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411’s UFC on ESPN+ 118 Report: Ulberg Sleeps Reyes 9.27.25

September 28, 2025 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC on ESPN+ 118 Image Credit: UFC

MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET)
#3 Carlos Ulberg (205 lbs.) vs. #7 Dominick Reyes (206 lbs.)
Jimmy Crute (205 lbs.) vs. Ivan Erslan (206 lbs.)
Jack Jenkins (146 lbs.) vs. Ramon Taveras (147 lbs.)*
Neil Magny (170 lbs.) vs. Jake Matthews (170 lbs.)
Charlie Campbell (155.5) vs. Tom Nolan (155 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)
Rodolfo Bellato (205 lbs.) vs. Navajo Stirling (205.5 lbs.)
Andre Petroski (185.5 lbs.) vs. Cam Rowston (184.5 lbs.)
Rolando Bedoya (156 lbs.) vs. Jamie Mullarkey (156 lbs.)
Josias Musasa (135.5 lbs.) vs. Colby Thicknesse (135.5 lbs.)
Luana Carolina (136 lbs.) vs. Michelle Montague (134.5 lbs.)
Elisha Ellison (236.6 lbs.) vs. Brando Pericic (261 lbs.)
#14 Loma Lookboonmee (115.5 lbs.) vs. Alexia Thainara (115.5 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 118, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host. Well this card has really been through the ringer hasn’t it? This started life with 16 fights, too many for my taste, but ends with just 12 as illness and injury have had their way with the card. Frankly it wasn’t all that stacked to begin with: there’s a whopping three ranked fighters on the whole thing, double digit fighters coming off of the Contender Series, 5 UFC debutantes, and a bunch of the fighters are coming off of losses. That’s just not a recipe for much excitement. Now the main event is still in place and is a very relevant fight, Carlos Ulberg and Dominick Reyes are fighting for the next presumptive title shot. Ulberg has a long winning streak while Reyes has authored one of the more impressive career resurgences in recent memory. After that this gets real slim, but Jack Jenkins is usually good for a fun fight. On the prelims maybe Navajo Stirling draws some interest, and I do think Jamie Mullarkey vs. Rolando Bedoya should at least be watchable. But overall this is not a card that inspires a ton of enthusiasm on paper.

UFC on ESPN+ 118 comes to the world from the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. We’ve got Brendan Fitzgerald, Paul Felder, and Dominick Cruz on commentary which is a pretty solid trio. We’ll have the usual 30 foot Octagon set up, and the new rules should be in force here though I’ll update this if that proves inaccurate.

Loma Lookboonmee is on a four fight winning streak which has gotten her into the rankings, while she’s one of the women on the roster who really wants atomweight opened up she’s looking to defend that strawweight ranking here and extend her winning streak. Alexia Thainara is on a 10 fight winning streak including her UFC debut back in march when she pretty much ran over Molly McCann, now she’s trying to crack the rankings with her second UFC outing. The odds are with Thainara at -240 against a +200 comeback for Lookboonmee.

Strawweight Bout: #14 Loma Lookboonmee (10-3, 115.5 lbs.) vs. Alexia Thainara (12-1, 115.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Thainara is three inches taller with five and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Thainara looks to pressure forward early. They trade leg kicks then Lookboonmee lands a couple of punches. Body kick from Lookboonmee. Thainara lands a right hand. They tie up and Thainara pushes things to the fence. Lookboonmee with some knees to the body then she lands a high kick as they break the clinch. Both women land rights. They trade calf kicks again then Lookboonmee lands a front kick. Bit of an elbow from Lookboonmee. Thainara lands a spinning back kick then they tie up and hit the fence. They jockey for position and eventually Thainara hits a trip and gets on top in half guard. Lookboonmee moves to her knees, Thainara gets the ride position but Lookboonmee stands against the fence with Thainara on her back. They get chest to chest then Lookboonmee lands a knee to the head as they break. Both women land rights. Lookboonmee is starting to use elbows to close distance. Thainara lands a right hand then gets an outside trip as they tie up and gets on top in full mount. Lookboonmee is able to shrimp and get full guard but she took some elbows from Thainara along the way. Can Opener from Thainara then elbows to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Thainara

ROUND TWO: Front kick from Lookboonmee to start the second round. Thainara blocks a high kick. Another front kick from Lookboonmee. Thainara catches a front kick and is able to get a takedown into half guard. Lookboonmee wall walks into a clinch then they separate. Body kick from Lookboonmee, then another one. Bit of an elbow from Lookboonmee. Thainara lands a jab. Both women land elbows. Lookboonmee avoids a wheel kick and fires a high kick which mostly gets smothered by Thainara as she forces a clinch to the fence. Sacrifice throw from Thainara, I wouldn’t recommend using that one too often but she gets on top in half guard. Lookboonmee is able to move to the fence then wall walks with Thainara on her back again. Bit of an elbow from Thainara as she’s got Lookboonmee on the fence. They get chest to chest again and a few small blows go back and forth but nothing too serious. They break and trade punches in close to close out the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Pretty quick rush from Thainara into a clinch on the fence again. Lookboonmee avoids a lateral drop and they scramble back up into a clinch. Some knees from Lookboonmee land but Thainara gets her on the fence. They break with a right from Thainara. Calf kick from Thainara. They trade rights then clinch up again. Some knees and elbows go back and forth before they break. Body kick from Lookboonmee. Thainara gets another clinch and slips to the back along the fence. Not much going on here, eventually Thainara tries the old Jacare back take by kicking off the fence, it kind of works though mostly because Lookboonmee isn’t sure about the scramble that results. Lookboonmee breaks the hooks anyway and wrestles up and free. Lookboonmee presses forward but Thainara just circles away for the final seconds.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alexia Thainara via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

No interview for Thainara, apparently she took a long time getting to the ring and that ate into the allotted air time.

Brando Pericic brings a two fight winning streak into his UFC debut and now he’s trying to make the most of his chance at a first impression. Elisha Ellison is also making his UFC debut, he’s on a three fight winning streak and likewise is trying to make a good first impression on the UFC audience. Pericic is your favorite at -215 to a +180 payout on Ellison.

Heavyweight Bout: Elisha Ellison (5-1, 236.6 lbs.) vs. Brando Pericic (4-1, 261 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Pericic is five inches taller with an inch and a half of reach advantage, he’s also over 20 pounds heavier. Both men probe with some jabs and low kicks early. A few leg kicks from Pericic land. Ellison with a flurry, doesn’t really land cleanly. Pericic with a few jabs then a right hand that wobbles Ellison. They clinch, Ellison tries a takedown but Pericic gets to his back standing and unloads with punches before Ellison gets chest to chest. A few knees are traded then they break and swing more awkward punches. Ellison tries a double leg against the fence, Pericic elbows him until Ellison basically pulls guard and Pericic keeps landing punches until Ellison goes out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Brando Pericic via KO, punches, at 1:55 of Round 1

The First round Finish Club thanks Mr. Pericic for his work. Mic time for Pericic he thanks God and says he likes sending his opponents home broke, bloody, and bruised. He talks us through the finish and puts over his team, then says he took out a 100 thousand dollar loan to come work for UFC and asks for a bonus. The economics of this sport are so trash man. He again puts over his team then dedicates the fight to some people in his life.

Luana Carolina is on a three fight winning streak and if she can get to four in a row here she’ll likely be looking at some ranked opposition next time out. Michelle Montague is undefeated coming into her UFC debut and she’s trying to remain that way by getting that all important first UFC win under her belt. Montague closed as the -210 favorite to Carolina’s +175.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Luana Carolina (11-4, 136 lbs.) vs. Michelle Montague (6-0, 134.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Montague is three inches taller while Carolina has half an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves, southpaw for Carolina. Montague with some early pressure, both women miss some punches along the way. Bit of a body kick from Montague. Carolina starts showing a side kick, mostly for distance management. Right hand from Montague. Some stance switches from Carolina now but she’s getting tagged when they get close. Montague shows the jab while moving forward. Counter right from Carolina lands. Montague pushes into a clinch on the fence. Double leg from Montague and she’s on top in full guard. Elbow from Carolina and Montague is cut now. A few strikes from Montague land. They trade a few strikes on the mat, Montague is able to posture up and land a flurry of punches before Carolina gets some control. Montague stands free then passes to half guard and lands more elbows. Carolina grabs at an armbar but Montague spins free and moves to side control still landing strikes. The round ends with Carolina getting full guard back.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Carolina but a close one

ROUND TWO: Carolina lands a solid right punch but Montague gets a takedown into half guard despite that. Montague drops an elbow and looks to pass but Carolina gets full guard then lands an illegal up kick so we’ve got a time out. No doubt about that one on the replay, illegal kick there. The ref takes a point, good on him, then they restart on the feet. Montague avoids a few strikes while commentary brings up that perhaps they should have been restarted in the position of the foul. Left hand from Carolina. Montague pushes into a clinch on the fence. They trade a few knees then break. I think there might be a second cut on Montague, she hits a low single leg into half guard though. Carolina tries a reverse triangle, that’s just for control not really a submission threat. Montague lands a knee to the body then gets her head out and moves to side control. North-south now for Montague and she elbows the body then tries to attack an arm but loses the grip and they wrestle around with Montague still on top. Elbows from Montague then she grabs at a kimura from north-south, she can’t find it so she drops elbows to the body and moves to mount. More elbows and punches from Montague now as she batters Carolina. Carolina tries to move but just takes damage until the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Montague with the point deduction, 19-18 Montague overall

ROUND THREE: Carolina lands a punch to start the round. Montague keeps pressuring forward. They clinch up and Montague moves to the back standing then hits a German suplex into side control. Elbows from Montague now as she’s got one of Carolina’s arms gift wrapped, Carolina get her arm back but she’s still stuck on her back. Von Flue choke attack from Montague now, she’s not able to get it as there’s finishing work she has to do but the threat was real. Carolina catches half guard but she’s bleeding now. Montague with a few more elbows to the body and head. Carolina is able to shrimp and get full guard but Montague is willing to be there and continue landing strikes. Carolina stands but Montague is on her back and mat returns her again into side control. Montague into full mount now and she drops elbows from a mounted triangle position. Carolina is able to slip out the back as Montague didn’t have her legs really locked together but Montague is still on top in north-south. Montague with more elbows, she gets the back and grabs at a choke with 20 seconds left. The choke doesn’t look like it’s in a good spot, Montague keeps trying to adjust it but wont find it before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Montague, could be 10-8 if you’re feeling generous, 29-27 Montague overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Michelle Montague via unanimous decision (30-36, 29-26, 30-25)

Yeah, no issues with Montague getting a 10-8 in the third. Mic time for Montague, she’s the first female from New Zealand to make it to the UFC apparently, and she talks about working hard to get to this moment. She puts over Carolina as a good opponent to close.

Colby Thicknesse suffered his first professional loss in his UFC debut back in February and now he’s trying to get his first taste of victory in the promotion. Josias Musasa is in the same position, though he also missed weight for his UFC debut when he lost to Carlos Vera and now he’s trying to get back on the winning side of things. The odds lean towards Musasa at -155 to a +130 payout on a Thicknesse win.

Bantamweight Bout: Josias Musasa (8-1, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Colby Thicknesse (7-1, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Musasa is an inch taller with five inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Musasa. Thicknesse tires a high kick but doesn’t land it. Right hand from Musasa after he catches a kick, they fight in close and Thicknesse avoids a tie up along the fence. Inside leg kick from Musasa. Musasa lands a left hand in close. Another inside leg kick from Musasa. Both men land left hands. Bit of a left from Musasa then he avoids a takedown. Thicknesse with an inside leg kick then a front kick. Bit of a left from Musasa. Inside leg kick from Musasa, Thicknesse gets a clinch though and pushes things into the fence. Outside trip from Thicknesse and he’s on top in half guard then moves effortlessly to full mount. Some punches and elbows from Thicknesse, Musasa is trying to tie him up and control posture but that’s not sustainable for him. They scoot towards the fence but Thicknesse is still landing punches then traps one of Musasa’s arms with his legs. That did allow Musasa to invert but Thicknesse stays in mount and lands punches. There’s a mounted triangle if Thicknesse wants it, he tries for it but loses the position then gets back to mount easily. More punches from Thicknesse as he’s got full mount. Musasa just doesn’t have a real answer, he moves to sit on the fence and Thicknesse grabs at a bulldog choke and cranks at it but Musasa will see out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Thicknesse but a marginal one

ROUND TWO: Musasa gets back to pressuring and lands an inside leg kick. Another inside leg kick from Musasa, those are starting to add up a bit. Knee from Thicknesse in close. Musasa avoids a takedown and keeps up the pressure. Musasa avoids an elbow and lands a punch. Elbow from Musasa but Thicknesse responds with a right hand. A few punches from Musasa in close. Thicknesse grabs a clinch but can’t keep it, he bulls things to the fence though and looks for a double leg. Eventually Thicknesse gets his hands together but he can’t elevate Musasa. A few knees go back and forth in the clinch then Musasa slips to the back. Thicknesse tries for a kimura but Musasa avoids that and lands a left hand as they break. The left shin of Thicknesse is cut from the inside leg kicks Musasa has been landing. They tie up again and trade little uppercuts before Thicknesse pushes things to the fence. A few more knees from Thicknesse, nothing serious though, and they keep jockeying for position. The nose of Thicknesse is bleeding pretty badly. They break as both men miss strikes then just circle the final seconds away.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Musasa, 19-18 Thicknesse overall

ROUND THREE: Musasa gets back on pressure. They trade kicks. Inside leg kick from Thicknesse. Musasa lands a left hand but takes a kick to the groin so we’ve got a time out. No doubt about that one on the replay, it was a front kick attempt from Thicknesse but the range was off and he just punted Musasa between the legs. Pretty bad one here, Musasa is able to regain his feet after 1:20 or so. Ultimately Musasa is able to continue after taking 4:24, no point deduction for Thicknesse. Musasa gets back to pressuring, Thicknesse lands an uppercut in close. Right hand from Musasa then he fights off a takedown attempt. Body kick from Musasa then an inside leg kick. Thicknesse tries a takedown, Musasa sprawls but Thicknesse keeps wrestling him and they hit the fence. Now Thicknesse switches towards a single leg but has to settle for a clinch. Outside trip from Thicknesse and he’s on top in full mount again. 90 seconds left. A few punches from Thicknesse, he’s walking his mount up higher so he can get some posture. A few strikes land for Thicknesse then an elbow. The round will end in that spot with Thicknesse in mount throwing some hammer fists.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Musasa but could go either way, 28-28 DRAW overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Colby Thicknesse via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

No issues with that overall.

Jamie Mullarkey has gone 5-6 in the UFC and is currently on a two fight losing streak, those losses coming to Nasrat Haqparast and Mauricio Ruffy, plus he’s been out of action since May of last year. Mullarkey is trying to halt his current skid and prove he’s still got something to offer the UFC. Rolando Bedoya has gone 0-3 in the UFC and really needs to get a win here if he wants to justify his spot on the roster because even these days an 0-4 start in the UFC tends to have dire consequences. Mullarkey is a slight favorite at -125 to Bedoya’s +105.

Lightweight Bout: Rolando Bedoya (14-4, 156 lbs.) vs. Jamie Mullarkey (17-8, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Mullarkey is an inch taller while the reach is identical. Both men with some range finding jabs. Mullarkey with an inside leg kick, they’re both showing stance switches as well as they circle around. Jab from Bedoya. Mullarkey with a body kick. They trade calf kicks. Well timed takedown from Mullarkey into half guard. Bedoya is able to scramble up with Mullarkey on his back against the fence. Mullarkey pulls things down and gets the back with both hooks in. Body triangle now for Mullarkey and he starts fishing for the choke. Bedoya is hand fighting well enough thus far but he’s not doing much to address the body triangle yet. Mullarkey loses the body triangle but keeps the back with both hooks in. Back to the body triangle for Mullarkey but Bedoya is doing a better job to using his legs to attack the triangle and he’s able to get full guard after a little scramble. Mullarkey moves to the ride position then gets the back again. The round ends in that spot.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Mullarkey

ROUND TWO: Calf kick from Bedoya then a bit of a right hand. They tie up then trade elbows on the break. Jab from Bedoya. Mullarkey starts showing his jab again. Bit of a right hand then a left hook from Mullarkey. Bedoya misses a few punches. They tie up and Mullarkey lands a cracking left hook on the break. Right hand from Mullarkey, then another one as he’s got Bedoya backing up. Mullarkey tries a single leg against the fence, he can’t finish it but he gets a clinch on the fence. Double leg from Mullarkey, he uses that to get behind Bedoya then back to a double leg attempt. Eventually Mullarkey lands a few knees before they break. Left hand from Mullarkey. Uppercut from Mullarkey then they clinch and hit the fence. Elbow from Bedoya as they break apart. Mullarkey shoots, Bedoya defends. Jab from Mullarkey then he lands a left hook. They circle away the last couple of seconds.

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

ROUND THREE: Bedoya looks to be more aggressive this round. Mullarkey avoids a left hand. Both men land short punches in close. Jab from Mullarkey, then another one. Bedoya with a jab. Glancing right hand from Mullarkey. Bedoya avoids a double leg but they clinch up briefly. Mullarkey tries a single leg but Bedoya defends. Left hand from Mullarkey, Bedoya responds with a right. Jab from Bedoya then Mullarkey with a bit of a left hook. They both land short punches in close. Right hand from Bedoya, he’s fighting well this round. Both men again land punches but Bedoya seems to be flowing better with his boxing. Mullarkey tries a double leg, Bedoya grabs a front headlock and pushes things to the fence then lands an elbow as they break. Short right from Mullarkey. Knee from Bedoya. Knee from Bedoya again. Spinning elbow from Bedoya partially lands. They split a few jabs while moving then Mullarkey lands an uppercut. Right hand from Mullarkey. Both men again land punches in close then Bedoya avoid a single leg. Elbow from Bedoya in close. Left hook from Mullarkey. Takedown from Mullarkey against the fence, and Bedoya wall walks just before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bedoya, 29-28 Mullarkey overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jamie Mullarkey via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Yeah that’s about right. No interview for Mullarkey.

Andre Petroski has gone 3-3 in his last six fights and most recently got beat up by Edmen Shahbazyan back in June, he’s trying to avoid another losing streak here. Cam Rowston brings a four fight winning streak into his UFC debut, most recently he won on the Contender Series to wind up in this position and now he’s looking to leave a good first impression to the audience. The odds are with Petroski at -175 to Rowston’s +145 comeback.

Middleweight Bout: Andre Petroski (13-4, 185.5 lbs.) vs. Cam Rowston (12-3, 184.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rowston is three inches taller with five inches of reach advantage. Some long range jabs from Rowston early. Petroski with a bit of a calf kick. Rowston checks a calf kick. Petroski does some stance switching now. Knee to the body from Rowston. Jab from Rowston. They trade a few leg kicks. Bit of a combination from Rowston then a high kick which is mostly blocked. Left hook from Rowston drops Petroski, Rowston gets on top and Petroski tries an armbar but Rowston defends that and they settle on the mat. Some punches and elbows from Rowston, Petroski just covers up and the ref steps in to halt the fight.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Cam Rowston via TKO, punches, at 2:41 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Rowston for his work. Mic time for Rowston, he warns the middleweight division that there’s a new dog in the yard now. He knew he hurt Petroski with that left hook but knew Petroski would be hard to close out and he’s happy to have done so. Asked about the future he says he was here 7 years ago when Israel Adesanya debuted in the UFC, and he’s in a similar position as he’s the same height and from the same camp so get on the bandwagon now.

Navajo Stirling is undefeated including a couple of UFC fights, he’s looking to establish himself as a prospect of note with another win here. Rodolfo Bellato has gone 1-0-1 with 1 No Contest in the UFC, he hasn’t actually won a fight since besting Ihor Potieria in his UFC debut back in 2023 and he’s really trying to shake off both a draw with Jimmy Crute and an odd No Contest with Paul Craig. Stirling is a decent favorite here at -270 to Bellato’s +220.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Rodolfo Bellato (12-2-1 1 NC, 205 lbs.) vs. Navajo Stirling (7-0, 205.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Stirling is an inch taller with an inch and a half of reach advantage. A bit of feinting from both men then Stirling lands a right to the body. Front kick from Stirling. Bellato misses a left hook but they clinch up. Bit of a foot sweep from Stirling but Bellato remains upright and forces things to the fence. Elbow from Stirling, then another one as they jockey for position. A few punches land for Stirling then a bit of a spinning elbow as they break. Stirling with a jab then a calf kick. Glancing right hand from Stirling. Stirling with a couple of body blows then a front kick and a body kick as well. Bellato with a front kick then they clinch up on the fence. They break without incident. Stirling keeps showing some kicks while circling then he lands a couple more body punches. Left to the body from Bellato then a bit of a left hook before they clinch. They break without incident. Combination from Stirling, he’s going body to head now and they trade punches in close. Knee from Bellato but Stirling just guts through it and keeps landing knees then an elbow before they clinch. They break and Stirling lands a right hand to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Stirling

ROUND TWO: Bellato gets on pressure, Stirling with body jabs the maintain distance. They clinch up and hit the fence again. Knee from Stirling then a right hand as they break. Elbow from Stirling and they clinch again. Takedown from Stirling and he’s on top in half guard. Some punches from Stirling. Bellato is able to get full guard, maybe should have started a wall walk there because Stirling keeps hitting him. Elbow from Stirling and he passes to half guard but that lets Bellato wall walk into a clinch. They break after trading a few punches. Body jab then a right hand from Stirling. Bellato blocks a kick. Left hook from Stirling. Stirling with a knee to the body then a front kick. Bellato with a right hand. Bit of a right to the body from Stirling. Bellato avoids a spinning attack and gets a takedown to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Bellato gets back to moving forward but he’s still kind of walking into jabs. Body kick from Stirling. Body shots from Stirling. Bellato eats a jab then jabs the body. Stirling again with a couple of body hooks. Bellato with a calf kick. Both men land lefts in close. Stirling goes back to the body with punches then lands a right hand. They split a few jabs. Stirling hits the body again then they clinch up. Knee from Stirling as they break the clinch. A few jabs go back and forth now. Calf kick from Stirling. Bellato pushes into a clinch on the fence. Bellato is able to slip to the back then hit a mat return. Stirling starts working to wall walk right away but that slows on his knees with Bellato holding a ride. Stirling does get up into a clinch then they break. Both men miss elbows then Stirling limp legs out of a single leg. Jab from Stirling. Another clinch, Bellato with a knee then they hit the fence. Bit of a spinning elbow from Stirling on the break. Right to the body from Stirling then he sprawls away from a double leg. Bellato misses a spinning elbow. A couple more body blows from Stirling then a solid right hand. Bellato with a strong jab. Stirling with a body kick then both men miss high kicks to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Stirling but the closest of the fight, 30-27 Stirling overall

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

Quick interview for Stirling, he really wanted a finish but Bellato absorbed his offense well so he had to mix in the grappling a little more. Asked about the future he wants to fight Ibo Aslan who was his original opponent for this event before having to withdraw.

Tom Nolan has gone 3-1 in the UFC but he’s on a three fight winning streak and a fourth consecutive win here could indicate it’s time for him to take a mild step up in class. Charlie Campbell is on a three fight winning streak with the most recent two being in the UFC, he’s also trying to make the case for a step up in class or at least a firm declaration of his prospect status. Pretty close one here, -140 on Nolan to +120 for Campbell.

Lightweight Bout: Charlie Campbell (9-2, 155.5) vs. Tom Nolan (9-1, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Nolan is three inches taller with half an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going, Nolan fighting southpaw. A few range finding kicks from both men as they circle. Bit of a left hand from Nolan then his follow up kick is blocked. Campbell with a couple of inside leg kicks. Campbell bulls forward and drops Nolan with a left hand but he makes him stand back up. They tie up, bit of an elbow from Nolan but Campbell off balances him then again forces the stand up. Campbell with an inside leg kick, both men are throwing power leg kicks a fair bit given the open stances. Left hand then a right hook from Nolan. Inside leg kicks go back and forth then Campbell lands a bit of a right. Nolan pushes forward and lands a couple of lefts. Campbell with a right hand, they both land in close then tie up. A few knees from Nolan land as they start to jockey for position. They break then clinch again, both men are looking for dirty boxing then Campbell lands a punch on the break. Right hand from Nolan staggers Campbell, they both swing punches though and Nolan off balances Campbell with another punch before they clinch. Short punches from Nolan in the clinch then he rides Campbell down and grabs at a choke from the back. Campbell tries to get free but he’s caught in the choke and has to tap out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Tom Nolan via Submission, rear naked choke, at 4:08 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Nolan for his work. That was a fun little 4 minute fight, and Nolan gets an interview. He says checking the inside leg kicks messed up his foot and knee a bit, then says he felt obligated to get the submission as he was recently promoted to black belt. Asked about the future he says he’s getting married at the end of the year but he’d like to come back in March or so. To close he thanks God.

Jake Matthews is on a three fight winning streak right now, he’s been with the UFC since way back in 2014 but another win here would constitute the longest winning streak of his UFC career and could move him back towards the rankings. Neil Magny has also been with the UFC since the year of the flood, well more specifically 2013, and he’s just continuing to plug away until they get rid of him. Matthews is the biggest favorite tonight at -370 while that +290 comeback on Magny has to tempt some bettors out there.

Welterweight Bout: Neil Magny (30-13, 170 lbs.) vs. Jake Matthews (22-7, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Magny is three and a half inches taller with a serious seven inches of reach advantage, he’s also seven years older. They touch gloves to get things going. Matthews stalks forward and both men probe with the jab. Bit of a left hand from Matthews. Magny avoids an uppercut. Bit of a right from Matthews then they clinch, Matthews slips to the back then breaks and fires a punch that gets blocked. Magny keeps his jab pretty active. Bit of a right from Matthews. The lack of leg kicks from Matthews is a problem, they’ve been an issue for Magny for pretty much his entire career and not using them at all seems ill advised. There’s a calf kick from Matthews. Another calf kick from Matthews. Bit of a blitz from Magny. Matthews avoids a takedown attempt. Quick little body to head combination of punches from Matthews as he’s getting Magny to the fence. Magny with a jab again. They tie up and hit the fence. They break without incident. Matthews grabs a guillotine choke as Magny hits a double leg, that’s not really a threat right now as Magny isn’t in guard but Matthews is sitting on the fence. Matthews adjusts and uses the guillotine to mount and tries the mounted guillotine but Magny sees out the round. Some controversy there as the ref touched Matthews to get him to release the hold before the round actually ended.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Matthews

ROUND TWO: Both men look to strike again as the round starts. Jab from Magny. Matthews with a calf kick. Right hand then a left hook from Matthews. Stiff jab from Matthews. Matthews with a left to the body into a clinch. They break without incident. Magny reaches for the legs, Matthews grabs a front headlock then rides Magny down and spins to the back with one hook in. Matthews starts fishing for a choke and uses that to move to full mount. Mounted triangle from Matthews now, he’s got it locked up and then stats landing punches. Matthews bails on the triangle and keeps top position as Magny started to get his head out of danger. Top half guard for Matthews now. Some short punches and elbows from Matthews. Shoulder pressure from Matthews opens up a pass attempt, then he lands a right hand as Magny gets his half guard back. The round ends with Matthews still on top.

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

ROUND THREE: Both men come out swinging to start the last round. They punch into a clinch then punch out of it. Both men with some dirty boxing in close before they clinch in space. They break without incident. Magny tries a double leg, Matthews grabs a guillotine on the way down against the fence though. They wrestle around and come up with Matthews pressing Magny into the fence. Magny gets Matthews on the fence and tries his own front headlock attack to land a knee. Some punches from Magny, he’s trying to drown Matthews with pace and pressure. Magny tries to lock up a d’arce but uses that to push Matthews over and get on top in full mount. Matthews escapes the mount and wrestles up on a single leg. Magny sprawls away from that and tries a d’arce choke again and this time Matthews has to tap out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Neil Magny via Submission, d’arce choke, at 3:08 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Magny for his work. The ref really screwed that one in the first round though. Mic time for Magny and he feels great then puts over the fans who absolutely do not care about him. Asked about the first round, he kind of dismisses the controversy. He talks us through the finish and does the pseudo inspirational bit to close.

Jack Jenkins has gone 3-2 in the UFC but he’s coming off of a loss and is trying to avoid his first UFC losing streak. Ramon Taveras has gone 1-1 in the UFC, he missed weight in his UFC debut then got a dubious split decision win before losing to Davey Grant and now he’s missed weight again despite moving up to featherweight. Taveras really needs a win as another loss coupled with now missing weight in 2/3 of his UFC outings could easily mean he’s just more of a headache than he’s worth. Jenkins is the favorite at -390 to a +235 comeback on Taveras.

Featherweight Bout: Jack Jenkins (13-4, 146 lbs.) vs. Ramon Taveras (10-3, 147 lbs.)*

ROUND ONE: Taveras is an inch taller with two inches of reach advantage, plus of course he missed weight. Southpaw for Taveras. Jenkins with a body kick. A few front kicks from Jenkins as they’re circling around. Another body kick from Jenkins. Taveras keeps moving forward but takes another body kick. Sharp jab from Jenkins. Taveras with a jab of his own. Left hook from Jenkins then a body kick behind it. Taveras blocks a high kick, Jenkins is trying to kick him in the forearm to mitigate the left hand. Both men throw kicks, and Jenkins takes one low so we’ve got a very brief time out. Body kick from Taveras. A head kick from Jenkins hurts Taveras, Jenkins with a flurry of punches. Inside leg kick from Jenkins then he fires a head kick but that’s blocked. Jenkins goes southpaw to land a few lefts then fires another body kick out of orthodox. Inside leg kick from Jenkins then both men swing a few punches in close. Body kick from Jenkins. Jenkins lands another inside leg kick. Body jab from Taveras then Jenkins jabs him. Calf kick from Jenkins as Taveras briefly went orthodox. Bit of a high kick from Jenkins. Left hand from Jenkins. Another body kick from Jenkins, Taveras pushes into a clinch as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jenkins

ROUND TWO: Jenkins back to kicking and circling. Taveras blocks a couple of high kicks then Jenkins lands a couple of inside leg kicks. Jab from Taveras. Jenkins with a body kick and Taveras fires a bit of a counter left. Calf kick from Jenkins as he went southpaw, then they clinch up. Taveras knees Jenkins in the groin so we’ve got another break. We’re back after 40 seconds, and the ref tells Taveras he’s taking a point next time. Jenkins back to his kicking game on the restart. Inside leg kick from Jenkins. Taveras with a few jabs then a knee in close. Left hand from Jenkins. Calf kick form Jenkins, then another one. Another calf kick from Jenkins, then Taveras fires a left hand. Front kick from Jenkins then Taveras blocks a high kick. A few jabs go back and forth. Jenkins throws Taveras aside after a tie up, then punches to the fence and they tie up. They jockey for position, then Jenkins lands a knee on the break. Both men unload with punches then Taveras lands a head kick and a takedown into leg drag. Jenkins ends the round on top.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. High kick from Jenkins then an inside leg kick. Taveras tries to pressure forward, Jenkins avoids a takedown then they clinch up on the fence. Jenkins has Taveras on the fence and is looking for a takedown, he can’t quite find one but does get a body lock. Outside trip from Jenkins into half guard. Not much going on down here, Jenkins lands a few short punches but nothing serious is landing. Taveras scoots to the fence and starts looking to wall walk, Jenkins lands a few punches then gets to the back as they stand. Mat return from Jenkins then he grabs a choke from the back but he doesn’t have hooks and Taveras is able to escape and get on top in full guard. Taveras with a few short blows of his own. Jenkins isn’t showing anything related to regaining his feet, that’s a troubling skill deficit. Eventually Jenkins kicks Taveras over and they reset on the feet. Jenkins moves to the ride after avoiding a takedown and throws punches until the round ends.

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

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

I guess Taveras getting the third isn’t completely crazy but I disagree with it. Mic time for Jenkins, he talks about working hard after his last injury and puts over his team and family for helping him get back here. He says the fight went about how he expected and feels like he’s in a good spot to grow his career going forward.

Jimmy Crute is coming off of his first win since 2020 when he beat Marcin Prachnio back in July, now he’s trying for his first winning streak since 2020. Ivan Erslan has gone 0-2 in the UFC and he really needs to find that first UFC win here. Crute is the favorite at -220 to a +185 comeback on Erslan.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Jimmy Crute (13-4-2, 205 lbs.) vs. Ivan Erslan (14-5 1 NC, 206 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Crute has an inch and a half of reach advantage. A bit of feinting from both men as they circle and get reads. Erslan with a bit of a one two. Combination then a calf kick from Erslan. Crute lands a calf kick but Erslan is coming back at him with combinations. Front kick from Crute, he’s doing a bit of stance switching. Erslan with punches, Crute then takes him down and gets to the ride position. They move to the fence then Erslan stands with Crute on his back. Mat return from Crute, Erslan bounces up again with Crute still on his back. They fall to the mat, Crute grabs a front headlock then moves to the backpack as Erslan stands. Crute drags things back down but Erslan reverses to get on top then Crute kicks off the fence to sweep into top mount. Some punches from Crute as Erslan gives up the back and Crute grabs a choke, more like a Camel Clutch really, but it gets the tap either way.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jimmy Crute via Submission, reverse can opener/Camel Clutch, at 3:19 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Crute for his work. Crute gets an interview, he jokes that he doesn’t know the name of that submission he loves the result. He puts over God then says he’s found the love of MMA again. Asked about the future he wants to fight in February in Sydney.

Carlos Ulberg has gone 8-1 in the UFC and is on an eight fight winning streak, most recently besting Volkan Oezdemir and Jan Blachowicz. A win here should logically guarantee Ulberg the next shot at the light heavyweight title, especially since the division is still in pretty poor overall condition. Dominick Reyes has turned in a pretty impressive career saving effort the last couple of years, he went on a four fight losing streak from 2020-2022 with three of those being increasingly violent knockouts. But since returning to action in 2024 he’s rattled off three stoppage wins and if he can get another one here he could be getting his third shot at the light heavyweight title. Ulberg closed as the -255 favorite while that +210 comeback on Reyes has to be a tempting value bet.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #3 Carlos Ulberg (12-1, 205 lbs.) vs. #7 Dominick Reyes (15-4, 206 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two have the same height and reach measurements. Southpaw for Reyes and they touch gloves. Ulberg with some range finding kicks and jabs, nothing serious yet. Inside leg kick from Ulberg, Reyes returns it. Some more feinting from both men, neither seems to want to over commit early. Reyes misses a head kick. Calf kick from Reyes. Ulberg with a one two. Again Reyes misses a high kick. Stiff jab from Ulberg bothers Reyes for a second. Ulberg with an inside leg kick. Reyes avoids a right hand but that one was close. Another jab from Ulberg lands. Reyes blocks a high kick. Right to the body from Ulberg, he aimed that right to the liver since Reyes is southpaw and that is presented forward. Counter one two from Ulberg floors Reyes, another couple of blows on the mat put Reyes out and we’re done here.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Carlos Ulberg via KO, punches, at 4:27 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Ulberg for his work. Mic time for Ulberg, he feels he made the statement he needed to in order to guarantee being next in line for the title shot. He puts over Reyes pretty hard then tells whoever wins next week that he’s coming for them.

Alright everyone, on that note UFC on ESPN+ 118 comes to a close. We’ll be unpacking all the fallout from this event on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast plus looking ahead to UFC 320 with two title fights. I’ll be back next week for that event and I hope you will as well. Until then thank you for reading, stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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