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411’s UFC on ABC 2 Report: Vettori Wins 4.10.21

April 11, 2021 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC on ABC 2

MAIN CARD (ABC, ESPN+, 3 p.m. ET)
#6 Marvin Vettori (186 lbs.) vs. #10 Kevin Holland (183.5 lbs.)
#10 Arnold Allen (145.5 lbs.) vs. #11 Sodiq Yusuff (146 lbs.)
Sam Alvey (186 lbs.) vs. Julian Marquez (186 lbs.)
#5 Nina Nunes (116 lbs.) vs. #11 Mackenzie Dern (115 lbs.)
Mike Perry (170 lbs.) vs. Daniel Rodriguez (170.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN, ESPN+, 12 p.m. ET)
Jim Miller (155.5 lbs.) vs. Joe Solecki (155.5 lbs.)
Mateusz Gamrot (156 lbs.) vs. Scott Holtzman (155.5 lbs.)
Ignacio Bahamondes (156.75 lbs.)* vs. John Makdessi (153.5 lbs.)
Jarjis Danho (255.5 lbs.) vs. Yorgan De Castro (261.5 lbs.)
Hunter Azure (135.5 lbs.) vs. Jack Shore (136 lbs.)
Jordan Griffin (145.5 lbs.) vs. Luis Saldana (145.5 lbs.)
Da Un Jung (205.5 lbs.) vs. William Knight (205.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 11:30 a.m. ET)
Impa Kasanganay (170.5 lbs.) vs. Sasha Palatnikov (170.5 lbs.)


Hey there everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ABC 2. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host, I know this card will probably get lost on this site due to WrestleMania starting later today but I thank you in advance for reading. This event features a cobbled together main event when Marvin Vettori will look to continue his case for a title shot against replacement fighter Kevin Holland. Holland had a pretty poor outing a few weeks back against Derek Brunson but could reclaim a bit of his hype if he’s able to best Vettori here. Elsewhere on this card both Arnold Allen battles Sodiq Yusuff to see which of them will move from prospect to contender, Sam Alvey is fighting for his job against Julian Marquez, Jim Miller will claim the record for most UFC appearances and could tie up for second most wins if he is successful, and Mike Perry will battle Daniel Rodriguez in a probably fan friendly affair. It’s a lot more hoping than knowing with this one, but there’s a few gems sprinkled around.

UFC on ABC 2 comes to the world from the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. On commentary we have Jon Anik, Daniel Cormier, and Dominick Cruz. As for the rules we’re using most of the newer ones, but you still need only one hand on the mat to be considered downed, and Nevada does have a Replay Official outside the cage who can ask for instant replay as can the in cage ref, and the fight can be restarted after instant replay if that’s applicable. Also keep in mind the Apex uses the smaller 25 foot diameter Octagon.

Oh, there’s a full video package for the new Venum gear. For my money they’re a bit more reasonably priced but not all that interesting visually.

Impa Kasanganay suffered his first professional loss in his last fight when he was on the wrong end of 2020’s Knockout of the Year, now he’s trying to bounce back and get his second UFC win. Sasha Palatnikov is on a two fight winning streak including a successful UFC debut in November, he’s trying to extend that streak and get his first string of consecutive UFC wins. The odds are with Kasanganay at -305 to a +230 comeback on Palatnikov.

Welterweight Bout: Impa Kasanganay (8-1, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Sasha Palatnikov (6-2, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Palatnikov is two inches taller while Kasanganay has two and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Kasanganay pushing forward early, both men working kicks. Bit of a right from Kasanganay. Palatnikov lands a body kick but Kasanganay catches it and lands a right then gets a takedown against the fence. Half guard for Kasanganay, he’s after an arm triangle on the far side but the fence is going to be a problem and he bails on it. Palatnikov hip escapes to full guard then wall walks up and they’re fighting in the clinch. They break without incident. Kasanganay punches into another clinch and they start fighting on the fence. A few short punches from Kasanganay on the break. Palatnikov lands a body kick and a couple of punches then gets his own clinch. Both men with the dirty boxing working in close as they jockey for position. Palatnikov lands a knee on the break then they trade punches. Some stance switching from Palatnikov, both men land punches as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kasanganay

ROUND TWO: Kasanganay lands a right that off balances Palatnikov, but Palatnikov fights back up and they scramble then Kasanganay grabs a no hooks rear naked choke that forces the tap as Palatnikov is stuck on his knees.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Impa Kasanganay via Submission, rear naked choke, at :26 of Round 2

Kasanganay gets an interview after that, he gives glory to God then thanks his coaches both old and new. He gives a shoutout to a few kids including his nephew whos birthday it is. When talking us through the finish he again puts over his coaches and all the training that went into this.

Normally you want your hooks in for control, but Kasanganay is able to get all the way under the chin in the scramble and his squeeze is tight enough that Palatnikov isn’t really able to rolls to his back. Normally you roll that way to force the guy on your back into the mat and scrape the choke off, or try to pitch them all the way over the top but even that struggles against a tight squeeze and apparently Kasanganay has a strong one.

That’s our only early prelim, on to ESPN for the rest of the prelims but you can still find them on ESPN+ as well.

Da Un Jung hasn’t lost since 2015 and has gone 2-0-1 in the UFC, fighting to a draw with Sam Alvey in his last fight. Jung is looking to get another win and possibly earn a step up in class going forward. William Knight is on a three fight winning streak and won his UFC debut, he’s hoping to firmly establish himself as a prospect of note in a division that could always use more of them. Jung is your favorite at -140 to +110 on Knight.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Da Un Jung (13-2-1, 205.5 lbs.) vs. William Knight (9-1, 205.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Jung is six inches taller and has five and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Leg kick from Knight right away, the size difference is obvious but Knight is absolutely stacked in terms of his musculature. Both men working the leg kicks now. Knight avoids a jab and forces a clinch on the fence. Jung with a trip but can’t secure the position, he does get it on a second attempt though and lands in full guard. Knight throws some punches off of his back, Jung lands a few lefts of his own as he’s fighting to get his posture. Jung moves to half guard, but Knight uses a sweep attempt to force a scramble and get up at distance. Both men land leg kicks, then they clinch up again and Jung hits another outside trip to land in half guard. There’s some blood coming from Knight but I can’t see where the cut is. Jung starts working short elbows, but Knight is able to eventually force his way up. That blood seems like it’s coming from the left eye area of Knight as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jung

ROUND TWO: Knight’s nose seems to be the issue more than the eye now that we got a better look at things. Knight working leg kicks, lands a bit of a right. Jung is throwing kicks back at Knight. Body kick from Knight then another calf kick. Jung punches his way close, blocks a double leg and hits the same outside trip he’s been hitting all fight and lands in side control this time. Knight forces his way to his knees and Jung moves to the ride position. Jung lands some rights as he gets one hook in and continues riding. Knight is trying to fight up but is constantly being mat returned. Both hooks in for Jung and he flattens Knight out. Lefts and left elbows from Jung. Knight is able to fight to his knees but he can’t get the hooks of Jung out. The round will end in that position.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Jung but a marginal one, 20-17 Jung overall

ROUND THREE: Jung pushes in close, Knight lands a few rights then Jung ducks in and hits a double leg into half guard. Easy pass to side control from Jung, Knight is able to fight up but he’s taken down a couple more times and Jung is working out of side control again. North-south now for Jung, he’s digging his elbow into the body of Knight which is just mean. Side control now for Jung, and he lands knees to the body. Jung keeps threatening with an arm triangle but he’s not really that close to finishing it. Jung moves into the mounted crucifix, Knight is able to escape that before taking too much damage. Body blows from Jung as he moves between north-south and side control. Knight is wrapping the head, if Jung knows it there’s a Von Flue choke but he doesn’t seem to want it or know it as the clock runs all the way down.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Jung, 30-25 Jung overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Da Un Jung via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26 x2)

Fire that judge who didn’t give Jung a 10-8 second round, that’s ridiculous. Jung gets an interview, he thanks his trainers and notes his wrestling was garbage (his words) in the Sam Alvey fight and dedicated a lot of time to wrestling ahead of this fight. Asked what he’d like next given his long unbeaten streak he’ll fight anyone, even all of them at them at the same time.

Luis Saldana brings a four fight winning streak into his UFC debut, and he’s hoping to extend that streak while taking advantage of his only chance to make a good first impression. Jordan Griffin has gone 1-3 in the UFC and is coming off of a loss, a win here is critical for his job security. The odds lean towards Saldana at -145 to +115 for Griffin.

Featherweight Bout: Jordan Griffin (18-8, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Luis Saldana (14-6, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Saldana is an inch taller but the reach is identical. Southpaw for Griffin. Saldana working kicks early as he circles and switches his stance. Right from Saldana lands. Calf kick from Saldana then a high kick. Griffin tries a double leg, they hit the fence and Saldana bounces free. Another calf kick from Saldana, those are adding up quickly. Those stance switches are messing up Griffin, he’s not checking the leg kicks when Saldana switches. They trade lefts, then a bit of a spinning back fist from Saldana. Calf kick then a left from Saldana, he’s fighting well. Griffin bulls forward and lands a couple of flush punches and gets a clinch on the fence. Saldana forces things up chest to chest, and they trade when they break. Jabs from Saldana, Griffin lands a couple of lefts. The relentless pressure of Griffin is creating openings for him, and he gets a body lock takedown into side control. Saldana moves to butterfly guard, gets to his knees and back up but Griffin is holding a modified headlock (the Merkle for the wrestling nerds) but Saldana gets free and avoids a head kick. They trade lefts, one calf kick from Saldana and a final takedown from Griffin ends the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Saldana but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Saldana circling again, lands a front kick to the body. Griffin is pushing forward again. Saldana slips on a head kick, Griffin gets on top in full guard. Saldana is looking for an arm but his hips are going the wrong way and Griffin moves to half guard. There’s a leg entanglement from Saldana, he uses that to sweep and goes for a guillotine along the fence. Griffin is able to fight the grip and get back up but Saldana knees him in the body and separates. Inside leg kick from Saldana. Griffin avoids a spinning back fist and gets another takedown against the fence. Griffin is in side control but Saldana rolls to his knees and starts looking to wall walk. There’s a bit of a bulldog choke here for Griffin but Saldana is fighting the hands and gets up the lands a knee to the body. Griffin gets another takedown against the fence. Saldana tries to stand again, Griffin jumps on his back with one hook in and drags things back to the mat. Griffin spins around and gets the back with a choke attempt, that gets tight but Saldana rides out the final five seconds of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Griffin, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Griffin circling away early, Saldana lands a right. Saldana working the left hand now. Griffin tries a double leg against the fence but can’t finish it and eats a knee to the body as they break. A few stiff jabs from Saldana land, and Griffin misses a lunging right hook. Saldana misses a few punches but he’s keeping Griffin from getting close. Calf kick from Saldana, Griffin is able to force a double leg into the fence off of that though. They jockey for position in the clinch, Griffin grabs a rear naked choke grip but has no hooks and Saldana gets him down in half guard and breaks the grip. Saldana lands some rights. Griffin tries to wall walk but Saldana slips to his back without hooks. That lack of hooks allows Griffin to spin into top position and and end the round jumping for the back of Saldana.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Saldana, 29-28 Saldana overall but this one could go either way

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Luis Saldana via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Hinges on the first round, and really no argument with Saldana winning even if he should look at his performance in this one and see all kinds of holes he needs to plug. No interview for Saldana.

Hunter Azure has gone 2-1 in the UFC but is coming off of a win and trying to get his first UFC winning streak up and running. Jack Shore is undefeated including two wins in the UFC, he’s been out of action since July of last year but will be looking to remind everyone that he’s a top prospect. Shore is your favorite at -180 to a +140 comeback on Azure.

Bantamweight Bout: Hunter Azure (9-1, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Jack Shore (13-0, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Shore has two inches of reach advantage. Both men come out feinting, Shore lands a calf kick. Azure lands a calf kick of his own. Shore with a one two. Azure lands a right to the body then a leg kick. They clinch up and Shore drives Azure to the fence. Shore getting the better of this at first, working punches to the body while they fight for position. Shore winds up on the back and gets a takedown. Azure wall walks immediately but he can’t get free yet. Another knee from Shore then he slips to the back again. Shore gets a takedown, looks for the back but Azure is able to wall walk up and they wind up with Azure on top as Shore didn’t follow him up. Azure can’t keep Shore down, but they resume clinching once they’re upright. Bit of an elbow from Shore as they break. They trade hooks in close, then Shore lands a body kick. Head kick from Shore lands, but Azure just eats it. Azure forces another clinch and they hit the fence. They break, trade leg kicks, and then the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Shore

ROUND TWO: Both men working long range strikes as the round starts. They trade a bit, then clinch up on the fence after an exchange. Nothing much comes of it and they break without incident. Shore lands a right. Hard right from Shore to counter a leg kick and they trade in close and clinch again. Shore gets a high crotch lift and gets Azure down, Azure fights back up with a front headlock and goes for a guillotine which forces Shore to his back to defend and Azure winds up on top in half guard. Shore gets full guard. A few lefts from Azure. Shore fights back up to his feet with a front headlock and they resume fighting in the clinch. Azure tries a knee, it lands to the groin of Shore and we’ve got a time out for him. Replay confirms the errant knee, and Shore takes about 35 seconds before the ref resets them on the fence. Knee from Shore as they fight for position. Azure looks for a single leg but can’t get it and they break. Shore avoids a right and lands a one two. Leg kick from Azure, Shore with a body kick then a leg kick. Azure lands a left and right of his own. Hard right from Azure lands. Shore with a one two of his own, and they trade in close as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Azure but could go either way, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Leg kick from Shore and Azure tries a takedown but can’t finish it. Jab from Shore. Azure avoids an uppercut, and gets a clinch off of a single leg attempt. Shore working elbows in the clinch, and Azure lands a right hook as they break the clinch. Leg kick from Shore. Shore lands a left hook. Bit of a one two from Shore and he avoids a takedown from Azure. They clinch up and hit the fence, Shore gets a takedown but Azure wall walks right away with Shore on his back. Mat return from Shore then he jumps on the back with both hooks in. Full mount for Shore, and he lands punches while Shore gets his back on the fence and sits up. Azure forces himself up but Shore keeps his back in the clinch. Another takedown from Shore against the fence. Azure back up again but he still can’t get free. Bit of a granby roll from Azure and he lands on top in full guard as they scramble. Shore looks to lock up a triangle choke but can’t find it. Azure is able to avoid another triangle attempt, nearly gets the back but Shore spins into him and lands a hammer fist as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jack Shore via split decision (28-29, 30-27 x2)

That 29-28 for Azure seems off, not sure how he got the first or third. No interview for Shore.

Yorgan De Castro has gone 1-2 in the UFC and is on a two fight losing streak, while the heavyweight talent pool isn’t exactly deep he needs a win here to salvage his current UFC run. Jarjis Danho has yet to win in the UFC, and has been out of action since September of 2016. Danho is hoping to reintroduce himself to the UFC audience and get his first win in the promotion. Given that long a layoff it’s no surprise that De Castro is the -335 favorite while the +250 comeback on Danho might be a tempting value bet given heavyweight volatility.

Heavyweight Bout: Jarjis Danho (5-1-1 1 NC, 255.5 lbs.) vs. Yorgan De Castro (6-2, 261.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Danho is three inches taller and has half an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Danho working leg kicks. Neither man has a handle on the punching distance while Danho keeps probing with kicks. De Castro really needs to address those leg kicks, he misses a punch and they clinch up. Danho working knees, then De Castro lands a left hook as they break. De Castro punches into another clinch and Danho gets a takedown. Quick wall walk from De Castro but they’re still clinched. More knees from Danho and they fight free. Right from Danho in close SLEEPS De Castro and we’re done.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jarjis Danho via KO, punch, at 3:02 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Danho for his work this morning. Mic time for Danho, he says winning after all that time away is an amazing feeling. He talks us through the finish, noting he saw the hands of De Castro low on the entry. He mentions the 5 year layoff but feels stronger now that he’s finally back.

Danho draws De Castro in, plants his feet and lands a right as De Castro is stepping and throwing. Danho’s right goes over the shoulder and into the temple, this is why you get down behind the shoulder and move your head off the center line when entering range and throwing like this.

John Makdessi has gone 3-2 in his last five fights, but he’s coming off of a loss just over a year ago. Makdessi is looking to get back on the winning side of things for the first time in over two years. Ignacio Bahamondes brings a two fight winning streak into his UFC debut, unfortunately he missed weight for this fight but could help smooth that over with a memorable win. Despite the weight miss Bahamondes is the -200 favorite against +160 on Makdessi.

Lightweight Bout: Ignacio Bahamondes (11-3, 156.75 lbs.) vs. John Makdessi (17-7, 153.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Bahamondes is seven inches taller and has seven and a half inches of reach advantage, in addition to missing weight. Leg kicks early from Bahamondes as he’s doing some stance switching. The size difference is rather stark as they move around each other. A lot of long range weapons being used by Bahamondes. Lefts from both stances land for Bahamondes as he’s moving around. Right hook from Bahamondes then a calf kick. Bahamondes lands a few body shots, and takes a leg kick from Makdessi. Jabs then crosses from Bahamondes, he’s working well but Makdessi lands a counter left hook that wobbles him. They tie up in the clinch and Makdessi lands in close. Bahamondes lands a knee to the body and then slips free but he’s bleeding around the right eye from that exchange. Both men land power hand punches, then tie up and do the hockey fight thing before separating. Hard left from Makdessi and he gets another clinch. Bahamondes lands a couple of lefts as he separates. More short punches in close are traded. They clinch up and hit the fence again. Makdessi defends a takedown attempt, they resume slugging it out in close then break. Bahamondes with some stiff jabs. Makdessi lands a right. Another exchange of lefts closes out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Makdessi

ROUND TWO: Bahamondes working long again, lands a bit of a head kick. Makdessi punches into the pocket, both men land and they break. Leg kicks are being traded as well now. Both men land jabs, Bahamondes lands a long left. Bahamondes lands a left hook, Makdessi returns it. Both men land a series of jabs, the lack of defense from Bahamondes is going to be a problem the longer this goes. Bahamondes lands an uppercut, he’s got Makdessi bleeding now. Makdessi avoids a takedown attempt but they wind up clinched on the fence. Bahamondes has Makdessi on the fence, he lands a few knees to the body before they break. Some lefts from Bahamondes in both stances, then a body kick. Makdessi lands a left hook. A lot of jabs from Bahamondes, then a solid calf kick. Wheel kick from Bahamondes, mostly lands. Makdessi lands a right. Makdessi with body shots in close. Bahamondes lands a body kick, then Makdessi lands a one two. A few kicks miss from Bahamondes, then he lands a calf kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bahamondes, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Both men punching again as the round starts, this has been a high paced affair. Bit of a calf kick from Bahamondes. Makdessi lands a body kick. Bahamondes lands a right. Calf kick from Bahamondes, Makdessi lands a counter right. Hard knee from Bahamondes, Makdessi just eats it. Bahamondes forces a clinch on a takedown attempt, they hit the fence then Bahamondes lands a knee on the break. Makdessi lands a couple of lefts then a right to the body. Straight right from Makdessi lands. Bahamondes with an uppercut then a left hook. Both men trade in close, Makdessi digs the body a few times. Hard left from Bahamondes. Makdessi is backing up a lot now. They trade jabs, Bahamondes is getting a bit more wild forcing the issue. Makdessi avoids some kicks, and they trade punches again. Bahamondes lands a right. Makdessi lands a body kick. They trade punches again, Makdessi lands a spinning back kick to the body as the round ends. Great fight.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Makdessi, 29-28 Makdessi

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – John Makdessi via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

Great fight, fight of the night so far. I don’t agree with 29-28 Bahamondes but I can see him stealing the 3rd. No time for an interview, which is a shame, but Makdessi should be cashing some bonus checks after that.

Scott Holtzman is 2-2 in his last four fights but is coming off of a memorable knockout loss, he’s trying to avoid his first ever losing streak in this bout. Mateusz Gamrot dropped a closely contested split decision to Guram Kutateladze in his UFC debut, he’s trying to bounce back from that loss and get his first UFC win at the expense of a durable veteran. Gamrot is your favorite at -250 against a tempting value payout of +195 on Holtzman.

Lightweight Bout: Mateusz Gamrot (17-1 1 NC, 156 lbs.) vs. Scott Holtzman (14-4, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Gamrot is an inch taller and has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Gamrot coming forward early, looking to establish distance with long range weapons. Some stance switching from Gamrot. Holtzman lands a right. High kick from Gamrot lands. Gamrot with a low single leg, he gets Holtzman down then tries to drop for the ankle lock when Holtzman stands but can’t find it and they separate. Bit of a left from Gamrot. Gamrot lands a jab. Holtzman lands a right uppercut then eats a calf kick. Holtzman with a right uppercut again, he’s trying to time that with Gamrot’s takedown entries. Gamrot with some body shots. Single leg from Gamrot, he gets it against the fence. Holtzman back up but Gamrot is on his back now in the clinch. Bit of a right from Gamrot as they break, might have been into the back of the head. Left from Gamrot lands. Holtzman with a bit of a left. Gamrot with a jumping knee then a body kick and right hand. A calf kick from Gamrot closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gamrot

ROUND TWO: Gamrot moving as the round starts, working long range stuff again. Calf kick from Gamrot, then he hits a single leg and gets the back standing. Holtzman is fighting the grip and they break. Holtzman isn’t cutting the cage off, and that’s a problem for him. Gamrot lands a right. Hard one two from Gamrot drops Holtzman, he then pounds things out on the mat.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mateusz Gamrot via KO, punches, at 1:22 of Round 2

Mic time for Gamrot after that, he puts over his new team at American Top Team for getting him his first knockout win. He’s coming for the top of the division. When talking us through the finish he’s excited to finally get that knockout, the man is amped up, and to close he speaks some Polish for everyone watching back home in Poland.

Really nice one two from Gamrot, he reads the counter left hook from Holtzman and makes him pay with a lovely straight right down the pipe to spell the beginning of the end. Some nice finishing instincts from Gamrot here as well, he jumps all over Holtzman and never lets him recover.

Jim Miller barely needs an introduction at this point, he’s been in the UFC since 2008, has the most appearances by any single fighter in promotional history, has the most wins in UFC lightweight history, most submissions in UFC lightweight history, second most finishes overall in lightweight history, and could tie for second most wins in UFC history if he wins here. At this point Miller isn’t really looking for a title run, but a “perfect fight” to go out on. Joe Solecki is on a five fight winning streak including two wins in the UFC, he’s trying to extend that streak and take out a genuine legend of the sport. The odds are with Solecki at -285 to +220 for Miller.

Lightweight Bout: Jim Miller (32-15 1 NC, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Joe Solecki (10-2, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Solecki is an inch taller while Miller has half an inch of reach advantage, Solecki is also a full decade younger. They touch gloves, Miller fighting southpaw. Both men feinting early, and trade punches. They trade in close again, then Miller lands an inside calf kick. Miller lands a right. Solecki gets a clinch, but nothing comes of it before they break. Solecki lands a body kick. Right from Solecki to counter a left from Miller. Solecki lands a body kick, and eats a counter right. Miller lands a left hook in close then gets a takedown into half guard. Solecki immediately gets to full guard. Miller pushes things to the fence and starts working short elbows. Some body shots from Miller as he’s working on top. An elbow from Miller closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Miller

ROUND TWO: Miller working his way forward again, both men with punches. Miller lands a left and they clinch up. Solecki looks for a single leg but Miller defends that and lands a knee but Solecki does get a takedown off of that. Full guard for Miller, he starts working a rubber guard right away. Elbow from Miller but he needs to force motion here or he’s going to lose the round. Solecki lands a couple of punches from top position. Miller starts fishing for a kimura grip but can’t find it. A few elbows from Miller but he’s not really working much, though neither is Solecki to be fair. I’m surprised the ref hasn’t stood this up, they’ve been in this full guard position for about 3 minutes now. The round ends in that spot.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Solecki, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Miller stalking forward again, lands a bit of an inside leg kick. They punch into another clinch and hit the fence. Miller tries an arm throw, mostly gets it and they wind up back on the fence standing. Solecki slips around behind, Miller granby rolls but Solecki winds up on top in leg mount. Miller gets to half guard and starts working from his right hip. A few lefts from Solecki land. They trade some elbows, Miller tries to shrimp up but Solecki keeps him on the mat. Solecki with some ground and pound working now and is trying to set up an arm triangle choke. More lefts from Solecki as the clock winds down.

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

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

Not a terribly interesting fight.

That wraps up the prelims, on to ABC for the main card. We get a memorial card for the recently deceased rapper Earl “DMX” Simmons.

Mike Perry has gone 2-4 in his last six fights, he’s coming off of a loss and a weight miss as well. Perry has a fan friendly style but needs a win pretty badly if he wants to be a relevant fighter and not just an attraction. Daniel Rodriguez has looked pretty good going 3-1 in the UFC thus far, he’s coming off of that loss though and is trying to avoid his first ever losing streak while taking out a fairly well known figure. Rodriguez is your favorite at -150 to +125 on Perry.

Welterweight Bout: Mike Perry (14-7, 170 lbs.) vs. Daniel Rodriguez (13-2, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rodriguez has three inches of height and reach over Perry. Southpaw for Rodriguez. Perry lands a leg kick. Right hook from Rodriguez lands. Bit of a high kick and left hook from Rodriguez. A couple of jabs from Rodriguez then an inside leg kick. That left from Rodriguez is a really nice punch. Bit of a head kick from Perry. Perry working the leg kick now, Rodriguez lands a body kick. Right from Perry lands. Hard left from Rodriguez lands, then he unloads along the fence. Perry fights back with a right and a body kick. A right hook from Rodriguez off balances Perry. Rodriguez lands a one two, and another one. The fundamentals of Rodriguez are nice to look at. Perry has had enough of this, he grabs a double leg and slams Rodriguez down but Rodriguez is grabbing at a guillotine. Perry is looking to pass, he’s after a Von Flue choke but Rodriguez gets his full guard and then releases the head. Half guard for Perry, he lands a few body shots as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rodriguez

ROUND TWO: Rodriguez coming forward again, Perry switching his stances while moving. Inside leg kick from Rodriguez then a body kick behind it. Perry lands a body kick of his own. Rodriguez lands a left. Both men land body shots, then Rodriguez lands a few jabs. Inside leg kick from Rodriguez. That jab from Rodriguez is really making Perry’s life miserable. Perry eats another jab, but forces a body lock and gets a takedown against the fence. Rodriguez to his knees, looking to wall walk as Perry moves to his back but can’t keep him down. They break without incident. Perry lands a right. They get close and brawl, Rodriguez lands an uppercut. Straight left from Rodriguez, he’s the superior technician at distance but a wide margin. One two from Rodriguez, then an inside leg kick. They trade lefts, another jab from Rodriguez then a left. Perry is busted up, there’s serious swelling and bleeding around his left eye from all those jabs. Rodriguez lands another left. Another left from Rodriguez, Perry forces a clinch on the fence. The round will end in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rodriguez, borderline 10-8, 20-18 Rodriguez overall

ROUND THREE: Perry’s nose is busted, and that swelling around his left eye is pretty gnarly. Rodriguez still moving and angling well, he lands a couple of inside leg kicks. Jabs from Rodriguez, and some leg kicks as Perry shows the southpaw stance. Rodriguez lands a body kick, they clinch up and Perry wants a takedown but can’t get it. Left from Rodriguez lands. Rodriguez lands another left, he’s backing Perry to the fence and Perry is getting flatter on his feet. A quick combination from Rodriguez in close. Perry is a borderline heavy bag at this point, Rodriguez is hitting him almost at will. Body shot from Perry but Rodriguez lands a couple of hard counters. More punches from Rodriguez, he’s almost styling on Perry. Rodriguez lands more lefts, then a body kick. Hard one two from Rodriguez, how Perry is still upright is beyond me. They clinch up and hit the fence. Perry misses an elbow as they break. One final flurry from Rodriguez closes the fight.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Rodriguez, borderline again but I’m OK giving it, 30-26 Rodriguez overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Daniel Rodriguez via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27 x2)

Showcase for Rodriguez, who in case you forgot is quite good. Rodriguez gets an interview after that performance, he says this was exactly what he expected and felt it couldn’t have gone any better. He talks us through some highlights, he expected more of a war but he prepared incredibly hard and was able to perform at a high level. Asked about when he’d like to get back in, he’s OK being a short notice guy but prefers full camps because it lets him show the best of himself.

Nina Nunes had a four fight winning streak snapped in her last fight, which was way back in June of 2019. Since then she’s given birth and is hoping to get back on the winning side of things now. Mackenzie Dern has gone 5-1 in the UFC and is on a three fight winning streak, she’s looking to solidify her status as a contender by taking out a top five contender. The odds are close but favor Nunes at -140 to +110 for Dern.

Strawweight Bout: #5 Nina Nunes (10-6, 116 lbs.) vs. #11 Mackenzie Dern (10-1, 115 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Nunes has an inch of height and reach on Dern. They touch gloves to get us going. Both women feinting early, Dern lands a few punches in a blitz attack. Both women land punches and fall into a clinch then hit the fence. Dern has Nunes on the fence, but can’t keep her there and they break. Both women land right hands. Leg kick from Dern, then a couple of punches and she’s after a single leg. Nunes is defending but Dern eventually elevates the leg then steps through and trips her down into full guard. Nunes works a high guard quickly and tries to stall things, Dern breaks through that and looks for a knee slice pass while threatening the legs as well. Dern passes to half guard, almost into full side control but Nunes locks down the guard leg. Dern threatens the arm, moves into 3/4 mount and lands hammer fists. Full mount now and punches follow, Darn on the mat is a monster. Punches and elbows from Dern, then goes for the armbar from S mount. Dern into the spiderweb position looking to extend the arm, Nunes defending correctly but this isn’t sustainable. Dern extends the arm finally and Nunes quickly taps.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mackenzie Dern via Submission, armbar, at 4:48 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mrs. Dern for her work this afternoon. Mic time for Dern, she says the win feels good and hopes to get the most submission in strawweight history here, she’s tied for that at 4th. She puts over Nunes as a pioneer and great person, then talks us through the finish but notes they work on going for finishes at the end of rounds in training. Asked who she’d like next she notes the upcoming title fight and a few other top ranked fighters being active as well, she’d like to fight someone ranked above her again but knows we’ll have to wait for a few fights to shake out.

This is wonderful procedural jiu-jitsu, Dern methodically attacks the defensive grip with both her legs and by pummeling her hands in. Eventually she breaks the grip, extends the arm and gets the tap.

Sam Alvey hasn’t won a fight since June of 2018, going 0-4-1 since then and barely mustering a draw in his last fight. Alvey badly needs a win here as he could easily be looking at his walking papers if he fails to win yet again. Julian Marquez returned from a long layoff earlier this year and scored a win, he’s looking for his first UFC winning streak here and the expense of Alvey and possibly even bigger things ahead. Marquez is the favorite at -190 to +150 on Alvey.

Middleweight Bout: Sam Alvey (33-14-1 1 NC, 186 lbs.) vs. Julian Marquez (8-2, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Alvey has three and a half inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Alvey. Marquez comes out pressing forward and feinting. Bit of a leg kick from Alvey, Marquez lands a right to the body. Another right to the body from Marquez. Alvey blocks a right and misses some counters. Marquez back to the body with that right. Stiff right from Alvey, then a follow up body shot. Marquez lands a straight right, he’s finding that punch reliably. Alvey lands a left to the body. Bit of a right from Marquez. Hard right from Marquez stumbles Alvey, he lands a few more follow ups but Alvey regains his feet and resumes fighting. Right from Marquez again, he’s really dialed in relative to the defense of Alvey. Marquez lands a left hook. They punch into a clinch, trade again then separate. Marquez lands that right to the body again. Alvey is bleeding from the nose. Both men land lead hand punches. They trade in close, both men land power hand punches just as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Marquez

ROUND TWO: Marquez pressing forward again. Right from Marquez lands, his feints are drawing Alvey out. Alvey lands a right hook. Straight right from Marquez lands. Another body shot from Marquez. That right from Marquez lands again, he’s hurting Alvey more reliably now. They get close and brawl, Marquez drops Alvey and starts pounding on him as Alvey looks for a takedown. Marquez spins to the back and puts Alvey to sleep with a no hooks rear naked choke.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Julian Marquez via Technical Submission, rear naked choke, at 2:07 of Round 2

Nice stuff from Marquez, he picked his spots well on the feet then once Alvey was hurt he never let him recover. Mic time for Marquez, he feels blessed to be on ABC for all the fans. He puts over Alvey as a veteran who knows how to fight hurt, but realized Alvey exposed his neck whenever he gave up his back so he grabbed the neck and strangled Alvey. To close he says he’s the entertainment you pay to see, but ABC is free, he calls himself the baddest middleweight in Missouri, then challenges Patrick Mahomes, Ty Hill, or Travis Kelce to badminton or pickle ball. He thanks his coaches to close.

Here you see the value of not getting locked into either striking or grappling mode, blending the two together creates myriad openings. Marquez has Alvey hurt and lands hammer fists, but rather than fixate on the strikes he spins to the back and grabs up the neck for a brutal finish.

Arnold Allen is on an impressive nine fight winning streak including seven in the UFC. Allen has fought his way into the top ten contenders and now looks to defend that spot while aiming for someone higher up the food chain next. Sodiq Yusuff is on a six fight winning streak including four in the UFC, he’s looking to take a top ten spot from Allen and possibly start his own march up towards the top of the division. The odds are close but favor Yusuff at -150 to a +125 payout for Allen.

Featherweight Bout: #10 Arnold Allen (16-1, 145.5 lbs.) vs. #11 Sodiq Yusuff (11-1, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Yusuff has an inch of height and reach advantage. Southpaw for Allen. Both men working the lead hand early, trying to set things up. Yusuff coming forward now, but walks into a double leg and winds up on his seat against the fence. Allen working to keep Yusuff on the mat. Yusuff connects his hands on a guillotine attempt, that forces Allen to scramble free and they reset on the feet. Body shot from Allen, Yusuff is landing punches to the back leg. Allen lands a few power hand punches. Hard lefts are traded, Yusuff lands a few body shots and gets a clinch but they break quickly. Allen lands a left and floors Yusuff, he can’t finish on the mat but lets him up and looks to continue the pressure. Double leg from Allen against the fence, Yusuff fights back up on the fence but is still clinched. Some knees go back and forth, then an Allen elbow lands as they break. Front kick to the body from Yusuff, then Allen lands a stiff jab as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Allen

ROUND TWO: Yusuff working that leg kick as the round begins. Allen is blocking the majority of Yusuff’s offense thus far. Allen lands a left. Both men land power hand punches. Yusuff’s right hand is becoming a problem for Allen. Allen with a head kick, he slips but badly hurt Yusuff with it. Allen all over Yusuff on the mat, he gets the back without hooks as Allen fights up and into the clinch. They break without incident. Yusuff lands a front kick to the body. They clinch up again, Allen gets Yusuff on the fence. A knee from Allen breaks the clinch. Allen tries the head kick a few times, doesn’t land, and they circle away the final seconds.

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

ROUND THREE: Allen quickly tries a double leg, they stall out on the fence. Yusuff tries a head kick as they break but it’s blocked. Allen with a double leg in open space, Yusuff sprawls away and the wind up clinched again. This time Allen is after a single leg, can’t get it and they resume clinching. Some knees from Yusuff, and then he spins free. Allen lands a left. Yusuff still pushing forward and lands a few punches before they clinch again. Knees from Yusuff, he’s staying active in the clinch but he probably needs a finish. Both men with knees now, but time is running out on Yusuff. Allen keeps things in the clinch, then lands a spinning back elbow as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Yusuff, 29-28 Allen overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Arnold Allen via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Smart fight from Allen, Yusuff didn’t look bad but just wound up on the wrong side of a few big moments in the first couple of rounds. Mic time for Allen, he wanted the finish but Yusuff is as touch as they come. He jokes he wanted to call out a top five guy but without the finish he doesn’t feel like it.

Marvin Vettori hasn’t lost since meeting Israel Adesanya back in 2018, winning four in a row since and now knocking on the door of a title shot. Vettori might secure, or at least make a decent case for himself, if he’s able to get another win. Kevin Holland had a great 2020 when he won five fights culminating with a knockout over Ronaldo Souza, but he had a really lackluster performance losing to Derek Brunson in March of this year. Holland is hoping to recapture some of his previous hype and get his career back on track after taking this fight on short notice to replace the injured Darren Till. Vettori is the biggest favorite on the card at -335 while Holland’s comeback sits at +260.

Middleweight Bout: #6 Marvin Vettori (16-4-1, 186 lbs.) vs. #10 Kevin Holland (21-6, 183.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Holland is three inches taller and has a whopping seven inches of reach advantage. Vettori fighting southpaw. Holland opens with some leg kicks, looking to keep things long. A Holland front kick takes Vettori square in the groin and we’ve got time. Replay confirms it was low, that was a nasty one. Vettori takes about a minute, and Holland gets a stern warning from the ref as we restart. Both men land in close. They tie up and hit the fence. Nothing really comes of the clinch and they break. Holland back to kicking at distance. Bit of a left from Vettori and he gets another clinch on the fence. Vettori is looking for a takedown but can’t find it. They break without incident. Vettori lands a left, pushes close and they punch into another clinch. Vettori pulls Holland off the fence and hits a body lock takedown into full guard. Some body to head punches from Vettori. Holland scoots to the fence, and then sweeps over the top and they wind up on the feet at distance. Vettori lands a left. Bit of a right from Holland. Vettori punches into another clinch, and that’s where the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Vettori

ROUND TWO: Holland working long again as the round starts. Right lands for Holland. Vettori lands a left and pushes for a double leg and gets it against the fence. Half guard for Vettori, Holland uses a guillotine attempt to get full guard though he loses the choke. Vettori back to his ground and pound drills, body to head. Some hammer fists from Vettori. Holland seems way too complacent on his back in full guard. Some punches from Vettori as Holland tries to angle his hips. Vettori is able to posture up, Holland tries to get up but gets mat returned back into full guard. Some more short blows from Vettori. Vettori moves to the ride position, lands rights as Holland wall walks and the round ends in the clinch.

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

ROUND THREE: Holland’s left eye is cut under the eyebrow near the outside of the socket. The doctor double checks the cut, he says he can see even as it swells and they’ll let him have the round at least. Vettori jabbing, he’s attacking that side and then gets a double leg along the fence. Half guard this time for Vettori. Holland is able to get full guard back. Vettori hits a really nice pass into full mount. Arm triangle attack from Vettori, he locks it up, moves to side control to fully leverage things but he’s way too high with his chest. You need to get as close to the mat with your body as possible and he doesn’t, so Vettori bails on the choke to save his arms and preserve dominant position. North-south for Vettori, Holland scrambles up and is able to get free. Another right hook from Vettori, that left eye of Holland is compromised. Vettori after another double leg and gets it into the ride position. Holland wall walks but can’t get free. They break without incident. Vettori lands a body kick. High kick from Holland, Vettori counters with a left. Another clinch on the fence, Holland unloads with punches as they break. They get close and trade punches as the round ends.

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

ROUND FOUR: The left eyebrow and lid of Holland is swelling worse, but they don’t have the doctor check him again. Vettori lands a left hand. Both men land punches in close. Double leg from Vettori hits the fence, but he pulls Holland away from the cage and gets him down. Vettori is in half guard this time, but Holland gets full guard. Holland is trying to regain his feet, Vettori into the ride position. Holland does get up and hits the fence but Vettori rag dolls him back and gets full mount. Vettori is after the arm triangle choke again but again can’t quite find it as Holland gets half guard back. Some short blows from Vettori as Holland gets full guard. Vettori passes to half guard again and is still sneaking in offense when he can find it. Holland gets his full guard back but he’s still stuck there and taking damage. A few punches from Vettori punctuate the round.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Vettori, 40-35 Vettori overall

ROUND FIVE: Both men hand fighting as the round starts. Holland lands a right that hurts Vettori but Vettori into a double leg and dumps Holland to the mat. Vettori landing body shots and head. Holland is trying to angle his hips, Vettori stacks him and lands punches. Holland wall walks, but he’s dumped back down by a Vettori double leg. Vettori moves to half guard. Full mount now for Vettori, he’s sneaking in punches while controlling the head of Holland. Holland bucks, gets up but Vettori is after another double leg and gets it into half guard. Full guard now for Holland, Vettori punches him and stacks him up. Holland up, and the round ends in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Vettori, 50-44 Vettori overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Marvin Vettori via unanimous decision (50-44 x3)

Vettori is a tough guy, a nice blend of striking and grappling, his takedowns against the fence were very nice. Mic time for Vettori, he notes he set the record for middleweights in terms of takedowns in a single fight with 11 and says he’s not too happy because he wanted a finish. But it was a dominant win and he’s acclimated to five round fights, he plans on continuing to progress. Asked about a rematch with Adesanya, he definitely wants a title fight next probably in October of so, and mentions his winning streak. He’ll probably have to wait and see how Whittaker and Gastelum plays out next week.

Well on that note UFC on ABC 2 comes to a close. Thanks for reading, again I know this card probably gets lost in the WrestleMania fever and appreciate any support. We’ll unpack all action from this card and preview next weeks event Sunday on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast. I’ll be back next week for Whittaker vs. Gastelum, and I hope you will be as well. Until next time stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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UFC on ABC 2, Robert Winfree