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411’s UFC Fight Night Report: Hermansson Decisions Pyfer

February 10, 2024 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC on ESPN+ 94 Image Credit: UFC

MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)
#11 Jack Hermansson (185 lbs.) vs. Joe Pyfer (185.5 lbs.)
Andre Fili (146 lbs.) vs. #13 Dan Ige (146 lbs.)
Robert Bryczek (185.5 lbs.) vs. Ihor Potieria (187.5 lbs.)*
Gregory Rodrigues (186 lbs.) vs. Brad Tavares (186 lbs.)
Darrius Flowers (156 lbs.) vs. Michael Johnson (156 lbs.)
Armen Petrosyan (186 lbs.) vs. Rodolfo Vieira (185.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 4 p.m. ET)
Trevin Giles (171 lbs.) vs. Carlos Prates (171 lbs.)
Tim Cuamba (155 lbs.) vs. Bolaji Oki (156 lbs.)
Bruna Brasil (115.5 lbs.) vs. Loma Lookboonmee (115.5 lbs.)
Devin Clark (204.5 lbs.) vs. Marcin Prachnio (204.5 lbs.)
Max Griffin (170.5 lbs.) vs. Jeremiah Wells (171 lbs.)
Bogdan Guskov (205.5 lbs.) vs. Zac Pauga (206 lbs.)
Hyder Amil (145.5 lbs.) vs. Fernie Garcia (146 lbs.)
Daniel Marcos (136 lbs.) vs. Aoriqileng (136 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 94, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the event. We’re still in the UFC warehouse for this one, and it’s a very Apex card. Jack Hermansson is back for the first time since December 2022 in the main event, and he’ll defend his ranking against a favorite of the UFC brass in Joe Pyfer. It’s honestly a pretty lackluster main event, but hopefully it’s better than last week. The co-main event is much more interesting with veterans Dan Ige and Andre Fili squaring off, plus Gregory Rodrigues and Brad Tavares should be fun. The prelims are pretty darn barren, but Loma Lookboonmee is usually at least moderately entertaining and Max Griffin vs. Jeremiah Wells might overperform relative to expectations. But honestly it’s like a lot of Apex cards, plenty of guys either very junior or very senior into their time with the UFC with a couple of ranked guys sprinkled in the main card somewhere.

UFC on ESPN+ 94 comes to the world from the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Brendan Fitzgerald, Daniel Cormier, and Dominick Cruz will be calling the action. Keep in mind we’re in the smaller 25 foot Octagon, and we will have instant replay if that becomes applicable to a fight.

Daniel Marcos is undefeated including a successful UFC debut last year, well three canceled fights later he’s back and looking to retain his perfect record and prove himself a notable prospect in the division. Aoriqileng has gone 3-1 since returning to bantamweight, he’s coming off of a win and looks to hand Marcos his first loss. Marcos closed as your -270 favorite against +220 for Aoriqileng.

Bantamweight Bout: Daniel Marcos (15-0, 136 lbs.) vs. Aoriqileng (25-10, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two have identical heights and reaches. Some feinting from both men then Marcos lands a right hand. Marcos shows a few calf kicks as both men feint with the legs. Marcos with a body kick but Aoriqileng lands a couple of counter punches. Knee from Marcos then he digs a left to the body. Aoriqileng lands a front kick then misses a left hook. Marcos avoids a few punches. They tie up and hit the fence. Not much happens there and they break without incident. Aoriqileng lands a calf kick but his nose is bleeding, probably from the knees that Marcos has landed. Bit of a flying knee from Marcos then he lands a jab. Marcos lands a calf kick. Aoriqileng with a calf kick then a one two. Backfist from Marcos lands, gotta love a standing backfist like that. Marcos lands a calf kick then a jab. Another calf kick from Marcos. Hard front kick from Aoriqileng, then Marcos lands a calf kick. Marcos lands a left hook in close. Right uppercut from Marcos then a right hand behind it. Aoriqileng lands a body kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Marcos

ROUND TWO: Pretty quick clinch for the second and Marcos pushes Aoriqileng into the fence. Aoriqileng spins free and then gets dropped by a hard calf kick, Marcos lands some lefts before Aoriqileng stands into a clinch. Aoriqileng’s left eye got busted up by those punches. Aoriqileng misses an elbow as they break. Marcos lands a calf kick then a couple of punches. Body kick from Marcos then some jabs. Uppercut from Marcos, then Aoriqileng lands a left hook. Marcos lands some more jabs then a follow up right. Calf kick from Marcos then a front kick. Aoriqileng is game but he’s getting broken down. Marcos cracks Aoriqileng with a right hand. Aoriqileng lands a right of his own but then eats a jab. Left to the body from Marcos. Bit of a right from Aoriqileng. Marcos lands a calf kick, Aoriqileng punches him back. Front kick from Marcos goes low and we’ve got a time out. Marcos had taken an eye poke a little earlier but the fight didn’t really stop, Aoriqileng doesn’t need much time and we’re back to fighting after 30 seconds. Aoriqileng then kicks Marcos in the groin, it’s not intentional from either guy the range is just awkward for the kicks their throwing. The ref warns both guys and we’re back to fighting after 45 seconds. Both men throw front kicks again. Aoriqileng jump up and that makes another front kick go into the groin, just bad timing there as that would have been legal without the jump but still. The ref tells both men that points are about to come off for both of them if this keeps up. Aoriqileng is still down on a knee, those kicks are always worse when you’re in the air, and the doctor comes in to check on him. Commentary is bored and talking celebs who got dragged to the Power Slap thing last night, and Daniel Cormier still can’t remember names. Aoriqileng takes the full 5 minutes then still can’t continue so we’re done.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – No Contest, accidental groin kick, at 3:28 of Round 2

Sucks for Marcos there, he was winning and that kick that ended things was aimed well if not for that jump. No interview, we’ve got 14 total fights tonight so we’ll be a little pressed for time.

Fernie Garcia has gone 0-3 in the UFC and now badly needs a win to keep his job, he’s hoping a move up to featherweight will facilitate that. Hayder Amil is undefeated coming into his UFC debut and now looks to remain perfect while maximizing his only chance to make a first impression on the audience. -220 on the newcomer Amil to +180 for Garcia.

Featherweight Bout: Hyder Amil (8-0, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Fernie Garcia (10-4, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Amil is two inches taller with three inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Amil who comes out kicking right away and pushing forward. Amil lands an inside leg kick then a punch. Double leg from Amil, then he hits a mat return and briefly gets the back but Garcia fights up and free. Garcia starts showing the jab but then takes a front kick. More leg kicks from Amil then a right hook. Bit of a left from Amil. High kick from Amil then a one two drops Garcia, he gets on top and lands punches and knees from the ride position. Garcia is up but eats knees then lands a left hook that staggers Amil. Amil ties up and lands knees to drop Garcia again and they both unload with hooks against the fence and Garcia drops again. Top position for Amil, then into the ride and he starts grabbing the choke. Choke in for Amil and he pulls back to get both hooks in, then Garcia fights the hands but one of his arms is trapped by the hooks of Amil. Garcia gets his arm free and turns into Amil’s guard. Amil looks to stand but gives up the back and Garcia grabs at the choke now. Body triangle for Garcia as he keeps trying to find the choke. Amil scrambles into top position now and lands punches then Garcia gives up the back. Armbar from Amil but he bails on it to retain the ride. Some punches from Amil then he stands and soccer kicks the body which locks up Garcia for a second, Amil unloads again but Garcia does enough to keep the ref out of this before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Amil

ROUND TWO: Amil looks to get back on offense and lands a right hook. Garcia lands a left hand. Both men land in close. Some kicks from Amil land then they trade lefts. Bit of a high kick from Amil then Garcia misses punches. Knee from Amil lands. Amil with a left hand. Garcia is swinging but not landing right now. Jabs and lefts from Amil as he’s got Garcia on the fence. Amil lands a body kick, Garcia didn’t like that one. Garcia is lethargic here, and the ref should probably stop this. Amil with more body kicks then a left hand. Right hand from Amil, then he swarms as Garcia slumps against the fence and the ref intervenes. Frankly the ref could have got involved a little sooner.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Hayder Amil via TKO, punches, at 2:12 of Round 2

Solid overall stuff from Amil there. Mic time for Amil and he says this is how he always fights and predicts the 49ers to win the Super Bowl tomorrow. He puts over Garcia and admits he got hit hard a few times but persevered and likes these fights, and appreciates Garcia doing this on somewhat short notice. He talks us through the finish and knew he had to be careful because Garcia was always going to be swinging.

Garcia was game, but Amil just kept breaking him down and by the time you’re just leaning into the fence getting picked apart and winging back uninspired punches it’s time for the ref to get involved.

Zac Pauga has gone 1-2 in the UFC, he’s coming off of a loss and is mostly trying to avoid his first ever losing streak. Bogdan Guskov had a four fight winning streak broken when he lost to Volkan Oezdemir in his UFC debut, now he’s hoping for a more successful sophomore effort that ends with his first UFC win. Pretty close one here but the odds tilt towards Pauga at -135 to +115 for Guskov.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Bogdan Guskov (14-3, 205.5 lbs.) vs. Zac Pauga (6-2, 206 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Guskov is an inch taller but the reach is identical. Both men do some early feinting. Pauga lands a leg kick. Guskov shows the jab. Leg kick from Pauga. Hard calf kick from Pauga. They trade lefts. Bit of a right from Guskov. They trade in close, nothing landing flush but both men are swinging hard. Right hand then a left hook from Guskov wobbles Pauga, who then clinches up and pushes things to the fence. Pauga tries a few knees in the clinch with moderate success. Pauga lands an elbow as they break. Leg kick from Pauga. Both men miss rights, then Pauga does land a right hand. Jab from Guskov. Bit of a left from Guskov, then Pauga fires back with a right. A left hook from Guskov freezes Pauga, then a few follow up blows get Pauga to fall and then he refrains from more damage then the ref steps in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Bogdan Guskov via KO, punches, at 3:38 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Guskov for his work this evening. Mic time for Guskov and the translator, he opens with some English to say he’s happy to talk with Cormier. He sticks with English to say he wants more wins like this, he admits to not being able to show his skills in his debut but this is more what he’s capable of. He talks us through the finish then thanks his team for all of their work with him.

Some nice accuracy from Guskov here, his first couple of punches come from a slightly odd angle and Pauga wasn’t expecting them and the finishing flurry puts him out.

Max Griffin has gone 4-2 in his last six fights but he’s coming off of a loss and is trying to avoid another losing streak. Jeremiah Wells just had a six fight winning streak broken when he fell into an anaconda choke in the third round of a fight he was winning, now he’s back and looking to bounce back with a win. Wells is your -155 favorite to +130 on Griffin.

Welterweight Bout: Max Griffin (19-10, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Jeremiah Wells (12-3-1, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Griffin has two inches of height and reach advantage. Circling to start, Wells misses a spinning kick. Griffin smothers a spinning attack from Wells, then Wells partially lands a spinning elbow. Jab from Wells. Bit of a right from Griffin. Wells misses a left hook and eats a jab. A lot of stance switching from Wells now as he’s moving around. Not a whole lot going on here. Bit of a jab from Wells. Left hook from Wells then he hits a takedown but Griffin quickly wall walks and Wells keeps him on the fence. They break without incident. Wells swings some punches but doesn’t really land and Griffin fires back. Bit of a right from Griffin. They both miss rights, then Griffin hits a takedown into half guard as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Griffin I guess but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Wells lands a jab to start the round. Griffin avoids a right hand. They trade heavy hooks in close, Griffin gets rattled and Wells hits him again then clinches up. Griffin switches position on the fence, Wells threatens a ninja choke but Griffin avoids it and they keep fighting for position. Bit of an elbow from Griffin then they break. Wells with a body kick. Spinning back kick from Wells then a jab. Griffin lands a right hand. Wells starts showing the double jab, good call given the distance these two are keeping. Griffin lands a right hand. Wells fires back and they clinch again. The round ends in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Wells but another close one, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Wells opens the final round with a spinning back kick. Griffin tries to feint his way closer, Wells keeps circling. Left hook from Wells lands. Wells lands a jab. Griffin lands a right hand. Both men miss punches. Wells lands a jab. Right hand from Griffin. Bit of a right from Griffin. Wells lands a jab. Both men miss in close. Wells misses a wheel kick, and Griffin gets a clinch because of it. Griffin tries a single leg, Wells defends. The round ends in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Griffin but again I’m not sure, 29-28 Griffin overall but this one could go either way

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

Mic time for Griffin, he knew the fight was tough but felt Wells was too slow. He expected more offense from Wells, then puts over a sponsor.

Devin Clark has gone just 2-4 in his last six fights, he’s coming off of a loss and if he’s going to make any kind of legitimate run in the division he cannot afford another losing streak here. Marcin Prachnio has gone 3-2 in his last five fights but he’s coming off of a loss and is trying to avoid another losing streak. The odds are with Clark at -205 to Prachnio’s +170.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Devin Clark (14-8, 204.5 lbs.) vs. Marcin Prachnio (16-7, 204.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Prachnio is three inches taller but Clark has an inch of reach advantage. A lot of stance switching from Prachnio, bit of a right from Clark. Both men are kind of hand fighting. Clark with an inside leg kick. A left hook from Prachnio lands. Clark avoids a calf kick then lands a glancing right hand. Prachnio blocks a double leg then avoids a clinch. They trade jabs. Stiff left from Clark lands. Prachnio lands a calf kick. Clark lands a right hand then gets a clinch that hits the fence. Prachnio pretty quickly gets free and they both miss punches. Body kick from Prachnio. Prachnio lands a knee and avoids a clinch. They clash on kicks. Prachnio lands a calf kick. Double jab then a right hand from Clark. Clark with a body kick then Prachnio avoids a right hand to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Prachnio

ROUND TWO: Clark starts pushing forward more this round. Prachnio lands a leg kick. Bit of a head kick from Clark. Both men swing punches in close. Body kick from Clark, Prachnio then lands an inside leg kick. Clark is showing some stance switching now. Prachnio blocks a single leg. They trade punches, Clark tries a high kick but Prachnio bulls through it and lands a few knees in close before they reset. Clark blocks a couple of punches. Bit of a right from Clark, Prachnio responds with an inside leg kick. Combination from Clark partially lands. Clark lands a right to the body, Prachnio didn’t like that one. Prachnio lands a calf kick. Clark looks to pressure forwards now. Right hand from Clark partially lands but he took another calf kick and those are starting to add up. Prachnio has a wheel kick blocked. Both men land in close then they clinch. Knees go back and forth then Clark lands a right hand as they break. Clark lands an elbow. Clark misses a high kick but then clubs Prachnio with a spinning back fist to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Clark, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Prachnio looks for the calf early and lands a kick. Prachnio tries a head kick, it’s blocked but they do briefly clinch. Clark lands a knee to the body. Spinning back kick from Prachnio partially lands. Bit of a body kick from Clark. Clark lands a right hand. Both men miss high kicks then Clark lands a right hand. Body kick from Clark, Prachnio might be fading. Prachnio smothers a kick and gets a takedown but Clark bounces up and they reset. Bit of a one two from Clark. Clark with a glancing right but Prachnio gets a clinch and lands a series of knees as he’s got Clark on the fence before they break. Prachnio avoids a one two then lands a right hand. Right hand from Prachnio. Clark lands a right hand, then a left behind it. Bit of a head kick from Clark then an elbow. Prachnio is tired and Clark is trying to pour it on with a minute left. They trade lefts then Prachnio lands a front kick. Body kick from Clark then they both swing in close. Short elbow from Clark then another one as Prachnio is wobbling against the fence. Prachnio ties up and looks to ice the round. Clark lands a right hand as they break the clinch but that’s the last blow of the round.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Marcin Prachnio via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

I don’t get Prachnio getting the third, but the fight kind of sucked so I’m not up in arms. No interview for the winner.

Loma Lookboonmee has gone 4-1 in her last five fights and is on a two fight winning streak, she’s been out of action for just days shy of a full year and if she wants to make a serious move through the strawweight division then a win here and a more active year will go a long ways towards that goal. Bruna Brasil has gone 1-1 in the UFC but she is coming off of a win and looks to build her first UFC winning streak here. It’s not too surprising to see Lookboonmee as a strong favorite at -290 while +235 for Brasil might tempt a few bettors out there.

Strawweight Bout: Bruna Brasil (9-3-1, 115.5 lbs.) vs. Loma Lookboonmee (8-3, 115.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Brasil is five inches taller with four inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Lookboonmee opens with some kicks, just range finding given the difference in size. Both women show a few kicks. Body kick from Lookboonmee. Leg kick from Brasil. Some stance switching from Lookboonmee now and she lands a left body kick. Brasil avoids a few punches but then eats a body kick. Leg kick from Lookboonmee. Brasil misses a spinning back kick. Front kick from Lookboonmee. Another body kick from Lookboonmee. Lookboonmee catches a side kick and clinches up. Short elbow from Lookboonmee as she’s got Brasil on the fence. Brasil tries a trip but Lookboonmee avoids that. Bit of a body shot from Brasil as she pushes out of the clinch. Another body kick from Lookboonmee. Calf kick from Lookboonmee. Brasil misses a right hand. Brasil misses a left hook then eats a leg kick. Lookboonmee avoids a wheel kick. Brasil forces a clinch and they hit the fence again. Nothing really comes of that clinch and they separate. Leg kick from Lookboonmee. Another clinch, and Lookboonmee with a takedown into half guard just before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lookboonmee

ROUND TWO: Front kick from Lookboonmee to start the round then she checks a leg kick. Jab from Brasil but she takes an inside leg kick for it. Another front kick from Lookboonmee. They trade body kicks. Bit of a superman punch from Lookboonmee. Lookboonmee with a body kick, she’s staying more active of the two. A few leg kicks go back and forth then Lookboonmee lands a front kick. Brasil misses a wheel kick. Bit of a combination from Lookboonmee. They both swing in close and partially land. They trade lefts. Lookboonmee lands a calf kick. Left hook from Lookboonmee. Brasil blocks a few kicks but then eats a right hand. Bit of a body kick from Lookboonmee. They trade and clinch up then hit the fence. Some knees go back and forth then Lookboonmee lands an elbow as they break. Brasil misses another wheel kick. Lookboonmee lands a body kick then a superman punch. Brasil misses a right hand to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Lookboonmee lands a body kick, then Brasil lands a counter right. Another body kick from Lookboonmee. They trade leg kicks then Lookboonmee lands a right hand. Calf kick then a front kick from Lookboonmee. Brasil tries a front kick, it’s caught but she gets it back and lands a punch. Lookboonmee lands a body kick then an inside leg kick. They clinch again and hit the fence. Brasil misses an elbow and Lookboonmee gets the back standing. Lookboonmee looks for a cheese donkey trip from the back but can’t find it. They get chest to chest and Lookboonmee lands a few knees to the body. Bit of an elbow from Lookboonmee. Lookboonmee is landing knees then blocking the return knees. They break and Lookboonmee lands a body kick. Lookboonmee with a front kick. Brasil blocks a high kick and clinches yet again. They fight for position, and sort of tip to the ground. Brasil technically on top but Lookboonmee wall walks quickly and lands a few knees to close the round.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Loma Lookboonmee via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

I guess maybe Brasil could get the third? Doesn’t matter too much. No interview for the winner.

Bolaji Oki brings an eight fight winning streak into his UFC debut and now looks to make a good first impression with his only chance to do so. Timothy Cuamba took this fight on very short notice when Damir Hadzovic ran into visa issues, but he’s on a five fight winning streak is looking to surprise people and get that all important first UFC win. The odds like Oki at -175 to +145 on Cuamba.

Lightweight Bout: Tim Cuamba (8-1, 155 lbs.) vs. Bolaji Oki (8-1, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Oki is an inch taller with two inches of reach advantage. Oki stalks forward to get us going. Both men probe with the jab, just range finding right now. Commentary says Cuamba fought last week and normally fights at featherweight. Oki avoids a kick and lands a leg kick. Bit of a right from Oki. Leg kick from Oki. One two from Oki. Cuamba with a bit of a right hand but he’s struggling with the jab from Oki. Bit of a one two from Oki, Cuamba fires back a right hand. More jabs from Oki then a right hand. Oki avoids some punches then lands a couple of jabs. Cuamba blocks a right hand but misses his counter. Leg kick from Oki. Oki lands more jabs. Oki with more jabs then off balances Cuamba on a kick and gets the ride position then lands some lefts to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Oki

ROUND TWO: Oki right back on pressure and landing the jab. Cuamba blocks a couple of punches. Oki misses a left to the body. A few more jabs from Oki, Cuamba does land a bit of a counter right this time. Jab then a left hook from Oki. Double jab then a right hand from Oki. Cuamba tries a single leg, that hits the fence and Oki is able to defend and then spins to the back. Only one leg in for Oki, Cuamba is still holding the other and he’s able to pull Oki back around in front of him. Cuamba looks for the ride as Oki tries to wall walk. Half guard for Cuamba, Oki is working to wall walk again. Cuamba grabs for a guillotine but Oki stands into a clinch and lands knees as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Oki but could go the other way, 20-18 Oki overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Oki gets back to working the jab and stalking forward. Bit of a leg kick from Cuamba. Bit of a left hook from Cuamba. Oki lands a jab. Cuamba lands a one two then they tie up. Oki pushes things into the fence and lands a few knees to the leg. Knee to the body from Oki then they break. Oki lands a jab. More jabs from Oki then a left to the body. Bit of a left hook from Cuamba. A few more Oki jabs land. Bit of a combination from Oki. Cuamba tries a single leg, but this time Oki sprawls away and then lands punches as they reset. Left hook from Oki. Bit of an uppercut from Oki but Cuamba lands a couple of counters. Oki with more jabs then a right hand. Cuamba lands a left hook but Oki responds with a few punches then a knee in close. Right hand from Oki will be the last blow of the round.

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

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

Not sure about 29-28 for Cuamba there. No interview for Oki.

Trevin Giles has gone 2-2 since dropping to welterweight and while he’s coming off of a loss he’s also trying to avoid another losing streak and further prove he’s found his footing in the division. Carlos Prates is riding a seven fight winning streak coming into his UFC debut, and he’s hoping to score that critical first UFC win. Prates is your favorite at -260 to +210 for Giles.

Welterweight Bout: Trevin Giles (16-5, 171 lbs.) vs. Carlos Prates (17-6, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Prates is an inch taller and has four inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Prates. Giles probes with inside leg kicks early. Very upright stance from Prates, very Muay Thai. A few front kicks from Prates then a body kick. Giles keeps looking to feint his way into punching distance. One two from Giles. A lot of front leg work from Prates. Giles lands a jab. Prates blocks a punch then avoids a left hook. Giles misses a combination. Prates lands a left hand. Left hook from Giles seems to bother Prates for a moment. A lot of side kicks to the lead leg form Giles, he’s trying to stifle the rhythm from Prates. Jab from Giles then Prates lands a knee. Prates misses a jumping knee to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Giles

ROUND TWO: Giles lands a couple of side kicks to the leg. Prates tries a body kick but that’s blocked. Inside leg kick from Giles. Right hand then a left hook from Giles, that side kick to the leg seems to have really upset how Prates likes to fight. Prates lands a knee to the body. Another combination from Giles partially lands. Prates lands a knee to the body but eats a couple of punches. Giles avoids a left hand and clinches up on the fence. There’s damage around the right eye of Prates, I don’t think it’s fight ending but it’s definitely worth noting. Giles is working for a takedown but can’t get it and they break. Stepping knee from Prates but they clinch up after. They break as Giles lands a right hand. Bit of a combination from Giles. Jab from Giles. Both men trade then Prates lands a left hand that ENDS Giles.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Carlos Prates via KO, punch, at 4:03 of Round 2

Prates does get a quick interview despite us being over time, he is happy and excited and finally feels like this is real now that he’s debuted in the UFC. He talks us through the finish, noting the stepping knees set up the left hand nicely.

This is a really great straight punch from Prates. That left knee to the body had been working well, and then he faked it to draw a reaction and crushed Giles with a left hand.

Rodolfo Vieira has gone 4-2 in the UFC and he’s coming off of a win, now he’s trying for his first winning streak since 2020 and hoping to take another step forward in his career. Armen Petrosyan has gone 3-1 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak, a win here would be pretty big for Petrosyan and might earn him a step up towards ranked opponents if he can get to three in a row here. The odds for this one are incredibly close, -115 Vieira to -105 Petrosyan.

Middleweight Bout: Armen Petrosyan (9-2, 186 lbs.) vs. Rodolfo Vieira (9-2, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Petrosyan is three inches taller but Vieira has two inches of reach advantage. Petrosyan pushes forward early and looks to jab. Vieira blocks some jabs then they split lefts. Bit of a leg kick from Petrosyan. Calf kick from Petrosyan. Vieira lands an inside leg kick. Both men continue to probe with leg kicks, which favors Petrosyan pretty obviously. Double jab from Vieira. Petrosyan with a body kick then a calf kick. Vieira with a single leg then gets the back standing as Petrosyan gets up. Double leg from Vieira against the fence and he moves to the ride position with one hook in. Petrosyan works to stand, he’s upright but Vieira is still attached to him and looking for a takedown, then hits a slam. Vieira slowly works his way up in half guard, he’s landing a few short lefts while keeping Petrosyan on the mat. Vieira passes to full mount, that was smooth as butter, then he gets the back. Petrosyan gives up mount again to avoid being choked and Vieira now grabs an arm triangle choke. That’s pretty tight and Petrosyan taps as his face turns dark red.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Rodolfo Vieira via Submission, arm triangle choke, at 4:48 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Vieira for his work this evening. Mic time for Vieira, he notes they were scheduled last year but it fell apart and he’s just very happy with the win and puts over Petrosyan as an opponent. He knew that his jiu-jitsu was better than Petrosyan’s and once he could collapse space he knew he’d have the win.

Michael Johnson has been with the UFC since 2010 but has gone just 2-6 in his last eight fights and was violently knocked out about a year ago, he’s trying to avoid another losing streak here and continue to prove himself a valuable addition to the roster. Darrius Flowers lost his UFC debut last year to Jake Matthews, but now he’s dropping to lightweight for the first time and could score his first UFC win over a veteran of the promotion. Despite the general slide he’s been on Johnson closed as a slight -140 favorite to +120 for Flowers.

Lightweight Bout: Darrius Flowers (12-6-1, 156 lbs.) vs. Michael Johnson (21-19, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Johnson is an inch taller with two and a half inches of reach advantage, he’s also eight years older. They touch gloves to get us going. Southpaw for Johnson per usual. Flowers with some lead leg kicks, Johnson kicks with him and we get a brief time out on a low blow but Flowers just waves it off. Left to the body from Johnson. Johnson avoids a takedown attempt. Side kick from Flowers. Both men work the lead leg then Johnson jabs the body. Johnson avoids a right hand. Again Johnson jabs the body then lands a bit of a left hand. Left to the body from Johnson. Front kick from Flowers then he lands a right to the body. Johnson lands a couple of lefts to the chest. Both men land punches in close, but Johnson is throwing in higher volume. Johnson lands a couple of leg kicks. Flowers pokes in a couple of front kicks then avoids a left hand. Counter one two from Johnson lands. Johnson lands a leg kick then a left hand. Double leg from Johnson into full guard, but nothing comes of that before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Johnson

ROUND TWO: Johnson misses a couple of punches to start the round. Bit of a left from Johnson. Johnson lands a left to the body. More body shots from Johnson then a stiff jab up top. Bit of a right from Flowers. They clinch up but nothing comes of it before they break. Left hand from Johnson. Another couple of lefts to the body from Johnson. Flowers pushes close and lands a right hand but can’t fully corral Johnson against the fence. Left to the chest from Johnson then a double jab. Flowers tries a double leg, that results in a clinch but Johnson spins him into the fence then takes a knee to the groin so we’ve got a time out. Johnson doesn’t want much time and they reset at distance. Johnson quickly hits a single leg into full guard along the fence. Some short elbows from Johnson. A few body to head punches from Johnson, he’s not making much effort to pass yet. Flowers eventually kicks Johnson off and regains his feet. Another takedown from Johnson this time into half guard and he starts attacking an arm triangle right away. Some knees to the body from Johnson then he tries a north-south choke but nothing doing before the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Johnson pretty quickly hits a takedown into side control. Flowers gets half guard but he’s still kind of stuck on his back. Johnson is after the arm triangle again but Flowers is able to block. Now Johnson switches to a kimura attack but he can’t finish or pass the half guard. Flowers tries to scramble but Johnson keeps him down and passes to side control. Triangle choke attempt from Flowers but Johnson is able to pull free of it and get back on top in half guard. Flowers is able to kick Johnson off and stand, he tries a flying knee that partially lands. Johnson is trying for a single leg, Flowers jumps for an arm but there’s only 26 seconds left in the round. The motion has stalled and Johnson comes out on top as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Flowers because Johnson’s control didn’t lead to much, 29-28 Johnson overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Michael Johnson via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Johnson could have taken the third I guess. Mic time for Johnson, he feels pretty good and jokes with Cormier about how tough wrestling is on your cardio. He talks about body work being important given how Flowers keeps a higher guard, then talks about working his grappling hard lately.

Brad Tavares has been around the UFC since 2010 and he’s gone 3-2 in his last five fights, last winning a decision against former champion Chris Weidman, Tavares is trying for his first winning streak since 2021 and is likely running out of time to make a serious run if still has aspirations towards the top of the division. Gregory Rodrigues has a solid UFC record of 5-2 and scored a knockout win in his last fight, how he’s trying for another winning streak and also hoping to add a respected veteran to his resume. The odds are with Rodrigues at -245 while +200 for Tavares might be a decent little value bet.

Middleweight Bout: Gregory Rodrigues (14-5, 186 lbs.) vs. Brad Tavares (20-8, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rodrigues is two inches taller with an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Some circling from Tavares early, both men are just getting reads. Calf kick from Tavares. Rodrigues lands a right hand, he’s pressing close early and is looking to land punches. Combination from Rodrigues but Tavares slips free and lands a right hand. Left hook from Rodrigues in close. More circling from Tavares, and Rodrigues lands a jab. Bit of a calf kick from Tavares. Rodrigues lands a couple of rights then a glancing left hook. Left to the body from Rodrigues. One two from Tavares. Rodrigues tries a double leg, that hits the fence though and they wind up clinched. They break without incident. Rodrigues lands a calf kick. Some jabs from Rodrigues then a right to the body. Clubbing right from Rodrigues then a calf kick behind it. Tavares avoids a single leg but eats a right hand then a knee. They clinch and Rodrigues hits a judo throw, Tavares quickly works to stand and Rodrigues winds up in a sprawl position on top. Tavares is thinking about a single leg of his own while Rodrigues works a front headlock sequence. Some knees to the body from Rodrigues. The round will end with Rodrigues still landing knees to the body.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rodrigues

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Both men land some jabs, Rodrigues lands a right hand to counter a calf kick. Again both men land jabs. They clinch and Rodrigues gets to the back in the clinch and looks to ride Tavares down to the mat. Tavares gets chest to chest and Rodrigues lands a knee to the body. They break without much incident. Bit of a front kick from Rodrigues then a calf kick. They trade some jabs. Rodrigues lands a calf kick. Right hand from Rodrigues. Another calf kick from Rodrigues, Tavares didn’t like that one. Rodrigues lands another calf kick then they split jabs. Tavares avoids a takedown attempt but then eats a right hand. Rodrigues lands a right hand then lands a front kick. Calf kick from Rodrigues. Tavares pushes forward and misses a right hand. Double leg from Rodrigues, nicely timed with a kick from Tavares and Rodrigues gets on top in half guard. A few short punches from Rodrigues land to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Both men show the jab, then Rodrigues lands a calf kick. Bit of a one two from Tavares. Rodrigues lands a right hand. Another calf kick from Rodrigues. Rodrigues lands a right hand, he’s looking to flurry and hurts Tavares. Knee from Rodrigues then he lands more punches along the fence. Tavares tries to fire back but Rodrigues just keeps clubbing him with rights and as he doubles over covering up the ref steps in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gregory Rodrigues via TKO, punches, at :55 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Rodrigues for his work this evening. Mic time for Rodrigues, he says he’s not afraid of anything in the cage and puts over his coaches, then he puts over Tavares for giving him the fight he expected. He says the first couple of rounds it was hard to time Tavares but he finally got him in the third round. To close he gives glory to God, thanks everyone who’s supported him, and hopes for a big year.

Here’s the finish. Tavares wasn’t happy with it but I think it’s perfectly justified.

Robert Bryczek brings a five fight winning streak into his UFC debut and he’s hoping to make the most of his debut fight on a main card and extend that streak. Ihor Potieria took this fight on short notice and missed weight, despite that he’s hoping to get a win in the new weight class and breathe some life into his flagging UFC run. The odds are with Bryczek at -175 while a Potieria win pays out at +145.

Middleweight Bout: Robert Bryczek (17-5, 185.5 lbs.) vs. Ihor Potieria (20-5, 187.5 lbs.)*

ROUND ONE: Potieria is three inches taller but the reach is identical, and of course Potieria also missed weight. Southpaw for Potieria. Some feinting from both men, Potieria lands an inside leg kick. Bryczek avoids a few kicks while looking to hand fight. Counter one two from Bryczek lands flush. Potieria misses a right hook. We get a time out as Potieria complains of an eye poke. Replay confirms a bit of a poke. Potieria is good to go after 1:55. Bryczek keeps hand fighting and looking for an angle. Bit of a right from Bryczek. Potieria lands an inside leg kick. Another inside leg kick from Potieria. Solid right hand from Bryczek lands. Bryczek punches forward and lands a few punches. Bryczek lands another right hand. Potieria tries to block a right hand and pushes it into his groin so we’ve got another time out. Bryczek was aiming at the body and Potieria’s defense guided it into the groin, pretty clear to see on replay, which I only bring up in reference to what the ref might do now. Bryczek gets a hard warning, any more fouls he’ll lose a point, and we’re back to fighting after a little over two minutes. Right to the body from Bryczek. Potieria lands an inside leg kick. Both men miss punches in close then Bryczek with a bit of an elbow. Left hand from Potieria. Bryczek easily avoids a takedown attempt then lands a right hand. Potieria avoids a right hand and gets the back in a clinch. Bryczek attacks the grip while Potieria lands some knees to the thigh. They break with a flurry from Potieria, Bryczek looks to swing back as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bryczek

ROUND TWO: Both men resume hand fighting as they look for an angle of attack. Potieria misses a right hook then lands an inside leg kick. Bryczek lands a right to the body. Bit of an uppercut from Potieria. Bryczek avoids a spinning back fist. Another right to the body from Bryczek. Potieria with an inside leg kick. Left to the body from Bryczek, Potieria lands a body kick in response. Both men miss in close. Potieria avoids some kicks. Both men miss punches then Bryczek defends a single leg. Bit of a left from Potieria. Bryczek lands a leg kick. Bit of a right from Bryczek then they both miss punches. Short right from Bryczek. They trade rights. Potieria is really getting his jab working now. Uppercut from Potieria. One two from Potieria lands. A leg kick from Potieria closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Potieria, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Potieria back to popping his punches out. Bit of a left from Bryczek. Left hand from Potieria connects. A left hook from Bryczek staggers Potieria but he recovers pretty quickly. Hard combination from Potieria hurts Bryczek, Bryczek drops and Potieria gets a front headlock position. They fight back up and separate, both men just swing punches at each other for a bit without either landing cleanly. Potieria lands a left hand. Bryczek lands a punch but Potieria gets a clinch. Some elbows from Potieria in close before Bryczek gets free. Bryczek lands a right hand but misses his follow ups. Potieria lands a left hand. Potieria forces another clinch and lands an elbow. Some punches from Potieria in close. Bryczek spins Potieria into the fence and lands some knees. They break without incident. One two from Potieria. Potieria can’t finish a single leg. Bryczek misses a right hand. They clinch again and hit the fence. Potieria slips to the back with 26 seconds left. Bryczek gets free and misses hooks, Potieria clinches up again as the round ends.

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

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

Mic time for Potieria and the translator, he says he’s a very dangerous fighter. He’s young and hungry, and this feels unstoppable in this division. He promises to become champion. To close he sucks up to the UFC brass and thanks them for the short notice fight, and notes he cut 30 some odd pounds in a week. The classy thing would be to apologize for missing but sure.

Dan Ige has been a highly ranked featherweight for a while but he’s also stumbled at the highest level, he’s gone 2-4 in his last six fights and last dropped a decision to Bryce Mitchell, if he wants to keep his ranking and maybe make another run at the top he needs a win here. Andre Fili has been basically a .500 fighter for his entire UFC run which dates back to 2013, he’s coming off of a win though and is looking for arguably the biggest win of his career plus his first winning streak since 2019. The odds are with Ige at -185 to +155 for Fili.

Featherweight Bout: Andre Fili (23-10 1 NC, 146 lbs.) vs. #13 Dan Ige (17-7, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Fili is four inches taller with three inches of reach advantage. A lot of stance switching from Fili as he moves around. Ige falls short with a few punches. Left hook from Ige lands. Bit of an inside leg kick from Ige. Both men look to work their jabs. Bit of a body shot from Ige. Ige with a calf kick. Fili with a jab. Inside leg kick from Ige then Fili avoids a hook. Fili avoids another hook then misses his counter. Right to the body from Ige and he blocks some hooks. Fili lands a jab. Bit of a jab from Ige then he floors Fili with a right hand and another follow up when Fili is down prompts the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Dan Ige via KO, punches, at 2:43 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Ige for his work this evening. Ige gets an interview, he gives glory to God and thanks his wife who could be in labor right now then puts over Fili. He talks us through the finish and says he didn’t want to land that extra punch but had to do business.

Ige has a very traditional style, here that pays dividends. Fili gets a little lazy with his lead hand and Ige sends a crushing right hand over the shoulder and arm when it’s not in defensive position and that ends Fili.

Jack Hermansson has been out of action since December of 2022 when he lost to Roman Dolidze, he’s traded wins and losses while going 4-4 in his last eight fights and he’s hoping that pattern will hold long enough to avoid his first losing streak since 2013. Joe Pyfer is on a five fight winning streak including being 3-0 in the UFC, he’s looking for his first win against a ranked opponent to set up a big 2024. Given the layoff in play it’s not too surprising to see Pyfer the favorite at -240 while +195 on Hermansson has to be a good little value bet if you don’t mind losing.

Middleweight Bout: #11 Jack Hermansson (23-8, 185 lbs.) vs. Joe Pyfer (12-2, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Pyfer is an inch taller while Hermansson has two and a half inches of reach advantage. Both men circling and bounce around early. Bit of a left hook from Pyfer. Another left hook from Pyfer lands then a calf kick behind it. Hermansson lands a front kick. Bit of a calf kick from Hermansson. Jab from Hermansson and he avoids a couple of counters. Pyfer avoids a body kick. Another front kick from Hermansson, then Pyfer lands a calf kick. Hermansson lands a calf kick. Pyfer misses a few punches. We get a kick to the groin of Pyfer but he basically waves it off, Hermansson was throwing a knee and his foot just caught the cup. Both men miss lefts. Bit of a left hook from Hermansson but Pyfer seems unbothered by it. Right hand from Pyfer staggers Hermansson for a second. Pyfer with a left to the body. A couple of front kicks from Hermansson land. Bit of a left hook from Pyfer. Bit of a counter right from Hermansson after he avoided a right hand. Some jabs from Pyfer now then they both miss left hooks. Hermansson misses a calf kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pyfer

ROUND TWO: Pyfer lands a right to the body then misses a left hook. Hermansson shoulder rolls away from a couple of punches. Left to the body from Pyfer. Hermansson tries a single leg, that hits the fence and they clinch briefly then Pyfer pushes free. Calf kick from Pyfer. Hermansson is looking to put more forward pressure out there and lands a calf kick then checks the return. Jab from Hermansson. Pyfer is looking to jab a bit more now, then misses a left hook. They trade calf kicks then Pyfer jabs the body. Hermansson blocks a high kick and lands a jab then a calf kick. Pyfer jabs the body. Calf kick from Hermansson. Pyfer misses a few more punches, Hermansson might have a read on his offense at this point. Calf kick from Hermansson then a body kick. Pyfer comes forward and walks into a right hand. Hermansson blocks some punches. Jab from Hermansson then he blocks a one two. Right hand from Hermansson to counter a calf kick. Pyfer blocks a high kick to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Hermansson but might have gone the other way, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Both men come out jabbing. Pyfer is looking to move forward more this round but Hermansson is absorbing the pressure and jabbing back at him. Pyfer misses some punches. Bit of a left hook from Hermansson. Hermansson works his way forward and lands a calf kick. Pyfer misses a few punches then eats a few jabs. Uppercut from Hermansson in close then a knee to the body. Blood is coming from the bridge of Pyfer’s nose, not much but it’s there. Hermansson lands a right hand. Calf kick from Hermansson, Pyfer didn’t really like that one. Stiff left from Hermansson, Pyfer thought he got poked but no and the ref says fight on. Hermansson with an uppercut and a knee in close while replay confirms the punch to the eye was legal. Pyfer misses a left hook and Hermansson hits the body with a right hand. Hermansson with more jabs, he’s starting to pick Pyfer apart now. Another calf kick from Hermansson then a jab. Pyfer falls short on some punches then Hermansson lands a right hand. Bit of a calf kick from Hermansson. Pyfer bulls forward but walks into a knee and a right hand. More pressure from Hermansson and he lands a jab then avoids the counters. Bit of a left hook from Pyfer. Pyfer looks to flurry but Hermansson stifles him. Jab from Pyfer then Hermansson with a calf kick. Hermansson with another stiff jab then he avoids a takedown and lands knees and an uppercut before the round ends.

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

ROUND FOUR: Hermansson starts moving forward again and they trade jabs. A couple of calf kicks from Hermansson then he avoids a single leg attempt. Another calf kick from Hermansson. Pyfer swings wild and can’t find the target. Another few jabs from Hermansson. Hermansson with a stiff jab. Pyfer lands a right to the body then eats another jab. They split a few jabs. Hard calf kick from Hermansson. Pyfer lands a left hook then clinches up looking for a takedown. Things settle down on the fence and Hermansson lands some knees. They break without incident. They trade some lefts again at distance. A lot of forward motion from Pyfer but Hermansson cracks him with a right hand. Hermansson with a calf kick. Both men miss left hooks. Pyfer forces a clinch again but again it stalls on the fence. They break without much happening. Hermansson back to jabbing and calf kicking. Some more jabs from Hermansson land. A right hand from Hermansson seems to bother Pyfer, then a calf kick behind it. Hermansson with more jabs then he avoids a wild right hand. Side kick to the leg from Hermansson then he lands another jab. That Hermansson jab is really messing with Pyfer’s nose. Hermansson with some calf kicks while moving forward. Pyfer misses a one two. Hermansson defends a single leg and resumes walking Pyfer down. Hard calf kick from Hermansson, that’ll be the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Hermansson, 39-37 Hermansson overall but it’s probably 38-38

ROUND FIVE: Hermansson gets back on pressure right away and lands a few punches. Pyfer lands a left hook but can’t follow up. Hermansson keeps moving forward and lands a front kick to the body. Calf kick from Hermansson. Jabs from Hermansson and he avoids a few punches. Another jab from Hermansson. More jabs from Hermansson then a hard calf kick. Man, that Hermansson jab just can’t miss at this point. Hermansson lands a right hand as he’s got Pyfer on the fence. Pyfer swings wild but can’t find the target. Takedown from Hermansson and he’s on top in leg drag. Some short hammer fists and elbows from Hermansson but Pyfer is able to hip escape to half guard. Hermansson with a few rights and he’s keeping Pyfer pinned to the mat. Pyfer is trying to move on bottom but Hermansson is at least a full step ahead of him and easily keeps him down and lands blows. Eventually Pyfer is able to get full guard but he took some elbows along the way. Hermansson looks to pass but can’t quite get around the guard. Elbow from Hermansson. The round will close with Hermansson standing over Pyfer and swinging punches.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Hermansson, 49-46 Hermansson overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jack Hermansson via unanimous decision (48-47 x3)

I was worried they were going to job Hermansson out there, but the judges got it right. Mic time for Hermansson, he knows people underestimate his striking but he’s worked hard and believes in himself, plus he knew the cardio would favor him. He knew the first round would be tough and admits he took some hard shots but the longer it went the better he got. He talks us through some highlights and is happy to have shown off his jab again. Asked about the future he wants two more fights this year, then says Norway should legalize MMA, he’d like to fight in Sweden again and particularly would like to fight Nassourdine Imavov. Not an unreasonable call out.

Pyfer gets an interview as well, he wasn’t surprised by the fight and says he’s wanted to find his limits and this might be it right now. He mentions losing the calf kick battle and how that messed with his game plan.

Well on that note UFC on ESPN+ 94 comes to a close. Thank you for reading, be that live or after the fact, it means the world to me that you chose my work as part of your MMA consumption. We’ll be unpacking all the fallout from this event on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast tomorrow plus looking ahead to next week. Next week we’ve got UFC 298 headlined by one of the best fights in all of MMA, Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria for the featherweight belt. I hope you’ll be back for that one. Until then thank you again, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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