mma / Reports

411’s UFC Fight Night 95 Report 9.24.16

September 25, 2016 | Posted by Robert Winfree

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC Fight Night 95. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening, calling all of the action just as I see it. Tonight is the UFC’s second trip to the capital city of Brazil and they’ve brought a lot of Brazilian nationals with them. The main event is the second UFC fight for Invicta FC featherweight champion Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino. She’s regarded as one of the best female fighters in the sport and takes on the unknown Lina Lansberg. Also on the card former bantamweight champion Renan Barao tries to avoid a three fight losing streak against Phillipe Nover and the requisite heavyweight bout features Roy Nelson and Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva. This event comes to us from Ginásio Nilson Nelson in Brasilia, Brazil. While Kenny Florian is taking a leave of absence after the passing of his younger brother we’ve got a couple of new faces that will be on commentary for the next couple of events, tonight we’ve got bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz joining Jon Anik on the mic.

Glaico Franca won the fourth season of The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil but followed that up with a loss to James Vick to bring his UFC record to 1-1 though he’s 3-1 in his last four fights. Franca will be trying to avoid a two fight losing streak and begin moving back up the lightweight ranks. He took this fight on about a month’s notice when Joaquim Silva got injured so that bears watching. Gregor Gillespie is undefeated as a professional and making his UFC debut here, he’ll be looking to make as big an impression as possible and walk away with a win. Franca’s a slight -145 favorite to the +115 for Gillespie.

Lightweight Bout: Glaico Franca (13-4, 156 lbs.) vs. Gregor Gillespie (7-0, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Franca has three inches of height and six of reach on Gillespie. Both men come out jabbing, Franca also lands a follow up right. Another right from Franca gets through. Gillespie misses a single leg attempt, his left eye is already a little busted up from those rights. Franca blocks another takedown attempt. Gillespie lands a hard right, Franca returns it. Franca defends a takedown attempt, Gillespie tries another one that stalls out on the fence. Gillespie still after the takedown, gets the double leg against the fence. Franca sitting on the fence, back up quickly but Gillespie is still after the takedown. Gillespie tries another single leg, Franca staying upright so far and sneaking in elbows when he gets the chance. Gillespie gets the back standing and drags Franca down then gets one hook in from the back. Gillespie gets both hooks in now and starts looking for the choke. Gillespie lands a couple of elbows and punches, mostly just trying to open up the submission. Franca tries to roll, Gillespie just rides him but Franca is able to slip out the back and regain his feet. They separate without issue. Gillespie lands a jab. Gillespie lands another jab then a hard right and hits a double leg takedown into half guard. The round ends in that spot.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gillespie

ROUND TWO: Circling to start, Franca lands a bit of a jab. Gillespie lands a jab then a bit of a right. Gillespie has the better jab of the two, lands a leg kick as well. Franca lands a hard right then a knee to the body but Gillespie has the clinch and gets Franca down into half guard. Franca tries a sweep, he can’t finish it but uses the motion to regain his feet. They both land jabs, Gillespie lands a hard right. Gillespie lands a double jab, eats a counter right though. Gillespie tries a single leg, that stalls out on the fence and Gillespie is still after the takedown. Franca grabs the fence to remain upright and they separate. Gillespie fakes a couple of punches and tries a double leg that stalls out on the fence. Franca defending well so far, Gillespie is relentless though. Franca grabs the fence again but Gillespie takes him down anyway and lands in side control. Gillespie working short punches and elbows. Gillespie gets to knee on belly for a moment, lands a few more punches and elbows to close out the second round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Franca, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Franca working the jab early, eats a right counter from Gillespie. Gillespie tries a double leg that reaches the fence and Franca looks to defend. Gillespie trying for a trip, Franca defends that but he can’t get away from Gillespie. Gillespie spins Franca from the fence and takes him down, landing in his guard. Gillespie passes to half guard. Gillespie mounts when Franca tries to roll him, bad spot for Franca. Gillespie lands some blows, mostly short elbows. Franca is able to shrimp and get half guard. Franca tries to sweep but Gillespie shuts that down and lands an elbow. Gillespie back into mount now and resumes landing punches and elbows. These aren’t hard blows but they’re landing consistently. Another couple of elbows land for Gillespie. More elbows from Gillespie, Franca gives up his back and Gillespie has both hooks in. Gillespie lands more punches while Franca just holds on for the end of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gillespie, I could see a 10-8 argument, 29-28 Gillespie overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gregor Gillespie via unanimous decision (29-27 x3)

I should have gone 10-8 for round 3, that was utter domination. Mic time for Gillespie who thanks the fans for coming out despite part of their culture being to hate the outsider coming in. The crowd politely acknowledges that. He puts over Franca as having hurt him with the right hands so he had to adjust his game and puts over Franca again as being a tough fighter who made him work harder than anyone else has.

Vicente Luque is 2-1 in the UFC and on a two fight winning streak, both of those submission wins, and if he can extend that winning streak to three here he’ll make the rest of the welterweight division take notice of him. Hector Urbina is 1-1 in the UFC and coming off of a loss, he’s actually 2-2 over his last four, and will be looking to get his UFC record north of .500 as well as avoid a two fight losing streak. Luque is a hefty -600 favorite while the payout on an Urbina win stands at +400.

Welterweight Bout: Vicente Luque (9-5-1, 171 lbs.) vs. Hector Urbina (17-9-1, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Luque has two inches of reach on him. Urbina misses a high kick then a side kick. Luque lands a hard left, Urbina tries a takedown but Luque stays upright against the fence. Luque spins free and blocks a right. Luque lands a right, eats a stiff jab though. Luque lands a hard combination of uppercuts and hooks in close, Urbina backs into the fence and they trade but a wicked right from Luque ENDS Urbina’s night.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Vicente Luque via KO, punch, at 1:00 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Luque for his work this evening. Luque gets an interview after that one. He thanks God and is happy to be fighting at home and thanks the crowd for all of their support. He switches to English to put over Urbina as a forward moving tough fighter, he talks us through a bit of his game plan to move in and out and make Urbina miss. He puts over his coaches for getting him to this point then says he wants the toughest opponent he can get and feels that he’ll be ready to go again very soon as he feels great. He goes back to Portuguese to close out the interview again thanking the fans.

That finish deserves another look.

Alan Patrick is 3-1 in the UFC, that lone loss coming at the hands of the highly skilled Mairbek Taisumov, and looking to get a second UFC winning streak going here with what would be his second consecutive win. Patrick has been a respected prospect for a while now and if he can continue his winning ways here he’ll be on his way to proving some of that potential. Stevie Ray is 3-0 in the UFC and on a five fight winning streak overall, if he can run his UFC record to 4-0 here at the expense of a talent like Patrick he’ll be knocking on the door of top fifteen status. The odds on this one are pretty close but favor Ray at -170 to the +140 for Patrick.

Lightweight Bout: Alan Patrick (13-1, 156 lbs.) vs. Stevie Ray (19-5, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Patrick is an inch taller and has a reach advantage of four inches. Both of these gentlemen are southpaws. Patrick circling, bum rushes into a double leg but Ray regains his feet quickly against the fence and we’re clinched. Ray turns Patrick into the cage, Patrick drops for a double leg and gets a trip takedown against the cage. Ray back up, Patrick trying to get his back standing and tries a sacrifice throw but Ray read that and lands in full mount. Ray spins for an armbar as Patrick tried to regain his feet, Ray’s really on that arm. Patrick stands trying to break the submission. Patrick’s elbow is out of danger though and he tries to drop into the gaurd of Ray but Ray is already back up against the fence. Patrick tries a takedown, eats an up kick but does get into the guard of Ray. Ray lands an elbow from his back. Patrick avoids a triangle attempt and lands a hammer fist then passes to half guard. Patrick passes to side control and immediately looks to mount but Ray threatens with a guillotine to break that position. Patrick back in Ray’s guard, lands a short elbow. Patrick passes to half guard again, Ray fighting to re-guard as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Patrick

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. Patrick lands a right hook and gets in on a takedown attempt. Ray defending so far, Patrick keeps turning him and gets him down landing in half guard. Ray trying to elevate Patrick, Patrick staying tight to him though. Patrick lands a couple of lefts and Ray gets to full guard. Ray trying to wall walk, gives up his back in the attempt and Patrick has a hook in and Ray rolls to his back and gets half guard again. Patrick trying to pass, Ray keeping him in his guard this time. The ref stands them up after they stall out. Patrick misses a body kick. Patrick looks a little winded. Ray lands a right hook then blocks a takedown attempt, tries to spin for the back and gets both hooks in. Ray to a body triangle now, he’s got one of Patrick’s arms trapped with his legs. Ray with some rights to the body and head, Patrick trying to hold on for the end of the round at this point. Ray lands a few more rights as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the last round. Patrick circling, Ray moving forward. Patrick sneaks in a left hand and gets a takedown but he’s got the back with no hooks and Ray is digging for a knee bar. Patrick is able to roll to his knees and break that attempt then get in the guard of Ray. Patrick lands a few short blows. Ray reaches for a double wrist lock, Patrick passes to half guard basically killing the attempt. Patrick goes for a kimura of his own, he’s got the double wrist lock but the fence is right there and impeding the attempt. Patrick gives up on the kimura and lands an elbow. Patrick back to the kimura attempt, maybe going for a straight armbar from the double wrist lock. Ray isn’t in real danger though and Patrick holds the arm as the clock runs down.

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

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

I can see Ray stealing the second round. Mic time for Patrick now. He says he’s happy to be the underdog because he chooses his own destiny and he chooses to be a winner. He says he was surprised at Ray’s ability to defend but he trains with the next middleweight champion Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza so he was very prepared. He closes by telling Dana White he wants to buy a house, not sure that fight will get him the post fight bonus he’s referencing there. That’s it for Fight Pass for the evening, we’re on Fox Sports 1 for the remainder of the evening.

This fight started as two different fights, Erick Silva was to fight Brandon Thatch and Luan Chagas was scheduled to take on Shinsho Anzai but Thatch and Anzai got injured and the UFC just matched up Silva and Chagas with each other. Erick Silva had a bit of hype behind him at one point, but being just 2-3 in his last five fights and on a two fight losing streak has significantly cooled that talk and now he’s likely fighting for his job as the dreaded three fight losing streak has been the cause for many a fighter getting their walking papers. Luan Chagas went to a draw with Sergio Moraes in his UFC debut but had won nine fights in a row before that and is after the all important first UFC win here, and taking out a recognizable name like Erick Silva will get him noticed as well. Chagas is a slight -130 favorite while the comeback on Silva stands at +125.

Welterweight Bout: Luan Chagas (14-1-1, 171 lbs.) vs. Erick Silva (18-7 1 NC, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Chagas has a slight one inch reach advantage. Touch of gloves to get things going. Chagas circling, Silva lands a bit of a jab. Chagas moving forward, Silva misses a right. Chagas lands a leg kick. Chagas switches to southpaw and Silva responds with a body kick. Chagas back to orthodox, back to southpaw and Silva lands another body kick. Chagas lands a hard right. Chagas switching his stance pretty frequently now. Silva lands a hard inside leg kick. Chagas lands a wicked left hook that drops Silva, Silva back up but he’s in the clinch now and his right eye is swelling. Silva lands a knee to the body, Chagas lands a knee as well then a right as they break. Chagas lands a bit of a wheel kick. Chagas lands a leg kick. Chagas lands a jab. Chagas working the jab, Sliva lands a spinning back kick to the body. Chagas lands a jumping knee to the body and follows up with several punches while Silva covers up and recovers. Chagas ate a couple of body shots as well, both men have discolored bodies. Chagas just misses a high kick. Silva sprawls away from a double leg attempt. Silva ducks a kick and lands a right hook that drops Chagas. Silva trying to follow up on the mat, lands a few more blows just as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Silva

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. Chagas tries an inside low kick from the southpaw stance, Silva apparently took that one in the groin and will get time to recover. Silva quickly recovers and we’re back to fighting. Silva tries a leg kick but Chagas avoids it, they scramble briefly and Chagas nearly gets the back but Silva scrambles out and winds up in the guard of Chagas. Chagas tries to set up a leg lock, Silva spins out of it and lands a right while standing over Chagas. Silva lands a hammer fist, then a hard right. Chagas to his knees, Silva tried to set up a Peruvian neck tie but Chagas rolls out of it and regains his feet. Chagas lands a left and begins marching forward. Chagas lands a hard left uppercut that drops Silva. Chagas tries to follow up on the mat, Silva quickly closes his guard but eats a couple of hard elbows. More elbows from Chagas and Silva gets to the turtle position. Chagas has the back, now the mount. Chagas lands more punches, Silva to half guard though and tries to set up a sweep. Chagas reads the move and winds up in side control. Chagas lands a hard elbow and passes to mount. Chagas tries an armbar, can’t finish it though and Silva winds up in the guard of Chagas. Chagas tries an armbar, Silva avoids it. silva lands a couple of rights and Chagas gives up his back from the turtle position. Silva after the choke as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Chagas, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves again for the final round. Both guys are dead tired, not that I blame them after the crazy first two rounds. Silva lands a stiff jab. Chagas has a high kick blocked. Chagas misses a wheel kick. Silva lands a left body kick, Chagas just misses a right hook and tries a takedown but Silva is able to avoid it. Chagas sticks with Silva and gets him on the cage. The ref breaks them apart very quickly. Silva lands a good left to the body. Chagas lands a couple of punches, he’s tired but is still moving forward. Chagas just has a spinning back fist blocked. Silva lands a jab. Another jab from Silva lands then he has a high kick blocked. Hard right lands for Silva but Chagas lands a counter right. Chagas lands a leg kick. Chagas lands a right hook that wobbles Silva but he can’t follow up. Chagas lands a left and a knee. Silva lands another jab, that’s landing almost at will. Silva lands an uppercut and a hook. Chagas lands a left hook, he tries to get a takedown but Silva reads it and spins to the back then gets the choke.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Erick Silva via Submission, rear naked choke, at 3:57 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Silva for his efforts this evening. Wild fight. Silva gets an interview now. He talks a lot before letting the translator do his job so something might be lost. He thanks God for the strength, puts over his new team, thanks his sponsors which he notes that he can’t name but asks Reebok to sponsor him and if the UFC brass are looking for someone to give a post fight bonus too he’s right here.

Here’s that finish in case you missed it the first time.

Jussier Formiga has been a top flyweight for a long time in fact at one point he was considered the best flyweight in the world and his only UFC losses are to John Dodson, Joseph Benavidez, and Henry Cejudo. Fromiga is coming off of that loss to Cejudo but had won three in a row before that and if he wants to make a run towards the title he needs a win here. Dustin Ortiz has been a good prospect in the division basically since his UFC debut but he’s coming off of a loss to Wilson Reis and if he wants to make the jump from prospect to contender a win here is critical. Formiga is the -190 favorite to the +155 of Ortiz.

Flyweight Bout: #3 Jussier Formiga (18-4, 126 lbs.) vs. #12 Dustin Ortiz (15-5, 124 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Formiga has two inches of reach advantage. Ortiz comes out moving forward, lands a left to the body then they trade leg kicks. They get close and Formiga trips Ortiz down and lands in half guard. Formiga passes to side control. Ortiz trying to roll, he can’t get Formiga off of him but he does get back to half guard. Ortiz working some elbows from his back but there’s not a whole lot on them. Formiga working to pass again, and he’s back in side control. Formiga lands a knee to the body. Ortiz able to hit a sweep into the guard of Formiga. Ortiz lands a short elbow. Formiga lands a couple of elbows from his back. Ortiz lands an elbow. Ortiz can’t pass the guard of Formiga. Formiga tries an armbar, Ortiz avoids it before it develops that much. Formiga to his feet and has Ortiz on the fence as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Formiga

ROUND TWO: Formiga lands a bit of a left hook, Ortiz lands a left body kick. Formiga lands a bit of a right. They clinch again, Formiga can’t hit a foot sweep and they separate. Formiga lands a bit of a jab, Ortiz lands a right and gets close but Formiga gets a takedown into the half guard of Ortiz. Formiga looking to pass again. Formiga passes right into mount. Ortiz gives up the back but gets back to a hip quickly. Formiga gets to the back and has a body triangle locked up. Ortiz trying to move but Formiga is riding him and looking for the choke. Formiga lands some body shots as well while looking for the choke. Ortiz can’t break the body triangle and Formiga is still after the choke while hand fighting. Formiga with more punches but he can’t quite get the choke under the chin and Ortiz will hold on for the end of the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Formiga lands a jab to get things going, then he slips a right. Ortiz misses a couple of punches, he’s switching his stance frequently now but eats a leg kick. Formiga lands another couple of leg kicks. Ortiz just misses a high kick. They clinch up, Ortiz lands a couple of rights to the body before they break. Ortiz lands a right and a left. Formiga lands a right in close quarters. They clinch up again, Formiga gets the back standing and pushes Ortiz into the fence. Formiga jumps to the back with both hooks in and Ortiz drops to a knee. Formiga goes back to the body triangle. Formiga after the choke again, working some punches in as well. Ortiz to his knees, he’s trying to shake off Formiga but that’s not going to work and he drops back to the mat. Formiga still after the choke, he nearly gets Ortiz belly down but Ortiz gets to a sitting position. Formiga after the choke again, just a crank at this point and Ortiz is able to spin into top position for the last ten seconds.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jussier Formiga via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 30-27)

I can see 10-8 for round 3 for Formiga and possibly Ortiz having taken the first round as he ended it on top despite being stuck in guard for all of his top time. No interview for Formiga though.

Rani Yahya is on the verge of a top fifteen spot in the division as he’s on a three fight winning streak and hasn’t lost since returning to bantamweight, a fourth consecutive win here would almost certainly get him an official ranking and continue his climb towards title contention. Michinori Tanaka is 2-1 in the UFC but is coming off of a win over former title challenger Joe Soto and if he can unseat the veteran Yahya he’ll have the biggest win of his career and be set up for a step up in competition next. The odds have this even at -115 for each man.

Bantamweight Bout: Michinori Tanaka (11-1, 135 lbs.) vs. Rani Yahya (22-8 1 NC, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Yahya has an inch of height but Tanaka has half an inch of reach on him. Yahya moving forward early, Tanaka lands a leg kick. Tanaka lands a couple of rights. Yahya misses a couple of punches but lands a left body kick. Tanaka switching his stance frequently. Tanaka slips on a kick and Yahya dives on top of him and grabs an arm triangle then moves to side control looking to finish it. Tanaka holding on but Yahya is tightening the squeeze. The only thing saving Tanaka is that Yahya can’t keep rotating because of the fence but his squeeze is still impressive. Tanaka able to break free, though I’m not sure Yahya didn’t just let him out, and Yahya settles back into side control. Tanaka able to explode to his feet and spin into Yahya and wind up in his half guard. Tanaka lands a couple of elbows and Yahya has to settle for full guard. Yahya throws up a triangle, his legs are in position but his position against the fence is keeping him from really locking that down. Tanaka is throwing some knees to the butt from here as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Yahya, 10-8 depending on how you score close submission attempts

ROUND TWO: Tanaka lands a stiff jab to start the second round. Yahya misses a right and tries a body kick that goes into the groin of Tanaka. Tanaka gets time to recover now. Tanaka is good to continue and we’re back to fighting. Yahya punches in close, tries a takedown but Tanaka tries a guillotine then a judo throw and he’s technically on top but Yahya nearly has the back. Yahya has the back now in the ride position as Tanaka regains his feet. Yahya gets a quick double leg takedown but Tanaka is back up and Yahya has the back standing. Yahya to the front and gets another takedown. Tanaka gets a crucifix as he was taken down but Yahya easily escapes and gets on top in side control. Really fun transitions from these two. Tanaka gives up the back and tries to roll free but he can’t out scramble Yahya and has to settle for getting up in the clinch. Yahya gets another takedown, Tanaka holding a one arm guillotine to prevent Yahya from taking the back. Yahya gets the back again, Tanaka back up again but he still can’t get free. Yahya has his arms locked around his body and wont let go for anything. Yahya throws Tanaka back to the mat, Tanaka back up and back down again. Tanaka back up and tries another rolling throw but Yahya is using that motion to get his back after they land. Tanaka explodes and turns into the guard of Yahya where the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Tanaka comes out jabbing, lands a bit of a right too. Tanaka lands a body kick but Yahya catches it and spins him down then gets the back with one hook in. Yahya has a full nelson going but Tanaka slips free and spins into the guard of Yahya. Tanaka lands a couple of hammer fists. Tanaka lands a couple of rights. The ref stands them up as they were basically stalled out. Tanaka moving Yahya back and lands a right then clinches and trips Yahya down landing in his guard. Tanaka lands a couple of rights to the body, Yahya tries for a triangle, switches to an oma plata but Tanaka is reading those and landing punches. Tanaka has the crucifix position again but Yahya is looking to spin and land on top. Yahya is able to spin into top position, Tanaka trying to stand but Yahya has the body lock and gets him down again. Tanaka grabs the fence to regain his feet, Yahya takes him down and tries to set up another arm triangle but Tanaka is back up and Yahya takes him back down again. Tanaka back up again but Yahya has the back standing. Tanaka blocks a takedown and lands some rights as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Tanaka, 29-28 Yahya overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Rani Yahya via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

No interview for Yahya but a bunch of fun grappling exchanges there.

Michel Prazeres missed weight for this fight but is 4-1 at lightweight in the UFC and on a two fight winning streak, he needs a win here to compensate for missing weight as a bad loss combined with missing weight has spelled the end of more than one fighter’s UFC run. Gilbert Burns is 3-1 in the UFC, that loss is to Rashid Magomedov, and is coming off of a win. Burns will be trying to get his second UFC winning streak here and begin a move up the lightweight ranks. The odds favor Burns at -240 while a Prazeres victory pays out at +190.

Lightweight Bout: Gilbert Burns (12-1, 156 lbs.) vs. Michel Prazeres (20-2, 158 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Burns has four inches of height and three and a half of reach on Prazeres. Touch of gloves to get us going. Burns lands a leg kick but it’s caught and a right from Prazeres catches him off balance. Prazeres lets him up and lands a right then a leg kick. Burns circling on the outside. Prazeres lands a right, tries to flurry but Burns drops him with a counter right and they scramble briefly befor Prazeres pushes him off. Prazeres lands a left hook then a right in close. Burns still circling, Prazeres lands a leg kick. Burns tries a body kick but it hits the groin and we’ve got time for Prazeres to recover. Prazeres is good to continue after a second though. Prazeres lands a leg kick, Burns lands one of his own but Prazeres is timing those kicks and looking to counter. They both land in close quarters. Burns lands a stepping left knee to the body. Hard left body kick from Burns lands. Prazeres digs a right to the body. Prazeres lands a left to the body. Prazeres lands a leg kick. Burns lands a bit of a right and just avoids a counter. Prazeres hits a trip takedown but immediately stands, he clearly wants nothing to do with the grappling of Burns. Burns lands a right uppercut. Burns misses a high kick, Prazeres lands a couple of counters. Burns misses another high kick then avoids a takedown. Burns misses a front kick to the body to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Prazeres but I could see arguments either way

ROUND TWO: Prazeres lands a leg kick, Burns returns it. We get time for something, might have been an eyepoke to Prazeres, but we’re back to fighting quickly. They clinch up and trade. Burns misses a knee but eats a couple of punches and Prazeres gets him on the fence. They break, Burns lands a couple of left body kicks but Prazeres catches the last one and trips him down but again wont engage in the ground game with him. Prazeres moving forward, Burns circling. Prazeres lands an outside then an inside leg kick. Burns blocks a couple of punches. Burns tries a takedown but Prazeres sprawls then Burns lands a knee to the head. Prazeres lands a leg kick but that knee wobbled him a little bit. Burns lands another jumping knee, Prazeres lands a body kick then Burns lands a leg kick. Burns misses a right, eats a counter. Burns lands another body kick. Prazeres lands an inside leg kick. Burns tries a double leg, Prazeres sprawls out of it and holds a front headlock then disengages. Prazeres lands a right and left in close. Prazeres lands an overhand right, Burns lands a left hook. Prazeres lands a leg kick. Prazeres lands a right. Burns lands a body kick. Prazeres lands a left hook. Prazeres lands another leg kick. They stare the last few seconds away.

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

ROUND THREE: Quick hug to start the last round. Burns lands a straight right. Burns tries a takedown, can’t get it and Prazeres lands a couple of body shots as they break. Prazeres lands a leg kick. Prazeres hurts Burns with a left body kick, Burns drops to his back but Prazeres wont engage much. Prazeres drops into the half gaurd of Burns and lands a right. Prazeres lands another couple of rights then he disengages and lands a leg kick. Prazeres makes Burns stand back up. Prazeres lands a leg kick. Prazeres backing up Burns and lands another left body kick. Prazeres digs a left to the body. Prazeres avoids a knee and digs another couple of body shots. Prazeres lands a leg kick. Burns lands a bit of a right, Prazeres falls just a little short on the counter. Prazeres has a body kick blocked. Burns lands a jumping knee and eats a bit of a counter right. Prazeres lands another leg kick. Burns misses a high kick. Burns lands a jab and they trade body kicks. They trade in close, Prazeres and Burns brawl for the last few seconds then Prazeres hits a takedown at the buzzer and lands in side control.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Prazeres in the easiest round to score, 29-28 Prazeres overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Michel Prazeres via unanimous decision (39-27 x3)

A little surprised by those 30-27’s but not too much, as I said those were close rounds. No interview for Prazeres as we’re short on time. That wraps up the prelims, now to the main card though we’re still on Fox Sports 1.

Godofredo “Pepey” Castro is 3-1 in his last four fights but is coming off of a loss to Darren Elkins and needs to get back on the winning side of things to avoid another UFC losing streak and remain relevant in the division. It bears noting that Castro took this fight on short notice when Renato Moicano got injured. Mike De La Torre is 2-2 with 1 No Contest in the UFC but is coming off of a win and another one here would be his first UFC winning streak and could signal that he’s found some consistency in the promotion. The odds are dead even on this one, -115 for both men.

Featherweight Bout: Mike De La Torre (14-5 1 NC, 146 lbs.) vs. Godofredo “Pepey” Castro (12-4, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: De la Torre has four inches of height on Castro but Castro has two and a half inches of reach on him. Castro moves forward early, de la Torre eats a wheel kick and Castro swings in close and they clinch. Castro basically pulls guard then regains his feet still in the clinch. They separate without issue. They both swing wild, this one can’t last at at this pace. They trade more, de la Torre gets rocked by a right but he wont go down. Castro works elbows in the clinch and a knee. Castro lands rights as they break but de la Torre stays upright. They clinch again, Castro has the back standing and drags de la Torre down to the mat and he’s got both hooks in. Castro goes to the body lock and begins looking for the choke. Castro lands a couple of rights while trying to open up the choke. De la Torre gets to his knees but Castro gets the choke under the chin, I don’t know how but de la Torre breaks the grip. Castro back to the choke again as de la Torre got back to his knees, this time de la Torre can’t break the grip and has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Godofredo “Pepey” Castro via Submission, rear naked choke, at 3:03 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Castro for his work this evening, and advises the newly formed Final Round Finish Club to alter their name so as to avoid having an identical initialization. Castro get’s an interview now. He says fighting in Brazil is great and he wants another shot at a top ten guy next. He says the strategy was to get into a fight and his game plan is just to get rid of his opponent any way he can. He closes by thanking his family and the fans.

Here’s that finish if you missed it live.

Thiago Santos just had a four fight winning streak broken by Gegard Mousasi and will be looking to rebound from that setback at the expense of his opponent here. Eric Spicely lost his UFC debut when he was submitted by Sam Alvey but was undefeated before that and if he can upset Santos here it’ll easily be the biggest win of his career. Santos is the second biggest favorite on this card at a massive -650 but if you like underdogs the +425 payout on Spicely might be tempting.

Middleweight Bout: #15 Thiago “Marreta” Santos (13-4, 186 lbs.) vs. Eric Spicely (8-1, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Spicely is an inch taller but Santos has three inches of reach on him. Touch of gloves to get us going. Santos moving forward but will switch his stance. Spicely dives on a single leg then pulls half guard. Spicely has a lock down on the caught leg, Santos lands an elbow. Spicely switches towards an oma plata, he’s got it locked in but Santos pulls free and stands. Santos lands a left body kick. Spicely tries a double leg, hits a trip and gets in half guard. Spicely trying to set up a kimura, Santos defending so far. Santos stands, Spicely spins all the way round and gets the backpack then gets the choke under the chin and Santos has to tap out. Massive upset there.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Eric Spicely via Submission, rear naked choke, at 2:58 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Spicely for his work this evening, and would like to note that it has been giving out more gift baskets than the Final Round Finish Club tonight. Mic time for Spicely. He says this was a dream come true as he’s always wanted to be in the UFC and win and talk to Jon Anik or Joe Rogan. He puts over Santos as a terrifying striker but he knew he could win on the mat. He says he thinks he hurt Santos with a right that let him get the takedown and he’s a very patient grappler and knew he’d get the win. He says he likes finishing guys in the first round as he’s not paid by the round. Asked who he’d like next he says he beat the number fifteen guy so he should be number fifteen and now wants number fourteen. You can’t apply logic to the UFC rankings sir, it just doesn’t work.

Here’s the finish again, huge upset as Santos was the biggest favorite on this card aside from the main event.

Francisco Trinaldo is quietly on an impressive six fight winning streak, nothing to sneeze at in the UFC’s lightweight division. If Trinaldo can extend that to seven here he’ll have to crack the top fifteen of the division, an absolute necessity if the 38 year old wants to make a run at the top. Paul Felder is 4-2 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak of his own, if he can make that three in a row at the expense of the streaking Trinaldo he’ll be on his way to the top fifteen as well and will be making good on the potential he’s showed in the UFC thus far. The odds respect Trinaldo’s winning streak, he’s the -135 favorite while Felder’s comeback is set at +105.

Lightweight Bout: Paul Felder (12-2, 155 lbs.) vs. Francisco Trinaldo (20-4, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Felder has two inches of height on Trinaldo but just half an inch of reach on him. Trinaldo fighting southpaw, they touch gloves to get us going. Trinaldo staying on the outside early, both men feinting early. Felder lands an outside leg kick. Felder lands a bit of a jab, then a body kick. Trinaldo lands a body kick. Felder lands a body kick, they’re both using power kicks to the body early. Felder lands a body kick and a jab, Trinaldo lands a couple of body kicks then just avoids a spinning back fist from Felder. Felder lands a body kick and a right, Trinaldo lands a counter left. Another left lands for Trinaldo and they trade in close before clinching. Trinaldo lands a knee to the body and gets Felder on the fence. Felder blocks a takedown attempt. Trinaldo lands another knee to the body. They trade elbows, Trinaldo tries to set up a trip but Felder avoids it. Felder lands a knee to the body and they trade elbows as they break. Felder ducks a left and gets the clinch again. Felder lands an elbow as Trinaldo is able to spin him into the fence. They resume jockeying for position and break with a knee to the body from Felder. Felder misses a spinning kick. Felder lands an inside leg kick but Trinaldo lands a counter left. Trinaldo with a body kick and a left. Felder lands a body kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Trinaldo

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. Trinaldo lands a body kick. They get close and wing hooks at each other. Felder lands a right elbow. Felder lands an inside leg kick then a knee to the body. Trinaldo lands a left. Felder slips a left and lands two lefts of his own. They trade again in close, both men landed hard lefts, Trinaldo is cut under the left eye after that exchange. Felder lands another inside leg kick. Felder lands a body kick. They clinch again, Trinaldo gets a trip takedown into the guard of Felder. They trade some blows, Trinaldo lands an elbow that cuts Felder around the right eye. Looks to be on the corner of the eyebrow. Trinaldo passes to half guard. Felder tries to sit up, Trinaldo uses a front head lock to push him back over. Trinaldo lands a couple of more elbows as Felder tries to wall walk. Felder up against the fence, Trinaldo still has the clinch and lands a knee to the thigh. Trinaldo trying to get the back pack, Felder breaks that and spins into him then pushes Trinaldo into the cage. Felder lands a spinning elbow as they break. Trinaldo dances around for the final ten seconds or so.

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

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the last round. Trinaldo circling, Felder lands a body kick. Trinaldo tries a high kick that’s blocked. Felder lands a right to the body. Felder misses a high kick. Trinaldo lands a straight left. Felder misses a wheel kick. Felder blocks a high kick and lands a left. Felder lands a leg kick. Felder lands a knee to the body. Felder has a high kick blocked. Trinaldo lands a left and they clinch again. Trinaldo lands a knee to the body, that punch got the cut on Felder’s right eye bleeding again. We get time for the cut, that is a massive gash on Felder’s eyebrow this is likely going to be stopped. The doctor is in to check on the cut and yeah this one is over.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Francisco Trinaldo via TKO, doctor stoppage due to a cut, at 2:25 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Trinaldo for his work this evening, and regrets to inform the First Round Finish Club that a vote to change the name failed unanimously also that quantity is no substitute for quality. Trinaldo now has the second longest active winning streak in the lightweight division, behind only Tony Ferguson. Mic time for Trinaldo now, he says he trains to fight the best and while he’s not one of the best yet he’ll be there soon. He says he’s building a gym for underprivileged kids who will be able to train for free there. He says that his wife is pregnant and hopes to be the worlds greatest dad as no one can take away being a good parent, also says that anyone who wants to donate to his social project he’ll take that with open arms.

Here’s a couple of pictures of that cut, I totally understand the stoppage. Scroll past it if you’re squeamish.

Roy Nelson is 1-4 in his last five fights and is coming off of a somewhat controversial split decision loss to Derrick Lewis, he needs a win here to avoid yet another UFC losing streak and ensure some job security. Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva is also 1-4 in his last five fights but is on a two fight losing streak, his most recent win was over Soa Palelei, and if he drops three in a row here he could easily be cut from the UFC as a result. Nelson is a heavy -450 favorite to the +325 for Silva.

Heavyweight Bout: #11 Roy Nelson (21-13, 258 lbs.) vs. #15 Antonio Silva (19-9 1 NC, 265 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Silva has four inches of height and a whopping eight of reach on Nelson. Touch of gloves to get things going. Both men circling, Nelson moving forward though. Silva lands a bit of a body kick. Nelson lands a couple of lefts, Silva lands a leg kick. Nelson lands a leg kick. They both just miss rights. Silva lands a leg kick. Nelson misses a right. Silva has switched to the southpaw stance, Nelson lands a bit of a right. Silva back to orthodox. Nelson lands a hard right. Nelson lands a couple of rights, Silva backing up and eats a body kick. Silva tries a couple of rights that are blocked. Nelson lands another right. Nelson tries a single leg, that winds up in the clinch on the fence. Nelson works some knees to the thigh. Nelson lands a right to the body. They both land as they separate and the round ends with lefts being traded.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Nelson

ROUND TWO: Silva lands a low leg kick but eats a counter right. Nelson moving forward generally, Silva backing up. Silva misses a kick. Silva lands a leg kick then eats a counter right. Nelson misses a right then eats a counter from Silva. Nelson lands a straight right. Silva throws an inside leg kick that hits the groin of Nelson. Nelson has up to five minutes to recover. Nelson walks it off and we’re good to continue fighting. Silva bum rushes towards a takedown that Nelson defends. They trade knees from the clinch then break after Nelson misses a right. Nelson lands a left and an uppercut. Nelson lands a straight right. Nelson blocks a takedown and lands a right. Nelson lands another straight right, then another one that wobbles Silva a bit. They trade rights in close quarters. Nelson lands a massive uppercut that FLOORS Silva, Silva tries to recover from his guard but Nelson stands over him and lands some punches to get the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Roy Nelson via KO, punches, at 4:10 of Round 2

Important win for Nelson there, who’s now on the mic. He says winning here puts him back at the top and he’d like a full camp for a rematch with Stipe Miocic then thanks the fans. He says the first round was more like a sparring round and he got to open up in the second. He says he could have walked off from the punch but he had to throw more punches even when he knew Silva was out, he had some sign language for the ref after the stoppage, and he doesn’t want to hurt Silva as he’s a friend but he needed to throw more to get the stoppage.

Here’s that finish if you missed it.

Renan “Barao” Pegado is the former UFC bantamweight champion but he’s in a bit of a rough patch, being just 1-3 in his last four fights. Two of those losses are to TJ Dillashaw and the other came to Jeremy Stephens in his featherweight debut, if Barao wants to remain a relevant fighter he absolutely has to win here and avoid a three fight losing streak. Phillipe Nover is 1-1 in his second UFC stint though that win was somewhat influenced by Clucky, if he can get a win here over a former champion it’ll be the biggest win of his career and would provide some much needed upward momentum for him. Barao is a substantial favorite to get back on the winning side of things at -500 while Nover’s +350 payout will attract a few value bets.

Featherweight Bout: Renan “Barao” Pegado (33-4 1 NC, 146 lbs.) vs. Phillipe Nover (11-6-1, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Nover has three inches of height and two of reach on Barao. Touch of gloves to get things going. They split jabs quickly. Barao lands an inside leg kick. They split jabs again. Barao lands a heavy leg kick, Nover fires a counter right. Both men still range finding and getting a feel for things. Barao just misses a right. Nover lands a jab. Barao lands a hard right then a left. Barao lands a right and a left to the body but eats a counter left. Barao lands a leg kick. Barao lands a bit of a left hook. Nover lands a jab. Barao just misses a flurry, lands a hard leg kick though. They both land wide left hooks. Nover lands another jab, Barao responds with a leg kick. Barao lands a left uppercut to counter a jab, he’s starting to get the timing of Nover down. They both land jabs again, Barao lands another leg kick. Barao misses a wheel kick. Barao lands a left body kick as the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Barao

ROUND TWO: Touch of gloves for the second round. Both men working the jab again to start this round. Barao lands a stiff right then a follow up left. Barao lands an inside leg kick then an outside one. Barao throws a wheel kick that lands to the chest. Barao lands a counter left hook, he’s really getting a feel for this fight now. Barao lands a jumping knee then a follow up left. Barao lands a leg kick. Nover lands a left body kick. Barao slips a jab. Nover has a high kick blocked. Barao slips a jab and lands a left to the body. Barao lands another leg kick then misses a wheel kick. Nover lands an inside leg kick. Barao digs a left to the body and then a left hook. They clinch and trade, both men landed well before they disengaged. Barao lands a leg kick. Barao lands a bit of a left, Nover getting a bit wild and possibly desperate. Barao gets a body lock takedown with ten seconds left in the round so Nover just lets him stay in his guard as time expires.

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

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the last round. Barao circling this round, blocks a couple of kicks from Nover. Barao lands a glancing right. Nover fades a right and lands a left hook. Barao lands a leg kick. Barao lands a straight right. They clinch up and Barao hits an inside trip against the fence. Nover now sitting on the cage and looking to wall walk but Barao has mounted the legs. Nover still trying to stand, he’s able to push Barao off of him and they separate. Barao lands a right. They trade jabs, Barao lands another straight right. They clinch and Barao lands a knee to the body then gets Nover on the cage. Nover able to slip free and Barao lands a jab. They both miss rights. They clinch again and Nover lands an elbow as they break. Nover misses a left high kick. They trade knees to the body, Nover lands a right to the body but eats a knee. Barao blocks a high kick then takes Nover down to a knee against the cage. Nover wall walks but is stuck in the clinch and Barao drags him down then gets the back as the clock expires.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Renan “Barao” Pegado via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)

What round did Nover win and who paid a judge to see it that way? Even Clucky isn’t that stupid. Mic time for the former champion now. He thanks the crowd and reminds them that he loves Brazil. He says you’ve got to always be evolving and he’s been training hard to that end. Asked who he’d like next he just wants to fight and will take any opponent. He closes by thanking his coaches and team, then promises to be back in the gym tomorrow.

Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino is one of the best female fighters on the planet and is the Invicta FC featherweight champion, she’s not lost since her professional debut and has finished her last four wins in the first round. Justino needs a win here to continue her record of dominance and extend her legacy as one of the best women in the sport. Lina Lansberg also hasn’t lost since her professional debut, she’s on a six fight winning streak and if she can score the upset here it would be the biggest of her career and one of the biggest in the history of the sport. Speaking of the odds, Justino is favored by the almost comical -1100 while the degenerate gamblers will be drooling over the +650 comeback on Lansberg.

Catch-Weight Bout: Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino (16-1 1 NC, 141 lbs.) vs. Lina Lansberg (6-1, 140 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Justino has an inch of height and two and a half of reach on Lansberg. Lansberg circling early, Justino backing her towards the fence. Justino lands some punches and gets the clinch on the fence. Justino lands elbows and a couple of knees to the body. Justino with more knees to the body. More knees to the body from Justino, these are solid knees. Lansberg lands a bit of an elbow, Justino lands a couple of rights. They break and Justino lands a flurry of blows before Lansberg grabs the clinch again. Justino has Lansberg on the fence again and resumes landing knees to the body. Justino lands a couple of rights. The ref separates them after the action slows. Justino lands a right as Lansberg gets the clinch again and Justino pushes her into the cage. More knees to the body being traded. Justino gets a double leg takedown into side control. Justino now in full mount and starts teeing off on Lansberg. Lansberg on a hip and turtling up trying to shrimp but Justino is postured up and landing blows. Lansberg back up but eats a knee to the head then one to the body and is back on the fence. They break and Justino tees off with punches and knees, Lansberg grabs the clinch for dear life to see out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Justino, borderline 10-8

ROUND TWO: Justino back to forward pressure, Lansberg trying to circle. Justino lands a hard overhand right and a flurry including several body shots and body kicks. Lansberg grabs the clinch to survive again, her nose is bleeding and likely broken. Justino with more knees to the body. Lansberg able to spin Justino into the fence but Justino spins her back. Justino hits a body lock takedown into side control. Justino looking to mount, settles for knee on belly and lands a series of rights. Lansberg able to get to guard but Justino doesn’t care and keeps hitting her in the head. Justino with elbows from half guard. Hard punches from Justino now, Lansberg is covering up but not doing much else. Justino in side control again and landing more punches finally prompts the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino via TKO, punches, at 2:29 of Round 2

That was an absolute mauling. Justino on the mic now. She thanks everyone for coming out and feels blessed, she’s happy to have another good performance. She puts over Lansberg, noting that she took the fight down because she knew she was better there. Asked what’s next she says she just wants to keep having super fights and keep her fans happy. She closes by wishing everyone a good night and saying she fights for them.

Lansberg gets an interview, her nose is busted and her right eye is swollen shut. She thanks the UFC for the chance and puts over Justino as great even though she hoped she’d have done slightly better. She thanks Justino for the fight and says she enjoyed it, noting the irony of that herself to close the interview.

Here’s the flurry to kick off the second round.

And here’s the finish.

That’s going to wrap up UFC Fight Night 95, thanks for being here and reading I know just how many choices you have for MMA coverage and the fact that you choose mine is perpetually humbling. We’ll be breaking down this event Sunday at 8pm eastern standard time on the 411 Ground and Pound radio show, which takes callers at (323) 657-0901 if you’ve got a question or comment you’d like addressed on the air. We’ll also be previewing next week’s UFC Fight Night 96: Lineker vs. Dodson. I’ll be back next Saturday for that event, I hope you’ll come back for that one. Until then thanks again for being here and remember to keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.