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411’s UFC 305 Report: Du Plessis Chokes Adesanya

August 18, 2024 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC 305 Image Credit: UFC

MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)
(c) Dricus Du Plessis (185 lbs.) vs. #2 Israel Adesanya (184 lbs.) – for middleweight title
#7 Steve Erceg (125.5 lbs.) vs. #4 Kai Kara-France (125 lbs.)
#5 Mateusz Gamrot (156 lbs.) vs. #11 Dan Hooker (155.5 lbs.)
#12 Jairzinho Rozenstruik (259 lbs.) vs. #10 Tai Tuivasa (265 lbs.)
Li Jingliang (171 lbs.) vs. Carlos Prates (170 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN2/ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET)
Junior Tafa (244 lbs.) vs. Valter Walker (252 lbs.)
Josh Culibao (146 lbs.) vs. Ricardo Ramos (145.5 lbs.)
#15 Casey O’Neill (125.5 lbs.) vs. Luana Santos (126 lbs.)
Herbert Burns (146 lbs.) vs. Jack Jenkins (145.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET)
Tom Nolan (155.5 lbs.) vs. Alex Reyes (156 lbs.)
Ricky Glenn (171 lbs.) vs. Song Kenan (171 lbs.)
Jesus Aguilar (127.5 lbs.)* vs. Stewart Nicoll (126 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC 305, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening. The UFC is back in Australia tonight and they’re bringing a pretty solid PPV card with them. The main event is for the middleweight title as newly crowned champion Dricus du Plessis is after his first title defense, but in his way is former two time champion Israel Adesanya. There’s a fair of glory to be had here, if Adesanya wins he’ll become just the second person in UFC history to become a 3 time champion in the same weight class. The other is Randy Couture so don’t expect the UFC to mention this achievement. For du Plessis if he’s able to beat both Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya it would pretty firmly establish him as the guy at middleweight and Dana White has hinted it might also earn him a UFC event in South Africa. The co-main event might determine a flyweight title challenger, former challenger Steve Erceg came really close to beating Alexandre Pantoja earlier this year and now he’s battling Kai Kara-France who fought Brandon Moreno for the interim belt. There’s a cracking lightweight fight between the always exciting Dan Hooker and Mateusz Gamrot, and if Gamrot can get a win it would be hard to deny him a title shot. The rest of the card is OK, Li Jingliant and Carlos Prates deserves a mention as does Josh Culibao and Ricardo Ramos. Jack Jenkins is becoming a rising prospect, as is Tom Nolan, so all things considered we’ve got a solid enough card. There’s still two heavyweight fights, and that’s rarely a good thing, but my complaints on paper are fairly minimal. Now let’s hope it delivers in practice.

UFC 305 comes to the world from RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. Jon Anik, Dominick Cruz, and Daniel Cormier will be calling the action for us. Keep in mind we’re dealing with the normal 30 foot cage, and I don’t think the relevant governing body has any particular quirks for the rules. I will keep you updated on that front though in case anything comes up.

Stewart Nicoll is undefeated coming into his UFC debut, getting that first UFC win in his home country would be a nice cherry on top of things for him as well. Jesus Aguilar has gone 2-1 in the UFC only losing to Tatsuro Taira, he’s won his last two fights though and a win here might line him up for a bigger name next time out. Aguilar did miss weight so a win would help smooth things over on that front as well. Nicoll is your favorite here at -205 to +170 for Aguilar.

Flyweight Bout: Jesus Aguilar (10-2, 127.5 lbs.)* vs. Stewart Nicoll (8-0, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Nicoll is an inch taller with three inches of reach advantage, plus of course Aguilar missed weight. We’ve also got new music over the tale of the tape segment, which was frankly due an upgrade. Nicoll showing some stance switching early. Nicoll shows the calf kicks early but Aguilar blitzes him with punches then gets the back standing. Kimura roll from Nicoll and he switches to the back with both hooks in. Nicoll starts landing some punches while working to flatten Aguilar out. Aguilar is able shrimp and catch half guard, Nicoll lands a couple of elbows. Hammer fist from Nicoll, Aguilar is able to scramble up though and jumps for a guillotine choke. Nicoll is fighting the grip but Aguilar is adjusting it and really trying to crank the choke, it’s pretty tight and Nicoll goes out rather than tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jesus Aguilar via Technical Submission, guillotine choke, at 2:39 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Aguilar for his work this evening. During some mic time he is happy to have won, dedicates the win to his family, his people, and thanks God. Asked about the weight miss he talks about not being prepared to fight overseas and the jetlag playing a major role. In fairness to him, if you’re not ready for that change it is a big deal. He’d like to fight in March of next year to close.

Jumping the guillotine is kind of a meme in MMA because at the highest level it’s just difficult to pull it off. But if you’ve got a good bite on the choke and good finishing technique it’s a powerful weapon in your arsenal.

Song Kenan has gone just 1-3 in his last four fights, his last fight was in December of last year and he’s trying to get his career back on track with a win here. Ricky Glenn has gone 1-3-1 in his last five fights and hasn’t had a win since 2021, he needs a win pretty badly to get a little job security as a third loss at his age in this weight class might spell the end of his time in the UFC. Song is your -220 favorite to Glenn’s +180.

Welterweight Bout: Ricky Glenn (22-8-2, 171 lbs.) vs. Song Kenan (21-8, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Song has an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Glenn. Glenn lands a pretty quick left hand and gets a takedown off of it. Song fights up and lands a few punches in the clinch, both men land again then they break. Glenn forces another clinch and they hit the fence. They jockey for position along the fence, Song is avoiding takedowns and landing a few short punches but he’s struggling to get off the fence. Knee from Glenn then they break. Song lands a couple of punches in close. Bit of a left hook from Song in close. Song with a right hand then a bit of a flurry, Glenn is staggered but Glenn clinches up. Right hand from Song as they break and he’s got Glenn backing up again. Glenn is able to force another clinch and they hit the fence. Body lock takedown from Glenn and he gets the back standing as Song bounces up. Song breaks free and lands a front kick. Uppercut then a left hook from Song land just before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Song but could go the other way

ROUND TWO: Both men with some lead hand fighting as they circle around. Glancing head kick from Song. Song lands a leg kick. Body kick from Glenn, Song then lands a better one. Glenn tries a takedown but Song defends and then front kicks him in the body. Song with a right hand. Another right from Song, he’s able to land a combination before Glenn grabs a single leg to stall. Song lands an elbow before breaking the clinch and Glenn is cut around the left eye. Glenn is reaching for contact and Song is just framing then punching. Bit of a left from Glenn then he gets a clinch. Song is able to spin free pretty quickly and lands a right hand. Glenn lands a left hand and clinches, Song then lands a couple of elbows before Glenn separates. Song’s ability to neutralize the clinch and then land a few punches is largely rendering Glenn’s offense impotent. Left hook then a combination from Song, Glenn stays upright but his defense is just not present. Song with a right hand, Glenn has a big old hematoma around his right temple, it’s not quite Joanna or Hominick levels but it’s big. Song avoids another entry from Glenn and then punches. Right hand then a left hook from Song. Glenn avoids a hook kick. Right hand from Song. Song fights off a takedown attempt as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Song with a few punches before Glenn tries a clinch, Song then lands a knee to the head. Glenn clinches but Song hits a hip toss and gets on top in half guard. Song moves to a ride position as Glenn goes to his knees, Glenn then upright with Song on his back. They trade punches then Glenn tries a takedown against the fence, Song is defending. Uppercut from Song then a left elbow as Glenn breaks. Glenn pushes for a clinch but can’t retain it. Song with another short elbow in close. They trade power hand punches, then Song lands a combination. Glenn eats a body kick but pushes for a double leg, that hits the fence and Song uses a guillotine threat to get him to disengage. Side kick from Song. Song lands a jab. Stiff right from Song stuns Glenn but Glenn remains upright. Glenn lands a left to the body. Bit of a left from Song then a knee and elbow in close as he avoids a clinch. Glenn lands a knee but then eats an elbow. Bit of a high kick from Song. Stepping knee from Song then a left hand. We get a time out as Glenn complains of an eye poke, there was a little bit of finger there followed by a legal punch but I imagine nothing will come of this. The doctor comes in to check on Glenn, Glenn can continue after a little over a minute so we’re back to fighting. They both land a couple of punches then Glenn forces a clinch. Song lands an elbow then a knee. Song with a flurry of punches in close to close out the round.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Song Kenan via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-26)

Not sure which round might have been 10-8 for Song in there. Mic time for Song and the translator, he talks about how nice it was to work with his new team. He puts over Glenn’s toughness to close.

Tom Nolan has gone 1-1 in the UFC, he’s coming off of a win and has generated a fair bit of hype as a budding prospect. Nolan looks for his first UFC winning streak here. Alex Reyes has gone 0-2 in the UFC and will need to spring a massive upset here as there’s not a lot of mystery around what everyone thinks is going to happen tonight. Nolan is a prohibitive -1200 favorite while that +750 payout on Reyes might tempt some of the more degenerate gamblers out there.

Lightweight Bout: Tom Nolan (7-1, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Alex Reyes (13-4, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Nolan is four inches taller and 13 years younger but the reach is identical. Southpaw for Nolan as he stalks forward, Reyes is doing a bit of stance switching. Both men miss some punches, they’re just range finding. Bit of a wheel kick from Nolan. Nolan with a combination but Reyes ducks under that and hits a takedown. Reyes moves to the back as they stand and Nolan has to fight to get chest to chest. Knee from Reyes. Reyes drags things back down and gets a hook in but Nolan is able to fight up and separate. Front kick from Nolan. Reyes is able to force a clinch. They trade punches in close then break. Nolan is looking to up the pace and lands a left elbow. Reyes avoids a few jabs then lands a right to the body. Both men land punches in close, Reyes lands a right hook that gets Nolan to start backing up. Front kicks go back and forth. Nolan avoids a takedown and lands a knee then misses a high kick. Cut kick from Reyes, that puts Nolan down on his back. Nolan fights up but eats an illegal knee on the way so we’ve got a time out. No point deduction, which I’m not sure I agree with, then we’re back to fighting. Nolan seems fine enough so they trade kicks, then Nolan closes distance with a jumping knee as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Nolan but a close one

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Inside leg kick from Reyes. Nolan with an inside leg kick of his own. Bit of an elbow from Nolan but Reyes gets a clinch and lands a couple of elbows as he’s got Nolan on the fence. Nolan with a knee then an elbow before they break. Reyes avoids a few spinning attacks. Both men land in close. A left hand from Nolan drops Reyes, Reyes bounces up and looks to circle. Jumping knee from Nolan but Reyes avoids it and lands a couple of punches. Nolan with some jabs along the fence then an elbow in close. Spinning back fist from Reyes partially lands. Bit of a right from Reyes. Another right from Reyes as he avoids a few punches. They clinch, Nolan lands a couple of short elbows but Reyes gets him on the fence. Reyes slips to the back but not for long. Nolan misses an elbow as they break. Bit of a high kick from Nolan. A few leg kicks go back and forth. Nolan lands a body kick then a flurry in close. Reyes with a right hand to close out the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Nolan comes out throwing body kicks. Reyes avoids an elbow in close. Nolan with a body kick. Reyes lands a body kick of his own. Again they trade body kicks. Nolan is keeping the pressure on and a decently high pace. Reyes blocks a high kick. Body shot from Reyes. Reyes with a front kick. Nolan lands a body kick. Nolan avoids a takednwon and looks to counter with a d’arce choke, Reyes is belly down and looking to defend so Nolan bails on the choke. They fight up and Nolan lands an elbow. Reyes with knees to the leg and body as he’s on the back of Nolan. Nolan fights chest to chest then lands an elbow. Reyes with an elbow of his own. Both men keep looking for elbows in the clinch, when they break Reyes dives back into a clinch. Both men land punches as they break, things are getting a little wild now as the clock runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Reyes but could go either way, 29-28 Nolan overall

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

Fun enough little fight. Mic time for Nolan, he talks about the importance of gaining experience and plays with the crowd while noting it’s great to not be in the Apex anymore. To close he puts over Australia.

Jack Jenkins has gone 2-1 in the UFC, he’d had a good bit of momentum going into a fight with Chepe Mariscal last year only for an arm injury in the second round to end things. Jenkins is back a little under a year from that injury and he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak while reminding everyone that he’s a rising force in the division. Herbert Burns has gone 0-3 in his last few fights and has been stopped in all of them, he needs a win pretty badly here to salvage his time in the UFC. The odds like Jenkins at a pretty hefty -600 to +440 on Burns.

Featherweight Bout: Herbert Burns (11-5, 146 lbs.) vs. Jack Jenkins (12-3, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Burns is two inches taller with five and a half inches of reach advantage. Jenkins starts moving forward right away and lands a calf kick. A few jabs go back and forth. Jenkins is circling well, not just planting and throwing. Jab from Jenkins, Burns then lands a calf kick. Jenkins lands a left hook. Another left hook from Jenkins. Jenkins lands a combination including a left to the body that Burns really didn’t like. Jab from Jenkins again, he’s starting to really dissect the defense of Burns. Hard left to the body from Jenkins then a right hand behind it. Burns is kind of stuck on the fence now and Jenkins is really flowing with his combinations. More body shots from Jenkins, then he avoids a takedown and makes Burns stand. Burns fires a knee but Jenkins is breaking his body apart. Calf kick from Jenkins then a left hand. Burns hits a knee tap and gets on top in half guard, he badly needed to switch things up after those last flurries. Not much going on here, Burns is able to control things though and see out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jenkins, was heading for 10-8 territory before that takedown

ROUND TWO: Jenkins gets right back on pressure and lands a left hook. Burns fails on a takedown and Jenkins makes him stand back up. More jabs from Jenkins. Calf kick from Jenkins, Burns didn’t like that one. Double leg from Burns and he gets on top in half guard. Arm triangle attack from Burns but Jenkins gets his arm free. Jenkins kicks Burns off, Burns tries to grab a heel hook but can’t find it and Jenkins kicks his legs while standing over him before making him stand. Burns tries a takedown, can’t get it and winds up pulling full guard then grabbing a body triangle. Jenkins with a few body to head punches then is able to stand free and again make Burns stand. Lefts to the body from Jenkins then a right hand that drops Burns, Burns is able to catch guard as Jenkins follows him down though. Jenkins stands over Burns now and the ref makes Burns stand. Calf kick from Jenkins, then another one and Burns is in trouble. Burns fails to pull guard. Jenkins keeps moving forward and almost cripples Burns a calf kick. Burns fails another takedown and waits on his back as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Jenkins checks a calf kick, Burns tries a takedown but settles for a clinch then knees Jenkins in the groin so we’ve got a time out. Jenkins only takes 25 seconds then we’re back to fighting. Left to the body from Jenkins then a calf kick and a right hand drops Burns. Jenkins gets on top and unloads with some punches but Burns is able to tie up enough to stem the flood. Burns wont get up when Jenkins stands free and the ref waves it off.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jack Jenkins via TKO, punches/retirement, at :48 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Jenkins for his work this evening. Mic time for Jenkins and he’s really glad to be back and getting a win. He feels like he’s really found his footing in the UFC now and promises more violent inside fighting going forward. Asked about the future he wants on the Edmonton card and would love to remake the Gavin Tucker fight for that event.

Not the first time Jenkins has made someone give up, the man is talented and bludgeons you with technique in close quarters.

Casey O’Neill retains a top 15 ranking despite being on a two fight losing streak, she’s trying to halt that skid here and prove she’s still improving and is ready for another crack at someone ranked above her. Luana Santos is replacing Tereza Bleda here but she’s on a five fight overall winning streak including being 3-0 in the UFC, if she can best O’Neill here it could signify she’s ready to begin a real push up through the ranks of the division. The odds like Santos at -140 to a +120 comeback on O’Neill.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: #15 Casey O’Neill (9-2, 125.5 lbs.) vs. Luana Santos (8-1, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while O’Neill has two inches of reach advantage. O’Neill lands a leg kick. Bit of a right from Santos, she’s also started switching her stance as she moves around. O’Neill with a right hand. O’Neill catches a kick and they wrestle into a clinch, Santos winds up holding a front headlock. That turns into just a regular clinch. Santos slips to the back but O’Neill breaks her grip so they get chest to chest again. Some knees go back and forth then they break without incident. Bit of a right from O’Neill. Santos lands a right hook. They trade rights. A lot of southpaw work from Santos at the moment, she seems to favor cuffing with the right hook. O’Neill lands a right hand. Front kick from Santos. Another front kick from Santos. O’Neill is still keeping the pressure on Santos and lands a leg kick. A few sloppy punches get traded. O’Neill fires a flurry of punches to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 O’Neill

ROUND TWO: Santos pretty quickly hits a takedown against the fence. O’Neill wall walks with Santos on her back, then turns face to face. Santos is trying to sling things back to the mat but has to settle for just getting behind O’Neill again. Again O’Neill breaks the grip and turns into Santos then avoids a headlock throw and they reset. Right hand from Santos. O’Neill with a couple of punches that partially get through. Calf kick from O’Neill. O’Neill lands a couple of punches but a lot of her offense is falling an inch or so short. Santos is getting backed up, O’Neill then initiates the clinch and lands knees to the body then a couple of punches as they break. Body kick from Santos but O’Neill counters with a couple of lefts. Bit of a front kick from O’Neill. Santos tries to force a clinch but can’t find it. One two from O’Neill. Santos has a high kick blocked as the last meaningful action of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 O’Neill, 20-18 O’Neill overall

ROUND THREE: Bit of a counter right from O’Neill to start the round. Santos misses a couple of punches then eats a counter right. O’Neill with a left to the body. A lot of pressure from O’Neill, Santos just doesn’t have any ideas or avenues to turn things around. They clash on kicks. A few punches go back and forth in close. O’Neill lands a left hook. There are a few exchanges going on, O’Neill just firing more punches and is generally finding the openings in the defense of Santos. Santos hits a headlock throw but O’Neill comes out on her back and gets both hooks in. O’Neill starts landing punches then starts fishing for the choke. Body triangle from O’Neill as she lands shorter punches and looks for the choke. O’Neill gets a choke attempt, it’s decent but not going to finish things before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 O’Neill, 30-27 O’Neill overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Casey O’Neill via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27 x2)

Again I’m doubting the 10-8 had merit. No interview for O’Neill.

Josh Culibao has gone 0-2 recently though his last bout was a hotly contested split decision, despite that he’s trying to get back on the winning side of things here. Ricardo Ramos has gone 1-3 in his last four fights and is on a two fight losing streak, he’s trying to right the ship here and prove he’s still a worthwhile addition to the roster. Close one here but the odds like Culibao at -125 to +105 on Ramos.

Featherweight Bout: Josh Culibao (11-3-1, 146 lbs.) vs. Ricardo Ramos (16-6, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Culibao has an inch of height and reach advantage. Ramos stalks forward early and shows a few kicks. Culibao lands a calf kick then Ramos returns it. Another Culibao calf kicks. Ramos misses a wheel kick, then Culibao with a bit of a left hook. Culibao with another calf kick. Ramos blocks a couple of punches. Bit of a right from Ramos. One two from Culibao then he lands a hard calf kick. Ramos is stumbling around but Culibao gets too eager and slips leading to Ramos taking the back in a scramble. Culibao is trying to fend off the choke but Ramos is able to get it locked up, he has to adjust the grip a few times but Culibao is still able to hand fight and strip the leverage choke. Another choke from Ramos, this one’s deep too but good grief Culibao just hand fights like a demon and breaks the choke. I can’t believe he survived that second one, and Ramos wont mount another attack before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ramos

ROUND TWO: Culibao comes out and lands a calf kick. Bit of a left hand from Culibao, he’s starting to switch his stance. Both men have landed some nasty calf kicks thus far. Ramos deflects a few jabs then Culibao lands a calf kick. Another calf kick then a right hand from Culibao. Culibao lands another couple of calf kicks. Ramos tries to bull forward but can’t corral Culibao. Culibao lands a right hand. Ramos avoids a couple of hooks. Culibao with a calf kick then another right hand. A calf kick from Culibao drops Ramos, he stands over him landing some leg kicks then lands a couple of hammer fists. Ramos is just kind of on his back looking for guard, Culibao lands a hammer fist then a right hand. A couple of lefts from Culibao, he’s occasionally playing with going down but not committing to mat work then eventually makes Ramos stand. Ramos looking for more southpaw work now. Culibao stalks forward and clubs Ramos with a right hand. Ramos gets on forward pressure and pokes Culibao in the eye. Culibao doesn’t want much time so we’re back after 20 seconds. Bit of a right from Culibao. Ramos avoids a high kick. A bit of a leg kick from Ramos will close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Culibao, borderline 10-8, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Culibao avoids a few punches. Ramos is trying to push forward but he’s having to do a lot of southpaw work and his offense isn’t quite as good there. Bit of a right from Culibao. Left hand from Culibao. Front kick from Culibao. Ramos misses a few punches. Glancing left from Culibao. Both men miss punches, then Ramos misses a back elbow. Both men land punches then clinch but Culibao pulls out of that pretty quickly. Culibao digs some rights to the body then Ramos lands a knee. One two from Culibao. Bit of a left from Ramos. Culibao misses a right but lands a left hook. A right hand lands for Culibao. A right hook from Culibao stuns Ramos for a second. Culibao with a calf kick. Ramos lands a right hook, he’s still trying. Culibao lands a body shot but Ramos gets his back standing and drags things down with one hook in. Both hooks in now for Ramos. Ramos transitions to top position and is on top in half guard. Culibao tries a butterfly sweep as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Culibao but Ramos might have stolen it at the end, 29-28 Culibao overall

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

Well I don’t fully agree with that but Culibao left that third round up in the air. No interview for Ramos.

Junior Tafa has gone 1-2 in the UFC most recently getting chopped down with leg kicks back in February, he’s hoping to draw his UFC record back even while also avoiding his first losing streak. Valter Walker suffered his first professional loss in his UFC debut a few months back, he’s trying to bounce back and have his sophomore outing be more successful. Another close one but Tafa is a slight -115 favorite against a -105 payout on Walker.

Heavyweight Bout: Junior Tafa (5-2, 244 lbs.) vs. Valter Walker (11-1, 252 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Walker is three inches taller with a significant six and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. A bit of feinting from both men then Walker lands a calf kick. Tafa is sort of moving forward and kind of lands a right hand. Calf kick from Walker then Tafa throws back punches but doesn’t land much. Tafa lands a right hand but Walker ties up and rides him down to the mat. Walker is on the back in a ride position. Tafa is able to wall walk with Walker on his back. Walker trips Tafa back down and gets on top against the cage. Tafa works towards wall walking, Walker is fighting to keep him on his seat though. A few body shots from Walker as he pulls Tafa flat on the mat, Walker on top in half guard. Tafa is able to hip escape and get full guard. Walker lands a couple of punches to the body and head. Walker sits for an ankle lock, switches to a heel hook and Tafa verbally cries out to constitute a tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Valter Walker via Technical Submission, heel hook, at 4:56 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Tafa for his work this evening. Tafa is pretty pissed, he clearly yelled but didn’t say “tap” which somehow confuses people. Guys, you can’t cry out in pain because that constitutes a verbal submission, this isn’t complicated. Mic time for Walker who is getting booed pretty heavily, he says Tafa has talked smack about his brother Johnny so now Walker is willing to fight Justin Tafa as well. He sort of talks us through the finish and didn’t care about the finish because if that didn’t work more of it was coming in the second round.

You can clearly hear Tafa yell out. Yelling out constitutes a verbal submission. I get Tafa’s frustration but nothing untoward or sketchy happened here. Someone help the broadcast out please, they were confused for a long time about this.

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

Li Jingliang has traded wins and losses while going 3-3 in his last six fights, he’s been out of action for almost 2 years partially due to a spine injury though and is trying to remind everyone that he’s still an exciting fighter worth watching. Carlos Prates is on a 9 fight winning streak including two wins in the UFC, adding to that Is that I can’t find the last time he went to a decision so he’s kind of a finish machine, he’s taking a bit of a step up in class here to the proven Li but a win would be a significant statement about his ability and upside. The odds are giving Prates a ton of respect at -345 while that +275 comeback on Li has to be a tempting value bet.

Welterweight Bout: Li Jingliang (19-8, 171 lbs.) vs. Carlos Prates (19-6, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Prates is an inch taller with a significant six and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves, Prates fighting southpaw. A little bit of feinting from both men as they look for reads. Li starts probing with a few kicks, then Prates lands a couple of inside calf kicks. Prates avoids a few punches. Again kicks go back and forth. Left hand from Prates. Li chips away with a few leg kicks. Li goes southpaw and eats a calf kick. Prates is moving forward more consistently now. Bit of a jab from Prates. A left hand from Prates drops Li for a second but Li recovers pretty quickly. Another left from Prates then a jab when Li tries to counter. Prates avoids a left hand. They trade a few more probing calf kicks then Prates lands a jab. Both men block punches. Prates is really moving well so far, he lands a left hand. Li fires a combination that’s partially successful. Prates avoids some punches then lands a left hand. A left from Prates sags Li against the fence but Li gets back up. Prates with another left to drop Li but again Li gets up. Li swings a left hand that partially lands, he’s still in the fight as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Prates, might be 10-8 if you’re generous

ROUND TWO: Li is playing a little more southpaw as this round starts. Prates avoids a few leg kicks then fires a partially successful head kick. Li back orthodox. Bit of a left from Prates then Li partially lands a right hand. They trade leg kicks then Prates lands a left hand. Leg kick from Li. Bit of a one two from Prates. Left hand from Prates. Li lands a right hand. Stepping knee from Prates and they clinch up. Not much happens in the clinch then they break. Prates with a left hand. They trade power hand punches. Prates with another left hand then a glancing high kick. Li works to pressure forward but misses a calf kick. Left to the body from Prates. Prates with a one two that drops Li but again Li gets up but he’s in trouble this time. Prates keeps on the pressure and lands a couple of lefts. Another left from Prates. A final left hook slumps Li to the mat and we’re done.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Carlos Prates via KO, punches, at 4:02 of Round 2

Heck of a win for Prates, that man is going to be a problem. Mic time for Prates, he talks about working hard for this fight and puts over Li as a great opponent, and mentions his daughter is here with him and that it’s his birthday today. He’d like a post fight bonus, then switches to Portuguese to thank people back in Brazil. he talks us through the finish and again would like a bonus but if not he wants to fight in December but before a ranked opponent he’d like another easy fight and name drops someone in particular who I didn’t quite catch.

Not the finish but a great laser of a left hand from Prates near the end of the first to sit down Li. Prates has some nasty striking.

Tai Tuivasa is on a four fight losing streak and he’s been finished in all of those, that’s somewhat mitigated by two of those being against Ciryl Gane and Sergei Pavlovich, but when you’re getting choked out by Marcin Tybura that’s a bit more troubling. Tuivasa really needs a win here as another loss might end his time win the UFC. Jairzinho Rozenstruik has gone 2-3 in his last five fights but is coming off of a win and now looks for his first winning streak since 2019. It’s not too surprising to see Rozenstruik as the -240 favorite while Tuivasa’s underdog status sits at +200.

Heavyweight Bout: #12 Jairzinho Rozenstruik (14-5, 259 lbs.) vs. #10 Tai Tuivasa (14-7, 265 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Rozenstruik has three inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. A bit of feinting from both men. Inside leg kick from Rozenstruik. Rozenstruik checks a leg kick then partially lands a right hand. Tuivasa lands a calf kick. Bit of a calf kick from Rozenstruik. Both men show a few more kicks, nothing major though. Bit of a left hook from Rozenstruik. Glancing jab from Rozenstruik. Tuivasa with a bit of a leg kick. Rozenstruik lands a left to the body. Inside leg kick from Rozenstruik. Tuivasa avoids a few punches. Jab from Rozenstruik. Rozenstruik with a body kick. Bit of a right from Rozenstruik then he avoids the counters as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rozenstruik

ROUND TWO: Rozenstruik showing some front kicks now. Right to the body from Rozenstruik. Rozenstruik starting to jab the body a bit now. Tuivasa misses a couple of hooks but he’s getting closer with those. Rozenstruik with a leg kick then a right hand. Tuivasa bulls forward and lands a couple of punches, Rozenstruik then lands a knee and avoids a clinch. Rozenstruik avoids a punch and lands a right hand, then lands a combination as he’s got Tuivasa on the fence before they reset. Hard one two from Rozenstruik then a knee, Tuivasa remains upright though. A few jabs from Rozenstruik get poked out. Tuivasa is plodding forward, he misses a right hand though. Rozenstruik checks a calf kick and Tuivasa’s foot is messed up, Rozenstruik pressures forward and lands a combination. A couple of body shots from Rozenstruik. Tuivasa doesn’t care and keeps coming forward and swings a couple of punches. Left uppercut from Rozenstruik then a calf kick. One two from Rozenstruik. Tuivasa blocks a high kick. Bit of a right hand from Tuivasa. A couple of leg kicks land for Rozenstruik to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Rozenstruik gets back to showing the jab and then lands a calf kick. Both men work the jab a bit now. Inside leg kick from Rozenstruik to counter a partially landed right hand, he fires a couple of punches as well but they don’t fully make contact. Rozenstruik jabs the body a couple of times. Jab from Rozenstruik. Tuivasa misses a right hand. Tuivasa jabs the body now. Rozenstruik with a stiff jab then avoids a right hand. Bit of a left from Tuivasa. Rozenstruik with a one two. They trade inside leg kicks. Rozenstruik with a left hook. Bit of a right from Tuivasa but he ate a couple of punches to land that. Short couple of left hooks from Rozenstruik. Rozenstruik with a one two. Tuivasa gets close and lands a left hook but then eats a couple of elbows. Rozenstruik with more jabs then a bit of a high kick. A right hand from Rozenstruik lands. They debate doing the brawling thing to close the round, and sort of oblige each other before the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jairzinho Rozenstruik via split decision (27-30, 29-28, 30-27)

What in the deep fried Clucky is 30-27 for Tuivasa in this fight?! Rozenstruik gets an interview, he’s equally surprised by that score. He talks about knowing he could out strike the brawler then puts Tuivasa over as a great opponent then plays with the crowd just a bit.

Mateusz Gamrot has only lost to Guram Kutateladez and Beneil Dariush and has an overall UFC record of 7-2. Gamrot is on a three fight winning streak and if he can get that to four in a row here he’ll be in a good position to argue for a title shot. Dan Hooker has gone 2-2 in his last four fights but he’s on a two fight winning streak and could arguably find his biggest win here if he can take out the relentlessly consistent Gamrot. Gamrot is the favorite at -410 to Hooker’s +320.

Lightweight Bout: #5 Mateusz Gamrot (24-2 1 NC, 156 lbs.) vs. #11 Dan Hooker (23-12, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Hooker is two inches taller with four and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Hooker showing some early uppercuts and knees, designed to dissuade the takedown from Gamrot. Both men work the jab a little bit now. Hooker with a front kick. Gamrot lands a left hand then a right hook. Front kick from Hooker. Gamrot lands a right hand, he’s starting to figure out the range just a bit. Front kick from Hooker then Gamrot lands a leg kick. Hooker avoids a few punches then lands a leg kick but Gamrot hits a low single leg. They scoot to the fence and Gamrot is able to smother Hooker. Hooker is working to set up a wall walk but Gamrot keeps a leg elevated and lands some punches. Knee from Gamrot but Hooker does get up and separate. Hooker walks into a right hand and is wobbled, Gamrot grabs a front headlock and snaps things down then starts landing punches from on top. Gamrot keeps firing some punches then looks to pass the guard of Hooker. Hooker scoots to the fence and wall walks with Gamrot on his back but they break pretty quickly. There’s a cut around the left eye of Hooker. A lot of pressure from Hooker now, he lands a left hook that drops Gamrot but Gamrot bounces up. More pressure from Hooker, Gamrot with knees in a brief clinch. Gamrot reaches for a low single leg, he’s able to collect the legs of Hooker but Hooker is able to wrestle free and reset. A bit of a body shot from Hooker closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gamrot but could have gone to Hooker

ROUND TWO: Hooker with some early kicks to start the second round. Front kick from Hooker. They trade jabs. Gamrot catches a body kick and gets a takedown into guard. Gamrot passes to half guard, then side control almost like butter. Some short punches from Gamrot land. There are a few knees from Gamrot to the body from side control, that’s a painfully underused move in MMA. Gamrot attacks an arm triangle but Hooker defends and gets butterfly guard. There’s a cut under the right eyebrow of Hooker and one under the eye near the cheek. Hooker scoots towards the fence and works to wall walk, he’s upright with Gamrot on his back and they break apart. Jab from Gamrot. Hooker is an animal though and is pushing forward and lands a left to the body. Both men land punches. Right hand from Gamrot lands. Single leg from Gamrot, Hooker uses a guillotine threat though and winds up technically on top as Gamrot holds a single leg. A few elbows from Hooker but Gamrot pushes things to the fence. They’re upright in a clinch now but Gamrot is all over Hooker. Eventually Hooker spins free and they reset. Right uppercut from Gamrot but Hooker lands a couple of punches then defends a takedown as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Apparently they’ve removed that judge from his duties, good. Gamrot quickly works for a single leg, Hooker tries to defend but Gamrot wrestles through it and gets him down against the fence. Hooker stands into a clinch and they break. A couple of punches from Hooker land. One two from Gamrot partially lands. Gamrot lands a right hand. Hooker digs a couple of body shots. Both men land rights in close. They trade punches in close again. Solid right hand from Gamrot but Hooker just eats it. Right hook from Gamrot. Hooker lands a left hand. They’re trading punches when they get close, neither is hanging around for prolonged exchanges but they’re both landing. Gamrot lands a couple of stiff jabs. Single leg from Gamrot, Hooker is able to defend this time though and they reset. Hooker lands a right hand. A couple of rights from Gamrot. Hooker with a one two. Again they trade punches in close. Gamrot tries a single leg against the fence. Hooker defends with a guillotine threat and they separate. Again they brawl a bit in close, Hooker is forcing Gamrot to fight a style he doesn’t like. They trade and then tie up with Gamrot pushing Hooker into the fence. Hooker with some elbows to the body then they break. They trade punches one last time as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Hooker but again close, heck of a fight, 29-28 Gamrot overall

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

I’m not even mad about it, all of those were tough close rounds. Frankly I wish they’d had two more rounds. Mic time for Hooker who’s elated with the win. He jokes about being able to walk down anyone and being tougher than old leather. He says this is just the beginning as City Kickboxing is coming to collect tonight. Asked about the future he wants everything, the BMF, Conor McGregor, a title eliminator, all of it.

Kai Kara-France is on a two fight losing streak and has been out of action for a little over a year, he’s trying to defend his position in the rankings and prove he’s still in the title picture. Steve Erceg had an 11 fight winning streak snapped back in May when he got close to winning the flyweight title but ultimately fell just a little short against Alexandre Pantoja, he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak and potentially get right back into the title scene. The odds like Erceg at -225 to a +185 comeback for Kara-France.

Flyweight Bout: #7 Steve Erceg (12-2, 125.5 lbs.) vs. #4 Kai Kara-France (24-11 1 NC, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Erceg is four inches taller while Kara-France has an inch of reach advantage. Both men come out showing the jab, just range finding so far. A fair bit of circling from Kara-France. Erceg is slowly working Kara-France back towards the fence with just pressure and feints. Kara-France misses a couple of punches but then blocks a right hand. Both men avoid some body punches, they’re still getting a feel for each other. Erceg avoids a right hand. Kara-France lands a right to the body. Erceg keeps probing with the jab then lands a calf kick. Bit of a right from Erceg. Kara-France misses a left hand. Kara-France does land a right hand. Counter right from Erceg. Erceg lands a couple of jabs. Right hand from Erceg, he’s starting to get a read on Kara-France. Kara-France lands to the body. Erceg with a left uppercut to counter a leg kick. Kara-France blitzes forward and lands a left hand that drops Erceg. Erceg fights up but gets clubbed down with a right hand and the ref jumps in to halt this.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Kai Kara-France via TKO, punches, at 4:04 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Kara-France for his work this evening. Mic time for Kara-France, he plays with the crowd for a bit then puts over Erceg before saying that just getting back here is a big deal before putting his team over. He talks us through the finish then says he’s made a statement here and wants a title shot next.

Israel Adesanya is a former two time middleweight champion and has carved out a career in the UFC second only to Anderson Silva’s when it comes to the middleweight division. Adesanya was last seen dropping the title to Sean Strickland about a year ago, he’s trying to regain it here and become just the second man in UFC history to become a three time champion in the same weight class. Dricus du Plessis is the middleweight champion and has gone 7-0 in the UFC only going the distance twice during that stretch, in fact du Plessis hasn’t lost at middleweight since August of 2014 and if he can get by Adesanya tonight he’ll have bested the two best middleweights the UFC has in Robert Whittaker and Adesanya and could look towards furthering his legacy as a UFC champion. Our main event closed at a -110 pick ’em.

Middleweight Title Bout: (c) Dricus du Plessis (21-2, 185 lbs.) vs. #2 Israel Adesanya (24-3, 184 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Adesanya is three inches taller with four inches of reach advantage. Both men will do a fair bit of stance switching. They both engage in some lead hand fighting early. Bit of a calf kick from du Plessis. Adesanya checks an inside leg kick. Du Plessis tries a blitzing left hook but Adesanya blocks it. Inside leg kick from Adesanya but du Plessis lands a counter right. Glancing left from du Plessis. Adesanya lands a body kick. Bit of a high kick from du Plessis but Adesanya is not bothered by it. Calf kick from Adesanya. Body kick from du Plessis lands. Du Plessis bulls into a clinch but Adesanya is able to get away from him pretty quickly. They trade body kicks. Left hook lands for du Plessis then a calf kick. Adesanya avoids a high kick then they both land punches in close. Du Plessis lands a calf kick. Bit of a right from du Plessis, Adesanya doesn’t seem to read the distance du Plessis can cover just yet. Adesanya avoids a high kick. Another right from du Plessis then Adesanya blocks a kick. Adesanya with a right to the body. Du Plessis lands a leg kick then fires a partially blocked head kick to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 du Plessis

ROUND TWO: Adesanya lands an inside leg kick. Spinning back kick from du Plessis lands after he missed a blitz attack. Adesanya lands a calf kick. Double leg from du Plessis, Adesanya fights up but gets wrestled back down and du Plessis moves to a ride position. Du Plessis jumps to the back, Adesanya drops to his hip to give up half guard and avoid being choked. Du Plessis with punches then gets after a choke but loses a hook and Adesanya fights up and free. Front kick from Adesanya. They trade punches in close. A lot of pressure from Adesanya. Bit of a body kick from du Plessis. Du Plessis lands a left hook then trips Adesanya down and gets into another ride position. Adesanya wall walks to his knees, du Plessis jumps for the back but just lands punches as they stand. Du Plessis looks for a takedown against the fence and trips Adesanya down to his knees again. A few short punches from du Plessis as Adesanya stands with du Plessis on his back. Du Plessis sweeps Adesanya down to a knee. They fight up with du Plessis still on the back. A few knees to the leg then a couple of lefts from du Plessis land. Adesanya is looking for a double wrist lock, that does allow him to get chest to chest. Adesanya tries a whizzer kick, but du Plessis comes up on a single leg again. That’s where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 du Plessis, 20-18 du Plessis overall

ROUND THREE: Adesanya showing the jab from both stances now, and jabs the body. Du Plessis side kicks the knee. Adesanya with a front kick. Jab from Adesanya. Adesanya lands a right to the body. Du Plessis lands a right hand. Adesanya has a head kick blocked. Calf kick from Adesanya and he avoids a counter blitz. Body kick from du Plessis. Another couple of body shots from Adesanya. Jab from Adesanya, du Plessis then lands a counter right. Inside leg kick from du Plessis then a right hand. Adesanya tries a spinning back elbow which mostly lands. Du Plessis lands a left hand in close and Adesanya is backing up. One two from du Plessis, Adesanya resets. Adesanya avoids a blitz attack. Du Plessis tries a single leg but Adesanya avoids this one. A couple of rights from Adesanya land. A left from du Plessis off balances Adesanya but he gets up quickly. Both men land punches in the pocket again. They’re both fading a little bit. Adesanya lands a right hand. Du Plessis lands a calf kick. They trade rights again. Adesanya digs the body in close. Du Plessis lands a calf kick then lands a left hand. They split jabs. Lunging right from du Plessis. Adesanya misses a jab to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Adesanya, 29-28 du Plessis overall

ROUND FOUR: Both men show the jab again. Calf kick from du Plessis. Adesanya lands a couple of punches then hits the body and avoids a double leg. Du Plessis lands a left hand but he looks to be fading a bit, that body work is adding up. They trade rights. Adesanya lands a right hand. Body kick from Adesanya then an uppercut. Bit of a right from du Plessis. Adesanya avoids a left hand. Both men block hooks. Body kick from du Plessis. Adesanya avoids a few punches. Bit of a body kick from du Plessis. They trade hooks in close. Front kick from Adesanya. Adesanya hits the body again. Du Plessis with a right hand. Solid left hand from du Plessis gets Adesanya backing up. A right from du Plessis stumbles Adesanya for a second but he gets up. A couple more rights from du Plessis then he gets a takedown, gets the back and locks up the choke to get the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – and STILL UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis via Submission, rear naked choke, at 3:38 of Round 4

Mic time for the champion, he puts over Adesnaya and says he couldn’t strike with that man and then trying to hold him down was almost impossible. He came in here prepared to die or kill, thankfully neither of those happened, then he plays with the crowd a bit. Some Afrikaans for the people back in South Africa isn’t translated. He talks us through the finish and puts over his coaches for getting him ready. Again he puts over Adesanya’s ability to get up and feels he only got that because he clipped him on the feet first. He again puts over Adesanya and all he’s done for the sport, and apologizes if he disrespected Adesanya’s African history and gives him respect. He says if Adesanya is going to retire, just thank you for the fight. To close he wants to fight in Africa, the opponent is irrelevant.

Adesanya gets an interview as well, he knew du Plessis was tough and felt strong and knows he made a single stupid mistake and got caught. He thanks his family for their support, he’s disappointed but also proud because he feels so good he just wasn’t quite the better man tonight. Asked about the future he thanks the crowd and notes he started his UFC journey in Perth, he’s 35 still doing the right things and doesn’t plan on leaving.

Well on that note UFC 305 comes to a close. Thank you for reading, be that live or after the fact. We’ll be unpacking the fallout from this event on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast tomorrow, plus looking ahead to UFC UFC on ESPN 62. I’ll be back for that card, which is really uninteresting, and I hope you will as well. Until next time thank you again, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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