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MAIN CARD (ESPN2, ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET)
#2 Brandon Royval (126 lbs.) vs. #6 Manel Kape (126 lbs.)
#15 Giga Chikadze (146 lbs.) vs. Kevin Vallejos (145 lbs.)
Cesar Almeida (186 lbs.) vs. Cezary Oleksiejczuk (185.5 lbs.)
Morgan Charriere (145.5 lbs.) vs. Melquizael Costa (145.5 lbs.)
Marcus Buchecha (251.5 lbs.) vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu (243 lbs.)
Lance Gibson Jr. (158.5 lbs.) vs. King Green (158.5 lbs.) – catchweight bout

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)
#5 Amanda Lemos (115.5 lbs.) vs. #10 Gillian Robertson (116 lbs.)
Yaroslav Amosov (171 lbs.) vs. Neil Magny (171 lbs.)
Joanderson Brito (145.5 lbs.) vs. Isaac Thomson (146 lbs.)
Steven Asplund (261 lbs.) vs. Sean Sharaf (251 lbs.)
Melissa Croden (136 lbs.) vs. #15 Luana Santos (136 lbs.)
Allen Frye Jr. (242 lbs.) vs. Guilherme Pat (238 lbs.)
Tereza Bleda (126 lbs.) vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth (126 lbs.)

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Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN 73, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host. Well this is it people, the last UFC event of 2025 and the last event of the UFC and ESPN deal, and we’re going out the way we started: a flyweight main event. Though perhaps just as fitting, this one is also in the warehouse which became synonymous with the UFC and ESPN cheap content philosophy. We do have a decent night of fights though. The main event is a relevant flyweight fight between top contenders Brandon Royval and Manel Kape. They’ve tried to make this fight a few times before but it never quite stuck, so fingers crossed nothing happens before they get into the cage tonight. Beyond that we’ve got some decent bouts, Giga Chikadze against Kevin Vallejos, Morgan Charriere taking on Melquizael Costa, the UFC debut of Yaroslav Amosov when he takes on veteran Neil Magny, and of course a couple of very low quality heavyweight bouts. Mostly let’s hope the action is good to close out the ESPN era.

UFC on ESPN 73 comes to the world from the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Brendan Fitzgerald, Michael Bisping, and Laura Sanko will be on the call for us with Bruce Buffer handling announcements and McKenzie Pavacich as the roving reporter. The Apex still has the smaller 25 foot cage but we are also using the newer rules.

We lost the fight between Amanda Lemos and Gillian Robertson, some medical issue to Lemos so that fight has been rebooked. That means. . . well it means a lot of vamping before the first fight.

Tereza Bleda has gone 1-1 in the UFC but she is coming off of a win, though she’s also been out of action since June 2023 so that should be taken into consideration as she looks for her first UFC winning streak. Jamey-Lyn Horth has traded wins and losses while going 3-2 in the UFC but she did get a win back in June and now looks for her first UFC winning streak. The odds are with Bleda at -220 to Horth’s +180.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Tereza Bleda (7-1, 126 lbs.) vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth (8-2, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Bleda is two inches taller with five inches of reach advantage, she’s also 11 years younger. Horth avoids an early takedown attempt. Bleda punches into a double leg attempt, that hits the fence though and seems to stall out. Horth works to defend as Bleda switches between leg attacks. Bleda is really after this takedown but can’t finish it. A few knees land for Horth then she sprawls free and cracks Bleda with a few rights. Bleda is hurt and Horth looks to flurry along the fence until the ref steps in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jamey-Lyn Horth via TKO, punches, at 2:05 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mrs. Horth for her work. Mic time for Horth, she knew her striking would be better and Bleda’s layoff was also going to play a role. She talks us through the finish then looks forward to more fights and wins.

Allen Fyre is undefeated coming into his UFC debut, he’s also never been the distance and he’ll be trying to keep both of those records in tact here. Guilherme Pat is also undefeated and will be trying to make the most of his chance at making a first impression. The odds lean towards Pat at -180 to Frye’s +150 comeback.

Heavyweight Bout: Allen Frye Jr. (6-0, 242 lbs.) vs. Guilherme Pat (5-0, 238 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Pat has half an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. A little circling from both men early then Pat lands a calf kick. Frye tries a clinch, he eats a knee but does get it and then pushes Pat to the fence. A few more knees from Frye, nothing serious yet though. Elbow from Pat. Pat spins Frye then pushes free and they reset. Bit of a jab from Pat. Jab from Pat and Frye is cut under the right eye. Pat avoids a few punches then lands a hard left to the body. Frye pushes into another clinch and looks to slow things down. Uppercut from Frye lands as they break. Calf kick from Pat then a stiff jab. Bit of a left hook from Pat. A couple body blows from Pat then Frye grabs a clinch. Again Frye pushes things to the fence, he lands a knee but he’s not really able to build much offense. Pat pushes free after a bit then lands a right hand. Left hook from Pat. Right hand then a left hook from Pat, Frye punches back and Pat winds up tripping over the ref and Frye gets on top just before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pat

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Pat misses a couple of hooks. Right hand from Pat. Frye absorbs a few punches then clinches. Pat spins Frye into the fence then lands an elbow. Frye looks for a level change but can’t find one then they trade punches as they break. Double jab then a right hand from Pat. A couple more jabs from Pat land. Frye gets a clinch again and lands an elbow of his own. Not much going on now in the clinch then Pat slips free. Bit of a right hand from Frye. Pat lands a left hook. A couple more punches land for Pat then Frye clinches up again. They break without incident. Pat with a jab then a calf kick. They just circle away the last seconds of the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Pat starts unloading with punches and a few elbows in close before Frye gets a clinch. Frye got cut by some of that, it’s around the left ear, just behind it I think. A few short knees from Frye land before they break. Another clinch, Pat might be slowing. They jockey for position along the fence and Pat lands a couple of short punches. Elbow from Pat then he spins free. Pat with a one two then they clinch again. This time Pat’s got Frye on the fence and he lands a few short blows. Frye is able to spin Pat into the fence. Pat is able to push free with 20 seconds left. A few punches land for Pat then a knee and Frye clinches again. Pat lands a couple elbows in the clinch before the clock runs out.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Guilherme Pat via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Pat and the translator get an interview, he can’t describe the emotions right now and feels he’s going to become a champion. He says he expected more striking but didn’t have a ton of film on his opponent.

Luana Santos has gone 4-1 in the UFC and most recently beat Tianara Lisboa, she’s looking to build another winning streak and then line up a push towards ranked opponents next year with a win. Melissa Croden is on a three fight winning streak including her UFC debut in November when she also beat Tainara Lisboa, she’s trying for her first UFC winning streak here. Santos is the -135 favorite while a Croden win pays out at +115.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Melissa Croden (7-2, 136 lbs.) vs. #15 Luana Santos (9-2, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Croden is three inches taller with an inch and a half of reach advantage, she’s also 9 years older. They touch gloves to get started. Santos avoids a few kicks. Inside leg kick from Santos. Left hand from Santos. One two from Santos. They clinch up, a few knees go back and forth then Santos grabs a headlock and ushes Croden over. Santos lands in scarf hold basically and lands a few short punches. Croden is trying to flip to her knees, she’s gotten there and if her head comes out she could get on the back. One hook goes in for Croden and now she’s got the back in a ride. Santos clears the hook then stands and they separate. Body kick from Croden. Another clinch and they hit the fence this time. A few short knees from Santos land but nothing serious. They jockey for position for a bit, Croden looks for a high crotch but Santos defends as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Santos but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Both women miss a few punches to start the round. Santos jabs the body. Croden misses a few kicks. Left from Santos in close but Croden also lands a right hand. Santos ducks a punch and tries a takedown, that winds up as a clinch on the fence though. A few short elbows from Croden land. Santos is able to throw Croden and gets on top in full guard. Croden tries some leg pummeling but Santos passes to half guard. Santos lands a few short blows then Croden gets full guard back. Both women throw strikes on the mat. Santos drops for a leg and grabs a heel hook, short time though and Croden sees out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Santos but another close one, 20-18 Santos overall

ROUND THREE: Both women back to circling. Croden shows some kicks that get blocked. Santos jabs the body. They trade a couple of punches then Santos grabs a clinch and pushes things to the fence. They break without incident. Leg kick from Croden. Santos hits a headlock throw again and lands in scarf hold again. A few punches land for Santos. I’m a little surprised Santos isn’t trying the scarf hold armlock, she’s just landing short punches. Croden keeps trying to get momentum going but Santos is smothering her effectively. Santos could start landing some elbows here but isn’t. 15 seconds left, Santos should try something at least a little dramatic. Santos elects not to and just keeps control with a few more punches as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Santos, probably the clearest round of the fight, 30-27 Santos overall

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

No interview for Santos.

Sean Sharaf suffered his first professional loss when in his UFC debut over a year ago, but now he’s back and looking for that all important first UFC win. Steve Asplund brings a three fight winning streak into his UFC debut and he’s trying to make the most of his only chance at a first impression. Asplund is your favorite at -225, given the volatility of low level heavyweights that +185 comeback on Sharaf might tempt a few bettors out there.

Heavyweight Bout: Steven Asplund (6-1, 261 lbs.) vs. Sean Sharaf (4-1, 251 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Asplund is two inches taller with an inch of reach advantage, he’s also about 10 pounds heavier. They touch gloves then both men start jabbing. Left hook from Asplund then a front kick. Sharaf is kind of just walking forward and Asplund is at least trying angles. Both men land punches in close. Sharaf jabs the body. They trade a few jabs then Asplund lands a leg kick. Asplund lands a few jabs. Sharaf lands a right hand but looks to have eaten an elbow in the process. Asplund keeps his jab fairly active then lands a couple of punches behind it. Bit of a right from Sharaf. Asplund lands a calf kick. A couple jabs from Asplund land. Sharaf with a right to the body. The jab from Asplund lands a few more times. Sharaf lands a left hand. Counter right from Asplund lands. Sharaf is cut between the eyebrows. One two from Asplund. Bit of a combination from Asplund in close. Sharaf swings a couple of body punches. Again Asplund with some combination work, he’s also not over committing on power. Left to the body from Sharaf. Asplund lands jabs then a solid right hand. Short right from Asplund, he just keeps touching Sharaf and finally wobbles him with a left hook. Sharaf seems to recover and Asplund slips throwing a head kick but Sharaf can’t get on top. They split some jabs then Asplund with a bit of a right hand to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Asplund

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Asplund with more jabs then a leg kick. Sharaf misses a right hand, that cut is bleeding again. Both men land punches in close. Bit of a right from Asplund. Asplund with a few jabs then he avoids a terrible double leg attempt. Right hand, left hook, then a front kick from Asplund all land. Asplund keeps landing, just letting volume do the work here. Jabs from Asplund then a right hand. Sharaf lands a right to the body but he’s starting to fade. Bit of a kick low to Sharaf so we’ve got a time out. Both men are taking advantage of the breather. Ultimately Sharaf takes 1:13 then we’re back to fighting. Asplund gets back to jabbing and trying to intercept distance closes with elbows. More jabs from Asplund. Bit of a right from Sharaf then Asplund lands a jab. Asplund lands a few more punches, a right hand seems to hurt Sharaf. Uppercut then a left hook from Asplund. Sharaf lands a right hand but he’s getting battered more and more. Asplund backs Sharaf into the fence and lands an elbow. Combination from Asplund almost all land, Sharaf is still upright and trying to swing but this is going from bad to worse for him. Asplund with more punches, finally he gets Sharaf to stagger and sag and that gets the ref to step in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Steven Asplund via TKO, punches, at 3:49 Round 2

Mic time for Asplund, he puts over Sharaf and feels great about this being his UFC debut. He says he’s got a great gas tank, he used to be over 500 pounds in weight and he’s only getting better in all aspects. He thanks his parents for all of their love and work, and sharing this moment with his father in his corner is a true pleasure. To close he wants his daughter and other future children to know how much loves them, he puts over his family overall then does the inspirational spiel.

OK, we’re swapping the next couple of fights in order. You know, there were rumors about Magny and Amosov being off so there might be something to that if one of them needed more time.

Joanderson Brito has gone 5-3 in the UFC but he’s on a two fight losing streak right now and really needs to halt that skid here. Isaac Thomson stepped in on short notice to replace Melsik Baghdasaryan but he’s bringing a three fight winning streak with him and could make a bit of an impact with a win over the still fairly well regarded Brito. The odds are with Brito at -240, seems fair given the short notice but a +195 comeback on Thomson is definitely showing him respect.

Featherweight Bout: Joanderson Brito (17-5-1, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Isaac Thomson (9-2, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Thomson is two inches taller but Brito has two and a half inches of reach advantage, he’s also 7 years older. Some circling, Brito lands a kick. Bit of a kick from Brito but Thomson catches it and punches him down to get on top in half guard. Brito looks to start a wall walk, Thomson keeps trying to scoop a leg and keep him from posting. Eventually Brito gets up with Thomson moving to his back. Not much going on here, just some grip fighting. They jockey for a bit then Brito gets Thomson down, Thomson wall walks but Brito is on his back now. Brito with some knees to the leg then hits a high angle slam, Thomson bounces up and hits a double leg into full guard. Pretty quick wall walk from Brito then a hard mat slam and he jumps to the back. They sag to the mat, Thomson gets Brito over the top and gets on top. Brito wrestles up and looks for a takedown against the fence. It takes a second but Brito slips to the back as they stand. Thomson tries a granby roll but Brito is with him and lands a knee to the body then a hammer fist to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Brito but a close one

ROUND TWO: Brito gets on pressure, Thomson is doing some stance switches. A few hooks from Brito partially land. Calf kick from Brito. Thomson avoids a spinning attack and hits a takedown but Brito sweeps and gets on top in full guard. Brito lands a right hand as Thomson wall walks into a clinch. They break without incident. Partial head kick from Thomson. Brito lands a right hand. Both men land punches in close. Brito avoids a takedown and lands an elbow then Thomson with a left hook. Cut kick from Brito, Thomson is able to scramble up but Brito grabs a front headlock and rides him down against the fence. D’arce choke from Brito, he’s got a dangerous one but Thomson is able to scramble and get his head free. Thomson moves to the back standing then gets one hook in. Brito bases up and looks to shake Thomson over the top, he does then Brito gets to the back in the clinch. Some knees to the leg from Brito, he even stomps the calf once which is just mean. Brito trips Thomson down and lands a few punches while Thomson tries to wall walk. Brito to the ride position and lands punches. Both hooks in now for Brito and he lands more punches. Thomson is able to roll and now be belly down but Brito goes to a body triangle. Brito looks for a choke, he’s not able to get under the chin though. The round will end in that spot.

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

ROUND THREE: Thomson looks for head kicks again, he’s mostly southpaw at this point. Brito lands a right hand. Body kick from Brito. Right hand from Brito in close seems to stun Thomson for a second. Right to the body from Brito, he looks to unload while Thomson is having issues with his right eye. Body blows from Brito in close then he tries a takedown against the fence. Thomson tries to defend but Brito gets him down. Brito keeps Thomson down against the fence. Eventually Thomson gets to a knee but Brito gets to his back standing. Some knees to the leg from Brito then he sweeps the leg, potentially tough knee angle here as Thomson went down but he gets up quickly with Brito still on his back. Thomson tries for a kimura grip, it’s not really helping him though. Brito with a takedown into side control. They scramble around but Brito comes up looking for another takedown on the fence. Brito does wear down Thomson and the round ends with him on top.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Joanderson Brito via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

No interview for Brito.

Neil Magny has been with the UFC since 2013 and with that longevity plus activity he’s managed to claim the most wins in welterweight history. Magny might be more or less winding down at his age but he’s on a two fight winning streak and could try one more push to the rankings with a win here. Yaroslav Amosov is a former Bellator welterweight champion and most recently choked out UFC veteran Curtis Millender to get this spot, and if he can best a veteran like Magny it’ll be a good indicator that he’s still got something left in the tank for a UFC run. The odds really like Amosov at -490, but given Magny’s history that +380 comeback has to look mighty tempting.

Welterweight Bout: Yaroslav Amosov (28-1, 171 lbs.) vs. Neil Magny (31-13, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Magny is three inches taller with five inches of reach advantage. Circling to start, bit of a calf kick from Magny. Amosov lands a couple of calf kicks. Bit of a head kick from Amosov then a calf kick after he avoids some Magny strikes. Calf kick from Amosov then he gets the back standing and pushes things to the fence. Magny gets chest to chest and they exchange briefly then break. Amosov lands another calf kick. Knee from Magny. Amosov with another calf kick. They clinch up again and Amosov pushes things to the fence. Amosov is able to spin Magny down and get on top in half guard. Left hand from Amosov. Short hammer fist from Amosov then a left hand. Amosov grabs a top side anaconda choke, he’s got it and locks things up then forces the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Yaroslav Amosov via Submission, anaconda choke, at 3:14 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Amosov for his work. Mic time for Amosov and the translator, he speaks decent English and introduces himself to the UFC and his fellow welterweights. He thanks his team and feels this is a happy time. He talks us through the finish then asked about the future he dreams of taking the UFC title.

King Green is on a two fight losing streak but he’s been around the sport since 2008 and is trying to get a few more wins as his career likely enters the twilight stage. Lance Gibson Jr. took this on slightly short notice, hence the catchweight, but he’s on a two fight winning streak coming into this bout. Gibson also will be part of a very few number of father and son tandems to fight under the UFC banner as his father fought for the UFC at UFC 24 and 29. Green is the favorite at -190 to Gibson’s +160.

Catchweight Bout: Lance Gibson Jr. (9-1, 158.5 lbs.) vs. King Green (32-17-1 1 NC, 158.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Green is an inch taller but Gibson has an inch of reach advantage, Green is also 9 years older. Both men open southpaw but will do some switching. Gibson lands a calf kick. Side kick to the knee from Green then he avoids a few punches. Gibson lands another calf kick. Left to the body from Green. Green blocks a high kick. Left hand from Green. Both men probe with a few kicks at range. Green keeps trying to incite a brawl but Gibson isn’t biting. Front kick from Green. Bit of a body kick from Green, he’s pretty active with his kicking game. Gibson avoids an uppercut. Left hook from Green. Gibson punches into a clinch but can’t keep it. Green reaches for a leg and Gibson sprawls. Bit of a right from Gibson. Green with a glancing left hook then a front kick. Front kick from Green. They tie up briefly then trade knees and break. Green avoids a few punches to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Green

ROUND TWO: Green lands a left hand to counter a kick that off balances Gibson. Gibson lands a couple of calf kicks. Green with a bit of a right hand. Body kick from Green goes low, Gibson definitely got kicked low on the replay. Gibson takes a bit of a time, he’s pacing back and forth. Ultimately Gibson can continue after 1:55. Green stalks forward and lands a bit of a side kick. Bit of a head kick from Green. Gibson with a glancing right hand then he double legs Green against the fence. Gibson into side control, Green scrambles up and Gibson gets to his back in the clinch. High knee from Gibson then some knees to the leg. Green gets chest to chest and pushes Gibson off. Bit of a jab from Green. Both men with rights in close. Both men with lefts in close. Calf kick from Gibson, that was well timed. Both men land rights then Gibson lands a body kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gibson, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Green gets back to stalking forward. A few low kicks from Green partially land. Side kick from Green. Green blocks a high kick. Gibson avoids a few punches. Jab from Green then a left to the body. Knee from green but Gibson runs him over to get on top. Green quickly kicks him off and regains his feet, almost 0 control time from Gibson on that exchange. Gibson lands a calf kick. Right to the body from Green. Double jab then a right from Green. Left to the body then a bit of a right hand from Green, Gibson responds with a hook of his own. Green lands a combination of punches. Right hand from Green then a front kick. Green double legs Gibson against the fence and lands some hammer fists while moving to north-south. Body punches from Green in top position, then hammer fists to the head as the clock runs down.

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

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

Not sure I’m down with Gibson getting the first. Mic time for Green, he thanks God then puts over his team and some of the UFC brass. He puts over Gibson for taking the fight on short notice and he hopes the best for Gibson’s future. Asked about the future he says he’s just following God, then puts over his club for a New Year’s Eve party.

Kennedy Nzechukwu has gone 2-1 since moving up to heavyweight, he is coming off of a pretty quick loss to Valter Walker though and now he’s trying to avoid yet another UFC losing streak. Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida is one of the very best jiu-jitsu practitioners of his era but he had an incredibly disappointing UFC debut when he lost a lackluster decision to Martin Buday, Buchecha is trying to redeem himself with a better performance now. This one closed very close, -125 on Nzechukwu to -105 for Buchecha.

Heavyweight Bout: Marcus Buchecha (5-2, 251.5 lbs.) vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu (14-6, 243 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Nzechukwu is three inches taller and has five and a half inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Nzechukwu and they touch gloves. Buchecha reaches for a leg but can’t find one. Bit of a right from Buchecha then he hits a single leg against the fence. Elbow from Buchecha then he moves to the back as they stand. Nzechukwu gets chest to chest but Bucheach drops for a leg entanglement then grabs a knee bar version. There’s not nearly enough pressure on the knee here and Buchecha comes up on top. Nzechukwu scrambles to his knees, Buchecha moves to the back standing. Buchecha switches to a single leg and spins Nzechukwu down. Buchecha with a mat return then he gets the back and locks up a body triangle. Nzechukwu looks to scoot free and wall walk, Buchecha gets the back standing again. They get chest to chest, Buchecha lands a knee. Nzechukwu gets Buchecha on the fence and knees him straight in the groin so we’ve got a time out. It takes Buchecha 1:07 but then we’re back to fighting. Nzechukwu pushes forward and looks to punch, Buchecha ties up and they hit the fence. Leg drop from Buchecha, Nzechukwu winds up on top in side control. Nzechukwu scrambles up and free. Bit of a right from Buchecha. Both men swing some punches, Buchecha tries to pull guard as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Nzechukwu

ROUND TWO: Buchecha misses a head kick to start the round. Nzechukwu pokes Buchecha in the eye as Buchecha reached for a leg so we’ve got another time out. Replay confirms the eye poke. The doctor comes in to check on the eye of Buchecha, he can continue at least. The ref does take a point at least then we’re back to fighting after 3:05. Bit of a left from Nzechukwu. Buchecha tries a takedown, he gets to the back standing. They get chest to chest, Buchecha lands a knee then an elbow before they break. Knee from Nzechukwu then some punches, he avoids a takedown and makes Buchecha stand. Double leg from Buchecha and he’s on top in side control. Buchecha get the back with both hooks in. Buchecha starts half setting up an arm triangle transition, Nzechukwu is able to break one hook but Buchecha is still on his back. Hammer fist from Buchecha then he gets full mount. Elbows from Buchecha, then punches as well. Nzechukwu is trying to cover up but he’s not addressing the mount. If Buchecha can just unload here he might get the ref to step in. Elbows again from Buchecha, he keeps unloading for a bit then attacks an armbar with short time. Nzechukwu is trying to defend but Buchecha gets the arm into spiderweb but not enough time is left for him to finish.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Buchecha after the point deduction and there might be a 10-7 argument, 19-18 Buchecha overall

ROUND THREE: Quick takedown attempt from Buchecha, he gets to the back standing then looks to drag Nzechukwu down into a crab ride. It takes a bit but he does get things down, Nzechukwu is able to block the second hook going in at least. They’re kind of tied up in an awkward position, Nzechukwu sort of has a kneebar attack if he wants it. Nzechukwu lands a couple of elbows. Buchecha slips to the back, nice little move there. Nzechukwu throws some backward elbows, they’re not really landing but he’s trying. Buchecha keeps the back as they stand, then he switches to pulling guard. Nzechukwu fires a few punches. Buchecha inverts and attacks a leg, he’s got the kneebar position but can’t quite extend the leg. Nzechukwu winds up in the ride position and throws punches as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Nzechukwu, 28-28 DRAW overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – DRAW, unanimous, (28-28 x3)

I really should have picked that outcome, just because it’s the funniest one.

Morgan Charriere has traded wins and losses while going 3-2 in the UFC, he is coming off of a win though and now looks to build his first UFC winning streak. Melquizael Costa really seems to have found his footing recently, he’s on a four fight winning streak and a fifth here would set him up nicely for a push to ranked opposition in the coming year. Fairly close one here, -155 on Costa to +130 for Charriere.

Featherweight Bout: Morgan Charriere (21-11-1, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Melquizael Costa (24-7, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Costa has two inches of height and reach advantage. Southpaw for Costa. A little feinting from both men as they look to find the range. Body kick from Costa. Both men keep chipping at each other with kicks. Head kick from Costa ENDS Charriere.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Melquizael Costa via KO, head kick, at 1:14 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Costa for his work. Mic time for Costa and the translator after that head kick, he thanks God for everything then sends love to his home town. He’d like to fight someone ranked next if possible and is trying to aim for the belt.

Cesar Almeida has gone 3-1 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak, given his kickboxing resume he’s looking to set up a serious push through the ranks of the division with another win. Cezary Oleksiejczuk brings a four fight winning streak into his UFC debut and a win over Almeida would be a great way to announce his arrival with the promotion. The odds like Oleksiejczuk at -220 to a +180 payout for Almeida.

Middleweight Bout: Cesar Almeida (7-1, 186 lbs.) vs. Cezary Oleksiejczuk (16-3, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Oleksiejczuk is two inches taller, has an inch and a half of reach advantage, and is 12 years younger. Southpaw for Oleksiejczuk. Both men with some lead hand fighting as they circle. Almeida looks much thicker of the two. Front kick from Oleksiejczuk. Almedia is starting to do some stance switching now. Body kick from Almeida. Jab from Oleksiejczuk. Oleksiejczuk ducks a punch and hits a double leg into side control. Mounted crucifix now for Oleksiejczuk, he loses the specific angle as they get to the fence though. A few punches land for Oleksiejczuk as he retains side control. Shoulder strikes from Oleksiejczuk and he pushes them away from the fence to help block Almeida’s escape avenues. Oleksiejczuk moves to half guard for control then lands an elbow. Almeida is able to shrimp and get full guard then scoots to the fence to start his wall walk. Oleksiejczuk keeps him down and hits the body. Another elbow from Oleksiejczuk then some punches as Almeida wall walks into a clinch. Elbow from Oleksiejczuk as they break, and that’ll end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Oleksiejczuk

ROUND TWO: Both me come out showing kicks. Almeida avoids a one two and lands a body kick. Oleksiejczuk keeps circling and blocks a middle kick. Jab from Oleksiejczuk. Bit of a right from Almeida. Oleksiejczuk with a front kick. Takedown from Oleksiejczuk after both men missed punches and he’s back on top against the fence. Oleksiejczuk gets to the ride position and lands a few punches. Almeida stands and looks for a double wrist lock to attack the clinch. They wind up chest to chest then Oleksiejczuk with a clinch throw to get on top in full guard, they’re away from the fence this time. Oleksiejczuk passes to half guard with relative ease. A few short blows from Oleksiejczuk land then Almeida sweeps to get on top in full guard. Almeida throws a few punches pretty quickly. Oleksiejczuk kicks him off then comes up and tackles him back down into side control. Arm triangle attack from Oleksiejczuk but Almeida blocks that. A few hammer fists from Oleksiejczuk land then Almeida gets half guard but he’s taking blows now. The round ends with Oleksiejczuk on top.

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

ROUND THREE: Both men show kicks again then Oleksiejczuk hits a double leg and slams Almeida down into side control. Some short punches from Oleksiejczuk. We get a break, apparently Oleksiejczuk elbowed Almeida in the groin. Replay shows the illegal blow. There was also an illegal knee from Almeida to the head of Oleksiejczuk on the ground, we’re back to fighting after 1:13. Jab from Oleksiejczuk. Right to the body from Almeida but Oleksiejczuk then hits a takedown into guard. Oleksiejczuk passes to half guard. A few punches go back and forth. Some body to head punches from Oleksiejczuk then an elbow. Almeida avoids an arm triangle attack but Oleksiejczuk nearly gets full mount. Almeida looks to start wall walking, Oleksiejczuk lands a few punches while also working to strip the posting limbs. Oleksiejczuk gets to the ride and lands some more strikes. Next Oleksiejczuk mounts the legs and lands punches, Almeida is up but into a clinch. Almeida tries a guillotine, there’s nothing there though and postures up to drop a few elbows before the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Cezary Oleksiejczuk via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Not fancy but a decent quality win there for the younger Oleksiejczuk, he does not get an interview though.

Giga Chikadze is on a two fight losing streak and really needs a win here to defend his ranking while also proving he’s still able to fight at the elite level. Kevin Vallejos is on a five fight winning streak including being 2-0 in the UFC, a win here would push him close to the rankings and would also be a clear indicator of his upward potential. The odds are firmly with Vallejos at -375 to Chikadze’s +295.

Featherweight Bout: #15 Giga Chikadze (15-5, 146 lbs.) vs. Kevin Vallejos (16-1, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Chikadze is five inches taller, has a significant six inches of reach advantage, and is 13 years older. Chikadze will do some stance switching but he opens orthodox. Some feinting from both men early. Vallejos misses a calf kick. Chikadze misses a head kick. Chikadze slips throwing a kick and Vallejos cracks him with a right hand. Vallejos tries a calf kick, Chikadze checks it. Body kick from Chikadze lands, Vallejos catches it but can’t land a counter. A couple of body kicks from Chikadze land, then a partial head kick but Vallejos lands a punch then clinches up. There’s a cut on the left shin of Chikadze. Vallejos isn’t doing much here, just holding the clinch. Chikadze pummels and gets free but takes a back fist on the way. Body kicks from Chikadze, Vallejos doesn’t like those. Vallejos avoids a high kick. Bit of a right from Vallejos. Chikadze is mostly southpaw at this point. Body kick from Chikadze. Bit of a right from Vallejos, then Chikadze misses a wheel kick. A bit of a left kick from Chikadze will close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Chikadze

ROUND TWO: The cut on Chikadze’s shin isn’t a fight ender apparently, so there’s that. Body kick from Chikadze, then a bit of a head kick. Vallejos tries a lunging left hook. Chikadze with a front kick. Inside calf kick from Vallejos. Right hand from Vallejos, then a spinning back fist along the fence ENDS Chikadze.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Kevin Vallejos via KO, spinning back fist and elbows, at 1:29 of Round 2

Mic time for Vallejos and the translator, he puts over Chikadze as a fighter and his humanitarian work especially his cancer foundation. Asked about the future he says this is a dream come true due to his hard work, he doesn’t feel he’s special but is just refining his tools. Bisping specifically asks if he’s got an opponent in mind, he would like to fight Cub Swanson. I get that Swanson’s a legend but he should be aiming at higher ranked guys.

Brandon Royval has only lost in the UFC to champions, Alexandre Pantoja, Brandon Moreno, and most recently Joshua Van. Royval also failed to get the title from Pantoja back in 2023, now he’s trying to defend his top ranking while trying to navigate his way back to a title shot. Manel Kape has gone 6-1 in his last seven fights and is on a two fight winning streak, if Kape can get another win here it would likely put him into the title picture next year depending on how a few things land timing wise. Kape closed as the favorite at -285 while that +230 on Royval looks mighty tasty.

Flyweight Bout: #2 Brandon Royval (17-8, 126 lbs.) vs. #6 Manel Kape (21-7, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Royval is four inches taller but the reach is identical. Southpaw for Royval while Kape will do a lot of stance switching. Calf kick from Kape. Another calf kick from Kape. They clash on calf kicks. Both men with some jabs. Royval with a body kick then Kape responds with a right hand. Calf kick from Kape. Bit of a calf kick from Royval. Kape hits the body a couple of times as he’s got Royval along the fence. Royval misses some punches. Right to the body from Kape. Right hand from Kape drops Royval along the fence, then a few more on the ground put Royval out long enough for the ref to jump in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Manel Kape via TKO, punches, at 3:18 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Kape for his work. Mic time for Kape, he gives glory to God then thanks everyone who’s watching him be it in the “crowd” or at home. He calls out Joshua Van for a title shot, he says Van has his belt and if he hadn’t had that broken bone in July he’d already be champion and now he’s coming for the title. He specifically mentions Houston in February, given how quick both of their fights were they could do that. To close he talks us through the finish and says he’s going to keep killing people at flyweight and calls himself the most dangerous man in this division. Actually a pretty good promo from Kape there.

Well on that note UFC on ESPN 73 comes to a close. That also closes the UFC on ESPN era and the UFC calendar for 2025. We’ll be unpacking all the fallout from this event on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast so I hope you’ll tune in. There isn’t another UFC event until January 24th of next year, so keep an eye out for my Year End Awards in the MMA zone in the coming weeks. While the UFC is off there’s still some other MMA to come before then. But I wont be back here until UFC 324 when the Paramount deal kicks off with that card. I hope you’ll be here for it. Until then thank you so much for reading, Merry Christmas, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.