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411’s UFC 245 Report: Usman Wins

December 15, 2019 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC 245, Kamaru Usman vs. Colby Covington

MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)
(c) Kamaru Usman (170 lbs.) vs. #2 Colby Covington (170 lbs.) – for welterweight title
(c) Max Holloway (145 lbs.) vs. #1 Alexander Volkanovski (144.5 lbs.) – for featherweight title
(c) Amanda Nunes (134.5 lbs.) vs. #1 Germaine de Randamie (134.5 lbs.) – for women’s bantamweight title
Jose Aldo (136 lbs.) vs. #1 Marlon Moraes (135.5 lbs.)
#12 Urijah Faber (135.5 lbs.) vs. #4 Petr Yan (135.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN2, 8 p.m. ET)
#14 Geoff Neal (170 lbs.) vs. Mike Perry (170.5 lbs.)
#10 Irene Aldana (135.5 lbs.) vs. #2 Ketlen Vieira (136 lbs.)
#14 Omari Akhmedov (185.5 lbs.) vs. #10 Ian Heinisch (185.5 lbs.)
Matt Brown (171 lbs.) vs. Ben Saunders (170 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+, 6:15 p.m. ET)
Chase Hooper (144.5 lbs.) vs. Daniel Teymur (145.5 lbs.)
#6 Kai Kara-France (125.5 lbs.) vs. #5 Brandon Moreno (125.5 lbs.)
#2 Jessica Eye (131 lbs.)* vs. #5 Viviane Araujo (126 lbs.)
Oskar Piechota (186 lbs.) vs. Punahele Soriano (185.5 lbs.)


Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC 245. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host, relaying all of the action to you just as I see it. Tonight is the final UFC PPV of the year, and they’re going out with a definite bang. A triple header of title fights two of which are excellent and one of which is the best the division can offer right now. The main event is for the welterweight title as newly minted champion Kamaru Usman takes on former interim champion Colby Covington in a battle of great wrestlers with opposite approaches to wearing down their opposition. The co-main event is the one I’m most looking forward to as featherweight champion Max Holloway tries for another title defense against surging number one contender Alexander Volkanovski. Also there’s a rematch between Amanda Nunes and Germaine de Randamie, this time for Nunes’ bantamweight title. Really the main card is just great, the other two fights are both bantamweight affairs, one the bantamweight debut of featherweight all time great Jose Aldo against former title challenger Marlon Moraes and then MMA legend Urijah Faber continues his second run against rising contender Petr Yan.

The under card isn’t too bad, Geoff Neal and Mike Perry should be good violent fun, Ketlen Vieira finally returning from injury brings some needed life to women’s bantamweight, and Matt Brown vs. Ben Saunders should also feature plenty of violence. On the early prelims the standout fight on paper is a flyweight bout between Kai Kara-France and Brandon Moreno, assuming flyweight is actually a division at this point. Now we just really really hope that in practice it’s as good or better than it is on paper.

UFC 245 comes to the world from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. On commentary we have Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, and Daniel Cormier with Megan Olivi handling on site reporting. As for the rules, I think we’re under the new ones but with a few twists. First the old downed rule is in effect, you only need one hand down but I do think it has to be weight bearing though that hasn’t been clarified on the broadcast. Also instant replay can be used at any point, and they don’t include the usual “once it’s been used the fight cannot be restarted” disclaimer which could be very interesting if that’s not the case. I’m going to assume we’re using the new scoring criteria as well, so 10-8’s are more encouraged.

Feel free to check out the latest 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast, which includes the preview for this event, while we’re waiting for things to get going.

Punahele Soriano is undefeated coming into his UFC debut, most recently winning on The Contender Series. Soriano is hoping to remain perfect and score his all important first UFC win. Oskar Piechota has gone 2-2 in the UFC but is currently on a two fight losing streak being submitted by Gerald Meerschaert and Rodolof Vieira, now he’s hoping to break that streak and get his UFC record above the .500 mark. The odds are with Soriano at -125 to a -105 on Piechota.

Middleweight Bout: Oskar Piechota (11-2-1, 186 lbs.) vs. Punahele Soriano (6-0, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Piechota is an inch taller and has three and a half inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Soriano, they touch gloves to get us going. Both men miss a few kicks, Piechota is circling around the perimeter of the cage. Leg kick from Piechota lands. Neither man really has a feel for the range and timing yet, just feeling each other out. Soriano lands a left in close, then another that drops Piechota and he’s looking to finish this on the mat. Soriano is swarming, Piechota gives up the back and Soriano gets both hooks in. Piechota is looking to control an arm and spin into the guard, he gets a hook out and looks to come up on top against the fence. They’re up, Piechota goes for a kimura roll, uses that to get a front headlock as they stand again and Piechota lands a knee to the head. Soriano now up looking for a takedown, Piechota thinks about the kimura roll again but loses the grip as they hit the mat. Both mne back up and Soriano lands a left. Soriano backs Piechota to the fence, and lands a couple of lefts one of which floors Piechota and this one is over.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Punahele Soriano via KO, punches, at 3:17 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Soriano for his work this evening. Solid enough debut for Soriano, who gets an interview now. He dedicates the fight a close friend who passed away in October. He acknowledges Octagon jitters, joking he could barely control himself back stage, then talks us through the finish.

Piechota never moves his head off of the center line, and while Soriano’s shot selection is rather rote it works if your opponent isn’t going to do anything about it.

Jessica Eye just suffered her first loss at flyweight in the UFC earlier this year when she got head kicked into oblivion by Valentina Shevchenko, now she’s trying to avoid another UFC losing streak. Eye also missed weight by a whopping five pounds for this fight, and adding a loss to a bad weight miss can be a career killer. Viviane Araujo is on a five fight winning streak including two wins in the UFC, she’s looking to keep that momentum going over a former title challenger. Araujo is the favorite at -190 to a +160 comeback on Eye.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: #2 Jessica Eye (14-7 1 NC, 131 lbs.) vs. #5 Viviane Araujo (8-1, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Eye is two inches taller but Araujo has two inches of reach advantage. Eye starts by flashing the jab and misses a few kicks. Araujo with a blitz attack that’s partially successful. Counter right lands for Araujo. Body kick from Araujo, Eye lands a counter left. They trade rights, Araujo landed better. Eye tries to clinch up but can’t secure it and they break. Eye lands a right to the body. They split jabs, then Araujo lands a left hook flush. Bit of a right from Eye. Araujo catches a kick and gets a takedown into half guard. Short elbows from Araujo, she’s more trying to set up a pass than anything with those. Eye is staying on a hip and controlling posture. Araujo lands some punches and winds up nearly getting the back, Eye scrambles up though and we’re at distance again. Eye lands a couple of lead leg kicks, and eats a left. Swinging right from Eye partially lands. Araujo avoids a takedown attempt, gets the clinch but can’t do anything with it. Eye gets backed into the fence, they trade leg kicks and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Araujo

ROUND TWO: Araujo comes out pressing forward this round, they both land rights. Eye is flatter on her feet this round, and misses a right. Right to the body from Eye lands. Eye lands a glancing overhand right. Araujo lands a jab. A few body shots from Eye, Araujo keeps her hands low but her guard high and her body is open. One two from Araujo lands, Eye lands a counter right. A few leg kicks from Eye, she’s keeping a good pace generally. Another Eye kick is caught, this time just a clinch though and Araujo can’t do anything with it. Some stance switching from Araujo, her left leg is really feeling the amount of leg kicks she’s taken. More leg kicks from Eye. Araujo lands a left to the body. Double leg from Araujo into side control, she nearly gets to leg drag. A few blows land for Araujo as Eye regains her feet and separates. Eye lands a right. Eye is the one coming forward now, she lands to the leg again. Araujo lands a right. Eye avoids a punch and gets a clinch, which is where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Eye, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: A lot of motion from Araujo but Eye is still firing leg kicks to slow her down. They trade punches, Araujo lands a leg kick. Eye is coming forward again, lands a right to the body and one to the head. Another right to the body from Eye. Araujo looks for a takedown, Eye defends and lands a knee to the body. Araujo swings an overhand right that’s partially successful. Eye avoids a takedown attempt. A lot of circling from Araujo, Eye lands a right. Araujo doesn’t really have a consistent offensive threat by this point, and Eye is stalking her. They trade jabs again. Eye swings a right to the body. Another right lands for Eye, this time Araujo fires back with limited success. Eye lands another right to the body. Araujo tries a takedown, stalls out in the clinch then they break as Eye lands a knee to the body. They wont really engage again before the fight ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jessica Eye via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Mic time for Eye, she jokes with Rogan about not being on his podcast. She apologizes for missing weight and thanks Araujo for taking the fight. She says she had a bad back injury going into the Shevchenko fight and finally feels back to herself now. To close she thanks her new coaches for their work on her behalf.

Brandon Moreno is coming off of a draw in his return to the UFC, a draw he was somewhat lucky to get. Moreno is trying to get his first UFC win since 2017 and possibly make a run in a still depleted flyweight division. Kai Kara-France is on a significant eight fight winning streak including three wins in the UFC, he’s looking to extend that streak and keep moving up in competition. The odds are with Kara-France at -155 to a +125 comeback on Moreno.

Flyweight Bout: #6 Kai Kara-France (20-7 1 NC, 125.5 lbs.) vs. #5 Brandon Moreno (15-5-1, 125.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Moreno is three inches taller but has just one inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Kara-France starts pushing forward early, feinting frequently. Moreno looks to jab and start hooking off of it. High kick from Kara-France is blocked. Kara-France lands a right but misses the follow up left hook. Both men are firing a lot early, Kara-France is still faking a lot to try and draw out Moreno. Jabs from Kara-France then a right hand. Kara-France avoids a few punches, he seems to have a read on Moreno at this point. Moreno fires a series of jabs, they both trade punches. A right from Kara-France staggers Moreno for a second then a hard leg kick. Calf kick from Kara-France lands. Moreno is becoming more and more frozen at distance, he’s eating body kicks and rights. Leg kick from Moreno but he’s really struggling to find offense. Bit of a jab from Moreno but he’s being blocked a lot. Kara-France blocks a high kick. Right from Kara-France lands and Moreno is on the fence right now. Another right from Kara-France lands, Moreno tries a high kick that’s blocked. A blocked left from Moreno closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kara-France

ROUND TWO: Kara-France comes out jabbing to the body, Moreno looking to fire back. Moreno misses a wheel kick, Kara-France lands a right to the body. Kara-France lands a jab then an inside leg kick. Moreno is trying to push forward, bit of a right from Kara-France. Moreno avoids some punches in the pocket. Body shot from Moreno, he’s really pressuring forward this round. Both men land lefts and Kara-France circles away from the cage. Moreno lands a body kick. Kara-France blocks a high kick and they trade punches. Moreno lands another body shot and tries a high kick that’s blocked. Moreno slips an uppercut and lands a left hand. Kara-France lands a right overhand. Moreno avoids a few punches. Kara-France lands an uppercut but Moreno lands a couple of counters. The left hand of Moreno has been landing a lot this round and Kara-France is bleeding from the nose. Kara-France lands a bit of a right. They both land power punches in close as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Moreno, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Kara-France back to jabbing but Moreno is firing back. Moreno blocks a few bits of offense, Kara-France then lands an inside leg kick. High kick from Kara-France is partially successful, Moreno backs up but lands a body kick. More left kicks from Moreno, aiming to the head and body. Moreno lands a left to the body. Bit of a right from Kara-France then a leg kick. Kara-France lands a right that off balances Moreno but he’s back up immediately and looking to re-engage. Calf kick from Kara-France, Moreno fires back with a combination though. A combination from Kara-France is mostly blocked. Moreno is still coming forward, but Kara-France is landing jabs. Jabs from Moreno now. Bit of a right from Kara-France, Moreno returns it. Moreno with a left to the body then a left hook to follow up. Kara-France lands a body kick. Things are breaking down in engaging ways, both men are landing. Kara-France lands a left hook, Moreno tries to counter but is blocked. Both men land rights. Moreno misses some punches, they get close and both swing and land as time runs down.

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

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

Don’t agree at all with Moreno getting the first round. Best fight of the night so far. Moreno on the mic after that one, he says he wanted to feel Kara-France’s power but once he knew he could take it he started coming on stronger. He says he’s ready for the big stage now and feels like he’s on fire.

Chase Hooper is undefeated coming into his UFC debut, and he’s looking to remain that way after introducing himself to the UFC audience. Daniel Teymur just broke a three fight losing streak to get his first UFC win, now he’s hoping to prove he’s finally found his footing in the UFC and start building on that success. The odds are close but with Hooper at -130 to an even -100 for Teymur.

Featherweight Bout: Chase Hooper (8-0-1, 144.5 lbs.) vs. Daniel Teymur (7-3, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Hooper is a whopping eight inches taller and has five inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves, Hooper fighting southpaw. Body kick from Hooper, Teymur lands a counter and then uses a front headlock to block a takedown attempt. Teymur is really locking him down with this position and they spin a bit but Hooper does get his head free. They’re clinched on the fence, Teymur is able to get on top as Hooper tries to pull guard. Armbar attempt from Hooper, Teymur pulls free and makes things restart on the feet. Teymur lands a cracking couple of rights, Hooper ties up and pulls guard to ge time to recover. Hooper wall walks, and moves to the back standing with one hook in. Teymur keeps trying to trun the position but can’t do it yet, Hooper is trying to get his arms free. Hooper kicks off of the fence and gets both hooks in. Punches from Hooper as Teymur looks to wall walk but he’s got a long time left to go in the round. Hooper gets under the chin and is locking in the choke, Teymur is really resisting the tap but his face is turning purple. Teymur actually stripped the grip and gets the choke off, crazy. Hooper on top now as they scramble and he lays into Teymur from full mount with punches. Teymur gives up the back again and Hooper is back to looking for the choke. Hooper floats to full mount, and is after a mounted triangle choke. That’s in and Hooper unloads with punches and elbows. The blows aren’t individually hard but Teymur is completely stuck and his inability to really improve his position or defend himself more effectively will prompt the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Chase Hooper via TKO, elbows and punches, at 4:34 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Hooper for his work this evening. Mic time for Hooper, he says he’s still working on the not getting hit part of the game but he didn’t get hit all that cleanly. He puts over Teymur and then says he can’t be angry about a first round finish. He talks us through the finish and says he’s really happy with this debut and then expresses his desire to eant some M&M’s in celebration.

Here’s the finish, visually it’s somewhat reminiscent of Demian Maia’s win over Ed Herman many years ago. The mounted triangle isn’t great for submissions but it’s a strong control position that also limits the safe means of motion and escape, here Hooper gets it locked in and unloads while Teymur is unable to do anything to really defend himself.

That’s it for Fight Pass prelims. We’ll be on ESPN2 for the rest of the prelims.

Matt Brown is fighting for the first time since he scrambled the remnants of Diego Sanchez’s brain back in 2017, he’s hoping to return in style and get his first UFC winning streak since 2014. Ben Saunders has been in the game for a long time, but he’s just 1-5 in his last six fights and is on a three fight losing streak that has seen him finished in all of those losses. If Saunders wants to remain in the UFC he’s in a must win situation. The odds are with Brown at -360 while a Saunders upset would payout at +280.

Welterweight Bout: Matt Brown (21-16, 171 lbs.) vs. Ben Saunders (22-12-2, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Saunders is two inches taller and has two and a half inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Saunders. Both men probing with kicks early, Brown looking to pressure forward. Brown lands a right in close. They clinch, Brown hits a foot sweep and Saunders goes to rubber guard quickly. Saunders is trying to get a triangle choke, he’s got it locked up pretty tight but Brown is still fighting. Saunders changes the side his legs are on, he keeps trying to adjust and Brown is using that to keep himself as close to safe as possible. Brown is posturing through this position, and now is looking for the Dagestani handcuff position to lock up the wrists of Saunders. Saunders keeps trying to adjust the choke but Brown doesn’t really look troubled just yet. A few elbows from Saunders but he’s struggling to get control over his own arms. There’s the arms of Saunders, he tries to pull on the head but Brown is finally able to get his head free and land punches. Saunders still has full guard and goes high with it to try and stall out the final twenty seconds of the round. Brown is looking to pass, he gets to half guard and lands elbows as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Saunders

ROUND TWO: Brown resumes pressuring forward, misses a right. Saunders is trying to kick but his legs are still fatigued from all the squeezing from the first round. Brown with a few punches that land. Elbows from Brown in close then a high kick that wobbles Saunders. Another elbow from Brown as they clinch up. Brown gets a body lock, and Saunders pulls full guard, then instantly goes to rubber guard. Brown is looking to pass again, he lands a few short elbows and then gets over the leg to half guard. Punches from Brown, and he postures up to land short elbows. Saunders is bleeding from the face as he gets rubber guard again, Brown to half guard again. Full guard for Saunders now, another rubber guard attempt from him but Brown isn’t letting him establish the same kind of control position. The ref stands them up as they have stalled out a bit. Brown catches a kick and lands a left hook. They clinch and Brown trips Saunders down then unloads on him to get a near last second stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Matt Brown via KO, punches and elbows, at 4:55 of Round 2

Nice performance from Brown after almost two years off. Mic time for Brown, he says he had to recover from injuries and life but his family got him here, puts over his coaches for getting him here. Asked about the triangle positions in the first he says it wasn’t very tight but could have quickly gone wrong if he wasn’t careful. He talks us through the finish, noting that pressure and damage were key to his success.

This is the finish. Brown lands an elbow that dazes Saunders, then unloads and never lets him get back into the fight.

Ian Heinisch just had a five fight winning streak snapped when he lost a decision to Derek Brunson, now he’s trying to rebound and avoid his first losing streak. Omari Akhmedov hasn’t lost in his last five fights and has gone 2-0-1 since returning to middleweight, he’s looking to get a three fight winning streak going and possibly earn a step up in competition next. Heinisch is a slight -125 favorite to -105 on Akhmedov.

Middleweight Bout: #14 Omari Akhmedov (19-4-1, 185.5 lbs.) vs. #10 Ian Heinisch (13-2, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Akhmedov has an inch of height and reach on Heinisch. Heinisch comes out quickly and fires a body kick then a calf kick. Akhmedov tries a calf kick of his own. Heinisch lands a long right then a calf kick. Akhmedov is kicking him back each time. Heinisch tries a double leg, Akhmedov defends and lands a couple of hard punches along the fence. Akhmedov is stalking forward now, but eats a right. Heinisch lands a calf kick but eats a counter right. Leg kick from Heinisch lands. Akhmedov falls short on a couple of punches. Heinisch’s left leg might be a little damaged, he’s a touch unsteady on it so far. Leg kick from Heinisch but again Akhmedov lands a counter right, then a jab as they look to reset. Double leg from Akhmedov, he elevates and slams Heinisch into half guard. Heinish back to his feet, Akhmedov holding a rear waist lock but Heinisch granby rolls and they separate. Left lands for Heinisch. Another leg kick from Heinisch, that will be the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Akhmedov

ROUND TWO: Heinisch starts coming forward early, and lands a left body kick. Akhmedov misses a few punches, Heinisch lands a front kick to the body. Akhmedov lands a front kick to the body of his own, then lands a right to counter a leg kick. Heinisch lands a calf kick, Akhmedov returns it. Akhmedov lands a right. Both men land as they punch into the pocket then separate without really clinching up. A couple of jabs land for Akhmedov then a hard left to the body. Both men land rights in close. Hard body kick from Heinisch and he avoids the counter punches. They both miss punches into a clinch on the fence, Akhmedov gets a takedown and moves to the back as Heinisch is on his knees. Heinisch wall walks up but Akhmedov is still holding onto him. Heinisch tries a switch, the motion is enough tot get separation. Akhmedov lands a right. Left hook lands for Akhmedov, Heinisch is still trying to pressure forward but he’s not landing consistently. Heinisch lands a knee and then gets a clinch on the fence. Akhmedov is defending a takedown attempt, Heinisch tries to switch to a single leg but Akhmedov is still defending and landing blows, Heinisch finally gets Akhmedov to his seat as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Heinisch is coming forward again, and walks into a left hook. Leg kick from Heinisch lands. Akhmedov lands a jab. Heinisch lands another leg kick, Akhmedov with a counter right. Left to the body from Akhmedov. Another body shot from Akhmedov, Heinisch lands a knee and they clinch with Heinisch driving Akhmedov to the fence. They break and Heinisch misses an elbow strike. Both men are breathing rather hard. Heinisch with a knee to the head, Akhmedov is a little wobbled but Akhmedov lands a left hook that wobbles Heinisch. They clinch, Heinisch winds up driving Akhmedov into the fence holding a rear waist lock. Akhmedov gets chest to chest, pummels to a 50-50 spot and turns Heinisch to the fence. Knees to the body from Akhmedov before Heinisch gets free. Heinisch still coming forward trying to fatigue Akhemdov and then capitalize. Bit of a one two from Heinisch then he’s after a double leg against the fence that he gets. Heinisch mounts the legs and lands a lefts to the head then moves to the back as Akhmedov gets to a knee along the cage. Akhmedov back up, tries a single leg but can’t secure it and they break. Jab from Akhmedov then a right lands flush. Heinisch keeps coming forward and clinches up again with knees to the body. Akhmedov looks for a takedown, can’t get it and they break. A jumping knee from Heinisch kind of lands as time runs out on the fight.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Heinisch but a close one, 29-28 Akhmedov overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Omari Akhmedov via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Not a bad fight but a big of a slog of a slug fest, no interview for Akhmedov.

Ketlen Vieira is undefeated with four wins in the UFC, she was building some momentum towards the title picture but she’s struggled to remain active. This is Vieira’s first fight in over a year, but if she scores an impressive win then a title shot is still very much a possibility. Irene Aldana has gone 4-3 in the UFC, she’s coming off of a win though and if she can take out the touted Vieira then she might find herself in the title orbit sooner rather than later. Vieira is the -185 favorite to +155 for Aldana.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: #10 Irene Aldana (11-5, 135.5 lbs.) vs. #2 Ketlen Vieira (10-0, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Aldana is an inch taller and has half an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Vieira tries a right that’s blocked. A lot of circling from Aldana so far. Inside leg kick lands for Aldana. Bit of a right from Vieira. A few hooks from Vieira are blocked, she’s looking to brawl a bit when they get close. Aldana lands a straight right that stood Vieira upright for a second. Vieira still coming forward, but she’s not finding the target much yet. Aldana lands a right to the body, Vieira lands a left hook. Bit of a right from Vieira but she’s getting beaten technically so far. Aldana lands another right. Counter right lands for Vieira and Aldana is backing up now. Jabs from Aldana get Vieira to back off and they both reset in the middle of the cage. Aldana lands an inside leg kick. Left hook from Aldana lands, then a bit of a right behind it. Left to the body from Aldana lands. Aldana lands an inside leg kick and continues moving. Both women with glancing rights, Aldana lands a left hook that ENDS Vieira.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Irene Aldana via KO, punches, at 4:51 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Ms. Aldana for her work this evening. It’s hard to overstate that win for Aldana, that’s huge. Aldana gets an interview now, she’s happy to have had this chance and is glad to end the year with a win then puts over Vieira as the toughest opponent of her career. She talks about working hard to achieve this kind of success and mentions she might be the number one contender now.

This is a perfect example of why footwork and technique matter, Vieira is the superior slugger but was a hair behind in the other areas. Aldana has established the jab well to this point, puts her guard up and scores a textbook lunging left hook to the jaw to hand Vieira her first loss.

Geoff Neal is on a six fight winning streak including four wins in the UFC, he’s looking to extend that streak here and move into 2020 with ranked opposition in his sights. Mike Perry has gone 2-4 in his last four fights, he’s coming off of a loss to Vicente Luque (and probably the worst broken nose I’ve ever seen). Perry is trying to avoid a losing streak and close out the year with a win. Neal is the -250 favorite to a +200 comeback on Perry.

Welterweight Bout: #14 Geoff Neal (12-2, 170 lbs.) vs. Mike Perry (13-5, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Neal is an inch taller and has four inches of reach over Perry. Southpaw for Neal, he starts out circling. Perry lands a leg kick. Another kick from Perry, this one to the body. Neal lands a kick of his own. They’ve both landed body kicks that strayed towards the cup. Neal lands a head kick that wobbles Perry, he backs him into the fence and punches him down to the mat then pounds him out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Geoff Neal via TKO, head kick and punches, at 1:30 of Round 1

The first Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Neal for his work this evening. Get Geoff Neal a ranked opponent, that man is more than ready for a step up. Mic time for Neal after that one, he says he wanted to be the first to finish Perry with strikes and couldn’t be happier with this outcome. He talks us through the finish, then when asked about his spot in the division he wants two or three more fights before the title fight but he feels he’s getting closer every fight.

Watch the timing on this first head kick. Neal times it as Perry steps and looks to fire his left hand, impeccable. From there the follow up is intelligent but relentless. Give that man a step up in competition.

That will do it for preliminary action, to PPV for the main card.

Petr Yan is on an eight fight winning streak with five wins in the UFC, he’s looking to score the highest profile win of his career here and move firmly into the title picture. Urijah Faber is a genuine legend who just came out of retirement earlier this year and scored a win over a ranked opponent, Faber is looking to jump the contender line with a win here and get yet another shot at UFC gold. Yan is a hefty -550 favorite to a +375 comeback on Faber.

Bantamweight Bout: #12 Urijah Faber (35-10, 135.5 lbs.) vs. #4 Petr Yan (13-1, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Yan is an inch and a half taller but the reach is identical, Yan is also 14 years younger. Yan is pressuring forward backing Faber into the fence. Leg kick from Yan. Bit of a knee from Faber. Yan jabs the body. Faber avoids a couple of lefts but isn’t doing much to dissuade Yan from doing his thing. Yan has a head kick blocked. Southpaw now for Yan, who does a lot of stance switching. A combination from Yan is partially blocked, then Faber slips throwing a kick. Body kick from Yan then a right as they break a clinch. Yan still coming forward, misses an uppercut. Faber eats a right elbow off of a clinch, lands a couple of follow ups. Brief clinch and Yan lands a couple of punches as they break. Stepping knee from Yan as Faber misses a few punches and that will end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Yan

ROUND TWO: More forward pressure from Yan to start the second. Faber really doesn’t like the pressure of Yan. Yan misses an uppercut, bit of a left hook from Yan. Yan lands a right. Knee from Yan as they clinch up on the fence. They break with a blocked Faber elbow. Elbow from Yan wobbles Faber and Yan is stalking him down. Faber reaches for a single leg and eats a bunch of uppercuts then Yan flattens Faber with a right then a left. Yan looking to finish but Faber survives and they break. They clinch again, Yan floors Faber with an elbow and is back to looking to pound him out. Faber wall walks, Yan trips him down from the back and Faber has a massive hematoma under his left eye. As they settle into full guard the ref calls time, he wants Faber’s eye looked at. It’s bad but not fight ending and we restart on the mat. Yan digs body shots from full guard, Faber is trying to scramble and does regain his feet. Another clinch, Yan gets the back and pulls Faber down into half guard, which is where the round will end.

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

ROUND THREE: Yan back to pressuring, lands a body kick. Head kick from Yan lands. They clinch up, as they break Yan tries a knee, decides to convert it to a front kick to the face and Faber drops like a rock, this one is over.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Petr Yan via KO, head kick, at :43 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Yan for his work this evening. Big big win for Yan, easily the highest profile win of his career so far. Mic time for Yan, he’s happy to have won and hopes that Faber’s fans become his fans (that’s not really how that works). He says he always strikes on the break of the clinch and this time he landed well. To close he wishes his mother a happy birthday, then goes to English to call for a title shot against “Triple Clown” Cejudo.

Here’s the finish. Yan is really good about striking on the break of a clinch, here he thinks about the knee then switches to a head kick as Faber distances himself and it lands to end things.

Marlon Moraes just had a four fight winning streak broken when he failed to capture the vacant bantamweight title in a fight with Henry Cejudo, he’s hoping to bounce back here against a legend and avoid his first UFC losing streak. Jose Aldo is a legend of the sport and an all time great at featherweight, he’s trying his hand down at bantamweight in the wake of a loss to Alexander Volkanovski which was his first loss in a non-title fight since 2005. Aldo is hoping to find success down a weight class, and if he can best a former title challenger he could be near the top of the contender line almost immediately.

Bantamweight Bout: Jose Aldo (28-5, 136 lbs.) vs. #1 Marlon Moraes (22-6-1, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Moraes opens with a left high kick that lands flush after a couple of seconds. Aldo is wobbled, Moraes is looking to swarm him but Aldo recovers. Moraes now circling, Aldo avoids an uppercut. Aldo pressing forward now, Moraes lands a left. Aldo’s jab is starting to show up, not a good sign for Moraes. Moraes is finding a home for his left hook, and misses a wheel kick. Aldo still pressing forward but struggling to pull the trigger. Right to the body lands for Aldo, Moraes then clips him with a left hook. Aldo is going nuts along the fence, they clinch and Moraes gets a body lock takedown into half guard which is where the final seconds of the round will wind down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Moraes

ROUND TWO: Aldo is pushing forward again, Moraes still looking to kick. Bit of right from Moraes. Right then a left to the body from Moraes. Aldo is jabbing to the body now. A couple more body shots from Aldo. Both men land rights, these two are not playing around. Some jabs from both men. Aldo blocks a wheel kick then eats a jab. Aldo lands to the body again, Moraes with a left hook. Aldo lands an uppercut, Moraes does land a counter. Aldo coming forward, they trade rights as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Aldo, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They hug to start the last round. Aldo pressuring forward, lands jabs to the body. Moraes fires a left hook that misses by mere inches. Double jab from Moraes lands. Moraes is trying to back Aldo off of him with his left hand but Aldo is content to lean back then resume pressuring forward. Moraes lands a left while circling. Aldo misses a flying knee. Right then a left from Aldo as Moraes circles, Moraes needs a change in the tenor of the fight or he’s going to lose. Moraes lands an overhand right, Aldo partially shoulder rolls it. Hard leg kick from Moraes. Moraes lands a left. Aldo blocks a takedown attempt, then eats a left hook. More jabs from both men. Moraes lands a left, Aldo counters with a right, Moraes misses a wheel kick as the clock runs down.

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

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

Really fun fight, can see 29-28 for either man as scoring likely comes down to the third round. Big big win for Moraes, and a potential back breaker for Aldo. Mic time for Moraes, who calls over Aldo to share the mic with him. Moraes lets Aldo talk first, he puts over Moraes and thanks the crowd but doesn’t agree with the decision. Moraes keeps wanting to learn and fight, he’s willing to run the fight back with Aldo, then he mentions Aldo’s energy surprised him as the fight wore on. He expresses gratitude for fighting in the UFC to close the interview.

Germaine de Randamie is on a five fight winning streak that includes the most inauspicious title win/reign in UFC history, but she did finish her last opponent and is now looking to take out the consensus best female fighter that the sport has seen. Amanda Nunes is on a nine fight winning streak that includes winning both the bantamweight and featherweight titles, she’s finished everyone during that streak except Valentina Shevchenko. Nunes has defended her bantamweight title four times and she’s looking for a fifth here to further cement her legacy in the sport. Nunes is a heavy -380 favorite to a +300 comeback on de Randamie.

Women’s Bantamweight Title Bout: (c) Amanda Nunes (18-4, 134.5 lbs.) vs. #1 Germaine de Randamie (9-3, 134.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: De Randamie is an inch taller and has two inches of reach advantage. Touch of gloves to get us going. Both women with some early leg kicks, Nunes lands a right that backs up de Randamie. Nunes catches a kick and lands a right but de Randamie gets her leg back. Nunes lands another right then hits a double leg into the guard of de Randamie. Now Nunes postures up and punches, but loses the position and winds up grabbing a guillotine in transition, she sells out for it but de Randamie slips free. Nunes back up and they’re clinched, trading knees to the body. De Randamie lands a knee to the head, Nunes takes her down again and looks to smash her while standing over her. Leg kicks from Nunes as she stands over de Randamie. Nunes looks to land more punches, de Randamie covering up but Nunes is relentless. Knee on belly from Nunes, might try for an arm triangle choke, she’s after it but de Randamie defends and Nunes bails on the choke. Nunes back to standing, and that’s where the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Nunes

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Nunes blocks a high kick. De Randamie misses a right and eats a leg kick. Leg kicks go back and forth, those are not range finding kicks but full power ones. Both women land a few punches, de Randamie is the one pushing forward now. Nunes ducks a punch and hits a double leg into the guard of de Randamie. De Randamie is looking to control posture and stall and get a stand up. Yeah, Nunes is stalled out and we’re stood up by the ref. Head kick from de Randamie lands, Nunes eats it and fires back with a right. De Randamie with a right and a knee as they clinch up. Knees and elbows from de Randamie, then they trade knees, then Nunes hits a double leg along the fence. This time de Randamie only has butterfly guard, so Nunes looks to posture up and land elbows. Nunes tries to pass, de Randamie blocks her and Nunes winds up in full guard now. That’s where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Nunes but could go the other way, 20-17 Nunes overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again. Both women with leg kicks, then missed punches. De Randamie lands a straight right. Nunes in on a double leg, switches to a trip and gets things down against the fence. Nunes is working from half guard, looking for a modified crucifix for greater control. Things are stalling a bit again, Nunes lands some body shots as de Randamie looks to control posture. Bit of an elbow from Nunes. More elbows from Nunes, de Randamie lands an up kick as Nunes stands but Nunes does pass to north-south. More elbows from Nunes, de Randamie needs an answer to this position. De Randamie tries to come up on a single leg, they hit the fence again and Nunes with a switch to get to a front head lock. More punches from Nunes close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Nunes, 30-26 Nunes overall

ROUND FOUR: De Randamie landing leg kicks, and misses a right. And there’s another takedown from Nunes into half guard. Elbows from Nunes, de Randamie back to hoping for a stand up mostly. Nunes is getting her posture easier now, and she’s starting to bludgeon de Randamie with elbows. De Randamie is really getting beaten up at this point, she tries to lock up a triangle position, uses it sweep and regain her feet but Nunes takes her back down. This time they’re in full guard, and Nunes is back to trying to work elbows and short punches while de Randamie petitions the ref to stand them up. Nunes is doing enough to avoid a stand up as the round will wind down in that spot.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Nunes, 40-34 Nunes overall

ROUND FIVE: They hug for the last round, save it for after the fight please. De Randamie coming forward, and walks into yet another double leg. Full guard for de Randamie, Nunes working short punches to the body and head. There’s a lot of that on repeat here, de Randamie can’t get up or control Nunes but Nunes can’t pass or really posture up to deal damage so we’re just here. Nunes finally stands free, passes to side control, and lands some more blows as time runs out.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Nunes, 50-42 Nunes overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and STILL UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion – Amanda Nunes via unanimous decision (49-44, 49-46, 49-45)

I can see de Randamie taking the second. Not giving Nunes a 10-8 in the first seems wrong. Mic time for the champ, she wanted to show off that she can fight everywhere and wanted to fight like a five round fighter. She says she’s ready, and mentions a friend who just lost a daughter and expresses love to their family. To close she mentions she comes from a small city in Brazil and knows everyone there is watching this fight and speaks some Portuguese to them, thanks her coaches and American Top Team then gets Dan Lambert in the cage to put him over for all he’s done.

Alexander Volkanovski is on an absurd seventeen fight winning streak including seven wins in the UFC, a streak that most recently includes consecutive wins over Chad Mendes and former longtime champion Jose Aldo. Volkanovski is now looking to capture the UFC title from another all time great and begin his own reign as champion. Max Holloway hasn’t lost at featherweight since 2013 and has defended his title three times thus far, now Holloway is looking to extend that excellence and turn back yet another challenger to his throne. Holloway is favored to win at -200 to a +170 comeback on Volkanovski.

Featherweight Title Bout: (c) Max Holloway (21-4, 145 lbs.) vs. #1 Alexander Volkanovski (20-1, 144.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Holloway is five inches taller but Volkanovski has two and a half inches of reach advantage. Both men will switch stances if the mood strikes them, they touch gloves to get things going. Both men probing and feinting early. Holloway looking to jab, Volkanovski lands a leg kick then an inside leg kick. Holloway lands a leg kick of his own. They both land punches in close. Volkanovski lands a left to the body. Another leg kick lands for Volkanovski then a right. Both men land punches as Holloway shifts into the pocket then they back off. Holloway lands a jab. Volkanovski lands an inside leg kick, and another one. Volkanovski misses a left, then lands a calf kick. Bit of a right from Volkanovski. Volkanovski with a knee tap into the clinch on the fence. Holloway quickly disengages and separates. Volkanovski with another leg kick. Holloway evades a combination but can’t return fire. Side kick from Hollowya, Volkanovski lands a right and they clinch as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Volkanovski

ROUND TWO: Volkanovski opens with inside leg kicks, those are going to start adding up. Holloway lands a right to the body. A lot of forward pressure from Volkanovski this round, and he lands another inside leg kick. Volkanovski with an inside leg kick then a straight right that lands. Volkanovski digs a left to the body and is pressuring forward again. More inside leg kicks from Volkanovski, then a right to the body. Volkanovski lands a leg kick. Holloway misses a combination but got closer with it. Bit of a hook and a straight from Holloway, Volkanovski lands a left hook. Leg kick from Volkanovski lands. Holloway doing more southpaw work now to protect his leg. Volkanovski digs the body again. Bit of a spinning back kick from Holloway. Volkanovski lands another inside leg kick and they trade straight punches as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Holloway is stalking forward again, eats a leg kick. Shifting right lands for Volkanovski. Another leg kick from Volkanovski then he avoids a couple of punches. Holloway starting to use the side kick to the thigh, Volkanovski lands a front kick to the body. Leg kick from Volkanovski and a bit of a follow up right. Volkanovski lands a left hook. A series of counters land for Volkanovski. Volkanovski grabs a kick and lands a right. Leg kick into a right hand from Volkanovski again lands. The shifting right from Volkanovski is landing. Volkanovski lands a left then a body kick. Volkanovski lands a right to the body then a leg kick. Another leg kick from Volkanovski, then a shifting right. Another kick to the inside of Holloway’s leg. Volkanovski lands to the body again. More leg kicks from Volkanovski bring the round to a close.

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

ROUND FOUR: Volkanovski back to kicking and a bit of circling as Holloway looks to come forward. More leg kicks from Volkanovski and a left hook. Stiff right from Volkanovski is backing Holloway up now. Volkanovski lands a counter left hook. Both men land rights in close. More kicks from Volkanovski, and a few jabs. Holloway defends a single leg, they clinch up on the fence and trade elbows before breaking. Volkanovski back to kicking the inside leg. Forward pressure from Volkanovski, Holloway responds with a straight right. Volkanovski lands another leg kick but eats a jab. Holloway avoids a right, and eats the follow up right. They trade rights and Volkanovski lands an inside leg kick. Jabs from Holloway are starting to find the mark now, and he lands a counter uppercut. Holloway is pressuring forward, they trade rights again. Body shots from Holloway. More pressure from Holloway and we’ve got a little bit of RoadHouse action. Volkanovski’s work rate is pulling him away from Holloway consistently. Body shot from Volkanovski will close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Volkanovski, 40-36 Volkanovski overall

ROUND FIVE: Volkanovski pushing forward this round, and lands a leg kick then an inside leg kick. Holloway lands a right to the body. Good combination from Volkanovski, Holloway starts pushing forward but can’t find the target. Volkanovski lands a right to counter a body kick that off balances Holloway for a second. More leg kicks from Volkanovski, then a glancing left hook. Holloway just can’t get a read on Volkanovski and it’s showing. Volkanovski lands an inside leg kick, then another. They clinch and Volkanovski drives Holloway into the fence. Holloway quickly frames and is able to break free, nice stuff from the champion. Jab from Volkanovski lands. Volkanovski digs the body then lands a right elbow, Hollowya lands a right. Volkanovski with another right. Both men land and Volkanovski pushes into a clinch again on the fence. Holloway slips free and they separate again. Double jab from Volkanovski then aninside leg kick. Holloway responds with body shots. Both men swing close but can’t land clean. Holloway lands a left, Volkanovski gets a clinch and they hit the fence again. HOlloway tries a flurry as the clock is running down, Volkanovski gets his back and punches him a couple of times before the fight ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and NEW UFC Featherweight Champion –Alexander Volkanovski via unanimous decision (50-45, 48-47 x2)

That was a superb fight from Volkanovski, absolutely amazing against someone of Holloway’s caliber. Mic time for the new champ, who’s over the moon as he starts his interview. He says this is what he’s worked for and puts over the champions in this division and hopes to be a great champion like them. He mentions Holloway is good about fighting in his range, jabbing, basically everything, but he relied on his corner to help keep him focused and within his game, then puts over Australia. Asked about the efficacy of his leg kicks, he thinks they worked but he banged up his shins as well and again puts over Holloway. He says he beat Aldo and Holloway back to back and that puts him up there as a great.

Holloway gets an interview as well now. Rogan says he’s still the best featherweight, Holloway says he’s only 28 and plans to get better and be back. He says he felt good during the fight, just notes the judges didn’t see it his way.

Colby Covington is a former interim welterweight champion and brings a seven fight winning streak into his first real title shot. Covington is hoping to claim the undisputed title and begin his own reign as champion. Kamaru Usman has yet to lose in the UFC, he bested Tyron Woodley earlier this year to claim the welterweight title and now he’s hoping to get his first successful defense under his belt and begin establishing a legacy at the title level. The odds are with the champion Usman at -190 to a +160 comeback on Covington.

Welterweight Title Bout: (c) Kamaru Usman (15-1, 170 lbs.) vs. #2 Colby Covington (15-1, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Usman is an inch taller and has four inches of reach on Covington. Covington fighting southpaw, lands a body kick. Usman slips on a high kick but regains his feet. Another body kick from Covington then a left hand. Usman with a jab. Both men jabbing now, they trade rights. Usman with a straight right, Covington with a bevy of punches back at him. Usman with a front kick to the body, Covington with a high kick and a jumping knee, Usman is a little wobbled. One two from Covington, Usman with a right. More jabs from Covington, Usman moving away. Covington lands a one two, Usman with a body shot. Another right to the body from Usman. They trade lefts, Usman has gone southpaw now. Another right then a jumping knee from Covington. Covington lands a left. Both men land punches, then Covington lands an inside leg kick. Usman misses a few punches as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Covington

ROUND TWO: Covington back to jabbing and moving. More jabs from Covington, Usman with a front kick to the body. Usman lands a right to the body. They trade a series of jabs then body shots. More jabs from Covington then a straight left. Covington is bleeding from the bridge of the nose, he swing s a left then a right hook that wobbles Usman for a second. Body kick from Covington. Usman lands a jab, and they start trading jabs like you’d see in a Rocky movie. Both men jab again. Usman complains of a groin shot as Covington tried a knee to the chest. Replay, that seems legal to me. Covington back to jabbing on the restart. More jabs from Covington, the mans workrate is insane if nothing else. Covington lands a left, then another and a body kick. Usman lands a right. A few body shots from Usman land, Covington wobbles him with a right. Usman lands a right that has Covington moving, then a right to the body. More body work from Usman, and they both miss jabs to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Usman but I might be wrong, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They resume pawing with the lead hand and circling to start the third. A right lands for Usman after he took a body kick. Usman lands a right. A body kick from Usman. Covington jabbing a bit, and avoids a right hand. Usman misses a high kick, then lands a right to the body. Covington misses a couple of lefts. Usman slams another right to the body. Right from Usman lands, Covington lands a head kick after a left and Usman is wobbled. Covington looking to swarm, Usman complains of an eye poke and the ref saw it too so we’ve got time. Replay confirms the eye poke. The doctor is in to check on Usman, Usman can continue, wants to continue, so we’re back to fighting. Usman avoids a flurry, Covingto avoids one back. Usman lands a body kick. One final right from Usman, Covington complains of an eye poke as the round ends.

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

ROUND FOUR: Slower round to start, Covington avoids a few punches. Body kick from Covington lands. A couple of lefts land for Covington and Usman is backing up. Both men land jabs. Another left from Covington lands. Covington lands a right hook. Usman avoids a hook and lands a right. Usman lands to the body again. Covington lands a straight and an uppercut, he and Usman both land punches to follow up. Usman is coming forward but he’s not landing a whole lot. Body shot from Usman lands. Covington lands a left then an inside leg kick. There’s another series of inside leg kicks from Covington land. There’s a bit of an eye poke from Usman, the ref calls time and gives them both a stern talking to about their fingers being out. Usman avoids a few body shots, Covington lands a superman punch. A long left from Covington lands as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Covington, 38-38 DRAW overall

ROUND FIVE: Both men come out jabbing, Covington with a bit of a left. Usman misses a head kick, and takes an inside leg kick. Covington sticks Usman with a left. Usman lands a body kick. Another Covington left lands. More lefts from Covington land. Usman whiffs on a couple of kicks. Covington lands another left. More sloppy striking, but neither man is actually landing much. Usman lands a knockdown, Covington is fading and Usman is after the finish. Covingto back up, Usman lands another right that drops him and looks for the finish again. Covington is just kind of hanging onto a single leg and the ref waves it off. Covington doesn’t like the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and STILL UFC Welterweight Champion – Kamaru Usman via TKO, punches, at 4:10 of Round 5

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Usman for his work this evening. Covington’s jaw looks busted, and was broken in the third round apparently. Mic time for Usman, he says this one is for the entire world right now. He says he’s been hearing forever that Covington is in his head, but he’s the best in the world because his mind is so strong. He says he knows he hit harder than Covington and wanted to keep it on the feet, and promises to give us a show each and ever time. He talks us through the finish, and wasn’t certain of the scoring and notes he really wanted to knock out Covington but he did so after twenty four minutes of punishment. He reiterates this is for the whole world, then calls his little brother over and notes his brother lost his son earlier this year but they remember him and keep fighting for him.

Alright everyone, that will wrap up UFC 245. That was a long one, but a really solid overall night of fights despite the run time. We’ll be breaking down all of the action from this event on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast, so tune in for that. We’ll also preview next weeks UFC on ESPN+ card, when Frankie Edgar steps in on short notice to take on The Korean Zombie Chan Sung Jung. I’ll be back next week for that event, and I hope you’ll be here as well. Until then stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

article topics :

Kamaru Usman, UFC 245, Robert Winfree