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411’s TUF 27 Finale Report: Adesanya Wins

July 7, 2018 | Posted by Robert Winfree

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MAIN CARD (FOX Sports 1)
* #8 Brad Tavares (186 lbs.) vs. Israel Adesanya (186 lbs.)
* Joe Giannetti (155.5 lbs.) vs. Mike Trizano (154.5 lbs.) – “The Ultimate Fighter 27” lightweight tournament final
* Jay Cucciniello (145 lbs.) vs. Brad Katona (145.5 lbs.) – “The Ultimate Fighter 27” featherweight tournament final
* Martin Bravo (145.5 lbs.) vs. Alex Caceres (146 lbs.)
* #7 Barb Honchak (125.5 lbs.) vs. #8 Roxanne Modafferi (125 lbs.)
* Alessio Di Chirico (186 lbs.) vs. Julian Marquez (190 lbs.)*

PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX Sports 1)
* Montana De La Rosa (125.5 lbs.) vs. Rachael Ostovich (125.5 lbs.)
* Luis Pena (154 lbs.) vs. Richie Smullen (154.5 lbs.)
* John Gunther (155.5 lbs.) vs. Allan Zuniga (156 lbs.)
* Tyler Diamond (146 lbs.) vs. Bryce Mitchell (145 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC Fight Pass)
* Matt Bessette (145.5 lbs.) vs. Steven Peterson (146 lbs.)
* Gerald Meerschaert (185 lbs.) vs. Oskar Piechota (185.5 lbs.)


Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of The Ultimate Fighter season 27 finale. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for this event, relaying all of the action to you just as I see it. This event kicks off International Fight Week in terms of events, though I think they counted the Hall of Fame ceremony from last night as the official starting point. Hopefully this will be the last season of TUF because it was absent from the released schedule for 2019 when the UFC moves to ESPN, and it’s at least eight years past what should have been the cancellation date. But there is still this event to suffer through.

The main event is a relevant fight as the current phenom of the month Israel Adesanya takes a significant step up in competition against tenured middleweight Brad Tavares. Tavares could get a date with a top five opponent with a win and this would be the biggest win of Adesanya’s career. Beyond that the picking’s are pretty slim, there’s the usual number of fights featuring guys from this season of TUF and a fair number of people just hoping to keep their spot on the roster. The most relevant fight beyond the main event is probably the flyweight clash between Roxanne Modafferi and Barb Honchak but even that’s a bit of a stretch because the title picture in that division at the moment is owned by Valentina Shevchenko.

This event comes to the world from the Pearl Theater in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. On commentary we have Brendan Fitzgerald alongside Jimmy Smith. As for the rules Nevada has not yet adopted the changes to the (formerly) Unified Rules of MMA so anything besides the soles of your feet on the mat means you’re downed, and the language around scoring is slightly more nebulous. We do have the use of instant replay for fight ending sequences if the ref wants it. Also of note, we’re using the smaller cage here due to the logistics of the venue.

Gerald Meerschaert has gone 3-1 in the UFC and is coming off of a win over Eric Spicely, he’s trying to get another UFC winning streak up and running here. Oskar Piechota has never tasted defeat as a professional and is 2-0 in the UFC, this represents a reasonable step up in competition for him and a victory would establish him as a prospect to watch in the UFC. The odds favor Piechota at -240 against +200 for Meerschaert.

Middleweight Bout: Gerald Meerschaert (27-9, 185 lbs.) vs. Oskar Piechota (10-0-1, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Meerschaert is an inch taller and has an inch and a half of reach on Piechota. Touch of gloves to get us going, Meerschaert is fighting southpaw. Piechota lands a bit of a right then eats a body kick. Straight left from Meerschaert. Another body kick from Meerschaert, Piechota lands a leaping left and they clinch up. Piechota gets an outside trip and nearly lands in full mount but winds up in half guard. Piechota moves into side control but Meerschaert explodes to his knees and Piechota is trying to lock up a d’arce choke. They scramble a bit, Piechota gets full mount as Meerschaert dropped to avoid getting his back taken. Meerschaert pushes Piechota off but can’t get up before Piechota gets his head again in a front head lock. Meerschaert is able to roll into half guard, then gets full guard rather quickly. They stall out a bit and the ref stands them up, a bit of a fast stand up from where I sit. Meerschaert coming forward but walks into a right that has him a little wobbled. Piechota lands a right that drops Meerschaert and he’s into full mount. Meerschaert gives up the back and Piechota is after the choke, but he can’t get his hooks in and that allows Meerschaert to escape and get to his knees with Piechota holding another front head lock. Meerschaert is able to counter spin and lands knees to the body from his own front headlock position as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Piechota

ROUND TWO: Meerschaert coming forward to start the second, he’s throwing body kicks mostly. They trade punches then Meerschaert lands a body kick. Piechota is getting drawn out a bit with feints, Meerschaert might be setting him up. Hard inside leg kick from Piechota lands. Another inside leg kick from Piechota, Meerschaert returns this one. Bit of a head kick from Meerschaert. Quick body lock from Meerschaert and he can’t get the takedown but his second effort gets Piechota down and he lands in half guard with Piechota holding a pointless guillotine. Meerschaert pulls his head free then gets the ride position as Piechota stands, Meerschaert after a guillotine and drops for an anaconda choke but Piechota is able to get free. Top position from Meerschaert, he’s landing punches as Piechota stands then tees off before Piechota lands a punch. More offense from Meerschaert, a couple of hard elbows in close but Piechota is still upright against the fence. Meerschaert working knees and elbows now then he kind of pushes Piechota over and starts landing punches from the ride position. More offense and a mat return from Meerschaert, he’s after the choke now, ugly as sin technically but Piechota doesn’t have enough to exploit the flaws and finally goes out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gerald Meerschaert via Technical Submission, rear naked choke, at 4:55 of Round 2

Impressive durability and gritty offense from Meerschaert, who’s on the mic now. He says that was really rough magic then mentions he’s half Polish which must be where he gets his toughness from because Piechota is a tough guy. He puts over Piechota again then talks us through the finish. To close he asks for a commentary gig at some point in the future and says the win feels great.

Here’s the finish, Piechota is too rocked to take advantage of Meerschaert’s lack of hooks or body position to escape.

Matt Bessette lost his UFC debut when he was bested by Enrique Barzola, he’s after the all important first UFC win here. Steven Jackson also lost his UFC debut when he dropped a decision to Brandon Davis, he’s also trying to right the metaphorical ship because the loser of this fight likely finds themselves out of the UFC. Bessette is a slight -140 favorite to +110 for Peterson.

Featherweight Bout: Matt Bessette (22-8 1 NC, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Steven Peterson (16-7, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Bessette has half an inch of reach on Peterson. While there hasn’t been any “wooing” yet there’s a drunk guy in the audience yelling “fuck him up” loudly. Peterson comes out quickly and they wind up clinched then Peterson jumps for an arm in guillotine choke. Bessette trying to fight out but the choke is getting tighter until he finally gets his head free. Peterson back up against the fence but still in the clinch. They jockey for position, Bessette landing some knees to the body and head. Peterson lands a few knees to the thigh. Bessette thinking about a throw but can’t get leverage. They finally break with a knee to the body from Peterson. Bessette lands a leg kick and a right. A left lands for Bessette then Peterson chops out his lead leg with an inside leg kick. Left hook in close from Bessette, his counter game is starting to work. Bessette lands a hard right, Peterson isn’t minding his defense at all. Uppercut from Bessette and a bit of a head kick. Head kick from Bessette and a right in close. Bit of a body kick from Peterson closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bessette

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Peterson starts throwing quickly but he’s still getting countered as they clinch up. Bessette is on the fence looking to defend a takedown, and does so but they’re still hanging out there. Peterson’s face is a bloody mess as they break, he’s got a few smaller cuts and his nose is bleeding. Bessette lands an uppercut, he’s relying on that punch a lot so far. Bessette lands a flush left head kick, Peterson just eats it then eats another one. One two from Bessette lands and a leg kick behind them. Bessette lands a right, Peterson lands a bit of a left. Another one two from Bessette lands. They trade rights and Bessette lands a body kick. Another clinch, Peterson is after a double leg and finally gets it then immediately moves to the back when Bessette hits his knees. Peterson landing a few punches and trying to really solidify his hooks, he’s only got one in though and Bessette is trying to shake him off. Peterson rides the motion and lands an elbow, he’s landing a few more as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Peterson, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Peterson coming forward and lands a right before they clinch up. Knees from Peterson, he’s pushing Bessette into the fence now. Bessette spins free and separates then lands a couple of punches. Another clinch and Bessette is back on the fence. Bessette lands an elbow and a knee to the body but can’t get free. Peterson hits an inside trip and moves to the back but this time Bessette shakes him off and gets on top in the ride position. Now Bessette falls off over the top and Peterson is on top and has the back again. Peterson goes to a body triangle to lock things down from a control perspective. Bessette keeps elevating and is trying to dump Peterson over his head but the body triangle is preventing him from doing so. Peterson is landing some elbows and he’s looking to open up the choke. Bessette breaks the body triangle, Peterson gets it back quickly. Peterson is trying for the choke but he’s not able to get under the chin. The round comes to a close in that spot.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Peterson, might be a 10-8, 29-28 Peterson overall

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

I can see a loose argument for Bessette taking the second. Mic time for Peterson who claims that was Fight of the Night, it wasn’t. He says he gassed a bit in the first round but started putting things together int he second and third rounds. He says he likes adversity because if it’s going his way what is there to fight through. That was perfectly acceptable regional level MMA, for the UFC not so much.

That’s it for Fight Pass, we’re on Fox Sports 1 for the rest of the prelims. And our next fight begins the parade of fighters from this season of TUF who probably shouldn’t be in the UFC.

Tyler Diamond is making his UFC debut here, he’s undefeated though and is trying to make a good first impression on the audience. Bryce Mitchell is in an identical position, undefeated with an identical record and also after a good first impression. The odds closed as a -115 pick ’em.

Featherweight Bout: Tyler Diamond (9-0, 146 lbs.) vs. Bryce Mitchell (9-0, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Mitchell is three inches taller and has an inch of reach on Diamond. Mitchell is fighting southpaw and comes out throwing kicks to keep distance. Diamond misses a bunch of rights as Mitchell circles. Mitchell lands a left. Diamond lands a bit of a head kick then eats a knee. Mitchell lands a series of knees to the body from a brief clinch then separates. Right from Diamond then they clinch up and break without incident. Mitchell blocks a takedown attempt but Diamond switches to a low single leg and gets Mitchell to his butt. Half guard now for Diamond but Mitchell gets a rubber guard working. Deep half guard sweep from Mitchell but Diamond is holding a guillotine as Mitchell dumps him to the side and moves towards side control. Diamond gets a sweep and moves to holding a front head lock, Mitchell back up and they break. Mitchell lands a spinning back kick to the body but there’s not much on it. Diamond lands a couple of leg kicks then they clinch up and break. Mitchell landed a glancing front kick to the cup of Diamond so we’ve got time for him to recover. Replay confirms the foul as Diamond walks it off and we restart. Diamond lands a right but eats a head kick and Mitchell gets a double leg against the fence. Diamond keeps trying a guillotine but there’s nothing there, Diamond back up and Mitchell knees him in the face then tries a mat return. Mitchell can’t keep Diamond down but keeps hitting mat returns and landing short punches as they transition. That’s where the round will come to a close.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Mitchell but there’s an argument for either guy

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Diamond landing some kicks but Mitchell gets a double leg, they scramble a bit but nothing comes of it and they break. Mitchell after a single leg now but they hit the fence and stall out a bit. Mitchell is still after this takedown but Diamond is defending well. There’s a quick leg sweep from Mitchell, Diamond spins out and gets on top but Mitchell grabs a triangle choke in transition. Mitchell is locking up the choke, he’s landing some elbows and trying to finish the choke. More elbows from Mitchell and Diamond is just eating these and the ref warns him to defend himself. Mitchell still landing offense but he’s got to hit a different angle to finish the choke, plus Diamond is keeping one hand free and now finally gets his head free. Mitchell’s legs might be dead after all that time having the choke locked up. Diamond lands a few elbows from side control. Diamond after an arm triangle but not much there, he gets the ride position as Mitchell blocks the choke. A few punches from Diamond as he’s in the ride position. Knees to the body from Diamond but he wont get anything more before the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Bit of a right from Diamond to start the round, Mitchell looks like a guy with dead legs. They trade rights and Diamond lands an inside leg kick. They clinch up and Mitchell gets a trip takedown but Diamond bounces back up and separates. Short left from Mitchell lands then Diamond gets a double leg against the fence. Diamond into half guard and lands a couple of short rights. Mitchell is after a kimura sweep but I don’t think he’ll get it, he gives up the ride position to Diamond because of it and then Diamond tries to take the back. Mitchell back up, big mat return from Diamond. Diamond has side control and lands a short elbow. Diamond tries to take the back but Mitchell catches him in half guard. Side control now for Diamond, now the ride position and he lands a few knees to the body as Mitchell tries to roll. Diamond is reading his rolls and landing punches and knees to the body. The round ends with Diamond landing some rights.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Diamond, 28-28 DRAW overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Bryce Mitchell via majority decision (28-28, 29-28 x2)

Under the new rules that’s an easy draw with a 10-8 third, under these rules sadly not so much. Mitchell says this was a hard fight and says Diamond whipped his ass for the whole third round then asks Reebok to make him some camo shorts. Asking Reebok for individuality in the UFC gear is just a waste of time at this point.

John Gunther is another UFC debutante on this card, he’s also unbeaten and has a chance to make a positive first impression. Allan Zuniga is also unbeaten and making his UFC debut so we’ll see which of them makes a good impression, assuming either of them do. Gunther is a slight -150 favorite to a +120 comeback for Zuniga.

Lightweight Bout: John Gunther (6-0, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Allan Zuniga (13-0, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Gunther is two inches taller and has two and a half inches of reach on Zuniga. They touch gloves to get things going. Gunther showing the jab early, Zuniga circling. They clinch up and Gunther is after a takedown against the fence. Gunther switches to a single leg, Zuniga defending so far. Gunther finally gets that takedown against the fence and is looking to pass. Zuniga wall walks but Gunther has a body lock and gets him back to a knee. Gunther lands lefts as Zuniga gets up, and Gunther rides him back down. Zuniga is back up, ate more punches, but he can’t get free. Double leg from Gunther and he mounts the legs. A few more lefts from Gunther and he might be setting up an arm triangle choke. Zuniga trying to roll and get to his knees, Gunther moves to the ride position and resumes punching him in the face. Zuniga wall walks, Gunther still has the body lock and drops him back to the mat. Another return to his feet from Zuniga and Gunther sticks to him like glue. Gunther trying to get this to the mat again, he’s able to trip Zuniga down and lands again as they’re in half guard. Zuniga back up, Gunther tries a head lock then moves to the clinch again. Gunther lands a spinning elbow then they trade front kicks at distance as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gunther, might be 10-8 under the new rules

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Zuniga lands a leg kick, then has one checked. Gunther pushing forward, they trade jabs then Gunther lands a right and has another clinch on the fence. Takedown attempt from Gunther, he’s mixing in knees to the body and Zuniga can’t seem to get free. Gunther gets the double leg and moves to the back quickly but only has one hook in. Zuniga trying to get up but Gunther is riding him. Zuniga back up but he can’t get free and Gunther has him pinned to the fence and Gunther is landing a few rights to the body. Trip from Gunther works, Zuniga scrambles up but can’t get free again. They stall out and the ref separates them. Gunther lands a one two, Zuniga lands a left to the body. Leg kick from Zuniga, Gunther lands a right. Gunther bulls his way into the clinch again and they hit the fence. Gunther after a double leg, his hands are together and he gets Zuniga down on his seat then mounts the legs. Ride position from Guther and he lands a few punches but Zuniga is up and still in the clinch. Zuniga tries a kimura roll, doesn’t finish it and they trade some sloppy punches before Gunther gets in on Zuniga again. Gunther gets a double leg as Zuniga tries a desperation kimura and the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Zuniga lands a left to the body, he’s digging that punch and hoping to lock up Gunther but Gunther is coming forward. Combination of hooks from Zuniga and he finally avoids a clinch attempt. Gunther misses a spinning back fist. Gunther pushes close and gets the clinch again. Zuniga’s footwork has been really bad, and Gunther trips him down easily and lands in half guard this time. Zuniga is able to get up again but Gunther is on him again and looking for another takedown. There’s a power guillotine attempt from Zuniga but he’s just throwing stuff up in desperation, it wasn’t close to getting finished. Gunther is after a high crotch lift but can’t get it and the ref breaks them up. Zuniga lands a bit of a head kick but there wasn’t much on it. They trade rights and Gunther gets another double leg attempt on the fence. Zuniga is able to spin free this time and reset at distance. A brief exchange and Zuniga misses a few hooks. Technique is out the window at this point. Gunther gets a single leg on the fence but can’t finish. Zuniga able to get free again and lands a couple of lefts to the body and head. Zuniga is landing but there’s not enough power in any one shot to end this. Another flurry from Zuniga brings things to a close but it’s too little too late.

SCORECARD: 0-9 Zuniga, 29-28 Gunther overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – John Gunther via majority decision (28-28, 29-28 x2)

Not sure Zuniga did enough for a 10-8 under these rules, felt like a pity 10-8. Gunther says he loves fights like this and asks for a rematch with Joe Giannetti and insists he’s not terrible at jiu-jitsu. He closes by doing a really bad alpaca impression at the behest of Jimmy Smith. So a bad fight just got capped off with a bad sound, why did this have to exist?

Luis Pena is undefeated and making his UFC debut, he had his run on this season of TUF cut short due to a foot injury but did enough to get a shot on the big stage here. Richie Smullen is also making his UFC debut as a one of the competitors from this season of TUF, his last professional fight was a draw but he’s looking to remain unbeaten here. The odds are with Pena at -375 to a +285 payout for Smullen.

Lightweight Bout: Luis Pena (4-0, 154 lbs.) vs. Richie Smullen (3-0-1, 154.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Pena has six inches of height and reach on Smullen. Pena fighting southpaw. Smullen lands an inside leg kick then a body kick. Pena lands a knee but Smullen gets a takedown. Pena wall walks, Smullen has him back down in side control. There’s a bit of a choke attempt from Pena, not much there though and he bails on it. Pena is able to get full guard, Smullen lands a couple of punches. Smullen looking to pass, Pena goes inverted and then switches to a double leg of his own but Smullen is after a guillotine. There’s no guard for Smullen and he bails on the choke then Pena steps free and resets on the feet. Pena lands a good one two then another combination and drops Smullen with a hook. Smullen after a takedown, Pena winds up on top after a guillotine but he’s got no legs in play. They scramble a bit and Pena winds up with a mounted guillotine but he’s struggling to finish it, he adjusts the grip to more of a ninja choke/power guillotine and finally forces the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Luis Pena via Submission, mounted guillotine choke, at 3:32 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Pena for his work this evening. That fight, and the ones before it, are basically how TUF fights go; one fighter is much better and gets a finish or they’re evenly matched and the fight sucks. Pena on the mic, he wishes Happy Birthday to someone and dedicates the fight to a friend who’s father recently passed away. He calls for unity and says it’s all one world then talks us through the finish.

Rachael Ostovich had a successful UFC debut in December of last year, now she’s after her first winning streak since 2014 and trying to establish herself as a player in the women’s flyweight division. Montana de la Rosa won her UFC debut last year and is similarly fighting for a relevant position in the fledgling division. De la Rosa is a slight -170 favorite while Ostovich’s comeback sits at +140.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Montana De La Rosa (8-4, 125.5 lbs.) vs. Rachael Ostovich (4-3, 125.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: De La Rosa is four inches taller and has six inches of reach on Ostovich. Touch of gloves to get us going. Ostovich is circling early, De La Rosa showing the jab early trying to maintain distance. They trade jabs, Ostovich is struggling to get inside the reach of De La Rosa so far. Right from Ostovich lands but she can’t follow it up. Right to the body from Ostovich, De La Rosa lands a right. Body kick from Ostovich. Ostovich misses a left hook, De La Rosa lands an inside leg kick. De La Rosa lands a counter right that off balances Ostovich. De La Rosa puts together a few punches and lands a left hook. The “woo’s” have started, God help us all. De La Rosa is landing the jab more regularly now instead of just using it to keep Ostovich at distance. A couple of body shots from Ostovich land then De La Rosa lands a right. Glancing right from Ostovich and they clinch then Ostovich lands a knee to the body to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 De La Rosa

ROUND TWO: More of the same to start the second, Ostovich can’t close distance reliably and De La Rosa is keeping her at bay. Bit of a right from Ostovich, she needs to go to the body more in close because she’s missing the head by the body is open. De La Rosa lands a couple of jabs then a front kick to the body. Body kick from Ostovich, De La Rosa catches it and tries for a trip but they wind up clinched and De La Rosa has a rear waist lock. Ostovich is able to turn into De La Rosa but can’t get free yet. De La Rosa lands a bit of an elbow as they break. More jabs from De La Rosa, Ostovich counters one of them with a power punch but can’t follow up. Solid body kick from Ostovich and they clinch again then trade knees as they hit the fence. De La Rosa trying for an upper body takedown but can’t get it, instead she lands a knee to the body as they break. There’s a bit of a mouse on the right eye of De La Rosa, it’s under it and isn’t swelling up too badly yet but does bear watching. Both women missing some kicks, Ostovich lands a right. They trade power hand punches then Ostovich lands a body kick. Quick flurry from both women closes out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ostovich, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Ostovich comes out quickly and lands a right but then has to break away from a clinch. Both women miss a few jabs, De La Rosa lands a bit of a right. Jab from De La Rosa, Ostovich jabs the body. They trade rights, Ostovich lands a body kick and they clinch up on the fence. De La Rosa working a body lock, and moves to the back standing. There’s blood coming from De La Rosa, I think the nose. There’s a scramble, Ostovich nearly gets the back, nearly gets an armbar then gets the back again looking for the arm again. The arm is extending but De La Rosa is able to get free and then get on top of Ostovich. Ostovich has full guard and is looking to get her legs in play, De La Rosa kind of hanging out and moves to side control. Elbow from De La Rosa, Ostovich tries to turn in but just gives up her back and now De La Rosa has both hooks in. De La Rosa flattens out Ostovich and is landing some punches and elbows. Choke attempt from De La Rosa but Ostovich is defending so far. De La Rosa still after the choke, this time it’s under the chin and Ostovich has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Montana De La Rosa via Submission, rear naked choke, at 4:21 of Round 3

the Final Round Finish Club thanks Mrs. De La Rosa for her work this evening. Mic time for De La Rosa, she puts over her coaches and says she’s not taken any time off and wants to get better. She says she always winds up fighting on the ground, puts over Ostovich and asks for a post fight bonus then expresses confidence in her husband for his upcoming bout on the Boise card.

That’s it for prelims but we’re still on Fox Sports 1 for the rest of the card. Oh man, there’s still six fights to come and two of them are TUF finale fights. Kind of makes me wish I drank.

Alessio Di Chirico has traded wins and losses while going 2-2 in the UFC but he’s hoping to break that pattern here as he’s coming off of a win and going for his first UFC winning streak. Julian Marquez missed weight badly for this fight but does have an overall five fight winning streak and was successful in his UFC debut, he’s trying to keep that streak going and put the weight gaff behind him with a win. In spite of (or perhaps because of) that weight miss Marquez is the slight -145 favorite to +115 for di Chirico.

Middleweight Bout: Alessio Di Chirico (11-2, 186 lbs.) vs. Julian Marquez (7-1, 190 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Marquez is two inches taller but Di Chirico has two inches of reach advantage, plus Marquez missed weight badly. They touch gloves to get us going, Di Chirico fighting southpaw. Both men pawing a bit with the jab, just getting a feel for each other. It’s worth noting that Marquez looks much bigger than Di Chirico. Di Chirico lands a left, then another left as Marquez was trying to close distance. Marquez trying to walk Di Chirico down but he’s struggling to do so reliably. Marquez lands a right. Body kick from Di Chirico, then another one. They trade power hand punches then Di Chirico wobbles Marquez with a right hook. Di Chirico lands a body kick then a leg kick. Marquez trying to turn this into a brawl, Di Chirico avoids the offense and resets at distance. Another body kick from Di Chirico lands. They trade power hand punches, then Marquez lands a left hook that wobbles Di Chirico. Di Chirico lands a body kick, Marquez returns it. Bit of a left from Di Chirico, he’s doing well at distance. Di Chirico gets a single leg takedown, Marquez holding a guillotine but Di Chirico is in half guard on the safe side. Marquez pushes Di Chirico over and regains his feet. They clinch up, then break without incident and Marquez lands a right to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Di Chirico but could go either way

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Marquez lands a body kick, Di Chirico lands a better one. Another couple of body kicks from Marquez, he’s trying to push the pace here and get in on Di Chirico. Marquez lands a combination then misses a spinning kick. Bit of an uppercut from Marquez then he catches a leg kick from Di Chirico and hits him to the body with punches. Body kick from Di Chirico but Marquez is walking through his offense now. Marquez tries a spinning attack but Di Chirico reads it and gets a clinch on the fence. Di Chirico after a single leg, Marquez tries a standing guillotine but can’t really get it and Di Chirico gets free in the clinch. They trade some knees, Di Chirico lands an elbow as they break. Body kick from Marquez lands, he’s starting to break Di Chirico down with his consistent offense. Di Chirico grabs a single leg and gets Marquez down then looks to mount the legs. Marquez looking to regain his feet, Di Chirico gets the back but can’t keep it and they wind up at distance again. Marquez lands an uppercut then a right. Another takedown from Di Chirico, this one successful and he moves to side control almost immediately. Di Chirico tries to spin around for an armbar but Marquez hits a nice transition to get the back and moves for an armbar. Di Chirico steps over to get his arm free and starts landing punches from the ride position, where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Marquez, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Di Chirico lands an inside leg kick then whiffs on a counter left. Body kick from Di Chirico lands. Di Chirico circling more this round, Marquez is following rather than cutting him off. Another body kick from Di Chirico lands. Di Chirico lands a couple of jabs then a stepping elbow. Marquez lands a body kick, he’s just eating the offense of Di Chirico and walking through it at this point. Another body kick from Di Chirico. Marquez lands a right in close, then another along the fence. There’s a lot of missed offense from Marquez and Di Chirico lands a straight one two that lands flush. Bit of a head kick from Marquez, he tries to close distance but Di Chirico gets a double leg against the fence. Marquez is sitting on the fence, looking to wall walk and Di Chirico has a rear waist lock then switches to a double leg but Marquez hits a kimura roll and they’re back up. A few knees to the body from Marquez and they’re back on the fence. Di Chirico seems like he’s stalling a bit, then hits a trip but Marquez is back up and lands a right. Marquez coming forward trying to brawl, Di Chirico lands another body kick, then one from the other side. Spinning kick from Di Chirico lands and they both miss punches as time runs all the way down.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alessio di Chirico via split decision (27-30, 29-28 x2)

And of course Adelaide Byrd was a judge, just to make this even worse. I don’t agree with that decision, it likely over values the takedowns that led to nothing. Di Chirico thanks Marquez for the fight and says fighting is the best thing in the world. He puts over Marquez as a warrior but jokes that Marquez likes to eat too much then closes with some Italian that went untranslated.

Roxanne Modafferi is one of the pioneers for female fighters but has yet to score a UFC win, her last fight was a loss for the inaugural women’s flyweight title but she could get back into the title picture quickly with a win here. Barb Honchak just had a long winning streak snapped when she dropped a split decision in her UFC debut, she’s also trying to get her first UFC win and assert herself as one of the best flyweights in the world. Honchak is your favorite at -175 to +155 for Modafferi.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: #7 Barb Honchak (10-3, 125.5 lbs.) vs. #8 Roxanne Modafferi (21-14, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Modafferi is three inches taller and has three and a half inches of reach on Honchak. Both women pawing early, Modafferi trying to work a jab and stay at distance. Bit of a right from Honchak. Another right from Honchak. Neither woman having sustained success but Honchak has more heat on her punches. Uppercut from Honchak lands and Modafferi avoids a clinch. They split rights, neither woman has great defense. They trade in close again, Honchak landed better but Modafferi gets a double leg into half guard. Modafferi looking to pass, can’t quite finish it though. A few elbows from Modafferi but not much on them. Modafferi moves to side control then Honchak gets half guard back. A few more elbows from Modafferi sneak through as Honchak gets full guard now. Modafferi postures up and passes to side control, Honchak spins to the ride position as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Modafferi

ROUND TWO: Bit of a right from Honchak to start the second. Modafferi lands a right. Honchak gets a clinch and tries a trip but Modafferi reverses and lands in full mount. Elbows from Modafferi, Honchak trying to scramble but she’s letting Modafferi set up an armbar. Honchak gets half guard but she’s still flat on her back. Modafferi lands a few punches while maintaining half guard. Full mount for Modafferi again, and she lands a few elbows and punches. More elbows from Modafferi, Honchak is struggling to defend herself and the ref winds up stopping it. Slightly early stoppage but hardly out of line.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Roxanne Modafferi via TKO, elbows, at 3:32 of Round 2

Mic time for Modafferi, who just got her first ever UFC win. She says it’s an honor to fight for the UFC and thanks her coaches for all of the time and effort. She jokes that she went super saiyan for all of her fans, and Jimmy Smith has no idea what she’s referencing. Modafferi talks us through the finish then wants an opponent who will get her back into the title picture.

For some reason we’ve got enough time to have an interview with Kelvin Gastelum, who announces that he’ll be coaching opposite middleweight champion Robert Whittaker for TUF 28 and the two will meet for the title later in the year. Hopefully TUF 28 is the last, they’ll probably get it done over the last of the year and then let it die. Gastelum thinks his boxing matches up well with Whittaker, not true from a technical perspective, but feels his wrestling could play an important role, which is more accurate. He feels he’s the most deserving contender out there right now and believes he’ll take the title.

Alex Caceres has gone 1-3 in his last four fights and that lone win is over Rolando Dy, he’s trying to avoid another losing streak and keep his UFC run alive despite it being on it’s last legs. Martin Bravo has gone 1-1 in the UFC but is coming off of a loss and looking to avoid the first losing streak of his career. The odds are with the slightly more proven commodity in Caceres at -140 to a +110 comeback on Bravo.

Featherweight Bout: Martin Bravo (11-1, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Alex Caceres (13-11 1 NC, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Caceres has two inches of height and reach on Bravo. Bravo fighting orthodox, Caceres will do some stance switching. They both do some range finding with kicks. Bravo lands a right and forces a clinch but Caceres is able to get free. Caceres lands a side kick to the body, Bravo lands a bit of a right. Caceres lands a left. Bravo lands a bit of a high kick, landed to the chest I think. Bravo catches a kick and gets a takedown into the guard of Caceres. Caceres scrambles back up after taking some punches and Bravo has a rear waist lock going. Single leg now from Bravo but he can’t get any motion going and they break the clinch without incident. Long counter left from Caceres then a body kick but Bravo catches it again and gets a single leg takedown. Caceres holding a front headlock but not much of a choke there and Bravo gets top position. Bravo lands a few punches, Caceres throws up a triangle attempt but not much there. Bravo is standing over Careres, then goes back into the guard. Punches land for Bravo but not much on them yet. Bravo stands again, Caceres kicks him in the body and stands up. Inside leg kick from Bravo then a right to follow it up. Caceres lands a left to the body. They trade punches again, Bravo still coming forward and lands another right. Caceres has a head kick blocked, Bravo misses a high kick. Body shot from Caceres ends the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Caceres but probably went to Bravo

ROUND TWO: Bravo catches a kick and lands a couple of punches. Caceres digs the body but he’s wide open for a counter. Left from Caceres lands, another one drops Bravo but as he tries to get the back they wind up scrambling. Caceres gets the back but can’t do anything with it, Bravo still fighting from his knees and he’s back up and they break. Bravo’s nose is leaking blood but he’s coming forward. Bravo tries a single leg, can’t get it and they break then Caceres lands a left. Body kick from Caceres lands. Another left from Caceres hurts Bravo but he wont go down. Body kick from Bravo lands. Caceres misses a wheel kick. Bit of a left elbow lands for Caceres, then a delayed left. Bravo lands a combination and is looking to get close. Body shots from Bravo, Caceres is walking away from him now and taking offense. They clinch up then break without issue. Body kick from Caceres but Bravo catches it and gets a double leg off of it. Caceres back up and they end the round in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Caceres, arguable 10-8, 20-18 Caceres overall

ROUND THREE: They hug to start the last round. Bravo is coming forward again, Caceres looking to circle and snipe. Bravo lands a spinning elbow. Body kick from Caceres is caught and Bravo gets him down against the fence. Half guard for Bravo and he’s trying to work some lefts to the head. Bravo moves towards the back and Caceres is up but Bravo has a rear waist lock. Caceres is able to break the grip and separate then land a straight left. Side kick to the body from Caceres and they get close then trade some punches. Body shots from Bravo then a couple of hooks and Caceres clinches up to force a break and reset. One two from Bravo knocks the mouth guard out of Caceres, then he dives for a takedown on the reset and Bravo sprawls then holds a front head lock. Bravo lands a knee as they break. Caceres lands a left then eats a counter right. They’re both missing a lot more now, fatigue is setting in. Bravo lands a right to the body. Rights to the head from Bravo, he’s relentless if nothing else. A couple of one two from Bravo land and he’s got Caceres in the clinch again. They break without incident and Bravo is back to pressuring Caceres. Bit of a head kick from Caceres, Bravo lands a body kick. Bravo lands an elbow in close. Caceres lands a left and they trade body shots. We get a bit of a brawl to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bravo, 29-28 Caceres overall

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

Fun enough scrap, nothing special but the night hasn’t been good in terms of action. Mic time for Caceres who puts over Bravo and says he hasn’t been in a war in a while. He says he timed Bravo’s front leg for most of the fight and that’s what led to his success.

Up here is the featherweight final for this season of The Ultimate Fighter. Brad Katona is undefeated, that’s the entire gimmick for this season in case you missed it, and is trying to win the title of TUF champion for whatever that’s worth at this point. Jay Cucciniello is also vying for that particular title and hoping to prove he’s worth a spot on the UFC roster. The odds are with Katona at -240 to +190 for Cucciniello.

Featherweight Bout: Jay Cucciniello (8-0, 145 lbs.) vs. Brad Katona (6-0, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Cucciniello has three and a half inches of reach on Katona. Katona coming forward, Cucciniello doing some stance switching. Cucciniello avoids a takedown attempt. Katona misses a right. Body kick from Katona. Katona lands a left to the body, Cucciniello lands a bit of a knee. Cucciniello misses a left hook Katona lands a body kick. Both guys doing a lot of feinting, trying to get a read on each other. Katona is probing with leg kicks now, and swings a right to the body. Cucciniello tries a front kick but hits the groin, Katona just waves it off. Leg kick from Katona. Bit of a right from Katona, and a calf kick behind it. Cucciniello lands a right then avoids a double leg attempt. Straight right from Katona lands, Cucciniello lands a body kick. Left to the body and a body kick from Katona land. Cucciniello blocks a head kick but he eats a left hook that drops him but he bounces back up immediately. Katona staying measured, landing body kicks and not getting crazy after the knockdown. Cucciniello has a jumping kick blocked to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Katona

ROUND TWO: Katona has a left blocked to start the second round. Cucciniello still the one coming forward, he blocks a couple of hooks then eats a body kick. Jab from Cucciniello lands, then he eats a left hook that drops him again. Katona is pushing forward this time, lands a right then a left hook but Cucciniello stays upright and backs him off with a body kick. Double leg from Katona and he’s trying to pass immediately. Katona moves to half guard, more control than anything else so far. Cucciniello gets his guard back. Still control from Katona but not much offense, he’s trying to pass again. Cucciniello gets his guard back again but still can’t get out from under Katona. Katona moves towards half guard but can’t secure it. Now full half guard for Katona and he’s trying to set up a pass into full mount but Cucciniello is blocking that. Cucciniello gets guard back but can’t get up, I’m more surprised the ref hasn’t intervened at this point than anything else. They end the round in that spot.

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

ROUND THREE: Cucciniello coming forward again, he knows he needs a finish. Katona lands a leg kick. Left to the body from Katona. Single leg attempt from Katona but they stall out on the fence. Cucciniello defending well along the fence, he’s looking to spin and separate but they’re stalling out. Katona goes to an elevated double leg and gets Cucciniello down but eats an elbow. Katona has half guard, and I imagine a lot of stalling and control will follow. Cucciniello working to get his guard back, Katona trying to set up a knee slice to full mount. A few short punches from Katona sneak through but there’s not a lot on them. Katona lands another couple of shots as Cucciniello tries to hip up, then pushes him back down. Cucciniello to his knees trying to scramble but Katona gets his back almost immediately and looks to land punches. Katona now moving between back mount and full mount, landing offense consistently now. Looks like Katona is trying to set up a choke but Cucciniello is keeping him from doing so. Katona tries a choke again, nothing doing as time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Katona but another 10-8 argument is in there, 30-26 Katona overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Brad Katona via unanimous decision (30-26 x3)

Academic fight really, Katona has a glass trophy now. He says this means the world to him and that he’s been on this journey since he was 14, thanks his original coach who turned him from the nerdy kid into the nerdy kid who does martial arts and is honored to represent Canada. He talks us through some of the sequences and staying patient while sticking to the fundamentals. Katona closes saying that he had a cousin beat cancer recently and this is easy by comparison.

Just so you all know what the pacing of this event has been like, after the end of that fight there was a commercial break then the announced winner. Then a promo piece for UFC 226, then commercials, then a promo piece for the next TUF finale fight, then another commercial break, then the fight. It took something like 15 minutes from the end of that last fight to the start of this one. And it’s been mostly like that all night long.

In our other TUF final we have Mike Trizano battling Joe Giannetti for the glass trophy. Both men are undefeated and both are hoping to make a positive impression to the wider UFC audience. Giannetti is a slight -175 favorite to a +145 comeback on Trizano.

Lightweight Bout: Joe Giannetti (6-0, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Mike Trizano (6-0, 154.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Giannetti is an inch taller and has two and a half inches of reach on Trizano. Touch of gloves to get us going, Giannetti fighting southpaw. Trizano lands an inside leg kick, Giannetti returns it. Giannetti misses a few spinning attacks, both guys just feeling each other out so far. Giannetti gets a double leg, Trizano back up and they’re in the clinch. Some positional jockeying, Giannetti has a body lock from the side and is looking for a trip of some kind. One hook in now standing for Giannetti, he can’t get the other in or get the fight down yet. Trizano back up after getting dropped to his knees, Giannetti lands a knee but is mostly keeping things tight and looking for control. Trip from Giannetti and they hit the mat then scramble into 50/50 guard as Giannetti goes for an inside heel hook. Trizano keeping weight on the leg in danger and looks for top position, Giannetti still threatening the heel but he’s not that close to it yet. Trizano lands an elbow. Giannetti tries a d’arce, almost nothing there from this angle though. Trizano falls back for the leg lock, bad move as Giannetti gets on top in his guard. Trizano threatening a bit with his legs, Giannetti postures through it. There’s a tight triangle attempt from Trizano just as time runs out on the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Giannetti

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again then trade some kicks. Giannetti tries a takedown, Trizano blocks it then pushes him over and gets on top. Trizano has half guard, Giannetti is holding the head then bails on that to avoid a possible Von Flue choke. A few body shots from Trizano but he’s minding his positions very carefully then moves to side control. If Trizano was better on the mat I’d say he was setting up a north-south choke, instead he’s after an americana that Giannetti blocks then goes inverted for a leg lock of some kind. Toe hold attempt from Giannetti, mostly using it to sweep and set up a knee bar attempt. Giannetti bails on that to settle into noth-south on the bottom and Trizano is trying to swing hammer fists back at Giannetti’s head. Trizano lands some elbows to the thigh, but neither man is doing a whole lot here, Giannetti actually has a body triangle going on for more control. Giannetti trying to set up some leg attack, Trizano punches him in the face but mostly they’re landing elbows or hammer fists to the thigh and stalling things out. More elbows from Trizano as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Trizano, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again. Trizano lands a leg kick, that one went into the groin of Giannetti though so we’ve got time for him to recover. Replay confirms the low blow, just glancing with the toes, then Giannetti is good to continue. Head kick from Giannetti partially lands, Trizano lands an inside leg kick. A couple of leg kicks from Trizano land. Another leg kick from Trizano, and another. Giannetti lands a bit of a side kick to the body. Body kick from Giannetti, Trizano lands a hard inside leg kick. Right to the body then a left hook from Trizano, Giannetti lands a body kick. Right to the body from Trizano lands. A couple of body shots from Trizano land then a right to the head. Giannetti’s striking seems gimmicky at this point, Trizano is keeping things fundamental and is winning because of it. More leg kicks from Trizano, those are starting to compromise the movement of Giannetti. Trizano lands a couple of body shots then an inside leg kick. Trizano starting to land a jab as well as the leg kicks. Hard leg kick from Trizano. They trade front kicks to the body to close the round, could have a fourth round coming up.

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

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

Well, that was a great big nothing of a fight. Trizano gets the glass cylinder then says visualization is key to being successful on the mic. He doesn’t know what to say and calls this the greatest moment of his life but says it was just an OK performance and promises to be back stronger. He closes by asking to be on the upcoming Madison Square Garden card as he’s from new Jersey and promises to pack the house.

Brad Tavares has been with the UFC since 2010 and is currently on a four fight winning streak that has seen him crack the top ten rankings. Tavares is trying to defend his spot and possibly more closer to title contention, he’s coming off just his second UFC finish ever and is hoping to keep that momentum going. Israel Adesanya is undefeated and burst onto the UFC scene over the course of his last two fights, Tavares represents a stiff step up in competition for him but if he can win he’ll likely find himself in the top ten and surging towards title contention. The odds closed as a -115 pick ’em.

Middleweight Bout: #8 Brad Tavares (17-4, 186 lbs.) vs. Israel Adesanya (13-0, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Adesanya is three inches taller and has a whopping six inches of reach on Tavares. Both men come out feinting, Tavares tries a double jab that falls short. Leg kick from Adesanya. Adesanya doing some stance switching now, and avoids a left hook. Tavares punches into the clinch and gets Adesanya on the fence. Adesanya spins free but eats a right as he does so. A few leg kicks land for Adesanya. Bit of a right from TAvares lands, Adesanya responds with a leg kick. Body kick from Adesanya, he’s starting to find his rhythm now. Adesanya lands a knee to the body then avoids a clinch attempt. Leg kick from Tavares. Tavares lands a couple of punches but then eats a knee. Single leg from Tavares, Adesanya is able to get free and return to the middle of the cage. Adesanya avoids some punches from Tavares and lands a body kick. Tavares lands a right, Adesanya responds with a calf kick. Imanari roll from Adesanya, he eats some punches as he regains his feet and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Tavares but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Bit of a front kick from Adesanya to start the second round. Tavares needs to make this ugly and so far he’s trying to stay technical with a guy who’s a superior technician. Adesanya lands a knee to the body then has a couple of high kicks blocked. Leg kick from Adesanya and he avoids the counter jab from Tavares. Straight left and a bit of a high kick from Adesanya land. Tavares tries a single leg but switches to the clinch almost immediately so his drive just hits the cage. Adesanya is able to spin then get free and reset. A few jabs go back and forth then Adesanya lands a leg kick. Left to the body from Tavares lands. Tavares nearly ducks into a knee then takes a calf kick. Side kick to the face from Adesanya, Tavare is doing a lot of looking at range and Adesanya is sniping him. A couple of jabs from Tavares land, then a counter right. Jab and a leg kick from Adesanya. We get time and the ref gives Adesanya a hard warning for extending the fingers towards Tavares’s eyes. Adesanya lands a hard body kick on the restart that hurts Tavares. Tavares is able to weather the storm but Adesanya resets easily and lands a couple of jabs. Tavares lands a right then a left to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Adesanya, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Tavares lands a solid left to start the round, Adesanya responds with a leg kick. Another leg kick from Adesanya lands. Bit of a right from Tavares but he’s struggling to land clean given the range disparity. Adesanya lands a knee to the chin of Tavares, who then lands a right and takes a leg kick. I’m genuinely surprised by the lack of wrestling from Tavares, he’s totally out gunned on the feet in every way. They clinch up and Adesanya hits a trip to separate themselves. Another Thai clinch and Adesanya lands a knee on the break. Body kick from Adesanya lands. Adesanya lands a right to the body then lands a leg kick. Double leg attempt from Tavares but Adesanya is able to block it and separate. They trade rights then Tavares blocks a high kick. Another double leg attempt from Tavares, but there’s no drive and he’s not getting under the hips either. They still hit the fence but Adesanya is able to spin free and eats a right as they break. Spinning elbow from Adesanya is blocked, then he lands a body kick. Tavares lands a jab, Adesanya clubs him with a right to counter. Leg kick from Adesanya lands. Adesanya is looking to tee off, Tavares trying to block and brawl to counter. One final leg kick from Adesanya brings the round to a close.

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

ROUND FOUR: Adesanya coming forward more this round, lands a leg kick then a jab and a right. Tavares is starting to swing but he’s looping. Double leg from Tavarees hits the fence and he’s looking to defend there. Tavares is loking to switch to a single leg and gets Adesanya down then settles into his guard. Adesanya tries a triangle but Tavares shucks it off and gets his back during the resulting scramble but Adesanya is back up on the fence. Tavares has a body lock, Adesanya uses a kimura grip to break that lock and spins Tavares down to the mat then separate. Someone is bleeding, I think it’s the nose of Tavares. Adesanya lands a leg kick then a stepping elbow. We get time, the ref has the doctor come in to check a cut on Tavares’ eyebrow. That cut is just below the eyebrow and above the eyelid, the doctor says he’s Ok with the fight continuing and we’re back to fighting. Leg kick from Adesanya. Jabs from Adesanya, he’s targeting that cut now as the blood is going to compromise the vision of Tavares. Double leg from Tavares hits the fence and Adesanya quickly spins free. Solid right from Adesanya then a hard leg kick. Tavares lands a jab. Another leg kick from Adesanya lands. Bit of a right from Tavares then Adesanya lands a couple of knees to the body, Tavares lands another right. hard knee from Adesanya to the head of Tavares. They feint away the last few seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Adesanya, 39-37 Adesanya overall

ROUND FIVE: That is a nasty cut below the eyebrow of Tavares, it’s almost the full length of his eye socket. Tavares looks to clinch early, Adesanya shucks him off. Jabs from Tavares land, Adesanya lands a front kick to the face. Hard inside leg kick from Adesanya, who thng sprawls on a double leg attempt and counters with a front head lock and moves to the ride position. A few rights from Adesanya land, Tavares is going to roll for a knee bar but he’s not going to get it. Adesanya spins free and regains his feet. Adesanya is continuing to snipe at Tavares, he lands a leg kick then a right to the chin. Tavares fails on a diving double leg, then tries to pull guard so Adesanya just follows him down for a bit then punches him and knees the body as they stand back up. Single leg attempt from Tavares but he’s dropping all the way to his knees too quickly and Adesanya is able to sprawl then separate. Solid left from Adesanya to the body of Tavares. Adesanya lands a leg kick. Tavares is just trying to survive now, Adesanya lands a leg kick then avoids a bad takedown attempt. Adesanya aprawls on a takedown attempt, tries a mounted guillotine as time runs out.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Adesanya, maybe 10-8 even, 49-46 Adesanya overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Israel Adesanya via unanimous decision (49-46, 50-45 x2)

Big big win for Adesanya over a proven veteran. Adesanya puts over Tavares as tough with a hard head, then switches to I think Maori or Igbo, I can’t necessarily tell the difference at the moment. He says you can Google translate that later, then calls out Kamaru Usman as a fellow Nigerian so I’m going to say that was Igbo he was speaking.

On that note, this abysmal card crawls across the finish line. I’ll be back here tomorrow evening for UFC 226, which hopefully has seen all the bad luck it’s going to between the Holloway vs. Ortega fight falling through and Michael Chiesa missing weight. Alternatively, have the main event fall through just for maximum hilarity. Yeah, I’m going to root for that, let it all burn. I hope you’ll be back to follow along with my live coverage of that event, or read after the fact. I’m genuinely surprised at the continued support and hope to one day have actually earned it. Until then thank you for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.