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411’s UFC on ABC 5 Report: Topuria Batters Emmett 6.24.23
MAIN CARD (ABC/ESPN+, 3 p.m. ET)
#5 Josh Emmett (145.5 lbs.) vs. #9 Ilia Topuria (146 lbs.)
#11 Maycee Barber (126 lbs.) vs. #9 Amanda Ribas (125 lbs.)
Austen Lane (245.5 lbs.) vs. Justin Tafa (266 lbs.)
David Onama (146 lbs.) vs. Gabriel Santos (145 lbs.)
#13 Brendan Allen (185.5 lbs.) vs. Bruno Silva (186 lbs.)
PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 11:30 a.m. ET)
#11 Neil Magny (171 lbs.) vs. Phil Rowe (171 lbs.)
Randy Brown (171 lbs.) vs. Wellington Turman (171 lbs.)
Loik Radzhabov (157.25 lbs.)* vs. Mateusz Rebecki (155.5 lbs.)
#15 Tabatha Ricci (114 lbs.) vs. Gillian Robertson (116 lbs.)
Joshua Van (125.25 lbs.) vs. Zhalgas Zhumagulov (125.5 lbs.)
Chepe Mariscal (154 lbs.) vs. Trevor Peek (156 lbs.)
Jamall Emmers (146 lbs.) vs. Jack Jenkins (145.5 lbs.)
Cody Brundage (186 lbs.) vs. Sedriques Dumas (185 lbs.)
Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ABC 5, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the event. For this return to ABC the UFC brought a decent card with a very compelling main event. Surging contender Ilia Topuria takes another step up in class when he takes on rugged battle tested Josh Emmett, the winner will be in featherweight title picture and might even get the next shot depending on how a few things shake out but even with that still a little up in the air the style matchup between Topuria and Emmett is a great on paper. Elsewhere on the card we’ve got Maycee Barber and Amanda Ribas battling to step towards the women’s flyweight title picture, and Brendan Allen looks to continue his winning ways. On the prelims Neil Magny looks to turn back another up and coming fighter like he’s done so many times before, and despite one of the fighters missing weight Mateusz Rebecki and Loik Radzhabov definitely has potential. Beyond that I’ve got reasonable expectations for a pretty good card top to bottom, despite losing a pretty darn good flyweight fight between Tatsuro Taira and Kleydson Rodrigues being canceled after Rodrigues weighed in at 129 pounds for their fight and got it canceled. Now let’s hope the action lives up to the potential.
UFC on ABC 5 comes to the world from the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, USA. I’ll update you on instant replay if that comes up but I think the rest of the rules are pretty standard. Jon Anik, Daniel Cormier and Dominick Cruz will be providing commentary while Megan Olivi does the roving reporter bit. Also we’re not at the Apex so we’re in the 30 foot diameter octagon set up. Oh, because of that fight falling out we’re probably dealing with about 30 minutes before the first fight as they didn’t push back the start time.
Cody Brundage has gone 2-3 in the UFC, he’s currently on a two fight losing streak and was in a losing effort just about two months ago, now he’s trying to halt the three fight skid and get his UFC record to the .500 mark. It’s notable that Brundage took this on about a weeks notice replacing Punahele Soriano. Sedriques Dumas suffered his first professional loss in his UFC debut a little over three months ago, now that he’s back he’s trying to get that all important first UFC win under his belt. The odds are with Brundage at -175 to +145 for Dumas.
Middleweight Bout: Cody Brundage (7-1, 186 lbs.) vs. Sedriques Dumas (8-4, 185 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Dumas is two inches taller with a significant seven inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Brundage with an almost immediate double leg, Dumas scoots to the fence and looks to wall walk, Brundage then jumps for a guillotine but loses it and Dumas is on top in his full guard. Some body punches from Dumas but there’s not a lot going on here. Brundage is just stalling and Dumas isn’t good enough on top to do anything of substance. We get a few warnings from the ref, Dumas lands a decent enough right hand. Brundage tries to set up an armbar, there’s no angle on his hips though and Dumas pulls free. Brundage comes up on a single leg and gets Dumas back to his hips. Dumas fights up, again Brundage jumps for a guillotine but again there’s nothing there and he’s on bottom again. Dumas lands an elbow. A couple of punches from Dumas close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Dumas
ROUND TWO: Brundage looks a little flat, that last elbow might have got him more than I realized. Dumas lands a leg kick. Brundage misses a right hand. Brundage tries a single leg, but can’t hold it and Dumas spins to his back and puts a hook in. A few punches from Dumas land, this is utterly listless stuff from Brundage thus far. Both hooks in for Dumas now. Brundage breaks one of the hooks, Dumas grabs at a choke but loses it and they wrestle to their knees. Dumas again slides to the ride position. Another choke attempt from Dumas, he’s not close to it but has moved to full back mount now. One last choke attempt from Dumas doesn’t get close as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Dumas but there might be a 10-8 argument in there given how little Brundage did, 20-18 Dumas overall
ROUND THREE: Brundage misses a wheel kick. I’m a little surprised that Brundage is even out here, he’s looked so lifeless. Brundage fires a punch and tries a double leg that stalls on the fence. Quick takedown from Brundage, Dumas looks to wall walk but Brundage uses a cradle to stifle the motion. Brundage needs a finish here and he wont get it holding a cradle from half guard. A few punches from Brundage, he tries the guillotine again and jumps for it again. It’s a little tighter this time but again Dumas is able to defend and pull his head out. That’ll probably do it despite us only being halfway done with the round. Dumas lands a couple of hammer fists. Brundage tries an americana from bottom, then climbs his guard up but again he’s not moving his hips to angle for the armbar appropriately. Dumas gets his arm free and just hangs back in the guard. The round ends with Dumas on top.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Dumas, 302-7 Dumas overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Sedriques Dumas via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27 x2)
No idea which round might have gone to Brundage, but the fight also sucked so no interview for Dumas.
Jamall Emmers has traded wins and losses while going 2-2 in the UFC, he’s coming off of a win though and is trying to get his first UFC winning streak up and running. Jack Jenkins is on an eight fight winning streak including a successful UFC debut in February, he’s trying to extend that streak here and make his mark as a rising prospect in the division. Emmers is a decent -205 favorite to a +175 comeback for Jenkins.
Featherweight Bout: Jamall Emmers (19-6, 146 lbs.) vs. Jack Jenkins (11-2, 145.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Emmers is three inches taller with a significant six inches of reach advantage. Jenkins begins feinting his way forward, Emmers moving well as he circles. Some probing kicks from Emmers. Hard calf kick from Jenkins, then another one as Emmers ties up. They break as Jenkins misses a left hook. Body kick from Jenkins, he’s also started switching his stance a bit, he’s mostly orthodox but has shown southpaw a few times. Jenkins lands a left to the body. Emmers lands a front kick to the body, he’s starting to up his tempo. Bit of a right from Emmers. Jenkins keeps pressing forward and lands another body kick. Emmers with the old right to the head then a left to the body, classic combination. Jenkins lands another left body kick. Emmers lands a right hand, Jenkins responds with a combination then a head kick. Jenkins lands a calf kick. Right to the body from Emmers. Solid counter left from Jenkins then another calf kick. Emmers lands a body kick of his own. Jenkins lands another left body kick. Both men land in close. They trade lefts in close, then Emmers fires what looks like a knee that went low and we’ve got a time out. OK, the knee was a miss but his foot went into the groin. Jenkins doesn’t want much time and we’re back quickly. Both men miss kicks, then Jenkins lands a left hand and a glancing head kick to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Jenkins but a close one
ROUND TWO: Jenkins lands a calf kick then a body kick. Another calf kick from Jenkins, those are adding up now. Left hand from Jenkins. A lot of pressure from Jenkins, he misses a left hook and Emmers lands a counter right. Body kick from Jenkins. Bit of a one two from Emmers, then Jenkins lands a calf kick and a left hook. Emmers lands a right hand. Right from Emmers, Jenkins then lands a couple of calf kick. Emmers lands a left hand in close. Bit of a left from Jenkins. Emmers lands a couple of punches then eats a calf kick. Body shot from Emmers, Jenkins then lands another calf kick. Double left from Jenkins then a calf kick. Emmers lands another right to the body. Left hand from Emmers. Jenkins lands a body kick, then another one but Emmers blocks a head kick. They trade punches again, Emmers landing a good right in the process. Body kick from Jenkins then he gets a takedown and jumps to the back. Emmers is able to shake him off over the top and end the round on top landing a couple of punches.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Emmers, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: Emmers tries a takedown, they hit the fence but he’s able to finish it and get on top in full guard. Commentary is now discussing male grooming, so thanks for the podcast Cormier ya goof. Emmers passes to half guard and lands punches. Jenkins hip escapes to full guard again but he needs to try and get up. Butterfly guard from Jenkins, he’s trying to elevate and generate motion but Emmers is able to smother him. Wall walk from Jenkins now and he’s able to get free. Jenkins is coming forward and lands a left hook. Emmers grabs a clinch and tries a headlock throw but Jenkins is hip to it and drops on top of him in half guard. Sweep from Emmers into full guard, nice move after the less than great headlock decision. Both men land some strikes on the mat, Jenkins lands elbows and Emmers punches him as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Emmers, 29-28 Emmers overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jack Jenkins via split decision (27-30, 29-28 x2)
Wow, did not see that one coming. That said, maybe the second was closer than I recall in real time so I can’t claim full robbery but I don’t agree with this one. No interview for Jenkins.
Trevor Peek is undefeated and scored a somewhat memorable knockout win in his UFC debut back in February, he’s trying to build off of the momentum from that performance and remain perfect this morning. Chepe Mariscal is bringing a three fight winning streak into his UFC debut, and if he’s able to hand Peek his first loss it would be an ideal way to kick off his run with the promotion. We’ve got a close one here with Peek closing at -130 to Mariscal’s +110.
Lightweight Bout: Chepe Mariscal (13-6, 154 lbs.) vs. Trevor Peek (8-0, 156 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Peek is two inches taller with an inch of reach advantage. Both men come out kicking. Some stance switching from both men as they feint around. Body kick from Peek. Mariscal lands a right hook, more of a palm strike I think. Peek pushes forward and lands a knee, they trade in the pocket then Mariscal with a takedown. They fight up and just trade recklessly for a few moments. Left hook from Peek and Mariscal clinches up and lands a knee against the fence. Bit of an arm drag from Peek and he moves to push Mariscal on the fence. More positional fighting, and Mariscal lands a left hook in close. Knee from Peek, then Mariscal lands a knee that stuns Peek. Mariscal just keeps coming forward, they trade punches then Mariscal with a throw and he jumps to the back. Backpack position for Mariscal, he pulls Peek back to the mat trying the choke, it’s pretty deep but Peek wont stop fighting and breaks the choke. Peek wall walks but eats punches along the way. They trade in the clinch, Peek punches Mariscal in the groin so we’ve got a time out. Mariscal takes about 20 seconds then we’re back to fighting. Right hand from Peek to counter a calf kick. Peek lands a body kick. Mariscal fires a head kick that’s blocked. They trade punches again, Mariscal lands a good left hook then a calf kick. Peek lands a leg kick of his own. Mariscal avoids some punches but eats a head kick, then lands a punch. Peek punches forward and they start bombing on each other again. Hard couple of lefts from Mariscal then another judo throw to get on top. Mariscal tries an armbar, but Peek gets free and they keep scrambling on the mat. Mariscal winds up on top in half guard. Peek gets back to full guard, Mariscal lands punches as he does so. Peek gets up and avoids a kick, then Mariscal lands a jab to close a bonkers round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Mariscal
ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Peek fires a right hand that’s blocked. Mariscal lands an inside calf kick then a body kick. Peek keeps looking to punch forward, and walks into a right hand then they clinch up. Knee from Peek, Mariscal responds with a couple of elbows. Takedown from Mariscal and he’s back on top in half guard. A few punches from Mariscal land, Peek might be fading and I can’t even be mad at him after that first round pace. A few lefts from Mariscal land, Peek scrambles to his feet and lands a right hand. Peek lands a couple of body shots. Mariscal lands a hard right hand, that stunned Peek for a second. Body shot from Peek, Mariscal counters with a left hook then a calf kick that drops Peek. Mariscal gets on top again and moves to full mount. Peek is able to buck and get Mariscal to fall over the top and get on top against the fence. Mariscal looks to invert for a leg lock, he uses that to come up on a single leg then spins on top. Peek starts scrambling now and Mariscal lands punches as Peek crawls over to wall walk. Mariscal lands punches as Peek stands, then Mariscal looks for a double leg. Mariscal keeps Peek on the fence, he lands a calf kick then a knee. Peek lands a punch then eats a left hand in close as Mariscal keeps the clinch. They end the round after trading punches.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Mariscal, 20-18 Mariscal overall
ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the last round. Peek keeps walking forward, and eats a leg kick. Mariscal keeps circling, Peek lands a right to the body. They trade leg kicks. Peek lands a left hook, looks to follow up but Mariscal avoids an uppercut and lands lefts in close as they clinch up. They break without incident. Mariscal lands an elbow. Peek lands a left hand then a right to the body. Mariscal lands a hard couple of rights, he’s staggered Peek but Peek wont go down. They clinch up again and start working there. Mariscal with some front kicks to the calf, that’s just mean. Peek fires back with the same kick. Short lefts from Mariscal then they break. Peek slips on a head kick and Mariscal lets him stand back up. Right then a left from Mariscal, he’s jabbing and moving while Peek is just winding up and swinging haymakers. Peek walks into a couple of rights, then a left from Mariscal. Mariscal lands an elbow as they clinch then pushes things to the fence. They trade in the pocket then Mariscal lands a front kick to the face. Peek fires punches, then eats a leg kick. Mariscal lands a left hook in close, these two just wont stop hitting each other. Another tie up on the fence, Mariscal lands a knee as they break then another front kick to the face. Mariscal unloads on the fence, Peek fires back because he’s a mad man and they trade in the clinch to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Mariscal, 30-7 Mariscal overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Chepe Mariscal via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Well that’s your Fight of the Night in all probability, it was sloppy in places but wild and action packed. Again no interview for Mariscal, that’s a shame because I’d have liked to hear from him after that one.
Zhalgas Zhumagulov has had some truly terrible luck, he’s just 1-5 in the UFC but at least two of those decisions could or should have gone his way, and he’s had three fights fall apart just this year, but he’s trying to turn things around here with a much needed win as a loss probably ends his time with the promotion. Joshua Van is the first Myanmar fighter to make it to the UFC, he also took this on short notice replacing Felipe Bunes but he’s on a five fight winning streak and has a good chance here to make a positive first impression on the UFC audience. The odds are with Zhumagulov at -205 while Van’s comeback sits at +175.
Flyweight Bout: Joshua Van (7-1, 125.25 lbs.) vs. Zhalgas Zhumagulov (14-8, 125.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Van is an inch taller while Zhumagulov has an inch and a half of reach advantage, Van is also 13 years younger. Both men come out kicking. Zhumagulov lands a left to the body then a left hook. Van looks to get his jab working, and Zhumagulov lands a right hand counter. Some more lead hand work from Zhumagulov as they circle. Van lands a stiff jab. Double jab then a right hand from Van. Zhumagulov lands a calf kick. Both men land rights in close. Van avoids some punches, then Zhumagulov clinches and pushes things to the fence. Bit of a knee from Van as they break. Van wit a series of front kicks. Zhumagulov lands a left to the body, he’s started switching his stance now. Left uppercut from Zhumagulov. Bit of a right from Zhumagulov, Van fires back with a right hand of his own. Zhumagulov lands a left to the body. Takedown from Zhumagulov, Van immediately wall walks and lands a knee to the body. Zhumagulov commits and hits a double leg, Van again quickly wall walks. They break without incident. Some jabs go back and forth. Zhumagulov with a front kick as the last blow of the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Zhumagulov but a close one
ROUND TWO: Again both men look to kick, and both land calf kicks. One two from Van. Zhumagulov lands a left to the body then an inside leg kick. Calf kick from Van. Bit of a left from Zhumagulov. Van lands a one two. They split calf kicks then Van lands a jab. A lot of pressure from Van, he’s got a feel for the fight now it seems. Zhumagulov lands a body shot then an inside leg kick. Van lands a one two but misses a head kick. Van lands a right hand. Zhumagulov catches a kick but can’t get a takedown. Right hand from Zhumagulov lands. They trade rights then Zhumagulov blocks a head kick. A second head kick from Van gets through, he’s got Zhumagulov on the fence and they both unload with punches but Zhumagulov wont go down. Another kick from Van but Zhumagulov eats it and gets off the fence. Calf kicks are traded. Zhumagulov lands a left to the body then a right hand. Right from Zhumagulov again. Van with some jabs and he avoids a hook. Front kick from Van, and he eats a counter jab. They trade rights. Zhumagulov comes forward and lands a left hook. Calf kick from Zhumagulov. Van lands a left hook. They trade power hand punches. Bit of a spinning back fist from Zhumagulov. A left hook from Zhumagulov is the last blow of the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Van, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: Both men are back to probing and circling. Van lands a couple of jabs. Zhumagulov misses a few looping punches. Some body shots go back and forth. Zhumagulov lands a calf kick. Some jabs from Van. Zhumagulov lands a body kick. Body shot from Zhumagulov then a left hook. Van with some jabs then he eats a body shot. One two from Van. They trade jabs again, then trade left hooks. Zhumagulov lands a calf kick. Both me land lefts again, but Van might have slowed just a bit. In close quarters both men land. Van lands a right hand then a calf kick. The pressure from Van is doing work now. There’s a lot general exchanges going on between these two. Van lands a right hand. Bit of a wheel kick from Van. Zhumagulov lands a calf kick then eats a knee in close. Van is landing counters and staggers Zhumagulov. Both men land again as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Van, 29-28 Van overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Joshua Van via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)
I don’t necessarily hate the split, the third was close enough that maybe you could make the argument even though I disagree with it. No interview for Van, this thing had 30ish minutes to kill to start the broadcast but we can’t find time to interview the fighters?
Tabatha Ricci is undefeated at strawweight and has won her last three fights to earn a spot in the rankings. Ricci looks to defend that spot here and possibly earn a shot at some higher ranked opposition next time out. Gillian Robertson is on a two fight winning streak and returned to strawweight for the first time since 2016 in her last fight when she scored a win, now she’s looking to make headway in the division by going after ranked opponents as quickly as possible. A fairly close on by the odds, but they lean towards Ricci at -135 while a +115 payout on Robertson might be a decent little value bet.
Strawweight Bout: #15 Tabatha Ricci (8-1, 114 lbs.) vs. Gillian Robertson (12-7, 116 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Robertson is four inches taller with two inches of reach advantage. Both women with some feinting early as they circle. Bit of a leg kick from Ricci. Robertson lands an elbow. Right hand from Ricci. Robertson grabs a single leg, but Ricci defends and separates. Ricci catches a leg kick and hits a takedown into full guard. A few punches from Ricci land but Robertson wall walks and gets free pretty quickly. Some more of the less than interesting punching from both women. Ricci is keeping generally a little busier thus far. Robertson lands a leg kick. Ricci misses a few punches. Double leg from Ricci to counter a leg kick and she looks to pass quickly this time. Robertson is able to kick Ricci off and we’re back to striking. Bit of a right from Ricci. Ricci lands an inside leg kick. They trade rights then Ricci lands a leg kick. Bit of an uppercut from Ricci. Robertson avoids a takedown attempt. Ricci lands a right hand. They’ll end the round with Robertson missing a few kicks.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Ricci
ROUND TWO: Both women miss some punches. Robertson lands a right hand. Ricci jabs in close and lands a body shot. Elbow from Ricci lands. Ricci lands a right hand. Robertson looks to close distance but she’s just a little slower than Ricci and that’s starting to become an issue for her. Ricci lands a body kick. Another couple of punches from Ricci land. Robertson lands a left to the body. Ricci hits the body then a right to the head. We’re getting more of the same from both women, back off come in clash and sort of land, then back off and repeat. Robertson lands a right hand. Ricci catches a kick and hits a takedown into full guard. Robertson scrambles back up and misses an elbow. Ricci misses a few punches. Bit of a right from Ricci. Ricci lands a body kick. They trade leg kicks. Things are getting restless, the crowd is bored and entertaining themselves. Robertson avoids a takedown. Ricci’s nose is bleeding, not sure what caused it but it’s been leaking most round and has picked up as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Ricci but could go either way, 20-18 Ricci overall
ROUND THREE: Ricci avoids some punches. A few rights from Ricci then a calf kick. Robertson blocks a body kick and ties up then trips Ricci down against the fence. Ricci looks to invert, and scrambles up then lands an elbow as they break. Leg kick from Ricci. Robertson misses a few punches. Both women miss rights. Ricci lands a jab. They trade rights. Ricci with a body kick then an inside leg kick. There’s a lot of touching but not a lot of power from either woman. Some jabs go back and forth. Bit of a right from Ricci. Robertson lands a left hook. A couple of punches from Ricci land. Glancing right from Robertson. Some more punches from both women. Robertson tries a takedown, they tie up then break. Robertson lands a left then they both miss rights to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Ricci but another one I wouldn’t bet on the scores, 30-27 Ricci overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Tabatha Ricci via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
About as generic a women’s MMA fight as you’ll find. No interview for the winner, I guess you need a finish tonight maybe?
Mateusz Rebecki is on an impressive 14 fight winning streak including a successful UFC debut back in January, now he’s trying to maintain that momentum and hopefully make some headway in the crowded lightweight division. Loik Radzhabov scored a win in his UFC debut earlier this year, now riding a two fight overall winning streak he’s trying to meet the momentum of Rebecki and stop it. Radzhabov did miss weight for this fight, never a good look, and probably also needs a win to help smooth things over behind the scenes. Rebecki closed at -130 to +110 for Radzhabov.
Lightweight Bout: Loik Radzhabov (17-4-1, 157.25 lbs.)* vs. Mateusz Rebecki (17-1, 155.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Radzhabov is four inches taller with three inches of reach advantage, plus he missed weight. Southpaw for Rebecki. Both men come out looking to jab and engage. Radzhabov lands a right hand. Bit of a left from Rebecki. Rebecki lands an inside leg kick, then another one. Radzhabov checks a leg kick. A lot of pressure from Rebecki, he lands a left hand. Radzhabov lands a right hand but Rebecki lands another inside calf kick. Both men avoid punches, then tie up and Radzhabov forces things to the fence but that breaks up pretty quickly. Radzhabov lands a body kick. Rebecki lands a left to the body in close then a leg kick. Jabs from Rebecki, then Radzhabov lands a knee but they tie up and Rebecki hits a double leg. Rebecki has the legs mounted and looks to climb up to full mount. Rebecki moves to side control. Radzhabov fights to his knees then scrambles up but eats a left hand. Both men land punches. Rebecki lands a jab. Hard inside calf kick from Rebecki drops Radzhabov and he gets on top in side control. Mounted crucifix from Rebecki, that’s not good and he starts dropping elbows. Straight armbar attack from Rebecki but Radzhabov defends and we’ll end the round with Rebecki on top.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Rebecki
ROUND TWO: Radzhabov lands a right hand but that left leg is hurt. Rebecki lands a hard inside calf kick and Radzhabov is struggling to put weight on it. Rebecki backs Radzhabov to the fence and looks to land punches and inside leg kicks. Radzhabov is showing southpaw now, so Rebecki just calf kicks the other leg. Left hand from Rebecki then another calf kick. A calf kick drops Radzhabov and Rebecki looks to get on top but can’t secure it. Radzhabov backs to the fence, he’s looking to take some weight off of his legs. They trade punches but Rebecki is still looking to chop away. Hard inside calf kick from Rebecki. Radzhabov checks an inside leg kick but his legs are beat up. Rebecki with some jabs then another inside leg kick. Left hand from Rebecki drops Radzhabov and the ref waves it off, he wasn’t out of it but after all those leg kicks I can see the mercy stoppage aspect here.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mateusz Rebecki via TKO, leg kicks and left hand, at 2:36 of Round 2
Well that’s our first finish of the evening. Mic time for Rebecki, who speaks a little English I guess. He says he broke his foot on those kicks but knew Radzhabov was hurting more. He knew he could kick hard and didn’t worry too much about counter kicks coming back because of how Radzhabov fights.
Here’s the finish. Rebecki has backed Radzhabov to the fence and still chops at his legs, setting up a left hand. The drop is more balance than pure power, though Rebecki hits hard, and the ref knows how done the legs of Radzhabov are and so steps in.
That's 15 wins in a row for Rebecki 😤 pic.twitter.com/MUUBjDbH9r
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 24, 2023
Randy Brown just had a four fight winning streak when he ran into the steamroller that is Jack Della Maddalena, but he’s never lost two in a row before and is trying to avoid doing so with a win here. Wellington Turman has gone 3-4 in the UFC, he just had a two fight winning streak snapped in November of last year and now looks to avoid another losing streak while drawing his UFC record to the .500 mark by dropping down to welterweight for the first time in the UFC. The odds are pretty solidly with Brown at -230 against +195 for Turman.
Welterweight Bout: Randy Brown (16-5, 171 lbs.) vs. Wellington Turman (18-6, 171 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Brown is three inches taller with a significant six inches of reach advantage. Brown looks to start punching right away. Turman lands a calf kick. Another calf kick from Turman. Brown keeps looking to set up the jab, then he lands a couple of front kicks. Bit of a right from Brown. Turman blocks a high kick then lands a calf kick. Brown avoids a few punches, Turman has kicking range more or less down but not so much punching. We get a time out as Brown poked Turman in the eye. Replay confirms the thumb went into the eye of Turman. After 40 seconds we’re back to fighting. Brown with more front kicks. Bit of a right hand from Turman. they trade calf kicks. More leg attacks from both men. Solid calf kick from Turman. Brown with a front kick then a right hand but Turman clinches up. A knee from Brown hits the groin of Turman and we’ve got another time out. No debate here, that knee went right into the groin. Turman takes 30 seconds and we’re back. Brown has some kicks blocked then lands a leg kick. Turman lands a calf kick. Both men block strikes. A couple of calf kicks from Turman. Brown with a jumping knee then a mat return to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Brown but could go either way
ROUND TWO: Turman keeps pressing forward as the round begins. Some more low kicks are traded but neither man is landing much with the hands. They tie up and hit the fence. A few short blows from Turman in the clinch. Brown lands some knees to the body and leg as he’s got Turman on the cage. Some more knees from Brown, nothing debilitating but he’s consistent with his offense. Elbow from Turman. Brown avoids being mat returned and things remain kind of stalled. Brown catches a knee and gets a takedown, Turman bounces back up but Brown jumps to his back in the backpack. A few elbows from Brown, then he fishes for a choke as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Brown, 20-18 Brown overall
ROUND THREE: Bit of a calf kick from Turman. Brown fires a few more long range kicks. Turman punches into a clinch but can’t keep it. Brown misses a jumping knee and they clinch up. They break and reset. Turman pushes forward and misses some offense. Brown avoids a high kick. Brown seems to think he’s won the first two rounds and is kind of coasting. Bit of a front kick from Brown. Turman misses a right hand and they clinch again. They break without incident. Brown lands a combination of punches in close. Another clinch and again they hit the fence. Bit of an elbow from Turman in close. More positional jockeying, bit of an elbow from Turman. Brown with a knee and some short elbows. Another elbow from Turman and they break. Brown’s left eye is swelling, a few of those elbows seem to have done visible damage. Spinning back kick from Turman. Brown lands a spinning back kick of his own then a leg kick. Another tie up and Turman lands another elbow. They break and Brown lands a front kick, Turman tries a wheel kick as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Turman, 29-28 Brown overall but this one could go either way overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Randy Brown via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Kind of surprised at the lack of split, but Turman didn’t really find himself in the fight until too late to make up the lost ground. No interview for Brown.
Neil Magny has been a relatively high level gatekeeper for the UFC for a really long time now, his UFC tenure being over a decade at this point, but he’s kind of settled into that role with a pretty defined ceiling now. Magny lost his last time out to Gilbert Burns, but he hasn’t had back to back losses since 2013 and he’s trying to pick up a rebound win here. Philip Rowe has gone 3-1 in the UFC and is on a three fight winning streak, he’s getting a pretty big step up here as beating Magny these days is far from easy, but if Rowe is able to do that it will speak well of just how far he can go. Magny closed as you -165 favorite to Rowe’s +140.
Welterweight Bout: #11 Neil Magny (27-10, 171 lbs.) vs. Phil Rowe (10-3, 171 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Rowe has half an inch of reach advantage, rare to see Magny on the wrong end of the reach equation. Pretty quick offense from Rowe but Magny ties him up and pushes things to the fence. Some clinch work for a while, a lot of head position fighting. A few short shots from Magny but he’s not able to get much going. Rowe spins Magny into the fence. Things stall out enough for the ref to break them up. Rowe lands a couple of rights. Magny with a combination into another clinch. They trade elbows as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Rowe but could easily go either way
ROUND TWO: Rowe is pressuring forward again, he lands a right hand. Magny is backing himself onto the fence, then Rowe hits a takedown and jumps to the backpack. Rowe is fishing for a choke position but he’s not really that close to finding one. Rowe drops to just a back position in the clinch, Magny is hand fighting and looking to spin into him. Trip from Rowe, but Magny bounces right back up into the clinch. A few knees from Rowe. Magny lands a short right. Rowe is able to break free but eats a punch. Magny punches back into a clinch. They break. Rowe punches forward but can’t find the target. Magny with a few knees to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Magny, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: Rowe comes out landing leg kicks. Rowe lands a calf kick, then Magny bulls forward with punches. They trade in close then avoid a clinch. They tie up and trade briefly then break apart. Rowe with some jabs. Magny pushes into a clinch and start working there again. Rowe has Magny on the fence and things are stalling a bit. They move off the fence and break apart. Calf kick from Rowe. Rowe misses a left hook and they clinch again. A couple of knees from Magny as they break. Rowe lands a right hand then an uppercut before they clinch. Magny is after a takedown but Rowe defends and gets free. Bit of a right from Rowe. A few short rights from Rowe in close before Magny fully clinches up. They’ll end the round in the clinch.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Rowe but I’m not sure about it, 29-28 Rowe overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Neil Magny via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)
Can’t complain about 29-28 either way, fight wasn’t all that good and wasn’t easy to judge.
Well that’s it for the prelims, on to the main card.
Brendan Allen is on a four fight winning streak with the last two wins netting him bonuses along the way, now he’s trying to defend his hard fought ranking and start looking at fighting bigger names going forward. Bruno Silva has gone 4-2 in the UFC and he’s coming off of a win over Brad Tavares, now he’s getting a crack at ranked opposition and is earn a number next to his name with a win over Allen. The odds are with Allen at -210 to +180 for Silva.
Middleweight Bout: #13 Brendan Allen (21-5, 185.5 lbs.) vs. Bruno Silva (23-8, 186 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Allen is two inches taller with an inch of reach advantage. Allen comes out looking to jab, Silva fighting southpaw at first. Some defensive movement from Silva at first. Inside leg kick from Allen then a left hook. Silva blocks a head kick then shoves away from a takedown attempt but misses a few punches. Body kick from Allen and they clinch up on the fence. Elbow from Allen. Silva rocks Allen with a few punches, he’s backing up Allen. Allen lands a left hook as they’re trading, then he shoots for a takedown but Silva defends and gets back on pressure. Allen lands an uppercut in close. Bit of a left from Silva. Another couple of lefts from Silva and he’s got Allen against the fence. They trade again, then Allen drops Silva with a right hand. Allen gets on top and looks to finish but the momentum is stalling out in the guard of Silva. Allen is postured up but Silva is tying up his arms. Next Allen passes towards the back and grabs the choke, no hooks at first but he gets one in as he tightens down the choke and Silva has to tap.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Brendan Allen via Submission, rear naked choke, at 4:39 of Round 1
The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Allen for his work this afternoon. Mic time for Allen, just our second finish of the card, he puts over sponsors then says he’s the youngest guy in the middleweight rankings. He thinks he’s the only guy who can threaten the champion everywhere and wants to fight in a title eliminator against either Jared Cannonier or possibly Dricus du Plessis if du Plessis loses. To close he’d love to be the headliner for a Louisiana card and then requests some love from Chipotle.
Allen grabs the choke first as Silva is blocking his hooks, then uses that leverage to yank him backwards and once there’s motion he puts the hooks in and locks down the choke.
Early night for Brendan Allen 🔒 #UFCJacksonville pic.twitter.com/nz3gsCRID0
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 24, 2023
David Onama has gone 2-2 in the UFC, he just had a two fight winning streak snapped by Nate Landwehr and is now trying to avoid his first losing streak. Gabriel Santos suffered his first professional loss in his UFC debut a few months ago, now he’s back in action and trying to secure that critical first UFC win. Santos is a decent -215 favorite while that +185 Onama payout might tempt a few bettors.
Featherweight Bout: David Onama (10-2, 146 lbs.) vs. Gabriel Santos (10-1, 145 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Onama is two inches taller with four inches of reach advantage. Santos opens with a leg kick. Some stance switching now from Santos, Onama isn’t married to orthodox either. Santos lands a couple of punches. Both men land in close. Another couple of punches from Santos, he tries a double leg but steps wrong without forward momentum and Onama is able to push him over and get on top in full guard. Some elbows from Santos, he’s trying to set up an armbar attack and Onama stands free where they trade punches. Left from Santos. Onama’s defense from southpaw vs. the other southpaw from Santos isn’t working so he’s got to be mindful of the stance. Some jabs from Onama as Santos pushes him backwards. Santos lands a calf kick. Body kick from Santos then a left hand behind it. Another left from Santos wobbles Onama. Santos lands a body shot, Onama shoots but Santos goes for an armbar as they go down, Onama is able to spin free though. Another armbar attack from Santos and some elbows from his back. Onama avoids an armbar, Santos switches to a triangle choke and he uses that to escape to his feet as Onama defends. Bit of a knee from Onama. Santos lands a couple of body shots. Onama lands a couple of rights. Knee tap from Santos and he gets on top in full guard. Santos passes to half guard, Onama fights up and they trade punches as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Santos
ROUND TWO: Onama jabs, but Santos counters with a spinning back fist that wobbles him. They trade punches along the fence then Santos gets to his back in a clinch and kicks off the fence to get the back proper. Body triangle from Santos now and he starts looking for the choke. Onama is able to spin into Santos and starts looking to land strikes from on top. A few short elbows from Onama land. Santos kicks Onama off, but Onama dives back onto him against the fence. Santos wall walks and they trade punches. Body kick from Santos, then a leg kick behind it. Santos lands a body shot. A few lefts from Onama, then Santos lands a right. They trade rights. Onama avoids a left hook. A couple of elbows from Onama then a leg kick. An Onama uppercut badly hurts Santos then a few follow up punches as Santos is falling nail the coffin lid.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – David Onama via KO, punches, at 4:13 of Round 2
Mic time for Onama after that, he says this was the game plan and he worked hard on staying patient and not wildly brawling. He puts over his new team and coaches, then he talks us through the finish and says he didn’t expect that one but he’s learning to just let the power flow and let things happen and this shows how that can work. Asked about the future he’s not rushing anything and will be in the gym on Monday working to improve.
Here’s the finish. Santos enters on a straight line and Onama is able to put a jab out there for distraction purposes then wipe him out with an uppercut. Nice shot selection from Onama.
BRUTAL UPPERCUT FROM ONAMA 👊 pic.twitter.com/DdQfB1RWnZ
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 24, 2023
Austen Lane is on a six fight winning streak coming into his UFC debut, all of his fights have ended inside the distance and he’s hoping to continue building all of that momentum and announce himself to the UFC audience here. Justin Tafa has gone 3-3 in the UFC but he’s on a two fight winning streak and is looking to prove he’s finally found his footing in the promotion with another win. The odds are with Tafa at -190 to a +160 comeback on Lane.
Heavyweight Bout: Austen Lane (12-3, 245.5 lbs.) vs. Justin Tafa (6-3, 266 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Lane has a significant six inches of height and reach, Tafa is also going to be more than 20 pounds heavier after his cut to 266. They touch gloves, Tafa is fighting southpaw. Lane lands a couple of body kicks while circling. Tafa swings a punch, and looks like he took an eye poke so we’ve got a time out. Replay shows there was definitely an eye poke from Lane. Tafa is bleeding around the right eye and is saying he can’t see. The doctor is in to check on things. That right eye wont really open and there’s blood from something around there. They’re taking as much time as possible but Tafa’s right eye is messed up and is swelling visibly so he can’t open it. Tafa can’t see so he can’t fight so we’re done.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – No Contest, accidental eye poke, at :29 of Round 1
Well that’s unfortunate for everyone. Hopefully Tafa is OK, that was a bad eye poke. If you don’t believe me, just take a look. Lane got a couple of knuckles deep.
OUCH 😬 pic.twitter.com/6j4VDycC83
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 24, 2023
Amanda Ribas has been a little up and down in the UFC, she won her first four fights but has traded wins and losses since then. Ribas has a general flyweight record of 2-1 and scored a win in her last fight, now she’s trying to defend her ranking and possibly take a step towards the title picture. Maycee Barber is on a four fight winning streak with two of those being split decisions that she probably should have lost, but she’s fighting up in the rankings here and is trying to extend that winning streak while moving towards title contention. Ribas closed as a -195 favorite to +165 for Barber.
Women’s Flyweight Bout: #11 Maycee Barber (12-2, 126 lbs.) vs. #9 Amanda Ribas (12-3, 125 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Barber is two inches taller while Ribas has an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Barber, but she’ll switch if she feels like it. Ribas looks to press and force things early. Spinning back kick from Ribas lands. Barber misses a few punches. Ribas lands a right hand. Now Ribas has started switching her stance as they move around. They trade lead hand punches. Right hand from Ribas in close and she avoids a left from Barber. Ribas lands a right hand. Barber misses a hook and Ribas lands a counter punch. Right from Ribas lands. Barber lands a right of her own. Ribas presses close into a clinch and works some knees. Barber lands a couple of elbows, Ribas is bleeding now but I can’t see the source, I know her nose was leaking ab it. Ribas with a headlock throw, she scrambles on top and Barber wall walks but Ribas is on her back now. Barber is able to break free, I think all that blood is just coming from the nose of Ribas. Bit of a right from Barber. They clinch up, Ribas rolls for a leg lock. Ribas is struggling to extend the leg but she’s still after the leg. Barber ties up her leg to prevent the extension and lands punches. Ribas keeps trying for the leg but Barber is safe and lands punches from leg drag. The round will end with Barber on top.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Barber
ROUND TWO: Barber lands a front kick to start the round. Ribas lands a couple of punches then an inside leg kick. They tie up, Barber eats a left hook and her nose is bleeding now as well. Ribas lands a right hand. Left hand from Barber. Ribas with a couple of rights while avoiding a takedown. Both women land in close. They tie up and hit the fence. Headlock from Ribas and she’s on top now in the full guard of Barber. Some punches from Ribas land. Barber looks to wall walk, she’s upright and lands an elbow. Ribas pulls free and they reset. Ribas lands a right to off balance Barber after she threw a head kick. Barber lands a head kick and a punch but Ribas hangs on. Rights from Barber land, Ribas is hurt and grabs a leg but she’s struggling. Barber looks to finish this and lands enough elbows to prompt the stoppage.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Maycee Barber via TKO, elbows, at 3:42 of Round 2
Mic time for Barber after that, she fee’s like she warned the entire division she’s here and looking to get finishes. She feels they just had the fight of the night, yeah no. She talks us through the finish and puts over her coaches for seeing the openings and getting her trained for them. Asked what she’d like next she plans on just winning more.
Here’s the very end, some nice finishing elbows from Barber.
What a statement by Maycee Barber 😤 pic.twitter.com/DP1ZQYXntz
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 24, 2023
Josh Emmett has been around for a while and just had a five fight winning streak snapped when he lost to Yair Rodriguez in an interim title fight, now at 38 years old if Emmett wants to get another shot at UFC gold in the future he cannot afford to hit his first ever losing streak here. Ilia Topuria is undefeated with five wins in the UFC over an increasing level of opposition, now he’s taking a big step up to the battle tested Emmett but a win would put him very close to the title in his next fight. The odds are rather heavily with Topuria at a surprising -345 while that +285 comeback on Emmett has to tempt some bettors out there.
Featherweight Bout: #5 Josh Emmett (18-3, 145.5 lbs.) vs. #9 Ilia Topuria (13-0, 146 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Topuria is half an inch taller while Emmett has an inch of reach advantage. Emmett circles then blitzes with a few punches that Topuria either blocks or avoids. Topuria is pressuring forward, he clips Emmett with a left hook but nothing comes of it. Emmett is looking to body punch, interesting choice. Topuria lands a slick right hand counter. Jab from Topuria. Both men miss in close. Topuria jabs and advances, then lands a body shot as he avoids a hook from Emmett. Emmett blocks a right hand and lands a left hook. Topuria lands a right hand. Body shot from Topuria. Emmett has a couple of punches blocked. There’s already some swelling around the left eye of Emmett, not fight stopping but it’s visible. Calf kick from Topuria. They trade lefts. Both men fall short on punches, then Topuria lands a hard calf kick. Emmett misses a head kick. Both men block rights. Topuria’s pressure and willingness to fight in combinations is working for him. A few punches from Topuria in close and he avoids the counters. Emmett lands a calf kick. Bit of a right from Topuria, that’ll be the last blow of the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Topuria
ROUND TWO: Topuria gets back to jabbing and pressing forward. Emmett lands a calf kick. Bit of a right from Emmett. Topuria lands a calf kick. Topuria lands a left, Emmett responds with a calf kick. More pressure from Topuria, he blocks a left hook. Emmett lands a calf kick but Topuria cracks him with a right hand. Another right from Topuria, he’s looking more to counter this round I think. Calf kick from Topuria and a jab. Topuria lands a right hand. Emmett avoids a couple of punches but the hand speed of Topuria is troubling Emmett. Left hook from Emmett lands. Topuria with a few jabs. Emmett blocks a few punches but Topuria is controlling a lot of this round. Leg kick from Topuria then a couple of punches in close. Hard right from Topuria drops Emmett, Emmett bounces up but Topuria is still on him. Topuria throws at Emmett, but Emmett fires back and gets him to back off and reset. More jabs from Topuria, he’s aiming at that left eye of Emmett. Topuria avoids a few punches then lands a right in close. More punches from Topuria but Emmett is able to slip away and see out the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Topuria, 20-18 Topuria overall
ROUND THREE: Emmett avoids a jab and lands a right hand. Topuria lands a calf kick, that lead leg of Emmett might be in trouble at this point. Emmett avoids a few punches but he’s still on the back foot. Calf kick from Emmett. Topuria keeps stalking forward, he avoids a right and misses his counter. Some more jabs from Topuria then a calf kick. Right from Topuria, Emmett counters with a left hook. Stiff jab from Topuria, Emmett’s left ear is really badly busted up. Right from Topuria in close, he’s got Emmett hurt again and digs to the body but Emmett just keeps throwing back and keeping Topuria honest. Emmett’s face is busted up at this point. More jabs from Topuria. Emmett lands a right hand. They trade calf kicks. Another jab from Topuria, that left eye of Emmett is a mess. Topuria lands a right hand. Jab from Topuria then a right hand. Counter right from Topuria but Emmett just wont go away. Hard calf kick from Topuria but Emmett lands a left hand. Topuria with a stiff jab. Right hand from Topuria then a left hook to follow up. Both men miss punches in close. More jabs from Topuria land. Emmett lands a right hand but Topuria just eats it. Topuria avoids a few hooks, then Emmett lands a shot to the body to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Topuria but Emmett seems to be finding things, 30-27 Topuria overall
ROUND FOUR: I’m surprised they haven’t had the doctor check that left eye of Emmett. Topuria starts off jabbing again. Emmett pushes forward but misses a few punches. Topuria jabs again. Bit of a right from Topuria to counter a leg kick. More jabs from Topuria, he’s landing that almost at will. Calf kick from Topuria lands. Topuria just slipping and jabbing right now but he’s chewing Emmett up. Hard calf kick from Topuria, Emmett didn’t like that one. Bit of a left from Topuria. Emmett lands a left to the body. Hard left from Topuria stuns Emmett and he’s coming forward now. Topuria lands a calf kick then avoids a right hand and lands his own counter. More jabs from Topuria then a left hook that drops Emmett, a follow up right keeps Emmett from bouncing up. Topuria gets on top and lands punches, he moves to the ride and unloads with lefts. Emmett forces his way up, Topuria lands a bevy of body shots then a calf kick before Emmett gets free. Topuria lands an uppercut that wobbles Emmett, he gets on top again and moves to full mount this time. Topuria unloads with punches and elbows, Emmett is trying to hang on. Emmett gives up the back but the round ends and saves him.
SCORECARD: 10-8 Topuria, 40-35 Topuria overall
ROUND FIVE: The doctor checks on Emmett between rounds, apparently he can see so we’ll have a fifth round. Emmett comes forward and swings for the fences right away. Topuria avoids some power shots but Emmett is just marching forward. Emmett misses a right hand. Topuria lands a calf kick. They trade lefts, then Topuria lands a jab. Another calf kick from Topuria then a jab, that’s settled Emmett down. They trade lefts. Emmett has gone southpaw to protect his leg. Bit of a right from Topuria. Emmett is swinging his left hand from southpaw but Topuria is hip to it. Bit of a body shot from Emmett. Topuria with a double leg and gets on top in half guard. Some punches from Topuria, Emmett looks to wall walk and Topuria moves to the ride position. Some knees to the leg from Topuria then mat returns Emmett, Emmett tries a granby roll and they scramble but Topuria is still on top and spins to the back. Emmett is up, Topuria double legs him and looks to pressure him. Topuria moves to the back, he’s got both hooks in and lands punches. More punches from Topuria, Emmett fights up as the clock runs down.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Topuria, 50-44 Topuria overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ilia Topuria via unanimous decision (49-45, 50-44, 50-42)
Wait, 50-42?! That seems wrong, I’m a pretty generous 10-8 guy but that seems just wrong. Mic time for Topuria, he puts over Emmett for being so tough then thanks the crowd for coming out. He says no one can match him in the UFC and he’s just proving it over and over again. He again puts over Emmett but notes he didn’t land body shots like he normally does but his grateful for the win. Asked what he wants next he says he’s the next guy to fight for the title without doubt, and he wants to fight Alex Volkanovski so he can end the era of a king and begin his own.
Mic time for Emmett as well, his face is still a mess. He knew Topuria would come out hard, he wasn’t surprised by anything and wishes Topuria the best going forward. He thanks the crowd for coming out and apologizes for not getting the job done.
OK, we’ve got the scores. That 50-42 came from Chris Lee giving Topuria a 10-7 in the fourth, and you know, I might be able to see that actually. It’s just so stupidly rare to see a 10-7 that it didn’t occur to me that it might have happened. Lee going 10-8 third is a little generous to Topuria, but the more I think about it the more I don’t hate that 10-7 fourth round. I’m actually less convinced by the judge giving Emmett the first than anything else to be honest.
#UFCJacksonville Official Scorecard: Josh Emmett vs Ilia Topuria 👇
All Scorecards ➡️: https://t.co/rB2Gp0M8xs pic.twitter.com/DuTfnim0mm
— UFC News (@UFCNews) June 24, 2023
Well on that note UFC on ABC 5 comes to a close. Kind of a rough event if we’re being honest, a ton of decisions hurt the pacing and some of those fights were pretty darn meh. But, we got some good fights in there too and a big time arrival party for Ilia Topuria for the main event. We’ll be breaking down all the fall out from this event on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast tomorrow, plus looking ahead to UFC on ESPN 48. I’ll be back here next week for that event, and I hope you will too. Until then thank you for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.