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411’s UFC Fight Night Report: Gane Steamrolls Spivac

September 2, 2023 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC on ESPN+ 84 Image Credit: UFC

MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 3 p.m. ET)
#2 Ciryl Gane (250 lbs.) vs. #7 Serghei Spivac (256 lbs.)
#3 Manon Fiorot (125 lbs.) vs. Rose Namajunas (125 lbs.)
Thiago Moises (156 lbs.) vs. Benoit Saint-Denis (156 lbs.)
Bogdan Guskov (205 lbs.) vs. #9 Volkan Oezdemir (205 lbs.)
Yanis Ghemmouri (146 lbs.) vs. William Gomis – (146 lbs.)
Morgan Charriere (146 lbs.) vs. Manolo Zecchini (146 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (12:30 p.m. ET)
Taylor Lapilus (135 lbs.) vs. Caolan Loughran (136 lbs.)
Ange Loosa (171 lbs.) vs. Rhys McKee (171 lbs.)
Nora Cornolle (136 lbs.) vs. Joselyne Edwards (136 lbs.)
Farid Basharat (136 lbs.) vs. Kleydson Rodrigues (134.5 lbs.)
Jacqueline Cavalcanti (139 lbs.) vs. Zarah Fairn (140 lbs.) – 140-pound catchweight

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 84, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the event. The UFC is back in Paris for this one, they debuted in the country last year after the MMA ban was finally lifted and we got a pretty cool event that included the crowd spontaneously singing the French national anthem during the main event. The card this time around isn’t the deepest but the main event is relevant, Ciryl Gane is trying to rebound after a disastrous outing against Jon Jones while Serghei Spivac is trying to take another step towards the title picture. Spivac asks some important stylistic questions of Gane in the wrestling department and this could be a crossroads fight for Gane to see if he ever really breaks through to the title. The co-main isn’t terrible, Rose Namajunas moves up to flyweight after that truly terrible fight last year when she dropped the belt to Carla Esparza of all people and she’s being welcomed by Manon Fiorot. Fiorot has been on a hot streak lately and is trying to beat a former champion, the winner here will have a case alongside Erin Blanchfield as the next title challenger pending the outcome of the Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko rematch later this month. After that the pickings get a little slim, Benoit Saint-Denis and Thiago Moises could be quite fun, Morgan Charriere finally makes his UFC debut, and Farid Basharat has looked solid thus far. We’re really hoping for action though as on paper, this isn’t terribly compelling.

UFC on ESPN+ 84 comes to the world from the Accor Arena in Paris, France. We’ve got John Gooden, Paul Felder, and Michael Bisping on commentary. Once again I’m not fully sure on how instant replay will be handled but everything else seems more or less settled in the rules department. Do also keep in mind we’re in the 30 foot cage instead of the smaller 25 footer.

Zarah Fairn has gone 0-3 in the UFC and likely finds herself in a must win scenario here as 0-4 would probably end her time with the promotion. Jacqueline Cavalcanti stepped in on short notice to replace Hailey Cowan, hence the catchweight, but she brings a three fight winning streak into her UFC debut and will be looking to get her promotional run started with a win. It’s not too surprising to see Cavalcanti as the favorite, but at -395 it’s rather heavy against +310 for Fairn which might make for a tempting value bet.

Catchweight Bout: Jacqueline Cavalcanti (5-1, 139 lbs.) vs. Zarah Fairn (6-5, 140 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Fairn has two inches of reach advantage, Cavalcanti is also 14 years younger. Touch of gloves to get things going. Fairn with a bit more forward pressure early. Cavalcanti circles and shows the jab. Bit of a right from Cavalcanti. Cavalcanti lands a leg kick. Fairn falls short on a few punches and eats a couple of leg kicks. Cavalcanti avoids a few punches. Fairn lands a couple of jabs. Cavalcanti lands an inside leg kick. A few front kicks from Cavalcanti are starting to land, she’s doing a decent job at picking at Fairn from the outside and not taking anything back. Cavalcanti lands a right hand. One two from Cavalcanti then a front kick. Calf kick from Cavalcanti, she’s starting to warm up and throw more combinations now. Another right from Cavalcanti but she takes an eye poke and we’ve got a time out. Replay confirms the eye poke, both eyes got hit. The doctor is in to check on Cavalcanti, she’s got up to 5 minutes based on a recent rule change and she’s allowed to wipe at her eyes with a cloth. The doctor checks her once she’s ready for that, and we’re good to continue as Fairn gets a hard warning then we’re back to fighting after a shade over two minutes. Cavalcanti keeps jabbing and circling, Fairn is pushing forward but isn’t landing much. Fairn misses a jab to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cavalcanti

ROUND TWO: Cavalcanti gets back to leg kicking as the round begins. Fairn lands a jab. Cavalcanti keeps landing leg kicks as she switches to southpaw for a moment. Front kick from Cavalcanti, she’s started playing around with stance switches more regularly now. Cavalcanti catches a leg kick and lands a right hand. Another calf kick from Cavalcanti. Right to the body then a left hook from Cavalcanti. Cavalcanti lands a calf kick, she’s starting to put things together. Another right to the body from Cavalcanti then a calf kick. They punch in close, then Fair starts bulling forward but eats a few jabs and backs off. Cavalcanti lands another calf kick. Leg kick then a right hand from Cavalcanti, she lands a couple of follow up punches in close. They split a few jabs but Fair is fighting a losing fight thus far. Cavalcanti avoids a clinch after landing a kick. Calf kick from Cavalcanti. An inside leg kick from Cavalcanti closes the round.

ROUND TWO: 10-9 Cavalcanti, 20-18 Cavalcanti overall

ROUND THREE: Cavalcanti lands a calf kick. Fairn with a bit of a jab. Cavalcanti lands another calf kick. Right hand from Cavalcanti lands. Another right from Cavalcanti. Fairn falls short with punches, she’s just not been able to find the range. Cavalcanti lands a couple of punches. Cavalcanti slips a punch and lands a leg kick. Right to the body from Cavalcanti. Bit of a right from Cavalcanti then a calf kick. Combination from Cavalcanti, Fairn lands a left hook. Cavalcanti with a calf kick then a left hook. Fairn grabs a clinch but Cavalcanti lands several uppercuts then gets away. Cavalcanti with a calf kick then a right hand. Fairn falls short with more punches, she’s trying now in the last minute but she can’t find the target and Cavalcanti cracks her with a right hand. Cavalcanti with an inside leg kick. Fairn tries a double leg, Cavalcanti easily sprawls away and gets on her back in the clinch then lands a right hand as they break. Left hook from Cavalcanti then a body kick and a right hand to close the round.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jacqueline Cavalcanti via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Solid enough debut for Cavalcanti, no interview for the winner though.

Farid Basharat is undefeated including a successful UFC debut back in March, he’s trying to remain perfect and fully establish himself as the next big prospect at bantamweight. Kleydson Rodrigues has gone 1-1 in the UFC and while he’s coming off of a win he did miss weight for that fight and he’s hoping to finally get a fully clean win in the promotion while also slowing the hype around Basharat. Basharat is the favorite at -395 to +310 on Rodrigues.

Bantamweight Bout: Farid Basharat (10-0, 136 lbs.) vs. Kleydson Rodrigues (8-2, 134.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Basharat is three inches taller with four inches of reach advantage. Rodrigues pushes things early, Basharat tries a takedown but Rodrigues sprawls. Rodrigues looks for the back but Basharat prevents the hooks and slings him down to get on top in half guard. Basharat passes to mount and starts looking for proper control before starting to set up strikes. Some body shots from Basharat but Rodrigues is able to off balance him and then spin and they scramble back up into a clinch. Knee from Rodrigues then they trade rights as Basharat is looking for a single leg which he eventually gets into half guard. Basharat looks to pass again and lands elbows along the way. Rodrigues with a few elbows from his back but Basharat is landing better. Basharat grabs at an arm triangle, passes to side control and locks it down to get the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Farid Basharat via Submission, arm triangle choke, at 4:15 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Basharat for his work this evening. Mic time for Basharat and the French translator for the crowd, he plays with the crowd first then gives glory to God and was prepared weather the storm then finish Rodrigues. The game plan was mostly to calm down Rodrigues, didn’t matter where, and when given the chance to take him down he took it.

Nice pass from Basharat to finish the choke, this doesn’t give the best angle for it but a lot of guys get this general attack going but get caught up in the legs when trying to pass. Basharat knifes through the guard of Rodrigues and once he’s in side control on the choke side it’s over.

Joselyne Edwards is on a three fight winning streak but that’s marred by her two most recent wins being close split decisions and the fact that she missed weight in both of them. Edwards is trying to get her fourth win in a row here and potentially start looking at some bigger names next time. Nora Cornolle brings a six fight winning streak into her UFC debut and a win over a tested roster member like Edwards provides a good opportunity to make a positive first impression. Close one here, -125 for Edwards to +105 for Cornolle.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Nora Cornolle (6-1, 136 lbs.) vs. Joselyne Edwards (13-4, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Edwards is an inch taller with three inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Edwards showing some leg kicks early as they circle. Cornolle fires a head kick that misses. Leg kicks are traded. Cornolle with a series of leg kicks that land. They trade punches in close. Cornolle lands a right hand then a high kick and Edwards clinches up. Some knees are traded in the clinch. More knees from Cornolle. Edwards lands an elbow. Cornolle with an elbow but she gets taken down into half guard. Edwards looks to pass but Cornolle threatens a sweep to stifle that. Edwards moves to mount but Cornolle rolls with her and gets on top in full guard. Not text book but it worked. Cornolle stands free and fires a body kick as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cornolle but could have gone the other way

ROUND TWO: Edwards pressing forward to start the round. Cornolle with an inside leg kick but misses a head kick. Right hand from Cornolle lands. There’s some swelling around the right eye of Edwards after one of those elbows in the first round. Edwards misses a crescent kick, then when Cornolle looks to counter Edwards is able to hit a knee tap and get on top in full guard. They scoot to the fence and Cornolle works to wall walk. Edwards with a few strikes from top position. Edwards moves to the ride position as Cornolle stands then lands a right hand and a few knees as they maintain the clinch. Cornolle with more knees, Edwards tries a headlock throw but it doesn’t really land and they break. Both women look a little slower now, neither seem really conditioned for heavy grappling. Cornolle with a few punches then a clinch, Edwards with another headlock throw into scarf hold but Cornolle can come out on the back if she knows the position. Edwards winds up getting caught in half guard but Cornolle comes out on the back now and has one hook in. Cornolle with both hooks in now and she’s after the choke. Some punches from Cornolle as she works to open up the choke but there’s not enough time for anything to develop.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cornolle but again pretty close, 20-18 Cornolle overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Cornolle misses a right hand. Edwards lands a right hand to counter a leg kick. Cornolle lands a jab then a right hand. Edwards doesn’t like the pressure and ties up on the fence. Cornolle with some knees to the body and head in the clinch. Cornolle spins Edwards and lands more knees to the body and leg now. Edwards tries the headlock again but Cornolle is stifling her and landing knees but Edwards persists with the headlock and finally drags Cornolle down into half guard. Cornolle gets full guard and lands a few elbows from her back. Edwards passes the guard and gets the ride position. One hook in for Edwards and she’s after a choke. Both hooks now for Edwards, she’s after the choke but Cornolle breaks the choke but she’s still stuck. Cornolle bases up and shakes Edwards off then stands over her. Cornolle lands a right hand, they clinch up and Cornolle with a knee. Edwards tries a throw but Cornolle defends and lands elbows in the clinch. More knees from Cornolle land as she slips to the back and time runs out.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Edwards but another close one, 29-28 Cornolle overall but who knows

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

A little surprised at 30-27 but I can see it with how close the rounds were. Mic time for Cornolle, who’s overcome with emotion, and the translator. She opens with English to thank everyone and hopes everyone knows her name. She knows everyone knows she can strike but she’s working on her ground game and knew Edwards didn’t want the striking smoke for three rounds. To close she puts over her coaches and puts over the crowd again.

Ange Loosa has gone 1-1 in the UFC but he’s coming off of that win and is now trying to score his first winning streak in the promotion. Rhys McKee went 0-2 in his previous stint with the UFC but after winning three in a row he’s back and looking to get his first taste of victory inside the Octagon. Loosa is your favorite at -140 to +120 for McKee.

Welterweight Bout: Ange Loosa (9-3, 171 lbs.) vs. Rhys McKee (13-4-1, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: McKee has four inches of height and reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going, McKee switching stance already. Some leg kicks go back and forth. Loosa is pushing forward and cracks him with a right hand. McKee probes with the jab but Loosa gets close and lands a flurry then hits a takedown into full guard. Loosa passes to half guard. Some rights from Loosa now as McKee wall walks and Loosa keeps punching before McKee gets free and resets. Another right from Loosa. McKee misses an uppercut and eats a left hook. A couple of calf kicks from Loosa land. Loosa punches in close but McKee avoids a double leg. McKee lands a right to the body. Loosa blocks a head kick but he’s letting McKee circle a bit more now. Calf kick from McKee. Loosa lands another calf kick. Another right hand from Loosa lands. A couple of body shots from Loosa, McKee lands an uppercut. McKee lands a front kick then a calf kick. Loosa lands a right hand. They both miss strikes to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Loosa

ROUND TWO: McKee pressures forward in southpaw. Both men are showing some stance switches now. Bit of a head kick from McKee. Loosa lands a right hand. Another right from Loosa stuns McKee for a second. McKee lands a body kick. Another right from Loosa though. Bit of a one two from McKee then a body kick. Loosa lands a left hook then a right hand. Jab from McKee lands. Right hand from Loosa in close. McKee lands a left hook, but Loosa hits a double leg after that and gets on top in full guard. Loosa passes to half guard, then to side control. A few short elbows from Loosa land as McKee rolls up and to his feet but Loosa tosses him back down with a mat return into the ride position. Full mount now for Loosa, but it’s a little low and McKee scrambles up while eating rights to the head. Loosa unloads with more rights and a knee against the fence. McKee is just getting battered here and Loosa unloads then hits a double leg into half guard. A few body shots from Loosa on top, then a left to the head. McKee works to wall walk again, he eats lefts to the head as Loosa moves to the ride yet again. The round ends with Loosa landing another couple of lefts.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Loosa but a marginal call there, 20-17 Loosa overall

ROUND THREE: McKee’s face is swelling up, which isn’t surprising after that barrage in the third. Loosa with a quick double leg into full guard. Loosa with some punches from top position. Elbow from Loosa, then another one. McKee is trying to wall walk but Loosa pulls him off the fence. Loosa moves to half guard then the ride as McKee tries to wall walk and gets to his knees. McKee gets upright but Loosa slams him back down into side control. Elbow from Loosa but McKee fights up and separates. Right hand from Loosa. McKee avoids a double leg and lands a punch. Loosa lands a jab. Bit of a left hook from Loosa. They split a few jabs while moving around. Loosa blocks a head kick. Double leg from Loosa, that hits the fence and they settle for a clinch. McKee tosses Loosa off, Loosa might have hurt himself there. Bit of a flurry from McKee, he lands elbows as Loosa pushes into a clinch. Jumping knee from McKee. They both miss rights then McKee lands a right hand to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 McKee, 29-27 Loosa overall

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

30-27 seems wrong, McKee should have taken the last one with that near finish at the end. Mic time for Loosa and the translator, he puts over McKee and knew the fight would be hard but he was prepared. Asked about the third round and what happened he admits he gassed out a bit after the second round and again puts over McKee. To close he speaks French, and he’s got a pretty deep cut on the lower outside of his left eye, and says he’s emotional here and thanks everyone.

Taylor Lapilus went 2-1 in the UFC the first time around but was cut in 2015 after a loss to Erik Perez, now about seven and a half years later he’s back while riding a five fight winning streak and hoping to reintroduce himself to the UFC audience. Caolan Loughran is undefeated coming into his UFC debut and if he can take out a veteran of the sport like Lapilus it’ll constitute a career high to get his UFC run off and running. The odds lean to Lapilus at -170 to a +140 payout on Loughran.

Bantamweight Bout: Taylor Lapilus (18-3, 135 lbs.) vs. Caolan Loughran (8-0, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Lapilus has five inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Lapilus and he starts with the jab right away. More jabs from Lapilus then a one two connects. Loughran is just kind of like a statue, his head right on the center line. Lapilus keeps landing jabs. Bit of a right from Loughran but Lapilus with a left hand to counter. One two from Lapilus, Loughran shoots a takedown that stalls out on the fence. Loughran looks for a single leg but Lapilus pulls him up on his body. A few knees from Lapilus, Loughran is really after another takedown attempt but he’s struggling to finish any of these. Loughran with a right hand before Lapilus gets free. Lapilus with another jab then a left hand. More jabs from Lapilus, he’s landing that almost at will now. Left hand from Lapilus. Loughran misses a right hand. Lapilus with a left hand, then blocks a takedown and lands a knee. Left to the body from Lapilus, Loughran is cut around the left eye from all those jabs. Bit of a right from Loughran then a couple of body shots in close and a double leg against the fence. Mount for Loughran but Lapilus wall walks and lands a knee then they break. Another jab from Lapilus. A one two from Lapilus, then another left hand to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lapilus

ROUND TWO: Loughran misses a kick to start the round. Lapilus gets back to jabbing and moving. Bit of a head kick from Lapilus. Another jab from Lapilus. Loughran bulls forward and hits a double leg against the fence again. Loughran mounts the legs and throws a few lefts from that position. Lapilus looks to wall walk, he eats some rights along the way but he’s up on his feet as Loughran jumps on his back. Loughran goes for the Suloev stretch but falls off and Lapilus lands some punches as they clinch again. Lapilus with a knee to the body. Another knee from Lapilus then an elbow. Loughran is after another takedown but Lapilus is defending again and lands a knee before they break. One two from Lapilus. Some jabs from Lapilus then a right hook. Both men block head kicks then Lapilus lands a combination. Left from Lapilus. Loughran lands a right to the body in close. Lapilus lands a left hand then they trade leg kicks to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Loughran but a close one, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Lapilus lands jabs again as the round starts. More jabs, then we get a time out as Loughran fired an inside leg kick that went into the groin. Replay confirms the low blow, and Lapilus is good to continue after a little over 30 seconds. Left hand from Lapilus then they trade lead hand hooks. Lapilus lands a left hand. Loughran tries a takedown, that hits the fence and they clinch up. A few short knees from Lapilus as he defends takedowns before they break. Counter one two from Lapilus then some jabs. Loughran tries another takedown that stalls on the fence. Another knee from Lapilus before they break. Loughran fails on a takedown. Lapilus lands a jab. Another Lapilus jab, Loughran tries a takedown and again they stall on the fence. Loughran breaks, then gets staggered by a Lapilus left hand. Lapilus lands a knee. Loughran lands a right hand. Head kick from Lapilus then he avoids a takedown. Jab from Lapilus. More jabs from Lapilus then a one two. Loughran eats another jab, then tries a takedown but they stall on the fence yet again. They break without incident. Bit of a combination from Lapilus. Loughran fires about his third spinning back fist that doesn’t land. Lapilus with a sharp left hand that stuns Loughran. One two from Lapilus then a high kick and a leg kick and he avoids the counters from Loughran to close the round.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Taylor Lapilus via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Mic time for Lapilus and the translator as the crowd cheers on, he says he talks in the cage not before a fight and enjoys the moment with the crowd seven years in the making since his last trip to the UFC. Asked about the crowd and atmosphere he plays with the crowd for a bit then thanks them.

Well that’s it for prelims, but we’re still on ESPN+ for the main card.

We’ve got a couple of debutantes here. Morgan Charriere has been pretty awesome for a while now but now he’s finally making his way to the UFC with a three fight winning streak at his back and is looking to announce himself on the biggest stage the sport offers. Manolo Zecchini has won his last two fights but he’s been out of action since October of last year and he’s hoping to spoil the homecoming of Charriere and score his own first UFC win. Charriere is one of the bigger favorites on the card at -345 to Zecchini’s +275.

Featherweight Bout: Morgan Charriere (18-9-1, 146 lbs.) vs. Manolo Zecchini (11-3, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These have the same height and reach. Both men feint and circle, then Zecchini lands calf kick. Jab from Charriere. Zecchini lands an inside leg kick. They trade rights. Jab from Charriere. Zecchini lands a right hand. Charriere avoids a combination. They trade rights again. Zecchini lands a right hand. Charriere lands a calf kick then a right hand. Zecchini lands another right. Charriere with a one two. Zecchini misses a head kick. Again Charriere avoids a combination. Bit of a right from Zecchini in close. Jab from Zecchini, then Charriere responds with a couple of body kicks. Another body kick from Charriere, Zecchini doesn’t like these and Charriere folds him up with a front kick to the body, then one more for good measure as Zecchini drops and the ref waves it off.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Morgan Charriere via TKO, body kicks, at 3:51 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Charriere for his work this afternoon. Mic time for Charriere and the translator, he says the game plan was to take his time then kick his ass when he felt it. He thanks the fans, then when asked about the future he’s here to take everything.

Here’s your reminder that one hit body finishes are pretty rare. Charriere has landed a few body shots before this one to drain Zecchini and get him a little soft to the body, which makes this front kick super effective. The follow up one that gets under the guard as Zecchini is already doubled over is just mean.

William Gomis is riding a 10 fight winning streak including two wins in the UFC and if he can get to three in the promotion here it should earn him a step up in class for his next fight. Yanis Ghemmouri brings a nine fight winning streak into his UFC debut and he’ll be looking for the relatively rarefied air of a double digit winning streak here at the expense of Gomis. Gomis closed as your favorite at -205 to Ghemmouri’s +170.

Featherweight Bout: Yanis Ghemmouri (12-1, 146 lbs.) vs. William Gomis (12-2, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Gomis is two inches taller with four inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Gomis. Both men probe with some front kicks as they circle. A few leg kicks go back and forth. Ghemmouri goes southpaw for a moment, both men throw lead leg head kicks that are blocked then he goes orthodox again. More probing kicks from both men. Gomis lands a front kick. More leg kicks from both men but not much is really working for either man. Gomis ups the pace a bit with his leg kicks. Side kick from Gomis to the knee, that didn’t look fun but Ghemmouri is fine. More leg kicks go back and forth, Gomis is just doing a bit more work. Gomis lands a left hand to counter a kick then lands a couple of kicks high to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gomis

ROUND TWO: Both men get back to kicking as the round begins. Ghemmouri misses a hook kick then Gomis cracks him with a left hand. Gomis blocks a head kick and lands a couple of punches before they clinch. Elbow from Gomis as he breaks out of the clinch. Ghemmouri grabs a single leg and they hit the fence. Gomis is after a standing guillotine, he’s got it tightening down but Ghemmouri is fighting. Gomis drops things down towards the mat for more leverage on the choke but Ghemmouri gets an arm in to disrupt the real danger and breaks the grip but he’s still in a dangerous position. Ghemmouri gets his head free and they clinch up. A few knees and shoulder strikes go back and forth, Ghemmouri is insistent to keep Gomis flat on the fence. Bit of a knee from Ghemmouri before they break. Slight head kick from Gomis. A couple of leg kicks from Gomis. Ghemmouri avoids a few punches. Jumping kick from Gomis partially lands, then a spinning back kick to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: They hug for the final round. Gomis quickly with leg kicks, including the side kick to the knee. Knee from Gomis as he blocks a double leg from Ghemmouri. Ghemmouri forces a clinch and they hit the fence. Some knees go back and forth then they break. Ghemmouri fires a head kick that’s blocked. Gomis with a hard inside leg kick. Ghemmouri tries a single leg, that hits the fence again. Gomis spins free and then lands a body kick that Ghemmouri thinks was low but the ref says it was good. Ghemmouri wont fight and the ref waves things off.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – William Gomis via TKO, body kick, at 2:20 of Round 3

That’s a tough call and the officials are reviewing this one. The kick was below the belt but hit the hip, the cup was definitely jostled and I can feel for Ghemmouri but the blow was ruled legal and if the ref says “fight” you have to fight on or get stopped so the Final Round Finish Club will be thanking Mr. Gomis for his work. Mic time for Gomis and the translator, first he’s asked about the finish he feels it was legal as the kick was on the belt then thanks his corner for all of their work. He says fighting another Frenchman wasn’t ideal but they fought for the crowd and hope they enjoyed it.

OK, having looked at the replay I think the ref botched that one. The kick glances off the cup from what I can see but then again I’m not sure what the official rule is here so we’ve got to live with the refs ruling. But that’s just my take, here’s the video so you can make your own.

Volkan Oezdemir has been out of action since 2022 and is just 1-3 in his last four fights, his last time out he lost to Nikita Krylov and now he’s trying to avoid another losing streak while proving he’s still a relevant player in a pretty weak and wide open division. Bogdan Guskov brings a four fight winning streak into his UFC debut but Oezdemir is the best guy he’s ever faced by a pretty wide margin, he’s looking to score the biggest win of his career here. The odds are with Oezdemir at -185 to +155 for Guskov.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Bogdan Guskov (14-2, 205 lbs.) vs. #9 Volkan Oezdemir (18-7, 205 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Guskov has an inch of height and reach advantage. Oezdemir with a leg kick pretty quickly. Both men showing the jab. They trade rights in close. Another leg kick from Oezdemir. Guskov with a jab. Jab from Oezdemir, and they both swing in close. Left hook from Oezdemir and Guskov fires back. Oezdemir with a double leg into half guard. Guskov gets full guard and works to wall walk. Oezdemir tries for the back but Guskov slings him down then lands a right hand as they both stand. Calf kick from Oezdemir. Guskov is not liking the leg kicks. Oezdemir lands another calf kick. Oezdemir avoids a right hand and lands a hard counter left hook of his own. Another punch from Oezdemir drops Guskov and he gets to the ride position. Oezdemir into full mount now and then the back. Choke from Oezdemir and Guskov taps.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Volkan Oezdemir via Submission, rear naked choke, at 3:46 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Oezdemir for his work this afternoon. Mic time for Oezdemir and the translator, he speaks French for the crowd because Oezdemir is multilingual, and thanks his team for all of their work with him and he’s happy to show off that work here. He talks us through the finish and notes he had to disrupt Guskov’s rhythm then trap him.

Here’s the finish, pretty foundational stuff from Oezdemir but it’s executed well.

Benoit Saint-Denis is undefeated at lightweight and is currently on a three fight winning streak in the UFC, he’s looked pretty good in all of those wins but now looks to prove he’s ready for a step up in class by getting to four in a row. Thiago Moises has gone 2-2 in his last four fights but he’s currently on a two fight winning streak and is looking to halt the budding momentum of Saint-Denis and maybe get his own step back up in class going forward. Saint-Denis closed as your favorite at -175 to +145 for Moises.

Lightweight Bout: Thiago Moises (17-6, 156 lbs.) vs. Benoit Saint-Denis (11-1 1 NC, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Saint-Denis is two inches taller with two and a half inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Saint-Denis and he opens with kicks. Moises shows some kicks of his own. Saint-Denis with a couple of inside leg kicks. Moises lands a body kick, Saint-Denis tries one of his own but that goes low and we get a time out. No controversy this time, clearly a low blow this time. Moises takes a little over 90 seconds then we’re back to fighting. They trade inside leg kicks again. Body kick from Saint-Denis then an inside leg kick as well. The crowd is singing and there’s another kick that Moises thinks went low so we’ve got another time out. Another one that skips off the cup, the ref only gives 30 seconds and we’re back to fighting. Moises misses a head kick. Saint-Denis bulls forward and lands punches, then they trade kicks. Moises lands a body kick. Saint-Denis avoids a right hand then hits a left and ties up. Saint-Denis is in the ride position now as Moises is against the fence. Some knees from Saint-Denis then he misses an elbow as Moises gets free. Moises lands an inside leg kick. Bit of a left from Saint-Denis, then he gets close and hits the body but eats a right from Moises, then a knee but Saint-Denis gets another clinch and slips to the back. Mat return from Saint-Denis and he lands some strikes from the ride. Moises inverts for a leg but Saint-Denis spins free and gets back to the ride. Some punches from Saint-Denis, Moises rolls and gets full guard. Saint-Denis with body punches then an elbow which cuts open Moises. Moises rolls to his knees, then inverts for another leg and nearly gets a kneebar but Saint-Denis kicks free and stands. Saint-Denis pushes forward with elbows, then body shots and Moises is willing to swing with him. Body kicks from Saint-Denis but Moises cracks him with a couple of rights to close the round. Bonkers final few seconds there.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Saint-Denis

ROUND TWO: Saint-Denis pushes forward again as the round starts. Moises lands a left hook but Saint-Denis gets to a clinch and moves to his back. Some knees from Saint-Denis as Moises is on his knees. Saint-Denis with more knees to the body and leg while trying for a mat return. Moises is struggling to get out of this position, and Saint-Denis lands an elbow as they finally separate. Body kick from Saint-Denis. They trade power hand punches. Both men try head kicks that are blocked. Moises lands a body kick. Double leg from Moises, that hits the fence but Moises does finish it. Saint-Denis quickly scrambles up and lands an elbow. That cut on Moises is opened up again and is leaking. Both men land elbows then Saint-Denis slings Moises down into a ride position. More punches from Saint-Denis as Moises is leaking all over the place. Moises stands but gets mat returned as Saint-Denis is landing punches and hammer fists. Saint-Denis digs body shots and lands a right to the head, Moises needs to do something here as the ref is looking at this and not liking his posture. More punches from Saint-Denis and the ref steps in as Moises can’t address the position.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Benoit Saint-Denis via TKO, punches, at 4:44 of Round 2

Mic time for Saint-Denis and the translator, he thanks France then promises them that no one can box with him and he’s going to bring the title to Paris. Asked who he’d like next he wants Gamrot, Fiziev, and mentions Gaethje as well but promises not to stop until he’s got the belt. He’s due a step up, not sure how realistic Gamrot or Fiziev is but take your shot.

Here’s the finish. Saint-Denis is an animal in the cage, total pursuit of the fight.

Manon Fiorot is on a 10 fight winning streak with five of those being in the UFC, she bested former title challenger Katlyn Chookagian in her last fight and if she can get by a former champion this afternoon she’ll make a strong case that she should get the next title shot. Rose Namajunas is a former two time strawweight champion who’s now moving up in weight, she was last seen 18 months ago when she lost that title in not only the worst fight of 2022 but one of the worst fights of all time. Namajunas is moving up in weight here and looking to become a two division champion before her career comes to a close. The odds are with Fiorot at -200 while +165 for Namajunas has to tempt some bettors out there.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: #3 Manon Fiorot (10-1, 125 lbs.) vs. Rose Namajunas (11-5, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Fiorot has two inches of height but the reach is identical. Southpaw for Fiorot, who starts showing the jab right away. Namajunas misses a right hand. Bit of a jab from Fiorot. Namajunas lands a leg kick. A couple of rights from Fiorot land. Namajunas tries a side kick but Fiorot catches and counters. Bit of a right from Namajunas, she’s looking to dart at the moment. Fiorot lands a left hand. Namajunas goes southpaw, tries a takedown but Fiorot defends. Some more jabs from Fiorot partially land. Namajunas lands a left hand. Side kick to the knee then a one two from Fiorot. One two from Fiorot. Namajunas is playing with stances, she’s gone southpaw at the moment. Leg kick from Namajunas. Fiorot with some more jabs then checks a leg kick. Namajunas seems to have something she likes fighting southpaw as she’s staying there. Bit of a head kick from Fiorot then a one two. Namajunas is starting to show damage on her face, especially the nose and her left eye. Fiorot defends another takedown and lands more jabs. Solid left from Fiorot. They trade jabs to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Fiorot

ROUND TWO: Namajunas broke her right pinky finger in that first round apparently. Back to orthodox for Namajunas as the round starts. Fiorot back to jabbing as Namajunas switches stance. More rights from Fiorot land, she’s moving well and is picking at Namajunas. Left hand then a right hook from Fiorot sends Namajunas down but she bounces up and they clinch up. Fiorot with lefts in the clinch then a couple of knees to the body, Namajunas didn’t like those at all. They break with a Fiorot flurry. Namajunas avoids a body kick and lands a bit of a left hand. Bit of a left from Fiorot. Body kick from Fiorot. Bit of a hook kick from Namajunas. Fiorot lands another right hand. That jab from Fiorot is still doing work. Side kick from Fiorot, but Namajunas lands a counter punch and ties up on the fence. Fiorot pulls free with a bit more ease than you’d like if you’re Namajunas. Namajunas lands a left hand. They get close and bang heads, that opens a cut on Fiorot that causes a pause from the ref. They’re bot willing to continue and we’re back to fighting, then Fiorot fires a partially successful head kick. Namajunas pushes close but Fiorot avoids her tie up. Side kick from Fiorot. Right hook from Fiorot. Namajunas avoids a side kick. Bit of a one two from Fiorot. Right hook from Fiorot in close. Namajunas lands a jab. They stare away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Fiorot but closer, 20-18 Fiorot overall

ROUND THREE: Both women come out throwing again. Bit of a combination from Fiorot. Namajunas lands a left hand. Fiorot with some more jabs. Namajunas tries a single leg, easily defended and Fiorot hits a body shot on the way out. More jabs from Fiorot. Namajunas misses a blitz. Fiorot with a few jabs. Namajunas tries a takedown but again Fiorot defends. Fiorot side kicks the knee then lands a jab. Namajunas bulls forward but can’t connect. Both women land jabs but they both avoid the follow ups as well. Stiff jab from Fiorot lands. Namajunas misses a few punches. They trade lead hand hooks. Jab then a hook from Fiorot. They trade lead hand hooks again. Both women block head kicks, but Fiorot follows up with punches and makes Namajunas evade. Bit of a left from Fiorot. They trade punches, then Namajunas lands a left and they clinch up. Fiorot with knees to the body in the clinch before they break, I’m surprised she didn’t try that more as Namajunas doesn’t do well taking knees in the clinch. They both miss kicks to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Namajunas, 29-28 Fiorot overall

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

Big win for Fiorot there, she and the translator get an interview. She plays with the crowd then puts over Namajunas and says she wants the winner of Grasso and Shevchenko. Asked to repeat that, because these must follow the script, she wants the title shot.

Ciryl Gane is a former interim champion and has twice contended for the full title, unfortunately coming up short in both attempts. Gane was last seen turning in a pretty poor performance in his first round loss to Jon Jones back in March, now he’s trying to reset, avoid his first ever losing streak, and prove he’s still a viable contender for the title. Serghei Spivac has been rising up the ranks lately, he’s 6-1 in his last seven fights and is on a three fight winning streak with all of those being finishes. If Spivac gets by Gane here it’ll put him in prime position to contend for the title in the near future. Relatively close one here for the main event, -190 on Gane to Spivac’s +160.

Heavyweight Bout: #2 Ciryl Gane (11-2, 250 lbs.) vs. #7 Serghei Spivac (16-3, 256 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Gane is an inch taller with three inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going, both men open southpaw but Gane will switch stance when he feels like it. Some feints from Gane and he lands a couple of jabs. Southpaw for Gane now to work his front leg kicks. More jabs and leg kicks from Gane. Spivac misses a right hand. Bit of a body shot from Gane. Spivac reaches for the legs and Gane easily avoids that one. Body kick from Gane, he’s using a lot of front kicks to keep distance and poke at Spivac. Spivac lands a left hook at the end of a combination. Single leg from Spivac, he pulls things down but Gane sprawls and lands punches then a knee to the body before getting free. More body punches from Gane, Spivac is slowing already. Gane with a jab then a front kick. Left hand from Gane. Another jab from Gane as he’s just stalking Spivac. More body shots from Gane, Spivac is wilting at the moment. A few more body jabs from Gane as he circles then a left to the head and he avoids the counters. Gane lands a right hand as he’s switching stances and just flowing around Spivac. Spivac bulls forward, partially lands a left hand. Gane with another jab. More jabs from Gane. They split jabs then Gane bangs the body a couple of times. Gane’s footwork is befuddling Spivac at every turn. Inside leg kick from Gane. Spivac avoids a head kick and lands a leg kick. Gane still moving well, lands a jab then a right to the body then one more jab to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gane

ROUND TWO: Gane gets back to probing with leg kicks as he circles. Spivac shows the jab, he’s got to find some offense. Front kick from Gane and he avoids the counter rush. Spivac reaches for the hips but Gane easily avoids him. Inside leg kick from Gane. Gane with a left to the body then a leg kick. Some more body jabs from Gane, then a knee to the body. Another body shot from Gane then a right to the body as well. Gane with an inside leg kick then a jab. Spivac eats a front kick then misses punches. Gane with a left to the body, Spivac didn’t like that and Gane with a knee to the body as well. Body jab from Gane, Spivac is dropping his guard now and Gane knees the body then lands a one two. Body kick from Gane then a jab. Gane with more jabs then a clubbing right hand that staggers Spivac. More punches from Gane along the fence, Spivac is trying to fire back and gets Gane to reset. Gane with more crushing body work then punches to the head. A flurry from Gane staggers Spivac again and Gane with an elbow, hammer fists, punches and Spivac just covers up until the ref steps in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ciryl Gane via TKO, punches, at 3:44 of Round 2

Great performance from Gane. Mic time for Gane who speaks English first to say his last fight wasn’t good but his mission was to prove he’s still here and go for the belt, then he does his own translation and puts over the crowd. He reiterates that he messed up in both his title fights, but today he respected the game plan and you can see the results. Asked about fighting Tom Aspinall next he’ll keep going forward and go through anyone to get the belt. To close he says he’s no longer the only guy representing France and there are a ton of great French fighters now proving themselves and thanks the fans one last time.

Well on that note UFC on ESPN+ 84 or UFC Paris comes to a close. Thank you for reading, be that live or after the fact, I appreciate the heck out of you. We’ll be unpacking all of the fall out from this on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast late Sunday once I get done covering AEW All Out. That show will also look ahead to UFC 296, which is a really weak card on paper but I’ll be back here next week to cover it and I hope you’ll be back to read it. Until next time everyone, thank you again for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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