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411’s UFC Fight Night Report: Nzechukwu Stops Cutelaba
MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 4 p.m. ET)
#7 Derrick Lewis (263 lbs.) vs. #12 Serghei Spivac (254 lbs.)
Ion Cutelaba (206 lbs.) vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu (205 lbs.)
Waldo Cortes-Acosta (259 lbs.) vs. Chase Sherman (256 lbs.)
Andre Fialho (170.5 lbs.) vs. Muslim Salikhov (170 lbs.)
Jack Della Maddalena (170 lbs.) vs. Danny Roberts (170 lbs.)
Charles Johnson (125.5 lbs.) vs. Zhalgas Zhumagulov (126 lbs.)
MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 1 p.m. ET)
#8 Jennifer Maia (125 lbs.) vs. #15 Maryna Moroz (124.5 lbs.)
Miles Johns (136 lbs.) vs. Vince Morales (136 lbs.)
Kevin Natividad (135.5 lbs.) vs. Ricky Turcios (136 lbs.)
Vanessa Demopoulos (116 lbs.) vs. Maria Oliveira (115.5 lbs.)
Fernie Garcia (136 lbs.) vs. Brady Hiestand (135 lbs.)
Tereza Bleda (125.5 lbs.) vs. Natalia Silva (125 lbs.)
Hey there everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for this earlier than usual fight card. We’re on the heels of one of the better events all year, and sadly this one is pretty obviously just another bit of the machinery turning over. Our main event sees Derrick Lewis trying to remain a relevant player at heavyweight when he takes on the rising contender Serghei Spivac. There’s not much after that to be honest, but top prospect Jack Della Maddalena is back in action and taking on UFC veteran Danny Roberts to kick off the main card. Beyond that we’re mostly hoping the action exceeds the excitement this card generates on paper.
UFC on ESPN+ 73 comes to the world from the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Commentary will be provided by Brendan Fitzgerald, Michael Bisping, and Paul Felder with Heidi Androl doing the roving reporter bit. As for the rules we’re mostly under the newer set but you still need only one hand on the mat to be downed. There is instant replay, an official outside the cage who can request it be used, and the fight can be restarted after replay is used if that’s applicable to the scenario. Lastly keep in mind that the UFC Apex has the smaller 25 foot diameter cage set up instead of the more usual 30 foot.
Natalia Silva is on a seven fight winning streak including a successful UFC debut back in June, now she’s trying to build on that success and being proving herself a prospect of note. Tereza Bleda is undefeated coming into her UFC debut and now looks to capitalize on her only chance to make a first impression. The odds are with Silva at -165 to a +140 comeback on Bleda.
Women’s Flyweight Bout: Tereza Bleda (6-0, 125.5 lbs.) vs. Natalia Silva (13-5-1, 125 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Bleda is five inches taller with a significant six inches of reach advantage. Both women come out showing the lead hand. Silva lands a bit of a combination. Bleda forces a clinch, they hit the fence and Bleda starts looking for trips. Some knees go back and forth then there’s a bit of a judo toss from Silva but Bleda never goes down and they resume clinch fighting. Silva fights for a body lock and gets it then breaks and tries a headlock throw but Bleda rolls through as they hit the mat and Bleda winds up on top in full guard. Bleda moves to half guard and lands a few short punches. Body shots from Bleda as she looks to set up another pass. Silva hip escapes to full guard, Bleda tries a pass but as she does Silva hits a sweep into top position. Bleda goes for a triangle choke, locks it up then switches to a triangle armbar, back towards the choke but they’ve moved around enough on the mat to remove a lot of the choke and the round ends in that spot.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Bleda
ROUND TWO: Both women flash the jab then Bleda lands a calf kick. Silva lands a hard right hand to counter a leg kick. Jabs go back and forth then Silva falls short as she fires a few hooks. Bleda shoots a single leg, they hit the fence and she switches to a double leg then settles for a clinch. Some knees from Bleda. Silva gets double under hooks but Bleda gets her on the fence as they fight for position. Silva finally pulls free and they reset with Silva landing a right hand then a left hook. Bleda tries a single leg, forces things to the fence again, then looks for a double leg. Silva is defending thus far but Bleda finally fixes her posture and hits the double leg. Silva looks to wall walk right away, she’s upright but still in the clinch now. Silva is able to separate now and lands a spinning back kick. Bleda looks slow and a little tired. Silva lands a right hand in close. Side kick to the knee from Silva. A little stance switching from Silva now, she lands a couple of lefts out of southpaw. Bleda ties up and forces a clinch on the fence, where the round will come to an end.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Silva, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: Silva catches a kick and tries a takedown, they wind up scrambling up into the clinch on the fence. Silva pushes free and they reset. Bleda falls short with some punches. Flurry from Silva mostly lands. One two from Silva. Bleda drops down looking for a takedown, Silva times a spinning back kick that lands to the face! Bleda is rocked, she looks to tie up but Silva lands some punches and the ref steps in.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Natalia Silva via TKO, spinning back kick to the face, at 1:27 of Round 3
The Final Round Finish Club thanks Ms. Silva for her work this morning. Mic time for Silva and the translator, she opens with some broken English to play with the people in attendance and to give glory to God. She switches to Portuguese to talk us through the finish and note she trained a lot on that kick. To close she goes back to English to ask for a post fight bonus.
Here’s a look at the finish. The timing on the kick is quite nice from Silva, and Bleda has lost the majority of her explosive motion by this point due to fatigue.
THIS SPINNING BACK KICK 😱 #UFCVegas65 pic.twitter.com/eOLQ8423h5
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 19, 2022
Brady Hiestand lost his UFC debut over a year ago at the finale of some season of The Ultimate Fighter, now he’s back in action and trying to secure his first UFC win. Fernie Garcia had a five fight winning streak snapped in his UFC debut, now he’s trying to bounce back and get that all important first UFC win while avoiding his first ever losing streak. Hiestand is your -175 favorite to Garcia’s +150.
Bantamweight Bout: Fernie Garcia (10-2, 136 lbs.) vs. Brady Hiestand (5-2, 135 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Hiestand is an inch taller with four inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Already some stance switching from Hiestand. Garcia lands a calf kick then a right hand that drops Hiestand, but Hiestand bounces up and looks for a double leg. Garcia is attacking a choke from the side, but can’t get his legs free to really get the bulldog choke in and Hiestand is able to spin into top position in side control. A few elbows from Garcia land. Hiestand lands a short elbow, Garcia spins and starts a scramble, he nearly gets the back but can’t get his legs around the arm blocking of Hiestand. Hiestand winds up in the ride position against the fence. Garcia spins into Hiestand and gets on top in full guard. Punches from Garcia, Hiestand scrambles up and hits a double leg but Garcia wall walks with Hiestand on his back. Hiestand pulls Garcia back to his seat looking to fully get the back, and gets both hooks in. Body triangle now for Hiestand as he’s fishing for the choke. Hiestand transitions to full mount but Garcia scrambles to half guard. Garcia grabs at a guillotine and uses it force a scramble and they reset on the feet. Hiestand fires a few head kicks. Garcia avoids a double leg and lands a body kick to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Garcia but could go the other way
ROUND TWO: Bit of a calf kick from Hiestand to start the second. Garcia lands a jab. Stiff jab from Garcia. Bit of a right from Hiestand. Hiestand lands a head kick. A lot of forward pressure from Garcia right now, he walks into another left head kick but keeps coming. Left hook then a right hand from Garcia. Garcia sprawls away from a double leg. Calf kick from Garcia then a right hand. Garcia lands a calf kick. Hiestand tries a single leg, they hit the fence and Hiestand picks the other ankle then gets the takedown. Now Hiestand passes to half guard. Side control for Hiestand then into north-south. A few short elbows from Hiestand land as he moves back to side control. Garcia is able to bridge and roll free then lands a right hand. Body kick from Hiestand. Garcia lands a couple of rights then clinches up. They break as Hiestand lands a knee. Calf kick from Garcia then a double leg but Hiestand forces a scramble and winds up on his back. More punches from Garcia as Hiestand scrambles up and they end the round clinched up.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Garcia, 20-18 Garcia overall
ROUND THREE: Hiestand has a high kick blocked. Garcia is the one pushing forward at the moment, he lands a calf kick then Hiestand forces a clinch. Hiestand is able to force Garcia to his seat and moves to the ride position along the fence. Hiestand gets the back with one hook in. Some punches from Hiestand and he then locks up a body triangle. Garcia is defending the choke attacks now but he’s struggling to address the actual position. Hiestand nearly loses the body triangle but switches it to the other side. More choke attacks from Hiestand but he can’t finish them yet. The round ends with Hiestand throwing punches from the back.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Hiestand, 29-28 Garcia overall but it probably goes to Hiestand
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Brady Hiestand via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Mic time for Hiestand, he acknowledges being hurt in the first round. He wanted to showcase his striking but feels he’s a next level grappler and got the win there. To close he chases down Bisping for the mic and puts over a couple of sponsors.
Vanessa Demopoulos has gone 2-1 in the UFC but she’s on a two fight winning streak and is looking to take aim at some higher competition if she can get to three in a row tonight. Maria Oliveira has gone 1-1 in the UFC but she’s coming off of a win and looking to build her first UFC winning streak. This one closed at a -110 pick ’em.
Strawweight Bout: Vanessa Demopoulos (8-4, 116 lbs.) vs. Maria Oliveira (13-5, 115.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Oliveira is four inches taller, has a big nine and a half inches of reach advantage, and is nine years younger. Some circling from Demopoulos, and both women miss punches. Oliveira lands a right hand after eating an inside leg kick. Bit of a leg kick from Demopoulos. Body shot from Demopoulos and Oliveira counters with a couple of punches. Oliveira checks a calf kick. Jumping knee from Oliveira partially lands to the body. Demopoulos lands a left hook after faking a takedown. Demopoulos tries a takedown, it takes a second but she does finish it into side control. Oliveira gets half guard. Demopoulos lands a couple of short punches. Some elbows from Demopoulos now. Demopoulos passes to 3/4 mount and lands a few elbows then moves to full mount. Demopoulos postures up and unloads with punches and elbows to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Demopoulos
ROUND TWO: Oliveira resumes stalking forward, she’s throwing her lead hand more now. Right hand from Oliveira lands. Demopoulos lands a right to the body. Oliveira avoids a punch and lands a right, then Demopoulos lands a counter left. Demopoulos shoots a double leg, can’t finish it this time and they wind up clinched. Elbow from Demopoulos then they trade knees and Oliveira pushes free. Both women miss punches. Front kick from Olivera pushes Demopoulos off balance for a second. Bit of a left from Demopoulos, she starts coming forward now and does land a left hook. A right from Demopoulos drops Oliveira and she gets on top in half guard. Demopoulos lands punches from top position. Now Demopoulos looks to pass into full mount, she lands hammer fists and completes the pass. Oliveira looks to control posture as they’re against the fence, Demopoulos lands shoulder strikes. More punches from Demopoulos but Oliveira is mitigating the damage right now. Demopoulos gets free and lands elbows but again can’t muster enough of a flurry to force the stoppage before the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Demopoulos, borderline 10-8, 20-18 Demopoulos overall
ROUND THREE: Oliveira starts coming forward right away, she knows she needs a finish. Demopoulos avoids a few punches. Front kick from Oliveira. Combination from Oliveira partially lands. Demopoulos puts her back on the fence, not the best idea given the reach disparity, but she gets Oliveira to plant and throw then Demopoulos shoots a double leg and gets it into half guard. Some short punches from Demopoulos land as she looks to set up a pass. Elbow from Demopoulos, she’s nearly got full mount now. 3/4 mount for Demopoulos and she lands more elbows. Oliveira hip escapes back to half guard, Demopoulos tries a pass but loses her base and Oliveira is able to escape and reset on the feet. Demopoulos circles away, eats a body kick for the effort though. Oliveira avoids a takedown and lands a knee. Demopoulos lands a right hand. Oliveira keeps pushing forward, she walks into another right hand though. Demopoulos misses a right hand. Jumping knee from Oliveira and she fires punches behind it. Demopoulos is on the fence looking to throw back but again that reach issue is hurting her. Oliveira lands a few punches but can’t corral Demopoulos and will run out of time.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Oliveira, 29-28 Demopoulos overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Vanessa Demopoulos via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Mic time for Demopoulos, she quotes 300 then speaks some Greek and gives love to Greece. She feels she was in position to maybe get a stoppage at times, then puts over Oliveira as a tough pressure fighter.
Ricky Turcios has gone 1-1 in the UFC but he’s coming off of a loss in one of the most boring fights all year, now he’s trying to bounce back and avoid his first losing streak. Kevin Natividad has gone 0-2 in the UFC and needs a win pretty badly because an 0-3 run could end his time with the promotion. The odds are with Turcios at -155 to a +135 comeback on Natividad.
Bantamweight Bout: Kevin Natividad (9-3, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Ricky Turcios (11-3, 136 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Turcios is three inches taller but he only has one inch of reach advantage. Turcios misses a wheel kick to star the round. Natividad hits a double leg and starts working on top. Turcios tries a half guard sweep, they trade hammer fists while scrambling and Turcios winds up on top as Natividad tries to wall walk. Natividad is working to wall walk, he’s up and lands a left hand as they break. Turcios lands an elbow in close as Natividad gets a takedown, then Turcios wall walks then looks for a switch but Natividad is nearly on his back now. Natividad scrambles with Turcios but Turcios uses a leg attack to nearly get the back and they wind up in 50/50 guard. Right hand from Turcios as he clears the guard and grabs a cradle position while Natividad tries a wall walk. Natividad gets up along the fence then lands a hard right hook in close and separates. Calf kick from Natividad then a high kick but Turcios eats it and hits a double leg. Natividad looks to wall walk right away, then turns into Turcios and tries his own takedown leading to a scramble on the mat. Natividad grabs a front headlock and forces things to the fence where he lands a knee. They break and reset. Body kick from Natividad then a calf kick behind it. Turcios hits a double leg, and gets the back as they scramble but he’s got no hooks in. Natividad is up but still clinched, Turcios lands a few knees then they break as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Natividad, but a close one
ROUND TWO: Both men land kicks then Turcios tries to tie up but Natividad gets on top in half guard. Hammer fists from Natividad. Turcios moves to his knees and escapes up but eats a left hook before they break. Natividad lands a calf kick. Double leg from Natividad and he lands elbows from on top in full guard. Turcios lands a few elbows from his back but Natividad is keeping a decent pace of body to head strikes. Wall walk from Turcios but Natividad picks his leg and has him back down on his seat. Natividad is technically in side control now and lands a few punches. Turcios spins and comes up on a single leg that winds up as a clinch on the fence. Natividad breaks free and badly wobbles Turcios with a left hook, but when he tries to capitalize Turcios clinches up and buys time to recover. They break and Natividad misses a left hook this time. Right hand from Natividad stuns Turcios for a second. Turcios lands a couple of punches, then they trade rights. Double leg from Natividad, he scrambles towards the back but Turcios winds up on top. Natividad moves to his knees, Turcios attacks the back but can’t find it as Natividad fights up to his feet and pushes things to the fence. Turcios lands some elbows while defending the takedown. Big fence grab from Turcios to assist his switch, and they trade punches then break as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Natividad, 20-18 Natividad overall
ROUND THREE: Natividad jabs as he circles. Turcios is pushing forward a lot now. Natividad lands a right to the body then hits a takedown. Turcios is able to scramble pretty quickly but Natividad grabs at an anaconda choke and they resume scrambling then separate. Natividad lands a left hook. Right uppercut from Natividad then a well timed jumping knee which drops Turcios, but Turcios keeps his composure and ties up on the fence. Natividad spins free and lands a right hand. Jumping knee again from Natividad mostly lands then a front kick to the face, but Turcios keeps coming forward and lands a right hand. Natividad lands another knee then Turcios gets a clinch on the fence. Turcios grabs at a front headlock to force a wrestling exchange, he then tries a switch and uses the motion to come up in the clinch. They break without incident. Turcios forces another clinch. They trade rights as they break. Natividad reaches for a double let, has to settle for a clinch on the fence. Natividad forces Turcios to the mat but Turcios hits a switch and jumps for the back with both hooks in. Body triangle from Turcios and he tries to unload with punches. Choke attempt from Turcios, Natividad is trying to hand fight, he’s able to break the grip for now. Turcios tries for an adjustment to a one armed choke but Natividad breaks the choke. Punches from Turcios as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Turcios but could easily go either way, 29-28 Natividad overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ricky Turcios via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)
Wild fight, I’m not complaining about 29-28 either way. Mic time for Turcios, he’s grateful and he shows up every time you get him in the cage. He feels he’s shining and reiterates he’s grateful. He’s happy to empty the clip every time he comes into the cage, and says he did this for everyone watching on the TV right now, and hopes everyone chases their dreams with a burning desire no matter the obstacles in their way.
Vince Morales has gone 2-3 in his last five fights, he’s coming off of a loss to rising force Jonathan Martinez and now tries to get his UFC record to an even 4-4 with a win. Miles Johns has gone 2-2 in the UFC but he’s coming off of a loss and is now trying to avoid his first ever losing streak. Johns is a decent favorite at -170 to the +145 of Morales.
Bantamweight Bout: Miles Johns (12-2, 136 lbs.) vs. Vince Morales (11-6, 136 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Morales has four inches of reach advantage. Circling to start, both men probing a bit with the lead hand. Some stance switching from Morales. Johns lands a bit of a jab then a calf kick. Another jab from Johns. Bit of a right from Morales. Not much happening, both men just kind of probing with the lead hand as they circle. Morales avoids a double leg. Bit of a body shot from Johns then a right hand behind it then Morales lands a counter left hook as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Johns
ROUND TWO: Both men back to showing jabs. For as much hypothetical heat as these two have shown towards each other either during walkouts or after the first round there’s almost nothing happening when they’re allowed to fight. Morales avoids a single leg. Bit of a jab from Johns then a leg kick. Johns tries a single leg, things hit the fence then Morales limp legs free and resets. Both men miss punches and Morales complains of an eye poke so we’ve got a time out. Replay confirms the poke. The doctor comes in to double check on Morales, he’s good to continue so we restart after 90 seconds. Johns presses forward, he’s got Morales on the fence but neither man is landing. Morales avoids a few wide hooks then gets off the fence. Bit of a calf kick from Johns. Morales misses a jab then eats a counter right. Johns misses a right hand. Bit of a right from Johns. Morales fights off a single leg and they hit the fence, Morales lands a couple of elbows then Johns finishes the takedown as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Morales but who knows, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: More of the same to start the final round. Bit of a right from Morales. Johns tries a single leg, pushes things to the fence and spins Morales down but Morales bounces up and they break. They trade jabs. Johns lands a calf kick. Morales lands a body kick. Both men miss rights. Johns pushes forward, lands a bit of a right. Morales avoids a single leg then lands a body kick. Johns lands a right hand. Johns tries another takedown, they hit the fence with Morales still trying to fight it off. Morales is able to spin free and reset at distance. Bit of a body kick from Morales, Johns doesn’t like that body work. Johns tries another single leg against the fence, Morales defends and lands a few punches. Johns slips to the back in the clinch just as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Morales, 29-28 Morales overall but again who knows
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Miles Johns via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
That mostly sucked, but Johns gets an interview anyway. Johns says he took this on two weeks notice, changed camps recently, and had to do this with just his brother and father in his corner because the UFC pulled James Krause from being in his corner for reasons. He says he usually works on his timing during camp and he struggled with that in the cage because of the short notice.
Bad breaking news, Derrick Lewis has some kind of non-COVID and non weight cut related medical issue and our main event is OFF. Well, that’s certainly something. I’m not going to cry over most heavyweight fights falling out and this one doesn’t break that pattern, but this does suck in general. Hopefully whatever issue is up with Lewis isn’t too serious and he can recover quickly. Cutelaba and Nzecukwu is your new main event, and almost instantly becomes one of the least compelling main events in UFC history.
Jennifer Maia has been up and down in the UFC but she’s on a two fight losing streak against Katlyn Chookagian and Manon Fiorot, now she’s tying to halt that skid and prove she’s still a top quality flyweight. Maryna Moroz has gone 3-2 in her last five fights but she’s on a three fight winning streak right now, and if she’s able to win here in her big step up in class it could mean more top ranked opponents going forward. The odds are solidly with Moroz at -190 while the +160 payout on Maia is a very tempting value bet.
Women’s Flyweight Bout: #8 Jennifer Maia (19-9-1, 125 lbs.) vs. #15 Maryna Moroz (11-3, 124.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Moroz has three inches of height and reach over Maia. Both women probe with the jab as they look to get things going. Bit of a calf kick from Maia. Moroz lands a couple of long distance strikes. Maia slips a jab and lands a right hand. One two from Maia. Both women miss punches. Maia lands a right hand. Moroz eats another right hand. Bit of a jab from Moroz to counter an inside leg kick. Maia lands a right hand. Again that right hand from Maia connects. Moroz tends to square up a bit when she’s throwing more than one punch and Maia is making her pay for that. Bit of a body kick from Moroz. Maia lands another right hand. Solid right from Maia seems to stagger Moroz for a second. Both women land rights. They clinch up, Maia forces things to the fence. Some knees go back and forth as Maia keeps Moroz pinned on the fence. Maia looks for a single leg, switches to a body lock attack and lands a knee to the head. They end the round still in the clinch.
SCORCARD: 10-9 Maia
ROUND TWO: Moroz tries to push the pace as the round gets going. Maia lands a couple of rights. Bit of a left hook from Maia in close. Bit of a right from Moroz. Maia lands a right hand to counter a kick, then lands another right to follow up. Both women miss punches. Moroz lands a front kick. Maia misses a right hand. They both miss punches again. Maia lands a right hand then a left hook. Moroz lands a right hand. They trade rights. Maia lands in close again then lands an inside leg kick. Moroz misses a blitz then eats a counter knee. Solid right from Maia, Moroz does land a counter left hook though. Clubbing right from Maia lands. Both women avoid punches. Maia lands a left hand that off balances Moroz for a second. Moroz lands a couple of body shots in close. Both women avoid punches again. Maia lands a hard right, Moroz fires back and lands though. Body shot from Maia. Both of them land punches in close. Lunging left hook form Maia lands. Maia lands a right after avoiding a punch. Maia lands a front kick to the face. They circle away the final seconds.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Maia but a closer one, 20-18 Maia overall
ROUND THREE: Bit of a knee from Maia. Moroz is pushing forward looking to force action. Maia lands a right hand then a body kick. They both miss punches. There’s an exchange of rights in close. Bit of an uppercut from Maia. Moroz lands a right hand that off balances Maia for a second. Maia lands a left hook, then eats a counter right. Moroz lands a left hand, then eats a counter. Both women avoid punches in close. Maia lands a right hand. Both women land punches in close. Rights are traded again. Maia lands a right. Moroz lands a couple of punches then eats a right hand. Maia lands a right hand. Front kick from Maia lands. Moroz misses another lunging attack. Left uppercut from Maia lands flush. Maia lands a combination. Moroz pushes forward despite that and they trade again then clinch. Maia puts Moroz on the fence and lands some punches before they break. Another front kick from Maia then Moroz lands a left hand to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Maia but again relatively close, 30-27 Maia overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jennifer Maia via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
Told you that was a good value bet. No interview for Maia as we’re short on time and ready to move onto the main card.
Charles Johnson had a four fight winning streak broken in his UFC debut a few months back, now he’s searching for that all important first UFC win. Zhalgas Zhumagulov has gone just 1-4 in the UFC and is on his second two fight losing streak, he badly needs a win just to get a little bit of job security. Johnson is the favorite at -170 against +145 on Zhumagulov.
Flyweight Bout: Charles Johnson (11-3, 125.5 lbs.) vs. Zhalgas Zhumagulov (14-7, 126 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Johnson is five inches taller with three and a half of reach advantage. Southpaw for Johnson as we get going. Bit of a leg kick from Zhumagulov, then an inside leg kick to follow it. Zhumagulov keeps probing with the inside leg kick as they circle. Johnson has started doing a lot of stance switching and they trade some leg kicks. We get an eye poke to Zhumagulov and subsequently a time out. On the replay it looks like the inside of the glove or the tape rather than a digit. Ultimately we gat a little over a minute before starting up again. Zhumagulov lands an inside leg kick. Jab from Johnson, Zhumagulov lands a counter right. Hard inside leg kick from Zhumagulov, he’s really getting after the fight right now. Left to the body from Zhumagulov. Body kick from Johnson lands. Zhumagulov lands a right hand then pushes into a clinch. They break without incident. Zhumagulov lands a solid right hand. Johnson lands a jab. Uppercut and left hook from Zhumagulov lands. Johnson lands a right hook. Left hand then a right hook from Johnson. Zhumagulov lands a right to the body then Johnson lands a kick to the groin so we’ve got another time out. No doubt about this one but we do see a replay to confirm the kick to the crotch. Zhumagulov takes almost two minutes then we’re back to fighting. Right hand from Zhumagulov lands. Zhumagulov punches then hits a double leg. Johnson escapes to his feet and lands a knee in the clinch then a head kick as they break. Zhumagulov lands a right to the body. Left hook from Zhumagulov to counter a body kick. Zhumagulov has started switching his stance a bit now as well. Left from Zhumagulov lands. Johnson lands a spinning back kick to the body. Zhumagulov lands a side kick to the knee then blocks a head kick. Body shot from Zhumagulov then an inside leg kick to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Zhumagulov
ROUND TWO: They both get right back to fighting, Zhumagulov lands an inside leg kick then a right hand. Both men land lefts. Those leg kicks are starting to add up on Johnson. Zhumagulov lands an inside leg kick then a calf kick. Front kick from Johnson lands, then Zhumagulov lands a counter left. Zhumagulov keeps chipping away with leg kicks, no matter which stance they’re both in. Zhumagulov lands a left to the body. Left hook from Zhumagulov lands. Inside leg kick from Zhumagulov. Johnson lands a front kick. Left to the body from Zhumagulov lands, he’s got Johnson on the fence now. More body shots from Zhumagulov then he clinches up. Knees go back and forth, and one of them hits Johnson in the groin so we’ve got another time out. Replay confirms the knee to the groin. Johnson is good to go after about 40 seconds, and the ref warns both of them for fighting recklessly before we restart. Johnson with some front kicks. Zhumagulov lands a couple more body shots. That body work from Zhumagulov is starting to pay dividends. Johnson lands a couple of body kicks. Zhumagulov lands a left to the body. They split some jabs as things are heating up again. Johnson lands a body kick, but Zhumagulov off balances him on a counter and jumps on his back to land punches while Johnson wall walks. They start fighting in the clinch again. Johnson with some knees to the leg. Zhumagulov tries a judo toss but can’t finish it, though the motion allows him to spin Johnson into the fence. Both men land punches in the clinch then as they break and trade kicks to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Zhumagulov but a darn good round, 20-18 Zhumagulov overall
ROUND THREE: We get aggression from Zhumagulov, and Johnson tries to back him off with a knee but the foot winds up hitting Zhumagulov in the groin again so we’ve got yet another time out. There’s something off this time with Zhumagulov’s recovery, but he takes a little over 1:40 then we’re back to fighting. No point deduction to Johnson I guess. Zhumagulov lands a leg kick that seems to lock up that right leg of Johnson. Some follow up punches from Zhumagulov land. Johnson is trying to stomp out the right leg after that kick. Zhumagulov lands a hard inside leg kick to the left left. Inside leg kick attempt from Zhumagulov but Johnson gets his right leg away from it. Left hook from Johnson lands. Zhumagulov lands an uppercut. Bit of a right hand from Zhumagulov then an inside leg kick. Decent left hand from Zhumagulov. Johnson lands a couple of punches, he’s got Zhumagulov on the fence now. Zhumagulov lands a couple of jabs. Inside leg kick from Zhumagulov. Johnson lands a jab. Zhumagulov lands another inside leg kick. Left to the body from Zhumagulov. Zhumagulov swings a right, partially lands. Johnson lands a combination, but Zhumagulov fires back and gets him to back off. A lot of pressure from Johnson now, he lands a left hand and avoids the counters. They tie up, Johnson lands a right hand as they break. Zhumagulov lands a right hand of his own. Right hand from Zhumagulov. Johnson lands a front kick to the body. Zhumagulov lands an inside leg kick, he tries to get a takedown but winds up in a clinch. Johnson lands a knee in close then they trade punches on the break. They trade punches again then share a hug just before the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Johnson, 29-28 Zhumagulov overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Charles Johnson via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)
I don’t agree with that but given how close everything was 29-28 for Johnson can’t be called a robbery. Mic time for Johnson, he calls being in here a blessing and wants to be the most active flyweight in the division and calls to fight the best. Asked about his right leg getting messed up he says he definitely got hit on the nerve but after shaking it out he was good.
Commentary talks about the recent passing of Anthony “Rumble” Johnson and pays tribute to the man.
An incredible tribute for an incredible fighter ❤️
(via @ufc) pic.twitter.com/yjQqSE7hOh
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 19, 2022
Jack Della Maddalena is on a significant 12 fight winning streak including two first round stoppage wins in the UFC, all of which has seen him emerge as one of the brightest prospects in the division. Now Della Maddalena looks to continue that streak and close out 2022 with another win and head into 2023 looking at a higher class of opponent. Danny Roberts has been very up and down during his near seven year stay in the UFC, he’s coming off of a loss though and is trying to turn back the rising force of Della Maddalena. Della Maddalena is the biggest favorite on the card at -660 to the +490 underdog Roberts.
Welterweight Bout: Jack Della Maddalena (12-2, 170 lbs.) vs. Danny Roberts (18-6, 170 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Roberts is two inches taller with an inch of reach but Della Maddalena is nine years younger. Both men fighting southpaw to start. Some long range probing from both men. Della Maddalena lands a left hand then a right hook. Roberts lands a leg kick. Della Maddalena lands a jab then a left hand. Body shots from Della Maddalena in close then a knee and Roberts ties up to slow the offensive onslaught. Knee from Roberts then they break. A body shot from Della Maddalena stuns Roberts then he floors him with a right hook and gets on top in half guard. Della Maddalena lands a few lefts on the mat. Roberts works to wall walk and Della Maddalena just kind of lets him up to reset at distance. Roberts misses some strikes. Della Maddalena lands a left hand. Bit of a head kick from Della Maddalena. Della Maddalena jabs the body then lands a knee to the head. Right hook from Della Maddalena then a step back one two. Della Maddalena is carving Roberts up thus far. Roberts tries a takedown, Della Maddalena defends along the fence then they break. Della Maddalena avoids a punch and unloads with a hook, then a body shot locks up Roberts and a few more punches drop Roberts and this time the ref steps in as Roberts is done.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jack Della Maddalena via TKO, punches, at 3:24 of Round 1
The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Della Maddalena for his work, and apologizes for not getting the note about the earlier start time for this card. Mic time for Della Maddalena, he jokes about using the eyes to see what’s coming and jokes with Bisping about that. Asked about the future he tries to stay focused on one fight at a time and wants to fight on the upcoming Perth card, if they can find him an opponent I’d say do it. Asked for a name he says whoever is willing to sign on the line. To close he puts over some sponsors.
Here’s the finish. Della Maddalena is way too good to be stuck on a crappy 10/10 Contender Series contract, this is a wonderful example of how to use body work to set up a finish as Roberts is worried about his head leaving his body open. Once the body has been hurt Roberts can’t move anymore and Della Maddalena is able to basically pick him off at will. Della Maddalena is the real deal people.
THREE STRAIGHT FIRST ROUND FINISHES FOR DELLA MADDALENA 👏 #UFCVegas65 pic.twitter.com/yz2dVLyjxH
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 19, 2022
Andre Fialho has gone 2-2 in the UFC this year and while he’s coming off of a loss he’s looking to end the year with a win to get his UFC record above the .500 mark and go into 2023 with some positive momentum. Muslim Salikhov just had a five fight winning streak broken by Li Jingliang, now he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak and begin making his way back towards the top rankings. This one is close, -120 on Salikhov to +100 for Fialho.
Welterweight Bout: Andre Fialho (16-5 1 NC, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Muslim Salikhov (18-3, 170 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Fialho is an inch taller with four inches of reach advantage, he’s also a full decade younger. They touch gloves to get us going. Fialho looks to jab early, then lands a couple of calf kicks. Salikhov lands a front kick. Bit of a left hook from Fialho. Salikhov lands a leg kick. Another leg kick from Salikhov. A lot of following from Fialho rather than cutting off Salikhov as they move. Salikhov misses a wheel kick. They trade rights in close. Bit of a one two from Fialho. Fialho avoids a takedown attempt and lands an uppercut. Right hand from Fialho. Salikhov lands a spinning back kick to the body then tries a single leg and spins Fialho down then gets on top in full guard. They trade some strikes on the mat, Fialho is landing some decent slicing elbows. Salikhov lands a right hand while trying to set up a pass. Fialho scrambles up then Salikhov lands a spinning back kick to the body but Fialho cracks him back with a right hand. The left eye of Salikhov is swelling rapidly after that last right hand. Fialho lands punches in close then they trade knees and break. Bit of a left from Fialho then he misses an uppercut and Salikhov forces a clinch. Fialho lands a knee as they break, then both men miss punches as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Fialho
ROUND TWO: Salikhov’s corner got the swelling on his left eye under control, it’s bruising more than swelling at the moment I think. They touch gloves again. Salikhov clinches right away then gets the back standing. Fialho turns into him and they trade punches before breaking. Salikhov lands a body kick. Fialho is following Salikhov around again, he’s suddenly a lot more measured in his movements. Front kick from Salikhov. Spinning back kick from Salikhov mostly lands. Fialho lands a jab. Calf kick from Fialho but Salikhov counters with a spinning back fist. Front kick from Salikhov, then a glancing wheel kick. Fialho seems frozen at the moment, not sure what’s wrong but he’s not really finding his offense. They clinch up again, then break without incident. Salikhov lands a left hook. Front kick from Salikhov, that body work seems to be paying off now. Salikhov lands another front kick then a right hand. Fialho is hurt, but he swings back and falls off balance then Salikhov gets on top. Salikhov swings punches from inside the full guard before Fialho ties him up. Both men are taking a bit of a breather here, can’t say I blame them. Salikhov lands a few punches. A final flurry from Salikhov, then Fialho lands an elbow off of his back to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Salikhov borderline 10-8, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: Salikhov lands a spinning back kick to the body kick, Fialho is badly hurt but he’s not willing to go down. A couple of front kicks from Salikhov, then he lands a wheel kick and Fialho wont go down but he’s pretty much out on his feet. Salikhov fires a few more punches and the ref steps in to stop this one.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Muslim Salikhov via TKO, wheel kick and punches, at 1:03 of Round 3
The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Salikhov for his work this evening. Mic time for Salikhov, he felt hurt the first round after that punch and admits to seeing double but once he got his bearings he knew Fialho was fading and poured on the pace and body work. He thanks Bisping for his kind words about his technique then says he’s still getting better and puts over his new team at American Top Team for getting his cardio and wrestling on point.
Here’s the very end. This is about as good a wheel kick as you’re likely to find.
This spinning back kick was NASTY 🥶 #UFCVegas65 pic.twitter.com/91IKNFRjJe
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 19, 2022
Chase Sherman broke a four fight losing streak in his last fight when he got a win for the first time since 2020, now he’s after his first UFC winning streak since 2017. Waldo Cortes-Acosta is undefeated including a win in his UFC debut last month, now he’s back for a quick turnaround and hoping to remain undefeated while he works his way through the low pay of a Contender Series contract. The odds are with Cortes-Acosta at -240 to a +200 comeback for Sherman.
Heavyweight Bout: Waldo Cortes-Acosta (8-0, 259 lbs.) vs. Chase Sherman (16-10, 256 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: These two have identical heights and reaches, even the weight is pretty close. They touch gloves to get us going. Both men start probing with the jab right away. Sherman lands a calf kick. Another calf kick from Sherman lands. Cortes-Acosta lands a jab. Sherman shows the hands, then lands another hard calf kick. Inside leg kick from Sherman. Cortes-Acosta lands another jab. Sherman avoids a few punches. Hard leg kick from Sherman. Cortes-Acosta lands a right to the body. Sherman lands a front kick to the body then a right hand. Bit of a left from Sherman. Cortes-Acosta misses a blitz attack. Sherman avoids a few punches. Cortes-Acosta is trying to up the tempo, then Sherman cracks him with a calf kick. Right hand from Sherman lands. Cortes-Acosta lands a right of his own after taking a body shot. Sherman lands another calf kick then they clinch and Sherman slips to the back. Knee to the head from Sherman. More knees from Sherman then they break apart. Some jabs go back and forth. Sherman avoids a punch and hits a body lock takedown into side control. The round will end there with Sherman on top.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Sherman
ROUND TWO: Sherman resumes kicking to the leg and body. Cortes-Acosta is starting to switch his stance a bit. Hook from Cortes-Acosta lands and he looks to flurry but Sherman settles him down with a clinch and a knee to the head. They break without incident. Jabs are traded. Sherman blocks a few punches. Bit of a flurry from Sherman then he clinches up but they break pretty quickly. Cortes-Acosta lands a right hand. Another right from Cortes-Acosta. Cortes-Acosta lands a left hook. Sherman lands a calf kick. Cortes-Acosta lands a right hand to counter a calf kick. Sherman forces a clinch but can’t keep it for long. Body kick from Sherman. Leg kick from Sherman. Cortes-Acosta lands a jab. They trade jabs then Cortes-Acosta lands a right hand and looks to follow up but can’t connect too much. Body kick from Cortes-Acosta, Sherman complains that it went low but the ref tells him to keep fighting. Sherman lands a calf kick but Cortes-Acosta lands punches to counter. One two from Cortes-Acosta, Sherman’s in trouble and Cortes-Acosta looks to push and finish things. Sherman is in trouble against the fence, he’s trying to fire back but wont go down and Cortes-Acosta backs off. Cortes-Acosta might have punched himself out a little bit there. They clinch up, Sherman can’t do much and the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-8 Cortes-Acosta, 19-18 Cortes-Acosta overall
ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Both men with some jabs. Sherman lands a hard leg kick. Cortes-Acosta avoids a few punches. Another calf kick from Sherman lands. Jabs go back and forth. Bit of a left hand from Sherman. Sherman lands a leg kick. Cortes-Acosta keeps pumping out the jab. Bit of a body kick from Sherman, Cortes-Acosta counters with a left hook. Another left hook from Cortes-Acosta then a right hand that staggers Sherman. Sherman is a freaking zombie, the man just wont go down. Front kick from Sherman. Sherman backs Cortes-Acosta into the fence and lands a knee in a brief clinch. Bit of a leg kick from Sherman. They trade lefts. Cortes-Acosta lands a right hand. Sherman lands a body kick. Cortes-Acosta lands another left hook. Calf kick from Sherman lands. Sherman lands another leg kick. Cortes-Acosta lands a jab. Both men land punches in close. Calf kick from Sherman. Cortes-Acosta lands a few jabs while circling. Again both men land in close. Sherman lands another calf kick. They trade in close again. Leg kick from Sherman, Cortes-Acosta responds with a body kick. They trade kicks one final time and the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Cortes-Acosta, 29-27 Cortes-Acosta overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Waldo Cortes-Acosta via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
Well that got incredibly uninteresting down the stretch, low level heavyweights and all. Mic time for Cortes-Acosta and the translator, he says this felt very familiar and credits his preparation for being on point. He doesn’t know what Sherman’s head is made of and felt he should have been able to put him down, then thanks Sherman for the fight. Asked about the future, he’ll fight on December 10th if Dana White can find him a fight.
Ion Cutelaba has gone just 1-4-1 in his last six fights and is on a two fight losing streak, he’s trying to get on the winning side of things for the first time in over a year and start building a little positive momentum. Kennedy Nzechukwu broke a two fight losing streak in his last fight and now looks to build another winning streak while finding his footing in the UFC. Nzechukwu is your favorite at -170 while the +145 payout on Cutelaba might be worth a look if you don’t mind losing given the volatility of both parties.
Light Heavyweight Bout: Ion Cutelaba (16-8-1 1 NC, 206 lbs.) vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu (10-3, 205 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Nzechukwu is four inches taller with a big eight inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Nzechukwu. Both men probe with some punches. Cutelaba lands an inside leg kick then a couple of rights, Nzechukwu backs to the fence and Cutelaba gets the back in the clinch. Nzechukwu gets taken down but bounces up, Cutelaba lands a few uppercuts along the way though and retains the back. They get chest to chest, Cutelaba lands a knee then hits an outside trip and lands on to pin full mount. Some punches from Cutelaba, Nzechukwu is pushing Cutelaba’s mount lower and looking to escape. Nzechukwu gets half guard. Cutelaba lands a few punches but Nzechukwu hip escapes to full guard. Cutelaba postures up and lands punches, Nzechukwu kicks him off and stands but Cutelaba dives back into the clinch and gets the back. They get chest to chest again, and Cutelaba hits a judo throw to land in side control. Cutelaba is after a scarf hold armlock, he’s not able to lock it up and lands punches instead. Nzechukwu scrambles up into the clinch and looks for a takedown of his own, but Cutelaba is threatening a kimura to stall that. Some foot stomps from Cutelaba to fill the space as they’re stalling out and the round ends in the clinch.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Cutelaba
ROUND TWO: Nzechukwu seems to have more bounce in his step this round. Both men fire punches but neither really land. Knee from Nzechukwu staggers Cutelaba. Cutelaba tries a knee of his own but his foot hits the groin, Nzechukwu doesn’t want a break though. Nzechukwu avoids a takedown and lands a knee. Another knee from Nzechukwu staggers Cutelaba, then a few more punches drop Cutelaba and the ref steps in.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Kennedy Nzechukwu via TKO, knee and punches, at 1:02 of Round 2
Mic time for Nzechukwu after the win, he says he’s been training hard to make the necessary adjustments and thanks his coach for all of the work. He thanks some people by name then just everyone at his gym, thanks the UFC brass and professes love for the UFC (the UFC will never love you back buddy). He talks us through the finish and says he was ready to be taken down in the first but knew Cutelaba would get tired as the fight wore on. Asked about the future he says God has been helping him get ready and he’ll do whatever he can with whatever God gives him, then brings up that his mother is dealing with ALS and thanks her for raising him.
Well on that note, this largely anticlimactic card comes to a close. There’s no UFC event next week, due to the proximity to Thanksgiving here in the United States, but in two weeks we’ll be right back to the grind. We’ll unpack all of the fallout from this card on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast, per usual. Until next time thanks again for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.