UFC 263

The event was the second that the promotion has contested in Glendale, following UFC on Fox: Poirier vs. Gaethje in April 2018. Zuffa had previously hosted the final World Extreme Cagefighting event, WEC 53, at the arena in December 2010.

A UFC Middleweight Championship bout between then champion Israel Adesanya and Marvin Vettori headlined the event.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/31324008/ufc-finalizing-middleweight-title-fight-israel-adesanya-marvin-vettori-dana-white-says|title=UFC finalizing middleweight title fight between Israel Adesanya and Marvin Vettori, Dana White says|work=espn.com|author=Brett Okamoto|date=2021-04-24|access-date=2021-04-24}} The pair previously met at UFC on Fox: Poirier vs. Gaethje, where Adesanya won via split decision.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2018/4/14/17238686/ufc-on-fox-29-results-israel-adesanya-vs-marvin-vettori-mma-glendale|title=UFC on Fox 29 results: Israel Adesanya outlasts Marvin Vettori for first career decision win|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Andrew Pearson|date=2018-04-14|access-date=2021-04-24}}

A UFC Flyweight Championship rematch between champion Deiveson Figueiredo and former title challenger Brandon Moreno took place as the co-main event. The pairing previously met in December 2020 at UFC 256, where Figueiredo retained the title after the bout was scored a majority draw.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/mma/news/ufc-256-results-highlights-deiveson-figueiredo-brandon-moreno-fight-to-a-draw-in-an-instant-classic/live/|title=UFC 256 results, highlights: Deiveson Figueiredo, Brandon Moreno fight to a draw in an instant classic|publisher=cbssports.com|author=Brent Brookhouse|date=2020-12-13|access-date=2021-02-25}}

A light heavyweight bout between Paul Craig and Jamahal Hill took place at the event.{{Cite web|url=https://mmadna.nl/meerdere-ufc-partijen-bekend-gemaakt-inclusief-craig-vs-hill-terugkeer-jacare/|title=Multiple UFC fights announced, including Craig vs. Hill|publisher=mmadna.nl|author=Staff|date=2021-03-24|access-date=2021-03-24}} {{in lang|nl}} The pairing was previously scheduled to take place at UFC on ESPN: Brunson vs. Holland, but Hill withdrew from that event on March 10 after testing positive for COVID-19.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/03/ufc-on-espn-21-paul-craig-confirms-jamahal-hill-bout-canceled|title=UFC on ESPN 21 co-main event scrapped after Jamahal Hill forced to withdraw from Paul Craig bout|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Farrah Hannoun|date=2021-03-10|access-date=2021-03-10}}

A welterweight fight between Leon Edwards and former UFC Lightweight Championship challenger Nate Diaz (also The Ultimate Fighter 5 lightweight winner) was expected to take place at UFC 262.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/03/ufc-262-news-nate-diaz-vs-leon-edwards-five-rounds-co-main-event-houston|title=UFC 262 books Nate Diaz vs. Leon Edwards for five-round co-main event in Houston|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King and Mike Bohn|date=2021-03-30|access-date=2021-03-30}} However, Diaz pulled out due to a minor injury in early May and the bout took place at this event.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/5/3/22418618/leon-edwards-vs-nate-diaz-rescheduled-from-ufc-262-in-may-to-ufc-263-in-june|title=Leon Edwards vs. Nate Diaz rescheduled from UFC 262 in May to UFC 263 in June|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Damon Martin|date=2021-05-03|access-date=2021-05-03}} Despite the different date, the pairing retained its original status, marking the first time in UFC history that a non-title bout other than the main event was scheduled for five rounds.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/31386292/nate-diaz-battling-minor-injury-fight-vs-leon-edwards-moved-ufc-263-june|title=Nate Diaz battling minor injury; fight vs. Leon Edwards moved to UFC 263 in June|work=espn.com|author=Marc Raimondi|date=2021-05-04|access-date=2021-05-06}}

A women's bantamweight bout between Karol Rosa and Sijara Eubanks was scheduled to take place at the event.{{Cite web|url=https://globoesporte.globo.com/combate/noticia/ultimate-acerta-duelo-entre-karol-rosa-e-sijara-eubanks-para-o-ufc-263-dia-12-de-junho.ghtml|title=UFC sets duel between Karol Rosa and Sijara Eubanks for UFC 263, June 12|publisher=globoesporte.globo.com|author=Raphael Marinho|date=2021-03-18|access-date=2021-05-28}} {{in lang|pt}} However, Rosa pulled out of the fight in late-May citing an eye injury. In turn, Eubanks was removed from the card and will face Priscila Cachoeira six weeks later at UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Dillashaw instead.{{Cite web|url=https://globoesporte.globo.com/combate/noticia/ufc-karol-rosa-lesiona-o-olho-e-pedrita-a-substitui-contra-sijara-eubanks.ghtml|title=UFC: Karol Rosa injures her eye and Pedrita replaces her against Sijara Eubanks|publisher=globoesporte.globo.com|author=Raphael Marinho and Zeca Azevedo|date=2021-05-28|access-date=2021-05-28}} {{in lang|pt}}

A lightweight bout between Frank Camacho and Matt Frevola was originally scheduled to take place at UFC on ESPN: Blaydes vs. Volkov in June 2020, but Frevola was pulled from the fight during the week leading up to the event after teammate and cornerman Billy Quarantillo tested positive for COVID-19. Despite two negative tests, Frevola was removed from the bout in an abundance of caution.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/06/ufc-espn-11-matt-frevola-out-billy-quarantillo-positive-covid-test|title=Matt Frevola out of UFC on ESPN 11 after cornerman Billy Quarantillo tests positive for COVID-19|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Farah Hannoun|date=2020-06-18|access-date=2020-06-18}} They were then rescheduled for this event.{{cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/04/18/frank-camacho-vs-matt-frevola-set-ufc-263/|title=Frank Camacho vs. Matt Frevola set for UFC 263|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Alex Behunin|date=2021-04-18|access-date=2021-06-08}} In turn, Camacho pulled out of the fight four days before the event after being injured in a car accident. Frevola faced promotional newcomer Terrance McKinney instead.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/06/ufc-263-frank-camacho-car-accident-matt-frevola-vs-terrance-mckinney|title=Frank Camacho in car accident, out of UFC 263; Terrance McKinney agrees to fight Matt Frevola|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Matthew Wells, John Morgan and Nolan King|date=2021-06-08|access-date=2021-06-08}}

At the weigh-ins, Steven Peterson weighed in at 148.5 pounds, two and a half pounds over the featherweight non-title fight limit. His bout proceeded at catchweight and he was fined 20% of his purse, which went to his opponent Chase Hooper.{{Cite web|url= https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/6/11/22529770/ufc-263-weigh-in-results-deiveson-figueiredo-makes-weight-at-last-minute-flyweight-championship-bout|title= UFC 263 weigh-in results: Deiveson Figueiredo makes weight at last minute for flyweight championship bout|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Alexander K. Lee|date=2021-06-11|access-date=2021-06-11}}

{{MMAevent}}

{{MMAevent card|Main card}}

{{MMAevent bout

|Middleweight

|Israel Adesanya (c)

|def.

|Marvin Vettori

|Decision (unanimous) (50–45, 50–45, 50–45)

|5

|5:00

|For the UFC Middleweight Championship.

}}

{{MMAevent bout

|Flyweight

|Brandon Moreno

|def.

|Deiveson Figueiredo (c)

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|3

|2:26

|For the UFC Flyweight Championship.

}}

{{MMAevent bout

|Welterweight

|Leon Edwards

|def.

|Nate Diaz

|Decision (unanimous) (49–46, 49–46, 49–46)

|5

|5:00

|

}}

{{MMAevent bout

|Welterweight

|Belal Muhammad

|def.

|Demian Maia

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

|3

|5:00

|

}}

{{MMAevent bout

|Light Heavyweight

|Paul Craig

|def.

|Jamahal Hill

|TKO (elbows and punches)

|1

|1:59

|

}}

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

{{MMAevent bout

|Lightweight

|Brad Riddell

|def.

|Drew Dober

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

|3

|5:00

|

}}

{{MMAevent bout

|Light Heavyweight

|Eryk Anders

|def.

|Darren Stewart

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

|3

|5:00

|

}}

{{MMAevent bout

|Women's Flyweight

|Lauren Murphy

|def.

|Joanne Calderwood

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

|3

|5:00

|

}}

{{MMAevent bout

|Featherweight

|Movsar Evloev

|def.

|Hakeem Dawodu

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

|3

|5:00

|

}}

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

{{MMAevent bout

|Women's Bantamweight

|Pannie Kianzad

|def.

|Alexis Davis

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

|3

|5:00

|

}}

{{MMAevent bout

|Lightweight

|Terrance McKinney

|def.

|Matt Frevola

|KO (punches)

|1

|0:07

|

}}

{{MMAevent bout

|Catchweight (148.5 lb)

|Steven Peterson

|def.

|Chase Hooper

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

|3

|5:00

|

}}

{{MMAevent bout

|Lightweight

|Farès Ziam

|def.

|Luigi Vendramini

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

|3

|5:00

|

}}

{{MMAevent bout

|Heavyweight

|Carlos Felipe

|def.

|Jake Collier

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

|3

|5:00

|

}}

{{MMAevent end|notes=yes}}

{{Cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/event/ufc-263|title=UFC 263: Adesanya vs. Vettori 2|date=24 April 2021 |publisher=Ultimate Fighting Championship|access-date=2021-06-12}}

The following fighters received $50,000 bonuses.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-263-bonuses-paul-craig-brandon-moreno-brad-riddell-drew-dober|title=UFC 263 bonuses: That wicked arm injury Paul Craig delivered was worth an extra $50,000|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Staff|date=2021-06-13|access-date=2021-06-13}}

• Fight of the Night: Brad Riddell vs. Drew Dober
• Performance of the Night: Brandon Moreno and Paul Craig

The following is the reported payout to the fighters as reported by the Arizona Department of Gaming. It does not include sponsor money and also does not include the UFC's traditional "fight night" bonuses. Total disclosed purses for the event was $3,233,000.{{cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-263-Salaries-Adesanya-36500K-Vettori-36350K-Diaz-36250K-Top-Event-Payroll-180066|title=UFC 263 Salaries: Adesanya ($500K), Vettori ($350K) top event payroll|publisher=sherdog.com|author=Tristen Critchfield|date=2021-06-21|access-date=2021-06-22}}

• Israel Adesanya: $500,000 (no win bonus) def. Marvin Vettori: $350,000
• Brandon Moreno: $200,000 (includes $100,000 win bonus) def. Deiveson Figueiredo: $210,000
• Leon Edwards: $220,000 (includes $110,000 win bonus) def. Nate Diaz: $250,000
• Belal Muhammad: $160,000 (includes $80,000) def. Demian Maia: $175,000
• Paul Craig: $110,000 (includes $55,000 win bonus) def. Jamahal Hill: $28,000
• Brad Riddell: $80,000 (includes $40,000 win bonus) def. Drew Dober: $87,000
• Eryk Anders: $150,000 (includes $75,000 win bonus) def. Darren Stewart: $45,000
• Lauren Murphy: $140,000 (includes $70,000 win bonus) def. Joanne Calderwood: $51,000
• Movsar Evloev: $72,000 (includes $36,000 win bonus) def. Hakeem Dawodu: $55,000
• Pannie Kinziad: $56,000 (includes $28,000 win bonus) def. Alexis Davis: $43,000
• Terrance McKinney: $24,000 (includes $12,000 win bonus) def. Matt Frevola: $23,000
• Steven Peterson: $46,000 (includes $23,000 win bonus) def. Chase Hooper: $37,000 ¹
• Farès Ziam: $28,000 (includes $14,000 win bonus) def. Luigi Vendramini: $15,000
• Carlos Felipe: $50,000 (includes $25,000 win bonus) def. Jake Collier: $28,000

¹ Although not recognized on the official pay sheet, Steven Peterson was fined 20 percent of his purse ($9,200) for failing to make the required weight for his fight with Chase Hooper. That money was issued to Hooper, an ADOG official confirmed.

The event broke the record for the most decisions on a single UFC card with 11, breaking the five-way tie with UFC 169, UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Mousasi, UFC Fight Night: Silva vs. Bisping, UFC Fight Night: Werdum vs. Tybura, and UFC on ESPN: dos Anjos vs. Edwards and later UFC Fight Night: Vieira vs. Tate. This event was also the longest UFC event with 3:19:32 of fight time.

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