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411’s UFC on ESPN+ 21 Report: Zabit Wins

November 9, 2019 | Posted by Robert Winfree

MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 2 p.m. ET)
#5 Zabit Magomedsharipov (146 lbs.) vs. #11 Calvin Kattar (146 lbs.)
Greg Hardy (265 lbs.) vs. #7 Alexander Volkov (251 lbs.)
Zelim Imadaev (171 lbs.) vs. Danny Roberts (170 lbs.)
Ed Herman (206 lbs.) vs. Khadis Ibragimov (206 lbs.)
Ramazan Emeev (171 lbs.) vs. Anthony Rocco Martin (171 lbs.)
Klidson Abreu (206 lbs.) vs. Shamil Gamzatov (206 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 11 a.m. ET)
Magomed Ankalaev (205 lbs.) vs. Dalcha Lungiambula (204 lbs.)
Rustam Khabilov (171 lbs.) vs. Sergey Khandozhko (171 lbs.)
Roman Kopylov (185 lbs.) vs. Karl Roberson (185 lbs.)
Abubakar Nurmagomedov (170 lbs.) vs. David Zawada (170 lbs.)
Roosevelt Roberts (156 lbs.) vs. Alexander Yakovlev (156 lbs.)
Jessica-Rose Clark (135 lbs.) vs. Pannie Kianzad (136 lbs.)
Davey Grant (136 lbs.) vs. Grigorii Popov (136 lbs.)


Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 21. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the event, relaying all of the action to you just as I see it. The UFC is back in Russia for this event, somewhat explaining the early morning nature of the start. The card itself suffered a pretty big setback near the end of October when the original main event of Alexander Volkov and former heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos fell through after dos Santos got a bacterial infection in his leg. Stepping in to replace dos Santos is Greg hardy, himself fresh off of inhalergate, and that fight has been dropped to the co-main event. The new main event is the featherweight fight between Zabit Magomedsharipov and Calvin Kattar, but due to the short notice nature of the change it will remain a 3 round fight.

The card isn’t terribly deep but features a few familiar names and a couple of guys who had somewhat memorable debuts that they lost, but despite the lack of name value we can always hope the action delivers. This event comes to the world from CSKA Arena in Moscow, Russia. On commentary we have John Gooden, Dan Hardy, and Paul Felder. We are under the newer rules including the newer definition of a grounded opponent, you need anything other than the soles of the feet but it does have to be load bearing in addition to the use of instant replay for fight ending sequences if so desired.

Grigorii Popov just lost his first fight since 2014, dropping his UFC debut in a cracking fight with Eddie Wineland. Popov is hoping to bounce back from that loss and get his first UFC win. Davey Grant has gone just 1-3 in the UFC and is on a two fight losing streak, he’s also been out of action since July of 2018 and is in serious danger of losing his roster spot if he drops this fight. Popov is a slight -160 favorite to +130 on Grant.

Bantamweight Bout: Davey Grant (10-4, 136 lbs.) vs. Grigorii Popov (14-3, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Grant has an inch of height and reach on Popov. They touch gloves to get things going. Grant opening southpaw but does a fair bit of shifting. Both men showing kicks early. Grant lands a side kick to the body, then a spinning back kick to the body as well. Another kick from Grant goes low so Popov will get time to recover. Popov is good to continue and we’re back to fighting. Popov lands a left then a body kick. Grant continues using push kicks to try and steer Popov around the ring. Popov lands a combination, Grant responds with a calf kick. Jab from Popov counters a kick attempt. Grant eats a body kick and gets a takedown from it into the guard of Popov. Popov is tying up the arms of Grant and looking to get his guard in play, Grant is looking to pass. Grant postures up and lands a few punches before Popov kicks him off and they wind up on the feet clinched. Popov fires a few elbows but Grant gets him down again and this time moves to half guard quickly. Elbows from Grant. Popov is trying to get up, he kicks Grant off balance and reverses position to land elbows from knee on belly. Grant up now and they separate. Grant coming forward, he lands a body kick. Popov has a high kick blocked, then lands a bit of a right as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Grant

ROUND TWO: Grant is coming forward more this round. Popov seems to have his legs back under him, he looked a little unsteady at the end of the first. Both men probing with kicks, Grant tries a flying knee that misses. Grant checks an inside leg kick and then lands one of his own. Popov showing southpaw now, and they clash on kicks but Popov took one low again. Replay confirms the knee of Grant hitting the cup, and Popov is good to continue. Grant lands an inside leg kick. Straight right from Grant lands flush, then he shoots a double leg that stalls out in the clinch on the fence. Popov gets a headlock take over but he can’t secure the scarf hold position and Grant gets his back standing after the scramble. Rear waist lock for Grant, he’s looking for mat returns and pulls Popov down but only has one hook in. Popov has a kimura grip and sells out to go for it but winds up on his back trying to get it. Popov switches to an armbar, gets to spiderweb position and is looking to straighten the arm but Grant is able to upset his balance and spin into his guard. Grant stands and punches to pass to side control, Popov looks to granby roll but gives up the back doing so though Grant has no arm position. Popov winds up on his back with Grant in his guard as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Leg kick from Grant lands. Popov misses a counter left, but he’s fighting southpaw for a moment and fires a body kick that lands low. Grant took that one in the cup, he takes a second or two but can continue and we’re back to fighting. Popov lands an inside leg kick. Grant tries a spinning back fist that is blocked. Swinging right from Grant misses. Popov lands a knee to the body as Grant looks to close distance, then a few elbows while he’s defending the takedown along the fence. Grant gets Popov down to a knee, Popov is back up and rolls under for a leg lock but there’s not a lot there for him. They wind up back on the feet at distance. There’s another double leg from Grant along the fence, Popov looks for a kimura grip to defend. Popov lands a few short elbows from his seat while working to wall walk. They’re up and separate again. Popov lands a right. There’s a real lack of combination work from Popov that’s hindering his offense so far. Grant looks badly winded. Popov punches forward but Grant is circling away from him. Grant lands a side kick to the body but eats a left. More body kicks from Popov but he can’t corral Grant who just circles away for the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Popov, 29-28 Grant overall

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

I’m not sure I can see Popov taking either the first or second, though he had moments in both rounds. No interview for Grant.

Pannie Kianzad has yet to win in the UFC, dropping her debut to Macy Chiasson then a decision in her return bout putting her back against the metaphorical wall in this fight. Jessica-Rose Clark has gone 2-1 in the UFC but is coming off of a loss to Jessica Eye, she’s hoping to get back on the winning side of things and avenge a previous career loss to Kianzad. Kianzad is the -125 favorite to -105 on Clark.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Jessica-Rose Clark (9-5 1 NC, 135 lbs.) vs. Pannie Kianzad (11-5, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Kianzad is two inches taller as well as one and a half inches of reach on Clark. Both women showing jabs early, Clark catches a body kick and forces a clinch. Some knees go back and forth, Kianzad lands a right as they break. Clark lands a straight right. Another counter right from Clark lands. Kianzad is backing up now, she tries to force a clinch and misses it. Kianzad is trying to establish her jab now, and lands a bit of a left hook. Clark lands an inside leg kick. Right from Clark, Kianzad lands a left hook. Clark lands a bit of a right then they clinch again. Kianzad breaks this one easier, she seems physically stronger at the moment. Clark lands a bit of a left. Kianzad lands a leg kick. Clark lands a leg kick then a glancing right. Short left hook from Kianzad. Counter one two from Kianzad lands. Kianzad is landing her jab rather consistently now. Clark lands a leg kick and a bit of a knee but eats a few counters. Clark lands a body kick. A right from Clark then a knee from Kianzad close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kianzad

ROUND TWO: Kianzad back to jabbing to star the round. Clark doesn’t seem to have a reliable answer to the jab. Body kick from Clark. Kianzad lands a right then a leg kick. Left hook then a jab from Kianzad both land and they clinch up. Knees are traded then they break. One two from Clark is mostly blocked, Kianzad lands a leg kick. Clark lands a right to the body. Body kick from Clark but she’s dropping her guard and Kianzad is landing counters on her. Kianzad lands a jab. Clark lands a stiff right. Another right from Clark lands but she’s not following up. Kianzad’s left eye is damaged from those punches, she lands a right of her own but Clark rolls with it. Leg kick from Clark but Kianzad lands a couple of counters as Clark was just hanging around after the strike. Clark lands a right to counter a jab. Kianzad fires a body kick. Clark lands an inside leg kick, Kianzad fires a spinning back fist that misses. They both miss to close out the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Kianzad is still working her lead hand and backing up Clark as the round begins. Jabs to the body from Kianzad. Clark lands a couple of leg kicks and they trade jabs. Kianzad lands a one two. They clinch up and Kianzad gets things to the fence. They break after a bit without real incident. Clark has a high kick blocked, Kianzad responds with a leg kick. Left hook from Kianzad then a jab to the body. Clark is suffering from a lack of head movement and firepower. Kianzad is still moving well, lands a left to the body then a straight right. Knee to the body from Kianzad. Clark tries a head kick that’s partially blocked. More jabs from Kianzad, Clark lands a left hook that stumbles her for a second. Kianzad digs the body again. Clark is really leaving her strikes out after they reach the target area, she’s not diligent about getting them back for defense. Left hook from Kianzad lands. One two from Kianzad to counter an inside leg kick. Kianzad lands another flurry that will close out the fight.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Pannie Kianzad via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

That was definitely a way to kill time. No interview for Kianzad.

Alexander Yakovlev just ended a layoff of more than two years with a win to break a two fight losing streak, now he’s hoping to get his first UFC winning streak up and running since 2016. Roosevelt Roberts has gone 2-1 in the UFC but is coming off of his first professional loss, he’s hoping to bounce back and avoid his first ever losing streak. The odds are with Roberts at -145 to a +115 comeback on Yakovlev.

Lightweight Bout: Roosevelt Roberts (8-1, 156 lbs.) vs. Alexander Yakovlev (24-8-1, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Yakovlev has an inch of height and reach on Roberts. Roberts is a full ten years younger though. They touch gloves to get us going, Yakovlev fighting southpaw. They just kind of stand close to each other and feint a bit. Roberts lands an inside leg kick, Yakovlev returns it. Both men doing a bit of hand fighting at range. Yakovlev lands a long left then an inside leg kick and blocks the counters from Roberts. Roberts has a right blocked then lands a body kick. Roberts lands a right around the guard of Yakovlev. Yakovlev lands a left to counter a high kick. Roberts is throwing in combination well so far, he’s just struggling to reliably find the target through the guard of Yakovlev. Body shots from Roberts, he lands to the head as well before they clinch up. Yakovlev has Roberts on the fence. Full body lock for Yakovlev and he’s landing knees to the body. Roberts pummels in to get to 50/50 position. They break without incident. Another clinch after Roberts missed a couple of rights, but this time Roberts has the body lock. The round will close out in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Roberts

ROUND TWO: Roberts firing the long right quickly in this round. Body kick from Yakovlev but he’s getting out worked in many ways. Yakovlev gets a body lock takedown into side control as Roberts over committed to a punch. Roberts is trying to shrimp and buck. Yakovlev is looking to move to knee on belly, he postures up and lands hammer fists as Roberts does get his half guard. Short elbows from Yakovlev, and hard elbows to the body. Roberts gets to his feet but Yakovlev threatens a d’arce then switches to an ankle pick to get on top in guard again. Roberts is after an armbar, he’s got the position but the arm isn’t extended yet. Yakovlev is trying to keep weight on his arm and keep things stacked. Yakovlev gets his arm free and lands a few blows as Roberts gets full guard again. Roberts wall walks to the clinch. Yakovlev still has the clinch, but the grappling game of Roberts is completely different when he’s got the fence to work with. They break without incident. Short right lands for Roberts and he avoids an ugly double leg from Yakovlev. They just kind of stare away the final ten seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Yakovlev, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Yakovlev quickly looks for a single leg, Roberts threatens with a guillotine and Yakovlev goes to his back to escape leading to Roberts getting full mount. Roberts is looking to posture up, Yakovlev forces a scramble and they wind up on the feet at distance. Both men miss some power hand punches. Roberts is the one backing up now, and Yakovlev gets a clinch but can’t keep it. A few punches from Roberts land. Yakovlev lands a left and pushes after a double leg on the fence. Again there’s no control and they separate. Yakovlev is coming forward swinging, he lands to the body. Roberts lands a right and looks for a front choke as Yakovlev is after another takedown but nothing comes of it. Yakovlev hits the body, gets a takedown despite a blatant fence grab from Roberts. Roberts has full guard. They’re close to the fence and that will let Roberts wall walk but Yakovlev is keeping a clinch. They break without incident then start landing punches. Roberts uses another ninja choke threat to counter a takedown and get on top in full mount again. Short elbows from Roberts, there’s an arm triangle position if he wants ti but the fence is in play. Roberts transitions towards the back, and the clock will run down in that position.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Roosevelt Roberts via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Decent enough fight, no interview for Roberts.

Abubakar Nurmagomedov is making his UFC debut here, and he’s looking to make the most of his only chance at a first impression. David Zawada has gone 0-2 in the UFC in addition to being out of action for about a year, he needs a win badly as starting 0-3 in the promotion almost always leads to getting the ax. The odds are with Nurmagomedov at -350 to a +275 comeback on Zawada.

Welterweight Bout: Abubakar Nurmagomedov (15-2-1, 170 lbs.) vs. David Zawada (16-5, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Zawada is an inch taller and has three inches of reach advantage. Zawada showing the jab early. Nurmagomedov lands a jab. Nurmagomedov avoids a few punches and lands counters again. Zawada lands a leg kick. Nurmagomedov’s counter jab has been doing work so far, and the right eye of Zawada is swelling a bit. Zawada lunges in, Nurmagomedov with a lovely double leg and gets on top in his guard. Nurmagomedov passes towards half guard, Zawada was trying for a switch or scramble but gets pushes back down flat. Nurmagomedov lands a few short lefts, Zawada is able to get full guard. Zawada throws up a triangle attempt, switches to an armbar, then back to the triangle choke and this time the angle is correct and Nurmagomedov has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – David Zawada via Submission, triangle choke, at 2:50 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Zawada for his work this morning. Mic time for Zawada, he says the game plan was to work the stand up more but notes he got caught a few times and then rushed and got taken down but was prepared to work off of his back. He talks us through the finish, noting the triangle was tight and he used strikes as well as the armbar threat to lock up the full triangle choke. Asked about the pressure, he puts over his opponent and their camp and is happy no one got injured then puts over his own corner and coaches.

This is a really nice submission. Nurmagomedov gets a little complacent in the guard, Zawada gets his legs up quickly to get the position. Beyond that note how he threatens the armbar and uses the defensive motion of Nurmagomedov to cinch up the choke tighter and put Russian’s 0-3 on the night so far.

Roman Kopylov is undefeated coming into his UFC debut, he’s looking to remain perfect and display his skills to the wider UFC audience. Karl Roberson has traded wins and losses while going 3-2 in the UFC, he’s coming off of a win though and is hoping for his first UFC winning streak. The odds for this one closed at an even -115 pick ’em.

Middleweight Bout: Roman Kopylov (8-0, 185 lbs.) vs. Karl Roberson (8-2, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Roberson is an inch taller while Kopylov has an inch of reach over him. They touch gloves, both men fighting southpaw. Both men feinting a bit with the hands. Roberson misses a combination. Kopylov lands an inside leg kick. Jabs from Kopylov. Roberson lands a one two then a leg kick. Kopylov back to jabbing and moving. Roberson lands a leg kick. Kopylov jabs to the body. Another leg kick lands for Roberson. A lot of forward pressure from Roberson this round. Kopylov lands a body kick and a couple of punches, Roberson responds with a leg kick. Roberson doing a bit of stance switching now. Kopylov jabs the body again, Roberson lands a body kick. Right hook lands for Kopylov then a left to the body. Roberson avoids a few kicks then misses one of his own. They clinch up and end the round there.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kopylov but could go either way

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Kopylov lands a right hook. Stiff jab from Kopylov and Roberson misses his counters. Kopylov jabbing the body and moving. Roberson lands a leg kick. Another leg kick from Roberson lands. Kopylov fires a left that misses. Hard leg kick from Roberson, Kopylov needs a response to that. Another leg kick from Roberson and those are starting to add up. Kopylov lands a body kick. Roberson lands another kick. More leg kicks from Roberson, and he’s using them to set up high kicks now. Kopylov lands a straight left, and eats another leg kick. Roberson back to kicking the leg, still no answer from Kopylov or anything to deter him from continuing to do it. Another leg kick from Roberson, Kopylov lands a couple of punches. One more leg kick from Roberson closes out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Roberson, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Kopylov opens with a one two to counter a leg kick. Double leg from Kopylov but he can’t finish it and they separate. Both men firing punches, we’ve got a dog fight breaking out. body kick from Kopylov. Roberson tries a takedown now, they hit the fence then break. Roberson is back to landing leg kicks at distance. Kopylov misses a left. Jab from Kopylov lands then he blocks a high kick. Kopylov tries to push forward, but his left hand is open and Roberson gets a finger in the eye. We’ve got time and the doctor is in to check on him. There’s some blood coming from around the eye that got poked, can’t see where from but that kind of damage leads the ref to deduct a point from Kopylov. The cut is on the eyelid but Roberson wants to continue and we’re back to fighting. Kopylov back to punching quickly, and more fire fighting from them. Roberson eats a right and lands a leg kick. One twos from Roberson then a leg kick. Roberson tries a takedown, they hit the fence and stall out. Roberson with a lateral drop, gets the back as Kopylov tries to get up and flattens him out then locks up a rear naked choke to force the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Karl Roberson via Submission, rear naked choke, at 4:01 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Roberson for his work this morning. Mic time for Roberson, he’s asked about the eye poke right away and says that’s the worst poke he’s suffered but he could hear his coaches and wanted to continue. We’re short on time so that’s the only question to Roberson.

In case you missed the finish. Roberson does a good job of breaking the posture of Kopylov from his knees and once he’s flattened out the choke becomes nearly academic as he can’t really hand fight anymore.

Rustam Khabilov is one of the forgotten higher level fighters in the promotion, he just had a six fight winning streak broken and is now trying to avoid his second UFC losing streak. This is Khabilov’s welterweight debut for the UFC and he’s hoping that will breathe some more life into his career. Sergey Khandozhko is on a three fight winning streak that includes his UFC debut, he’s hoping to turn back a bonafide UFC veteran and prove himself worthy of another step up in class going forward. Khabilov is your -240 favorite to a +190 comeback on Khandozhko.

Welterweight Bout: Rustam Khabilov (23-4, 171 lbs.) vs. Sergey Khandozhko (27-5-1, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Khandozhko is four inches taller but only has one inch of reach over Khabilov. A bit of circling to start, Khabilov lands a calf kick. Bit of a right from Khabilov. Khandozhko is working inside leg kicks but neither man has a good feel for the distance yet. Leg kick from Khandozhko. Both men just miss a few punches, then Khandozhko lands a calf kick. Khabilov grabs a single leg, but can’t secure the position and they break. A couple of punches land for Khabilov and he’s after a takedown on the fence but Khandozhko is defending so far. Khabilov is really after this takedown but Khandozhko is stone walling him. Khandozhko is doing a good job of keeping his hands separated. They wind up chest to chest for a second, then Khabilov is back changing his level but he still can’t connect his hands and the ref breaks them up. Khandozhko misses a few strikes at range. Khandozhko lands a right, Khabilov is after the high crotch lift against the fence but wont get it before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Khabilov

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Both men feinting early. Khabilov lands a right. Khandozhko lands a leg kick. Khabilov avoids a few punches and gets a clinch on the fence. Short knees from Khandozhko as Khabilov is looking to get his hands together. The wrist control from Khandozhko is really solid. Khabilov gets the hands together but can’t keep them and they wind up chest to chest. Khabilov finally gets a trip around the ankles, Khandozhko wall walks to a knee. A few knees to the thigh from Khabilov, Khandozhko gets to his feet. Khabilov gets a body lock takedown, Khandozhko looking to wall walk again as Khabilov holds his arms in position. More knees to the thigh and kidneys from Khabilov as Khandozhko is on a knee against the fence. Khandozhko hits a switch and they separate. Both men swing punches just as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Khabilov tries a front kick but misses and Khandozhko fires a couple of counters. Leg kick from Khandozhko. Khandozhko lands an uppercut to counter a level change. Khabilov times a double leg and gets Khandozhko down in his guard. Khabilov does a great job of turning Khandozhko away from the fence and settling into guard. Khandozhko moves himself to the fence but Khabilov gets the back for a moment, Khandozhko turns into him and then separates. Left hook then a right from Khandozhko. Double leg form Khabilov, that was a nice one, and we’re back on the mat. Khabilov moves to half guard quickly. Khandozhko is able to recover guard, but gets hit in the face for his trouble. Khandozhko is looking to stall things out and hoping for a stand up, Khabilov lands a couple of short elbows. Khabilov lands a few body shots, then tries to pass but can’t get around the legs of Khandozhko. Time will run out in this position.

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

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

Might be an argument for Khandozhko in the first, maybe. No interview for Khabilov.

Magomed Ankalaev has gone 2-1 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak, he’s hoping to continue that momentum and claim his spot as a prospect in the light heavyweight division. Dalcha Lungiambula is on a six fight winning streak that includes his UFC debut earlier this year, he’s hoping to extend that streak and prove that he’s the prospect to watch going forward. The odds are with Ankalaev at a massive -450 to a +325 comeback on Lungiambula.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Magomed Ankalaev (21-1, 205 lbs.) vs. Dalcha Lungiambula (10-1, 204 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ankalaev is a whopping seven inches taller while Lungiambula has an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Ankalaev, who opens with an inside leg kick. Front kick to the body from Ankalaev then he barely misses a high kick. Lungiambula is pawing with the lead hand, misses a few punches and walks onto a left hand counter. Ankalaev is slowly pressuring forward, then he avoids a blitz attack. Inside leg kick from Ankalaev. Ankalaev lands a front kick to the body. Ankalaev kicks the body again, avoids a punch and lands a counter right hook. Lungiambula is spending almost all of the round on the fence so far. Both men land punches, Ankalaev gets a little complacent and Lungiambula wobbles him with a right. Lungiambula is coming forward now, eats a couple of check rights and they clinch up on the fence. Ankalaev works knees to the body then spins free and kicks the body. More body work from Ankalaev, then he enters a clinch. Elbow from Ankalaev. Level change from Ankalaev, but he can’t finish the takedown. Still chest to chest, Ankalaev lands more knees to the body. Ankalaev punches as they break, Lungiambula misses a wild left. Straight punches from Ankalaev land as the round closes.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ankalaev

ROUND TWO: Lungiambula looks very tired after the first round. Ankalaev back to pressuring and jabbing. Calf kick from Ankalaev. Lungiambula trying southpaw now, tries a takedown but they just wind up on the fence. Ankalaev seems the more technical fighter and is making Lungiambula work. A few knees to the thigh and body from Ankalaev then he gets a double leg and mounts the legs. A few short punches land for Ankalaev as Lungiambula works to get a knee shield in place. Lungiambula tries to explode up, Ankalaev keeps him on the fence and on his seat. Ankalaev lands some rights to the head. Lungiambula winds up flat on his back, Ankalaev lands a series of elbows to the face. Body to head work from Ankalaev. Ankalaev with more elbows. Lungiambula is cut from the constant stream of offense from Ankalaev. Ankalaev lands more punches to the body and head, and the round ends with Lungiambula still pinned on the fence.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Ankalaev, 20-17 Ankalaev overall

ROUND THREE: Swelling is developing around the eyes of Lungiambula. Both men come out southpaw, Ankalaev lands a right hook and avoids some violent counters. Lungiambula misses a few wide punches. Ankalaev with a front kick to the face, Lungiambula falls in slow motion and gets hit a few more times on the way down but he was OUT.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Magomed Ankalaev via KO, front kick and punches, at :29 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Ankalaev for his work this afternoon. Mic time for Ankalaev who says the game plan was to maintain distance and despite his error in the first when he got caught he fought as he planned. He talks us through the finish, noting that Lungiambula was getting tired and he just listened to his coach who called for the kick. Asked what’s next for him he says he wont call out a name but does want someone ranked so he can advance his career.

Take a listen to this. His opponent is fatigued, Ankalaev takes a half step to find the kicking lane and then drives the ball of his foot into the chin of Lungiambula. Really nice stuff.

That does it for preliminary action but we’re still on ESPN+ for the main card.

Shamil Gamzatov is undefeated coming into his UFC debut and is trying to remain that way while scoring that all important first UFC win. Klidson Abreu has gone 1-1 in the UFC but is coming off of a win and looking to build his first UFC winning streak. The debuting Gamzatov is a slight -155 favorite while Abreu would payout at +125.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Klidson Abreu (15-3, 206 lbs.) vs. Shamil Gamzatov (13-0, 206 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Gamzatov has two inches of height and reach advantage. Southpaw for Abreu. Some forward pressure from Abreu, Gamzatov misses a right. Body kick from Abreu lands. Gamzatov fires back with a body kick of his own. Abreu is checking inside leg kicks consistently. Gamzatov with some side kicks to the knee, and a right to the body. Jabs from Gamzatov and he avoids a counter. Abreu tries a flying knee, misses but he definitely tried it. Gamzatov with a bit of a right, then a side kick to the knee. Body kick from Gamzatov. Abreu blocks a high kick. Gamzatov is really using that side kick to the lead knee a lot, then lands a body kick. Both men miss punches and kicks. A couple of jabs from Gamzatov, Abreu lands a counter punch. Both men land to the body. They punch in close, neither man lands really clean. A running leg kick form Gamzatov will close out an uneventful round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Abreu but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Abreu back to slowly pressuring forward. Gamzatov with a side kick to the leg, Abreu lands a body kick. Both men miss punches then Abreu lands an inside leg kick. Abreu lands a body kick. Gamzatov checks an inside leg kick. High kick from Gamzatov is blocked. Abreu has a good feel for the distance so far, and his footwork is quite competent. Gamzatov eats a long left. Gamzatov lands a body kick but Abreu fires back with punches. Abreu lands a leg kick then blocks a high kick. Gamzatov really needs some kind of shift in strategy because what he’s doing right now isn’t working. Abreu avoids a punch and lands a counter left. Gamzatov just doesn’t seem to have an avenue of attack. They clinch up, Abreu gets a body lock takedown into full guard. Gamzatov kicks him off and regains his feet. Gamzatov misses a couple of punches, then they trade lefts as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Gamzatov falls short on a few offensive offerings. Abreu lands a body kick. Abreu keeps avoiding the offense from Gamzatov, his distance management thus far has been quite nice. Gamzatov lands a right to the body. Another right to the body from Gamzatov but Abreu fires a counter combination that ends with a leg kick. Abreu lands a left. Bit of a right from Gamzatov. Another right from Gamzatov lands. Gamzatov is pushing forward more this round, lands a leg kick. Gamzatov lands a right to the body, Abreu lands a leg kick. Abreu with a bit of a body kick, he seems to be coasting a bit. Gamzatov misses a right, Abreu gets a clinch and has him on the fence. Gamzatov switches position and they resume short fighting in the clinch. They break without incident. Abreu shoots for a double leg, they hit the fence though and things look to stall out as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gamzatov, 29-28 Abreu overall

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

I don’t really agree but can’t complain about the scoring, it was mostly a nothing fight. Mic time for Gamzatov, he says he was nervous after the fight because he wasn’t sure about the scoring but thanks the crowd for being here. He says the fight was hard and that he felt pressure fighting on Russian soil, then thanks his coaches for their support.

Ramazan Emeev is on a seven fight winning streak including three wins in the UFC, he’s hoping to extend that streak and prove himself worthy of a step up in competition. Anthony Rocco Martin just had a four fight winning streak snapped via dubious majority decision to Demian Maia, he’s trying to bounce back and avoid a losing streak. Emeev is a slight -130 favorite to an even +100 comeback on Martin.

Welterweight Bout: Ramazan Emeev (18-3, 171 lbs.) vs. Anthony Rocco Martin (16-5, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Martin is two inches taller but Emeev has two and a half inches of reach advantage. Martin comes out looking to jab, and lands a calf kick. Emeev looking to jab as well, lands a left hook. Martin lands another calf kick. Emeev avoids a punch and lands a counter. Martin lands a right behind the ear then a calf kick. Right lands for Martin as Emeev tried to crash distance. Hard calf kick from Martin drops Emeev but Emeev gets a low single leg, Martin grabs a kimura grip in transition and is looking to lock it up. Martin gets the arm into dangerous territory, Emeev gets his arm back and Martin drops the grip to scramble to his feet. They wind up on the fence, a few short knees to the head from Emeev before they get fully chest to chest. Martin with some knees to the body while his back is on the fence. We get time, Martin took a shot to the groin from a knee. Martin is good to continue and we’re back to fighting. Jab from Emeev lands. More jabs from Emeev, Martin isn’t moving his head much to try and slip them. Martin avoids a takedown attempt and lands a calf kick. Another calf kick from Martin. Emeev falls short on a left and eats a right. Emeev lands a jab, then takes a calf kick. They clinch up after Martin misses a punch, and the round closes in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Martin

ROUND TWO: Martin is back to calf kicking as the round begins. Emeev misses a right and takes another calf kick. Emeev gets a double leg, Martin has a guillotine threat though and then switches to an anaconda attempt but doesn’t like the angle or grip and bails to scoot to the fence. Emeev holds a clinch as Martin wall walks. Martin circles free, Emeev complains about something to the ref but the ref tells them to keep fighting and Martin lands a calf kick. Martin lands an uppercut and blocks a double leg attempt. Another calf kick from Martin, the calf and shin of Emeev is visibly swollen. Bit of a counter right form Martin. Emeev lands a counter right of his own. Martin lands the calf kick but Emeev is starting to fire counters now. Martin is pressing forward, lands another calf kick. The jab of Emeev has fallen off, the damage to his lead leg seems to be dissuading him from putting that kind of weight on it. Bit of a right from Martin, despite his bloody nose that Emeev is targeting with his jab. Martin lands another calf kick, and as Emeev falls for a takedown attempt Martin wraps up the double wrist lock as time runs down.

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

ROUND THREE: That swelling around Emeev’s calf is getting gnarly. Both men miss punches then Martin lands a calf kick. Emeev after a double leg, Martin threatens with a front headlock and Emeev disengages. Martin lands a right. Emeev lands a left after missing a right. Martin is pushing forward more, they clinch up then break without incident. Both men miss punches. Another calf kick lands for Martin. Emeev is working his jab again this round, Martin lands a bit of a right. Step back uppercut lands for Martin, then a calf kick. How Emeev is no selling those kicks is beyond me. Martin lands an overhand right. Emeev dives for a double leg, Martin sprawls away and separates then kicks him in the calf again. Emeev misses a right but he’s coming forward now. Bit of a jab from Emeev, Martin postures at him as time runs down.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Anthony Rocco Martin via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)

Nice stuff from Martin generally, those calf kicks were gnarly. Mic time for Martin, he puts over Emeev and says he loved the fight and then thanks his coaches and for the first time in his career dedicates the fight to someone, a woman in his life who’s very special to him but he doesn’t give a name yet. He says he never tells this woman how much he loves her, but she got diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer and he tells his mom they’ll take care of her bucket list together.

Khadis Ibragimov suffered his first professional loss in his UFC debut and now needs a win to help justify his spot on the roster. Ed Herman has been in the UFC since 2006 but is just 1-3 in his last four fights, on the plus side he’s coming off of a win and could get his first winning streak since 2012 up and running if he’s successful here. Herman is your favorite at -170 while Ibragimov’s comeback sits at +140.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Ed Herman (24-14 1 NC, 206 lbs.) vs. Khadis Ibragimov (8-1, 206 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ibragimov has an inch and a half of height and reach, and is a full fifteen years younger than Herman. They touch gloves to get us going. Herman starts circling early, lands a leg kick and blocks a counter right. Ibragimov still coming forward, lands a couple of punches but Herman forces a clinch to slow him down. Knees to the body from Herman. Ibragimov lands a right, Herman lands another knee. Herman keeps trying to break the posture of Ibragimov but can’t do it. Both men with knees to the body, and Herman avoids a judo throw attempt. Herman with consistent knees and elbows to the body and head of Ibragimov. Ibragimov’s nose is badly bleeding. More knees from Herman, who’s clearly the superior clinch fighter thus far. They break without incident. Herman working his jab, aiming for the nose right now. Leg kick from Herman, Ibragimov lands a right but Herman just eats it. More leg kicks from Herman, and he blocks a wild right. They’re both pretty gassed right now, Ibragimov lands a right and they clinch again. Herman with some short elbows and they break. Jab from Ibragimov then a right to counter a leg kick as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Herman

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Ibragimov lands a bit of a right. Herman lands a leg kick and takes a right to the body. More leg kicks form Herman, Ibragimov looking to counter with rights. They clinch up and hit the fence. They break without incident. Bit of a jab from Ibragimov. Ibragimov unloads with a combination but Herman covers up and Ibragimov backs off. Herman lands a leg kick. Ibragimov lands a couple more counter punches. More leg kicks from Herman and they trade jabs. Herman forces another clinch, lands an uppercut as they hit the fence. More knees from Herman. Ibragimov is wilting in the clinch, Herman with an elbow in close as Ibragimov gets him on the fence. Herman grabs a front headlock and works more knees and they break with punches from Ibragimov. Herman lands a right, Ibragimov counters with a left. Another clinch and Herman lands knees. Herman drops for a single leg, but can’t finish it and they both kind of hang out and regain some energy. More short knees from Herman. Elbows from Herman and they break. Both men miss swinging punches. They both swing heavy, Herman connects a bit as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: A final touch of gloves. Ibragimov lands a bit of a counter right. Herman with a bit of a leg kick. Both men land rights. Herman reaches for a single leg, Ibragimov defends. Ibragimov blocks a couple of punches then lands a jab. They’re both dead tired. Ibragimov grabs a single leg and pushes Herman into the fence. Ibragimov gets a takedown, Herman scrambles back up almost instantly and they’re still in the clinch. Herman working a front headlock again, lands a few knees and Ibragimov is cut again I think. More knees from Herman to the body and head, he grabs a standing guillotine and lands another couple of knees as Ibragimov tries to hand fight. Ibragimov has no posture going right now, he gets up again but he’s a bloody mess. Ibragimov gets a takedown into the guard of Herman. Herman working elbows from his back, trying to get his guard in play but Ibragimov is keeping his arms relatively safe. Ibragimov passes to side control, Herman back to his feet and drives into a clinch on the fence. The clock will run down in the clinch.

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

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

No idea which round went to Ibragimov. Mic time for Herman, he says he wanted to fight smart and felt he was in good shape but the travel helped take it out of him. He puts over Moscow then talks us through some highlights of his work, noting he wanted a finish but he got tired. To close he hopes the crowd had fun watching the fight.

Zelim Imadaev lost a majority decision in his UFC debut but acquitted himself rather well, now he’s trying to avoid his first ever losing streak and get his first UFC win. Danny Roberts has been a bit up and down during his UFC run, he’s currently on a two fight losing streak though and needs a win to avoid possibly getting cut from the promotion. Imadaev is your -210 favorite to a +175 payout on a Roberts win.

Welterweight Bout: Zelim Imadaev (8-1, 171 lbs.) vs. Danny Roberts (16-5, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Roberts is an inch taller while Imadaev has two inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Roberts, and he starts out circling. Imadaev has a high kick blocked. Body kick from Roberts. Roberts ducks under a right, looks for a single leg but they stall out and hit the fence in the clinch. Imadaev spins Roberts to the fence and lands a few short rights. Uppercuts from Imadaev, Roberts with some knees to the body. Imadaev with a knee of his own as they battle for position along the fence. They wind up breaking without incident. Imadaev lands a jab to counter a leg kick. Roberts is moving well so far, but he’s not being as mindful of his spot in the cage as you’d like to see. Roberts slips on a kick and Imadaev pushes after him with punches. Imadaev looks to unload along the fence, Roberts hits a double leg but Imadaev bounces back up. They resume fighting in the clinch, Roberts lands an elbow as they break. Imadaev lands a hard front kick to the body. Inside leg kick from Imadaev. Another body kick from Imadaev, then a right as Roberts tried to fire a kick of his own. Roberts misses a right hook in close and lands an inside leg kick. Double leg from Roberts, Imadaev counters him over and gets on top in his guard as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Imadaev

ROUND TWO: Imadaev coming forward again, lands an inside leg kick. Roberts eats a left hook and misses a right. Imadaev punches him some more, Roberts tries a double leg but Imadaev is able to off balance him and land on top in half guard. Lefts land for Imadaev, Roberts is able to wall walk but Imadaev holds a rear waist lock. Left lands for Imadaev as they break. Roberts lands a leg kick. Stiff combination from Roberts lands, punctuated by a straight left. Imadaev lands a body kick. More punches form Imadaev, Roberts tries for a single leg to try and stall things out but Imadaev defends. They’re still in the clinch fighting. Knees from Roberts, Imadaev with body shots then a double leg takedown. Roberts looks to wall walk, Imadaev moves to his back standing. They wind up chest to chest and trading knees. Knees from Imadaev, Roberts lands a left. More knees go back and forth, then Roberts lands an elbow on the break. Imadaev back to pressuring forward, Roberts steps into him and lands a left hook that causes Imadaev to absolutely face plant.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Danny Roberts via KO, punch, at 4:54 of Round 2

Massive KO win for Roberts. Roberts gets an interview, he says everyone knows who he is and what he brings so he’s got to be a bit more patient to find openings for himself. He says he saw Imadaev over extend on his rear hand and knew he could slip and counter effectively when the time came. Asked about what’s coming up for him, he says there’s a lot of work to do but he’ll never be out of a fight until his opponent stops him. To close he expresses love to everyone back in England.

This is really solid stuff from Roberts. Imadaev does over commit his weight on his rear hand punch, doesn’t get himself back into defensive position quickly and Roberts takes a nice inside line, throws a straighter punch and puts him down and out.

Alexander Volkov was supposed to fight Junior dos Santos in the main event of this card before JDS had to pull out with a staph infection. Volkov just had a six fight winning streak snapped when he battered Derrick Lewis for 14 minutes then got stopped in the last minute of the last round, he’s trying to avoid his first UFC losing streak and reaffirm his position near the top of the heavyweight ranks. Greg Hardy is coming off of a No Contest due to his use of an inhaler between rounds, a clear violation of the rules. Hardy had won two fights in a row before that though and could score easily the biggest win of his career if he takes out the ranked Volkov. Volkov is the favorite at -290 while Hardy’s comeback sits at +240.

Heavyweight Bout: Greg Hardy (5-1 1 NC, 265 lbs.) vs. #7 Alexander Volkov (30-7, 251 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Volkov is two inches taller, Hardy has half an inch of reach advantage in addition to being the heavier man. They touch gloves to get us going. Volkov opens up with inside leg kicks. Hardy tries a few punches but they fall short so far. Left hook lands for Hardy. Volkov lands a body kick. Another body kick from Volkov, Hardy counters with a left hook. Jab and body kick from Volkov. Hardy catches a kick, bails on a takedown attempt and instead forces a clinch on the cage. Double under hooks for Volkov, they wind up breaking without incident. Hardy trying to circle and move, Volkov stalking forward fires a high kick that’s partially blocked. Left hook then a straight right from Volkov land. Hardy lands a couple of jabs. Volkov lands another body kick, but he’s not putting a whole lot into those. More jabs from Volkov now and he avoids a left hook. Volkov lands another body kick. Stiff right lands for Volkov then another body kick. Hardy swings a couple of left hooks that are partially blocked. They wind up staring away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Volkov

ROUND TWO: It sounded like Hardy said he injured his right hand in the first round. Commentary confirms that. Hardy fires a couple of left hooks that fall short as the round begins. Volkov is pressuring Hardy backwards, he lands a right and a body kick. Hardy bulls into a clinch and lands a right as they break the clinch. More inside leg kicks from Volkov, he’s just troubling Hardy constantly. Volkov with another body kick. Another body kick from Volkov, he’s fighting smart and consistent. Hardy wings an overhand right that partially lands. More of those left body kicks from Volkov. Front kick to the body from Volkov. Volkov keeps kicking the body, Hardy doesn’t seem to have an answer so far. Hardy misses a spinning back fist. More jabs from Volkov and a left high kick that’s partially blocked. Stiff left from Volkov lands, he keeps landing shots to the body either round or straight to keep Hardy from closing distance. They again stare away the final ten seconds.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Volkov fires a front kick, Hardy is swinging with his left hand but falling a little short. Jabs from Volkov, Hardy starting to jab with him. More jabs from Volkov and a body kick then a straight right. Volkov lands a leg kick. Hardy jabs the body a few times, Volkov keeps jabbing him in the head. Hard leg kick from Volkov, and another one. Volkov with a high kick that mostly lands. Hardy misses a few jabs, Volkov keeps jabbing him and picking at him with front kicks to the body. A three punch combination lands for Volkov. Another body kick from Volkov. Volkov with more jabs then a left high kick. Hard body kick from Volkov, then another one. Those are getting to Hardy now. High kick from Volkov is partially blocked. Hardy slips a punch and swings a left hook that’s blocked. The technical disparity has been very obvious all fight. Volkov lands a left hook. They both feint a bit as the clock runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Volkov under the new scoring criteria, 30-26 Volkov overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alexander Volkov via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

That went about as expected. Mic time for Volkov, who opens by playing a bit with the crowd who have had precious little to actually get excited about so far. He thanks the crowd again and notes he’s overcoming a tough year with this fight, thanks his family and dedicates the win to his mother.

Zabit Magomedsharipov is on a thirteen fight winning streak that includes being 5-0 in the UFC, he’s got a fair bit of hype around himself at this point and another win would help him take another step towards the title picture. Calvin Kattar has gone 4-1 in the UFC only dropping a decision to Renato Moicano, he’s on a two fight winning streak though and this would be the highest profile win of his career if he takes out the surging Magomedsharipov. The odds are with Magomedsharipov at-300 to a +240 comeback on Kattar.

Featherweight Bout: #5 Zabit Magomedsharipov (17-1, 146 lbs.) vs. #11 Calvin Kattar (20-3, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Magomedsharipov is two and a half inches taller and has an inch of reach advantage. Magomedsharipov opens with a leg kick, and he’s showing the jab as well. Kattar seems to be just gathering information for the moment. Some stance switching for Magomedsharipov now, Kattar lands a bit of a right when he’s southpaw. Magomedsharipov lands a leg kick. Kattar trying to get his jab working, and lands an inside leg kick. Magomedsharipov avoids a rush, lands a bit of a right of his own. Some side kicks from Magomedsharipov then he misses a spinning attack. Magomedsharipov with a double jab then a right. Kattar avoids a few punches and lands an inside leg kick. Magomedsharipov lands a body kick. Kattar is coming forward, lands a right but misses an uppercut. Magomedsharipov has a few punches blocked then lands a front kick to the chest. Both men showing stance switches now, Kattar lands a leg kick. Magomedsharipov lands an inside leg kick as Kattar tried to close distance. Kattar lands a step back left that lands flush. Magomedsharipov tries a hook kick after land an inside leg kick, it doesn’t land but looked nice. Kattar misses some punches but he’s getting closer. Magomedsharipov steps forward and lands a left to the body but Kattar with a counter combination of hooks. Kattar with a counter right, and he misses a flying knee. Magomedsharipov eats an uppercut, then lands a spinning back fist as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Magomedsharipov

ROUND TWO: Magomedsharipov again trying to work his lead leg, pushes forward and misses a right. Body kick from Magomedsharipov lands. Kattar looking to close distance, Magomedsharipov responds with a side kick to the body. Kattar lands a front kick to the body. Magomedsharipov’s distance management has been very good so far. Magomedsharipov misses a combination. Kattar is doing a better job defensively this round but still not reliably finding offense. Both men with some jabs. Magomedsharipov tries a single leg, Kattar defends and they remain at distance. Kattar lands a jab. Magomedsharipov with his cross body trip, Kattar scrambles back up instantly and they remain at distance. Kattar lands a left hook and a right. Magomedsharipov lands a jab. Bit of a right from Kattar, Magomedsharipov lands a left hook in close. A couple of Kattar uppercuts are partially blocked. Magomedsharipov avoids some punches and lands a left hook. A body kick from Kattar, then a missed wheel kick and a partially blocked right will end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Magomedsharipov but Kattar seems to be finding himself, 20-18 Magomedsharipov overall

ROUND THREE: Both men come out jabbing, Magomedsharipov then lands a kick to the groin of Kattar. Kattar is good to continue rather quickly, he doesn’t want to give Magomedsharipov much time to recover. Magomedsharipov misses some kicks, Kattar slowly stalking forward. Magomedsharipov lands a left to the body and slips a series of jabs. Kattar falls short on a combination. A couple of inside leg kicks land for Kattar. Magomedsharipov doing a lot of backing up and circling away, Kattar lands a right. Kattar avoids a spinning elbow and lands a right. Magomedsharipov lands a couple of leg kicks. Kattar lands a left to the body. Both men land in close. Kattar with a left hook then an uppercut, Magomedsharipov just eats it and is backing up now. Magomedsharipov isn’t managing his distance as well now, Kattar is coming after him and digging the body. Magomedsharipov lands a left hook after taking another left to the body. Kattar still coming forward, lands a right uppercut. Another right uppercut from Kattar then a left to the body. Kattar with a flying knee but Magomedsharipov gets a takedown off of it and lands in his guard. Elbows immediately from Kattar off of his back and punches. Magomedsharipov just kind of holding safe top position until the clock runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kattar, 29-28 Magomedsharipov overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Zabit Magomedsharipov via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Solid performance from Magomedsharipov but he’s still got some issues of fading and predictability in the third round, it makes a possible five rounder against him somewhat interesting. Mic time for Magomedsharipov, he says Kattar was a tough opponent and he wasn’t quite expecting the type of pressure he got in the third but mentions how hard he’s been preparing for this fight. Asked about the upcoming title fight and what he’d like next he says he’s 6-0 in the UFC and would like the title shot and promises he’ll be ready for a five rounder when the time comes.

That will wrap up UFC on ESPN+ 21. Thanks everyone for reading, be that live or after the fact. We’ll be unpacking this event, such as it was, Sunday on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast as well as previewing next weeks UFC on ESPN+ 22 when the UFC is back in Sao Paulo. That’s a decent card on paper, including the light heavyweight debut of Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza against Jan Blachowicz as the main event and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua battling Paul Craig. I’ll be back here next week for that event, and I hope you will be as well. Until then thanks again for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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UFC on ESPN+ 21, Robert Winfree