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411’s UFC 273 Report: Volkanovski batters Jung
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MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)
Champ Alexander Volkanovski (144.5 lbs.) vs. #4 Chan Sung Jung (144.5 lbs.) – for featherweight title
Champ Aljamain Sterling (134.5 lbs.) vs. interim champ Petr Yan (134 lbs.) – for bantamweight title
#2 Gilbert Burns (170 lbs.) vs. #11 Khamzat Chimaev (170 lbs.)
#5 Mackenzie Dern (115.5 lbs.) vs. #7 Tecia Torres (115.5 lbs.)
Mark Madsen (155 lbs.) vs. Vinc Pichel (155.5 lbs.)
PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET)
Ian Garry (170.5 lbs.) vs. Darian Weeks (170.5 lbs.)
Josh Fremd (185.5) vs. Anthony Hernandez (186)
#4 Aspen Ladd (136 lbs.) vs. #7 Raquel Pennington (134.5 lbs.)
Mickey Gall (170.5 lbs.) vs. Mike Malott (170.5 lbs.)
PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET)
Aleksei Oleinik (244 lbs.) vs. Jared Vanderaa (266 lbs.)
Kay Hansen (118.5 lbs.)* vs. Piera Rodriguez (115 lbs.)
Julio Arce (136.5 lbs.)* vs. Daniel Santos (135.5 lbs.)
Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE UFC 273 coverage. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening. Tonight the UFC is back on PPV and they’ve brought a couple of title fights plus maybe the most exciting prospect the company has seen in years. The main event is for the featherweight title when champion Alexander Volkanovski tries to extend his absurd winning streak and further championship legacy with a third title defense when he takes on “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung. Jung challenged for this same title back in 2013 and he could make a bit of history by becoming the first Korean UFC champion. The co-main event is a rematch for the bantamweight title, last year Aljamin Sterling won the belt from Petr Yan when Yan was disqualified in the fourth round for an illegal knee that left Sterling unable to continue. Since then Yan won the interim title when he beat Cory Sandhagen and now looks to get his second title reign up and running. There’s a very relevant welterweight bout when former title challenger Gilbert Burns tries to stop the oncoming freight train that is Khamzat Chimaev, and frankly if Chimaev wins he could be fighting for the title sooner rather than later. Elsewhere on the card we’ve got a fun little lightweight fight between Mark Madsen and Vinc Pichel, Aspen Ladd battles Raquel Penningon in a relevant bantamweight fight, and Anthony Hernandez looks to build on his big win last year when he meets newcomer Josh Fremd.
UFC 273 comes to the world from the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, USA. We’ve got Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, and Paul Felder on commentary. Florida uses the newer ruleset for MMA, though I’m not sure about instant replay and the broadcast doesn’t say anything about it.. Also keep in mind that we’re in the 30 foot cage instead of the 25 footer in the Apex. Minor production note, the UFC is trying out new updated graphics for this event.
Julio Arce has gone 5-3 in the UFC but has been trading wins and losses for his last six fights, he’s coming off of a loss to Song Yadong and is now trying to avoid his first UFC losing streak. Arce also missed weight, which is never a good look. Daniel Santos brings a two fight winning streak into his UFC debut, he’s been out of action since 2019 having a couple of UFC bouts fall through last year, and now looks to capitalize on his only chance to make a first impression. Arce is you -190 favorite to a +160 comeback on Santos.
Bantamweight Bout: Julio Arce (17-5, 136.5 lbs.) vs. Daniel Santos (10-1, 135.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Arce has three inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Arce. Santos misses a high kick and then the crowd begins the “woo’s”. Bit of a body kick from Arce. Santos misses a right hand. A lot of forward pressure from Santos, then he lands a right to the body. Arce lands a left and avoids some heavy counters. Jabs now from Arce as he looks to establish some offense. Santos misses a couple of right hooks then they clinch up. Elbow from Santos as they break. Arce lands a left. Another elbow from Santos as they clinch up. Bit of a knee from Arce as they break. Glancing head kick from Arce. Arce lands more jabs then a left hand. Santos misses a very telegraphed wheel kick. Body shot from Arce and he’s starting to tee off with his jab at distance. Arce lands a body kick and avoids a high kick. Stiff jab from Arce connects. Santos lands a right of his own but he’s still swinging wide and missing a lot. Left then a head kick from Arce. Santos forces a clinch and they hit the fence. Arce avoids an elbow as he slips free. Arce lands a head kick that staggers Santos but Santos stays upright. Lefts from Arce, he’s looking to pour on some offense before the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Arce
ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Arce is circling again, he lands a body kick then a left hand. Santos gets close and swings hooks but doesn’t really land anything before they clinch up. They break without incident. Arce lands a body kick, then another one. Stiff jab from Arce then he avoids a punch and gets a clinch. Knee from Arce as they break. Santos keeps plodding forward and he’s getting chewed up more and more as the fight goes on. More jabs from Arce then he lands a left hand. Spinning elbow from Santos misses. Santos misses a wheel kick then eats a one two. Arce lands another jab then they trade body kicks. A lot of jabbing and angling from Arce, he’s making Santos miss a lot. Arce lands a head kick and avoids a bunch of punches from Santos. Bit of a head kick from Santos then they trade punches in close. Arce digs the body a couple of times. More jabs from Arce then a follow up left. Santos blocks a couple of high kicks but he’s still struggling with his offense. They clinch up then break without anything really happening. Arce keeps landing punches at distance then avoiding the counters, he’s sharp tonight. More body work from Arce, Santos lands a leg kick. Santos misses a jumping kick, then misses a wheel kick. Front kick from Arce lands to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Arce, 20-18 Arce overall
ROUND THREE: Arce gets back to jabbing right away, Santos keeps marching forward. Santos misses a wheel kick. Arce lands a left then a front kick to the body. Santos misses more kicks and eats some jabs. Arce lands a left in close. Bit of a body kick from Santos. Arce lands a left. More jabs from Arce and he avoids a couple of wild rights. Arce’s jab is working nicely. Santos misses a few hooks, he just can’t corral Arce. Arce lands a straight left. Another jab from Arce, and another. Front kick from Arce then a few punches to follow up. Santos keeps walking into jabs and then missing punches only for Arce to angle off and reset on him. A few punches in close from Arce land. Santos missing a jumping kick. Arce lands a body shot then keeps jabbing as Santos follows him around. Santos tries a takedown, Arce easily defends then avoids a spinning back fist. Bit of a head kick from Arce then he lands more jabs. Santos misses a rolling thunder kick and then gets punched a few times. Arce keeps landing jabs and avoids some wild punches from Santos as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Arce, 30-27 Arce overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Julio Arce via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27 x2)
Great performance from Arce. Mic time for Arce, he wants to climb back up to the top and puts over Santos as a prospect. He says he worked a lot on angling and frustrating his opponent all while picking him apart.
Piera Rodriguez is undefeated as a professional and makes her UFC debut on the back of a win on the Contender Series last year, now she looks to remain perfect and showcase her abilities to the UFC audience. Kay Hansen has gone just 1-2 in the UFC and is on a two fight losing streak, adding to that she missed weight rather badly for this fight and now finds herself in a must win situation. The odds are close on this one but favor Rodriguez at -130 to +110 for Hansen.
Strawweight Bout: Kay Hansen (7-5, 118.5 lbs.) vs. Piera Rodriguez (7-0, 115 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Rodriguez is an inch taller and has half an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Both women probe with jabs, then both miss combinations. They punch into a clinch then break with a knee from Hansen. Rodriguez lands a calf kick. Both women land punches in close. Hansen misses some punches, tries a double leg and they wind up clinched on the fence. Hansen switches to a single leg and is able to spin Rodriguez down. Rodriguez scoots to the fence and wall walks quickly and they resume clinch fighting. Inside trip from Hansen then Rodriguez tosses her overhead and they reset on the feet. Rodriguez lands a jab. Bit of an uppercut in close from Rodriguez. Hansen lands a couple of punches and gets a takedown into full guard. Rodriguez looks to work her guard up high, Hansen cracks her with a couple of punches then passes to half guard. Hansen tries an arm triangle but wont find it before the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Hansen
ROUND TWO: Hansen shows a jab as the round begins, then lands a left hook. Rodriguez lands a calf kick. Rodriguez switches her stance briefly and lands a couple of punches. Another calf kick from Rodriguez. Hansen is stalking forward, catches a body kick and forces a clinch on the fence. Rodriguez lands a knee to the body. Bit of a knee from Rodriguez as they break, then she lands a couple of punches to follow up. Hansen tries a double leg, that just stalls out on the fence as Rodriguez defends. Rodriguez lands a knee then hits a single leg and gets on top in side control. Hansen rolls to her knees and Rodriguez gets the back with both hooks in. Rodriguez has about 90 seconds left in the round and she starts looking for a choke. Hansen is hand fighting well enough at the moment, Rodriguez transitions to mount but Hansen catches half guard and rolls for a heel hook, they just wind up trading toe holds as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Rodriguez, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: Both women showing some punches as they start the round. A few lefts are traded. Inside leg kick from Hansen is caught by Rodriguez and Rodriguez gets a takedown into full guard. Hansen looks for a sweep but Rodriguez avoids it, stands over her and lands some leg kicks. Hansen regains her feet and they resume striking. Bit of a calf kick from Rodriguez. Rodriguez lands a solid right, then they clinch up and hit the fence. They trade a few knees, Rodriguez is generally the busier fighter at the moment. Hansen avoids a single leg but can’t get out of the clinch. More knees go back and forth. Hansen blocks a double leg attempt and lands a knee then they break. Bit of a right from Hansen in close but Rodriguez gets a takedown and rides out the final seconds in top position.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Rodriguez, 29-28 Rodriguez overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Piera Rodriguez via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
No interview for Rodriguez.
Aleksei Oleinik is one of the old warhorses still chugging along at heavyweight, he’s on the verge of his 60th career win and could get it by snapping his current three fight losing streak. Jared Vanderaa stepped in on short notice to replace Ilir Latifi, he’s gone just 1-3 in the UFC and is on a two fight losing streak meaning he needs a win rather badly. Vanderaa closed at a -125 favorite to +105 on Oleinik.
Heavyweight Bout: Aleksei Oleinik (59-16-1, 244 lbs.) vs. Jared Vanderaa (12-7, 266 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Vanderaa is two inches taller but the reach is identical, Oleinik is also 15 years older while Vanderaa is more than 20 pounds heavier. They touch gloves to get us going. Both men probe with the lead hand as they circle. Bit of a right from Oleinik. Oleinik lands a right to the body. Vanderaa is showing the jab a lot. They trade rights. Oleinik lands a clubbing right, then Vanderaa avoids a clinch attempt. Oleinik goes southpaw for a bit, then back to orthodox. Vanderaa lands a right hand. They clinch up, Oleinik pulls half guard and pulls Vanderaa down. Vanderaa scrambles around and nearly gets the back, now does and he’s got both hooks in. Punches form Vanderaa, he’s going for the choke but Oleinik is able to avoid that. Vanderaa tries to switch to a triangle choke as Oleinik gets on top but Oleinik moves through that then jumps to his back as they move around. Oleinik goes for the choke, then switches to full mount and moves to the scarf hold neck crank. Vanderaa tries to scoot around but Oleinik cranks on the scarf hold and forces the tap.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Aleksei Oleinik via Submission, scarf hold neck crank, at 3:39 of Round 1
The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Oleinik for his work this evening. Mic time for Oleinik after win number 60, he says he’s happy and calls this the best feeling. He thanks everyone for coming out, then jokes he’s only got five to ten years left of fighting in him. To close he puts over his wife for all of her support and work with him.
Here’s a look at the finish. Oleinik has a deep understanding of the kesagatami position and uses it very well to set up this hold. You can seen how he adjusts the position of his legs to cut off angles for Vanderaa to try and slip free while cranking back and compressing the chest.
Oleinik wins by submission for the 47th time in 60 career wins 🤯
Stream #UFC273 on @ESPNPlus 🔜 https://t.co/Lvgzb6BYhZ pic.twitter.com/0U0tWVohtA
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) April 9, 2022
Mickey Gall has been trading wins and losses dating back to 2017, he’s coming off of a loss and will by looking to avoid his first ever losing streak. Mike Malott brings a four fight unbeaten streak into his UFC debut, in fact his only professional loss came to Hakeem Dawodu, and he’s looking to extend that streak while getting his UFC career off on the right foot. Despite being the debuting fighter Malott is the favorite at -170 while the +150 on Gall might be a tempting value bet.
Welterweight Bout: Mickey Gall (7-4, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Mike Malott (7-1-1, 170.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Gall has an inch of height and reach over Malott. Southpaw for Malott. Both men paw with the lead hand as they circle, they’re just getting a read on things. Gall lands a right, Malott has gone orthodox. They trade rights. Both men miss punches in close. Malott lands a right and a left hook to follow up. Gall lands a couple of punches. Bit of a leg kick from Malott, then he lands a right hand. Gall lands a couple of punches but he’s not moving his head and is open to counters. Glancing left hook from Malott. Gall gets a clinch and trips Malott then lands punches as Malott wall walks. Malott’s nose is bleeding now as they break from the clinch. They trade punches in close then Malott face plants Gall with a left hook and we’re done here.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mike Malott via TKO, left hook, at 3:41 of Round 1
The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Malott for his work this evening. Mic time for Malott, he’s been waiting for this moment since 2005 and he’s so happy that this has finally come true. He was just a kid from Ontario with no proof he could do it but here he is through stubborn determination. He talks us through the finish then puts over Gall. To close he thanks his coaches and teammates, then dedicates the win to a friend who’s daughter was diagnosed with cancer and asks anyone in the crowd to contribute if they can, he plans on giving his show money to the cause.
Here’s a look at the finish. Gall shifts forward with his punches but doesn’t mind the new defensive realities of his southpaw stance, and Malott crushes him with a tight left hook. I’m not in love with the stoppage, could have been a bit quicker.
MICHAEL MALOTT FOLDED MICKEY GALL 😳 #UFC273 pic.twitter.com/Qv4pv4wenY
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) April 10, 2022
Aspen Ladd looked like a future title challenger a few years back but she’s now just 1-2 in her last three fights and is coming off of a loss in a very lackluster fight last year. Ladd needs a win to defend her top ranking and prove she’s still a viable player at the top of the division. Raquel Pennington is on a bit of a career renaissance that has seen her win her last three fights and if she’s able to win here she’ll be very close to a second shot at the bantamweight title. Pennington is the favorite at -165 to a +145 payout on Ladd.
Women’s Bantamweight Bout: #4 Aspen Ladd (9-2, 136 lbs.) vs. #7 Raquel Pennington (13-8, 134.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Pennington is an inch taller with an inch and a half of reach advantage. Southpaw for Ladd. Both women paw with the lead hand for a bit. Pennington lands a right hand. Ladd fires a high kick that’s blocked. Pennington misses punches, eats a left hand, but does force a clinch. Knee from Pennington but Ladd holds the clinch and they trade short elbows. They break without incident. Both women land lefts. Ladd lands a left in close. Another left from Ladd connects. Bit of a body kick from Ladd. Pennington has a right hand blocked, and eats a counter left. They trade power hand punches. Pennington jabs the body, then eats a counter left. Both women land lefts. Pennington lands a body kick. A few kicks go back and forth. They trade lefts again, then Ladd wobbles Pennington with a left hand. Pennington lands a right hand. Ladd lands a leg kick. Both women get close and trade punches. Pennington lands a right hand. Knee from Pennington then they trade in the pocket for the final couple of seconds.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Pennington
ROUND TWO: Some kicks from Ladd to start the round. Bit of a head kick from Ladd. Pennington lands a right to the body. Pennington lands a right hand. Ladd is pushing forward and they brawl for a bit before Pennington grabs a clinch and they hit the fence. A few knees from Pennington in the clinch, Ladd lands an elbow before they break. Ladd lands a leg kick then a head kick. Another head kick from Ladd but she poked Pennington on the way into that so we’ve got a timeout. Replay confirms the poke and we’re back to fighting after a little over 30 seconds. Ladd lands a left hand. Another left from Ladd connects. Both women miss power hand punches. Pennington lands a right hand in close. Body shot from Ladd then they trade punches in the pocket. Both women land punches in close again. Pennington lands a jab and forces another clinch. They break without much happening. Pennington blocks a head kick. Ladd lands a body kick. They tie up again and Pennington lands an uppercut before the break. Ladd lands a leg kick. Both women land punches in close but Pennington is throwing in more volume. Again both women brawl in close to end the round, Pennington getting the better of things.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Pennington but a close one, 20-18 Pennington overall
ROUND THREE: Ladd lands a front kick to the body. Another front kick from Ladd. Pennington lands a right hand after taking a body kick. Bit of a head kick from Ladd. They trade leg kicks. Bit of a right from Pennington. They clinch up, Ladd works knees to the body. Both women with knees then Ladd hits a double leg into full guard. Ladd lands an elbow, Pennington slips back to her feet and Ladd moves to her back as they hit the fence. Mat return from Ladd, she gets one hook in as Pennington stands. Ladd bails on the hook then lands a knee to the body and they trade punches chest to chest. Pennington lands some knees and Ladd lands short elbows. More knees from Ladd now, she tries a trip and gets Pennington down to her knees. Pennington wall walks with ease but can’t get out of the clinch. Ladd lands some short punches and more knees to the body. The round ends as they break and trade some more punches.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Ladd, 29-28 Pennington overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Raquel Pennington via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Mic time for Pennington, she plays with the crowd to mixed success then thanks Ladd for letting her take the fight on short notice. She puts over Ladd and thinks one of Ladd’s kicks broke her left hand. She doesn’t turn down fights and just loves to do this. To close she wants a number one contenders fight next.
Anthony Hernandez has gone 2-2 with 1 No Contest but he’s coming off of a crazy submission win over Rodolfo Vieira a little over a year ago, now he’s trying to get his first UFC winning streak up and running with another win. Josh Fremd took this fight on short notice but he’s on a two fight winning streak and could announce his arrival in a big way if he takes out Hernandez. The odds are with Hernandez at -190 to +160 for Fremd.
Middleweight Bout: Josh Fremd (9-2, 185.5) vs. Anthony Hernandez (8-2 1 NC, 186)
ROUND ONE: Fremd is four inches taller but has just one inch of reach advantage. Both men probe with jabs to get us going. Fremd lands a calf kick. Hernandez tries a takedown, he can’t get it and lands an elbow. Both men land punches in close. Fremd punches in close and they clinch up again. Hernandez goes for a takedown but can’t finish it then Fremd lands knees to the body. Again Hernandez tries for the takedown and gets Fremd down this time then jumps to the ride position. Hernandez sits for the seated arm triangle, Fremd defends and fights up but is taken down again. Fremd tries to wall walk again but Hernandez is all over him from the ride position. Again Hernandez sits for the seated arm triangle, he switches to an anaconda choke but Fremd defends well and tries to wall walk again. Hernandez keeps reaching for that seated arm triangle but Fremd is fighting it off. Fremd looks to wall walk, he’s up and lands a knee to the body. Hernandez is still working in the clinch and lands an elbow as they break. Punches go back and forth then Hernandez clinches up again. Hernandez lands a right as they break, then Fremd returns the favor. Fremd backs up and Hernandez gets a takedown against the fence. Hernandez moves to the ride position again and lands punches as Fremd wall walks. Fremd tries to defend another takedown but Hernandez gets him down and lands body shots until the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Hernandez
ROUND TWO: Fremd is looking to snipe from distance as the round starts. Hernandez misses a wheel kick then ties up and looks for a takedown until they hit the fence. Fremd breaks free but Hernandez is after another takedown that hits the fence. Hernandez moves to the ride position again, his pace is absolutely nuts for middleweight. Fremd slips free and stands but he can’t get free and Hernandez takes him down again. Hernandez looks for a front headlock sequence, Fremd tries for a single leg of his own but Hernandez moves to a crucifix position and lands elbows. Fremd with a modified fireman’s carry and gets on top in side control. Hernandez starts to scramble, Fremd sits for a guillotine and uses it to keep top position, specifically half guard. Fremd is after an arm triangle but Hernandez blocks that and looks to stand or sweep. Hernandez inverts and Fremd moves to the ride position. Hernandez wall walks and uses a kimura grip to break the grip. Fremd hits a double leg and Hernandez wall walks then again uses a kimura grip to attack the grip of Fremd. They wind up chest to chest and Fremd lands a knee. Another knee from Fremd and he gets free. Fremd lands a right hand and looks to unload, they clinch up and Hernandez grabs a guillotine and forces Fremd down then unloads with punches and knees to the body from the ride position, then Fremd hits a single leg from his knees to end the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Fremd, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: They get close and Hernandez swings a right hand then hits a double leg into the ride position. Fremd wall walks but Hernandez double legs him again. Again Hernandez sits for the seated arm triangle then tries to swap for an anaconda choke but he’s not catching the arm properly. Hernandez swaps to a d’arce but again Fremd defends. Fremd looks to wrestle from his seat but Hernandez forces him over and gets on top in half guard then lands elbows. Back to the ride position and Hernandez lands a few knees to the body. Hernandez gets the back with both hooks in, Fremd strips one of the hooks away but can’t keep it off. Hernandez moves to mount and starts riding between that and back mount. Fremd is able to roll Hernandez and nearly come out on top but Hernandez retains top position and lands more elbows. Hernandez moves towards full mount but can’t quite get it. Fremd looks to stand but Hernandez is riding him. Punches from Hernandez land then a knee to the body. Fremd looks for a single leg, gets it and gets on top technically but Hernandez has a reverse triangle choke that he goes for but Fremd easily survives until the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-8 Hernandez, 29-27 Hernandez overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Anthony Hernandez via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27 x2)
I think there’s an argument for Hernandez in the second. Mic time for Hernandez he claims he can keep that pace up for an hour and puts over his coaches. He wants to be champion one day and hopes to keep proving it one fight at a time.
Ian Garry is undefeated including a comeback win in his UFC debut, now he’s trying to remain perfect and continue building positive momentum. Darian Weeks lost his UFC debut last year, now he’s back in action and looking for that all important first UFC win. Garry is a very heavy -365 favorite against a +280 comeback for Weeks.
Welterweight Bout: Ian Garry (8-0, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Darian Weeks (5-1, 170.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Garry is three and a half inches taller and has two and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Front kick from Garry. Weeks is pushing Garry back to the fence but neither man is throwing much. Bit of an inside leg kick from Weeks, Garry lands a calf kick. Both men miss a few punches. Hard left from Weeks. Garry lands a jab then they clinch up. Weeks works a few knees to the body and leg then slips to the back. More knees from Weeks then he lands lefts as Garry gets chest to chest again. Garry pulls free and they reset. Weeks checks a leg kick. Weeks avoids a right hand and lands a left. Front kick from Weeks. Garry lands a jab. Both men miss punches and they clinch again. Weeks lands knees to the leg before Garry gets free. Garry has a few kicks blocked then the round ends with Weeks landing a kick to the knee.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Weeks
ROUND TWO: Weeks is pushing Garry back to start the round. Garry lands a jab. Weeks has been using stomp kicks to the leg of Garry and it’s been deterring his jab. Bit of a right from Garry. Weeks avoids a few punches. Bit of a jab from Garry. Weeks punches into a clinch and has Garry on the fence. Some knees from Weeks then a right hand. Hard elbow from Weeks as Garry gets out of the clinch. They clash on kicks, then Garry lands a glancing right hand. Weeks blocks a few punches and is still pressuring Garry back. They trade one twos. More good defense from Weeks but he’s not countering off of them yet. Bit of a right from Weeks. They clinch again and Weeks starts looking for a takedown against the fence. Weeks gets behind, hits a mat return but Garry wall walks. Weeks lands a left hook as they break the clinch. Stomp kick from Weeks, Garry lands a calf kick. Garry misses a jumping knee as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Weeks, 20-18 Weeks overall
ROUND THREE: They hug for the final round. Bit of a left from Weeks. Garry is trying to jab and move but he’s getting pushed to the fence as his footwork is falling apart. Calf kick from Garry after he lands a right hand. Weeks lands a stomp kick. Garry misses a couple of punches. Weeks tries a single leg but Garry slips free quickly. Garry jabs the body. Jab from Weeks but he misses the follow up. Bit of a head kick from Garry. Garry avoids a clinch attempt then lands a calf kick. Jab from Garry, then they both miss rights. Weeks lands a left hand. Garry is bleeding from the nose. Weeks lands another left. Garry lands a right that staggers Weeks but he stays upright. Jab from Garry. Weeks punches into a clinch and they hit the fence. Garry slips to the back standing, lands a bit of a knee. Weeks gets chest to chest and they break apart. Both men miss punches. Weeks starts walking forward, lands a bit of a right hand. Garry avoids a left hook. Garry starts coasting around the mat, Weeks gets behind him in the clinch and lands a punch as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Garry, 29-28 Weeks overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ian Garry via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27 x2)
30-27 seems very wrong. Quick promo from Garry despite us being behind on time, he plays with the crowd then puts over Weeks as a worthy opponent. He’s not perfect yet, but he’s getting there. He gets to stand here in front of a packed arena and do what he loves. To close he knows he’s got a lot to learn, and asks to stay busy because his wife is pregnant.
That’s it for preliminary action, on to PPV for the main card.
Vinc Pichel has a solid UFC record of 7-2 and is on a three fight winning streak, if he’s able to get his second four fight winning streak going tonight he could be in line for a higher profile fight his next time out. Mark Madsen is an Olympic silver medalist in Greco-Roman wrestling and is undefeated in MMA, he’s gone 3-0 in the UFC and could take a step towards ranked opposition if he extends that streak here against a respected veteran like Pichel. The odds are close but favor Pichel at -115 to -105 on Madsen.
Lightweight Bout: Mark Madsen (11-0, 155 lbs.) vs. Vinc Pichel (14-2, 155.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Pichel is two inches taller but the reach is identical. They touch gloves to get us going. Bit of a calf kick from Pichel, Madsen returns it. Pichel checks a calf kick. Calf kick from Madsen. Pichel lands a front kick to the body, Madsen lands another calf kick. Madsen lands another calf kick. Pichel lands a body kick. Another leg kick from Madsen, he’s really working on that leg. Some stance switching from Pichel, not much coming from it. They trade leg kicks. Another calf kick from Pichel lands. Right from Pichel lands. Pichel checks a calf kick then lands one. Knee from Pichel in close, then Madsen lands a right hand. Pichel lands a body kick. They trade calf kicks again, but Pichel is doing a pretty good job of getting his leg out of position. Madsen hits a double leg into side control. Pichel scrambles up to his knees, then slips behind briefly as they come up in the clinch then Pichel lands a left. Calf kick from Pichel then he jabs the body. Madsen avoids a right hand and lands a right of his own. Pichel lands a front kick to the body. Calf kick from Pichel then they trade rights to end the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Madsen but could go either way
ROUND TWO: Both men are playing with the hands as they start the second round. Bit of a right from Madsen. Pichel starts working his jab, and lands a calf kick. Pichel is starting to flow a little more now that he’s got a round under his belt. Bit of a calf kick from Madsen and Pichel lands a body kick. Pichel lands a leg kick. Both men land jabs then Pichel lands a right hand and a body kick. Leg kick from Pichel then they both land knees in close. Madsen lands a body shot. Front kick to the body from Pichel as he keeps circling. Madsen gets behind Pichel and gets a sagging takedown to be on the back without hooks. Madsen moves to the ride position and pulls Pichel to his back but Pichel is happy to wrestle with him and rolls for a leg entanglement. Pichel nearly has a calf slicer going, it’s pretty tight and Madsen is trying to get free, he stands and gets free then sprawls away from a single leg and they come up in the clinch then break. Really fun sequence there. Pichel lands a calf kick. Bit of a right from Pichel then a few more follow up punches. Pichel gets a double leg and forces Madsen to his seat against the fence. They end the round on the mat against the fence.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Pichel, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: Both men come out punching, Pichel is really pushing the pace here. Pichel lands a right then a calf kick. Both men land lefts, Pichel is kicking the body and leg then pushes Madsen into the fence. They trade rights then Madsen moves to the back before they split. Front kick from Pichel. Madsen hits a double leg into half guard. Pichel goes for a triangle choke but Madsen slips free and passes as Pichel rolls to his knees. Madsen looks to push Pichel onto his back, and does so then moves to half guard. Pichel hip escapes to full guard. Madsen passes to half guard and starts attacking an arm triangle. Pichel defends that attempt but he’s struggling to get up from here. Kimura attempt from Pichel but Madsen gets his arm free with relative ease. Madsen has control but he needs some damage as he’s not doing anything with the position. Pichel moves to the fence and wall walks to his knees but Madsen pulls him away from the fence and resumes riding him. Kneebar attempt from Pichel but Madsen stays safe. Pichel fights to his feet and lands a right hand as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Madsen but only barely, 29-28 Madsen overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mark Madsen via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27 x2)
30-27 seems wrong, Pichel definitely had the second. Mic time for Madsen, he runs down his wrestling credentials and he wants to win the title. Asked what he’d like next he talks about moving to the USA recently and getting a new team, he’s fighting for his family and the American dream.
We get the announcement about which fight is going into the Fight Wing of the UFC Hall of Fame. This time it’s Cub Swanson vs. Doo Ho Choi, a darn good three round brawl from 2016.
Mackenzie Dern just had a four fight winning streak snapped by Marina Rodriguez, now she’s trying to avoid her first ever losing streak and get back on track towards a title shot. Tecia Torres finds herself on a three fight winning streak after a rough four fight skid, now she’s closing in on a title shot and if she can best Dern it would put her in the title picture. Dern is a slight -120 favorite to an even +100 for Torres.
Strawweight Bout: #5 Mackenzie Dern (11-2, 115.5 lbs.) vs. #7 Tecia Torres (13-5, 115.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Dern is three inches taller with two and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Torres avoids a few punches. Bit of a right from Torres. Dern keeps over committing to her jab and Torres is landing a counter right. Leg kick from Dern then Torres avoids a clinch attempt. Bit of a right from Dern. Torres misses a right and avoids a punch. Torres keeps trying to dart with her right. Dern lands a right hand and clinches up as they hit the fence. Torres has Dern on the fence and they’re working in the clinch. Knee from Dern and Torres lands an elbow as they break apart. They trade rights. Torres lands a right hand. Side kick to the knee from Torres, who has started switching her stance a bit now as well. Bit of a right from Dern. More stomps or side kicks from Torres, she’s trying to keep distance and punish Dern for getting close. Dern keeps missing rights, and she’s entering on a straight line every time which is allowing Torres to avoid her attempts at contact. Dern lands a right. Bit of a right from Torres as she’s southpaw. Body kick from Dern then a right hand that stuns Torres for a second but Torres uses a side kick to keep distance. Dern lands a left hook, Torres hits a couple of side kicks to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Torres but could go the other way
ROUND TWO: Torres is back to moving and evading punches. Dern keeps pushing a crazy pace, I wonder if Torres can keep this up. Dern punches into a clinch and jumps guard, it’s a standing guard though. Torres is trying to disengage but Dern is after a kimura, she’s got the grip and starts working to extend the arm but the cage is making this hard. Dern keeps kicking off of the cage with her feet to off balance Torres, she gets one leg over the head and they fall to the mat. Torres steps over the head and spins her arm free to wind up in side control. Dern is working a sweep now but Torres is keeping things stacked up. Now Dern attacks the leg, she’s after a kneebar extends the leg and starts to use a toe hold to force Torres to move in a bad direction. Torres has her legs tied up to stop them from being extended. Dern lands a few hammer fists and elbows to the head as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Dern, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: Both women are jabbing to start the round. Dern lands a right hand. Torres misses a spinning back kick. Body kick from Dern. Another body kick from Dern. Torres lands a side kick but she’s just trying to keep distance. Dern lands a left hook. Jab from Dern to counter a side kick. Another right from Dern lands. Torres lands a hook kick but Dern catches the leg and gets things to the fence. Dern is after a takedown and finally trips Torres down but Torres kicks her off including what looked to be an illegal up kick that the ref missed. Spinning back kick from Torres lands. Glancing right from Dern, apparently the up kick was legal per the broadcast. Dern lands a couple of rights, Torres lands one of her own. Another right from Dern then a body kick. Torres avoids a few punches. Bit of a left from Dern. Torres lands another side kick. Torres has been working leg kicks this round. Dern lands a right, Torres ties up for a takedown but Dern counters and lands on top in side control as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Torres, 29-28 Torres overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mackenzie Dern via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)
The first round was close enough, no real issues with the split or 29-28 for either woman. Mic time for Dern and she jokes about not wanting to pull guard but deciding it was a good idea. She talks us through some highlights and says Torres’s strength helped protect her joints. Asked what’s next she’d like either Yan Xiaonan or the winner of Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Zhang Weili, or the loser of Rose Namajunas and Carla Esparza.
Gilbert Burns has gone 7-1 in his last eight fights and if we look at his welterweight career he’s only ever lost to Kamaru Usman, now Burns is trying to get a second crack at the title if he can derail one of the more significant hype trains the UFC has had in several years. Khamzat Chimaev is undefeated as a professional including four wins in the UFC, all of them so dominant he’s officially absorbed just a single significant strike during that time. Chimaev is taking a big step up in class here, but if he can take out Burns he could find himself in the title picture immediately after. The odds are heavily with Chimaev at -550 while the +375 comeback on Burns is a very tempting value bet.
Welterweight Bout: #2 Gilbert Burns (19-4, 170 lbs.) vs. #11 Khamzat Chimaev (10-0, 170 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Chimaev has four inches of height and reach, he’s also eight years younger. Chimaev starts out kicking and backing Burns up, then punches and clinches up on the fence. Burns is trading knees with Chimaev then defends a takedown. Chimaev gets Burns to a knee and lands some lefts as Burns wall walks. Burns looks for another wall walk after being dragged away from the fence, he’s up and tries a granby roll then gets full guard. Chimaev stands over Burns and lands a few leg kicks before the ref restarts them on the feet. Burns lands a bit of a left hook. Calf kick from Burns lands. Chimaev tries to return it but eats a right hand. They trade rights then Burns lands a body kick. Chimaev blocks a punch. Burns lands a right to counter a leg kick then follows up with a jab. Left hook from Burns lands. Chimaev punches in close but they’re mostly blocked. Burns lands a couple of body jabs. Chimaev has a right hand blocked. Burns lands a left hook. They trade punches in close, the defense of Burns is holding up thus far. Some stance switching from Chimaev, and Burns off balances him with a left hook. Chimaev lands a calf kick. A lot more southpaw for Chimaev, he drops Burns with a stiff jab and jumps on top in full guard. Chimaev unloads with strikes but Burns throws back from his back and Chimaev stands free and they reset. A right from Chimaev lands, Burns got over zealous on a right. Burns lands a right hand. Chimaev avoids a right hand as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Chimaev
ROUND TWO: Chimaev lands a calf kick. Burns tries a takedown, Chimaev avoids it. They trade rights. More stance switching from Chimaev, Burns staggers him with a right hand. Body kick from Burns. Chimaev lands another calf kick. Burns jabs the body. Chimaev lands a right hand but takes a couple of stiff calf kicks in response. Burns tries a single leg, Chimaev defends it. A left from Bruns clips Chimaev and hurts him, Burns is stalking him down and we get a bit of a firefight but Chimaev is firing back and gets him to back off. They tie up and trade punches in close. Burns with a body kick. Leg kick from Chimaev. Left hook then a right from Burns. Chimaev lands a right hand. Both men land rights. Chimaev sprawls away from a double leg and Burns pulls guard then kicks Chimaev off of him. This is kind of nuts. Burns lands a jab. Chimaev is bleeding from the nose. Burns lands a couple of body shots and avoids a right hand. Both men are fading a bit. Burns lands a left hook. Inside leg kick from Burns. Burns lands a right to the body. Chimaev lands a right hand. Uppercut from Chimaev then Burns drops him with a right hand, Chimaev gets a double leg as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Burns, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: Burns lands a left then a calf kick. Chimaev tries to get his jab going. Burns jabs the body. Chimaev lands a jab. They split on jabs for a bit then Chimaev lands an uppercut. Chimaev is backing Burns up to the fence, Burns tries a single leg but can’t get Chimaev down as they hit the fence. They break without incident. Jabs from Chimaev then they trade rights. Burns is fading, Chimaev looks to unload along the fence and we get another firefight before they clinch. Both men are dead tired but still fighting. Burns lands a right. Jab from Chimaev. Bit of a left from Burns. A lot of pressure from Chimaev, he’s jabbing and moving forward well. Burns jabs the body. Stiff jab from Chimaev. They split some lefts. Burns lands a right. Burns clubs Chimaev with a couple of rights, he’s got Chimaev backing up. Chimaev avoids a right hand. These two have left everything out there. Both men land punches in close. Chimaev lands an uppercut. Right from Burns. They get close and end the round in the clinch.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Burns but I’m not sure of that at all, 29-28 Burns overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Khamzat Chimaev via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
It’s gonna take something special to beat that for Fight of the Night. Frankly that’s a Fight of the Year contender. No issues with that, 29-28 for either man is perfectly fine scoring. Mic time for Chimaev, he puts over Burns as a tough guy. The crowd did not agree with the decision and boo him just a bit. He thanks Burns for the fight. He talks about working hard for this, and he’s happy to be where he is in the rankings after this. Now he’s bloody and tired, but he still loves this. To close he gives love to the crowd.
Burns gets an interview as well, he plays with the crowd then gives glory to God and he came here to fight. He says he’ll fight anyone, he wants to be champion and that means you fight the toughest opponents. He thanks a lot of people for their support, and he plans to keep fighting. To close he says he’ll give everything when he fights.
Petr Yan is the interim bantamweight champion, a title he claimed by beating Cory Sandhagen last year after losing the title to Aljamain Sterling via disqualification. Yan has emerged as one of the best fighters in the world during his time in the UFC and he’s looking to reclaim the bantamweight title here. Aljamain Sterling is on a six fight winning streak but has been out of action for a little over a year, he’s also dealing with the shadow of how he won the belt and if he’s able to beat Yan cleanly he might get that particular monkey off of his back and start solidifying his reign as champion. Given how their last fight played out the odds are with Yan at a hefty -425 to +320 for Sterling.
Bantamweight Title Bout: (c) Aljamain Sterling (20-3, 134.5 lbs.) vs. (ic) Petr Yan (16-2, 134 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Yan is half an inch taller while Sterling has four inches of reach advantage. For what it’s worth the crowd is very pro Yan. Sterling lands a body kick, he’s doing a lot of stance switching already. Yan is stalking Sterling backwards. A few calf kicks from Sterling. Yan sprawls away from a takedown attempt. Yan is switching his stance now depending on which way Sterling is circling. Sterling lands a body kick. Yan lands a jab. Bit of a right from Yan. Sterling lands another body kick. Yan lands a left then a head kick. The pressure from Yan is impressive, he’s got Sterling doing nothing but backing up. Yan avoids a knee tap attempt. Leg kick from Yan. Bit of a one two from Yan. Yan blocks a kick. Bit of a left from Yan. Sterling tries to charge and Yan avoids him. Yan lands a left. Sterling lands a body kick. Another couple of lefts from Yan partially land. Bit of a combination from Yan. Sterling lands a jab. Yan seems to prefer southpaw at the moment. Sterling tries a single leg, Yan defends the lands a left hand to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Yan
ROUND TWO: Yan comes out orthodox. They clash on kicks then Yan goes southpaw. A lot of switching from Yan. Yan lands a body kick. There’s a side kick to the leg from Yan. Yan defends a takedown and lands a left. Sterling tries a single leg, he gets Yan down and jumps on top of him full mount. Sterling is on the back now with a body triangle. There’s plenty of time for Sterling to work, and he starts hunting for the choke. They’re both throwing punches with little effect. Sterling lands some punches and then goes for the choke, he can’t finish it but he gets Yan belly down and unloads with punches. Yan scrambles a bit and gets Sterling’s back on the mat. A few more punches land for Sterling as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Sterling, borderline 10-8, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: Yan comes out jabbing. They trade body kicks. Yan lands a calf kick then avoids a takedown attempt. Inside leg kick from Yan. Sterling might be limping a bit. Yan keeps chopping the legs then avoids a takedown attempt. Yan forces Sterling down to a knee against the fence and then they break. Sterling lands an uppercut. Yan defends a single leg, Sterling switches to a double leg and jumps to the back once again. Full body triangle from Sterling again. Sterling starts hunting for the choke. Yan’s hand fighting is impressive, he’s stalling Sterling out. The round ends as Yan nearly turns into Sterling’s guard.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Sterling, 29-28 Sterling overall
ROUND FOUR: Yan lands a combination of punches then he gets the back on the mat without hooks. Knee from Yan and they separate. Yan lands another few punches. Hard calf kick from Yan drops Sterling then he avoids a takedown attempt and lands punches as Sterling stands. They’re clinched with Yan on the back and he lands knees to the thigh then they break. Yan lands a body kick. They trade punches, Sterling tries a single leg but Yan defends. Yan lands an inside leg kick but Sterling catches it and gets the back standing then Yan shakes him off and gets in his guard. Sterling has full guard and Yan looks to posture up. Yan lands a few body shots but Sterling is stalling him out with posture control. Yan lands a few punches then gets the ride position as Sterling rolls and looks to stand. Sterling tries to roll for a leg, Yan smothers him and lands elbows from top position. Some more punches from Yan as Sterling tries to go under on half guard. The round ends with Yan on top.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Yan, 38-38 DRAW overall
ROUND FIVE: Yan lands a body kick then a leg kick. Body kick from Sterling. Yan lands an inside leg kick then a right hand. Sterling tries a single leg, Yan defends and they hit the fence. They break and Yan lands a combination. Sterling avoids a few punches. Yan avoids a takedown attempt. Sterling ties up and gets the back standing, Yan is fighting to stay upright and he gets to the fence to help. Yan breaks free and resets. Yan lands an uppercut. Sterling ties up and Yan digs the body before they break. Yan avoids another takedown attempt. One two from Yan. Bit of a right from Yan in close. Yan lands a knee then a left hand. Body kick from Yan and he stuffs a takedown then starts landing punches from the ride position. Sterling fights to his feet then Yan separates. Yan lands a right hand. Sterling tries a single leg, Yan defends and lands punches the moves to the ride again. Yan lands knees to the body and punches. Yan gets the back with both hooks in, goes for the choke but there’s not enough time as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Yan, 48-47 Yan overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and STILL UFC Bantamweight Champion – Aljamain Sterling via split decision (47-48, 48-47 x2)
While I don’t agree I can’t hate it, whole thing comes down to the first round and that was razor close. The crowd boos Sterling relentlessly as he starts his promo. He puts over Yan as a dangerous opponent who brought out the best in him. He says anyone who bets on him can keep getting rich. Sterling wants to bein 50 Cents’ next movie, then wants to fight the filthy druggie TJ Dillashaw.
Yan gets an interview, he feels he won the fight and was robbed. He feels he won the first, fourth, and fifth. He then wants a rematch, and I can’t blame him.
Chan Sung Jung fought for the featherweight title way back in 2013, a losing effort to Jose Aldo, but now finds himself getting another crack at the belt. Jung has gone 3-1 in his last four fights including first round stoppages of Renato Moicano and Frankie Edgar while he’s coming off of a win over Dan Ige, if Jung can win here he’ll become the first Korean champion in UFC history. Alexander Volkanovski is on one of the best runs in the sport, he’s on a 20 fight winning streak, is undefeated at featherweight, has beaten the other two best featherweights of all time en route to claiming the title and defending it twice. Volkanovski is trying to further prove his case as one of the very best fighters in the world and secure his third title defense. The champion Volkanovski is the heaviest favorite on the entire card at a prohibitive -720 while the +500 payout on a Jung win might tempt those who enjoy betting on long shots.
Featherweight Title Bout: (c) Alexander Volkanovski (23-1, 144.5 lbs.) vs. #4 Chan Sung Jung (17-6, 144.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Jung is an inch taller and has half an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Volkanovski circles early, starting to feint right away. Jung misses a few kicks. Inside leg kick from Volkanovski. Solid left from Volkanovski off balances Jung for a moment. Volkanovski lands a body kick. Jung is stalking forward, and Volkanovski lands a couple of hooks then an inside leg kick. Jung lands a calf kick. Bit of a right from Volkanovski. Some jabs from Volkanovski then a leg kick. They trade some lefts. Volkanovski goes southpaw, doesn’t do much with it then goes back and lands a body kick. One two from Volkanovski but Jung just eats them. Jab from Volkanovski then Jung lands a leg kick. Volkanovski lands a couple of punches in close, he’s finding the target over and over again. Left hook from Volkanovski. Inside leg kick from Volkanovski then a right hand. Jung is a touch wobbled from that last right. More jabs from Volkanovski, his hand speed is something else. Inside leg kick from Volkanovski then they clinch up. Volkanovski hits a trip and lands on top in guard. Jung looks to wall walk, he’s upright but still clinched. Some knees from Volkanovski then they break. Jung keeps coming forward but keeps walking onto jabs. Volkanovski lands a left hook that drops Jung for a second, then a calf kick that drops him again. Stiff jab from Volkanovski to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Volkanovski, nearly a 10-8
ROUND TWO: Jung’s eyes are swelling up a bit after that round. They touch gloves again. Volkanovski looks to jab and move. Jung lands a leg kick. Inside leg kick from Volkanovski, then another one. Volkanovski avoids a right hand then lands a right of his own. Volkanovski checks a calf kick, that hurt me just watching it. Hard left hook from Volkanovski staggers Jung. Volkanovski is hand fighting at distance well, and he’s chewing Jung up. Inside leg kick then a right hand from Volkanovski. Jung lands a front kick to the chest. One two from Volkanovski then a body kick. Hard couple of rights from Volkanovski drop Jung, but Jung fights back up. Volkanovski gets a takedown against the fence and lands on top in half guard. Some punches from Volkanovski as he works to keep Jung from wall walking. Volkanovski lands a knee as they stand then avoids a punch. Double leg from Volkanovski winds up in a clinch and he lands an elbow. More punches from Volkanovski as they break. Jung misses a right hand. Another right from Volkanovski lands flush. Outside trip from Volkanovski, lovely technique, and he lands on top again. Volkanovski postures up and lands punches as Jung stands and they break. Jung misses a right hand. Body kick and jab from Volkanovski. More jabs from Volkanovski then he avoids the counters. A leg kick from Volkanovski ends the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Volkanovski but another near 10-8, 20-18 Volkanovski overall
ROUND THREE: Volkanovski is feinting and moving again. Volkanovski lands a left high kick. They trade punches in close. Jung avoids a calf kick. Volkanovski lands a leg kick. Bit of a right from Volkanovski, then another one. Jung swings punches, he’s after a brawl as he’s losing badly in the technique department. Volkanovski lands a few jabs and circles. They tie up and Volkanovski lands a knee before they break. Hard right from Volkanovski. Volkanovski keeps jabbing and lands an inside leg kick then a one two. More jabs from Volkanovski as he moves. Double leg from Volkanovski and Jung bounces up against the fence. Volkanovski works short knees then breaks with an elbow. Jung keeps coming forward but he’s getting chewed up. More jabs from Volkanovski then a right hand. Leg kick from Volkanovski then a knee to the body. Jung is trying but he’s horribly over matched. More body work from Volkanovski then a body kick. Stiff right from Volkanovski lands. Calf kick from Volkanovski. Jung lands a leg kick but eats a straight counter right. Bit of a combination from Jung. Volkanovski lands a left hook. Inside leg kick from Volkanovski. Volkanovski lands a left hook then a couple of rights that sit Jung down again. Volkanovski gets on top in half guard and unloads with punches but Jung will survive to see the round end.
SCORECARD: 10-8 Volkanovski, 30-26 Volkanovski overall
ROUND FOUR: Jung’s corner should seriously consider stopping this. The doctor comes in to check on Jung, but Jung wants to fight so we’re still doing this. They touch gloves. Volkanovski is back to moving and feinting as Jung plods forward. A body kick then an inside leg kick from Volkanovski. Volkanovski lands a right hand. Right hand then an inside leg kick from Volkanovski. Hard rights stagger Jung again and the ref mercifully waves this off.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and STILL UFC Featherweight Champion – Alexander Volkanovski via TKO, punches, at :45 of Round 4
Good stoppage from Herb Dean, that was getting uncomfortable and Jung had nothing to offer Volkanovski. Total destruction by Volkanovski. Volkanovski gets an interview, he says he’s worked hard to be this good and then puts over Jung’s toughness but feels that could have been stopped earlier. For what it’s worth I agree with him. He gives love to people back home, and credits a desire to be better with all of his success. Hard work and drive got him here, and gives love to Australia. Asked who he’d like next, he doesn’t care but acknowledges he was scheduled to fight Max Holloway here. He tells everyone else in the division to get their stuff together and earn a title shot or else they’ll miss out.
Jung and his translator get an interview as well, he was confident and wasn’t tired but felt like he hit a wall he couldn’t overcome once they started fighting. Asked about the future he says he always considers retirement after a loss and knows he can’t make an emotional decision right now.
Well on that note UFC 273 comes to a close. Thanks for reading, I really appreciate it. We’ll unpack all of the results from this event tomorrow on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast, plus look ahead to next week when we get a rematch between Belal Muhammad and Vicente Luque. I’ll be back next week for that Fight Night, and I hope you will as well. Until then stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.
