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Jake Paul's MVP Merger Debuts; Battle Defeats Rosta

8/8/2026

24 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

MVP Banner Launched

The merger announced eight days earlier created the MVP banner with Jake Paul, Nakisa Bidarian and CEO John Martin as part of the transition.
Bryan Battle defeated Dalton Rosta by split decision, scores 29-28, 28-29, 29-28.
Simeon Powell beat Dovlet Yagshimuradov by split decision, scores 30-27, 28-29, 30-27.
Josh Fremd knocked out Jhony Gregory at 1:44 of round two.

Summary

Bryan Battle Victory

Bryan Battle won at Bojangles Coliseum, earning a hero’s welcome while Dalton Rosta was booed.
Battle, released from the UFC in August 2025 after weight-miss incidents despite a 7-1 record, invited any challenger after the fight.
Rosta entered on a three-fight losing streak after knockouts by Impa Kasanganay and Fabian Edwards, declined the glove-touch, and saw the grappling-heavy third round displeasing the crowd.

History

Historical Context

The UFC’s 2006 acquisition of World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) by Zuffa set the stage for the 2010 merger announced by Dana White, which folded WEC’s bantamweight, featherweight and lightweight divisions into the UFC and triggered numerous fighter releases. That restructuring foreshadowed later roster churn, such as former contender Bryan Battle’s August 2025 release and his MVP-banner debut.

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MVP Banner Launched

The merger announced eight days earlier created the MVP banner with Jake Paul, Nakisa Bidarian and CEO John Martin as part of the transition.
Bryan Battle defeated Dalton Rosta by split decision, scores 29-28, 28-29, 29-28.
Simeon Powell beat Dovlet Yagshimuradov by split decision, scores 30-27, 28-29, 30-27.
Josh Fremd knocked out Jhony Gregory at 1:44 of round two.

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