Tag: Neil Magny

UFC on ESPN+ 105 live results: Neil Magny vs. Carlos Prates

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The Octagon is back inside of the UFC Apex in Las Vegas for what isn’t, on paper, a big show, but it’s a landmark show as UFC on ESPN+ 105 marks the 100th UFC Fight Night event at the UFC Apex.

The main event is a welterweight battle between long-time veteran Neil Magny, in his 34th UFC bout, taking on rising contender Carlos Prates, in his fourth UFC bout and first main event. Magny is looking to halt the momentum of Prates, who is riding a ten-fight win streak, as Magny himself looks to get back into the win column.

The co-main event marks the UFC debut of one of their recent big signings, as former ONE Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Champion Reinier de Ridder debuts against submission specialist and veteran Gerald Meerschaert.

Also on the main card is a bantamweight battle between Gaston Bolanos and Cortavious Romious; a battle of ranked strawweights as Luana Pinheiro takes on Gillian Robertson; and Mansur Abdul-Malik meets Dusko Todorovic in middleweight action.

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> Women’s Bantamweights*- Melissa Mullins (6-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Klaudia Sygula (6-1, 0-0 UFC)

*Mullins missed weight by one pound

Mullins lands a jab as Sygula lands a pair of leg kicks. Sygula lands a jab and body kick. Mullins just misses a right hand but they trade in the pocket. They trade inside the pocket. Sygula looks for a takedown as she has the body lock against the fence. Mullins looks for a head-and-arm throw but they stay on the feet. Mullins gets Sygula down with a trip takedown. Mullins controlling from the top and trying to pass guard. She gets the mount and lands to end the round. 10-9 Mullins.

They trade in close range. Sygula grabs the head but Mullins scores the takedown right into mount. Mullins with some left hands from the top. She lands a few 12-to-6 elbows then goes back to landing the left hand. Mullins keeps pouring it on and it is stopped as Sygula wasn’t defending herself.

Official Result- Melissa Mullins def. Klaudia Sygula by TKO (punches) at 1:20 of Round 2

The weight miss wasn’t a good look for Mullins, but she did everything right inside the Octagon to get the finish. Her takedowns were good and her ground work was great to get a solid finish. Hopefully, she gets her weight issues under control as this was a good performance for her.

> Middleweights- Tresean Gore (4-2, 1-2 UFC) vs. Antonio Trocoli (12-4 1 NC, 0-1 UFC)

Gore gets an early big takedown but they get to their feet at the fence. They trade knees in the clinch. Gore with a standing guillotine choke locked in and it is in tight and Trocoli taps!

Official Result- Tresean Gore def. Antonio Trocoli by submission (standing guillotine choke) at 1:23 of Round 1

Gore had been out of action since October 2022 due to numerous injuries, and he certainly didn’t look rusty at all. That early takedown was big and the standing choke was nasty. This was Gore’s best performance and one that makes it look like he’ll live up to his potential.

> Bantamweights- Cody Stamann (21-7-1, 7-6-1 UFC) vs. Da’Mon Blackshear (14-7-1, 2-3-1 UFC)

Stamann lands a combination inside the pocket after Blackshear lands a body kick. They trade leg kicks. Blackshear with a body kick. Stamann lands a right hand. Stamann with a leg kick. They trade left hands. Stamann with a heavy leg kick. Blackshear lands a right hand. Stamann lands a combo but Blackshear lands a knee and a counter left. Blackshear lands a flying knee and a big combination and Stamann is hurt. Stamann looks for a takedown but Blackshear lands and locks in a guillotine choke. He has it mounted with one arm in. Blackshear lets go but is in full mount. Stamann gives up his back. Blackshear locks in a rear-naked choke and it is in tight and Stamann taps!

Official Result- Da’Mon Blackshear def. Cody Stamann by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:19 of Round 1

Blackshear has a career-best performance here and looked fantastic. Stamann landed some on the feet early, but it was done once Blackshear was able to get going on the feet, and the choke finish was impressive. Great showing all around by Blackshear.

> Welterweights- Matthew Semelsberger (11-7, 5-5 UFC) vs. Charles Radtke (9-4, 2-1 UFC)

Semelsberger with a high kick. Radtke lands a left hook. They trade and Radtke wobbles Semelsberger with a left hand. Radtke rocks Semelsberger with a right hand and Semelsberger is about to go down. Radtke continues to land as Semelsberger is hurt and it is stopped.

Official Result- Charles Radtke def. Matthew Semelsberger by TKO (punches) at :51 of Round 1

A quick night of finishes sees another one as Radtke gets the finish in less than a minute. He had Semelsberger hurt early and swarmed on him until it was stopped. This was a good showing from Radtke.

> Welterweights*- Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (24-8-1, 10-4-1 UFC) vs. Zach Scroggin (7-0, 0-0 UFC)

*Scroggin missed weight by three pounds

Scroggin with some low leg kicks. Zaleski with a hard leg kick. Scroggin lands a jab. Zaleski with another hard leg kick. Zaleski lands a right hand and Scroggin is hurt as they go down. Zaleski landing a ton of punches from the top and starts landing hammerfists and keeps landing and it is stopped.

Official Result- Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos def. Zach Scroggin by TKO (punches) at 1:15 of Round 1

This fight was made on four days’ notice and was quite a mismatch, so it went as expected with Zaleski getting the quick finish. He is dangerous and Scroggin gets credit for taking such a tough fight, but this was an easy night at the office for Zaleski.

> Women’s Strawweights- Karolina Kowalkiewicz (16-8, 9-8 UFC) vs. Denise Gomes (9-3, 3-2 UFC)

Kowalkiewicz with a leg kick. Gomes lands a leg kick then a body kick. Kowalkiewicz with a leg kick. Gomes lands a right hand. They continue to trade kicks. Gomes lands a combo then lands a flurry of punches and a knee against the fence. They clinch and Gomes with a knee. Kowalkiewicz lands a knee and reverses. Gomes lands a pair of right hands as they battle the body lock. Gomes lands to the body. Kowalkiewicz with a knee to the body. They trade knees. Gomes with more knees. 10-9 Gomes.

They trade leg kicks and Kowalkiewicz lands a jab. Gomes with an overhand right then a left hand. Gomes with a body kick. Gomes lands to the body. They trade kicks. Gomes tries a spin kick and Kowalkiewicz gets the back as they go to the fence. Gomes reverses and lands a knee as they break. She lands another knee as they clinch back up. Gomes lands a knee as they separate. Gomes lands a combo and a head kick. Gomes with a solid right hand as they clinch. Gomes lands a knee. Gomes controlling against the fence. They trade knees. 10-9 Gomes, 20-18 Gomes.

They trade leg kicks. Kowalkiewicz lands a right hand. Gomes lands a right hand. Kowalkiewicz lands a flurry before they clinch against the fence. Gomes lands some knees. Gomes with more knees before they separate. Gomes with a right hand. Kowalkiewicz lands a combination. They trade leg kicks. Gomes with a series of punches. Kowalkiewicz lands to the body. Kowalkiewicz landing with more volume but Gomes lands a pair of hard right hands. Kowalkiewicz lands a right hand. Gomes with a body kick. Gomes lands. Kowalkiewicz jumps on the back and they go to the mat. Kowalkiewicz lands a pair of right hands. They get on their feet but Gomes escapes. They stand but go to their knees and Gomes goes for a late guillotine choke. 10-9 Gomes, 30-27 Gomes.

Official Result- Denise Gomes def. Karolina Kowalkiewicz by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

This wasn’t much of a fight but it was Gomes landing the more impactful and cleaner shots on the feet, plus controlling the clinch. I don’t see Gomes becoming a contender off of this but it was a solid win.

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> Middleweights- Mansur Abdul-Malik (6-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Dusko Todorovic (12-4, 3-4 UFC)

Todorovic lands a leg kick as Abdul-Malik lands a left hand. They trade and Abdul-Malik drops Todorovic with a right hand and starts landing from the top. Todorovic looks for a leg but Abdul-Malik starts dropping hammerfists. Todorovic still has the leg but eats more shots from Abdul-Malik. Todorovic gets to his feet. Abdul-Malik lands a knee. Abdul-Malik lands a right hand. Abdul-Malik drops Todorovic with a knee and starts landing from the top. Hammerfists from Abdul-Malik and it is stopped as Abdul-Malik picks up the win.

Official Result- Mansur Abdul-Malik def. Dusko Todorovic by TKO (punches) at 2:44 of Round 1

Abdul-Malik was one of the standouts on this last season of Dana White’s Contender Series, and he couldn’t have had a better debut. He looked powerful and those hammerfists from the top were brutal. He has tons of potential.

> Women’s Strawweights- #13 Luana Pinheiro (11-3, 3-2 UFC) vs. #14 Gillian Robertson (14-8, 11-6 UFC)

Robertson with some kicks. Pinheiro lands a jab. Robertson gets a brief takedown but they pop right up. Robertson has back control. Pinheiro has grabbed the fence a couple of times. Robertson gets it back to the mat. They get to their feet and Robertson maintains back control. Pinheiro lands some left hands as they separate. Pinheiro lands an uppercut. Pinheiro with a right hand and Robertson lands a couple of kicks. Robertson gets it to the mat and jumps on the back. Robertson with some 12-to-6 elbows. 10-9 Robertson.

They’re trading to start as both are landing jabs. Pinheiro lands to the body and then lands a left hand followed by a right hand. Robertson is pressing forward but Pinheiro is landing. Robertson lands a body kick. Pinheiro with a jab to the body and a right hand. Pinheiro lands some more. Robertson looks for the takedown against the fence. They separate. Pinheiro with a jab to the body. Pinheiro lands a right hand. Robertson with a pair of kicks. Robertson grabs the back on the feet. Pinheiro defends. 10-9 Pinheiro, 19-19.

They trade kicks. Robertson looks for a takedown against the fence. Robertson gets the takedown. Robertson gets the mount and lands some elbows. Robertson controlling as Pinheiro is trying to escape. Robertson gets the crucifix position and lands some left hands. Pinheiro gets her arm free and Robertson goes back to the mount. Robertson with some left hands from the top. Robertson with more punches. Pinheiro scrambles and Robertson gets the back. Pinheiro ends up on top and has the neck as she lands to the body. Robertson gets her neck out and is on top. Robertson looks for an arm-triangle choke as Pinheiro lands to the body. Robertson lands from the top at the end. 10-9 Robertson, 29-28 Robertson.

Official Result- Gillian Robertson def. Luana Pinheiro by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Robertson remains a force on the mat. If she gets someone down, she is able to dominate and control. Pinheiro had her moments in the second as Robertson still struggles on the feet, but was unable to stop the takedowns, which made the difference. This was a really strong win by Robertson.

> Bantamweights- Gaston Bolanos (7-4, 1-1 UFC) vs. Cortavious Romious (9-2, 0-0 UFC)

Romious with an inside leg kick. Bolanos lands a right hand then a leg kick. Romious with a leg kick. Bolanos with a leg kick. Romious gets a big takedown. He got the back but Bolanos slips out. Romious looks for a triangle choke and an armbar but they work up to their feet. They separate. Bolanos with a series of hard kicks. They trade punches. Bolanos with a body kick then a leg kick. Bolanos with a hard body kick then lands another. Romious lands a left hand and Bolanos goes to the mat and they have a late scramble. 10-9 Bolanos.

Romious lands a left hand and gets a big takedown. They get up but Romious gets it back to the mat. Romious has the back of Bolanos. Romious working for a choke as he has back control. Bolanos with some deep breaths. Romious still working for the choke. Bolanos is able to slip out and lands an elbow as they scramble up. Bolanos lands a knee. He lands several more knees. Bolanos gets it down. Bolanos lands from the top. Bolanos with some elbows and big shots from the top. 10-9 Bolanos, 20-18 Bolanos.

Romious with a body kick and he slips to the mat. Bolanos scrambles down and Romious looks for the back. Romious gets into the guard of Bolanos. Bolanos looks for an armbar as they scramble. Romious escapes and works to the back. He tries to jump on the back but Bolanos shakes it off and ends up on top. Bolanos with some punches from the top and lands some knees as they get up. Romious tries a takedown but they just fall to the mat. Bolanos is in the guard of Romious but nothing happens as they stand. Bolanos lands a body kick and Romious gets an easy takedown. They both land on the mat. 10-9 Bolanos, 30-27 Bolanos.

Official Result- Gaston Bolanos def. Cortavious Romious by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

This was not the debut Romious was looking for. Bolanos was able to land better on the feet, and Romious is going to need to improve standing. This wasn’t much otherwise.

> Middleweights- Gerald Meerschaert (37-17, 12-9 UFC) vs. Reinier de Ridder (17-2, 0-0 UFC)

de Ridder with a pair of kicks. He lands a right hand. Meerschaert lands a combination. de Ridder with a jab then a leg kick. de Ridder scores a takedown. He stands but scrambles down and they stand. de Ridder with a stiff jab. They trade and Meerschaert clips de Ridder with a right hand. Meerschaert lands a combo. de Ridder with a jab and a leg kick. de Ridder gets it to the mat but they quickly get up. de Ridder looks for another takedown but Meerschaert defends. de Ridder lands a left hand. de Ridder lands a combo and drops Meerschaert but time runs out. 10-9 de Ridder.

Meerschaert presses forward. Meerschaert lands to the body and de Ridder lands a jab. de Ridder scores a takedown. de Ridder working from the top. de Ridder lands and they stand. de Ridder tries to trip it down but Meerschaert ends up on top. Meerschaert with a left hand from the top. de Ridder lands from the bottom. Meerschaert postures up to stay on top. de Ridder lands from the bottom. They scramble up and de Ridder scores a takedown. Meerschaert goes for an armbar but de Ridder scrambles. Close round. 10-9 Meerschaert, 19-19.

They clinch immediately against the fence. They separate. Meerschaert looks for a takedown but de Ridder keeps it upright. de Ridder throws Meerschaert down to the mat. de Ridder gets the back of Meerschaert. He moves to the full mount and locks in an arm-triangle choke and it gets Meerschaert to tap.

Official Result- Reinier de Ridder def. Gerald Meerschaert by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 1:44 of Round 3

It was a tough match-up for de Ridder in his debut, and Meerschaert had his moments, but de Ridder was able to weather the storm and get the submission win. de Ridder is a solid addition to the middleweight division and has potential to be a title contender, and this was a good start to his UFC run.

> Welterweights- #15 Neil Magny (29-12, 22-11 UFC) vs. Carlos Prates (20-6, 3-0 UFC)

Magny goes for the single leg right away. Prates is able to get it down and is inside the guard of Magny. Prates with a right hand from the top. They get to their feet. Magny lands a right hand. They trade and Magny looks for a takedown against the fence. Prates defends but Magny retains control along the fence. They separate. Prates with a leg kick. Magny goes down as Prates lands a punch and Magny is ordered up. Prates with some big punches on Magny. Magny has a leg along the fence. They separate. Prates lands a left hand and Magny goes down face first and is out cold.

Official Result- Carlos Prates def. Neil Magny by knockout (punch) at 4:50 of Round 1

Prates is a beast. Props to Magny for taking on the young, hungry upcoming talent, but he was out of his league in there with Prates. It remains to be seen if Prates can go into deep waters, but if he keeps knocking people out like this, it may not matter. He is someone to keep watching as he moves up the rankings.

UFC on ESPN 20 live results: Michael Chiesa vs. Neil Magny

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC on ESPN 20: Chiesa vs. Magny, emanating from the Etihad Arena in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

The Octagon remains on Fight Island for the second show over the span of eight days, a rare Wednesday card with an unusual start time in the U.S., and an event headlined by two streaking welterweight fighters.

Michael Chiesa and Neil Magny each put their three-fight win streaks on the line when they look to move themselves closer to title contention at 170 pounds in the main event. Chiesa returns to action for the first time in a year, as he was last seen scoring a dominant decision win over Rafael Dos Anjos last January. Magny fights for the first time since a dominant win over Robbie Lawler in August. These two have been itching to fight each other for quite some time, even calling each other out on several occasions.

Also on the main card, Warlley Alves takes on Mounir Lazzez in welterweight action, Ike Villanueva and Vinicius Moreira both look for their first UFC wins in a light heavyweight bout, Roxanne Modafferi takes on Viviane Araujo in a women’s flyweight bout, ranked flyweights Matt Schnell and Tyson Nam do battle, and featherweights Lerone Murphy and Douglas Silva de Andrade square off in the main card opener.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 9 a.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.

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> Victoria Leonardo (8-2, 0-0 UFC) vs. Manon Fiorot (5-1, 0-0 UFC)
Women’s Flyweights

Both women are making their UFC debut. Both looking to land kicks early on. Fiorot lands a side kick to the body. Fiorot lands a combo and then a body kick and a leg kick. Fiorot with a right hand. Leonardo unable to do much of anything early on. Leonardo lands a body kick but eats a counter right hook from Fiorot. They clinch and Fiorot pushes Leonardo against the fence and lands some knees and then Leonardo lands a nice right hand on the break. Leonardo with a right hand. Fiorot just misses a head kick. Fiorot with some more knees in a clinch before breaking. Fiorot rocks Leonardo with a combo and comes close to ending it but Leonardo survives. They clinch again and Fiorot with a knee and then an elbow on the break. 10-9 Fiorot.

Fiorot starts the second with a head kick. She lands a right hand as Leonardo was coming forward. Fiorot with another high kick. Fiorot with a combo and Leonardo is looking for a takedown but can’t get the body locked. Leonardo lands a high kick. Fiorot lands a hard left hand. They clinch and Fiorot pushes Leonardo against the fence. Fiorot gets a takedown and moves to the half-guard. They get to their feet and Leonardo lands a high kick and Fiorot lands a counter left hand. They trade punches. Fiorot lands a head kick and then starts teeing off with punches and this fight is stopped. Impressive debut win for Fiorot.

Official Result- Manon Fiorot def. Victoria Leonardo by TKO (strikes) at 4:08 of Round 2

> Umar Nurmagomedov (12-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Sergey Morozov (16-3, 0-0 UFC)
Bantamweights

Both men are making their UFC debuts, and Umar is the cousin of Khabib. Nurmagomedov with a leg kick to start. Nurmagomedov with a question mark kick that lands to the body. Both are looking for openings as Morozov just misses a right hand. Nurmagomedov tries a takedown and transitions to the back and they’re on the mat but stand and Nurmagomedov has the back of Morozov. Nurmagomedov maintains back control as Morozov tries to roll through. They scramble up. Morozov lands a couple of kicks. Nurmagomedov with a couple of quick kicks. Nurmagomedov with some more body kicks. Morozov tries a right hand but Nurmagomedov ducks under and gets a takedown and takes the back but time runs out. 10-9 Nurmagomedov.

Nurmagomedov hurts Morozov with a head kick and tries for a takedown against the fence but Morozov was able to defend and they separate. Nurmagomedov on the attack with some punches and kicks. Nurmagomedov with another high kick and then one to the body. Nurmagomedov gets a takedown and grabs the back as they stand and jumps on it but is too high and Morozov shakes him off. Nurmagomedov tries another takedown and again has the back standing as he jumps up on Morozov’s back. Nurmagomedov now has back control as they’re on the ground. Nurmagomedov looking for a choke and has it locked in. Morozov trying to fight it off but he taps! Fantastic showing from Nurmagomedov to get the win and remain undefeated.

Official Result- Umar Nurmagomedov def. Sergey Morozov by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:39 of Round 2

> Mike Davis (8-2, 1-1 UFC) vs. Mason Jones (10-0, 0-0 UFC)
Lightweights

Jones is making his UFC debut and was a two-division champion in Cage Warriors. Davis with a leg kick right away and Jones with a combo. Davis with a combo including a left hook to the body. They are trading on the feet. They trade leg kicks. Davis with a right hand. Davis lands a right hand. Jones with a jab and then lands a left hand. Davis is landing early better and then gets a takedown. They scramble up after Davis lands some punches. Jones with a leg kick. Jones with two leg kicks. Davis with a pair of kicks. Jones lands a combo as he defends a takedown and then has Davis backing up. Davis is able to get a takedown but Jones scrambles up. They clinch and Jones with some body shots before they break. Jones with a spin kick and Davis counters with a right hand. They clinch and Jones with a knee to the body before breaking. Jones with a combo and then a leg kick and lands an uppercut but Davis is able to get a takedown. Jones with an elbow from the bottom before they stand. Davis with a late flying knee. Close round. 10-9 Davis.

Jones with a double jab. Davis with a leg kick and Jones slips to the mat but gets back up. They are scrambling and both land. Jones with an uppercut. Davis looking a little tired. Jones with a left hook and then lands a combo against the fence. Davis lands a right hand. Jones keeps coming forward and lands and then Davis lands a combo. Jones with a combo. Jones with another combo. Davis lands a right hand. Davis lands a hard right hand. Jones with a combo. Both are landing at a high rate. They trade combos in close range. Jones landing slightly more. Jones with a combo against the fence. Davis with a right hand. Davis tries a head kick and Jones gets him down and ends the round on top. Another close round. 10-9 Jones, 19-19.

They are trading to start the third. Davis with a quick combo. Davis being more active early in the third. Jones tries a takedown but Davis defends. Jones with a combo. Jones with a couple of kicks. Davis with a right hand. Jones with a combo. Jones with a couple of leg kicks. Jones is pressuring more as the round is wearing on. They are trading and Jones tries a takedown but Davis defends and lands a right hand. Davis with a hard knee. Jones with a combo. They are both trading. Davis tries a takedown but Jones defends and then lands a sequence of punches and pushes Davis against the fence but they break. Davis with a knee. They clinch and Jones with a knee and combo as the fight ends. Very close fight. 10-9 Davis, 29-28 Davis.

Official Result- Mike Davis def. Mason Jones by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Francisco Figueiredo (11-3-1 1 NC, 0-0 UFC) vs. Jerome Rivera (10-3, 0-1 UFC)
Flyweights

Figueiredo is making his UFC debut and is the younger brother of Deiveson. They trade kicks early on. They clinch and Figueiredo pushes Rivera against the fence. They trade knees. Figueiredo with an elbow. Figueiredo is able to get a takedown and is in side control. They get to their feet after Figueiredo had control on the mat and they are both looking for openings. They trade kicks. Rivera tries to land and Figueiredo slips under and gets Rivera to the mat. Rivera gets to his feet and tries a takedown late to no success. 10-9 Figueiredo.

Figueiredo with a couple of leg kicks to start the second. Rivera trying for leg kicks but not landing. They clinch and Figueiredo gets a takedown. Rivera with some elbows from the bottom but Figueiredo makes him close his guard. Figueiredo keeping pressure from the top as he’s looking to transition. Rivera tries some upkicks but they miss as Figueiredo is trying to pass and they eventually stand. They clinch but neither do much. Rivera misses on some strike attempts badly. Rivera with a leg kick. Figueiredo not doing much on the feet. Figueiredo does land a left hand. Figueiredo with a leg kick and Rivera lands one. Figueiredo with a left hand. They clinch against the fence to end the second. 10-9 Figueiredo, 20-18 Figueiredo.

Rivera with a leg kick that Figueiredo checks. Rivera with a couple of leg kicks. Figueiredo with a couple of leg kicks now. They are trading before Figueiredo initiates a clinch against the fence. Figueiredo trying to get Rivera down against the fence. Rivera reverses and is looking for his own takedown. Rivera then switches to the back and lands some knees. Figueiredo gets back in control and has the underhooks. They switch again and Rivera with some shoulder strikes. Rivera tries to pull guard and almost lost position and they break. Figueiredo with a left hand and then an elbow. Rivera landing more as the round goes on before they clinch again and Figueiredo pushes him against the fence. They break and Rivera with a combo and then they both swing. Rivera with some good volume. They trade left hands. Rivera tries a head lock but Figueiredo defends and has the back but Rivera reverses and is on top and landing punches before they stand. Figueiredo gets a late takedown. 10-9 Rivera, 29-28 Figueiredo.

Official Result- Francisco Figueiredo def. Jerome Rivera by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Dalcha Lungiambula (10-2, 1-1 UFC) vs. Markus Perez (12-4, 2-4 UFC)
Middleweights

Perez with a leg kick. Lungiambula with an explosive series of punches and then gets a huge takedown. Perez is looking for a guillotine. Lungiambula is in the half-guard and defending. Lungiambula escapes and is on top and lands an elbow before getting into Perez’ full guard. Lungiambula with some head shots. Perez is trying to set up a triangle choke from the bottom but Lungiambula remaining on top. Perez looking for a guillotine as they stand. Lungiambula escapes and they clinch against the fence. They break and both miss on strike attempts. 10-9 Lungiambula.

Perez lands some body punches and kicks to start the second. Lungiambula just misses a huge left hook. Lungiambula lands a right hand and then another to the body that knocks Perez off his feet and on his back. Lungiambula gets on top and Perez threatens with an armbar but Lungiambula gets the back. They scramble and Perez is looking for a kimura as Lungiambula is in the half-guard. Lungiambula with some hard left hands to the body. Lungiambula moves to the full guard of Perez. Lungiambula stands and tries to land a right hand but ends up in side control. Perez with some elbows as Lungiambula gets back to the full guard. Lungiambula landing some hard punches from the top as Perez loses his mouthpiece. Perez is a bloody mess as Lungiambula lands some elbows. 10-9 Lungiambula, 20-18 Lungiambula.

They are trading to start the third and Perez just misses a spin kick to the body while Lungiambula is trying to take Perez’ head off with a right hand. They are clinched and both land to the body before breaking. Both swinging wildly and they clinch again. They break and both swing wildly before clinching again against the fence. Perez trying for a takedown but Lungiambula is keeping it standing. They are broken up by Herb Dean after lack of activity. Lungiambula swings for the fences and they clinch again. Both men are exhausted. We have a low blow and they break and Perez lands some good kicks when they resume and Lungiambula with a late takedown. 10-9 Perez, 29-28 Lungiambula.

Official Result- Dalcha Lungiambula def. Markus Perez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Su Mudaerji (13-4, 2-1 UFC) vs. Zarrukh Adashev (3-2, 0-1 UFC)
Flyweights

Mudaerji with an inside leg kick to start. Adashev lands a punch. Mudaerji just misses a superkick. Mudaerji lands a right hand and then a leg kick. Muaderji with another leg kick. He lands another. He lands another as Adashev has been unable to land. Mudaerji with another leg kick and then lands a switch kick to the body. Mudaerji with another body kick. Adashev lands a left hand. Adashev lands another left hand. Adashev with a leg kick. 10-9 Mudaerji.

Adashev landing to start the second and Mudaerji landing some leg kicks and then to the body. Mudaerji with a switch kick. Adashev gets the back standing and lands some right hands and then a left hook as they break. Mudaerji tries a switch kick and Adashev lands a right hand that cracked Mudaerji. Adashev lands some punches. Adashev lands to the body and Mudaerji lands a counter right hook that drops Adashev to his knees. Mudaerji then lands some punches as Adashev is still rocked. Mudaerji with a switch kick. 10-9 Mudaerji, 20-18 Mudaerji.

They trade to start the third. Muderji with a high kick. Mudaerji lands a left hand as Adashev was coming in. Adashev just misses a body kick and Mudaerji lands a leg kick. They are both looking to land in close range. Mudaerji lands a right hook. Mudaerji with a body kick and then Adashev lands a leg kick and a right hand. Mudaerji with a combo and then Adashev lands a counter right hand. They trade late. 10-9 Mudaerji, 30-27 Mudaerji.

Official Result- Su Mudaerji def. Zarrukh Adashev by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Ricky Simon (16-3, 4-2 UFC) vs. Gaetano Pirrello (15-5-1, 0-0 UFC)
Bantamweights

Pirrello is making his UFC debut on short notice. Simon lands a combo. Simon lands a couple of right hands. Simon shoots for a takedown against the fence and finishes it and is in the half-guard of Pirrello. Pirrello is able to explode to his feet but Simon still has the body lock against the fence. Simon drops down and picks Pirrello up and slams him to the mat. Simon on top and lands some left hands as Pirrello stands. Simon still has body control and is trying to drag him down. Simon with some left hands from the back. They get to their feet and break as the round ends. 10-9 Simon.

Simon going for the takedown right away to start the second but Pirrello lands a knee. Simon still has the body and gets Pirrello down to the mat and Simon is on top. They get to their feet but Simon still applying pressure as he gets another takedown against the fence and looks for the back. Pirrello gets to his feet but Simon still has the body against the fence. Simon gets Pirrello down again and is on top and has an arm-triangle locked in and Pirrello taps. Just a flawless showing by Simon.

Official Result- Ricky Simon def. Gaetano Pirrello by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 4:00 of Round 2

ESPN/ESPN+ MAIN CARD | 12 PM ET/9 AM PT

> Omari Akhmedov (#13, 20-5-1, 8-4-1 UFC) vs. Tom Breese (12-2, 5-2 UFC)
Middleweights

Akhemdov gets an early takedown and Breese is looking for a guillotine and has one locked in but Akhmedov is able to pop out and is on top. Akhmedov landing from the top as Breese is looking to explode out from the bottom and Akhmedov now landing big punches from the top. Akhmedov with some relentless ground-and-pound as he’s looking to finish. Akhmedov postures up and Breese gets to the sprawl but Akhmedov gets Breese back to his back and is now on top landing more left hands. Akhemdov with more big punches from the top but Breese is able to scramble up. Breese is attacking a kimura but Akhmedov uses it to get him down. Breese now going for a heel hook but lets go and is on top and now moves to the back of Akhmedov. Akhmedov looking a little tired now. Breese looking for a rear-naked choke as he has the body triangle on the back. 10-9 Akhmedov.

Akhmedov trying for a takedown to start the second as he pushes Breese against the fence. They go to the mat and Breese is looking for a calf slicer. Akhmedov staying calm and is now in the mount and looking for an arm-triangle choke. He has it locked in and Breese looked out for a moment but then he taps! Akhmedov gets the win in a tough fight.

Official Result- Omari Akhmedov def. Tom Breese by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 1:41 of Round 2

> Lerone Murphy (9-0-1, 1-0-1 UFC) vs. Douglas Silva de Andrade (26-3 1 NC, 4-3 UFC)
Featherweights

They trade early on as Andrade is looking for leg kicks while Murphy is finding a spot for the left hand. Andrade with a right hand. Murphy lands a right hand to the body. Andrade with a leg kick that Murphy checks and then Murphy stuns Andrade with a counter right hand. Murphy lands two more right hands and Andrade with a body kick. Andrade with a combo but Murphy blocks a head kick attempt. Murphy with a hard leg kick. They trade at the end. Technical round from both. 10-9 Murphy.

Both are looking for openings in the second. Murphy tries a high kick but Andrade grabs it for a takedown and quickly gets the back and is working for something but Murphy explodes out to his feet. They clinch against the fence and Murphy with a hard elbow. Murphy tries a takedown but Andrade reverses and ends up on top and gets to the mount as he lands. Andrade tries to get the back but allows Murphy to get to his feet. Murphy with a couple of body punches before they break against the fence. Andrade with a left hook to the body that hurt Murphy. Andrade breathing heavily. Murphy with a right hand and then an inside leg kick. Andrade with a leg kick. Murphy just barely lands a spin kick. They trade late. 10-9 Murphy, 20-18 Murphy.

They trade to start the third and Murphy with the calf kicks. They clinch and both land against the fence and Murphy explodes out. We have a groin strike and a timeout. They get back to action and Andrade coming aggressively forward with punches. Murphy now landing combos in close range. Andrade with a leg kick. Murphy with a nice right hand. Murphy with more right hands as Andrade comes forward. They clinch and Murphy landing against the fence before getting a takedown. Murphy working in the half-guard. Murphy with some big ground-and-pound at the end of the third. 10-9 Murphy, 30-27 Murphy.

Official Result- Lerone Murphy def. Douglas Silva de Andrade by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Matt Schnell (#9, 14-5, 4-3 UFC) vs. Tyson Nam (#13, 20-11-1, 2-2 UFC)
Flyweights

Schnell looking to land combos early. Schnell with a leg kick. Both looking for openings. Schnell landing with more volume in the first half of the first round. Schnell lands a left hook. Nam with a combo to the body. Patient first round between the two. Nam with a jab and Schnell with a combo. Very patient first round. 10-9 Schnell.

They trade kicks to start the second. Schnell with the jab. He lands a quick combo in close range. Nam with a leg kick. Nam with a good combo. Nam with a right hand. Nam lands another right hand. They trade left hands. Schnell with a left hook as Nam lands a leg kick. Schnell with another left hook as he ducks under a Nam right hand. Schnell with a combo. Nam then lands a right hand that backs Schnell up. They trade in close range late in the round. 10-9 Schnell, 20-18 Schnell.

Schnell lands the jab and they start exchanging in close range. Schnell lands a combo and Nam with an inside leg kick. Schnell with a knee to the body. Nam with a left hook. They continue to trade as this fight has be completely on the feet. Nam with a left hook. Schnell with the double jab. Nam trying to land but Schnell is slipping away each time. Nam with a combo. Nam with a late flurry against the fence but Schnell counters well. Very good fight, third round is close. 10-9 Nam, 29-28 Schnell.

Official Result- Matt Schnell def. Tyson Nam by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

> Roxanne Modafferi (#8, 25-17, 4-5 UFC) vs. Viviane Araujo (#9, 9-2, 3-1 UFC)
Women’s Flyweights

Araujo landing early on. Araujo lands the right hand. Modafferi looking for short punches but not coming close to landing most of them. Araujo with a left hook. Araujo with a combo and lands a right hand. Modafferi lands a right hand. Araujo with a combo. She lands a hard right hand that drops Modafferi to her knees. Modafferi not landing much as Araujo is piecing her up on the feet. Modafferi with a short leg kick. Araujo with a looping right hand. Araujo with another right hand. Araujo with a left hand. They clinch and Modafferi was looking for a takedown but Araujo reverses and gets a takedown and has the back and a rear-naked choke locked in but Modafferi survives the round. 10-9 Araujo.

Araujo starts off strong with a lot of punches as Modafferi is looking for openings. Araujo landing a lot and gets a takedown. Modafferi gets up and lands a nice right hand. Araujo landing more as they’re trading on the feet. Araujo gets a late takedown with less than a minute and is in side control. Modafferi is cut open above her eye. Araujo ends the round in side control and lands an elbow. 10-9 Araujo, 20-18 Araujo.

They are trading to start the third and Araujo lands with more volume. Modafferi gets a brief takedown but they get right up and Modafferi has the back standing. Araujo is then able to get a takedown and is in side control against the fence. They are trading in close range. Araujo landing with more volume before they clinch against the fence. Araujo has the pressure against the fence but they break. Araujo then gets a takedown and is in the guard of Modafferi. Araujo with a right hand from the top. She ends the fight on top. 10-9 Araujo, 30-27 Araujo.

Official Result- Viviane Araujo def. Roxanne Modafferi by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

> Ike Villanueva (16-11, 0-2 UFC) vs. Vinicius Moreira (9-4, 0-3 UFC)
Light Heavyweights

Moreira with a front kick to start. Villanueva with a right hand. Moreira with a leg kick. Villanueva with a combo in close range but Moreira is covering up. Moreira with a leg kick. Villanueva clipping Moreira on the feet. Moreira seems to be sticking to the leg kicks while Villanueva is attacking the body. Villanueva with a right hand to the body. Moreira with a low kick. Villanueva with a flurry and gets a right hand inside. Moreira with a leg kick. Moreira landed a Superman punch. Villanueva being more active and lands a combo. Moreira with a leg kick. Villanueva coming forward. Moreira with a late Superman punch that just misses. 10-9 Villanueva.

Villanueva lands a combo to start the second. Moreira looks to land a leg kick. Moreira throws a leg kick and is trying to punch but Villanueva lands a massive right hand that knocks Moreira out cold. That was a vicious knockout by Villanueva.

Official Result- Ike Villanueva def. Vinicius Moreira by knockout (punch) at :39 of Round 2

> Warlley Alves (13-4, 7-4 UFC) vs. Mounir Lazzez (10-1, 1-0 UFC)
Welterweights

Alves clinches right away after landing a big right hand following a leg kick. They are battling for position against the fence and Lazzez reverses. Alves with an elbow and then lands a spinning back fist as they break. They clinch right back up. Alves gets a takedown and is now working in the half-guard. Lazzez is able to get to his feet and they remain clinched. Lazzez lands a spinning elbow to the chest of Alves. Alves then lands some big body kicks, three in a row, and Lazzez falls down to the ground and Alves is on top throwing punches and this fight is over. What a finish by Alves as he picks up the win.

Official Result- Warlley Alves def. Mounir Lazzez by TKO (strikes) at 2:35 of Round 1

> Michael Chiesa (#8, 17-4, 10-4 UFC) vs. Neil Magny (#9, 24-7, 17-6 UFC)
Welterweights

Chiesa with a leg kick while he eats a combo from Magny. They clinch in the center but break. Chiesa with a front kick to the body. Chiesa with a leg kick. Chiesa just misses a left hand. Chiesa lands a left hand as Magny is having trouble finding openings. Chiesa lands a left hand. Magny with a quick combo. They tie up and Chiesa gets a takedown in the center of the Octagon. Chiesa trying to pass the guard but Magny catches it and Chiesa remains in the half-guard. Chiesa looking for a kimura but lets go. Chiesa remaining on top and lands some short punches. 10-9 Chiesa.

They clinch against the fence early on in the second and Chiesa has the advantage. Chiesa lands some short punches and has good head position. Chiesa has the body lock and then gets the takedown. Magny is threatening with a triangle choke attempt but Chiesa is able to roll through and pass the legs and is back on top. They stand but Chiesa is right on Magny. Magny now gets the body lock and tries a takedown but ends up on bottom against the fence. Chiesa with some shoulder pressure as he might be trying to set up an arm-triangle attempt. Chiesa still smothering from the top. Chiesa postures up and lands a couple of solid elbows as he’s wearing Magny down. Magny breathing heavy from the bottom. Another solid round for Chiesa. 10-9 Chiesa, 20-18 Chiesa.

Magny with some offense early on in the third. They both look to trade early and they clinch up and go to the mat before getting to their feet. Magny lands an elbow as they break. Chiesa lands a left hand. They clinch against the fence and Magny has the underhooks and then Chiesa reverses and looks for the body lock. Chiesa gets the back and looks for a trip. Magny now looking for a kimura standing but Chiesa escapes and gets a takedown and they scramble on the mat. Chiesa is on top and trying to get better position but spins out and has the neck looking for a guillotine but lets go. Chiesa in the half-guard and looks to land some elbows. Chiesa ends the round on top. 10-9 Chiesa, 30-27 Chiesa.

They are trading to start the fourth and Chiesa has the body lock and gets a takedown and is landing some elbows from the guard. Chiesa remaining on top and is in control as Magny tries to get out. Chiesa has the back and is looking for a rear-naked choke but Magny is able to get out. They scramble up and break and Magny tries a flying knee that just misses and Chiesa gets the underhooks and gets the fight back down. Magny was trying for a triangle but Chiesa pulls back and then forward to escape and ends the fourth on top. 10-9 Chiesa, 40-36 Chiesa.

Both keeping their distance to start the fifth. Chiesa circling around as he knows if he can avoid being finished that he should be getting the win. Chiesa lands a left hand. Magny tries to land but Chiesa ducks under and grabs the body against the fence and has the back. Chiesa gets Magny down to the ground and is on top. Chiesa now in the half-guard and is landing short punches as he’s putting on a clinic in this one. Chiesa just smothering from the top as he lands. Chiesa gets the full mount with ten seconds left and finishes the fight there. An absolutely flawless performance by Chiesa, who looked incredible in this fight. 10-9 Chiesa, 50-45 Chiesa.

Official Result- Michael Chiesa def. Neil Magny by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)

UFC on ESPN+ 33 live results: Smith vs. Rakic, Lawler vs. Magny

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 33: Smith vs. Rakic, emanating from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Octagon remains in Las Vegas as UFC action keeps going during the pandemic, this week with a light heavyweight main event featuring a former title challenger, plus a co-main event with the return of a former champion.

Former title challenger Anthony Smith will be looking to get back into the win column when he takes on Aleksandar Rakic in the headline bout. This fight will only be a three-round main event after the original main event for this show was cancelled. Smith is facing a quick turnaround after a brutal loss to Glover Teixeira in May while Rakic makes his first Octagon appearance of 2020.

In the co-main event, former UFC Welterweight Champion Robbie Lawler returns on short notice, fighting for the first time in over a year, as he looks to end a three-fight skid against Neil Magny, winner of two straight. Also on the main card is the debut of Alexa Grasso at 125 pounds as she takes on Ji Yeon Kim and former title challenger Ricardo Lamas welcomes short-notice replacement Bill Algeo to the UFC.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.

ESPN/ESPN+ PRELIMS | 6 PM ET/3 PM PT

> Mallory Martin (6-3, 0-1 UFC) vs. Hannah Cifers (10-6, 2-4 UFC)
Women’s Strawweights* (Cifers missed weight by 1 pound)

They trade early on. Cifers starting to land a little more early on. Martin lands a nice jab. Martin lands a nice right cross. Cifers lands a big right hand that drops Martin and rushes on top looking to finish. Cifers in the guard and lands a big slam and is landing punches but they scramble to their feet. Cifers still landing lots of punches and they clinch. Cifers with a knee and Cifers still landing as Martin is pinned against the fence. Cifers still landing. Martin looks for a takedown but Cifers defends and is still landing. Martin pulls guard. Cifers slams herself free and is landing more big punches from the top. Martin stands and survives the round. 10-8 Cifers.

Cifers was landing early and Martin pushes her against the fence in a clinch. Martin scores a takedown and lands some elbows. She traps the arm of Cifers for a moment and lands some punches. Martin still landing left hands as she moves to the mount. Martin with some elbows and Cifers is cut open. Cifers gives up her back and Martin locks in a rear-naked choke and gets Cifers to tap. What a huge comeback by Martin and an unfortunate end for Cifers after a dominant first round.

Official Result- Mallory Martin def. Hannah Cifers by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:33 of Round 2

> Polyana Viana (10-4, 1-3 UFC) vs. Emily Whitmire (4-3, 2-2 UFC)
Women’s Strawweights

They both come out swinging and Whitmire lands some inside leg kicks. Viana lands a nice right hand. Whitmire able to get a takedown and is in side control. She moves to full guard and Viana lands some elbows from the guard. They start scrambling and Viana is able to grab an arm and lock in an armbar and Whitmire screams tap. What a slick finish by Viana to pick up the win.

Official Result- Polyana Viana def. Emily Whitmire by submission (armbar) at 1:53 of Round 1

> Sean Brady (12-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. Christian Aguilera (14-6, 1-0 UFC)
Welterweights

Brady with a big body kick and follows it with a left hand and then a leg kick. Aguilera with a leg kick. Brady with another nice leg kick and they trade punches. Brady with a left hook as Aguilera rushes in and then lands a leg kick. Brady with a combo as Aguilera has a cut open around his right eye. Brady with a hard leg kick and Aguilera counters with a hard right hand. Brady lands a left hand and rushes in scoring a takedown. Brady with control from the top as he lands to end the round. 10-9 Brady.

Brady starts with a leg kick followed by a left hand. They trade left hooks. Aguilera lands a leg kick but Brady times it perfectly and turns it into a big takedown. Brady works for a guillotine and has it in and Aguilera is able to fight it off for a moment but Brady gets a mounted guillotine locked in deep and Aguilera is choked out cold and put asleep. What an impressive submission by Brady as he remains undefeated.

Official Result- Sean Brady def. Christian Aguilera by submission (guillotine choke) at 1:47 of Round 2

> Alex Caceres (16-12 1 NC, 11-10 1 NC UFC) vs. Austin Springer (12-3, 0-0 UFC)
Featherweights* (Springer missed weight by 5 pounds)

Caceres lands a head kick and Springer stumbles a little. Springer lands a leg kick. Springer with a couple more inside leg kicks. Caceres lands a left hand. Springer is throwing punches but not landing but lands a leg kick. Caceres with a body kick. Caceres lands for a body. Springer goes for a takedown but Caceres is able to defend and takes the back of Springer. Caceres quickly gets the hooks in and finds a rear-naked choke and gets Springer to tap! Yet another submission win on the night.

Official Result- Alex Caceres def. Austin Springer by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:38 of Round 1

> Alessio Di Chirico (12-4, 3-4 UFC) vs. Zak Cummings (23-7, 8-4 UFC)
Middleweights

Di Chirico lands some early and just misses landing a flush head kick. Di Chircio with a leg kick and Cummings is limping a little. Cummings with a leg kick. Di Chirico lands a right hand. Cummings with an inside leg kick. Cummings lands a left hand. Di Chirico with a body kick. Di Chircio with another body kick and lands a right hand and left hook at the end. 10-9 Di Chircio.

Di Chirico landing to start the second and Cummings with a leg kick. They are feeling each other out and Cummings blocks a high kick attempt from Di Chirico. Cummings with a high kick and then lands a left hook. Cummings with a left hand. Cummings with a left hand and Di Chircio is wobbled a little. Cummings with an inside leg kick. They trade punches. Close round. 10-9 Cummings, 19-19.

Cummings lands a left hand and then a leg kick. Di Chircio with an inside leg kick. Cummings with a left hook to the body. Di Chirico with a left hook. Di Chircio connects with a combo and Cummings lands a counter left hand. Cummings with a front kick to the body. Di Chirico with a combo ending with a hard left hook. Di Chirico with a leg kick and Cummings with a left hand. Cummings with a body kick. Cummings with a groin strike and we have a brief timeout. Back to action and Cummings lands a left hand. Di Chirico with an inside leg kick. Di Chirico with a late flurry and Cummings drops Di Chirico with a head kick as the horn sounds. Wow. Close fight. 10-9 Cummings, 29-28 Cummings.

Official Result- Zak Cummings def. Alessio Di Chirico by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Maki Pitolo (13-6, 1-2 UFC) vs. Impa Kasanganay (7-0, 0-0 UFC)
Middleweights

Both men have already fought in the month of August. They are throwing big punches to start. Kasanganay with a calf kick. Pitolo lands a body kick and then a counter right hand. Kasanganay with a combo. Kasanganay with a left hand. They clinch against the fence. They break and Pitolo with a body kick. Kasanganay with a nice body punch. Kasanganay with a hard overhand right and Pitolo eats it. Pitolo with an uppercut. Kasanganay with a big combo and he’s chasing Pitolo around the Octagon. Kasanganay with some punches against the fence. Pitolo is cut over his left eye. Kasanganay with a right hand. Kasanganay with a front kick. 10-9 Kasanganay.

Kasanganay landing some good punches to start the second. Kasanganay pressing forward and both men are landing. Pitolo with an overhand right. Kasanganay lands a right hand. Pitolo with a kick and they clinch and both get position against the fence. They break. Kasanganay with a left hook. Kasanganay with a left hand. They clinch for a moment and Kasanganay lands a hard elbow on the break and follows it with a hard combo. They trade late and Kasanganay with a nice right hand at the end. 10-9 Kasanganay, 20-18 Kasanganay.

Both men looking for their range to start the third. Kasanganay lands a left hook after landing to the body. Kasanganay walking forward and landing with more volume in the third. Pitolo slowing down. Kasanganay with a teet kick. Kasanganay with a left hook after Pitolo lands a jab. Kasanganay with a combo. Kasanganay with a right hand. Kasanganay with a head kick that Pitolo blocks. Kasanganay with an overhand right. Pitolo lands a left hand. This goes the distance. 10-9 Kasanganay, 30-27 Kasanganay.

Official Result- Impa Kasanganay def. Maki Pitolo by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

ESPN+ MAIN CARD | 9 PM ET/6 PM PT

> Ricardo Lamas (19-8, 10-6 UFC) vs. Bill Algeo (13-4, 0-0 UFC)
Featherweights

Algeo lands a knee to the body and Lamas grabs the neck and tries to drag him down but Algeo breaks free. Algeo with a leg kick and Lamas with a right hand. They trade jabs. They trade and then clinch but break. Lamas with a body kick and then goes high with a kick. Lamas with a body kick followed by a calf kick. Lamas with a combo. Algeo with a leg kick. Lamas with a jab and then a leg kick. Lamas with an uppercut. Algeo with a leg kick and Lamas counters with a head kick. Algeo lands a left hook. Lamas with the jab. Lamas with a leg kick and Algeo stumbles. Algeo with a leg kick. Lamas with a hard calf kick and then another. Algeo hurts Lamas late with some punches. Close competitive round. 10-9 Algeo.

They trade kicks to start the second. Lamas with a body kick and Algeo counters with a left hook. Lamas shoots for a takedown and gets the back and drags Algeo to the mat. They scramble to their feet. Algeo with heavy shots in close and they trade elbows. Algeo with a combo ending with a head kick against the fence. Lamas shoots in and pushes Algeo against the fence. Lamas is leaking blood from his nose. Lamas still trying for a takedown as Algeo is landing elbows to defend against the fence. They break and Lamas with a pair of kicks. Algeo with a hard knee and Lamas is wobbled. Algeo takes Lamas down. They scramble up. They battle for underhooks. Algeo with some short knees. They break. Lamas with a calf kick. They trade late. 10-9 Algeo, 20-18 Algeo.

Lamas with a pair of high kicks to start the third. Algeo with a high kick of his own. They trade leg kicks and right hands. Lamas with a high kick and Algeo with some right hands. Lamas shoots in for a deep takedown and has Algeo pinned against the fence. Lamas with a knee to the body. Algeo defending with some elbows but Lamas finishes the takedown and lands a couple of right hands. Algeo with a big elbow from the bottom. Lamas with some nasty elbows as Algeo is trying to scramble to his feet. Lamas doing damage on the ground. Lamas looking to take full back control. Lamas landing punches but Algeo scrambles out to his feet. Lamas gets Algeo back down and has the back. He looks to get the hooks in as he has back control. He flattens Algeo out and is landing big punches and elbows to close out the fight. Big elbows at the end. 10-8 Lamas, 28-28 draw.

Official Result- Ricardo Lamas def. Bill Algeo by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)

> Ji Yeon Kim (#14, 9-2-2, 3-2 UFC) vs. Alexa Grasso (#14 WSW, 11-3, 3-3 UFC)
Women’s Flyweights

They are trading early and Grasso landing with more volume. Grasso landing some good leg kicks early on. Grasso lands a nice right hand but eats a counter left hook from Kim. Kim with a right hand as Grasso lands a leg kick. Grasso fires back with a combo. They continue to trade and Grasso landing with more volume as she lands a body kick. Grasso with a big combo and then another body kick. Grasso with a right hand. Grasso with the jab. 10-9 Grasso.

Grasso landing with more volume to start the second and lands a couple of good right hands and Kim just eats them. Kim with a right hand and then Grasso lands a jab. They trade in close range. Grasso back to landing with more volume and lands a leg kick. Grasso with a nice combo and ends it with a hard right hand. Grasso with another solid combo. Grasso with a hard right hand and Kim is bleeding from the nose. More hard right hands landed by Grasso. They trade punches. They trade and clinch for a moment but break. Grasso with a right hand. Kim lands a right hand. 10-9 Grasso, 20-18 Grasso.

Grasso with a leg kick. They trade in close range and Kim lands a good combo. Kim with a right hand. They trade and Kim jumps up trying to grab the neck but they separate. They trade and Grasso lands a nice combo. Kim lands a right hand. Kim coming forward and Grasso circling away as both land. Kim lands as Grasso has her back against the fence and Kim forces a clinch. They battle for underhooks against the fence as Grasso lands a knee. Grasso with body punches. Kim with some short knees. Grasso with hammerfists to the thighs. Grasso gets a late takedown. Grasso working in the half-guard and lands some punches and ends the fight in the position. 10-9 Grasso, 30-27 Grasso.

Official Result- Alexa Grasso def. Ji Yeon Kim by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Robbie Lawler (#13, 28-14 1 NC, 13-8 UFC) vs. Neil Magny (#14, 23-7, 16-6 UFC)
Welterweights

Magny with a quick leg kick. Magny with a body kick. Lawler with a left to the body. Lawler rushes in and they clinch after he lands a left. Lawler looking for the takedown and they go to the mat and Magny looking for a D’Arce choke but lets it go. Magny with some body punches. They get to their feet and Magny has the back. Magny with a knee and he’s going for a standing rear-naked choke but lets go. Magny still has the back and lands some knees and gets a takedown. Lawler able to reverse and ends on the top in the half-guard of Magny. They start to get up and Lawler lands some left hands. Magny drops down and Lawler lands some elbows but Magny completes the takedown. They scramble and Magny with some punches. Magny with punches and elbows to the body. 10-9 Magny.

Lawler with a calf kick. Magny with a leg kick. Magny ducks under a left hand from Lawler. Magny with a body kick and then closes the distance. Magny gets a takedown against the fence. Magny gets the back and has both hooks in against the fence. Lawler trying to escape but Magny still has control. Lawler with some back elbows. He tries to scramble up and makes it to his knees before Magny gets him back down. They get to their feet. Magny with some knees in the clinch. They break. Magny with a right hand. They trade late. 10-9 Magny, 20-18 Magny.

Magny with a couple of kicks to start the third. Lawler with a right hook and tries a left hand but Magny grabs him and pulls guard. Not much happens on the ground and Jason Herzog orders them up. Magny going for the takedown and has the leg and ends up completing the takedown. Magny has the back. They get to their feet. Magny with some knees. They break the clinch and go to the center. Lawler with a left hand. Magny with a couple of kicks. Magny with a quick combo and then a step-in knee. They clinch and Magny with some knees. Magny staying busy against the fence. Lawler with a head kick as they break. Magny slips under some kick attempts at the end. Great performance from Magny. 10-9 Magny, 30-27 Magny.

Official Result- Neil Magny def. Robbie Lawler by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Anthony Smith (#5, 32-15, 8-5 UFC) vs. Aleksandar Rakic (#8, 12-2, 4-1 UFC)
Light Heavyweights

Rakic with a couple of leg kicks to start. Smith with a leg kick of his own and Rakic counters with a body kick and then a leg kick. Rakic with another hard leg kick. Rakic with more hard leg kicks and Smith falls down as his leg crumples. Rakic with some punches. Smith able to get up and hops on the back of Rakic as they stand but Rakic escapes. They stay on the mat and Rakic on top. Smith trying to hunt for submissions from the bottom but Rakic maintaining top position though not much is happening on the ground. Smith with some good punches from the bottom. Rakic postures up and lands a couple of heavy right hands. 10-9 Rakic.

Rakic with a leg kick to start. Rakic now with a body kick and then another leg kick. Smith lands a hard right hand and they clinch. Smith tries a takedown but Rakic slips away and Smith falls down and Rakic goes into his guard. Rakic landing from the top as Smith looks to attack the kimura. Smith not doing much from the bottom otherwise. Rakic with smothering top control. Rakic postures up and lands more punches. Smith is going to need a finish in the third. 10-9 Rakic, 20-18 Rakic.

Rakic starts with a leg kick. Rakic lands a left hand and a head kick and Smith is wobbled. Rakic with a knee and they clinch. Smith tries to take Rakic’s back standing and they end up on the mat with Rakic on top. Rakic landing punches from the top. Rakic now gets the back and is in control as he lands knees to the legs. Smith is doing nothing to try to even get up. Rakic now gets back to the top. Rakic with more punches and he explodes to his feet and nothing happens in the last ten seconds. 10-9 Rakic, 30-27 Rakic.

Official Result- Aleksandar Rakic def. Anthony Smith by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Daily Update: Vince McMahon-Variety, Anderson Silva, Neil Magny

Posted on by Bryan Rose

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News

Latest Audio

F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: WWE introduces Wild Card rule

Coming off of an underwhelming first quarter financial report and a week of record-low ratings, this Monday’s Raw offered WWE the chance to show they understand how to fix the problem.

WWE did acknowledge that the problem exists. Hoping to help out the ratings and counter two NBA playoff games, WWE hyped that SmackDown’s Roman Reigns would be appearing on Raw. His appearance was made apparent but not actually officially announced in advance, with WWE playing up that Reigns was defying a statement they put out claiming that he couldn’t be on the show due to his obligations as a SmackDown wrestler.

WON NEWSLETTER: May 13, 2019 Observer Newsletter: AEW UK PPV details, WWE wild card rule, more

An update on AEW distribution, PPV, television and streaming, is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Look at the full distribution around the world for Double or Nothing, as well as updating where things stand when it comes to television.

Look at pricing, preshow, who is carrying it, how strong ITV 4 is, how this compares with WWE’s distribution and probable viewership, where things stand with U.K. television, details on Casino Battle Royale plans, the main championship, updating the show and lots of new signings.

Go in-depth on not just the XFL television deal and finances, but the lessons of the deal and how the deal is a 180 from the UFC deal. 

Also look at the changes in Raw and Smackdown this past week, why they were made, where NBC Universal and FOX stand, WWE star power, how the European tour affected this week’s television, how it affects touring, plus updates on the Money In The Bank show.

Also look at the 2019 Best of the Super Juniors tournament, including what matches to watch out for, the schedule, the positioning of Will Ospreay, and the schedule.

Look at the two New Japan Dontaku events, what the events say about both Japan and U.S. popularity, the story behind Okada vs. Sanada, plus match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

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TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

Additional notes by Joseph Currier

WWE

  • SmackDown tonight is a taped show from the O2 London in England. A fatal four-way match between Finn Balor, Ali, Randy Orton and Andrade is the featured match. Kevin Owens has also invited Kofi Kingston to be part of the Kevin Owens Show and the team of Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose will take on Asuka and Kairi Sane.
  • 205 Live will see the cruiserweights collide with the NXT UK brand. Cruiserweight Champion Tony Nese will face Ligero in a non-title match, while Jack Gallagher, Humberto Carrillo, Mark Andrews and James Drake will face one another in a fatal four-way match.
  • Vince McMahon, along with other key WWE executives, talked to Variety for a cover story about WWE’s move to FOX this fall, the Last Week Tonight segment on WWE, and their momentum. McMahon said wrestlers can get time off without repercussions: “Anybody who wants time off can get time off. That’s easy. In addition to that, it’s easy to weave a talent in and out of a storyline. If they get injured, you’re not expecting that. Or if they have a family matter. Our characters are real people with real problems. It’s a revolving situation where this talent will work these dates, that talent will work those dates.”
  • Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly, Shayna Baszler and Matt Riddle are being advertised for next month’s’ Download Festival.
  • Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins officially confirmed that they’re dating each other.
  • WALTER retained the WWE United Kingdom Championship against R-Truth at yesterday’s SmackDown house show in Bournemouth, England.
  • The WrestleMania main event between Ronda Rousey, Charlotte and Becky Lynch has been nominated for a MTV Movie/TV award for Best Fight. Roman Reigns is nominated for Best Real-Life Hero.
  • Big Show is joining season 4 of SYFY’s Van Helsing in an undisclosed role.
  • Ali talks about performing during Ramadan.
  • Former WWE star Zach Gowen told Wrestling News.co in an interview that Vince McMahon paid for both of his prosthetic legs and drug rehab.
  • Xavier Woods, Baron Corbin, Asuka and Tyler Breeze play Monster Hunter: World on Up Up Down Down.

Pro Wrestling

  • Referee Paul Turner has joined AEW. Turner was formerly with ROH. Rick Knox and Bryce Remsburg are also referees for AEW.
  • Tickets for Slammiversary will go on sale starting on May 17 at 10:00 a.m. ET on Impact’s website. The show will be held at Gilley’s Dallas.
  • NJPW will hold a ten bell ceremony on May 22 in remembrance of Silver King, who wrestled there as Black Tiger III.
  • Tony Khan spoke to ITV about Double or Nothing and the partnership between AEW and ITV.

UFC/MMA

  • Anderson Silva did not suffer any serious leg injury after his loss this weekend to Jared Cannonier. No ligaments were damaged but will need physical therapy before getting back to training.
  • Silva also commented on the loss, saying (translation by MMAJunkie): “Until the limit. Pain is your friend. It shows you are not dead yet. They say that great symbols become great targets, perhaps. But the most important thing is to not victimize yourself. If you fell, get up. If it’s broken, fix it. No giving up or thinking that you can’t because you lost a battle. There is one saying, I will go until the end and the more they pressure me, the more I will want to go until the end. There’s nothing wild that feels sorry for itself. An old lion surrounded by hungry [hyenas], crazy to devour him and he still fights to the death without ever feeling sorry for himself. And it won’t be different with me. Strength and honor.”
  • Neil Magny is out of UFC Rochester on May 18, where he was supposed to face Vicente Luque. He wrote on Instagram:  On Saturday, May 11, 2019, I [received] an email from USADA stating that I have failed an “out of competition drug test” due to the banned substance “Di-Hydroxy-LGD-4033”. I am fully cooperating with USADA to determine how this substance was found in the sample I provided them on May 5, 2019. I have always been an advocate for the strict drug testing in the UFC, even to the extent of opting for my collected samples to be used for research purposes by USADA. I know without a doubt that I have done everything according to the standards set by USADA. I have faith in USADA that this situation will resolved in a timely manner and that I will be cleared of any [wrongdoing]. To all of my fans and supporters, thank you. I assure you that I have not let you down.
  • Luque will now face Derrick Krantz on the show.
  • Alex Volkanovski is in a Chilean hospital being treated for a blood infection. He’s currently waiting for test results.
  • Yoel Romero vs. Paulo Costa has been made official for UFC 241.
  • Frankie Edgar talked to MMA Fighting about his next fight against Max Holloway. He also said that Volkanovski, who is on a 17 fight winning streak, will get his time.
  • The UFC 237 prelims averaged 813k on ESPN this past Saturday.
  • Johnny Walker told TMZ Sports that he feels great after shoulder surgery and wants to face Jon Jones.
  • Cody Garbrandt’s manager Ali Abdelaziz told MMA Junkie that he turned down a UFC on ESPN+ 13 fight to let him recover more from a knockout loss a few months ago. He also wants the two TJ Dillashaw wins vacated following Dillashaw’s suspension.
  • According to Brett Okamoto, Kron Gracie is looking to fight at UFC 241 in Anaheim.

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Giant Baba won 2nd All Japan Carnival Tournament

F4W Empire Convention Info:

  • Ed in San Antonio presents PODER~! at the FSW arena on Friday 5/24 – Showtime is at noon – Main event: Bryan Alvarez vs. Logan Stunt
  • Empire dinner on Friday 5/24 at 8:30 p.m. at Texas de Brazil – Price is $82 – All you can eat meat and salad, sodas, tea, and coffee, plus dessert included
  • Empire suite party on Friday 5/24 for those who were not able to get the Q&A package – Price is $25

Purchase tickets here. 

CONTACT INFORMATION

UFC Fight Night 78 Monterrey live results: Neil Magny vs. Kelvin Gastelum

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Welcome to WrestlingObserver.com’s live coverage of UFC Fight Night 78: Magny vs. Gastelum from Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico. The event is headlined by a five-round welterweight bout as 13th-ranked Neil Magny takes on 15th-ranked and former “TUF” winner Kelvin Gastelum. Also on the card, in the co-main event, it is a featherweight bout as former title challenger Ricardo Lamas welcomes original “TUF” winner, Diego Sanchez, back to the Octagon in another new weight class, and flyweights Jussier Formiga and Henry Cejudo square off in a potential title eliminator bout. The action kicks off with preliminary card fights at 6:30 PM eastern time on UFC Fight Pass. The action moves over to FS1 at 8 PM eastern time with additional preliminary fights before the main card kicks off at 10 PM eastern time.

UFC Fight Night 78 Weigh-In Results
UFC Fight Night 78 5 Storylines To Watch
UFC Fight Night 78 DFS Playbook
UFC Fight Night 78 By The Numbers
UFC Fight Night 78 Panel Picks

Coverage provided by Dave Meltzer

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT)

LIGHTWEIGHTS- VALMIR LAZARO (13-3, 1-1 UFC) VS. MICHEL PRAZERES (18-2, 2-2 UFC)

First round: Mini-Brock Gary Copeland as referee tonight.  Lazaro with a low kick.  Low kick back by Prezeres.  Now Lazaro with a low kick.  Left by Prezeres.  Good low kick by Lazaro.  Lazaro landing jabs.  Another jab by Lazaro.  Lazaro continues to jab.  Right by Prezeres.  Good right by Prezeres.  He tried to follow with a takedown and got him down. .  But Lazaro right back up.  No damage was done on the ground.  Prezeres went for another takedown and Lazaro easily evaded it.  Prezeres with a right and left.  Low kick by Lazaro.  Lazaro 10-9 good round.

Second round: Body kick by Prezeres.  Prezeres went for a takedown but Lazaro landed on top.  Copeland ordered a standup.  Prezeres landed a right.  He shot for a takedown but and got him down but Lazaro was right back up.  Lazaro landing jabs again.  Prezeres took him down but Lazaro right back up.  Close round, 20-18 Lazaro.

Third round: Lazaro’s corner told him it was 1-1, which is probably a good thing to tell him because it could be and he can’t think he’s got it won.  They hugged before the round started.  Low kick by Lazaro.  Nice left by Prezeres.  Missed on a huge right.  Prezeres missing punches.  Left by Prezeres.  Prezers moving in for a takedown.  Prezeres got him down but Lazaro right back up.  Lazaro ended up blocking a takedown and landing on top.   The ref ordered a standup with 37 seconds left.  Prezeres missed another takedown.  Lazaro’s round I’ve got 30-27.

Scores: 29-28 Prezeres 29-28 Lazaro 29-28 Prezeres.  Prezeres very lucky.  Bad call.

LIGHTWEIGHTS- CESAR ARZAMENDIA (7-1, 0-0 UFC) VS. POLO REYES (3-1, 0-0 UFC)

First round: Arzamendia from Paraguay, Reyes from Mexico.  They are both of TUF Latin America.  Both swinging.  Low kick by Arzamendia.  Knees by Arzamendia.  Arzamendia claimed there was a low blow.  Armzamendia took him down but Reyes right back up.  Another takedown by Arzamendia.  Another takedown by Arzamendia.  Reyes back up.  Spin kick to the body by Reyes.  Crowd pretty hot for this with a Mexican in the match.  A double leg takedown by Arzamendia.  Left by Reyes knocked him out.  He broke a clinch and landed  a left to the jaw for the knockout.   3:42

WELTERWEIGHTS- VERNON RAMOS (3-0, 0-0 UFC) VS. ALVARO HERRERA (8-3, 0-0 UFC)

First round: Ramos from Panama, Herrera from Guadalajara.  Both off TUF Latin America.  Herrera landed punches right away and it was over.  Left, a right uppercut and another right behind the ear and it’s over as Ramos face planted. :30 

PRELIMINARY CARD (FS1- 8 PM ET/5 PM PT)

FEATHERWEIGHTS- GABRIEL BENITEZ (18-4, 2-0 UFC) VS. ANDRE FILI (14-3, 2-2 UFC)

First round:  Benitez the crowd favorite from Tijuana.  Benitez known for ridiculous kicks.  Benitez landing low kicks.  Left by Benitez.  Fili with a body kick.  Fili with a low kick.  High kick by Fili.  Fili with a takedown.  Head kick by Fili and he finished him with a flurry of punches to the chagrin of the crowd.  It was  pair of right high kicks and a series of punches before Benitez could recover, he went down and it was stopped. 

BANTAMWEIGHTS- SCOTT JORGENSEN (15-11, 4-7 UFC) VS. ALEJANDRO PEREZ (15-6, 1-1 UFC)

First round:    Perez with a low kick.  Perez with another low kick.  Jorgensen tried for a akedown but Perez threw him off.  Jorgensen landed a right.  Jorgensen took him down.  Perez back up.  Another takedown by Jorgensen.  Perez back up again.  Right by Jorgensen.  High kick by Jorgensen missed.  Jorgensen with a right.  Low kick by Perez.  Low kick by Jorgensen.  Good low kick by Perez.  Jorgensn is hurt and may not be able to continue.  Perez 10-9.

Second round:   Jorgensen came out but can barely walk.  He fell down, this fight needs to be stopped.  He got up.  Low kick by Perez.   Perez kicking the right leg, which is the good leg.  Perez continues to kick the right leg.  Jorgensen’s calf has a huge bruise.  Perez with a body kick.  Perez with more kicks to the right leg.  Right and left by Jorgensen.  Perez with a body shot.  Perez swept his leg  but Jorgensen got back up.  Body kick by Perez.  It’s kind of amazing the fight is still going.  Jorgensen just collapsed, his leg gave out and he tapped.

WELTERWEIGHTS- HECTOR URBINA (17-8-1, 1-0 UFC) VS. BARTOSZ FABINSKI (12-2, 1-0 UFC)

First round:  Fabinski took him right down.  Fabinski with punches and elbows from the top.  Mario Yamasaki stood them up.  I have no idea why since Fabinski was busy from the top.  Fabinski then took him right down again.  Fabinski landing elbows.  Urbina tred a triangle but Fabinski out of it easily.  10-9 Fabinski

Second round:  Urbina with a knee and Fabinski took him down.  Another takedown by Fabinski.  He’s moved to side control.  Urbina reversed  and throwing punches but Fabinski back up.  Both trading punches.   Urbina missed a high kick.  Urbina bleeding from the left eye.  They stopped the fight for the doctor to check  the cut.  The cut is on the eye lid.  The doctor allowed it to continue.  Another  takedown by Fabinski.  Fabinski ‘s round 20-18.

Third round:  The cut was caused by a head–butt.  Urbina throwing punches and went for a guillotine.  Fabinski took him down again. Urbina trying to use the guillotine to sweep.  Urbina has his legs tied up as well.  Fabinski escaped  and on top.  Fabinski  with some punches.  Now Urbina trying for a Kimura.  Boring round.  Urbina tried to sweep but Fabinski  blocked it and remained on top.  Fabinski has his back.  Urbina landing elbows as Fabinski tried for takedown.  Urbina throwing punches.  Urbina’s round so 29-28 FAbinski.

Scores:  29-28, 30-27 and 30-27 for Fabinski

BANTAMWEIGHTS- ERIK PEREZ (14-6, 4-2 UFC) VS. TAYLOR LAPILUS (10-1, 2-0 UFC)

First round:  Perez is a big favorite since he’s from Monterrey.  Crowd going crazy for him.  Lapilus with a body kick.  Nice left by Lapilus.  Knee to the body by Lapilus.  Low kick by Lapilus.  Body kick by Lapilus.  Fans were booing.  Low kick by Lapilus.  Lapilus with a  body kick.  Low kick by Lapilus.  Perez landed a right.  Perez had a leg but couldn’t take him down.  Perez landed a series of punches  late.  Perez landed another combo.  Perez picked him up at the buzzer, so the slam didn’t count.  Lapilus 10-9

Second round:  Lapilus landed some punches and Perez back with a right.  Lapilus working for a guillotine.  Perez escaped and on top.  Crowd popped big for that.  Perez is landing shots to the body from the top.   Perez with lots of body shots.  Perez with body shots and elbows.  Perez’s round so 19-19 after two.  

Third round:  Crowd real hot knowing it’s even.  Loud “Mexico” chants.  Head kick by Perez.  Lapilus went for a takedown.  Perez defending well.  Perez has him against the fence.  Perez took him down.  Both scrambling and Perez standing .  Left and knee by Lapilus.  Perez in with a right.  Left by Lapilus.  Perez with another takedown.  Perez not doing much but staying on top.  Perez with body shots now.  Perez elbowing the thigh.   Perez is mostly holding him down.  Perez with some elbows.  Perez with body shots.   Perez should win 29-28, really that’s the only score possible.

Scores:   Perez is wearing a mask.  All three have is 29-28 Perez.

MAIN CARD (FS1- 10 PM ET/7 PM PT)

LIGHTWEIGHTS- EFRAIN ESCUDERO (24-9, 5-5 UFC) VS. LEANDRO SILVA (18-2-1 1 NC, 2-2 1 NC UFC)

First round:  Body kick by Silva.  Escuedero with a  body kick.  Left by Silva.  Body kick by Escudero and one back by Silva   Silva land a series of punches.  Head kick by Sivla.  Escudero worked for a takedown but didn’t get it.  Escudero in with a punch.  Nice right by Escudero and moved in for a takedown attempt.  Silva landed a nice left at the end of the round.  10-9 Sivla

Second round:  Nice hook kick by Silva but didn’t land solid.  Front kick by Silva.  Body kick by Silva.  Escudero got the takedown.  Escudero took him down again.  Silva got to his feet.  Escudero’s round so 19-19 after two.

Third round:  Body kick by Silva.  Escudero land some punches.  Left by Silva.  Silva landed jabs.  Escudero trying for a takedown but Silva defended well.  Silva landing punches.  Escuerdo tried a takedown but didn’t get it.  Sivla again blocking the takedown.  Right and left by Silva.  Silva got his back on the ground.  Silva 29-28.

Scores:   All three have it 29-28 Silva. Really the only score possible.  Some boos since Escudero was the crowd favorite.

TUF: LATIN AMERICA 2 LIGHTWEIGHT FINALS- HORACIO GUTIERREZ (2-1, 0-0 UFC) VS. ENRIQUE BARZOLA (10-2-1, 0-0 UFC)

First round:  Gutierrez is from Guadalajara so that makes him the favorite.  This is the final of the current TUF Latin America season.  Low kick by Gutierrez.  Another low kick by Gutierrez.   Low kick by Gutierrez.  Beautiful back suplex by Barzola.  Barzola has his back.  Another takedown by Barzola.  Gutierrez up and Barzola tripped him  back down.   Barzola with a hard punch on the ground.   10-9 Barzola.

Second round:  Takedown right away by Barzola.  Gutierrez bleeding.  Barzola bleeding as well.  Barzola with some elbows.  Some elbows to the body and head.  10-8 round, 20-17 Barzola.

Third round:  Barzola with another takedown.  Barzola with elbows to the head and punches to the body.  More elbows by Barzola.   Another 10-8 round for Barzola, 30-25.

Scores:   30-27, 30-27 and 30-26 for Barzola.

TUF: LATIN AMERICA 2 WELTERWEIGHT FINALS- ERICK MONTANO (6-3, 0-0 UFC) VS. ENRIQUE MARIN (8-2, 0-0 UFC)

First round:  This is the TUF Latin America finals in the welterweight division.  Montano is from Mexico City,  so he’s the crowd favorite.  Montano with a body kick and Marin back with some punches.  Nice left by Marin.  Montano took him down and Marin reversed to the top.  Side kick by Montano.  Montano went for a takedown but blocked.  Marin  moved in and landed.  Marin 10-9.

Second round:  Both swinging.  Nice takedown by Marin.  Marin moved to side control.  Body kick by Montano.  Montano throwing kicks.  Marin went for a takedown but Montano blocked it.  Montano landing punches and kicks.  Close round but I’ve got 20-18 Marin.

Third round:  They hugged before the third round.  These two were best friends on the show.  Montano with a high kick. Montano landed a right and a side kick.  Montano with a body kick.  Marin pushed him against the fence.  He’s just holding him against the cage but doing nothing.  Body kick by Montano.  Right by Montano.  Marin with punches and body kick.  Bodykick by Montano.  Montano took him down.  Crowd booed both guys.   Montano’s round so I’ve got 29-28 Marin.  Could go the other way.  Pretty uneventful fight.

Scores:  29-28 Marin 29-28 Montano 29-28 Montano

FLYWEIGHTS- (#3) JUSSIER FORMIGA (18-3, 4-2 UFC) VS. (#5) HENRY CEJUDO (9-0, 3-0 UFC)

First round:  Cejudo landing punches.  Left and right by Cejudo.  Left by Formiga.  Formiga landed a right.  Trading knees.  Trading more knees from the clinch.  Formiga landed a right.  Hard right by Cejudo.  Cejudo took him down late.  10-9 Cejudo

Second round:  Right by Cejudo.  Both traded knees from the clinch.  Nice right by Cejudo.  Formiga with a right.  Good low kick by Formiga.  Knee by  Cejudo.  Left by Formiga.  Nice elbow and uppercut by Cejudo.  They traded knees.  Formiga with a jab.  Body kick by Cejudo.  Very close round, Cejudo 20-18.

Third round:  High kick by Cejudo.  High slam by Cejudo.   Formiga back up.  Knee and elbow by Cejudo.  Low kick by Formiga.  Cejudo pushed him against the fence.  Elbow from the clinch by  Cejudo and a right.   Cejudo 30-27.  Fans booed a little.  Not a good fight at all, Cejudo did nothing to make you excited about a fight with Demetrious Johnson.

Scores:  30-27 Cejudo 29-28 Formiga 30-27 Cejudo.  Formiga winning would have been a robbery. 

FEATHERWEIGHTS- (#4) RICARDO LAMAS (15-4, 6-2 UFC) VS. DIEGO SANCHEZ (25-7, 14-7 UFC)

First round:  Sanchez in with punches.  Nice spin kick by Lamas.  Hard body kick by Lamas. Sanchez started punching back.  Hard body kick by Sanchez.  Lamas missed a spin kick.  Side kick by Lamas.  Sanchez missed a punh.  Lamas with takedown and got his back.  Lamas got his back and throwing knees.  Lamas has his back and Sanchez escaped and is up.  Elbow by Sanchdz.  10-9 Lamas.

Second round:   Nice left hook by Sanchez.  Lamas took him down.  Lamas hurt him with a low kick.  Lamas landing big punches and low kicks.  Sanchez is in trouble.  Another low kick.  Lamas with a punch.  Lamas with a takedown.  Nice switch by Sanchez.  Lamas reversed and got his back.  Nice reverse by Sanchez.  Really good wrestling here.  Sanchez bleeding for the right eye.  Lamas got his back.  Sanchez escaped and up.  Low kick and punches by Lamas.  Left by Lamas.  Lamas 20-18.

Third round:   Sanchez with a knee.  Low kick by Lamas.  Spin kick by Lamas and Lamas lost his balance.  Low kick by Lamas . Sanchez is hurt.  Fans chanting for Sanchez.  Spinning elbow by Lamas busted Sanchez up.  Lamas slipped but got up.  Sanchez bleeding badly from the right eye.  Left jab by Lamas.  Left jab by Lamas.  Lamas with a head kick but didn’t really land.  Sanchez with a left hook.  Spin kick by Sanchez missed.  Good fight.  30-27 Lamas.

Scores:  All three have it 30-27 for Lamas.

WELTERWEIGHTS- (#13) NEIL MAGNY (16-4, 9-3 UFC) VS. (#15) KELVIN GASTELUM (11-1, 6-1 UFC)

First round:  Low kick by Gastelum.  Low kick by Gastelum.  Nice high kick and punches by Gastelum.   Nice takedown by Magny and has his back.  Gastelum back up.  Nice throw but Magny reversed to the top.  Magny has his back and working for a choke.  Gastelum out of trouble.  Magny with elbows to the body.  Gastelum up.   Right by Gastelum  Magny 10-9.

Second round:  Magny landing punches and a front kick.  Body kick by  Gastelum  Front kicks by Magny.  Body kick by Gastelum.   Magny back with punches moving in.  Low kick by Gastelum  Gastelum landed several punches .  Magny now back with punches.  This is a good fight.  Magny got him down.  Gasteljum tried to reverse it but got blocked.  Magny  threw him down and got his back.  Another takedown by Magny.  Magny 20-18.

Third round:   Magnyu landed a right and moved in.  Magny with more punches moving in.  Magny took him down.  Magny tried for a takedown but it was blocked.  Magny got him down again.  Gastelum right back up.  Gastelum got his back.  Magny took him down.  Gastelum rolled to the top.  Magny 30-27.

Fourth round:   Magny with punches.  Gastelum decked him with a right, landed punches , has his back.  Gastelum in side control.  Gasetlum with an elbow.  Gastelum back to side control.  Gastelum got his back.  Gastelum dropped him a second time with a left hook.  Magny tried a triangle but Gastelum cleared it.  Magny back up.  Magny looked at the clock.  Magny with a takedown.  Gastelum up.  Magny has his back.  Gastelum 10-8, 38-37 for MAgny

Fifth round:   Magny landed a right and hurt him.  Big takedown by Gastelum into side control.  Magny back up.  Magny landing punches.  Magny tried a takedown but it was blocked.  Gastelum landing punches.  Gastelum landing more punches.  Body kick by Gastelum  Another body kick by Gastelum.  Magny with a right.  Magny took him down and has his back  Gastelum reversed to the top.  Gastelum  landing punches from the top.  Great fight.  Gastelum’s round.  I have it a 47-47 draw.

Scores:   48-47 Gastelum 48-47 Magny 48-47 Magny

UFC Fight Night 78: Magny vs. Gastelum weigh-in results and live video

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to WrestlingObserver.com’s live coverage of the UFC Fight Night 78: Magny vs. Gastelum weigh-ins from Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico kicking off at 6 PM eastern time. The event airs on Saturday on FS1 at 10 PM eastern time. Preliminary card action kicks off on UFC Fight Pass at 6:30 PM eastern time before moving over to FS1 at 8 PM eastern time. This will be the UFC’s debut in Monterrey, and the Octagon’s third overall trip to Mexico.

The event will be headlined by a five-round welterweight bout as Neil Magny fights for the fifth time in 2015, taking a short-notice bout as an injury replacement for Matt Brown, to take on Kelvin Gastelum, who makes his return to the welterweight division. Both men are competing in their first headline bout as UFC competitors. In the co-main event, it will be former featherweight title challenger Ricardo Lamas taking on the last man standing from the original “Ultimate Fighter”, Diego Sanchez, who moves down to 145 pounds, the fourth weight class he has competed in during his UFC career. Also on the card is a flyweight title eliminator as Jussier Formiga takes on Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo, as well as the finals of this season of “The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America 2”.

MAIN CARD (FS1- 10 PM ET/7 PM PT):
Neil Magny (171) vs. Kelvin Gastelum (171)
Ricardo Lamas (146) vs. Diego Sanchez (145)
Jussier Formiga (126) vs. Henry Cejudo (126)
Erick Montano (169) vs. Enrique Marin (170) – TUF: Latin America 2 Welterweight Finals
Horacio Gutierrez (154) vs. Enrique Barzola (155) – TUF: Latin America 2 Lightweight Finals
Efrain Escudero (156) vs. Leandro Silva (155)

PRELIMINARY CARD (FS1- 8 PM ET/5 PM PT):
Erik Perez (136) vs. Taylor Lapilus (136)
Hector Urbina (171) vs. Bartosz Fabinski (170)
Scott Jorgensen (135.5) vs. Alejandro Perez (135.5)
Gabriel Benitez (145) vs. Andre Fili (145)

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT):
Vernon Ramos (170) vs. Alvaro Herrera (171)
Cesar Arzamendia (155) vs. Polo Reyes (155)
Valmir Lazaro (156) vs. Michel Prazeres (155)

*Everyone made weight with no issues, including Gastelum and Cejudo, who have had previous issues, and Sanchez, who was moving down to featherweight for the first time.

UFC Fight Night 78 Preview: 5 storylines to watch, betting odds & predictions

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The UFC returns for the third straight weekend as they debut in a new city as the Octagon travels to Mexico for the third time. It will be UFC Fight Night 78, which will also serve as the finale for The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America 2 when the UFC invades Monterrey for the first time this Saturday night. The main card airs on FS1 starting at 10 PM eastern time, with preliminary action kicking off on UFC Fight Pass at 6:30 PM eastern time before moving over to FS1 at 8 PM eastern time. We will have coverage all weekend here.

The event will be headlined by a five-round welterweight bout as Neil Magny steps up, yet again, on short notice to take on Kelvin Gastelum, who looks to regain his traction in his return to the welterweight division. In the co-main event, it will be former featherweight title challenger Ricardo Lamas taking on the last man standing from the original TUF, Diego Sanchez. Also on the card is a potential flyweight title eliminator bout as Jussier Formiga takes on Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo. Let’s take a closer look at the night’s action and give you five storylines to keep an eye on during UFC Fight Night 78 on Saturday night.

1. Will Kelvin Gastelum get back on track in the welterweight division in the main event?

Kelvin Gastelum makes his return to the welterweight division in the main event of Saturday night’s UFC Fight Night 78 event, his first fight back at 170 pounds since missing weight badly for his bout against Tyron Woodley at UFC 183 in January. Gastelum has fought since then, scoring a dominant TKO win over Nate Marquardt as a middleweight at UFC 188 in June, but pleaded his case to UFC management to go back down to 170 pounds. They’re letting him, but another case of missing weight and he’ll be done as a welterweight. Gastelum has had the issues making the welterweight limit, officially missing weight twice and coming close a couple of other times. He says he has the issues under control, but that truly remains to be seen. If he has those issues taken care of, at 24-years-old, Gastelum has the chance to become a very serious threat in the division.

Gastelum has just one loss in his career, to Woodley, but it was a close split decision loss that Gastelum almost won. He has scored eleven wins in his career, with eight coming by stoppage. He is the youngest winner of “The Ultimate Fighter” in show history, and is a huge prospect making his first main event appearance. His opponent, Neil Magny, is also making his first headline appearance as he fights for the fifth time this year, taking the fight on short notice as an injury replacement for Matt Brown. Magny is known as the man to call in the welterweight division to take a short-notice opportunity, as this will be his second straight year to fight five times. He won all five of his fights in 2014, and he has gone 3-1 in his four 2014 bouts. His lone loss over the past two calendar years came to Demian Maia at UFC 190 in August, a bout that Magny was outclassed in. For all of Magny’s success over the past two years, he has only fought one fighter that was ranked at the time of the fight- Maia. Gastelum will be the second as Magny looks for his second straight win after defeating Erick Silva in August, just three weeks after his loss to Maia, in another bout he took on short notice.

Gastelum is a strong prospect and has the chance to be fighting for the title down the line if he can keep his weight issues in check. His size makes him better suited for the welterweight division, where he will be the relative same size as his opponents. It’s important for him to keep his weight in check. As far as his fight against Magny, it will be an interesting test. Magny isn’t a flashy fighter, but he gets the job done well. He has some decent power, but it has been showcased against lower-level competition. Magny will have a nine-inch reach advantage over Gastelum, which he will need to use to keep Gastelum on the outside. Gastelum is a solid wrestler and has some good power in his hands as well. Both men land a lot of strikes, and Gastelum eats a lot of punches. Neither man have gone 25 minutes. Gastelum, with the huge cut, may not have the energy to make it. Magny, with the short notice, may not either. This is a decent fight to make on short notice, but I like Gastelum to get the job done and move back up the rankings.

2. How much fight does Diego Sanchez have left?

And then there was one. Diego Sanchez is the last man standing in the UFC from the original cast of “The Ultimate Fighter” after the recent retirement of Mike Swick and the UFC departure of Josh Koscheck. Sanchez makes his long-awaited return on Saturday night in the co-main event, and in doing so, he will join another “TUF” alum, Kenny Florian, as a fighter to compete in four different weight classes in UFC competition as he makes the move to the featherweight division. It is an interesting time for a fighter to be dropping down with the IV ban, and with a long history of injuries, it is unsure how much fight Sanchez has left. He is 2-3 in his last five fights, but the two wins were split decisions that could’ve gone either way, so we are looking at a fighter that could very well have been on a five-fight losing skid. Sanchez is still only 33-years-old, but after having been with the UFC thru some 282 events, we may be seeing the end of the road for “The Nightmare”.

Sanchez will take on former featherweight title challenger Ricardo Lamas, the fourth-ranked fighter at 145 pounds in the UFC. Lamas is coming off a first-round knockout loss to Chad Mendes in April, and is looking to erase the sting of his first stoppage loss inside the Octagon. It is a tough first outing for Sanchez at 145 pounds, but we are talking about one of the most experienced fighters in the UFC. Only a handful of fighters have had more time inside the Octagon than Sanchez, who has fought for a title and fought in a main event seven times, and has been in countless “Fight Of The Year” fights. Sanchez has a penchant for having extremely close fights, and most have gone his way. This will probably be another close fight as both land solid punches, and it will likely stay on the feet. It will be a chess match, but at this stage, Lamas is simply a better fighter. Unless we see the Diego Sanchez of old, it will be Lamas walking away with the win.

3. Who will secure the next title shot at 125 pounds when Jussier Formiga and Henry Cejudo square off?

For all intents and purposes, the flyweight bout between Jussier Formiga and Henry Cejudo at UFC Fight Night 78 on Saturday will determine the next challenger for UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson. That is definitely the case for Cejudo, who comes into the fight undefeated at 9-0 and has been being groomed for a title shot. Formiga has won three straight fights, and he isn’t quite a 100% lock, but if he were to put a 1 in the loss column of Cejudo, you have to think he will be given a crack at Johnson despite having lost prior UFC bouts to Joseph Benavidez and John Dodson, who have been frequent Johnson challengers in the short history of the UFC flyweight division. It will be an interesting battle on Saturday as it will be Formiga’s grappling skills going against the Olympic wrestling game of Cejudo.

Cejudo is the most decorated wrestler in the UFC, having won an Olympic gold medal at the 2008 Olympics. His striking has gotten better with every fight, and he hasn’t seen much of a need to rely on his wrestling skill, though he has recently, to win fights as he has won them primarily on the feet. Formiga is very experienced on his feet, but is capable of being knocked out, and aside from a submission win off a headbutt over Scott Jorgensen, he hasn’t shown the finishing capability in the Octagon. Cejudo hasn’t finished an opponent either, but he has yet to lose a round in the UFC. Cejudo is wanting that crack at Johnson and the title shot, and if he keeps his weight issues in check, which he has since dropping back down, he may give Johnson the toughest test to date. Formiga is Cejudo’s toughest foe, and while he has three straight wins, he hasn’t quite lived up to expectations. He has fallen short against the elite competition, and this fight is shaping up for that to happen again. Look for Cejudo to cement his shot at the title.

4. Will Efrain Escudero make it three straight against Leandro Silva?

Efrain Escudero has done something that no other fighter in the history of the UFC has been able to do. He is the only fighter to ever win a season of “The Ultimate Fighter” to be cut and then brought back to the promotion. In fact, this is Escudero’s third stint in the UFC. He won season eight of “TUF” but went just 3-2 in his first UFC stint, not a bad record by any means, but was cut after missing weight badly in his loss against Charles Oliveira. He was brought back in late 2011 as an injury replacement, but was cut again after two straight losses. He was brought back in 2014, and while he lost his return to Leonardo Santos, he has since won two straight to get himself back on track, and in his hopes, finally showing his potential in his third UFC stint.

It was almost five years between UFC wins for Escudero, but he goes into Saturday night against Leandro Silva looking for his first three-fight win streak inside the Octagon. Escudero’s last win was a 54-second submission win over Drew Dober in June, and he went on to coach this season of “TUF: Latin America 2”, and he will be one of the more popular fighters on the card. His opponent, Silva, should be on a three-fight win streak if not for an error by a referee that made his own win over Dober into a no contest, and he will be a tough test for Escudero. Escudero has some solid wrestling, but Silva is a good grappler. They are pretty even on the feet. Silva is a larger opponent and has used his strength to maintain top position in prior fights. Neither man is creeping up on being ranked in the division, but neither want to be in a position of being cut. I like Escudero to pull off a decision win.

5. Who is a fighter to keep an eye on during the rest of the card?

The card will feature the finals in the welterweight and lightweight tournaments coming off of “TUF: Latin America 2” when Erick Montano faces Enrique Marin in the welterweight finals, and Horacio Gutierrez takes on Enrique Barzola in the lightweight finals. Also on the card is a former winner of “TUF: Latin America” as Alejandro Perez, who won the first season in the bantamweight division, takes on UFC and WEC veteran Scott Jorgensen, who is looking to get back on track after a disappointing 4-7 tenure during his time with the UFC. In featherweight action, Gabriel Benitez will take on Team Alpha Male member Andre Fili. In the opening bout of the night, it is two powerful Brazilian lightweights as Valmir Lazaro takes on Michel Prazeres.

We wanna keep our eye on the featured preliminary bout as Erik Perez returns from a long layoff to take on Taylor Lapilus. Perez was thought to become the Mexican star the UFC was looking for, but he hasn’t quite lived up to recent expectations. After winning eight straight fights, including his first three UFC bouts. He has since lost two of his last three bouts, and he hasn’t fought since a June 2014 loss to Bryan Caraway. He gets a tough foe in Lapilus, who is an interesting prospect at 135 pounds. Lapilus is 10-1 in his career and has won five straight fights, including his last two in the UFC. He hasn’t fought someone at the level of Perez, who had been ranked in the top 15 before the bout of inactivity. It is a tough test for both men as Perez looks to bounce back and Laplius looks to score the biggest win of his career. We will keep an eye on that bout for sure.

Full UFC Fight Night 78 Fight Card, Betting Odds & Predictions

MAIN CARD (FS1- 10 PM ET/7 PM PT)

Welterweights: (#13) Neil Magny vs. (#15) Kelvin Gastelum
Betting Odds: Magny (+230), Gastelum (-270)
Prediction: Gastelum by decision

Featherweights: (#4) Ricardo Lamas vs. Diego Sanchez
Betting Odds: Lamas (-590), Sanchez (+445)
Prediction: Lamas by decision

Flyweights: (#3) Jussier Formiga vs. (#5) Henry Cejudo
Betting Odds: Formiga (+400), Cejudo (-500)
Prediction: Cejudo by decision

TUF: Latin America 2 Welterweight Finals: Erick Montano vs. Enrique Marin
Betting Odds: Montano (+160), Marin (-185)
Prediction: Montano by submission in round 1

TUF: Latin America 2 Lightweight Finals: Horacio Gutierrez vs. Enrique Barzola
Betting Odds: Gutierrez (-150), Barzola (+130)
Prediction: Gutierrez by knockout in round 2

Lightweights: Efrain Escudero vs. Leandro Silva
Betting Odds: Escudero (+120), Silva (-140)
Prediction: Escudero by decision

PRELIMINARY CARD (FS1- 8 PM ET/5 PM PT)

Bantamweights: Erik Perez vs. Taylor Lapilus
Betting Odds: Perez (-125), Lapilus (+105)
Prediction: Perez by decision

Welterweights: Hector Urbina vs. Bartosz Fabinski
Betting Odds: Urbina (+165), Fabinski (-190)
Prediction: Urbina by submission in round 2

Bantamweights: Scott Jorgensen vs. Alejandro Perez
Betting Odds: Jorgensen (-145), Perez (+125)
Prediction: Jorgensen by decision

Featherweights: Gabriel Benitez vs. Andre Fili
Betting Odds: Benitez (+165), Fili (-190)
Prediction: Fili by submission in round 2

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT)

Welterweights: Vernon Ramos vs. Alvaro Herrera
Betting Odds: Ramos (-165), Herrera (+145)
Prediction: Ramos by knockout in round 1

Lightweights: Cesar Arzamendia vs. Polo Reyes
Betting Odds: Arzamendia (-190), Reyes (+165)
Prediction: Arzamendia by decision

Lightweights: Valmir Lazaro vs. Michel Prazeres
Betting Odds: Lazaro (+105), Prazeres (-125)
Prediction: Lazaro by decision

UFC Fight Night 78- By The Numbers

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

9
Number of fights for Neil Magny since February 2014 as he fights for the fifth time in 2015, the second straight year he has fought five times in a calendar year

5
Number of wins for Magny in 2014, which tied the UFC record for most in a calendar year

27
Number of takedowns landed by Magny in his UFC career, tied for fifth-most among active UFC welterweights

524
Significant strikes landed by Magny in his UFC career, currently ninth-most among active UFC welterweights

2.17
Strike differential for Magny, which is the highest differential among active UFC welterweights

21
Age at which Kelvin Gastelum won “The Ultimate Fighter”, making him the youngest winner of TUF in history

2
Number of times Gastelum has officially missed weight for a welterweight bout out of five UFC bouts at 170 pounds

71.6
Significant strike defense percentage rate for Gastelum as a welterweight, which is the best among active UFC welterweights (min. 5 fights)

9
Inch reach disadvantage that Gastelum will have against Neil Magny

15
Current ranking for Gastelum in the UFC’s welterweight rankings

4
Current ranking for Ricardo Lamas in the UFC’s featherweight rankings

10:04
Average fight time for Lamas in the UFC

7
Submission attempts for Lamas in UFC competition, tied for seventh-most among active UFC featherweights

282
Number of UFC events that have occured since Diego Sanchez won the inaugural season of “The Ultimate Fighter”

4:37:57
Total fight time in the UFC career for Sanchez, which is fourth-most in UFC history

3
Times Sanchez has won “Fight Of The Year” in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Year-End Awards

3
Current ranking for Jussier Formiga in the UFC’s flyweight rankings

10:08
Average fight time for Formiga in the UFC, which is the shortest in the short history of the UFC’s flyweight division

14
Guard passes for Formiga in his four UFC wins as he has zero in his two UFC losses

9
Straight wins for Henry Cejudo to start his MMA career

4.09
Significant strikes landed per minute for Cejudo, third-best among active UFC flyweights

184
Significant strikes landed for Cejudo in three UFC bouts

3
Number of UFC stints for Efrain Escudero, who is the only TUF winner to be cut and then brought back to the promotion

5
Knockdowns by Escudero in the UFC, which is tied for eighth-most among active UFC lightweights

1722
Days between UFC wins for Escudero, who won at UFC 114 in May 2010 but didn’t score another Octagon win until UFC Fight Night 60 in February

2.63
Average number of takedowns landed per 15 minutes for Leandro Silva in UFC competition

55.5
Submission finishing rate percentage for Silva, who has scored ten of his 18 wins by submission

10
Takedowns landed by Silva during UFC competition

532
Days since Erik Perez’ last fight, a loss to Bryan Caraway at UFC Fight Night 42 in June 2014

13
Takedowns landed by Perez, tied for sixth-most among active UFC bantamweights

7:33
Average fight time for Perez, shortest among active UFC bantamweights (min. 5 fights)

6
Inches of reach advantage Taylor Lapilus will have over his opponent, Erik Perez

5.18
strikes landed per minute by Lapilus

371
Days since Hector Urbina’s last fight, a submission win over Edgar Garcia at UFC 180 in November 2014

67
Win percentage rate by knockout for Bartosz Fabinski, who has scored eight of his 12 wins by KO/TKO

1
Number of wins by Scott Jorgensen since the start of 2013 as he enters UFC Fight Night 78 having gone 1-5 in his last six fights

23
Length of the last fight, in seconds, for Alejandro Perez, who is coming off a submission loss to Patrick Williams at UFC 188 in June

7
Number of times Gabriel Benitez has been taken down over his two UFC bouts

3.57
Average number of takedowns landed per 15 minutes for Andre Fili

178
Number of significant strikes landed in two UFC bouts for Valmir Lazaro

13
Number of takedowns landed in four UFC bouts by Michel Prazeres

2
Number of first-round wins of The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America 2 by welterweight finalist Erick Montano during the season

6
Straight wins by TUF: Latin America 2 welterweight finalist Enrique Marin

80
Finishing percentage rate for TUF: Latin America 2 lightweight finalist Enrique Barzola, who has scored eight of his ten wins by finish (4 by KO/TKO, 4 by submission)

3
Career fights for TUF: Latin America 2 lightweight finalist Horacio Gutierrez, making him the most inexperienced fighter on the fight card alongside Vernon Ramos

302
Number of days in the professional MMA career for Vernon Ramos, who made his professional debut on January 23 of this year

1178
Number of days since Alvaro Herrera last fought, which came on August 30, 2012

Neil Magny in to fight Kelvin Gastelum in UFC Fight Night 78 main event

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

For the past two years in the UFC’s welterweight division, when the company has needed a fighter to step in on short notice, there has been one man to call- Neil Magny. He is doing it again in just over two weeks.

Magny (16-4, 9-3 UFC) will step up again on short notice for his first main event bout as he replaces the injured Matt Brown to take on Kelvin Gastelum (11-1, 6-1 UFC) in the headline bout of UFC Fight Night 78 in Monterrey, Mexico. The event also serves at the finale for The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America 2, which Gastelum serves as a coach on. The UFC announced the news on their website on Tuesday evening. Brown was forced out of the bout on Monday due to an ankle injury.

Magny will be fighting for the fifth time in 2015, which will be the second straight year he fights five times in a year. Last year, he tied the UFC record for most wins in a calendar year, going a perfect 5-0. While he won’t match that due to an August loss to Demian Maia, he has the chance to close out the year with four wins in five fights against Gastelum. Magny is coming off a split decision win over Erick Silva at UFC Fight Night 74 in August, another bout he took on just about two weeks’ notice. Magny has gone 8-1 in his nine fights since the start of 2014. He was scheduled to fight Stephen Thompson at UFC 195 in January before stepping in for Brown, who Magny is a training partner of.

Gastelum will also be competing in his first main event bout at the event. Gastelum is a coach on the current season of TUF: Latin America alongside Efrain Escudero, who will also be on the card. Gastelum will be returning to the welterweight division after being forced up to the middleweight division for one fight, which was a TKO win over Nate Marquardt at UFC 188 in June. Gastelum, who won season 17 of “The Ultimate Fighter”, has won six of his seven bouts inside the Octagon, but has famously had trouble making weight at 170 pounds, which has hurt his standing in the division despite being one of the brightest prospects at 170 pounds.

UFC Fight Night 78 takes place on November 21. The main card will air on FOX Sports 1, with preliminary bout action airing on UFC Fight Pass before moving over to FOX Sports 1. Also on the card is a featherweight bout between Ricardo Lamas and Diego Sanchez, and a pivotal bout in the flyweight division as Henry Cejudo takes on Jussier Formiga.