Ex-NBA players Stephenson submits Beasley in MMA

Lance Stephenson defeated Michael Beasley by submission in the first round of an amateur mixed martial arts bout Saturday night in Las Vegas, settling a developing rivalry between the two former NBA players in a new arena. The fight took place at Brand Risk 14, an event promoted by online influencer Adin Ross, at the UFC Apex.

Stephenson, 35, secured the victory by forcing Beasley to tap out with a rear-naked choke just over a minute into the opening round. Beasley landed the first strike after the opening bell and appeared comfortable on his feet, using his reach to snap a jab. But Stephenson charged forward and locked a body hold, taking the fight to the ground. Beasley attempted a guillotine choke from his back, but the technique quickly faded as his arms tired. Stephenson escaped, circled behind, and locked in the choke, squeezing until Beasley tapped with both hands.

The bout came nearly one year after Beasley defeated Stephenson in a high-stakes one-on-one basketball game, winning 31-21 and claiming a $100,000 prize. The two had also developed a competitive edge while playing against each other in the BIG3 basketball league and were briefly teammates with the Los Angeles...