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411’s UFC on ESPN+ 106 Report: Yan Bests Figueiredo

November 23, 2024 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC on ESPN+ 106 Image Credit: UFC

MAIN CARD (ESPN, 6 a.m. ET)
#3 Petr Yan (135.5 lbs.) vs. #5 Deiveson Figueiredo (135 lbs.)
#2 Yan Xiaonan (116 lbs.) vs. #10 Tabatha Ricci (115.5 lbs.)
Song Kenan (171 lbs.) vs. Muslim Salikhov (170.5 lbs.)
Wang Cong (126 lbs.) vs. Gabriella Fernandes (126 lbs.)
#8 Volkan Oezdemir (206 lbs.) vs. #10 Carlos Ulberg (205.5 lbs.)
Ozzy Diaz (205 lbs.) vs. Zhang Mingyang (205 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 3 a.m. ET)
Balgyn Jenisuly (135 lbs.) vs. Su Young You (135.5 lbs.)
Dong Hoon Choi (125.5 lbs.) vs. Kiru Sahota (125 lbs.)
Xiaocan Feng (115 lbs.) vs. Ming Shi (115.5 lbs.)
Carlos Hernandez (125.5 lbs.) vs. Nyamjargal Tumendemberel (125.5 lbs.)
Lone’er Kavanagh (126 lbs.) vs. Jose Ochoa (125 lbs.)
Quang Le (136 lbs.) vs. Xiao Long (135 lbs.)
Hayisaer Maheshate (155.5 lbs.) vs. Nikolas Motta (155 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 106, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be covering the action for you. The UFC is back in China for the first time since the Andrade vs. Zhang card pre-covid and they’ve actually brought a decent free card. The main event is really good at bantamweight as former champion Petr Yan takes on former two time flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo. Both men are fun to watch and a five round battle between them carries a lot of promise. Beyond that things lose a little bit of the spectacle but are still solid, Yan Xiaonan takes on Tabatha Ricci, Muslim Salikhov is back in action, as is Wang Cong who is trying to speed run towards Valentina Shevchenko since Wang was the last person to beat Shevchenko in kickboxing before Shevchenko made the switch to MMA. Carlos Ulberg is getting a step up against Volkan Oezdemir, and on the prelims we’re wrapping up this most recent season of Road to UFC with four final fights. Now let’s just hope the card lives up to the potential it has on paper.

UFC on ESPN+ 106 comes to the world from Galaxy Arena in Macau, SAR, China. The UFC hasn’t been to this particular venue since Michael Bisping vs Cung Le a little over a decade ago. John Gooden, Laura Sanko, and Michael Bisping will be on the call for us. We’ll probably be under the newer rule set but I’ll update this if that changes. We will have the new gloves, though apparently PPVs are using the old ones after UFC 309 last week. Keep in mind that we’ll be in the usual 30 foot cage as well.

Hayisaer Maheshate has gone 2-2 in the UFC but he is coming off of a win and is looking to build his first UFC winning streak. Nikolas Motta has gone 2-2 with a No Contest thrown in there during his time in the UFC, he’s likewise coming off of a win and looking for his first UFC winning streak. Maheshate is the -245 favorite to +200 on Motta.

Lightweight Bout: Hayisaer Maheshate (10-3, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Nikolas Motta (14-5 1 NC, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Maheshate is three inches taller with an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. A bit of feinting from both men. We go a full minute without a legitimate strike being thrown. Bit of a calf kick from Motta. They clash on leg kicks then Maheshate hits a couple of knees in close. Motta is trying to get his left hook working now. Jab from Motta. A knee from Maheshate in close off balances Motta, he follows with a body shot then a right hand. Glancing left from Motta. Left to the body from Motta then a bit of a right hand follow up. Leg kicks are traded. They trade punches in close. Motta has faster hands once they get into the pocket but Maheshate is blocking a lot of them thus far. Calf kick from Motta but Maheshate returns it. A left hook from Motta drops Maheshate, Maheshate wrestles up and circles away as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Motta

ROUND TWO: Again a bit of a slow start, understandable from Maheshate after how that round ended. Bit of a knee from Maheshate. They trade punches again, nothing really clean landed. A right hand from Motta off balances Maheshate but he can’t follow up before Maheshate resets. A few hip fakes from Maheshate. They trade calf kicks, Motta definitely seems to be the harder kicker. Maheshate avoids a few punches but now he’s starting to land some counters. Body kick from Maheshate. Motta lands a calf kick. There seems to be a small cut around the right eye of Motta. Left hook from Motta but Maheshate is able to fire back. Bit of a calf kick from Maheshate. Right hand from Maheshate staggers Motta, he looks to follow up but is just a little off on the range. They feint away the final seconds of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Maheshate, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Both men come out showing kicks again. Motta lands a right that drops Maheshate, he jumps on top and gets the back with both hooks in. Motta goes for the choke, Maheshate is able to hand fight thus far though. Maheshate breaks the choke attempt but Motta has gone to a body triangle now and could very easily ride out the round. Motta tries to mount but loses it and they just reset on the feet. Elbows from Maheshate now as he’s pressuring Motta. A couple of punches land for Maheshate. Maheshate with a body kick then a front kick. Bit of a left hook from Maheshate. Motta is just blocking and circling right now. Right from Maheshate, Motta then counters with a left hook. One minute left for Maheshate to find something significant. Maheshate lands a front kick then a bit of a right hand. Stepping elbow from Maheshate. Left hook from Motta, they start swinging now and Motta does land a solid left hook to close out the round.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Nikolas Motta via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

No real issues with Motta getting the second. No interview for the winner.

Xiao Long dropped his UFC debut back in July and now looks to rebound with his first UFC win. Quang Le suffered his first professional loss in his UFC debut back in August, he’s trying to avoid his first ever losing streak while getting that all important first UFC win under his belt. Fairly close one here, -160 on Xiao to +135 for Le.

Bantamweight Bout: Quang Le (8-1, 136 lbs.) vs. Xiao Long (26-9, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Xiao is an inch and a half taller while the reach is identical. Both men do some lead hand probing then Le lands a body kick. Xiao shows the jab to the head and body then lands a calf kick. Left hook from Le definitely gets Xiao’s attention. Xiao lands a couple of calf kicks. Right hand from Le lands in close, his hands definitely look sharp thus far. Xiao falls short with a few punches. Both men land punches in close. They trade left hooks. Right hand from Xiao. Le lands a front kick. Left hook from Xiao. Le lands a body kick then they trade punches. Le lands a jab then a body kick. They trade lefts in close, then Le lands a right hand and Xiao a left hook. Body kick from Le, Xiao catches it and tries a takedown but can’t secure it and they wind up clinched in space. Right hand from Xiao as they break. Le lands a jab. Glancing right hand from Le. Xiao lands a right hand. They joust a few jabs. They trade left hooks, Xiao wants a brawl and they clash again just before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Xiao but a close one

ROUND TWO: Xiao comes out with a flying knee that misses. Calf kick from Xiao. Le with a bit of a right hand. Both men land punches in close. Le has started landing his jab when Xiao crashes distance. Xiao is bleeding from the mouth just a bit. They trade rights and clinch up then trade knees and break. Xiao lands a right hand. A couple of body shots from Le land, those didn’t look fun. Hard right from Le staggers Xiao but Xiao recovers and lands a hard right hand of his own. Body kicks go back and forth. Le jabs the body. Xiao with a right hand. Right to the body from Xiao. They trade in close again. Le lands a body kick. A few jabs go back and forth then Le hits a knee tap and gets the back but he’s too high and Xiao scrambles up on the back of Le in a clinch. Le spins into him and then gets free. Right hand from Le. They trade rights again. Front kick from Le. Xiao with some rights then a jumping knee into a clinch as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Le but again pretty close, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Xiao bulls into a clinch right away, they trade knees then Xiao with a right elbow as they break. They hit the mat briefly then wrestle back up. Left hook from Le. Left hand from Le out of a clinch. They trade rights then Xiao lands a left hook. Knee from Xiao into a clinch and they trade again before separating. Body kick from Le but then Xiao floors him with a right hand and a follow up hammer fist will prompt the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Xiao Long via KO, punches, at 1:28 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Xiao for his work. Mic time for Xiao and the translator, he is happy to fight and win in China then asks for a post fight bonus from Dana White who I don’t think is present for this event.

Lone’er Kavanagh is undefeated coming into his UFC debut and he’s hoping to remain that way when this fight is over. Jose Ochoa is also undefeated and looking to make a good first impression in his UFC debut. Kavanagh is your -305 favorite to +245 on Ochoa.

Flyweight Bout: Lone’er Kavanagh (7-0, 126 lbs.) vs. Jose Ochoa (7-0 1 NC, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ochoa is three inches taller but the reach is identical. They touch gloves, Ochoa fighting southpaw to start. Kavanagh lands a quick leg kick. Ochoa showing some side kicks to the leg. Inside leg kick from Ochoa. Kavanagh lands an inside leg kick of his own. Both men showing a lot of kicks by this point. They trade inside leg kicks. Some kicks to the knee are traded. Both men miss kicks. Right hand then a left hook from Kavanagh. Bit of a right from Kavanagh. Ochoa barely misses a head kick. Kavanagh with a front kick. Ochoa lands a left hook in close. Body kick from Kavanagh. Kavanagh with a calf kick. Front kick from Ochoa. They both miss punches. Ochoa takes a kick to the groin so we’ve got a time out. Replay confirms the low blow, that was a flush one and Ochoa is not having a good time. Ultimately Ochoa takes 90 seconds or so and we’re back to fighting. Kavanagh with an inside leg kick. Calf kick from Ochoa. Front kick from Kavanagh then he cross checks a body kick. Ochoa lands a left hand. They both avoid punches in the pocket. Ochoa with an inside leg kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kavanagh

ROUND TWO: Kavanagh avoids a few kicks. Ochoa lands a calf kick. Bit of a body kick from Kavanagh. Kavanagh avoids a few kicks then lands a body kick. Inside leg kick from Kavanagh. Right hand from Ochoa. A right from Kavanagh off balances Ochoa but he bounces up quickly. Kavanagh with a body kick. Ochoa misses a few kicks. Left hook then a right hand from Kavanagh. Ochoa lands a left hand. Left to the body from Ochoa. Kavanagh avoids a few punches but Ochoa lands a body kick. Right to the body from Kavanagh. Front kick from Ochoa lands. Body kick from Kavanagh then they trade punches. Ochoa bulls forward and lands to the body and head. Kavanagh goes for a takedown, Ochoa sprawls then gets the back and lands punches. Kavanagh stands but Ochoa has jumped to the backpack position. Ochoa fishes for the choke and gets a decent attempt going but can’t develop it before the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Ochoa checks an inside leg kick, that didn’t look pleasant. Body kick from Ochoa. Kavanagh with a left hand to counter a kick then pressures forward. Ochoa lands a body kick. Kavanagh does not like that body work, he’s reacting a bit to it. Kavanagh with a couple of his own body kicks. Calf kick from Kavanagh. Ochoa with a left to the body. Ochoa blocks a body kick. Front kick from Ochoa then they both miss punches. Bit of a head kick from Kavanagh. Ochoa is pressuring Kavanagh back to the fence. Kavanagh avoids some kicks but his offensive offerings have been a little diminished this round. Bit of a left from Ochoa. Kavanagh lands a left hand. Ochoa misses a few kicks but he’s pressuring forward and Kavanagh is circling away. Ochoa tries a single leg but can’t finish it. Wheel kick from Kavanagh lands and he’ll walk away from Ochoa for the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kavanagh but another pretty close one, 29-28 Kavanagh overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Lone’er Kavanagh via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)

Fun little fight there. No interview for the winner.

Carlos Hernandez has gone 2-3 in the UFC but finds himself on a two fight losing streak and really needs to get back on the winning side of things. Nyamjargal Tumendemberel is undefeated including a couple of Road to UFC wins and now he’s trying to remain perfect while establishing himself as a prospect in a division that could always use a few more of them. The odds lean towards Hernandez at -135 to a +115 on Tumendemberel.

Flyweight Bout: Carlos Hernandez (9-4, 125.5 lbs.) vs. Nyamjargal Tumendemberel (8-0, 125.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Hernandez is an inch taller but Tumendemberel has four inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Calf kick from Tumendemberel. Both men with some hand feinting. Hernandez pushes into a clinch on the fence but can’t hold it and Tumendemberel spins free. Bit of a right from Tumendemberel. Hernandez with a double leg, Tumendemberel grabs at a guillotine on the way down but the angle isn’t right to finish it. Hernandez gets his head out and looks to pass, he quickly gets to mount then had the back. Tumendemberel turns back enough to get Hernandez to bail on the back and hold mounting a hip. Tumendemberel scrambles up and lands a right hand as they break. Jab from Tumendemberel. Body jab from Tumendemberel. Hernandez is circling around the fence right now. A right hand from Tumendemberel mostly lands. More circling from Hernandez. Both men land punches in close. Again both men are able to land punches. Tumendemberel tries a single leg, nearly sweeps Hernandez down but Hernandez remains upright. A left hook from Tumendemberel drops Hernandez and they hit the mat, Tumendemberel nearly grabs an armbar but Hernandez is able to escape and nearly get the back as the round closes.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Tumendemberel but could go either way

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Tumendemberel avoids a few punches. They tie up in space and Hernandez avoids a throw then they separate. Hernandez has started showing a few stance switches as he moves around. Knee from Tumendemberel strays low and we’ve got a time out. Replay shows the knee didn’t land but the foot connected the groin of Hernandez. Only about 30 seconds for Hernandez then we’re back fighting. Tumendemberel is pushing forward now and lands a right hand. Hernandez fakes a takedown and lands a left hand. They tie up and hit the fence where Hernandez hits a takedown into full guard. Quick pass to half guard for Hernandez. Tumendemberel is looking to base on the fence and uses it to scramble up but Hernandez quickly trips him back down into half guard. Hernandez gets the back as they stand and looks to ride things back to the mat again. Eventually Hernandez does ride things down and gets both hooks in from the back. Tumendemberel is able to base up and slides Hernandez off then lands a punch. Another punch partially lands for Tumendemberel before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Hernandez, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Tumendemberel presses forward to start the round, he feels like he needs a finish. They trade rights. Some jabs from Tumendemberel. Solid right hand from Tumendemberel. Hernandez can’t find a takedown. Tumendemberel lands a jab. They both miss punches. Bit of a left from Hernandez. Tumendemberel lands another jab. Glancing right from Tumendemberel. Hernandez lands a body kick. Bit of a right from Tumendemberel. Tumendemberel with a right to the body. Hernandez tries a takedown but Tumendemberel defends and lands a punch. They clinch but Tumendemberel pushes free pretty quickly. Hernandez lands a right hand. Tumendemberel is getting Hernandez to the fence pretty reliably this round. They both miss rights. Hard right from Tumendemberel, then another and Hernandez is down but wrestles up on the back of Tumendemberel and hits a mat return just before the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Carlos Hernandez via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)

Another decent little fight, no issues with Hernandez getting rounds one and two. No interview for Hernandez.

Shi Ming is on a four fight winning streak all of which led to this bout in the finals of a Road to UFC tournament, she’s trying to secure that win here and kick off her UFC run with a bang. Feng Xiaocan brings an eight fight winning streak into this Road to UFC finals and she’s hoping to prove herself as a rising prospect for the promotion. Feng is a heavy favorite at -535 to +400 for Shi.

Strawweight Bout: Xiaocan Feng (10-2, 115 lbs.) vs. Ming Shi (16-5, 115.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Feng is five inches taller with a significant six inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Feng. It looks like Shi might even be able to make atomweight given her frame. Feng with a couple of punches to counter a body kick. Bit of a leg kick from Shi. Some body kicks go back and forth. Inside leg kick from Feng. They trade power hand punches. Shi catches a kick and goes for a takedown, that hits the fence but Shi is able to trip Feng down and get on top in full guard. Quick sweep from Feng into full mount, that was quite nice. Feng with some elbows then gets the back as Shi tries to scramble around. Feng is riding well thus far but Shi is rolling and trying to get her off to one side. Shi is able to wrestle up and separate eventually. Knee from Feng. Shi lands a leg kick. Cut kick from Feng then a knee to the body. High kick from Shi but Feng counters with a punch. Shi swings a few more punches that partially land to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Feng but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Feng working to stay long with kicks and looping punches. Front kick from Feng. Bit of a body kick from Shi. Right hand from Shi. Feng lands an inside leg kick. Right hooks from Feng land. They clinch then break without much incident. Again Feng lands a right hook when Shi tries to close distance. Shi falls short with some punches then eats a calf kick. Another inside leg kick from Feng. Shi lands a body kick. Left hand from Feng. They both land punches. Some counter punches from Feng land as she slides away from punches from Shi. Shi punches into a clinch on the fence. Feng lands a knee. They fight for position and then break just before the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Feng with a calf kick to start the round. Body kick from Shi. A sick head kick from Shi connects and ENDS Feng.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Shi Ming via KO, head kick, at :46 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Ms. Shi for her work. They actually had to stretcher Feng out, that head kick was brutal, but she seemed responsive as they were doing it. She’ll go to a local hospital that’s very close by and we might get updates if any are forthcoming during the rest of the event. Shi and the translator get an interview, she opens with English and hopes Feng is OK and she’s worried about her. She talks about needing to get more aggressive but is happy to have shown her skills and wishes her next opponent good luck then does her own translation like a boss.

The open side head kick in opposite stances are always something you have to watch for. Shi’s leg dexterity is impressive given the height difference.

Kiru Sahota brings a three fight winning streak into this Road to UFC finals and he’s hoping to get his UFC career going with a win. Dong Hun Choi is undefeated as a professional and through the Road to UFC this year, he’s trying to stay perfect and make a good first impression to the UFC audience. Technically a pick ’em here, -115 on Choi to -105 for Sahota.

Flyweight Bout: Dong Hun Choi (8-0, 125.5 lbs.) vs. Kiru Sahota (12-2, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Sahota is five inches taller and stands 5’10 which is nuts for flyweight, he’s also got a significant six and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. A bit of feinting from both men. They’re both showing some stance switches but only in motion and both clearly prefer orthodox. Choi lands a calf kick. Not much going on thus far, they’re feinting but not throwing a whole lot. Inside leg kick from Choi. Sahota lands a calf kick. Hard right hook from Choi after he avoided some punches, they tie up and Choi lands a few knees before they break. Another right from Choi mostly lands. Sahota avoids a left hook but Choi is clearly feeling a little more comfortable now. Hard right hand, then a left hook and another right that sleeps Sahota.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Dong Hun Choi via KO, punches, at 2:36 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club has finally entered the arena and thanks Mr. Choi for his work. Mic time for Choi and a couple of translators, one for Korean and one for I think Mandarin for the crowd, we’re not quite at the famous I Love Lucy skit but we’re close, and Choi is very happy and wonders if he’s dreaming. He says this is how he trains and always goes for the knockout.

Baergeng Jieleyisi brings a four fight winning streak through this Road to UFC tournament and he’s hoping to make the most of his only chance at a first impression. Su Young You has a three fight unbeaten streak including two Road to UFC wins to bring him into the finals here and he’s trying to maximize the opportunity presented here. You has the odds at -220 to Jieleyisi’s +180.

Bantamweight Bout: Baergeng Jieleyisi (19-5, 135 lbs.) vs. Su Young You (13-3 2 NC, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Jieleyisi is three inches taller with five and a half inches of reach advantage. You tries a head kick that’s blocked. Jieleyisi showing punches early. You avoids a few punches. Spinning back kick from Jieleyisi. Bit of a right hand from Jieleyisi. You fakes a takedown and lands a left hook. Pretty solid right from You. They both show some stance switches then You hits a single leg into full guard. Jieleyisi keeps hitting You in the back of the head but You passes to half guard. A few body shots from You. Jieleyisi to a hip and gets butterfly guard. You passes towards full mount, Jieleyisi then scrambles around and You grabs a front headlock then lands a few knees to the head before they clinch. Foot sweep from You and he’s on top in side control this time. Some really nice top control from You and he lands a few elbows then passes to full mount. 30 seconds left for You. Jieleyisi is able to control posture but You breaks it and lands a few elbows. Hammer fists from You as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 You

ROUND TWO: They’re both back to feinting as the round starts. Bit of a right from You. Jieleyisi showing straight blows to deter the takedown attempts. Bit of a one two from You. Body kick from Jieleyisi. You with a calf kick then a right hand and a left hook. Jieleyisi avoids a takedown attempt. Bit of a right from You. Jieleyisi showing southpaw now and You lands a body kick. You lands a calf kick. Short but powerful right hand from You. Bit of an uppercut from You. They trade jabs. Single leg from You, Jieleyisi defends though and they separate. Jieleyisi slips on a kick, You grabs a front headlock and pushes him over then gets on top in half guard. Bit of a right from You as Jieleyisi shrimps to full guard. They trade elbows on the mat as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Jieleyisi blocks a high kick. Jieleyisi is generally moving forward but not cutting the cage. Calf kick from You. Bit of a left hook from You. Jieleyisi misses a right hand. Left hook from You, Jieleyisi then lands a looping right hand. Looping left from You. Right hook from You. Jieleyisi misses a left hand but eats a counter punch. You avoids a few punches. Jieleyisi lands a right hand after blocking a kick. You with a calf kick then Jieleyisi pushes away from a clinch attempt. Right uppercut from You. Jieleyisi with a glancing left hook. You can’t find a knee tap. They trade rights. You with a left hook. Jieleyisi tries a takedown and hits a double leg into half guard. You is able to tie up and stall the last 10 seconds of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 You but could go either way, 30-27 You overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Su Young You via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27 x2)

Mic time for You and the translators, he is just very happy to be in the UFC. He knows he still has a long way to go and promises to start from the bottom but will get all the way to the top.

Update on Feng, she’s getting a CT scan but had movement of her arms and could communicate but was out for about 4 minutes so this is mostly precautionary.

Zhang Mingyang has a solid 10 fight winning streak going which includes a quick win in his UFC debut back in February, he’s looking to extend that streak here and prove he’s got some upward motion going in the fairly wide open light heavyweight division. Ozzy Diaz brings a two fight winning streak into his UFC debut and he’s hoping to impress with that all important first UFC win. The odds are with Zhang at -260 to +210 for Diaz.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Ozzy Diaz (9-2, 205 lbs.) vs. Zhang Mingyang (17-6, 205 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Diaz is two inches taller with three and a half inches of reach advantage, Zhang is eight years younger though. They touch gloves to get us going. Diaz does a bit of circling. Side kick from Zhang. Calf kick from Zhang. Bit of a left hook from Diaz. Diaz avoids a left hook. Jab from Diaz then Zhang lands a calf kick. A few jabs go back and forth. Another calf kick from Zhang. Zhang drops Diaz with a short left elbow and then is able to pound him out on the mat

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Zhang Mingyang via TKO, elbow and punches, at 2:25 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Zhang for his work. Mic time for Zhang and the translator, he plays with the crowd and dedicates the win to his home town and requests a bonus. Asked about the future he wants the top 15, the title, and big money fights. Well I can’t fault his ambition. To close he thanks China and the crowd for their support.

Volkan Oezdemir has gone 3-3 in his last six fights but he’s on a two fight winning streak and now looks to defend his ranking and maybe even prove he’s ready to step back up towards the title picture. Carlos Ulberg has gone 7-1 in the UFC and is on a seven fight winning streak, this fight represents another step up in class for him but a win would put him even closer to the title picture. The odds like Ulberg at -290 to +235 for Oezdemir.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #8 Volkan Oezdemir (20-7, 206 lbs.) vs. #10 Carlos Ulberg (10-1, 205.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ulberg has two inches of height and reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Oezdemir stalks forward early and lands a calf kick. Ulberg with a front kick. Solid jab from Ulberg. More forward motion from Oezdemir and he keeps working the calf kick. Right hand from Ulberg, that got Oezdemir’s attention. Cut kick from Oezdemir but Ulberg bounces up quickly. Oezdemir lands another calf kick. They both miss punches in close. Bit of an exchange of lefts. Short knee from Oezdemir. Ulberg with a left hook as Oezdemir tries to blitz. Leg kick from Ulberg. Both men block left hooks. A few stance switches from Ulberg now, still mostly orthodox. Left hook from Ulberg. Oezdemir jabs the body but his face is visibly getting marked up. They trade left hooks again then Ulberg follows up with a right hand. Ulberg with a jab. That lead hand from Ulberg is starting to get to Oezdemir. Oezdemir with a few leg kicks. Left to the body from Oezdemir. Ulberg digs the body a couple of times then fires a head kick that’s blocked. They trade one last time as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ulberg

ROUND TWO: Ulberg gets back to showing the jab. Oezdemir lands a couple of leg kicks. Ulberg with a leg kick then a right hand. Left hook from Ulberg. Bit of a one two from Ulberg. They trade calf kicks. Oezdemir lands a right to the body. Ulberg whips in another left hook. Ulberg with a combination in close. Oezdemir lands a left hook. Left to the body from Ulberg. Oezdemir misses a few strikes. Another jab from Ulberg then a one two behind it. Oezdemir misses a couple of punches. Ulberg keeps working the jab. Right hand from Ulberg to counter a leg kick. They trade some leg kicks. Oezdemir with a left hook. Ulberg with a side kick to the leg. Oezdemir is looking to punch in close but he can’t corral Ulberg. Bit of a right from Ulberg. Oezdemir misses a few more punches. Left hook from Ulberg will be the last relevant blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ulberg but a closer one, 20-18 Ulberg overall

ROUND THREE: Oezdemir back on forward pressure. Ulberg lands a jab. They split a few jabs. Left hook from Ulberg but Oezdemir keeps up the attack and lands a couple of punches. Ulberg lands a punch in close. Oezdemir tries a takedown but Ulberg defends and lands a right hand. Standing hammer fist from Ulberg lands. They both miss punches. Oezdemir is jabbing the body a bit more now. Ulberg lands another jab and circles off the fence. A couple of more jabs from Ulberg then a right hand. Ulberg lands a couple of punches. Bit of a left hook from Oezdemir. Ulberg lands a right hand. More jabs from Ulberg land. Oezdemir lands a calf kick. Ulberg fights off a double leg then lands a body kick. Oezdemir blocks a few punches then lands a left hook to counter a head kick. Ulberg with a few shots to the body then a right hand to the head. Forward pressure from Ulberg now. Oezdemir misses a wheel kick. Bit of a left from Ulberg to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Oezdemir but another close one, 29-28 Ulberg overall

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

Mic time for Ulberg and he puts over Oezdemir as an opponent and says preparing for him was tough. He worked hard to be first and then make Oezdemir miss and pay for it.

Wang Cong is undefeated including a quick KO win in her UFC debut back in August, she’s got some history in kickboxing with flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko and she’s hoping to replicate the run that Alex Pereira had to get a quick title shot. Wang would need another impressive win here to help that goal. Gabriella Fernandes has gone 1-2 in the UFC but did win her last fight and now looks to get her first UFC winning streak while also slowing the budding hype around Wang. It’s not surprising to see Wang as a prohibitive favorite at -1050 but that +675 comeback on Fernandes might tempt some bettors out there.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Wang Cong (6-0, 126 lbs.) vs. Gabriella Fernandes (9-3, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Wang has half an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves, Fernandes fighting southpaw. Wang is feinting her way forward. Body kick from Wang. Fernandes misses a left hand. They both keep showing some kicks. Wang lands a front kick. Wang avoids a kick and lands an inside leg kick then a right to the body. Both women land punches in close. Fernandes avoids a head kick. Another front kick from Wang. Right to the body from Wang, then another one. Bit of a left from Fernandes. Wang lands a bit of a head kick. Side kick from Wang. Wang with a bit of a right hand. Body shot then a right from Wang, Fernandes tries a takedown but Wang defends and lands an inside leg kick. Wang lands another right to the body. Right hook from Fernandes but Wang lands a counter right. Fernandes lands a left hand. Wang fights off a takedown and they hit the fence in a clinch but nothing comes of it. Inside leg kick from Wang then a right to the body. That body work from Wang is starting to add up. Bit of a body kick from Wang then a side kick to the face to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Wang

ROUND TWO: Wang picks up where she left off, body work and pressure. Body kick from Wang. Fernandes is trying to throw back but she’s usually waiting a beat too long to try and counter. Side kick from Wang. Another right to the body from Wang then a couple of punches to the head. Fernandes fires back but misses the punches. Wang keeps pressuring forward and lands a bit of a head kick. Fernandes lands a body kick. Combination from Wang mostly lands. Body kick from Wang. They trade leg kicks then Wang lands a right to the body. Bit of a head kick from Fernandes, Wang is wobbled and Fernandes jumps on her back the grabs a choke. Fernandes is cranking the choke and adjusts her grip and chokes Wang out cold.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gabriella Fernandes via Submission, rear naked choke, at 3:49 of Round 2

Big statistical upset there. Mic time for Fernandes and a couple of translators, she thanks her family and says she’s been living in the gym for 10 months and talks about losing her father and sister, her hands and feet are busted up but she came here as an underdog and still got the win.

Song Kenan has gone 2-3 in his last five fights but is coming off of a win and is trying for his first winning streak since 2020. Muslim Salikhov has gone 2-3 in his last five fights as well and did win his last fight, at age 40 he’s likely just looking for a few more feel good or memorable fights as his career is winding down. Salikhov is a solid -215 favorite to +180 for Song.

Welterweight Bout: Song Kenan (22-8, 171 lbs.) vs. Muslim Salikhov (20-5, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Song is an inch taller with an inch and a half of reach advantage. Some early feinting from both men. Salikhov shows inside and outside leg kicks. Song shows a high kick but it’s blocked. Spinning back kick from Salikhov. Song checks a calf kick. Front kick from Salikhov. A few missed punches from both men. Bit of a spinning back kick from Song. Salikhov lands a solid calf kick. A couple of lefts from Song then he tries a double leg but Salikhov defends against the fence. They trade some knees but Salikhov takes one low so we’ve got a time out. Salikhov takes 40 seconds then we’re back to fighting. Calf kick from Salikhov. Salikhov with a left hook. Song tries a head kick but Salikhov smothers it then lands a left to the body. Another calf kick from Salikhov. Song avoids a spinning attack. Jab from Salikhov then a sick wheel kick that ENDS Song.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Muslim Salikhov via KO, wheel kick, at 3:49 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Salikhov for his work. Mic time for Salikhov, he speaks some what I assume is Mandarin then talks us through the knockout. To close they joke about his age and he says he wants more fights and is still good despite being 40.

Yan Xiaonan failed to win the strawweight title back in April and frankly should have been stopped in that fight but she’s back in action here and looking to begin moving back towards the title picture. Tabatha Ricci has only lost to Loopy Godinez at strawweight but this represents a big step up in class for her and if she wants to make a real step towards the title picture she needs to win. The odds like Yan at -185 to a +155 comeback for Ricci.

Strawweight Bout: #2 Yan Xiaonan (18-4 1 NC, 116 lbs.) vs. #10 Tabatha Ricci (11-2, 115.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Yan is four inches taller with two inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Ricci who is doing a lot of circling and a little bit of feinting. Inside leg kick from Yan. Stance switching now from Ricci as she circles. Bit of a right hand from Yan. Some feinting from Yan then she avoids a takedown attempt. Side kick from Yan. Solid right hand from Yan. Ricci just doesn’t have head movement especially in the pocket and that’s going to be a big problem for her. Yan lands a right to the body. Ricci avoids a few punches but her offense is nonexistent. A few front kicks from Yan, Ricci doesn’t like those. Right hand from Yan then a side kick. Glancing left hook from Yan. They both miss punches in close to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Yan because I don’t think Ricci landed a single relevant blow all round

ROUND TWO: Yan showing the left hook both high and low as the round starts. Jabs to the body from Yan. Yan lands a right hand, Ricci is wobbled by that but is able to tie up and trip things down. Ricci moves to the back but Yan fights up and lands a left hook as they break. Inside leg kick from Yan. Right hand from Yan wobbles Ricci again. Counter right from Yan lands, she’s making Ricci look very out of her depth in there. Bit of a right from Yan in close. Yan lands a left hook. Body kick from Yan then they trade punches. Jabs to the body and head from Yan. Ricci lands a right hand. Yan with a one two. Leg kick from Ricci. A few jabs go back and forth. They trade rights but Yan has an obvious power edge. Ricci pushes into a clinch on the fence just before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Yan, 20-17 Yan overall

ROUND THREE: Yan back to doing what she’s been doing all fight. Ricci is still circling. Yan lands a right hand. Another right from Yan. Ricci falls short on a few punches. They punch into a clinch then Yan lands a left hand as they break. A couple of solid rights land for Yan. Yan avoids a few kicks then lands a right hand and a front kick. Lefts to the body from Yan. Ricci misses a few punches then gets countered. Yan avoids a takedown. Left hook from Yan. Yan jabs the body a few times. More lead hand work from Yan. Yan with a right hand. A final blitz from Yan then a side kick to the head closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Yan, 30-26 Yan overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Yan Xiaonan via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Really good overall performance from Yan. Mic time for Yan and a translator, she plays with the crowd and thanks them for their support. She puts over her coaches for their work preparing her. She thanks the crowd again, then wants a rematch with Zhang Weili for the title.

Petr Yan is a former bantamweight champion and is still highly ranked in the division despite ending a three fight losing streak when he got a win back in March. In fairness to that streak he lost to Aljamain Sterling, Sean O’Malley, and Merab Dvalishvili plus two of those were controversial split decisions and personally I scored both of them for him. But if Yan wants another crack at the belt he used to carry he’ll need to get a win here. Deiveson Figueiredo is a former two time flyweight champion and has gone 3-0 since moving up to bantamweight, this fight is his first five rounder in his new weight class but if he can knock off a former champion he’ll have put himself in the thick of the title picture. The odds are surprisingly heavily with Yan at -265 while that +215 comeback on Figueiredo is a very tempting value bet.

Bantamweight Bout: #3 Petr Yan (17-5, 135.5 lbs.) vs. #5 Deiveson Figueiredo (24-3-1, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Yan is two and a half inches taller while Figueiredo has an inch of reach advantage. Both men feint with the lead hand early, Yan pressuring forward and showing stance switches. Figueiredo eats a kick but then ties up and hits an inside trip to get on top in full guard. Yan elevates Figueiredo and wrestles to his knees, Figueiredo wraps the head and thinks about sitting for a choke but then spins to a ride position. Yan rolls through with Figueiredo holding almost a traditional crucifix then he gets one hook in. Figueiredo gets the second hook in after a bit but Yan leg pummels then spins into him to get on top in full guard. A few short punches and hammer fists from Yan as he pushes Figueiredo into the fence. Yan lands a few short blows then a pretty solid hammer fist. Yan passes to half guard, Figueiredo is half fishing for a kimura but bails on that. Figueiredo is able to get full guard back and Yan lands a few punches before Figueiredo wrestles up the Yan lands a knee to the head. Calf kick from Yan will be the last relevant blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Yan

ROUND TWO: Both men start showing stance switches now. Yan with a few side kicks to the knee then a glancing head kick. Bit of a body kick from Figueiredo. Yan with a calf kick. Body kick from Yan then another one and he fights off a takedown attempt. Yan lands a calf kick. Bit of a head kick and combination from Yan, Figueiredo avoided or blocked most of that. Figueiredo with a body kick. Yan checks a body kick then lands a right hand. Calf kick from Yan. Figueiredo tries a wheel kick then lands a right hand. Body kick from Yan. Yan with another calf kick. Short right from Figueiredo. Left hand from Yan then he avoids a takedown. Some jabs from Yan start landing. Yan with a calf kick. Body kick from Yan then a glancing uppercut. Both men land punches. Figueiredo with a left to the body then a right hand. Left hand then a body kick from Yan and an osotogari to end the round on top in side control.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Yan but a competitive one, 20-18 Yan overall

ROUND THREE: Yan lands a calf kick. Figueiredo lands a right to the body. Another calf kick from Yan. Figueiredo hits a takedown into half guard, Yan quickly scrambles up though and they reset. Calf kick from Yan after he avoided a few punches. Figueiredo ducks into an uppercut and gets knocked over, Yan gets on top and lands some punches before things settle just a bit. Yan scoots things to the fence and Figueiredo is able to wall walk and separate. Calf kick from Yan again, those are adding up. Yan with a body kick then Figueiredo lands a right to the body. Bit of a left hook from Yan and they clinch on the fence. Figueiredo is able to slip out of the clinch then misses a right hand. A lot of pressure from Yan now. Bit of a body kick from Figueiredo. Body kick from Yan then a left hand. Figueiredo lands a body kick. Yan blocks a few punches then lands a left hand in close. Elbow from Yan then a couple of punches in close. Yan is flowing now and Figueiredo is getting hit more often. Uppercut from Yan then a left hand and a jumping knee all land. Yan with a couple of punches then he slips the counter. Figueiredo lands a right to the body then a front kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Yan who seems to be rolling downhill now, 30-27 Yan overall

ROUND FOUR: Both men start feinting again and are still stance switching freely. Yan blocks a few body kicks then off balances Figueiredo and gets on top briefly but Figueiredo scrambles quickly back up. Figueiredo with a body kick. Yan fights off a single leg attempt and they clinch up on the fence. Not much happens in there and eventually Yan spins free. Yan with a few jabs then a left uppercut and a high kick. Figueiredo gets a clinch but eats a knee to the body that seems to have bothered him. Bit of a high kick from Yan. Counter punches from Yan land then a stiff jab bothers Figueiredo for a moment. Calf kick from Yan then a right hand. Figueiredo with a right to the body. They trade jabs. Bit of a left from Yan. Figueiredo swings a right to the body. They tie up again then break with a glancing left from Yan. Yan misses a high kick. Again they tie up and trade in the clinch, Yan’s uppercut is doing work at this point. Left hand from Yan. Figueiredo with a right that briefly drops Yan, Yan fights up and throws back. They trade again, Figueiredo is hitting the body but Yan with a body shot of his own then a knee to the head just before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Figueiredo but could go either way, 39-37 Yan overall

ROUND FIVE: They touch gloves for the final round. Yan lands a jab. Figueiredo is stalking forward and they trade uppercuts. Right to the body from Figueiredo. Yan with a calf kick then misses a nice looking combination of punches. Knee to the body then an uppercut from Yan. Yan hits the body again and then lands an uppercut, his combination punching still ridiculous nice to watch. Elbow from Figueiredo. Left hand from Figueiredo. Figueiredo avoids a takedown attempt. Yan with a jab then a left hand. Another left from Yan lands. Right to the body from Figueiredo. Yan misses a few strikes then lands a spinning back fist. Figueiredo pushes forward and misses punches but he’s a beast to still be throwing like this. Elbow from Yan then they tie up in space and he lands a left hand as they break. Another left hand from Yan but Figueiredo just eats it. High kick from Figueiredo partially lands then a right hand. Right to the body from Figueiredo. They get close and scramble but nothing really comes of it. Yan with an uppercut then a right hook. Yan lands a left hand. Another combination from Yan. Side kick then an uppercut from Yan. Yan with a body kick. Figueiredo misses a few punches. Yan lands a left hand. A final left from Yan closes the frame.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Yan, 49-46 Yan overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Petr Yan via unanimous decision (50-45 x3)

Well that was a lovely fight, I could have watched another 5 rounds of that one. Mic time for Yan and the translators, he plays with the crowd and feels he led this fight all the way. His son is in the cage with Yan now and is very happy his dad won. Asked about the future he wants a rematch with Merab for the title. I think he’s still going to have to wait for Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Merab but it’s the only call out he could have made. To close he thanks everyone who’s here to support him.

Figueiredo gets an interview as well, he puts over the fight but says God wont give you more than you can handle and expects to be back and better next time.

Well on that note UFC on ESPN+ 106 comes to a close. That was a pretty solid card overall, but now I’m pretty sleep deprived and will be heading to bed. We will be breaking down all the fallout from this event on the 411 Ground and Pound Podcast tomorrow so tune into that if you’re so inclined. The UFC is taking next week off but on December 7th we’ll have UFC 310 as the last PPV of the year. I’ll be back for that event and I hope you will too. Until next time thank you again for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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