mma / Reports

411’s UFC Fight Night Report: Royval Splits Taira

October 12, 2024 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC on ESPN+ 102 Image Credit: UFC

MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)
#1 Brandon Royval (125.5 lbs.) vs. #5 Tatsuro Taira (125.5 lbs.)
Jun Yong Park (185.5 lbs.) vs. Brad Tavares (185 lbs.)
Jared Gooden (172.5 lbs.)* vs. Chidi Njokuani (170.5 lbs.)
Grant Dawson (156 lbs.) vs. Rafa Garcia (154.5 lbs.)
Alex Morono (170.5 lbs.) vs. Daniel Rodriguez (170 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 4 p.m. ET)
Ramazonbek Temirov (125.5 lbs.) vs. CJ Vergara (126 lbs.)
Jonathan Pearce (145 lbs.) vs. Pat Sabatini (145 lbs.)
Themba Gorimbo (170.5 lbs.) vs. Niko Price (170.5 lbs.)
Sean Sharaf (252 lbs.) vs. Junior Tafa (241 lbs.)
Cory McKenna (115 lbs.) vs. Julia Polastri (115 lbs.)
Dan Argueta (138.5 lbs.)* vs. Cody Haddon (135 lbs.)
Clayton Carpenter (125.5 lbs.) vs. Lucas Rocha (125.5 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 102, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the event. Last week we had a PPV that was pretty forgettable outside of a really good main event and tonight we’re back in the warehouse with a card that’s kind of all main event too. But on the plus side former title challenger Brandon Royval and rising contender Tatsuro Taira should make for a compelling flyweight fight with the winner likely getting the next title shot. Beyond that the pickings get a little slim, but Jun Yong Park vs. Brad Tavares might be fun, Grant Dawson is still rebuilding after a loss to Bobby Green, and Alex Morono vs. Daniel Rodriguez has some potential. On the prelims it’s pretty barren, Sean Sharaf steps in on very short notice to take on Junior Tafa, Dan Argueta is frequently entertaining, and we’ll probably get some good grappling out of Jonathan Pearce vs. Pat Sabatini. We had three weight misses for this card, Jared Gooden missed weight yet again as did Dan Argueta and Josh Fremd. Fremd in particular missed by enough that his fight with Abdul Razak Alhassan was canceled. We’re pretty clearly in hope for good action mode here because on paper this card is not terribly inspiring.

UFC on ESPN+ 102 comes to the world from the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Brendan Fitzgerald, Michael Bisping, and Dominick Cruz will be calling the action tonight. Keep in mind we’re in the smaller 25 foot cage here in the Apex and Nevada does allow the use of instant replay.

Clayton Carpenter is undefeated including a successful UFC debut in February of last year for a nearly two year layoff, now after a significant layoff he’s back in action and looking remind everyone that he’s a top prospect in the division. Lucas Rocha brings a six fight winning streak into his UFC debut, he’s been out of action for just over a year with a couple of fights falling out that were supposed to be his UFC debut but now he’s finally here and ready to announce his arrival to the audience. The odds like Carpenter at -230 while +190 on Rocha might be a good little value bet.

Flyweight Bout: Clayton Carpenter (7-0, 125.5 lbs.) vs. Lucas Rocha (17-1, 125.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Carpenter has three inches of height and two of reach over Rocha. Some forward pressure from Rocha early, Carpenter looking to counter. Rocha lands a right hand. Calf kick from Carpenter. Some jabs go back and forth then Carpenter lands another calf kick. Both men land rights in close. Carpenter with a couple of left uppercuts. Rocha misses a head kick. Double leg from Carpenter and he’s on top in half guard. Rocha is able to hip escape and get full guard. Short elbow from Carpenter and Rocha is cut over the left eyebrow. Carpenter passes back to half guard. Another elbow from Carpenter. Carpenter is trying to set up an arm triangle attack, Rocha tries to wrestle to his feet but Carpenter is able to wind up in side control then moves to full mount. Rocha quickly catches half guard but he eats another couple of elbows. Looks like Rocha is bleeding from the bridge of his nose as well now. Carpenter keeps landing elbows as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Carpenter

ROUND TWO: That cut on Rocha’s left eyebrow is pretty nasty, there’s also one under his right eye that’s not going to be much of a factor unless it gets a whole lot worse. Right hand from Carpenter then a couple of lefts and a calf kick. Another calf kick from Carpenter. Jumping knee from Rocha then a right hook. They trade front kicks then Rocha avoids a takedown. Body kick from Carpenter then he hits a double leg and mounts the legs of Rocha. Rocha gives up his back and tries to turn into Carpenter but Carpenter gets a body triangle to settle things. Carpenter grabs at the choke, this is pretty tight and Rocha tries to hand fight but ultimately gets put to sleep.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Clayton Carpenter via Technical Submission, rear naked choke, at 2:12 of Round 2

Mic time for Carpenter, he feels he had to knock off a little ring rust but once he got into the flow he was able to follow the game plan and get the win. He talks us through the finish and notes Rocha has a history of not caring too much about giving up his back and he capitalized on that.

Some nice grip adjustments from Carpenter here despite Rocha’s hand fighting.

Dan Argueta has gone 1-2 with 2 No Contests in the UFC, most recently losing back in April and now he badly needs a win to justify his position on the roster. Cory Haddon brings a five fight winning streak into his UFC debut and he’s looking to get that all important first UFC win under his belt. Haddon closed at -160 to Argueta’s +135.

Bantamweight Bout: Dan Argueta (9-2 2 NC, 138.5 lbs.)* vs. Cody Haddon (7-1, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Argueta has an inch of reach advantage plus he missed weight. Southpaw for Argueta. Both men swing some punches without really landing just yet. Argueta lands a left to the body then tries a takedown and gets a single leg near the fence. Haddon looks to wall walk but Argueta is keeping him on his seat for now. Eventually Haddon does regain his feet and separate. Both men land lead hand hooks then they clinch. Argueta pushes things into the fence and starts looking for a takedown, eventually he lips to the back in the clinch. Haddon is fighting his grip but Argueta switches to a high crotch then again moves to the back. Haddon is able to slip free then lands a right hand. More punches from Haddon then he avoids a takedown. Argueta is switching his stance now, he tries another takedown then grabs a front headlock but Haddon is able to slip free and reset. Calf kick from Haddon then some jabs. One two from Haddon. Haddon’s striking is a lot smoother, he’s landing to the body and head as well. Argueta tries a guillotine, he can’t finish it but then lands a knee as they regain their feet. Haddon with a couple of hooks in close. There’s a lot of body shots and uppercuts from Haddon, it’s designed to help his takedown defense when Argueta tries to tie up and it’s doing a lot of work for him. Both men land punches against the fence and Argueta ties up. They’ve both started doing a bit of stance switching in space. Both men miss hooks in the pocket to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Haddon

ROUND TWO: Haddon is working aggressively right away and lands a knee to go with a few punches. Haddon is cut on the head, I think they banged heads at some point, then he hits a takedown into side control. Elbows to the body from Haddon as Argueta shrimps to get full guard. Haddon moves to half guard then gets the backpack position as Argueta stands. Argueta is able to sling Haddon around and then gets on top in full guard. A few strikes land for Argueta but he’s focused on keeping Haddon down. Haddon is able to wall walk then he starts fighting off a mat return from Argueta. Eventually they separate and Haddon lands a series of body shots then a right hand. Haddon blocks a takedown and lands a jab. Hard knee from Haddon, Argueta ducked into it but he’s still conscious. Argueta is able to grab a front headlock but can’t keep it. They’re both southpaw right now and Haddon keeps digging body shots when they’re in close. Some jabs from Haddon then Argueta lands a calf kick since Haddon has gone orthodox. Solid right hand from Haddon. Argueta lands a left hook to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Haddon but a closer one, 20-18 Haddon overall

ROUND THREE: Haddon lands a right hand to start the round. Left hook from Haddon. Argueta lands a front kick. More body to head punches from Haddon. Haddon blocks a takedown attempt. Both men show spinning attacks that miss. Body to head again from Haddon, he’s really starting to line up his punches. Argueta with a few elbows in close as he’s working for a clinch but he can’t quite find it. More body punches from Haddon. Haddon lands a jab. Calf kick from Argueta drops Haddon for a second. Haddon with some more jabs, Argueta lands a knee but then eats a right hand. Right to the body then a left hook from Haddon. Both men land in close then Argueta hits a double leg but Haddon quickly regains his feet and lands a right hand. Argueta pushes for another takedown, they hit the fence then Argueta really tries for the takedown but he can’t find it. Haddon is able to push free then lands a couple of punches. Haddon counters a takedown and gets Argueta down then moves to the ride but Argueta wrestles up quickly. Argueta tries another takedown but he stalls out and they land punches then Argueta tries another single leg as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Cody Haddon via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Fun little fight there. Mic time for Haddon, he puts over Argueta and notes he’s pretty gassed right now. He says he can be cut any time he’s in a boring fight and expects more fights like this one going forward.

Julia Polastri dropped her UFC debut back in Jun and now looks to get her first UFC win. Cory McKenna has gone 3-2 in the UFC most recently getting tapped out back in March and now she tries to avoid her first losing streak. Very close one here, -115 on Polastri to -105 for McKenna.

Strawweight Bout: Cory McKenna (8-3, 115 lbs.) vs. Julia Polastri (12-4, 115 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: McKenna is an inch taller while Polastri has four and a half inches of reach advantage. Quick clinch from McKenna and they hit the fence. Some knees go back and forth, Polastri seems to have more power in hers at the moment. They keep trading knees while jockeying for position. Polastri with a few more knees as she’s got McKenna on the fence then she lands an elbow. McKenna looks for a level change, but Polastri defends as they keep working in the clinch. More knees are traded as Polastri now gets McKenna on the fence. Elbow from Polastri then an uppercut before they break. McKenna lands a couple of punches. Calf kick from Polastri. Jumping knee from Polastri partially lands. Both women miss punches. Leg kick from Polastri. McKenna lands a left hook but Polastri lands an elbow then a couple of knees. Polastri lands another leg kick. Right hand from Polastri. They trade left hooks, Polastri then lands a couple of knees in a clinch and an uppercut. Knee to the head from Polastri as she’s started to bully McKenna. Another knee from Polastri then an elbow as she gets a clinch. A short elbow from Polastri closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Polastri

ROUND TWO: Knee to the body from Polastri. Bit of a side kick from Polastri. They trade lefts. Polastri grabs a clinch and lands knees to the body. McKenna is trying to hit a headlock throw but that doesn’t work and Polastri is now defending a takedown against the fence. Polastri is able to spin McKenna and lands a few more knees before they break. One two from McKenna then Polastri lands a calf kick. Polastri keeps stalking forward then tries a double leg, well timed but she has to settle for slipping to the back in a clinch and she starts landing knees to the leg and body. One hook goes in for Polastri but nothing comes of it and she just lands another knee. McKenna is able to turn into Polastri and get into a clinch. They trade a few more knees then McKenna pulls free. Polastri eats a right hand then lands an elbow. Left to the body then a calf kick from Polastri. They both land a few punches, McKenna is firing a lot but it’s not bothering Polastri. Knee from Polastri and they trade punches then Polastri lands another knee to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Both women throw kicks to start the round. Polastri lands a body kick then a few knees to the body. McKenna keeps firing while circling. Polastri keeps coming forward and lands an elbow. Left to the body from Polastri. A left hook from Polastri gets McKenna stumbling just a bit. They tie up and McKenna pushes things to the fence but Polastri spins her quickly and begins working elbows and knees. McKenna tries a single leg but Polastri is defending. McKenna switches to a double leg and is able to finally get one to finish and Polastri closes her guard. Polastri threatens an armbar but nothing comes of it. McKenna avoids a butterfly sweep. Polastri lands a couple of elbows. Elbow from McKenna. Polastri lands another elbow. A few short punches from McKenna but nothing substantial. The round will end on the mat.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Polastri but could go either way, 30-27 Polastri overall

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

I don’t agree with our resident semi-sentient can of tomato soup, Sal D’Amato for giving McKenna either the first or second round. No interview for Polastri.

Junior Tafa has gone 1-3 in the UFC with his only win being over Parker Porter and he’s currently on a two fight losing streak, Tafa pretty badly needs to get back on the winning side of things here to prove he still deserves to be on the roster. Sean Sharaf took this fight on very short notice but he’s undefeated and all of his wins have come inside the first round, so he clearly poses some danger here and will be trying to keep his perfect record in tact. The odds are rather heavily with Tafa at -305 to +245 for Sharaf.

Heavyweight Bout: Sean Sharaf (4-0, 252 lbs.) vs. Junior Tafa (5-3, 241 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Sharaf has two inches of reach advantage, Sharaf is also 11 pounds heavier. Both men come out swinging but missing. Sharaf gets Tafa on the fence and they both land a couple of punches. Tafa digs a left to the body. Sharaf lands a calf kick. Right hand from Tafa then another left to the body. Sharaf tries a takedown, he gets the back but Tafa grabs the fence to stay upright. The ref warns Tafa about that one, it was a bad fence grab. Calf kick from Sharaf. Tafa gets taken down but quickly elevates and scrambles upright. Left from Tafa. Sharaf digs a left to the body now. Tafa jabs the body. Right hand from Tafa. Bit of a right from Sharaf. A few clubbing shots from Sharaf as he’s got Tafa on the fence but Tafa is able to circle out. Sharaf is slowing a bit but does land a calf kick. Left hooks from Tafa then a right hand. Both men miss rights. Tafa lands some jabs. Tafa is starting to land more regularly now, both men have faded just a bit so the power isn’t quite what it used to be. Sharaf lands a calf kick. They trade left hooks. Sharaf with a couple of punches then he takes Tafa down and gets full mount. Punches from Sharaf then elbows as Tafa is pinned on the fence. Tafa is just covering up but will see the end of the round, 10 more seconds of that and we’re probably done though.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Sharaf

ROUND TWO: Tafa comes out and lands a right hand. Both men miss rights. Bit of a left hook from Sharaf. Tafa avoids a takedown. Sharaf lands a left to the body then an elbow. Tafa with a flurry of punches, they start brawling along the fence then reset, both men are gassed. Sharaf with a calf kick then Tafa lands a right hand. Right hand from Tafa stuns Sharaf. Whoever falls over is done here. Tafa with some uppercuts, then Sharaf lands a right hand. Another uppercut from Tafa, Sharaf staggers away and they can stop this. The ref does in fact step in to halt this before it became more of a comedy.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Junior Tafa via TKO, punches, at 2:15 of Round 2

Mic time for Tafa, let’s see if he can muster any words. He sends love to his family back home but he can barely get the words out, he is completely exhausted. He mentions hurting his leg and Bisping or his producer mercifully cuts that short.

Themba Gorimbo has gone 3-1 in the UFC and is on a three fight winning streak, if he can extend that to four in a row here it could very well earn him at a bigger name for his next bout. Niko Price has gone 2-2 in his last four fights and he’s coming off of a win, meaning tonight could make for his first winning streak since 2018. Gorimbo is a hefty -345 favorite to Price’s +275.

Welterweight Bout: Themba Gorimbo (13-4, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Niko Price (16-7 2 NC, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Gorimbo has an inch of height and reach advantage. Gorimbo shows some early stance switching after a touch of gloves. Calf kick from Gorimbo, he seems to be settling into orthodox. They both swing punches in close, Gorimbo is landing a bit more thus far. Left hook from Gorimbo then a calf kick. Another calf kick from Gorimbo. Price falls short with some punches then Gorimbo lands another calf kick. They trade knees then break out of a brief clinch. Gorimbo lands a calf kick. Body kick from Price but Gorimbo lands a counter right. Gorimbo slams in another calf kick. Right hand from Gorimbo. Gorimbo with a calf kick then a takedown into Price’s guard. A few punches from Gorimbo. Price is trying to set up an armbar but Gorimbo is hip to it right now. Gorimbo passes to half guard. Price grabs an an Americana from the bottom but he can’t find an angle to force the scramble with it and Gorimbo lands punches. More punches from Gorimbo then he gets the back as Price moves to his knees. Price stands with Gorimbo in the backpack position, Gorimbo cranks at a choke attempt but there’s not much there. Price tries to slam out of the position but Gorimbo keeps the back as they’ve hit the mat. There are a few submission options for Gorimbo but he doesn’t take any attack before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gorimbo

ROUND TWO: Front kick from Price to open the round. Bit of a combination from Gorimbo. More calf kicks from Gorimbo but this round is going at a more sedate pace. Price pushes into a clinch where they trade strikes then Gorimbo hits a double leg. Gorimbo into the ride position and lands a bevy of punches as Price works to wall walk. Price does get up eventually only for Gorimbo to hit a high crotch lift. Another wall walk from Price but he can’t get away from Gorimbo. Price avoids a few trip attempts. Knees go back and forth in the clinch. Price lands an uppercut before they break. Front kick from Gorimbo. Gorimbo lands a left hook. Both men land rights then they clinch again. Bit of a knee from Gorimbo as they break. Gorimbo with an uppercut. Front kick from Gorimbo, Price fires a head kick back that partially lands. Takedown from Gorimbo, Price rolls to his knees and Gorimbo gets the ride again. Gorimbo with a few punches, Price stands with Gorimbo on his back and tries a kimura roll, that might have turned into something for him but the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gorimbo but a closer one, 20-18 Gorimbo overall

ROUND THREE: Gorimbo shows the left kick as the round starts. Bit of a right from Gorimbo. Price defends a double leg but that hits the fence then Price overcommits to a headlock and Gorimbo gets the takedown into full guard. A few strikes land for Gorimbo. Some more strikes from Gorimbo. Price looks to wall walk but Gorimbo gets to his hip and starts landing rights from basically half guard. Gorimbo stands and Price thinks about getting up but Gorimbo goes back into his guard. Not sure why Price didn’t work more to stand on that last opportunity. Gorimbo lands a couple more short punches. Price is able to get to his feet against the fence in a clinch, Gorimbo then hits an outside trip and jumps to the back. Gorimbo is too high though and Price is shaking him over the top, Gorimbo thinks about switching to a Suloev Stretch but his position is a little off and he wont finish it before the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Themba Gorimbo via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

No interview for Gorimbo as we’re a little short on time.

Jonathan Pearce has gone 5-2 at featherweight in the UFC but he’s currently on a two fight losing streak and needs to break that here to begin proving he’s still got a bight future in the division. Pat Sabatini has gone 5-2 in the UFC and was last seen getting stopped by Diego Lopes almost a year ago, now he’s trying to avoid his first ever losing streak. Despite the losing streak the odds like Pearce at -185 to Sabatini’s +155.

Featherweight Bout: Jonathan Pearce (14-6, 145 lbs.) vs. Pat Sabatini (18-5, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Pearce is four inches taller with an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. They clash on kicks then Sabatini scrambles around to the back and jumps to the backpack. Pearce is able to try and attack the lock but Sabatini goes to a body triangle. Eventually Pearce is able to break the triangle and get into a clinch. Sabatini has moved to the back again and looks for mat returns but Pearce has broken his grip and turns into him. Double leg from Sabatini but Pearce is able to start working a front headlock sequence. Sabatini moves to half guard then moves to the back. Sabatini is after the choke but Pearce stands with him again in the backpack. Choke attempt from Sabatini, Pearce had reached for the leg to fight it and gave up the choke then has to tap as that was deep.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Pat Sabatini via Submission, rear naked choke, at 4:06 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Sabatini for his work this evening. Sabatini gets an interview, he feels his grappling is better than anyone’s in the division and he loves to apply it. He puts over Pearce as a beast, then when asked about the future he wants to be back sooner rather than later.

CJ Vergara has gone 3-3 in the UFC but has missed weight three times during that stretch and most recently lost back in March, now he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak. Ramazan Temirov brings a nine fight winning streak into his UFC debut, and he’s looking to extend that to double digits here while also showing his skills to the wider UFC audience. Temirov is a notable -345 favorite to Vergara’s +275.

Flyweight Bout: Ramazan Temirov (17-2, 125.5 lbs.) vs. CJ Vergara (12-5-1, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Vergara is two inches taller with five inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Both men do a little probing with the lead hand. Bit of a spinning back kick from Temirov. Right hand from Temirov. Vergara avoids a spinning kick. Bit of a right from Temirov. Vergara avoids a few punches. Temirov with a left to the body then a left hook to the head. Bit of a spinning back kick from Temirov. A left hook from Temirov drops Vergara, he drops him again and hunts him down on the feet with a flurry of punches to the body and head. Vergara is able to keep circling but he’s still hurt. Temirov with a left to the body then a left hook. A couple of body punches get Vergara to crumple up and that’ll get the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ramazan Temirov via TKO, punches, at 2:50 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Temirov for his work this evening. Mic time for Temirov and the translator, he thanks God first then says this has been his dream since he was a kid and thanks everyone for supporting him. He says he’s the new showman of the division and plans on being champion.

Relentless pressure from Temirov once he had Vergara hurt, just never let him recover.

Daniel Rodriguez is currently on a three fight losing streak most recently dropping a fight with Kelvin Gastelum after Gastelum insisted the fight be changed to middleweight because he once again couldn’t make welterweight. Rodriguez now needs a win pretty badly as a four fight skid probably ends his time with the UFC. Alex Morono has traded wins and losses while going 3-3 in his last six fights, most recently he lost to Niko Price back in June and now he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak. The odds are with Rodriguez at -220 while +180 for Morono might tempt some bettors out there.

Welterweight Bout: Alex Morono (24-10 1 NC, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Daniel Rodriguez (17-5, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rodriguez has two inches of height and reach advantage. Southpaw for Rodriguez. Both men show the lead hand early as they circle. Morono shows a few kicks to keep distance. Rodriguez blocks a few rights. Bit of a right from Morono. Inside leg kick from Rodriguez. Jab from Rodriguez. Rodriguez lands a left to the body. Morono is bouncing and looking to counter thus far and he’s been landing well enough. Inside leg kick then a left to the body from Rodriguez but he’s been limited to those kinds of sniping shots. Bit of a right from Morono. A clubbing left from Rodriguez seemed to wobble Morono after Morono missed a spinning back fist. Morono lands a right hand then a front kick. Body kick from Rodriguez. Morono lands a jab. A few jabs go back and forth. Morono lands a right hand to counter an inside leg kick. Rodriguez is starting to get his jab working a little more now. Morono lands a right hand to counter an inside leg kick. Rodriguez avoids a spinning back fist to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Morono

ROUND TWO: Rodriguez jabbing and moving forward again. Morono with a bit of a right. Body kick from Rodriguez. A right hook from Rodriguez lands in close. One two from Morono but he’s slowing a bit. Rodriguez lands another front kick then jabs the body. Front kick then a left to the body from Rodriguez. Body kick from Rodriguez. Another body shot from Rodriguez. Morono falls a little short with punches. Left hand from Rodriguez lands, then a left to the body. Another left to the body from Rodriguez. Bit of a right hand from Morono. Both men land in close. Rodriguez lands a left to the body. Morono lands a right hand. Left hand from Rodriguez. The jab from Rodriguez is really bothering Morono at this point. A left from Rodriguez off balances Morono for a second. Another left from Rodriguez lands. Morono swings wild and Rodriguez lands a punch to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rodriguez but a close one, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Morono lands a right hand to start the round. Rodriguez lands to the body. Left to the body from Rodriguez then a front kick. Inside leg kick from Rodriguez. Rodriguez lands a left that hurts Morono, Morono swings back to keep him from following up right away though. Both men miss power hand punches. Front kick then a left to the body from Rodriguez. Morono avoids a high kick then lands a right hand. Rodriguez lands a combination but again Morono fires back. Left to the body from Rodriguez then an inside leg kick. Morono misses a right hand. Again Rodriguez lands a left to the body. They trade front kicks. Straight left from Rodriguez lands flush. Rodriguez avoids a spinning back fist and cracks him with a left hand then they clinch up. Rodriguez has Morono on the fence and knees the body a few times. A few body shots land for Rodriguez before they break. Both men miss power hand punches. Right hook from Rodriguez. Morono misses a right hand. They trade punches. Both men miss punches again. Rodriguez avoids a punch and gets a clinch, he takes Morono down and holds the clinch when Morono wall walks as the round ends.

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

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

Second round was close enough, 29-28 either way is a perfectly acceptable card. Mic time for Rodriguez, he puts over Morono for being a very difficult fight. He admits it took the whole round to figure out Morono’s style but he did see Morono slow in the second and he was able to start taking over. He says this fight was very important and breaking the three fight losing streak feels great, he’s ready to continue his career and still has big dreams.

Grant Dawson suffered his first UFC loss a little over a year ago and while he bounced back in June with a win he’s still looking to rebuild the hype he had last year. Rafa Garcia has gone 4-1 in his last five fights only losing to Drakkar Klose and currently riding a two fight winning streak, if he can get a win over Dawson tonight it’ll be arguably the biggest of his career and could set him up with another step up in class for his next bout. Dawson is about the biggest favorite on the card at -360 to +285 for Garcia.

Lightweight Bout: Grant Dawson (21-2-1, 156 lbs.) vs. Rafa Garcia (15-3, 154.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Dawson is three inches taller with two inches of reach advantage. Circling from Dawson at first, both men showing off some stance switches. Garcia misses a couple of body punches. Jab from Dawson. Counter right from Garcia partially lands. Double leg from Dawson, he switches to a single leg that wrestles to the fence then he finally finishes the takedown to get on top in full guard. Dawson with some hammer fists. Dawson is able to pass to half guard after a bit. Garcia is kind of stuck here right now, he’s playing defense but that’s a losing proposition against Dawson. Dawson with some body shots then an elbow to the head. Garcia is able to get full guard back but Dawson lands more strikes from on top as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Dawson

ROUND TWO: Dawson lands a left hook then a spinning back fist. Knee tap from Dawson and he’s on top in full guard again. Dawson with some short punches and elbows, he moves to the ride as Garcia tries to roll. Garcia is cut from those elbows and Dawson keeps landing punches as he grabs the back. More elbows from Dawson and Garcia can’t do anything to get free so we’re done.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Grant Dawson via TKO, elbows and punches, at 1:42 of Round 2

Mic time for Dawson, he thinks this is just a testament to all of his work and the team who make him like this and he also puts over his wife. He puts over Garcia as a very underrated guy in the division and notes he’s the first one to finish Garcia, then says he still plans on being world champion at some point.

Relentless ground and pound from Dawson here, some nice finishing instincts on display overall.

Chidi Njokuani broke a three fight losing streak back in March with a decision win, now he’s looking for his first winning streak since 2022. Jared Gooden has gone 1-1 since returning to the UFC last year and now he’s missed weight twice in three fights back, he needs a win to try and smooth over that gaff but even if he does you have to imagine he’s going to be moved out of the division after this fight. Njokuani closed at -165 while Gooden’s comeback sits at +140.

Welterweight Bout: Jared Gooden (23-9, 172.5 lbs.)* vs. Chidi Njokuani (23-10 1 NC, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Njokuani has three inches of height and reach advantage, plus Gooden missed weight as well. Quick right hand then a knee from Njokuani, Gooden gets a takedown but Njokuani scrambles up with Gooden on his back. Gooden drags things down but Njokuani bounces up into a clinch on the fence. A few knees go back and forth then Njokuani spins Gooden into the fence. More knees from Njokuani are landing. Gooden is kind of stuck on the fence and Njokuani is still sneaking in knees while keeping him there. Elbow then a knee from Njokuani. More of those knees from Njokuani land. Gooden tries a couple of body shots but can’t get Njokuani off of him. Eventually Gooden sneaks to the back and tries to get things back down but Njokuani spins free then lands a knee and clinches again. They trade some knees. Njokuani with another elbow and then knees to the body as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Njokuani

ROUND TWO: Gooden looks to jab as the round starts. Njokuani is able to land a punch then a knee to the body and they clinch again. Njokuani gets back to knees and elbows as he’s got Gooden stuck on the fence. Those knees to the body of Gooden are starting to break him down. Njokuani lands an elbow then another knee. Gooden tries an elbow but he’s getting drowned by the offense of Njokuani in the clinch. Another elbow from Njokuani then he misses a spinning elbow but follows up with a couple of knees. Gooden just has no real offensive offerings going on here and he either can’t or wont get off the fence. Gooden does spin free and eats a knee to the body. High kick from Njokuani lands. Gooden misses a high kick to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Gooden looks to jab his way forward, Njokuani showing kicks again. Knee from Njokuani. Njokuani lands a body kick then another knee and they clinch. Outside trip from Gooden and he gets on top in full guard. Njokuani kicks Gooden off and fights up to his fee into another clinch. Gooden is looking for a takedown but Njokuani is defending. They break without incident. Some stance switching from Njokuani as he moves around. A knee from Njokuani stuns Gooden but Gooden is able to block a head kick. Glancing high kick from Njokuani. Gooden misses a punch but gets a clinch and they hit the fence. Gooden tries a lateral drop but winds up just pulling Njokuani on top of him. Njokuani in half guard and landing some elbows. Kimura attempt from Gooden but Njokuani pulls his arm free then lands a punch. Gooden is able to use a kimura threat to get full guard. Njokuani lands punches and an elbow. Njokuani passes and lands more strikes, Gooden wrestles to turtle and Njokuani takes a ride then pushes him over. A final flurry of strikes from on top for Njokuani closes the round.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Chidi Njokuani via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Mic time for Njokuani, he wanted to show off his clinch game and neutralize Gooden’s offensive options especially after the weight miss. He expected the wrestling from Gooden and is glad he could get up so frequently. He’d like to fight someone in the top 15 next if at all possible. At only 2-0 in the weight class that might be a bit ambitious but he didn’t overreach too much.

Brad Tavares has been with the UFC since 2010 but he’s just 1-3 in his last four fights, only claiming victory over Chris Weidman and most recently getting stopped by Gregory Rodrigues. Tavares needs a win here pretty badly as a loss might not end his time with the UFC but would definitively end any hopes he has at making a run towards the top of the division. Jun Yong Park just had a four fight winning broken when he lost a close split decision to Andre Muniz, now he’s trying to bounce back and avoid his first ever losing streak. The odds like Tavares at -200 while a +165 payout on Park is a tempting value bet.

Middleweight Bout: Jun Yong Park (17-6, 185.5 lbs.) vs. Brad Tavares (20-9, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Tavares is three inches taller with an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves, Tavares now has the all time most fights at middleweight in the UFC surpassing Michael Bisping. Tavares lands a right hand to counter a leg kick and gets the back of Park on the mat. Only one hook in for Tavares. Park is blocking the second hook and wrestles to his feet then they separate. Both men land punches in close but Park is willing to just keep throwing. Right hand from Park. Both men land again but Park has Tavares on the fence now. Bit of an elbow from Park. One two from Park. Tavares lands a right hand. They trade again then clinch. Park tries an outside trip, can’t finish it but he slips to the back. Tavares gets chest to chest but he’s still on the fence. Park misses a spinning attack and they break. Almost immediately Park gets back on pressure and lands a calf kick. Park wants a brawl and Tavares is willing to throw with him right now. Another calf kick from Park, Tavares then returns it. Left to the body from Park then a calf kick. We get an eye poke to Park, replay shows the fist was close even though the thumb landed so we restart right away. Park lands a jab. They trade one last time to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Tavares

ROUND TWO: They trade calf kicks to start the second round. Park lands an elbow then a right hand. Tavares tries a kick but gets taken down, he scrambles up but Park hits him repeatedly once they’re on the feet. Jab from Park. Both men land rights, Park’s pressure and general pace is getting to Tavares now. Park just wont stop and lands a left hook then clinches. Some dirty boxing now from Park as he’s got Tavares on the fence, then he lands a couple of elbows and they break. Park lands a couple of calf kicks. A lot of calf kicks and jabs from Park, then he lands a counter right hand. Tavares lands a right hand. Park with a few jabs then a calf kick. Right hand from Park. Bit of a right from Tavares. Park lands a few more jabs while circling around. Right hand from Tavares. They exchange again then Park lands a calf kick. Jab from Park then Tavares lands a calf kick. More jabs from Park, that thing is doing work now. Another Park jab closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Park, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Tavares lands a calf kick. Park lands a right, they just trade in close and Park hurts Tavares with a right. They clinch up and Park slips to the back. Park rides Tavares to his hands a knees but Tavares gets back to his base quickly. A few knees to the leg from Park, Tavares has one fist down to remain downed but next month that distinction changes. Park with some knees to the thigh before Tavares gets chest to chest. Outside trip from Park and he gets to the back with one hook in. A few punches from Park as he’s keeping Tavares on the mat. Tavares rolls to get half guard. Park with a few short punches. A few elbows from Park but not much on them yet. The round ends with Park grabbing a front headlock as Tavares tried to wrestle to his knees.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jun Yong Park via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)

Not sure I get giving Tavares the second. Mic time for Park and the translator, he says the game plan worked but he does put over Tavares pretty solidly. He talks about getting woken up by the punch in the first round, then when asked about the future he would like a ranked opponent but if not that then at least a high profile one.

Brandon Royval has gone 4-1 in his last five fights only losing in a title fight with Alexandre Pantoja and most recently winning a split decision over former champion Brandon Moreno, if he can get another win here it would all but guarantee him another crack at the flyweight title. Tatsuro Taira is undefeated including six wins in the UFC, if he can extend that success here then he’s the most likely next challenger to the flyweight title and frankly right now he represents Japan’s best shot at finally winning UFC gold. Taira closed as the -305 favorite while that +245 comeback for Royval is really tempting for bettors.

Flyweight Bout: #1 Brandon Royval (16-7, 125.5 lbs.) vs. #5 Tatsuro Taira (16-0, 125.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Royval is two inches taller but Taira has two inches of reach advantage, Royval is also 8 years older. Southpaw for Royval. A bit of feinting from both men then Royval misses a kick. Taira with an inside leg kick. Royval with a body kick but Taira catches it and pushes things to the fence. Uppercut from Royval and he’s able to slip out of the clinch. Taira lands a right hand. Inside leg kick from Taira. Royval keeps showing the head kick, he’s falling just a hair short. Jab from Royval, he’s finding the range now. Body kick from Royval. Bit of a right from Taira. Taira’s lack of head movement when they enter boxing range is getting him hit a lot. Royval lands a left hand. They trade power hand punches. Body kick from Royval lands. Taira catches Royval with a right hand and then he gets a clinch and slips to the back. Mat return from Taira, Royval is trying to tie up the legs but Taira is aware of it and gets free. Royval is able to wall walk and Royval lands a left hand. That’ll be the last relevant exchange of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Royval

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Right hand from Taira to counter a body kick. Royval with a bit of a head kick. They trade power hand punches. Takedown from Taira, he gets the backpack then pushes off the fence to get things back down. Taira with a body triangle, he starts landing punches while Royval is trying to scramble around. A lot of riding from Taira and he’s sneaking in punches. Royval gets to a seated position near the fence, Taira is fishing for the choke. Power half nelson from Taira to keep position and then he lands punches to the head. Taira keeps fishing for the choke as well as landing some strikes but time is running down in the round. Taira transitions towards the mount and lands an elbow but Royval is still scrambling around and looks to wrestle up on a single leg but Taira spins to the back yet again. Some nice wrestling from these guys so far. Royval gets half guard, Taira lands punches then they separate and stand. Royval misses a body kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Taira, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again. Left hook from Taira. Royval lands a left hand. Bit of a right from Taira. Taira is pressuring forward, he looks for a takedown against the fence but Royval is defending and lands some elbows. Royval fights up and eats an elbow as they break. Both men land punches again. Royval with a left hand. Taira’s defense is a problem, he’s just there to be hit right now. Combination from Royval. Royval with a couple of lefts, Taira tries a single leg and gets the back standing. Taira grabs a front headlock but Royval takes him down into half guard. They wrestle on the fence but Royval is landing strikes as they do. Royval with a lot of offense, Taira fails on a takedown and eats more punches. Taira tries to roll for a leg in close but Royval smothers him and gets the back with a body triangle. Armbar from Royval, Taira with a lovely escape though and he gets on top in side control. Taira to the ride position then gets a body triangle as Royval gets to a knee. Taira starts fishing for the choke, it’s pretty close with 20 seconds left in the round but Royval will hang on until the round ends.

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

ROUND FOUR: Royval gets back on pressure right away. Taira lands a left hook. Royval with a left to the body but Taira lands a counter right. Single leg from Taira then he gets to the back standing. Taira rides things down and gets the body triangle again. Royval is trying to get free but Taira’s control from the back is impressive. Some punches from Taira as he keeps the back. Taira with an elbow as he flows from potential mount to keeping the back. Royval tries to roll but Taira is flattening him out then grabs at an arm triangle choke. Royval avoids the arm triangle but he can’t dislodge Taira. Taira catches an arm in his body triangle and starts looking for the choke now with an arm advantage. Royval does get his arm back then wrestles to his knees, Taira with a front headlock as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Taira, 38-38 overall

ROUND FIVE: Royval comes out looking to land punches and he lands a combination. Taira fakes a takedown then throws a head kick. A few jabs from Royval. Left hand from Royval. Right hand from Taira. Another right from Taira lands. Royval with a left hand then a right uppercut. Taira hits a double leg against the fence then moves to north-south. Royval wrestles to his knees looking for his own takedown and he technically gets on top. Taira stands with Royval on his back, Royval tries to jump for the back but he misses it and lands an elbow then separates. They trade jabs. Royval with another combination of punches. Taira looks to pressure forward but he can’t get his head out of the way of Royval’s punches. Taira tries a takedown, they hit the fence and Royval stays upright though. Royval with a left hand as they break. Taira lands a right hand. Again Royval is landing combinations. Kick from Taira. Royval tries a guillotine and rolls to mount with it. Royval to the back and grabs the choke, Taira is able to avoid being choked but Royval is on his back landing punches as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Royval, 48-47 Royval overall

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

Not sure about giving Taira the third, he had a nice recovery by the end but I don’t think he got close enough to a finish to overcome the beating he’d taken. Mic time for Royval, he thought he’d be able to get a quick win here and puts over Taira as giving him a heck of a fight and tells him any time he needs anything in Colorado he should call him. He wants a title fight, he’ll fight either Pantoja or Asakura in their home towns if necessary.

Oh, Sal D’Amato gave Taira the first to get the split. That’s, well that’s much worse.

Well on that note UFC on ESPN+ 102 comes to a close, we’ll be breaking down all the fallout from this event on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast. All in all not a bad night of fights, and next week we’ll still be in the warehouse for UFC on ESPN+ 103. I’ll be back for that card, which does have a good main event, and I hope you will as well. Until then thank you so much for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

More Trending Stories

article topics :

UFC Fight Night, UFC on ESPN+ 102, Robert Winfree

More Stories

loading
About us privacy policy contact us

Copyright © 2024 411mania.com, LLC. All rights reserved.
Click here for our privacy policy. Please help us serve you better, fill out our survey.
Use of this site signifies your agreement to our terms of use.