RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 14: (L-R) Opponents Mansur Abdul-Malik and Dustin Stoltzfus face off during the UFC 330 ceremonial weigh-in at Xfinity Mobile Arena on August 14, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC)
This is the UFC 330 live blog for Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Dustin Stoltzfus, the main card middleweight bout Saturday at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.
Abdul-Malik (9-1-1) is a highly touted 185-pound prospect who has already earned a reputation for his potent finishing ability, having won seven of his first 10 fights in the first round. The 28-year-old American suffered his first pro defeat this past March, losing by third-round knockout to experienced kickboxer Yousri Belgaroui. So far, Abdul-Malik has won three of five UFC fights, all by knockout or submission.
The experienced Stoltzfus (16-8) is likely fighting for his job as he looks to avoid a third straight loss. Stoltzfus has struggled to find success inside the octagon, currently sitting on a 3-7 UFC record, with his most recent defeat coming at the hands of Kelvin Gastelum. He enters UFC 330 as one of the biggest underdogs on the card.
Check out the UFC 330 live blog for Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Dustin Stoltzfus below.
Preamble
A blatant squash match on the main card? Why not? We just saw one, though I don’t expect this to be quite as emotional.
Sorry, I’m still processing Edson Barboza not fighting again. Man.
Always tell me the odds
Mansur Abdul-Malik a whopping -670 favorite over Dustin Stoltzfus, the underdog at +490 per FanDuel.
Round 1
Stoltzfus wisely keeping his distance, but Abdul-Malik gets in there and lands a good 1-2 combination. They’re back in the middle, tentatively setting up their attacks. More fast hands from Abdul-Malik, but Stoltzfus’ defense is holding up.
There’s a takedown attempt by Stoltzfus and he briefly takes Abdul-Malik’s back, but Abdul-Malik fighting hard to stay upright with Stoltzfus maintaining a bodylock. Well-timed knees by Stoltzfus as Abdul-Malik tries to get into a grounded position. They separate and it’s back to the striking.
High kick catches Stoltzfus and he complains of a poke, but, uh, he got kicked. He’s lucky Abdul-Malik didn’t rush in there. Stoltzfus manages to get a clinch to recover. Wild exchange of punches and it looks like Stoltzfus caught him. Stoltzfus shoots in and gets in deep on a takedown before landing a big slam. He gets to full mount and lands punches, forcing Abdul-Malik to give up his back. More punches from Stoltzfus. Abdul-Malik is going to get out of this round, but Stoltzfus stormed back to take it.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Stoltzfus.
Round 2
Now it’s Abdul-Malik keeping his distance. He felt Stoltzfus’ wrestling and grappling and he doesn’t want anymore of that. Abdul-Malik capitalizing on Stoltzfus’ aggression, though, landing some punches and a few crunch clinch knees. Stoltzfus wants to take this to the ground, but Abdul-Malik ends up on top in a scramble. Abdul-Malik on top throwing punches now, he’s not shying away from the ground game.
They’re back on the feet, Abdul-Malik fighting off another Stoltzfus takedown attempt. Neat spinning back elbow by Stoltzfus against the fence. Stoltzfus throwing caution to the wind, eating punches, but landing some hard ones of his own. He pushes an off-balance Abdul-Malik to the canvas and briefly threatens with a guillotine. Hard punches by Stoltzfus break down the defense and he attacks with a rear-naked choke… and gets it!
Official result: Dustin Stoltzfus def. Mansur Abdul-Malik via submission (rear-naked choke) (R2, 4:25)
Post-fight
Stoltzfus says Mansur is a beast and that he hopes they train against each other again soon.
Talking about his slam, Stoltzfus says, “That’s what I do. Pick things up and put them down.”
“We’re just normal people in here. I feel so out of place sometimes, but it’s amazing to come in here in front of all you guys and walk away with a performance like that so close to my hometown. It’s amazing. Thank you, guys.”
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