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411’s UFC 299 Report: O’Malley Dominates, Poirier KO’s Saint Denis

March 10, 2024 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC 299 Image Credit: UFC

MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)
(c) Sean O’Malley (135 lbs.) vs. #5 Marlon Vera (135 lbs.) – for bantamweight title
#3 Dustin Poirier (156 lbs.) vs. #12 Benoit Saint-Denis (155 lbs.) – five rounds
#13 Kevin Holland (170 lbs.) vs. Michael Page (170 lbs.)
#4 Gilbert Burns (171 lbs.) vs. #11 Jack Della Maddalena (170 lbs.)
#7 Yadong Song (136 lbs.) vs. #4 Petr Yan (135 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPNews/ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET)
#7 Jailton Almeida (261 lbs.) vs. #5 Curtis Blaydes (257 lbs.)
#6 Maycee Barber (125 lbs.) vs. #4 Katlyn Cerminara (125 lbs.)
#11 Rafael dos Anjos (156 lbs.) vs. #6 Mateusz Gamrot (156 lbs.)
#13 Pedro Munhoz (135 lbs.) vs. Kyler Phillips (135 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET)
Ion Cutelaba (205 lbs.) vs. Philipe Lins (206 lbs.)
Michal Oleksiejczuk (185 lbs.) vs. Michel Pereira (186 lbs.)
Robelis Despaigne (261 lbs.) vs. Josh Parisian (266 lbs.)
Asu Almabayev (126 lbs.) vs. CJ Vergara (127 lbs.)*
Maryna Moroz (126 lbs.) vs. Joanne Wood (125 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC 299, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the event. We’re back on PPV tonight and the UFC has brought a top notch card for the occasion. The main event is for the bantamweight title when freshly crowned champion Sean O’Malley tries to avenge his only professional loss and get his first title defense against Marlon Vera. Honestly I’m a little more interested in the co-main personally as we’ve got one of several crossroad fights, this one between long time veteran and perennial top contender Dustin Poirier and the rising force of Benoit Saint-Denis in a fight that screams violence. The UFC debut of Michael “Venom” Page as he takes on Kevin Holland, rising contender Jack Della Maddalena takes a big step up in class to Gilbert Burns, and former bantamweight champion Petr Yan tries to halt his current skid against Song Yadong. And all that’s just the main card, if we head further down there’s a relevant heavyweight fight between Jailton Almeida and Curtis Blaydes, plus all time great Rafael dos Anjos battles Mateusz Gamrot and Pedro Munhoz is trying to defend his ranking against Kyler Philips. Early prelims bring us a pretty solid middleweight tilt between Michal Oleksiejczuk and Michel Pereira, plus the UFC debut of undefeated Cuban Taekwondo competitor Robelis Despaigne. Honestly this is, top to bottom, a very strong card.

UFC 299 comes to the world from the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, USA. The usual domestic PPV trio of Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, and Daniel Cormier will be on the call while Megan Olivi does the roving reporter bit. I’m not aware of any weirdness in the governing ruleset but will keep you updated if something comes up. Lastly keep in mind that we’re in the 30 foot cage here.

Joanne Wood just broke a three fight losing streak about a year ago when she got a split decision over Luana Carolina, now she’s trying for her first winning streak since 2019. Maryna Moroz has gone 3-2 in her last five fights but she’s currently on a two fight losing streak and needs a win here to right the ship. Moroz is your -225 favorite to +185 on Wood.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Maryna Moroz (11-5, 126 lbs.) vs. Joanne Wood (16-8, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Moroz is an inch taller with an inch and a half of reach advantage, Wood has also announced this is her last fight. Wood comes out probing with kicks early. Bit of a one two from Moroz, Wood tries a knee but it’s caught and Moroz then hits a knee tap into full guard. A few short blows from Moroz on top. Wood tries to work her guard up and lands a couple of elbows and prevents a pass. Some more strikes from Moroz, nothing serious but it’s more than enough to stay busy. A few body blows from Moroz as she passes to half guard. Moroz is trying to set up an arm triangle but Wood is fighting to avoid it. Wood is able to get to a leg entanglement and tries a heel hook but Moroz rolls through and gets back on top and resumes working her ground and pound. Bit of a flurry from Moroz and she’ll end the round on top.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Moroz

ROUND TWO: Wood tries to throw long range kicks again, she lands a bit of a right hand. Moroz clinches up and forces things to the fence. Both women work uppercuts in close while Moroz is looking to change levels for a takedown. A few knees from Moroz while she’s trying to off balance Wood. Knees go back and forth before Wood is able to spin free. Body kick from Wood but Moroz lands a counter right hand. Moroz lands a couple of punches. They trade lefts then Wood lands a front kick. Both women trade in close but Moroz takes a groin kick, we get a very brief time out then back to fighting. Wood is picking things up now and landing at distance. Moroz forces a clinch and they hit the fence then trade elbows and break. Some jabs go back and forth then Wood lands a right hand. They clinch again and Moroz lands a knee before they break. A couple of rights from Moroz land. They tie up and trade knees again then break. Left hook from Wood lands. Wood eats a one two but fires back with a spinning back fist. Both women land punches in close. One two from Moroz lands. They trade again as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Both women come out swinging again. Combination from Moroz. Moroz lands a body kick. Wood with a front kick. Moroz forces a clinch and gets things to the fence. They trade knees then Moroz lands a right hand as they break. Wood catches a kick and off balances Moroz but wont follow her down to the mat. One two from Moroz lands. Another right hand from Moroz, then another. One two from Moroz. Wood with a front kick. Moroz punches into a clinch and they trade there but Moroz is out working Wood at this point. Jabs go back and forth then they trade rights. Both women start punching the air for a bit. Moroz keeps pushing the pace and lands a few more punches. Body kicks go back and forth then Moroz jabs the body a few times. Body kick from Moroz then they clinch. Wood lands a spinning back fist that badly hurts Moroz on the break, Wood starts looking to flurry and finish, she’s swinging and they tie up. They break and Wood lands a front kick. Both women land punches in close, Moroz lands a right hand then avoids a spinning attack. One more exchange between them closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Wood, 29-28 Wood overall but this will come down to the second round

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

Mic time for Wood as she’s retiring, she jokes that she should have landed that spinning back fist in the first round. She is glad that her step son could be here for this, puts over the fans and UFC brass, and her team for their work.

CJ Vergara missed weight for the third time during his UFC run here, which usually means he’ll be forced up a weight class for obvious reasons but he is on a two fight winning streak and a third win here would smooth over the move up. Asu Almabayev is on a very impressive 14 fight winning streak including a successful UFC debut last year, now he’s trying to maintain that momentum and prove he’s a rising prospect in the division. With the weight miss to Vergara it’s not surprising to see Almabayev as a significant -500 favorite to +410 for Vergara.

Flyweight Bout: Asu Almabayev (18-2, 126 lbs.) vs. CJ Vergara (12-4-1, 127 lbs.)*

ROUND ONE: Vergara is two inches taller with three inches of reach advantage plus as mentioned his third weight miss. They touch gloves to get us going. Almabayev opens with a hard calf kick. Jab then a body kick from Almabayev. Vergara is switching his stance and is trying to get loose. Spinning back kick from Almabayev. Inside leg kick from Almabayev. Vergara sprawls away from a double leg but Almabayev gets a clinch to the fence and hits an outside trip to get on top, nice wrestling there. Vergara wall walks but Almabayev is on his back or at least a hip in the clinch now. Almabayev with some knees to the thigh as he rides Vergara down to a knee. Some more knees from Almabayev then a mat return and he thinks about the back but Vergara bounces up quickly. Almabayev keeps looking to land mat returns while the crowd “woo’s” a lot to everyone’s consternation. Vergara keeps bouncing up from mat returns but he’s not able to really get free. Almabayev keeps working as Vergara gets chest to chest and they trade some knees. Eventually they break without incident. Bit of a spinning back kick from Almabayev and they trade punches. Vergara eats a right hand but lands a left hook. Lovely double leg from Almabayev and he gets on top in half guard in open space. Almabayev with a few rights as Vergara shrimps to get full guard. Insane pass from Almabayev into full mount, Vergara scrambles to get half guard back as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Almabayev

ROUND TWO: Calf kick from Almabayev to start the round. Vergara is still moving and switching his stance then lands a calf kick of his own. They trade punches in close. Right hand from Almabayev to counter a body kick. Vergara lands a bit of a right hand but misses a left hook. Body kick from Almabayev. They tie up, Almabayev has a front headlock then switches to a single leg and gets the takedown into full guard. Almabayev with some body to head punches. Vergara tries some elbows from his back, he’s not just giving up on his back but he’s a little behind positionally. Hammer fists from Almabayev. A few punches from Almabayev land but he’s not able to pass yet. Right hand from Almabayev. Vergara’s guard is blocking the pass but he’s not mounting offense with it and Almabayev does pass to half guard. Arm triangle from Almabayev, but Vergara quickly gets free but eats punches along the way. Vergara is able to get to his knees but Almabayev jumps to his back and starts working. Almabayev lands some punches as he shifts to the ride, he’s happy to just keep flowing and working instead of forcing positional changes because he’s winning all of these exchanges. More punches from Almabayev, Vergara is able to fight up but Almabayev is on his back and lands a hard knee to the head as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Almabayev lands a calf kick again, he tries a takedown but nearly eats a head kick from Vergara and doesn’t finish the takedown. Bit of a head kick from Almabayev then he shoots a double leg, switches to a single leg and spins things down then shifts to the ride position. Full back mount from Almabayev now with both hooks in, but Almabayev scrambles and is able to break the hooks then stand. A couple of body kicks from Vergara land. Almabayev lands a left hook. Wheel kick from Almabayev lands then he shoots a single leg and cracks Vergara with a knee when he defends. Vergara lands a right hand. Vergara tries a knee but Almabayev takes him down and gets to the back as they stand. Mat returns now from Almabayev as he works from the ride and keeps sneaking in knees to the body and leg. Almabayev switches to a single leg, Vergara threatens a ninja choke so Almabayev lands body shots then separates. Body kick from Vergara. Both men show the lead hand as they circle. They trade body kicks. Vergara lands a body kick but Almabayev catches it and gets a takedown into full guard. Almabayev with some punches, Vergara tries to scramble up and gives up the back again. Only one hook in for Almabayev, he’s able to grab at the choke though and pull things back so he gets both hooks in. Vergara is able to break the choke attempt and keeps hand fighting. Almabayev keeps fishing for the choke but wont find it before the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Asu Almabayev via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

No interview for Almabayev.

Robelis Despaigne is making his UFC debut here after a string of first round finishes on the regional scene, he’s also a decorated taekwondo practitioner and officially has the longest reach in UFC history at a whopping 87 inches, now he’s trying to make a good first impression on the audience for his UFC debut. Josh Parisian has gone 2-4 in the UFC and is on a two fight losing streak, he’s trying to break that here and score an upset win to upset the metaphorical apple cart. Despaigne is your -360 favorite to +285 on Parisian.

Heavyweight Bout: Robelis Despaigne (4-0, 261 lbs.) vs. Josh Parisian (15-7, 266 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Despaigne is three inches taller with five inches of reach advantage. Despaigne moves forward early and lands a bit of a right hand. Head kick from Despaigne but he slips, Parisian tries to follow up but walks into a cracking right hand and slumps over which will prompt the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Robelis Despaigne via KO, punches, at :18 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Despaigne for his work this evening off of the second fastest win for a debuting heavyweight in UFC history. Mic time for Despaigne and the translator after that one, he says he’s been dreaming of this since 2019 and thanks to God he’s here in the UFC now. He talks us through the finish and thanks his team and Cuba, then plays with the Miami crowd and closes by asking for Instagram followers.

Basically the whole fight here, Despaigne got a very favorable opponent and absolutely maximized that. This guy could be a serious problem in the future for heavyweights.

Michel Pereira is on a really solid six fight winning streak including his return to middleweight his last time out, he looked very good in that outing and now hopes to build more momentum in the new weight class. Michal Oleksiejczuk has gone 3-1 in his last four fights with three stoppage wins and only falling to the surging Caio Borralho, he’s trying to build another winning streak here and prove he’s still a potential force at middleweight. Fairly close one here, -150 for Pereira to +125 on Oleksiejczuk.

Middleweight Bout: Michal Oleksiejczuk (19-6 1 NC, 185 lbs.) vs. Michel Pereira (29-11 2 NC, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Pereira is an inch taller while Oleksiejczuk has an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going, Oleksiejczuk fighting southpaw while Pereira does a lot of switching. Oleksiejczuk lands a left to the body, Pereira responds with a couple of body kicks. Forward pressure from Oleksiejczuk now. Pereira lands a right to the body that freezes Oleksiejczuk up, he follows up with a knee to the body then grabs a rear naked choke but has no hooks, Oleksiejczuk can’t fight it off though and goes out cold rather than tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Michel Pereira via Technical Submission, rear naked choke, at 1:01 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Pereira for his work this evening. Mic time for Pereira and the translator, he thanks Miami and opens with English to put over the city and loves being here almost as much as he likes being home in Brazil. He trains hard and feels incredible now that he’s up at middleweight, puts over his opponent but felt great here. As he talks us through the finish he notes he expects to finish more fighters now that he’s at middleweight and feels so good here. Some Portuguese to close and then says he wants to fight in Brazil next.

Pereira at middleweight is an animal, that man is going to be a problem.

Ion Cutelaba broke a three fight losing streak his last time out and now looks to get his first winning streak since 2018 up and running. Philipe Lins has gone 3-0 since dropping to light heavyweight in 2022, and if he can get a fourth win here it might set him up to challenge some ranked opposition next. The odds lean towards Cutelaba at -135 to +115 for Lins.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Ion Cutelaba (17-9-1 1 NC, 205 lbs.) vs. Philipe Lins (17-5, 206 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Lins is an inch taller with three inches of reach advantage, he’s also 8 years older. Some early feinting from Lins, both men are prone to switching but have started orthodox. Lins with a calf kick. Another calf kick from Lins. Lins with another calf kick. They split jabs. Lins with a calf kick, Cutelaba is biting on most of the feints from Lins at this point. Some forward pressure from Cutelaba now but he’s still struggling with the calf kick. Lins lands a hard calf kick. Cutelaba starts showing some southpaw to hide that leg. Cutelaba lands a right hand that off balances Lins but he doesn’t want to follow him down. Lins tries a calf kick, that one’s mostly checked. Solid right hand from Lins then a calf kick behind it. Cutelaba misses a right hand. Single leg from Lins, that hits the fence and Cutelaba lands a short right as they break. Both men land lefts then Lins with another calf kick. A right hand from Lins then a calf kick, Cutelaba is hurt and starts throwing bombs to try and back Lins off and it mostly works. Cutelaba pushes forward and they tie up then hit the fence. Lins drops for a double leg and gets it but Cutelaba immediately bounces up and lands an elbow before they break. Some body shots from Lins then he and Cutelaba both swing in the pocket. Calf kick from Lins to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lins

ROUND TWO: Lins starts feinting his way forward to start the round then lands a calf kick. Cutelaba misses a right hand, then Lins hits a hard calf kick. That left leg of Cutelaba is badly hurt now. Cutelaba tries to bull forward but misses a right hand. That left calf of Cutelaba is seriously messed up. Calf kick from Lins then both men miss several punches, then Lins lands a left hook as they separate. Lins lands a calf kick. Left hand from Lins then he gets to the back in a clinch. They hit the fence and fight for position, Cutelaba gets chest to chest and they start working there. Trip from Lins and he gets on top in half guard. Lins starts working for an arm triangle but Cutelaba is able to fend that off. Some body shots from Lins then he stands over Cutelaba and tries to pass standing, he lands a series of punches but Cutelaba does get up though Lins is all over him with punches and gets another clinch. Cutelaba is able to slip free and they reset. Lins circles, then lands a calf kick and fights off a single leg attempt. That’ll be the last meaningful exchange of the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Both men with some feinting to start the round. Lins circles, then lands a bit of a calf kick. Cutelaba is struggling with that left leg, and Lins lands a couple of punches. Lins avoids a few punches then hits a double leg but Cutelaba scrambles up with Lins on his back, Cutelaba tries a kimura roll but loses that and Lins is on top in half guard. Arm triangle attack from Lins, he uses that to pass to mount then gets the back with both hooks in. Cutelaba fights his way up and tries for another kimura attack but again Lins is able to avoid that and keep the clinch. They break and Cutelaba misses a left hand. Lins keeps circling, he’s a little fatigued at this point. Both men land lefts. Lins tries a single leg and that hits the fence, then Cutelaba with an illegal elbow to the back of the head and the ref breaks them up. No doubt about that foul, all brain stem. The ref gives Cutelaba a hard warning then restarts them at distance, odd call there. They get close and both men swing then Lins grabs a clinch. Knee to the body from Lins. Not a lot going on here, Lins keeps trying knees then drops for a double leg but can’t finish it and keeps the clinch. The ref has seen enough and breaks them up with 38 seconds left. More circling from Lins, he lands a left hand after avoiding a few punches. Cutelaba is trying to force a brawl and eats a couple of punches to close the round.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Philipe Lins via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Not sure which round you give Cutelaba there. Lins and the translator get an interview, Lins plays with the crowd in English and gives glory to God then thanks his coaches. He says the calf kick worked very well and he’s very happy to have won then puts over Cutelaba’s toughness and how dangerous he is as an opponent but he’s ready for the next challenge. To close he wants to have his first fight in Brazil since 2011.

Pedro Munhoz has been fighting only top tier talent for a few years now, which contributes to his recent record of 1-3 with 1 No Contest as those losses are to Jose Aldo, Dominick Cruz, and Marlon Vera. Munhoz is trying to avoid another losing streak here as well as defend his top ranking. Kyler Phillips has gone 5-1 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak right now, he’s taking a decent step up in class here to challenge a ranked opponent but a win would likely put him in the rankings and signify his readiness to make a real move up the stacked ranks of bantamweight. The odds are with Phillips at -230 while +190 for Munhoz might be a decent little value bet.

Bantamweight Bout: #13 Pedro Munhoz (20-8 2 NC, 135 lbs.) vs. Kyler Phillips (11-2, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Phillips is two inches taller with a notable seven inches of reach advantage, he’s also 9 years younger. They touch gloves to start. Calf kick from Phillips, he’s also showing the jab while circling. Knee from Phillips and Munhoz misses a left hook. Munhoz avoids a wheel kick. Phillips lands a right hand. Jab from Phillips then a bit of a head kick. Munhoz is trying to move forward but the range and movement of Phillips are bothering him. Body kick from Phillips but Munhoz off balances him then gets on top in full guard. Bit of a left from Munhoz but Phillips is able to kick him off and reset on the feet. Phillips back to jabbing and calf kicking, just staying busy. Bit of a head kick from Phillips then they trade calf kicks. Phillips lands a right hand, bit of a counter combination from Munhoz though. Bit of a right from Phillips then a calf kick. Munhoz tries a takedown but nothing doing. Phillips lands a calf kick then tries a head kick but Munhoz avoids that one. Munhoz misses a couple of punches and eats a counter. Phillips lands a body kick then a spinning back kick. Combination from Phillips hurts Munhoz but Munhoz recovers quickly. Right hands from Phillips now, he’s looking to keep up the offense now. Munhoz is willing to throw back though and that’s stifling things. Knee from Phillips then a right hand, Munhoz complains of an eye poke during that sequence and we get a break while the replay confirms the poke. There’s a cut on Munhoz but that was from a punch, Munhoz can continue and we’re back to fighting. Phillips misses a few wild punches. Sharp left hook from Phillips, he’s avoiding the counters and just carving up Munhoz at this point. Front kick from Munhoz but he’s getting busted up. Phillips with a right hand to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Phillips

ROUND TWO: That cut on Munhoz’s left eye is not great, but not a fight ender just yet as it’s not deep and in an OK spot. Phillips jabbing and circling again. Munhoz with a couple of calf kicks. Phillips is starting to show some stance switches now and lands a calf kick. Both men check calf kicks. Left hooks are traded. Phillips avoids a few punches then lands a one two. Munhoz ducks under a head kick. Phillips is trying to get the jab going again, and he avoids a couple of Munhoz hooks. Calf kick from Phillips then he checks the return one. Phillips with a body kick. Calf kick from Phillips, he’s starting to flow again now. Bit of a side kick from Phillips. Munhoz misses a couple of hooks. Right hand from Phillips then a calf kick. Stiff jab from Munhoz lands. Left to the body then a right hand from Phillips. Leg kick from Phillips then a body kick behind it. Body kick from Phillips. Munhoz walks into a right hand. They trade again then Phillips lands a wheel kick to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Bit of a head kick from Phillips then a calf kick behind it. Munhoz is trying to close distance but Phillips is moving around and jabbing him. Body shot then a spinning back kick from Phillips. Phillips with a partial head kick. Munhoz misses a right hand. Both men avoid punches. They punch into a clinch then break and Phillips misses a left hand. Leg kick from Phillips then he lands a right hand. Munhoz lands a calf kick but he eats a counter combination. The distance and volume of Phillips is still bothering Munhoz, he’s never found a reliable way to handle that. Jabs from Phillips then a right hand. Phillips lands a calf kick. They trade lefts then Phillips lands a head kick. Munhoz misses a spinning back kick. Bit of a front kick from Munhoz. Phillips misses a head kick, fires a calf kick then throws another head kick. Both men have switched southpaw for a moment but then go back orthodox. Right hand from Phillips. Munhoz misses a couple of kicks. Both men miss punches. We get a bit of a brawl to close things, Munhoz avoids a wheel kick just before the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Kyler Phillips via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Nice performance from Phillips, he’s definitely starting to make moves in the division but does not get an interview.

Mateusz Gamrot has gone 6-2 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak, he’s coming off of a win over Rafael Fiziev and now looks to build his winning streak while proving he’s ready for another top ranked lightweight. Rafael dos Anjos is a legend of the sport and a former lightweight champion, lately he’s been bouncing a bit between lightweight and welterweight but he’s back at lightweight here and hoping to avoid a losing streak. Given that dos Anjos is nearing 40 years of age it makes sense that Gamrot would be the favorite at -440 but +350 for dos Anjos might tempt a few bettors out there.

Lightweight Bout: #11 Rafael dos Anjos (32-15, 156 lbs.) vs. #6 Mateusz Gamrot (23-2 1 NC, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Gamrot is two inches taller with half an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for dos Anjos. Gamrot presses forward early and has a high kick blocked. Bit of a front kick from Gamrot. Right hand from Gamrot. Dos Anjos misses a body kick. Body kick from Gamrot. Gamrot eats a high kick, he’s able to force a wrestling exchange but dos Anjos defends then cracks him with a right hand but Gamrot finally gets on the single leg and slows things down. Clinch now as Gamrot gets things on the fence. Short elbow from Gamrot before they break. Dos Anjos is moving forward now as Gamrot has switched southpaw. Both men swing in close and dos Anjos avoids a takedown attempt. Calf kick from dos Anjos. They trade power hand punches. Body kick from dos Anjos. They trade lefts now. A lot of pressure from dos Anjos at the moment, Gamrot hits a single leg and passes to side control out in open space. Dos Anjos quickly shrimps and gets full guard. Gamrot looks to pass and eventually gets to half guard. A few short blows from Gamrot land as he’s working to keep dos Anjos down. There’s some wrist control for Gamrot now and he uses that to land punches before dos Anjos gets his arm back. Elbows from Gamrot now to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 dos Anjos

ROUND TWO: Both men hand fighting as they circle now. Dos Anjos works to pressure forward and lands a leg kick. Gamrot lands a body kick. Single leg from Gamrot, dos Anjos gets spun down and Gamrot jumps on his back as they stand. Some short punches from Gamrot now as he works for mat returns. Dos Anjos is able to wall walk after being taken down but he’s taking some punches along the way as they get chest to chest. Gamrot pulls free and they reset. Dos Anjos is back on pressure and misses a right hand to the body. Gamrot avoids a left hand and tries a double leg, that hits the fence but Gamrot keeps forcing the wrestling and gets dos Anjos to his knees then slips to the back as they stand. Mat returns from Gamrot now, dos Anjos is bleeding from the nose but not badly as he stands and they resume clinch fighting. Short elbow from dos Anjos as they break the clinch. Jab from Gamrot. Dos Anjos bulls forward but overcommits on his hooks and Gamrot double legs him all the way down. Butterfly guard for dos Anjos but Gamrot with body to head punches then he gets the back as dos Anjos stands again. They break without incident. Right hand from Gamrot. They split a few jabs as dos Anjos keeps pressuring forward. Gamrot blocks a flurry, he lands a right hand then they trade kicks to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gamrot, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Jabs from Gamrot to start the round then a left hand to the body. Dos Anjos is backing up a bit now, Gamrot lands a right hand. Dos Anjos pushes forward but Gamrot ducks under a punch and double legs him. Gamrot looks to pass but dos Anjos is able to use a butterfly hook to elevate him then regain his feet. Jab from Gamrot. Dos Anjos moves forward, eats a right hook then gets taken down again. Quick wall walk from dos Anjos but Gamrot is on his back and resumes working for mat returns. Some more clinch fighting then they break. Dos Anjos with a leg kick, bit of a counter combination from Gamrot. Gamrot fires a combination that’s mostly blocked. Dos Anjos avoids a single leg but Gamrot keeps after him and pushes things into the fence. Gamrot with some body shots in the clinch before they separate. Dos Anjos walks into a right hand but is undeterred. Double leg from Gamrot then he gets to the ride as dos Anjos scrambles and he winds up on the back in the clinch. They get chest to chest again and dos Anjos pushes free. Gamrot avoids a knee. Jab from Gamrot. Dos Anjos is still pushing forward trying to find something. Both men land punches but they’re kind of taking turns throwing. A couple of rights from Gamrot land to close out the round.

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

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

I don’t agree with 30-27, Gamrot rallied in the first but not enough to overcome getting hurt like he did. Mic time for Gamrot, he puts over dos Anjos and says he watched him when he was young and is grateful for the fight then hopes they inspired some new people to get into the sport. He wants to keep fighting and thinks he’s only a couple of fights away from a title shot, and hopes that Islam Makhachev isn’t going anywhere until they fight.

Katlyn Cerminara just had a four fight winning streak broken by Manon Fiorot back in 2022, now she’s back in action and hoping to avoid her first ever losing streak. Maycee Barber is on a five fight winning streak, granted two of those are split decisions that I thought she lost, but she’s hoping to clear the perennial hurdle that is Cerminara and move herself into the title picture. Barber is your favorite at -190 while +160 on Cerminara seems like a reasonable comeback.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: #6 Maycee Barber (13-2, 125 lbs.) vs. #4 Katlyn Cerminara (18-5, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Cerminara is four inches taller with three inches of reach advantage, she’s also a full decade older. They touch gloves, Barber fighting southpaw. Cerminara avoids some punches early. They tie up and Cerminara lands knees then eats a punch as they break. Cerminara ducks under a punch and gets a clinch on the fence. They jockey for position for a bit without anyone getting much of an edge. Eventually Cerminara lands a few knees and is generally getting the better of these things every so slightly. Barber eats a few more knees then throws punches in close and lands a right hand when they break. Cerminara tries a double leg but Barber sprawls away and lands a kick but then Cerminara gets another clinch. A few knees in close from Cerminara. Barber tries a few shoulder strikes with mixed results. Cerminara gets Barber on the fence and works some short knees and punches. A knee from Cerminara lands as they break. Barber immediately forces another clinch. Both women land knees and elbows in close. Left hook from Barber as they break. Cerminara grabs a single leg but has to settle for a clinch. They jockey for position again, Cerminara still getting the better of the position but can’t find a trip takedown. Some exchanges in the clinch, Cerminara lands a right hand as they break and that’ll basically end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cerminara but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Bit of a right hand from Cerminara. Barber is trying to bull forward and land punches. Knee and a front kick from Cerminara both land. Left hook from Cerminara in close. Barber misses a few punches. Cerminara catches a kick and lands a right hand. Barber is getting backed up now, she might be fading just a bit after all that clinching in the first round. Cerminara lands a left hand then avoids the counters. Left hook from Cerminara in close after she avoided a high kick. Bit of a body kick from Cerminara. Barber bulls forward and lands a bit of a left hand. Body kick then a right hand from Cerminara. Barber forces a clinch and they hit the fence. Takedown from Barber but Cerminara bounces right back up with Barber on her back. Cerminara breaks the grip of Barber and gets chest to chest. Elbow from Barber but she eats a knee in response. A few knees go back and forth as they jockey for position. Barber finally gets a takedown and lands a few punches as Cerminara scrambles up before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Barber but another competitive one, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Barber declines a touch of gloves for the last round. Cerminara with some punches, a head kick, then a right hand. Barber pushes forward with punches that don’t land and gets taken down. Barber bounces up pretty quickly and eats a knee before they separate. Cerminara with some jabs. Right hand from Cerminara. Bit of a high kick from Cerminara. Barber forces a clinch but can’t keep it. Front kick from Cerminara. Left hook from Barber and they trade then tie up in a clinch. A few knees go back and forth again while they fight for position. Elbow from Barber. Cerminara fights off a single leg attempt, Barber is able to trip her over but Cerminara goes for a leg and uses that to scramble up into a clinch. Cerminara is able to pull out of the clinch. Barber avoids a right hand. Bit of a combination from Cerminara. Bit of a one two from Cerminara. Barber with a front kick. Both women block high kicks. Barber lands a body kick. Both women land in close then Cerminara lands a left hook. They trade body kicks. Barber lands a punch then a body kick. They trade again, Cerminara lands a couple of knees but Barber with a foot sweep. Cerminara comes up into a clinch, and they’ll both swing in there as the round ends.

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

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

Don’t agree with 30-27 but can’t complain given that the rounds were close. No interview for Barber.

Curtis Blaydes has gone 3-2 in his last five fights and was last seen just about a year ago when he got pounded out by Sergei Pavlovich, he’s trying to avoid his first ever losing streak here as well as possibly get into the title picture. Jailton Almeida is on a very long 15 fight winning streak including being 6-0 in the UFC, a win here would likely get him a shot at some variety of title for his next fight assuming the UFC ever sorts the heavyweight title picture out. Very close fight here, -120 for Almeida to an even +100 on Blaydes.

Heavyweight Bout: #7 Jailton Almeida (20-2, 261 lbs.) vs. #5 Curtis Blaydes (17-4 1 NC, 257 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Blaydes has an inch of height and reach advantage and is 16 pounds heavier. Circling, then Almeida tries a double leg but that hits the fence. Almeida hits a knee tap and gets the back but Blaydes stands. Mat return from Almeida, he’s working from the ride position now. Blaydes stands again, gets tripped back down but again is back up. More mat returns from Almeida but he’s struggling to really get a control position right now. Blaydes is back up, back down, now back up again. Eventually Almeida gets to the backpack position but he bails on that to kick the leg out of Blaydes and get on a leg as Blaydes kneels against the fence. Blaydes is able to get up but he can’t get free and Almeida keeps mat returning him. Almeida is able to hop on the back eventually but gets stuck in the backpack spot as Blaydes stands again. Almeida bails on the hooks but will just end the round holding the back of Blaydes.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Almeida

ROUND TWO: Almeida walks forward, both men miss rights. Blaydes avoids a takedown and lands hammer fists as Almeida is holding a leg against the fence and Blaydes just keeps unloading hammer fists, one of them hurts Almeida and that’ll do it as Almeida turtles and the ref has to jump in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Curtis Blaydes via TKO, punches, at :36 of Round 2

Blaydes playing the reverse role of how he lost to Derrick Lewis here is poetic. Mic time for Blaydes, he says he noticed that Almeida always shoots with his head down so he put his belly on the back of his head to force him down then just unloaded with hammer fists. Asked about the future he wants a rematch with Tom Aspinall since their first fight ended in seconds with a knee injury to Aspinall.

Nice stuff here from Blaydes, good control over Almeida’s posture and very few of these hammer fists hit the back of the head.

Well that’s the prelims, onto the main card on PPV.

Petr Yan is a former bantamweight champion but is currently on a three fight losing streak, granted two of those were close split decisions and I personally thought he won the O’Malley fight, but if he wants to get back into the title picture he badly needs a win here. Song Yadong has gone 5-1 in his last six fights and brings a two fight winning streak into this fight, a win over a former champion would be the biggest of his career thus far and could push him towards the title scene. The odds lean towards Yan at -140 to +120 for Song.

Bantamweight Bout: #7 Yadong Song (21-7-1 1 NC, 136 lbs.) vs. #4 Petr Yan (16-5, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Song is half an inch taller but the reach is identical. They touch gloves to get us going, Yan starts orthodox but will switch if he feels like it. They trade leg kicks then Song lands a left hand. Yan avoids a leg kick. Bit of a leg kick from Yan. Right hand from Yan. Yan lands a leg kick but Song with a counter left. Song misses a left hook. Yan jabs the body. Another body jab from Yan. A couple of body shots from Yan. Calf kick from Yan then both men miss left hooks. Another couple of body shots from Yan. Song lands a jab. Song lands a calf kick. Bit of a one two from Song to counter a leg kick. Song falls short on a spinning kick. Body kick from Yan lands. Song misses an elbow, but then avoids a right hand. Bit of a body kick from Yan then a leg kick but Song gets a takedown off of that one. Yan quickly to his knees then stands, Song stays on his back but Yan granby rolls, nearly gets free but Song holds the back body lock again. A few punches from Song land before they separate. Bit of a one two from Yan. Song avoids a takedown but eats a left hand as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Song but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Bit of a left from Yan in close. Song pushes close and lands some rights as they clinch up. Elbow from Song before they break. Yan starts trying to jab again. Uppercut from Yan lands. Another uppercut from Yan gets Song to back off for a second. Right from Song but Yan counters with a couple of body shots. Song tries a takedown and gets to the back in the clinch. Yan is able to elbow the arms of Song then slip free. Left hand from Song but Yan counters with an uppercut. Both men poke out the jab for a bit. Right to the body from Yan. Yan off balances Song with a punch then lands a body kick. Song tries to get forward with power punches but Yan is hitting him and avoiding the pocket. Yan jabs the body. Song eats a combination then lands a body kick. Yan’s defense is really showing up, he’s rolling away from almost all of Song’s power punches. Uppercuts from Yan but Song has an iron chin. Both men land punches in close, Yan is digging in body shots now. Takedown from Yan into butterfly guard, that was very well timed. Some body to head punches from Yan now. Yan with an elbow and Song is cut, not badly though. More elbows from Yan as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Yan, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Correction, that cut is right under the left eyebrow, it wasn’t bleeding badly but that’s not a good spot for a cut. It’s not a fight stopper yet but Song’s been susceptible to cuts before. Yan punches his way forward to start the last round. Spinning kick from Song partially lands. Yan with a couple of jabs then they trade body kicks. Another jab from Yan then he tries a takedown, Song defends and they separate with an elbow from Yan. Both men work the jab now as they circle. Spinning back kick from Yan lands. Wheel kick to the head from Yan lands, again Song’s chin is metal and he just eats it. Song tries a single leg, Yan defends though. One two from Yan who has started switching his stance fluidly. Takedown from Yan then punches as Song stands. One two from Yan then a left to the body. Again Yan’s ability to always roll out of exchanges is helping him a ton here to avoid Song’s punches. Yan lands an uppercut after avoiding a takedown. Song avoids a spinning back fist. Bit of a high kick from Yan, Song just wont be deterred by power shots but he’s cut around both eyes. Spinning elbow from Yan partially lands. More jabs from Yan now. Song tries a clinch, Yan knees him then lands elbows as he spins him to the fence. Yan looks for a takedown and hits it into half guard. Yan with hammer fists and elbows now, Song is struggling but he does get to full guard. Body to head punches from Yan and he moves to side control. More elbows from Yan, Song rolls to his knees but Yan holds him down with a power half nelson then threatens a d’arce choke just before the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Petr Yan via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Yan needed that one, and Song showed promise again but there’s clearly stuff to work on. Mic time for Yan and the translator, he opens with English to thank the crowd for their support and he’s happy to have fought after about a year off. He knew the win was important and says he’s back and would like a top five opponent next and doesn’t care who it is.

Gilbert Burns has gone 3-3 in his last six fights and was last seen about a year ago when he suffered a shoulder injury during a fight with Belal Muhammad, now he’s trying to avoid his first ever losing streak and halt the rise of his opponent. Jack Della Maddalena is on an impressive 16 fight winning streak including six wins in the UFC, he’s taking a step up in class here but a win would set him up for an even bigger outing next time and further cement his status as the rising contender in the division. Close one but the odds are with Della Maddalena at -160 to a tempting +135 payout for Burns.

Welterweight Bout: #4 Gilbert Burns (22-6, 171 lbs.) vs. #11 Jack Della Maddalena (16-2, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Della Maddalena is an inch taller with two inches of reach advantage, he’s also a full decade younger. Both men come out feinting for a bit. Burns tries some leg kicks, Della Maddalena starting to show his usual stance switches already. Della Maddalena probes with the jab at distance. Jab lands for Della Maddalena. Burns tries a single leg, hits it and moves for the back right away but Della Maddalena blocks the hooks and stands, Burns drags him back down and has the back with one hook in. They scramble back up and into the fence where Della Maddalena gets chest to chest. Burns is trying to change levels, they trade some knees but Burns can’t find an angle he likes. Trip from Della Maddalena then a knee as Burns stands, that was a legal one and they separate. More stance switching from Della Maddalena as he jabs from both sides. Some calf kicks from Della Maddalena, mostly just getting reads. Left hand from Della Maddalena lands. Burns lands a body kick but misses a wild right hand. Della Maddalena avoids a one two then lands a jab. Della Maddalena catches a kick and lands a left hand. Uppercut from Della Maddalena lands then Burns misses a head kick. Lefts to the head and body from Della Maddalena. Della Maddalena avoids a right hand and lands a left to the body then a left hook to the head. Per usual, Della Maddalena’s slipping and countering is on point. Left to the body from Della Maddalena. Burns misses a high kick. Bit of a right from Burns then he lands a body kick. Double leg from Burns, he finishes it and gets on top in half guard, Della Maddalena tries to tie up the legs but eats a right hand just before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Della Maddalena but Burns might have stolen it there at the end

ROUND TWO: A bit of southpaw from Della Maddalena as the round starts and he lands a one two. Burns has a right hand blocked but the he blocks a body kick. Della Maddalena is switching stance constantly at this point, and blocks a body kick. Right hook from Della Maddalena lands. Burns with a single leg, then trip and he grabs a front headlock, switches to a cradle for control but Della Maddalena is wrestling with him and they wind up clinched on the fence. Della Maddalena slips free without incident. Della Maddalena continues pressuring forward and is picking at Burns. Burns lands an elbow, but Della Maddalena just eats it. Della Maddalena with a right to the body. Jabs from Della Maddalena now and he avoids the counters. Body shot from Della Maddalena. Burns wings a right hand, partially lands. Della Maddalena with a five punch combination that almost all lands. Body kick from Della Maddalena. A few left hooks land for Della Maddalena. Right to the body from Della Maddalena. Burns lands a right hand. Double leg from Burns, he gets on top but Della Maddalena quickly scrambles up but Burns has the cradle again and rides him back down. Burns looks for mount, Della Maddalena quickly hip escapes to guard and rolls to his knees but Burns gets his back. Body triangle for Burns, still short on time though and that’s where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Burns but another close one, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Della Maddalena back to probing with the jab then lands a front kick. Right hand from Della Maddalena lands. Della Maddalena with a left hook then a left to the body. Burns is circling away, doing a lot of that at the moment. Della Maddalena catches a kick and cracks Burns with a combination that hurts him. Body shots from Della Maddalena, Burns tries a double leg then switches to a single but that all hits the fence. Della Maddalena with some elbows in close but Burns does get the clinch despite now bleeding. Burns is able to kind of force things down to the mat, he’s trying to hold things down but Della Maddalena is fighting to wall walk. Eventually Della Maddalena regains his feet, Burns is still on his back though and rides him back down to the mat. Burns is fishing for a choke, Della Maddalena is able to roll free and floors Burns with a knee! Della Maddalena on top and unloads with elbows and punches, Burns tries to roll but can’t do much but turtle up and the ref steps in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jack Della Maddalena via TKO, knee and punches, at 3:43 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Della Maddalena for his work this evening. Mic time for Della Maddalena, he jokes about being happy to grab the cash and dash. He talks us through the finish, he knew he had Burns hurt but Burns was incredibly durable and he knows the division has a ton of scary guys but he’s one of them then calls out Shavkat Rakhmonov. Not a lot of guys calling Rakhmonov’s name, I approve.

Kevin Holland has gone 4-3 in his last seven fights and most recently dropped a decision to Jack Della Maddalena, now he’s welcoming a somewhat hyped promotional newcomer and also defending his ranking. Michael Page spent the last decade in Bellator and scored a handful of truly spectacular finishes but also was hampered by odd matchmaking at times, but now he’s moved to the UFC and is hoping to turn in another highlight to his reel and introduce himself to the UFC audience in style. Close one here, -135 for Holland to +115 on Page.

Welterweight Bout: #13 Kevin Holland (25-10 1 NC, 170 lbs.) vs. Michael Page (21-2, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Holland has two inches of reach advantage. Holland misses an early punch and Page lands a left hook. Calf kick from Page. Holland with a leg kick of his own. Page with his hands low, per usual for him. Hard right hand from Page but Holland just eats it. Page jabs the body then eats a leg kick. Some stance switching from Page as he moves around, Holland misses punches but does get a clinch on the cage. A few shoulder strikes from Holland but he’s mostly just controlling. Page is able to pull free and reset. Bit of a right from Page. Lunging elbow from Page lands, once again Holland just eats it but that landed. They tie up, Page on the back then lands an elbow as they break. Body kick from Page then a couple of punches. Page with a right hand, Holland has a chin but you can’t keep taking these strikes. Holland tries a clinch but can’t find it. Page wobbles Holland with a right hand, his blitz is still so darn fast. Another right from Page but Holland lands a leg kick and clinches up. Page has Holland on the fence and they trade some short strikes before separating. Right from Page, Holland is bulling forward now but can’t find the target yet. Uppercut from Page. Page punches into a clinch, Holland then pushes things into the fence again but Page slips free quickly. Stepping reverse elbow from Page, that was sweet but again Holland just eats it and they clinch to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Page

ROUND TWO: Page stays long but Holland punches into a clinch and they hit the fence again. They break pretty quickly without anything really happening in the clinch. Page is still doing a lot of stance switching and his feints are getting reactions out of Holland. Holland goes southpaw for a bit, and he blocks a right hand. Page avoids a few punches then lands a couple of rights. Holland is able to time a little foot sweep with a kick and get the back standing. They hit the fence and Holland rides Page down then grabs the choke but has no hooks so he has to settle for top position and some elbows to land from half guard. Forearm choke from Holland, no real threat but that’s uncomfortable. Page is able to scramble up and free then reset on the feet. Right hand from Page lands. Holland eats a right hand but forces a clinch. Page quickly spins free. Bit of a calf kick from Holland. Page lands a right hand. Another right from Page hurts Holland but he lets him stand up, Holland still looks unsteady on the feet. Right to the body from Page. Body kick from Holland. Another back elbow from Page lands, Holland forces a clinch as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Page but a closer one, 20-18 Page overall

ROUND THREE: Page immediately drops Holland with a right hand then makes him stand back up. They both miss punches and Holland ties up but Page trips him, Holland gets the clinch though and they hit the fence. Holland slips to the back in the clinch and tries to ride him down, he can’t finish the takedown then Page slips free. Hard right from Page wobbles Holland then he tosses him down and makes him stand back up. Bit of a head kick from Page. Holland just seems out of ideas at this point. Hard body kick from Page then a right hand. Elbow from Page and they clinch then Page trips Holland and separates. Holland is cut and swelling around the eyes. Page avoids a left hook and they clinch, but Page quickly gets Holland on the fence. They jockey for position then they separate cleanly. Left hand from Page lands, Holland gets another clinch but again he’s not able to get much going there. Page slips free and resets. Another right from Page, then a body jab. Uppercut from Page then he avoids a clinch. Holland misses a couple of punches, he just can’t corral Page so he mocks him and tries to get a brawl going. Page isn’t biting on that and lands a right hand, they clinch again and that’s where the round will end.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Michael Page via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

I can see Holland getting the second but the other two were clear rounds for Page. Mic time for Page, he says the UFC feels the same because he’s always the same in the cage but acknowledges how many people watch the UFC and then puts over Holland. He knows he’s got some more work to do still, but this is where he’s supposed to be and then plays with the crowd.

We get the next announcement about who’s going into the UFC Hall of Fame, it’s former UFC strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk. I have no issues with Joanna going in, she’s still the most successful champion that division has seen and my admiration for Joanna Violence is pretty well documented. Joanna is in the crowd and we can see her emotional reaction to the news.

Dustin Poirier has been an action hero and top fighter for the UFC for a really long time now, along the way he’s assembled some truly bonkers stats to his name. First man to stop Conor McGregor with strikes, only man to ever stop Max Holloway, stoppage wins over Justin Gaethje, Eddie Alvarez, only man to submit Michael Chandler along with two title shots, an interim title win, and 8 wins over former champions in total. The question at this point though is if the wars, and he’s been in a lot of them, are catching up to Poirier as he’s coming off of a head kick KO loss to Justin Gaethje and not too long ago lost a title fight with Charles Oliveira, and at 35 years old with almost 40 fights if he’s going to stage one last late career surge he needs a win here to avoid his first ever losing streak. Benoit Saint Denis has never lost at lightweight and is on a five fight winning streak with all of those being finishes, he’s taking a very big step in class here though to a veteran like Poirier but a win would be enormous for his career and would catapult him up the rankings. Also keep in mind this will be a five round bout. Given the potential trajectories of both men and Poirier hitting the 35 year old mark it’s not too surprising to see Saint Denis as the modest favorite at -225 to +185 on Poirier.

Lightweight Bout: #3 Dustin Poirier (29-8 1 NC, 156 lbs.) vs. #12 Benoit Saint Denis (13-1 1 NC, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Saint Denis is two inches taller with an inch of reach advantage. Both men open southpaw and they touch gloves. Saint Denis with some calf kicks early. Poirier lands a calf kick of his own. Saint Denis shoots a double leg, Poirier grabs a guillotine and they scramble though and Saint Denis comes out on the back in the clinch and lands some knees to the leg. Poirier is trying to attack the grip Saint Denis has, Saint Denis lands a couple of lefts then jumps to the backpack but Poirier is able to shake him over the top and land a punch, Saint Denis with a couple of knees then they break. Saint Denis quickly lands punches and tries to reshoot but Poirier with a front choke to dissuade him. Poirier lands a left hand. Saint Denis keeps coming forward, they trade punches but Saint Denis is forcing things close and lands elbows. Saint Denis just wont stop, he’s landing knees and elbows in a clinch then Poirier tries a takedown. Kimura roll from Saint Denis forces a scramble and comes up in a clinch and unloads with body shots and elbows in close. Poirier fires back with a couple of rights and gets free but Saint Denis just wont stop, he punches in close with body work and clinches again. Saint Denis looks for a double leg, Poirier tries another guillotine but loses the grip and Saint Denis is on top now. Poirier gives up his back, Saint Denis moves to the ride then pulls Poirier back and gets a body triangle. Saint Denis starts fishing for the choke, Poirier defending well so far. A few punches from Saint Denis, nothing serious then he tries an armbar as there’s short time but Poirier adjusts so there’s not elbow tension and just waits out the last couple of seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Saint Denis

ROUND TWO: Saint Denis pressures forward again and misses a body kick. Poirier lands an uppercut then jumps for another guillotine, again Saint Denis defends and gets on top. Saint Denis passes to full mount with over 4 minutes left. Poirier gives up the back, Saint Denis is fishing for the choke again now. Bit of a neck crank from Saint Denis but Poirier breaks that attempt then breaks the hooks and spins to get on top. Saint Denis stands quickly and elbows Poirier in the clinch. Another elbow from Saint Denis then punches in close, Poirier fires back at him but Saint Denis is overwhelming him. Poirier slips from the pocket with a front headlock and resets. Saint Denis keeps moving forward, he lands a body kick then they trade body blows. Poirier drops Saint Denis briefly with a left hand, then they brawl and Poirier lands one more right hook that FLOORS Saint Denis and this one is done.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Dustin Poirier via KO, punches, at 2:32 of Round 2

Mic time for Poirier after that one, he admits to getting beaten up but he was able to get Saint Denis in the end. He took this fight because he knew Saint Denis was dangerous and had an incredible spirit, he wanted to pay forward the opportunities guys like Eddie Alvarez gave him. He jokes about never stopping jumping for the guillotine. When talking us through the finish he again puts over Saint Denis and thanks military veterans from both France and the States to close.

Marlon Vera has gone 5-1 in his last six fights which has prompted this, his first shot at UFC gold. Vera is hoping to become the first Ecuadoran champion in UFC history and repeat his previous success against the current champion. Sean O’Malley hasn’t lost since 2020 when he ran into Vera, he’s coming off of his title winning effort over Aljamain Sterling last year and now looks to avenge his only loss while also securing his first title defense. The odds are with the champion O’Malley at -260 to a +210 comeback on Vera.

Bantamweight Title Bout: (c) Sean O’Malley (17-1 1 NC, 135 lbs.) vs. #5 Marlon Vera (23-8-1, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: O’Malley is three inches taller with an inch and a half of reach advantage. Both men open orthodox but will switch as the fight goes on. A few leg kicks go back and forth as they look for angles. O’Malley with a few front kicks then a calf kick. Vera generally stalking forward and lands a side kick. O’Malley with a spinning back kick then a body kick behind it. Another leg kick from O’Malley, Vera is being very patient. Right hand from O’Malley lands. Vera shows a few front kicks then lands a body kick. Both men miss power hand punches. Bit of a right to the body from O’Malley. O’Malley with a couple of jabs while circling. Sharp left from O’Malley. Vera lands a calf kick. Body kick from Vera then they trade power hand punches. Glancing hook kick from Vera then O’Malley lands a right to the body. Bit of a one two from O’Malley, he’s starting to flow pretty early here. A few side kicks to the leg from Vera. O’Malley lands a right to the body. Slight superman punch from Vera then O’Malley responds with a body kick. Vera avoids a right hand to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 O’Malley

ROUND TWO: O’Malley back to picking at the legs, then fires a wheel kick that doesn’t really land. Bit of a body kick from Vera. Vera misses a knee and lands a slapping right hand. A couple of leg kicks from O’Malley. Vera lands a solid calf kick. O’Malley blocks a high kick then lands a right to the body. Vera blocks a head kick. A few jabs are split. Vera lands a calf kick again. O’Malley with a right to the body then he avoids a right hand. Bit of a left hand then a right from O’Malley, he’s moving well and changing angles through combination. They trade body kicks then Vera lands a left hand. One two from O’Malley, then another one. Bit of a left from Vera. Left to the body from O’Malley. Vera falls short with a couple of punches. Stepping knee from O’Malley wobbles Vera but Vera blocks the follow ups and fires back because his chin is like stone. A couple of more punches from O’Malley land. Vera is bleeding from the nose now. O’Malley with a combination, he’s really starting to open up and flurry on Vera. Bit of a body kick from Vera then a one two behind it. Glancing head kick from O’Malley. They trade jabs then O’Malley lands a right hand. A right from O’Malley stuns Vera for a second just before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 O’Malley but a marginal one, 20-17 O’Malley overall

ROUND THREE: O’Malley lands a front kick to start the round. Vera lands a leg kick. Vera with a right hand, he seems to be ready to throw down now. Right hand from O’Malley. A few combinations from O’Malley then a front kick, Vera is blocking a decent chunk of this but he’s not firing back until O’Malley is done throwing. O’Malley blocks some punches then lands a left hand. Some double jabs from O’Malley land, he’s just carving Vera up at this point. Vera with a body kick, O’Malley returns it then fires a left hand as well. O’Malley avoids a few punches. A couple of body shots from O’Malley land. Bit of a left from Vera, but O’Malley fires back with a combination. Short right from Vera but O’Malley is rolling with a lot of these if he can’t avoid them fully. Vera lands a front kick but O’Malley cracks him with a left hand. O’Malley is just gliding around the cage here and lands a couple of more body shots. Solid left hand from O’Malley. Vera punches close but misses a knee. Bit of a right from Vera. Vera is trying to force things, he slips throwing a kick and O’Malley briefly gets on top but they stand free as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 O’Malley, 30-26 O’Malley overall

ROUND FOUR: Vera pushes forward again, he misses a couple of punches but he’s suddenly in the fight now. Front kick from Vera. O’Malley is circling and lands a right to the body then a left hand up top. Well it looks like Vera has stalled mentally again. O’Malley with some jabs while circling. Bit of a left from Vera in close. Vera bulls forward and lands a knee, then a few punches to follow up but O’Malley slips off the fence and punches him. Combination from O’Malley lands. Vera lands an inside leg kick then a few punches in close but O’Malley avoids a lot of it. Jab from Vera. O’Malley avoids a clinch but he’s not moving nearly as much as before. Left from Vera lands, O’Malley is bleeding from the nose at this point. O’Malley with a front kick then a right to the body. Vera with a body kick then a couple of punches in close. Right hand from Vera. Body kick from O’Malley. Vera pushes forward and lands a couple of punches but he needs more than little flurries. O’Malley hits the body again then some jabs. They trade lefts then O’Malley lands a body kick. Bit of a blitz from Vera but O’Malley is starting to move again. Another combination from O’Malley lands. Inside leg kick from Vera. O’Malley lands a left hand. Vera bulls forward again and lands a left hook. Bit of a left from O’Malley and he circles, Vera lands a leg kick then misses a knee as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 O’Malley but the closest round of the fight, 40-35 O’Malley overall

ROUND FIVE: O’Malley gets back to jabbing and circling. Vera lands a leg kick. Right hand from O’Malley lands and wobbles Vera, Vera avoids a wheel kick but he’s still getting his legs back under him. Body shot then an uppercut from O’Malley. Vera eats another knee but stays upright, the man is superhumanly tough but he’s outclassed here. O’Malley with a head kick then a left hand. Vera’s right eye is messed up but he’s still fighting. Body kick from Vera but he’s still way behind. Left from O’Malley then a few follow ups in close. Vera blocks some punches but he’s struggling to fight back effectively. Left hand from Vera lands but O’Malley just eats it and throws back. Leg kick from O’Malley. Bit of a spinning kick from Vera but O’Malley pops him back with punches. O’Malley lands a jab. Left hand from O’Malley. Vera lands a body kick, O’Malley responds with a spinning back kick to the body. O’Malley lands a couple of body shots. Vera blocks a head kick. Vera lands a front kick towards the face, not much on it. Knee from Vera in close, he’s trying in the last 30 seconds. O’Malley lands a knee then body shots. Vera tries to force a brawl but O’Malley wont bite and lands a combination in close. Both men land in close then Vera with a left to the body that seems to bother O’Malley, then Vera misses a knee as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 O’Malley, 50-44 O’Malley overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – and STILL UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley via unanimous decision (50-44, 50-45 x2)

Mic time for O’Malley, he is shocked Vera ate that knee in the second, he thought for sure something broke in Vera’s face there and puts over Vera’s toughness. He admits the left to the body at the end was a nice shot. Asked about the future he wants to head to Spain and fight Ilia Topuria to try and become a double champion. But he’s also willing to knockout Merab but thinks Topuria is a scarier fight.

Vera gets an interview as well, his face is visibly swelling and messed up. He thanks everyone for supporting him, especially the people of Ecuador then promises to keep coming and get better. He thanks his team for their work, gives love to his family and says he wont disappoint them again.

Well on that note, UFC 299 comes to a close. If you care about my predictions I make them on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast, but all in all I’m having a good year on that front so far. On that same podcast we’ll be breaking down all the fallout from this event and look ahead to next week with UFC on ESPN+ 97 headlined by heavyweights because we can’t have nice things. I’ll be back for that event 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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