411’s UFC Fight Night 78 Report 11.21.15

Hello everyone and thank you for joining 411mania’s LIVE coverage of The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America finale. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be relaying all the action just as I see it. Last week was the monster show UFC 193, tonight we’ve got a totally overlooked and somewhat underwhelming card. Hey at least Kelvin Gastelum made weight for this fight, something he has failed to do at welterweight twice before including one time missing by a staggering ten pounds. He was supposed to fight Matt Brown, but Brown got injured on the second of November and Neil Magny has agreed to step in for him. This will mark Magny’s fifth fight this year and his tenth over the last two years, the man keeps a beastly schedule. Diego Sanchez made featherweight, personally I was shocked at that, but will be taking on a very tough top ranked opponent in Ricardo Lamas. Also we’ve got what is likely a title eliminator fight at flyweight between Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo and Jussier Formiga. This event comes to the world from Monterrey, Mexico with Jon Anik and Brian Stann on commentary.

Michel Prazeres is 2-2 in the UFC but is coming off of a loss to Kevin Lee and needs to rebound with a win here if he wants to get any type of momentum in the stacked lightweight division. Valmir Lazaro is 1-1 in the UFC but is coming off of a win over James Krause, well a split decision win that may or may not have been influenced by a certain chicken, and a win over Prazeres here certainly moves him up the ladder and towards bigger fights down the road.

Lightweight Bout: Michel Prazeres (18-2, 156 lbs.) VS Valmir Lazaro (13-3, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Lazaro has four six inches of height and five and a half of reach on Prazeres. Touch of gloves to get us going. Lazaro lands a bit of a leg kick. Prazeres lands a better leg kick. Lazaro lands a leg kick, he clearly wants this fight at distance given the physical advantages he has. Prazeres lands a lunging left hook. Really slow pace from these two. Lazaro lands another leg kick. Another leg kick from Lazaro and Prazeres misses a couple of hooks. Lazaro lands a jab. Lazaro getting his jab going now, Prazeres is having a real problem dealing with the distance of Lazaro. Prazeres lands a bit of an uppercut but eats a counter right from Lazaro. Prazeres lands a wild overhand right. Prazeres lands a leg kick. Lazaro lands a few jabs then a leg kick. Prazeres misses a takedown. Prazeres wings another right that lands then gets a single leg and takes Lazaro down. Lazaro quickly back to his feet and away from Prazeres. Lazaro lands a couple of jabs and avoids a takedown from Prazeres. Counter left hook from Prazeres lands, Lazaro’s jab has gotten lazy and he’s paying for it. Lazaro lands a leg kick as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Prazeres

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves to start the second round. Lazaro lands a leg kick. Prazeres misses a right but he’s getting a feel for timing the jab of Lazaro. Lazaro lands a right, Prazeres tries a takedown but winds up pulling guard. Prazeres has full guard, Lazaro not doing a whole lot from top. Lazaro lands a couple of short lefts. Lazaro passes to half guard. Some weak body shots from Lazaro. Prazeres to full guard again. Lazaro with a few more body shots and the ref stands them up. Lazaro lands a jab, Prazeres lands a right. Prazeres grabs a single leg against the fence and looks to get Lazaro down but he can’t get him there. The ref separates the clinch. Prazeres misses a wild right hand. Lazaro lands a couple of jabs. Prazeres catches a leg kick and drives Lazaro into the fence. Prazeres tries for a takedown but Lazaro avoids it then they trade jabs to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lazaro, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves and a quick hug for the final round. Lazaro lands a few jabs. Prazeres lands a leg kick. Stiff couple of jabs from Lazaro land. Lazaro lands another couple of jabs. Prazeres lands a lunging left hook. Prazeres misses another wild right. Lazaro dodging the punches of Prazeres now, Prazeres is just unable to adjust to the distance in this round. Lazaro lands a couple of more jabs. Prazeres tries a double leg that stalls on the fence. Lazaro defending against the fence, Prazeres desperately trying for a single leg. Lazaro wont go down, and even if a knee hits the mat he’s back up immediately. Prazeres finally just pulls guard as Lazaro defended more takedowns. Lazaro with a couple of weak body shots from the guard of Prazeres. Not a lot goes on and the ref stands them up. Lazaro lands another jab. Prazeres bull rushes into the clinch then triess to roll for a knee bar but has no grip and flops to his back. The ref stands them up and they posture away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lazaro, 29-28 Lazaro overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Michel Prazeres via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)

Disagree firmly with that, Prazeres got a lot of credit for wild punches that missed which bodes well for Diego Sanchez later tonight. I just can’t see giving Prazeres either round 2 or 3. No interview for Prazeres. I’m passing on Clucky for that one, but I’m almost positive he’s in the house for this event, I mean Diego Sanchez is fighting so he’s kind of a given.

I’m not gonna lie guys, I can’t find anything on Reyes. Can’t find him on Sherdog on short notice, there’s a lot of guys with that same name so I’m relying on the UFC’s word on his record. Cesar Arzamendia is 7-1 according to sources more reliable than the UFC and is riding a two fight winning streak coming into tonight. Both men were on this season of TUF: Latin America and are making their UFC debuts.

Lightweight Bout: Marco “Polo” Reyes (5-3, 155 lbs.) vs. Cesar Arzamendia (7-1, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Touch of gloves to get us going. Arzamendia lands a bit of a jab. Reyes lands a left that gets Arzamendia do a knee but Arzamendia comes back with an overhand right. They get close and trade wide hooks in the pocket. Reyes lands a right after catching a kick. Hard leg kick from Arzamendia. They get close, Arzamendia lands a couple of knees to the body but appeared to eat a low blow on the break. He walks it off quickly and we’re fighting again. Arzamendia lands a combination and they clinch then Arzamendia gets a takedown. Reyes back up immediately but Arzamendia still has him on the fence. Arzamendia trips Reyes to the mat and lands in his guard. Reyes to his feet but Arzamendia tries a standing guillotine, Reyes gets free and Arzamendia lands a knee as they break. Arzamendia hits a double leg takedown. Arzamendia misses a right and Reyes regains his feet. Rights traded. Arzamendia ducks a punch and gets another takedown into the guard of Reyes. Arzamendia lands a knee to the body as they stand but Reyes lands a wicked left hook that drops Arzamendia and this one is over.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Marco Reyes via KO, punch, 3:42 of Round 1

The First Round Finish club thanks Mr. Reyes for his contributions to the evening, especially after the slow first fight. Interview time for Reyes. He thanks everyone for their support, dedicates the win to his sister it’s her birthday, then thanks his camp and coaches. He says he was working on landing punches as they break the clinch during camp and is happy he could put it together tonight.

Vernon Ramos is unbeaten as a professional but isn’t exactly experienced, tonight he looks to remain perfect and make an impression in his UFC debut. Alvaro Herrera won his last fight and is after an impressive UFC debut tonight. Both men competed on this season of TUF: Latin America and apparently train together most of the time.

Welterweight Bout: Vernon Ramos (3-0, 170 lbs.) vs. Alvaro Herrera (8-3, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Herrera has six inches of height but only two of reach on Ramos. Touch of gloves to get us going. Ramos moving forward, eats a jab but lands a leg kick. Herrera moves in with an uppercut and a right that drops Ramos, then a few follow up blows on the mat and the ref stops this one.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alvaro Herrera via TKO, punches, at :30 of Round 1

The First Round Finish club thanks Mr. Herrera for his contributions to the evening. Herrera gets an interview. He says he’s been waiting for this opportunity for a long time and getting this chance was a dream come true. He thanks his camp and coaches for all the support and help they gave him to close out the interview.

Andre Fili is 2-2 in the UFC and coming off of a flying triangle choke loss to Godofredo “Pepey” Castro, tonight he looks to rebound from that loss and spoil the four fight winning streak of Gabriel Benitez. Benitez is 2-0 in the UFC and a win tonight would not only move his winning streak to three but would guarantee him a bigger stage and a bigger name for his next fight.

Featherweight Bout: Andre Fili (14-3, 145 lbs.) VS Gabriel Benitez (18-4, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Fili has three inches of height and reach on Benitez. Touch of gloves, Benitez fighting southpaw. Benitez lands a couple of hard inside leg kicks. Another inside leg kick from Benitez. Fili moving forward but he’s allowing Benitez to circle instead of cutting him off. Fili lands an inside leg kick. Benitez lands a straight left. Body kick lands for Benitez. Fili lands an inside leg kick. Fili tries a high kick that’s partially blocked. Fili ducks a combination and takes Benitez down but Benitez back up quickly and they trade knees to the body. Fili lands a jab. Benitez lands another inside leg kick. Fili lands a high kick that hurts Benitez, then a flurry against the fence and Benitez is done.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Andre Fili via KO, head kick and punches, at 3:13 of Round 1

The First Round Finish club thanks Mr. Fili for his contributions to the evening. Fili gets some mic time, crowd doesn’t like him a whole lot as it starts. He thanks his team, who he says saved his life. He says he grew up with nothing and fights for the other outcasts and underdogs who were never supposed to make it. He says he knew he had to find an angle against the southpaw and he believed in the cross and kick combination which worked well for him tonight. He puts over his coaches for making him the fighter he is.

Scott Jorgensen is a long time veteran of the sport and has been with Zuffa in both the WEC and UFC but is in a bad spot in his career being just 1-5 in his last six fights and riding a two fight losing streak tonight. If Jorgensen wants to remain relevant as a professional fighter a win here is an absolute must to avoid his second three fight losing streak in his last seven fights. Alejandro Perez is 1-1 in the UFC, winning his debut but he’s coming off of a loss to Patrick Williams and tonight looks to get a win over the respected veteran Jorgensen and move himself up the rankings at bantamweight.

Bantamweight Bout: Scott Jorgensen (15-11, 135.5 lbs.) VS Alejandro Perez (15-6, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Touch of gloves to get us going. Circling to start, Perez lands an inside leg kick. Jorgensen lands a left hook, then a leg kick. Perez lands a leg kick. Jorgensen gets the clinch, Perez quickly pushes him off. Jorgensen trying to back Perez into the fence now. Perez lands a left hook but Jorgensen gets in on a double leg attempt. Perez avoiding letting Jorgensen establish position on the mat and wall walks back to his feet. Jorgensen gets another takedown but Perez back up immediately and they separate. Perez lands a leg kick. Jorgensen tries a takedown but Perez blocks it and lands a knee to the body. Perez lands a left to the body. Jorgensen lands a leg kick but eats a right from Perez. Perez lands a leg kick of his own. Jorgensen seems to be having trouble with the distance on his punches, he’s falling a little short with them. Jab lands for Perez. Perez lands a hard leg kick, Jorgensen is limping actually hopping on one leg as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Perez

ROUND TWO: Jorgensen seems to have worked out the limp in his left calf, correction it’s back and he switches to southpaw. Perez backs him to the fence and lands a combination, Jorgensen fires back but he’s having a hard time with that left leg. Jorgensen trips over his foot but fights back to his feet. I’m shocked the ref hasn’t at least had the doc check that leg. Perez lands a couple of inside leg kicks. Jorgensen is really having problems with that left leg. Perez backing him up but seems hesitant to get crazy with his offense. Jorgensen still fighting southpaw, he’s clearly not used to that either. Perez lands a right. Jorgensen grabs a single leg but Perez avoids it easily. Perez lands another couple of inside leg kicks. Perez might have psyched himself out with Jorgensen’s injury. Perez lands a hard body kick then a left to the body and a right to the head. Perez sweeps the rear leg of Jorgensen on a kick and lands a few punches before Jorgensen regains his feet. Perez should finish this but he seems hesitant to really go for it. Quick left lands for Perez. Jorgensen tries to move forward but his left leg gives out and he taps the mat because of the injury.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alejandro Perez via TKO, injury, at 4:26 of Round 2

Shame on that ref for not at least calling time and getting the ref to check that leg, Jorgensen fought that entire second round on basically one leg. Interview time for Perez. He says he didn’t want to get anxious looking for a finish, he knew it would come in either the second or third after the leg kicks in the first round. He says he worked hard and this win is the result of hard work. He says he feels good enough to beat bigger guys and credits his training at AKA for that.

Bartosz Fabinski is riding a five fight winning streak including a successful UFC debut against Gareth McClellan, while he’s still fighting for his place in the welterweight division a win here is important if he wants to get bigger opportunities in the future. Hector Urbina has a two fight winning streak going and was successful in his UFC debut when he submitted Edgar Garcia and looks to keep building his momentum with a win tonight.

Welterweight Bout: Bartosz Fabinski (12-2, 170 lbs.) VS Hector Urbina (17-8-1, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Touch of gloves to get things going. Fabinski lands a jab and quickly gets a takedown against the fence. Urbina grabs the neck but he’s not close to a choke and bails on it to get full guard. Fabinski trying to pass to half guard and does after a bit. Fabinski stands and lands a left then goes into the guard of Urbina. Fabinski working short hammer fists to the face of Urbina. Urbina trying to tie up Fabinski but Fabinski is doing a good job of avoid those and landing short blows. The ref stands them up, I disagree, and Fabinski immediately shoots a double leg against the fence and gets Urbina down again. Fabinski mounts the legs for a moment but Urbina quickly gets to full guard. Fabinski passes to half guard and lands a couple of lefts before Urbina regains full guard. Fabinski lands a series of hard elbows to the head of Urbina. Fabinski stands out of a triangle choke attempt and passes to half guard. Fabinski lands some more punches and elbows, Urbina is just getting beaten up here. Urbina gets back to full guard as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Fabinksi, there’s a 10-8 argument in there somewhere I’m sure

ROUND TWO: Fabinski comes out quickly, eats a body kick but gets a takedown against the fence. Urbina tries to roll into a kimura from bottom but Fabinski avoids it and they scramble to their feet. They trade lefts, Urbina lands a left knee but Fabinski catches it and takes Urbina down. Urbina grabbed the neck but he’s got no guard at all. Fabinski gets his head free. Fabinski lands a short left elbow. Fabinski working lefts to the head, now some rights. Fabinski is smothering Urbina, and the ref stands them up. No argument this time from me. Fabinski dives on a double leg again and takes him down again. Fabinski in half guard now, passes to side control. Fabinski working some lefts to the head. Fabinski lands an elbow to the body. Urbina sits up and reverses position, Fabinski back up quickly and Urbina eats a knee and a right as they stand. Fabinski lands a jab, Urbina looks exhausted. Fabinski looking for a takedown against the fence, Urbina is bleeding from the bridge of the nose, wait that’s actually under the left eyebrow. Oh that’s a pretty nasty cut and we’ve got time for the doctor to check on it. Doc says they’re good to continue and we resume fighting. Fabinski immediately hits a double leg into half guard as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Fabinski, 20-18 Fabinski overall

ROUND THREE: Fabinski lands a left and a right quickly then goes for another takedown. Fabinski gets Urbina down on the fence. Urbina looking for a choke, Fabinski trying to fight and we’re in a really odd position against the fence. Fabinski breaks the grip and is in the guard of Urbina now. Fabinski trying to work his blows, lands a couple of good elbows. Urbina just has nothing off of his back now and Fabinski is controlling and roughing him up. Fabinski passes to half guard, Urbina has a double wrist lock but I don’t think he’ll get the full kimura. Urbina tried to roll but Fabinski got to mount, Urbina quickly hip escapes to half guard. Fabinski passes to half guard, then gets the back for a moment but Urbina gets to his feet. Fabinski immediately in on another takedown against the fence. Urbina defending this attempt against the fence but he needs a finish. Fabinski looking for a single leg now, Urbina with some elbows to the body but he’s going to run out of time. They separate, trade lefts and Fabinski has a double leg stall out on the fence as time expires.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Fabinski, 30-27 Fabinski overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Bartosz Fabinski via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27 x2)

Wasn’t pretty at all, so no interview for Fabinski but you’ve got to be ready for that style of fight and Urbina wasn’t.

Taylor Lapilus is 2-0 in the UFC with a five fight winning streak overall, a third straight win would certainly turn some heads in the wide open bantamweight division and earn him bigger opportunities for him. Erik Perez had a fair amount of hype behind him but has stumbled in the UFC being 3-2 in the promotion and coming off of a loss to Bryan Caraway. Perez hasn’t fought since June of 2014 and if he ever wants to make a run towards the top of the division a win here is critical.

Bantamweight Bout: Taylor Lapilus (10-1, 136 lbs.) VS Erik Perez (14-6, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Perez has two inches of height on Lapilus but Lapilus has five inches of reach on Perez. Touch of gloves, Lapilus fighting southpaw. Lapilus lands a lead leg side kick to the body. Perez lands a bit of a counter right. Both men try high kicks that are blocked. Lapilus lands a straight right. Lapilus lands a knee to the body in the clinch then they break. Perez having a hard time with the range and figuring out the distance so far. Lapilus lands a jab. Lapilus lands a body kick, Perez lands one of his own. Perez isn’t getting his offense going. They clinch and trade knees to the body then break. Lapilus moving well laterally, lands a body kick. Leg kick lands for Lapilus. Perez lands a bit of a right. Perez catches a leg kick but doesn’t get a takedown. Perez lands a body kick and Lapilus lands a counter left. Perez lands a couple of punches in close. Perez bulls forward and lands a left hook. Lapilus lands a right then left, Perez tries for a takedown as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lapilus

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. Perez lands a bit of a left, they’re not afraid to trade in close. Lapilus lands a left. Right and left land for Lapilus in close, Perez lands a body kick. Short left from Lapilus drops Perez, Lapilus grabs a guillotine as they scramble, he’s got full guard and is going for it. Perez fights the grip and gets his head out but that was close for a second or two. Perez lands some rights to the body. Lapilus rolls to a hip and gets the double wrist lock to try and set up a kimura, Perez is trying to get control over one of those wrists and isolate it so he can land punches. Perez gets his arm free and lands some rights to the head. Perez with more rights to the body then an elbow to the head. Those rights to the body had some heat on them. Perez lands some short elbows to the head. Perez with more rights to the body then a couple to the head. Perez passes to half guard and lands a couple of lefts to the head as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Perez, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the final round. Perez lands a bit of a high kick then a short right to Lapilus. Lapilus shoots a double leg against the fence, Perez defending and looking for a choke. Perez bails on the choke and Lapilus gives up on the takedown. Perez able to get a takedown from the clinch, Lapilus holding another double wrist lock, Lapilus nearly gets the back in a scramble but Perez rolls into him. Lapilus stands, they trade knees and separate. Perez lands a right to the body. They clinch, trade knees to the body then break. Perez lands a right. Stiff one two from Lapilus, Perez lands a counter left hook. Perez lands the forearm on an attempted spinning back fist. Perez pushes to the clinch and starts looking for a takedown. Perez gets a double leg off of the fence and lands in the open guard of Lapilus. Lapilus again looking for a double wrist lock, Perez defending that and then lands some rights to the body. Perez passes to half guard. Perez with more rights to the body and a couple of knees to the thigh. Perez passes to side control, then tries to mount but Lapilus gets half guard. Perez lands some elbows then a flurry of body blows as time expires.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Perez, 29-28 Perez overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Erik Perez via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Big ovation for Perez, he’s from Monterrey and now gets mic time. He thanks everyone in Monterrey for supporting him and says the win is for them.

Efrain Escudero has had a really odd UFC career, he’s currently in his third stint with the promotion and is 2-1 this time around riding a two fight winning streak. Escudero was supposed to be a big deal when he won his season of The Ultimate Fighter but has consistently stumbled at key moments in his career, tonight a third consecutive win would prove he’s found the consistency that has thus far eluded his UFC runs. Leandro Silva has a 2-0-1 1 NC record in the UFC and tonight looks for his second consecutive win as he defeated Lewis Gonzalez his last time out and a win over Escudero would move Silva up in competition.

Lightweight Bout: Taylor Leandro Silva (18-2-1 1 NC, 155 lbs.) VS Efrain Escudero (24-9, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Silva has two inches of reach but the two men are the same height. Silva fighting southpaw. Escudero creeping forward, Silva circling. Weak inside leg kicks traded. Silva lands a hard body kick. Silva lands a bit of a jab. Escudero is able to back Silva to the fence but he hasn’t offered any offense from that position. Silva lands a jab and a left. Escudero lands a jab to the body, Silva lands a left to the body. Body kicks traded. They clinch up, Silva gets Escudero on the fence. They break without incident. Silva lands a left cross then a right hook. Escudero just has no offense going. Silva lands a jab. Escudero tries for a takedown against the fence but Silva keeps his balance and they break. Silva lands another long left. Escudero throws a right and gets a takedown attempt on the fence. Silva defending so far and Escudero’s attempt stalls out. Escudero drops for another takedown but Silva is defending and lands a right as they break. Silva lands a body kick then a crisp left as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Silva

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves to start the second round. Silva just misses a lead leg high kick. Escudero again backing Silva to the fence but doing nothing with that position. Short left lands for Silva. Body kick lands for Silva. Escudero eats an uppercut but gets a double leg takedown into the butterfly guard of Silva. Escudero lands a short elbow. Silva pushes Escudero off and stands up. Escudero catches a knee and trips Silva down again into the guard of Silva. Escudero lands an elbow but not a lot of offense. Silva looks for an armbar, then a leg lock but bails on both before anything comes of it. Escudero passes to half guard, lands a couple of rights. Silva back to full guard. Escudero lands a right. Silva scoots to the fence and starts looking to wall walk. Silva back to his feet in the clinch as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Escudero, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the final round. Silva lands a body kick. Escudero lands a left, then tries a flurry against the fence. Silva lands a left hand. Silva lands a jab then a left. Escudero dives into the clinch but Silva spins him into the fence and knees the body a couple of times. They break and Silva lands a quick combination. Escudero tries a low single leg but Silva avoids it. Silva lands another jab then a left to the body. Silva lands another left as Escudero gets the clinch but Silva again gets Escudero on the fence. Silva lands a couple of knees to the body before they break. Escudero tries another takedown, Silva gets to the ride position now looking for the back. Silva has both hooks in, Escudero trying to spin into him but Silva is riding his back. Silva only has one hook but he’s got that leg locked down. Silva adjusts and has the back again looking for the choke. Escudero hand fighting but he’s in a bad position. Silva lands a couple of short punches trying to open up the choke. Silva bails on the choke and lands punches as time expires.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Silva, 29-28 Silva overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Leandro Silva via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

I was worried, but Escudero’s utter lack of offense in round 1 was apparently evident even to the judges. No interview for Silva.

Because the next couple of fights are the finals of this season of TUF: Latin America we’re going to get prolonged video packages for each man before the actual fight starts. My biggest gripe about these finale cards are the endless promos we get between fights, they drag down the pacing of the whole event to the level of a Swedish dramatic film.

Enrique Barzola is 3-1 in his last four fights and is much more experienced than his opponent. Horacio Gutierrez has just three professional fights, but his lone loss was a DQ because of illegal kicks. This is the lightweight finale of this season of TUF: Latin America and both men were on Team Escudero, both men had one decision and one finish during the show, and here fight for the trophy and a slightly better contract than the loser with the UFC.

Lightweight Bout: Enrique Barzola (10-2-1, 155 lbs.) vs. Horacio Gutierrez (2-1, 154 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Barzola has two inches of reach but Gutierrez has three inches of height on him. Touch of gloves to get us going. Barzola circling way outside, Gutierrez letting him circle. Both miss rights, both men very tentative so far. Gutierrez misses a leg kick. Gutierrez lands a leg kick. Another leg kick from Gutierrez, those have some heat on them. Barzola lands a bit of a right but he’s clearly out of his depth in the striking. Gutierrez lands another leg kick. They clinch briefly then break apart. Barzola grabs a single leg, gets the back and suplexes Gutierrez. Gutierrez back up but Barzola rides him back down. Gutierrez back up but Barzola is glued to him. Gutierrez able to spin but Barzola gets another takedown into the half guard of Gutierrez. Barzola lands a short elbow to the head. Gutierrez gets to full guard, Barzola stands and lands a couple of punches then goes back to controlling Gutierrez. Barzola lands a couple of rights and elbows to the body. Gutierrez elevates Barzola but can’t get free and Barzola trips him down again. Barzola in the half guard of Gutierrez. Gutierrez hip escapes to full guard but Barzola stands and lands a right hand as he goes back to the guard. Round ends with some more rights to the body from Barzola.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Barzola

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. Barzola circling on the outside, Gutierrez trying to get him on the fence. Barzola catches a leg kick and takes Gutierrez down again. Barzola with some body shots from the guard of Gutierrez. Barzola likes throwing body shots from the guard. Barzola landing short blows at every opportunity, he’s using more elbows now and Gutierrez has a small cut on his forehead above the left eyebrow. The cut is well above the brow so it’s mostly cosmetic damage unless it’s really deep. Barzola has some good strikes from the guard, nothing fight ending yet but he’s consistent and wont be stood up with this work rate. Barzola stands, Gutierrez lands an up kick and Barzola lands a leg kick then goes into the half guard of Gutierrez. Barzola might have a cut on the bridge of his nose, could also be blood from Gutierrez. Barzola with some more rights and a few elbows. Barzola steps into north/south, possibly setting up an armbar but time runs out as he lands a couple of elbows.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Barzola, 20-18 Barzola overall

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the final round. It should be noted that if we have a draw after three rounds we’ll go to a fourth. Barzola circling on the outside again. Barzola after a takedown but Gutierrez is defending them this round. Rights traded. Barzola grabs a single leg and spins Gutierrez to the mat, landing in his full guard. Barzola lands a couple of short elbows. Barzola lands a right hand, now some rights to the body as well. Gutierrez can occasionally get Barzola to stand but he’s not trying to get back up when he’s got space. Barzola with some elbows to the head, nothing fight ending again but he’s consistent and effective. One minute left and Gutierrez needs a miracle but Barzola is controlling him and beating him up. Gutierrez tries to stand but is pushed over by Barzola. Barzola just rides out the final seconds working from the top.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Enrique Barzola via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27 x2)

Yeah I can see Barzola getting a 10-8 in round 2 because Gutierrez did nothing. Interview time for Barzola, of note UFC President Dana White doesn’t seem to be in attendance tonight so he’s not handing out trophies. Barzola says he’s very happy, proud of the work he’s done in the gym, and happy to have won TUF. He says he was ready for the striking of Gutierrez and used feints to set up his takedowns. He thanks the crowd, and tells aspiring fighters that hard work and faith will always lead to success.

Up next is the welterweight finals. Erick Montano finished both of his fights on the show and has a two fight winning streak going into his UFC debut. Enrique Marin brings a six fight winning streak into this fight. Again if we have a draw after three rounds we’ll got a sudden victory fourth round.

Welterweight Bout: Enrique Marin (8-2, 170 lbs.) vs. Erick Montano (6-3, 169 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Montano is two inches taller than Marin but Marin has an inch of reach on him. Touch of gloves get us going. Montano trying to work his jab early, Marin lands a leg kick. They clinch up and Montano gets Marin on the fence. Marin spins out of the clinch. Montano lands a right hand. Left and right land for Montano. Marin eats a body kick and lands a counter left and right. Marin looking to use his left hook to close distance. Montano now trying to use oblique kicks to keep distance. Montano gets the clinch on the fence. Marin spins Montano to the cage and starts looking for a single leg. Montano drops for a double leg and takes Marin down. Marin elevates Montano and sweeps him, landing in his guard. Marin passes to half guard and lands a couple of punches as Montano regains his feet. Marin lands a right uppercut, Montano lands a right. Montano tries a takedown, defended by Marin this time. Punches traded, Marin lands a leg kick. Marin presses forward but eats a right from Montano as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Marin

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. Both men miss rights. Montano lands a left, then a lunging right. They clinch, Marin gets a takedown against the fence. Montano trying to wall walk, Marin holding him down as he sits on the fence. Montano trying to hit a switch, he does complete the sweep and now Marin is working to stand up against the fence. Marin tries for a toe hold, Montano grabs the fence and gets warned three times, no point deduction, and Marin uses the toe hold to sweep Montano and wind up on top. Marin with some rights as Montano gets up against the fence. Marin lands a knee to the body then eats a left as they break. Montano throwing but he’s tired and his technique has gone out the window at this point. Marin lands a leg kick. Marin is starting to come on here as Montano fades. Marin lands a leg kick then a left, both guys tired but Marin is in better shape thus far. Montano lands a body kick. Marin backs Montano into the fence and tries for a takedown that Montano defends and Marin now works from the clinch. They break after a bit, very little happened. Marin lands a right. Montano working some side kicks to the thigh, Marin lands a quick leg kick and left then right as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Marin, 20-18 Marin overall

ROUND THREE: Quick hug to start the final round. Montano throws a high kick from the southpaw stance that’s blocked but he put a lot into it. Marin’s forward pressure is getting to Montano now. Marin lands a right in close. Montano spins away from the fence and lands a right. Montano working side kicks to the body and thigh. Marin lands a right to the body and they clinch. Montano has Marin on the fence right now. Montano drops for a takedown, Marin defends. Marin spins out of the clinch but ate a left. Montano lands a body kick. Montano lands a left, Marin isn’t getting his offense off this round. Montano has a takedown stuffed. Marin tries for a takedown against the fence, Montano defends well. They break and Montano lands a bit of an elbow. This is incredibly sloppy at this point, and neither man wants to see a fourth round. Montano lands a body kick. Marin lands a body kick, Montano lands a body kick. Marin is getting out worked this round despite moving forward. Montano grabs a double leg and gets a takedown into half guard. Nothing comes of the takedown before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Montano, 29-28 Marin overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Erick Montano via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)

Came down to the first round, and Montano could have won that. The fight was unbelievably underwhelming on the whole though. Montano gets some mic time. He says the fight was tough to fight as he and Marin became good friends but just by being there they’re both winners. He says he felt he did well enough to win but was prepared to go to a fourth round.

Jussier Formiga was at one point considered the best flyweight in the world and is riding a three fight winning streak here, a win tonight would likely set him up to take on Demetrious Johnson for the flyweight title next year. Henry Cejudo is unbeaten as a professional and won the Olympic gold medal in freestyle wrestling in 2008, a win here would move him to 4-0 in the UFC, 3-0 at flyweight, and again would likely get Cejudo a shot at the flyweight title.

Flyweight Bout: #5 Henry Cejudo (9-0, 126 lbs.) VS #3 Jussier Formiga (18-3, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Formiga has three inches of reach on Cejudo. Cejudo circling early, lands a leg kick. Formiga trying to walk Cejudo down, lands an inside leg kick. Cejudo lands a bit of a left hook, the follow up right is blocked. Formiga lands a left and a right. Cejudo just misses an uppercut. Cejudo misses a leg kick. Formiga lands a left hook. Formiga lands a good right. They clinch, Cejudo lands a knee to the body as they break. Another clinch, body shots traded and they separate. They clinch up again, trade some knees to the body and thighs then break. They clinch up again, again trade some knees to the body and break. Formiga lands a straight right hand. Cejudo lands an overhand right and they clinch again. Again knees to the body being traded and they break. Rights traded, both guys having success. Cejudo grabs a single leg and takes Formiga down with ten seconds in the round and time expires with him in Formiga’s guard.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cejudo

ROUND TWO: Cejudo flashing the jab early in the second, Formiga lands a left hook. Cejudo lands an uppercut, Formiga lands a left. Formiga lands a couple of body shots. They clinch up, more knees to the body traded and they break. Cejudo lands a right. They clinch up again, Cejudo lands a couple more knees to the body and they break. Formiga lands a left and a right hook. Formiga lands a low leg kick. Formiga lands a bit of a counter left hook. Formiga lands a bit of a right and they clinch, trade knees to the body then break. They clinch again, Cejudo lands an elbow as they break. They clinch again, trade knees to the body and they break. These two are landing hard to the body in the clinch. Formiga lands a double jab. Formiga lands a knee and a right hand as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Formiga, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They clinch quickly and start tearing knees to the body as they jockey for position. They separate without incident. Another clinch and more knees going back and forth, now elbows traded before they separate. Cejudo has a high kick blocked. Another clinch, more knees to the body back and forth before separation. Cejudo lands a right and gets the clinch on the fence. Cejudo with some knees to the thigh then hits an elevated single leg takedown but Formiga back up immediately and they separate. Another clinch, more knees, and they break. This is a tad repetitive. Formiga lands a low leg kick. They clinch up and Cejudo pushes Formiga into the fence. Cejudo with some knees to the thigh. Cejudo tries for a single leg but Formiga keeps his balance and they break. They clinch again, Formiga with some knees to the body and looking for trips that Cejudo is avoiding. Cejudo lands an elbow, Formiga lands a right as they break. Clinch again, Cejudo knees the body and gets Formiga on the fence again. And time runs out with Cejudo holding Formiga on the fence.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cejudo, 29-28 Cejudo overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Henry Cejudo via split decision (28-29, 30-27 x2)

Now those are some odd scores. Odd fight, utterly forgettable. Cejudo gets an interview. He says he was worried about Formiga taking the back standing, he wanted to keep the fight standing and that Formiga was prepared including kicking him hard, he thinks there might be a bit of a broken bone in his shin from those low kicks. He says he thinks a fight with Demetrious Johnson would let him show his entire skill set, he’s leaned on his striking in the UFC, and that if anyone can Mexi-can. He closes out the interview in Spanish that isn’t translated.

Diego Sanchez hasn’t fought since June of 2014 when he “won” a fight against Ross Pearson, incidentally that fight remains the single worst decision I’ve ever seen in MMA and anyone who’s seen it knows Pearson was the winner. Sanchez is just 2-3 in his last five fights and is hoping a drop to featherweight could breathe some life into his career, and a win over the top ranked Ricardo Lamas would certainly vault him into title contention. Ricardo Lamas is coming off of a loss to Chad Mendes but his only losses in the UFC are to Mendes and champion Jose Aldo, tonight he needs to defend his top five spot against the featherweight debutante Sanchez and remain relevant at the top of the division.

Featherweight Bout: Diego Sanchez (25-7, 145 lbs.) VS #4 Ricardo Lamas (15-4, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Sanchez has two inches of height and one of reach on Lamas. Sanchez looked awful making weight last night, but apparently got back up to 170 pounds or so since then, we’ll have to see if the cut affects him. Touch of gloves, Sanchez fighting southpaw. Lamas lands a body kick. Lamas lands an inside leg kick. Sanchez hopping forward trying to close distance. Lamas lands a right to the body. Sanchez blocks a high kick. Lamas lands a jab, Sanchez lands a body kick. Lamas doing a good job of avoiding the punches of Sanchez. Lamas misses a flying knee. Sanchez bulls forward with a combination. Lamas lands a wheel kick that wobbles Sanchez. Lamas trying to follow up, he’s not brawling with Sanchez though and lands another jab. Sanchez lands a body kick, might have been low but Lamas doesn’t care. Lamas lands another jab. Lamas grabs a double leg and takes Sanchez down. Sanchez back up but gives up his back and Lamas starts landing knees to the thigh as Sanchez hangs out on a knee against the fence. More knees from Lamas. Lamas trips Sanchez down and gets the back, just one hook so they scramble back up and Sanchez starts looking for a takedown. Lamas defending the takedown and they wind up in the clinch for the final ten seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lamas

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. Lamas lands an inside leg kick then a jab. Sanchez lands a left hand. Lamas gets in on a double leg, he can’t finish but does get Sanchez on the fence in the clinch. Lamas going for a single leg now, Sanchez keeping his balance so far. Sanchez with some knees to the body and they break. Lamas lands a hard low inside leg kick and Sanchez is limping hard. Lamas lands another and a left hook. Lamas lands that inside leg kick again, Sanchez is hurt and just standing on the fence egging Lamas on. Lamas shoots a double leg and gets Sanchez down again. Sanchez to his knees, Lamas in the ride position using knees to the thigh and body. Sanchez hits a switch and gets on top, Lamas to his feet and gets back on top with more knees to the thigh. Sanchez hits the switch again, again Lamas quickly to his knees and picks the ankle of Sanchez to wind up in a neutral position. Sanchez tries for a kimura but gives up the back as he tries to roll and Lamas has both hooks in. They break and Sanchez is limping badly on that lead leg. Lamas kicks it again and lands a left follow up. Lamas has a high kick blocked as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lamas, borderline 10-8, 20-18 Lamas overall

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the final round. Lamas lands a jab. Sanchez walking forward, lands a bit of a left. Lamas lands a jab but leaned into a knee from Sanchez. Sanchez goes orthodox, eats a leg kick, then goes back to southpaw. Lamas kicks the leg again, Sanchez is hopping now and gets his back on the fence. Lamas lands a couple of punches then another leg kick. Lamas has Sanchez on the fence now, looking for a takedown. Lamas bails on that and lands a spinning elbow as they break. Sanchez is borderline immobile as they separate. Lamas has backed Sanchez into the fence, Sanchez just trying to get Lamas to brawl and Lamas isn’t biting. Lamas lands another jab. Lamas lands a high kick. Sanchez is a bloody mess. Lamas happy to make Sanchez miss and pick his spots. Sanchez misses a spinning kick. Lamas lands a bit of a jumping knee then lands the inside leg kick again. Sanchez lands a right hook and time expires in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Lamas, 30-26 Lamas overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ricardo Lamas via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

If Sanchez got even one round I was pulling out Cluckthulhu. Interview time for Lamas. He thanks Sanchez for the fight, dedicates the win to his new son, then thanks everyone.

Neil Magny took this fight on three weeks notice when Matt Brown got injured. This marks Magny’s fifth fight this year, and tenth in the last two years a modern record. Magny has lost just once during that time, to Demian Maia, and tonight looks to go 9-1 in that two year period and continue his march up the welterweight ranks with a win over Gastelum. Kelvin Gastelum lost his last welterweight fight when he was beaten by Tyron Woodley, rebounded at middleweight, and tonight returns to welterweight. Gastelum has had some issues with making weight in the past, he made it here and a win over Magny would move Gastelum closer to the top of the division.

Welterweight Bout: #15 Kelvin Gastelum (11-1, 171 lbs.) VS #13 Neil Magny (16-4, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Magny is six inches taller and has eight and a half inches of reach on Gastelum. Gastelum fighting southpaw. Magny flashing the jab early, lands an inside leg kick as well. Magny lands a jab. Gastelum lands an inside leg kick. Gastelum lands a bit of a left hand. Gastelum lands an inside leg kick. Magny lands a double jab and a right. Gastelum lands an outside leg kick. Magny lands a jab. Gastelum pushes into the clinch with punches. Magny spins Gastelum and takes him down from the clinch and takes the back quickly. Gastelum to his knees but Magny drags him back down, Gastelum hits a swtich and they wind up clinched again. Gastelum tries an arm drag but Magny nearly gets the back then sweeps into top position. Gastelum scrambles to his knees but Magny is winning these exchanges in terms of grappling. Magny hits a trip into mount and lands some elbows. Gastelum gives up the back again, Magny has both hooks and looking for the choke. Gastelum trying to spin into him, Magny moves to mount, then gets the back again. Magny’s top game has improves leaps and bounds, he’s handling Gastelum here. Magny into half guard as Gastelum was trying to reverse. Magny with some elbows to the body. Magny into mount and lands some more punches as Gastelum escapes to his feet and they separate. Gastelum walking forward but they just pace away the last seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Magny

ROUND TWO: Magny lands a quick jab. Gastelum moving forward, Magny lands a right. Gastelum winging hooks but Magny is avoiding them so far. Magny lands a one two combination. Gastelum lands an inside leg kick. Magny with a couple of kicks and they clinch. Gastelum has Magny on the fence, Magny with some knees to the body. Gastelum drops for a single leg, defended by Magny. Magny spins Gastelum to the fence, Gastelum spins him back. They break without incident. Magny dodges a couple of punches. Magny looking to use his range more this round. Gastelum lands a body kick, Magny lands a three punch combination. Gastelum lands an inside leg kick. Gastelum tries a flurry against the fence, mostly blocked. Magny lands a couple of punches at distance. Magny pushes into the clinch and gets the back standing. Gastelum tries to roll but Magny winds up on top in half guard. Magny landing short punches and wearing on Gastelum. Gastelum back up and Magny lands a knee to the thigh and keeps the rear waist lock. Magny with knees to the thigh. Magny throws Gastelum down, Gastelum back up but Magny is wearing him down. Magny trips Gastelum down again and gets the back quickly. Magny after a twister, Gastelum defends and is back up but Magny has him in the clinch as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Magny, 20-18 Magny overall

ROUND THREE: Gastelum misses a couple of punches, Magny lands a body kick. Magny lands a right, Gastelum gets the clinch and then bails on it. Magny lands a couple of jabs. Magny lands a right and gets the clinch. Gastelum trying to get out of the clinch, Magny landing punches and keeping close. Magny trips Gastelum down, Gastelum on his knees then back up but Magny is smothering him. Magny lands a right as they break the clinch. Magny misses a right, Gastelum lands a right to counter. They clinch again, Gastelum has Magny on the fence, Magny misses an elbow as they break. Magny lands a jab. They clinch again, Magny drops for a double leg, can’t get it and Gastelum spins him into the fence. Magny lands a knee to the body then an elbow as they break. Magny lands a jab. Gastelum just can’t get inside and pull the trigger. Gastelum lands a jab and they clinch. Gastelum can’t get free of the clinch and Magny lands a right to the body as Gastelum pulls free. Magny lands another jab. They clinch and Magny goes to his knees, Gastelum gets the back standing but Magny turns into him. Magny lands a knee to the body then drops for a double leg. Magny gets Gastelum down, now in the ride position. Gastelum rolls for a knee bar, winds up on top in the guard of Magny as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Magny but the closest round so far, 30-27 Magny overall

ROUND FOUR: Magny comes out jabbing and lands an inside leg kick. Magny lands a double jab and a right. Magny lands another jab. Magny has comprehensively out struck Gastelum thus far. Gastelum lands a right that rocks Magny. Magny on his knees, Gastelum trying to finish. Gastelum into side control, Magny trying to tie him up and buy himself time to recover. Magny trying to roll now, gets to half guard. Gastelum lands an elbow. Gastelum passes to side control. Magny back to half guard and spins to his knees. Gastelum has the back standing and Magny lands a right but Gastelum lands a left in close and Magny is wobbled again. Gastelum on top in side control. Magny to full guard and tries a triangle choke, then regains his feet as Gastelum defended. Gastelum has the clinch still, Magny has has a double wrist lock and uses it to spin out of the clinch. Magny jumps into a double leg attempt, and gets Gastelum down for a moment. Gastelum back up and Magny in the clinch then pulls free. Magny lands a jab. Gastelum lands an inside leg kick as Magny circles away the last of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gastelum, 39-37 Magny overall

ROUND FIVE: They clinch immediately, then break without incident. Magny circling, Gastelum pursuing. Magny lands a couple of hard rights. They clinch up and jockey for position, Gastelum gets a takedown into side control. Magny hip escapes to full guard. Gastelum lands a couple of short lefts. Magny throws up a triangle attempt, uses it to get back to his feet in the clinch. Magny uses a double wrist lock to spin and land a couple of rights in close. They break, Magny gets the clinch again. Magny lands a knee as they break the clinch. Magny dodges some punches and grabs a single leg then lands a right as they break. Gastelum lands a couple of punches against the fence. Magny doing a lot of moving, Gastelum lands a couple of body kicks. They clinch again then break. They clinch up, Magny gets the back standing against the fence. Magny drags Gastelum down for a moment, Magny gets the back with both hooks in. Gastelum spins into him this time and winds up in Magny’s guard. Gastelum passes to half guard, lands a few lefts as time expires.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gastelum, 48-47 Magny overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Neil Magny via split decision (47-48, 48-47 x2)

That whole fight hinged on round 3, close fight and the crowd is unhappy given how strongly Gastelum finished. Interview time for Magny. He says that was a great fight and thanks Gastelum for taking the fight on short notice. He says the crowd might be booing him but they all got to get together and enjoy something they love and with the state of the world that’s something we should all be grateful for.

Well that wraps up the finale of The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America thanks for being here and following along. I’ll be back next week early on Saturday morning for UFC Fight Night 79: Masvidal vs. Henderson. This show will be broken down this Sunday on the 411 Ground and Pound radio show which takes live callers at [phone] if you’d like to call in. Until next time thanks for being here and keep checking 411mania for all your pop culture needs.