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411’s UFC 275 Report: Jiri Taps Teixeira in Instant Classic

June 12, 2022 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC 275 Image Credit: UFC

MAIN CARD (ESPN+ pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)
Champ Glover Teixeira (205 lbs.) vs. #2 Jiri Prochazka (205 lbs.) – for light heavyweight title
Champ Valentina Shevchenko (124.5 lbs.) vs. #4 Taila Santos (125 lbs.) – for women’s flyweight title
Joanna Jedrzejczyk (116 lbs.) vs. #2 Zhang Weili (116 lbs.)
Andre Fialho (170.5 lbs.) vs. Jake Matthews (170.5 lbs.)
Jack Della Maddalena (170.5 lbs.) vs. Ramazan Emeev (171 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN2/ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET)
Seungwoo Choi (146 lbs.) vs. Josh Culibao (146 lbs.)
Steve Garcia (155.5 lbs.) vs. Hayisaer Maheshate (155.5 lbs.)
Brendan Allen (186 lbs.) vs. Jacob Malkoun (186 lbs.)
Danaa Batgerel (135 lbs.) vs. Kyung Ho Kang (136 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)
Silvana Gomez (116 lbs.) Juarez vs. Liang Na (116 lbs.)
Joselyne Edwards (145 lbs.) vs. Ramona Pascual (145 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC 275, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening. Tonight the UFC is back on PPV and back in Singapore with a card featuring two title fights and a rematch of the best women’s fight of all time. The main event sees somewhat improbably champion Glover Teixeira going for his first title defense against surging contender Jiri Prochazka, which is a fight unlikely to go the distance. The co-main event will see women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko trying to extend her streak of dominance against Taila Santos, Santos is on a good winning streak of her own and is the kind of spoiler that plenty of dominant champions have fallen against in the past. Our featured match is a rematch of former champions Zhang Weili and Joanna Jedrzejczyk, these two put on 2020’s Fight of the Year in a classic five round brawl and now over two years later they’ll run it back with the winner being the presumptive next challenger to newly minted champion Carla Esparza. Elsewhere on the card Australian striking sensation Jack Della Maddalena takes on Ramazan Emeev, Kyung Ho Kang will battle Batgerel Danaa, and the fight between Seung Woo Choi and Josh Culibao has some serious violence potential. The card is definitely more top heavy than fully fleshed out but I’m cautiously optimistic about most of the fights on paper.

UFC 275 comes to the world from Singapore Indoor Stadium in Kallang, Singapore. Jon Anik, Daniel Cormier, and Michael Bisping will be our commentary team. As for the rules, I’m not sure what we’re using but I think the UFC is essentially self regulating here so they could use whatever setup they want. I’ll be sure to update this if they announce the rules, if not I’m going to just assume the same rule set up as Nevada. Also keep in mind we’re in the larger 30 foot Octagon instead of the 25 footer installed at the Apex.

Ramona Pascual had a four fight winning streak snapped in her UFC debut earlier this year, now she’s back and looking to get that all important first UFC win. Joselyne Edwards has gone 1-2 in the UFC and is on a two fight losing streak, she’s moving up to featherweight for this fight in hopes of breathing some life back into her UFC run. Edwards is the favorite at -165 to +145 on Pascual.

Women’s Featherweight Bout: Joselyne Edwards (10-4, 145 lbs.) vs. Ramona Pascual (6-3, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Edwards is an inch taller with four inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Pascual. Both women probe with low kicks to get things going. They get close and both women fire looping punches, Edwards is using longer combinations thus far. Some front kicks to the body from Edwards. Edwards lands a couple of punches. Pascual forces a clinch on the fence, Edwards is able to separate rather quickly. Body kick from Pascual then a right hand. A few more front kicks from Edwards, she’s just staying busy at range while Pascual is struggling to find any offense. Pascual lands a knee in close then a right hand. More long range kicks from Edwards. Pascual forces another clinch on the fence, Edwards tries a trip but Pascual defends then stuns Edwards with a body kick. More body shots from Pascual, and now Edwards grabs a clinch to stifle the offense from Pascual. Pascual lands a knee as they break. Head kick from Pascual and Edwards is stunned again to more or less end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pascual

ROUND TWO: Edwards gets back to kicks at distance. Pascual forces a clinch and starts working knees as they hit the fence. They trade punches as they break. Bit of a left from Pascual. Edwards lands a right to the body but she’s slowing down a bit. Pascual lands a couple of punches and now Edwards is bleeding from the bridge of the nose. Edwards lands a few more front kicks to the body but she needs to start building off of those. Pascual lands a knee to the body in close. Some side kicks to the leg from Edwards, she’s working on keeping distance still. Pascual lands a body kick. Stiff jab from Pascual then a left hand to follow. A lot of long range kicks from Edwards are still being thrown. If Pascual could take a slight angle on these linear kicks from Edwards she could do something with that opening, but there’s a ton of straight line work from both women. Pascual gets a takedown but Edwards kicks her off as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Edwards, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Edwards is back to kicking at the leg. Pascual checks a leg kick. Edwards has some body kicks blocked. Pascual punches into a double leg against the fence, she switches to a single leg but can’t finish it and Edwards is able to slip free. Inside leg kick from Pascual. Edwards lands a few more front kicks. They punch into another clinch and Pascual forces things to the fence. Edwards blocks a single leg and lands a combination then separates. More kicks to the knee from Edwards. Edwards misses an ax kick. Pascual lands a body kick. The straight line motion from Pascual is allowing the straight kicks from Edwards to constantly keep distance. Edwards lands a combination of punches. Pascual lands an inside leg kick. Body kicks from Edwards. Pascual catches a kick and forces a clinch, she can’t finish the takedown but lands a body kick as they break. More body kicks from Edwards at distance, then she lands a right hook. They get close and trade some punches to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Edwards, 29-28 Edwards overall but likely hinges on the second

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

I don’t agree with 30-27, that first should have gone to Pascual. No interview for the winner.

Liang Na had a five fight winning streak broken in her UFC debut over a year go, she’s back in action here and looking for her first taste of success in the promotion. Silvana Gomez Juarez has gone 0-2 in the UFC and needs a win here pretty badly as an 0-3 start to your UFC run is a steep hill to try and climb over later. The odds are close but lean towards Juarez at -120 to an even +100 for Na.

Strawweight Bout: Silvana Gomez Juarez (10-4, 116 lbs.) Juarez vs. Liang Na (19-5, 116 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Na has two inches of height and reach, she’s also 12 years younger. They touch gloves to get us going. Na starts out jabbing. Bit of a right from Na. Gomez Juarez avoids a right hand, then defends a single leg takedown and lands punches. Gomez Juarez lands a left hook after Na misses a head kick. A hard right from Gomez Juarez staggers Na, then she follows up with another couple of punches that put her out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Silvana Gomez Juarez via KO, punches, at 1:22 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mrs. Gomez Juarez for her work this evening. Mic time for Gomez Juarez and her translator, she’s very happy to have gotten her first UFC win. She says the fight went according to plan, and thanks her coaches for all of their work. To close she asks for a post fight bonus.

Here’s the finish. Na comes in jabbing but she’s coming in on a straight line, doesn’t move her head, and doesn’t get her shoulder high enough to provide defense. That means the cross counter from Gomez Juarez ends her night.

Kyung Ho Kang has been with the UFC since 2013 and was last seen dropping a decision to Rani Yahya back in November, he’s trying to avoid his first ever UFC losing streak with a win here. Batgerel Danaa has gone 3-2 in the UFC but is coming off of a loss, now he’s trying to avoid his first ever losing streak and resuming climbing up the stacked bantamweight division. This one closed at a pick ’em, 115 for Danaa and -105 for Kang.

Bantamweight Bout: Batgerel Danaa (12-3, 135 lbs.) vs. Kyung Ho Kang (17-9 1 NC, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Kang is two inches taller with three inches of reach advantage. Danaa starts out jabbing, and lands a left hook when Kang tries to jab with him. Kang lands a leg kick and eats a couple of counters. Calf kick from Kang. The “woo’s” come out, took a refreshingly long time this event. Kang is targeting the calf of Danaa to take away the jab. Another calf kick from Kang. Danaa lands a right hand to counter a leg kick. Kang lands a leg kick then a jab. Danaa lands a jab of his own. Bit of a right hand from Danaa. Danaa starts showing some stance switches, he lands a right hand. Kang avoids a blitz attack. Another calf kick from Kang. Danaa lands an inside leg kick, then takes a calf kick. Bit of a right from Danaa, then he jabs the body. Uppercut from Danaa stuns Kang for a second. Kang lands a couple of jabs. Danaa lands a leg kick, then another one. Hard one two from Danaa. Danaa lands a right hand to counter a spinning attack. Another calf kick from Danaa. Danaa lands a left hand, then a right in close. Kang blocks a high kick to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Danaa

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Danaa lands a calf kick. Kang lands a calf kick of his own. Kang lands a jab that seems to bother Danaa for a second. Bit of a front kick from Danaa. Kang lands a jab. Bit of a left from Danaa. They trade calf kicks. Danaa lands a counter right. Danaa blocks a double leg and lands a right hand. Jab to the body from Danaa. They trade lefts, then trade calf kicks. Kang lands a stiff jab. Danaa lands an uppercut and a left hook then a body shot. Kang lands a jab, Danaa lands a body kick. Danaa blocks a double leg and lands a knee that was of dubious legality, but no stop to the action. A few punches land for Danaa. Kang lands a jab. Kang tries a spinning back fist. Another jab from Kang, Danaa lands a left hook. Kang lands a right hand then avoids the counters to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kang, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Kang lands a right hand to begin the last round. Jab and a leg kick from Kang. Another right from Kang lands. Danaa lands a calf kick. Bit of a right from Danaa. Kang lands a calf kick. Calf kick from Danaa. Danaa lands a left hook. They trade some jabs but Kang is still generally getting the better of things. Both men miss rights. They split jabs. Danaa lands a calf kick. Bit of a counter right from Kang. Danaa lands a right hand. Kang lands a right. Bit of a right from Danaa, Kang lands a left hook to counter. Danaa lands a left hook. Bit of an uppercut from Danaa in close. Kang lands a one two. Kang lands a right then a left, blocks a double leg attempt and lands another right hand. Danaa avoids a right hand and lands a left hand that off balances Kang just as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Kyung Ho Kang via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

No interview for Kang, but a fun enough little fight.

Jacob Malkoun has gone 2-1 in the UFC but he’s won his last two fights and is looking to build a three fight winning streak at the expense of a fellow rising prospect. Brendan Allen has a UFC record of 7-2 and he’s coming off of a win over Sam Alvey, he’s trying to make the difficult transition from prospect to contender and if he can build another winning streak here it will be an important step towards that destination. The odds pretty solidly favor Allen at -300 while Malkoun is a +235 underdog.

Middleweight Bout: Brendan Allen (18-5, 186 lbs.) vs. Jacob Malkoun (6-1, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Allen is five inches taller with two inches of reach advantage. Allen lands a calf kick to start. Bit of a jab from Allen, he’s fighting long so far and looks like the much larger man. Allen lands a right hand. They trade left hooks in close. Calf kick from Allen. Malkoun lands a jab. Sweeping left from Allen partially lands. They trade jabs, then Allen lands a right uppercut. Malkoun tries a single leg, they hit the fence and he finishes the takedown but Allen scrambles back up with Malkoun still on him in the clinch. Allen gets dragged down to the mat, Malkoun is on his back with one hook in but Allen is postured up and is trying to spin into Malkoun. Allen fights up to his feet and Malkoun is still clinched on him. Whizzer kick from Allen and he lands on top in full mount. Malkoun shrimps to half guard but Allen rides him well. Allen grabs at a guillotine choke, but Malkoun is able to take him down and land in half guard on the safe side so Allen bails on the choke. Allen wall walks and lands an elbow to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Allen

ROUND TWO: Allen resumes stalking forward, they trade left hooks. Allen lands a calf kick. Bit of a head kick from Allen then they trade jabs. Malkoun lands a jab. Another jab from Malkoun. Allen lands a jab. Bit of a right from Allen. Malkoun tries a single leg, they hit the fence and Malkoun moves to the back then switches to another single leg and gets Allen down. Allen gets full guard. Malkoun passes to half guard. Allen gives up the back to wall walk, he starts fighting the grip of Malkoun so Malkoun switches to a single leg and spins Allen down again. Bit of an elbow from Allen but Malkoun settles into half guard. Malkoun lands an elbow. They trade some elbows then Allen rolls to his knees and Malkoun moves towards his back. No hooks for Malkoun and Allen is able to come up and get on top. Allen moves to side control. Allen has a forearm choke going then lands a couple of elbows to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Malkoun, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Allen lands a right hand then hits a double leg. Malkoun scrambles and they fight up to the feet again. Allen lands a right hand. Bit of a knee from Allen. Stiff jab from Allen. Malkoun lands a right hand. Allen lands a right hand. They trade some jabs. Malkoun tries a single leg, he’s able to trip Allen down and gets the back standing as they scramble. Single leg from Malkoun and he gets on top in half guard. Allen lands some elbows from his back as Malkoun works from half guard. Malkoun moves to the ride position then Allen sweeps to get on top. Malkoun comes up on a single leg, Allen steps over his head and gets on top landing elbows as he gets to half guard. Allen looks to pass, but Malkoun gets butterfly guard. Full guard for Malkoun, Allen lands an elbow. Some short elbows from Allen. Allen tries to posture up and land bombs, Malkoun eats an elbow but ties up posture to ice the final seconds.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Brendan Allen via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Malkoun’s wrestling is impressive but he didn’t build much offense or damage off of it, a thing he’ll have to address going forward. Mic time for Allen, the crowd does not care for the decision, he feels he was more active while Malkoun did a lot of hugging, but puts over the wrestling of Malkoun as being good. He thanks a few sponsors as well, I’m sure the UFC will love that. He puts over Malkoun’s toughness to close.

Hayiseaer Maheshate brings a six fight winning streak into his UFC debut and won his way into the promotion on the Contender Series last year, now he’s looking to extend that streak and make a good first impression to the UFC audience. Steve Garcia has gone 1-1 in the UFC but he’s coming off of a win and is looking to build his first UFC winning streak. Garcia is your -180 favorite to a +155 on the debuting Maheshate.

Lightweight Bout: Steve Garcia (12-4, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Hayisaer Maheshate (6-1, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Garcia has three and half inches of reach advantage, Garcia is also eight years older. Southpaw for Garcia. A lot of circling from both men. They both try kicks and punches. Maheshate lands a jumping knee but Garcia cracks him with a right hand. Garcia walks into a right hand that sits him down, but when Maheshate tries to follow up Garcia comes up on a single leg and lands punches against the fence in the clinch. They break and Garcia misses a left hook. Maheshate backs up, and clobbers a surging Garcia with a right hand that makes Garcia face plant and we’re done.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Hayisaer Maheshate via KO, punch, at 1:14 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Maheshate for his work this evening. Mic time for Maheshate and his translator, he’s very happy and thanks his team for all of their help. He talks us through the finish, then says he’s coming for the title eventually.

Here’s the finish. Maheshate fades to an angle as Garcia’s left hand misses and he’s got a wide open punching lane for the power right hand. Bonus points for the almost Flair Flop Garcia performs.

Seung Woo Choi has gone 3-3 in the UFC and had a three fight winning streak broken in his last fight, now he’s trying to rebound with a win that will get his UFC record above the .500 mark. Josh Culibao has gone 1-1-1 in the UFC but he’s coming off of a win and is trying to get his first UFC winning streak up and running. The odds favor Choi at -235 while the +190 comeback on Culibao might be a decent value bet.

Featherweight Bout: Seungwoo Choi (10-4, 146 lbs.) vs. Josh Culibao (9-1-1, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Choi is two inches taller and has an inch and a half of reach over Culibao. They touch gloves to get us going, Culibao is fighting southpaw. Choi looks to fight long at first. Some stance switching from Culibao as they both feint and look for openings. Not a lot of action, Culibao blocks a head kick and Choi misses a couple of follow up punches. Both men avoid punches. Culibao lands a left to the body. Culibao lands a left hand. Choi has a head kick blocked. Bit of a right from Choi. Choi lands a leg kick. Glancing high kick from Culibao then they trade punches in close. Body kick from Choi. Choi lands a left hook then a leg kick. Culibao lands a right hand and a left hook to follow up. A hook from Culibao staggers Choi, they get close and brawl with Culibao dropping Choi. Choi grabs a body lock to stifle the offense of Culibao. Choi lands an elbow as they break the clinch, he’s chasing down Culibao now. They punch into a clinch and hit the fence. Culibao lands a few knees in the clinch to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Culibao

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Choi lands a leg kick. Choi lands a right hand. Culibao lands a left hook. Hard left from Culibao. Choi lands a head kick then a left hook. Both men land hooks in close. Choi lands a leg kick. Bit of a left from Choi, Culibao floors him with a right hand but Choi fights to his feet. Bit of a knee from Culibao. Choi misses a high kick. Culibao lands a right hand. Culibao lands another right. Choi lands a leg kick then has a head kick blocked. Choi lands a right. Both men miss punches. Bit of a head kick from Choi. Culibao lands a right hand. Choi lands a leg kick. Right then a left from Choi both land. They trade rights. Both men miss punches to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Choi resumes coming forward, and lands a calf kick. Body kick from Choi. Culibao lands a few calf kicks. Choi lands a leg kick then a bit of a head kick. Culibao lands a jab. Culibao avoids a right hand. Choi lands a leg kick. Another leg kick from Choi. Culibao lands a combination of punches. Bit of a left hook from Choi. Choi spins into a clinch and they hit the fence. Culibao has Choi on the fence and lands some knees to the leg and body. Choi moves to a body lock and gets a takedown. Choi gets the back with both hooks in, then goes to a body triangle. Choi grabs the choke, Culibao is hand fighting though. Culibao rolls for a leg, Choi keeps the ride position and lands punches. They come up in the clinch and swing to the end of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Choi, 29-28 Culibao overall

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

I don’t get 29-28 for Choi at all, he had moments in the first but nothing that would have overcome what Culibao had done. That said, fun fight.

We move on to PPV for the main card.

Jack Della Maddalena is on a nine fight winning streak and scored an impressive win in his UFC debut back in January, now he’s trying to maintain this positive momentum and continue his winning ways. Ramazan Emeev has gone 2-2 in his last four fights and he’s coming off of a very controversial loss to Danny Roberts, now he’s trying to avoid his first UFC losing streak. This is a fairly close fight but the odds are with Maddalena at -165 while the +135 payout for Emeev is a very tempting value bet.

Welterweight Bout: Jack Della Maddalena (11-2, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Ramazan Emeev (20-5, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Della Maddalena is an inch taller while Emeev has three inches of reach advantage, Della Maddalena is also a full 10 years younger. Both men doing a lot of feinting early. Emeev lands a left hook. Both men start showing the jab. Della Maddalena has moved to southpaw now. Bit of a right from Emeev. Single leg from Emeev, he winds up on the back but Della Maddalena rolls through for a leg to initiate a scramble but Emeeve grabs an anaconda choke as they stand. Emeev is locking down that choke, Della Maddalena is in trouble as they roll on the mat but he finally breaks the grip and stands free. Della Maddalena lands a couple of punches along the fence, then digs a left to the body that drops Emeev and a few more punches on the mat prompt the stoppage as Emeev can only turtle up.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jack Della Maddalena via TKO, body shot and punches, at 2:32 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Della Maddalena for his work this evening. Mic time for Della Maddalena, he plays with the crowd a bit to start. He knew he’d get out of the submission attempt, it just took some time, then he again plays with the crowd. Asked about the future he says he’ll fill in for anyone else who falls out tonight on the card.

Jake Matthews has been with the UFC since 2014 and has gone 3-2 in his last five fights, but he’s coming off of a loss and has been out of action for over a year. Matthews is trying to avoid his first losing streak ever at welterweight and start making his way towards ranked opposition again. Andre Fialho is making his fourth UFC appearance of 2022 here, he’s gone 2-1 in the promotion and is on a two fight winning streak. If Fialho can best Matthews here the resulting three fight winning streak might see him taking on ranked opposition before the year ends. The odds are with Fialho at -125 to +105 for Matthews.

Welterweight Bout: Andre Fialho (16-4 1 NC, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Jake Matthews (17-5, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Fialho is half an inch taller with an inch of reach advantage. Matthews starts out showing the jab. Fialho is stalking forward. Matthews lands a calf kick. Another calf kick from Matthews. Bit of a left hook from Fialho. Calf kick from Fialho. Matthews lands a right hook then a calf kick. Matthews with a high kick that’s partially successful. Solid left hook from Matthews. Filaho lands a right hand. They trade lefts in close then Matthews follows up with a right hand. Matthews lands a front kick, Fialho responds with a calf kick. Fialho lands another calf kick. Matthews and Fialho both land punches in the pocket, Matthews eats a right though and Fialho drops him then jumps on top as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Matthews but Fialho might have stolen it at the end

ROUND TWO: Fialho gets back to pressing forward right away. Both men miss rights. A left from Matthews gets Filaho backing up, he lands another one. A right from Matthews lands, Fialho’s chin is impressive as he’s taken full shots and is upright. Matthews is switching between stances now as he’s finding openings on Fialho. Fialho lands a right hand, Matthews returns it. A left hook from Matthews and Fialho is hurt again, they trade on the fence and Matthews finally drops Fialho with a right and we’re done.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jake Matthews via KO, punches, at 2:24 of Round 2

That was easily the best performance of Matthews’ UFC career. Mic time for Matthews, he says he’s had this skill level for his entire career but finally was able to bring it to bear and says all he’s done before was about 50% of his potential. He says either of them could have gone out with the power being thrown but he put it together better tonight. Asked about the future, he says he’d like to be on the upcoming event in France.

Zhang Weili is a former strawweight champion but is currently on a two fight losing streak, she’s trying to avoid a three fight skid and potentially get another crack at the belt she used to hold if she wins tonight. Joanna Jedrzejczyk is a former strawweight champion as well, she’s been out of action since losing a closely contested fight with Zhang back in 2020. If Jedrzejczyk can avenge that loss here she could also be in line for another shot at the belt she used to hold. Zhang is the -165 favorite to a +145 payout on Jedrzejczyk.

Strawweight Bout: Joanna Jedrzejczyk (16-4, 116 lbs.) vs. #2 Zhang Weili (21-3, 116 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Jedrzejczyk is two inches taller with two and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Jedrzejczyk starts feinting early as they circle. Zhange starts moving forward a bit more. Jedrzejczyk lands a left to counter a leg kick. Leg kick from Jedrzejczyk. They clash on rights. Jedrzejczyk lands a left. A combination from Jedrzejczyk then a leg kick that sweeps Zhang down, and Jedrzejczyk greets her back on the feet with a right hand. Zhang lands a body kick. Another leg kick from Jedrzejczyk. Zhang punches into a takedown and starts landing punches as Jedrzejczyk wall walks. Zhang moves to the back standing and looks for a mat return. Trip from Zhang and she’s on top in the ride position. Punches from Zhang as Jedrzejczyk shrimps to half guard. Jedrzejczyk is looking for a sweep, she comes up in the clinch and lands a knee then Zhang hits a lateral drop to get on top in full guard. Zhang lands a right hand and passes to half guard. Full mount for Zhang now and she lands short elbows. More elbows from Zhang, Jedrzejczyk hip escapes to half guard but is taking more elbows along the way. Zhang lands a few more elbows as Jedrzejczyk gets full guard. Jedrzejczyk spins free and stands up at distance. They trade rights. Bit of a left hook from Jedrzejczyk. Jedrzejczyk lands a right hand. Zhang lands a right, Jedrzejczyk returns it and lands a combination as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Zhang

ROUND TWO: Jedrzejczyk lands a couple of leg kicks. Zhang avoids a couple of punches. Jedrzejczyk lands a right hand. Zhang lands a side kick to the body, then another one. They trade rights, Jedrzejczyk lands a leg kick then Zhang lands a right and body kick. Jedrzejczyk lands a leg kick. Another leg kick from Jedrzejczyk but Zhang lands a right hand. Jedrzejczyk jabs the body then lands a right hand. They trade in close and clinch up, Jedrzejczyk lands a knee to the body. Zhang fails on a throw attempt and they separate. Jedrzejczyk has started switching her stance now. Zhang lands a one two. A spinning back fist from Zhang face plants Jedrzejczyk and we’re done.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Zhang Weili via KO, spinning back fist, at 2:28 of Round 2

Mic time for Zhang and her translator, she’s happy about this fight and wanted to show all of her skills. She talks us through the finish and noted she wanted to stay calm in the fight and conquer herself. Asked about her presumptive title shot she wants to fight Esparza in Abu Dhabi. To close she puts over Jedrzejczyk as a great champion in the legacy of great strawweight champions, and wishes for world peace.

Jedrzejczyk gets an interview as well, she’s proud of herself and all the work she’s put into this fight. She acknowledges that her bell is still ringing and puts over Zhang and her strength, then thanks all of her team for their support. To close she retires, and the apologizes to the UFC brass for letting them down, and puts over all the UFC employees for what they do to put on these shows. She leaves her gloves in the ring and says she’s been doing this for 20 years and since she’s turning 35 it’s time to move on to the other things she wants to do with her life.

Taila Santos has gone 4-1 in the UFC and is on a four fight winning streak, all of which has found her in her first UFC title fight. Santos is trying to unseat one of the most dominant champions in the sport right now, but if she’s able to do so it will be the biggest win of her career and she can begin forging a title legacy of her own. Valentina Shevchenko is the UFC women’s flyweight champion, has never lost at flyweight, is on an eight fight winning streak, and is going for her seventh consecutive title defense tonight. Shevchenko is trying to continue making her case as an all time great in the sport and continue her title reign. Shevchenko is the biggest favorite on the card at -650, which is actually the least favored she’s been in several fights, while the Santos upset sits at +450.

Women’s Flyweight Title Bout: (c) Valentina Shevchenko (22-3, 124.5 lbs.) vs. #4 Taila Santos (19-1, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Santos is an inch taller and has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Southpaw for Shevchenko per usual. Shevchenko lands a leg kick. Very stationary approach from Shevchenko thus far, she lands a superman punch. Santos checks an inside leg kick. They trade a couple of punches. Santos avoids a one two. Shevchenko checks an inside leg kick. Santos avoids a spinning back kick. Santos misses a blitz attack and Shevchenko gets a body lock on the fence. Shevchenko lands a knee to the head then one to the body. Full body lock for Shevchenko, she keeps working knees while controlling Santos. A few shoulder strikes from Shevchenko. A knee from Shevchenko, but she slips trying a throw and Santos gets on top and has the back with both hooks in. Santos is after the choke but Shevchenko is hand fighting. Body triangle from Santos, she keeps fishing for the choke but is struggling to get under the chin. A few punches from Shevchenko land but it seems like she’s punting the round. The round ends in that spot.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Santos

ROUND TWO: Both women back to feinting. I’m still surprised at how stationary Shevchenko is. Bit of a one two from Shevchenko then she misses a wheel kick. Shevchenko lands an inside leg kick. Shevchenko lands a left hand. They punch into a clinch and hit the fence. Santos is looking to drop for a single leg, Shevchenko is blocking thus far. Both women land some short punches and knees but things are stalling out a bit. Santos hits an outside trip and lands on top in full guard. Shevchenko lands some punches and elbows from her back. Santos is mostly staying safe on top, she lands a few body shots. Shevchenko lands another elbow, she’s working her guard high and grabs at a gogoplata but Santos defends and they reset. Bit of a left from Santos but again things are stalling a bit. The ref agrees and resets them on the feet. Body kick from Shevchenko. They clinch and Shevchenko hits a headlock takeover, they scramble and Shevchenko grabs for an armbar but Santos defends and comes up on top. Nothing really happens before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Santos but a close one, 20-18 Santos overall

ROUND THREE: Shevchenko lands an outside leg kick. Shevchenko lands a right hook. Inside leg kicks are traded. Another left from Shevchenko. Spinning back kick from Shevchenko. One two from Shevchenko lands. Another leg kick from Shevchenko. Santos misses a few punches then takes an inside leg kick. They clinch again and scramble down then back up. Shevchenko lands another inside leg kick. Bit of a jab from Shevchenko. Santos blocks a left hand. They tie up again and hit the fence. Santos has Shevchenko on the fence, Shevchenko is landing short punches as they fight for position. Outside trip from Santos and she jumps to the ride position. Only one hook from Santos, now she gets the other one in. Santos grabs at the choke, it’s not under the chin yet but Santos is squeezing and adjusting while Shevchenko hand fights. Santos grabs a neck crank but wont finish as the round ends.

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

ROUND FOUR: Shevchenko lands a left hand. They trade punches in close. Body kick from Shevchenko. Santos’s right eye is swelling and bleeding, apparently from a clash of heads. Shevchenko lands a head kick, well more of the knee and her foot went into the groin of Santos so we get time. That eye of Santos is a mess, we might get a stoppage on it. We restart and Shevchenko lands a left hand. Inside leg kick from Shevchenko. Shevchenko lands an elbow as she avoids a clinch. Hard left from Shevchenko wobbles Santos. Another body kick from Shevchenko lands. Shevchenko lands a combination. Another body kick from Shevchenko. Santos lands a left hook but eats a right in return. Shevchenko lands a right hand. Santos avoids a punch and front kick. Combination from Shevchenko lands. Inside leg kick from Shevchenko. Shevchenko lands a left hand. Inside leg kick from Santos. Bit of a left from Shevchenko. Another couple of punches from Shevchenko land. Bit of a left from Santos. They both punch in close. Shevchenko lands a body kick. One two from Shevchenko. Santos avoids a combination and gets a takedown into half guard. Shevchenko looks for a sweep as the round ends.

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

ROUND FIVE: The doctor comes in to check the eye of Santos, she can see out of it so we’re going have the last round. Santos lands an inside leg kick. Shevchenko lands a combination. A left from Shevchenko lands. Body kick from Shevchenko. Another combination from Shevchenko, then she hits a headlock takeover but Santos scrambles around to get on top once they hit the mat. Shevchenko uses the cage to move to her knees, Santos moves to the ride position and fights for both hooks. Santos is very high and Shevchenko stands free. Inside leg kick from Shevchenko then a right hook. They trade some leg kicks. Double leg from Shevchenko and she gets on top in half guard. Some blows go back and forth but there’s not a ton of heat on them. Shevchenko is looking to pass but Santos keeps blocking her. Punches from Shevchenko and she’s scooting things to the fence. Shevchenko moves to side control, then gets caught in half guard again as she attacked an arm triangle. A few short elbows land for Shevchenko as the clock runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Shevchenko, 48-47 Santos overall and this likely hinges entirely on round 2

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – and STILL Women’s Flyweight Champion Valentina Shevchenko via split decision (47-48, 48-47, 49-46)

Not sure I agree with 49-46, but round 2 had control from Santos but little damage and that’s the most important criteria. 48-47 either way is defensible IMO. Mic time for Shevchenko, she says this was a hard fight and talks about the rough travel and fight week but she kept fighting even when down and wants to keep going further. She says she left her heart in the cage like always. She puts over Santos as a tough opponent. During tape study she saw that Santos could strike and grapple and was ready. Asked about the future she wants to continue fighting and improving, whether at flyweight or bantamweight.

Santos and her translator an interview as well, she can’t complain about the decision but knows she’s young and says this wont be the last time she fights for the belt. She calls the fight very tough but is ready for her next fight. Asked about the damage to her eye she says she couldn’t see out of it and had to punch in the middle of both Valentina’s that she saw.

Jiri Prochazka hasn’t lost a fight since 2015, he exploded onto the UFC scene back in 2020 and has done nothing but violently finish both of his UFC opponents to earn this title shot. Prochazka is trying to become the first Czech champion in UFC history and start moving the light heavyweight division forward. Glover Teixeira is on a six fight winning streak that culminated in a title winning effort back in October of last year, now he’s trying for his first title defense and hoping to extend his current string of successes. The younger Prochazka is the favorite at -200 while that +170 payout out on the champion Teixeira is a very tempting bet.

Light Heavyweight Title Bout: Glover Teixeira (33-7, 205 lbs.) vs. #2 Jiri Prochazka (28-3-1, 205 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Prochazka is an inch taller, has four inches of reach advantage, and is 13 years younger. Southpaw for Prochazka, who is a much bigger man as they’re next to each other. Some stance switching from Prochazka. Teixeira lands a body kick. Leg kick from Prochazka. Both men land punches in close. Prochazka lands a left hand. Teixeira grabs a single leg and dumps Prochazka down then gets on top in full guard. Punches and elbows from Teixeira. Prochazka looks to wall walk, Teixeira scoots around towards the back and pulls Prochazka into north-south. Teixeira moves to side control. Back to north-south and Teixeira drops an elbow. Prochazka explodes and stands free. Teixeira avoids a jumping knee then Prochazka avoids a single leg. Prochazka lands a body kick. Glancing right from Teixeira. Another single leg from Teixeira, Prochazka tries to roll free but Teixeira jumps on top in full mount. Teixeira unloads with punches, he’s got over a minute to work. Some more punches from Teixeira, he’s trying to open up an arm triangle attack. Prochazka tries to buck, gives up his back, and looks to snake Teixeira off over the top. Teixeira is attacking an arm as he slides off, but Prochazka pulls free and stands over him. Prochazka lands a few puncehs as he goes into the guard of Teixeira, Prochazka just unloads with punches and elbows until the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Teixeira

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Prochazka still feinting a lot and moving while switching his stance. Teixeira pokes Prochazka in the eye, we get a very brief break and then we’re back to fighting. Teixeira probes with the jab. Prochazka lands a jab. Prochazka lands a right hand as he avoids a punch. Front kick from Prochazka lands to the face. A few punches from Prochazka land, he’s backing up Teixeira. Bit of a right from Prochazka and he avoids the counters. Teixeira lands a front kick to the body. Bit of a right from Teixeira. Prochazka lands a hard right, then a jab and a flying knee. Prochazka unloads along the fence line, Teixeira tries a takedown but Prochazka lands hammer fists then tries a front headlock but Teixeira gets free. More punches from Prochazka, he’s pot shotting Teixeira now. Knees from Prochazka as he keeps backing Teixeira up to the fence. Teixeira tries a single leg, Prochazka defends and lands a punch. Elbow from Prochazka. Prochazka lands an upward elbow then a one two. Long combination from Prochazka lands then he slips on a knee and Teixeira jumps on his back. Full mount for Teixeira, he’s after the choke when Prochazka tries to roll. Teixeira lands a punch as Prochazka moves to get half guard. Elbow from Teixeira, he’s bleeding from the bridge of the nose I think. Teixeira moves to full mount and postures up. Prochazka blocks some punches and elbows, but Teixeira keeps throwing and cuts over Prochazka as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Prochazka but a close one, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: That cut above the left eyebrow of Prochazka is pretty nasty. Both of these maniacs are grinning as the doctor checks on Prochazka, apparently he can continue but if that gets worse they might stop it. They touch gloves again. Bit of a left from Prochazka. Teixeira tries a single leg but Prochazka defends and makes him stand up. Bit of a jumping knee from Prochazka. Prochazka lands a one two. Teixeira lands a leg kick, Prochazka gives him a calf kick in return. Prochazka lands some jabs the avoids a takedown attempt. Hard left from Prochazka, he follows up and avoids a takedown then again makes Teixeira stand. Stiff jabs from Prochazka, then a knee but Teixeira catches it and gets a takedown into side control. Prochazka is moving to his knees, he’s up and pushes Teixeira into the fence. Teixeira is bleeding from the face now. Prochazka lands punches and an elbow before they break. Hard body shot from Prochazka, Teixeira forces a clinch and they hit the fence again. Prochazka gets chest to chest and lands elbows then an uppercut. Body shots from Prochazka then a knee to the body and he avoids a takedown attempt. More punches from Prochazka, he gets on top in half guard and unlaods with punches and hammer fists while Teixeira tries to tie him up. More punches from Prochazka. Teixeira is cut right around the left eye, can’t see exactly where. Prochazka grabs at a poor choke and Teixeira is able to sweep him and get on top in full guard. Teixeira lands an elbow and a punch. Another elbow from Teixeira, who’s saved himself from taking a 10-8 as the round ends.

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

ROUND FOUR: Teixeira is cut on the bridge of the nose, I think there’s a small one around the left eye as well. They touch gloves again. Teixeira is coming forward again. Hard right from Teixeira but he misses the follow ups. Prochazka starts showing the jab and blocks a high kick. Prochazka lands a body shot. Front kick from Prochazka lands then an uppercut. Hard left from Prochazka but Teixeira wont go down. Teixeira lands a left to the body, Prochazka fires back and Teixeira gets a double leg into side control. Full mount now for Teixeira, he’s got plenty of time. Arm triangle from Teixeira, he’s not really there with the pressure right now but he’s going for it. Teixeira bails on the choke and lands a couple of punches. Another arm triangle from Teixeira, he jumps to side control with it and cranks things down but Prochazka gives the thumbs up. Prochazka spins free and gets on top then begins dropping bombs on Teixeira while standing over him. Teixeira gets full guard, Prochazka passes to half guard and lands another elbow. Teixeira hits a peek out and moves to the back from their knees. One hook in for Teixeira but Prochazka scrambles free and again lands punches from top position. Prochazka postures up and lands a few punches before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Teixeira but another close one, 38-38 DRAW overall

ROUND FIVE: They hug to start the last round. Teixeira lands a front kick. Prochazka shows the jab, Teixeira lands a left hook. Hard right from Teixeira, he follows up with punches and jumps for a guillotine but slips off and Prochazka gets on top in full guard. Prochazka postures up, and stands free to force a reset. Uppercut from Prochazka, then another one. They trade power hand punches. Teixeira lands a left hook then a right hand and tries another double leg that hits the fence. Prochazka fights for under hooks, and avoids a single leg then slips free. Both men land power hand punches. Stiff jab from Teixeira. A right from Teixeira seems to wobble Prochazka. Another right and a left from Teixeira and he hits a double leg. Prochazka wall walks, he’s threatening a switch from his seat but can’t hit it. Teixeira moves to full mount again. Punches from Teixeira but they’re both dead tired. Prochazka looks to use the fence to explode, Teixeira lands an elbow but Prochazka eplodes and gets in teh ride position then lands punches. Hammer fists and punches from Prochazka, Teixeira rolls but can’t find guard and Prochazka gets side control. Mounted crucifix from Prochazka, he can’t hold it though and Prochazka grabs a rear naked choke without hooks and Teixeira fights but can’t get free and has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – and NEW UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jiri Prochazka via Submission rear naked choke, at 4:32 of Round 5

That’s your Fight of the Night and a Fight of the Year contender. The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Prochazka for his work this evening. Mic time for the new champion, he says he expected to be the best and promises to be better next time. He’s ready to end a fight in any round and by any method. He talks us through some highlights and notes he messed up his left hand, but he felt the choke in the moment and took the opportunity. Asked about the quality of the fight he says this was an amazing experience, but he’s not happy with his performance and feels his set ups weren’t good which led to the wild fight but loved the war and puts over Teixeira.

Teixeira gets an interview as well, he says Prochazka was harder control than he expected but he gave his all and makes no excuses and says the body shots from Prochazka sapped his energy. Asked about the future, he jokes that he doesn’t look 42 in the cage and plans to keep going.

Well on that note UFC 275 comes to a close. I’d like to thank you for reading, be that live or after the fact. We’ll unpack all of the results in more detail tomorrow on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast, plus looking ahead to next week when the UFC is back on ABC with a main event of Calvin Kattar and Josh Emmett. I’ll be back for that event next week and I hope you will as well. Until next time thank you again for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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