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411’s UFC Fight Night Report: Dolidze Decisions Vettori

March 16, 2025 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC on ESPN+ 112 Image Credit: UFC

MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)
#8 Marvin Vettori (186 lbs.) vs. #12 Roman Dolidze (186 lbs.)
Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (171 lbs.) vs. Chidi Njokuani (172.25 lbs.)*
Alexander Hernandez (156 lbs.) vs. Kurt Holobaugh (155.5 lbs.)
Da’Mon Blackshear (136 lbs.) vs. Cody Gibson (136 lbs.)
Diyar Nurgozhay (210.5 lbs.)* vs. Brendson Ribeiro (205.5 lbs.)
Seungwoo Choi (146 lbs.) vs. Kevin Vallejos (145.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 4 p.m. ET)
#12 Waldo Cortes-Acosta (261.5 lbs.) vs. Ryan Spann (249 lbs.)
A.J. Cunningham (136 lbs.) vs. Su Young You (136 lbs.)
Josias Musasa (136 lbs.) vs. Carlos Vera (136 lbs.)
Sam Hughes (116 lbs.) vs. Stephanie Luciano (116 lbs.)
Daniel Barez (126 lbs.) vs. Andre Lima (126 lbs.)
Priscila Cachoeira (135 lbs.) vs. Josiane Nunes (136 lbs.)
Yuneisy Duben (125.5 lbs.) vs. Carli Judice (125 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 112, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host. We’re in the warehouse tonight and boy does it feel like it. The main event is a rematch of a moderately forgettable fight between Marvin Vettori and Roman Dolidze, Vettori scored a moderately controversial decision win in a fight I scored for Dolidze at UFC 286. They’re running that one back here and while the winner is unlikely to get into the title picture it’s moderately important to the division. The co-main event might be fun as two nominal strikers in Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos and Chidi Njokuani square up. Beyond that things get a little dicey, Alexander Hernandez is back at lightweight, Da’Mon Blackshear is back in action, moderately noted prospect Kevin Vallejos makes his UFC debut as well. On the prelims Ryan Spann is trying to salvage his career by moving to heavyweight. Daniel Barez vs. Andre Lima is actually a decent flyweight encounter on paper. But this is clearly a warehouse card and we’re just left hoping for good enough action to elevate it a little bit.

UFC on ESPN+ 112 comes to the world from the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Brendan Fitzgerald, Michael Bisping, and Dominick Cruz will be calling the action for us. We’re in the smaller 25 foot cage because of the Apex, and don’t forget the use of 12-6 elbows is fine and the new definition of a grounded opponent is in play. Let’s see if anyone winds up in position to use it.

Yuneisy Duben is undefeated coming into her UFC debut, she’s never gone the distance as a professional and will be hoping to retain that finish rate and her perfect record after this fight is over. Carli Judice is on a two fight losing streak including her UFC debut last year, she’s trying to rebound from that and get her first UFC win under her belt. The odds like Judice at -305 to +245 for Duben.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Yuneisy Duben (6-0 1 NC, 125.5 lbs.) vs. Carli Judice (3-2, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Judice is three inches taller with two and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves, southpaw for Judice. Both women probe with some kicks early. Bit of a head kick from Judice. Both women land punches in close. Duben is looking to get into the pocket and swing while Judice is a bit more fighting on the outside then looking to angle and snipe. A couple of lefts land for Judice. Duben slips after taking a left hand, Judice is really picking at the holes in Duben’s defense. Front kick from Judice. Head kick from Judice floors Duben and that’ll do it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Carli Judice via TKO, head kick and punches, at 1:40 of Round 1

The First Round Finish club thanks Ms. Judice for her work. Mic time for Judice, she feels amazing to get the win and knew Duben hadn’t faced a lot of good strikers and she could get that win with all the improvements. She talks us through the finish to close.

Josiane Nunes has gone 3-2 in the UFC but she’s on a two fight losing streak and really needs to halt that skid here if she wants to move towards ranked opposition. Priscila Cachoeira shouldn’t be in the UFC but here we are, she’s 2-3 in her last five fights and is also on a two fight losing streak with both of those being submission losses. Cachoeira is likewise trying to find some kind of relevance in the division with a win. It’s not surprising to see the odds with Nunes at -160 to +135 on Cachoeira.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Priscila Cachoeira (12-6, 135 lbs.) vs. Josiane Nunes (10-3, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Cachoeira is five inches taller while Nunes has two inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves, southpaw for Nunes. Both women swing punches that don’t really land. Nunes briefly wobbles Cachoeira with a left hand. Cachoeira lands a few rights. Defense is not really a thing for either woman. Cachoeira lands another right hand. Left to the body from Nunes then an inside leg kick. Left hand from Nunes. Nunes lands an inside leg kick. Another inside leg kick from Nunes then she misses a left hand. Left hand from Nunes. Nunes lands a left to the body then they trade in close. Inside leg kicks go back and forth. Lunging right from Nunes. Nunes lands a left hand. Cachoeira lands an uppercut that ENDS Nunes.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Priscila Cachoeira via KO, uppercut, at 2:46 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mrs. Cachoeira for her work. Mic time for Cachoeira and the translator, she feels this is one of her best knockouts and she plans to do even better work in the future. She puts over her coaches then she goes on a long ramble about her past drug use and then really wants a post fight bonus.

Andre Lima is undefeated including being 3-0 in the UFC and if he can get to four in a row in the promotion he could be well set up to start moving from prospect to contender. Daniel Barez has gone 1-1 in the UFC but he is coming off of a win and now looks for his first UFC winning streak. The odds are solidly with Lima at -520 to a +390 comeback on Barez.

Flyweight Bout: Daniel Barez (17-6, 126 lbs.) vs. Andre Lima (10-0, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Lima is an inch taller with an inch and a half of reach advantage, he’s also a full decade younger. Lima comes out with a calf kick. A few calf kicks go back and forth. Barez starts looking to punch to counter the calf kicks but Lima is hip to that at the moment. A little bit of stance switching from Lima now but still mostly orthodox. Right to the body from Barez. Lima with a jab. Front kick from Lima. Lima lands a right hand that wobbles Barez. Barez backs up and works to recover. Lima lands another right hand but then misses a left hook and Barez hits a takedown. As Lima scrambles up Barez jumps to the backpack with one hook in. Lima is able to break that position and they reset. Barez with a left to the body. Left hook from Barez. Lima lands a jab then a calf kick. Uppercut then a left hook from Barez. Lima lands another jab then a left to the body. Barez avoids a chopping elbow. Left to the body from Lima but he took a bit of an uppercut. Barez avoids a spinning back kick. Lima with a calf kick, then another one. Knee from Barez then Lima swings a right to the body then a calf kick. A few jabs from Lima but then he pokes Barez in the eye so we’ve got a time out. Barez only takes 30 seconds though then we’re back to fighting. Lima back to calf kicks and jabs then avoids a takedown as they clinch up on the fence. The round ends in that spot.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lima

ROUND TWO: Lima misses a few kicks to start the round, then lands a body kick out of southpaw. More southpaw work from Lima then Barez lands a right to the body. Lima back orthodox to land a calf kick. Bit of a right to the body from Lima. Hard calf kick from Lima then a right hand. Jab from Lima then a right to the body. Lima is just breaking down Barez, he lands a bit of a tomahawk elbow then a double jab and a right hand. Another calf kick from Lima, then another one. The jabs and calf kicks from Lima are just tearing Barez apart. Left to the body from Lima then a right hand. Knee to the head from Lima then an elbow. Lima gets close and lands another elbow then a calf kick. Elbows and knees from Lima against the fence, the ref could stop this but Barez fires a punch to get Lima to fully clinch up. Barez’s face is a mess. Lima hits a trip takedown into side control. Barez is able to get full guard after taking a few punches. A few short elbows and body shots from Lima. The round will end with Lima still on top.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lima, could be 10-8 if you feel generous, 20-18 Lima overall

ROUND THREE: Lima lands a calf kick to start the round. More calf kicks from Lima then he avoids a takedown and gets Barez down with a clinch takedown into full guard. Lima avoids a triangle attack then punches his way back into the guard. Barez rolls to his knees looking to scramble up and Lima gets the back with both hooks in. Lima is fishing for a choke and eventually gets it and forces the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Andre Lima via Submission, rear naked choke, at 3:05 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Lima for his work. Mic time for Lima and the translator, he’s very excited and says he’s going to be a champion and will go one by one through the division if he has to. Asked who he wants next he wants the best striker in the division but doesn’t have a name. He also wants a bonus.

Stephanie Luciano is on a three fight winning streak including her UFC debut, she’s looking to continue that success here and establish herself as a prospect of note. Sam Hughes has gone 4-5 in the UFC but she is coming off of a win and if she does win here she’ll get her UFC record to the .500 mark for the first time. Luciano is the -160 favorite while +135 on Hughes might tempt a few bettors out there.

Strawweight Bout: Sam Hughes (9-6, 116 lbs.) vs. Stephanie Luciano (6-1-1, 116 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Luciano is an inch taller with an inch and a half of reach advantage. Both women come out striking. Bit of a high kick from Luciano. Hughes lands a calf kick. Right hand from Luciano. Front kick from Luciano. Hughes with a right hand then a couple of follow up blows. Both women land punches in close then Luciano lands a front kick. Another Luciano front kick but Hughes catches it and then trips Luciano down. Luciano is able to kick Hughes off and stand as Hughes jumps into a clinch. They trade some clinch work then Hughes lands an elbow. Luciano is able to pull free and they get back to throwing punches. Front kick from Luciano. Hughes lands a right hand. Clubbing left hook from Luciano. Bit of a body kick from Luciano. Hughes with a right hand. Luciano lands a right of her own. Hughes hits a takedown but can’t really secure it and they wind up clinched on the fence again. They then break and get back to striking. Bit of a one two from Luciano. Body kick from Luciano. Hughes with a front kick then Luciano lands a left hook in close. Bit of an uppercut from Luciano then a right hand. Leg kick from Luciano then another uppercut. Bit of a right from Luciano. Hughes avoids a jumping attack to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Luciano but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Luciano back to long range weapons and trying to maintain distance. Right hand from Luciano then a knee. Luciano jabs the body. Calf kick from Luciano then a right hand. Side kick from Luciano then a bit of a head kick. Hughes grabs a clinch but eats an elbow before Luciano gets free. Right hand from Luciano. Double leg from Hughes and she’s got Luciano down against the fence. Hughes settles into full mount and lands an elbow. Luciano gives up the back, Hughes grabs at the choke but Luciano is able to squirm back to mount to avoid it. Some more punches from Hughes and Luciano seems to really be struggling to deal with the mount position. Luciano gives up the back again and Hughes gets both hooks in and starts landing punches. Luciano does get to half guard. Hughes looks to pass and lands some elbows but Luciano is able to get full guard before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Hughes but might be 10-8, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They trade some punches then Hughes tries a takedown but Luciano gets the clinch on the fence. Takedown from Luciano and she gets to the back as they stand. They separate and reset after a bit. Bit of a right from Luciano. They trade in close. Bit of a left hand from Luciano. Hughes forces a clinch but Luciano gets her on the fence. A few knees from Luciano then Hughes pushes free. Bit of a left from Luciano. They trade punches in close again. Solid right hand from Luciano. Bit of a side kick from Luciano. Hughes forces a clinch and they hit the fence. Luciano is able to spin Hughes into the fence and land a knee then they break. Hughes lands a right hand. Neither woman has much pop in the strikes at this point. Luciano jabs the body then lands a right hand. They trade rights. Luciano lands a right hand. Hughes tries a double leg but Luciano defends it. Bit of an elbow from Luciano. They trade in close again to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Luciano, 29-28 Luciano overall but this comes down to the first

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Sam Hughes via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-27)

No real issues with that, or the 10-8 for Hughes in the second. Mic time for Hughes, she feels good but knows she should have done more in the third round. She puts over her coaches, this fight represents the 100th win for Fortis MMA coach Saif Saud and she puts him over in particular.

Carlos Vera dropped his UFC debut over a year ago but now he’s back and looking to have a more successful sophomore outing. Josias Musasa is undefeated coming into his UFC debut and he’s hoping to maximize his only chance at making a good first impression. Musasa is the biggest favorite on the card at -700 to Vera’s +500.

Bantamweight Bout: Josias Musasa (8-0, 136 lbs.) vs. Carlos Vera (11-4, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Musasa is two inches taller, has five inches of reach advantage and is 11 years younger. Southpaw for Musasa. Vera lands a body kick to start. A bit of stance switching from Vera as they move around. They both probe with kicks then Musasa avoids a takedown. They trade inside leg kicks. One two from Musasa. Musasa avoids a tie up. Vera with a side kick to the knee. Wheel kick from Vera mostly lands and Musasa just eats it. More inside leg kicks from Vera, he’s moving well thus far. Musasa catches a kick and pushes Vera down but refuses to engage in the grappling. More inside leg kicks go back and forth. Looping right from Vera partially lands. Vera lands a head kick that drops Musasa, he then jumps on the back and gets the choke locked up to get the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Carlos Vera via Submission, rear naked choke, at 3:16 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Vera for his work. Mic time for Vera and he thanks his family for their support and sends love to Ecuador before moving into thanking his coaches for all of their work. He is really glad to be able to show his skills after he dislocated his shoulder in his first UFC fight, and jokes that Bisping’s commentary in his first fight inspired him to show off his striking a little more.

Same side attack is powerful, especially open stances like this. Show the back hand, which Musasa avoids, but the head kick comes behind it when Musasa thinks the combination is done and it drops him. Nice stuff from Vera.

Su Young You is on a three fight winning streak that includes his UFC debut in November of last year and he’s looking to build some more momentum this year with another win here. AJ Cunningham dropped his UFC debut a little over a year ago but now is back in action and back at his natural bantamweight, he debuted up at lightweight on short notice, and looking for his first UFC win. You is among the biggest favorites on the card at -520 to a +390 comeback on Cunningham.

Bantamweight Bout: A.J. Cunningham (11-4, 136 lbs.) vs. Su Young You (14-3, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Cunningham is four inches taller with a significant six inches of reach advantage. Both men feint early, the size difference in favor of Cunningham is very obvious. You avoids a few strikes then lands a bit of a right hand. Body kick from You. Cunningham lands a leg kick. A right from You off balances Cunningham for a second then he lands a calf kick as well. Cunningham is starting to show southpaw now and lands a body kick. Body kick from You as Cunningham goes back orthodox. Bit of a calf kick from You then he hits a double leg into half guard. Cunningham is able to get full guard then works to scramble but You gets half guard and keeps him flat. Cunningham is able to wall walk but You keeps him on the fence then trips him down, bit of a fence grab from Cunningham but You punishes him by getting to full mount. You lands a few punches then Cunningham hip escapes to half guard. More punches from You then he gets to the ride position as Cunningham tries to scramble up. Cunningham does base up but You drags him down and holds the back as they stand to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 You

ROUND TWO: Cunningham gets back to stance switching and moving forward, he’s still mostly orthodox. You lands a calf kick. Cunningham fires a head kick that doesn’t land but he then avoids a right hand. You reaches for a leg but Cunningham avoids the contact. Now You begins showing stance switches and he lands a body kick. They tie up but Cunningham breaks free pretty quickly. Right hand from You. Another right from You connects flush. Cunningham misses a wheel kick. Bit of a jab from Cunningham. You avoids a few punches then lands a bit of a left hook. Cunningham lands a right hand after breaking a clinch. You tries a single leg, he gets Cunningham down to the mat but they wrestle up into a clinch. Clinch takedown from You into half guard. Cunningham tries to get on a hip and he’s able to get full guard. A few punches land for You then Cunningham tries a triangle choke but You lands hammer fists and he’s not in too much danger given the position and pulls free then lands another punch. You lands a few more strikes to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Cunningham tries to show the jab but his jab is just kind of there, it’s not a weapon right now. A lot of circling from both men and not much engaging yet. Cunningham avoids a right hand. You tries a single leg, he’s able to trip Cunningham down eventually and gets on top in side control then moves to mount like it’s nothing. Some short punches from You before Cunningham shrimps to half guard. You moves towards mount then gets the back and grabs at an arm triangle as he moves back to mount. The fence is complicating things as You can’t get to side control to really lock it down but he’s slowly tightening things up from mount and Cunningham winds up escaping the choke. Some lefts from You land as Cunningham gets to full guard. Cunningham tries an omoplata but You easily spins around to top position and gets the back as they stand. You blocks a switch and gets Cunningham down again and lands punches from top position as the time runs out.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Su Young You via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Pretty solid performance from You. Mic time for You and the translator, he says everything mostly went to plan but his counter striking game wasn’t quite as good as he hoped.

Waldo Cortes-Acosta has gone 5-1 in the UFC and is on a three fight winning streak but he’s been out of action for over a year, which seems to be kind of a theme for this card. Cortes-Acosta is looking to defend his ranking and possibly start earning shots at those ranked above him going forward. Ryan Spann has been with the UFC since 2018 and spent his time until now at light heavyweight, he’s just 1-3 in his last four fights but did end a three fight losing streak his last time out and now he’s trying to find a second life in the UFC by moving up to heavyweight. The odds are at -230 for Cortes-Acosta to +190 on Spann.

Heavyweight Bout: #12 Waldo Cortes-Acosta (12-1, 261.5 lbs.) vs. Ryan Spann (22-10, 249 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Spann has an inch of height and reach advantage. Both men show a few probing leg kicks early. Front kick from Spann. Bit of a clubbing right from Cortes-Acosta. Inside leg kick from Spann. Cortes-Acosta misses a few lunging punches. Calf kick from Spann then he lands a right hand. Jab from Cortes-Acosta. Cortes-Acosta with a right and Spann winds up tying up to stifle the swarm from Cortes-Acosta. They hit the fence then Spann spins free. Solid right hand from Spann then Cortes-Acosta returns it. Both men miss hooks in close. Spann avoids a few looping punches. Calf kick from Cortes-Acosta. Spann misses a head kick. They both kind of land lefts in close then they clinch up. Spann with a few knees before they break and Cortes-Acosta swings punches that are partially blocked. One two from Cortes-Acosta then he looks to follow up but they wind up clinched on the fence. Spann slips trying a judo throw and Cortes-Acosta stands over him as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cortes-Acosta

ROUND TWO: Spann takes a low blow fairly early into the round so we’ve got a time out. Ultimately Spann takes 55 seconds then we’re back to fighting. Some jabs go back and forth. We get another time out as Spann took an eye poke, replay shows it was much more of a punch so we’re back to fighting after 20ish seconds. Both men miss punches. Cortes-Acosta lands a few jabs, he’s starting to get dialed in. Bit of a left hook from Cortes-Acosta. Again Cortes-Acosta lands that jab. Bit of a right from Cortes-Acosta. Another low kick to the groin of Spann so we’ve got another time out. Replay confirms that kick went into Spann’s groin. No point taken of course, because there’s no downside to fouling in MMA. After 1:32 we’re back to fighting. Cortes-Acosta gets back to jabbing and stalking forward. Right hand from Cortes-Acosta. Body jab from Cortes-Acosta. Bit of a one two from Spann. Jab from Cortes-Acosta. The way Cortes-Acosta leans to avoid the right hand opens him up for a left head kick, but Spann isn’t throwing it. Bit of a combination from Cortes-Acosta. Spann tries a single leg but can’t finish it. They trade rights then Cortes-Acosta with a jab and a left hook that drops Spann and he gets on top and fires enough strikes to put Spann out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Waldo Cortes-Acosta via KO, punches, at 4:48 of Round 2

Mic time for Cortes-Acosta after the fight, he wants a bonus because we’re back to public begging this card. Asked who he wants next he says Tai Tuivasa or Derrick Lewis, Tuivasa fighting again at this point seems unlikely but Lewis isn’t unreasonable. He talks us through the finish and puts over his team.

Hooking off the jab is a nice skill to have.

Seung-woo Choi has gone just 1-4 in his last five fights and most recently lost to Steve Garcia in July of last year, Choi is trying to prove he still deserves his spot on the roster by avoiding another losing streak. Kevin Vallejos brings a three fight winning streak into his UFC debut, he’s twice fought on the Contender Series and those appearances have generated a little bit of hype for him coming into this fight. Vallejos is a pretty big favorite at -470 to Choi’s +360.

Featherweight Bout: Seungwoo Choi (11-7, 146 lbs.) vs. Kevin Vallejos (14-1, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Choi is five inches taller with a significant six and a half inches of reach advantage, Vallejos is 9 years younger though. Both men work the lead hand as they get going, Choi looks quite large for the weight class. Vallejos avoids a few kicks and is generally pressuring forward then lands a calf kick. Choi misses a few more kicks then lands a calf kick. Vallejos jabs the body then they trade calf kicks. Left to the body from Vallejos. Bit of a calf kick from Vallejos. Left hook from Choi after he took a body shot. Vallejos ducks a right hook then lands a right hand that drops Choi and then jumps on top and pounds him out to get the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Kevin Vallejos via TKO, punches, at 3:09 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Vallejos for his work. Mic time for Vallejos and the translator, he sends love to Choi who recently suffered a personal loss but still made it to this fight and hopes the UFC wont cut him. Asked about the future he says he wants a rematch with Jean Silva who beat him on the Contender Series.

Diyar Nurgozhay is undefeated coming into his UFC debut, he did miss weight for this fight which is never a good thing but a win would help smooth over that gaff. Brendson Ribeiro has gone 1-2 in the UFC but he is coming off of a win and now looks for his first UFC winning streak. Nurgozhay is a pretty big favorite at -455 while that +350 comeback on Ribeiro might tempt a few bettors out there.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Diyar Nurgozhay (10-0, 210.5 lbs.)* vs. Brendson Ribeiro (16-7 1 NC, 205.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ribeiro is an inch taller with a serious seven inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Nurgozhay. Ribeiro looks to establish kicks early but nothing really lands. Bit of a body kick from Nurgozhay. Ribeiro misses a head kick. Left to the body from Nurgozhay. Bit of a front kick from Ribeiro. Solid left hand from Nurgozhay. Left to the body from Nurgozhay. Ribeiro starts landing a few inside leg kicks then has a high kick blocked. Nurgozhay avoids a few punches. Nurgozhay pressures forward and lands a front kick. Ribeiro misses a right hand. Body kick from Ribeiro but Nurgozhay responds with a couple of body shots against the fence. Bit of a front kick from Nurgozhay. Ribeiro shows a few oblique kicks then misses a high kick. A one two from Ribeiro drops Nurgozhay, but Nurgozhay fights up and lands a left hand. Ribeiro avoids a spinning back kick. Both men miss power hand punches. Body kick from Ribeiro then Nurgozhay with a bit of a head kick. Ribeiro pressures forward but gets clubbed with a right hook. The round ends as Ribeiro tries a takedown but can’t finish it.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ribeiro

ROUND TWO: Bit of a left from Nurgozhay to start the round. A few inside leg kicks from Ribeiro. Nurgozhay hits a takedown against the fence, Ribeiro wall walks but Nurgozhay gets behind him and hits a mat return. Ribeiro tries a kimura sweep as Nurgozhay moves to half guard on top, he’s able to roll through with the kimura then gets the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Brendson Ribeiro via Submission, kimura, at 1:28 of Round 2

Mic time for Ribeiro and the translator, he plays with the “crowd” to the extent that it exists then says this is the result of a lot of hard work from him and his team. He puts over his work in the fight then says he’d like a bonus to close.

Da’Mon Blackshear has gone 3-3-1 in the UFC but he is coming off of a win and if he can get his second UFC winning streak up and running that could prove he’s found his footing in the UFC. Cody Gibson has gone 2-2 since returning to the UFC in 2023 but he is on a two fight winning streak and three in a row tonight would be the most consistent streak he’s ever had in the UFC. Blackshear is a notable favorite at -425 to a +330 comeback for Gibson.

Bantamweight Bout: Da’Mon Blackshear (15-7-1, 136 lbs.) vs. Cody Gibson (21-10, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Blackshear has an inch of reach advantage. Blackshear starts pressuring forward, both men land body shots then Gibson tries a takedown that stalls against the fence. Gibson tries the single leg against the fence but can’t get it. More pressure from Gibson and he digs the body repeatedly while trying to make this ugly. Knee from Gibson then he tried a takedown but Blackshear is blocking at the moment. They break the clinch without much incident. Some stance switching from Gibson as he moves around. Bit of a left from Blackshear. Front kick from Blackshear. Gibson lands an inside leg kick. Bit of a right from Blackshear. Both men block punches in close. Gibson lands a jab then tries a takedown but again that stalls on the fence. Blackshear jumps for a guillotine as he sits against the fence, Gibson avoids the legs getting into play and things are stalling out just a bit. Blackshear keeps adjusting the guillotine attack, he switches to a ninja choke and pushes Gibson over onto his back and gets on top in side control. Gibson looks to scramble but Blackshear keeps top position and threatens a d’arce, he’s got the hand lock but Gibson is on his back and not in danger. Blackshear bails on that to land an elbow before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Blackshear but a close one

ROUND TWO: Body kick from Gibson to start. Blackshear with a right hand, Gibson got cut around the right eyebrow from that elbow at the end of the first. Both men are looking to get the jab going. Blackshear blocks a few punches. Bit of a left hook from Blackshear. Gibson lands a leg kick. Some body shots from Gibson then he grabs a collar tie and we get some dirty boxing before Gibson hits a takedown against the fence. Blackshear works to wall walk then hits a reversal to get on top in half guard. Blackshear moves to side control and elbows the body a few times. A few short elbows to the head from Blackshear, he’s looking to lock up a kimura attack but Gibson is blocking the double wrist lock. Blackshear bails on the kimura attack to land a few short elbows. Mounted crucifix now for Blackshear and he starts dropping elbows to the head and body. Blackshear steps over the head, grabs a kimura and gets the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Da’Mon Blackshear via Submission, kimura, at 4:09 of Round 2

I don’t know how long it’s been since we’ve had back to back kimura finishes in the UFC. Mic time for Blackshear and he admits he started slow as he didn’t handle his rehydration process exactly right but he did get things going as the fight wore on. He talks us through the finish to close. Oh, the broadcast answers my question, the last time we had two kimura’s was UFC 123 in 2010. I don’t think we’ve ever had them back to back.

Alexander Hernandez is coming off of a win when he returned to the lightweight division last year and now he’s looking for his first winning streak since 2018 to prove he’s ready for a real push in the weight class. Kurt Holobaugh has gone 2-1 since returning to the UFC for the third time last year, a win here would get him his first UFC winning streak ever. The odds like Hernandez at -190 while a Holobaugh win would payout +160.

Lightweight Bout: Alexander Hernandez (15-8, 156 lbs.) vs. Kurt Holobaugh (21-8 1 NC, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Holobaugh is two inches taller but Hernandez has two inches of reach advantage. Both men show the jab early. Front kick from Hernandez. Holobaugh lands a leg kick. Bit of a left from Hernandez. Again Hernandez lands a front kick then a right hand. Holobaugh is taking a fair number of inside and outside leg kicks. Short right from Holobaugh in close. Double jab then a right hand from Hernandez. Both men avoid punches but they’re visibly taking turns, whoever disrupts that rhythm first should get an advantage. They’ve both started stance switching as well now. Bit of a body kick from Holobaugh. They trade body kicks then trade leg kicks. Right hand from Hernandez. Bit of a body kick from Holobaugh. Hernandez misses punches then pushes out of a clinch. Both men with some punches in close. Holobaugh off balances Hernandez then lands a right hand to follow up. Again they trade leg kicks. Hernandez lands a left hook. Jab from Holobaugh then a body kick. Hernandez avoids some punches then tries a takedown but Holobaugh grabs a guillotine on the way down and that stalls things on the mat as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Holobaugh but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Holobaugh pushes forward right away and wants to start a brawl. Front kicks from Holobaugh then Hernandez lands a left hook. They trade punches then Holobaugh lands a combination to the body and head in close. Right hand from Holobaugh. Hernandez lands an uppercut. Holobaugh is starting to just move forward more and more, neither of these guys are great off the back foot. Body shots from Holobaugh and then they clinch, trade, and separate. Solid right hand from Holobaugh then he clinches up on the fence. A few knees go back and forth then they break. They split jabs then Holobaugh lands another right hand. They trade in close again then clinch. Bit of an elbow from Holobaugh as they break. Right hand then a left hook from Holobaugh. Hernandez with a double leg to get on top in full guard. Holobaugh looks to tie up a leg and invert but Hernandez is stalling him out. Hammer fist from Hernandez. Holobaugh settles for getting full guard back after bailing on the leg. They trade strikes on the mat to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Holobaugh but Hernandez might have stolen it at the end, 20-18 Holobaugh overall

ROUND THREE: Quick takedown from Hernandez and he moves to side control. Holobaugh scoots to his seat and winds up catching half guard. Hernandez threatens an arm triangle but Holobaugh blocks that. Holobaugh sits up then looks to get motion going but Hernandez just passes to full mount briefly before Holobaugh hip escapes to half guard. Hernandez stifles a sweep attempt. Hernandez lands a few strikes then Holobaugh scrambles up and they reset. Both men land punches then they clinch and Holobaugh lands a knee. Right hand from Holobaugh then he gets taken down by Hernandez. Hernandez passes to half guard then threatens another arm triangle, this one’s much more developed even though he’s stuck in half guard. Holobaugh defends and gets out of the arm triangle then grabs at a kimura but Hernandez is hip to it and gets his arm back then lands an elbow. They both swing strikes on the mat to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Hernandez, 29-28 Holobaugh overall

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

30-27 for Hernandez doesn’t seem right to me. Mic time for Hernandez and he says he lost some control over his right arm after he slipped in the first and might have aggravated a neck injury. He thanks the UFC brass and his team.

Chidi Njokuani has gone 2-3 in his last five bouts but he is on a two fight winning streak since returning to welterweight, though he did miss weight for this fight. A win would set him up nicely for a more serious run this year, assuming the weight gaff is a one time thing. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos has been with the UFC since 2015, in fact his 10 year anniversary is coming up in May, and he’s gone 1-1-1 in his last three fights. Dos Santos did win his last fight and now he’s looking to prove he’s still got some life in him despite the miles and being 38 years old. The odds are with dos Santos at -205 to +170 for Njokuani.

Welterweight Bout: Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (25-8-1, 171 lbs.) vs. Chidi Njokuani (24-10 1 NC, 172.25 lbs.)*

ROUND ONE: Njokuani is four inches taller with a serious seven inches of reach advantage, plus he missed weight. Some early front kicks from Njokuani, mostly just range finding. Dos Santos is avoiding a lot of the kicks but he’s struggling to get offense going. Those front kicks from Njokuani are starting to add up, then they both kick and dos Santos takes the kick to the groin so we’ve got a time out. Dos Santos only takes 18 seconds then we’re back to fighting. More front kicks from Njokuani. A right hand from dos Santos bothers Njokuani then they tie up. They hit the mat briefly then scramble up and reset. Njokuani back to front kicking. They bang shins on kicks, that always sucks. Dos Santos tires a single leg, he gets Njokuani down but Njokuani bounces up against the fence with dos Santos on his back. They get chest to chest then wind up separating after a bit. Njokuani shows more kicks, he’s starting to add in the question mark kick after all the front kicks. Bit of a left from dos Santos as they break a brief clinch. Jab from dos Santos. Jab from Njokuani closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Njokuani but could go either way based on dos Santos hurting Njokuani

ROUND TWO: Both men swing punches in close then dos Santos blocks a high kick. Njokuani avoids a takedown attempt. Inside leg kick from dos Santos. Njokuani misses a head kick then they both land punches in close. We get a time out as dos Santos took an eye poke during an exchange. Replay confirms some fingers hit the eye, not a bad one visually and dos Santos only takes 34 seconds. Njokuani keeps firing kicks including landing a decent front kick. A knee from Njokuani drops dos Santos then he gets on top and starts dropping elbows until the ref steps in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Chidi Njokuani via TKO, knee and elbows, at 2:19 of Round 2

Fun fact, that’s the first time someone who missed weight has won in the UFC in 2025. Mic time for Njokuani after the win, he is real happy with the win and was really aware that he might have had a three round war and then was happy to get the finish. He talks us through the finish and notes he was waiting for the spins but they didn’t quite come. He puts his team over and then says he’d have cut the last bit of weight but the doctor stopped him and he says it wont happen again. For his next fight he wants a ranked opponent, anyone with a number can get it.

Marvin Vettori has been out of action since June of 2023 when he dropped a decision to Jared Cannonier but he’s making his return here and looking to avoid his first ever losing streak. Roman Dolidze has gone 2-2 in his last four fights but he is on a two fight winning streak and he’s looking to avenge a prior loss while also moving up the middleweight ranks. Despite the layoff Vettori is still a slight -150 favorite to +125 for Dolidze.

Middleweight Bout: #8 Marvin Vettori (19-7-1, 186 lbs.) vs. #12 Roman Dolidze (14-3, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Dolidze has two inches of height and reach advantage. Southpaw for Vettori. Both men probe with some leg kicks early. Dolidze blocks a high kick. They bang heads in close and we get a brief break for both men to recover. After 15 seconds or so we restart. Bit of a left hook from Dolidze. A couple of punches partially land for Dolidze. Vettori lands a right hook. Dolidze checks an inside leg kick. Vettori lands a jab. Front kick from Dolidze then Vettori responds with a left hand. Dolidze checks another inside leg kick. Both men land hooks in close. Vettori avoids a high kick. They feint away the last 10 seconds or so.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Vettori

ROUND TWO: Bit of a left from Dolidze, he’s looking to step through on a right hand then follow up with an overhand left. Bit of a right from Dolidze then a front kick. Vettori lands a left hand but then complains of an eye poke so we’ve got a time out. Replay confirms there was thumb to the eye, the ref warns Dolidze and tells him that will be the last warning. They restart after 30ish seconds. Both men show kicks then they trade punches in close. They trade power hand punches again. Dolidze tries to lure Vettori into a spinning elbow but can’t quite land it. Glancing right from Dolidze. Vettori with an inside leg kick. Dolidze with a front kick. Bit of a counter right from Dolidze. Vettori can’t connect with a head kick. Jab from Dolidze. Both men miss punches in close. Vettori lands a right hook. Left hand from Vettori. Bit of a right hook from Dolidze then they both land in close to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Dolidze, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Dolidze lands a right hand to start the round. Vettori avoids a few punches then lands a body kick. Bit of a left hook from Dolidze. Right hand then a left hook from Dolidze. Vettori lands a left hand and Dolidze is hurt, he looks to follow up and they trade punches in close before both men settle down a bit. Front kick from Vettori. Bit of a front kick from Dolidze. Counter left from Vettori lands. Dolidze lands a left hand. They trade power hand punches. Vettori blocks a couple of high kicks then Dolidze lands a body kick. Calf kick from Dolidze, then another one. Another leg kick from Dolidze, that lead leg of Vettori might be a little hampered. Vettori lands a combination. They clinch up on the fence and just ice the last 10 seconds there.

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

ROUND FOUR: Vettori with a counter left after Dolidze over extended on a right hand. Dolidze lands a knee. Right hand from Dolidze. Dolidze bulls forward and lands a couple of punches. Another bit of a right hand from Dolidze. Front kick from Dolidze. Again Dolidze lands the front kick. Dolidze pushes forward and lands a few hooks, Vettori seems to be fading a bit in the output area. Bit of a back elbow from Dolidze. Front kick from Dolidze then a bit of a front kick to the face. Calf kick from Dolidze. Again Dolidze with a front kick up high then a bit of a right hand. Back fist from Dolidze then a bit of a right hand. Dolidze swings a right hand that partially lands. Left hand from Vettori will basically close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Dolidze, 38-38 overall

ROUND FIVE: Dolidze lands a leg kick then throws a head kick which is blocked. Right hand from Dolidze. Front kick then a leg kick from Dolidze. Vettori with a right hook in close then they both miss punches. They trade punches in close again. Front kick from Dolidze. Clubbing right from Dolidze. Bit of a knee from Vettori. Dolidze bulls close and lands a right hand. A few front kicks from Dolidze, he’s getting Vettori towards the fence now. Body kick from Dolidze. Bit of a right hand from Dolidze then they exchange in close. Dolidze with another front kick. Right hand from Dolidze. They trade punches. Bit of a one two from Vettori. Vettori complains of a low blow on a kick, we get a time out as replay confirms there was a kick to the groin. Vettori takes 20 seconds then we’re back to action. Left hook from Dolidze then he fires a head kick which partially lands. Strong knee to the head from Dolidze but Vettori shakes it off. Another glancing head kick from Dolidze. Left hook from Dolidze. Vettori avoids a head kick then they trade in close briefly. Dolidze keeps showing the head kick but not really landing it. Vettori lands a stiff jab as the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Dolidze, 48-47 Dolidze overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – via unanimous decision (49-46 x3)

Dolidze could have taken the first without controversy. Mic time for Dolidze, he puts over Vettori then says five hard rounds was a big test for him and he’s got to be ready for anything in the cage. He reiterates how happy he is with his cardio. Asked what he wants next he wants a top five opponent, Whittaker or Adesanya in particular. Big call out in either case.

On that note UFC on ESPN+ 112 comes to a close. Thank you for reading, be that live or after the fact. Next week the UFC is back in London and we’ll have an earlier start time for UFC on ESPN+ 113 so be aware of that, and of course I’ll be here to cover it. Until then thank you for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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