title=Dana White has 'a feeling' Khabib Nurmagomedov won't stay retired after talking to him|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Simon Samano|date=2020-10-29|access-date=2021-01-16}}{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/11/dana-white-door-open-khabib-nurmagomedov-return-ufc-video|title=Dana White leaves door open for Khabib Nurmagomedov to return: 'He's still the champ'|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Simon Head and Ken Hathaway|date=2020-11-01|access-date=2021-01-16}}{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/11/dana-white-insists-conor-mcgregor-vs-dustin-poirier-not-for-the-title-khabib-nurmagomedov-will-fight-again-ufc|title=Dana White insists Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier won't be for title: 'Khabib's going to fight'|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Farah Hannoun and John Morgan|date=2020-11-18|access-date=2021-01-16}} A meeting between both of them to discuss the champion's future was then expected to happen this week during the organization's stint at Fight Island, eventually taking place on January 15.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/01/ufc-news-dana-white-meeting-khabib-nurmagomedov-yes-or-no-retirement|title=Dana White anticipates Khabib Nurmagomedov meeting will be five minutes: 'It's yes or no'|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King and John Morgan|date=2021-01-13|access-date=2021-01-16}}{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/01/ufc-news-dana-white-khabib-nurmagomedov-meeting-video-uae-warriors-abu-dhabi|title=Video: Dana White and Khabib Nurmagomedov finally meet face to face in Abu Dhabi|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King|date=2021-01-15|access-date=2021-01-16}} The following day, White made an appearance live on ABC during the main card of UFC on ABC: Holloway vs. Kattar and revealed the outcome of the meeting: the Russian left the door open to a potential return, depending on how the main and co-main event fighters perform at this event, while also praising Charles Oliveira's performance at UFC 256.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/01/ufc-on-abc-1-dana-white-to-reveal-khabib-nurmagomedov-decision|title=What's happening with Khabib Nurmagomedov? Dana White will reveal all at UFC on ABC 1|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Simon Head, The Blue Corner|date=2021-01-16|access-date=2021-01-16}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/1/16/22233411/dana-white-khabib-nurmagomedov-return-ufc-257-lightweights-charles-oliveira-can-do-something-special|title=Dana White announces that Khabib Nurmagomedov could return if UFC 257 lightweights, Charles Oliveira 'can do something special'|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Alexander K. Lee|date=2021-01-16|access-date=2021-01-16}} Despite White's announcement, Nurmagomedov indicated in another interview that "fighting again is not in my plans".{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/1/20/22241353/khabib-nurmagomedov-fighting-not-in-my-plans-dont-push-me-to-do-things-that-will-disappoint-mother|title=Khabib Nurmagomedov: Fighting not in my plans, don't 'push me to do things that will disappoint my mother'|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Newswire|date=2021-01-20|access-date=2021-01-20}}

A bantamweight bout between promotional newcomers Umar Nurmagomedov and Sergey Morozov was initially scheduled to take place at UFC 254, but Nurmagomedov pulled out due to an illness.{{cite web|url= https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/10/ufc-254-umar-nurmagomedov-ruled-out-octagon-debut|title=Umar Nurmagomedov hospitalized in Dubai, ruled out of octagon debut at UFC 254|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Simon Head|date=2020-10-18|access-date=2020-11-24}} The pairing was then rescheduled for this event.{{Cite web|url=https://mmadna.nl/umar-nurmagomedov-vs-sergey-morozov-toegevoegd-aan-ufc-257-op-23-januari/|title=Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Sergey Morozov added to UFC 257 on January 23|publisher=mmadna.nl|author=Staff|date=2020-11-24|access-date=2020-11-24}} {{in lang|nl}} Finally, the bout was set to take place 3 days prior at UFC on ESPN: Chiesa vs. Magny.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/01/umar-nurmagomedov-sergey-morozov-ufc-on-espn-20-january-20|title=Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Sergey Morozov moved to UFC on ESPN 20 on Jan. 20|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Farah Hannoun|date=2021-01-12|access-date=2021-01-12}}

A flyweight bout between Amir Albazi and Zhalgas Zhumagulov was expected to take place at UFC on ESPN: Smith vs. Clark, but Zhumagulov pulled out due to visa issues and the bout was rescheduled for this event.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/11/ufc-on-espn-18-amir-albazi-vs-zhalgas-zhumagulov-flyweight-passport-issues|title=Amir Albazi vs. Zhalgas Zhumagulov pulled from UFC on ESPN 18 lineup|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Staff|date=2020-11-24|access-date=2020-11-24}}{{cite web|url=http://mma.uno/amir-albazi-vs-zhalgas-zhumagulov-transferido-a-ufc-257/|title=Amir Albazi vs. Zhalgas Zhumagulov rescheduled for UFC 257|publisher=mma.uno|author=Steve Duncan|date=2020-11-25|access-date=2020-11-25}} {{in lang|es}}

Former Invicta FC Atomweight Champion Michelle Waterson was expected to face Amanda Ribas in a women's strawweight bout at this event.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30246866/michelle-waterson-amanda-ribas-closing-deal-fight-ufc-257-sources-say|title=Michelle Waterson, Amanda Ribas closing in on deal to fight at UFC 257, sources say|work=espn.com|author=Brett Okamoto|date=2020-11-02|access-date=2020-12-08}} However, Waterson pulled out of the bout in early December due to undisclosed reasons.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/12/8/22164091/michelle-waterson-out-of-upcoming-fight-against-amanda-ribas-at-ufc-257|title=Michelle Waterson out of upcoming fight against Amanda Ribas at UFC 257|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Damon Martin and Guilherme Cruz|date=2020-12-08|access-date=2020-12-08}} She was replaced by Marina Rodriguez.{{cite web|url=https://agfight.com/noticias/ufc-encaminha-duelo-entre-amanda-ribas-e-marina-rodriguez-para-janeiro/?doing_wp_cron=1607523611.0528929233551025390625|title=UFC books fight between Amanda Ribas and Marina Rodriguez for January|publisher=agfight.com|author=Diego Ribas|date=2020-12-08|access-date=2020-12-09}} {{in lang|pt}}

Tagir Ulanbekov was briefly scheduled to face returning veteran Matheus Nicolau in a flyweight bout.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/12/matheus-nicolau-vs-tagir-ulanbekov-ufc-257-mma-fight-booking-january-23|title=Matheus Nicolau returns vs. Tagir Ulanbekov at UFC 257 on Jan. 23|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Farah Hannoun|date=2020-12-18|access-date=2020-12-21}} However, Ulanbekov withdrew in late December due to undisclosed reasons.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/12/19/22191093/matheus-nicolau-signs-ufc-needs-opponent-ufc-257-tagir-ulanbekov-out|title=Matheus Nicolau re-signs with UFC, needs new opponent for UFC 257 after Tagir Ulanbekov withdraws|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Guilherme Cruz|date=2020-12-19|access-date=2020-12-21}} The pairing was eventually rescheduled for UFC Fight Night: Edwards vs. Chimaev on March 13.{{cite web|url=https://globoesporte.globo.com/combate/noticia/ultimate-encaminha-remarcacao-de-matheus-nicolau-x-tagir-ulanbekov-para-13-de-marco.ghtml|title=Ultimate sends Matheus Nicolau vs. Tagir Ulanbekov to March 13|publisher=globoesporte.globo.com|author=Raphael Marinho|date=2021-01-12|access-date=2021-01-13}} {{in lang|pt}}

A middleweight bout between The Ultimate Fighter: Team Joanna vs. Team Cláudia light heavyweight winner Andrew Sanchez and André Muniz was expected to take place at this event.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/11/19/21575006/andre-muniz-tuf-23-winner-andrew-sanchez-ufc-257-mma|title=Andre Muniz set to face TUF 23 winner Andrew Sanchez at UFC 257|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Guilherme Cruz and Damon Martin|date=2020-11-19|access-date=2020-12-24}} In late December, Muniz withdrew due to an injury and was replaced by Makhmud Muradov.{{cite web|url=https://sport.tn.nova.cz/clanek/mach-na-turnaji-s-mcgregorem-proti-komu-se-cesky-uzbek-postavi.html|title=Fight in the same event as McGregor! Who will the Czech/Uzbek oppose?|publisher=sport.tn.nova.cz|author=Richard Wagner|date=2020-12-24|access-date=2020-12-24}} {{in lang|cs}}

A women's bantamweight bout between The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rousey vs. Team Tate bantamweight winner Julianna Peña and former UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship challenger Sara McMann (also 2004 Olympic silver medalist in wrestling) was originally scheduled to take place a week earlier at UFC on ABC: Holloway vs. Kattar, but it was eventually pushed back to this event.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/11/ufc-fight-night-sara-mcmann-julianna-pena-january-16|title=Sara McMann vs. Julianna Pena added to UFC Fight Night on Jan. 16|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Farah Hannoun|date=2020-11-19|access-date=2020-12-26}}{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/12/ufc-257-news-julianna-pena-vs-sara-mcmann-added-booking|title=UFC 257 gets Julianna Pena vs. Sara McMann after fight pushed back one week|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King and Mike Bohn|date=2020-12-26|access-date=2020-12-26}}

A featherweight bout between Shane Burgos and Hakeem Dawodu was scheduled for the event.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Burgos-vs-Dawodu-Nurmagomedov-vs-Morozov-Booked-for-UFC-257-176400|title=Shane Burgos vs. Hakeem Dawodu booked for UFC 257|publisher=sherdog.com|author=Tristen Critchfield|date=2020-11-24|access-date=2021-01-10}} However, on January 9, Dawodu was forced to withdraw from the bout citing a shoulder injury.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/01/ufc257-hakeem-dawodu-ruled-out-shane-burgos-fight|title=Injury forces Hakeem Dawodu out of UFC 257 clash with Shane Burgos|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Simon Head and Farah Hannoun|date=2021-01-09|access-date=2021-01-10}} The UFC confirmed three days later that Burgos was also injured and the bout was canceled.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/updates-ufc-fight-island-events-read|title=Updates to UFC Fight Island events|publisher=ufc.com|author=Staff|date=2021-01-12|access-date=2021-01-12}}

On the day of the weigh-ins, a couple of lightweight bouts suffered major changes due to several issues: Ottman Azaitar and Matt Frevola were scheduled to meet in the preliminary portion of the event.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/11/ufc-257-ottman-azaitar-vs-matt-frevola-booked|title=Ottman Azaitar vs. Matt Frevola joins UFC 257 lineup|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Farah Hannoun and John Morgan|date=2020-11-19|access-date=2021-01-22}} However, it was announced that Azaitar was pulled from the bout and had his contract terminated after it was determined that he had violated COVID-19 health and safety protocols, as he attempted to help others enter the UFC's designated safety zone.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/1/22/22244418/ottman-azaitar-cut-from-ufc-after-violating-covid-19-safety-protocol|title=Ottman Azaitar cut from UFC after violating COVID-19 safety protocol|publisher=mmafighting.usatoday.com|author=Alexander K. Lee|date=2021-01-22|access-date=2021-01-22}} The other bout that suffered alterations featured Nasrat Haqparast and Arman Tsarukyan.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/11/ufc-257-nasrat-haqparast-vs-arman-tsarukyan-booked|title=Nasrat Haqparast vs. Arman Tsarukyan added to UFC 257|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Farah Hannoun|date=2020-11-19|access-date=2021-01-22}} Haqparast withdrew from the bout due to an undisclosed illness and Tsarukyan weighed in at 157 pounds, one pound over the lightweight non-title fight limit.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/01/22/nasrat-haqparast-ufc-257-fight-arman-tsarukyan-missed-weight/|title=Nasrat Haqparast out of UFC 257 fight with Arman Tsarukyan, who missed weight|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Jay Anderson|date=2021-01-22|access-date=2021-01-22}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/1/22/22244033/ufc-257-weigh-in-results-conor-mcgregor-dustin-poirier-make-weight-for-rematch-two-fights-canceled|title=UFC 257 weigh-in results: Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier make weight for rematch, two other fights canceled|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Alexander K. Lee|date=2021-01-22|access-date=2021-01-22}} As a result, the promotion arranged a catchweight bout between Frevola and Tsarukyan to keep both athletes on the card.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/01/ufc-257-conor-mcgregor-dustin-poirier-weigh-in-results-live-video-stream|title=UFC 257 weigh-in results: Lineup altered after multiple issues with lightweights|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Staff|date=2021-01-22|access-date=2021-01-22}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/1/22/22244225/arman-tsarukyan-vs-matt-frevola-arranged-for-ufc-257-following-loss-of-scheduled-opponents|title=Arman Tsarukyan vs. Matt Frevola arranged for UFC 257 following loss of scheduled opponents|publisher=mmafighting.usatoday.com|author=Alexander K. Lee|date=2021-01-22|access-date=2021-01-22}} Subsequently, Tsarukyan forfeited 20% of his purse to Frevola as a result of missing weight.{{Cite web|url=https://empiresportsmedia.com/mma/matt-frevola-will-now-meet-arman-tsarukyan-at-ufc-257/|title=Matt Frevola will now meet Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 257|publisher=empiresportsmedia.com|author=Daniel Cunningham|date=2021-01-22|access-date=2021-01-22}}

{{MMAevent}}

{{MMAevent card|Main card}}

{{MMAevent bout

|Lightweight

|Dustin Poirier

|def.

|Conor McGregor

|TKO (punches)

|2

|2:32

|

}}

{{MMAevent bout

|Lightweight

|Michael Chandler

|def.

|Dan Hooker

|TKO (punches)

|1

|2:30

|

}}

{{MMAevent bout

|Women's Flyweight

|Joanne Calderwood

|def.

|Jessica Eye

|Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 29–28)

|3

|5:00

|

}}

{{MMAevent bout

|Middleweight

|Makhmud Muradov

|def.

|Andrew Sanchez

|TKO (flying knee and punches)

|3

|2:59

|

}}

{{MMAevent bout

|Women's Strawweight

|Marina Rodriguez

|def.

|Amanda Ribas

|TKO (elbow and punches)

|2

|0:54

|

}}

{{MMAevent card|Preliminary card (ESPN / ESPN+)|header=no}}

{{MMAevent bout

|Catchweight (157 lb)

|Arman Tsarukyan

|def.

|Matt Frevola

|Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 30–26)

|3

|5:00

|

}}

{{MMAevent bout

|Middleweight

|Brad Tavares

|def.

|Antônio Carlos Júnior

|Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 29–28)

|3

|5:00

|

}}

{{MMAevent bout

|Women's Bantamweight

|Julianna Peña

|def.

|Sara McMann

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|3

|3:39

|

}}

{{MMAevent bout

|Light Heavyweight

|Marcin Prachnio

|def.

|Khalil Rountree Jr.

|Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28)

|3

|5:00

|

}}

{{MMAevent card|Early preliminary card (ESPN+ / UFC Fight Pass)|header=no}}

{{MMAevent bout

|Catchweight (150 lb)

|Movsar Evloev

|def.

|Nik Lentz

|Decision (split) (28–29, 29–28, 29–28)

|3

|5:00

|

}}

{{MMAevent bout

|Flyweight

|Amir Albazi

|def.

|Zhalgas Zhumagulov

|Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28)

|3

|5:00

|

}}

{{MMAevent end|notes=yes}}

{{Cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/event/ufc-257|title=UFC 257: Poirier vs. McGregor 2|date=2 December 2020 |publisher=Ultimate Fighting Championship|access-date=2020-12-02}}

The following fighters received $50,000 bonuses.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2021/1/24/22246438/ufc-257-post-fight-bonuses-poirier-stops-mcgregor-in-second-round|title=UFC 257 post-fight bonuses: Poirier stops McGregor in second round|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|author=Stephie Haynes|date=2021-01-24|access-date=2021-01-24}}

• Fight of the Night: No bonus awarded.
• Performance of the Night: Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler, Makhmud Muradov and Marina Rodriguez

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