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411’s UFC on ABC 4 Report: Almeida Steamrolls Rozenstruik 5.13.23

May 13, 2023 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC on ABC 4 Image Credit: UFC

MAIN CARD (ABC/ESPN+, 3 p.m. ET)
#12 Jailton Almeida (231 lbs.) vs. #9 Jairzinho Rozenstruik (265 lbs.)
#5 Anthony Smith (205.5 lbs.) vs. #7 Johnny Walker (205.5 lbs.)
Ian Machado Garry (170.5 lbs.) vs. #15 Daniel Rodriguez (170 lbs.)
Ihor Potieria (204.5 lbs.) vs. Carlos Ulberg (204.5 lbs.)
Tim Means (170.5 lbs.) vs. Alex Morono (169.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 12 Noon ET)
Matt Brown (170 lbs.) vs. Court McGee (170.5 lbs.)
Chase Sherman (254 lbs.) vs. Karl Williams (239.5 lbs.)
Douglas Silva de Andrade (139.5 lbs.) vs. Cody Stamann (139 lbs.) – 140-pound contract weight
Mandy Bohm (126 lbs.) vs. Ji Yeon Kim (126 lbs.)
Bryan Battle (173 lbs.)* vs. Gabe Green (170.5 lbs.)
Jessica-Rose Clark (135.5 lbs.) vs. Tainara Lisboa (134 lbs.)


Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ABC 4, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the event. We’ve got an early morning/afternoon card today. This card isn’t especially compelling on paper but there are a few decent fights to found, our main event is a relevant heavyweight fight when surging Jailton Almeida takes a step up in class against Jairzinho Rozenstruik. The co-main is a battle for position in the turbulent light heavyweight division when veteran Anthony Smith battles the wild and unpredictable Johnny Walker. I’ve also got my eye on the fight between Daniel Rodriguez and Ian Garry, Garry has looked pretty good in the UFC but Rodriguez represents a definite step up in competition and those kinds of tests are usually interesting and informative. Beyond that Matt Brown vs. Court McGee should be a fun little brawl. That’s all that jumps off the paper at me, but a lot of these fights at least showcase potential so let’s hope they live up to it.

UFC on ABC 4 comes to the world from the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. We’ve got Jon Anik, Dominick Cruz, and Daniel Cormier on commentary. I’m fairly sure there’s no replay in effect here, but it’s been a while since I was updated on the nuances of North Carolina’s MMA rules so I’ll update if I get more information. Lastly since we’re not at the Apex remember we’re in the larger 30 foot diameter Octagon.

Jessica-Rose Clark has gone 2-2 in her last four fights but is currently on a two fight losing streak and needs a win pretty badly here if she wants to justify her spot on the roster. Tainara Lisboa brings a three fight winning streak into her UFC debut, she’s looking to extend that streak here and make a good first impression on the UFC audience. Lisboa is a slight -115 favorite against Clark’s -105.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Jessica-Rose Clark (11-8 1 NC, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Tainara Lisboa (5-2, 134 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Lisboa is two inches taller with two and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Both women show the jab early as they move around. Bit of a leg kick from Clark. They both miss rights in close. Both women land rights. Lisboa lands a jab. Clark lands a right hand then a left follow up. Not much defense from either woman. Clark forces a clinch, she eats a knee before getting things to the fence. Clark looks to change levels for a single leg, she can’t finish it though and they wind up clinched again. Lisboa is able to spin Clark into the fence and lands a couple of knees. They start moving and Lisboa hits a hip toss and lands on top in half guard. The round will end there with Lisboa landing a couple of punches.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lisboa

ROUND TWO: They come out swinging again, Clark lands a right hand but Lisboa cracks her with a counter right. Clark tries a double leg that stalls out on the fence. Clark finishes the double leg briefly but Lisboa wall walks though Clark is still on her hips. Lisboa works to defend again and is able to force separation. Body kick from Lisboa. Right hand then a left from Lisboa. Clark lands a right hand of her own. Both women land in close. Lisboa lands a left hook. Clark lands a hard right. Lisboa lands a one two then a body kick. Another combination from Lisboa, she’s looking to unload and Clark has to force a clinch. Knee from Clark. The ref breaks them up and they restart. Both women land punches again, then Clark tries a double leg but can’t finish it before the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They trade again as the round starts but that’s working for Lisboa. Lisboa lands a couple of rights. They tie up and Clark is able to spin Lisboa down into full guard. Lisboa lands an elbow off of her back. A few more elbows from Lisboa. Clark lands a couple of elbows of her own, and Lisboa is cut around the left eyebrow. Armbar attack from Lisboa, Clark has lost both of her last fights via armbar so you’d think she’s drilled this. Clark gets her arm free and lands another elbow. OK, that cut is more on the bridge of the nose. Lisboa is able to kick Clark off, Clark goes for another takedown but Lisboa sprawls away then spins to the ride position. Choke attack from Lisboa, that’s tight and Clark has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Tainara Lisboa via Submission, rear naked choke, at 4:20 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Ms. Lisboa for her work this morning. That cut on Lisboa is actually just under the and across the right eyebrow, it’s a pretty gnarly cut. Mic time for Lisboa and the translator, she feels this debut went great and is happy with the win. She is used to powering through things and just had to keep working despite the cut in the third. She talks us through the finish and says she’s ready for everything in MMA.

Not much specific here to break down, but the time the clip starts Clark is already dead in the water as that choke is deep. But all around a good debut for Lisboa.

Bryan Battle has gone 2-1 in the UFC but he’s coming off of that loss, he also missed weight here and now needs a win pretty badly to smooth over that gaff and also avoid his first ever losing streak. Gabriel Green has gone 2-2 in the UFC, most recently losing a two fight winning streak when he lost to Ian Garry. Green is trying to avoid his first UFC losing streak while getting his UFC record above the .500 mark. The odds lean towards Green at -135 to +115 for Battle.

Welterweight Bout: Bryan Battle (8-2, 173 lbs.)* vs. Gabe Green (11-4, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Battle is three inches taller with four inches of reach advantage. Green comes out southpaw and pressures right away, they get to the fence and trade punches but it’s Battle that lands the crushing power shot and Green collapses to end the fight.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Bryan Battle via KO, punches, at :14 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Battle for his work this morning. Mic time for a visibly emotional Battle, he plays with the crowd and promises to keep on going. He knows he can put anyone to sleep if he puts hands on them, then talks us through the finish noting that Green doesn’t usually come out aggressive but he stayed composed and found his opportunity. He puts over Green’s toughness then calls out Ian Garry, noting Garry couldn’t finish Garry in 15 minutes and he did it in 14 seconds.

This is almost the entire fight. The big takeaway is Green getting a bit reckless in the pocket, in open stance, against a power puncher. Green gets a little too offense minded and leaves his jaw open, which gives Battle a very clear lane for his right hand to land and end things.

Ji Yeon Kim has had some tough losses on her current four fight losing streak, at least two of them could have gone her way but she now finds herself in a win or go home situation. Mandy Bohm has gone 0-2 in the UFC and now needs to find that all important first UFC win. Kim is a notable favorite at -230 against Bohm’s +195.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Mandy Bohm (7-2, 126 lbs.) vs. Ji Yeon Kim (9-6-2, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Kim has an inch of reach advantage. Kim lands a one two that wobbles Bohm, then looks to follow up but Bohm is able to tie up and hit a throw to land in side control. Bohm gets the back, grabs at the choke but can’t get it under the chin yet. Bohm is off to a hip, so there’s not much danger here. Kim is able to base up and turn into Bohm’s guard. Bohm tries a triangle attack, it’s not too close but it is controlling Kim. Bohm bails on the coke and Kim lands a couple of punches then an elbow. Kim passes to the ride position, she’s after the choke now but has no hooks in. Kim is still fighting for the choke, she tries to grab hooks but Bohm is able to roll on top and come up in her guard. Bohm lands a couple of punches while trying to pass. Side control for Bohm and she fires a few elbows. The round will end there.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kim

ROUND TWO: Both women fire punches as the round starts. Leg kick from Bohm. Kim lands a left hook. Bohm tries to tie up, Kim uses knees and a collar tie but they hit the fence. Kim with knees as she’s looking to get free. Bohm gets a body lock, Kim breaks it and lands a few knees then spins Bohm into the fence. Bohm winds up trying a trip and just pulling half guard. Kim blocks a sweep attempt. Bohm shrimps to full guard. Things are stalling a bit, Bohm is trying to work her guard high but can’t find much and Kim is just unable to mount much offense. The ref steps in and stands them up. Kim checks a leg kick then lands a right hand. Another right from Kim. Bohm lands a jab. Kim avoids a hook but Bohm hits a takedown into a guillotine choke. Kim tightens the choke but she doesn’t seem to realize the finer finishing points necessary here. Bohm is able to base up and release some of the pressure before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 9-9 DRAW after the point deduction, 19-18 Kim overall

ROUND THREE: There was something of an incident after the bell, Kim kicked Bohm off of her and the ref is taking a point from Kim as the round starts. OK then. Kim lands a right hand and Bohm ties up in a clinch. Bohm lands a knee to the body. They break, then Kim clinches again. Kim slips to the back standing and looks to drag Bohm down. Some knees to the leg from Kim, then Kim throws a knee that lands to the head of Bohm as Bohm is keeping a hand on the mat. We get a break, and there’s no real controversy about the foul as Bohm clearly had a hand down and that knee clearly landed to the head. The doctor is in to check on Bohm, Bohm’s left eye seems to be compromised. Bohm apparently can’t see out of the left eye and that’ll get the ref and doctor to wave things off. No idea how they’re going to rule this one. I’m going to list my scorecard for what happened in the round in case we’re going to a technical decision. OK, apparently the ref took another point from Kim at some point during that break, this ref is kind of a joke as he’s handled this poorly.

SCORECARD: 9-9 DRAW after the point deduction, 28-27 Kim overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mandy Bohm via Technical Split Decision (27-28, 28-27 x2)

There was a lot of deliberation going on, it seems the judges were told to submit their cards after the fight was waved in the third and the ref took the point after that so now they’re having to retread the scoring back because of that timing issue. What a clown fiesta, the ref took that last point from Kim after he’d waved off the fight. Not sure how you’d give Bohm the first after she got rocked that badly. No interview for the winner.

Cody Stamann is on a two fight winning streak and is looking to build back towards facing ranked opponents with a third consecutive win here which would equal his best streak in the UFC. Douglas Silva de Andrade has gone 3-2 in his last five fights, most recently getting worked over by Said Nurmagomedov, now he’s trying to avoid his first ever losing streak by getting back on the winning side of things. The odds are with Stamann at -155 to de Andrade’s +135.

Catchweight Bout: Douglas Silva de Andrade (28-5 1 NC, 139.5 lbs.) vs. Cody Stamann (21-5-1, 139 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Silva de Andrade is half an inch taller with four inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Silva de Andrade lands an inside leg kick. Stamann starts showing some stance switches. Bit of a jab from Stamann. Silva de Andrade lands a left to the body. Silva de Andrade avoids a double leg attempt then misses a right hand. Stamann lands a couple of jabs. Front kick from Silva de Andrade, Stamann responds with a jab. Silva de Andrade lands a calf kick. Both men working the lead hand now. Stamann keeps pressuring forward, they trade leg kicks but his pressure is starting to get to Silva de Andrade just a bit. Silva de Andrade lands a body kick. Single leg from Stamann, he lifts and slams to finish. Silva de Andrade with an illegal up kick, he was trying to push Stamann off but his foot just went into the face. The ref warns Silva de Andrade then restarts them on the feet, which seems like a serious issue as Stamann should have gotten his top position back. Silva de Andrade lands a front kick then a right hand. Bit of a left hook from Silva de Andrade. Stamann lands a body kick. Double leg from Silva de Andrade, Stamann with a quick sumi gaeshi to sweep and get up. They trade hooks, then Silva de Andrade fires a spinning back fist. Knees from Silva de Andrade. Stamann avoids a few elbows to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Silva de Andrade

ROUND TWO: Silva de Andrade misses a few kicks early. Stamann lands a right hand to counter a leg kick. Silva de Andrade lands a left hook. Silva de Andrade avoids a takedown attempt, he’s angling well when defending those. Bit of a left hook from Silva de Andrade. Stamann lands a body shot. Inside leg kick from Silva de Andrade, then Stamann lands a left hook. Silva de Andrade lands a right hand. Stamann lands a jab. Silva de Andrade lands a left to the body. Bit of a head kick from Silva de Andrade, but Stamann keeps coming forward. Stamann slips a right hand and lands a left hook. Left from Stamann. Silva de Andrade hits another left to the body. Silva de Andrade fires another head kick, partially blocked. Left to the body then a right to the head from Silva de Andrade. Stamann lands a right hand. Double leg attempt from Stamann, that stalls out on the fence as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Silva de Andrade, 20-18 Silva de Andrade overall

ROUND THREE: Stamann gets back to pressuring forward. Silva de Andrade lands a jab. Bit of a knee from Stamann. Combination from Stamann partially lands. Stamann lands a jab. They trade calf kicks. A left hook from Stamann staggers Silva de Andrade. Silva de Andrade lands an inside leg kick. Stamann lands a right to the body then a left hook. Silva de Andrade with a spinning back kick to the body. Stamann lands a left hook. Another left from Stamann, he’s trying to break down Silva de Andrade as the round goes on. A left hook from Stamann badly hurts Silva de Andrade, then another one gets Silva de Andrade to fall and Stamann jumps into his guard. Stamann with some elbows as he stuffs Silva de Andrade against the fence. Silva de Andrade tries to invert for a leg but Stamann passes to half guard. Stamann to the ride position as Silva de Andrade tries to explode, then winds up settling for half guard again. Silva de Andrade hip escapes to full guard. Stamann lands an elbow then they stand and reset. Stamann lands another left hook but Silva de Andrade is still throwing back at him. Straight left from Stamann. Silva de Andrade misses some wide punches. They trade punches in close. Both men land lefts. Silva de Andrade misses a few kicks. Again they trade in close, then trade kicks. Stamann lands a left hook as Silva de Andrade throws a flying knee and that’ll pretty much end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Stamann, there might be a 10-8 argument but it didn’t get there for me, 29-28 Silva de Andrade overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Douglas Silva de Andrade via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

The crowd isn’t happy, and Stamann absolutely won the last round but you’ve got to win a majority of rounds and Silva de Andrade did that. No interview for Silva de Andrade as we’re a little pressed on time after that clown fiesta around Kim and Bohm.

Karl Williams is on a five fight winning streak including a successful UFC debut a couple of months ago, he’s trying to maintain that momentum and prove himself a notable heavyweight prospect with another win here. Chase Sherman has gone 1-5 in his last six fights, he’s coming off of a loss and is trying to avoid what would technically be his third UFC losing streak. Williams is a pretty heavy favorite at -410 to a +330 payout on Sherman.

Heavyweight Bout: Chase Sherman (16-11, 254 lbs.) vs. Karl Williams (8-1, 239.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Sherman is an inch taller while Williams has an inch of reach advantage, Sherman is also 15 or so pounds heavier. They touch gloves to get us going. Bit of a right from Williams. They’re both still probing with strikes, just getting a feel for each other. Sherman avoids a takedown but eats an elbow as Williams bails on the attempt. Some body punching from Sherman. They trade left hooks, Williams might have been a little buzzed off of that one. Williams tries another takedown, it takes a second effort and they hit the mat but Sherman immediately bounces up against the fence. Sherman lands a knee as he breaks free of the clinch. Bit of a right hand from Sherman then a calf kick. Bit of a right from Williams. They trade leg kicks again. Sherman is still pressuring forward, he avoids a few punches. Calf kick from Sherman. Bit of a right from Williams. Sherman is keeping Williams near the fence, he lands a right hand then a left hook that off balances Williams for a moment. Williams hits a double leg into half guard. Williams goes for a kimura attack, but Sherman defends. Some short punches from Williams. Sherman wall walks, he eats lefts along the way though. They break just before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Williams

ROUND TWO: Sherman gets back to jabbing and moving forward. Williams lands a jab. A right hand then a left hook from Williams lands. They tie up, but nothing comes of it and they break. Sherman lands a leg kick. Stiff jab from Williams but he misses the follow ups. Sherman backs Williams to the fence but Williams circles away. Calf kick from Sherman. Stiff left hook from Williams, but Sherman counters with a hard leg kick. Sherman checks a few leg kicks. Another leg kick from Sherman, Williams doesn’t like those. Hard leg kick from Sherman. Williams forces a clinch, he looks for a double leg against the fence but Sherman defends and they wind up clinched. Bit of a right from Williams as he breaks the clinch. Sherman gets back on pressure. Another leg kick from Sherman. Williams lands a jab. Sherman avoids a tie up attempt. They trade punches in close. Jab from Sherman, Williams ties up then breaks and fires a knee but that hits the groin of Sherman and we’ve got a time out. That was a hard groin shot. Sherman takes 1:28 then we’re back to fighting. Sherman avoids a punch then lands a right. Bit of a right form Sherman as the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Sherman, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Sherman gets back to pressure. Leg kick from Sherman. Bit of a right from Williams but Sherman avoids the follow up punches. Sherman with a left to the body then a right hand. Williams lands a left hand. Another couple of punches from Williams, Sherman lands a left to the body then avoids a double leg. More pressure from Sherman. They trade some jabs. A left hook from Williams lands. Williams with another left hook. Sherman lands a left hook of his own then a leg kick. Williams ties up, Sherman with a knee then fights off a double leg. Elbows from Sherman as Williams tries a high crotch, Williams is still trying but Sherman is defending and then shoves his way free. Bit of a left from Williams. They split a few jabs then Sherman lands a leg kick. Sherman jabs then avoids a takedown attempt. Bit of a left from Sherman. Williams lands a couple of jabs. Sherman eats a jab then lands a leg kick. Williams lands a one two. They split some more jabs then Sherman lands a knee as he avoids a takedown. Leg kick from Sherman. Sherman lands a right hand then clinches as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Williams but a close one, 29-28 Williams overall

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

Not sure about those 30-27’s, felt like Sherman should have had the second. No interview again as they need to hit ABC at the top of the hour.

Matt Brown has been with the UFC since 2008 and has 29 fights with the promotion, he’s just 1-3 in his last four fights though and at 42 the end has to be in sight for him, but he’s after a few more memorable wins before he hangs them up. Court McGee has gone 2-4 in his last six fights, most recently having a two fight winning streak broken but he’s trying to get back on the winning side of things against a fellow veteran of the sport. The odds are with McGee at -225 while the +190 comeback on Brown might be a tempting little value bet.

Welterweight Bout: Matt Brown (23-19, 170 lbs.) vs. Court McGee (21-11, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Brown is an inch taller while McGee has half an inch of reach advantage. McGee comes out jabbing the body then lands a right hand. Bit of an inside leg kick from McGee. McGee lands a calf kick. Leg kick from Brown. Brown lands another leg kick. McGee gets the back in a clinch and hits a mat return. McGee lands a left as Brown looks to set up a wall walk. Brown is back up but McGee is still on his back landing knees to the leg. Elbow from McGee as they get chest to chest. McGee with some short lefts to the head and body. Brown lands a knee then they break apart. Brown lands a leg kick, McGee returns it. A right hand from Brown connects and McGee drops, that’ll end it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Matt Brown via KO, punch, at 4:09 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Brown for his work this afternoon. Mic time for Brown after that one, he says you an do anything you put your mind to and despite being 42 his mind is sharp and dedicated, and says the worst thing about being in here is having to leave. He talks us through the finish, noting he got the timing pretty quick and says he tied the knockout record here and wants to keep fighting until he gets that particular record as he’s tied with Derrick Lewis. He says he comes in here to express himself as a martial artist and to end people, he fights for the fans, not the judges and by the way screw them, he’s here to finish or get finished.

Here’s the finish. McGee enters with his head on the center line, never a good thing, and Brown has a great read on the timing and just ENDS him with the right hand.

Well that’s it for the prelims, onto ABC for the main card.

Alex Morono just had a four fight winning streak broken when he lost to Santiago Ponzinibbio, but he’s trying to get back on the winning side of things while avoiding his first ever losing streak. Tim Means has gone 3-2 in his last five fights but he’s on a two fight losing streak and could really use a win here as his lengthy career might be starting to wind down. Morono is your -225 favorite against +190 on Means.

Welterweight Bout: Tim Means (32-14-1 1 NC, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Alex Morono (22-8 1 NC, 169.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Means has three inches of height and reach advantage. Southpaw for Means. Morono starts showing the lead hand early, Means with some front kicks right away. Morono lands a right hand. Means lands another front kick, but of a counter right from Morono. Means lands a left hand. Wide right from Morono partially lands. They clinch up and Means pushes Morono into the fence. Some short punches from Means then a knee as they break. They trade punches in close. Morono lands a right hand. Leg kick from Means. Morono lands a couple of rights. Means lands a left to the body. More body shots from Means. Means lands another left to the body after avoiding a right hand. Bit of a right from Morono, then Means lands a knee. Bit of a one two from Morono. The both miss power hand punches. Means with a head kick, Morono counters with a right hand. Another right from Morono lands. Means lands a left hook in close. Morono with a right hand. Another right from Morono, Means gets close and they both swing as the round ends after a Means left uppercut.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Means

ROUND TWO: Means resumes pressuring forward as the round begins. Bit of a left from Means. Means lands a left to the body. Bit of a head kick from Morono then a couple of rights behind it. They both miss lefts then Means hits a double leg into full guard. Morono quickly wall walks, but eats a knee before they break. One two from Morono then another right. Means keeps dipping his head, he could throw an uppercut as he circles that might land. Morono misses a spinning back fist, Means with a takedown but Morono grabs a guillotine on the way down and he’s able to force the tap with it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alex Morono via Submission, guillotine choke, at 2:09 of Round 2

Morono gets an interview, he puts over the UFC brass (the brass wont ever love you buddy) and tells anyone dealing with stuff to try and find purpose through the martial arts lifestyle. He talks us through the finish and says he just loves the fight game overall. Asked what he’d like next he would love to fight Bryan Barberena next, which would be a pretty good one if they can make it.

This is a nice guillotine from Morono, and he adjusted at the start of the clip by sitting up to re-attack after Means might have gotten free. After that it’s just a rock solid guillotine choke.

Carlos Ulberg has gone 3-1 in the UFC and is on a three fight winning streak, he’s looking to showcase his continued growth in the promotion by getting that streak to four in a row here. Ihor Potieria has gone 1-1 in the UFC, most recently breaking the hearts of MMA fans everywhere by beating Mauricio “Shogun” Rua in Rua’s retirement fight but he could get his first UFC winning streak up and running with a win over Ulberg. Ulberg is one of the bigger favorites on the card at a big -425 to +340 for Potieria.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Ihor Potieria (19-3, 204.5 lbs.) vs. Carlos Ulberg (7-1, 204.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ulberg is an inch taller with two inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Potieria. Potieria runs at him and Ulberg avoids a tie up. Bit of a head kick from Ulberg. Another glancing head kick from Ulberg. Potieria lands a left hand. Ulberg catches Potieria coming in with a left hook, Potieria face plants and Ulberg jumps on top of him landing punches. Ulberg actually steps back and then the ref jumps in to stop things.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Carlos Ulberg via TKO, punches, at 2:09 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Ulberg for his work this afternoon. Mic time for Ulberg, he gives glory to God first then thanks his opponent for the fight. He talks us through the finish noting he knew Potieria was done. Asked what he’d like next he doesn’t do call outs, but he’d like to fight a top fifteen guy whoever that happens to be.

Here’s the finish. The old looping lead hand work in an open stance matchup, Ulberg has a better feel for the distance and his punch is much better technically. He lands right behind the ear, off balancing and hurting Potieria, then he never lets him recover. Also, not a great look for the ref here as Ulberg is basically the one who decided not to do more damage.

Daniel Rodriguez has gone 7-2 in the UFC and just had a four fight winning streak broken by Neil Magny, he’s still ranked though and now looks to defend that spot while also avoiding his first ever losing streak. Ian Garry is undefeated overall including four wins in the UFC, he looked at his best his last time out and now looks to take step towards an official ranking by taking out a ranked opponent. It’s not too surprising to see the odds with Garry, but at -300 it’s a bit heavier than I’d expect and the +250 payout on Rodriguez is a really tempting value bet.

Welterweight Bout: Ian Machado Garry (11-0, 170.5 lbs.) vs. #15 Daniel Rodriguez (17-3, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Garry is two inches taller, has half an inch of reach advantage, and is 11 years younger. Southpaw for Rodriguez, and they touch gloves to get us going. Garry lands a body kick. Stiff jab from Rodriguez. Garry keeps looking for that body kick. Garry lands a jab, then Rodriguez counters with a left hand. Rodriguez is backing Garry towards the fence, he lands a right hook then they clinch but Garry spins free quickly. Garry misses a couple of punches. Jab from Rodriguez. Glancing head kick from Garry. They trade one two combination. Short right from Rodriguez. Garry with a head kick, he jumps on top of Rodriguez as he drops. Garry starts unloading from top position and the ref jumps in to stop it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ian Machado Garry via TKO, head kick and punches, at 2:57 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Garry for his work this afternoon. Mic time for Garry, he knew he was the better fighter tonight and also knew his power kick was going to be important. He plays with the crowd a bit, then says he wanted to make sure people knew he had more power tonight. He talks us through the finish, then when asked what he wants next he would like to take on Neil Magny so he can get beyond that gatekeeper.

This is the value of the body kick, even if you can’t hurt your opponent with it you get them to change their guard position and it opens up the head kick. Nice finish from Garry.

Anthony Smith has been around the UFC since 2016 and has a pro career dating back to 2008, he’s coming off of a loss though and if he wants to get back to the title picture he can ill afford another loss here as the division is in something of a volatile state at the very top. Johnny Walker has been very hot and cold in the UFC, his quick rise halted by some violent stoppages and at one point a 1-4 streak. But Walker has won his last two fights and is looking to crack the top five rankings if he can get by Smith here. This one closed at -115 for Walker against -105 on Smith, extremely close.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #5 Anthony Smith (36-17, 205.5 lbs.) vs. #7 Johnny Walker (20-7, 205.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Walker is two inches taller with a significant six inches of reach advantage. Smith with some lead hand work early. Walker starts showing stance switches early, mostly orthodox though. Walker lands a leg kick. Bit of a right hand from Smith. Another leg kick from Walker. A few more kicks from Walker, nothing gets through. Smith lands a couple of rights. Walker lands a couple of calf kicks. Smith is backing up now, those kicks from Walker are powerful. Both men miss rights. Bit of a right from Smith. Walker back to calf kicks as they circle. Body kick from Walker. Smith lands a right hand. Walker tries a front kick, that hits the groin of Smith and we’ve got a time out. Smith takes about a minute then we’re back to fighting. Walker misses a hook kick. Smith lunges forward, Walker cracks him with a one two, but Smith tackles him down with a single leg despite being rocked. Smith is on top in half guard with about a minute left in the round. Walker looks to come up with a sweep, but Smith stifles that and lands a couple of elbows. Walker wall walks and get his own body lock takedown just before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Walker

ROUND TWO: Walker gets back to calf kicking right away. Smith avoids a right hand and lands a hard right of his own. Another calf kick from Walker, another counter from Smith lands. Walker lands a calf kick, Smith does land a counter right though. Left from Smith lands, Walker has gotten a little flatter on his feet. Smith lands a calf kick of his own. Front kick from Smith then a calf kick. Walker checks a calf kick then lands one. Bit of a right from Smith. Walker stalks forward, and eats a left hook. Bit of a front kick from Walker. Smith misses a head kick. Walker probes with a few more kicks as they slowly circle. They trade calf kicks. Smith with a right hand that will basically close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Smith, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: After a pretty sedate second round let’s see how the last round goes. Both men probe with some kicks, then Smith catches one and lands a right to the body. Walker avoids a few punches. Smith with a right to counter a leg kick. We get a time out as Smith took a finger to the eye. We get a replay to show that Walker did scrape his fingers across the face of Smith. Smith is back to fighting after 35 seconds. Walker with some front kicks. Smith lands a front kick. Smith ducks under a hook kick and lands a couple of punches. Walker backs up after getting hit but recovers quickly. More calf kicks from Walker, those are adding up at this point. Walker side kicks the leg. Another calf kick from Walker and he avoids a left hook. Smith lands a right to the body. Something’s wrong with Smith, he tries to tie up and winds up sitting on the fence. Walker stands over Smith and then makes him stand back up. There’s blood coming from Smith around the right eye, maybe Walker landed something that I missed. Some jabs from Walker, he’s starting to really control things. Another calf kick from Walker. Walker gets closer and lands a left hook. Jumping knee from Walker hurts Smith but he can’t follow up before the round ends.

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

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

No issues with 30-27 for Walker, he could have taken the second. Mic time for Walker, he just wanted to prove that he could fight for several rounds and demonstrate that he can fight everywhere and earn some more respect. He talks about his powerful kicks, noting he’s been hurt by calf kicks himself and knows how powerful a weapon the calf kick. Asked about going face to face with the current light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill, they fought before with Hill knocking Walker out, and he says he respects Hill and expects to see him again soon.

Jairzinho Rozenstruik just broke a two fight losing streak with a quick win over Chris Daukaus last year, he’s trying to secure his first winning streak since 2019 here and knock off one of the surging talents in the division. Jailton Almeida hasn’t lost since 2018, good for a 13 fight winning streak including four stoppage wins in the UFC. Almeida is trying to take another step towards the top of the heavyweight division and prove he’s a future title challenger. Almeida is the biggest favorite on the card at -500 to the +400 underdog Rozenstruik.

Heavyweight Bout: #12 Jailton Almeida (18-2, 231 lbs.) vs. #9 Jairzinho Rozenstruik (13-4, 265 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Almeida has an inch of height and reach over Rozenstruik, while Rozenstruik is 30 or so pounds heavier. They touch gloves to get us going. Rozenstruik tries a right, then shoves away a double leg attempt. Almeida circles and starts switching stance looking for takedowns. Almeida shoots a double leg, this one works as he hooks around the legs and Rozenstruik trips over backwards, Almeida lands on top in half guard. Rozenstruik is trying to stall things out from his back. Almeida looks to pass to mount, but Rozenstruik blocks. Almeida keeps trying to pass, he lands a couple of knees to the body. Seems like Almeida is now trying to set up an arm triangle but they’ve scooted pretty close to the fence and that might complicate things. Almeida finally gets around the half guard and moves to leg drag. Rozenstruik tries to wall walk and Almeida winds up in full mount. Almeida postures up, lands strikes, Rozenstruik gives up the back, and Almeida gets the choke which forces the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jailton Almeida via Submission, rear naked choke, at 3:43 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Almeida for his work this afternoon. Mic time for Almeida and the translator, he plays with the crowd and is very happy with how this fight went. Asked about only absorbing 2 significant strikes in his UFC career thus far he says he trains very hard on his speed and thinks that if winning like this worked for Khabib then it’ll work for him. He knows that his top game is very strong and his pressure stifles everyone. Asked who or what he’d like next he’d like to fight in either Abu Dhabi or Brazil, and mentions possibly fighting Tai Tuivasa next as he likes fighting heavy handed guys. To close he gives love to his family and people back home.

Here’s the very end of the fight. Almeida does such a good job of securing top pressure that it’s hard to get away, once he advances he starts forcing you to make bad decisions. He started this in mount landing hammer fists, then once the back is turned to avoid the punishment the choke is academic.

Well on that note UFC on ABC 4 comes to a close. Thank you for reading. We will be breaking down all the fall out from this event on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast, plus we’ll look ahead to UFC on ESPN+ 81. I’ll be back here next week for that card, and I hope you will as well. Until then thank you again for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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UFC on ABC 4, Robert Winfree