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411’s UFC 309 Report: Jones Finishes Miocic
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MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)
(c) Jon Jones (237.6 lbs.) vs. #8 Stipe Miocic (248.6 lbs.) – for heavyweight title
#7 Michael Chandler (155.6 lbs.) vs. #2 Charles Oliveira (155.6 lbs.)
Paul Craig (186 lbs.) vs. Bo Nickal (185.4 lbs.)
#9 Viviane Araujo (125.6 lbs.) vs. #11 Karine Silva (125.8 lbs.)
James Llontop (166.2 lbs.)* vs. Mauricio Ruffy (164.4 lbs.) – 165-pound catchweight
PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPNews/FX/Hulu, 8 p.m. ET)
#13 Jonathan Martinez (135.8 lbs.) vs. Marcus McGhee (135.6 lbs.)
Damon Jackson (155.2 lbs.) vs. Jim Miller (155.6 lbs.)
David Onama (155.6 lbs.) vs. Roberto Romero (155 lbs.)
Jhonata Diniz (253.2 lbs.) vs. #9 Marcin Tybura (251 lbs.)
PRELIMINARY CARD (Hulu/ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET)
Ramiz Brahimaj (170.2 lbs.) vs. Mickey Gall (170.8 lbs.)
Bassil Hafez (171 lbs.) vs. Oban Elliott (170 lbs.)
Veronica Hardy (125.8 lbs.) vs. Eduarda Moura (125.2 lbs.)
Hello everyone and this is 411mania’s report on UFC 309. I’m Robert Winfree and I wasn’t able to do this live but I thank you in advance for reading the report. The UFC brings a PPV card tonight that’s on the weaker side overall but it’s not without some charm. The main event is about a year past the date anyone might have been really interested in it but UFC heavyweight champion and one of the best fighters in MMA history Jon Jones tries for his first title defense against former champion and the most accomplished UFC heavyweight champion ever in Stipe Miocic. Miocic hasn’t been seen since his head was pounded through the mat by Francis Ngannou in March of 2021. The talk all week has been that Jones is pretty much ducking interim champion Tom Aspinall, and I don’t necessarily disagree based on the rhetoric so far. The co-main event is a rematch between Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler, Chandler has been sitting on the sidelines for a couple of years waiting on Conor McGregor but he finally realized that fight isn’t happening and now we’ve got this rematch. Beyond that things get a little iffy, but Bo Nickal is at least interesting and Mauricio Ruffy looks to extend the success of the Fighting Nerds gym. We lost Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders but there’s a non-trivial chance that fight was just sad. Jim Miller is fighting and I love me some Jim Miller. But this is really just a top heavy card so let’s hope the action is good.
UFC 309 comes to the world from Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, USA. We’ve got Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, and Daniel Cormier on commentary. We do still have the new rules in effect so 12-6 elbows are legal and hands do not play into considering a fighter downed. On a weird note though we’re not using the new gloves but rather the old ones though apparently the new gloves will be back in use for the upcoming Macao and Tampa cards but not UFC 310. Anyone else think the UFC is just making this up as they go sometimes?
Veronica Hardy is riding a three fight winning streak coming into this bout and looks to be really finding her footing. A win here would likely push her towards fighting a lower ranked opponent next. Eduarda Moura has gone 1-1 in the UFC but twice missed weight at strawweight, now up a flyweight she’s hoping to establish herself in the new division with a win. Close fight here, but Moura is the -115 favorite to -105 on Hardy.
Women’s Flyweight Bout: Veronica Hardy (9-4-1, 125.8 lbs.) vs. Eduarda Moura (10-1, 125.2 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Moura has two inches of height and reach advantage. Southpaw for Hardy and they touch gloves. Moura visibly larger, it’s not surprising she couldn’t make 115. Right hand from Moura. Hardy avoids a right hand. Bit of body kick from Hardy. They both fall short with punches. Moura lands a right hand. Another body kick from Hardy. Again they both fall short with punches, Moura has begun playing with some stance switches. Right hand from Moura. One two from Hardy after she took a front kick. Hardy eats a right hand but lands a body kick. They both fall short with punches, bit of a left from Hardy then she lands a body kick but Moura gets a takedown. Hardy tries for an armbar as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Moura but a close one
ROUND TWO: Side kick to the knee from Hardy. Left hand from Hardy. Moura with a body lock takedown against the fence and moves to the ride position. Hardy wall walks but Moura is on the back and starts working some mat returns. One hook in now for Moura. Hardy is able to get half guard but Moura has control now. Now Hardy gets full guard but she needs to start working up. They trade some elbows but Moura is getting the better of things. The round ends with Moura still on top.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Moura, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: They hug for the final round. Moura avoids a leg kick then they both miss power hand punches. Hardy lands a leg kick. Another leg kick from Hardy. Left to the body from Hardy, she’s moving and sniping at distance this round. Leg kick from Hardy lands. Moura lands a right hand. Hardy lands a side kick. Moura misses a right hand. Bit of a right from Moura. Moura with a partially successful body kick. Hardy lands a hard leg kick. Hardy with a left to the body then a bit of a body kick. They trade rights then Hardy lands a left hand to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Hardy, 29-28 Moura overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Eduarda Moura via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
Mic time for Moura and the translator after the win, she’s asked about staying at flyweight and says she just wants to fight and make money. She thanks her team for all of their work helping her through an injury, gives glory to God, then feels she was well prepared for the fight.
Bassil Hafez has gone 1-1 in the UFC and most recently beat Mickey Gall, he’s tryin to get his UFC record above the .500 mark for the first time. Oban Elliott is riding a seven fight winning streak including two wins in the UFC, he’s starting to emerge as a prospect in the division and another win here would cement that status. The odds like Elliott at -300 to a +240 comeback on Hafez.
Welterweight Bout: Bassil Hafez (9-4-1, 171 lbs.) vs. Oban Elliott (11-2, 170 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Elliott is an inch taller but the reach is identical. Elliott comes out showing oblique kicks, nice technique on a Jon Jones card. They tie up, Hafez gets things to the fence but Elliott lands knees then eats an elbow as they break. Jab from Elliott, then another one. Hafez has gone southpaw a bit now. Left hand from Hafez in close. Whenever Hafez is orthodox Elliott is kicking that lead leg either with oblique kicks or calf kicks. Front kick from Elliott. Hafez swings a couple of punches that miss. Body kick from Elliott. Calf kick from Elliott then another one. Front kick from Elliott, he’s fighting very well thus far and Hafez seems a little slow. Bit of a high kick from Hafez. Again a couple of calf kicks from Elliott. Glancing head kick from Elliott, they clinch up the then round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Elliott
ROUND TWO: Elliott feinting with the hips now and circling. They both poke out jabs, then Elliott lands a right hand to counter a calf kick. Elliott lands a calf kick. They both miss punches in close. Elliott lands a body kick. They both land rights but Elliott landed much better. Another front kick from Elliott. Hafez misses a head kick, that was pretty close but ultimately didn’t land. Elliott lands another calf kick. More calf kicks and front kicks from Elliott, he’s starting to break down Hafez with these attacks. Knee from Elliott but he ate a counter punch. They trade calf kicks. Front kick then a left hook from Elliott. Hafez misses a couple of punches. Elliott now playing with stance switches and lands side kicks from southpaw then goes orthodox again. Leg kick from Elliott. Hafez avoids a right hand but Elliott fires another front kick to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Elliott, 20-18 Elliott overall
ROUND THREE: Hafez comes out aggressive and nearly eats a right hand. Front kick from Elliott. Hafez misses a head kick. Elliott then lands a right hand that floors Hafez and a few follow up punches end things.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Oban Elliott via KO, punches, at :40 of Round 3
A DEVASTATING RIGHT HAND FROM OBAN ELLIOTT 👊 #UFC309 pic.twitter.com/lEITNsBet7
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 17, 2024
Ramiz Brahimaj has traded wins and losses while going 2-3 in the UFC, a pattern he hopes will hold tonight so he can get back on the winning side of things. Mickey Gall is riding a three fight losing streak and could very well be fighting for his spot on the roster at this point. The odds like Gall at -155 to +130 for Brahimaj.
Welterweight Bout: Ramiz Brahimaj (10-5, 170.2 lbs.) vs. Mickey Gall (7-6, 170.8 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Gall is four inches taller with two inches of reach advantage. Both men come out jabbing. A tie up and Brahimaj lands some rights in close before they break. Gall’s jab is looking quite improved and he lands a one two. Brahimaj with a knee in close, then another one but Gall lands a right hand on the break. A few jabs go back and forth, Brahimaj lands a right hand because Gall keeps dropping his hands exiting exchanges. Bit of a high kick from Brahimaj. Solid right hand from Gall, then Brahimaj clobbers him with a right hand and we’re done here.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ramiz Brahimaj via KO, punches, at 2:55 of Round 1
The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Brahimaj for his work. Mic time for Brahimaj, he plays with the crowd as he’s from then Bronx. He thanks God for everything he has and talks about being able to let go of the anger he had for himself in the past. To close he speaks some Albanian.
BRONX'S OWN BRAHIMAJ SHOWED OUT IN NYC 💥 #UFC309 pic.twitter.com/dFTHdvDAK1
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 17, 2024
Marcin Tybura has been with the UFC forever it seems, he’s gone 3-2 in his last five fights but did get hit with an armbar in his last fight and now tries to avoid his first losing streak since 2019. Jhonata Diniz is a decently decorated former kickboxer who’s undefeated in MMA including two UFC wins, he’s taking a step up in class here to a ranked opponent but could find himself ranked with a win. Very close odds but they tilt towards Tybura at -120 to and even +100 on Diniz.
Heavyweight Bout: Jhonata Diniz (8-0, 253.2 lbs.) vs. #9 Marcin Tybura (25-9, 251 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Diniz has an inch of height and an inch and a half of reach advantage. Southpaw for Tybura and they touch gloves. Bit of a body kick from Tybura. Diniz fires a head kick, partially successful. Diniz lands a punch as he fights off a takedown then pushes Tybura over and gets on top in half guard. A few elbows from Diniz land but Tybura rolls for a leg and sweeps to get on top in half guard. Diniz is able to shrimp to full guard but Tybura is very effective at controlling. Tybura passes to half guard again and lands a few shorter punches. Diniz isn’t doing what’s necessary to stand, he’s just holding on and Tybura is working to pass again. Some body to head punches from Tybura now. Diniz is still just holding on and Tybura passes to full mount. Tybura postures up and lands a few punches but Diniz is wrapping his upper body to control posture. Elbow from Tybura. The round will end in this spot.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Tybura
ROUND TWO: Diniz is still bouncing a bit while Tybura looks a little flatter. Tybura is switching his stance and looking for long weapons. Right hand from Diniz, Tybura did take this one fairly short notice so his less than stellar cardio is more understandable. Left hand from Tybura. Diniz is moving forward and looking to box, he lands a glancing left hook. Tybura clinches then hits a double leg into half guard. Once again Diniz is a little turtle-esque on his back. Tybura passes to mount again, the skill difference down here is obvious and large. Punches from Tybura then a short elbow. Tybura isn’t really looking for a finish just yet, he lands a few hammer fists then a solid elbow. Now would be a nice time for the old 12-6 elbows. More elbows from Tybura and Diniz is bloody now but does see out the round.
SCORCARD: 10-8 Tybura, 20-17 Tybura overall
ROUND THREE: They probably shouldn’t let Diniz back out for the last round, he’s got cuts under both eyebrows and a broken nose but this is MMA so if he’s got a pulse his corner will send him out there. The doctor checks on Diniz and thinks he’s concussed, given how wobbly he got up I can see that, and they wave it off.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Marcin Tybura via TKO, doctor stoppage, at 5:00 of Round 2
Good call by the doctor from where I sit. Mic time for Tybura, he isn’t surprised by the stoppage because of all the blood he saw. He didn’t want to strike much with Diniz and with only 2 weeks of preparation he settled on the wrestling approach. When talking us through the finish he puts over Diniz as tough.
MASSIVE elbows from Marcin Tybura to close the round 😳 #UFC309 pic.twitter.com/qcnHORCN3N
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 17, 2024
David Onama has gone 4-2 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak, he’s looking to set up some bigger names with a third win in a row here. Roberto Romero did win his last fight and now looks to impress in his short notice UFC debut. Given the short notice here it’s not surprising to see Onama at a prohibitive -1350 to Romero’s +800.
Lightweight Bout: David Onama (12-2, 155.6 lbs.) vs. Roberto Romero (8-3-1, 155 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Onama has three inches of height and four of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Onama does some early stance switching and is playing around southpaw. Bit of a right hand from Romero. Onama orthodox now and they trade a few calf kicks. Romero lands a couple of inside leg kicks, he’s looking pretty solid thus far. A few front kicks from Onama land. Romero with another inside leg kick then a calf kick when Onama switches stances. Body kick from Romero, he’s kicking well right now and not getting sucked into boxing with Onama. They both glance with punches in close. Another calf kick from Romero. Jab from Onama then an inside leg kick and body shot. Right hand from Romero and Onama is down, then Romero grabs at a rear naked choke but Onama is able to defend that and then scramble up into a clinch. Romero spins Onama into the fence and they trade a few knees then Romero lands an elbow. Again they trade some knees then Onama grabs at a front headlock, he’s after an anaconda choke now but Romero gets his head free as they’re still standing. They break as Romero misses a left elbow. Both men land punches in close again. Again they trade punches, then Romero rattles Onama with a left hook. Right hand from Romero, he’s fighting incredibly well. Onama lands a left hand to counter a calf kick. Another left from Onama drops Romero and he gets on top as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Romero but Onama might have stolen it back
ROUND TWO: Romero comes out using the lead hand again and lands a left hook. Jab from Onama to counter a leg kick. One two from Onama lands and bothers Romero just a bit. Left hook from Romero, he’s just not slowing down the pace. Body jab from Romero. Right hand from Romero lands in close. Inside leg kick from Romero. Onama with some jabs, his reach is coming into play now and he lands a left hook. Both men land in close but Onama is throwing more in the pocket now. Romero keeps backing Onama up and lands a calf kick. They trade lefts. Onama circles away from Romero then lands a couple of body shots. Romero with a body kick. Another body shot from Onama lands then he off balances Romero with an elbow then gets on top in full guard. Onama is able to pass to half guard and thinks about an arm triangle but the fence is impeding things and he bails on it. Elbow from Onama. Romero fights up to his feet and misses a kick to end the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Onama, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: Romero looks to get back on pressure. Cut kick from Romero lands. Knee from Onama. Side kick from Romero then a body kick. Left hand from Onama then a couple of body shots. Romero with a right hand but Onama then jabs him repeatedly. Left hand from Onama. Calf kick from Romero drops Onama for a second but nothing comes of it. Jab from Romero. Onama lands a right to the body. Romero lands a high kick but Onama then off balances him and wrestles him to his knees then moves to full mount against the fence. Onama works his mount and lands an elbow but Romero is able to shrimp to full guard. A few elbows from Onama land then he passes to half guard. Romero tries to tie up a leg for a heel hook but Onama blocks that and Romero gets full guard back with 30 seconds left in the round. A few more punches from Onama land as he stands over Romero, he looks to unload but Romero will see out the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Onama, 29-28 Onama overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – David Onama via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Heck of a fight there especially since Romero took that on short notice. Mic time for Onama and he plays with the crowd then puts over Romero’s effort tonight. He’s happy to have won and thanks Romero for stepping up during fight week to keep him on the card. To close he says he’ll be back in MSG for a concert later.
Jim Miller is a legend of the sport, a man with more than a few accolades to his name in terms of most UFC wins and most overall UFC bouts. Miller is closer to the end than the beginning of his career, but a win this close to his native New Jersey would be a nice one to add to the resume. Damon Jackson has gone just 1-3 in his last four fights and now he’s moving to lightweight for the first time since 2017 hoping that the move will breathe some life into his UFC run. The odds lean towards Jackson at -225 while Miller’s +185 comeback has to tempt some bettors out there.
Lightweight Bout: Damon Jackson (23-7-1 1 NC, 155.2 lbs.) vs. Jim Miller (37-18 1 NC, 155.6 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Jackson is three inches taller but the reach is identical. Southpaw for Miller per usual. Both men come out and look to strike. Bit of a left from Miller. Jackson showing front kicks as they move around. Left hand from Miller gets Jackson backing up again. Miller with a few punches in close as Jackson forces a clinch into the fence. A few knees from Miller then he spins free. Jackson keeps looking to clinch but Miller blocks him. Left hand from Miller then an elbow. Jackson lands a right hand. Bit of a right hook from Miller. Miller is showing a cut kick to counter the front kick, it’s not landing yet but he’s got an idea about how to counter it. They tie up, Miller jumps for a guillotine and that gets the tap.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jim Miller via Submission, guillotine choke, at 2:44 of Round 1
The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Miller for his work. Jackson lays down the gloves as Miller gets an interview, he feels amazing and wants justice for Peanut to then transition into talking about poor state management in New York. He got a pop for it so there’s that. He talks us through the finish and some of the technique related to his guillotine grip. Asked how much longer he’ll do this he says there’s still tread on the tires, he’d like to get to 50 UFC fights which is 5 more, then notes he’s always looking to finish and thanks the crowd.
Jim F’N Miller. That is all. OK, this also moves Miller into sole possession of most submissions in UFC lightweight history with 11, he was tied with Charles Oliveira who might tie this back up later tonight.
A SUBMISSION WIN FOR JIM F—ING MILLER! 😤 #UFC309 pic.twitter.com/WoizhP2uWg
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 17, 2024
Jonathan Martinez just had a six fight winning streak broken by Jose Aldo, now he’s trying to avoid his first ever losing streak and defend his ranking. Marcus McGhee is on a five fight winning streak including three wins in the UFC and was one of the surprise breakout fighters from 2023, he’s been out of action since January but a win over a ranked guy like Martinez would be the biggest of his career and might set him up for more ranked opponents next year. The odds are quite close but tilt towards McGhee at -130 to +110 for Martinez.
Bantamweight Bout: #13 Jonathan Martinez (19-5, 135.8 lbs.) vs. Marcus McGhee (9-1, 135.6 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Martinez has an inch of reach advantage. Both men open southpaw. Martinez is looking to unload his kicks early. McGhee is working the jab and then lands a front kick. Leg kick from Martinez. Some lead hand work from McGhee, he’s looking to make this more of a boxing match. They trade leg kicks. Martinez avoids a few punches. McGhee jabs the body. Leg kick from McGhee. Martinez blocks a punch but his offense has been a little muted for a while now. Bit of a left from McGhee then he hits the body. They both fall short with some offense then trade some leg kicks. Glancing left from McGhee. Martinez blocks some punches but he’s not throwing much with the hands. They trade leg kicks again. Jab from McGhee lands. Another McGhee jab will basically close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 McGhee
ROUND TWO: McGhee slips on a kick early but nothing comes of it. Both men show kicks but McGhee is following his with punches, Martinez is blocking most of them but he’s getting definitively outworked. Right hook from Martinez as a counter. Bit of a left from McGhee. Another bit of a left from McGhee. Jab from McGhee. McGhee with a right hook, when Martinez is going forward he’s getting caught a little bit more. Another McGhee jab lands. That McGhee jab is a problem for Martinez but he doesn’t have much of an answer yet. McGhee avoids a spinning attack then lands a knee in close. Martinez lands a hard leg kick. Bit of a combination from McGhee. McGhee lands a front kick then a glancing left hand. Martinez avoids a few punches but again the counters just aren’t coming. Front kick from Martinez. Body shot from McGhee. Bit of a counter right from McGhee after he took a glancing left. Inside leg kick from McGhee. They trade elbows in close, nice to see them start to use the tomahawk elbow. They trade in close, McGhee still more active but the elbows are a legitimate weapon from Martinez. Jab from McGhee then Martinez lands a leg kick, that’ll be the last exchange of the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 McGhee but could go either way, 20-18 McGhee overall
ROUND THREE: Both men show the jab early. Front kick from McGhee. Jabs from McGhee, to the body and head, as he angles off the fence. Leg kick from Martinez. McGhee lands a one two then they trade in close. McGhee digs the body in close after taking a leg kick. Jab from Martinez. Hard leg kick from Martinez, McGhee is limping now and Martinez keeps after the leg kicks. McGhee goes orthodox to protect the right leg. Martinez avoids a combination. They clinch and Martinez drives things into the fence. Things are stalling out a bit but McGhee is able to get free then Martinez lands a heavy leg kick. That right leg of McGhee is pretty much done and Martinez is able to kick it again. They trade punches then Martinez with a bit of a leg kick. Hard right from McGhee then another one but Martinez follows with a leg kick. 50 seconds left. Martinez keeps moving forward but he’s struggling to really pull the trigger. Leg kick from Martinez then a right hand from McGhee. They both land rights then McGhee lands a front kick. One last leg kick from Martinez but that’ll be the last blow of the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Martinez, 29-28 McGhee overall but this hinges on the second round
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Marcus McGhee via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Fun little fight there. Mic time for McGhee and he admits to being compromised and puts over the kicking power of Martinez then notes he had to just suck it up and keep fighting before giving glory to God. He promises to be better going forward.
As we get ready to start the PPV President elect Donald Trump walks out to enjoy the main card.
Mauricio Ruffy is on a five fight winning streak including a very impressive UFC debut back in May, he’s trying to to continue that success here and begin proving himself as a legitimate prospect in the division. James Llontop has gone 0-2 in the UFC, made this fight a catchweight of 165 when the lightweight cut wasn’t going well and then still missed that weight, he badly needs a win because a third loss after that kind of unprofessionalism could end his UFC run. The odds are with Ruffy at a nearly prohibitive -900 to Llontop’s +600.
Catchweight Bout: James Llontop (14-4, 166.2 lbs.)* vs. Mauricio Ruffy (10-1, 164.4 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Llontop is an inch taller while Ruffy has two inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves. Llontop misses a kick. Ruffy is trying to stalk his way forward as Llontop now starts playing with stance switches. They both miss punches. Ruffy jabs the body then has a calf kick checked. Llontop misses a blitz attack. A few jabs go back and forth, Llontop is more active and Ruffy needs to figure out his entrance to land his offense. Ruffy misses a right hand. Jab from Ruffy then he avoids the counters. Calf kick from Ruffy. They both swing in close but Llontop landed a good right hand. Ruffy with a calf kick then another one. Llontop tried to check those kicks but didn’t get his knee all the way turned out. Body kick from Llontop. Bit of a counter left from Ruffy. Front kick from Llontop then Ruffy lands a left hook. Bit of a right from Ruffy then a left hook. Hard right from Ruffy staggers Llontop but he foolishly tries a tornado kick that misses. Up elbow from Ruffy partially lands. Spinning back kick from Ruffy lands. Leg kick from Llontop and that’ll close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Ruffy but a close one
ROUND TWO: Llontop misses kicks to start the round. Calf kick from Ruffy. Llontop keeps showing kicks. Ruffy lands a jab. Llontop blocks a spinning back fist. They clinch but break, then Ruffy drops Llontop with a left hook. Ruffy on top and landing strikes, Llontop wrestles up into a clinch though. Ruffy circles off the cage and Llontop’s left eye is swelling right away. Wheel kick to the head from Ruffy then a right hand. Llontop is still pressing forward but can’t quite find the target at the moment. Ruffy lands a jab then a clubbing style left hook in close. A right hand from Ruffy staggers Llontop, he’s looking to follow up but Llontop is able to recover and reset. Ruffy avoids a few punches in close. Jab from Ruffy then he avoids a left hook. Llontop swings a couple of body shots. Ruffy limp legs away from a single leg then lands a right hand. Ruffy avoids a few punches to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Ruffy might be a generous 10-8 out there, 20-18 Ruffy overall
ROUND THREE: There’s a cut on the inside corner of Llontop’s left eyebrow by the nose but it’s unlikely to stop the fight and the swelling is visible but not really impeding his vision. Ruffy gets on the jab pretty early. They clinch but nothing comes of it. Another Ruffy jab lands. Llontop swings to the body again and continues pressing forward. The pressure from Llontop might be getting to Ruffy, he forces a clinch on the fence and lands a few knees. Ruffy lands a right hand as they break. Right hand then a left hook from Ruffy. Llontop keeps showing body kicks and marching forward. Leg kick from Llontop. Knee to the body from Ruffy. Left hook from Ruffy stuns Llontop for a second then he lands a follow up right hand. Llontop tries a single leg but settles for a clinch though Ruffy gets free quickly. Inside leg kick from Llontop. They clinch again and Llontop gets Ruffy on the fence. Ruffy blocks punches then slips off the fence. Leg kick from Llontop. Ruffy with a bit of an elbow. Llontop just wont stop marching forward. Llontop avoids a left hook. Hard counter left hook from Ruffy again stuns Llontop but he wont stop. Ruffy gets close and they trade again just before the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Ruffy but Llontop might have won it, 30-27 Ruffy overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mauricio Ruffy via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
No issues at all with Llontop taking the third. Mic time for Ruffy and the translator, he gives glory to God and gives an anti-suicide message. He thanks the UFC brass and is just enjoying his time in the UFC. To close he calls out Benoit Saint-Denis, now that’s a ballsy callout but I can dig it.
Viviane Araujo has gone just 1-3 in her last four fights but retains a top ranking because the division isn’t great and her losses have been against higher ranked fighters, she is coming off of a loss though and pretty badly needs to defend her spot. Karine Silva is on a nine fight winning streak including four in the UFC, she’s looking to crash into the top ten contenders with a win. Silva is your -300 favorite to a +240 comeback for Araujo.
Women’s Flyweight Bout: #9 Viviane Araujo (12-6, 125.6 lbs.) vs. #11 Karine Silva (18-4, 125.8 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Silva is an inch taller but Araujo has an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Silva starts pressing forward right away showing front kicks and jabs. Araujo avoids a clinch. Silva blocks a few punches and keeps moving forward. They both miss punches. Right hand from Araujo lands. Bit of a left hook from Silva. Araujo keeps avoiding kicks and circling. Inside leg kick from Silva. Glancing right from Silva. They both block punches then trade leg kicks. Bit of a calf kick from Silva. Araujo keeps moving and occasionally looking to stick and move. Araujo avoids a takedown attempt. Left hand from Araujo then a leg kick. Front kick from Silva. Silva lands a left hook. A left hook from Silva then a right hand, Araujo is backing up but Silva gets close and tries to clinch her before Araujo slips free. They trade rights. Silva with an inside leg kick which will basically end the round. Or should have, they clinch then there’s a bit of a late shot from Silva.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Silva
ROUND TWO: Silva gets back to forward pressure but Araujo is countering her more now. Uppercut from Araujo lands. Leg kick from Araujo. Silva lands a right hand then looks for a takedown but that stalls on the fence. Araujo is eventually able to spin free. There’s a constant bit of blood coming from Araujo’s nose. Silva lands a front kick then a right hand. Another right from Silva then she tries a takedown and is able to spin Araujo down, Araujo quickly bases up though and they stand into a clinch. A lot of fence grabs from Araujo to stay upright in the clinch. They’re both bleeding from the nose now and Silva is able to finish the takedown into full guard. Some hammer fists from Silva then Araujo grabs at an armbar but Silva is able to defend and get side control. Silva is setting up a north-south choke, she switches to a d’arce choke and really commits to it, Araujo is able to get on top technically but is still stuck in the choke. Araujo is able to get her neck free and is on top then lands a few punches while trying to set up a near side armbar. Nothing comes of that attempt but Araujo ends the round on top.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Silva but could go to Araujo, 20-18 Silva overall
ROUND THREE: Quick clinch from Silva and she spins Araujo down but Araujo rolls through and gets on top. Silva scrambles and Araujo stands free then they reset on the feet. Bit of a front kick from Silva. Glancing right hand from Araujo. They both miss punches. Araujo trips up Silva and stands over her but nothing comes of that so the ref forces the reset. Silva is still coming forward but looks a little fatigued. They clash on kicks then Araujo lands an uppercut. They trade rights. Araujo lands a right hand. Araujo catches a kick and pushes Silva over then again stands over her before the ref stands them up. More movement from Araujo but she’s planting and throwing and nice intervals. Silva flops to her back after a failed takedown. Silva grabs a clinch and lands a knee. Silva tries for a takedown but settles for keeping the clinch. Headlock takeover from Araujo and she’ll end the round on top.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Araujo, 29-28 Silva but this’ll come down to the second
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Viviane Araujo via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
No issues with that, Araujo closed the second strong. No interview for the winner.
Paul Craig has gone 1-4 in his last five fights and is 1-2 at middleweight in addition to being on a two fight losing streak, he’s trying to halt that skid and slow the building hype around his opponent. Bo Nickal is one of the premier wrestlers the United States has produced and has gone 3-0 in the UFC, he’s looking to begin the difficult transition from prospect to contender and a win here is key to that goal. The odds really like Nickal at -1200 but that +750 comeback on Craig might tempt some of the more degenerate gamblers out there.
Middleweight Bout: Paul Craig (17-8-1, 186 lbs.) vs. Bo Nickal (6-0, 185.4 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Craig is two and a half inches taller but the reach is identical, Craig is also 8 years older. Both men with a slightly slower start, they’re showing some kicks but just range finding. A few stance switches from Nickal now then he lands a calf kick. Craig avoids a left hand. Nickal lands another calf kick. Body jab from Nickal then he misses a right hand. Inside leg kick from Craig. Bit of a right from Nickal. Inside leg kick from Nickal. Craig keeps showing kicks but they’re not quite landing. Left hand from Nickal but Craig just eats it. Nickal does land a calf kick but neither man is landing all that much of relevance. Bit of a right from Craig. Nickal lands a left hand. They feint away the final seconds of the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Nickal
ROUND TWO: Craig comes out and continues kicking. Nickal with a jab. Bit of a right from Nickal. Left to the body from Nickal. Body kick from Craig. Nickal with another left to the body. They both miss punches in close. Right hand from Nickal. Craig misses a combination. Another left to the body from Nickal. They both miss punches again. Craig fires a couple of body kicks that are blocked. Bit of a left from Nickal. Nickal lands a left hand. They trade rights then Nickal lands a left hand to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Nickal, 20-18 Nickal overall
ROUND THREE: Back to circling. Right hand from Nickal then a calf kick. Nickal can’t be this scared of Craig’s ground game, I get not wanting to be reckless but come on. Calf kick from Craig. More circling and feinting without much actually landing. Bit of a left from Nickal. Nickal with a calf kick. Double left from Nickal and Craig is a little bothered by that one, Nickal has him against the fence and looks to follow up but is struggling to pull the trigger. Left to the body from Nickal. The crowd is displeased and I understand their perspective. Bit of a left to the body from Nickal. The crowd now with an “overrated” chant. More feinting then Nickal lands a couple of lefts before the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Nickal, 30-27 Nickal overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Bo Nickal via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Well that fight sucked. Nickal gets an interview anyway and is showered with boos, he feels great though and admits the fans want blood but he can’t finish everyone in the first round and the road is only going to get harder. He thinks this is just part of the process to get to the top.
First a reminder that this will be a 5 round fight. Charles Oliveira is a former lightweight champion and from 2018 to 2022 had a heck of a winning streak that was only snapped by Islam Makhachev. Oliveira did lose his last fight though and now he’s trying to enter the title conversation again while also avoiding his first losing streak since he was at featherweight way back in 2016. Michael Chandler is looking for some revenge here as he lost to Oliveira in a title fight in 2021, he’s also been out of action for a shade over two years as Conor McGregor dicked him and the UFC around but now he’s back and looking to return to the title picture as well. It’s not surprising to see Oliveira as the -250 favorite to a +205 payout on a Chandler win.
Lightweight Bout: #7 Michael Chandler (23-8, 155.6 lbs.) vs. #2 Charles Oliveira (34-10 1 NC, 155.6 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Oliveira is two inches taller with two and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Oliveira shows some front kicks. Chandler is looking to feint his way in close enough to punch. Oliveira complains of an eye poke but the ref didn’t see anything. Chandler avoids a few punches. Body jab from Chandler. Oliveira counters a jab with a right hand. Single leg from Oliveira, that hits the fence and he trips Chandler down then looks to tie up a knee bar but winds up on top in an awkward spot. Oliveira looks for a few lefts on the mat, he’s eventually able to settle into kind of a reverse leg drag. Not much going on here, Oliveira can’t advance position but Chandler can’t get up and that’s where the round will end.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Oliveira
ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Oliveira still looking to march forward behind front kicks and knee feints. Chandler flicks out a jab. Right to the body from Chandler. Right hand from Oliveira bothers Chandler, they get close but Chandler slips free and resets. Another right from Oliveira again gets Chandler backing up. Bit of a right from Oliveira. Chandler with a bit of a right then a calf kick. Oliveira has a high kick blocked but lands a couple of punches then Oliveira lands a knee to the chin. Chandler starts swinging a little wilder now but he’s getting Oliveira off game. Takedown from Oliveira right into full mount with 2:45 left in the round. A few punches from Oliveira land but he’s mostly focused on keeping full mount. Oliveira postures up and lands a few elbows. Oliveira with some more elbows. Chandler is going to survive the round though.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Oliveira, might be 10-8 if you’re feeling generous, 20-18 Oliveira overall
ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again. Chandler looks a little more active this round and lands a jab. Front kick from Oliveira. Chandler avoids a takedown attempt. Leg kick from Chandler but Oliveira lands a counter right. They get close and trade, Chandler is swinging a little wild but lands a calf kick. Jab from Chandler. Oliveira lands a leg kick then an uppercut. Knee from Oliveira. Chandler lands a right hand but he’s on the wrong end of almost everything. Oliveira with another knee then an elbow and then he gets a takedown into the ride position. Full back mount for Oliveira then he goes to a body triangle. Chandler is hand fighting but he’s not really able to address the position because of how good Oliveira is on the back. Some elbows to the head from Oliveira. Oliveira with some body shots. Chandler is trying to block the choke and it’s working so far. Oliveira loses the body triangle but Chandler wont be able to escape before the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-8 Oliveira, 30-26 Oliveira overall
ROUND FOUR: Oliveira back to kicking then tries a knee tap but Chandler defends that. Bit of a left hook from Chandler. Left hook from Chandler lands. Oliveira with a right hand then jumping knee but Chandler cracks him with a couple of hooks. Oliveira with a front kick then a clinch and he slips to the back of Chandler standing. They sag to the mat and Oliveira has one hook in from the back. Eventually Oliveira gets the second hook in as Chandler rolls to his knees. Another body triangle for Oliveira now. Chandler is able to break the body triangle and rolls to his knees again. Oliveira gets the second hook back in and keeps fishing for the choke. Oliveira gets a choke attempt pretty tight but Chandler is able to fight out of that one. Things stall out there and the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Oliveira, 40-35 Oliveira overall
ROUND FIVE: They touch gloves for the final round. Chandler looks to move forward and force a brawl. Bit of a left hook from Chandler then a left to the body. Oliveira with an oblique kick, that left leg of Chandler might be bothered by that one. Some more attacks to the knee from Oliveira. Chandler goes southpaw and lands a few punches, Oliveira is backing up but Chandler over swings a punch and they scramble to the mat. Chandler with hammer fists to the head, Oliveira is in trouble but grabs the body of Chandler. Half guard for Chandler and he needs to slip out of this grappling. Elbows from Chandler now but Oliveira gets full guard. Another elbow from Chandler then punches but Oliveira is able to tie up and stifle the flurry. Oliveira tries a triangle, the position is sort of there but Chandler is blocking for now. Chandler postures through the triangle then they stand. Chandler is stalking forward, 1:45 left. Left hand from Chandler. Oliveira lands a right and Chandler calls for the brawl but Oliveira shoots to the back and drags Chandler down to the mat. Both hooks in now for Oliveira and he starts half fishing for the choke again. Chandler stands with Oliveira on his back and walks him then slams backwards but Oliveira just holds on so Oliveira stands again and does it again but again Oliveira holds on. That’s where the round will end.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Chandler, 49-45 Oliveira overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Charles Oliveria via unanimous decision (49-45, 49-46 x2)
That’s likely Fight of the Night given the late drama. Chandler’s left knee is probably messed up. Mic time for Oliveira and the translator, he thanks God first then New York for the reception and dedicates the win to his new son. Chandler wanders over to get some respect from Oliveira which Oliveira happily gives. Asked about the future Oliveira says he’ll be right in line after the next title fight. To close he puts over his team.
Chandler gets an interview as well, he says all he knows is throwing American bad ass. He’d like a fight with Max Holloway for the BMF, or Conor McGregor can finally get his crap in order and make it back here where Chandler will be waiting.
Stipe Miocic is the most successful UFC heavyweight champion ever but was last seen losing via nasty knockout to Francis Ngannou in March of 2021. He’s trying to become a three time heavyweight champion here and to further his case as one of the best heavyweight’s of all time. Jon Jones is the best light heavyweight of all time and that particular category isn’t even close, he’s also one of the all time greats the sport has produced and last year became a two weight world champion by winning the heavyweight title. Jones is looking for his first defense of that belt and to further himself as perhaps the single best fighter of all time in the sport. The odds are with Jones at -625 while that +455 comeback on Miocic might be a tempting value bet all things considered.
Heavyweight Title Bout: (c) Jon Jones (27-1 1 NC, 237.6 lbs.) vs. #8 Stipe Miocic (20-4, 248.6 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: These two are allegedly the same height while Jones has four and a half inches of reach advantage, Miocic is also 42 years old. They touch gloves, and Jones opens southpaw but will switch as he feels like it. Left hand from Jones then Miocic counters with a bit of a right. Forward pressure from Jones then he lands a front kick. Inside leg kick from Jones. Miocic misses a right hand then Jones freezes him for a moment with a front kick. Jones avoids a flurry of punches and resets. Outside trip from Jones and he’s on top dropping elbows. Miocic gets half guard then shrimps to full guard but Jones passes and elbows him repeatedly. Body to head punches from Jones then a few more elbows. Another few elbows form Jones and he moves to side control. Miocic is able to get half guard back but Jones is elbowing the crap out of him. More elbows from Jones land before Miocic can wrap his posture. Jones with 12-6 elbows just because he can. How Miocic is still moving is a little beyond me but he does hip escape to full guard. Jones with elbows to the body, that’s just mean. Jones passes to side control with 30 seconds left. A few more elbows land but Miocic will see out the round.
SCORECARD: 10-8 Jones
ROUND TWO: Jones comes out orthodox to start this round. Miocic looks to get his jab going. Jones stalks forward and avoids a few punches. Jab from Jones. Uppercut from Miocic in close. Jones goes southpaw again and begins feinting the lands a hard front kick. A lot of stance switching from Jones, he’s avoiding most of Miocic’s punches with relative ease. Left hand from Jones lands then a hard front kick. Miocic didn’t like that front kick, he’s reacting badly to those front kicks. Jones backs Miocic towards the fence and lands an inside leg kick. Left to the body from Jones and he avoids a few punches. Knee to the body from Jones. Miocic is trying to feint now but eats a jab. Bit of a right from Miocic. Jones jabs the body then goes southpaw again. Miocic avoids a left hand. Jones avoids a punch and just keeps moving forward. Bit of a head kick from Jones. Jab from Jones. Jones with an inside leg kick then a hard front kick. Miocic is a little compromised to the body, he bulls forward but can’t find the target. Spinning back kick from Jones mostly lands. Jones with a left hook then a jab. More jabs from Jones close out the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Jones, 20-17 Jones overall
ROUND THREE: Jones starts orthodox again but I doubt he stays there long. A few jabs from Jones. Miocic bulls forward and partially lands a right hand. Miocic gets close and lands a right hand. Jones goes southpaw and lands a left hand. Front kick from Jones, Miocic really doesn’t like those, then an inside leg kick. Hard left elbow from Jones then a right hook. Jab from Jones then a right hand that has Miocic hurt, Jones clinches him on the fence as Miocic tries to fire back though. Miocic is able to slip free but his right eye is messed up. High kick from Jones partially lands. Another Jones jab lands. Miocic tries to close distance then eats a front kick. Jones avoids a flurry then hits a hard jab. Another jab from Jones. Miocic misses a right hand. Jones avoids punches then Miocic avoids a clinch. Jones with a side kick. Hard left from Jones, Miocic just eats it. Miocic misses a few punches in close. Left hand from Miocic in close. Body kick from Jones then a spinning back kick crumbles Miocic and Jones pounds him out on the mat.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – and STILL UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones via TKO, spinning back kick and punches, at 4:29 of Round 3
That was a freaking masterclass from Jones, I know Miocic is a little washed but still that was incredible. Mic time for Jones, he puts over Miocic’s toughness and calls him a Terminator kind of fighter and that’s why he had to go to the body because that’ll take out even the toughest. He talks about knowing Miocic wouldn’t react much to head shots so he went to the body a lot. Asked about the future he thanks Christ and feels he’s been blessed then when answering the question he decided maybe he wont retire and he’s got conversations to have with the brass but if that works out he’ll give the crowd what they want. He wont specify a direction between Tom Aspinall or Alex Pereira, then puts over Trump who’s cage side and does the Trump dance. He’s proud to be American and a Christian to close.
Miocic gets an interview as well, he hates to lose but puts over Jones and the kicks that got to him. He expected this from Jones and puts him over again. He then announces he’s retiring “thank God”. That’s the most accomplished UFC heavyweight champion and if he is done then thanks to him for the memories and the fights.
Well on that note UFC 309 comes to a close. Thank you for reading, I know the live updates weren’t possible this time around but appreciate your patience and understanding. We’ll be unpacking all of the fallout from this event on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast, plus looking ahead to the UFC’s return to China for the first time since 2019 with Andrade vs. Zhang. I’ll be able to cover that one early morning next week and I hope you’ll be there as well. Until then thank you again for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.
