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411’s UFC 276 Report: Adesanya Wins, & Volkanovski shuts out Holloway

July 3, 2022 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC 276 Image Credit: UFC

MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET)
Champ Israel Adesanya (183.5 lbs.) vs. #2 Jared Cannonier (184.5 lbs.) – for middleweight title
Champ Alexander Volkanovski (144.5 lbs.) vs. #1 Max Holloway (144.5 lbs.) – for featherweight title
Alex Pereira (184.5 lbs.) vs. #4 Sean Strickland (185.5 lbs.)
Bryan Barberena (170.5 lbs.) vs. Robbie Lawler (171 lbs.)
#9 Pedro Munhoz (135.5 lbs.) vs. #13 Sean O’Malley (135 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ABC/ESPN/ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET)
#14 Brad Riddell (155.5 lbs.) vs. Jalin Turner (155.5 lbs.)
Donald Cerrone (170.5 lbs.) vs. Jim Miller (170.5 lbs.)
Ian Garry (171 lbs.) vs. Gabe Green (170 lbs.)
Dricus Du Plessis (185 lbs.) vs. #12 Brad Tavares (185.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET)
#9 Uriah Hall (186 lbs.) vs. #13 Andre Muniz (185.5 lbs.)
#13 Maycee Barber (126 lbs.) vs. #10 Jessica Eye (126 lbs.)
Jessica-Rose Clark (135.5 lbs.) vs. Julija Stoliarenko (136 lbs.)


Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC 276, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening. Tonight the UFC brings two title fights and a potential number one contenders bout to PPV, plus a relatively stacked lower card. The main event is for the middleweight title when reigning champion Israel Adesanya tries to extend his impressive reign against hard hitting Jared Cannonier. The co-main event is a third fight between the two best featherweights, and two of the top pound for pound fighters, in the world when champion Alexander Volkanovski again battles former champion Max Holloway. These two have had two highly competitive fights that showcased the very highest level of MMA, despite Volkanovski winning both fights Holloway has forced his way back into the title picture and if Volkanovski wins again this could be Holloway’s last chance at the belt so long as Volkanovski holds it. There’s a relevant middleweight fight between top contender Sean Strickland and Alex Pereira, the winner could easily get the next shot at the belt. We’ve also got a darn near guaranteed action fight between Robbie Lawler and Bryan Barberena as well as Sean O’Malley taking a step up in class when he battles hard charging Pedro Munhoz. Elsewhere on the card we’ve got a legends fight between Jim Miller and Donald Cerrone, Brad Riddell defending his ranking against the surging Jalin Turner, and rising force Dricus Du Plessis taking a step up to battle ranked UFC veteran Brad Tavares. It’s a really solid card all around.

UFC 276 comes to the world from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. We’ve got Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, and Daniel Cormier calling the action. As for the rules Nevada uses most of the newer ones but you still only need one hand on the mat to be considered downed. We do have instant replay, a replay official outside of the cage, and the fight can be restarted after replay is used if that’s applicable to the situation. Also keep in mind we’re in the 30 foot diameter Octagon instead of the 25 footer that’s at the Apex.

There’s actually about a 30 minute wait for the first fight, so a lot of vamping and prefight hype starts the early prelim broadcast.

Jessica-Rose Clark has gone 2-3 in her last five fights and is coming off of a loss, she’s trying to avoid another losing streak by getting back on the winning side of things. Julia Stoliarenko is on a three fight losing streak and has yet to notch her first UFC win, her back is up against the wall here as an 0-4 start will almost certainly end her time in the promotion. Clark is the -155 favorite against +135 on Stoliarenko.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Jessica-Rose Clark (11-7 1 NC, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Julija Stoliarenko (9-6-2, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Stoliarenko is two inches taller with an inch and a half of reach advantage. Clark lands a leg kick then a couple of punches. Stoliarenko starts coming forward, both women miss punches. Stoliarenko lands a left hook. Clark lands a right hand then Stoliarenko hits a double leg and moves to side control. Quick armbar attack from Stoliarenko, Clark is a bit slow recognizing the danger and Stoliarenko breaks or dislocates the elbow which forces the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Julia Stoliarenko via Submission, armbar, at :42 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Ms. Stoliarenko for her work this evening. Mic time for Stoliarenko, she talks us through the finish and mentions how hard she works on her jiu-jitsu game a lot and is happy to finally show her skills in the UFC.

Here’s the finish, this is a pretty standard armbar but it’s well done and Stoliarenko’s commitment to the hold once she gets it on clearly damages Clark’s arm to force the tap.

Jessica Eye has gone just 1-4 in her last five fights and is on a three fight losing streak, there’s a real chance that Eye is fighting for her job here given her skid, age, and time already spent under the UFC banner. Maycee Barber has gone 2-2 in her last four fights but she’s got a two fight winning streak going and a win here could push her towards the top of the rankings. The odds are firmly with Barber at -295 against +245 for Eye.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: #13 Maycee Barber (10-2, 126 lbs.) vs. #10 Jessica Eye (15-10 1 NC, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Eye has an inch of height and reach over Barber, Barber is 11 years younger. Barber opens southpaw. Both women feint some punches, then they tie up and we get some dirty boxing as they hit the fence. Some knees to the body from Barber as Eye gets her on the fence. Eye lands a few knees, and the “woo’s” come out as the crowd is getting bored. Barber lands a knee then an elbow as she’s finally starting to frame on Eye. Another knee from Barber then an elbow as she turns Eye onto the fence. There’s some swelling above the right eyebrow of Eye from those elbows. Barber lands another elbow and they both miss wild punches then clinch again. Another elbow from Barber. A few more blows from Barber, she’s starting to unload in the clinch as Eye is fading. They jockey for position for a bit, but Barber keeps finding spots to land blows while Eye’s offense is very muted. Barber lands another elbow. A few knees are traded. They break and Eye avoids Barber for the final couple of seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Barber

ROUND TWO: Barber lands a left then a right. Stiff right from Barber. Eye forces a clinch and Barber goes back to landing elbows. This time Eye is trying to change levels for a takedown but Barber is defending. Barber gets Eye on the fence and lands a knee. Bit of an elbow from Barber and she gets free. Eye blocks a high kick and ties up again. Barber lands an elbow and they break. Now Barber is starting to switch her stance as they move around. Bit of a head kick from Barber, and Eye forces a clinch then gets a takedown against the fence. Eye is working out of half guard while Barber tries to start a wall walk. Not much is happening here, Eye is kind of just holding. Eye lands some elbows to the body as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Eye but there’s an argument to go the other way, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Barber lands a front kick then a body kick. Eye misses a leg kick then avoids a high kick. Inside leg kick from Barber then a high kick that’s partially blocked. Both women miss punches. High kick from Barber then a right hand. Barber lands a left hand. Eye avoids a punch and gets a clinch that hits the fence. Both women land rights as they break then Barber lands a body kick. Eye forces another clinch, they hit the fence and Barber lands an elbow then spins free. Eye lands a right hand. Body kick from Barber then a right hook. Barber lands a front kick. Bit of a left from Barber then another front kick. Eye eats a jab and lands a counter punch. Barber lands a knee and a couple of punches as Eye tries to clinch. Eye does force the clinch and they’re on the fence again. They break without incident. Barber lands a right hand. Eye tries a takedown, Barber stuffs it and gets on top to land punches. Eye forces her way up and into another clinch. Both women land knees in the clinch then Barber lands an elbow and they end the round in the clinch.

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

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

Mic time for Barber after the win, she says the win was amazing but she just finished her current contract and can’t wait to sit down and get a new one that’ll lead her to the title. She says wins like this are key as she’s still growing up in the sport. To close she notes the last time she was in this venue she had to be carried out after a knee injury and now she walks out a winner.

Mic time for Jessica Eye who’s dropped her gloves and thinks she’s done fighting. She puts over Barber as a tremendous talent and feels the fighters need to support each other rather than be divided. She notes she’s spent most of her life doing this and wants to see what else the world has to offer.

Uriah Hall just had a four fight winning streak snapped when he dropped a decision to Sean Strickland, now he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak since 2016 and defend his top ranking. Andre Muniz is on an eight fight winning streak with four of those coming in the UFC, now he’s looking to extend that streak and vault himself into the top ten of the division. Muniz is a rather heavy favorite at -325 while the +270 comeback on Hall might tempt some bettors given his dynamic striking.

Middleweight Bout: #9 Uriah Hall (17-10, 186 lbs.) vs. #13 Andre Muniz (22-4, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Muniz is an inch taller while Hall has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Southpaw for Muniz. Hall avoids a head kick. Both men do a bit of feinting as they circle. Body kick from Muniz. Hall avoids a left hand. Muniz is backing Hall to the fence, he lands a head kick and Hall lands a counter right. Inside leg kick from Muniz. Hall has a head kick blocked. Right hook from Muniz, Hall punches back but Muniz catches him with a single leg and spins Hall down into half guard. Muniz threatens the arm of Hall, and uses that threat to pass to side control. Hall is able to shrimp to full guard, but eats some punches along the way. Muniz postures up and lands some punches then passes to half guard. More punches from Muniz and he starts working to attack the arms of Hall, then passes to full mount. That was a slick pass. Mounted triangle attempt from Muniz but he rushed it and Hall scrambles up though Muniz is on his back standing. Now Muniz drags Hall down and gets both hooks in. Muniz grabs at the choke, he’s also threatening an armbar from the back. Hall is able to defend and will see the end of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Muniz

ROUND TWO: Hall shows the jab as the round starts. Muniz blocks a high kick and keeps pushing Hall back. Inside leg kick from Muniz. Muniz lands a right hand. Single leg from Muniz, but Hall defends and gets free. Hall avoids a spinning back kick. Muniz with some punches, then he tries a single leg but has to settle for a clinch on the fence. Inside trip from Muniz and he gets on top in full guard. Hall closes his guard, he seems a little slow at this point. Muniz lands body to head punches and passes to half guard. Now Muniz passes smoothly into full mount and goes back to landing punches. Elbow from Muniz and some hammer fists. Muniz grabs at a kimura, decides against it and lands more punches. Hall gives up his back, Muniz has both hooks in and starts working from that position. Muniz switches to a body triangle, Hall is trying to turn into him but Muniz blocks the attempt. Armbar attempt from Muniz, Hall reads it and escapes the lands punches from on top as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Muniz, borderline 10-8, 20-18 Muniz overall

ROUND THREE: Inside leg kick from Muniz, then a bit of a head kick. Hall is trying to get his hands going but he’s not pulling the trigger. Muniz lands another inside leg kick. Muniz lands a left hand. More punches from Muniz and he’s got Hall on the fence then shoots a double leg but Hall is defending. Single leg from Muniz, and he kicks out the posting leg to drop Hall and get on top in half guard. Some punches from Muniz as he passes to side control. Hall moves to his knees, Muniz jumps on his back and gets both hooks in. Muniz has Hall flat for a moment, but Hall rolls so he’s not belly down. Muniz starts fishing for the choke. Hall blocks some punches but he’s struggling here. Muniz is riding well as Hall bases up and stands, Muniz is now in the backpack position. Hall tries to shake Muniz off over the top but loses his base and drops back to the mat. Muniz keeps fishing for the choke, but Hall is able to spin into his guard and get on top. Nothing will come of the positional switch before the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Andre Muniz via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

No interview for Muniz as we’re short on time, the rest of the prelims will be on ESPN, ESPN+, and ABC.

Brad Tavares has gone 2-2 in his last four fights but he’s on a two fight winning streak and is trying to defend his ranking from a rising force in the division. Dricus Du Plessis is on a four fight winning streak with the last two of those being stoppages in the UFC, he’s been out of action for about a year and had four fights fall through since then. Du Plessis is trying to take out his first ranked opponent and stake his own claim to getting a number beside his name going forward. The odds are with Du Plessis at -150 to a +130 payout for Tavares.

Middleweight Bout: Dricus Du Plessis (16-2, 185 lbs.) vs. #12 Brad Tavares (19-6, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Du Plessis has two inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Both men with some early feinting, just getting a feel for each other. Tavares avoids a few kicks. Du Plessis misses a blitz attack. They trade rights, Du Plessis drops for a single leg and forces Tavares to the fence. Bit of a right from Du Plessis. Du Plessis tries a lateral drop, but there’s not nearly enough rotation and Tavares drops on top of him in half guard. Tavares lands a few short elbows. Du Plessis shrimps to full guard and scoots to the fence, he’s looking to set up a wall walk. Tavares passes to half guard, Du Plessis comes up on a single leg and forces Tavares to the fence again. Tavares avoids a takedown and lands a punch but he’s still clinched up. Du Plessis lands a knee to the body. Bit of an elbow from Du Plessis as they break. Calf kick from Du Plessis. Tavares has a high kick blocked then avoids a few punches. A right from Tavares staggers Du Plessis, he lands a few follow up punches and Du Plessis tries a single leg that hits the fence. Some knees go back and forth as they jockey for position. Du Plessis is able to spin free and lands a spinning back fist but misses his follow up attempts. They trade kicks, Du Plessis lands a knee as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Tavares

ROUND TWO: Du Plessis lands a body kick. Bit of a right from Tavares, Du Plessis lands a knee to counter. Another right from Du Plessis, Tavares fires back and lands a punch of his own. Right from Du Plessis lands, both men are bleeding a bit but Tavares is bleeding much worse though I can’t see the source. Du Plessis lands a couple of punches. Tavares lands a body kick, I think it’s around his nose that’s bleeding. Yeah, Tavares is cut on the bridge of his nose. Spinning back fist from Du Plessis. Tavares lands a leg kick but Du Plessis responds with a blitz. Bit of a left from Du Plessis. Tavares lands a leg kick. Du Plessis has started switching his stance now. Tavares lands a right hand in close. Du Plessis lands a right and a body kick. Solid left from Du Plessis, then Tavares avoids a takedown and they clinch up then break. Bit of a one two from Du Plessis. Tavares lands a leg kick, Du Plessis returns it. Du Plessis lands a right hand. Tavares lands a front kick. Elbow from Du Plessis lands. Both men land punches. A few leg kicks are traded. Bit of a knee from Du Plessis. Body shot from Du Plessis in close. Tavares lands another front kick. Du Plessis lands a right hand, then a leg kick. Tavares lands a left hook, but Du Plessis rocks him with a counter right and they trade in the clinch to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Du Plessis, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Both men land rights. Some front kicks are traded. Du Plessis lands a right hand and avoids the counters. Jab from Tavares, Du Plessis counters with a left hook. Tavares lands a body kick, Du Plessis counters with a solid left hook. One two from Du Plessis. Du Plessis lands a few jabs. Body kick from Tavares. Du Plessis lands a leg kick. Another one two from Du Plessis, Tavares lands a right hand in response. Bit of a combination from Du Plessis, his volume work is helping him connect more than Tavares. Du Plessis lands a body kick. Tavares lands a calf kick but Du Plessis fires back with a combination of punches. Spinning back fist from Du Plessis lands. Du Plessis digs a left to the body. Body kick from Tavares, Du Plessis returns it. Tavares lands a jab, but eats a counter right. Bit of a left hook from Du Plessis. Du Plessis lands a right hand. One two from Du Plessis, then a follow up right as well. Du Plessis lands a body kick. Tavares lands a jab. They split a few jabs. Du Plessis lands another body kick. Stiff couple of lefts from Du Plessis. Calf kick from Du Plessis. Tavares lands a jab. Bit of a body kick from Tavares but Du Plessis blitzes him in response. Hard right from Du Plessis lands. Tavares lands a right hand. Du Plessis lands a calf kick. Hard right from Du Plessis. Tavares avoids a one two but eats a left hook. They get close and both trade as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Du Plessis, 29-28 Du Plessis overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Dricus Du Plessis via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Good fight there. Mic time for Du Plessis, he puts over Tavares as a tough opponent and felt the fight was a war that should allow him to break into the top fifteen. He says he caught Tavares early but he also ate a knee that set up the grappling in the first and he felt he was stronger but his grip slipped on the takedown and he had to deal with it. On the feet he felt faster and crisper, and was a bit surprised Tavares didn’t shoot in the third. To close he thanks the crowd and says Kelvin Gastelum still owes him a fight, then reminds us of how to pronounce his name.

Ian Garry is undefeated including two wins in the UFC, he’s building a bit of hype around himself and looks to keep that going with another win here. Gabriel Green has gone 2-1 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak, if he can be the first to pin a loss on Garry it’ll be one of the higher profile wins of his career. Garry is your -180 favorite against +155 for Green.

Welterweight Bout: Ian Garry (9-0, 171 lbs.) vs. Gabe Green (11-3, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Garry is five inches taller with an inch and a half of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going, Green opens southpaw. Green starts backing Garry up towards the fence and lands a few leg kicks. They trade rights. Garry lands an inside leg kick. Green is pressuring Garry a lot thus far, and he’s starting to switch his stance as well. Some leg kicks go back and forth. Garry avoids a right hook. Green lands some more leg kicks. Right hook from Green lands. Garry misses a few punches, Green falls short on his counters. Green lands a right hand. Garry lands an inside leg kick. Bit of a jab from Garry. Green lands a left to the body. Another body shot from Green. Hard body shot from Green. Garry lands a one two. Green swings another body shot, but he’s cut under the left eye from Garry’s punches. Bit of a left from Green. Garry lands a jab. Both men miss some punches. Green lands a body shot then a left hand. Calf kick from Green. Garry lands a right hand. Nice combination from Garry. They feint away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Garry

ROUND TWO: Green starts pressuring forward again. Garry lands a front kick. Inside leg kick from Green. Both men trade power hand punches. Green avoids some punches and kicks. We get a time out for an eye poke to Green. Green takes a bout 30 seconds then we’re back to fighting. More pressure from Green. Garry lands a bit of a right, Green attacks the body then they clinch up. They fight for position on the fence, Green starts working knees to the leg and body. Inside trip from Garry and he lands in half guard then quickly jumps to full mount. Green gives up the back, but Garry scrambles up and free then hits a mat return from the back. Some knees to the leg and body from Green then Garry gets free. Knee from Garry. Both men land punches but Garry is working volume. Green lands a left hand, then another one. Bit of a combination from Green, then Garry lands a left. Body shots from Green, Garry lands a right but Green is making this ugly and it’s working for him. Another left from Green. Green lands a body shot. Garry lands a body kick. Both men land punches in close. Leg kicks from Green then a left hand. Green wobbles Garry with a left hand just before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Green, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Garry lands an inside leg kick. Green is coming forward, he lands a left hand. Garry drops Green with a right hand and gets on top in half guard. Green scrambles up to his feet and forces things into a clinch. Garry tires an inside trip, this time Green defends and gets to the back standing. They wind up chest to chest again. Garry lands a knee as they break. Green misses a couple of punches. Bit of a one two from Garry. Green lands a body kick. Spinning elbow from Green partially lands, then Garry cracks him with a right hand. Inside leg kick from Green. Garry lands a jab. Garry lands a right hand. Green lands a few leg kicks. Bit of a left form Green, Garry counters with a jumping knee. Body kick from Green. Garry lands a one two. Garry avoids a left and lands a right hand. Green keeps pressing forward but he’s struggling to find offense now. Bit of a left from Green. Garry lands a knee to the body. Both men miss punches to close the round.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ian Garry via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

I’m not up in arms over 30-27, Garry could have taken the second. No interview for Garry.

Jim Miller is a legend of the sport, his name is littered across the UFC record books and he’s been enjoying a little bit of a resurgence as his career continues to wind down. Miller has won his last two fights and now looks to avenge a loss from eight years ago when he battles a fellow legend. Donald Cerrone is a beloved legend of MMA, but he’s gone 0-5 with 1 No Contest in his last six fights, Cerrone’s career is likely near the end as well and he’s trying to find another few wins to go out on. While Cerrone won their first fight this time the odds are with Miller at -190 while the +160 comeback on Cerrone might be a tempting value bet.

Welterweight Bout: Donald Cerrone (36-16 2 NC, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Jim Miller (34-16 1 NC, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Cerrone is five inches taller but only has two inches of reach advantage. Miller is fighting southpaw per usual, and they touch gloves to get us going. Cerrone showing the jab early. Front kick from Cerrone. Miller lands an inside leg kick. Miller lands a left hand. Bit of a leg kick from Cerrone. One two from Miller. Miller lands a left hand, Cerrone responds with a right. Body kick from Miller. Bit of a blitz from Miller, Cerrone lands a right as they separate. Miller lands a left, Cerrone counters with a couple of punches. Front kick from Miller. Miller catches a kick and punches Cerrone down. Cerrone tries an armbar, Miller defends with ease and lands some punches. Full guard for Cerrone, Miller lands some body blows. Short elbows from Miller land. Cerrone starts working his guard up high, Miller postures through it and lands punches then moves to mount but Cerrone sweeps him and gets on top in full guard. Some elbows from his back from Miller as Cerrone tries to base up. Miller works his guard high, he’s staying threatening off of his back and grabs at an armbar but Cerrone defends. Cerrone rolls for a kneebar, there’s visibly nothing there but that’s where the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Miller

ROUND TWO: Miller is pressing forward a bit more this round. Cerrone lands a front kick. Miller lands a left hand. Inside leg kick from Miller. Cerrone lands a head kick but Miller rocks him with a left hand then grabs a guillotine as they roll on the way down. That choke is tight, and Cerrone has to tap out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jim Miller via Submission, guillotine choke, at 1:32 of Round 2

Mic time for Miller, he passes the mic to Cerrone as Cerrone is removing his gloves and cowboy hat to leave in the ring. The crowd gives Cerrone a standing ovation as he thanks the fans and he’s glad his kids are here. He says he doesn’t love the fight anymore and he’s not complaining but doesn’t love it and wants to become a movie star. He calls this the best way to end a career, thanks the UFC and hopes to be in the Hall of Fame.

Now Miller gets an interview, he’s proud to have the most wins in UFC history and puts over Cerrone and says the sport will miss Cerrone and he’s grateful that he could share the cage with him again. He says he felt the head kick that landed before the choke, but he can throw on a guillotine in his sleep and felt it right away.

Here’s the finish, we don’t get to see the set up but you can see that Miller has trapped Cerrone’s far arm with his guard which severely limits the defensive options Cerrone has. This one gives Miller the most wins in UFC history, in Miller’s historic 40th fight for the UFC.

And here’s Cerrone’s retirement announcement.

Brad Riddell has gone 4-1 in the UFC but he’s coming off of his first UFC loss late last year, now he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak while defending his ranking. Jalin Turner is on a four fight winning streak, all of them finishes, which has earned him this shot at some ranked opposition. A win here would be the most substantial of Turner’s career and could set him up for more ranked fights going forward. The odds are close but lean towards Turner at -145 while that +125 payout for Riddell has to tempt more than a few bettors.

Lightweight Bout: #14 Brad Riddell (10-2, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Jalin Turner (12-5, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Turner is eight inches taller with six inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Turner as they touch gloves. Riddell shows some leg kicks early, just range finding. Turner lands a right hand then a left uppercut. Guillotine attempt from Turner, he moves to mount with it and cranks it which forces the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jalin Turner via Submission, guillotine choke, at :45 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Turner for his work this evening. Mic time for Turner, he says he comes in here to finish and notes he doesn’t get paid by the round. He talks us through the finish and notes he wanted forward pressure and it paid off. Asked about the future he’d like to fight again this year and would like another ranked opponent.

Here’s the finish. This is a really nice transition from the left uppercut to feeling the guillotine chance and pushing Riddell over with it to finish from mount. Turner is a serious problem at lightweight.

Well that’s it for preliminary action, on to PPV for the main card.

Pedro Munhoz is just 1-4 in his last five fights and is on a two fight losing streak, this is somewhat mitigated by the level of opposition and one of those losses being a hotly contested split decision. Despite that Munhoz needs a win rather badly and finds himself staring down yet another high profile opponent tonight. Sean O’Malley has gone 7-1 in the UFC and is on a three fight winning streak, if he can get to four in a row here against a tough veteran like Munhoz he could find himself staring down the very top of the division sooner rather than later. O’Malley is a fairly heavy favorite at -305 while a Munhoz win would payout at +255.

Bantamweight Bout: #9 Pedro Munhoz (19-7 1 NC, 135.5 lbs.) vs. #13 Sean O’Malley (15-1, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: O’Malley is five inches taller with a significant seven inches of reach advantage. Both men fighting southpaw. They clash on leg kicks, O’Malley has begun switching his stance and Munhoz is matching him. Some feinting from both men. O’Malley misses some front kicks, then Munhoz lands a calf kick. O’Malley is checking the leg kicks now, Munhoz isn’t setting them up. Jab from O’Malley. Not much going on, O’Malley doesn’t want to lead and Munhoz is struggling with the range. Munhoz lands a leg kick. Another leg kick from Munhoz. Bit of a right from O’Malley. We get a time out as O’Malley kicks Munhoz in the groin. Munhoz is good to continue and we’re back to fighting. Inside leg kicks from Munhoz now. O’Malley lands a jab. They trade calf kicks. O’Malley blocks a head kick. Munhoz lands another calf kick then blocks a high kick. Bit of a spinning back kick from O’Malley. Munhoz lands another leg kick. O’Malley avoids a wheel kick. Spinning back kick from O’Malley ends the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Munhoz but could go either way

ROUND TWO: More kicks from Munhoz as the round begins. O’Malley lands a front kick. Munhoz avoids a few punches and a kick. Munhoz lands a kick. O’Malley lands a right hand. Bit of a body kick from Munhoz. Another calf kick from Munhoz. Bit of a left from O’Malley. O’Malley lands a right hand, Munhoz lands an inside leg kick to counter. Jab from Munhoz. Another inside leg kick from Munhoz. O’Malley tries to double jab into range but he’s not cutting Munhoz off. Bit of a jab from Munhoz, O’Malley pokes him in the eye on that exchange though so we’ve got another time out. Replay confirms the poke, and Munhoz is struggling to open his right eye. The doctor comes in to check on Munhoz, he can’t see out of that right eye at the moment. Munhoz feels something is off with that eye and the ref waves it off.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – No Contest, via accidental eye poke, at 3:09 of Round 2

Unfortunate ending, O’Malley was starting to come on but Munhoz was finding a good amount of his own success.

Robbie Lawler just broke a four fight losing streak when he got a win over Nick Diaz is a rather odd fight last year. Lawler is looking for his first winning streak since 2016 if he can get by a fellow action fighter tonight. Bryan Barberena is on a two fight winning streak and now looks for his highest profile win if he’s able to take out the former welterweight champion and all around legend that is Lawler. The odds for this one closed at a -110 pick ’em.

Welterweight Bout: Bryan Barberena (17-8, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Robbie Lawler (29-15 1 NC, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Barberena is an inch taller while Lawler has an inch and a half of reach advantage, Lawler is also seven years older. Both men fight southpaw, and we get a touch of gloves. Barberena lands an inside leg kick. Both men do some feinting. Calf kick from Barberena. Lawler lands a right to the body. Bit of a left from Lawler. Barberena lands a right hook. Lawler lands a left to the body. Both men land rights in close, things are heating up. Barberena lands a right hand then a hard calf kick. Lawler is backing up Barberena. Barberena lands a left hand, Lawler responds with a right hook. Body shot from Barberena. Lawler blocks a combination. Uppercut from Lawler lands. They trade lefts. Barberena works some punches, he’s just keeping a high pace, then digs a couple of hard body shots. Left from Barberena, he’s keeping a high pace thus far. Lawler lands a left hand. Bit of a right from Barberena then a calf kick. Lawler blocks and evades punches but Barberena rips the body. Another calf kick and a body shot from Barberena. Lawler lands a body shot. More body work from Barberena. Elbow from Barberena, he’s constantly touching Lawler. Lawler lands an uppercut. Bit of an elbow from Barberena. Lawler with some body work now as well. Barberena lands a left hand. Upward elbow from Barberena lands. Both men land punches in close. Hard left from Barberena. Glancing head kick from Barberena will be the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Barberena but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Forward pressure from Barberena to start the round. Barberena lands a right uppercut. Lawler starts coming forward, but eats some punches along the way. Jabs from Lawler. Hard jab from Lawler staggers Barberena for a second. Both men land punches in close, Barberena is trying to up the pace again. Front kick from Barberena. Barberena is bleeding from the nose now. A couple of lefts land for Barberena. Lawler checks an inside leg kick then takes a calf kick. The power differential is obvious at this point, Lawler his harder. Bit of a right from Barberena. Lawler lands a right. Barberena lands a one two then avoids the counters. They trade lefts again. Another trade of lefts, but Lawler is rolling and blocking more this round. Barberena lands a left hand, Lawler is stunned and Barberena unloads with elbows and starts backing Lawler up to the fence. Another elbow from Barberena. Barberena lands a body shot, then they trade lefts. Both men land rights. Barberena lands a left hand. Lawler lands a left of his own. More close volume from Barberena, his elbows are starting to work on Lawler now. Body shot from Barberena then a right hook. Hard right from Barberena, he unloads on Lawler against the fence and Lawler stumbles around as the ref steps in to stop the fight.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Bryan Barberena via TKO, punches and elbows, at 4:47 of Round 2

Wild fight for as long as it lasted. Mic time for Barberena, he puts over Lawler and tells the rest of the division he’s coming after them. He talks us through the finish and knew when he had Lawler hurt he couldn’t afford to let him off the hook. To close he gives love to his family, and advocates for a post fight bonus as well as telling the UFC to increase the bonus amount.

Sean Strickland is undefeated at middleweight, currently boasts a six fight winning streak that dates all the way back to 2018, and could lay claim to the next shot at the middleweight title if he’s able to win again tonight. Alex Pereira is on a five fight winning streak and has won two fights in the UFC, he holds a couple of wins over Israel Adesanya in kickboxing and if he can get by Strickland here there’s a good chance he’ll get the next shot at the title. This one is close, but the odds tilt towards Strickland at -125 against an even +105 on Pereira.

Middleweight Bout: Alex Pereira (5-1, 184.5 lbs.) vs. #4 Sean Strickland (25-3, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Pereira has three inches of height and reach over Strickland. They touch gloves to get us going. Pereira probes with kicks as he circles. Strickland is coming forward and looking to keep his usual high pace. Pereira jabs the body. Bit of a jab from Strickland. They trade jabs. Bit of a right from Pereira. Pereira jabs the body again. Strickland lands a front kick. Pereira is doing a good job of sliding away and landing long range blows. Another front kick from Strickland lands. Pereira lands a right hand. Some leg kicks from Pereira now, then a left hook drops Strickland and a follow up right hand completely floors Strickland and we’re done here.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alex Pereira via KO, punches, at 2:36 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Pereira for his work this evening. Mic time for Pereira and his translator, he doesn’t care what Strickland said because it’s the fight game, and thanks Strickland for the fight. He used the calf kicks to set up the punches and feels the plan worked. Asked about the future he wants another fight with Adesanya. To close he thanks his coaches and thanks the fans then asks the fans to cheer on Adesanya in the main event.

Max Holloway is a former featherweight champion, he’s lost twice to the current champion but now he’s got another shot at his former title on the strength of his last two wins and the general lack of turnover in the division. Holloway wants to regain his title here and stake his claim to being the greatest featherweight of all time. Alexander Volkanovski is undefeated at featherweight, has never lost in the UFC, is the reigning featherweight champion and now looks for his third win against Holloway and his fourth title defense overall. A win for Volkanovski could open the doors to a big fight up a weight class, and would put the all time great that is Holloway firmly in his rear view mirror. The odds are surprisingly heavily with Volkanovski here at -190 to a +160 payout on Holloway.

Featherweight Title Bout: (c) Alexander Volkanovski (24-1, 144.5 lbs.) vs. #1 Max Holloway (23-6, 144.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Holloway is five inches taller but Volkanovski has two and a half inches of reach advantage. Both men are normally orthodox but will switch as necessary, and they touch gloves to get us going. A lot of feints from both men, Holloway is the one pushing forward early. Volkanovski keeps showing the jab. Both men show kicks, they’re just reading and range finding right now. Inside leg kick from Volkanovski. Another inside leg kick from Volkanovski. Holloway keeps showing a float in behind the lead leg, he used that entry in the second fight a fair bit. Both men miss punches in close. They trade body kicks, then Volkanovski lands a right hand. Volkanovski lands a right to the body then a right to the head. Volkanovski lands a right hand. Bit of a left from Holloway. Volkanovski lands an inside leg kick, Holloway responds with a body kick. Bit of a right from Volkanovski. Glancing left from Volkanovski then an inside leg kick. Holloway lands a right to the body, then avoids a couple of lefts. Both men slip punches in close. Volkanovski lands a right hand, he’s got a read on Holloway I think. Stiff left from Volkanovski then a knee ot the body in close and a right hand. Volkanovski is fighting exceptionally well, he staggers Holloway with a left hook. They trade lefts in close. Left hook then a right from Volkanovski. Holloway lands a right but takes a couple of counters and they clinch. Both men land knees then they break. There’s a cut under the right eye of Holloway. Holloway lands a right hand in close, Volkanovski returns fire. Calf kick from Volkanovski then a left hook behind it. A left from Volkanovski lands, then Holloway tries a spinning elbow as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Volkanovski

ROUND TWO: The damage around Holloway’s right eye isn’t bad, but it is visible. They touch gloves again. Holloway keeps coming foward, both men land leg kicks. Volkanovski lands a right hand. Jab from Volkanovski, then a follow up right. Inside leg kick from Volkanovski. Holloway lands a leg kick, Volkanovski counters with a left hook. Both men avoid punches in close, then Volkanovski lands a couple of jabs. Hard right from Volkanovski, then another one. Holloway lands a right to the body. Another jab from Volkanovski. Holloway keeps coming forward, they clinch up in space and Volkanovski pushes Holloway into the cage. Elbow from Volkanovski lands. Volkanovski slips to the back standing, lands a couple of elbows and they break. Bit of a right from Holloway but he’s struggling to find the target. Volkanovski lands a hard right after slipping a jab. Holloway is cut over the left eye, that’s in a bad spot too. Volkanovski lands a one two then a follow up jab that off balances Holloway. More jabs from Volkanovski, he’s targeting the cut now. Holloway lands a body kick. Bit of a combination from Holloway. Volkanovski lands another jab. Both men land punches in close. Holloway lands a right. Volkanovski lands a right hand then an inside leg kick. Another jab from Volkanovski. Bit of a right from Volkanovski. Holloway lands a jab. Volkanovski avoids a kick and lands a left hook to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: That cut on Holloway is pretty bad, doesn’t look like they’ll stop it but if it gets worse it might. Holloway stalks forward. Volkanovski lands a right hand. Both men land jabs. Volkanovski lands a couple of jabs and avoids the counters. Inside leg kick from Volkanovski. Both men land rights in close, but Volkanovski’s defense is also giving Holloway problems. They split jabs. Bit of a jab from Volkanovski. Volkanovski jabs the body then lands a right hand. A one two from Volkanovski lands. Another right from Volkanovski, Holloway can’t land his counters. Calf kick from Volkanovski, Holloway counters with a jab. Another inside leg kick from Volkanovski then a right hand. Volkanovski lands a combination of punches. Holloway lands a knee to the body but Volkanovski clinches him up. Some knees go back and forth as they fight for position. Spinning elbow from Volkanovski lands and they break. Volkanovski lands another jab. A right from Volkanovski staggers Holloway for a second. Another right then a left to follow up from Volkanovski. Intercepting right from Volkanovski lands. Holloway takes an inside leg kick then lands a knee. They trade lefts, clinch up, then Volkanovski clocks Holloway with a left hook as they break. Volkanovski lands a combination of punches. They trade rights to close the round.

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

ROUND FOUR: Holloway’s right eye is swelling up, again not a fight stopper but the damage is visible and adding up. They touch gloves again. Holloway misses a kick. Volkanovski slips a right hand and they clinch up then Volkanovski lands a right elbow and unloads with some punches in close before they clinch up again. They fight for position then break as Volkanovski lands another right hand. Jabs from Volkanovski, then Holloway lands a knee. Left from Volkanovski lands. One two from Volkanovski lands. Holloway lands a body kick. Another jab from Volkanovski, then he avoids a spinning kick. Holloway lands a spinning back kick. Volkanovski lands a right hand. Both men avoid hooks in close. Volkanovski with an inside leg kick. Jab to the body from Volkanovski. Holloway lands a body kick but Volkanovski counters with a left and a right. They clinch up, Holloway winds up on the fence and they break. Volkanovski lands a jab. Body shot from Volkanovski, Holloway responds with a body shot of his own. Right hand from Volkanovski. Another jab from Volkanovski. They both land rights in close, then Volkanovski lands a left hook. Bit of an uppercut from Volkanovski then an inside leg kick. Bit of a body kick from Holloway. Volkanovski lands a jab, then a right hand. Another jab from Volkanovski. Volkanovski lands a right, Holloway lands a spinning back kick. More jabs from Volkanovski as he circles. Bit of a right from Holloway. Calf kick from Volkanovski. Holloway has a few kicks blocked to close the round.

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

ROUND FIVE: They touch gloves for the final round. Both men show the lead hand as they circle. Volkanovski lands an inside leg kick. Volkanovski lands an uppercut. Holloway tries a takedown, they hit the fence though and settle for a clinch. Some knees go back and forth, Volkanovski is keeping Holloway on the fence and lands another knee to the body then they break. Calf kick from Volkanovski. Bit of a body kick from Volkanovski. Head kick from Volkanovski. More jabs from Volkanovski, he’s just kind of beating up Holloway now. Another calf kick from Volkanovski. Jab from Volkanovski. Holloway slips a right hand. They split jabs again then Volkanovski avoids a head kick. Volkanovski lands a jab. Holloway forces a clinch but Volkanovski gets him on the fence. Volkanovski lands a couple of elbows before they break. Calf kick from Volkanovski then a jab. More lefts from Volkanovski and he avoids the counters. Volkanovski with some inside leg kicks then a body kick. They trade some jabs. Another jab from Volkanovski. Volkanovski lands a right hand, then a couple more rights in close. Left hook from Volkanovski. Volkanovski lands a calf kick. Holloway has some punches blocked. Volkanovski lands a right hand. Holloway has gone southpaw, can’t find anything, and goes back to orthodox. Volkanovski lands a right hand. They trade jabs then Volkanovski avoids a few punches to close the fight.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and STILL UFC Featherweight Champion – Alexander Volkanovski via unanimous decision (50-45 x3)

Masterful performance from Volkanovski. Mic time for Volkanovski, he puts over Holloway as a beast. He tells everyone out there, whether you love him or hate him, to stand up for yourself. Asked about the future he wants to stay busy and doesn’t feel the division can do that right now, he’d love to move up to lightweight and become a double champion. Frankly I wouldn’t bet against him at this point.

Jared Cannonier has gone 5-1 at middleweight, only falling to former champion Robert Whittaker, and brings a two fight winning streak into his first title shot. Cannonier is trying to start his own title legacy tonight by being the first man at middleweight to beat the champion. Israel Adesanya is undefeated at middleweight, is the reigning UFC middleweight champion, and is going for his fifth title defense. Adesanya is looking to continue his dominant title reign and potentially clean out the division, or at least make a strong case to have done so, if he’s able to turn back the challenge of Cannonier. Adesanya is the biggest favorite on the card at -500 against +400 for Cannonier.

Middleweight Title Bout: (c) Israel Adesanya (22-1, 83.5 lbs.) vs. #2 Jared Cannonier (15-5, 184.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Adesanya is five inches taller with two and a half inches of reach advantage. Both men open orthodox, Adesanya will switch if he feels inclined to do so. Both men avoid early leg kicks. Adesanya lands a calf kick. Inside leg kick from Adesanya. Adesanya is already switching his stance around, he seems comfortable. Another calf kick from Adesanya and he avoids a right hand. Cannonier lands a body shot. Now Cannonier is switching his stance a bit, and they trade calf kicks. Adesanya lands a left hand. Inside leg kick from Adesanya. Cannonier blocks a high kick. Bit of a right from Adesanya. Cannonier lands a leg kick. Body kick from Adesanya. Bit of a right from Cannonier, Adesanya counters with a body kick then lands a jab. Some leg kicks go back and forth, then Cannonier avoids a right hand. Bit of a combination from Adesanya. Adesanya avoids a right hand and lands a couple of counters. Calf kick from Adesanya. Bit of a left from Adesanya. Cannonier lands a jab to the body. Inside leg kick from Cannonier. Cannonier ducks under a head kick. Adesanya lands a right hook. Front kick from Adesanya then a calf kick behind it. Adesanya lands a right hand as the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Adesanya

ROUND TWO: Adesanya starts stalking forward this round, he’s showing the jab as well. Jab from Adesanya. Cannonier lands a jab but he’s backing up a lot now. Bit of a head kick from Adesanya then a body kick to follow up. They trade leg kicks. They clash on leg kicks, then Adesanya lands a calf kick. Stiff left from Adesanya. Another body kick from Adesanya lands. Adesanya lands a front kick to the body. Cannonier starts coming forward more. Adesanya lands a leg kick. Cannonier lands a left to the body. A leg kick lands for Cannonier. Adesanya lands a calf kick. Right to the body from Adesanya. Adesanya lands a one two. Cannonier lands a jab. Adesanya lands another front kick to the body. Cannonier lands a jab. Adesanya lands an inside leg kick. Body shot from Adesanya and he barely avoids a counter hook. Cannonier blocks a head kick. Hard right from Adesanya. We get a time out as Cannonier takes a finger to the eye. Replay confirms the poke. Cannonier clears out his eye and we’re back to fighting after 50 seconds. They touch gloves on the restart and Adesanya apologizes. They trade some kicks, Adesanya is coming forward now and lands a jab. Calf kick from Adesanya. Cannonier lands a calf kick. Adesanya lands a couple of punches. A one two from Adesanya closes the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Adesanya lands a leg kick to start the round. Cannonier avoids a front kick to the face. Adesanya lands another leg kick. Bit of a left from Adesanya, Cannonier counters with a left hook. Adesanya lands a jab. Cannonier has started throwing back at Adesanya, trying to deter the champion from pressing him. A calf kick from Adesanya lands. Another jab from Adesanya and he avoids a clinch attempt then lands a right hand. Stiff jab from Adesanya, he’s starting to dissect Cannonier. Adesanya lands another jab. Cannonier lands a left to the body. Adesanya avoids a couple of hooks. Cannonier forces a clinch and lands some punches in close as they hit the fence. Adesanya avoids a single leg and slips free. Bit of a head kick from Adesanya, then a calf kick. Left then a right uppercut from Adesanya. Cannonier misses a spinning back fist. Bit of a right from Cannonier. Adesanya lands a couple of jabs. Left then a head kick from Adesanya, both were partially blocked. Adesanya lands a body kick. Cannonier lands a right hand and forces a clinch on the fence. Some body work from Cannonier in the clinch. Knees to the leg from Cannonier. Adesanya lands a knee then slips free and fires a head kick that’s blocked.

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

ROUND FOUR: Adesanya is showing the jab again, he lands a one two. Bit of a right from Cannonier, Adesanya returns it. Adesanya lands a leg kick then a stiff jab. Front kick from Adesanya lands. Adesanya lands a calf kick then a left hand. Cannonier lands a right to the body, Adesanya cracks him with a body kick. Some more jabs from Adesanya as he starts coming forward again. Hard right from Adesanya. Bit of a right from Cannonier, Adesanya then hits him with a left and circles off of the fence. Adesanya lands a leg kick. Cannonier lands a body kick. Cannonier gets a clinch on the fence. Adesanya spins free rather quickly and lands a calf kick. Right to the body from Adesanya. Adesanya lands a right hand, Cannonier returns it. Bit of a right from Adesanya. Adesanya lands a jab. Calf kick from Cannonier. Cannonier punches into a clinch, Adesanya lands a few knees. Elbow from Cannonier. Adesanya lands short punches then blocks an elbow as they break. Adesanya misses a right hand and they feint away the last couple of seconds.

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

ROUND FIVE: Cannonier lands a right hand to counter a jab. Bit of a head kick from Adesanya. Adesanya lands a leg kick. Adesanya lands a couple of lefts. Cannonier misses a right hand. More jabs then a leg kick from Adesanya. Adesanya lands a left hand. Cannonier blocks a head kick but then eats a jab and a leg kick. Adesanya avoids a clinch attempt then lands a jab. Elbow from Adesanya in close then a front kick to the body. Cannonier lands a leg kick, Adesanya lands a better one. Adesanya lands a left hand. Another elbow from Adesanya in close. Cannonier gets a clinch and they hit the fence. Some knees from Cannonier but he’s mostly just running clock. Adesanya defends a single leg and they break. Bit of a right from Adesanya. Jab from Adesanya lands. Cannonier lands a left hook and clinches again. Adesanya slips free and lands a head kick. Adesanya lands a right hand. Another right from Adesanya. Bit of a one two from Adesanya then a leg kick. Cannonier misses a right hand and that will run the clock out.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and STILL UFC Middleweight Champion – Israel Adesanya via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46 x2)

Not the most exciting fight but that wasn’t as bad as the crowd is making it out to be. Mic time for the champion, he was looking forward to facing Cannonier and letting his coach square off with Cannonier’s coach then puts over the game plan of Cannonier. Asked about what’s next and he knows it’s Pereira and says this time when they fight he’s putting Pereira on ice like Elsa.

On that note UFC 276 comes to a close. Thank you very much for reading, be that live or after the fact. 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 Rafael Fiziev takes on Raphael dos Anjos. I’ll be back here for that event and I hope you will as well. Until then stay safe out there, thanks again for reading, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

article topics :

UFC 276, Robert Winfree