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February 22, 2025 | Posted by Robert Winfree
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MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 9 p.m. ET)
#7 Henry Cejudo (135 lbs.) vs. #8 Song Yadong (136 lbs.)
#9 Brendan Allen (186 lbs.) vs. #12 Anthony Hernandez (186 lbs.)
#9 Rob Font (138 lbs.) vs. Jean Matsumoto (139 lbs.) – 140-pound catchweight bout
Melsik Baghdasaryan (145 lbs.) vs. Jean Silva (145.5 lbs.)
#15 Alonzo Menifield (205 lbs.) vs. Julius Walker (205 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET)
Ibo Aslan (205 lbs.) vs. Ion Cutelaba (205 lbs.)
Melquizael Costa (145 lbs.) vs. Andre Fili (145 lbs.)
Mansur Abdul-Malik (186 lbs.) vs. Nick Klein (186 lbs.)
Javid Basharat (136 lbs.) vs. Ricky Simon (135 lbs.)
Austin Vanderford (174 lbs.) vs. Nikolay Veretennikov (175 lbs.) – 175-pound catchweight
Eric McConico (184 lbs.) vs. Nursulton Ruziboev (184 lbs.)
Modestas Bukauskas (203 lbs.) vs. Rafael Cerqueira (204 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 110, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the event. The UFC has returned to Seattle for the first time since July of 2013 with this event and they’ve brought a decent TV style card. The main event sees former two division champion Henry Cejudo tries to prove he’s still a top contender while Song Yadong is trying to finally break through into the title picture. I’m partial to the co-main event with Brendan Allen taking on Anthony Hernandez, these two fought in the LFA years ago with Hernandez getting a win and now they’re battling to see who takes the crucial step towards title contention. Jean Silva vs. Melsik Bagdhasaryan is probably going to feature fireworks and on the prelims Javid Basharat vs. Ricky Simon definitely stands out a little bit. It’s not exactly stacked from start to finish but there’s plenty of reason to be moderately optimistic, so let’s hope the action delivers.

UFC on ESPN+ 110 comes to the world from the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington, USA. Brendan Fitzgerald, Michael Bisping, and Paul Felder will be calling the action. Keep in mind that we’re in the larger 30 foot cage and the new rule changes should be in effect, so keep an eye out for tomahawk elbows and the use of the new downed opponent definition.

Modestas Bukauskas has gone 3-1 since returning to the UFC in 2023 and he’s looking to build another winning streak here. Raffael Cerqueira suffered his first professional loss in his UFC debut last year and now he’s hoping to bounce back with that all important first UFC win. The odd favor Bukauskas at -270 to Cerqueira’s +220.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Modestas Bukauskas (16-6, 203 lbs.) vs. Rafael Cerqueira (11-1, 204 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height whole Bukauskas has two inches of reach advantage. Both men show early kicks. Inside leg kick from Cerqueira. Bit of a right from Bukauskas who’s also showing stance switches now. Stance switching from Cerqueira now as well as they move around. A few leg kicks go back and forth. Bit of a right hand from Cerqueira. A check left hook from Bukauskas lands. A hard left hook from Bukauskas wobbles Cerqueira then he flurries against the fence until he puts Cerqueira out on his feet.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Modestas Bukauskas via KO, punches, at 2:12 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Bukauskas for his work. Mic time for Bukauskas after that one, he’s happy with the win and feels he’s ready to start making a statement in his current run. He knew pressure was important here and now he’s looking to do even more his next time out. He dedicates the win to a friend who passed away recently.

Nursulton Ruziboev moved down to welterweight about a year ago and suffered a loss to Joaquin Buckley that was his first loss since 2019 which was also a welterweight fight. Ruziboev hasn’t actually lost at middleweight since 2016 and he’s hoping to keep that success streak going while also avoiding his first losing streak. Eric McConico brings a five fight winning streak into his UFC debut and he’s hoping to make the most of his chance a first impression. Ruziboev is the -300 favorite to a +240 comeback on McConico.

Middleweight Bout: Eric McConico (9-2-1, 184 lbs.) vs. Nursulton Ruziboev (34-9-2 2 NC, 184 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ruciboev is five inches taller but McConico has an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for McConico. Some early circling as both men do a bit of feinting. Ruziboev misses a right hand. They clinch and Ruziboev lands a knee before they break. Bit of a right from Ruziboev. Ruziboev lands a right hand. McConico lands a body kick but they clinch up after it. They break without much happening. Right hand from Ruziboev. McConico keeps showing low kicks but Ruziboev is countering with punches. A glancing right hand from Ruziboev closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ruziboev

ROUND TWO: McConico avoids a couple of punches to start the round then lands a body kick. Ruziboev lands a right hand that hurts McConico, he follows up against the fence and drops him a couple more times to prompt the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Nursulton Ruziboev via TKO, punches, at :33 of Round 2

Ruziboev gets an interview with one of his corner men doing some translation, he talks about the fight coming together on 10 days and he was ready to show off his more polished striking. Asked about the future he thanks the UFC brass his team and says he’ll accept any opponent. To close he says stuff which doesn’t get translated.

Nikolay Veretennikov dropped a split decision in his UFC debut and now looks to rebound while getting that critical first UFC win. Austin Vanderford took this on short notice, hence the catch weight, but he is coming off of a win and now looks to make a good first impression on the UFC audience. This one closed as a -110 pick ’em.

Catchweight Bout: Austin Vanderford (12-2, 174 lbs.) vs. Nikolay Veretennikov (12-5, 175 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Veretennikov is two inches taller but the reach is identical. A bit of feinting from both men to start. Inside leg kick then a front kick from Veretennikov. They both land left hands but miss rights. Right to the body from Veretennikov. Vanderford hits a takedown into full guard. Elbow from Vanderford. A few more short blows from Vanderford and Veretennikov has a cut in the hairline. Some more short elbows from Vanderford. Vanderford passes to half guard and attacks an arm triangle choke but Veretennikov is able to block that one. Another arm triangle attack and Vanderford uses it to get towards the back, he’s still trying the arm triangle but bails on it to get full mount. That’s where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Vanderford

ROUND TWO: Both men come out jabbing for the second round. Bit of a right from Veretennikov. Vanderford tries a takedown, he winds up slipping to the back as they hit the fence then switches to a double leg attack. Veretennikov is defending so far but Vanderford is able to complete the takedown. A few elbows land for Vanderford. Hammer fists now as well, Veretennikov is not doing much to kick him off or start a wall walk. Vanderford passes to half guard and lands punches to the head, he’s got the right arm of Veretennikov tied up and keeps firing offense with the left hand until the ref intervenes. Veretennikov is not happy with the stoppage but he wasn’t addressing the position at all. He actually shoves Vanderford post match and that’s not going to go over well.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Austin Vanderford via TKO, punches, at 4:13 of Round 2

Mic time for Vanderford, he is happy to win despite taking fight four days ago and feels he’s ready to compete in the UFC. He’d have liked the fight to be more exciting but all things considered he’s happy to get the job done and puts over his team and wife. He plans to continue working hard and get better going forward.

Ricky Simon used to be ranked in this division but he’s currently on a three fight losing streak and while the level of opposition helps mitigate that, those losses coming to Song Yadong, Mario Bautista, and Vinivius Oliveira, he really needs to halt this skid with a win. Javid Basharat is coming off of the first loss of his career when he dropped a clear decision to Aiemann Zahabi, now he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak. Basharat is favored to win at -245 to a +200 comeback for Simon.

Bantamweight Bout: Javid Basharat (14-1 1 NC, 136 lbs.) vs. Ricky Simon (20-6, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Basharat is three inches taller while the reach is identical. A bit of feinting from both men. Jab from Basharat. Simon tries to tie up but can’t secure the clinch. Front kick from Basharat. Simon catches a side kick, slips to the back and hits a mat return but Basharat stands with Simon still on his back. Basharat turns into Simon as they hit the fence then he’s able to get free. Right to the body from Basharat. They trade calf kicks then Simon tries a takedown but that hits the fence and stalls out. Basharat slips free again and they trade jabs. Body jab from Basharat. Simon moves forward but walks into a knee that seems to stun him for a second. Counter left from Basharat then Simon forces a clinch. They break without too much happening. Left hand from Basharat, he’s started showing stance switches now. Knee to the body from Basharat. A hard one two from Simon lands flush and ENDS Basharat.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ricky Simon via KO, punches, at 3:58 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Simon for his work. Mic time for the home state boy after that win, he plays with the crowd then talks about the need to blend striking with wrestling to open up both options. He talks us through the finish then feels he’s still one of the best and talks about the joy of winning in his home state.

Mansur Abdul-Malik is undefeated including a pretty quick win in his UFC debut a few months ago, now he’s back and looking to remain perfect. Nick Klein brings a three fight winning streak into his UFC debut and is trying to make the most of his chance at a first impression. Abdul-Malik is the biggest favorite on the card at -1200 to Klein’s +750.

Middleweight Bout: Mansur Abdul-Malik (7-0, 186 lbs.) vs. Nick Klein (6-1, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Abdul-Malik is an inch taller with two and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Klein has a very odd stance going as he moves and switches stance. Bit of a right from Abdul-Malik then the defends a takedown. Klein is poking with leg kicks now. Left hook from Abdul-Malik in close. Klein tries a single leg but Abdul-Malik defends. A spinning back fist from Klein badly hurts Abdul-Malik but he stays upright, Klein hits a takedown and gets the back as they stand. Things are stalling out a little bit now, Klein is working enough not to get the clinch broken but nothing he’s doing is really causing damage right now. Abdul-Malik wrestles into a clinch and breaks then misses a spinning elbow which basically closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Klein

ROUND TWO: Abdul-Malik gets on forward pressure to start the round. Bit of an uppercut from Abdul-Malik then Klein tries a takedown but that hits the fence. Klein looks for a single leg against the cage but Abdul-Malik is defending and separates. Jab from Abdul-Malik. Bit of a left from Abdul-Malik. Klein tries a single leg again, Abdul-Malik defends as they hit the fence then he spins free. Abdul-Malik shoves Klein over and lands punches from the ride position. A bevy of uppercuts from Abdul-Malik land then a knee and another few punches, he keeps going until the ref steps in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mansur Abdul-Malik via TKO, punches, at 3:24 of Round 2

Mic time for Abdul-Malik he gives glory to God then thanks his team and feels he should have done a lot better and has to do better next time. He talks us through the finish and says this beating should have been for his original opponent and Klein took this on very short notice.

Andre Fili has been trading wins and losses while going 3-3 in his last six fights, which has basically been the story of his UFC career which dates back to 2013 but he is coming off of a win and could get his first winning streak since 2019 going. Melquizael Costa has traded wins and losses while going 2-2 in the UFC, he’s also coming off of a win and is trying to get his first UFC winning streak going. Close one here, -130 on Costa to +110 for Fili.

Featherweight Bout: Melquizael Costa (21-7, 145 lbs.) vs. Andre Fili (24-11 1 NC, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Fili is an inch taller with three inches of reach advantage. Both men will do a fair bit of stance switching but Costa opens southpaw to the orthodox of Fili. A few probing strikes from both men then Costa lands a calf kick. Front kick from Costa. Bit of a counter left from Costa then a body kick. They both miss head kicks then trade punches in close. Bit of a left hand from Costa. Costa is showing some side kicks to the knee, that’ll dissuade the kicking game of Fili at least. Costa with a body kick, then another one and avoids a head kick from Fili. Fili is still coming forward but he’s following more than cage cutting. Fili misses another head kick, then dodges one from Costa. They both block head kicks. Fili lands a body kick, then Costa returns it but Fili hits a takedown. Costa grabs at a guillotine as they’re on the mat, he’s only in half guard but the choke is on the dangerous side and he switches a little bit towards high elbow and forces Fili to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Melquizael Costa via Submission, guillotine choke, at 4:30 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Costa for his work. Mic time for Costa and the translator, he opens with some English for the crowd then goes to Portuguese to express how happy he was to fight a guy like Fili who’s been around for so long. He again puts over Fili then when the future is brought up says he’s available next week if necessary.

Ion Cutelaba has gone just 2-4 in his last six fights but he is coming off of a win and could have his first winning streak since 2018 up and running if he’s successful tonight. Ibo Aslan is on a six fight winning streak including two wins in the UFC and a third here would set him up nicely as a rising prospect in a division that seems to be perpetually in need of talented fighters. Aslan is a moderate favorite at -180 to +150 on Cutelaba.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Ibo Aslan (14-1, 205 lbs.) vs. Ion Cutelaba (18-10-1 1 NC, 205 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Aslan is two inches taller with two and a half inches of reach advantage. Cutelaba opens with a calf kick. Aslan is generally pressuring forward as they’re both still looking for openings. Both men swing rights that don’t land then they clash on calf kicks which looked really painful. Aslan lands a counter right and looks to start unloading, both men swing wild and miss then Cutelaba tries a single leg but settles for a clinch. Knee from Cutelaba before they break. Uppercut from Aslan then a right hand but Cutelaba tries a takedown which he is able to finish. Aslan quickly looks to wall walk and regains his feet then spins out of the clinch. Cutelaba is bleeding from the nose at this point. A right hand from Cutelaba lands to counter a knee then he hits a takedown and steps towards mount. Cutelaba does have the legs mounted and swings some body punches. Aslan gives up his back but Cutelaba grabs an arm triangle and cranks it down to force the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ion Cutelaba via Submission, arm triangle choke, at 2:51 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Cutelaba for his work. That’s also Cutelaba’s first submission win in a full decade. Mic time for Cutelaba and a translator, he opens with broken English which the crowd appreciates and then says Aslan is a good fighter who did land good blows but he’s been here for nine years and he knows his job. He says his career is only now starting and he has a lot to give and continue to show. Asked about the future he doesn’t care who’s next just send him a good contract he’ll fight anyone at middleweight, light heavyweight, or heavyweight.

Alonzo Menifield had a rough 2024 as he went 0-2 on the year, he’s hoping to halt that skid here and defend his ranking. Julius Walker is undefeated coming into his UFC debut and could shake up the rankings with a win, and I’m forced to reiterate the somewhat dire reality of the light heavyweight division. Menifield is a decent favorite at -240 but a +195 payout on Walker might be a decent little value bet.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #15 Alonzo Menifield (15-5-1, 205 lbs.) vs. Julius Walker (6-0, 205 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Walker is four inches taller with two inches of reach advantage, he’s also 12 years younger. They quickly clinch up and Walker pushes things into the fence. Some knees from Walker as he’s got Menifield pinned at the moment. They jockey for position for a bit as the crowd starts booing, they’ve been a little spoiled by action thus far. Eventually they break and Walker lands a couple of solid punches then clinches up again. They break again and Walker slips throwing a head kick. Menifield lands a left hook then Walker tries a double leg against the fence then settles for a clinch. Elbow from Walker then Menifield lands a couple of uppercuts. Menifield lands a left hook as they break then Walker tries another takedown that stalls on the fence. They break again and Menifield swings a couple of punches then Walker lands a knee. Menifield lands an uppercut then a right hand, Walker is fading and Menifield is clubbing away at him. Knee from Walker but Menifield just eats it and keeps landing punches. Menifield grabs a clinch, he’s on the back of Walker briefly but they get chest to chest quickly. They trade some body work in the clinch then break and Menifield lands a couple more punches then Walker responds with a knee to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Menifield but could go either way

ROUND TWO: They both look pretty tired after that first round. Menifield comes out jabbing. Walker pushes into a clinch and they start jockeying for position then break. Calf kick from Walker. Menifield jabs the body. Walker tries another takedown but again Menifield defends against the fence. Knee from Walker then they trade punches in the clinch. They break and Menifield lands a bit of a right hand. Left hooks are traded then Walker lands a punch and gets another clinch. Knee then a punch from Walker as they break. Menifield lands a few punches. Another right hand from Menifield lands. Walker fires a high kick but it’s blocked. Body jab from Menifield then a calf kick. Another calf kick from Menifield but this time Walker returns it. Bit of a left hook from Menifield. One two from Menifield. Menifield lands a body shot. They trade punches then a right from Menifield stumbles Walker for a second. They both miss a few punches then Walker gets a takedown but Menifield wall walks and lands elbows before the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: We open the last round with an eye poke to Walker so we’ve got more time. Replay confirms there was a finger to the eye but Walker doesn’t take long and we’re back to fighting. Bit of a right hand from Menifield. Menifield jabs the body then lands a left hook. Walker is moving forward and lands a hook but Menifield fires back and gets him to retreat. Walker lands a body kick. They split a few jabs then Walker fires a knee that hits the groin of Menifield so we’ve got another time out. The ref gets both of them that the next foul will result in a point deduction before they restart. Menifield lands a couple of rights. One two from Menifield lands. Inside leg kick from Walker then a body kick. They both miss punches then Walker tries a takedown against the fence but Menifield defends. Knee from Walker then Menifield lands an elbow. Walker looks to change levels again but Menifield defends yet again. They break without incident. Bit of a one two from Menifield. Right hand from Menifield. A couple of punches from Menifield then Walker lands a knee. Solid one two from Menifield. Bit of a right from Menifield, then another one two. Menifield bulls forward with a few punches to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Menifield but again close, 30-27 Menifield overall

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

OK, there was oddness there as Buffer said split but didn’t say which scores went to which fighter. Mic time for Menifield and he tries the inspirational thing then says he had to figure out a lot of things about Walker given how quickly this fight came together.

Jean Silva is on an 11 fight winning streak including three wins in the UFC with all of those being stoppages, if he can extend that streak here he could well be facing down a bigger name or even a ranked opponent next. Melsik Baghdasaryan has gone 3-1 in the UFC but has had some activity issues, he missed all of 2022 and all of 2024, plus his UFC wins are against fighters not with the promotion anymore. This represents a non-trivial step up in class for Baghdasaryan but a win would easily be the biggest of his career. It’s not at all surprising to see Silva as a heavy favorite at -485 to +370 on Baghdasaryan.

Featherweight Bout: Melsik Baghdasaryan (8-2, 145 lbs.) vs. Jean Silva (14-2, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Baghdasaryan is two inches taller with an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Baghdasaryan. Circling early as both men probe with some long range weapons. Silva avoids a head kick. Bit of a high kick from Silva. Again a bit of a high kick from Silva then a body kick. Baghdasaryan misses a left hand. Right hand from Silva then a body kick. Stiff jab from Silva. Silva lands a right hand then avoids a counter left. Baghdasaryan misses a head kick but he’s getting a little closer with it. Right to the body from Silva. Stepping elbow from Silva but Baghdasaryan avoids a clinch. Left hook then a right hand from Silva floors Baghdasaryan, he wants the stoppage but the ref wants more so he drops a few more blows to prompt the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jean Silva via TKO, punches, at 4:15 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Silva for his work. Mic time for Silva and the translator, he opens with English to play with the crowd and get them barking just a bit before going to Portuguese to say he’s the best in the world and thank his team for their work. Asked what he wants next he says he’d like to knock out Bryce Mitchell, reasonable call out.

Rob Font has gone just 2-4 in his last six fights but all of those losses are to very good fighters, Jose Aldo, Marlon Vera, Cory Sandhagen, and Deiveson Figueiredo specifically, but he is coming off of a win and could get his first winning streak since 2021 up and running. Jean Matsumoto is undefeated including two UFC wins, he took this fight on very short notice after Dominick Cruz withdrew following a shoulder dislocation which explains the catch weight, and a win over the ranked Font would be the biggest of Matsumoto’s career by a mile. The odds lean towards Matsumoto at -155 while +130 on Font has to tempt some bettors out there.

Catchweight Bout: #9 Rob Font (21-8, 138 lbs.) vs. Jean Matsumoto (16-0, 139 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Font is two inches taller with three inches of reach advantage. Font gets aggressive right away with a one two and both men fire some punches without really landing before clinching up. Matsumoto has Font on the fence and they jockey for position. A few knees from Matsumoto land to the body and leg. Font blocks a level change and they wind up separating. Double jab then a right hand from Font. Matsumoto avoids an uppercut. A few jabs go back and forth, Matsumoto is starting to show southpaw on occasion now. They trade rights and Font is backing up then Matsumoto hits a takedown. Font tries an omoplata but Matsumoto postures through it then passes to side control as Font fishes for a kimura. Matsumoto spins to the other side control and lands an elbow before Font gets half guard back. Font works towards wall walking but Matsumoto tries for a top side guillotine which keeps him down on a hip to avoid the worst of it. Matsumoto moves to north-south and lands punches. Font stands and Matsumoto has his back in the clinch. Mat return from Matsumoto punctuates the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Matsumoto

ROUND TWO: Calf kick from Matsumoto to start the round. Both men look to jab a bit. A few jabs from Font land. A couple of punches then a calf kick from Matsumoto. Font lands a right hand. Matsumoto tries a takedown, Font jumps on a guillotine but loses the grip and Matsumoto gets on top. Font fights to wall walk, he takes punches along the way but does get up only for Matsumoto to trip him back down. Font is able to stand and break free. Leg kick from Matsumoto. Another Matsumoto leg kick. Font lands a body shot. Front kick from Matsumoto and they trade in close again. Font has started targeting the body more now. Matsumoto lands a calf kick. They trade rights. Matsumoto with a single leg, Font wall walks quickly but Matsumoto gets him down again with a double leg. Again Font wall walks after taking a punch but Matsumoto is still after a double leg and slams him down again. Font tries a kimura from the bottom, Matsumoto is in side control so he uses it to regain his feet and they reset. Leg kick from Matsumoto. Head kick from Matsumoto will be the last blow of the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Font gets right to pressure and lands a right hand. Calf kick from Matsumoto. Uppercut from Matsumoto then Font hits the body. Solid calf kick from Matsumoto then a bit of a head kick. Matsumoto lands another calf kick. Bit of a combination from Font. They both miss rights. Matsumoto is cut on the forehead up in the hairline and they clinch up. Font with some knees before they break. Right hand from Font. Matsumoto lands a calf kick, then another one. Font stops a takedown and they hit the fence in a clinch. They break as we see that it was an elbow from Font that cut Matsumoto. Font lands an uppercut. Matsumoto lands another calf kick. They clinch and Matsumoto looks for a takedown then they separate. Right hand from Font. They each land then clinch and Font lands an elbow. Knee from Font then they both land body blows. Elbow from Font as they’re fighting in the clinch. They break and Font lands a front kick. Right hand from Matsumoto. Matsumoto lands a front kick then a calf kick. Font avoids a spinning back fist. They keep swinging, flying knee from Matsumoto partially lands and they just keep swinging until the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Font, 29-28 Font overall but this hinges on the second round

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

No issues with any of that. Font gets an interview and puts over Matsumoto as a guy who’s going to be a serious problem in the division and thanks him for taking the fight on short notice. He puts over his team and is excited to continue improving. Asked what he wants next he wants someone ranked above him, potentially the winner of the main event. That’s Fight of the Night thus far. Oh, the swing round was the first with everyone giving Matsumoto the second and Font the third. OK, that’s not what I expected.

Brendan Allen just had a long seven fight winning streak snapped by Nassourdine Imavov, he did have a really dubious split decision win over Chris Curtis right before that though. Allen is trying to defend his top ten spot and avenge an earlier career loss. Anthony Hernandez is on a six fight winning streak with five of those being finishes and he’s looking to crack the top ten with another win here. The odds like Hernandez at -345 to +275 on Allen.

Middleweight Bout: #9 Brendan Allen (24-6, 186 lbs.) vs. #12 Anthony Hernandez (13-2 1 NC, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Allen is two inches taller but the reach is identical. They touch gloves to get us going. Calf kick from Allen. Both men show jabs then Allen lands another calf kick. Bit of a left from Hernandez. Allen lands a head kick but Hernandez just eats it and gets him down into full guard. A few elbows from Hernandez land then he moves to the ride position as Allen gives up his back. They wrestle around and Hernandez has Allen on the fence, Allen has one hand down but Hernandez doesn’t throw legal knees. Habits are hard to break I guess. Hernandez hits a takedown into side control and lands a few blows while moving to leg drag. Elbow from Hernandez then he gets the ride position again. Allen fights to get motion going but Hernandez is landing blows and keeping him on his knees. Hernandez tries for the back but winds up missing it and Allen gets on top in half guard. Allen is trying to set up an arm triangle attack but Hernandez is hip to it. Americana from Allen but Hernandez rolls through it to his knees and works to stand but Allen starts fishing for the choke from the back with one hook in. Elbows from Allen land as he moves to mount as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Allen

ROUND TWO: Allen lands a calf kick to start the round. Hernandez shoots and gets Allen down into another ride position. Cradle from Hernandez for control and he switches to a top side guillotine threat but Allen gets his head free only to eat an elbow. Hernandez moves towards full mount then gets the ride again and knees the body. Man Hernandez is just like a mountain on top of you. Hernandez lands a few elbows. Allen tries to wrestle up on a single leg but Hernandez threatens an anaconda choke and uses that to keep top position. Hernandez moves to the ride again and lands punches. Allen tries to roll through and he’s able to get on top, Hernandez gives up the ride now and works to stand. Nearly full mount for Allen now but Hernandez stands and Allen has the backpack but gets thrown down and Hernandez drops bombs on top. Hernandez back to the ride position and lands more punches as he moves towards mount. A few more punches and elbows land for Hernandez as he’s in half guard. The round ends with Hernandez landing another couple of elbows.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Hernandez, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They hug to start the last round. Allen jabs the body but complains of an eye poke so we’ve got a time out. Hernandez disputes that call and replay confirms it was a closed fist but it was the fore knuckles so it should be legal and we’re back to fighting after the refs see that. Hernandez bulls into a clinch but Allen spins free and lands a left hook. That hurt Hernandez a bit but he fires back then forces a wrestling exchange but nothing comes of it. Jab from Hernandez but Allen lands an uppercut. Hernandez lands some jabs then gets a clinch and slips to the back then rides Allen to a knee against the fence. Allen tries to stand but Hernandez rides him back down then secures a clinch as they stand. Hernandez just doesn’t stop and rides Allen to a knee again. I’m begging Hernandez to throw knees to the head when Allen only has hands and feet down, you need a knee down to be downed. Allen keeps trying to move but Hernandez just gives him no space and is working from the ride position. Hernandez lands some knees to the leg and body as he’s working a cradle, he tries a choke but can’t secure it and keeps top position. Allen is able to slip Hernandez off but Hernandez wrestles around and gets on top and drops elbows to the head and body from side control. Hernandez moves to the ride one last time as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Anthony Hernandez via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Decent little fight there, grueling pace for middleweight. Mic time for Hernandez and he puts over Allen as a beast but he plans on getting even better for the next one and notes he just finished some antibiotics last week after being sick. Asked about the future he still wants someone ranked above him, preferably someone who will prove he’s ready for a title shot.

Henry Cejudo is a former flyweight and bantamweight champion but he basically retired in 2020 then upon returning to action has lost to Aljamain Sterlin and Merav Dvalishvili, if he wants to retain his top ranking and remain even loosely in the title picture he really needs a win here. Song Yadong has shown a lot of promise in his UFC career thus far, frankly his entry into the UFC in 2017 might have been a bit too early but now at age 27 he could be set to finally make a real push in the division. Most recently Song came up short against Petr Yan and now he’s looking for a high profile win but also to avoid his first losing streak. Song is a notable favorite at -270 while +220 on Cejudo might tempt some bettors out there.

Bantamweight Bout: #7 Henry Cejudo (16-4, 135 lbs.) vs. #8 Song Yadong (21-8-1 1 NC, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Song is four inches taller, has three inches of reach advantage, and is 11 years younger. They touch gloves to get us going. A bit of feinting from both men early then Song lands a calf kick. Cejudo misses a right hand. Another leg kick from Song and he avoids the counter rush from Cejudo. Nothing has been too serious yet, both men are cognizant of the pace and five round nature of the fight. Bit of a body kick from Cejudo. Song jabs the body. Another body jab from Song then a calf kick. Song with another calf kick. Right hand from Song then a calf kick. Front kick from Song. Cejudo is doing a lot of backing up now, that body work might be bothering him just a bit. They clash with left hooks then Song lands a calf kick. Cejudo lands a calf kick, then another one but Song just calls him on then lands his own calf kick. Song fights off a single leg attempt. Front kick from Song then a bit of an uppercut. Cejudo misses a few punches. Right hand from Cejudo. Song catches a kick and lands a combination of punches. Calf kick from Song, Cejudo then lands a punch. They circle away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Song

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Cejudo’s left leg is a little compromised, let’s see if Song goes back to it. Bit of a left hook from Song. Cejudo misses a punch. Song jabs the body. Calf kick from Song but Cejudo returns it. Another exchange of calf kicks. Song starts jabbing again then lands a hard calf kick that makes Cejudo switch stances. With Cejudo in southpaw Song seems more comfortable firing rights. Right to the body from Song. Song lands another right hand and Cejudo goes orthodox again. Bit of a calf kick from Song then he fights off a single leg attempt. They trade calf kicks, that’s not a winning strategy for Cejudo. They trade lefts. Song lands another calf kick and Cejudo goes southpaw again. Right hand from Song then a body kick. Cejudo tries another single leg but can’t get it going, he’s orthodox again because his offense is only relevant from that stance but Song keeps kicking his calf. Song blocks a high kick. Front kick from Song. Stiff jab from Cejudo then a left to the body. Song lands a body kick. Right hand from Song then a calf kick. Cejudo fights off a single leg attempt. Short right from Song lands. Left hook from Song but Cejudo responds with a one two. They both swing punches to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Cejudo still mostly southpaw now. Both men look to get their hands going. They trade punches in close. Song lands a solid jab. Another jab from Song. Cejudo lands a jab. Bit of a combination from Song. Cejudo with a jab. Glancing right from Song. Cejudo fails a jumping knee. They trade punches in close. Left hand from Cejudo then Song lands a body kick. One two from Song then a front kick which Cejudo complains was low so we’ve got a break. Replay shows the kick mostly went into the hip, which is legal, but Cejudo only takes 30 seconds anyway so we’re fighting again. Left hook from Song then a calf kick, he’s getting Cejudo to swing at him but Song isn’t quite slipping and countering consistently. Cejudo blocks a knee but that can’t have felt good even blocked. Song lands a jab. Right hand from Song. Song with an inside leg kick. Cejudo lands a right hand. Song lands a right hand in response. Cejudo tries to jab the body then complains of an eye poke, replay shows there was an eye poke so this one is at least fair. Cejudo lobbies for a point to be taken, the ref tells him to mind his business as the doctor checks on Cejudo. Ultimately Cejudo takes the full 5 minutes then we’re back to fighting. Song gets after things quickly and lands a calf kick. Right hand then a left hook from Song. Song with a body kick. Front kick from Song. Right hand from Song but Cejudo is still moving. Jumping kick from Song will basically close the round.

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

ROUND FOUR: Cejudo vocally says he can’t see between rounds, that should end it. The doctor comes in to check on Cejudo’s vision but he can’t see. The ref starts the round so they can go to the score card for a technical decision after the doctor officially waves it off.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Song Yadong via Technical Decision, unanimous (30-27, 29-28 x2)

I’d have to double check which round Cejudo might have won. Mic time for Song and the translator, he opens with English and isn’t happy about how that happened and apologizes to Cejudo then offers a rematch. He puts over Cejudo’s experience and feels he’ll do even better in the rematch.

Cejudo gets an interview as well, he jokes that he and Bisping are about be be brothers and says his left eye is messed up and he wanted to continue but knew if he couldn’t see that Song would hurt him. He is amenable to a rematch with Song.

OK, one judge gave Cejudo the second and one gave him the third. I’m not sure about that but I don’t think it’s horribly out of line. Commentary brings up that a point deduction might have been called for and would have made this a draw.

Well on that note UFC on ESPN+ 110 comes to a close. Apart from that disappointing ending to the main event that was a fairly successful night of fights. We’ll be unpacking all the fallout from this on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast plus look ahead to next week when the UFC is back in the warehouse. I’ll be back for that event and I hope you will as well. Until next time thank you for reading, stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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