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411’s UFC 215 Report 9.09.17

September 10, 2017 | Posted by Robert Winfree

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC 215. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be relaying all of the action to you fine people just as I see it. UFC 215 started out as a really good card for fight fans, it was still destined to die at the box office given the proximity to Mayweather vs. McGregor and the millions of people who threw down $100 to watch it, but MMA has a way of taking nice things and ruining them. First was the loss of Junior dos Santos vs. Francis Ngannou in early August, then just Thursday we lost the original main event between UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson and Ray Borg when Borg fell ill. Despite those losses this is still a really good event. The main event is the rescheduled bout between women’s bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes and Valentina Shevchenko, these two were supposed to meet at UFC 213 but that fell through the day of the event when Nunes fell ill. Also on the card is a relevant welterweight match between Neil Magny and Rafael dos Anjos, given the state of that division the winner could easily find themselves in a title eliminator bout next. This event comes to us from Rogers Palace in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, and Daniel Cormier on commentary.

Because we do this every event, the Edmonton Athletic Commission has approved the changes to the formerly Unified rules of MMA. So you need both palms or fists on the mat to be downed, or a knee of course, you can’t extend your fingers towards your opponent regardless of contact being made, and the language around scoring is a little clearer. I can’t wait for next year when these rules get adjusted and we wind up with three different rule sets rotating depending on geographic location.

Kajan Johnson is 2-1 in the UFC and on a two fight winning streak; however, he hasn’t fought in just about two years. Johnson needs a win here to remind people that he’s a fighter worth paying attention to in the UFC. Adriano Martins is 4-2 in the UFC, he’s coming off of a split decision loss that snapped a three fight winning streak and needs to get back on the winning side of things to avoid his first UFC losing streak. The odds here heavily favor Martins at -500 while Johnson pays out at a tempting +350.

Lightweight Bout: Kajan Johnson (21-12-1, 155 lbs.) vs. Adriano Martins (28-8, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Johnson is an inch taller and has three and a half inches of reach on Martins. They touch gloves, Martins fighting southpaw. Some circling to start, Johnson changing his stance a bit. Martins patiently avoids a couple of ill advised kicks, he’s stalking looking for the right opening. They trade a few inside leg kicks, Johnson is still very close to the fence. Martins lands a bit of a left. Martins doing a good job of cage cutting, just being maybe a tad too patient with his offense. Martins lands a hard inside leg kick. Sedate pace so far, Johnson trying some side kicks to the body to try and keep Martins off of him. Johnson lands another side kick to the body. Martins lands a couple of lefts. Martins drops Johnson with a left, grabs a guillotine from top position but doesn’t have the choke and Johnson pulls guard as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Martins

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Martins back to forward pressure, Johnson still hesitant to really engage. Martins trying to get Johnson to engage him in the middle of the cage. Johnson lands a front kick to the body. Johnson lands a body kick, Martins lands a counter leg kick. Johnson lands a bit of a right. Martins lands an inside leg kick. Johnson misses a head kick and eats a short right. Johnson lands a right to the body. Martins lands a bit of a left. Johnson lands an inside leg kick. This is terribly uninspired fighting. Martins lands a leg kick. Martins lands another leg kick. They both whiff on power hand punches. Johnson wont engage, Martins struggling to actually force action. Martins lands a left. Johnson lands a body kick, and lands a bit of a right. Martins lands a jumping body kick, then ducks a lunging right as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Johnson, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Martins back to pressure, lands a leg kick. Johnson is trying to execute darts, Martins gets over aggressive and Johnson lands a short right behind the ear that dropped and ended Martins.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Kajan Johnson via KO, punch, at :49 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Johnson for his work this evening. Johnson on the mic now, he’s happy to win in Canada. He says this was the calmest he’s ever been in a fight and his experience is starting to pay off. He expresses gratitude and thanks his coaches. He jokes that the combination he used here was something he used to do street fighting, then tells Dana White to get his bonus ready.

Martins kept biting on that front kick and Johnson landed the correct follow up.

Luis Henrique is 2-2 in the UFC and is coming off of a loss to Marcin Tybura. Henrique is trying to get his UFC record above .500 and start building some momentum in the division. Arjan Bhullar is undefeated and making his UFC debut here. Bhullar is trying to prove himself a prospect in a division that is perpetually in need of top level talent. Bhullar is the -225 favorite while Henrique’s comeback stands at +175.

Heavyweight Bout: Arjan Bhullar (6-0, 239 lbs.) vs. Luis Henrique (10-3 1 NC, 244.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Henrique is an inch taller while Bhullar has an inch and a half of reach on him. Circling from both men to start. Both guys showing the jab a bit, Henrique also misses an ugly windmill right. Bhullar lands a bit of a jab. They trade rights in close, Henrique’s was an uppercut while Bhullar’s was an overhand. These two aren’t throwing much but they’re putting heat on it when they do. Henrique lands a bit of a left hook. Bhullar misses a couple of jabs. Henrique lands a short right uppercut, he’s finding that when Bhullar dips his head and tries to push forward. Henrique lands a jab, and they clinch but Henrique is able to get free quickly. They clinch up, Henrique fails on a trip and they wind up on the fence. They jockey for position, Bhullar much more comfortable here. Bhullar has good head position and is landing short rights. Henrique lands a knee to the body. They separate with ten seconds left, and stare them away.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bhullar but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Henrique pawing with the lead hand. Henrique whiffs on a right uppercut. Bhullar blocks a high kick. Bhullar lands a bit of a right. Henrique lands a jab and a bit of a right. Henrique lands a right to the body. Bhullar eats a body kick and lands a counter right that drops Henrique, Henrique regains his feet but is clinched on the fence. Bhullar drops for a double leg, elevates and gets the takedown into side control. Bhullar gets caught in half guard, doesn’t care though and lands a few short elbows. Bhullar working to posture up, Henrique fighting for wrist control. Bhullar lands a short elbow. Bhullar lands a couple of body shots but he’s pacing himself and doesn’t want to go into a third round gassed out by going too hard too fast chasing a finish. And the round comes to an end in that position.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bhullar, might be a 10-8 argument given low activity before the knockdown, 20-18 Bhullar overall

ROUND THREE: Slow circling again to start the final round. Henrique starting to pressure forward while flashing the jab. Henrique misses a right. Bhullar lands a bit of a right, eats a counter left. Henrique lands a heavy left body kick then a leg kick. Henrique lands a jab, he knows he likely needs a finish. Henrique pushing forward, lands another leg kick. Bhullar blocks a right, eats a left uppercut though. Bhullar lands a jab. They get close and trade some sloppy punches before they clinch then separate. They clinch again, Henrique gets free rather quickly. Bhullar smothers a couple of punches and clinches again. Henrique spins out of the clinch and lands a left. Bhullar has really slowed down here. Henrique lands a right to the body, they clinch then trade body shots before breaking. Henrique lands a calf kick. Henrique slapping punches to the body and head. Henrique lands a short right uppercut. Bhullar lands a jab and avoids an ugly right. They trade in close again as time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Henrique, 29-28 Bhullar overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Arjan Bhullar via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Ugh, low level heavyweights. Bhullar has some serious fan support as he gets his interview. He says the first time is always special, thanks the fans for being there then says that the one billion Indians are about to start coming on. He jokes that he wasted a lot of energy trying for the finish in the second round then puts over Cormier, the interviewer, as the man who laid out the blue print for his success.

That does it for Fight Pass action. We’ll be starting on Fox Sports 2, there’s a golf event running long on Fox Sports 1, then move to FS1 when it’s free. Because these fights are supposed to be on FS1 Fox Sports Go should be accessible if you’ve got FS1 on your TV package and will air them.

Mitch Clarke (11-4) is just 2-4 in the UFC and on his second two fight losing streak, he was last seen over a year ago getting beaten by Joseph Duffy in less than thirty seconds. Clarke needs a win here in the worst way as a loss almost certainly ends his UFC run. Alex White (11-3) is 2-3 in the UFC and lost his last fight when he returned to lightweight. White needs a win to avoid his second two fight losing streak and start some upward momentum in the most talented division in the sport. White is the favorite here at -210 to +170 on Clarke.

Lightweight Bout: Mitch Clarke (11-4, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Alex White (11-3, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: White is two inches taller while Clarke has an inch and a half of reach advantage. They touch gloves, White opens southpaw. Clarke lands a bit of a head kick, White just eats it. White blocks a high kick. White lands a right to the body. They clinch up, White lands some body shots, then a knee to the body. Clarke lands a couple of knees to the body. White digs a couple of rights to the body, Clarke lands a right as they break the clinch. White blocks a couple of high kicks. White lands a straight left. White lands another straight left, he’s getting that punch dialed in now. White lands a right then a left, they clinch up again. Clarke looking for a takedown, White is keeping himself off of the fence then lands a right as they break. They trade power hand punches, and Clarke has a high kick blocked. White lands a check right hook. They clinch again, Clarke can’t get this thing to the mat though. They trade body shots, knees to the body as well and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 White

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. White circling early. Clarke moving more now, eats a left hook. White lands a short left, and a combination as he avoids a clinch that wobbles Clarke a bit. They both slip a bit on the mat. They clinch up again, White lands a short elbow and Clarke returns it. They break without incident. White lands a series of elbows from a clinch, Clarke might be out on his feet here. Clarke regains himself fighting for under hooks, White drops him with a knee to the body then makes him stand back up. White lands a stiff one two, then three more punches that have bloodied up Clarke’s nose and under his right eye. White lands a body kick, Clarke returns it but eats a couple of punches. White drops Clarke with a left then makes him stand again. Clarke is wobbled still. White with another three punch combination. Clarke tries a single leg, White lands elbows while defending against the fence. White lands another elbow, Clarke lands a bit of a right as they break. White drops Clarke with a front kick to the chest then punches him as he’s standing and he’s wobbled again. White batters him down again and the ref finally ends this.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alex White via TKO, front kick and punches, at 4:36 of Round 2

White on the mic now, he says he was cutting too much weight to get to featherweight and he feels better at lightweight and he just likes to push himself. He says not cutting weight is a big help, thanks his coaches and training partners for getting him in shape for this. He closes saying he wants another fight before the year ends.

Clarke gets an interview, odd choice despite him being the local boy. Clarke thanks Rogan and Cormier for calling him tough, he says toughness has been the hallmark of his career because he pushes himself beyond what he should have been capable of. He announces his retirement, but says having his last fight in his adopted home town was great and he thanks the fans for being here to share the moment with him.

Here’s a series of highlights, those elbows in the clinch started the end but he finished very strong all around.

Gavin Tucker is undefeated and turned some heads during his UFC debut with a really good overall performance. Tucker is trying to prove that wasn’t a fluke and begin moving from strength to strength in the division. Rick Glenn is 1-1 in the UFC, he lost his debut when he stepped in on short notice up a division against Evan Dunham but rebounded with a win. Glenn wants to halt the hype around the younger fighter and begin his own ascent up the featherweight ranks. Tucker’s strong performance last time out has him a notable -305 favorite over Glenn, who pays out at +235.

Featherweight Bout: Rick Glenn (19-4-1, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Gavin Tucker (10-0, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Glenn is five and a half inches taller and has four and a half inches of reach on Tucker. Both men open southpaw, Tucker tries a spinning back kick but nearly gets his back taken and Glenn tries a standing rear naked choke but Tucker escapes that then is able to separate from the clinch. They both miss power hand punches. Tucker circling more now, lands a leg kick. Tucker misses a head kick. Again they both miss power hand punches. Tucker lands a couple of rights in close, he’s visibly faster of both foot and hand. Tucker eats a knee to the body but gets the back standing. Glenn able to turn into him, they trade some body shots then disengage. Tucker lands a left uppercut and a right, then eats a counter left. They clinch again, Tucker lands a right elbow as they disengage. We get an accidental groin strike to Tucker, he just shakes it off. Tucker starting to switch his stance, Glenn rather unphased by that. They trade leg kicks, clinch up again and trade knees to the body then break. Glenn lands a body kick. Glenn lands a left that drops Tucker, Tucker back up but eats a hard knee to the body. They clinch again, Tucker lands a couple of knees to the body, Glenn returns it and they separate. Glenn lands an elbow as they break from a quick clinch. Glenn with another body kick, his consistent pressure and pace is throwing Tucker off a bit. Glenn lands a knee to the body as the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Glenn

ROUND TWO: Tucker comes out lands a bit of a right. Glenn lands a bit of a head kick. Tucker lands a left to the body, has a series of lefts blocked and Glenn pushes close and lands an elbow before they clinch. Glenn trips Tucker down and gets on top. Tucker trying for a leg lock, Glenn patiently stuffs it and gets the back, lands a few lefts from the ride position. Tucker is cut, he wall walks but he’s struggling now. They trade knees to the body in the clinch, Glenn lands a couple of elbows then a knee as Tucker pulls free. Tucker tries a double leg, nothing doing and Glenn gets him on the fence. Glenn gets to the back standing, lands some lefts then hits a double leg. Tucker to his knees, back up but eats another knee to the body as he does so. Glenn working the body with knees, Tucker getting drowned here. Glenn pulls Tucker down, landing punches from the ride position. Tucker back to the wall, he tries for another heel hook but Glenn stuffs it. Tucker switches to an inside heel hook, that one gets closer but Glenn escapes again and lands punches as Tucker wall walks. Glenn with another takedown towards the ride position. Glenn with body shots and some rights to the head. Tucker rolls to guard, Glenn content to elbow him. Glenn with body shots. Glenn lands a right then some elbows as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Glenn with pressure again, lands a left uppercut. Glenn avoids a spinning back fist and they clinch. Glenn lands a knee to the head and pushes Tucker into the fence. Glenn with knees to the body and an elbow before they break. Glenn lands another left and clinches. Glenn gets the back standing, lands a knee then they break. Tucker tries a desperation double leg, Glenn smothers it and pushes him over then lands on top in half guard. Glenn with more punches and elbows to the body and head. Glenn postures up and lands an elbow, Tucker hits a sweep but tries a leg lock that Glenn avoids. Glenn standing over Tucker, lands a couple of punches and hammer fists while Tucker holds a leg from guard. Glenn with more blows, Tucker turtles up, Glenn knees him to the body and lands a few more punches. Tucker with some body work, lefts to the head, if this goes the distance this is a 10-7 round in the making. Glenn into half guard, now the ride and he’s beating Tucker up the whole time. Tucker moving a bit but this really should be stopped. Glenn lands an elbow, and another one. Glenn with some rights, and lefts, come on ref. Glenn with body punches, and some arm punches to the head. Tucker turtles up again and crawls to the fence. Glenn lands punches and Tucker stands, Glenn lands a knee to the head. Glenn with another flurry before the round ends. Shame on that ref.

SCORECARD: 10-7 Glenn, 30-24 Glenn overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Rick Glenn via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-24, 29-27)

Seriously, shame on that ref and shame on Tucker’s corner. Tucker took about two and a half minutes worth of abuse that he didn’t need to. That being said, this was an object lesson about youth and exuberance falling to experience and guile. Also not sure about giving Tucker the first when he was visibly dropped. Glenn on the mic now. Asked about the non-stoppage he says he doesn’t like hurting people like that and he felt it should have been stopped. He says he respects anyone who fights and doesn’t want to really injure anyone. He notes his long career and the hard journey for him to get to this moment, he’s grateful to finally be fighting full time. He puts over his team and is grateful to be here, thanks the Canadians and understands them supporting their home country guy.

Some highlights, utter shame that Glenn’s performance will be over shadowed by an absolutely awful non-stoppage.

Sarah Moras was last seen over two years ago, July of 2015, losing to Jessica Andrade. Moras needs a good outing here to remind fight fans that she’s worth paying attention to. Ashlee Evans-Smith is 2-2 in the UFC and coming off of a loss, she needs a win here to prove she’s still a relevant fighter. The odds are with Evans-Smith at -270 against +210 for Moras.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: #15 Ashlee Evans-Smith (5-2, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Sarah Moras (4-2, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Evans-Smith is an inch taller and has half an inch of reach on Moras. Evans-Smith lands a right and they clinh up. Moras lands a knee to the body, Evans-Smith able to spin her into the fence. Moras reverses, then gets reversed. Moras pulls guard or gets pushed over, couldn’t tell, and Evans-Smith is in side control. Moras gets back to full guard, well done. Evans-Smith trying to pressure into the guard, Moras working to get her legs in play. Evans-Smith lands a right but Moras is still setting up an armbar. Moras is rolling her over with the arm in a bad position. Moras lost half of the grip on the arm in danger, she’s trying to get it back in play. The cage is in play here, it’s helping Evans-Smith’s defense. Moras able to spin away from the fence, finally extend the arm, the elbow dislocates and Evans-Smith taps out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Sara Moras via Submission, armbar, at 2:51 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Ms. Moras for her work this evening. Moras on the mic now, big win for her after a significant layoff. She says the only thing she heard was her coach saying “use your legs” so she did so. She jokes that she hopes she dislocated her opponents elbow, she thanks Canada and the UFC and is happy to be back after two years off. She notes that her little sister lives in Edmonton and is happy to finally meet Joe Rogan, Rogan says it’s a pleasure to meet her as well.

Here’s the finish, some serious dexterity was required to even get the basics here given how far forward Evans-Smith was postured, but the ways he keeps her composure after the fence blocks her finishing the armbar then re-positions to hit the same finishing move is really solid grappling.

Sara McMann is riding a three fight winning streak and is trying to get back into title contention, she failed to take the bantamweight title from Ronda Rousey back in 2014, and if she can get to four in a row she’ll be making a solid case for a title bout. Ketlen Vieira is undefeated with two wins in the UFC, McMann represents a notable step up in competition for her but if she can win here she’ll crack the top ten rankings and likely be just a win away from the title picture. McMann’s recent form have her the favorite at -225 to +175 for Vieira.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: #6 Sara McMann (11-3, 135.5 lbs.) vs. #13 Ketlen Vieira (8-0, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Vieira has two inches of height and reach, the biggest difference is age as McMann is a full ten years older. They touch gloves to get us going. Vieira showing the lead hand, McMann lands a bit of a right. McMann lands a right to the body and pushes into the clinch. McMann has Vieira on the fence and is looking for a takedown. McMann lands a couple of knees to the body. McMann able to get that takedown and lands a few hammer fists before Vieira gets full guard. McMann lands a couple of elbows. McMann lands another elbow. Another couple of elbows from McMann who’s also posturing well to avoid possible armbar set ups from Vieira. Vieira has a serious hematoma forming between her eyes. Vieira tries a couple of elbows from her back. McMann passes to half guard. McMann passes to full mount and starts teeing off. McMann with punches, Vieira gets her legs in play and tries to set up a heel hook attempt. McMann rolls but winds up in a knee bar position. Vieira trying for that knee bar but the hip position is wrong, McMann ends the round on top.

SCORECARD: 10-9 McMann

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. McMann sliding forward, Vieira circling. McMann lands a right to the body and Vieira is able to angle away from her closing distance. McMann lands a leg kick. McMann after a single leg, it stalls out on the fence but she’s still after it. Vieira lands a few elbows and McMann bails to settle into the clinch. Vieira tries a trip, McMann stays upright but Vieira has her on the fence now. McMann is able to reverse position, lands a knee to the body. A couple of lefts to the body from McMann. McMann lands an elbow. McMann lands another couple of elbows, Vieira hits a trip and lands on top in half guard against the fence. Vieira trying to set up an arm triangle but she’s on the wrong side. Vieira gets onto her toes, tightens the grip and forces the submission.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ketlen Vieira via Submission, arm triangle choke, at 4:16 of Round 2

Big win for Vieira, who’s on the mic now. She’s very emotional, she gives all glory to God. She says it was a tough fight but if she persevered she’d get the finish. Rogan asks about finishing the choke from half guard on the wrong side, she thanks her coaches for preparing her for that position without really going into detail.

Someone with more grappling expertise than I is going to have to explain the details of why this worked.

Quick interview with flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson, he says he found out the fight was called off on Thursday. He plans on getting back into camp, notes that Borg has had trouble reaching the cage in the past and that he’s hoping the fight can be rescheduled for something like UFC 216. Asked if he feels Borg is still deserving of a title shot he notes the number of other times fights have fallen out last minute, calls it part of the sport and he wants to get in the cage and fight as soon as possible. That’s it for prelims, to PPV for the main card.

Jeremy Stephens is just 2-5 in his last seven fights and is currently on a two fight losing streak. Stephens is trying to avoid his second three fight losing streak and notch a big name win over a man who used to be on of the best lightweights in the world. Gilbert Melendez is one of the better lightweights in MMA history, but his UFC record is an abysmal 1-4 and his only win is over Diego Sanchez. Melendez has lost his last three fights and is hoping to reinvent himself down at featherweight, a loss would be absolutely devastating to his career at this point. The odds here lean towards Melendez at -130 to +100 on Stephens.

Featherweight Bout: Gilbert Melendez (22-6, 146 lbs.) vs. #8 Jeremy Stephens (25-14, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Melendez is half an inch taller and has two inches of reach on Stephens. They square up, and here we go. Stephens stalking forward, both men feinting a bit. Stephens lands a leg kick. Melendez misses a right. Stephens lands a bit of a right then a left hook. Stephens lands a leg kick, he’s starting to turn up his volume of offense. Another leg kick from Stephens. Melendez showing the jab but he’s still measuring a bit. Stephens again lands a couple of leg kicks, Melendez lands one of his own. They trade hooks in close quarters. Melendez already has some swelling on his lead calf. Stephens lands a left uppercut then another leg kick. Melendez lands a solid right. Stephens lands another leg kick, Melendez is limping, collapses to his seat then stands again. Stephens lands a combiantion then a leg kick. Melendez moving forward, I’m shocked he’s moving as well as he is with that leg messed up. Stephens wings a right to the body then lands an inside leg kick. Yeah, that calf is swelling badly for Melendez, and Stephens kicks it again. Melendez drops to his back, Stephens stands over him, lands another couple of leg kicks. Stephens goes into his guard and lands a right, and a left, Melendez turtles as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Stephens

ROUND TWO: The ref calls in the doctor before the second round starts to check the leg of Melendez. Melendez says he can continue so they’re ready to start the second round. Melendez comes out southpaw, trying to protect the left leg. Melendez goes orthodox and lands a bit of a combination. Melendez jabs the body, he’s backing up Stephens. Melendez lands a knee, Stephens lands a couple of leg kicks. Melendez goes southpaw, Stpehens happily kicks the other leg. Stephens lands another leg kick after having a couple of punches blocked. Stephens lands a hard inside leg kick. Melendez still walking forward southpaw then going orthodox once he’s in close. Melendez lands a straight left. Stephens lands an inside leg kick. Stephens goes southpaw to aid his kicking game. Stephens has some punches blocked then slips the counters. Stephens lands another leg kick, Melendez drops and gets back up but that leg is done. Stephens lands a leg kick, and a bit of a head kick. Stephens lands a straight right. Melendez lands a straight left, he’s still using southpaw most of the time. Stephens lands a right and a right uppercut in combination. Stephens lands a leg kick but Melendez’s right leg seems in better condition to take those. Stephens lands an uppercut then drops Melendez with another leg kick. Stephens lands a leg kick, gets on top as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Stephens, 20-17 Stephens overall

ROUND THREE: The ref warns Melendez between rounds about going down again. They touch gloves to start the final round. Stephens lands a right to the body. Melendez still walking in southpaw then switching once he hits the pocket. Stephens lands a right. Stephens lands a straight right to the body. Stephens lands a left to the body then a body kick. They trade lefts, Melendez is still trying to move forward. Stephens lands a leg kick from southpaw, that was a good kick. Melendez’s motion is seriously hampered now. Stephens popping punches, lands a right to the chin. Melendez still trying but he’s not got a whole lot left. Stephens lands an inside leg kick. Stephens lands a glancing right. Stephens lands a couple of leg kicks, Melendez drops but rolls back to his feet immediately. Stephens lands a straight left, and a bit of a clubbing right. Stephens digs a couple of body shots, Melendez lands a knee to the head. Stephens to the body again, those are hard shots. Another leg kick, Melendez drops to his back yet again. Stephens lets him up, kicks his leg again and again gets on top in half guard. Melendez just hanging on, Stephens lands some elbows as time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Stephens given the lopsided numbers, 30-25 Stephens overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jeremy Stephens via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-26 x2)

That might be the best performance top to bottom of Stephens’ career. Stephens on the mic now. He thanks Canada, gives a shout out to a friend who just got married, then mentions he postponed his own wedding to be here for this fight and puts over his fiance for being supportive. Asked about the leg kicks, he says that without meaning offense he knew that Melendez hasn’t evolved a whole lot and was still vulnerable to leg kicks. He thanks Sean Shelby for the fight and thanks his fiance again.

And here’s a close up of the damage to Melendez’s leg.

Ilir Latifi just had a three fight winning streak violently snapped when Ryan Bader knocked him out a little over a year ago. Latifi is trying to retain his top ranking here and possibly even move up now that several of the gatekeepers in the division have been released from the promotion. Tyson Pedro is undefeated and 2-0 in the UFC, the light heavyweight division is in need of a younger fighter with upside and Pedro is trying to prove that he fits the bill. If Pedro can win he’ll likely get a top ten ranking and be in line for some bigger names in the future. The odds lean towards Pedro at -145 to +115 on Latifi.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #10 Ilir Latifi (12-5 1 NC, 205.5 lbs.) vs. #13 Tyson Pedro (6-0, 205.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Pedro is five inches taller and has five and a half inches of reach on Latifi. They touch gloves and we’re fighting. Pedro circling early, misses a leg kick. Pedro lands a low leg kick. Pedro misses a leg kick. Pedro lands a leg kick, avoids a takedown attempt, Latifi lands a couple of body shots in a clinch and Pedro lands a knee to the body as they separate. Pedro stalking forward now, lands a leg kick but Latifi bulls into a clinch and has Pedro on the fence. Latifi locks his hands and gets a double leg, he moves to north-south position quickly. Pedro scrambles back up to his feet, Latifi has him on the fence and they break apart. Latifi avoids a kick and lands a right, Pedro lands a body kick that hurts Latifi a bit. Pedro pressuring Latifi towards the fence, lands a front kick to the body. Pedro misses a head kick and Latifi is able to take him down into guard. Latifi passes to side control. Latifi trying to set up a north-south choke, Pedro explodes back to his feet. Latifi is holding a front head lock, bulls Pedro into the fence. Pedro lands a couple of elbows, Latifi switches to a single leg. Pedro blocks that, eats a left as Latifi breaks the clinch. Pedro misses a head kick as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Latifi but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Some feinting to start the second round. Pedro misses a leg kick. Latifi lands a bit of a right in close quarters. Pedro lands an inside leg kick. Pedro lands a front kick to the body. Pedro lands a left body kick, Latifi lands a heavy leg kick. Pedro lands a body kick. Both guys sucking some wind now, Latifi lands an uppercut. Pedro lands a right. They clinch and Pedro misses a head kick as they break. Latifi bulls into the clinch and gets Pedro on the fence. Latifi after a double leg, Pedro defending so far. Latifi hits a high crotch single leg and lands in the guard of Pedro. Pedro moving to the fence looking to wall walk. Latifi lands a couple of short lefts. Latifi moves to half guard now, lands some more lefts. Pedro back to his feet and he tries some elbows as Latifi looks for another single leg. Latifi bails on the single leg, he’s trying to hold the clinch now. Latifi lands a couple of lefts to the head as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Pedro lands a jab. Pedro lands a calf kick and blocks a counter right. Pedro lands a jab, and just avoids a right from Latifi. Pedro with a front kick to the body then a calf kick that wobbles the leg of Latifi. Another calf kick, Latifi lands a counter right this time. Pedro lands a right, Latifi is backing up now. Pedro lands a body kick, Latifi lands a right. Latifi lands an uppercut and a left, Pedro responds with another front kick to the body. Pedro with a couple of left body kicks. Pedro lands another calf kick, Latifi lands a right and tries to get the clinch. Latifi has the clinch now and has Pedro on the fence. Latifi hits a double leg into the guard of Pedro. They trade some blows but not a whole lot on any of them. Latifi passes to half guard. Latifi lands a left. Another left from Latifi, he’s attacking the posts of Pedro every time Pedro tries to stand. Latifi with some body and head punches, not much on them again but he’s keeping busy as time runs down.

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

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

Yeah, Pedro could have taken the first. Latifi gets an interview now. He says the win feels great, especially considering his layoff. He says he felt a little rusty but got better as the fight went on. He says Pedro is good everywhere but he knew his wrestling was better and he knew he could force the fight where he wanted it. He closes thanking his family, his team, and his coaches for always being there for him.

Henry Cejudo (10-2) is on a two fight losing streak currently, granted one of those was a title bout with Demetrious Johnson and the other a hotly contested decision to Joseph Benavidez, but he’s retained a top five ranking despite those set backs. Cejudo needs a win here to assert that he’s still an elite level flyweight as a three fight losing streak is never a good thing. Wilson Reis (22-7) is coming off of a failed bid for the flyweight title, if he wants to possibly get another crack at it then he has to win here. The odds are with Cejudo, -375 against a +285 comeback on Reis.

Flyweight Bout: #2 Henry Cejudo (10-2, 125.5 lbs.) vs. #5 Wilson Reis (22-7, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are teh same height while Reis has an inch of reach on Cejudo. Reis fighting southpaw. Both men pawing with the lead hand, Cejudo moving Reis towards the fence. Cejudo lands a bit of a right. Cejudo lands a right to the body. Reis lands an inside leg kick, Cejudo lands a body kick. Cejudo lands an inside leg kick then a right that has Reis backing up. Cejudo lands a right to the body. Cejudo avoids a couple of punches and lands a combination of punches. They trade rights in close. Again they get into a fire fight in the pocket. Cejudo lands an inside leg kick. Cejudo lands a couple of body shots. Cejudo lands a knee and avoids a takedown attempt, Cejudo has a front head lock, moves to a cradle, and then to the ride position. Reis back to his feet but Cejudo drags him back down. Reis to his back then stands up without much issue. Cejudo lands a bit of a right. Reis catches a knee, tries a single leg but Cejudo defends and separates. Cejudo lands a head kick then a left and a right to the body. Cejudo wobbles Reis with a right, lands a leg kick then a knee to the body from a clinch. They separate without issue. Cejudo grabs a single leg and easily gets Reis down into full guard. Cejudo ends the round in top position.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Cejudo, he won it by a significant enough margin for me

ROUND TWO: Reis lands a body kick to start the second, lands a bit of a right hook as well. Reis coming forward now, and eats a straight right that floors him, Cejudo swarms him on the mat and this one is over.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Henry Cejudo via KO, punches, at :25 of Round 2

Best performance of Cejudo’s UFC run easily. Cejudo on the mic now. He jokes that he and Demetrious Johnson, who’s cage side, shared some words after the fight and he wants to fight him again. He says he trained a little with Lyoto Machida and the Pitbull brothers so he took back a bit of the karate sensibilities and he hopes this was worth a post fight bonus. He thanks his coaches, and notes that he’s only been really fighting for four years or so and reiterates that he would like to earn another title shot.

Neil Magny is coming off of a big win over former champion Johny Hendricks. Magny has been one of the most active and successful fighters in the division over the last couple of years, his only losses since we started 2014 are to Demian Maia and Lorenz Larkin, and tonight has the chance to take out another former champion while making a case for himself as a possible title challenger. Also trying to enter the title mix is former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos who had a successful welterweight debut and is trying to take out a top ten opponent to hasten his aspirations of becoming a two division champion. Dos Anjos is the favorite here, -160 against +130 for Magny.

Welterweight Bout: #10 Rafael dos Anjos (26-9, 170 lbs.) vs. #6 Neil Magny (19-5, 169.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Statistically this is interesting as Magny is seven inches taller and has a full ten inches of reach on dos Anjos. Dos Anjos fighting southpaw. Magny flashing the jab, dos Anjos trying to pressure him back towards the fence. Magny lands a body kick, dos Anjos lands a leg kick that sweeps his feet out and then jumps on top in side control. Magny gets half guard back but dos Anjos is postured up well. Dos Anjos keeping Magny on a hip, trying to get some elbows going. Dos Anjos might be setting up a guillotine, at least using the head lock to control him. Dos Anjos lands a short elbow. Dos Anjos lands a couple of punches. Magny still trying to set up a sweep or just get some motion so he can stand but dos Anjos smothers him flat onto his back. Dos Anjos passes to side control, lands a knee to the body. Magny tries to get to a hip, dos Anjos hops to mount. Dos Anjos looking to posture up and start pounding. Dos Anjos grabs an arm triangle, moves to tighten it up, passes to side control, squeezes and forces the submission.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Rafael dos Anjos via Submission, arm triangle choke, at 3:00 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. dos Anjos for his work this evening. Dos Anjos on the mic after that performance. He thanks Canada, calls them awesome, and gives glory to Christ for making him stronger. He says he’s coming for the belt, he’s training hard and wants to be a two division champion. He says he’s found the sweet spot in terms of cutting weight, he says he wanted to live to see his eventual grand childern which helped influence his decision to move up.

Valentina Shevchenko is currently on a two fight winning streak, both of those big wins over contenders Holly Holm and Julianna Pena. Shevchenko is trying to take the women’s bantamweight title tonight and begin forging her legacy, and possibly trying for a second title down at flyweight once that division is up and running. Amanda Nunes is the current women’s bantamweight champion and is riding a wave of momentum, she has a five fight winning streak and recently claimed the second most successful defenses of this title with a whopping one when she schalacked Ronda Rousey in the first round of their fight. Nunes is trying to further establish herself as the premier female fighter of her division going forward. The odds are close but lean to the challenger, -130 for Shevchenko to +100 for the champion Nunes.

Women’s Bantamweight Title Bout: (c) Amanda Nunes (14-4, 135 lbs.) vs. #1 Valentina Shevchenko (14-2, 133.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Nunes is three inches taller and has two and a half of reach on Shevchenko. Shevchenko fighting southpaw, and they touch gloves to get us going. Shevchenko opens with a leg kick. They’re both probing with leg kicks, Shevchenko avoiding most of them. Both women starting to use the lead hand a bit now. Nunes lands a body kick and eats a counter right. Nunes lands an inside leg kick. Shevchenko lands a leg kick. Really patient start from both women here, Shevchenko lands a stiff jab. Nunes misses an overhand right. Shevchenko lands a jab and avoids a right. Shevchenko avoids a head kick, the distance is a little off for Nunes thus far. Nunes lands an inside leg kick. Shevchenko lands a bit of a jab. Still a lot of probing from both women, trying to get reads on each other. Nunes slowly backing Shevchenko towards the fence, Shevchenko lands a bit of a left and avoids the fence. Nunes lands a bit of a body kick. Nunes avoids a head kick, and lands a bit of a leg kick. Shevchenko lands an inside leg kick. Shevchenko catches a body kick and they trade rights. Nunes lands a right. Shevchenko lands a body kick, gets her legs swept but gets up as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Nunes

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Some leg kicks go back and forth, Shevchenko lands a bit of a left. Shevchenko lands a body kick. Nunes slowly pressing forward, Shevchenko lands another glancing left. Nunes lands a body kick, eats another glancing counter left. They clinch up, Shevchenko lands a knee as they break then Nunes lands a body kick. Shevchenko lands a superman punch. Nunes just avoids a left but eats a right. Shevchenko ducks a right and they clinch, Shevchenko lands a short right as they break. Shevchenko avoids another right and just misses a right of her own. Nunes misses a body kick. Shevchenko lands another straight left. Nunes lands a bit of a body kick. Nunes lands a bit of a leg kick and avoids a spinning back fist. Shevchenko lands a front kick to the body but Nunes is rolling with a lot of these to minimize the impact. Some more leg kicks going back and forth, Shevchenko lands a left to the body. Nunes lands a jab. Nunes avoids a bit of a left, eats a jab. Shevchenko misses a wheel kick. Shevchenko lands a leg kick. Shevchenko lands a one two then a body kick, Nunes lands a body kick as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Shevchenko, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the third round. Nunes got warned between rounds for extending fingers, and she’s still doing it. Shevchenko lands a side kick to the body then a couple of counters when Nunes tried to hit her. Shevchenko’s hand speed is visibly better here. Shevchenko lands a bit of an elbow after a brief clinch. Nunes lands a side kick to the thigh. Shevchenko misses a left but lands a leg kick. They trade leg kicks again. Shevchenko lands a bit of a right in combination. Nunes lands a jab. Shevchenko ducks a right and lands a left. Nunes lands a body kick. More leg kicks back and forth. Nunes lands a glancing right. Shevchenko lands an inside leg kick. Shechenko avoids a spinning attack and lands a couple of counters. Shevchenko lands a bit of a left. Nunes lands a body kick. Nunes lands a jab and avoids a counter. Nunes avoids a one two combination. We get a stern warning to Nunes for extending fingers again, the ref could take a point at this point. Shevchenko lands an inside leg kick then a left. Another left from Shevchenko. Shevchenko lands an inside leg kick to close the round.

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

ROUND FOUR: They touch gloves again. Shevchenko lands an inside leg kick and bit of a left. Nunes lands an inside leg kick. Nunes avoids a combination and lands a front kick to the body. They trade rights but Nunes landed better. Shevchenko lands a leg kick. Shevchenko slips a right and lands a counter combination. Nunes lands a leg kick but eats a right. Shevchenko lands a hard leg kick. They trade punches again, Shevchenko just landed two to the one of Nunes. Nunes lands a body kick. Shevchenko lands a hard left and a knee to the body. Nunes coming forward every time she gets hit and Shevchenko is baiting her then countering. Shevchenko lands a front kick to the body. Shevchenko slips a right and lands a counter left. Shevchenko lands a bit of a left to the body. Shevchenko lands a long left and avoids the counters. Shevchenko lands a body kick then a leg kick. Shevchenko lands an inside leg kick. Shevchenko lands a left to the body. Shevchenko is making Nunes miss and countering her as the round ends.

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

ROUND FIVE: They touch gloves again. They’re trading leg kicks again. Shevchenko lands a combination, her hand speed is really impressive. Shevchenko lands a couple of inside and outside leg kicks. Shevchenko misses a couple of punches. Shevchenko lands a bit of a left. Shevchenko lands a side kick to the body. Shevchenko misses a left but she’s turning up the offense. Nunes tries a double leg, it stalls out on the fence in the clinch. Shevchenko with some knees to the body, Nunes kind of stalling though. Nunes drops for a double leg, can’t get it though. Nunes pulls back and misses a jab. Shevchenko lands an inside leg kick. Nunes slips a left. They clinch and Shevchenko lands a knee to the body before they break. They clinch, Shevchenko tries a head and arm throw but loses her grip and Nunes has her back as she’s turtled up. Shevchenko back up, eats a knee and Nunes is after another double leg against the fence. Shevchenko blocking this double leg, Nunes really has to fight to get it and finally does then moves to half guard. Shevchenko gets full guard and lands some rights. Shevchenko lands a couple of elbows, Nunes just playing for points.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and STILL UFC Bantamweight Champio – Amanda Nunes via split decision (47-48, 48-47 x2)

Yeah, I firmly disagree and the crowd boos that decision. Nunes very emotional, Shevchenko looks pissed and depressed. Nunes on the mic now, she says she knew everything Shevchenko was going to do and she trained hard for this fight. She felt Shevchenko tried more than she did, she apologizes for pulling out of the last fight and wanted to put on a show. She talks us through her battles with sinusitis and attributes some of her improved cardio to getting that under control. She says she wasn’t worried about the decision, she knew she stole the fifth with her grappling. Crowd still boos.

Shevchenko on the mic now. She says she can’t understand the decision, she got two takedowns but did nothing, says she never got hit hard during the fight and she busted up Nunes’ nose. She’s just baffled by the decision. She says Nunes never hit her and her kicks didn’t matter at all, she’s really pissed. Asked if she thinks they’ll fight again, she says she won this fight and says again the judges suck. Can’t disagree with her personally.

On that needlessly sour note, thanks Clucky, UFC 215 comes to an end. We’ll be dissecting this event Sunday on the 411 Ground and Pound Radio Show and previewing Fight Night 116. I’ll be back next Saturday for that fight night, instead of watching GGG vs. Canelo which is a much more interesting fight than pretty much everything on that card. Anyway I hope you’ll come back for that event, and thank you for being here for this one. Until then stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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