Tag: yair rodriguez

UFC on ESPN+ 95 live results: Moreno vs. Royval 2, Rodriguez vs. Ortega 2

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The Octagon is back at high elevation as the UFC returns to Mexico for the first time since September 2019 for UFC on ESPN+ 95: Moreno vs. Royval 2 from Arena CDMX in Mexico City.

The main event will see former UFC Flyweight Champion Brandon Moreno square off with Brandon Royval for the second time.

The two first met in November 2020 at UFC 255, a fight won by Moreno via first-round TKO. Both are also coming off title fight losses to Alexandre Pantoja, and the winner could get another crack at the champion, who will be in attendance.

The co-main event is another five-round rematch as Yair Rodriguez takes on Brian Ortega in featherweight action. The two previously fought in July 2022, but that fight never really got going as Ortega suffered a shoulder injury late in the first round, which ended the fight. This will be Ortega’s first fight since suffering that injury.

Also on the main card is a lightweight bout pitting Daniel Zellhuber against Francisco Prado; a bantamweight bout with Raul Rosas Jr. taking on Ricky Turcios; and a lightweight bout between Manuel Torres and Chris Duncan.

ESPN+ PRELIMS | 7 PM ET/4 PM PT

> Featherweights- Erik Silva (9-2, 0-1 UFC) vs. Muhammad Naimov (10-2, 2-0 UFC)

Naimov lands a spinning wheel kick and Silva fell to his butt but got right up. They tie up and Naimov lands and the fight is stopped as Silva looks to be injured. Silva is favoring his left leg as he is definitely hurt.

Official Result- Muhammad Naimov def. Erik Silva by TKO (injury) at :44 of Round 1

> Flyweights- Victor Altamirano (12-3, 2-2 UFC) vs. Felipe Dos Santos (7-1 1 NC, 0-1 UFC)

Dos Santos with a high kick. Altamirano rushes forward with a kick and lands a spin kick. Dos Santos lands a right hand. Altamirano with a head kick. They trade and Altamirano looks for a takedown. Dos Santos has the neck and Altamirano scrambles out as they get to their feet. Dos Santos lands a body kick. They may have clashed heads and Altamirano scores a takedown. They stand and Altamirano has back control and gets it back down. They scramble up. Dos Santos looks for a guillotine as they go back to the mat and he lets go. They trade knees before breaking. Altamirano lands a leg kick. Altamirano gets another takedown. They get to their feet and Altamirano scores another takedown, but they quickly stand. 10-9 Altamirano.

Altamirano lands a leg kick that trips Dos Santos up for a moment. They trade and Altamirano forces a clinch. They separate and Dos Santos lands a body kick. Altamirano with a heavy leg kick. Altamirano scores a takedown and lands a nice elbow from the top. Altamirano takes the back as they work up to the feet. They separate as Dos Santos lands a body kick. Altamirano lands a leg kick and Dos Santos lands a right hand. Altamirano ducks under a punch and gets a takedown. 10-9 Altamirano, 20-18 Altamirano.

Altamirano lands a combo as he is going for a takedown, and Dos Santos is landing to defend. They go to the mat and Dos Santos has the back and is looking for a choke. Altamirano is fighting it. Altamirano escapes and they get to their feet. Altamirano gets a takedown. Dos Santos throwing elbows from the bottom. Altamirano gets to side control and Dos Santos gives up his back. They get to their feet. Altamirano lands a knee before they separate. Dos Santos lands a right hand. Altamirano lands a knee. He lands another as Dos Santos lands a left hook. 10-9 Altamirano, 30-27 Altamirano.

Official Result- Felipe Dos Santos def. Victor Altamirano by split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)

> Flyweights- Ronaldo Rodriguez (15-2, 0-0 UFC) vs. Denys Bondar (19-4, 0-2 UFC)

Bondar with a jab and front kick. Rodriguez lands a left hook and leg kick. Bondar lands a right hand and gets a takedown. They get to their feet and both land before Bondar lands a right hand and scores another takedown. Rodriguez looking to throw his legs up but Bondar defending with some punches. Bondar stands then gets side control and they stand. Bondar lands a combo ending with a body kick. They trade inside the pocket. Rodriguez lands a right hand. Rodriguez landing some punches and lands a leg kick. Rodriguez gets a late takedown and they stand with both landing late. 10-9 Bondar.

They’re throwing haymakers to start. Bondar lands a spinning elbow. They go to the mat as Bondar looked for the arm but get to their feet in the clinch. Rodriguez lands some knees. Bondar lands an elbow on the break. Rodriguez lands a leg kick. Bondar gets a takedown. They’re scrambling around as Bondar is landing from the top and Rodriguez is landing punches as well. Bondar looks for a leg and Rodriguez lands left hands from the top. Rodriguez gets the back and looks for a choke. Bondar taps! Rodriguez gets the big finish just before the second round ends.

Official Result- Ronaldo Rodriguez def. Denys Bondar by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:59 of Round 2

> Lightweights- Claudio Puelles (12-3, 5-2 UFC) vs. Fares Ziam (14-4, 4-2 UFC)

Puelles gets an early takedown. Ziam gets his back to the fence. Puelles has the back as they stand. Puelles gets another takedown. They get to their feet and remain tied up against the fence. They separate. Ziam lands a left hook to the body. Puelles with a high kick but gets dropped by a Ziam left hand. Ziam lands from the top before backing away and they stand. Puelles shoots for a takedown but Ziam sprawls. They get to their feet and Puelles gets a takedown and is in side control against the fence. Puelles lands a knee to the body. Puelles looks for an arm. 10-9 Ziam.

Puelles gets an early takedown but they get up. Puelles with a high kick. Ziam lands a pair of knees. Puelles gets a takedown. Puelles working from the top and landing. They get to their feet and Puelles is on the back working for a choke. They go back to the ground. Ziam escapes and lands some left hands. Ziam with some punches from the top to end the round. 10-9 Puelles, 19-19.

They clinch right away. They trade knees. Puelles dropping down for a takedown. He gets it as Ziam has the neck. Ziam works to the top and Puelles escapes. They get to their feet and Puelles gets another takedown. Ziam working for the neck but Puelles escapes. Puelles tries to get it down and they scramble to the mat. They stand and scramble back down. Ziam is on top. Ziam landing from the top. Ziam lands until the end. 10-9 Ziam, 29-28 Ziam.

Official Result- Fares Ziam def. Claudio Puelles by split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)

> Flyweights*- Edgar Chairez (10-5 1 NC, 0-1 1 NC UFC) vs. Daniel Lacerda (11-5 1 NC, 0-4 1 NC UFC)

*Chairez missed weight by five pounds, Lacerda missed weight by one pound

They trade kicks to start. Chairez with a hard leg kick. Chairez with a spin kick. They trade kicks. Chairez with a hard leg kick then a combo. Chairez lands a right hand and Lacerda scores a takedown. Chairez has Lacerda in his full guard and locks in a triangle choke and Lacerda taps! Great finish from Chairez to get the win.

Official Result- Edgar Chairez def. Daniel Lacerda by submission (triangle choke) at 2:17 of Round 1

> Flyweights- Jesus Aguilar (9-2, 1-1 UFC) vs. Mateus Mendonca (10-2, 0-2 UFC)

Aguilar with a heavy kick. Mendonca lands a series of kicks and gets a takedown. They get to their feet and are tied up against the fence. Aguilar is pressuring. Mendonca gets it back down and is in side control against the fence. Aguilar is able to explode to the top and lands some punches. Aguilar with a right hand as he gets into the guard of Mendonca. Mendonca looks for an armbar but Aguilar escapes and lands some punches to end the round. 10-9 Aguilar.

Aguilar lands some leg kicks and Mendonca shoots for the takedown and gets it. They get to their feet and Aguilar lands a knee before scoring a brief takedown. Mendonca gets the back. Mendonca gets on top and is in the half-guard of Aguilar. Mendonca gets the mount and lands some right hands as Aguilar is covering up. Mendonca with more right hands but Aguilar scrambles to the half-guard. They get to their feet and Aguilar rocks Mendonca with a right hand but scores a takedown instead of continuing to land. Aguilar gets the mount. They get to their feet and Mendonca lands a flying knee. Mendonca shoots for a takedown and Aguilar ends up on top to end the round. 10-9 Mendonca, 19-19.

Aguilar lands some kicks and one trips Mendonca to the ground. Aguilar attacks the neck and locks in a mounted guillotine choke. Mendonca is able to pop his head out as he rolled to the top. Mendonca working from inside of the half-guard. They are ordered to their feet and Aguilar lands some punches. Aguilar with a leg kick. Mendonca gets a takedown after they tie up. Mendonca is looking for an arm and then a triangle and almost had it as time runs out. Close fight. 10-9 Mendonca, 29-28 Mendonca.

Official Result- Jesus Aguilar def. Mateus Mendonca by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

> Bantamweights- Cristian Quinonez (18-4, 1-1 UFC) vs. Raoni Barcelos (17-5, 6-4 UFC)

Barcelos lands a leg kick and goes for a takedown but Quinonez defends. Barcelos lands a hard right hand. They clinch against the fence. They separate. Barcelos with a right hand to the body and Quinonez with a leg kick. Quinonez lands a series of punches. Barcelos scores a takedown. They scramble up. Quinonez is landing from the back as Barcelos is grabbing the fence. Quinonez lands some knees from the back. They scramble around. Barcelos tries to roll free but Quinonez ends up in side control. Quinonez lands from the top. 10-9 Quinonez.

Quinonez lands some kicks to start the second. Quinonez landing more as he lands an uppercut and some leg kicks. Quinonez landing the jab. He lands an uppercut. Quinonez lands a big right hand and Barcelos is circling away. Barcelos gets a brief takedown but they stand, and Barcelos drops Quinonez with a right hand. They scramble up and Barcelos lands a knee. Barcelos has the neck and is squeezing. He lets go. Quinonez lands a combo. Barcelos lands two right hands. Quinonez lands a right hand and then another. Barcelos fires back. Quinonez with a combo. Wild round. 10-9 Barcelos, 19-19.

They trade leg kicks. They continue to trade as they both circle around. Barcelos grabs the single leg and gets a takedown. Barcelos gets the back and locks in a rear-naked choke that gets Quinonez to tap. Big finish from Barcelos.

Official Result- Raoni Barcelos def. Cristian Quinonez by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:04 of Round 3

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> Lightweights- Manuel Torres (14-2, 2-0 UFC) vs. Chris Duncan (11-1, 2-0 UFC)

Duncan lands a right hand and Torres backs up. Torres lands a knee as Duncan gets a takedown. They scramble up and clinch. Torres gets a takedown and lands an elbow. He is on the back as Duncan stands but they end up on the feet. Torres still has the back and gets it back down. Torres working for a choke and has it locked in and Duncan taps! Big finish from Torres.

Official Result- Manuel Torres def. Chris Duncan by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:46 of Round 1

> Women’s Strawweights- Yazmin Jauregui (10-1, 2-1 UFC) vs. Sam Hughes (8-5, 3-4 UFC)

Hughes lands a leg kick. Jauregui lands a quick combo. Jauregui with a stiff right hand. She lands another. Hughes looks for a takedown but Jauregui lands a knee and right hand on the break. Jauregui lands a leg kick. Hughes lands a jab. Jauregui with a body kick and follows it with a combo. Jauregui lands a combo. Hughes looks for a takedown as she pushes it against the fence but they separate. They trade body kicks. Jauregui with a combo. Jauregui lands a combo with a body kick. Jauregui lands a right hand. They trade inside the pocket. 10-9 Jauregui.

They trade to start the second. Jauregui continuing to land combinations. Hughes lands a leg kick. Jauregui with a big combination and Hughes is bleeding from her nose. They trade leg kicks. Hughes with a leg kick. Jauregui with a high kick. They trade in close range. Jauregui landing combos and lands a leg kick. Jauregui with a body kick then a right hand. Hughes lands a right hand. Jauregui lands more at the end. 10-9 Jauregui, 20-18 Jauregui.

They trade to start the third and Jauregui lands a quick combination. Jauregui landing with more volume as she’s landing four for every one Hughes lands. Jauregui lands and Hughes briefly falls to the mat but gets up. Jauregui with a body kick and follows with a left hook. Jauregui with some front kicks. They trade in close range. Hughes lands a body kick. Jauregui with a leg kick. Jauregui lands a combo and Hughes looks for a takedown but lets go. Jauregui with a combination. Jauregui lands another combo. Jauregui with a leg kick then a combination. Strong fight for Jauregui. 10-9 Jauregui, 30-27 Jauregui.

Official Result- Yazmin Jauregui def. Sam Hughes by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Bantamweights- Raul Rosas Jr. (8-1, 2-1 UFC) vs. Ricky Turcios (12-3, 2-1 UFC)

Breaking: This fight has been cancelled as Rosas Jr. is suffering from an illness and was not cleared to compete.

> Lightweights- Daniel Zellhuber (14-1, 2-1 UFC) vs. Francisco Prado (12-1, 1-1 UFC)

Zellhuber with a pair of kicks. Prado with a leg kick then Zellhuber lands a body kick. They trade body kicks. Prado lands a right hand. Zellhuber with some front kicks. Zellhuber with a body kick. Zellhuber lands a left hand. Prado with a left hook to the body then one upstairs. Prado lands a flurry and Zellhuber pushes it to the fence. Prado lands an elbow on the break. They trade kicks. Prado with a combination. They clinch but break. Zellhuber with some front kicks. Prado lands a leg kick. Zellhuber with a jab. Close round. 10-9 Prado.

Prado lands a right hand to the body and Zellhuber lands a body kick. Zellhuber lands a jab and Prado’s eye is busted open. Zellhuber pressing forward and landing as Prado is throwing wild shots. Zellhuber with a body kick. Prado lands a body kick. They trade. Zellhuber lands a knee and they both swing and land. Zellhuber with a jab then a big knee. Zellhuber landing the jabs. Zellhuber with a combo. Zellhuber lands a combination. Zellhuber with a stiff right hand as Prado was rushing in. Zellhuber lands a left hook. 10-9 Zellhuber, 19-19.

Zellhuber landing to start the third and lands a front kick to the face. Prado lands a leg kick but it’s Zellhuber landing with way more volume. Zellhuber with a body kick. Zellhuber with a body kick then a knee. Zellhuber with a combination. Zellhuber with a stiff jab. Prado lands a leg kick. Prado with a left hook. Zellhuber lands a right hand then a body kick. Zellhuber with a head kick. Zellhuber lands the double jab. Zellhuber with a body kick. Zellhuber with a flurry late. Good fight. 10-9 Zellhuber, 29-28 Zellhuber.

Official Result- Daniel Zellhuber def. Francisco Prado by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Featherweights- #3 Yair Rodriguez (18-4 1 NC, 10-3 1 NC UFC) vs. #4 Brian Ortega (15-3 1 NC, 7-3 1 NC UFC)

Ortega might have hurt himself jumping up during his intro. They’re both swinging to start things off. Rodriguez lands a leg kick. Rodriguez lands a left hand and Ortega falls into the fence. Rodriguez lands some knees to the body. Rodriguez with a combo. Rodriguez with a body kick. They clinch and Rodriguez with a knee to the body. They trade combinations. Ortega with a body kick. Rodriguez kicks Ortega’s legs from under him and lands some big punches as he gets on top. Rodriguez with a flurry from the top. Rodriguez with a big right hand from the top. They scramble up and Ortega has the back. Ortega drags Rodriguez to the ground. Ortega is in the mount and ends the round there. 10-9 Rodriguez.

Rodriguez lands a big body kick. Ortega presses forward and lands. Ortega with an uppercut. Rodriguez lands a right hand. Ortega grabs the single leg. Ortega pushes it against the fence and gets a takedown. Rodriguez has the neck. Ortega gets out and is working from the top. Rodriguez lands some hammerfists from the bottom. Ortega with some elbows. Ortega with some left hands. 10-9 Ortega, 19-19.

Rodriguez with a body kick as they come out swinging. Ortega gets the body lock and a takedown. Ortega has the mount and locks in an arm-triangle choke and Rodriguez taps! What a comeback and finish from Ortega!

Official Result- Brian Ortega def. Yair Rodriguez by submission (arm-triangle choke) at :58 of Round 3

> Flyweights- #1 Brandon Moreno (21-7-2, 9-4-2 UFC) vs. #3 Brandon Royval (15-7, 5-3 UFC)

Moreno lands a leg kick. Royval with a body kick. Royval slips on a kick but there isn’t much happening. They trade leg kicks. Royval with a body kick. Moreno with a leg kick. Moreno lands a combo. Moreno with a right hand. He lands a body kick. Moreno with a knee to the body and lands an elbow as he breaks a clinch attempt from Royval. Royval with a body kick. Moreno lands a left hand. 10-9 Moreno.

Royval with a leg kick. Moreno lands a big right hand. Moreno lands a stiff jab. Moreno lands another right hand. Moreno with another right hand. Royval lands a combo but Moreno is piecing him up. Royval lands a knee. He lands a body kick. Moreno lands a big combination. Royval lands a jab. Royval lands a knee and Moreno lands some punches. Royval lands a body kick. Moreno gets a takedown. Royval is trying to scramble out. They get to their feet after Royval looked for a submission. 10-9 Moreno, 20-18 Moreno.

Royval with a pair of leg kicks. Moreno lands a leg kick. Both are circling around. Moreno gets a takedown. They scramble up and Moreno has the back against the fence. Royval escapes. We have a timeout for a groin strike. They get back to action and Royval lands a body kick. Royval with a pair of kicks. Moreno lands a right hand. Moreno lands a right hand and grabs the back but Royval escapes. Moreno lands a right hand, then a combo ending with a leg kick. 10-9 Royval, 29-28 Moreno.

Moreno lands as Royval presses forward to start the fourth. Moreno lands a right hand then a leg kick. They trade. Moreno tries a takedown but Royval briefly ends up on top, though they quickly get up. Royval lands a combo. Moreno with a big right hand. They trade big punches. They tie up against the fence and Royval lands some left hands before they separate. Royval lands a combo to the body. Royval lands some more kicks as he lands a high kick. Moreno with a right hand. 10-9 Royval, 38-38.

Moreno lands a right hand. They tie up and Moreno pushes it to the fence. They separate. Moreno lands a pair of big right hands. Moreno with a body kick. Royval throwing with volume but not landing a lot. Moreno with a right hand then a leg kick. Royval lands a combo but Moreno is covering up. Moreno lands a stiff jab. They both land a hard right hand. Moreno with a right hand. Moreno has the body locks and the back against the fence. They are separated by Herb Dean. Moreno with a right hand. Moreno lands to the body then a left hand. Royval lands and Moreno with a knee to the body. Moreno has the back against the fence. Moreno lands as they break and they swing late. Close fight. 10-9 Moreno, 48-47 Moreno.

Official Result- Brandon Royval def. Brandon Moreno by split decision (48-47, 46-49, 48-47)

JNPO: The MMA year in review show, pt. 1

Posted on by Josh Nason

It’s time to kick off my four-part MMA year in review series on Josh Nason’s Punch-Out: a tradition dating back to 2015.

Eight years later, a lot remains the same including that the UFC is still the dominant leader in MMA and even more so than ever before.

Joining me once again is my trusty co-pilot Paul Fontaine of F4W Online and co-host of both the In The Clinch podcast and The Dynamite Show.

To kick things off, we tackle the first three months of the year (January, February & March if you’re keeping track) which saw a changing of the guard at heavyweight in the UFC.

After the UFC and heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou came to an impasse on a new contract, Dana White & Co. simply changed course and decided to move on, vacating the title and putting together Jon Jones vs. Cyril Gane instead…but not without some shade thrown Ngannou’s way first.

We talk about March’s UFC 285 where Jones quickly won the title, preceded by a massive upset that saw Alexa Grasso win the women’s flyweight title.

We saw several other new champions made including Jamahal Hill, Brandon Moreno and Yair Rodriguez and a notable retirement in Benson Henderson.

Hear about all the big fights that happened, the new ones that got made, and all of the other news from the first three months of the year.

Click Here to Listen

UFC 290 live results: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Yair Rodriguez

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

International Fight Week, the annual big UFC celebration week in Las Vegas, culminates with UFC 290: Volkanovski vs. Rodriguez, taking place at the T-Mobile Arena, with two title fights and a stacked card.

UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski and Interim UFC Featherweight Champion Yair Rodriguez meet in a title unification bout in the main event. Volkanovski is making his fifth title defense, while Rodriguez is looking to become the undisputed champion after winning the interim title against Josh Emmett in February.

UFC Flyweight Champion Brandon Moreno defends against Alexandre Pantoja in the second title fight. Pantoja holds two previous wins over Moreno, and comes in riding a three-fight win streak. Moreno defeated Deiveson Figueiredo in January to become the undisputed champion, and this is his first defense of his second title reign.

Also on the main card is a middleweight title eliminator bout between Robert Whittaker and Dricus Du Plessis, a lightweight bout pitting Jalin Turner against Dan Hooker, and undefeated middleweight prospect Bo Nickal battles debuting late replacement Val Woodburn. A stacked preliminary card is highlighted by the retirement fight of former UFC Welterweight Champion Robbie Lawler.

ESPN2 PRELIMS | 6 PM ET/3 PM PT

> Lightweights- Kamuela Kirk (11-5, 1-1 UFC) vs. Esteban Ribovics (11-1, 0-1 UFC)

Kirk lands a jab then scores a takedown. Kirk passes the half-guard and went for the armbar but gets the back and is working towards a choke. He almost has it locked in. Ribovics is fighting it off. Kirk landing punches from the back. Kirk still working from the back. Kirk still working from the back looking for the choke. He’s now on top but Ribovics survives the round. 10-9 Kirk.

Ribovics lands a leg kick and Kirk lands a solid combination. They trade kicks and Ribovics lands a flurry. They trade leg kicks and Ribovics lands a combo. Ribovics lands a nice right hand. They tie up and Ribovics gets the takedown. Kirk threw his legs up but they stood and Kirk landed a flying knee then a front kick. Ribovics lands to the body. Kirk shoots for a takedown but Ribovics defends. Kirk lands and continues to pressure looking for the takedown. Ribovics lands a spinning elbow to break. They trade some big shots. Kirk lands to the body then a right hand. Kirk lands some knees as Ribovics lands to the body, then Kirk lands a right hand. Ribovics lands a combo and Kirk stumbles. Ribovics throws Kirk to the ground and starts landing from the top. They get up. Ribovics lands and Kirk stumbles again but gets up. Ribovics lands more big punches. Ribovics lands big shots against the fence and Kirk survives. 10-9 Ribovics, 19-19.

We have a groin strike to start the round by Ribovics. They get back to action and Ribovics lands a leg kick before they trade punches. Ribovics landing combos and kicks low and high. Kirk scores a takedown. Kirk works from the top but Ribovics is able to escape to the feet and they separate. Ribovics lands a nice right hand. Kirk tries a takedown but Ribovics defends. Ribovics lands a combo ending with a head kick, then lands a big right hand. Kirk is able to get a big takedown. They get to their feet and Kirk has the back. They tie up. Ribovics lands as they break and lands big combos at the fence. Kirk tries a takedown but Ribovics defends and is on top landing big punches. They’re scramble and stand as Ribovics lands. Ribovics lands an uppercut. Ribovics lands a knee to the body and they trade. Good fight. 10-9 Ribovics, 29-28 Ribovics.

Official Result- Esteban Ribovics def. Kamuela Kirk by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Flyweights- Shannon Ross (13-7, 0-1 UFC) vs. Jesus Aguilar (8-2, 0-1 UFC)

Ross lands a leg kick and then Aguilar lands a massive right hand that puts Ross immediately to sleep. What a knockout by Aguilar!

Official Result- Jesus Aguilar def. Shannon Ross by knockout (punch) at :17 of Round 1

> Bantamweights- Cameron Saaiman (8-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. Terrence Mitchell (15-2, 0-0 UFC)

Mitchell gets a takedown but Saaiman has a guillotine choke locked in and it’s in deep. They get to their feet but scramble down and Mitchell is on top. They scramble and get to their feet. Saaiman lands a knee to the body. Saaiman gets it down and has the back and lands some punches. He flattens Mitchell out and is landing big left hands and it is stopped! Big finish and an impressive showing from Saaiman.

Official Result- Cameron Saaiman def. Terrence Mitchell by TKO (punches) at 3:10 of Round 1

> Light Heavyweights- Vitor Petrino (8-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Marcin Prachnio (16-6, 3-4 UFC)

Petrino lands a left hand. Prachnio lands some punches. Petrino lands a heavy leg kick. Prachnio lands a right hand. They clinch against the fence and trade knees before separating. Petrino lands a head kick. He lands a left hook and then a right hand and Prachnio is hurt. Petrino tries a takedown but Prachnio is defending. Petrino gets the takedown but they work to the feet. Petrino lands a right hand as they break. Prachnio with a leg kick. They trade inside the pocket. Petrino lands a pair of body kicks. He gets another takedown. Petrino lands from the top. 10-9 Petrino.

Petrino gets an early takedown and is working inside the guard. Prachnio is landing from the bottom but Petrino is in control from the top and looking for an arm. Petrino landing from the top and is still setting something up and then takes the back of Prachnio. Petrino working for a rear-naked choke. Prachnio is able to escape. Prachnio makes it to the end of the round. 10-9 Petrino, 20-18 Petrino.

Petrino lands a jumping knee. Both are landing punches. They trade kicks. Petrino lands a combo. Prachnio lands a few punches. Petrino gets a takedown. He lands from the top and gets the full mount and continues to land. Petrino looks for an arm-triangle choke. It is in tight and Prachnio taps! Petrino gets his first career submission win and looked impressive.

Official Result- Vitor Petrino def. Marcin Prachnio by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 3:42 of Round 3

ABC PRELIMS | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT

> Light Heavyweights- #14 Jimmy Crute (12-3-1, 4-3-1 UFC) vs. Alonzo Menifield (13-3-1, 6-3-1 UFC)

Crute lands a leg kick as Menifield lands a right hand. Menifield lands a big right hand that makes Crute stumble back briefly. Menifield lands and Crute shoots for a takedown but Menifield gets it back to the feet. They clinch and Crute lands some knees. Menifield lands a big right hand as they backed away for a moment but got right back clinched together. Crute reverses position and continues to land knees. They trade knees. 10-9 Crute.

Menifield lands a right hand and then lands a jab. Menifield lands a right hand. Crute shoots for a takedown and briefly had it but they got up. Crute trying for a takedown but Menifield had a guillotine locked in and Crute quickly taps! Finish out of nowhere from Menifield!

Official Result- Alonzo Menifield def. Jimmy Crute by submission (guillotine choke) at 1:55 of Round 2

> Women’s Strawweights- Yazmin Jauregui (10-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. Denise Gomes (7-2, 1-1 UFC)

Gomes lands a right hand and drops Jauregui early. She gets on top and is pounding away on Jauregui and keeps landing and it is stopped! Wow, what an upset and a finish from Gomes.

Official Result- Denise Gomes def. Yazmin Jauregui by TKO (punches) at :20 of Round 1

> 130-pound Catchweights- Tatsuro Taira (13-0, 3-0 UFC) vs. Edgar Chairez (10-4, 0-0 UFC)

Taira lands some leg kicks early. He continues to land leg kicks and then lands a right hand. Chairez lands a right hand to the body then lands a left hand that sits Taira down. Chairez gets on top and locks in a guillotine choke but is in the half-guard and doesn’t have the choke. Taira is working from the top and pressuring. Chairez is getting warned about his toes being in the cage. Chairez keeps doing it despite multiple warnings. Taira with some elbows from the top to end the round. 10-9 Taira.

Chairez lands a jab as Taira lands some punches and Taira gets a takedown. Taira working from the top and lands some elbows. Taira gets the mount and is landing a lot of punches and elbows from the top. He continues to land and goes for a triangle choke but Chairez is able to survive the round. 10-9 Taira, 20-18 Taira.

Chairez lands a body kick. Taira lands a right hand and Chairez fires back with a combo. Chairez lands a jab as Taira lands some leg kicks. Taira gets a takedown. Taira working from the top and is in control. They work their way to the feet. Chairez has a guillotine choke locked in and ends up with a mounted guillotine choke but Taira is able to survive to the end. 10-9 Chairez, 29-28 Taira.

Official Result- Tatsuro Taira def. Edgar Chairez by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)

> Welterweights- Robbie Lawler (29-16 1 NC, 14-10 UFC) vs. Niko Price (15-6 2 NC, 7-6 2 NC UFC)

Lawler lands a combo. Lawler lands some big left hands and knocks Price out cold with a vicious punch. What a vintage and fitting end to the career for Lawler, who is very emotional afterwards.

Official Result- Robbie Lawler def. Niko Price by knockout (punches) at :38 of Round 1

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> Middleweights- Bo Nickal (4-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Val Woodburn (7-0, 0-0 UFC)

Woodburn lands first. Nickal lands a big flurry and then knocks Woodburn down with a left hand and is about to get on top but it is stopped after a right hand from the top. Big finish from Nickal.

Official Result- Bo Nickal def. Val Woodburn by TKO (punches) at :38 of Round 1

> Lightweights*- #11 Jalin Turner (13-6, 6-3 UFC) vs. #12 Dan Hooker (22-12, 12-8 UFC)

*Turner missed weight by two pounds

Turner lands a leg kick. Turner lands a nice combo then we have a timeout for a groin strike. They get back to action. They’re trading kicks. Hooker landing front kicks to the leg. Turner lands a spin kick to the body. They clinch and both land punches. Hooker landed a nice uppercut before they broke. Turner lands a left hand. They trade kicks. Hooker lands a right hand then Turner fires a combo and landed a nice right hook. Hooker lands a right hand. Turner lands a big combo late. 10-9 Turner.

They trade to start the second. Turner lands a body kick followed by a right hand. Hooker lands a leg kick. He lands another. Turner lands a leg kick. Turner with a front kick to the body. Turner lands a big high kick and has Hooker in trouble. Turner lands some punches and they clinch and Turner lands a right hand as they break. Turner lands a right hand. Turner lands to the body. Hooker lands a right hand. Turner scores with a leg kick. Hooker is busted open. Hooker lands a big right hand and then lands a combo and flurry. Turner lands a knee but falls down and Hooker gets the back and squeezes for a choke late. 10-9 Hooker, 19-19.

Turner looking rocked and Hooker rocks him with a combo. They trade in close range. Hooker with some big punches as Turner looks exhausted. Turner is able to get a takedown. They get to their feet. Hooker lading big punches. Turner lands a knee. Hooker lands and Turner goes down. Hooker lading punches from a standing position. Hooker is on top and landing. Turner lands a short elbow from the bottom. Hooker still landing and working from the top. Hooker postures up and is landing left hands. They get to their feet and Turner lands a body kick. Hooker lands a left hand. Incredible fight.

Official Result- Dan Hooker def. Jalin Turner by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

> Middleweights- #2 Robert Whittaker (24-6, 15-4 UFC) vs. #5 Dricus Du Plessis (19-2, 5-0 UFC)

Whittaker lands a high kick. They trade kicks. They trade kicks again. Whittaker lands a nice right hand. Whittaker lands a jab. Whittaker lands a leg kick and then gets a takedown. Du Plessis tried to get the neck but Whittaker escaped and they end up back on the feet. They trade punches in close range. Du Plessis lands a knee. Whittaker lands a left hand. Whittaker lands and Du Plessis grabs him and gets a headlock takedown. Du Plessis lands an elbow that cuts Whittaker open. Du Plessis looking for a D’Arce choke. He lands an elbow and lands punches from the top at the end. 10-9 Du Plessis.

They trade to start the second and Whittaker lands a right hand. Whittaker lands a combo. Du Plessis lands a combo. Whittaker lands a jab followed by a high kick. Du Plessis lands a right hand that stumbles Whittaker. Du Plessis pouring it on with a flurry and Whittaker is covering up as he falls down. Du Plessis still pouring it on and it is stopped! What a performance and statement from Du Plessis getting the finish.

Official Result- Dricus Du Plessis def. Robert Whittaker by TKO (punches) at 2:23 of Round 2

> UFC Flyweight Championship- C Brandon Moreno (21-6-2, 9-3-2 UFC) vs. #2 Alexandre Pantoja (25-5, 9-3 UFC)

Moreno immediately ties up with Pantoja and pushes it against the fence. They remain clinched up with Moreno having the edge and landing knees to the legs of Pantoja. Pantoja lands a knee as they break. Moreno lands a left hook. Moreno lands a combo and Pantoja lands some knees in a brief clinch. Pantoja lands a left hand. Pantoja drops Moreno with a left hand and gets on top and lands a big elbow. They get back to their feet and trade. Pantoja lands a knee and Moreno lands a left hook. Pantoja gets the back for a moment but they break. 10-9 Pantoja.

Moreno lands some good early jabs. Pantoja lands a right hand and they are swinging in the pocket. They trade left hands. Moreno lands a combo and takes the back and drags it down. Moreno is working from the top now and they get to their feet. Moreno lands a combo and Pantoja is now looking tired. Moreno lands some left hooks. Moreno landing the jab. Pantoja lands a left hook. Moreno gets a late takedown. 10-9 Moreno, 19-19.

Pantoja lands a groin strike at the start of the third and we have a timeout. They get back to action and Pantoja gets the back standing. They go to the mat and Pantoja is on the back working for a choke. Moreno is defending everything even though Pantoja has the body triangle. Moreno escapes to the guard of Pantoja and then gets to his feet. Moreno lands some nice left hands. Pantoja lands a big left hook. Moreno lands a combo ending with a head kick. Moreno lands a combo. Moreno with another combo ending with a head kick. Pantoja gets another takedown. Moreno goes for an omaplata and ends up on his feet. Moreno goes into the guard and Pantoja lands some elbows. They get to their feet. 10-9 Pantoja, 29-28 Pantoja.

They’re trading to start the fourth. Moreno lands a combo. Pantoja with some leg kicks. Pantoja lands a low kick and they trade punches. Moreno lands a left hook. Pantoja gets a takedown. Moreno is working for a leg. Pantoja in side control. There isn’t much going on here. Pantoja gets the back as they stand. Pantoja drags it back down. Moreno reverses position and is in the guard. They get to their feet. Moreno lands a combo and Pantoja tries a late takedown and Moreno lands a big elbow at the end. 10-9 Pantoja, 39-37 Pantoja.

Pantoja landing a combo. They’re trading in close range. Moreno lands a flurry. Pantoja lands a big combo. The pace has slowed compared to the rest of the fight but they’re still evenly landing. Pantoja gets a takedown. Moreno gets to his feet and Pantoja is on his back. Pantoja is high on the hips and has the body triangle on and is landing. They end the fight there. 10-9 Moreno, 48-47 Pantoja.

Official Result- Alexandre Pantoja def. Brandon Moreno by split decision (46-49, 48-47, 48-47) to win the UFC Flyweight Championship

> UFC Featherweight Championship- C Alexander Volkanovski (25-2, 12-1 UFC) vs. IC Yair Rodriguez (15-3 1 NC, 10-2 1 NC UFC)

Rodriguez lands a high kick and just misses a head kick. Rodriguez lands a body kick and Volkanovski gets a takedown. Volkanovski moves it to the fence and is working from the top. Volkanovski landing and they almost get up but Volkanovski was landing and they went back to the mat. Volkanovski lands from the top. He ends the round landing from the top. 10-9 Volkanovski.

Rodriguez landing kicks from range to start the second. He lands a spin kick. Volkanovski lands some big shots against the fence and Volkanovski gets a takedown despite Rodriguez grabbing the fence. They get right back up. Volkanovski gets it right back down. Volkanovski landing from the top and Rodriguez is a bloody mess right now around his ear. Volkanovski with elbows from the top. Volkanovski with more shots from the top as he’s in complete control. Volkanovski ends the round landing from the top. 10-9 Volkanovski, 20-18 Volkanovski.

Rodriguez gets warned for a couple of fouls by Herb Dean. Volkanovski lands a right hand after Rodriguez lands some kicks. Rodriguez with a high kick but Volkanovski blocks it. Rodriguez lands a high kick and then some low kicks. Rodriguez landing more kicks. We have a timeout for a clash of heads. They get back to action and Rodriguez lands a high kick. Volkanovski lands a big right hand and then a flurry against the fence before getting a takedown. Volkanovski landing big punches from the top and it is stopped! Big finish from Volkanovski and he remains the undisputed champion.

Official Result- Alexander Volkanovski def. Yair Rodriguez by TKO (punches) at 4:19 of Round 3 to retain the UFC Featherweight Championship

UFC 284 notes: Makhachev retains 155-pound title, Rodriguez wins interim gold

Posted on by Josh Nason

The top two pound-for-pound fighters in the UFC went to battle at Saturday’s UFC 284 with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev earning a unanimous decision win over featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.

Makhachev earned scores of 48-47 (twice) and 49-46 in the first defense of the vacant title he won by defeating Charles Oliveira last October.

The pay-per-view took place in Perth, Australia — Volkanovski’s home country.

Makhachev’s next title defense likely will come against either the winner of Oliveira vs. Beneil Dariush at UFC 288 or Justin Gaethje if he can defeat Rafael Fiziev at UFC 286. The popular Dustin Poirier remains an option as well, but he has no fight lined up as of now.

The loss is Volkanovski’s first in the UFC — a 13-fight stretch dating back to his promotional debut in November 2016. It was his first lightweight fight since that debut.

It’s expected he will return to featherweight and look for the fifth defense of the title he won in December 2019. 

Assuming he does, he will face new interim champion Yair Rodriguez who defeated Josh Emmett in the co-main event to win the title. The 30-year-old submitted Emmett in the second round for his first reign of any kind in the UFC.

UFC on ABC 3 live results: Brian Ortega vs. Yair Rodriguez

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC On ABC 3: Ortega vs. Rodriguez, emanating from the UBS Arena on Long Island, New York.

The Octagon is back on network television this week as it debuts in the new UBS Arena in Long Island for an afternoon slate of fights, featured a stacked main card with some exciting match-ups.

In the main event, former two-time featherweight title challenger Brian Ortega looks to start a run at another title shot as he takes on Yair Rodriguez, who is also looking to start a run at a title shot. Ortega is looking to rebound from a title fight loss to Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 266 in September, while Rodriguez is looking to rebound from a loss to Max Holloway in November. The winner of this fight could be in line for a potential title shot.

In the co-main event, it is a battle of women’s strawweights as Michelle Waterson returns from a long layoff to take on Amanda Lemos. Also on the main card is a welterweight bout between Li Jingliang and Muslim Salikhov, a featherweight battle between exciting fighters Shane Burgos and Charles Jourdain, and a re-scheduled battle in the women’s flyweight division between Lauren Murphy and Miesha Tate.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 11 a.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.

ESPN PRELIMS | 11 AM ET/8 AM PT

> Women’s Strawweights- #14 Jessica Penne (14-5, 3-3 UFC) vs. Emily Ducote (11-6, 0-0 UFC)

Ducote is making her UFC debut. Penne trying to work the jab early. Ducote with a leg kick. Ducote with a leg kick and they trade combos. Both are still feeling each other out. Penne looks for a takedown and pushes it against the fence. They break and Ducote with a leg kick. They clinch and Penne with some knees to the body and lands a right hand on the break. They trade punches and Ducote with a leg kick. They trade in close range. Ducote with a leg kick and they exchange punches. Penne shoots for a takedown but Ducote evades. They trade punches. Ducote with a nice right hand and lands late. 10-9 Ducote.

Penne looking for the jab early in the second. Ducote lands a nice right hand and a leg kick. Penne tries an ugly takedown but can’t get it. Ducote landing in close range. Penne lands a jab and Ducote with an inside leg kick. Penne lands the jab and is circling but eats a left hand from Ducote then a leg kick. Penne lands a right hand. Ducote with a leg kick. Penne with a right hand to the body and tries a takedown but Ducote defends. Ducote with some punches in close range. Ducote lands some big right hands. Penne grabs the Thai clinch and lands some knees before letting go. Ducote with a right hand. 10-9 Ducote, 20-18 Ducote.

Ducote with a leg kick and Penne is having trouble standing. Penne tries for a takedown but not even close. Ducote with a thigh kick. Ducote with more leg kicks and Penne is barely standing. Ducote stumbles Penne with a right hand. Penne lands a right hand. Ducote with more leg kicks and Penne lands a right hand. Ducote with another calf kick. Penne lands a right hand. Ducote with another leg kick and they trade punches. Ducote with another leg kick. She keeps landing the leg kick as we’re getting near the end. They trade punches. Ducote with a big left hand late. Impressive showing for Ducote. 10-9 Ducote, 30-27 Ducote.

Official Result- Emily Ducote def. Jessica Penne by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Middleweights- Dwight Grant (11-5, 3-4 UFC) vs. Dustin Stoltzfus (13-4, 0-3 UFC)

They both land leg kicks and Grant lands a head kick. Grant lands a right hand. Stoltzfus lands a right hand. Stoltzfus shoots for a takedown but Grant defends against the fence. They break and Stoltzfus with a high kick. Grant with a right hand as Stoltzfus lands a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Grant with a right hand as Stoltzfus lands a leg kick. Stoltzfus with another leg kick. Stoltzfus with a flurry of shots late. 10-9 Stoltzfus.

Stoltzfus lands a right hand. Stoltzfus with a high kick. Grant with a unique body kick. Grant with a right hand. Stoltzfus with a leg kick. They trade right hands. Stoltzfus is trying for a takedown against the fence and has a grasp of Grant. Grant defending well against the fence. Stoltzfus gets the takedown and is trying to get the back as he lands punches and gets the hooks in. Stoltzfus has the back and is looking for a choke. Stoltzfus with some right hands from the back. Stoltzfus with some big punches as he has the mount at the end. 10-9 Stoltzfus, 20-18 Stoltzfus.

Stoltzfus landing leg kicks as Grant lands a couple of right hands. Grant with a leg kick. Stoltzfus with the jab and Grant lands a leg kick. Grant lands a left hook. Grant lands another. Stoltzfus lands a right hand. Stoltzfus gets a big slam takedown in the center of the Octagon and looks to get the mount. Stoltzfus with some body shots from the top. Stoltzfus with more body shots as Grant is trying to control posture. Stoltzfus with some lefts to the head now. Stoltzfus gets the full mount and lands an elbow late. 10-9 Stoltzfus, 30-27 Stoltzfus.

Official Result- Dustin Stoltzfus def. Dwight Grant by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Light Heavyweights- #15 Dustin Jacoby (17-5-1, 5-2-1 UFC) vs. Da Un Jung (15-2-1, 4-0-1 UFC)

Jacoby with a leg kick. Jung with a body kick. Jung with a leg kick. Jacoby with leg kicks as Jung is pawing with the left hook. They were trading and Jacoby drops Jung with a right hand and starts walking off like it was over and then the referee just decided to stop it. That was a big finish for Jacoby but also a weird one.

Official Result- Dustin Jacoby def. Da Un Jung by knockout (punch) at 3:13 of Round 1

> Featherweights- Bill Algeo (15-6, 2-2 UFC) vs. Herbert Burns (11-3, 2-1 UFC)

They clinch right away against the fence. Burns gets it down to the mat and gets the back and then switches for the triangle choke. Algeo is trying to scramble out but he’s squeezing and landing punches as well. Burns is also looking for the arm. Algeo lands some punches as he’s trying to escape. Algeo pops out of the triangle choke but Burns still has the arm. Algeo steps across and is out and in the half-guard of Burns. Algeo landing big punches from the top. Algeo with some right hands from the top as Burns is trying to throw his legs up. They try to scramble but Burns is hurt from the punches of Algeo and Algeo is teeing off from the top. Algeo stands and Burns is ordered up and he slowly gets up. Algeo gets a takedown and has the crucifix and lands some elbows at the end. 10-9 Algeo.

Algeo with a body kick and Burns grabs the leg and gets a takedown but Algeo ends up on top. Algeo is trying to get out from the top and Burns grabs the leg and looks for a leg lock but Algeo escapes and he stands. Algeo lands a big right hand and then lands a leg kick and Burns is ordered up and can’t get to his feet and the fight is stopped. What a showing from Algeo.

Official Result- Bill Algeo def. Herbert Burns by TKO (retirement) at 1:50 of Round 2

> Bantamweights- #13 Ricky Simon (19-3, 7-2 UFC) vs. #14 Jack Shore (16-0, 5-0 UFC)

Simon lands some leg kicks. Shore lands a nice combo and Simon looks for the takedown and briefly got it until Shore got right up against the fence. They break. Simon with a leg kick. Shore throws a right hand and Simon ducks under looking for the takedown but Shore defends. Simon with an inside leg kick. Shore with a high kick. Simon with a right hand. Simon lands to the body and tries a takedown against the fence. Simon landing some short knees as he has Shore pinned against the fence but they break as Shore lands an elbow. Simon with a left hook as Shore lands a right hand. They tie up against the fence. They break and Shore with a knee. Shore lands the jab twice. Shore with a left hook. Shore with a body kick. He lands another jab. Close round. 10-9 Simon.

Shore lands to the body and goes for a takedown but Simon defends and gets the body lock. Shore with a right hand as they break. Shore with a right hand as Simon lands the jab. Simon with an inside leg kick. Shore goes for a takedown against the fence but Simon reverses. Simon has the back but switches to the front in the clinch. Simon gets a big takedown as he slams Shore down. They get to their feet. They break and trade leg kicks. Simon drops Shore with a big shot and then gets the back and is looking for an arm-triangle choke and Shore taps! Big win for Simon!

Official Result- Ricky Simon def. Jack Shore by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 3:28 of Round 2

> Middleweights- Punahele Soriano (8-2, 2-2 UFC) vs. Dalcha Lungiambula (11-4, 2-3 UFC)

Soriano with a body kick. Lungiambula lands a right hand. Soriano shoots for the takedown but Lungiambula defends. Lungiambula with a body kick. Lungiambula lands a right hand that backs Soriano up. They trade in close range. Lungiambula lands a leg kick and Soriano slips to the ground. Soriano looks for a takedown but Lungiambula has the neck and they get to their feet. They break. Lungiambula with a high kick. Lungiambula with an uppercut to the body. Soriano lands a left hand against the fence. They trade punches and Lungiambula gets a takedown. He works from the top and they stand and Lungiambula with a big takedown but they get back up near the end. 10-9 Lungiambula.

Lungiambula lands a body kick. Soriano lands a big left hand and a right hook and Lungiambula goes down and it is all over following some more punches. Big finish early in the second for Soriano.

Official Result- Punahele Soriano def. Dalcha Lungiambula by knockout (punches) at :28 of Round 2

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> Women’s Flyweights- #3 Lauren Murphy (15-5, 7-5 UFC) vs. #10 (WBW) Miesha Tate (19-8, 6-5 UFC)

They clinch early and Murphy lands an elbow as they break. Murphy lands some punches and Tate gets a brief takedown but Murphy lands some knees as they get up. Tate with a leg kick. Tate lands a right hand. Tate with the jab. Murphy with a right hand. Tate lands a jab and Murphy looks for a takedown and briefly gets it but they got right to their feet. Tate lands a right hand in the clinch. Tate pressuring against the fence and lands a knee. Tate gets a brief takedown but they get right up. Tate lands some knees and lands a right hand. They trade knees. Tate lands another knee and is trying hard for the takedown as they remain clinched. They break. Murphy with the jab. Close round. 10-9 Murphy.

Tate lands the jab. Tate lands a right hand. They trade punches and both land right hands. Tate’s nose is busted up. Murphy gets the takedown. They get to their feet against the fence and Murphy lands a big elbow as they break. Tate lands a combination. Murphy is landing the jab as Tate keeps running into it. They trade punches. Tate lands a right hand. Murphy tries for another takedown but Tate defends. Tate lands then they clinch against the fence. Tate with some knees. Tate with a big elbow. 10-9 Murphy, 20-18 Murphy.

They trade to start the third and both are finding homes for their punches. Tate tries for the takedown and gets it down and Murphy almost reverses it but they get to their feet. Tate was landing to the body as Murphy was landing some knees. Tate still trying for the takedown but Murphy is defending. Murphy with an elbow and lands another as they break. Both are landing in close range and Tate lands a nice right hand. Murphy tries for the takedown but Tate is defending. They continue to trade and Murphy with a nice jab and knees late. 10-9 Murphy, 30-27 Murphy.

Official Result- Lauren Murphy def. Miesha Tate by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Featherweights- #14 Shane Burgos (14-3, 7-3 UFC) vs. Charles Jourdain (13-4-1, 4-3-1 UFC)

Burgos with a high kick. Jourdain with a high kick then Burgos lands a leg kick. They trade and Burgos clinches against the fence. Burgos gets it down but Jourdain has the neck but not a tight guillotine in. Burgos gets the back as Jourdain gets to his feet and is looking for the rear-naked choke. He’s cranking as he doesn’t have it under the chin. Burgos still has the back and is landing but Jourdain dumps him off and they get to their feet. Jourdain with a leg kick. Jourdain lands some big flurries after tripping Burgos up. They’re both landing against the fence. Jourdain with a head kick. Jourdain with a knee. They’re clinched up but break. Jourdain just misses a flying knee. They trade late. 10-9 Burgos.

They trade to start the second and both land combos. Jourdain with a body kick and they exchange punches. Burgos grabs the back and pushes it against the fence and then jumps on the back. Burgos working from the back trying to find the choke as Jourdain is fighting it off. Burgos keeps the body triangle as they go down for a moment. They go to the mat and Burgos keeps position. Burgos still looking for the choke. Burgos has the arm around the chin of Jourdain and is squeezing for the choke. Jourdain fights it off. Burgos with punches from the back at the end of the round. 10-9 Burgos, 20-18 Burgos.

They trade to start the third and Burgos lands slightly more but Jourdain landing the jab. Burgos with an inside leg kick. Burgos with some leg kicks. Jourdain lands a right hand. Jourdain landing the left hand. Burgos landing the leg kick. Both are landing inside the pocket. Jourdain lands a nice right hand that looked to hurt Burgos. Burgos tries a takedown and Jourdain was grabbing the fence. They’re clinched up and both are landing and Jourdain with a jumping knee then a big uppercut. They’re trading in the clinch and Jourdain with another big knee. Jourdain with short punches and then lands a left hand as they break. Jourdain tries a jumping knee and Burgos ducks and grabs the back against the fence. Burgos lands some big right hands late then Jourdain lands a massive head kick that Burgos eats. Great fight. 10-9 Jourdain, 29-28 Burgos.

Official Result- Shane Burgos def. Charles Jourdain by majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)

> Flyweights- #8 Matt Schnell (15-6 1 NC, 5-4 1 NC UFC) vs. #12 Su Mudaerji (16-4, 3-1 UFC)

They trade punches and leg kicks to start. Schnell with a right hand. They continue to both throw and Schnell gets a takedown. Schnell gets the back and looks to set something up but Mudaerji spins into the guard of Schnell and starts to land to the body. Mudaerji stands and lands a right hand and goes back into the guard of Schnell. Schnell looking for the triangle choke and has the arm trapped. Mudaerji picks Schnell up and slams him down then Schnell sweeps to the top and lands. Schnell with some right hands from the top. Schnell lands a couple of elbows. He lands another right hand then a few more. 10-9 Schnell.

They trade to start the second and Mudaerji lands a groin kick and we have a timeout. They get back to action and both land punches and Mudaerji rocks Schnell with punches a couple of times. Mudaerji lands a big left hand and Schnell goes down for a moment but gets up and they trade. Mudaerji rocks Schnell with a big elbow but Schnell stays on his feet. They trade then Mudaerji lands the big elbow again and Schnell looks out on his feet but they trade and break. Schnell lands a right hand. Mudaerji with a big left hand. Schnell returns fire with a combo. Schnell with a big right hand then gets a takedown. Schnell gets mount and is landing big punches and elbows from the top. Schnell with big elbows from the top. Schnell reigning down with the punches then Mudaerji sweeps to the top. Schnell looking for the triangle choke. Mudaerji is bleeding badly and Schnell with some elbows. Schnell has the triangle choke in and Mudaerji goes out cold! Wow. What an amazing round and fight. Incredible.

Official Result- Matt Schnell def. Su Mudaerji by submission (triangle choke) at 4:24 of Round 2

> Welterweights- #14 Li Jingliang (18-7, 10-5 UFC) vs. Muslim Salikhov (18-2, 5-1 UFC)

Jingliang with a leg kick. He lands some more as they’re both looking to find openings for their punches. Jingliang lands a kick as Salikhov was grabbing him and scored a takedown. Salikhov lands from the top then they get to their feet. Neither really landing. Salikhov with a spin kick which hits the arm of Jingliang. They trade leg kicks. 10-9 Salikhov.

Salikhov lands a big right hand that momentarily floors Jingliang but he gets up. Salikhov with the jab after he misses a big spin attack. Jingliang lands a right hand. Jingliang with an inside leg kick. Salikhov with a front kick to the body. Jingliang gets the takedown. They get to their feet and trade punches. Salikhov with a spin kick to the body. Jingliang rocks Salikhov with a left hand and has Salikhov in trouble. Jingliang lands a right hand and Salikhov shoots for a takedown but Jingliang defends. Jingliang then drops Salikhov with a massive right hand and some follow-up shots end it. Big finish and win for Jingliang!

Official Result- Li Jingliang def. Muslim Salikhov by TKO (punches) at 4:38 of Round 2

> Women’s Strawweights- #10 Michelle Waterson-Gomez (18-9, 6-5 UFC) vs. #11 Amanda Lemos (11-2-1, 5-2 UFC)

They’re feeling each other out to start and neither has landed until over a minute in when they trade leg kicks. They then trade body kicks and Lemos with a jab. Lemos with a body kick. Waterson with a leg kick. Lemos with a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Lemos with a combo and just misses what would’ve been a big left hook. Waterson gets a takedown and is working in the guard of Lemos and lands some body punches. Waterson steps over and lands and Lemos sweeps to the top at the end. 10-9 Waterson-Gomez.

They trade to start the second round. Lemos with a body kick. Waterson lands a leg kick. Waterson with some side kicks. They both land right hands as Lemos lands to the body. Lemos throws a right hand and Waterson ducks under and almost got a takedown and Lemos grabs the neck and locks in a guillotine choke and Waterson apparently taps in a moment that gets missed by the referee. Lemos gets the win by submission.

Official Result- Amanda Lemos def. Michelle Waterson-Gomez by submission (guillotine choke) at 1:48 of Round 2

> Featherweights- #2 Brian Ortega (15-2 1 NC, 7-2 1 NC UFC) vs. #3 Yair Rodriguez (13-3 1 NC, 8-2 1 NC UFC)

Rodriguez lands a couple of leg kicks and right hands to start. They’re both trading punches in close range. Rodriguez lands some big punches then a knee. They clinch against the fence. Ortega with a knee. Ortega trying hard for the takedown against the fence. Ortega still has the body lock as he’s trying hard for the takedown. They break to the center. Rodriguez with a nice right hand. Rodriguez with a front kick followed by a right hand and Ortega shoots for the takedown and pushes it against the fence. Ortega gets the takedown. Ortega’s shoulder suddenly pops out of socket and the fight is stopped. Ortega was escaping an armbar attempt from Rodriguez and his shoulder popped out and this is an unfortunate end to the fight.

Official Result- Yair Rodriguez def. Brian Ortega by TKO (injury) at 4:11 of Round 1

UFC on ESPN+ 55 live results: Max Holloway vs. Yair Rodriguez

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC On ESPN+ 55: Holloway vs. Rodriguez, emanating from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Action is back inside the UFC APEX in Las Vegas after two weeks away, and is back with a featherweight main event that has ‘Fight Of The Year’ potential, featuring arguably the greatest featherweight of all-time.

Former UFC Featherweight Champion Max Holloway takes on Yair Rodriguez in an exciting main event that has potential title shot implications on the line. Holloway is looking to score his second straight win after putting on an all-time classic performance in a win over Calvin Kattar in January. Rodriguez is returning from a two-year layoff as he looks for his second straight win after defeating Jeremy Stephens in his last fight. The winner could be next in line to challenge current UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski.

Also on the main card is a heavyweight bout between Ben Rothwell and Marcos Rogerio de Lima, a women’s featherweight bout pitting Felicia Spencer against Leah Letson, a welterweight slugfest between Miguel Baeza and Khaos Williams, and a bantamweight bout as 15th-ranked Song Yadong battles Julio Arce.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 1 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.

ESPN+ PRELIMS | 1 PM ET/10 AM PT

> Kennedy Nzechukwu (9-1, 3-1 UFC) vs. Da Un Jung (14-2-1, 3-0-1 UFC)
Light Heavyweights

They’re hand fighting in the early stages here at the start. Both land a couple of punches. Jung lands a right hand. They trade singular shots right in close to each other. Jung with a right hand. Jung with another right hand. Jung with more right hands and Nzechukwu is wobbled. Jung lands some elbows against the fence and Nzechukwu goes down and is out. What a finish with the elbows from Jung.

Official Result- Da Un Jung def. Kennedy Nzechukwu by knockout (elbows) at 3:04 of Round 1

> Marc Diakiese (14-4, 5-4 UFC) vs. Rafael Alves (19-10, 0-1 UFC)
Lightweights

Alves with a groin kick with the very first strike thrown and we have a timeout. They get back to action and Alves throws but misses. Alves with a high kick. Diakiese with a body kick. Alves lands a right hand. Diakiese with a leg kick. Alves lands a jab and then a jumping kick and locks in a guillotine quickly and Diakiese taps. Nice sequence to the finish of Alves.

Official Result- Rafael Alves def. Marc Diakiese by submission (guillotine choke) at 1:48 of Round 1

> Cortney Casey (9-9, 5-8 UFC) vs. Liana Jojua (8-4, 1-2 UFC)
Women’s Flyweights* (Jojua missed weight by 2.5 pounds)

They trade in close range and Casey lands a front kick to the body. Casey with a right hand. Jojua throws a double jab but misses. Casey with a body kick. Casey with a combo and then lands another. Casey with a right hand. Casey lands a solid right hand. They trade and Casey is landing with way more volume. Casey with another combo. Casey with a leg kick. Casey with a body kick. Casey with a combo and a head kick and then lands a flurry. Jojua’s nose is leaking. Jojua gets the takedown and Casey quickly works from the bottom. Casey with some big elbows from the bottom. Jojua with some left hands from the top. 10-9 Casey.

Casey with a leg kick followed by a right hand. Casey lands a nice right hand. They trade and Jojua lands a right hand. They trade in close range. Casey with a right hand and Jojua lands a combo. Casey still landing with more volume but Jojua lands some punches. Casey with a body kick. Casey lands a right hand. Casey lands and slips to the mat. Jojua rushes in and Casey lands an upkick. Jojua gets on top and Casey lands some elbows from the bottom. They both land to end the round. 10-9 Casey, 20-18 Casey.

They trade to start the third. Casey with a leg kick as Jojua lands a left hand. Casey with a combo. Casey with a leg kick and right hand. Casey doing more in this round so far. Jojua lands a right hand and looks for a takedown but doesn’t come close. Casey with a leg kick. Casey with a right hand. Casey with a combo and Jojua sneaks in a nice right hand. Casey lands a combo with a head kick. Casey with a combo ending with a head kick. Jojua lands some punches as she rushes in and they clinch. They trade knees as they break. Jojua gets a late takedown. 10-9 Casey, 30-27 Casey.

Official Result- Cortney Casey def. Liana Jojua by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Sean Woodson (8-1, 2-1 UFC) vs. Collin Anglin (8-2, 0-1 UFC)
Featherweights

Both throwing early and Anglin with a body kick. Woodson with a body kick. They both land right hands. Woodson with a high kick. They trade and Woodson throwing the jab. Woodson with a combo and a leg kick. Woodson with a leg kick. Anglin with a strong calf kick. Woodson lands some kicks. Anglin is pushing the pace and gets it against the fence. They break and Woodson with a stiff jab. Woodson with a leg kick. They trade in close range. Woodson with a high kick that connects. Woodson with a combo. Woodson lands a right hand and Anglin is hurt. Woodson with some body shots as Anglin is covering up. Woodson lands a knee. They break and Woodson with a head kick and then lands a combo to the body. Woodson then lands a left to the body and Anglin drops to the mat and it is stopped. Beautiful finish by Sean Woodson.

Official Result- Sean Woodson def. Collin Anglin by TKO (punches) at 4:30 of Round 1

> Cynthia Calvillo (#5, 9-3-1, 6-3-1 UFC) vs. Andrea Lee (#12, 12-5, 4-3 UFC)
Women’s Flyweights

Both are swinging and landing right away. Lee landing more punches as Calvillo mixes in a leg kick. Lee lands a short uppercut as they clinch. They break after Lee lands a knee. Calvillo with a right hand. Calvillo lands a right hand and Lee lands an uppercut. Both are landing in close range. Calvillo with a couple of right hands. Lee with an uppercut. Lee lands a leg kick. Lee with a stiff jab. Lee with a body kick. They trade punches. Calvillo with a right hand. Calvillo with a solid right hand. Lee with a combo and a body kick. Lee with a combo and throws a kick and Calvillo grabs it and gets a takedown but they get up. Calvillo has the back standing and is trying to get it down. They break. Lee with a body kick late. 10-9 Lee.

Lee throwing right away. Calvillo with a leg kick. Lee with a combo and a body kick. Lee with a body kick. Lee lands a body kick that hurts Calvillo. Lee then rushes in with a combo and a knee. They trade and Lee with a left hook then a right hand. Lee with a combo and throwing to the body. Lee with an uppercut. Calvillo with a leg kick. They trade left hands. They trade and Lee with a body kick and then an uppercut. Calvillo with a right hand. Lee with a right hand then a body kick. Lee with a body kick. Lee lands a head kick. Lee with a combo and leg kick. They trade in close range. Lee with a right hand and tries a knee but lands a right hand at the end. 10-9 Lee, 20-18 Lee.

Calvillo can’t continue after the end of the second and the fight is called off in between rounds. Lee gets the big win here.

Official Result- Andrea Lee def. Cynthia Calvillo by TKO (referee stoppage) at 5:00 of Round 2

> Thiago Moises (15-5, 4-3 UFC) vs. Joel Alvarez (18-2, 3-1 UFC)
Lightweights* (Alvarez missed weight by 1.5 pounds)

Moises with a leg kick and just misses a right hand. Alvarez with a leg kick. Moises lands a big right hand and follows it with a leg kick. Alvarez with a leg kick and then a body kick. Alvarez lands a combo. He lands a knee to the body and follows it with a right hand. Alvarez with a leg kick. Alvarez with a right hand and Moises lands a left hand. Alvarez stuns Moises with a punch and lands a knee and then tees off with some elbows. Moises gets out and runs off and Alvarez chases him down. Alvarez with a leg kick. Alvarez with a right hand and then some big elbows and then tees off with a flurry and it gets stopped. What a finish by Alvarez.

Official Result- Joel Alvarez def. Thiago Moises by TKO (strikes) at 3:01 of Round 1

ESPN+ MAIN CARD | 4 PM ET/1 PM PT

> Song Yadong (#15, 17-5-1 1 NC, 6-1-1 UFC) vs. Julio Arce (17-4, 4-2 UFC)
Bantamweights

Yadong swings and misses as they feel each other out early. Yadong with a right hand. Yadong with a leg kick. They trade in close range. Arce lands a left hand and a high kick. Yadong lands a right hand. Arce lands a left hand. Yadong with a leg kick. Yadong lands a right hand. Yadong with a high kick. Arce with a leg kick. Yadong with a quick combo. They trade high kicks. 10-9 Yadong.

They trade punches to start the second. Arce with a leg kick. Yadong with a body kick. Arce with a leg kick. Yadong  hurts Arce with a head kick and then starts landing a flurry with a right hand that drops Arce and some more shots end it all. Great finish by Yadong.

Official Result- Song Yadong def. Julio Arce by TKO (punches) at 1:35 of Round 2

> Miguel Baeza (10-1, 3-1 UFC) vs. Khaos Williams (12-2, 3-1 UFC)
Welterweights

Baeza circling around early on. Williams just misses a left hook. Not much going on as both looking for openings. Williams with a leg kick. Baeza lands a nice left hook. They trade right hands and both are landing now. Baeza with a body kick. Williams with a leg kick and Baeza slips to the mat and Williams gets on top. Baeza looking for the kneebar as he has the leg. He now goes for a heel hook. Williams landing punches to defend. Williams with some big punches. Baeza still working for the heel hook. Williams with some big right hands. Williams with more big right hands as he defends the submission. 10-9 Williams.

Baeza with the leg kick. Williams with the jab as Baeza lands a leg kick. They trade calf kicks. Both look for openings and Williams lands a groin strike. Baeza lands a couple of nice right hands. Williams with a leg kick and Baeza landing some good calf kicks. Baeza with more leg kicks and Williams’ leg is hurt. Williams lands a right hand as Baeza lands. Baeza with another leg kick. Baeza with another leg kick. Baeza with another leg kick and Williams lands some big punches in return. Baeza with a right hand. Williams ducks under some Baeza punches and they clinch and Williams with another groin strike and we have another timeout. They get back to action and Williams with a hard right hand. 10-9 Baeza, 19-19.

Baeza with a leg kick. Williams lands some hard shots as Baeza was covering up. Williams with a spin kick to the body. Baeza with a leg kick and Williams catches him with a big right had that drops Baeza and more punches ends it. Big finish by Williams.

Official Result- Khaos Williams def. Miguel Baeza by TKO (punches) at 1:02 of Round 3

> Felicia Spencer (8-3, 2-3 UFC) vs. Leah Letson (5-1, 1-0 UFC)
Women’s Featherweights

Spencer comes forward right away with the pressure. They throw sloppy punches. They clinch against the fence and Spencer with some knees. They trade knees against the fence. Spencer with an elbow as she’s pressuring Letson against the fence. Spencer keeping the pressure on against the fence and landing short shots but not much is happening. Letson with a knee after Spencer lands a big elbow. They get to the center but stay clinched as Letson lands some knees. Spencer pushes it back against the fence and lands some big elbows. Spencer lands some knees and elbows. Letson with a knee after Spencer lands some big elbows. Spencer with more elbows. 10-9 Spencer.

Spencer pressing forward and they trade punches until Spencer closes the distance and they clinch against the fence. Spencer with some left hands and gets the takedown. Spencer takes the back as they get to their feet. They go to the mat for a moment but work up and Spencer back in control in the clinch along the fence. Spencer with some elbows and knees. Letson lands a couple of knees but Spencer still with pressure as she gets the takedown. They get up and Spencer still in control. They break for a moment and Letson with a body kick and Spencer gets a takedown off it. Spencer takes the back and lands some left hands, then some big knees as they stand as the round ends. 10-9 Spencer, 20-18 Spencer.

Letson lands a body kick and scores a takedown. They get up and Spencer gets the clinch against the fence and is landing punches and knees to the legs and body. Spencer with more punches and knees and Letson is taking a lot of damage. Spencer with some elbows and Letson is cut open. Spencer with more left hands again. Spencer gets a takedown and is working in the guard. Spencer moves to the half-guard and is landing big punches. Spencer with big punches and elbows and the fight is stopped. Absolute dominance from Spencer.

Official Result- Felicia Spencer def. Leah Letson by TKO (punches) at 4:25 of Round 3

> Ben Rothwell (39-13, 9-7 UFC) vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima (18-7-1, 7-5 UFC)
Heavyweights

de Lima with a big leg kick and then rocks Rothwell with a big right hand and is teeing off against the fence and lands some big punches and Rothwell was stumbling around as de Lima is landing lots of big shots and it is finally stopped by Herb Dean. What an explosive finish by de Lima.

Official Result- Marcos Rogerio de Lima def. Ben Rothwell by TKO (punches) at :32 of Round 1

> Max Holloway (#1, 22-6, 18-6 UFC) vs. Yair Rodriguez (#3, 12-2 1 NC, 8-1 1 NC UFC)
Featherweights

Rodriguez with a leg kick. Holloway with a right hand and Rodriguez with more kicks. They trade left hands. Holloway with a right hand. Rodriguez lands a right hand. Holloway with a leg kick and a right hand. Holloway works to the body. Holloway with some left hands to the head and body. Holloway with a leg kick. Rodriguez with a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. They trade punches. Rodriguez with a leg kick and then another and another. Holloway with a leg kick. Rodriguez lands a hard right hand. Holloway then rocks Rodriguez with a right hand. They trade leg kicks. Both land some hard punches. Rodriguez has a cut under his eye. Holloway tries a spin kick and Rodriguez grabs his back and looks for the takedown. They break and Holloway with a head kick. Rodriguez goes down and tries upkicks and Holloway ends the round on top. Close round. 10-9 Rodriguez.

They trade leg kicks and Rodriguez with a front kick to the body. Rodriguez with an inside leg kick. Rodriguez with the double jab. Holloway with a right hand. Holloway with a combo. Rodriguez with a leg kick and Holloway lands a punch. Rodriguez with two leg kicks and Holloway lands a right to the body and then to the head. They trade in close range. Rodriguez with more leg kicks. Rodriguez landing kicks to the legs and body. Holloway with a right hand to the body and then lands a left to the head. Rodriguez still landing the leg kicks. They trade against the fence and Rodriguez with an up elbow. Holloway with a combo to the body. Holloway with a flurry and lands a jumping knee to the body and they clinch. Holloway with an elbow as they break. 10-9 Holloway, 19-19.

Holloway with a right hand and a body kick. Holloway with a combo. Holloway with a big flying knee. Rodriguez with a body kick and they trade punches. They trade and Holloway with a solid right hand. Holloway lands a jab and Rodriguez falls to the mat and Holloway gets on top and is landing and looks for an arm-triangle choke. Holloway gets in the mount and lands and then Rodriguez gives up his back. Holloway lands from the top and then a slicing elbow. Holloway gets the back. He keeps landing and Rodriguez escapes but Holloway has the neck. They get to their feet. Rodriguez lands a flurry. Rodriguez gets a takedown but Holloway quickly works up. Rodriguez with a knee as they break. Holloway with a big right hand. They trade punches. Holloway gets a big takedown. Holloway lands from the top and they stand at the end. 10-9 Holloway, 29-28 Holloway.

They trade to start the fourth. Holloway with a big combination. Holloway with a right hand to the body. They trade in close range. Holloway with a knee to the body and is looking for a standing guillotine choke and they go to the mat. Holloway on top as Rodriguez escapes. Holloway still on top and landing. Holloway in the mount and lands some shots. Rodriguez gives up his back. They get to their feet. We have an eye poke and a timeout. They get back to action. Rodriguez with a leg kick. They trade some punches late. 10-9 Holloway, 39-37 Holloway.

They trade lots of punches to start the fifth. Rodriguez with a body kick then a combo. Holloway with a flurry and lands a knee against the fence. Rodriguez with an elbow then a backfist. They trade in close and Holloway with a knee. Rodriguez with a leg kick. Rodriguez with a series of leg kicks. Rodriguez tries a spin kick and then Holloway lands a right hand and Rodriguez is on the ground and Holloway gets on top. Rodriguez reverses to the top and looks for the neck but Holloway scrambles up. Holloway with a knee to the body. They both land against the fence and we have another eye poke, this time by Rodriguez. They get back to action and both are landing. Rodriguez tries a spin kick and they clinch at the end. Awesome fight. 10-9 Rodriguez, 48-47 Holloway.

Official Result- Max Holloway def. Yair Rodriguez by unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)

UFC on ESPN+ 17 live results: Yair Rodriguez vs. Jeremy Stephens

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 17: Rodriguez vs. Stephens, emanating from the Mexico City Arena in Mexico City, Mexico.

The Octagon returns to Mexico for the first time in just over two years with a featherweight main event featuring one of the country’s biggest UFC stars.

Yair Rodriguez looks to score his second straight win when he takes on long-time UFC veteran Jeremy Stephens in the night’s five-round headline featherweight bout. Rodriguez returns from a ten-month layoff following the 2018 Knockout Of The Year win he scored over Chan Sung Jung in November, while Stephens looks to get back into the win column after dropping back-to-back fights to Jose Aldo and Zabit Magomedshapirov.

In the co-main event, it will be a women’s strawweight bout as former UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Carla Esparza takes on Alexa Grasso as both look for their second straight wins. Also on the card is the return of flyweight Brandon Moreno, who takes on UFC newcomer Askar Askarov, as well as Sergio Pettis moving back to 125 pounds to battle Tyson Nam, a long-time veteran of the sport who is making his UFC debut.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 5 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.

ESPN+ PRELIMS | 5 PM ET/2 PM PT

> Claudio Puelles (8-2, 1-1 UFC) vs. Marcos Mariano (6-5, 0-1 UFC)
Lightweights

Mariano with a high kick to start and Puelles goes right for a takedown and scores it. Puelles working from the half-guard against the fence and lands some from the top. Puelles goes for a kimura from the bottom but Mariano is able to sweep to the top. They are stood up by the referee. Puelles gets the body lock against the fence. Puelles picks Mariano up and slams him to the ground. Puelles working in the guard and lands some elbows from the top. 10-9 Puelles.

Puelles gets an immediate takedown to start the second. Puelles in the half-guard against the fence and trying to move to mount which he does. He moves back to half-guard and then to full guard and lands from the top. Puelles still working from the top and landing and Mariano looks clueless on the bottom. Puelles with more ground-and-pound from the top. Puelles with some big elbows at the end of the round. 10-8 Puelles, 20-17 Puelles.

Puelles lands a left hand and then picks Mariano up and slams him down. Puelles landing from the top and then grabs the arm for a kimura. Mariano is grabbing his own shorts to block it. Puelles gets the arm fully extended and it is in tight. Mariano is able to escape but Puelles gets to full mount and lands big elbows and punches. He’s landing more big punches but Mariano is going to be able to survive the fight. 10-8 Puelles, 30-25 Puelles.

Official Result- Claudio Puelles def. Marcos Mariano by unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-25)

> Sijara Eubanks (#14, 4-3, 2-1 UFC) vs. Bethe Correia (#15, 10-4-1, 4-4-1 UFC)
Women’s Bantamweights

Eubanks with a right hand to start. She lands another right hand that stuns Correia. Eubanks landing more punches but Correia starting to land. Eubanks gets a takedown and is in the half-guard. Eubanks with some punches from the top after she pushes Correira against the fence. Eubanks with big punches from the top as she is looking for the finish but Correia survives the onslaught. 10-9 Eubanks.

They trade to start the second and Correia starting to land kicks. Correira lands a right hook. Eubanks shoots for a takedown but Correia fights her off with some punches. Eubanks with a right hand. Eubanks went for a takedown against the fence but Correia defends. Correia lands a right hand. Correia lands another right hand. Correira gets a body lock and almost got a takedown. Eubanks is slowing down. They trade in close range. Correia lands a right hand. They clinch at the end. 10-9 Correia, 19-19.

Eubanks with some punches to the body to start the third. They trade punches and then clinch. Correira pushes Eubanks against the fence. They break and return to the center of the Octagon. Correia landing more this round. Correia lands a right hand. They trade in close range. Correia landing combinations in the pocket as Eubanks is just landing a punch here and there. Correia with a right hand. Correia definitely thinks she has won the fight. 10-9 Correia, 29-28 Correia.

Official Result- Bethe Correia def. Sijara Eubanks by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Vinicius Moreira (9-3, 0-2 UFC) vs. Paul Craig (11-4, 3-4 UFC)
Light Heavyweights

Moreira pushes Craig against the fence after getting the body lock. Moreira pulls guard and then Craig pushes him against the fence. Craig trying to pass guard and does and they scramble to their feet. Craig gets a judo throw takedown but they scramble up. Craig hurts Moreira with a knee on the way up and then drops him with a knee and lands some punches and swarms for a finish. Craig then grabs the back of Moreira and locks in a rear-naked choke and Moreira taps! Great finish by Craig there.

Official Result- Paul Craig def. Vinicius Moreira by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:19 of Round 1

> Sergio Pettis (#5, 17-5, 8-5 UFC) vs. Tyson Nam (18-9-1, 0-0 UFC)
Flyweights

Both men being patient in the first minute with no punches landed. Pettis with a high side kick. Nam fakes a takedown and Pettis slips away. Nam lands a right hand. Pettis landing a jab. Nam shoots as he pushes Pettis to the fence but they break. Pettis with a high kick. They have a flurry late with both landing. Close round. 10-9 Pettis.

They trade jabs to start the second round. Both landing punches and kicks in close range. Nam lands a right hand. Pettis circling away. Pettis with a step-in knee to the body. Nam misses some punches as he walks forward. They clinch against the fence. Pettis with a spin kick to the body and Nam counters with a right hand. Nam with a leg kick and Pettis counters with a combo. Pettis tries a cartwheel kick but ends the round on bottom. He was still more active that round. 10-9 Pettis, 20-18 Pettis.

They trade and Pettis with a standing elbow followed by a right hook. Pettis with the jab. Nam rushes in but Pettis lands a high kick. Nam now lands some punches. They continue to trade punches. Nam is rushing in but it is letting Pettis land some counters. Nam with a combo to the body. Pettis with a front kick to the face. They trade and clinch late. 10-9 Pettis, 30-27 Pettis.

Official Result- Sergio Pettis def. Tyson Nam by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Ariane Carnelossi (12-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Angela Hill (9-7, 4-7 UFC)
Women’s Strawweights

They quickly clinch and Hill with some knees to the body. Hill with an elbow as they break. They clinch again and Carnelossi looking for the takedown. They break and Hill circling around. Hill lands a couple of right hands. Hill lands a left hook and they clinch and both land knees. They break and Hill with a left hook. Hill with a knee. Carnelossi with a leg kick. They trade in close range and Hill landing better. 10-9 Hill.

They clinch early and both land in dirty boxing range. Hill lands a nice uppercut after they break. They take the center and both landing but Hill landing better. Carnelossi with a nice body kick. They trade and Carnelossi with a heavy right hand but eats a counter combo from Hill. Hill with a combo ending with a body kick. Hill lands a right hand. Carnelossi lands a nice combo. They clinch and Carnelossi has the edge but Hill is able to land some knees before they break before the end of the round. 10-9 Hill, 20-18 Hill.

They trade to start the third and Hill is getting the better of it. Carnelossi keeps coming forward and Hill lands a right hand. Carnelossi misses some punches. Hill then lands a hard elbow that cuts Carnelossi open above her left eye. The referee stops it for the doctor to come in and check the cut and now the doctor stops the fight. It is a nasty cut on Carnelossi. That will give Hill the TKO win.

Official Result- Angela Hill def. Ariane Carnelossi by TKO (cut) at 1:56 of Round 3

> Polo Reyes (8-5, 4-3 UFC) vs. Kyle Nelson (12-3, 0-2 UFC)
Featherweights

Reyes coming forward and they clinch against the fence. Both land knees. Nelson with a big elbow and starts unloading on punches on Reyes. Nelson lands a big right hand that rocks Reyes badly and a flurry of punches follows and Jason Herzog stops the fight. Reyes was out on his feet and this is a good stoppage. Great win by Nelson with that huge flurry.

Official Result- Kyle Nelson def. Polo Reyes by knockout (punches) at 1:36 of Round 1

> Jose Quinonez (7-3, 4-2 UFC) vs. Carlos Huachin (10-4-1, 0-1 UFC)
Bantamweights

Quinonez with a right hand. Quinonez drops Huachin with a right hand and goes to the ground to try for a finish but Huachin is able to scramble to his feet. Quinonez with a leg kick. They trade punches. Huachin lands a left hand. They trade punches and Quinonez with a leg kick. Both are circling around. Huachin lands a right hook and Quinonez circles away. Quinonez with a heavy leg kick. 10-9 Quinonez.

Quinonez with some leg kicks. Huachin is checking them. Huachin with the jab. Quinonez gets a takedown and into the half-guard. Quinonez tries to pass but Huachin forces him up but Quinonez gets right back into side control and moves back to the full guard. Quinonez with a big elbow from the top. Quinonez stands and Huachin scrambles up. Quinonez with a leg kick and Huachin with a right hook. Quinonez with a high kick. Huachin lands a right hand. 10-9 Quinonez, 20-18 Quinonez.

Quinonez gets a takedown to start the third and goes to work in the full guard of Huachin. Quinonez working with punches and elbows from the top. Huachin able to push him off and they get to their feet. Huachin with a high kick that Quinonez checks. Huachin complains about being poked in the eye but Dan Miragliotta didn’t see it and tells him to keep fighting. Quinonez takes advantage and lands a couple of punches. Huachin lands a few punches. 10-9 Quinonez, 30-27 Quinonez.

Official Result- Jose Quinonez def. Carlos Huachin by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

ESPN+ MAIN CARD | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT

> Martin Bravo (11-2, 1-2 UFC) vs. Steven Peterson (17-9, 1-3 UFC)
Featherweights

They trade right away. Peterson with a body kick. Bravo gets a takedown. Peterson with some elbows from the bottom and kicks Bravo off and they get to their feet. Peterson with an overhand right. Bravo lands some combos. Bravo drops Peterson with a shot but Peterson gets up. Bravo with a spin kick. Bravo with a right hand. They are both throwing lots of wild punches. Peterson lands a combo. Bravo with lots of body punches. Peterson lands the jab but Bravo fires back with a body kick. Bravo with a combo. They both land punches ending with body kicks. Peterson with a body kick. 10-9 Bravo.

Bravo gets a takedown to start the second but they get right back up. They trade punches in close range. Peterson then knocks Bravo out cold with a spinning back fist. Holy cow. It was actually a counter spinning back fist as Bravo threw one as well. One of the best knockouts of the year. Big win for Peterson.

Official Result- Steven Peterson def. Martin Bravo by knockout (spinning backfist) at 1:31 of Round 2

> Irene Aldana (#10, 10-5, 3-3 UFC) vs. Vanessa Melo (10-5, 0-0 UFC)
Women’s Bantamweights* (Melo missed weight by 4 pounds)

Aldana throwing punches right away. Aldana with a heavy leg kick. Melo missed weight badly and looks big in there. Melo lands some punches but Aldana covering up. Melo comes forward with more punches. Aldana coming forward with punches and kicks. Aldana with more leg kicks. Melo loading up on right hands and missing them. Aldana with some big punches. Aldana with a heavy leg kick. Aldana working to the body and then an overhand right and a Superman punch. 10-9 Aldana.

Aldana with some right hands and Melo comes forward with some punches. Aldana with more punches in bunches. Aldana with a spinning back kick and then more punches. Melo goes for a takedown but Aldana defends and tees off on Melo. Aldana with another combo. Aldana’s striking is looking fantastic. Aldana fakes an uppercut and then delivers an overhand right. Melo lands a right hand. 10-9 Aldana, 20-18 Aldana.

Aldana landing combos to start the third. Melo with a heavy inside leg kick. Aldana with a spinning back kick to the head and Melo eats it. Aldana with some more punches and leg kicks. She misses another spinning back kick attempt. Melo is doing better this round but Aldana still significantly one step ahead. Aldana lands a flush right hand. Aldana with a nice combo and a leg kick. Aldana with a spin kick to the body. Melo misses a spinning backfist. Aldana with a right hand. Aldana with a late flurry. The crowd went crazy for Aldana. 10-9 Aldana, 30-27 Aldana.

Official Result- Irene Aldana def. Vanessa Melo by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

> Brandon Moreno (#9, 15-5, 3-2 UFC) vs. Askar Askarov (10-0, 0-0 UFC)
Flyweights

Moreno with a flurry as Askarov grabs a single leg. Moreno rushes to the fence and Askarov grabs the back and gets a takedown. Moreno rolls and Askarov gets into side control. Askarov gets the back and has the hooks in and is landing punches. Moreno is trying to fight him off. Askarov with some elbows and Moreno explodes out and is in the guard of Askarov now. They now trade shots on the ground. Moreno with some big punches from the top. They get to their feet and Moreno rocks Askarov with a big left. They trade punches. Askarov tries to land a punch as Moreno runs away. Close round. 10-9 Moreno.

They trade and Askarov gets a takedown and finally gets into the guard of Moreno. Moreno gives up his back as they stand. Moreno able to scramble away. Askarov lands a right hand. Moreno with an uppercut and Askarov grabs the back. Askarov lands punches as they go to the mat but Moreno able to push him away. Askarov goes right back for the takedown and has the body. They break and Moreno with some punches. Moreno then drops Askarov to his knees with a head kick. Moreno tries to capitalize but Askarov grabs the legs. Moreno is going for a reverse triangle choke but time runs out. 10-9 Moreno, 20-18 Moreno.

Moreno gets a takedown to start the third and is working in the guard of Askarov. Askarov lands some elbows from the bottom and now some punches. Moreno with a big left hand as he retains top position. Moreno remains landing punches from the top and Askarov is throwing elbows from the bottom. Moreno then takes the back of Askarov and is looking for a rear-naked choke. Askarov is defending and Moreno has to let his arms rest. Moreno keeps back control but Askarov able to reverse to the guard with seconds left. Fun fight. 10-9 Moreno, 30-27 Moreno.

Official Result- Brandon Moreno vs. Askar Askarov ends in a split draw (28-28, 28-29, 30-27)

> Carla Esparza (#8, 14-6, 5-4 UFC) vs. Alexa Grasso (#9, 11-2, 3-2 UFC)
Women’s Strawweights

Grasso with a nice combo to start. Grasso with the jab. Esparza lands a right hand. They exchange in close range. Esparza gets a takedown and Grasso almost reverses it bt Esparza ends up in Grasso’s guard. They scramble to their feet and Grasso almost gets a takedown and almost lands a head kick. They trade punches. They clinch against the fence. Esparza with some knees. Grasso reverses position. Esparza with a head-and-arm takedown. They get to their feet and Grasso lands a big right at the end. 10-9 Esparza.

Esparza with a right hand. Esparza gets a takedown and in the guard of Grasso. Grasso is landing from the bottom but Esparza is maintaining top control. Grasso being more active on her back but Esparza is keeping her pinned to the mat. Grasso able to spin to the top and they scramble to their feet. Grasso with a hard right hand that stumbles Esparza. Esparza lands a right hand. Esparza gets another takedown against the fence. Grasso almost sweeps at the end. 10-9 Esparza, 20-18 Esparza.

They trade to start the third. Grasso looks like the fresher fighter. Grasso with a combo and rocks Esparza with some left hands. Esparza runs away and Grasso slips trying to land a head kick. Esparza was in trouble but Grasso gave her time to recover. Esparza tries a takedown but Grasso defends. Grasso with a combo. Esparza tries a takedown and Grasso gets the crucifix looking for an armbar but Esparza takes the top. Grasso has the arm and is looking for the armbar and has it locked in. Esparza’s arm is in bad shape but Esparza escapes. Grasso looks for a triangle but Esparza gets out in the guard. Esparza lands some punches but Grasso gets to her feet. They trade punches and Grasso rocks Esparza again. Great last round. 10-9 Grasso, 29-28 Esparza.

Official Result- Carla Esparza def. Alexa Grasso by majority decision (28-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Yair Rodriguez (#7, 11-2, 7-1 UFC) vs. Jeremy Stephens (#8, 28-16, 15-15 UFC)
Featherweights

Rodriguez with some quick leg kicks and then an eye poke and a timeout. Stephens is in a lot of pain and the doctors are checking him out. Herb Dean gives him the full five minutes to recover but Stephens still can’t open his eye and the fight is stopped. The crowd is not happy and starts throwing trash into the Octagon. Ugly scene.

Official Result- Yair Rodriguez vs. Jeremy Stephens ends in a no contest (accidental eye poke) at :15 of Round 1

UFC Fight Night 103 betting & DFS playbook: BJ Penn vs. Yair Rodriguez

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

Here’s some advice for your gambling and fantasy needs for Sunday’s UFC Fight Night 103 in Phoenix, Arizona, headlined by Yair Rodriguez taking on BJ Penn in a five-round featherweight bout on FOX Sports 1.

Yair Rodriguez (8-1) vs. BJ Penn (16-10-2)

  • Betting Odds: Rodriguez (-420), Penn (+335)
  • DraftKings Salaries: Rodriguez- $9,200, Penn- $7,000
  • Key Statistic: Penn last won in November 2010, Rodriguez had yet to make pro debut

Penn finally makes his return to the Octagon when he takes on Rodriguez who is looking to add the biggest win to his resume yet. Penn announced his intentions to return to competition over a year ago, but many snags came along the way. He is a former champ in two divisions and a member of the UFC Hall Of Fame, but training under the coaching of Greg Jackson reignited his passion to compete.

At his peak, Penn was arguably the most talented fighter to ever grace the Octagon. Rodriguez is one of the most talented fighters in the sport today, and he was coached by Jackson in the past, but this will be his second fight under a new training camp out of Chicago. Penn made a name of himself for his relentless speed and aggression in the past with excellent boxing and a strong submission game.

The older you get, the reflexes go, and Penn is now 38. He didn’t look good when he last fought, and that was back in July 2014. He may be too old now to keep up with the speed and pace of Rodriguez. Rodriguez is flashy, but the longer the fight goes, the more he starts slowing down and making it a close fight on the scorecards. I do think this is a bad fight for Penn, but he’s made a career of proving people wrong. He has the right coaching team behind him, and one familiar with Rodriguez.

However, I see this as Rodriguez’ fight to lose. He is a heavy favorite and has the highest fantasy salary, but I still see him as great plays in both as his striking could finish Penn early.

Joe Lauzon (26-12) vs. Marcin Held (22-5)

  • Betting Odds: Lauzon (-110), Held (-110)
  • DraftKings Salaries: Lauzon- $8,500, Held- $7,700
  • Key Statistic: Lauzon and Held have a combined 30 wins by submission

Submission specialists clash in the co-main event as UFC veteran Lauzon welcomes Held to his second appearance inside the Octagon. Lauzon has been with the UFC since 2006, and should be around for as long as he wants to fight. He has racked up the most post-fight bonus awards in company history with 15, and is one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC. Held has 27 career fights at just 24 years of age, and it seems like his best is yet to come. He dropped a decision in his UFC debut to Diego Sanchez, and he doesn’t get an easy second bout.

Both men have a big track record of scoring wins by submission as Lauzon has gotten 18 wins by submission while Held has twelve. They are different in their submission attacks as Lauzon is a more all-around submission artist while Held looks for leg locks. Lauzon has more power in his fists, and that could be a key factor in this one. Held has never been finished by punches, but he has a lot of fights for a young age and that chin is going to be tested eventually.

Lauzon also has better conditioning, and the edge in experience. They are even on the betting odds, but Lauzon is the better bet. Lauzon is also a good fantasy play at his $8,500 salary as I can see him finding a sneaky finish of Held.

Court McGee (18-5) vs. Ben Saunders (20-7-2)

  • Betting Odds: McGee (-105), Saunders (-115)
  • DraftKings Salaries: McGee- $7,800, Saunders- $8,400
  • Key Statistic: In 11 UFC bouts each, McGee has 22 takedowns, Saunders has 2

McGee and Saunders are looking to break into the rankings discussion when they meet in a solid welterweight bout. Saunders steps into the Octagon for the first time in a year after competing in one fight outside of the UFC while he was a free agent. McGee looks to score his second straight win after scoring a decision in his last fight. This is an interesting styles clash fight.

McGee goes after the takedown as he averages two per fight, but he shoots for them several times per fight. Saunders hasn’t shown much of a solid takedown defense game, and he could find himself on his back a lot. Takedowns score points in both the fight and in fantasy, so McGee has the leg up there. Saunders also gets hit a lot as he leaves his chin out there, though McGee hasn’t finished an opponent by strikes since before he was in the UFC. Saunders is durable and he has some flashy submissions, so he won’t mind being taken down if it means he gets to hunt for those submissions.

Saunders also has more knockout wins on his record than he does submissions, though McGee has a solid chin. This fight is close on paper as evidenced by the betting odds. Both men would be solid bets as it will be a tough fight to score. McGee is behind on fantasy salaries, and I could see him scoring a lot of points due to takedowns. He is the better fantasy play and has great value.

John Moraga (16-5) vs. Sergio Pettis (14-2)

  • Betting Odds: Moraga (+130), Pettis (-150)
  • DraftKings Salaries: Moraga- $8,100, Pettis- $8,100
  • Key Statistic: Pettis has been finished in both of his losses

Two flyweights headed in different directions meet in the opening main card bout. Moraga is taking this fight on short notice as a replacement for Jussier Formiga, and he’ll be looking to bounce back from two straight losses. Pettis is looking to score his third straight win. This is a perfect test to see where Pettis is going to go at 125 pounds. He has plenty of potential, but he has hindered himself and been stopped in both of his losses.

Moraga is the type of opponent who can capitalize on openings, and he can apply pressure when needed. Pettis is a very well-rounded fighter who has shown improvement in each fight, but he has been shown to lose focus in fights at times, and it has cost him. Moraga is a sharp boxer, and while he isn’t much of a takedown threat, he is very dangerous on the mat. He is also sharp in the clinch and will go after his foes with elbows and dirty boxing. Pettis will be needing to utilize his footwork a lot in this one to keep Moraga from getting close, and that will be the difference.

They are close on the betting odds, and there is money that could be made on Moraga as he can find chances to score the win. I do like Pettis in this one though. For fantasy, they are even on salaries, and I see this one going the distance, so there are better plays on this card. If you’re looking at one in this fight, I would recommend Moraga as he has the better finishing ability.

Frankie Saenz (11-4) vs. Augusto Mendes (5-1)

  • Betting Odds: Saenz (-165), Mendes (+145)
  • DraftKings Salaries: Saenz- $8,300, Mendes- $7,900
  • Key Statistic: Saenz has a 74% takedown defense percentage

Neither one of these fighters have had it easy lately. Saenz has lost two straight to former champions in Urijah Faber and Eddie Wineland. Mendes lost his UFC debut to the new champion Cody Garbrandt, missing weight in the process, though he took it on short notice.

This could be a fight for a roster spot and both men will need a good showing. Saenz is the better fighter as he mixes his punches and takedowns well. Mendes is a reckless kickboxer who hasn’t shown that he can deal with pressure from an opponent. Saenz lands a lot of strikes and will switch to the takedowns. He hasn’t finished anyone in the UFC, but the power is there. Mendes has power, but he leaves himself open to being hit.

Seanz did get stopped in his last fight by Wineland, and he has left himself open to being hit. Mendes has the kind of power to finish Saenz. I like Saenz in this fight, and he is the play. I do think this one will find the winner scoring the finish.

Aleksei Oleinik (50-10-1) vs. Viktor Pesta (10-3)

  • Betting Odds: Oleinik (-140), Pesta (+120)
  • DraftKings Salaries: Oleinik- $8,600, Pesta- $7,600
  • Key Statistic: Oleinik has 41 wins by submission

There is a huge gap in experience between these two heavyweights, and this will be a curious bout. This will be Olenik’s 62nd career fight, while it’ll be the 14th for Pesta. Neither man land a lot of strikes, and this could be a boring styles clash.

Oleinik is a submission artist but he has heavy hands. Pesta has never been taken down in the UFC, and he has good takedowns. However, he has been knocked out in his last two fights, and Oleinik has some power, though he will be looking for submissions more. Oleinik has 41 wins by submission, so Pesta will need to be on the lookout.

I’m not expecting a particularly exciting fight, but I favor Oleinik big time in this fight, despite the fact he took this on late notice. Oleinik is a good bet to score a finish, so he will be the play to take in fantasy line-ups.

Tony Martin (10-3) vs. Alex White (11-2)

  • Betting Odds: Martin (-175), White (+155)
  • DraftKings Salaries: Martin- $8,900, White- $7,300
  • Key Statistic: White moves up a weight class on short notice

White is looking to score the upset as he moves up a weight class in taking a short notice fight against Martin. It has been a while since we have seen both men in action as Martin hasn’t fought since last January, and White has been out of action since February.

Martin is going to have a slight reach advantage, but White throws with a lot of volume and is the better fighter on the feet. Martin is a better takedown artist, though he begins to slow the longer the fight goes. White keeps a solid pace throughout fights. I do expect Martin to be able to take the fight to the mat as he is a big lightweight and White will be giving up the size in going up a weight class.

Martin is the betting favorite due to that, and due to White coming in on short notice. White is a very live underdog and he has a good shot at scoring the upset, especially as the fight goes deep into the late minutes. He is more of a finisher. White is a very good play in fantasy at a low salary, and he has the tools to stop Martin late in the fight.

Devin Powell (8-1) vs. Drakkar Klose (6-0-1)

  • Betting Odds: Powell (+220), Klose (-260)
  • DraftKings Salaries: Powell- $7,200, Klose- $9,000
  • Key Statistic: Klose took fight on short notice

Both men are making their UFC debuts in this fight. Powell is coming in off of being signed after being on Dana White’s “Looking For A Fight” show. Klose is coming into the fight on short notice as an injury replacement for Jordan Rinaldi. Powell has been fighting longer than Klose has, though Klose has fought more in the time since he made his pro debut.

Powell is more of a combination striker, but he has a lot of power in his strikes. Klose is more well-rounded and has a good takedown game to back him up. He is also a big lightweight so Powell will be giving up some size.

Despite taking the fight on short notice, Klose is the betting favorite and has the huge edge in fantasy salaries. Powell’s power could come into play and makes him a solid underdog fantasy target. I don’t expect this to go the distance, and I like Klose in this fight.

Jocelyn Jones-Lybarger (6-3) vs. Nina Ansaroff (6-5)

  • Betting Odds: Jones-Lybarger (+130), Ansaroff (-150)
  • DraftKings Salaries: Jones-Lybarger- $8,100, Ansaroff- $8,100
  • Key Statistic: Both are on two-fight losing skids

Two ladies looking to end their respective two-fight losing skids meet in the featured prelim on Fight Pass, and someone will be back in the win column. Both come from solid camps as Jones-Lybarger is with the MMA Lab team in Arizona, and Ansaroff comes from American Top Team.

This one likely stays on the feet. Jones-Lybarger is tall for the division at 5’7″, and she throws a lot of volume in her striking. She isn’t a hard hitter. Ansaroff is the harder hitter, and she has shown crisp combinations. Both are good defensive wrestlers, but I don’t see this hitting the mat too much. Ansaroff is more diverse on her feet, and I see her getting the decision.

She is the better betting option. However, I wouldn’t recommend having either lady in your fantasy line-ups as they have even salaries, and I don’t see value in either.

Walt Harris (8-5) vs. Chase Sherman (9-2)

  • Betting Odds: Harris (-135), Sherman (+115)
  • DraftKings Salaries: Harris- $8,700, Sherman- $7,500
  • Key Statistic: Both have won all of their fights by knockout

Heavyweight knockout artists clash in prelim action as both are fighting for their UFC futures. Both men have won all of their career fights by knockout, and each man has lost by knockout in their careers.

Harris has a reach advantage of three inches in this fight, and that could play a difference. He is a pure striker whereas Sherman has some wrestling to rely on. Sherman has bad defense on his feet, though, and he eats a lot of punches. He is durable enough, but that is going to catch up to him against an opponent with a lot of power like Harris.

I like Harris in this fight to win by knockout. I would be confident having him in my fantasy line-ups.

Bojan Mihajlovic (10-4) vs. Joachim Christensen (13-4)

  • Betting Odds: Mihajlovic (+200), Christensen (-240)
  • DraftKings Salaries: Mihajlovic- $7,400, Christensen- $8,800
  • Key Statistic: Mihajlovic makes his debut at 205 pounds

Mihajlovic fought at heavyweight in his UFC debut, and he gave up a ton of size to Francis Ngannou, who dwarfed him and finished him quickly. He is moving down to light heavyweight for his second UFC bout, and he gets a tough for in Christensen, who is in search of his first UFC win.

Both men are solid strikers, but both are older fighters in the twilight of their careers. Mihajlovic is going to be giving up height and reach, and that will help a solid pocket striker like Christensen. Mihajlovic packs power, but so does Christensen, and Christensen can switch it to a grappling battle better. He also has very good submissions.

This is likely a loser gets cut fight, and I favor Christensen in this one. He is a solid betting favorite and a solid fantasy play as I see him scoring a finish.

Dmitrii Smoliakov (8-1) vs. Cyril Asker (7-2)

  • Betting Odds: Smoliakov (+105), Asker (-125)
  • DraftKings Salaries: Smoliakov- $8,200, Asker- $8,000
  • Key Statistic: Asker absorbs almost 10 strikes per minute

A low-level heavyweight bout with a job on the line opens the card in Phoenix. Asker is the slight betting favorite, and he is the better striker of the two. Smoliakov hits hard and has some decent wrestling to turn to, but Asker is good at defending takedowns. Smoliakov put on a really bad performance in his UFC debut loss while Asker put up more of a fight before being knocked out.

Asker can be hit but Smoliakov doesn’t put together his punches all that well, and he showed a lack of finishing instinct in his UFC debut. Someone is likely going to sleep in this one, which could make for interesting fantasy plays. I like Asker in fantasy as he has a slightly lower salary, and I think he has the better chance to win.

UFC Fight Night 92 Salt Lake City live results: Yair Rodriguez vs. Alex Caceres

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC Fight Night 92: Rodriguez vs. Caceres from the Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, UT. This is the first time the Octagon has been in the state of Utah.

This event is headlined by a five-round bout in the featherweight division as Yair Rodriguez puts his five-fight win streak on the line against Alex Caceres.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 7 PM eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.

– UFC Fight Night 92 DFS Playbook

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 7 PM ET/4 PM PT)

HEAVYWEIGHTS
CHASE SHERMAN (9-1, 0-0 UFC) VS. JUSTIN LEDET (6-0 1 NC, 0-0 UFC) (Dave Seljestad – ref)

Ledet is a big crowd favorite, being from Texas. Sherman comes out to Hulk Hogan’s old NWO them music, Voodoo Chile.

Sherman with early Octagon control. Nice punch combo from Ledet 45 seconds in. Another combo from Ledet and Sherman is cut around his nose and seems wobbled a bit. Sherman fires back with a punch combo. Crowd going nuts already. Ledet with a solid punch combo at 1:30. Sherman landing hard leg kicks. Another nice punch combo from Ledet at 2:15. Sherman with a punch/kick combo. Ledet rocks Sherman with a punch combo at 2:45 but he stays on his feet. Ledet with a knee to the head and more punches. Both guys landing hard punches at 3:00. Ledet ahead in strikes landed 28-25 through 3:15. Sherman with a nice punch combo at 3:45. Ledet landing hard punches and a knee to the head. No idea how Sherman is staying on his feet. Both guys seem to be tiring around 4:30. 10-9 Ledet

Both guys firing away with punches 15 seconds in. Sherman still connecting with leg kicks. Sherman pushing the pace. Ledet landing jabs flush. Total strikes now 57-45 for Ledet. Sherman bleeding pretty heavily from in and around his nose now. Head strikes are 56-22 for Ledet. Sherman stumbles Ledet with a hard leg kick at 2:30. Sherman continuing to advance. Sherman with a body punch combo at 3:30. Sherman really starting to suck wind now. Ledet breathing heavily as well. Punch combo from Sherman at 4:15. Punch combo from Ledet and Sherman’s mouth piece is half out. Sherman taunting Ledet at 4:45. Crowd loving this. 10-9 Ledet, 20-18

Ledet opens with a punch combo. Sherman complaining that he got poked in the eye but ref doesn’t stop it. Sherman bleeding around his right eye now. Head strikes now 85-29 for Ledet. Sherman taunting Ledet again at 1:45. Sherman with a punch combo at 2:00. Sherman still connecting with leg kicks. Ledet mostly landing single punches now, no combination but he’s not taking much damage. Ledet with a punch combo at 2:45 and Sherman sticks out his tongue, taunting him again. Sherman still advancing. Punch combo from Ledet at 3:30. Ledet with another punch combo and Sherman laughing it off and puts his hands on his hips at 4:00. Crowd booed that. Total strikes now 108-77 for Ledet. Sherman chasing Ledet around the Octagon in the last 30 seconds and Ledet landing occasional punches while retreating. Crowd booing heavily and they both flip each other off at the end. 10-9 Ledet, 30-27

WINNER – JUSTIN LEDET (7-0) by decision (30-27 x 3)

HOT TAKE – Ledet showed great boxing skill and will definitely be a prospect. Sherman showed a lot of heart and took a lot of punishment. I think he’s earned another shot but he’s gotta work on his defence

FEATHERWEIGHTS
(#5) CUB SWANSON (22-7, 7-3 UFC) VS. (#14) TATSUYA KAWAJIRI (35-9-2, 3-2 UFC) (John McCarthy – ref)

Swanson gets a huge reaction with a mixture of boos. Really, he’s probably the most well-known name on the card. Swanson with early Octagon control. Swanson with a punch combo at 45 seconds. Swanson slips after landing a punch but Kawajiri lets him up. Another hard punch combo from Swanson at 1:15. Kawajiri stuffed on a takedown attempt at 1:30. Swanson lands a couple hard elbows to the head while defending. Swanson just misses a head kick but lands a punch combo at 2:15. Kawajiri rocks Swanson with a hard right and then gets a takedown at 2:30. Kawajiri working for an arm triangle as he moves into half guard. Kawajiri into mount at 3:15. Kawajiri not doing much damage yet but he’s got a couple submissions available. Swanson works him back into half guard at 4:15. Kawajiri still looking for the arm triangle. Kawajiri back into full guard at 4:30. Kawajiri landing punches to the head at 4:45. 10-9 Kawajiri

Swanson catches a kick 30 seconds in and lands a punch combo. Kawajiri stuffed on a takedown attempt at 45 seconds. Kawajiri with a kick combo at 1:15. Kawajiri with a takedown attempt at 1:45 but Swanson reverses midstreak and takes Kawajiri’s back and locks in a rear naked choke. Kawajiri defends it but Swanson still on his back. Kawajiri escapes and gets separation at 2:30. Kawajiri with a spinning back elbow as he’s getting hit with an uppercut at 2:45. Swanson with a nice punch combo at 3:00 and Kawajri down. Swanson connects with a knee as Kawajrii is downed. On the replay, it looked like he was aiming for the body but it clearly connected with his head. Kawajiri gets checked out by the doctor but he continues. No point deduction, which was fair. Swanson opens with a punch combo on the restart. Both guys swinging wildly and landing at 3:45. Kawajiri with another takedown attempt but stuffed by Swanson. Total strikes are 51-43 for Kawajiri. Cage clinch with Kawajiri in control at 4:15. Quick separation. Swanson drops Kawajiri with a leg kick but he’s right back up. 10-9 Swanson, 19-19

Kawajiri opens round 3 throwing all kinds of kicks but they all miss. Crowd chanting USA USA USA. Kawajiri with a nice punch combo 45 seconds in and shoots for a takedown but gets stuffed. Kawajiri gets him down at 1:00. Swanson in a sitting position with his back on the fence. Kawajiri to his feet and Swanson follows at 1:45. Kawajiri in control of a cage clinch at 1:45. Swanson landing elbows to the head and knees to the body. Kawajiri with a takedown at 2:15. Ref warning him to work almost instantly. Kawajiri with elbows to the head. Swanson up at 3:00. Swanson with a punch combo at 3:15 and follows with a high kick. Swanson with a knee to the body and Kawajiri is down. Swanson stays on his feet and Kawajiri looking for a leg lock. Swanson escapes and takes his back at 4:00. Kawajiri cut on his left cheek. Swanson with a full body lock at 4:30 and the ref warns him to work as neither guy is thorwing anything. Kawajiri reverses though and gets to his feet. Swanson follows and knocks Kawajiri down with punches as the fight ends. 10-9 Swanson, 29-28 overall

WINNER – CUB SWANSON (23-7) by decision (30-27 x 2; 29-28)

HOT TAKE – Swanson’s second straight win in a very tough division and his only losses since 2011 are to Max Holloway and Frankie Edgar, both top 3 contenders. He’s probably never going to contend for a title but he’s a guy you want around for big fights. Kawajiri is still a top 15 guy and isn’t going anywhere. Really fun fight

PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 8 PM ET/5 PM PT)

FEATHERWEIGHTS
TERUTO ISHIHARA (8-2-2, 1-0-1 UFC) VS. HORACIO GUTIERREZ (2-2, 0-1 UFC) (Dave Seljestad – ref)

Gutierrez is the big crowd favorite for whatever reason. He was on TUF Latin America, so that could be it. First minute, not much happened with Gutierrez landing a hard leg kick as the biggest blow. Ishihara stuffed on a takedown attempt at 1:15. Gutierrez continuing to land leg kicks. Gutierrez with a nice punch combo at 2:15 and the crowd explodes. Another punch combo from Gutierrez but Ishihara drops Gutierrez with one punch. He tries to get up and eats a couple more punches before the ref stops it.

WINNER – TERUTO ISHIHARA (9-2-2) by KO (punch) at 2:32

HOT TAKE – Ishihara has a lot of power, as evidenced by this KO. Both guys are just 25 and have a future in the sport. Despite Gutierrez’ record, I think he sticks around as he’ll be valuable for the Latin market. Ishihara should probably face a top 30 guy next. 

LIGHTWEIGHTS
DAVID TEYMUR (4-1, 1-0 UFC) VS. JASON NOVELLI (11-1-1, 0-0 UFC) (Herb Dean – ref)

Novelli controlling the Octagon early. Teymur with a nice punch combo at 2:15. They trade body kicks. Teymur with a nice punch combo, Novelli answers with a knee to the head at 3:15. Novelli cut under his left eye. Novelli knocks down Teymur with a punch but he gets right up. Teymur backs up Novelli to the cage with a punch combo at 4:00. Teymur ahead 17-5 in significant strikes. Novelli still pushing the pace. 10-9 Teymur

Total strikes in round 1 were 22-6. Novelli controlling the pace to start the round. Teymur shoots for a takedown but defended by Novelli 30 seconds in. Cage clinch with Novelli in control at 45 seconds. Quick separation. Teymur knocks Novelli down with a punch. He gets back up but Teymur just unloads on him and the ref stops it quickly.

WINNER – DAVID TEYMUR (5-1) by TKO at 1:25 of the 2nd round

HOT TAKE – Teymur looked great, obviously. With so many lightweights under contract he’s got a long way to go to move into contention but he should get a higher ranked guy next. It could be one and done for Novelli, unfortunately. Teymur challenged Sage Northcutt for his next fight. Not likely to happen but can’t blame the guy for trying.

HEAVYWEIGHTS
VIKTOR PESTA (10-2, 1-2 UFC) VS. MARCIN TYBURA (13-2, 0-1 UFC) (John McCarthy – ref)

Tybura with early Octagon control. Nice punch combo from Pesta 45 seconds in. Tybura rocks him with a counter punch. Pesta with a takedown attempt but Tybura sprawls out at 1:45. Tybura wtih a nice punch combo at 2:30. Pesta only 3/23 in strikes landed halfway through the round. Tybura continuing to advance, landing mostly single punches from distance. Significant strikes now 19-4 for Tybura. Pesta with another takedown attempt and eats a knee to the head. Clinch on the cage with Pesta in control at 4:30. Tybura takes control at 4:45 but neither guy doing much from the clinch. 10-9 Tybura

Tybura opens with a punch combo that backs Pesta up. Tybura with a head kick that knocks Pesta out cold.

WINNER – MARCIN TYBURA (14-2) by KO (head kick) at 53 seconds of the 2nd round

HOT TAKE – Tybura looked really good here and in a weak heavyweight division, he’s probably not too far away from the top 15. He should be matched up against a bigger name next time out. Pesta is now 1-3 in the UFC and it’s probably back to European regionals for him but he’ll likely get a call for a future show on that continent if he rings up a few wins. 

WELTERWEIGHTS
COURT MCGEE (17-5, 6-4 UFC) VS. DOMINIQUE STEELE (14-7, 1-2 UFC) (Dan Miragliotta – ref)

McGee is the huge crowd favorite, being a local guy. McGee rocks Steele with a punch seconds in and then gets a takedown. McGee takes his back and secures a body lock. McGee working for a rear naked choke. McGee with a neck crank at 1:15. Steele fighti it off though and gets to his feet. Steele in control of a clinch at 1:45. Separation at 2:00. Loud UTAH chants from the crowd. Not much happening in the standup. Steele rocks McGee with a punch combo at 3:30 and follows up with a knee to the body. Steele initiates a cage clinch but McGee breaks away quickly. Steele with another punch combo and clinches up at 4:30. McGee takes control and working for a takedown. They stay in the clinch until the round ends. 10-9 McGee but very close

Nice punch exchange 45 seconds in. Steele with a punch combo tht rocks McGee at 1:00 and again he clinches on the cage. McGee cut on the nose and the right side of his forehead. McGee takes control of the clinch at 1:45. McGee lands some knees to the body. Steele is cut open and bleeding from the forehead just above the nose as well. Separation at 2:30. McGee with a takedown t 3:00. Steele right up though and initiates a cage clinch. McGee quickly takes control. Ref warns them to work. More UTAH chants from the crowd. Steele with elbows to the head at 4:15 while still being controlled in the clinch. Another really close round. 10-9 Steele, 19-19 overall. But really either round could go either way

Huge ovation for McGee as theycome out for Round 3. Steele opens with a punch combo and follows up with an elbow to the head. Total strikes are 43-40 for McGee. Steele with a punch combo at 1:00. Steele with a flying knee and follows up with punches and they end up in a cage clinch with McGee in control at 1:45. Steele with elbows to the body. McGee with a takedown at 2:30 but Steele right up. McGee initiates another cage clinch. Ref warns them to work at 3:00. McGee with light punches to the head but the ref breaks them up at 3:15. Steele wtih a takedown attempt at 3:45 defended by McGee. McGee initiates another cage clinch at 4:00. Crowd erupts at around the 4:30 mark as they think McGee is winning. McGee lands a flush elbow right before the buzzer and should take the round 10-9 and the fight 29-28

WINNER – COURT MCGEE (18-5) by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x 2)

HOT TAKE – I think the crowd made the difference there for McGee in a very close fight. McGee was very emotional afterward, saying that it was the first time his kid had seen him fight live. Steele is 1-3 in UFC and could get cut I hope not. He’s obviously a UFC caliber fighter and easily could’ve won this fight. McGee is a long way from contention but he’s a familiar name with a good record. He should probably step up and fight a top 15 guy next.

MAIN CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 10 PM ET/7 PM PT)

WOMEN’S STRAWWEIGHTS
(#9) MARYNA MOROZ (7-1, 2-1 UFC) VS. DANIELLE TAYLOR (7-1, 0-0 UFC) (Herb Dean – ref)

Moroz with early Octagon control. Taylor is really tiny as Moroz isn’t that big and just towers over her. Both ladies very tentative early on with Moroz landing slightly more, but just single strikes. Crowd booing 2:00 in as not much happening. Moroz throwing a lot of punches and kicks but missing almost all of them. Through 3:15, strikes landed are actually 3/53, which is unheard of. Moroz is just way too far away from her to land anything. Taylor is not throwing hardly any strikes though, just avoiding getting hit. Taylor lands an overhand right before the round ends. 10-9 Moroz but could almost be a 10-10 round

2nd round opens the same with Moroz controlling the pace. She controlled 90% of the first round. Total strokes are 13-9 landed for Taylor but Moroz has thrown 106. The judges would not necessarily know how many of those strikes had landed. Crowd booing pretty heavily again at 1:30. Moroz still missing most of her strikes. Taylor rocks Moroz with a hard right but Moroz stays on her feet at 2:15. If this round goes the same as the last round, that could be enough to take it for her. Taylor with a punch combo at 3:45. Moroz still advancing. Significant strikes are 19-19. More loud booing from the crowd at 4:30. 10-9 Taylor, 19-19

Same thing to open round 3. Moroz pushing the pace. She does land a couple punches early. Moroz lands what might be her first body kick at 45 seconds. Moroz rocks Taylor with a head kick at 1:15. Punch combo from Moroz at 1:30. Crowd booing again at 2:15. Moroz lands a hard right at 2:45. Action has kind of moved into the centre of the Octagon now. Moroz with a nice punch combo at 3:15. Ref warns them to engage at 3:45. Nice punch exchange at 4:45. Taylor gets a takedown at the buzzer. 10-9 Moroz, 29-28

WINNER – MARYNA MOROZ (8-1) by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

HOT TAKE – This fight didn’t do Moroz any favors. She came into the UFC and looked like a world beater with a quick sub over Joanne Calderwood but has been pretty mediocre since. Taylor should get another chance in UFC but I’m not sure how well she would do. This wasn’t a very good fight at all. 

MIDDLEWEIGHTS
TREVOR SMITH (13-6, 3-3 UFC) VS. JOE GIGLIOTTI (7-0, 0-0 UFC) (Dan Miragliotta – ref)

Gigliotti opens with a punch combo and initiates a cage clinch 15 seconds in. Smith takes control. Gigliotti landing knees to the body. Smith answering with body punches and knees to the legs. Smith with a takedown at 1:30. Smith landing punches  to the head as Gigliotti gets to his feet. Smith still controlling him in a cage clinch. Ref warns them to work at 2:45. After the last fight, this looks like Frye/Takayama.  Smith with some light body punches at 3:15. Crowd starting to boo again as they’re still in a clinch. Ref finally breaks them up at 3:30 and he warns Smith for grabbing the fence. Smith with a punch combo. Gigliotti unloads with a combo of his own and they’re right back in a cage clinch. Gigliotti with a takedown but Smith catches him in a guillotine. Gigliotti escapes and tries to take the back but Smith escapes. Smith takes Gigliotti down and lands a knee that looked illegal but the ref allows it. 10-9 Smith

Smith drops Gigliotti with a knee and takes his back on the ground 30 seconds in. Smith with back mount. Gigliotti is pouring blood from his nose while trying to defend a choke. Gigliotti trying to get to his feet while Smith is still on his back. Gigliotti’s nose seems to be broken from the knee that opened the round. Smith still working for a choke but the blood is making it difficult to secure. Gigliotti manaes to get Smith to front position as he’s seated with his back to the cage. Smith landing punches and elbows to the head from half guard. Gigliotti to his feet at 3:15 but Smith takes him down right away. Smith on his back again and working for the rear naked choke. Gigliotti manages to get him off his back while he tries to stand again. Total strikes are 97-17 for Smith. Smith working for a D’Arce choke at 4:45 but the bell ends it. 10-8 for Smith, 20-17

Smith gets a takedown immediately to start the round. Smith with an arm triangle attempt while he tries to advance position. Crowd booing heavily again. Smith landing elbows to the head. Smith into side control at 1:45. Gigliotti to his feet at 2:00. Smith in control of a cage clinch. Separation at 2:30. Gigliotti with a nice punch combo at 2:45. Smith clinches up again but Gigliotti powers out of it. Smith takes him down at 3:00. Smith with 11 minutes of control time through 13 minutes of the fight. Smith again working for an arm triangle and Gigliotti gives up his back. Smith flips him around and gets full mount. Smith landing elbows to the head and body punches. Smith with more elbows to the head at 4:30. Close to another 10-8 but I’ll go 10-9 and 30-26 overall for Smith

WINNER – TREVOR SMITH (14-6) by unanimous decision (30-26 x 3)

HOT TAKE – Smith looked really good, obviously, but I’m not sure if it was his being good or Gigliotti just looking terrible. Gigliotti could be one and done in UFC as he just didn’t seem ready at all. Smith is not nearly a top 15 or probably even top 30 fighter. It will be interesting to see how he does against another veteran though, maybe a Jorge Masvidal type. 

WELTERWEIGHTS
SANTIAGO PONZINIBBIO (22-3, 4-2 UFC) VS. ZAK CUMMINGS (19-4, 4-1 UFC) (Herb Dean – ref)

Both guys keeping their distance, mainly in the centre of the Octagon, for the first 90 seconds. Ponzinibbio with a punch combo at 1:45. Cummings with a takedown attempt at 2:00 but defended well by Ponzinibbio. Nice punch exchange at 2:30. Ponzinibbio establishing Octagon control. Cummings looks to be cut above his nose. Nasty head kick from Ponzinibbio at 3:30 and follows up with a punch combo. Cummings stays up though. Ponzinibbio cut around his left eye as well. Cummings hit him with a low blow that was accidental but the ref gives him a strong warning. Cummings pushing the pace on the restart. Great punch exchange at 4:45 and Cummings gets a takedown but Ponzinibbio right up. 10-9 Ponzinibbio but very close

Total strikes in round 1 were 20-8 for Ponzinibbio. Cummings has some welling around his left eye. Cummings with a punch combo at 45 seconds. Ponzinibbio’s cut is open again as well. Punch combo from Ponzinibbio followed by a head kick at 1:15. Punch combo from Cummings at 1:45. Cummings cut under his right eye now as well. Cummings with a kick/punch combo at 2:45. Ponzinibbio complaining of an eye poke but ref didn’t see it and makes them keep fighting. Cummings with a takedown attempt stuffed at 3:30. Nice punch exchange to end the round. 10-9 Cummings but another close one, 19-19

Both fighters were given a warning for advancing with their fingers out before the round. With the new rules that have passed, that could be a point deduction in the near future. Head strikes are 47-20 for Ponzinibbio. It seems closer than that. Ponzinibbio with a nice punch combo at 1:15 and he’s controlling the Octagon as well. Ponzinibbio with another combo at 2:15. Nice punch exchange at 3:00. Total strikes are 77-41 now for Ponzinibbio. Cummings with a punch combo at 4:00. Both guys faces are all cut up. 10-9 Ponzinibbio, 29-28 overall

WINNER – SANTIAGO PONZINIBBIO (23-3) by unanimous decision (29-28 x 2; 30-27)

HOT TAKE – Another mediocre fight. Ponzinibbio is usually a pretty exciting fighter but didn’t really show that here. With the win, Ponzinibbio will likely get a top 15 guy next but he doesn’t seem ready for that kind of competition. Cummings had won 2 straight prior to this and his only stoppage loss in UFC was to Demian Maia so he isn’t going anywhere. 

MIDDLEWEIGHTS
(#12) THALES LEITES (25-6, 10-5 UFC) VS. CHRIS CAMOZZI (24-10, 9-7 UFC) (Dan Miragliotta – ref)

Leites shoots for  takedown early but they end up in a cage clinch with Camozzi in control. Leites takes control at 45 seconds. Leites takes his back at 1:45 but Camozzi still on his feet. Ref warns them to work at 2:00. Leites drags him down but Camozzi right up. Leites landing punches to the head while working for a choke. Ref warns them again at 2:45. Leites briefly gets him down again but Camozzi right up. Leites still on his back. Hard punches to the head from Leites. Leites with a full body lock as well. Camozzi cut now on his left cheek as that’s where the punches are landing. Crowd booing a bit. Leites gets him down right at the buzzer. 10-8 Leites

Camozzi pressing the action to start but Leites gets a takedown 30 seconds in. Leites in half guard and working on an arm triangle. Camozzi works him back to full guard and lands a couple elbows to the head. Leites into side control at 1:45. Leites working for a D’Arce choke  and then takes the back of Camozzi. Camozzi briefly to his feet but Leites drags him right down. Leites with the full body lock. Leites landing punches to the head. Leites loses the body lock at 3:00 but still on Camozzi’s back. He gets it back again at 3:15. Loud booing from the crowd. Camozzi escapes the body lock at 3:45 but Leites still on his back. More punches to the head from Leites. Leites trying to set up a rear naked choke. Leites all over him with punches at the end of the round. 10-8 Leites, 20-16

Camozzi opens with a punch combo as he knows he has to get a finish. He initiates a cage clinch but quick separation. Leites with a takedown 30 seconds in and the crowd erupts with boos. Leites takes his back again and looking for a rear naked choke. Leites landing punches to the head. Leites has his wrist under the chin now but Camozzi fighting it off with everything he has. Leites with a full body lock once again. Leites with a neck crank and gets the tap.

WINNER – THALES LEITES (26-6) by submission at 2:58 of round 3 (rear naked choke)

HOT TAKE – Camozzi is no pushover but Leites made him look like one. He was really close to title contention about a year and will need 2-3 wins against top guys to get there again but he’s definitely got the skills to do it. He looked like a middleweight version of Demian Maia out there. This was just a bad style matchup for Camozzi and he should go in against a standup guy next time out. 

FEATHERWEIGHTS
(#8) DENNIS BERMUDEZ (15-5, 8-3 UFC) VS. RONY JASON (14-5 1 NC, 4-2 1 NC UFC) (John McCarthy – ref)

Bermudez controlling the pace early. Jason landing kicks from distance. Bermudez with a nice punch/kick combo at 1:45 and then gets a takedown. Bermudez stands up but Jason stays on his back. Bermudez back into his guard and lands a couple elbows to the head. Jason working for an armbar from the bottom but Bermudez to his feet again. Jason still on his back so Bermudez goes right back into his guard. Jason with another armbar attempt at 2:45. Bermudez with more elbows to the head. Jason busted open and pouring blood from his forehead from the elbows. 20 ground strikes landed from Bermudez. More elbows from Bermudez. The damage to Jason probably makes this a 10-8 round in addition to the domination time for Bermudez. 10-8 Bermudez

Bermudez moves in for a takedown and gets clipped by a punch from Jason but Bermudez still gets  it. Bemrudez on his back and Jason’s pouring blood again. Bermudez landing punches to the head. Jason to his feet at 1:30. Crowd erupts when he breaks away from Bermudez. Jason is just covered in blood, including his white tights. Nice body punch combo from Bermudez at 2:30. Bermudez with another takedown. Jason escapes and gets to his feet at 3:00. Bermudez with another takedown at 3:30. Jason up quickly. Jason defends a takedown attempt at 4:30. Crowd loving that. Jason is really tired now and gets takedown right before the round ends. 10-9 Bermudez, 20-17

Jason lands a flying knee 30 seconds in but Bermudez weathers it. Bermudez landing leg kicks. Nice punch/kick combo from Bermudez at 1:15. Significant strikes are 40-16 for Bermudez. Jason stuffs a takedown attempt at 1:45 and working for a guillotine but Bermudez escapes easily. Nice punch exchange at 2:15. Bermudez gets a takedown at 2:45 but Jason switches midway through and ends up on top. Jason into mount and then takes the back of Bermudez and working for a rear naked choke. Bermudez briefly up but Jason drags him right down again. Bermudez with a beautiful escape and ends up in top position. Bermudez with elbows to the head and he’s opened up the cut on Jason again. Bermudez postures up at 4:15 but then right back into Jason’s guard. Hard punches and elbows from Bermudez but Jason up right before the buzzer. Last round was really close. Bermudez did more damage but Jason was closer to finishing. 10-9 Jason, 29-27 Bermudez overall

WINNER – DENNIS BERMUDEZ (16-5) by unanimous decision (30-27 x 2, 30-26)

HOT TAKE – Bermudez called out Frankie Edgar for November 12 at MSG. With this performance and the standing of both guys, that’s definitely the fight to make. Jason was just way out of his league here and he’s a vet with a familiar name so he’ll get more fights. Bermudez definitely looked like a top 5 guy in there tonight. If he doesn’t get Edgar, he should get the winner of the main event. 

FEATHERWEIGHTS
(#13) YAIR RODRIGUEZ (7-1, 4-0 UFC) VS. ALEX CACERES (12-8 1 NC, 7-6 1 NC UFC) (Herb Dean – ref)

A lot of fans apparently came up from Mexico for this, which explain the reaction to Gutierrez earlier. Rodriguez landing all kinds of kicks in the first minute with Cacares pressing the action. Rodriguez with a nice punch combo and follows up with more spin kicks. A lot of them are missing but he’s got Cacares confused. Rodriguez lands a head kick but slips. Cacares lets him back up. Cacares takes his back standing and they fall to the floor but Rodriguez gets up quickly. Loud USA chants from the crowd now so Cacares has fans there as well. Total stikes landed are 12-7 for Rodriguez. Rodriguez with a takedown at 4:00 but Cacares up quickly. Rodriguez controlling his back. Cacares escapes at 4:30. Rodriguez still landing kicks as the round ends. 10-9 Rodriguez

Rodriguez knocks Cacares down with a kick early but he gets right up. Rodriguez with a cartwheel kick that misses but the crowd loves it. Rodriguez with a nice punch/kick combo at 1:30. Rodriguez advancing and Cacares practically running away. Rodriguez with a couple leg kicks landed at 2:30. Rodriguez with a takedown attempt at 3:00 and they end up in a cage clinch. Quick separation. CAcares with a nice punch combo at 3:45. Rodriguez with a nice kick combo at 4:00. Rodriguez with body kicks landing at 4:30. 10-9 Rodriguez, 20-18

Cacares advancing to start Round 3. Rodriguez with a nice punch combo at 30 seconds. Rodriguez with a punch/knee combo at 45 seconds. Rodriguez landing leg kicks. Rodriguez with a 32-9 advantage in kicks landed. Rodriguez backs Cacares up with a nice punch combo at 1:30. Rodriguez starting to miss on more of his punches and kicks now. Cacares starting to advance again. Cacares with a nice punch combo at 3:15 and follows up with a hard knee to the body. Cacares rocks Rodriguez with another punch combo at 3:30. Cacares with a takedown at 4:00  and landing punches to the head. Rodriguez working for a submission but eating a lot of punches. Crowd loving this. Cacares all over him with punches but Rodriguez doesn’t seem to fazed by it. Cacares to his feet right before the buzzer and Rodriguez follows. 10-9 Cacares, 29-28 Rodriguez going into the championship rounds

They trade leg kicks to start. Cacares advancing. Significant strikes landed are 76-47 for Rodriguez. Rodriguez is breathing pretty heavy after such a frantic pace in the opening rounds. Rodriguez with a couple leg kicks at 2:30. Nice punch exchange follows. Rodriguez with a leg kick followed by a spinning back fist at 2:45. Rodriguez advancing now. Rodriguez with a punch combo at 3:15. Leg kicks landed are 32-8 for Rodriguez, which is a crazy amount and Cacares doesn’t seem affected by it. Cacares with a nice punch combo at 3:45. Cacares coming on again in the final minute, landing more and evading Rodriguez’ strikes for the most part. 10-9 Rodriguez, 39-37 overall

Crowd chanting LEE-ROY at the start of the round. Cacares initiates a cage clinch at 30 seconds but Rodriguez gets separation quickly. Rodriguez with a couple of hard knees to the body and Cacares looking tired for the first time in the fight. Cacares lands a nice punch combo at 1:15 though and then gets a takedown at 1:30. Total strikes landed are 132-78 for Rodriguez. Rodriguez to his feet and then gets a takedown at 1:45 but Cacares right up. Nice punch exchange at 2:30. Cacares with a punch combo of his own and follows with a body kick at 2:45. Rodriguez backs Cacares up with a punch combo at 3:15. Rodriguez has thrown almost 400 strikes, landing just under 40 % of them. Rodriguez with a punch combo at 4:15. Rodriguez lands a spin kick, followed by a head kick at 4:30. Both guys throwing down at the end of the fight and then Rodriguez does a cartwheel kick right before the buzzer. 10-9 Rodriguez, 49-46 overall

WINNER – YAIR RODRIGUEZ (8-1) by split decision decision (46-49. 48-47 x 2)

HOT TAKE – Not sure how you give Cacares two rounds there, let alone FOUR as one judge did, but the right guy won anyways. Rodriguez had an entertaining fight as expected but he’s not quite ready for the top tier in this divsion and they need to be a little careful with him. Rony Jason might be a good guy to take on next. Cacares stood in there strong and is definitely better than his record would indicate. 

Hard to call this a bad show with such a great main event but it really wasn’t a very good main card until Rodriguez and Cacares saved the show.