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411’s UFC Fight Night 129 Report 5.19.18

May 20, 2018 | Posted by Robert Winfree

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC Fight Night 129. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening, relaying all of the action to you just as I see it. Fair warning, I’m still not 100% recovered from the cold I was dealing with last week but I’m at least not as rusty as I was for that event. I’m kind of hoping the serious laryngitis comes back on Monday and Tuesday so I won’t have to see and review Deadpool 2, but alas that seems unlikely. Anyway that’s just to warn you about general quality issues, please be patient with me.

Tonight the UFC is debuting in the country of Chile, and they originally brought a card designed to showcase the talents of South and Central American fighters from countries besides Brazil with a main event featuring Santiago Ponzinibbio taking on Kamaru Usman. Ponzinibbio got injured and now in steps two time title challenger Demian Maia, the winner of that fight likely secures some form of title fight in the near future after the upcoming interim title fight between Rafael dos Anjos and Colby Covington. The title scene is such a mess, and it doesn’t need to be as champion Tyron Woodley will be back in action in the very near future.

The rest of the card is a bit hit and miss, Tatiana Suarez battles Alexa Grasso for prospect rights at strawweight, the last standing prospect at light heavyweight Dominick Reyes battles Jared Cannonier, and Andrea Lee makes her UFC debut in the women’s flyweight division. Again, not the best card on paper but it could be awesome in practice. UFC Fight Night 129 comes to the world from the Movistar Arena in Santiago, Chile with Brendan Fitzgerald and Jimmy Smith on commentary. As for the rules the UFC is allowing the Brazilian commission to regulate and they have adopted the new rules, so you need both fists or palms flat on the mat to be considered downed (or a knee of course), extending fingers towards your opponent is a foul regardless of contact, and the language around scoring is much clearer and allowing of 10-8 rounds.

Claudio Puelles lost his UFC debut last year when he was bested by Martin Bravo, tonight he’s after his first UFC win and is hoping to make it an emphatic one. Felipe Silva is coming off of his first ever loss when he was starched by Mairbek Taisumov, he’s trying to avoid his first ever losing streak here while getting back on the winning side of things. Silva is a notable -300 favorite to +230 for Puelles.

Lightweight Bout: Claudio Puelles (7-2, 154 lbs.) vs. Felipe Silva (8-1, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Silva is an inch taller and has a whopping five of reach on Puelles, Puelles is also a full twelve years younger than Silva. Puelles fighting southpaw, ad we get a touch of gloves. Silva is coming forward trying kicks, mostly missing or blocked by Puelles. There’s a clash, Puelles gets a single leg takedown into the guard of Silva. Silva lands a few elbows from his back, keeping his guard closed thus far. Triangle attempt from Silva, no control though and Puelles lands a left as he returns to the guard of Silva. Silva tries to sit up but Puelles grabs a guillotine attempt in the scramble, Silva breaks the grip and gets on top landing some rights. Silva passes to half guard and lands hammer fists but Puelles dives for a knee bar, the knee is too low on the hips tough and we’re fighting from 50/50 guard. They break and Silva makes Puelles get back up. Right to the body from Silva greets Puelles. Puelles tries a single leg, nothing doing and Silva has a Thai clinch and lands knees to the body before Puelles tries a flying triangle and winds up settling for guard. Again Silva disengages and makes Puelles stand, Puelles gets a quick takedown into the half guard. Full guard now from Silva, Puelles standing over him trying to punch the body, Silva back up and we separate. Puelles pulls guard this time, Silva punches him as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Silva but could go either way

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Hard inside leg kick from Silva, and another one. Silva seems to be the fresher fighter here, Puelles is starting to come forward. Stiff left hook from Silva and Puelles is backing up, he tries a takedown but Silva blocks it and we’re still upright. Bit of a left from Puelles. Knee to the body from Silva, that definitely got the attention of Puelles. There’s a quick clinch and Silva lands a couple of knees to the body. Puelles tries a takedown, Silva again blocks it. Another inside leg kick from Silva, those are pretty solid but he’s not really following up. Right then some lefts from Silva and Puelles drops but he’s fighting for guard, Silva still punching him and landing elbows from guard. Puelles is trying to set up a roll for a leg but Silva reads it and blocks it, Silva is still hammering hi and moves towards full mount. Silva stands and makes Puelles get up, he takes his sweet time doing so. Silva tees off with left hooks to the body and head, Puelles pulls half guard to stall out the final ten seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Silva given the margin he won it by, 20-17 Silva overall

ROUND THREE: There’s another touch of gloves for the last round. Both guys missing, Puelles tries a spinning back fist that misses. Exchange of leg kicks, Silva lands a right that drops Puelles and he proceeds to pound him a few times but Puelles keeps defending so he makes him stand. Left from Silva hurts Puelles then he drops him with a left to the body, he makes Puelles stand again. I’m surprised the ref hasn’t stopped this yet. Silva lands an uppercut and Puelles pulls guard after a failed double leg. Silva in half guard landing rights to the body and head but Puelles rolls for a knee bar, it’s pretty deep and Silva has to tap! Incredible comeback from Puelles, his left eye is a mess.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Claudio Puelles via Submission, knee bar, at 2:23 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Puelles for his work this evening. Major comeback from Puelles there, he was getting abused and there’s an argument that fight should have been stopped but he took advantage of the opening presented to him. No interview for Puelles.

Here’s the finish, no set up though just the deep knee bar and crank to force the tap.

Henry Briones is on a three fight losing streak, in fact his overall UFC record is just 1-3, but one of those losses is to former champion Cody Garbrandt and another is to Rani Yahya. Briones might have a bit of leniency given his level of opposition, but if he drops four in a row here I have a hard time imagining him staying with the UFC much longer. Frankie Saenz just broke a three fight losing streak with a split decision over Merab Dvalishvili that brought his overall UFC record to 4-3, he’s trying to avoid his UFC record falling back to the .500 mark here. The odds are with Saenz at -340 against +260 on Briones.

Bantamweight Bout: Henry Briones (16-7-1, 136 lbs.) vs. Frankie Saenz (12-5, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Briones is two inches taller and has three inches of reach on Saenz. They touch gloves to get things going. Both men dancing a bit, and pawing with the lead hand. Missed leg kicks from each man, still trying to find the range. Calf kick from Saenz. Left to the body then a right to the head from Saenz. There’s a calf kick from Briones. Saenz tries a takedown but can’t get it and they separate. Bit of a body kick from Saenz, Briones responds with a body shot of his own then they trade calf kicks. Briones lands a calf kick then they trade rights. Double leg from Saenz and he gets Briones down in full guard. Sanez lands a couple of elbows. Half guard now for Saenz but Briones wall walks and they break apart. That same left to the body then right to the head from Saenz, he’s getting a tad predictable with that. Both men land low leg kicks. Again left to the body then overhand right from Saenz, I’m shocked Briones isn’t adjusting to that. Counter left from Briones as he avoids the lunging left, then he lands a right and Saenz is backing up. Solid knee to the body from Saenz as the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Saenz

ROUND TWO: Circling to start the second round. They trade rights, Briones lands another one then a left and right to the body. Briones might be getting a read on the offense of Saenz now, he’s countering better. Saenz lands a right that drops Briones, Briones back up and forces a clinch but Saenz breaks and is pressing forward. Briones lands a left but eats some knees to the body, Saenz is starting to tee off. Saenz ducks a punch and gets a double leg into half guard, Briones gets full guard but Saenz is landing offense on him. Briones to his knees, Saenz tries to take the back, has to settle for a waist lock trying to pull him back to the mat. They’re up in the clinch, Briones spins free and breaks. Some damage to the eyes of both men, small cut around the left eyebrow of Saenz and Swelling around the left of Briones. Bit of a combination from Briones and he avoids a takedown. Briones now cut around the left eyebrow, neither of them is cut badly yet. Counter right from Briones lands. Leg kick from Saenz, they clinch and trade then separate again. Saenz digs a left to the body. Knees to the body from Saenz off of a brief Thai clinch, that cut on Briones’ eye is getting worse as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Saenz, might be a 10-8 argument, 20-18 Saenz overall

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the final round. Briones takes a knee to the groin so we’ve got time for him to recover. He walks it off quickly and we restart with a quick apology from Saenz. Bit of a counter uppercut from Briones lands, then a leg kick. Saenz lands a few knees to the body. They trade body shots, Saenz tries a double leg and Briones grabs an arm in guillotine attempt, he sells out for it and Saenz has to fight to get his head free but he’s out of it. A few elbows from Saenz as he moves to side control, he’s got a bit of a cradle going as Briones tries to wall walk and drags him back to the mat. Saenz moves to the ride position, Briones rolls under for a knee bar but Saenz avoids it and lands elbows before getting back to the ride position. Briones to his knees, he’s back up and Saenz knees him in the head then lands an elbow as they break. Right from Briones, then they trade rights. Saenz is able to force a takedown and he’s back in the ride position landing some lefts as he flattens Briones out. More lefts from Saenz as time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Saenz but another possible 10-8, 30-27 Saenz overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Frankie Saenz via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27 x2)

That went about as expected, Saenz gets an interview with the house translator. He says he felt great and talks about the mental aspect of the fight game before thanking the crowd and putting over the country and citizens of Chile.

Enrique Barzola is on a three fight winning streak with an overall UFC record of 4-1, he’s trying to get that to four in a row here and hoping that a four fight streak will net him a bigger opportunity for his next bout. Brandon Davis has gone 1-1 in the UFC and is coming off of a win, he’s trying to get his first UFC winning streak up and running here. The odds are with the more proven Barzola at -210 to a +170 comeback on Davis.

Featherweight Bout: Enrique Barzola (14-3-1, 145 lbs.) vs. Brandon Davis (9-4, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Davis is three inches taller and has two inches of reach on Barzola as well. Touch of gloves for the first round. Davis stalking forward, Barzola circling looking to time things. They both miss high kicks, Davis lands a bit of a leg kick. Leg kick from Barzola. Calf kick from Barzola takes Davis to his knees and Barzola dives into the clinch. Davis is on the fence but Barzola is working a mat return from a rear waist lock. Barzola kicks his legs out from under him, Davis bounces back up but is still locked up. Single leg from Barzola, again Davis is back up but he can’t get free. Barzola hits a big elevated takedown, Davis is back up again but this time Barzola lets him free and separates. Leg kick from Barzola. Left to the body from Barzola, Davis lands a right. Davis lands a clean right but slips while doing so and can’t follow up. They clinch up and trade knees to the body then break apart. Calf kick from Davis, Barzola returns it. I’m really surprised Barzola hasn’t tried to time the punches of Davis for a double leg in open space. Barzola lands a left but they clinch and spin down, this time Davis is on top in the guard of Barzola. Elbows from Barzola off of his back. Davis stands, Barzola back up and pushes him into the fence then they break and some wild strikes mostly miss from both guys to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Barzola

ROUND TWO: Davis coming forward again, they split jabs. Barzola avoids an uppercut and gets a rear waist lock. A few mat returns from Barzola, Davis is still bouncing back up and eating rights. Barzola switches to a double leg and has Davis down again, again Davis is back up but still stuck in a rear waist lock. Big double leg into the center of the cage from Barzola and he gets to settle into half guard this time because of the positioning. Davis able to belly down and get to his knees but Barzloa is in the ride position, he grabs a guillotine in transition and is after it. Davis back up and gets free but eats a right and Barzola double legs him again back into open space. Half guard again for Barzola, he gets the ride position as Davis was on his knees, both hooks in now for Barzola and he’s looking to land punches. Barzola half looking for the choke, mostly landing blows but he has to give it up as Davis got to his feet. Davis is holding a clinch, Barzola gets a front head lock and snaps him down to his knees. Barzola sells out for an anaconda choke but he’s out of position and bails to get the back again as Davis scrambled. Davis back up, Barzola takes him back down with an ankle pick. The round ends with Barzola on the back again landing some punches.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Barzola, 20-17 Barzola overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Davis lands a left then takes a leg kick. Leg kick from Davis. A few jabs go back and forth. Barzola whiffs on a couple of hooks but he does land a jab. A couple of jabs from Davis. They trade some punches, Barzola lands a couple of rights and Davis is trying to goad him into that kind of brawl. Barzola bleeding from the bridge of the nose, and he gets a takedown then moves to the back with a waist lock. Davis is back up but still in the clinch taking knees to the thigh. They break without incident. Barzola blocks a takedown attempt with a front head lock and snaps Davis down again then gets on top in a loose half guard. Davis is trying to hip escape to full guard, Barzola blocking that and lands a couple of punches. Davis gets to his knees but Barzola is riding him and landing blows to the head, then tries a no hook choke as time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Barzola, 30-26 Barzola overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Enrique Barzola via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26 x2)

Smothering wrestling from Barzola, he gets mic time that’ll have to be quick given the time constraints. He says grappling was the strategy and puts over Davis’ defense. Barzola thanks Chile and the Peruvians who made the trip, and I think he called out Zabit Magomedsharipov for a fight possibly in Russia. Ballsy call out.

That’s it for Fight Pass, we’re on Fox Sports 2 for the rest of the prelims.

Gabriel Benitez has traded wins and losses while going 2-2 in his last four fights, but he’s coming off of a win over Jason Knight and is looking for what would be his second UFC winning streak. Humberto Bandenay is coming off of a successful UFC debut and has an overall six fight winning streak going, he’s trying to maintain that momentum here. Benitez is a -175 favorite against +145 for Bandenay.

Featherweight Bout: Humberto Bandenay (14-4 1 NC, 145 lbs.) vs. Gabriel Benitez (20-6, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Bandenay is three inches taller but has just half an inch of reach on Benitez. Both guys fighting southpaw, Benitez comes out with a leg kick, he lands a follow up left that drops Bandenay. Benitez on top, Bandenay after an armbar that’s pretty deep but Benitez slams free and the slam KO’s Bandenay.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gabriel Benitez via KO, slam, at :39 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Benitez for his work this evening, and would like to register a complaint about the parking at the venue that prevented them from arriving sooner. Boy was that a violent finish from Benitez, hopefully I’ll find a clip of it for you guys. Mic time for Benitez after that one, he’s excited about the finish but focuses on getting better as a fighter. He says the armbar was really deep but he’s a latin warrior and puts his heart into everything. He puts over his training and how hard he works to close the interview.

And here’s the finish, Bandenay lands on his shoulder and his temple hits hard immediately after, clearly rang his bell badly and a few follow up punches ended things.

Poliana Botelho just won her UFC debut to extend her overall winning streak to four, she’s trying to keep that going here and start moving up in the surprisingly competitive strawweight division. Syuri Kondo is undefeated as a professional and is also coming off of a successful UFC debut, and could also start moving up in competition with a memorable win here. Botehlo is a slight -170 favorite while Kondo would pay out at +140.

Strawweight Bout: Poliana Botelho (6-1, 115 lbs.) vs. Syuri Kondo (6-0, 116 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Botelho is four inches taller but only has half an inch of reach on Kondo. Botelho coming forward quickly, Kondo lands a leg kick. Another leg kick from Kondo lands. Solid body kick from Botelho and Kondo goes down, Botelho swarms to finish her off against the fence. Wicked liver kick from Botelho.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Poliana Botelho via TKO, body kick and punches, at :33 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Ms. Botelho for her work this evening. Mic time for Botelho after that one, she’s happy about the win and dedicates it to the fans. Asked about the finish, especially the body shot she puts over Kondo as a good opponent. She says she’ll fight anyone next but would really like a ranked opponent.

Here’s the finish, that’s a good body kick as it’s well placed and even well set up as Botelho gets about half a switch of stance off faking an angle move. Once that blow paralyzes Kondo it’s all over but the shouting, and possibly a few more concussive blows.

To kill time after back to back finishes in less than a minute we get a replay of Puelles vs. Silva from earlier this evening.

Brandon Moreno just had an impressive eleven fight winning streak snapped by Sergio Pettis, he’s trying to rebound from that setback and defend his top ten ranking. Alexandre Pantoja also just lost an eleven fight winning streak, he’s trying to climb up the ranks a bit at the expense of Moreno and avoid his first ever losing streak. The odds lean slightly towards Pantoja at -130 to an even +100 for Moreno.

Flyweight Bout: #7 Brandon Moreno (14-4, 125 lbs.) vs. #12 Alexandre Pantoja (18-3, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Moreno is two inches taller and has two and a half inches of reach on Pantoja. Touch of gloves to get us going. Moreno opens with a low leg kick, Pantoja is pressuring him and lands a leg kick of his own. Moreno misses a wheel kick. Pantoja lands a right. Pantoja is looking to counter, he lands a bit of a knee and a jab behind it. Moreno after a double leg, moves to the back and gets the takedown but Pantoja is scrambling and separates. Pantoja lands a left then a leg kick. Moreno lands a leg kick but he eats a hard counter right. The straighter punches of Pantoja is beating the looping blows of Moreno to the punch so far. Pantoja lands another leg kick. Quick exchange of punches, Pantoja wobbles Moreno with a left hook after an uppercut landed. A wild exchange breaks out, both men land but Pantoja is clearly getting the better of this. Pantoja lands a jab that has Moreno backing up and wincing, Pantoja is all over him and making him pay for every mistake. Moreno slips on a punch and that makes him avoid a heavy kick but Pantoja is on top of him now in half guard. some punches land for Pantoja, Moreno is bleeding as he gives up the back and Pantoja flurries but can’t get a finish before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Pantoja

ROUND TWO: The blood seems to have been mostly coming from the nose of Moreno but his face is swelling a little around the eyes as well. Pantoja patiently stalking forward, lands a leg kick as Moreno is trying to circle. Panoja has Moreno on the fence and is teeing off from the pocket before Moreno is able to disengage. Hard leg kick from Pantoja, that lead leg of Moreno is compromised. Moreno lands a leg kick but Pantoja responds with a combination. Pantoja takes Moreno to the mat with a jab when he was off balance but Moreno scrambles back up and eats a left. Another left from Pantoja lands, he’s targeting the nose of Moreno now. Pantoja lands a leg kick then a counter right after slipping the punches of Moreno. Moreno has slowed a bit and so Pantoja’s counter offense is a little slower as well. Moreno digs a left to the body and avoids the counters. Clubbing right and a left hook from Panjoa have Moreno wobbled. Pantoja pushes in close and we get a fire fight for a few seconds then they stare away the final few seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pantoja, 20-17 Pantoja overall

ROUND THREE: There’s a quick hug to start the last round. Moreno is trying to get his lead hand working now, Pantoja lands a front kick to the face. Pantoja lands a jab. Body kick from Pantoja lands. Moreno tries a takedown but they wind up clinched on the fence. Pantoja spins Moreno into the fence and they jockey for position then break with a left from Moreno. Moreno lands a leg kick but eats a counter. Pantoja lands a leg kick but gets taken down, then immediately kicks Moreno off and regains his feet. Pantoja is kind of coasting here, he knows he’s up and isn’t going to get sloppy or wild. They trade hooks and both men landed clean power shots. Bit of a right from Pantoja, then e fades a right and lands a counter left. Moreno is struggling to get anything meaningful off outside of fire fight exchanges, Patoja just has his number and is countering him nicely. A few front kicks to the body from Pantoja then lands a high kick but Moreno catches it and they scramble a bit before resetting on the feet. Both men posture a bit looking for a brawl but neither one really wants it. One two from Pantoja lands and Moreno is backing up again. They do get close and we get a wild exchange to close things out.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pantoja, 30-26 Pantoja overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alexandre Pantoja via unanimous decision (29-27, 30-26 x2)

I can see Moreno stealing the last round, mostly because I know judging tends to suck. Mic time for Pantoja now, but I’m going to miss parts of it as my connection stutters a few times. Ugh, turns out I missed all of it, I think he put over Moreno a bit but I didn’t even hear the second question asked of him. Sorry guys.

Zak Cummings has a two fight winning streak going and is 6-2 overall in the UFC, but has never managed to get to three in a row with the promotion. Cummings is hoping to get over that particular hump here and move towards an official ranking, or a ranked opponent for his next bout. Michel Prazeres has an impressive seven fight winning streak going, but there are a couple of caveats to his success. Specifically that he missed the lightweight limit for three of his last four fights and has finally been forced back to welterweight, he’s trying to maintain that success up a division and start making inroads towards the elite level. The odds are with Cummings at -185 to +150 for a Prazeres win.

Welterweight Bout: Zak Cummings (21-5, 170) vs. Michel Prazeres (24-2, 170)

ROUND ONE: I actually missed the tale of the tape on a stutter, this is annoying but tends to happen on Fox Sports 2. Cummings is visibly the bigger man in terms of both height and reach. Cummings fighting southpaw, flashing the jab and Prazeres lands an inside leg kick. Bit of a right from Prazeres and then he gets a single leg and has Cummings on the mat thought it took a few extra efforts to get it. Cummings is working towards the fence looking to wall walk as Prazeres works from half guard. Prazeres gets a few rights to the head off but he’s focused on controlling as the ref warns him and then stands them up. I disagree with that, it was a really swift restart. Cummings lands a bit of a body kick as we restart. I miss some stuff, and Cummings has a small cut around the outside corner of his left eye, might be up near the eyebrow. This is getting ridiculous, I’m sorry about the coverage here guys but I’m stuttering all over the place. And I missed a whole lot of the first round, my apologies.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Prazeres based on what I saw

ROUND TWO: Prazeres got a takedown, had the back briefly but Cummings regains his feet and spins Prazeres into the fence. The crowd is already booing, there’s an exchange of punches and we’re back in the clinch. Prazeres is bleeding a bit now around the right eye. The ref warns them to stay busy, Cummings lands a couple of knees to the body then Prazeres gets a bit of a right off as they break. That cut is under the eye of Prazeres, near the cheek bone I think so not in a bad spot. By contrast the cut on Cummings is very close to the eye lid but isn’t bad yet. Prazeres lands inside and outside leg kicks then misses a right. Straight left lands for Cummings. Bit of a counter right from Prazeres. They clinch up and Prazeres is on the fence again. Some positional jockeying but not much comes of it and the ref separates them. Wild punches land for Prazeres to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cummings, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They hug to start the last round. Cummings coming forward, lands a bit of a body kick. Long left to the body from Cummings lands. Prazeres lands a glancing right. They clinch up off of a failed takedown from Prazeres but nothing comes of it. Cummings lands a body kick but takes a bit of a counter left. Left then a right hook from Prazeres, he eats a short counter left from Cummings. They wind up clinched, Prazeres can’t finish a takedown and Cummings lands knees before driving Prazeres into the cage again. Some knees to the body go back and forth then the ref separates them. Prazeres lands a right. Bit of a left from Prazeres. A right then a left from Prazeres, Cummings lands a hard body kick. Knees to the body from Cummings but Prazeres gets a double leg into half guard. Cummings is after a kimura, he’s got the double wrist lock to stall out the position as time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Prazeres but who knows, 29-28 Prazeres overall

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

Utterly forgettable affair, no interview for Prazeres. We should be moving to Fox Sports 1, but there’s a NASCAR race and those are as bad as baseball games in terms of going long, so stick around on Fox Sports 2 for a bit while that wraps up.

Vicente Luque has a solid overall UFC record of 5-2 and is coming off of a win over Niko Price, he’s trying to get another winning streak going here and prove he’s deserving of a step up in competition. Chad Laprise has a similar UFC record of 6-2 and is on a three fight winning streak that has seen him finish all of those opponents, he’s trying to get towards a ranked opponent and if he can get to four in a row with four finishes it’ll be very hard to deny him that opportunity. Despite the winning streak the odds are with Luque at -200 to a +160 payout for Laprise, making him a tempting value bet.

Welterweight Bout: Chad Laprise (13-2, 171 lbs.) vs. Vicente Luque (12-6-1, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Luque is an inch taller and has a notable four and a half inches of reach on Laprise. Both men light on their feet to start, probing for a weakness in each other. Luque lands a leg kick and eats a counter jab. Both men landing a few leg kicks, still just getting a feel for each other. Right lands for Luque, Laprise misses a counter right. Luque has started stalking forward, Laprise clinches up but fails on a trip and settles for pushing Luque into the fence. They jockey for position along the cage and Laprise is thinking about a high crotch takedown but he can’t get it. They break with a knee to the body from Laprise. Jabs from Luque now, they’re starting to find the target. Luque lands a bit of a right. Leg kick from Luque, and a bit of a right to follow it up. Laprise lands a right and just misses a high kick. Sharp counter left from Luque drops Laprise and a few follow up hammer fists on the mat prompt the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Vicente Luque via KO, punches, at 4:16 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Luque for his work this evening. Just a perfectly placed short left from Luque to the chin of Laprise that dropped him. Mic time for Luque, who says he’s feeling good and puts over Laprise as a quick guy with fast hands but he found the distance first and took him out. He talks about the movement and footwork he used and the importance of it against a guy like Laprise. Asked who or what is next he says he wants anyone who’s officially ranked, he’s got a bunch of finishes and he doesn’t see anything else making sense next.

Here’s the finish, just a really well placed shot from Luque, right to the chin of Laprise. The replay shows the angle that’s necessary to really see it but that was a nice punch.

Veronica Macedois coming off of a loss in her UFC debut, she’s trying to rebound and avoid the first losing streak of her professional career. Andrea Lee is on a four fight winning streak and is making her UFC debut here, she’s looking for that all important first UFC win and to capitalize on the chance to make a good first impression. Lee is a significant -320 favorite to +260 for Macedo.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Andrea Lee (8-2, 125 lbs.) vs. Veronica Macedo (5-1-1, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Lee is two inches taller and has a whopping five and a half inches of reach advantage. Touch of gloves to get us going, Macedo fighting southpaw. Lee lands a leg kick. Bit of a rush from Macdeo, Lee lands a knee to the head then a few to the body from a Thai clinch and Macedo pulls free. Spinning back kick from Macedo lands, Lee responds with a right. Lee digs the body with a left. They clinch up, Lee knees the body as Macedo gets her to the fence. More knees to the body and thigh from Lee as they spin a few times. More knees from Lee, Macedo lands a left but those knees from Lee are starting to work. Lee spins to the back standing and lands some rights to the body and head then slams Macedo to the mat. Lee stands, lands a couple of leg kicks before Macedo is made to stand back up. Macedo lands a couple of head kicks, Lee is rocked but they tie up again on the fence. Lee hits a hip toss and lands on top, moves to the back and is after the choke immediately, she’s under the chin and is cranking the choke but Macedo breaks the grip. Lee lands elbows trying to open up the choke opportunity. There’s an armbar opportunity for Lee if she wants, doesn’t seem to and instead lands elbows then tries the armbar just as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lee

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Lee avoids a spinning kick, Macedo is staying in motion here, trying to avoid getting pinned on the fence. There’s a clinch and Lee lands a few knees to the body and head. More knees to the body then that awful head and arm throw, they hit the mat but nothing comes up and then back on the feet Macedo basically pulls full guard. They’re kind of stalling out, Lee avoids an armbar attempt and stands back up then lands a few leg kicks. Macedo just hanging out on her back taking some kicks to the legs before the ref makes them reset on the feet. Bit of a left from Macedo, they clinch again and Macedo gets the takedown this time but Lee reverses quickly and is on top in leg drag position. Macedo rolls under for a knee bar, it’s pretty deep but Lee is able to push into it and stall out the atempt then threaten with an arm triangle choke of her own. Lee nearly has this locked up, she’s passed into side control and now has knee on belly, now full mount and she tees off with elbows, Macedo escapes just as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again. Macedo lands a bit of a left but gets tied up and Lee lands a knee to the body before Macedo gets free. Another clinch, Lee lands knees to the body and gets the back then takes Macedo down. Macedo has something akin to z-guard but no body control and Lee easily moves to side control and has the mounted crucifix. Lee gets the back, lands a right as Macedo rolls through and Lee stands again and lands leg kicks while Macedo hangs out on her back. The ref is really content to let the fighters decide if this position will continue, Lee decides to make Macedo stand back up. Right from Lee lands. Right to the body and had from lee lands. Another body shot from Lee then a left to the head and they clinch up. Lee has Macedo on the fence again and is working knees to the body and thigh then gets a mat return to land in side control. A few elbows land for Lee and she’s into full mount, now has the back again. Lee flattens Macedo out and lands a few elbows, now Lee after an armbar from the back but she can’t get it and Macedo is on top. That armbar is there again for Lee and she’s going for it but Macedo pulls free and moves towards half guard. Lee back to her knees, Macedo sells out for a guillotine choke but Lee pulls free easily and stands over her again, then goes into the guard again and lands a few punches, Macedo tries another submission attempt but nothing comes of it as time runs out.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Andrea Lee via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Decent showing from Lee, solid everywhere but she gets no interview.

Diego Rivas is coming off of his first professional loss in what was his bantamweight debut, he’s trying to put that setback behind him and get back to his generally winning ways. Guido Cannetti is coming off of a loss after a significant layoff, he’s trying to rebound here and avoid the first losing streak of his career. As for the odds, they’re with Rivas at -165 against +135 for Cannetti.

Bantamweight Bout: Guido Cannetti (7-3, 136 lbs.) vs. Diego Rivas (7-1, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rivas is two inches taller and has an inch of reach advantage, he’s also twelve years younger than Cannetti. They touch gloves to get things going, Cannetti doing some stance switching already. Both men circling and feinting. Leg kick from Cannetti. They clinch up and Rivas lands a hard knee to the body. Knees to the thigh now from Rivas and he’s after a takedown now. Rivas gets the single leg but Cannetti is back up and lands hammer fists as he gets Rivas on the fence. Cannetti gets an outside trip into half guard. Full guard now for Rivas, he’s after an armbar, it’s locked in but Cannetti slams free and lands punches as he moves to the ride position. Cannetti is looking to get the back, he’s got one hook in already but Rivas is back to his feet so Cannetti assumes the backpack position holding the back. A few lefts from Cannetti and he’s got both hooks in, and promptly loses one of them. Rivas moves in to Cannetti and is after a takedown but Cannetti defends the effort and they break as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cannetti

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Body kick from Cannetti lands. Rivas seems stuck in second gear, he can’t really get going. We get time as Rivas took an accidental groin shot when he was throwing a high kick. Rivas is ready to continue and we get a touch of gloves on the reset. Rivas catches a body kick and takes Cannetti down but Cannetti rolls through and gets on top in side control. Cannetti tries to mount but gets caught in half guard. Full guard for Rivas, and he lands an elbow from his back. Odd choice as Rivas had a chance to get up instead of getting full guard there. Cannetti lands a few punches but neither man is really accomplishing much here. The ref stands them up after a bit. Cannetti lands another body kick. Rivas catches a kick and gets a takedown, Cannetti immediately scrambles back up and Rivas sells out for an arm in guillotine choke. Cannetti really has to fight to get his head out but it does pop free. Rivas is trying to spin for an armbar again, he can’t get the arm and Cannetti punches him for the effort then spins to the back as they stand back up. The round comes to a close in that position.

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

ROUND THREE: There’s a hug to start the final round. Body kick from Cannetti, Rivas likely needs a finish. Rivas pushes forward and lands some punches, we get a quick brawl but they both separate before things get too crazy. Cannetti misses a couple of kicks. They clinch up and Rivas lands an elbow in close. Knee to the body from Rivas, Cannetti returns it. Cannetti tries a trip, Rivas avoids it and grabs a front headlock then a couple of knees to the body and head. Elbow and uppercuts from Rivas then he drops for a double leg but Cannetti grabs a guillotine choke. Rivas is able to get free and Cannetti wall walks but he’s bleeding from the hairline. Rivas lands another knee as they get up, that cut is around the right eyebrow of Cannetti not the hairline. They trade elbows then break and Rivas returns to forward pressure. Rivas lands a body kick. Cannetti lands a body kick then an inside leg kick, he’s playing for time a bit at this point. Rivas lands a body kick but he’s not going to win if he doesn’t get something meaningful going. They trade body kicks then can’t find the target with punches. Again they both miss punches, Rivas with a bit of a body kick as time expires.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rivas, 29-28 Cannetti overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Guido Cannetti via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Rivas just never got going until the third round. Cannetti on the mic now, might be a bad idea to have the guy who beat the only native Chilean on the card talk. He apologizes to the fans for the way he hyped up the fight because he was just trying to get himself mentally prepared for the fight then puts over his coaches and thanks them for helping him prepare mentally for this kid of reception. That crowd is still booing him.

Jared Cannonier has gone 3-3 in the UFC and is coming off of a loss to Jan Blachowicz, he’s trying to get his UFC record above .500 and take out one of the few prospects in the division. Dominick Reyes is undefeated and has gone 2-0 in the UFC, he’s trying to remain perfect and affirm his status as the best prospect the division has going right now. Reyes is your favorite at -230 against a +190 comeback for Cannonier.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Jared Cannonier (10-3, 205 lbs.) vs. Dominick Reyes (8-0, 205 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Reyes is five inches taller but the reach actually goes to Cannonier to the tune of half an inch. Reyes fighting southpaw, he lands a bit of a left as Cannonier starts coming forward. Cannonier lands a bit of a right to counter a leg kick. Another inside leg kick from Reyes. Body kick from Reyes. Reyes tries a single leg, can’t finish it though. Straight left lands for Reyes. Bit of a right from Cannonier lands, they clinch then break without much incident. Body kick from Reyes lands. Cannonier bulls in close and they both land punches. Short left uppercut from Reyes wobbles Cannonier and he’s after him with kicks. Cannonier is trying to stay up but another left uppercut from Reyes drops Cannonier to the mat and this one is over.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Dominick Reyes via TKO, punches, at 2:55 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Reyes for his work this evening. Cannonier isn’t happy with the stoppage, I’ll post the video when it’s available and let you decide for yourselves. Interview time for Reyes who says he trains hard and fights like a warrior, then puts over the event and what an honor it is to be in Chile. He says he knew the uppercut would be there because of the height difference and some of Cannonier’s habits. Asked who he wants next he calls out Jordan Johnson for the upcoming Los Angeles card.

Here’s the finish, just a nice little shoulder roll into a rear hand uppercut starts the whole thing off. As he flurries on Cannonier he lands that uppercut again after landing a front kick to the body of Cannonier that doubled him over. Good stuff, Reyes is the last prospect in the whole division at this point.

Alexa Grasso was thought to be a major prospect for the strawweight division, but she’s gone just 2-1 in the UFC and while she won her last fight she missed weight. If Grasso wants to get some of her shine back she needs an emphatic win here. Tatiana Suarez is undefeated and has two wins in the UFC, she’s trying to assert herself as the future of the division and move towards contender status with another win tonight. Suarez is a massive -750 favorite while the +475 payout on Grasso has to tempt the degenerate gamblers out there.

Strawweight Bout: #9 Alexa Grasso (10-1, 115 lbs.) vs. #12 Tatiana Suarez (5-0, 115 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two have the same height and reach measurements. They touch gloves to get us going, Suarez fighting southpaw. Suarez coming forward early, both women trying to get a read on each other. There’s a takedown attempt from Suarez, they hit the fence though and stall out, Suarez after the head and arm throw but Grasso after an armbar in transition. No real pressure on the arm and Grasso scrambles up, Suarez gets the double leg position and gets Grasso down against the fence. Grasso wall walks, Suarez rides her back down and lands in half guard. Another loose armbar attempt from Grasso but nothing doing, she’s back up but gives up the back and they wind up on the mat again with Suarez in half guard. Suarez gets the back now and has both hooks in and has the choke, that was quick and she’s after the choke, Grasso trying to hand fight but she’s going to go to sleep soon. Grasso tries to punch out, yeah that never works, and she has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Tatiana Suarez via Submission, rear naked choke, at 2:44 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Ms. Suarez for her work this evening. Interview time for Suarez, she says the camp for this fight was long and she’s happy to have that over with and talks about the tough camp along with a few injuries she had to work around. She talks us briefly through the finish and jokes about that attempt to punch out of the choke. Asked who’s next she says she’s not in a race but wants another top ten opponent and feels she’s the best strawweight in the world.

Here’s the finish, Grasso never really hand fights just fights the elbow then punches, none of which is really going to save you in this position.

Demian Maia has challenged for two different titles in the UFC but is currently on a two fight losing streak, if he wants to remain a relevant player at the top of the division he can’t afford to drop a third here. Kamaru Usman is on an eleven fight winning streak and is undefeated in the UFC, he’s taking a notable step up in competition here against a higher ranked opponent but a win would be the biggest of his career and would thrust him into the title picture. The odds heavily favor Usman at -700 to a +450 comeback on Maia.

Welterweight Bout: #5 Demian Maia (25-8, 171 lbs.) vs. #7 Kamaru Usman (12-1, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Maia is an inch taller but Usman has four inches of reach on him. There’s a quick touch of gloves, both men fighting southpaw. Leg kick from Usman. Some jabs from Usman, just feeling with his lead hand mostly. Missed left from Usman. Usman switches his stance, Maia lands a bit of a left. Another bit of a left from Maia, he’s willing to throw a bit. Usman doing some stance switching, tries a leg kick but Maia catches it and gets a double leg, Usman bounces right back up and we’re in the clinch on the fence. Maia has Usman on the fence and is looking to trip him down, he’s got the back actually with one hook in and nearly has a standing twister or the old abdominal stretch for pro wrestling fans. That one whizzer is saving Usman in a big way right here and Maia lands a few rights. The ref warns them for inactivity then separates them, I really don’t agree with that one. They split a few jabs, Usman lands a leg kick. Usman is trying to pick up the activity, and eats a left from Maia for his trouble. Usman has a right blocked as the last relevant part of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Maia

ROUND TWO: Maia misses a left to start the second round. They both miss a few punches, bit of a right from Usman lands. Usman lands a leg kick and a jab behind it. Maia tries a takedown, easily stuffed by Usman this time and Usman holds a front head lock to keep him from pulling guard. They regain their feet and separate without incident. Left lands for Usman. Usman lands a bit of a right. Leg kick from Usman but again Maia shoots on him, Usman is able to defend this one with his absurdly strong hips, Maia gets that against the majority of the world in that same position. Maia fades a right and lands a bit of a left. Single leg attempt from Maia but he can’t finish it and Usman lands a bit of a right as they break. A couple of rights from Usman lands, Maia lands an uppercut then Maia pushes into the clinch. Usman has control of the clinch position, Maia jumps guard and gets Usman on top of him. Things just stall out in that spot and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Usman, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the third round. Usman lands a bit of a right. Another right lands for Usman but his follow up punches are blocked. Usman lands a right but he’s not putting these together, they’re largely single shots. Maia lands a bit of a left. Neither guy is finding reliably success and this is getting sloppy and ugly. Leg kick from Usman, Maia tried to catch it and then tries to pull guard but Usman wants nothing to do with it. Right from Usman then a left to the body. Usman blocks alack luster single leg attempt, then sprawls on a doubel leg attempt and Maia is looking to pull guard again but Usman holds a cradle to stall things out until the round ends.

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

ROUND FOUR: Usman lands a right to drop Maia and is looking for hammer fists then has to settle for holding a front headlock as Maia is on his knees. Usman separates and makes Maia stand, then immediately sprawls on a takedown and lands a few rights from the front headlock position. They break and stand, Maia tries a takedown but can’t finish it and Usman keeps this upright. Short right lands for Maia. Boy this fight has really started dragging. Usman lands a bit of a right but again, these are single shots, if he’d string something together he’d have more success. Single leg from Maia, Usman defending and Maia fails to pull guard so Usman makes him stand back up. Usman lands a right. Maia blocks a couple of hooks as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Usman, 39-36 Usman overall

ROUND FIVE: They touch gloves for the final round. They get close and a few punches are traded then break apart. Usman blocks a single leg attempt, Maia tries to pull guard but the front headlock of Usman has been nullifying that all night. Usman stands and makes Maia regain his feet. Bit of a left from Maia but not much on it. Usman swings a couple of clubbing hooks that are mostly blocked. Another failed guard pull from Maia, Usman moving towards north-south position this time and Maia has an arm triangle position from the bottom, there’s no choke but he’s got control, then bails on it and Usman makes Maia regain his feet. Jabs land for both men, Maia pulls half guard successfully this time, Usman lands a couple of hammer fists then pulls free and forces the reset. Usman lands a right and a jab behind it. Usman eats a left then avoids a guard pull attempt. Boy that’s getting old. Maia blocks a combination, Usman lands a straight right then avoids a takedown attempt as time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Usman, 49-45 Usman overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Kamaru Usman via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46 x2)

Thank heavens that’s over, but Usman gets an interview to drag this out even further. He puts over Maia as a legend in the sport and feels he broke his right hand in the second and the left in the third but he still dominated a legend of the sport. Asked about the injury he jokes that Maia has a hard head and notes how Maia ducks his head into straight punches to take them on the hard part of his skull. With the expected question about what’s next he says he’s sick of calling people out and having them run from him, now they have to come fight him and he’s coming for the belt. He closes with some Igbo that goes untranslated, at least I think it’s Igbo.

On that note, UFC Fight Night 129 has finally come to a close. Tomorrow the 411 Ground and Pound Radio Show will dissect this bout and preview UFC Fight Night 130, which takes place early next Sunday morning when the UFC goes to Liverpool, England and the main event is another clash of top welterweights when Darren Till takes on Stephen Thompson. I’ll be back here for that, I think the first fight starts at 10 am eastern time which is 8 am for me so that’ll be fun. Anyway I hope you’ll come back for that card, I mean if you suffered through this you can probably suffer through anything. Until then thank you for your support, I can’t tell you how much it means to me, stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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