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411’s UFC Fight Night Report: Injury Ends Rodriguez vs. Ortega

July 16, 2022 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC on ABC 3 Image Credit: UFC

MAIN CARD (ABC/ESPN+, 2 p.m. ET)
#2 Brian Ortega (146 lbs.) vs. #3 Yair Rodriguez (145.4 lbs.)
#11 Amanda Lemos (116 lbs.) vs. #10 Michelle Waterson (115 lbs.)
#14 Li Jingliang (170.6 lbs.) vs. Muslim Salikhov (170.8 lbs.)
#12 Su Mudaerji (125.8 lbs.) vs. #8 Matt Schnell (126 lbs.)
#14 Shane Burgos (145.8 lbs.) vs. Charles Jourdain (145.6 lbs.)
#3 Lauren Murphy (125.2 lbs.) vs. #10 Miesha Tate (125.8 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 11 a.m. ET)
Dalcha Lungiambula (185.6 lbs.) vs. Puna Soriano (185.6 lbs.)
#14 Jack Shore (136 lbs.) vs. #13 Ricky Simon (135.6 lbs.)
Bill Algeo (146 lbs.) vs. Herbert Burns (145.4 lbs.)
#15 Dustin Jacoby (205 lbs.) vs. Da-un Jung (205.6 lbs.)
Dwight Grant (184.4 lbs.) vs. Dustin Stoltzfus (185.6 lbs.)
Emily Ducote (115.6 lbs.) vs. #14 Jessica Penne (115.8 lbs.)


Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ABC 3, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the event. A rare early morning outing from the UFC this time, but they’ve brought a very solid card since they’re not at the Apex. The main event might crown the next title challenger at featherweight when top contenders Brian Ortega and Yair Rodriguez square off in a near can’t miss affair. Elsewhere on the card Shane Burgos and Charles Jourdain will make a strong case for Fight of the Night honors, Muslim Salikhov looks to continue his ascent against Li Jingliang, and former bantamweight champion Miesha Tate makes her flyweight debut against former title challenger Lauren Murphy. On the prelims I’ve got my eye on Ricky Simon vs. Jack Shore as a battle of very talented bantamweights. Let’s just hope the action is at least as good in practice as it is on paper.

UFC on ABC 3 comes to the world from the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, USA. We’ve got Jon Anik, Daniel Cormier, and Paul Felder on commentary. As for the rules, if memory serves New York uses the newer set and allows instant replay for fight ending sequences if necessary. The UFC seems to have given up on informing the audience of the rules being used so I’m hoping my google search yielded accurate results on this front. At a minimum I’ll be scoring as though I’m under the newer criteria.

Jessica Penne ended a long layoff last year when she won two fights which earned her her first winning streak since 2014, now Penne looks to defend her top ranking and possibly start another climb through the ranks. Emily Ducote brings a three fight winning streak into her UFC debut with her last two wins being finishes, if she’s able to best a former title challenger like Penne it will make a statement about her intentions right away. The odds are with Ducote at -165 to +140 on Penne.

Strawweight Bout: Emily Ducote (11-6, 115.6 lbs.) vs. #14 Jessica Penne (14-5, 115.8 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Penne is three inches taller with four inches of reach advantage, she’s also nine years older. Penne starts out probing with the jab. Ducote lands a calf kick. Bit of a jab from Penne, then Ducote kicks her leg again. A bit of shadow boxing from Penne now, neither woman has a good feel for the range. Ducote lands another calf kick then a left hook. Another leg kick from Ducote. Penne fakes a double leg then lands a right hand. Calf kick from Ducote. Another calf kick from Ducote then a right hand, Penne tries a takedown but Ducote defends then lands another right. A couple of body shots from Ducote, but Penne grabs a double collar tie and lands a few knees to the body before they separate. Ducote lands a left hook then a calf kick. Solid right from Ducote, Penne is falling short with almost all of her offense and Ducote is finding the counters. Ducote lands another calf kick then a body shot, bit of a right from Penne on the counter. Right to the body then a left hook from Ducote. Penne tries a double leg, easily defended by Ducote. Ducote lands a left to the body. Another left to the body from Ducote then a right hand behind it. Calf kick from Ducote. Left and a right from Ducote. Bit of a jab from Penne, then Ducote lands a body shot to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ducote

ROUND TWO: Ducote lands another calf kick to start the round. Both women miss punches then Ducote lands another calf kick. Right hand then a left hook from Ducote, she’s easily punching between Penne’s punches as Penne keeps falling short. Stiff left hook from Ducote. Another calf kick from Ducote. Penne tries a double leg, again Ducote defends then spins out of a clinch. Ducote lands an inside leg kick. Bit of a jab from Penne. Ducote lands another calf kick, Penne forces a clinch but can’t keep it. Penne with a one two to counter a calf kick. Ducote lands a calf kick then a right hand. Left to the body from Ducote. Penne eats a calf kick and tries a clinch, she lands a bit of a knee before Ducote gets free. One two from Penne. Ducote lands a left hook then a calf kick. Another left to the body from Ducote. Hard right from Ducote. Penne misses a right hand then eats a counter right. Knees from Penne in close, she’s still trying. Ducote misses a right hand, then lands one as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Penne is back to shadow boxing, then Ducote lands a calf kick. Another calf kick from Ducote, that lead leg of Penne is hurt. Ducote lands another calf kick then easily avoids a double leg. Another calf kick from Ducote, Penne is limping and backing up as Ducote keeps chopping at her leg. Right from Ducote stumbles Penne for a second. Penne avoids a couple of calf kicks and lands a right hand. Ducote lands a right. Another calf kick from Ducote, then they trade rights. Penne’s left leg is badly compromised but she’s still throwing back. Ducote with another calf kick. Penne lands a right hand, Ducote is becoming a bit predictable with her offense and Penne is getting a read. They trade rights then Ducote lands an inside leg kick. Ducote with another calf kick. Bit of a right from Ducote, then a calf kick. Both women land lefts. Right hook from Ducote then she avoids a few counters. More leg kicks from Ducote then they both avoid rights. Ducote lands a right hand. Left hook from Ducote then an inside leg kick and a calf kick to close the round.

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

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

Mic time for Ducote, she wanted to stay calm in the fight and was able to fight wherever she was the most comfortable. She puts over Penne as tough and dealing with the leg kicks despite the damage adding up. She wants to fight the best in the world and is excited for what comes next.

Dwight Grant has gone 3-4 in the UFC and finds himself on a two fight losing streak, now he needs a win to get his UFC record to the .500 mark and try to halt his current skid. Dustin Stoltzfus has gone 0-3 in the UFC and needs a win pretty badly as an 0-4 start could easily end his time in the promotion. The odds are technically a pick ’em at -115 for Stoltzfus to -105 on Grant.

Middleweight Bout: Dwight Grant (11-5, 184.4 lbs.) vs. Dustin Stoltzfus (13-4, 185.6 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Grant has an inch of height and reach over Stoltzfus. Grant starts out circling and showing the jab. Calf kick from Stoltzfus, bit of a right from Grant to counter. Both men are still probing and looking for openings, the “woo’s” have started in earnest, they were somewhat audible during the first fight but now that the crowd is filling up they’re more present. Both men land rights in close. They both avoid punches, but Stoltzfus is pressing the action more now. Right from Stoltzfus lands. Stoltzfus with a calf kick, Grant responds with a couple of body shots. Stoltzfus pushes into a clinch on the fence and lands a knee. Now Stoltzfus drops for a takedown, Grant is defending and spins free after taking a right hand. Calf kick from Stoltzfus, Grant lands a right hand to counter. Grant avoids a right hand. Stoltzfus lands a calf kick, then Grant returns it. Another calf kick from Stoltzfus. Grant lands a left hook. Another calf kick from Stoltzfus but Grant is getting a read on the technique. Grant lands a left hook. Stoltzfus lands another calf kick. Bit of a right from Grant. Stoltzfus fires a combination as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Stoltzfus

ROUND TWO: Stoltzfus lands a calf kick to get the second round going. Bit of a right from Stoltzfus. Body kick from Stoltzfus, who has started showing some stance switches. A couple of body kicks from Stoltzfus then an inside leg kick. Grant lands a front kick. A lot of circling from Grant, he’s lighter on his feet than Stoltzfus is. Bit of a knee from Stoltzfus then an inside leg kick. Grant misses a body shot. Stoltzfus lands a right hand. They clinch up and Stoltzfus starts working for a takedown against the fence. Grant is defending so far but now he’s caught in the clinch. Stoltzfus gets a takedown and moves to the ride position while landing punches. Both hooks in for Stoltzfus now and he grabs the choke, but Grant is hand fighting and avoids it getting too close. Punches from Stoltzfus then he gets Grant belly down and unloads with punches from full mount as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Bit of a right from Stoltzfus. Front kick from Stoltzfus, then a calf kick. They trade leg kicks. Another calf kick from Stoltzfus, Grant responds with a right to the body. Grant lands a left hook. Right from Grant lands. Stoltzfus lands a calf kick, but his lack of feints is allowing Grant to get a read on him. Stoltzfus lands a right hand that hurts Grant. Stoltzfus tries a takedown but Grant is able to angle away from him. Leg kick from Stoltzfus, Grant responds with a right hand. Both men miss strikes then Stoltzfus gets a clinch and hits an elevated double leg slam in the middle of the cage. Stoltzfus moves to leg drag right away and starts working punches. More short punches from Stoltzfus, he’s going body and head now as well. Grant is just wrapping the head trying to control posture. Stoltzfus moves to full mount and unloads with elbows, Grant gives his back but will see the end of the round.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Dustin Stoltzfus via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Mic time for Stoltzfus after the win, he puts over Grant and is very happy to finally be fighting in front of fans. He puts over Grant again and says he likes to get slams on his takedowns but had to work hard for them as Grant has good hips but Grant struggles with chain wrestling so when he extended those sequences he had an advantage.

Dustin Jacoby hasn’t lost an MMA fight since 2015 and the lone blemish on his current UFC run is a draw from last year, now he’s trying to defend his top ranking and possibly earn a shot at someone ranked above him if he can continue his impressive streak. Da-un Jung has gone 4-0-1 in the UFC and hasn’t lost a fight since 2015, now he’s trying to take out a ranked opponent and possibly move into the rankings himself with a win. Jung is a slight -120 favorite to and even +100 on Jacoby.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #15 Dustin Jacoby (17-5-1, 205 lbs.) vs. Da-un Jung (15-2-1, 205.6 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Jung is an inch taller with two and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Jacoby starts feinting right away, then lands a leg kick. Jung is looking to be more of a step and slide fighter while Jacoby is a bit more on his toes. Calf kick from Jacoby. Jung lands a leg kick. Another leg kick from Jung. Jacoby lands a leg kick. Jacoby is starting to switch his stance a bit now. Jung is the one pressing forward now, Jacoby lands a calf kick. Bit of a knee from Jung. Jung lands a right hand. Jacoby lands a jab then a bit of a front kick. Jung seems to have a read now, he’s splitting the timing of Jacoby. Jacoby crushes Jung with a one two, Jung drops flat on his back and the ref jumps in to stop the fight.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Dustin Jacoby via KO, punches, at 3:13 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Jacoby for his work this morning. Jacoby gets an interview after the win, he hopes he’s finally earned a bonus in the UFC then puts over Jung. He talks us through the finish then when he’s asked about the future he wanted a statement win here to earn a shot at the top ten of the division. To close he jokes about wanting to golf with Daniel Cormier.

Here’s the finish. The looping left hook from Jacoby seems to have been more important than it looked live, because you see Jung wobble a bit. The follow up one two is nice and there’s enough power from Jacoby to drop Jung like a bad habit.

Bill Algeo has traded wins and losses while going 2-2 in the UFC but he’s coming off of a win and now looks to build his first UFC winning streak. Herbert Burns has gone 2-1 in the UFC but he’s coming off of a loss in a fight where he also missed weight, now Burns is trying to put that behind him and avoid his first UFC losing streak. The odds favor Algeo at -200 against a +170 for Burns.

Featherweight Bout: Bill Algeo (15-6, 146 lbs.) vs. Herbert Burns (11-3, 145.4 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Algeo is three inches taller while Burns has half an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Circling from both men, Burns forces a clinch right away and they hit the fence. Algeo spins Burns into the fence and they trade some knees. Burns hits a lateral drop and gets on top in side control. Full mount for Burns, then he grabs a triangle choke in transition. Algeo scrambles but he’s struggling to break the lock. Burns tightens things down as they scramble, he switches to an armbar attack but can’t finish it yet. Back to the triangle but Algeo is able to slip his shoulder past the legs of Burns and get out of the choke. Half guard on top for Algeo and he starts working short punches and elbows. Burns gets full guard but Algeo postures up and lands punches to the body and head. Elbow from Algeo then he keeps unloading punches. Burns tries to throw up his guard again but Algeo passes to the ride position and lands more punches as Burns sags to the mat. Algeo keeps throwing strikes but Burns finally ties him up to get a small reprieve. Algeo stands free and makes Burns get up, Burns takes his sweet time as he’s exhausted. They clinch up and Algeo knees the body then takes Burns down and unloads from half guard as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Algeo but there’s an argument for Burns

ROUND TWO: We get the doctor in to check on Burns before the second round starts, Burns can continue and we’re good to go. They touch gloves again. Algeo lands a front kick. Burns jumps to the back standing, hits a cheese donkey trip but Algeo spins to get on top in full guard. Algeo moves to half guard, Burns gets full guard back quickly. Algeo stands free and lands a body kick. Burns attacks a leg, Algeo defends and lands a right hand as he goes back into the guard. Again Algeo stands free and makes Burns stand, it takes Burns way too long to stand so the ref waves it off.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Bill Algeo via TKO, retirement, at 1:50 of Round 2

Burns is down like his knee is injured, which would be a real shame as he’d been off because of knee issues before this fight. Algeo gets an interview, he says he’s been defending triangles forever and he was more worried about the elbows in that position. He talks us through some highlights and could feel Burns fading as the fight wore on. Asked about the future he says he’s got a kid coming in November and would love to fight Chase Hooper before that. To close he wishes his father a Happy Birthday.

Ricky Simon is on a four fight winning streak and scored an impressive knockout in his last fight, now he’s trying to improve on his ranking and possibly earn another crack at the top ten in a very stacked division. Jack Shore is undefeated and recently cracked into the rankings, now he’s looking to retain his perfect record and continue raising his profile and his level of opposition. Shore is your -150 favorite while the +130 payout on Simon is a very tempting value bet.

Bantamweight Bout: #14 Jack Shore (16-0, 136 lbs.) vs. #13 Ricky Simon (19-3, 135.6 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Shore has two inches of height and reach over Simon. They touch gloves to get us going. Both men feint as they circle, then Simon lands a calf kick. Shore lands a jab. Bit of a one two from Simon. Shore lands a hard right, but Simon goes for a double leg and they wind up on the fence. Simon keeps Shore pressed on the fence and lands a few short knees. Shore is able to slip free relatively quickly and they reset. Calf kick from Simon. Shore misses a right hand but shucks off a double leg attempt. Shore is starting to get a read on things, he lands a body kick. Simon defends a single leg attempt then Shore blocks a couple of punches. Left to the body from Simon then he forces a clinch on the fence. Shore is defending from the clinch but Simon is stuck to him like glue. Shore avoids an elbow and separates. Simon lands a left, Shore counters with a right hand. Another clinch from Simon hits the cage. Both men throw knees in the clinch. They eventually break without incident. Bit of a left from Shore, then a jab. Left hook from Shore lands. Shore lands a body kick then a stiff jab. A right from Shore connects then he avoids a takedown to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Shore but could go either way

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Shore seems more dialed in on Simon now, he lands a right hand. Simon blocks a double leg and forces a clinch on the fence. Elbow from Simon as they break. Body shot from Simon. Shore lands a right hand. Inside leg kick from Simon, Shore responds with a combination then they clinch up. Simon rides Shore to a knee then hops to the back standing but Shore gets chest to chest right away. Elbow from Simon and he drops down then hits a double leg slam into full guard. Shore wall walks rather quickly but they’re still in the clinch. Elbow from Shore as he gets free of the clinch. Shore lands a jab then checks a leg kick. A right from Simon hurts Shore, Shore drops and Simon jumps on him in full mount. Simon grabs an arm triangle from full mount and Shore taps out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ricky Simon via Submission, arm triangle choke, at 3:28 of Round 2

Big win for Simon, Shore was highly touted coming into this one. Mic time for Simon, he was well prepared for Shore and Shore brought everything he expected. He talks us through the finish, noting he knew Shore had a good jab and he needed an answer to it. Asked about the future now that he’s on a five fight winning streak he calls out Sean O’Malley. Almost no chance the UFC makes that fight but take your shot.

This doesn’t include the intercepting right hand from Simon that dropped Shore, but this is a really nice arm triangle from Simon to polish things off.

Dlacha Lungiambula has gone 2-3 in the UFC and is on a two fight losing streak, now he’s trying to get his UFC record back to even and prove he’s still a valuable addition to the roster. Punahele Soriano has gone 2-2 in the UFC but he’s on a two fight losing streak and finds himself trying to avoid the dreaded three fight skid. The odds are rather heavily with Soriano at -215 to a +185 comeback on Lungiambula.

Middleweight Bout: Dalcha Lungiambula (11-4, 185.6 lbs.) vs. Punahele Soriano (8-2, 185.6 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Soriano is three inches taller while Lungiambula has three and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves, Soriano is fighting southpaw. Bit of a body kick from Soriano. Both men are pawing with jabs, looking for lead hand control to set up the power hand. Lungiambula lands a right to the body. Soriano backs Lungiambula to the fence, tries a double leg but Lungiambula is able to defend and separate. Bit of a jab from Lungiambula. Soriano is backing Lungiambula up to the fence, he stabs a few front kicks to the body in but Lungiambula lands a right hand. The wingspan on Lungiambula is pretty nuts. Soriano slips a right and lands a left hand. Hard calf kick from Lungiambula drops Soriano for a second, Soriano comes up to his knees and Lungiambula starts working from a front headlock. Soriano fights up to his feet and he lands a few knees to the body before they separate. Bit of a right hook from Soriano. They clash and clinch up, Soriano lands a knee then they break. Both men miss power hand punches. Bit of a left from Soriano. Lungiambula has been showing southpaw a bit, and he lands another calf kick from that stance. Soriano lands a couple of lefts then some knees in close. Both men miss punches then Lungiambula hits a double leg. Soriano moves to the fence and looks for a switch. Lungiambula moves to a rear waist lock as Soriano stands. Mat return from Lungiambula, Soriano wall walks again without issue. They end the round in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lungiambula

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Lungiambula has a visible issue with his ribs on the right side of his body. Soriano blocks a kick and floors Lungiambula with a left hand then jumps on top to pound things out and force the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Punahele Soriano via KO, punches, at :28 of Round 2

Mic time for Soriano after that one, he puts over some sponsors first then says he feels great but might have to go into the back and cry some more. He talks us through the finish and mentions that Lungiambula is a scary dude. He talks about his preparation for this fight then puts over Lungiambula again as they used to train together.

Here’s the finish. Soriano blocks a kick then follows it back with a blitz, a tried and true way to punish a kicker. The left hand clearly hurts Lungiambula but Soriano’s accurate right hand follow up is what hammers the nail into the coffin.

Well that’s it for preliminary action, on to ABC for the main card.

Lauren Murphy just had a five fight winning streak snapped when she was thoroughly out classed in her title fight, now she’s trying to avoid her first losing streak since 2015 and retain her position near the title picture. Miesha Tate is a former bantamweight champion but after losing her last fight in that weight class she’s hoping a drop to flyweight will yield a quick path to another title shot given the state of the division and her name value. Tate enjoys favored status at -200 to the +170 underdog Murphy.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: #3 Lauren Murphy (15-5, 125.2 lbs.) vs. #10 Miesha Tate (19-8, 125.8 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Tate is an inch taller while Murphy has two inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Both women paw with jabs. They tie up and trade knees then Murphy lands a right hand. Both women miss rights. Murphy lands a couple of punches then sprawls away from a double leg and lands knees. Body kick from Tate but Murphy is pressuring her constantly. Bit of a right from Murphy. Murphy lands a jab. Tate lands a right hand. They split jabs a few times. Murphy lands a right hand. Jabs from Murphy land. Double leg from Murphy, it takes a second effort but she gets Tate to her knees then gets the back as they stand. Body shots from Murphy in the clinch then an elbow as Tate gets chest to chest. Tate spins Murphy into the fence and lands a few knees. Murphy avoids a trip takedown and lands a knee to the body but they’re still in the clinch. Knee from Murphy, Tate returns it. Murphy gets a body lock as they fight for position, both women land knees but nothing really comes of it. They break as Murphy misses an elbow. Jab from Murphy, neither woman has head movement to speak of. They split jabs then circle to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Murphy

ROUND TWO: Tate tries to pressure forward to start the second round. Murphy lands a few jabs. Bit of a right from Murphy. Tate lands a right hand. Murphy lands a right, and Tate’s nose is bleeding immediately. Jab from Murphy. Bit of a right from Murphy. Double leg from Murphy, Tate scoots to the fence and looks to wall walk. Punches from Murphy as Tate wall walks, Tate starts fighting the grip of Murphy as Murphy has moved to her back. Knees from Murphy then an elbow as they break. Tate jabs Murphy backwards but can’t corral her. They split on jabs while moving around, then Murphy lands a right hand. Tate keeps walking onto punches trying to close distance, Murphy almost can’t miss at this point. They clinch up and Murphy lands an elbow. Tate lands an elbow of her own. Murphy lands another jab. They both miss punches then Murphy tries a double leg, switches to a single leg and wobbles Tate with a right hand as they break. More jabs are traded, then Murphy lands an uppercut before Tate forces a clinch. Some knees from Tate in the clinch, Murphy is working short punches while fighting to pummel her arms in. Elbow from Tate but Murphy lands a few knees. Tat’es left eye is swelling up visibly as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: The damange on Tate’s face is obvious, not fight stopping but it’s pretty bad. Murphy lands a few jabs. Tate lands a calf kick. More jabs from Murphy, Tate is able to tie up and try a double leg but Murphy defends and lands knees then an elbow before Tate gets free. Tate tries to force another clinch but Murphy shrugs her off. Bit of a right from Murphy. Another right from Murphy lands. Tate is just out of ideas at this point, she keeps walking into punches and can’t find a takedown. Murphy lands a few more punches, then avoids a double leg and lands elbows in the clinch. They trade knees as Murphy gets Tate on the fence. Another elbow from Murphy then a second as they break. Tate tries to tie up, again Murphy blocks that. Murphy lands a jab. Bit of a right from Tate. Both women land rights and we get a little fire fight for a few moments. Murphy tries a double leg, they wind up clinched though. Tate lands a knee, Murphy returns it as they fight for position along the fence. Another knee from Murphy then an elbow before they break. Jab from Murphy. Tate lands a jab. They split jabs a bit while moving around. One two from Murphy and then a knee to end the round.

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

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

Biggest win of Murphy’s career right there. Mic time for Murphy, she’s dreamed about moments like this and knows that when she’s healthy she’s a force in the division. She says she wasn’t ready to be champion last time, but now she’s learning to be ready and it’ll take more than one ass whipping to keep her out of the title picture. She talks about how hard she worked for this fight then says she’ll be in France in September to watch Jessica Andrade vs. Manon Fiorot and she wants the winner of that fight. Gutsy call out there, well Andrade is out of that fight but Fiorot will fight someone ranked highly and either way it’s a solid call out to keep your name in the title picture.

They announce that Charles Oliveira has won the ESPY for MMA Fighter of the Year, which is perfectly fair. After that we get confirmation that Oliveira will fight Islam Makhachev for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 280. Darn good fight, and it’s nice to get confirmation about the lightweight title picture.

Shane Burgos just broke a two fight losing streak when he bested Billy Quarantillo last year, now he’s trying to build another winning streak while defending his hard won ranking. Charles Jourdain is on a two fight winning streak and looks to have finally found his footing in the UFC, if he’s able to best Burgos here he could easily find a number beside his name and he could set his sights on even more ranked opposition. This is a fairly close fight and the odds reflect that, leaning towards Burgos at -165 while the +140 payout on Jourdain might tempt a few bettors out there.

Featherweight Bout: #14 Shane Burgos (14-3, 145.8 lbs.) vs. Charles Jourdain (13-4-1, 145.6 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Burgos is two inches taller with a significant six and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Jourdain opens southpaw but will switch as he feels it. Burgos immediately starts pressuring forward blocking kicks, then lands an inside leg kick. Inside leg kick from Jourdain. Bit of a left from Jourdain. Burgos lands a leg kick. Bit of a right from Burgos. The pressure of Burgos is nuts, he lands a body shot as Jourdain circles away from him. They clinch up and Burgos slips to the back then trips Jourdain down into half guard. Jourdain gives up his back as he stands, and Burgos jumps to a body triangle into the backpack position. Neck crank from Burgos gets Jourdain to drop to the mat and he keeps cranking once they’re down there. The choke isn’t there but Burgos, but that crank did force things into the mat. Burgos lands some punches, Jourdain stands and slips free then they reset on the feet. Body kick from Jourdain. Burgos keeps coming forward, they clinch and trade knees then Jourdain trips Burgos and lands punches as Burgos regains his feet. More clinch work, Jourdain lands knees in the clinch. Burgos avoids an elbow as he slips free. Inside leg kick from Burgos then a knee as they clinch then break. Jourdain lands a left hand. Another clinch and Jourdain keeps going to the body with knees and punches before they break. Burgos lands an inside leg kick. Another inside leg kick from Burgos then they clinch again. Both men land punches in the clinch before they separate. Jumping knee from Jourdain misses and they trade in the clinch to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jourdain but a close one

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Burgos lands an inside leg kick. They trade lefts. Jourdain lands a left hand. Burgos lands a right hand. Both men land punches in close, the pressure of Burgos is kind of nuts. Burgos avoids a left hand and gets the back standing then pulls Jourdain down to the mat and jumps into the backpack position again. Body triangle for Burgos now and he lands body shots while trying to attack Jourdain. More punches from Burgos as he drives Jourdain down to the mat. Jourdain bases up and tries to pull Burgos over the top but Burgos keeps the back and continues to threaten him. Burgos threatens a Suloev stretch to force Jourdain to his knees and off of his base for a moment. Jourdain bases up again, again Burgos threatens the leg to force him down. Burgos lands short strikes, then grabs at the choke but he’s across the jaw and has to really crank down on the attack. Jourdain defends the crank and Burgos starts looking to switch choking arms and attack again. Some punches from Burgos as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Burgos, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They hug to start the last round. Jourdain has gone orthodox now. Burgos lands a calf kick. Both men slip punches, then Burgos lands a right hand and a left to the body. Jourdain lands a couple of jabs then Burgos lands a calf kick. Both men land jabs, then Burgos digs the body. Calf kick from Burgos. Left hook then an uppercut from Jourdain. Some jabs from Jourdain. Burgos lands a calf kick. Burgos lands a right hand in close. Jourdain avoids a single leg and lands a combination of punches before they clinch. Burgos tries a single leg on the fence, switches to a double leg but Jourdain uses a front headlock to drive him down and land knees to the body and head. Body shots in the clinch from Jourdain. Burgos lands a leg kick as they break. More volume from Jourdain, he’s just not slowing down and keeps unloading in the pocket. Knee from Jourdain. Burgos lands an elbow. More knees from Jourdain in the clinch, then he lands punches to follow up. Burgos is throwing back but Jourdain is finding the target with most of what he’s throwing. Uppercuts from Jourdain as they break, then Jourdain pushes forward but Burgos ducks under his blows and slips to the back standing. Burgos mat returns Jourdain, then unloads with punches as they stand, Jourdain lands a head kick as the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jourdain, 29-28 Jourdain overall but this will hinge on the first round

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Shane Burgos via majority decision (28-28, 29-28 x2)

I’m not sure about a 10-8 in that fight. Mic time for Burgos, he felt he won the first two rounds but notes the body triangle work killed his legs and he’s not happy with his performance. He knew Jourdain would be tough on the feet and that he had an advantage on the mat. Asked about the future he notes this was the last fight on his deal and would love a new deal plus a fight towards the end of the year.

Commentary tells us that the 28-28 came from a 10-8 for Burgos in the second while that judge gave Jourdain the first and third. I’ll have to double check the second round on a rewatch, but that 10-8 seems like a stretch at the moment.

Matt Schnell has gone 1-1 with 1 No Contest in his last three fights, he dropped a fight to Brando Royval back in May and now he’s looking for his first win of the year. Su Mudaerji is on a three fight winning streak overall including his last two fights back down at flyweight, now he’s trying to extend that streak and climb towards the top ten rankings. Su Mudaerji is your favorite at -265 to a +225 for Schnell.

Flyweight Bout: #12 Su Mudaerji (16-4, 125.8 lbs.) vs. #8 Matt Schnell (15-6 1 NC, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Sumudaerji has two inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Sumudaerji, and they touch gloves to get us going. Sumudaerji lands an inside leg kick. Schnell is pressing forward, they trade some inside leg kicks while trying to get a read on each other. Some stance switching from Sumudaerji now. Bit of a body kick from Schnell. Schnell lands a left hook. They trade inside leg kicks. A couple of lefts from Sumudaerji then Schnell lands a right hand. Also I’m calling BS on the height being the same, Sumudaerji is taller. Schnell ducks under a left hand and hits a double leg into full mount. Sumudaerji gets back to half guard but Schnell moves again towards mount then gets the back with both hooks in. Body triangle from Schnell, but he was a little slow to adjust as Sumudaerji spins into him and Sumudaerji gets on top. High guard for Schnell, Sumudaerji lands body shots. Triangle choke attempt from Schnell, Sumudaerji avoids it and stands over Schnell then returns to the guard to keep Schnell on the mat. Another triangle attack from Schnell, he switches to an omoplata but Sumudaerji stands and tries to side slam his way out of it but that only allows Schnell to attack the omoplata again. Sumudaerji rolls through the omoplata but Schnell comes up on top and unloads with strikes on top. Schnell with some rights. Elbows from Schnell now as he postures through the guard. Sumudaerji fires elbows from his back, Schnell lands one of his own. They’ll end the round with a right hand from Schnell.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Schnell but a close one

ROUND TWO: Schnell lands an inside leg kick. They trade jabs then Sumudaerji accidentally kicks Schnell in the groin so we’ve got a time out. Replay confirms the low blow, just unfortunate timing on an inside kick. Schnell recovers as the ref warns Sumudaerji about the low blows and we’re back to fighting after just over a minute. They touch gloves on the restart. Both men are working the lead hand a lot here. Sumudaerji lands a left hand then a body kick. Schnell lands a right hand out of a clinch. Inside leg kick from Schnell. Sumudaerji lands a left hand, then another one that drops Schnell. Schnell comes up on a single leg but can’t hold it and Sumudaerji gets free. Schnell lands a couple of right uppercuts in close. Elbow from Sumudaerji wobbles Schnell but Schnell remains upright. Another elbow from Sumudaerji, then he and Schnell brawl a bit in close. A third elbow from Sumudaerji badly hurts Schnell but Schnell remains upright. They trade in close, and Schnell lands a right hand. Schnell lands another right hand. A left from Sumudaerji staggers Schnell, he keeps landing blows but Schnell backs him off with a left hook. Hard right from Schnell backs up Sumudaerji again then Schnell hits a double leg into half guard. Full mount for Schnell, he starts unloading with punches and elbows on the mat as Sumudaerji isn’t addressing the mount at all. More elbows from Schnell, and Sumudaerji finally hits a sweep to get on top but Schnell grabs a triangle in transition. Elbows from Schnell now, his triangle lock is backwards and he needs to adjust it if he wants a finish. Schnell adjusts his submission attempt and starts pulling on the back of Sumudaerji’s head as he hits an angle with his hips, that completely tightens everything up and Sumudaerji goes to sleep.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Matt Schnell via Technical Submission, triangle choke, at 4:24 of Round 2

Well that was totally wild, that second round is the stuff of legend. Mic time for Schnell after that barn burner, he says he feels good and trained very hard for this fight. He jokes that Sumudaerji got tired from beating on him and he capitalized later. He can’t remember all the damage he took in the second round, but he’s a bad man and shouldn’t be counted out. Talking through the finish he puts over Sumudaerji again then gives love to his pregnant wife who’s in the crowd. Asked about the future he’d love to fight in Madison Square Garden in November, preferably against Matheus Nicolau. Reasonable call out.

Here’s the finish, note how Schnell uses everything to help the compression on the choke. He pulls the head down, angles his hips to help, and is squeezing with his legs all of which cuts off the blood flow to the brain.

Li Jingliang has gone 4-2 in his last few fights, but in his last fight he was run over by Khamzat Chimaev. Li now tries to avoid his first ever losing streak while also defending his ranking. Muslim Salikhov has gone 5-1 in the UFC and is on a five fight winning streak that has earned him this shot at ranked opposition, if he can win here Salikhov will probably claim a top ranking and continue his ascent through the welterweight ranks. The odds are with Salikhov at -155 while Li’s comeback sits at +135.

Welterweight Bout: #14 Li Jingliang (18-7, 170.6 lbs.) vs. Muslim Salikhov (18-2, 170.8 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Li is an inch taller with an inch and a half of reach advantage. Circling from both men to start, Salikhov starts showing the jab a bit. Li with an inside leg kick. Wheel kick from Salikhov partially lands. A lot of feinting from both men, they’re still getting a feel for each other. Salikhov lands a leg kick. Spinning back kick from Salikhov. Li lands a calf kick. Inside leg kick from Li hits the groin but Salikhov powers through it and hits a double leg into full guard. Salikhov lands a few rights as he looks to set up a pass. Some body to head punches from Salikhov. Li is able to kick Salikhov off and then regains his feet. Spinning back kick from Salikhov partially lands. Salikhov misses a spinning back fist. Li misses a few punches. Another spinning kick from Salikhov is partially blocked. Bit of a right from Salikhov and he avoids the counter. Li misses a few punches. Leg kick from Salikhov, then he blocks a double leg to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Salikhov

ROUND TWO: Both men resume probing with the lead hand. Salikhov misses a right hand. Li lands a leg kick but Salikhov off balances him with a right hand to counter. Salikhov barely misses a wheel kick. They split jabs then Salikhov lands a right hand. Bit of a left hook from Li. Both men miss punches, but things are opening up a bit. Inside leg kick from Li. Bit of a left hook from Salikhov. They trade lefts again. Li ducks under a spinning back fist and hits a takedown into half guard. Salikhov fights to his feet and they separate. Left hook from Salikhov then a right hand. Li blocks a spinning kick. Bit of a left hook from Li. Salikhov lands a spinning back kick. Li staggers Salikhov with a right hand, but on the follow up he gets clinched. They break quickly and Li lands another right hand. Salikhov tries a double leg, Li sprawls away from it. A right hand from Li face plants Salikhov and he follows up with a few blows on the mat to prompt the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Li Jingliang via TKO, punches, at 4:38 of Round 2

Li and his translator get an interview, he puts over Salikhov and says it was a pleasure to fight him. He talks us through the finish and thanks his coaches for all of their work as well as his family. To close he thanks a few more coaches in the US who’ve been working with him.

Here’s the finish. This doesn’t include the right hand in open space that set all of this up, but you can see Li steer Salikhov with a body jab. Then he shows the same shoulder position, but this time to drop the hammer of his overhand right and essentially end things.

Michelle Waterson has gone just 1-3 in her last four fights and is coming off of a loss, this fight represents a real crossroads for Waterson as a loss could permanently push her out of the title picture and force her to seriously consider how much longer she plans on fighting. Amanda Lemos has gone 5-2 in the UFC but just had a five fight winning streak snapped by Jessica Andrade, Lemos is trying to avoid her first ever losing streak while scoring arguably her highest profile win. Lemos is the biggest favorite on the card at -295 while a Waterson win would payout at +245.

Strawweight Bout: #11 Amanda Lemos (11-2-1, 116 lbs.) vs. #10 Michelle Waterson-Gomez (18-9, 115 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Lemos is an inch taller with three inches of reach advantage. Waterson-Gomez starts circling right away, she opens southpaw but will switch her stance. Some probing leg kicks from Waterson-Gomez as they’re both trying to get a read on things. Lemos lands a front kick. Side kick from Waterson-Gomez. Stiff jab from Lemos. Lemos lands a body kick. Now Lemos has started showing her stance switches, as has Waterson-Gomez. A couple of rights from Lemos land. Waterson-Gomez avoids a right hand. Lemos lands a calf kick. Waterson-Gomez is falling a few inches short with most of her offense thus far. Both women miss kicks. Bit of a right from Lemos. Lemos lands a leg kick. Knee tap from Waterson-Gomez and she lands on top in full guard. Waterson-Gomez passes to half guard and lands a few short lefts. Lemos hits a sweep and gets on top as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lemos

ROUND TWO: Both women show the jab as they start the round. Body kick from Lemos. Lemos lands a right hand. Another right from Lemos. Lemos lands a body kick. Waterson-Gomez avoids a right hand then misses some kicks. Bit of a right from Lemos. Waterson-Gomez lands a couple of side kicks to the body. Lemos lands a right hand. Waterson-Gomez avoids a right hand, hits a single leg but Lemos scrambles up and then jumps guard for a guillotine. That’s tight and Waterson-Gomez has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Amanda Lemos via Submission, guillotine choke, at 1:48 of Round 2

Mic time for Lemos and her translator, she puts over Waterson-Gomez and then talks us through the finish to close.

Here’s the finish, this is just a really nice guillotine choke from Lemos.

Brian Ortega has only lost to Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski as a professional and is coming off of his second failed title bid, he’s trying to avoid his first ever losing streak while also retaining a position at the top of the division. Yair Rodriguez is coming off of a loss to Max Holloway but given the state of the division if he’s able to best Ortega here he could easily be the next challenger to Volkanovski. The odds are close but favor Ortega at -165 to a +140 on Rodriguez.

Featherweight Bout: #2 Brian Ortega (15-2 1 NC, 146 lbs.) vs. #3 Yair Rodriguez (13-3 1 NC, 145.4 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rodriguez is three inches taller with two inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Ortega comes forward right away, both men land some jabs. Rodriguez lands a right hand and angles away from Ortega. Both men land jabs, then Ortega switches stances and lands a body shot. Right hook from Ortega. Rodriguez lands a couple of jabs. There’s a small cut under the right eye of Rodriguez. Rodriguez lands a right hand. Both men land punches in close. Rodriguez blocks a double leg but Ortega gets a clinch and forces things to the fence. Some knees from Ortega as he’s looking for a takedown. Things are stalling out a little bit here, Ortega is just landing short knees but can’t get enough motion to off balance Rodriguez. Rodriguez avoids a takedown and they separate. Right hand from Rodriguez lands flush. Ortega eats a front kick and forces another clinch that hits the fence. Hip toss from Ortega and he lands on top, Rodriguez throws up his legs as they scramble and he reaches for an armbar, it doesn’t get all that close and Ortega sits back for a leg lock then collapses. Ortega is pointing at his shoulder, which seems to have popped out and we’re done.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Yair Rodriguez via TKO, injury, at 4:11 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Rodriguez for his work this afternoon. Replay shows the shoulder popped as Ortega was getting out of the armbar attempt. Mic time for Rodriguez, he felt the fight was close through the first and he was trying to slow down the movement of Ortega. He’s willing to run the fight back, but hopefully for the title and acknowledges ho unfortunate this ending was then puts over Ortega and thanks the fans for coming out. He switches to Spanish to thank the Latin fans and his family. Asked about the future he wants a title shot and puts over Alex Volkanovski and hopes the champ heals up quickly so they can fight.

Ortega gets an interview as well, he apologizes and doesn’t know how this injury happened and thinks he might need another shoulder surgery after that. He feels the fight was going well, he didn’t feel like he was in danger from the armbar given where they were physically and whatnot but when he got free his shoulder just came out. Both men seem down for a rematch if that’s on the table.

Well on that sadly anticlimactic note, UFC on ABC 3 comes to a close. Thank you very much for reading, be that live or after the fact. We’ll unpack all of the fallout from this event Sunday on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast as well as look ahead to to next week when the UFC returns to London. I’ll be back for that London card next week, and I hope you will be as well. Until then thank you again, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.