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411’s UFC on ESPN+ 20 Report: Maia Wins

October 26, 2019 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC on ESPN+ 20

MAIN CARD (8 A.M. ET):
#10 Demian Maia (170.5 lbs.) vs. #11 Ben Askren (171 lbs.)
Michael Johnson (156 lbs.) vs. Stevie Ray (156 lbs.)
Frank Camacho (155.5 lbs.) vs. Beneil Dariush (156 lbs.)
Ciryl Gane (239 lbs.) vs. Don’Tale Mayes (250 lbs.)
Muslim Salikhov (171 lbs.) vs. Laureano Staropoli (171 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 5:30 a.m. ET):
Randa Markos (115 lbs.) vs. Ashley Yoder (115 lbs.)
Rafael Fiziev (155 lbs.) vs. Alex White (155 lbs.)
Enrique Barzola (146 lbs.) vs. Movsar Evloev (146 lbs.)
#14 Sergei Pavlovich (253 lbs.) vs. #13 Maurice Greene (250 lbs.)
Alexandra Albu (116 lbs.) vs. Loma Lookboonmee (114 lbs.)
Jeff Hughes (254 lbs.) vs. Raphael Pessoa (264 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 20. I’m Robert Winfree, your host at this unreasonable hour of the morning, and I’ll be relaying all of the action to you good people just as I see it. The UFC is back in Singapore for this event, and they’ve brought a pretty decent card. The main event is a potential grappler’s delight when former two division title challenger Demian Maia battles Ben Askren. Also on the card Michael Johnson returns to lightweight to take on Stevie Ray, Frank Camacho and Beneil Dariush is nearly guaranteed fireworks, and a fight between Muslim Salikhov and Laureano Staropoli has an even better chance of being explosive. On the undercard there’s a couple of good fights as well, Barzola vs. Evloev stands out to me, and there’s a battle of ranked heavyweights between Sergei Pavlovich and Maurice Greene.

UFC on ESPN+ 20 comes to the world from Singapore Indoor Stadium in Kallang, Singapore. On commentary we have John Gooden, Paul Felder, and Dan Hardy with Laura Sanko handling on site reporting. We’re under the new rules tonight, which encourage more 10-8 rounds in the scoring, and we’re using the most recent definition of a grounded fighter so you need only one hand down but it has to be “weight bearing”. There’s also instant replay for fight ending sequences if so desired.

Raphael Pessoa suffered his first professional loss when he dropped his UFC debut to Ciryl Gane a couple of months ago, now he’s trying to bounce back with his first UFC win. Jeff Hughes has gone 0-1 with 1 No Contest in the UFC, he battled to a tough split decision loss in his debut and his last bout was halted due to eye pokes resulting in the No Contest. Hughes is also trying to break into the UFC win column for the first time. Hughes is your favorite at -230 against +185 for Pessoa.

Heavyweight Bout: Jeff Hughes (10-2 1 NC, 254 lbs.) vs. Raphael Pessoa (9-1, 264 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Pessoa has an inch of height and reach on Hughes, he’s also ten pounds heavier. They touch gloves to get us going. Inside leg kick from Pessoa. Pessoa misses a wheel kick, Hughes responds with a leg kick. Hughes is trying to feint Pessoa, making him swing and miss while looking for counters. Hard leg kick from Hughes, they then trade rights. Pessoa coming forward now, looking to engage but Hughes circles free. Hughes lands a jab. Pessoa lands a spinning back kick to the body then an inside leg kick. Hughes avoids a right. Pessoa bulls forward and tries to swing but eats a left hook. Pessoa catches a kick and lands a knee to the body. Hughes blocks a spinning back fist. Overhand right from Hughes, Pessoa responds in kind. Again they clash with rights. Hughes lands a leg kick. Pessoa lands an inside lg kick. Hughes’ right eye is swelling up rapidly, he took a left hook a bit ago that seems to have caused it. Bit of a leg kick from Pessoa is the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pessoa

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Both men showing the jab, they both seem more comfortable this round. Calf kick from Pessoa, then an inside leg kick. Those kicks from Pessoa are adding up in a hurry. Pessoa bulls forward but doesn’t land anything cleanly. Hughes blocks another blitz attack then misses a spinning back fist and kick. Hughes with a blitz attack that partially lands. Pessoa lands a spinning back kick to the body. Right from Pessoa drops Hughes, Hughes back up and Pessoa backs off. Hughes is backing Pessoa towards the fence, both men miss clubbing hooks then Hughes gets a clinch on the fence. They trade knees then Pessoa forces a a break. Hughes tries a spinning high kick, but slips then gets a reversal when Pessoa tries to get on top of him. Pessoa sitting on the fence, Hughes in half guard landing punches to the body and head. More punches from Hughes as Pessoa wall walks to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Pessoa lands an inside leg kick. Pessoa misses another wheel kick. Hughes tries a spinning attempt but doesn’t really throw it. Hughes lands a leg kick. Pessoa misses a spinning back kick, he’s slowing down a bit at this point. Hughes jabs the body then lands a leg kick. Lunging right from Pessoa lands flush. Hughes with a right of his own. Both men land leg kicks. Hughes jabs the body again and looks to pressure Pessoa towards the fence. Pessoa lands a spinning back kick to the body, Hughes responds with a leg kick. Another spinning attempt from Pessoa but this one misses and Hughes lands a left hook to punish him for it. Pessoa lands a right but again doesn’t quite follow up. Hughes lands a leg kick. Hughes with a clubbing right. Pessoa coming forward now, misses another wheel kick but that one got up to head level. They just kind of posture away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pessoa but a close round, 30-27 Pessoa overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Raphael Pessoa via unanimous decisions (30-27 x3)

A little surprised Hughes didn’t sneak out the first or third somewhere in there, but the right guy won. No interview for Pessoa.

Loma Lookboonmee is making her UFC debut and is the first Thai fighter to make it to the UFC, and on the back of a successful appearance in Invicta she’s looking to make a good first impression to the UFC audience. Aleksandra Albu is coming off of her first professional loss, now she’s trying to avoid her first ever losing streak and get back on the winning side of things. Lookboonmee is a slight -130 favorite to an even comeback -100 for Albu.

Strawweight Bout: Alexandra Albu (3-1, 116 lbs.) vs. Loma Lookboonmee (3-1, 114 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Albu is an inch taller and has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Lookboonmee has something on her right clavicle, some kind of abrasion, large pimple, or staph looking bump. They touch gloves to get us going. Lookboonmee fires a kick, Albu pushes close and lands some rights to counter. Albu is coming forward with punches, then clinch up and Lookboonmee lands an elbow on the break. Albu still coming forward, they clinch again and start trading knees. Lookboonmee lands a few elbows, they’re still in the clinch and the ref halts the action to warn Albu about grabbing the clothing. Albu got a stern warning and says next time it’ll be a point. Albu lands a right then they clinch again. Knees from Lookboonmee then they trade elbows on the break. Lookboonmee avoids a left hook. Another clinch, elbows from Lookboonmee then she spins Albu away from her. Both women land punches. Lookboonmee lands a front kick to the face. Another clinch, and knees go back and forth. Albu grabs a single leg, Lookboonmee lands an elbow and is able to break. Lookboonmee lands a counter right. Lookboonmee lands another right, Albu is bleeding from around the nose. Another clinch, knees from Lookboonmee then an elbow. Albu is looking for a trip but can’t get it before they break. Another clinch and Lookboonmee lands knees to the body, those are getting to Albu now. They break and clinch again, Lookboonmee with more knees before they break. They just circle to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lookboonmee, nearly a 10-8

ROUND TWO: Lookboonmee removes her over shirt between rounds, good call as it was torn and giving Albu something to grab onto even if it was illegal. Albu coming forward again, she lands a couple of punches to counter a leg kick. Lookboonmee lands a right while circling. They clinch briefly then break without much being exchanged. They clinch again, knees from Lookboonmee and Albu drops down for a leg lock and tries to sweep but they wind up on the feet at distance. Albu would benefit from actually shooting a takedown but doesn’t seem comfortable with it. Lookboonmee lands a leg kick. Another clinch, Albu with elbows then Lookboonmee fires knees to the body. More knees then an elbow from Lookboonmee, Albu is getting over whelmed by the competence of Lookboonmee. More leg kicks from Lookboonmee. Albu eats another leg kick, this time she lands a right. They clinch up, but nothing really comes of it and they break. Albu stuns Lookboonmee with a counter right, and Lookboonmee shoots a single leg but winds up unable to get it. Albu lands a few punches in the clinch and gets Lookboonmee to the fence. Lookboonmee eats a couple of stiff punches to the face, then fires back with her own as they break. They clinch, Lookboonmee trips Albu down but doesn’t want to engage on the ground. Lookboonmee lands a right but Albu is walking her down. Another clinch, they trade knees to the body as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Albu stalking forward, both women firing punches and they clinch up. Lookboonmee with some knees, Albu lands a couple of punches as they break. Lookboonmee lands a leg kick. Another clinch and Lookboonmee lands knees to the body then a couple of elbows as they break. Lookboonmee lands a head kick, Albu pushes into a clinch. Knees then an elbow on the break from Lookboonmee. Albu forces another clinch, Lookboonmee lands an elbow on the break. Lookboonmee lands a couple of leg kicks, then avoids a few punches as they clinch again. They break without incident. Albe lands a left hook. Lookboonmee with a front kick to the face. They clinch, Lookboonmee gets a trip but again wont engage on the ground. Another clinch, then break and Lookboonmee lands a bit of a left elbow. Lookboonmee lands a leg kick then they clinch. Albu with some knees as well now before they break. Another clinch, they trade knees then separate. Again the clinch, knees are traded and they break. Albu falls into another clinch, Lookboonmee lands knees then Albu hits a flying scissors sweep and gets on top in leg drag. Half guard for Albu now, she lands punches as time runs out.

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

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

Solid debut for Lookboonmee, she’s still young and somewhat limited but her technique is sharp. Also WTF was that judge smoking?! At best Albu eeked out the second, had no claim to the third outside of a late pointless takedown. Mic time for Lookboonmee, she says Albu was strong and skilled. Asked about what it means to be the first Thai fighter in the UFC, she says it means a lot but wouldn’t be here without all of the support from her coaches.

Sergey Pavlovich has gone 1-1 in the UFC, he lost his debut but rebounded with a first round finish in his last fight. Pavlovich is trying to get his first UFC winning streak up and running. Maurice Greene has gone 3-0 in the UFC, he’s trying to establish himself as a prospect of note with a fourth consecutive win. The odds are with Pavlovich at -250 while a Greene win would pay out at +200.

Heavyweight Bout: #14 Sergei Pavlovich (13-1, 253 lbs.) vs. #13 Maurice Greene (8-2, 250 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Greene is four inches taller but Pavlovich has three and a half inches of reach advantage. Greene comes out firing leg kicks, Pavlovich is looking to crowd him. They both fire rights that just miss. Pavlovich lands a right to counter a leg kick that lands flush and kind of stuns Greene. Greene lands a leg kick but eats a counter one two and he’s down but gets back up quickly. Pavlovich is still coming forward, he avoids a couple of kicks but is still pushing forward. Greene lands a leg kick but a stiff jab from Pavolovich stuns him. Pavolovich is looking to follow up, Greene fights up to his feet but Pavlovich drops him again and this one is over.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Sergei Pavolovich via TKO, punches, at 2:11 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Pavolovich for his work this evening. Greene is really upset with that stoppage, I’m gonna have to see it a few more times to formulate an opinion. Pavlovich gets an interview with his translator, he expected the fight to go the distance but saw the opening for a powerful jab to set up the finish. He says the finish is what he was looking for, thanks his coaches and team, the wishes well to his team mate Alexander Volkov who’s fighting soon, and some friends of his who are going through hard times.

If all you consider is the final knockdown you can argue the fight is stopped a little early, but taken as part of the entire sequence from that jab to the fight being waved off I think it’s justifiable at a minimum.

Enrique Barzola has gone an impressive 5-1 in his last six fights, he’s coming off of a win and looking to build another winning streak. Movsar Evloev is undefeated including a successful UFC debut, he’s taking a step up in competition for this fight though and is hoping to move towards contender status. Evloev is the -175 favorite to +145 on Barzola.

Featherweight Bout: Enrique Barzola (16-4-1, 146 lbs.) vs. Movsar Evloev (11-0, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Evloev has two and a half inches of reach advantage. Circling to start, Barzola more on the perimeter. Barzola lands a leg kick. Evloev lands a couple of jabs and a right. Evloev lands a right. Barzola is missing punches, and eats another stiff jab that is bothering his left eye. Evloev avoids a combination and lands a stiff jab. Evloev has backed Barzola towards the fence and is looking to land, Barzola swings wind and gets taken down. On the mat Evloev has the back in a ride position. Barzola moves to the fence and looks to wall walk. Evloev thinks about a choke but has no control and they wind up back upright. Evloev lands a right that wobbles Barzola. Barzola is backing up to the fence, Evloev punches to the clinch and is looking for a takedown. They break without incident. Evloev lands a couple of punches, his hands look the best they’ve ever been. A couple of long range rights land for Evloev as he avoids a few punches. Barzola is trying to goad a brawl but he’s getting tuned up a bit. There’s some blood under the right eye of Evloev. Evloev catches a kick, and gets a takedown to the ride position. A few punches land for Evloev, he tosses Barzola aside as they stand and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Evloev, possible 10-8

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the round. Evloev is looking to corral Barzola along the fence. They get close and Evloev gets another takedown. Barzola wall walks and separates but he’s eating some short blows every time he has to do so. Evloev back to working his jab, Barzola’s head just doesn’t move when they’re in the pocket and it’s costing him badly. Combination from Evloev and he’s after a takedown against the fence. He gets Barzola down but doesn’t get his hands together and Barzola escapes. Barzola lands to the body but he eats a few more punches. Evloev lands an uppercut and a few more jabs. Barzola misses a few punches then they split jabs. Evloev lands a right. Barzola eats a right and lands a left. Both men swing in close then Evloev gets the back standing. Mat return from Evloev, he lands a knee to the body as they regain the feet but Barzola can’t get free. Evloev lands a couple of punches as they break. The uppercut from Evloev is landing consistently now, he’s got a read on the defensive patter of Barzola. Barzola gets an elevated double leg slam. Half guard for Barzola, he lands a few elbows, but misses a lot as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Both men still moving well as the round starts. Evloev avoids a combination and lands a couple of counter rights. Barzola looks for a single leg, Evloev counters and gets the back briefly. Uppercuts from Evloev still landing. More jabs from Evloev, the left eye of Barzola is swelling and discolored. Evloev punches into a takedown attempt, Barzola defending and winds up holding a front headlock position. They wind up separated after a couple of knees to the body from Barzola. Evloev lands a spinning back kick. Barzola lands a right but eats a counter jab. Evloev is backing up, he lands a couple of counters. Barzola lands a solid left hook after eating a couple of punches. Evloev lands a punch and avoids a takedown attempt. Another clash Evloev took a shot to the groin so we’ve got time for him. Replay confirms the blow to the groin. Evloev can continue so we’re back to fighting. More jabs from Evloev, he’s moving and angling well. Barzola fires a combination. Single leg from Evloev, he wind sup landing a right as they break. Barzola is starting to live on his chin a bit at this point. Evloev is landing, commentary debates the merits of forward pressure as a scoring criteria because Dan Hardy comes from an older tradition and Felder just doesn’t like anyone who backs up. They clash one last time as the round ends.

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

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

Darn good scrap there, no interview for Evloev though.

Rafael Fiziev lost his UFC debut earlier this year, now he’s trying to bounce back and score that all important first UFC win. Alex White has a UFC record of 4-5 but he’s coming off of a win and could get his first UFC winning streak as well as his UFC record to the .500 mark all in one fight. Fiziev is a slight -175 favorite to a +145 comeback on White.

Lightweight Bout: Rafael Fiziev (6-1, 155 lbs.) vs. Alex White (13-5, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: White is four inches taller but the reach is identical. They touch gloves to get things going. White showing stance switches early, as is Fiziev. Hard inside leg kick from Fiziev, White is settled into southpaw now. Bit of a hook from Fiziev in close. White is getting backed up consistently, Fiziev lands a left hook. Inside leg kick from Fiziev and we get an exchange and White is rocked from a series of punches. Fiziev is stalking White, he gets a front headlock and lands knees to the head. They break but White is still stuck on the fence. Fiziev lands a right. White is a little unsteady on his feet, Fiziev lands a couple of rights. Bit of a punch from White, he’s still unsteady though. White lands a double left but can’t really follow up. They clinch up, White gets Fiziev on the fence. Fiziev spins and lands an elbow as they break. Inside leg kick from Fiziev and a couple of punches. White fires a couple of punches that land. Double leg attempt from White, Fiziev defends with another front head lock and resumes landing knees before White gets his head free and we’re in the clinch. White spins free, he’s bleeding around the right eyebrow. Fiziev lands a bit of a right. They clinch up where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Fiziev, nearly a 10-8

ROUND TWO: The cut on White isn’t bad yet. Fiziev eats a jab and lands a counter right. They punch into a clinch and Fiziev gets White on the cage. Both men land then they break. A couple more rights from Fiziev drop White to his knees for a second, he’s back up but is clearly not all there. White tries a double leg, they wind up clinched on the fence. Knees to the body are traded, then they break. Fiziev is backing White up again, White still doesn’t look stable on his feet. Fiziev catches a kick, lands to the body and looks to have White hurt. More body shots from Fiziev. Fiziev is backing White up, he lands a couple of inside leg kicks. Right from Fiziev lands. White shoots a takedown but can’t get it, then Fiziev lands a left. White lands a left hook. Fiziev lands another body shot. White blocks a high kick, Fiziev lands a body kick. Fiziev leans away from a head kick. Body shot from Fiziev in close then a front kick to the body. White misses another high kick as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Fiziev still coming forward. Both men land power hand punches. Both men land punches, they clinch up and Fiziev gets a trip into the guard of White. White’s left cauliflower ear has ruptured and is bleeding, or there’s a cut around his left eyebrow as well now and I can’t see which. White gets to his feet, that cut is definitely around the left eyebrow. Fiziev lands a punch. Leg kicks from Fiziev then a bit of a right hook. White lands a knee to the body. Another clinch, they break without incident. A couple more outside leg kicks from Fiziev then he tries a head kick that’s blocked. Another punch into clinch, and they break. Fiziev is backing White to the fence now, White lands a left. Fiziev lands a body kick. Right lands for Fiziev, then a couple more to follow up. They clinch again, then break without incident. White forces another clinch off of a failed double leg, he lands a knee to the body and separates. Fiziev lands an elbow as they clinch. They trade punches, Fiziev is trying to coax White into exchanging. White shoots a double leg, they hit the fence, then break and Fiziev lands one final combination as time runs down.

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

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

Not sure which round could have gone to White, showcase for Fiziev more than anything. No interview for the winner.

Randa Markos has been trading wins and losses for essentially her entire UFC run with a single draw tossed in for good measure. Markos lost her last fight, and she’s trying to stave off her first ever losing streak. Ashley Yoder has gone 2-3 in the UFC but is on a two fight winning streak and looking to get the most notable win of her UFC run. Markos is a slight -140 favorite to +110 for Yoder.

Strawweight Bout: Randa Markos (9-7-1, 115 lbs.) vs. Ashley Yoder (7-4, 115 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Yoder is three inches taller and has a significant six inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Yoder. Both women pawing a bit with the lead hand. Markos punches into a clinch and gets Yoder on the fence. Yoder winds up hitting a head and arm throw but Markos has her back except for the head control at the moment. As they scramble Yoder gives up the head and looks to get on top, Markos has one arm tied up but Yoder lands an elbow. Markos looks for a reverse triangle choke, can’t quite lock it up but does force things around to north-south. Markos now looking to come up on a single leg as Yoder gets on top in half guard. Body shots from Yoder as she looks to set up an armbar. Markos scoots around and ggets up, grabs a front head lock and pushes her over to get on top in side control. Yoder to her knees in the turtle position, Markos holding a front head lock. Markos moving towards the back, they wind up in the clinch standing and trade a bit. Both women land power hand punches to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-10 DRAW

ROUND TWO: Bit of a right from Markos, Yoder responds with a body kick. Markos lands a right as Yoder gets a clinch. Both women land knees to the body. Markos lands a right, both women land knees and then trade short elbows. A few blows from Markos on the break. Yoder forces another clinch, both women with short uppercuts. A couple more uppercuts from Markos, then Yoder lands a left as they break. Markos lands a couple of rights that land flush. Another right from Markos, she’s finding the target consistently now. A combination of punches from Markos land, Yoder gets a double leg though and moves to half guard. Yoder needed that takedown, she was getting smoked on the feet. Markos looking to shrimp, Yoder lands a few elbows. Yoder is sneaking in elbows when Markos gets to her hip. Markos to her feet, lands a few punches and gets a front headlock then pushes Yoder over and gets on top. Yoder is looking for a triangle position but one of her legs is tied up and Markos lands a few punches. Markos is looking for a knee smash pass, she gets to half guard. Punches form Markos as Yoder gets full guard back. More punches from Markos as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Markos, 20-19 Markos overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Yoder lands a left. Markos misses several punches. Inside leg kick from Markos lands. Markos lands a right. Another inside leg kick from Markos then she punches into a clinch. They trade in the clinch then separate. Another clinch, Markos punches on the break though. A three punch combination from Markos lands. Yoder grabs a single leg, scrambles to the back and has both hooks in on Markos. Markos is able to get half guard. Yoder looks to pass to full mount but can’t finish it. Markos back up and lands a right uppercut. Yoder lands a body kick then they trade power hand punches. Yoder back to the body kicks now. Markos lands a couple of punches. Left hook from Markos lands. They clinch, Markos punches out of it and a right wobbles Yoder. Yoder misses a one two as the clock runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Markos, 30-28 Markos overall

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

No issues with the split, and I’m not sold on my score for the first round which probably should have gone to Yoder. No interview as we’re short on time.

We’re still on ESPN+ as we head for the main card.

Muslim Salikhov has won his last two fights in the UFC via knockout, he’s looking to extend that streak here and possibly earn a bigger opportunity next time out. Laureano Staropoli is on a seven fight winning streak that includes two wins in the UFC, he’s also looking to extend his current streak and possibly take a step up in competition for his next bout. The odds lean towards Salikhov at -160 to a +130 comeback on Staropoli.

Welterweight Bout: Muslim Salikhov (15-2, 171 lbs.) vs. Laureano Staropoli (9-1, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Staropoli is two inches taller and has an inch and a half of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Both men feinting early. Salikhov misses a right, Staropoli misses a counter spinning back fist. They clash shins on kicks, and Staropoli moves to southpaw for a second or two. Salikhov misses a spinning back kick. Staropoli doing more stance switching now, Salikhov lands a body kick. Both men land punches in close then Staropoli misses a wheel kick. Staropoli blocks a high kick. Salikhov lands a right then lands a spinning back kick to the body. Staropoli avoids a right hook. Bit of a high kick from Staropoli. Salikhov lands a counter right. Staropoli misses a few hooks then avoids a wheel kick. Salikhov lands a leg kick. Another spinning back kick from Salikhov closes out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Salikhov

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Staropoli working the jab to start the round, not finding the target yet. Salikhov lands a spinning back kick towards the head, Staropoli got a hand up but that was a loud one. Staropoli avoids a right. Bit of a head kick from Staropoli then a leg kick. Salikhov is pushing forward now, catches a body kick and off balances Staropoli but can’t keep him down. Body kick from Salikhov then an inside leg kick. Staropoli misses a wheel kick. Salikhov lands a right to counter a leg kick and he drops Staropoli, but Staropoli fights back to his feet. Right from Salikhov in close then a couple of body kicks. Staropoli misses a spinning elbow. Salikhov lands an uppercut and a body kick, he’s looking to flurry along the fence but Staropoli is able to cover up and separate. Credit to Staropoli’s chin, he ate a flurry but remained upright. Salikhov is backing Staropoli to the fence now. Salikhov misses a spinning elbow but lands a straight right. Jabs from Salikhov. A lunging left hook from Salikhov will be the last blow of the round.

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

ROUND THREE: There’s some swelling around the right eye of Staropoli after that flurry in the second. They touch gloves for the final round. Staropoli lands a left hook then eats a body kick. A lot of pressure from Staropoli early, Salikhov gets a clinch and lands a few lefts. They break but that gave Staropoli something to think about. Staropoli lands a right then Salikhov avoids a takedown attempt. Salikhov lands a right then misses a spinning kick. Staropoli lands a spinning back fist. Salikhov lands an inside leg kick, they clinch up and Salikhov gets a takedown and has a rear waist lock. They get to the fence and Staropoli lands an elbow as they break. Staropoli lands a couple of lefts to the body. Salikhov lands a spinning back kick to the body. Staropoli lands a right. Both men land to the body now. Staropoli lands a jumping body kick. Salikhov lands a jab. Inside leg kick then a knee from Salikhov. Salikhov lands another back kick to the body. Staropoli lands a jab. Another left to the body lands for Staropoli. Salikhov catches a high kick but can’t capitalize on it. Bit of a right from Salikhov, they both land in close. Ax kick from Salikhov misses as time runs out.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Staropoli, 29-28 Salikhov overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Muslim Salikhov via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-26 x2)

No real issues with Salikhov getting a 10-8 in the second, between the damage and numerical disparity it isn’t out of order. Mic time for Salikhov, he says he planned for the fight to be long and wants to fight smart and puts over Staropoli as a tough opponent. He says he tried to do everything, asked who he’d like next he says Li Jingliang would be fun as Jingliang is a big star in China.

Ciryl Gane is undefeated including a successful UFC debut earlier this year, he’s trying to remain perfect and prove himself a prospect of note in a division that could always use more of them. Don’Tale Mayes is on a four fight winning streak that includes two wins on the Contender Series, he’s trying to extend that streak and prove himself as a heavyweight to watch. Gane is the -260 favorite to a +210 payout for Mayes.

Heavyweight Bout: Ciryl Gane (4-0, 239 lbs.) vs. Don’Tale Mayes (7-2, 250 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Mayes is two inches taller but the reach is identical. They touch gloves to get us going. Mayes doing a bit of stance switching. Both men stance switching now. Mayes lands a leg kick. Gane has a couple of punches blocked, then he punches into a clinch then they break. Mayes blocks a high kick and fires back counters that miss. Gane lands a right to the body. Another clinch for Gane but nothing comes of it. Bit of a left from Mayes, Gane lands a body kick. Gane lands a right and looks to tee off along the fence but can’t find the follow ups and so backs off. Hard body kick from Gane. Front kick to the face from Gane, Mayes has a heck of a chin. Gane finds another left body kick then a right hand. Gane slips a punch and lands a combination. Mayes needs to change up something because this isn’t going his way. Gane with inside leg kicks then a body kick. Left hook then a right from Gane, Mayes is hurt and Gane looks to tee off along the fence. Mayes fighting back enough to keep him off. Gane with a flying knee and Mayes is down but Mayes will be saved by the bell.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Gane

ROUND TWO: Gane avoids an overhand right. Mayes misses a step through left. Gane lands a left to the body. Jabs from Gane, Mayes still needs a paradigm shift. Mayes takes a kick to the groin, replay confirms it and we’ve got time for him to recover. Mayes is good to continue and we get a touch of gloves on the restart. They trade body kicks. Gane with a front kick to the hip that off balances Mayes. Mayes avoids a looping right. Kick from Gane and Mayes falls short with a spinning back fist counter. Gane lands a heavy leg kick. Mayes lands a leg kick of his own. Gane lands a jab, then they clash shins on low kicks. Left hook lands for Gane in close. Gane working front kicks to the body now, Mayes is just darting through distance and missing the offense. Double leg from Gane and he’s on top in the guard of Mayes. Gane looks to posture up, he passes to north-south. Mayes hip bumps and gets to his knees, looking to come up on a single leg. Gane looking to circle to the back, Mayes gets to the fence and wall walks but eats a knee. A cardio related mat return from Gane closes out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gane, maybe another 10-8, 20-17 Gane overall

ROUND THREE: Both men moving, Mayes lands a leg kick. Mayes tries a high kick that doesn’t land. Gane lands another body kick. Some front kicks to the body from Gane, one of them hurt Mayes. Mayes avoids a couple of punches and gets a clinch but Gane shoves free. Gane lands an inside leg kick. Right then a body kick from Gane. Gane lands a jab then a right uppercut. Gane with a right to the body. Another body kick from Gane lands. Gane is using the front kick to the body then a punch from the same side and he’s wearing out Mayes. Gane kicks in close then lands an elbow. More body work from Gane, Mayes is barely mobile at this point. Another body kick from Gane doubles Mayes over, he gets him to the fence and lands more knees to the body. Mayes has one hand down to avoid getting kneed in the head, Gane knees the body instead. More knees from Gane, then a takedown into the guard. Elbows from Gane, who then sits back for a heel hook and Mayes doesn’t react fast enough then has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ciryl Gane via Submission, heel hook, at 4:46 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Gane for his work this morning. Mic time for Gane, he says the heel hook was a surprise for the fans and commentators but not to him or his coaches because they work very hard on it. He says the game plan was to fight slowly then go crazy at appropriate intervals. He says he plans on getting better, and when asked who he’d like next he declines to answer but just wants to have a quick turnaround.

From a technical stand point this isn’t great, Mayes doesn’t react at all when Gane drops back for the leg and basically just sits there and lets Gane set up. Gane also doesn’t really control or deal with the other leg, though the fence is obstructing the angle to roll through. Mayes also makes no effort to get his knee to the mat and try to defend, but credit to Gane for going for it despite having the fight on the cards and for getting it.

Frank Camacho has gone 2-3 in his last five fights but just broke a two fight losing streak and is hoping to get his first UFC winning streak up and running after this fight. Beneil Dariush has been a ranked contender in the past, but being just 2-2-1 in his last five fights has seen him drop in the rankings. Dariush is hoping to make a case for himself as a top fifteen talent again by extending his currently two fight winning streak at the expense of Camacho. Dariush is your -185 favorite while Camacho’s comeback sits at +155.

Lightweight Bout: Frank Camacho (22-7, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Beneil Dariush (16-4-1, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Camacho has an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves, Dariush fighting southpaw. Both men showing the lead hand early, Dariush lands a knee to the body. Inside leg kicks from Dariush land. Dariush lands a series of lefts then a body kick. They clinch up, trade to the body then Dariush lands a left on the break. Dariush lands a body kick. Double leg, then a single leg from Dariush and he’s got the back. Camacho up, but back down from a mat return and Dariush is after the choke. Both hooks are in for Dariush, now a body triangle as he’s got the choke locked up and as he adjusts the grip then tightens things up Camacho has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Beneil Dariush via Submission, rear naked choke, at 2:02 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Dariush for his work this morning. Dariush on the mic now, he puts over Camacho but today was his day. He thanks his coach for all of his work, and notes if he can’t strike after working with one of the best coaches in the world he’d be a disgrace. Asked who’s next he says he wants to fight again in January or so.

We don’t get to see all of the setup here, but this exists in contrast to the prior submission. Dariush with clinical precision step by step locks up, isolates, and finishes the choke.

Michael Johnson is just 2-4 in his last six bouts, after a 2-2 stint at featherweight he’s moving back to lightweight for this fight and is hoping to avoid another losing streak. Stevie Ray is 2-2 in his last four fights and is coming off of a loss, he’s trying to avoid his second UFC losing streak. Johnson is the -240 favorite to +190 for Ray.

Lightweight Bout: Michael Johnson (19-14, 156 lbs.) vs. Stevie Ray (22-9, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Johnson has three and a half inches of reach advantage. Both men fighting southpaw, and they touch gloves to get us going. Ray lands a leg kick. Johnson looking to get his lead hand going, eats another leg kick. Ray tries a single leg, Johnson sprawls away with relative ease. Another leg kick from Ray lands. Ray lands a straight left. Bit of a right hook from Ray. Ray lands another leg kick, Johnson jabs to the body. Pull back counter one two from Ray. Johnson is struggling to find his rhythm so far. Bit of a right from Johnson lands. Johnson lands a leg kick. Ray lands a jab, he’s got a decent read on Johnson so far. Both men land leg kicks, bit of a left from Ray. Johnson misses a couple of jabs to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ray

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Bit of a jab from Ray. Both men jab. Ray lands a leg kick but eats a counter left. Johnson lands a jab, he’s been doubling up on it and that’s leading to some success. Ray lands a left. Leg kick from Ray, then another one. They trade lefts. Another left lands for Ray. Ray with another left. Johnson eats a leg kick but lands a counter one two. Johnson lands a leg kick of his own. Ray reaches for a single leg, Johnson instantly sprawls away. Bit of a left from Ray and he eats a counter left. They trade lefts but the volume punching of Johnson is giving him an edge as the exchanges continue. Ray lands another leg kick then a bit of a left. Johnson lands a left then a right. Spinning back kick from Johnson then a body kick, he’s really feeling this round. Johnson slips a left and lands a left as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Johnson, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: There’s a cut above the nose of Ray, near the inside of his right eyebrow. Ray lands a leg kick. Johnson lands a bit of a left. Left lands for Johnson. Ray lands another leg kick but eats a couple of jabs. They trade lefts, both men landed flush. Ray lands another left after taking a body shot. Another leg kick from Ray, then another. Johnson has a couple of punches blocked. Ray shoots a double leg, gets Johnson down in the turtle position along the fence. A few rights land for Ray from the ride position. More rights from Ray, he gets the back with a body triangle. Johnson has both of Ray’s hands tied up right now. Ray lands a couple of short punches, he’s just trying to open up a choke opportunity. Ray gets Johnson back face down and lands lefts and rights. Johnson isn’t moving much, Ray is looking to tee off and possibly force a stoppage. Elbows from Ray as he moves to a hip and that will bring the clock all the way down.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Stevie Ray via majority decision (28-28, 29-28 x2)

I can see 28-28, it gives Ray a 10-8 third but gave Johnson the first so I disagree but it’s not the worst score of the event. Mic time for Ray, he dedicates the win to his wife and soon to arrive next child. He says the first round was close, Johnson had the second and he knew he needed the third round and went for the finish. He notes how many people doubted him and puts over Johnson but he’s grateful to prove himself and hopes for a post fight bonus since his fourth kid is on the way and he needs a mini bus. Asked who’s next he just wants a top opponent and puts over the opponents that Johnson has faced and that he just wants to fight the top of the division.

Demian Maia has gone 2-3 in his last five fights, somewhat mitigated by those losses being to Tyron Woodley, Colby Covington, and now champion Kamaru Usman. Maia is on a two fight winning streak (though he was lucky to get the decision in his last fight) and is hoping to build himself back towards title contention again. Ben Askren is coming off of the first loss of his career when he was on the receiving end of the fastest knockout in UFC history courtesy of Jorge Masvidal. Askren is trying to avoid his first ever losing streak and get himself back into the title orbit with a win over a multiple time title challenger. Askren closed as a slight -150 favorite while Maia sits as a +120 underdog.

Welterweight Bout: #10 Demian Maia (27-9, 170.5 lbs.) vs. #11 Ben Askren (19-1 1 NC, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Maia is two inches taller while Askren has an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Maia, he lands a straight left. Askren lands an inside leg kick. Maia avoids a clinch attempt. Askren lands a right then an inside leg kick. They clinch up and trade knees to the body then Maia slips free. Maia lands a couple of lefts. Bit of an uppercut from Askren. Another clinch, Maia with more knees to the body then separates. Maia lands a left. They clinch, but nothing comes of it and they break. Askren lands a right uppercut into a front headlock, then lands a knee before Maia slips free. Right from Askren lands then an uppercut in close. Maia lands a left then a right hook. A few more close quarters hooks from Maia land. K-1 Maia is in full effect. Askren gets close and lands a couple of dirty boxing style uppercuts. Maia lands a body kick. Askren punches close and works those short punches that have marked up the face of Maia. Another clinch, more knees from Maia. Askren drops for a single leg and gets a body lock takedown after a mis-direction. Maia has full guard. Askren looks to posture up, he lands a few punches then Maia comes up on a single leg where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Maia but a close one

ROUND TWO: Askren pawing with the lead hand, Maia lands a left. Body kick from Askren. Maia lands a left to the body. They clinch up again, Maia lands a knee to the body then pushes free. Askren lands a short right. Right uppercut from Askren lands. Askren avoids a punch and gets a clinch, but they break. Maia lands a left to the body. Maia does look to be fading a bit, Askren is making him work if nothing else. Both men land in close, Maia’s face is getting busted up. Askren lands a right uppercut, he’s got that punch well timed so far. Several punches land for Askren as Maia circles away from the fence. Maia lands a left, some sloppy boxing goes back and forth. Stiff jab from Maia lands. Askren gets a double leg into the guard of Maia. Maia tries a triangle, switches to an omoplata to sweep into top position. Beautiful stuff from Maia there. Maia looks to pass immediately, he’s into full mount almost immediately and looks to get the back. Askren sits up and gets on top, scrambles out of a kimura attempt and will end the round landing hammer fists while holding a front headlock.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Askren, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Askren still coming forward, he’s just looking to wear down Maia with pace and pressure. Maia lands a couple of lefts. Askren gets a clinch on the fence, lands some knees then Maia spins free. Another clinch in space, Askren gets a lateral drop into side control. Askren with knees to the body and some short rights. Maia looks to come up on a single leg, he gets back up and separates. Askren lands a body kick, he’s cut around the left eyebrow I think. They clinch up, then break without incident. Maia lands a couple of rights. Askren reaches for the legs of Maia, Maia defends and they trade in the clinch then break. Maia lands a left. Askren gets in a right and they clinch again, Askren gets a single leg. Maia almost immediately sweeps with a leg lock attempt and gets to full mount almost without effort. Askren gives up his back, Maia gets a full body triangle locked in. Maia looking for the choke, Askren tries to hand fight but can’t fight it off and he gives the one tap just before going out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Demian Maia via Submission, rear naked choke, at 3:54 of Round 3

Maia is now in sole possession of second most wins in UFC history at 22, just one behind Donald Cerrone for the all time most. Beautiful display of jiu-jitsu by Maia every time they hit the mat. Mic time for Maia, he says he wanted to force some striking to tire out Askren so he could get better opportunities later. He puts over Askren’s wrestling and talks about looking to sweep with attacks rather than just come up on the single leg like usual. Asked who he’d like next he wants a couple more fights but he does want to retire soon, and mentions Diego Sanchez has been calling him out forever and he’d be happy to take that fight.

This is more of a highlight, but man it was great. As soon as these two hit the mat magic happened. The punch through on the choking arm from Maia, his sweeps when Askren looked to tripod pass, and Maia’s own sublime passing game are all on display here.

Alright everyone, that will wrap up UFC on ESPN+ 20. Myself and Jeff Harris will be unpacking all the action from this event Sunday on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast, plus we’ll preview UFC 244 which is a very stacked event. Plus news of the week, like the saga from Nate Diaz we all just went through over the last couple of days. I’ll be back here next Saturday for UFC 244, I hope you’ll be back here as well. Until then thanks again for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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