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Join 411’s Live UFC on ESPN 43 Coverage

March 25, 2023 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC on ESPN 43 Image Credit: UFC

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MAIN CARD (ESPN, 7 p.m. ET)
#3 Marlon Vera (136 lbs.) vs. #5 Cory Sandhagen (135.5 lbs.)
#3 Holly Holm (135.5 lbs.) vs. #6 Yana Santos (135 lbs.)
#15 Nate Landwehr (145.5 lbs.) vs. Austin Lingo (146 lbs.)
#13 Maycee Barber (125.5 lbs.) vs. #11 Andrea Lee (126 lbs.)
#9 Manel Kape (125.5 lbs.) vs. #6 Alex Perez (126 lbs.)
Albert Duraev (186 lbs.) vs. Chidi Njokuani (185 lbs.)
Tucker Lutz (146 lbs.) vs. Daniel Pineda (145.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 4:30 p.m. ET)
Lucas Alexander (146 lbs.) vs. Steven Peterson (146 lbs.)
Trevin Giles (170.5 lbs.) vs. Preston Parsons (171 lbs.)
Daniel Lacerda (126 lbs.) vs. CJ Vergara (126 lbs.)
Victor Altamirano (124.5 lbs.) vs. Vinicius Salvador (126 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN 43, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening. Tonight we’ve got a really good main event when top ranked bantamweights Marlon Vera and Cory Sandhagen square off. Sandhagen has come up short against some of the very elite guys in the division but always gave them a heck of a fight while Vera is taking another step up in class here after knocking out Dominick Cruz in his last fight. I fully expect some high paced violence from these two. After that the pickings get a little slim, Holly Holm vs. Yana Santos is your co-main event and that should be a pretty serious indicator about what else is here. That said there are a few fights that hold potential, specifically Manel Kape vs. Alex Perez and Albert Duraev vs. Chidi Njokuani but mostly we’re hoping the action exceeds the excitement on paper.

UFC on ESPN 43 comes to the world from the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas, USA. Brendan Fitzgerald, Michael Bisping, and Paul Felder will be on commentary. As for the rules I’m pretty sure Texas uses the older set and we wont have instant replay, but I’ll provide an update if there’s one to be made. Also we are in the larger 30 foot diameter cage.

Victor Altamirano has gone 1-1 in the UFC but he is coming off of a win and now looks to build his first UFC winning streak. Vinicius Salvador brings a four fight winning streak into his UFC debut, he’s hoping to extend that here and make a good first impression on the audience. This one closed at a -110 pick ’em.

Flyweight Bout: Victor Altamirano (11-2, 124.5) vs. Vinicius Salvador (14-4, 126)

ROUND ONE: Altamirano is one inch taller while half an inch of reach goes to Salvador. Pretty decent crowd for the first fight. They touch gloves, both men open southpaw. Altamirano opens with leg kicks right away. Salvador lands a leg kick of his own. And the “woo’s” start after about 30 seconds. Salvador avoids a tie up. Altamirano tries a double leg but Salvador is defending then landing knees. Some kicks from Altamirano land, Salvador’s hooks are really, really ugly. Altamirano hits a takedown into full guard. A few body to head punches from Altamirano. Salvador is just trying to tie up and stall. Bit of an elbow from Altamirano. Altamirano stuffs Salvador to the fence and lands some more punches. Salvador is trying to set up a wall walk and eventually does then eats a knee before they break. Calf kick from Salvador. Wheel kick from Altamirano partially lands. Bit of a knee from Altamirano and they tie up. They break then trade in close. Salvador lands a right hand but Altamirano is after a single leg against the fence. They’ll end the round right as they break.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Altamirano

ROUND TWO: Salvador shows some kicks, so Altamirano lands a spinning back kick then a left hand. Body kick from Altamirano then Salvador defends a takedown. They trade in close again, Salvador gets the back on the feet after Altamirano tried a spinning back fist but can’t hold it and they break. Altamirano lands a spinning back fist but he’s going to that too predictably. Salvador fights off a takedown attempt but they wind up on the fence. Altamirano with some knees to the body. Salvador tries a whizzer kick, can’t finish it but he switches to a hip throw though Altamirano scrambles back up right away. They trade lefts. Altamirano has started showing some orthodox stance now. Hook kick from Altamirano lands but Salvador avoids a takedown attempt to follow up. Bit of a right from Altamirano. Salvador lands a right hook of his own. Altamirano lands a leg kick then a few jabs. Salvador lands a left hook, he’s still just coming forward. Altamirano lands a body kick. Those hooks from Salvador are still ugly, he telegraphs them badly. Altamirano lands a couple of lefts in close then a head kick to follow up. Altamirano lands a leg kick. Bit of a knee from Salvador to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Altamirano but a close one, 20-18 Altamirano overall

ROUND THREE: Salvador is coming forward but walks into a left hook then Altamirano hits a single leg against the fence. Altamirano lands an elbow, then another one. Altamirano is able to posture up and lands some punches, but Salvador kicks him off and stands only to eat a knee on the way. Salvador lands a left hand. Both men are a little gassed. They both miss strikes then Altamirano hits an inside trip to finish a single leg and gets back on top in full guard. Salvador tries to grab the fence to get up, the ref warns him about that one. Altamirano lands a few short elbows as he’s got Salvador pressed into the fence. A few more elbows from Altamirano but Salvador is able to kick him off and escape to his feet legally. They trade some punches then clinch up and trade some body shots before they break. Side kicks from Altamirano, he’s keeping range with them as Salvador is behind in this round. Bit of a spinning back fist from Altamirano, but I wish he’d stop throwing it. They swing and miss in close, then tie up and break. Salvador swings wide hooks that miss. Knee from Salvador but Altamirano fires back with a head kick. They trade in close again. There’s a cut on Salvador’s right eye. Altamirano lands a spinning back fist, then another one but stumbles and Salvador jumps on top as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Victor Altamirano via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

No issues with Salvador getting the second. Mic time for Altamirano, he says flyweights bring the heat and cardio despite how visibly he gassed. He thanks people in Spanish then thanks his coaches for all of their work plus a few of his health care people. He says he wasn’t ever hurt but knows the fight was tough. To close he plays with the crowd for a bit as he moved here to Texas from Mexico and says Texas has a very special place in his heart.

CJ Vergara has gone 1-2 in the UFC and he’s coming off of a loss, he’s looking to avoid his first ever losing streak here while getting his UFC record back to an even point. Daniel Lacerda has gone 0-3 in the UFC and now badly needs a win because one has to imagine a fourth consecutive loss would end his time in the promotion. Vergara is your favorite at -250 against +210 on Lacerda.

Flyweight Bout: Daniel Lacerda (11-4, 126 lbs.) vs. CJ Vergara (10-4-1, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Lacerda has two inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. bit of a leg kick from Vergara then Lacerda misses a wheel kick. Some calf kicks go back and forth as they circle. Bit of a front kick from Lacerda. Vergara has begun switching stances as he moves around. Left hand from Vergara in close. Both men are switching stances now as they move. Vergara lands a left hand then a body kick. Right hand from Lacerda but he misses a follow up flying knee. One two form Lacerda lands. Vergara lands a couple of calf kicks then a left hand. Wheel kick from Lacerda wobbles Vergara, but he’s able to run away and buy time. A left hand from Lacerda lands but Vergara again looks to avoid him. Lacerda starts missing punches as he keeps looking to finish. A couple of front kicks from Lacerda land, then another wheel kick. Vergara stumbles around the fence and Lacerda just keeps coming at him. They trade punches in close, Vergara seems to finally be able to throw back. Lacerda hits a single leg against the fence and moves into half guard. Vergara gives up the back and Lacerda goes for the choke but Vergara defends and escapes. Left hand from Vergara in close, Lacerda might have punched himself out with all of that offense. Front kick then a left from Vergara. Lacerda lands punches in close, but Vergara circles away and lands a couple of punches of his own to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Lacerda

ROUND TWO: Vergara starts coming forward right away, he doesn’t want to give Lacerda too much time to recover. Calf kick from Vergara, he’s also throwing a lot of front kicks. Lacerda misses a wheel kick. Body shot from Vergara then a knee. Lacerda is back on the fence now, but lands a spinning elbow to get off the cage. Vergara gets back to pressure, he’s aiming at the body a lot here which is smart. Lacerda tries a takedown, can’t finish it but he’s able to hold onto the ankle and set up a calf slicer. That’s pretty tight but Vergara is able to move his leg just enough to avoid the full pressure of the hold and starts landing elbows and hammer fists to the head of Lacerda. More punches from Vergara as he moves into half guard. Arm triangle attack from Vergara, that’s pretty tight as he moves towards side control with it, that gets tighter as Vergara cranks on the choke and starts landing knees to the body. Lacerda is able to roll out of the choke but Vergara is all over him from half guard again. Vergara with elbows to the body, those are nice. More elbows to the body and head from Vergara now, he’s unloading and trying to force the stoppage. Lacerda weakly rolls to the turtle and Vergara keeps punching him until the ref steps in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – CJ Vergara via TKO, punches, at 4:04 of Round 2

Assuming Dana White was here to watch that one, and that’s not a given as he hates flyweights, that’s your current Fight of the Night. Mic time for the hometown boy Vergara, he puts over the city of San Antonio and knows he had a rough start in the UFC but he’s bounced back just like anyone can in life. Asked about the first round he says he was pretty stunned and knew it but he did everything to create space and knew Lacerda would gas out of he could just hang on. He talks us through the finish, then says he wants to be on the main card the next time they’re in San Antonio.

Here’s the finish, which doesn’t even begin to express the insanity of this fight.

Trevin Giles has a solid enough UFC record of 6-4 with appearances at light heavyweight, middleweight, and recently welterweight. Giles has gone 1-1 at welterweight but he’s coming off of a in and is looking to build his first winning streak in the division. Preston Parsons has gone 1-1 in the UFC but he is coming off of a win and is trying for his first UFC winning streak. This one closed at a -110 pick ’em.

Welterweight Bout: Trevin Giles (15-4, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Preston Parsons (10-3, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Giles is an inch taller with three inches of reach advantage. Pretty quick tie up and Giles forces Parsons into the fence. Parsons lands an elbow. They fight for position then break apart. Parsons with an inside leg kick and they clinch again into the fence. Giles quickly spins free and lands a one two. Stiff jab from Giles. Parsons lands a right hand. More jabs from Giles, his hands look pretty fast. Another clinch, Parsons hits a takedown but Giles is able to regain his feet pretty quickly and they separate. Parsons with a couple of punches, Giles is hurt and Parsons gets a takedown into half guard. Some elbows from Parsons as he moves to side control but Giles tries a Buggy Choke but he can’t fully lock it up and Parsons moves to full mount then gets the back. Choke from Parsons, that’s tight but Giles escapes and Parsons grabs at an armbar but can’t finish it and Giles winds up on top in half guard. They fight up and into a clinch as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Parsons

ROUND TWO: Parsons pushes right into a clinch and forces things to the fence. Bit of an elbow from Parsons. Giles is able to get free and starts jabbing while circling again. Those jabs from Giles are nice. Parsons lands a calf kick. Bit of a right from Parsons. Giles keeps jabbing. Parsons tries a double leg, he’s able to finish it but Giles immediately wall walks with Parsons on his back. Mat return from Parsons, but Giles slips free and lands a couple of punches. They bang heads in close, Parsons looks like he’s fading a bit. A few long range jabs from Giles, but Parsons lands a right hand to counter. More jabs from Giles, Parsons lands a few rights to the body. Parsons tries a takedown but Giles defends from his knees against the fence. Giles is able to wall walk and avoids a trip to land on top in the ride positions. Giles works a bit from half guard as Parsons is still trying to wrestle. That right eye of Parsons is swollen, again I think they banged heads earlier. Giles postures up to land some hammer fists as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Giles, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: The doctor is in to check on Parson’s right eye before the round starts, there’s some swelling around the left eyebrow as well but he’s able to see so we’re still fighting. Parsons pushes forward right away and clinches up. Giles spins free and lands a one two. Parsons goes back to calf kicks, both inside and outside. Giles keeps jabbing but those kicks are countering him. Parsons avoids an uppercut and they clinch. They break then Parsons lands another calf kick. Giles lands a few jabs, there’s blood on the nose of Parsons but Parsons hits a double leg then mounts the legs against the fence. Parsons grabs a front headlock as Giles stands and lands some knees then they break. Giles with a one two then more jabs. Solid right from Giles. Parsons lands a calf kick. Giles avoids a double leg and lands an uppercut. Both men miss in close then Parsons falls towards a double leg which he hits against the fence. Parsons moves to half guard, then attacks an arm triangle and moves to full mount with it. Giles is able to defend as the fence is blocking Parsons but Parsons just starts working from mount. Giles bridges off the fence and gets on top in half guard. Parsons hip escapes to full guard then starts looking move. Giles lands some punches as Parsons tries to get his guard working. Hammer fists from Giles. Parsons wrestles to his knees but can’t get up before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Parsons but could go either way, 29-28 Parsons overall

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

29-28 either way is fine, heck of a fight. Mic time for Giles, he wasn’t very confident he’d get the win because he doesn’t like decisions but feels he did the most damage and that won the fight. He knew Parsons would be on him from start to finish and was prepared for it.

Steven Peterson has gone 3-4 in the UFC and most recently lost over a year ago in a fight that was also his second time in a row missing weight. Peterson made weight here but needs a win to prove he’s really ready to be a more reliable presence for the promotion. Lucas Alexander had a five fight winning streak snapped in his UFC debut, now he’s back in action and hoping to score that all important first UFC win. The odds are slightly with Peterson at -150 while that +130 on Alexander might be a tempting little value bet.

Featherweight Bout: Lucas Alexander (7-3, 146 lbs.) vs. Steven Peterson (19-10, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Alexander is an inch taller with three inches of reach advantage. Alexander gets right on pressure. Some stance switching from Alexander as he probes with kicks. Body kick from Alexander. Calf kick from Alexander. Hard three punch combination from Alexander, he’s moving very well and Peterson looks flat so far. More kicks from Alexander. Alexander lands a body kick and Peterson misses his counters. There’s a small cut in the hairline of Peterson. Alexander lands a right hand then a calf kick. The speed difference is really causing Peterson problems, he lunges forward and eats a right hand. Front kick from Alexander. Bit of a flurry from Peterson but Alexander counters with a couple of body shots then a head kick. Peterson lands a body kick. One two from Alexander. Alexander lands a couple of body punches. Chopping elbow from Alexander in close lands. Alexander lands a left then a right that off balances Peterson as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Alexander

ROUND TWO: Alexander is right back on sharp kicks, he lands a couple of solid calf kicks. Hard calf kick from Alexander, Peterson has to go southpaw to try and protect it. Alexander misses a spinning back fist, Peterson tries a takedown but can’t finish it. More pressure from Alexander. Calf kick from Alexander, that leg of Peterson is hurt. Another calf kick from Alexander. Alexander lands a right, Peterson’s mobility is compromised and Alexander is backing him to the fence. Bit of a right from Peterson who’s fulltime southpaw now to hide his left leg. Alexander lands a body kick. Knee from Alexander, he’s just tuning up Peterson at this point. Alexander lands a right hand then an inside leg kick. Body kick from Alexander. Alexander lands a left hook then avoids a takedown attempt. Another body kick from Alexander. Alexander lands a right to the body. Bit of a right from Alexander. Bit of a head kick from Alexander then he avoids a combination to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Bit of a body kick from Alexander, who might have complained about a broken left hand between rounds. Alexander lands a calf kick then a couple of hard body kicks. Rights from Alexander then a calf kick. Peterson throws a kick, that hits the groin of Alexander and we’ve got a time out. No doubt about this one being an illegal blow. Alexander takes 55 seconds then we’re back, and Peterson gets a hard warning. Bit of a head kick from Alexander. Peterson forces a clinch and goes for a takedown on the fence. Alexander is able to fight off the single leg and push Peterson over then get on top in half guard. Alexander unloads with body shots then stands and lands an ax kick that was nearly illegal. Eventually Alexander makes Peterson stand. Alexander lands a right uppercut then a left hook. Front kick from Alexander. Peterson just can’t close distance or land anything of real value. Right hand from Alexander. Peterson fires kicks and pushes forward. Alexander lands a body kick then a left hook. Calf kick from Alexander and Peterson goes back southpaw immediately. Bit of a head kick from Alexander but Peterson just eats it. A hard right from Alexander drops Peterson then he ax kicks the body and makes Peterson stand. Knee and a right hand from Alexander but Peterson just eats it and keeps coming forward looking to brawl. Alexander lands a body kick then a head kick. Peterson misses a couple of punches to end the round.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Lucas Alexander via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Mic time for Alexander, he plays with the crowd then gives glory to God and calls this a great moment after all the work he’s put in, the puts over Peterson as a tough opponent. He again puts over Peterson’s toughness and knew he had to be patient and not get reckless against him. To close he mentions a team mate who’s passed away recently and dedicates the win to that friend and says there’s a link to that family’s Go Fund Me on his socials.

Peterson also gets an interview as he’s dropping his gloves, he says he’s never left anything outside the cage and has given everything to this sport. He’s only 32 but this is a young mans sport and after 15 years doing this he’s had a good career and is ready to end it here in Texas. He plans on coaching and giving back to the sport. To close he thanks everyone on the UFC brass for all their work and the opportunity he’s been provided.

We get some unfortunate news, the fight between Manel Kape and Alex Perez has been called off due to a medical issue with Perez. Perez just can’t catch a break lately. Well that means our next fight will be bumped to the first fight on the main card so we’ve got about 20 minutes of vamping and video packages to fill out the prelim run time.

Daniel Pineda has gone 1-1 with 1 No Contest in the UFC, he’s looking to get his first win since 2020 here and hopefully keep a more active schedule as he’s been out of action since June of last year. Tucker Lutz has gone 1-1 in the UFC, he just had a 12 fight winning streak snapped by Pat Sabatini and now looks to rebound with a win while avoid his first ever losing streak. Lutz is your favorite at a notable -280 to Pineda’s +235.

Featherweight Bout: Tucker Lutz (12-2, 146 lbs.) vs. Daniel Pineda (27-14 3 NC, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Lutz is an inch taller with three inches of reach advantage, he’s also 9 years younger. They touch gloves to get us going. Lutz opens with some calf kicks, Pineda returns one. They clinch, Pineda with a trip takedown but Lutz wall walks right away though they’re still clinched. Some knees go back and forth as they fight for position. They break without incident. Pineda lands a calf kick. Calf kick from Pineda, Lutz counters with a left hand. A little stance switching from Lutz now as he moves. Lutz lands a couple of body shots. Pineda lands another calf kick. Right hand from Pineda, Lutz counters with a couple of punches. Pineda with a spinning back kick then they trade punches in close. Pineda tries a single leg, they wind up on the fence and Lutz stays upright in the clinch. Lutz with some knees to the body then an elbow as they break. Pineda lands a body shot then a left hook. A right from Pineda drops Lutz for a second then Pineda gets back on pressure. Lutz lands a left hand. Front kick from Pineda then a punch behind it. Lutz tries a takedown, Pineda defends and gets him on the fence. They break without incident, then Lutz lands a body kick. Pineda lands a calf kick. A couple of rights from Pineda but Lutz lands a left hook as well. Pineda catches a kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pineda

ROUND TWO: Lutz comes out firing and they trade rights. Pineda lands another calf kick, then Lutz lands a kick of his own. Right hand from Pineda lands, Lutz tries a takedown but they stall out on the fence. Pineda is losing position but Lutz can’t quite finish the takedown yet. Pineda uses a guillotine threat to turn Lutz and lands a knee to the head, then another one that drops Lutz to a knee. Now Pineda hips into the guillotine, he drops for it but has to settle for getting the back with a body triangle as Lutz breaks the grip. Pineda works from mount now, but Lutz hip escapes to full guard. Some elbows to the body from Pineda, Lutz is trying to wall walk though. Pineda tries another guillotine, this one’s pretty tight and as Pineda gets off to a hip to really lock things down Lutz has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Daniel Pineda via Submission, guillotine choke, at 2:50 of Round 2

Pineda gets an interview after that, he was technically the biggest underdog on the card and is excited to be here in San Antonio. He says again he was an underdog, but anyone that bet on him just made some money. He puts over Lutz as young, talented, and strong overall. Bisping, who’s doing the interviews, brings up that Pineda has a 100% finish rate in wins and he says if you want a show you call him.

This is the end, I think when Lutz was going for this takedown he was worried about the left arm of Pineda and to avoid it he wound up in the right arm for the guillotine. This is a really, really tight choke from Pineda, he gets to the side and cranks things down leaving Lutz no defensive options.

We get an announcement for the next inductee into the UFC Hall of Fame. It’s Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone. Despite never holding UFC gold that’s an easy call, the man was entertainment from start to finish in his career and the UFC’s loose criteria definitely allow someone like Cerrone in. We see Cerrone in attendance with tears in his eyes as he gets a well deserved standing ovation. His family show up, apparently he didn’t expect that as he reacts very visibly to celebrating with his children and wife.

Chidi Njokuani just has gone 2-1 in the UFC and just had a four fight overall winning streak broken by Gregory Rodrigues, he’s back in action here and trying to avoid his first UFC losing streak. Albert Duraev has gone 1-1 in the UFC, he’s coming off of a loss though and is likewise trying to avoid his first losing streak. The odds are with Njokuani at -155 while that +135 payout on Duraev might tempt some bettors.

Middleweight Bout: Albert Duraev (15-4, 186 lbs.) vs. Chidi Njokuani (22-8 1 NC, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Njokuani is four inches taller with a notable five inches of reach advantage. Some stance switching from Njokuani as he shows the front kick. Duraev lands an inside leg kick. Bit of a body kick from Njokuani. Duraev starts pressing forward and lands a right hand. A lot of feints from Njokuani, then he lands a body kick but Duraev catches it and sweeps the other leg to get on top. Duraev is on the back in the ride position as Njokuani sits on the fence. Some lefts from Duraev now, he’s got wrist control on the right arm of Njokuani and that’s stopping him from building a base. More lefts from Duraev but Njokuani is able to get on both knees now and looks to build back up. Duraev keeps firing lefts, Njokuani is able to fight to his feet but Duraev is still on him looking for a takedown. Inside trip from Duraev and he lands on top in full guard. Some elbows are traded, but that’s not going to go well for Njokuani. Duraev stuffs Njokuani into the fence and lands some punches while looking to pass. A few more punches from Duraev land to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Duraev

ROUND TWO: Duraev has an inside leg kick checked. Njokuani lands a front kick but both men are pretty slow at this point. Spinning back fist from Duraev is mostly blocked. Njokuani avoids a few jabs. Duraev is still pushing forward, he’s slowly working Njokuani towards the fence so he can close distance. Njokuani lands a left hand. Bit of a right from Duraev. Another right from Duraev. Njokuani avoids a left hook, but both men are taking this relatively slow. Njokuani might be a touch fatigued after the heavy grappling in the first. Both men land rights. A right from Njokuani backs Duraev off. They trade lefts. Bit of a right from Duraev. Njokuani lands another right of his own. Inside leg kick from Duraev. Njokuani checks a leg kick. They circle away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Njokuani, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Njokuani lands a hard body kick to start the round. Duraev gets aggressive, both men seem to be energized after the lackluster second round. Njokuani lands a knee but Duraev has him on the fence and is looking for a takedown. Duraev switches to a single leg, he’s going back and forth on takedown attempts. Eventually Njokuani spins free. Bit of a right from Duraev. Njokuani lands a right. There’s a cut around the left eye of Njokuani, not a bad one but it’s there. Njokuani lands a body kick. Right hand from Njokuani, he’s countering well at this point as Duraev’s technique is breaking down. Duraev keeps reaching to parry kicks with the hand on the same side, that opens up the question mark kick if Njokuani can get that read. Inside leg kick from Duraev. Bit of a right from Duraev. Duraev lands a right. Njokuani lands a couple of punches in close. Right from Duraev again. Njokuani lands another body kick. Njokuani is starting to increase the tempo at this point just a bit. Duraev misses a couple of punches then eats a body kick. They get close and trade punches then Duraev blocks a head kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Njokuani, 29-28 Njokuani overall but the second round was pretty close

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

Can’t argue with 29-28 either way, both men kind of just gave away the second round and that’s what swung the fight. Mic time for Duraev, he opens with English and thanks the crowd before going to Russian that goes untranslated, then goes back to English to thank his coaches and family.

Andrea Lee has gone just 2-4 in her last six fights, though two of those were controversial split decisions that could have gone her way, and is coming off of a loss. Lee needs a win here if she wants to get her career back on track and potentially move towards title contention. Maycee Barber had a lot of hype in 2019 but that got derailed by a couple of losses, now she’s riding a three fight winning streak and could earn a shot at someone in the top ten with a win. The odds are with Barber at -275 against a +230 underdog Lee.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: #13 Maycee Barber (11-2, 125.5 lbs.) vs. #11 Andrea Lee (13-6, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Lee is an inch taller with four and a half inches of reach advantage but she’s also 10 years older. They touch gloves, Barber fighting southpaw. Both women probe with some longer range weapons. They both miss front kicks. Lee lands a body kick and avoids some counters. Barber has a kick blocked. Bit of a left from Barber after she parried a body kick. Lee lands a leg kick. Lee lands a right hand, Barber lands a right of her own. They tie up and Lee hits a takedown into side control. Lee sneaks in a few elbows. Barber uses her legs to catch the right arm of Lee for a few moments and lands elbows before Lee gets her arm back. Some elbows to the body from Lee and she moves towards mount then gets the back as Barber tries to counter. They scramble around and wind up back on the feet. Some kicks go back and forth. Lee lands a few body shots then a left hook. Barber lands a left in close then they both miss head kicks. Lee lands a right hand. They trade lefts. Some leg kicks go back and forth. Both women miss more kicks. Bit of an elbow from Barber as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lee

ROUND TWO: Lee opens up with some leg kicks. Barber lands a right hand. Lee lands a front kick, Barber lands a leg kick to counter. They both miss more kicks, then Lee lands a one two. They trade punches in close. Barber times a takedown but Lee bounces right back up and knees her in the body before getting free. Both of them are about an inch out of range on most of their punches. Bit of a right from Lee. Barber lands a left hand. Lee with a few leg kicks then a head kick that gets Barber’s nose bleeding. Barber pushes forward and we get a brawl but Lee hits a single leg and gets on top in half guard. Lee with some hammer fists as Barber gets full guard. Half guard now for Lee as she passes and looks for an arm triangle attack. Barber gets her arm out of danger but Lee is still all over her. Lee stands free of the half guard, she lands a leg kick then a couple of ax kicks to the body. Barber shows up kicks but isn’t comfortable getting up yet. Lee goes back into the guard and unloads with hammer fists to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again. Barber misses a combination. Bit of a left from Barber. Both women land punches in close. They get close and Barber lands a body kick but Lee takes her down and jumps on the back. Lee bails on the back as Barber scrambles and they wind up clinched on the fence. They break without incident. Bit of a front kick from Lee. Lee lands a leg kick. Barber lands a glancing side kick to the head. They tie up and Lee lands knees to the body then avoids a right hook as they break. Barber with a few high kicks that are blocked. Barber hits a takedown and moves towards leg drag. Lee stands pretty quickly and Barber is able to land a knee as they’re clinched up. Lee whips Barber down by the leg and lands a leg kick before Barber gets up. Barber with a one two. Lee lands an inside leg kick then a front kick. They clinch up, Barber lands an elbow but Lee gets her on the fence rather quickly. Trip from Lee and she lands on top in half guard. Lee looks to pass but Barber locks down her half guard. Full guard now for Barber but Lee lands some punches after passing back to half guard and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Barber, 29-28 Lee overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Macey Barber via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

Andrea Lee just can’t buy a decision for love or money, also Dan Miraglotta’s 30-27 is utter crap. Mic time for Barber who’s showered with boos, she puts over Lee and thanks the crowd who will not be swayed in their dislike. She feels she landed the more damaging shots all fight.

Nate Landwehr has gone 3-2 in the UFC but he’s on a two fight winning streak and will be looking to take aim at higher ranked opponents if he can extend that streak to three here. Austin Lingo has gone 2-1 in the UFC and he’s also on a two fight winning streak, a win here would be the biggest of his career and might set Lingo up to fight more ranked opponents going forward. Landwehr is your favorite at -200 while Lingo’s +170 might be a solid little bet.

Featherweight Bout: #15 Nate Landwehr (16-4, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Austin Lingo (9-1, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Lingo is an inch taller while Landwehr has two inches of reach advantage. Lingo comes out jabbing. Bit of a left hook from Lingo. Landwehr is backed into the fence but Lingo can’t quite find the target on his offense. They trade jabs but Lingo then lands a right hand. Both men land in close then Landwehr lands a calf kick. Bit of a combination from Lingo. Lingo hits the body a few times. There’s some blood around the right eyebrow of Landwehr. Landwehr lands an uppercut after slipping a hook. Lingo lands a jab. Lingo lands a right hand. Apparently that cut on Landwehr came from a clash of heads. Lingo lands a right hand. Landwehr has some kicks fall short then Lingo lands a right hand. Landwehr lands a calf kick. Lingo fights off a single leg attempt. They split some jabs. Landwehr lands a front kick. Bit of a combination from Landwehr. Lingo lands a left hook in close. Landwehr lands a knee but eats a couple of solid hooks as counters. They feint away the last couple of seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lingo but a close one

ROUND TWO: Both men get back to jabbing. Lingo fires a few punches that are blocked. Landwehr pushes forward and lands a right hand then a calf kick. Front kick from Landwehr. Lingo lands a right hand. Some jabs go back and forth. Lingo lands a right to the body. Landwehr fires a few rights while backing Lingo up. Bit of a right from Lingo. Landwehr avoids a punch then lands a couple of counters. Lingo is bleeding from the nose, and I think there’s a small cut under the right eye. More front kicks from Landwehr, those are effective weapons for him. Lingo lands a right hand. A head kick from Landwehr stuns Lingo, Landwehr is still coming forward and his pace and pressure are getting to Lingo. They tie up and Landwehr gets a takedown. Punches from Landwehr as Lingo tries to stand but Landwehr grabs the choke and gets the back with hooks in to force the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Nate Landwehr via Submission, rear naked choke, at 4:11 of Round 2

Mic time for Landwehr, he plays with the crowd a bit then says he knew he’s a varsity quality fighter and could break down Lingo. Asked about the future he wants the fight he was supposed to have here, Alex Caceres.

Sadly we don’t get the full sequence here, Landwehr did a good job of setting up this choke with strikes from the back then knowing when to grab the neck before getting the hooks rather than overvalue the position.

Holly Holm has a relatively long list of accolades across combat sports including a title reign as UFC women’s bantamweight champion, but she’s 3-2 in her last five fights and is coming off of a split decision loss a little under a year ago. Holm is looking to break in her new UFC contract with a win and possibly set her sights back towards the title picture. Yana Santos formerly Yana Kunitskaya has gone 2-2 in her last four fights and while she’s coming off of a loss a win here would be the biggest of her career given the relatively high profile of Holm. The odds are with Holm at a somewhat surprising -240 against a +200 payout on Santos.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: #3 Holly Holm (14-6, 135.5 lbs.) vs. #6 Yana Santos (14-6 1 NC, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Holm is two inches taller with half an inch of reach advantage, she’s also 8 years older. Southpaw for Holm, and they touch gloves. Santos pushes into a clinch right away. They fight for position along the fence, a few knees being traded along the way. More positional jockeying without much happening. Holm lands an elbow as they break. Santos with a few inside leg kicks then they clinch again. Holm lands a few punches from the clinch. Knees go back and forth again then they break with a right hand from Holm. High side kick from Holm partially lands. Holm lands a left hand. Another left from Holm but Santos counters with a knee. They punch into another clinch and hit the fence. Some knees go back and forth then Holm lands an elbow as they break. Front kicks form Holm now then a side kick. Santos slips on a leg kick and Holm gets on top in full guard. Holm passes to side control and will end the round there.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Holm

ROUND TWO: They quickly strike into a clinch but Santos slips away before they hit the fence. Holm pushes Santos over with a kick. Santos walks into a left hand then Holm hits a takedown into side control. Holm lands some punches then moves to half guard for control. Holm moves back to side control and starts working for a mounted crucifix. A few elbows from Holm land. Holm lands a knee to the body. Holm is thinking about an arm triangle but isn’t able to really get it going. Elbows from Holm land. A few shoulder strikes from Holm as she’s trying to attack a submission. Holm with some knees to the body then gets the mounted crucifix and starts landing punches to the head. Santos is able to get her arm back but she’s still stuck on her back. Holm moves towards mount, gets the back then full mount and lands a couple of hard elbows before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Holm, 20-17 Holm overall

ROUND THREE: Santos tries to push the issue right away. Holm lands an inside leg kick, they tie up and fight to the fence in the clinch. They break without issue. Another tie up and Holm hits a trip into half guard. Holm passes to full mount and starts landing elbows. Santos is able to hip escape to half guard but it’s loose and she’s still getting worked over. Holm passes to side control, then back to full mount. Santos gives up the back, Holm grabs at the choke but has to settle for just landing punches as Santos scoots to half guard on bottom. Holm lands some rights and passes to side control again. More punches from Holm, Santos forces her way to her knees and Holm gets on her back in the clinch. Some knees go back and forth in the clinch then Holm lands a couple of punches. Elbow from Holm then they break. Santos punches into a clinch, but can’t keep it. Holm lands a left hand then tries a double leg, which she gets into side control. The round will end with Holm on top in side control.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Holm, 30-25 Holm overall

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

No 10-8’s for Holm seems wrong, Santos got nothing off of value in the second in particular. Mic time for Holm, she jokes about always wanting to show something new and feels good to be back in the cage. She puts over Santos’s strength and had to adjust after all the aggressive clinching from Santos in the first. Asked about the future she plans on working hard and getting back to the title, and doesn’t have a preference for her next opponent. To close she points out her family in the crowd and puts over her team for all of their work then feels it’s important to bring up that there’s way too much sexualization of children going on right now and says we need to protect children around the world.

Marlon Vera is on a four fight winning streak with wins over some very impressive names including a couple of nasty knockouts and a thorough beating of Rob Font, Vera is trying to earn a title shot with a win here which would be very deserved if he can get his hand raised. Cory Sandhagen has only come up short in the UFC against Aljamain Sterling, Petr Yan, and a hotly contested split decision with TJ Dillashaw that I thought he won, he’s coming off of a win though and is looking to re-enter himself into the title picture if he can halt the rise of Vera. This one is pretty close, -155 on Sandhagen while Vera’s +135 might be a good value bet.

Bantamweight Bout: #3 Marlon Vera (20-7-1, 136 lbs.) vs. #5 Cory Sandhagen (15-4, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Sandhagen is three inches taller but Vera has half an inch of reach advantage. Both men open orthodox but Sandhagen will switch as he feels like it. Both men probe with kicks, then Vera avoids some punches. Now Vera has started switching as well. Bit of a right from Sandhagen. Vera pokes out some jabs then eats a calf kick. Sandhagen lands a left to the body. Vera avoids a combination of punches. Sandhagen lands a few leg kicks, he’s staying busy then lands a left hook. Vera lands a jab but eats a counter. Sandhagen misses an uppercut then misses a head kick. Bit of a one two from Sandhagen. Vera blocks a jumping knee. Sandhagen tries a takedown, settles for a clinch against the fence. Outside trip from Sandhagen and he gets on top and lands punches while passing to half guard. Vera gets full guard back but Sandhagen is stuffing him against the fence and landing strikes. Sandhagen moves to half guard and lands a few elbows. Vera has fired a few elbows from his back, looks like one of them cut Sandhagen on the crown of the head. Sandhagen lands some punches, then switches to a few elbows as well. A few more elbows from Sandhagen close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Sandhagen

ROUND TWO: Sandhagen gets back on forward pressure right away. Both men show the front kick. Vera lands a jab but eats a counter right. Sandhagen digs a left to the body. Bit of a calf kick from Vera. Sandhagen lands a combination then hits a takedown but Vera is after a guillotine choke. Vera can’t keep the grip and Sandhagen pulls his head free then gets back to landing short punches. Sandhagen lands a few short elbows, he’s also good about sneaking in uppercuts via his ground and pound. Vera tries to attack a leg but Sandhagen smothers him and moves to leg drag then into side control. A few more elbows from Sandhagen. Sandhagen thinks about attack the arm but Vera is able to avoid that and escape to his feet at distance. Some jabs go back and forth. Sandhagen lands an uppercut. A lot of pressure from Sandhagen, Vera then catches a kick but can’t do anything with it. Vera blocks a jumping knee. Vera misses a kick to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Sandhagen gets back to kicking as the round begins. Vera has a head kick blocked. Sandhagen lands an uppercut then a leg kick. Vera lands a front kick, he seems to be finding things now. Bit of a front kick from Sandhagen. Vera lands a calf kick. Sandhagen lands a leg kick. Both men miss punches, they’re just a hair out of range. Vera blocks a takedown attempt. Sandhagen lands a jab. Vera lands a one two. Sandhagen lands a right hand and starts backing Vera up. Uppercut from Sandhagen then a front kick behind it. Sandhagen tries a takedown but Vera is able to shove him off though he eats another uppercut. Stiff jab from Sandhagen. Left to the body then a right hand from Sandhagen. Bit of a right from Vera. They trade front kicks then Vera misses a head kick. Another uppercut from Sandhagen lands. Vera fires back but can’t find the target. Bit of a combination from Sandhagen. Sandhagen avoids a few punches. Inside leg kick from Sandhagen then Vera misses a spinning back kick, and misses a knee as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Sandhagen but a very close one, 30-27 Sandhagen overall

ROUND FOUR: Vera avoids a spinning back kick. Sandhagen with some jabs then another uppercut. Vera fights off a double leg and lands a knee then they break. Sandhagen right back after the takedown, but again can’t finish it. Some jabs from Sandhagen, his activity is a problem for Vera. Vera sprawls away from a double leg. Sandhagen lands a left to the body. Vera is starting to measure Sandhagen but he’s still not throwing a lot. Sandhagen lands a jumping knee. Bit of a left from Vera. Sandhagen has a calf kick checked. Some jabs from Sandhagen land as he’s moving. Bit of a calf kick from Vera. A lot of good blocking and hand fighting from both men. Sandhagen lands a left to the body. Vera misses a few strikes, he’s getting just a little frustrated. Sandhagen lands a few punches then a leg kick. More jabs from Sandhagen. Bit of a right from Sandhagen and he blocks a counter. Vera lands a left hand. Vera lands a left hand and a couple of follow ups. Sandhagen lands a left hand then blocks a head kick. Vera misses a side kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Vera but another close one, 39-37 Sandhagen overall

ROUND FIVE: Vera probably needs a finish here. Sandhagen lands a couple of rights. Sandhagen is looking to up the tempo now. Vera with a bit of a right hand. Sandhagen lands a combination then tries a double leg but can’t finish it. Knee from Sandhagen lands then he clinches up and hits a takedown into full guard. Vera tries to get his guard working but Sandhagen is compressing him and landing punches. Now Vera moves to a seated position against the fence but Sandhagen is on him and pulls him flat on the mat. Some short punches and elbows from Sandhagen. Vera is able to kick Sandhagen off and stand, but Sandhagen jumps right back into a cinch looking for a takedown. Sandhagen lands an elbow as they break the clinch. Bit of a combination from Sandhagen. Vera lands a body kick but eats a counter right. Left hand from Vera lands. Sandhagen again looks to pick up the tempo and lands a few punches. Vera lands a left to the body but eats a couple of counters. They trade punches again. Vera just can’t find Sandhagen consistently and it’s muting his offensive potency. Sandhagen probes with kicks again. Spinning back kick from Vera partially lands. Sandhagen tries a double leg but Vera shucks him off. Body kick from Sandhagen but Vera catches it and gets the back in the clinch. Vera lands an elbow and lets Sandhagen go. Body shot from Vera. Sandhagen lands a right hand. Vera starts coming forward and looks to swing for the last 10 seconds, Sandhagen blocks and counters as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Sandhagen, 49-46 Sandhagen overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Cory Sandhagen via split decision (47-48, 49-46, 50-45)

I’m not sure at all about 3 rounds for Vera, but he could have won a couple of them. Mic time for Sandhagen, he says they’re both tough guys to hit and sometimes it plays out like that then thanks the fans for being here and enjoying the fight. He knew that Vera would lose the early rounds then come after him hard late, because that’s what he’s done in the past. Asked about the future he says he’d feel bad asking for a title shot before Merab Dvalishvili, and he thinks he needs to beat Merab before getting a title shot.

Mic time for Vera as well, he thanks the crowd first and makes no excuses for the loss he feels ready coming in here but he couldn’t get things going and that’s on him.

Well on that note UFC on ESPN 43 comes to a close. All in all, overperformed relative to expectations. We’ll be breaking down all the fallout from this event tomorrow on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast. There’s no UFC event next Saturday, they’re just staying out of the way of WrestleMania, but in two weeks we’ve got UFC 287 and I hope you’ll be back here for that one. Until then thank you as always for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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