Former NBA shooting guard Lance Stephenson defeated his longtime basketball rival Michael Beasley via submission in the first round of their celebrity mixed martial arts bout on Saturday night, May 23, 2026, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Stephenson secured the victory using a rear-naked choke at the 1:26 mark of the opening round during the Brand Risk 14 event, promoted by Adin Ross.
The matchup served as a combat sports debut for both retired athletes, who spent over a decade playing in the NBA and various international leagues before transitioning to the cage.
Prior to the fight, Beasley had trained at the UFC Performance Institute with members of the Xtreme Couture fight team, where UFC fighter Jordan Leavitt demonstrated submission techniques.
The MMA fight followed an infamous one-on-one basketball game held last year, in which Beasley defeated Stephenson with a final score of 31-21.
Before entering the cage, the two fighters exchanged several public statements regarding their motivations and expectations for the upcoming bout.
"I took this fight because Lance owes me some money. He owes me some money from a bet we made last year.
We made a bit, and he never paid it. I am going to get my money," said Beasley, former Los Angeles Lakers forward.
In response, Stephenson detailed his physical preparation and issued a warning reminiscent of a legendary heavyweight boxer.
"I have just been jogging, lifting, drinking a lot of water and looking at Michael's picture all day for this fight," said Stephenson, former Indiana Pacers guard.
Stephenson also expressed a highly aggressive strategy ahead of the cage match.
"I am going to Mike Tyson you... bite you right in the ear!"
said Stephenson.
The fight itself saw Beasley land a sharp left hand at range using his height advantage before Stephenson executed a body lock takedown and locked in the decisive chokehold.
Following the official decision, Beasley reflected on the reality of experiencing a submission hold inside the cage.
"Practicing getting choked and getting choked ain't the same!" said Beasley.
The card also featured a main event undercard match between Johnny Manziel and Bob Menery, alongside various other celebrity boxing and MMA bouts.
