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411’s UFC on ESPN+ 11 Report: Alexander Gustafsson Loses to Anthony Smith

June 1, 2019 | Posted by Robert Winfree

MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 1 p.m. ET)
#2 Alexander Gustafsson (205 lbs.) vs. #4 Anthony Smith (206 lbs.)
#11 Jimi Manuwa (205 lbs.) vs. Aleksandar Rakic (205 lbs.)
Makwan Amirkhani (145 lbs.) vs. Chris Fishgold (145 lbs.)
Christos Giagos (155 lbs.) vs. Damir Hadzovic (155 lbs.)
Sung Bin Jo (145 lbs.) vs. Daniel Teymur (145 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN2, 10 a.m. ET)
Rostem Akman (170 lbs.) vs. Sergey Khandozhko (170 lbs.)
#12 Tonya Evinger (135 lbs.) vs. #13 Lina Lansberg (135 lbs.)
Stevie Ray (155 lbs.) vs. Leonardo Santos (155 lbs.)
Frank Camacho (155 lbs.) vs. Nick Hein (155 lbs.)
Bea Malecki (136 lbs.) vs. Eduarda Santana (135 lbs.)
Devin Clark (205 lbs.) vs. Darko Stosic (205 lbs.)
Joel Alvarez (155 lbs.) vs. Danilo Belluardo (155 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 11, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the event. For those following along live, thanks for being here for the odd early start time. The UFC is back in Sweden tonight and they’re starting the event in prime time local there instead of catering everything to the west coast of the USA. Benefits of the main card being on ESPN+ I guess. The card itself isn’t all that great on paper but the main event clash between former title challengers Alexander Gustafsson and Anthony Smith is pretty solid and the co-main event sees one of the few prospects in the light heavyweight division in Aleksandar Rakic take a step up in competition against Jimi Manuwa. Also Damir Hadzovic is on the card, on the prelims Frank Camacho and Nick Hein should be fireworks but other than that we’re back on the “hope it’s better in practice than on paper” bandwagon.

UFC on ESPN+ 11 comes to the world from Ericsson Globe in Stockholm, Sweden. On commentary is the trio of John Gooden, lightweight contender Paul Felder, and Dan Hardy while Heidi Androl will be handling the on site reporting. We are under the new rules for this event, so you need both palms or fists flat on the mat to be considered downed (or a knee of course) and the language around scoring is clearer and more encouraging of 10-8’s. Also there will be the limited use of instant replay for a fight ending sequence, per usual when replay is used the fight cannot be restarted.

Joel Alvarez just had a ten fight winning streak snapped in his UFC debut when he fell to Damir Ismagulov, he’s trying to rebound from that and pick up his first UFC win. Danilo Belluardo brings a six fight winning streak into his UFC debut and he’ll be looking to extend that streak while getting that all important first win in the UFC. The odds are with Alvarez at -120 to -110 for Belluardo.

Lightweight Bout: Joel Alvarez (15-2, 155 lbs.) vs. Danilo Belluardo (12-3, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Alvarez is three inches taller and has two and a half inches of reach on Belluardo. They touch gloves to get us going, Belluardo is fighting southpaw. Alvarez has a high kick blocked. Bit of a combination from Alvarez falls just a bit short, Belluardo lands an inside leg kick. Glancing right from Alvarez, Belluardo is still trying to get a feel for the timing and what weapons will be best to deal with the distance of Alvarez. Double leg from Belluardo is successful and he lands in half guard. Alvarez gets full guard. Belluardo misses a few elbows, switches to short hammer fists that are more successful. Belluardo lands an elbow. Another couple of short elbows from Belluardo while Alvarez is trying to get some form of wrist control. Alvarez is trying to get an angle with his hips, tosses up a triangle choke attempt that gets relatively tight but there’s no time for it to really develop.

SOCRECARD: 10-9 Belluardo

ROUND TWO: Alvarez is trying kicks again but they’re mostly blocked so far. Alvarez lands a hard stepping knee to the body and swings a few rights but Beluardo lands an elbow. Another knee attempt from Alvarez but this time Belluardo reads it and gets a takedown into half guard. Belluardo has to fight to retain half guard but he does and starts looking for a knee slice to mount. Alvarez gets a hand cuff around the back and uses that to sweep into top position and starts landing rights from half guard while keeping one hand locked up and he lands enough that go undefended for the ref to stop it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Joel Alvarez via TKO, punches and elbows, at 2:22 of Round 2

Mic time for Alvarez and his translator, he says he’s happy to have realized his dream of winning in the UFC. He says his game plan revolved around continued effort until he won, mentions that he worked hard to implement jiu-jitsu to counter the more wrestling based attack of Belluardo.

This clip doesn’t have the sweep, which was the key to the whole thing, but the ground and pound from a strong half guard while keeping the right arm of Belluardo in the Dagestani handcuff tie up spells the end.

Darko Stosic is on a nine fight winning streak that includes a successful UFC debut last year, now he’s trying to extend that streak and start moving up the ranks at light heavyweight. Devin Clark has gone 3-3 in the UFC, he’s coming off of a loss to Aleksandar Rakic and is hoping to avoid his first ever losing streak with a win. The odds are near even but favor Stosic at -120 to a -110 comeback on Clark.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Devin Clark (9-3, 205 lbs.) vs. Darko Stosic (13-1, 205 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Stosic has an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to start things. Clark is stalking forward, Stosic seems very settled and moving in minimal fashion. Stosic lands a right, Clark comes back with a left that drops Stosic and Clark winds up in the ride position near the fence. Things are stalling out, Clark is struggling to get his hands free and Stosic fights back up though he was clearly grabbing inside the gloves without the ref noticing. They stay clinched up on the fence and trade knees then Clark tries a high kick on the break but Stosic lands a counter right that wobbles him and they clinch up again. The “woo’s” are here in Sweden and coming out. Stosic lands an elbow, Clark responds with a spinning back fist/elbow and they’re clinched up again. Another elbow from Stosic and he looks to flurry but Clark ties him back up in the clinch. They break again, both men are sucking some wind already. Clark evades a right, Stosic defends a single leg attempt and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Clark

ROUND TWO: Both men have a bit of energy now after sitting for a minute, I wonder how long that will last. Some circling from both men, Clark lands a bit of a leg kick. Stosic is coming forward now, Clark shoots a double leg and they wind up clinched. Stosic gets Clark on the fence and they trade some knees. Clark reverses the position, Stosic switches back again and lands a knee. Elbow from Stosic on the break. Clark lands a leg kick then has punches blocked. They trade some taunts but nothing comes of it. Another takedown attempt from Clark is stuffed and they wind up clinched. Stosic is pretty clearly the better man in the clinch but he’s not getting a ton of offense off in it. Clark grabs the fence but gets lifted and taken down anyway into half guard. Stosic is in position to attempt an arm triangle but Clark gets that arm out of danger. Stosic lands a right as Clark gets guard. Elbows from Stosic as Clark closes his guard. A few body shots from Stosic bring the round to a close.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Stosic, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Back to circling, Clark tries a takedown and winds up clinched and Stosic spins him into the fence. They trade knees against the cage. Stosic lands a left but misses the follow up right on the break. Clark tries another takedown but again Stosic is able to defend and gets Clark to the cage. They break as Clark misses a right. Clark lands a right to the body, Stosic lands a left hook. Stosic shrugs off a takedown attempt then blocks a high kick. Clark back into the clinch after a failed takedown and Stosic has him on the fence. Knees go back and forth, Stosic changes his level and gets a single leg but Clark is back up and swinging blocked punches. Bit of a right from Stosic and he avoids a spinning back fist. Clark lands a right to the body and Stosic lands a left hook then they clinch again. They break then Clark lands a leg kick. Clark is on his bike, tries a takedown but Stosic sprawls out of it. Combination of punches from Clark and they clinch again but Stosic is getting out worked this round. Clark eats some punches on the break then lands a couple of lefts. Stosic lands a couple of power hooks and they clinch up where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Clark but could go either way, 29-28 Clark overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Devin Clark via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Clark gets mic time, because there’s time to kill I assume. Clark says he had stuff to prove, mostly that he wasn’t going to get finished and that he can hit hard. He says he didn’t do everything he wanted to but got the job done and felt he kept his composure in dangerous situations and that helped him win. Asked what’s next he says whoever, especially anyone from later in the night.

Bea Malecki is very green overall and making her UFC debut, but the division is in need of some prospects and Malecki is looking to prove that she qualifies. Duda Santana is making her UFC debut as well, and is likewise undefeated looking to make a good first impression on the audience. The odds are with Santana at -125 to -105 for Malecki.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Bea Malecki (1-0, 136 lbs.) vs. Eduarda Santana (3-0, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Malecki is two inches taller and has an inch of reach on Santana. They come out and trade rights, both women aren’t hesitating to throw. Santana is working her jab, neither woman has much in the way of head movement or defense. Leg kick from Malecki. Knee from Malecki but Santana gets a takedown into the guard of Malecki. Malecki looks to wall walk but Santana is mounting the legs to keep her down. Malecki back up, takendown by Santana and Santana is after a power guillotine from the front head lock. They’re back up and Santana lands a knee to the body and they’re clinched. Another takedown from Santana and she lands a few lefts while Malecki wall walks to her feet. They break and Santana lands a bit of a jab. Santana is using oblique kicks to the knee to keep Malecki at the distance she wants. Malecki lands a right. A few more jabs from Santana are the last relevant blows of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Santana, arguable 10-8 under the new rules

ROUND TWO: Malecki lands a right, she’s coming forward much more this round. Santana lands a right then a left hook. Malecki lands a couple of punches and Santana has had enough of that, she locks up a clinch and tries a takedown but Malecki smothers it and gets on top in full mount. Santana gives up her back, Malecki rides her with a body triangle and is after the choke. Malecki keeps after the choke, has to adjust a few times but eventually gets it locked up and Santana has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Bea Malecki via Submission, rear naked choke, at 1:59 of Round 2

Malecki gets an interview, she says it’s amazing to fight at home and thanks the crowd for their support. She says she knew she would have to finish with a submission, thanks her family for being in the crowd, and thanks her team to close her mic time.

Malecki doesn’t get fancy with this, she goes palm to palm after Santana was fighting the hands as she also stretches out the torso to increase the force of the choke and Santana has to tap.

Nick Hein has gone 4-3 in the UFC but is on a two fight losing streak, he’s trying to halt that skid and get back on the winning side of things. Frank Camacho is also on a two fight losing streak and was finished via violent head kick in his last loss. Camacho is trying to get back on the winning side of things, or at a minimum preserve his reputation for wild fights. Camacho is your -125 favorite against -105 for Hein.

Lightweight Bout: Frank Camacho (21-7, 155 lbs.) vs. Nick Hein (14-4 1 NC, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Camacho is four inches taller and has six and half inches of reach on Hein. They touch gloves, Hein is fighting southpaw. Camacho lands a right to the body. Hein lands a left to the body. Camacho lands a body kick, Hein lands a bit of a left. Another left from Hein, Camacho is coming forward though. Hein lands a right uppercut then clinches and trips Camacho down but Camacho is back up along the fence. They’re still clinched, Hein lands a few foot stomps before they break. Camacho lands another body kick then a couple of punches to counter a punch. Another body kick from Camacho lands. Hein is struggling a bit against the pressure of Camacho but Camacho’s left eye is swelling. Hein lands a left, Camacho responds with a right. A few rights to the body and head along the fence from Camacho, Hein lands a straight left. Camacho lands a knee as Hein was thinking about a level change then lands a right to the body then a powerful body kick. Hein is landing some inside leg kicks but he’s more touching than driving through the target. Camacho lands another body kick then they trade in close. Hein lands a right hook then a body kick of his own. Another left from Hein lands, Camacho responds with a combination as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Camacho

ROUND TWO: They come out trading body kicks. Lefts are traded then Camacho lands another body kick. Hein lands a body kick but gets off balanced by a jab. Camacho is really committing to his body kicks, the head kick is going to be open if he keeps up with them. Hein lands a straight left, he’s got a decent counter game going but the volume is all on the side of Camacho. Camacho might be fading, he’s breathing from his mouth visibly. A few rights from Camacho in close and a knee as well. Hein lands a left to the body and has to cover up and avoid the counter combination. They tie up and trade shots to the body then break. Hein lands another left but Camacho lands uppercuts to the body. Camacho lands another body kick. Camacho lands a right to the body in combination and this time Hein visibly reacts to it. More body kicks from Camacho and Hein is hurt to the body now. Camacho backs Hein into the fence and looks to tee off, he swarms and Hein tries to fire back but Camacho just overwhelms him and the ref has to stop things a few seconds before the round was to end.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Frank Camacho via TKO, punches, at 4:56 of Round 2

Mic time for Camacho, he tells the audience to google Dan Hardy and that Hardy is one of his favorite fighters. He says that Island boys just want to fight when you hit them in the head and then puts over his wife, thanks his coaches, and talks about getting more reps in fighting patient and methodical as opposed to being a wild brawler.

This was the most disciplined, methodical, and effective performance from Camacho. He committed to body work, did a good job of slipping and countering, and never getting out of control even when he had his opponent hurt.

Stevie Ray just broke a two fight losing streak and is now trying to get his third UFC winning streak up and running. Leonardo Santos has yet to lose in the UFC, in fact he hasn’t lost since May of 2009 but has been hampered by inactivity. Santos has been out of action since October of 2016, now he’s trying to keep his streak alive and remind the fan base of his abilities. Despite the layoff Santos is the favorite at -160 to a +130 payout for Ray.

Lightweight Bout: Stevie Ray (22-8, 155 lbs.) vs. Leonardo Santos (16-3-1, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Santos is two inches taller and has five inches of reach on Ray, he’s also a full decade older. They touch gloves, Ray fighting southpaw. Both men probing with the lead hand, Santos lands a body kick. Another body kick from Santos. Ray lands an inside leg kick, Santos digs another body kick. Ray misses a high kick. Santos lands a fade back right hand and Ray is out cold as he hits the ground.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Leonardo Santos via KO, punch, at 2:17 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Santos for his work this morning. Santos on the mic now, he says he’s back after three years off and is very happy. He says being off that long is hard, he’s been dealing with injuries and fights falling out but he kept working and with the help of God he’s back. He says he’s a jiu-jitsu fighter and was looking for that but this is MMA and he’s worked hard to be able to fight everywhere. Asked about staying acting he says he just wants to fight more, doesn’t care who he fights, and says that in the three years he’s been off the top ten of the division hasn’t changed and feels it’s time for him to shake things up. To close he says that for that finish after a three year layoff he deserves a bonus.

Here’s the finish. It’s a pretty standard pull back right, he leans back to roll with the force of the blows Ray throws then comes back in to land that chopping right to the exposed chin of Ray and puts him down with the one punch.

Tonya Evinger has yet to pick up a win in the UFC, she’s been stopped in both of her UFC appearances and needs a win badly if she wants to justify her spot on the roster. Lina Lansberg has traded wins and losses while going 2-3 in the UFC, she’s coming off of a loss and is trying to avoid her first ever losing streak. The odds are with Evinger at -280 to a +230 comeback on Lansberg.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: #12 Tonya Evinger (19-7 1 NC, 135 lbs.) vs. #13 Lina Lansberg (8-4, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Evinger is half an inch taller but has four and a half inches of reach on Lansberg. They touch gloves to get us started. Evinger sliding forward, Lansberg circling and pawing with the hands. Evinger punches into a clinch and has Lansberg on the cage. Lansberg gives up a body lock and is trying to break the head position of Evinger but can’t break it. Evinger is working for a trip or reap but Lansberg is defending them so far. They break and Lansberg misses an elbow then Evinger pushes back into the clinch. Someone is bleeding but I can’t tell which of them it is. A few short knees from Lansberg, it looks like Evinger is the one bleeding from a short elbow earlier in the fight. The cut is around the left eyebrow of Evinger. Lansberg gets a few more knees, Evinger lands one of her own as she’s turned into the fence. That cut is bleeding a lot but it doesn’t look too deep or in a bad spot. Lansberg gets a reap, Evinger tries to sweep but Lansberg keeps top position and reigns down elbows and hammer fists from half guard. Evinger is doing enough to avoid being stopped but the end of the round likely saves her from more damage.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lansberg

ROUND TWO: That cut isn’t all that bad, it’s off to the side of the eye rather than by the brow. Evinger comes out swinging but gets clipped by Lansberg and off balanced. Evinger pushes into a clinch, Lansberg spins her into the fence and they start jockeying for position. There’s an outside reap from Evinger and she’s on top in half guard along the fence. Lansberg looks to wall walk, Evinger slides to the back with one hook in and lands a couple of punches. Both hooks in for Evinger now, Lansberg is able to break one of those but Evinger is hitting her and riding. Lansberg is slowly turning into her, and after stopping the hooks she’s able to do so and is in half guard on top. Evinger is tying up the right arm of Lansberg, Lansberg is working to get it free and does so then starts landing rights to the head. Evinger keeps fishing for a double wrist lock but Lansberg is wise to it and is defending then punching her, but as a stall tactic it’s working as the round will end in that position.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. They clinch up again in space this time, and Lansberg pushes her into the fence. Lansberg is working knees to the body and thigh. More knees from Lansberg, Evinger is landing rights to the body but they’re just arm punches. The ref breaks them after things stall out. They clinch up again, knees from Lansberg then Evinger tries a head and arm throw but has no grip and Lansberg winds up on top in the ride position landing punches. More punches from Lansberg, Evinger is trying to catch the wrist and stem the offense but Lansberg is relentless with offense. Evinger is able to get half guard on her back and Lansberg resumes landing elbows. Body shots from Lansberg, and a few more short elbows bring the round to a close.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Lansberg, 30-26 Lansberg overall

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

Lansberg on the mic now, she’s clearly emotional and says this is better than winning the belt to win at home. She talks about working to improve her MMA game and it feels good to display some of that here. Asked who she’d like next she wants a rematch with Aspen Ladd and feels the stoppage in that fight was bad.

Rostem Akman is undefeated as a professional and had a rather extensive amateur career as well, he’s trying to remain perfect in his UFC debut and get a win in his home country. Also of note is that Akman took this fight on short notice when Bartosz Fabinski got injured. Sergey Khandozhko brings a two fight winning streak into his UFC debut, he’s finished both of those and is hoping to extend that streak while making a good first impression to the UFC audience. The odds are with Khandozhko at -160 against +130 on Akman.

Welterweight Bout: Rostem Akman (6-0, 170 lbs.) vs. Sergey Khandozhko (26-5-1, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Khandozhko is three inches taller and has two inches of reach on Akman. They touch gloves, Khandozhko starts circling looking for an angle of attack. Akman is coming forward, both men still looking for openings. They both swing and miss then Akman clinches up and gets things to the fence. Khandozhko looks for a judo toss but nothing really comes of it. Khandozhko spins free and resets at distance. Leg kick from Khandozhko then a spinning back kick to the body. Akman misses a few punches. Khandozhko lands a spinning back kick to the body then a leg kick. Khandozhko lands a right. Inside leg kick from Khandozhko. Both men land in close. Khandozhko misses a left then avoids the counter combination. Leg kick from Khandozhko. A few more kicks from Khandozhko, he’s going to the calf now with them. Akman has switched stances so Khandozhko is going with inside leg kicks. Akman lands a short right in close, then Khandozhko lands another calf kick. They trade rights but Khandozhko is wobbled, he lands a knee to the body then a body kick to get Akman to back off. Khandozhko lands a calf kick then a right and misses a wheel kick. One last calf kick from Khandozhko closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Khandozhko

ROUND TWO: Khandozhko lands a left hook in close then a calf kick. Counter right from Khandozhko lands. Khandozhko lands a leg kick but eats a counter right. Bit of a right from Khandozhko. Akman is still pushing forward, eats another calf kick. Akman lands a left in close, his pressure is getting to Khandozhko at this point. Khandozhko lands a left hook then a knee to the body. Akman lands a flurry in close then a right hand. Khandozhko lands a left hook that drops Akman, he gets on top in half guard. Akman bumps and looks for a leg lock and the motion gets a scramble and they’re back up. Akman pushes into a clinch and gets Khandozhko to a knee but Khandozhko uses a judo throw to off balance him. They wind up with Khandozhko holding donkey guard, Akman gets clear of that and ends the round in side control.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Khandozhko but that’s based almost entirely on the knock down, 20-18 Khandozhko overall

ROUND THREE: They hug quickly to get the round started. Body kick from Khandozhko but Akman is coming forward. Bit of a left from Khandozhko. Bit of a right from Khandozhko then a body kick. Akman dives on a double leg, switches to a single leg as they hit the fence. Khandozhko defends that attempt, Akman lands a couple of body shots then Khandozhko lands a left hook on the break. Akman avoids a spinning back kick and lands a couple of punches. Khandozhko tries a double leg, gets Akman to his knees but he can’t finish it. Another takedown from Khandozhko, they hit the fence and Akman is able to spin him into the fence then gets a body lock takedown against the cage. Khandozhko wall walks, Akman tries to pull him back for a crab ride but can’t secure it and they wind up still clinched. Akman gets another takedown, Khandozhko looking to wall walk and Akman gets the ride position. Bit of a fireman carry from Khandozhko and he’s got Akman is on the fence and is after a single leg, switches to a double leg but can’t quite finish it. Khandozhko finishes the takedown and gets the back standing but can’t hold things and they break. They get close and trade punches, Khandozhko stuns Akman with a right but can’t capitalize before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Khandozhko but a very close one, 30-27 Khandozhko overall but could go to Akman without controversy

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Sergey Khandozhko via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

No interview for Khandozhko as we’re short on time moving to ESPN+.

Daniel Teymur has gone 0-3 in the UFC and has been finished in his last two fights, now he’s almost certainly fighting for his job as an 0-4 start should send him packing from the promotion. Sung Bin Jo is undefeated and making his UFC debut here, he’s trying to remain unbeaten and start his UFC run off with a bang. The odds are with Bo at -145 to a +115 comeback on Teymur.

Featherweight Bout: Sung Bin Jo (9-0, 145 lbs.) vs. Daniel Teymur (6-3, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Jo is a whopping seven inches taller but has just three inches of reach on Teymur. They touch gloves to get things going. Teymur is coming forward, misses a leg kick. Teymur lands a left hook that wobbles Jo, he follows up with a series of hooks and Jo has to circle away. They clinch up and hit the fence. Jo with a few knees, Teymur is after a single leg but can’t finish it. More knees from Jo and they break. Jo avoids a few punches then lands a knee as Teymur was getting back up. Now Teymur shoots a double leg and this one works, he lands in the guard of Jo. Teymur lands a couple of punches, Jo is looking to get his guard in play, he’s after an armbar that gets close but Teymur rolls through. Now a triangle attempt from Jo and Teymur is able to fight out of it but is still in the guard. Teymur lands a couple of punches, Jo forces a scramble and they’re upright and Jo lands a knee then a right as they break. Teymur swings some hooks, misses most but does land a left and forces a clinch. Uppercut from Teymur as they break. Jo just circles away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Teymur

ROUND TWO: Jo circling again, Teymur is coming forward but not really cutting him off. Right from Jo lands. Jo is getting his jab working now, he lands a leg kick but Teymur lands a left hook. Inside leg kick from Teymur then he avoids a high kick. Jo lands a knee in close. Teymur avoids a few punches. Body kick from Jo lands. Jo avoids some hooks and lands a knee in close as Teymur avoids a clinch. Teymur avoids a flying knee. Bit of a left from Jo. That will be the last exchange of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jo, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Teymur is pressing forward again, lands a bit of a low kick. Jo tries a takedown, they wind up clinched and trade a bit but neither man can really secure a takedown. Jo lands a counter right. Bit of a leg kick from Teymur. Teymur avoids a takedown and gets a counter trip into the guard of Jo. Jo looks to go inverted for a knee bar but Teymur slips free and they wind up standing. Teymur lands a right and pushes into a clinch. Jo breaks free, then avoids a takedown attempt and eats a right as they break. Both men miss hooks. Teymur ducks under a high kick. Bit of a right from Jo as the round ends.

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

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

Well, that was certainly a way to kill time. Teymur collapses with emotion after his first UFC win, he says he respects his opponent and says he’s happy because he finally got that win he’s been looking for. He thanks Christ, then his family, coaches, a lot of them by name then tries to get the crowd to sing with him but they decline.

The UFC announces their debut in Denmark for September 28th this year.

Damir Hadzovic is on a two fight winning streak and finished his last opponent, he’s trying to extend that streak and make a case for moving up in competition for his next fight. Christos Giagos has gone 1-1 in his second UFC stint but is coming off of a win and looking for his first ever UFC winning streak. The odds are with Hadzovic at -170 to a +130 comeback on Giagos.

Lightweight Bout: Christos Giagos (16-7, 155 lbs.) vs. Damir Hadzovic (13-4, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Giagos is an inch taller and has an inch and a half of reach on Hadzovic. Hadzovic is moving forward, Giagos circling looking for openings. Bit of a body kick from Hadzovic, Giagos returns it. Giagos tries a knee tap but can’t get it and lands a right. Hadzovic is still stalking forward, blocking the offense from Giagos. Giagos lands a leg kick. Body kick from Giagos then he gets a takedown into side control. Hadzovic gets to half guard, trying to get up but Giagos is using a front headlock to deter that. Hadzovic is back up, Giagos gets him back down this time into full guard. Bit of an elbow from Giagos. Hadzovic is able to get up and they trade punches as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Giagos

ROUND TWO: Hadzovic is back to pressing forward, Giagos lands an uppercut that gets him backing up. Left to the body from Giagos then a body kick. Knee tap from Giagos works and he’s back on top in half guard. Hadzovic is back up and Giagos lands a couple of punches. Another takedown from Giagos, Hadzovic is working to wall walk but Giagos slips to his back with one hook in. Giagos gets both hooks in as Hadzovic gets up and Giagos settles for a rear waist lock. They break without much issue. Giagos is moving well, Hadzovic looks labored. Giagos lands an uppercut then a right. Hadzovic lands a left and avoids a single leg attempt. Both guys look fairly gassed, Hadzovic gets a takedwon into guard and lands a few punches as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Bit of a leg kick from Hadzovic. Giagos lands a leg kick then Hadzovic avoids a takedown attempt. Giagos gets a knee tap into the guard of Hadzovic. Hadzovic forces things to the feet and separates. Hadzovic lands a couple of punches while pushing forward. Giagos is after a single leg, switches to a double and gets Hadzovic down against the fence. Hadzovic back up, breaks the grip and they wind up chest to chest. Elbows from Hadzovic, Giagos can’t get the takedown and they break. Right from Hadzovic then he avoids a takedown and gets on top as Giagos very nearly just pulls guard. Body shots from Hadzovic and a few hammer fists. This spot is where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Hadzovic, 29-28 Giagos overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Christos Giagos via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27 x2)

I suppose you could give Giagos a 10-8 second, I mean I didn’t but I don’t think it’s totally out of line. Mic time for Giagos, he says he feels good about his performance and is happy he’s putting everything together now. He puts over Hadzovic as a strong guy who wouldn’t go down. He plans to stay in shape and keep pushing forward. To close he dedicates the fight to someone close to him who’s going in for a serious surgery soon.

Makwan Amirkhani has gone 4-1 in the UFC and is coming off of a win, but inactivity has cooled a lot of the hype that used to surround him. Amirkhani is trying to reclaim a bit of that hype and get his second UFC winning streak up and running. Chris Fishgold has gone 1-1 in the UFC but is also coming off of a win, he’s looking for his first UFC winning streak. The odds are with Amirkhani at -120 against -110 for Fishgold.

Featherweight Bout: Makwan Amirkhani (14-3, 145 lbs.) vs. Chris Fishgold (18-2-1, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Amirkhani is two inches taller and has four inches of reach advantage. Amirkhani is fighting southpaw, he tries a flying knee and misses. Fishgold is feinting, and takes a finger to the eye so we’ve got time. The doctor is in to check on the eye, no issues with the fight continuing and Amirkhani gets a warning. We’re back to fighting, Fishgold with a bit of a head kick then an inside leg kick. Hard inside leg kick from Fishgold takes the base from under Amirkhani. Fishgold lands a right. Amirkhani ducks under a punch and gets a takedown into full guard. Fishgold goes inverted and gets a reverse triangle, uses that motion to attack a leg and then thinks about a guillotine but can’t get his hands together before Amirkhani just settles into the guard again. Bit of an elbow from Amirkhani. Fishgold rolls to his knees and Amirkhani sells out for a guillotine just as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Fishgold

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Fishgold again with the inside leg kick. Fishgold avoids a flying knee but can’t get a single leg off of it. Amirkhani lands an inside leg kick. Fishgold lands a right as he’s backing Amirkhani towards the fence. They trade lead hand punches then Fishgold lands an inside leg kick. They clash on kicks and Fishgold took a bad one to the groin so we’ve got time again. Replay confirms it, Fishgold dropped almost immediately but he’s back up walking a bit now at least. Fishgold is good to continue, Amirkhani gets another firmer warning and we’re back to fighting. Amirkhani is still moving away, Fishgold is pushing forward and lands another inside leg kick. Fishgold grabs a guillotine as Amirkhani tried a takedown, they’re on hips and Amirkhani gets on top in side control so Fishgold switches his grip then gets to half guard. Amirkhani moves around and sits for a guillotine, moves to an anaconda and he keeps walking the pressure forward with his legs until he finally gets the submission.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Makwan Amirkhani via submission, anaconda choke, at 4:25 of Round 2

I can’t wait for Amirkhani to have another multi year layoff and squander the momentum he’s building. Mic time for Amirkhani, he puts over the crowd even though Finland beat Sweden in ice hockey and the crowd boos him rather good naturedly. He says he doesn’t take the fight business personally and he’s happy as long as he can stay calm and do his job. He says he’ll fight anyone in his division, says that everyone in Finland knows who he is, then puts over the crowd again.

I’m a sucker for an anaconda choke and this is a nice one. Pay attention to how he switches his grip, he starts sitting for the seated arm triangle but when he loses that position he punches the arm through and gets the anaconda grip then locks it up and keeps the pressure going forward to lock up the choke.

Jimi Manuwa has been with the UFC since 2012 but currently finds himself on a three fight losing streak and in dire need of a win as even at light heavyweight the dreaded four fight skid carries consequences. Aleksandar Rakic has an eleven fight winning streak going that includes three wins in the UFC that has seen him emerge as a prospect in the division, now he’s trying to start making the difficult transition from prospect to contender at the expense of Manuwa. Rakic is a surprisingly high -230 favorite against a +185 comeback on Manuwa.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #11 Jimi Manuwa (17-5, 205 lbs.) vs. Aleksandar Rakic (11-1, 205 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rakic is three inches taller while Manuwa has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Manuwa is also twelve years older than Rakic. They touch gloves to start things. Rakic is feinting a lot early, Manuwa lands a leg kick, Rakic returns it and avoids a counter left. Calf kick from Rakic. Rakic punches forward and lands a head kick that ENDS Manuwa.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Aleksandar Rakic via KO, head kick, at :42 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Rakic for his work this afternoon. Rakic on the mic, he says he’s been doing that kick since he was a kid learning kick boxing and notes he uses it a lot. He puts over Manuwa, who is just about now up on his feet, then apologizes for celebrating and beating one of the guys who trains in this city. He can’t be that nice a guy, it’s just not possible. Asked who he’d like next he says he beat the number 11 guy and wants anyone higher than that and he’s been working towards this since he was seven years old, and if this takes a while it will but he plans on getting to the title.

This is a lovely combination. Rakic pushes forward, shifts his stance to southpaw as Manuwa is lowering his hands after the combination then lowers the proverbial boom.

Alexander Gustafsson is coming off of his third failed bid to capture the light heavyweight title and second loss to Jon Jones, Gustafsson is a bit outside the title picture due to that loss but if he loses again here it would likely remove him from the contender que until Jones is no longer champion. Anthony Smith is also coming off of a failed title shot against Jon Jones, Smith had a three fight winning streak before that though and is hoping to score the biggest win of his career by taking out a recognized elite level competitor in Gustafsson. The odds are with Gustafsson at -280 against +230 for Smith.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #2 Alexander Gustafsson (18-5, 205 lbs.) vs. #4 Anthony Smith (31-14, 206 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Gustafsson is an inch taller and has three inches of reach on Smith. They touch gloves to get things going. Gustafsson is moving right away, lots of circling while Smith looks to corral him. Bit of a right from Smith. Smith is showing some stance switching now, and Gustafsson checks a leg kick. Smith lands a left hook in close. Gustafsson is trying to get thrust kicks to the knee going. Smith lands a leg kick. Gustafsson’s shin is bleeding after that kick he checked earlier. Both men are very aware of this being a five round fight, they’re not over committing and don’t mind getting a feel for each other. Bit of a right from Smith. Smith lands a front kick to the body, Gustafsson is starting to get his jab working though he’s aiming it at the chest or body. Smith lands an inside leg kick, Gustafsson lands a left and Smith is backing up. There’s one clash but no one lands clean as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Smith

ROUND TWO: Gustafsson is the one moving forward a bit more this round, he avoids an overhand right then starts moving away. Smith misses another right. Smith lands an inside leg kick then Gustafsson avoids another right. Gustafsson lands a right to the body. Smith fires a left high kick that’s partially blocked by Gustafsson. Smith lands a couple of body shots then tries a left that’s mostly blocked. Gustafsson is showing the jab again now, looking to get Smith to open up. Smith lands an uppercut and tries to follow up but Gustafsson is able to block much of it and then circle off of the cage. Hard left hook from Smith lands but Gustafsson just eats it. Smith tries another overhand right but falls just a little short. Left to the body from Smith lands and Gustafsson leans away from a right hook. Smith avoids a few punches and a kick. Gustafsson lands a right. Smith is the one backing up and circling as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again. Gustafsson is probing with lead leg kicks to the knee. They get close and trade punches, Gustafsson then lands an uppercut, eats a right and they separate. Leg kick from Gustafsson. Smith is backing Gustafsson towards the fence again, Gustafsson lands a right. Smith lands a right then a left hook and Gustafsson circles away. Both men land thrust kicks to the knee. Body kick from Smith lands. Smith lands a calf kick and takes a couple of jabs. Gustafsson lands a right but can’t connect cleanly, then lands a left hook to the body. Smith lands a calf kick. A couple more jabs from Gustafsson land then Smith checks a leg kick. One two from Gustafsson lands, Smith kicks the leg again. Gustafsson lands a body kick that got Smith’s attention then gets a takedown into side control. Smith gets to full guard as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gustafsson, 29-28 Smith overall

ROUND FOUR: They touch gloves again. Smith is coming forward, lands a right to the body. Smith lands a body kick after missing a couple of punches. Gustafsson blocks a high kick. A few more kicks to the leg then Gustafsson tries a takedown but Smith reverses it and moves to the back against the fence. Only one hook for Smith, now both hooks but he’s too high on the back of Gustafsson and is likely to slip off. Smith adjusts his grip and flattens out Gustafsson then starts landing punches and elbows. Body triangle now for Smith, he’s after the choke and flattens out Gustafsson and gets the choke to absolutely silence the crowd.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Anthony Smith via Submission, rear naked choke, at 2:38 of Round 4

Massive win for Smith, the only guys to beat Gustafsson in the last few years were Jon Jones, Daniel Cormier, and Anthony Johnson. Mic time for Smith, who jokes that people forget his a black belt in jiu-jitsu and is grateful he’s finally in a spot where he can show that off. He says he broke his left hand on the first real punch in the first round and he can feel it clicking, then thanks Gustafsson and all of Sweden who have treated him well and he never felt like he was an enemy despite fighting Gustafsson. He puts over Gustafsson as one of the best light heavyweights to close his interview.

Gustafsson will also get an interview, he says he’s disappointed and notes this wasn’t the first time he’s lost in his hometown and that you do this sport because you love it. He puts over Smith as a great guy and a true fighter, then thanks everyone for coming out and supporting not only him but all the other fighters on the card. He then says the show is over and drops his gloves in the cage, a traditional sign of retirement.

On that note everyone, thanks for reading be that live or after the fact. This Sunday we’ll be breaking down the action from this card as well as previewing UFC 238. UFC 238 is a stacked card if you’re a hardcore MMA fan, there might not be a whole lot to draw in the casual audience but the top three fights are Cejudo vs. Moraes, Shevchenko vs. Eye, and Ferguson vs. Cerrone. Also on that card is Petr Yan vs. Jimmie Rivera, I’m just hoping it all holds together. I’ll be back next Saturday for that card, I hope you’ll stop by and read along as well. Until then thanks again everyone, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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