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411’s UFC 240 Report: Holloway beats Edgar

July 28, 2019 | Posted by Robert Winfree

Main card (ESPN+ PPV at 10 p.m. ET)
(c) Max Holloway (145 lbs.) vs. #4 Frankie Edgar (145 lbs.)
Cris “Cyborg” Justino (146 lbs.) vs. Felicia Spencer (145 lbs.)
Geoff Neal (170.5 lbs.) vs. Niko Price (169 lbs.)
Olivier Aubin-Mercier (155.5 lbs.) vs. Arman Tsarukyan (155 lbs.)
Marc-Andre Barriault (184.5 lbs.) vs. Krzysztof Jotko (185.5 lbs.)

Preliminary Card (ESPN at 8 p.m. ET)
#7 Alexis Davis (125 lbs.) vs. #15 Viviane Araujo (125 lbs.)
Hakeem Dawodu (146 lbs.) vs. Yoshinori Horie (145.5 lbs.)
Gavin Tucker (145 lbs.) vs. Seung Woo Choi (145 lbs.)
#3 Alexandre Pantoja (125.5 lbs.) vs. #4 Deiveson Figueiredo (126 lbs.)

Early Preliminary Card (UFC Fight Pass at 7 p.m. ET)
Gillian Robertson (125 lbs.) vs. Sarah Frota (125 lbs.)
Erik Koch (170.5 lbs.) vs. Kyle Stewart (170.5 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC 240. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening, relaying all of the action to you just as I see it. Tonight the UFC finally brings us the featherweight title fight between champion Max Holloway and Frankie Edgar. These two have been scheduled twice before to fight but each of them has fallen out, in fact their first fight was initially scheduled for UFC 218 back in 2017 when Holloway wound up fighting Jose Aldo for the second time after Edgar’s injury. Holloway is trying to further his case as an all time great, as is Edgar who could become a two division champion. The co-main event is pretty solid as well, Cris “Cyborg” Justino is trying to rebound from her first loss since 2005 and possibly get a rematch with Amanda Nunes while Felicia Spencer could get the biggest win of her career over one of the most notable and destructive female fighters the sport has seen.

Beyond that there’s some really slim pickings here, Geoff Neal and Niko Price could be a really fun scrap and for the five of us that saw Arman Tsarukyan’s competitive bout with Islam Makhachev we might be looking forward to the wrestling exchanges that could come about when he fights Olivier-Aubin Mercier. Further down the card there’s a really solid flyweight fight between Alexandre Pantoja and Deiveson Figueiredo but I assume I’m the only one who knows about it because, well, flyweights I suppose. Other than that there’s a lot of the Canadian contingent who are being set up to have good moments, and hopefully we’ll get some good fights in practice despite them being a little on the uninspiring side on paper.

UFC 240 comes to the world from Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. On commentary we have Jon Anik and Joe Rogan with Megan Olivi handling reporting duties. As for the rules we’re under the newer rules, so you need both palms or fists flat on the mat to be considered downed (or a knee of course) and the language around scoring is clearer as well as more encouraging of 10-8 scores. We will not have the use of instant replay though.

Erik Koch has gone just 1-3 in his last four fights and is currently on a two fight losing streak, now he’s trying to revitalize his career by moving up to welterweight for the first time. Kyle Stewart is coming off of a loss in his UFC debut, now he’s trying to avoid his first ever losing streak and get his first UFC win. The odds are with Stewart at a slight -120 to -110 for Koch.

Welterweight Bout: Erik Koch (15-6, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Kyle Stewart (11-2, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Stewart is two inches taller and has five inches of reach on Koch. Koch comes out southpaw, and they touch gloves. Stewart lands a side kick to the body then a couple of leg kicks. Koch tries a high kick that’s mostly blocked. Left lands for Koch. The “woo’s” have already started and I hate all the fans. Stewart lands a right, Koch responds with a rush then ties up in a clinch. Koch gets a body lock but is struggling to get the takedown. Stewart spins Koch to the fence, Koch spins him back but eats a knee to the body. They continue battling for position then Koch pulls free. Koch lands a body kick. Stewart tries the double leg now and they wind up clinched on the fence again. They trade elbows then separate. Stewart lands a right then an inside leg kick. Both guys are breathing a little heavy for my liking after just four minutes of fighting. Blitz from Stewart and they clinch up again. Knee to the body from Koch lands as Stewart is trying to change levels. The round will come to a close in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Koch but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Stewart comes out showing the lead hand, and they clash on punches. Koch lands a body kick. Stewart lands a hard right along the fence and they clinch up. A few knees to the thigh from Stewart, Koch is thinking about a guillotine and uses it to spin Stewart to the cage. Koch gets an inside trip but Stewart pops back up. More jockeying for position, Koch gets a bit of a trip but again can’t secure position. Stewart tries a single leg but slips and winds up on bottom with Koch on top in side control. Koch is looking to set up an arm triangle but winds up in half guard. Stewart is looking to wall walk but Koch is punching him or threatening his neck. Stewart is back up and they remain clinched. Both guys are very tired. Stewart lands an elbow and the round will come to a close.

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

ROUND THREE: Stewart is coming forward this round, he’s backing Koch towards the fence and they trade rights then clinch. Stewart lands a knee in the clinch and forces the separation. Bit of a left from Koch and they clinch again. Koch gets a takedown and Stewart is sitting along the fence. Stewart is back up but still clinched, and they break. Both guys are too gassed to actually strike at this point. Stewart tries a double leg, Koch sprawls and moves to the ride position, Stewart back up and we’re back in the clinch. Koch gets an outside trip and lands in half guard. Koch is after that arm triangle choke again but the cage is in his way and he’s stuck in half guard right now. Full mount now for Koch and he lands an elbow. Stewart shrimps to half guard, Koch threatens the arm triangle again and is looking to use that to pass again. Another choke attempt from Koch, he uses it to get mount. Punches from Koch and he’s now more on a hip or the back and is teeing off a bit as the clock runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Koch, 30-26 Koch overall

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

No issues with Koch getting the first. Mic time for Koch, who’s asked about fighting at welterweight now after all the featherweight time he put in and he says that cutting weight in modern MMA is a bit overrated and he’s good at 170. He talks about needing to fight dirty a bit and mentions losing his father a year ago and dedicates the win to him. To close he mentions he can grind as well as strike.

Gillian Robertson has gone 3-1 in the UFC and is coming off of a win, now she’s trying for her second UFC winning streak while working her way up the ranks. Sarah Frota dropped her UFC debut to Livia Souza earlier this year in a bout where she also badly missed weight, now she’s trying to put that behind her up a division and get her first UFC win. Robertson is the -145 favorite to +115 for Frota.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Gillian Robertson (6-3, 125 lbs.) vs. Sarah Frota (9-1, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Frota is an inch and a half taller and has six inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Frota. Robertson with a front kick to the face, and Frota lands a counter left. Side kicks to the thigh from Robertson, then they clinch up and Robertson gets a takedown. Frota has half guard, quickly gets to full guard and is threatening with her guard. Robertson has a bit of a knee slice pass going on but her leg is more stuck than actually pushing through. A few elbows from Robertson then a right as she’s trying to open up the guard. They wind up inverted, so Frota has a kind of donkey guard going on and moves to a body triangle. Robertson with a few hammer fists, Frota actually tosses up a reverse triangle choke that gets locked position. There’s no real bite on the neck though and she’s having to try and adjust. Robertson gets her arm out of danger and winds up in side control. Some elbows from Robertson, and Frota is bleeding around the left eyebrow. Frota gets to half guard, Robertson is looking for a double wrist lock and instead lands some elbows to try and open that up. The round will close out in that spot.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Robertson

ROUND TWO: Robertson is circling early, lands a body kick. Frota is coming forward but is just kind of following. Robertson gets a single leg and spins her down with relative ease and lands in half guard. Punches and elbows from Robertson, she’s trying to target the cut on her eyebrow. Frota is trying to get her legs in play and move to a leg entanglement. Hammer fists from Frota but she loses the leg position and Robertson settles on top in full guard. Frota tries rubber guard, Robertson passes to side control. Robertson thinks about mount but gets stuck in half guard again. Now Frota tries an arm triangle from the bottom, Robertson seems unconcerned and moves to full mount then lands an elbow. More elbows from Robertson. Robertson with some more elbows, she’s looking to tee off and is able to land enough in succession to get the ref to stop things.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gillian Robertson via TKO, elbows, at 4:13 of Round 2

Mic time for Robertson after that, her first ever finish via strikes. She says the game plan was to work the grappling as usual and feels hyped about getting her first TKO. She mentions being ready for the long guard game of Frota then talks us through the finish, noting she wants to be the most active fighter in the UFC.

Here’s the finish. Robertson has a solid, and very high mount that Frota is too gassed to deal with and Robertson unloads with elbows until the ref waves things off.

That will do it for Fight Pass prelims, now to ESPN for the rest of the prelims.

Alexandre Pantoja is on a three fight winning streak and is 5-1 overall in the UFC, now he’s trying to get that to four in a row and get a bit of job security as the flyweight division seems to be on the ropes. Deiveson Figueiredo is coming off of his first ever loss when he was bested by Jussier Formiga, now he’s trying to rebound and also lay claim to continued employment even if the division closes up. Pantoja is a slight -135 favorite to +105 for Figueiredo.

Flyweight Bout: #3 Alexandre Pantoja (21-3, 125.5 lbs.) vs. #4 Deiveson Figueiredo (15-1, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Figueiredo has half an inch of reach on Pantoja. They touch gloves to get things going. Pantoja lands a leg kick. Figueiredo is stalking forward, lands a bit of a looping right. Right to the body from Figueiredo, Pantoja lands a knee to the body off of a brief tie up. Figueiredo gets a double leg after ducking under a punch and gets on top in the guard of Pantoja. Figueiredo moves to half guard, Pantoja gets guard back and fights up but eats a punch on the way. Pantoja lands a left body kick, Figueiredo lands a right. Figueiredo lands a right, things are breaking down now. Figueiredo has gone southpaw, and lands a body kick then goes orthodox. Pantoja lands a leg kick but eats a right. Figueiredo lands a right, Pantoja lands another leg kick. Lunging left hook lands for Figueiredo but Pantoja is able to get behind him and pull him down for a crab ride. Figueiredo scrambles back up but Pantoja keeps the back standing. They break and Pantoja misses a high kick. Bit of a left from Pantoja then Figueiredo lands a counter right. Figueiredo with some stance switching now, both men miss punches. Bit of a head kick from Pantoja then Figueiredo lands a right. They both miss rights, then Pantoja lands a couple of punches just as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Figueiredo

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Pantoja is the one coming forward this round, and lands a body kick. Elbow from Figueiredo in close, then he avoids a single leg attempt. Pantoja lands a right to counter a leg kick. Stepping elbow from Figueiredo, Pantoja is firing back though. Figueiredo lands a right to the body. Bit of a body kick from Figueiredo and they get close then slug things out for a few seconds where both men land. Stiff left from Figueiredo. Pantoja lands an inside leg kick. Figueiredo gets the clinch and has the back, then lands a bit of an elbow as Pantoja gets free. Pantoja gets a takedown now but Figueiredo is back up along the fence. They break without incident. Jab lands for Pantoja. Figueiredo lands a jab and a left hook. We get a bit more RoadHouse action and Figueiredo drops Pantoja then tees off from the guard as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Pantoja is bleeding from around the outside corner of his left eyebrow. Figueiredo is circling this round, he lands elbows in close as Pantoja is trying to tie him up. Pantoja lands a couple of knees from a sort of Thai clinch but Figueiredo pulls free. Jab from Figueiredo lands, Pantoja’s face is visibly a bit of a mess. Pantoja walks onto a right uppercut and Figueiredo is all ove rhim with elbows. Pantoja lands a right but Figueiredo is still closing distance with elbows and is able to push him over and get on top. Figueiredo lands some hammer fists and then lets Pantoja regain his feet. Figueiredo is stalking forward, he avoids a few punches. They trade jabs then Pantoja lands a leg kick. Figueiredo ducks under a punch and gets a takedown into full mount. Pantoja is able to get full guard but Figueiredo doesn’t care and disengages then punches him. Bit of a left from Pantoja. Figueiredo is really working the step in elbows. Both men seem to posture for a brawl but neither really wants that it seems. Pantoja lands a left hook and is after a takedown but Figueiredo gets free. Another takedown attempt from Pantoja is stuffed. Figueiredo lands a left hook to the body. Some lead hand work lands for Figueiredo and he’s making Pantoja miss. Figueiredo lands a knee to the body, Pantoja lands a right and then a left, we get one final little brawl just as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Deiveson Figueiredo via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

I for one will miss flyweights when they’re gone from the UFC. Mic time for Figueiredo, he says he likes to fight and thanks Pantoja for the fight and expresses love for Canada. He thanks Canada again, and says fighting is fun for him then tells Joe Rogan that he’s a fan.

That bit near the end of the second round.

And the end of the third.

Gavin Tucker is making his first appearance since September 2017 when he was on the wrong end of mountains of abuse from Rick Glenn, prior to that he was undefeated and had a bit of hype going. Now Tucker is trying to reclaim a bit of that positive momentum. Seung Woo Choi lost his UFC debut earlier this year and is now trying to bounce back and get that all important first UFC win. The odds closed for this one at a -115 pick ’em.

Featherweight Bout: Gavin Tucker (10-1, 145 lbs.) vs. Seung Woo Choi (7-2, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Choi is a whopping five and a half inches taller and has eight and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Tucker is fighting southpaw. A couple of punches land for Choi, Tucker is trying to find a way around the reach issues. Choi is probing with kicks, nothing terribly effective yet. Tucker decides he’s had enough of that and shoots a single leg then spins Choi down. Full guard for Choi, he moves to turtle guard, Tucker quickly jumps for his back with one hook in as they hit the fence. Choi is able to shake him off of that hook and get up but they’re still clinched. Tucker gets another takedown from the clinch, Choi wall walks and eats a knee while they’re working for position on the fence. Tucker is after more takedowns, Choi is defending now and lands a couple of elbows. Choi counters a takedown attempt and winds up holding a front headlock but Tucker with a peek out and gets after another double leg on the fence. Choi lands a knee as they break but they clinch up again. Knees to the thigh from Choi before Tucker separates. Choi lands a right to counter an inside leg kick. Tucker is in motion around the perimeter of the cage, Choi isn’t really cutting him off. They stare away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Tucker

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Tucker working kicks again while backing up, Choi lands a body kick. Single leg from Tucker, he gets a trip but Choi forces a scramble and they’re back up in the clinch. Tucker is mostly in the ride position, he lands a few lefts as Choi looks to wall walk. They’re back up, Choi lands a knee then an elbow as they break. Tucker lands a left. Choi misses a spinning elbow and they clinch again, this time Tucker has the back with one hook in. Some punches land for Tucker then he lands an illegal knee to the head of Choi so we’ve got time. The ref takes a point for that one, the knee of Choi was clearly on the ground when that knee landed. They restart on the feet at distance. They trade lefts, Choi is coming forward now and lands a body kick. Another exchange of punches. Tucker slips on a high kick but Choi can’t capitalize. They clinch after Choi misses a few punches and hit the fence. Tucker has a body lock, Choi with a bit of an elbow as they break though. Choi with a left hook then a knee to the body as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 9-9 DRAW after the point deduction, 19-18 Tucker overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Choi is coming forward and lands a couple of body kicks. Tucker with a bit of a left then he forces a clinch on the fence. Choi is defending this time and lands some knees to the body. They break without incident. Choi is still coming forward, lands a body kick and they trade rights. Another single leg attempt from Tucker but Choi is able to force the clinch. Choi counters a takedown attempt, Tucker is able to keep wrestling though and get a ride position. They’re back up and still clinched, then Choi hits a trip takedown into side control. Choi nearly gets the back but Tucker is able to get up and they resume clinch fighting. Tucker gets a bit of a trip and then gets the back with both hooks in. Tucker flattens Choi out, gets the choke, and forces the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gavin Tucker via Submission, rear naked choke, at 3:17 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Tucker for his work this evening. Mic time for Tucker, he says everyone forgot him but hopes they remember him now. He says the last two years have been tough but he’s built for that. He mentions Choi being tough on the ground, then notes this was his first win as a new jiu-jitsu black belt and that he wants to add more notches to it.

Fairly basic stuff from Tucker, gets the hooks, flattens Choi out, and then is able to attack the neck through the hand fighting.

Hakeem Dawodu has gone 2-1 in the UFC but is on a two fight winning streak and is looking to extend that here while proving he could do with a step up in competition. Yoshinori Horie is making his UFC debut on the back of a two fight winning streak and hoping to take out a much hyped prospect. Dawodu is a hefty -400 favorite against a +310 payout for Horie.

Featherweight Bout: Hakeem Dawodu (9-1-1, 146 lbs.) vs. Yoshinori Horie (8-1, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Dawodu has three and a half inches of reach advantage. Horie is bouncing around early, Dawodu looking to stalk forward. Dawodu avoids a few wild punches. Leg kick from Horie. Dawodu lands a calf kick and blocks the counter right. More movement from Horie, I’m not sure what he’s looking for. Dawodu with a badly time spinning back kick that misses. Horie lands a right to counter a body kick that drops Dawodu for a second. Glancing right from Horie lands. Bit of an overhand right from Horie lands then a right to the body. Lunging left hook off balances Dawodu then Horie lands a leg kick. Horie with a takedown off of a body kick but Dawodu is back up and lands a bit of a left. They clash on punches but neither man lands flush to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Horie

ROUND TWO: Bit of a right from Horie then Dawodu avoids a takedown attempt. A couple of leg kicks from Dawodu but they’re high near the hip. The lack of cage cutting from Dawodu is a bit surprising, and he eats a right. Horie digs a left to the body. They get close and Dawodu with some knees to the body and a couple of elbows before they break. Horie lands a lunging left jab then a right and takes a knee to the body. Leg kick from Horie lands. Dawodu lands a leg kick but he’s really struggling to get anything off effectively. Horie misses a right and Dawodu lands a counter right. Dawodu slips a left and lands a left hook of his own then a body kick. Horie punches to the clinch but can’t do much, Dawodu lands a couple of knees before they break. Horie lands a right, they clinch then break without incident. Horie lands another left to the body, Dawodu lands a couple of solid punches then they circle away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Dawodu, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Horie lands a jab to get this round going. Dawodu misses some punches but lands a body kick. Horie with another right to counter a front kick. Horie lands a right. Left to the body from Horie and Dawodu lands a left body kick. They clinch and Dawodu with some knees to the body then a body kick as they break apart. They trade jabs, Horie lands a left hook as well. Horie lands a left hook, Dawodu lands one of his own. Dawodu lands a knee to the body that hurts Horie and he’s looking to tee off on the fence before they tie up. More knees and elbows from Dawodu but Horie gets free and circles. Horie misses a punch and they clinch again, more knees from Dawodu to the body and head then a head kick while mostly still in the clinch. Elbows from Dawodu as Horie pulls free. Horie lands a left to the body. Horie lands a jab, they clinch again and Dawodu goes back to kneeing the body. Dawodu with knees and elbows, Horie fires back and gets free but he’s bleeding around the eye. Dawodu with a knee to the body then a head kick that drops Horie and the ref waves this one off.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Hakeem Dawodu via TKO, knee and head kick, at 4:09 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Dawodu for his work this evening. Mic time for Dawodu, he says he was frustrated by the movement of Horie and accuses him of running. He puts over the city of Edmonton, and notes his personal history here. He notes that he got better as the fight went on, then says he wants in on the upcoming Vancouver card and says that Canadian MMA is coming back. When talking us through the finish he dedicates the fight to the step father of his girlfriend who recently passed away.

Here’s the finish. If you have to duck to get out of the Thai clinch be sure to keep your hands up, otherwise this might happen.

Alexis Davis is on a two fight losing streak and hoping to halt that downward spiral with a win here. Viviane Araujo had a successful UFC debut on short notice up at bantamweight when she knocked out Talita Bernardo, now she’s on a four fight winning streak and looking to add the name of respected veteran Davis to her hit list. Araujo is the -185 favorite to a +155 comeback for Davis.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: #7 Alexis Davis (19-9, 125 lbs.) vs. #15 Viviane Araujo (7-1, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Davis is two inches taller but the reach is identical. They touch gloves to get us going. Araujo lands a jab, she’s moving well early and is looking to land punches. Leg kick from Araujo after she landed a right. They clinch and Davis lands a right as they break. Inside leg kick from Davis. Araujo lands a right. They trade rights, Davis isn’t as fast but is looking to counter when Araujo hangs out too long in the pocket. Araujo with some more jabs from the outside, Davis’ face is already swelling a bit. Solid one two from Araujo. Davis tries a kick but Araujo catches it and drops her with a punch then lands a few leg kicks before Davis is made to stand back up. Araujo lands another right, Davis land a right in close. Another right lands for Araujo, Davis just doesn’t have the reaction time to slip the punches. Davis lands a right, Araujo is slowing down after doing a lot of bouncing and exploding so far. Araujo lands a right to the body and eats a counter right. Jab from Araujo then a right. Davis lands an inside leg kick. A couple of rights land for Araujo as she’s circling. Davis lands another inside leg kick. They clinch up and trade short punches on the break. Davis lands a body kick. Araujo lands a leg kick then they clash on knees as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Araujo

ROUND TWO: Araujo is back to bouncing around, Davis is coming forward trying to corral her. They trade a few jabs and Araujo lands a right. Davis eats a few more punches, tries a takedown but is stuffed and eats another one two. Short uppercut lands for Araujo. Davis with a glancing body kick. Araujo lands a right to counter a right. Another right lands for Araujo then a jab. Another jab from Araujo has the nose of Davis bleeding. Araujo gets a takedown, Davis is able to threaten with a heel hook and uses that to get on top in the guard of Araujo. Davis lands a couple of punches but she can’t pass the guard of Araujo yet. Davis lands a few elbows. The round will end with a few more blows from Davis.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Davis, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They hug to start the final round. Both women land rights. Araujo lands a jab as she’s trying to stay mobile. Right from Araujo then a series of jabs as she circles. That jab is lightning for Araujo and Davis is just eating them. A right from Araujo and Davis is bleeding again. Davis is after a double leg, they hit the fence though and stall out. Araujo lands a knee as they break. Araujo is pretty gassed though, Davis lands a body kick and a back fist. Right lands for Araujo. Davis again with the body kick to back fist. The left eye of Davis is swelling badly now. Araujo back to jabbing and lands a right to counter a body kick. Davis dives for a takedown and winds up pulling the loosest of half guards, Araujo steps free and makes her stand up after a few moments. Davis lands a body kick, Araujo lands a jab. Araujo lands a right. Davis pushes into a clinch and they hit the fence. A few knees from Davis to the leg. They’ll just run out the clock there.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Viviane Araujo via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Araujo gets an interview after that, she starts with heavily accented English and puts over Canada and Davis then thanks her family and coaches. She gives support to all the women struggling out there and says her success is the result of a lot of hard work then puts over her English teacher. Whoever they were they’ve done a good job with her English.

That’s it for prelims, time for PPV for the main card.

Marc-Andre Barriault lost an eight fight winning streak in his UFC debut when he lost to Andrew Sanchez, now he’s trying to rebound from that and get his first UFC win. Krzysztof Jotko just broke a three fight losing streak in April of this year, now he’s hoping to build on that momentum and get his first UFC winning streak since 2016. Jotko is the -190 favorite while Barriault’s comeback sits at +160.

Middleweight Bout: Marc-Andre Barriault (11-2, 184.5 lbs.) vs. Krzysztof Jotko (20-4, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Jotko has three inches of reach on Barriault. They touch gloves, Jotko fighting southpaw. Jotko lands a side kick to the body. Barriault misses a couple of punches and Jotko gets a clinch on the fence. Knees to the thigh from Jotko. Barriault lands a knee of his own, eats an elbow and is able to get Jotko on the fence. Jotko spins him back and lands a few more knees to the thigh. They break without incident. Jotko blocks a few kicks and lands a knee to the body. Barriault is looking for a way in, eats an uppercut. Barriault pushes forward, they hit the fence and clinch again but break quickly this time. Bit of a left hook from Jotko. Barriault walks into an upward elbow. They get into another clinch, Barriault lands an elbow after eating a couple of knees. More knees from Jotko then he looks for a high crotch, he can’t finish it though and has to settle for landing a knee as Barriault separates. Barriault gets a takedown but gets reversed against the fence, they’re in the clinch again as the round ends..

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jotko

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Circling from Jotko, Barriault lands a right. Barriault pushes into a clinch, Jotko lands a right as they tie up. They break and Barriault misses a couple of punches. Bit of a left from Jotko. Barriault basically walks forward enough to get another clinch. Jotko lands an elbow as they break. Bit of a knee from Jotko and he tries a double leg but that hits the fence and stalls out. Things are stalling out a bit, Barriault lands a couple of body shots. Jotko lands an uppercut as they break. Barriault lands a right. Jotko lands another lunging uppercut and they tie up yet again. A few punches go back and forth but not much on them as they fight for position. Jotko lands a knee to the body, now Barriault thinks about a single leg but Jotko counters nicely and has him on the fence again before they break. Both guys look tired. Barriault gets a takedown but Jotko immediately sweeps him into full mount as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Jotko tries a knee tap but Barriault is able to get to the fence and stall that out. Knees to the thigh from Jotko. The ref isn’t terribly interested in how little is happening, Jotko tries a takedown but Barriault uses the fence and they separate. Barriault walks for a clinch and lands an elbow then they break. Jotko lands a right as they clinch again then Barriault misses an uppercut on the break. Barriault blocks a few offensive offerings and they clinch again. They trade elbows and break. Bit of a body kick from Jotko, then he tries a double leg that stalls on the cage. They trade short blows as they break. A few short elbows from Barriault as they clinch up yet again then break. Barriault blocks an uppercut and lands a jab. They trade again, and Barriault pushes to a clinch and lands a couple of elbows. Jotko lands an elbow as they break. Bit of a right from Barriault. Jotko finally gets his double leg in open space and he’s in the guard of Barriault as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Barriault, 29-28 Jotko overall

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

Sure, put the top ranked flyweights on the prelims and have that kick off the PPV. No interview for Jotko, but I’m sure a lot of sleep deprived people are grateful.

Olivier Aubin-Mercier was thought to be a future star for a while, but currently finds himself on a two fight losing streak and badly needing a win. Arman Tsarukyan may have lost his twelve fight winning streak earlier this year when he dropped a decision to Islam Makhachev but he made the fight very competitive, now he’s looking to prove that wasn’t a fluke performance and get his first UFC win. Tsarukyan is the -150 favorite to a +120 comeback on Aubin-Mercier.

Lightweight Bout: Olivier Aubin-Mercier (11-4, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Arman Tsarukyan (13-2, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Aubin-Mercier is two inches taller while Tsarukyan has two inches of reach on him. They touch gloves for the first round, Aubin-Mercier fighting southpaw. Some battling for hand position early, Aubin-Mercier lands an inside leg kick. Tsarukyan lands a couple of punches and tries a takedown that hits the fence. Aubin-Mercier is fighting to stay upright and is able to pull free. Tsarukyan catches a head kick and drives Aubin-Mercier to the fence with a clinch. Tsarukyan is after a single leg, Aubin-Mercier is trying to limp leg out of it but can’t get free of the clinch. They break without incident. Aubin-Mercier lands a jab. Stepping knee from Aubin-Mercier lands and Tsarukyan lands a punch. Aubin-Mercier lands a body kick but again Tsarukyan catches it and drives him to the fence. Tsarukyan has the ride position and lands a few lefts. Aubin-Mercier is back up but Tsarukyan has his back and is looking for mat returns. Knees to the thigh from Tsarukyan as Aubin-Mercier is looking to get up and separate. Tsarukyan lands a few lefts and is getting closer and closer to getting Aubin-Mercier flat on the mat. More knees from Tsarukyan to the thigh and kidney then a series of elbows as Aubin-Mercier gets free. Aubin-Mercier tries a jumping attack that misses as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Tsarukyan

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves to get the round going. Aubin-Mercier with a body kick, Tsarukyan fires back. Bit of a left from Aubin-Mercier. Tsarukyan has a combination mostly blocked then they trade body kicks. Single leg from Tsarukyan, Aubin-Mercier is able to limp leg but they still wind up clinched. Now it’s Aubin-Mercier working for the single leg, nearly gets it but a fence grab from Tsarukyan stalls it and they break. Tsarukyan misses a couple of kicks, Aubin-Mercier lands a couple of body kicks. Aubin-Mercier lands a stepping knee to the face that wobbles Tsarukyan. Tsarukyan tries a single leg but Aubin-Mercier is able to limp let free. Inside leg kick from Tsarukyan then Aubin-Mercier misses a high kick. Tsarukyan with a single leg attempt that hits the fence. Aubin-Mercier spins free rather quickly this time and we’re at distance. Tsarukyan lands a right to counter a kick. Aubin-Mercier lands an inside leg kick. Tsarukyan lands an uppercut. Bit of a right hook from Aubin-Mercier then a jab. Aubin-Mercier avoids a high kick and lands a body kick. Tsarukyan lands a body kick then misses a couple of punches to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Aubin-Mercier, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Tsarukyan lands a couple of rights and is after a single leg quickly but Aubin-Mercier limp legs free. They clinch up in space this time, then break free without incident. Body kick from Tsarukyan, then Aubin-Mercier lands a knee to the chest as they clinch. Aubin-Mercier has the body lock at the moment, Tsarukyan lands a few knees to the body then reverses a trip attempt and lands on top in the guard of Aubin-Mercier. Tsarukyan stacks up Aubin-Mercier and lands a left. They trade elbows. Tsarukyan lands another left and is looking to pass but Aubin-Mercier is blocking that. Tsarukyan lands a few punches. Aubin-Mercier tosses up a triangle attempt but Tsarukyan easily postures through it and lands a couple of punches. Elbows from Tsarukyan land. Tsarukyan is landing some more blows, he’s really keeping busy so they wont get stood up. Half guard now for Tsarukyan, Aubin-Mercier gets full guard back as the clock runs down.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Arman Tsarukyan via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Nothing terribly memorable there, but then again I can’t remember the last entertaining Aubin-Mercier fight. No interview for Tsarukyan.

Geoff Neal has gone 3-0 in the UFC against an increasing level of opposition, now he’s looking to continue that run and possibly earn a shot at someone in or around the top fifteen of the division. Niko Price has gone 2-1 in his last three fights and is coming off of a win over Tim Means, he’s trying for another UFC winning streak as well as earning a step up in competition. Neal is your favorite at -330 to +260 for Price.

Welterweight Bout: Geoff Neal (11-2, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Niko Price (13-2 1 NC, 169 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Price has an inch of height and reach over Neal. Neal fighting southpaw and they touch gloves to get us going. Both men bouncing a bit, Neal just looking for an angle of attack. Bit of a jab lands for Neal. Price lands an inside leg kick. Neal lands a left in close as they clinch up then Neal with an elevated takedown, they roll a bit and Neal nearly has a crucifix choke. Price comes up with a single leg attempt but Neal turns him to the fence and lands lefts to the head. They separate without incident. Neal lands a left. Neal lands a left but eats a front kick to the body. Price is getting his kicking game going now. Neal with a straight left and they clinch, trade knees then hit the fence. Quick combination of punches from Neal as they break. Price with a couple of head kicks that are partially blocked they both land power hand punches but it’s Neal that drops and Price is on top of him now. Neal gets full guard, commentary tells me there was a clash of heads on that exchange and I believe it. Price lands a right as Neal regains his feet, they clinch up again on the fence. Neal gets a takedown and has the back of Price. Full mount for Neal and he fires a couple of elbows as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Neal

ROUND TWO: Neal bouncing around again, lands a straight left and we get some brawling in close. Price grabs a guillotine and sits for it but loses the grip and Neal moves to half guard. Neal has moved to side control, Price lets go of the neck. Price gets full guard back but he’s bleeding from the nose. Neal with a few punches. Neal postures up and tees off with punches, Price might have gone out for a second. More offense from Neal, Price tries a couple of elbows but he’s getting smashed, Neal goes full Donkey Kong and prompts the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Geoff Neal via TKO, punches, at 2:39 of Round 2

Well the main card now has some life. Neal on the mic after that, he says that was a wild fight but expected it since he was fighting Price. He mentions Price is hard to hit so he knew he’d have to commit to throwing punches to find success. He says that Price dropped him twice but he kept his wits about him and kept things going his way then talks us through the finish.

Here’s the start to the second round.

And a few angles for the finish.

Cris “Cyborg” Justino is coming off of her first loss since her professional debut in 2005 when she was starched by Amanda Nunes, she’s trying to rebound from that loss and possibly get a rematch with Nunes in the near future. Felicia Spencer is undefeated and coming off of a win in her UFC debut when she choked out Megan Anderson, now she’s looking for what would be the biggest win of her career. Justino is a big -575 favorite to a +400 payout on Spencer.

Women’s Featherweight Bout: Cris “Cyborg” Justino (20-2 1 NC, 146 lbs.) vs. Felicia Spencer (7-0, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Justino is two inches taller but the reach is identical. Circling to start, Justino lands a bit of a right and a high kick. Spencer tries a double leg but can’t get it going. Stepping elbow from Spencer, Justino lands a couple of counters and they clinch. Knees to the body from Justino but she’s cut on the forehead. A few more knees from Justino to the body, but she can’t get free. A knee and a series of punches from Justino as they break. Spencer can take a punch of nothing else. Hard leg kick from Justino drops Spencer for a second. Another leg kick from Justino then a jab. Justino lands a punch then another right. Spencer with a stepping elbow. Justino lands an inside leg kick then a couple of punches. Spencer with the left elbow again, Justino returns fire and they wind up clinched again. More knees from Justino to the body. Spencer is trying those obscure back elbows but isn’t finding the target. Justino lands to the body again. The round will close with another flurry from Justino.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Justino

ROUND TWO: Justino opens with kicks, Spencer catches a head kick though and drives to a clinch. They break as Justino avoids a takedown attempt but Spencer pushes to another clinch. A few more knees from Justino but Spencer is keeping tight to her. Spencer winds up pulling half guard and Justino unloads with punches then disengages. More punches from Justino, Spencer is able to try and tie up along the fence but Justino passes to north-south. Justino with knees to the body. Spencer is kind of reaching for an omoplata with her legs but there’s nothing really there. Justino fully disengages and makes Spencer stand up. Spencer lands a left to counter a leg kick. Some jabs from Justino then a knee. Justino lands a right to the body then a right to the head. Spencer misses a wheel kick as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Justino back to the leg kicks, Spencer misses an elbow strike. Inside leg kick from Justino. Another leg kick from Justino lands then a couple of jabs. Spencer lands a leg kick. Spencer tries to rush for a clinch but eats a couple of knees and has to back off. Justino with a jab then a couple of body shots. They trade high kicks, Spencers landed better. Another clinch for Spencer and Justino immediately lands knees to the body. Elbow from Justino lands. Spencer lands a knee of her own but Justino with a few more then an elbow that hurts Spencer. Justino with a flurry but Spencer forces a clinch and busy herself time to recover. More knees from Justino to the body and head. They break as both women miss jabs. Bit of a leg kick from Justino and Spencer lands a jab then changes her stance. Spencer misses an elbow and eats a couple of left hooks. Jabs from Justino then a couple of body shots. Hard right from Justino then a body kick but Spencer just eats it all. They get closer and Justino tires to unload as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Justino based on the discrepancy for that frame, 30-26 Justino overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Cris “Cyborg” Justino via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Credit to Spencer for being tough as nails. Mic time for Justino, she thanks the crowd for coming out and thanks Spencer for giving her her first cut in MMA and feels blessed to be here. She puts over Spencer as tough and notes that seeing all the women coming into the sport makes her proud. Asked about what’s next she says she wants the UFC to talk with her management and is happy to have won but definitely wants to rematch Amanda Nunes.

Frankie Edgar is a legend of the sport and a former UFC lightweight champion, now he’s getting his third shot at a featherweight title. Edgar is trying to move his career into truly rarefied air by becoming a two division champion. He would also have the longest time between title reigns in terms of days as he was last champion in February of 2012, it would overcome Vitor Belfort who’s time between besting Wanderlei Silva for the “middleweight” title and somewhat flukey win over Randy Couture. Georges St-Pierre’s comeback win over Bisping is in third on that list, happening two weeks faster than Belfort’s or it’s just second if you want to discount that Silva and Belfort fight. Max Holloway is coming off of his first loss in thirteen fights when he moved up to lightweight but was a bit out matched in terms of power by Dustin Poirier, now he’s back at featherweight and is going for his second defense of the featherweight title. Holloway is already arguably the best featherweight ever and he’s now trying to move into the best ever discussion by taking out another UFC legend and former champion. The odds are with the champion Holloway at -360 to a +280 comeback on Edgar.

Featherweight Title Bout: (c) Max Holloway (20-3, 145 lbs.) vs. #4 Frankie Edgar (23-6-1, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Holloway is five inches taller but only has one inch of reach on Edgar, he’s also a full decade younger. Holloway opens orthodox but will switch his stance at times. Edgar trying to jab but falling short. Holloway lands a left hook. Bit of a left from Edgar. A few jabs from Holloway sneak through the guard. Neither guy is in much of a hurry, Holloway lands an uppercut and avoids a takedown attempt. Edgar lands a leg kick. Edgar misses a couple of punches in close. They get close, Edgar lands a right. Holloway lands a couple of jabs. Right from Holloway lands. Left to the body from Holloway. They trade lefts. Edgar with another leg kick, Holloway lands a left. Holloway fades a couple of jabs and lands an uppercut. Right to the body for Holloway. Edgar goes back to the leg kick. Holloway misses a high kick then lands a jab. A jab from Holloway will close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Holloway

ROUND TWO: Holloway comes out jabbing and backing up Edgar. Edgar falls short on a punch and lands a leg kick. Holloway lands a right and avoids some counters. Hard left to the body from Holloway then a right hook. Edgar lands a left in close quarters. Edgar lands a leg kick. Holloway angles away in close and lands a right. Double leg from Edgar but they hit the fence and Holloway separates. Left then a right from Holloway, he seems to have a read on Edgar now. Holloway with another right then a few jabs at distance. Edgar misses a couple of kicks and Holloway punches him in the abdomen. They trade rights. Holloway with a stiff left hook. Holloway with another uppercut, he’s keeping Edgar at the distance he wants so far. Another body shot from Holloway then they trade rights in close. Holloway back to jabbing and avoiding counters. Edgar can’t hit the knee tap and Holloway cracks him with a right. More jabs from Holloway and he avoids a kick. The distance is really giving Edgar problems outside of his leg kicks. Holloway avoids a knee tap and blocks the punch from Edgar. A combination lands for Holloway. Edgar misses a wheel kick, Holloway off balances him with a spinning back kick as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: There’s a bit of swelling around the left eye of Edgar from all those jabs. Holloway back to jabbing, Edgar is after a single leg but can’t finish it again. Bit of a leg kick from Edgar lands. Edgar eats a left but lands a counter right. Holloway lands a couple of jabs. Edgar lands a right to the body, Holloway returns it. Holloway lands a left but again Edgar is able to find a bit of the counter right. Holloway lands a right then a knee to the body off of a brief clinch. Edgar with a spinning back kick that mostly lands. They trade one twos in close. Holloway lands another jab, and another. Edgar tries a single leg, Holloway avoids it and lands a combination of punches. Body kick from Holloway then an uppercut. Another uppercut from Holloway and a knee, Edgar is hurt and backing up and Holloway is looking to swarm. Edgar is able to tie up and gets a double leg along the fence to buy himself time but Holloway is sitting against the fence. Edgar looks to land some offense, Holloway is back up and lands a knee to the body as the round ends.

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

ROUND FOUR: Holloway back to offense, Edgar tries a single leg that Holloway defends and lands a right. Edgar lands a right but Holloway is rolling with all of his punches. More jabs from Holloway. Bit of a body kick from Edgar but Holloway is pressuring him. Edgar lands a right. Holloway still jabbing well, and he avoids another single leg attempt. Edgar tries the knee tap, they wind up on the fence clinched. Holloway is able to separate without issue. Edgar lands a body shot but Holloway lands a couple of counters and Edgar is bleeding again. Left hook lands for Holloway. Edgar tries a couple of body kicks, one lands but Holloway is just unphased by any of it. Holloway kicks over Edgar’s head. Holloway lands a right. Edgar lands a couple of punches and eats another jab. Holloway avoids a combination. Edgar lands a right to the body and a leg kick but Holloway counters and wobbles him. More punches from Holloway and he avoids a takedown attempt. Edgar reaches for a knee tap, Holloway defends as they hit the fence. Edgar lands a body shot as they break then they split jabs. Holloway with a spinning back kick to the body as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Holloway but probably Edgar’s best round, 40-36 Holloway overall

ROUND FIVE: Holloway avoids a couple of punches to get the round going. Jabs from Holloway now to keep Edgar at bay. Holloway lands a right and eats a leg kick. More jabs from Holloway. Edgar tries a single leg, they hit the fence though and Holloway is able to stuff it then separate. Edgar lands a right. Sharp right from Holloway then a jab. Another right from Holloway then some jabs. Holloway with more jabs, he’s landing that almost at will now. Edgar misses a combination. Holloway with jabs then a right to the body. Long right then a series of jabs and an uppercut from Holloway. Edgar’s eye is busted up now, he tries a single leg but Holloway sprawls and separates. Holloway lands a right and slips the counters. That jab from Holloway is a laser and he lands a couple of rights as well. Holloway lands a left hook. Edgar lands a couple of body shots but he can’t reliably close distance and Holloway is carving him up with long punches. Holloway with a spinning back kick that mostly misses, Edgar gets a clinch off of it, they break and trade kicks that miss. A Holloway jab fittingly lands as the clock runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Holloway, 50-45 Holloway overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and STILL UFC Featherweight Champion – Max Holloway via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 48-47))

The scores were initially announced as 50-45, 50-45, and 48-47 but since no one can actually do grade school level math the correction is included in official decision.

OK, whoever gave Edgar 2 rounds can piss right off. At best he edged out the first. Mic time for Holloway who notes people doubted his ability to say with Edgar for five rounds and he wanted to prove them wrong, he says the Blessed Express is still here. Asked about his future he says if they need a heavyweight replacement he’s down and puts over Edgar as a guy who inspired him to be a fighter.

Rogan moves over to talk with Edgar now, he says he expected everything Holloway brought and calls him a stud and the best guy in the world. He says his strategy was to mix it up and feels he did OK, then says it’s tough to lose in front of his family like this. Asked about possibly moving to bantamweight he defers, hugs his son and says he’s not done at all.

We get an interview with top contender Alexander Volkanovski cage side, he feels the fight was slightly more competitive than the scores reflected and talks through a few technical things from the fight. Asked about the distance management that Holloway has he feels that he’s comfortable out of range as well as in the pocket and notes that Holloway is good at giving you claustrophobia and feels that he wont crumble under it and thinks he matches up well with Holloway then puts him over as a true champion. He feels he brings a bit more KO power than Edgar does and notes that he feels more comfortable all the way out of range and methodically working in rather than rushing. Asked about the schedule that Holloway has been keeping this year he feels Holloway could fight in October or at least hopes he can so they can fight in Australia and help break records. They note that he made weight as an alternate to the main event and he briefly petitions again for that featherweight title shot in Australia.

That will basically bring UFC 240 to a close. Thanks to all of you for reading, be that live or after the fact. Next week the UFC is back on ESPN and will have a very early start time. I think the prelims for that event start at noon eastern so be aware if you’re looking to watch it. We’ll be breaking down all the action from this card as well as previewing that event, headlined by Robbie Lawler vs. Colby Covington, Sunday on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast so be sure to subscribe to the 411 podcasting network wherever you get your on demand audio. I’ll be back next week for that UFC on ESPN event, I hope you’ll come by as well. Until then thanks again for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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