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411’s UFC on ESPN+ 28 Report: Oliveira Wins

March 15, 2020 | Posted by Robert Winfree

MAIN CARD (ESPN, ESPN+)
#8 Kevin Lee (158.5 lbs.)* vs. #13 Charles Oliveira (156 lbs.)
#12 Gilbert Burns (170.5 lbs.) vs. #5 Demian Maia (170.5 lbs.)
Damir Hadzovic (155 lbs.) vs. Renato Moicano (155.5 lbs.)
#12 Nikita Krylov (206 lbs.) vs. #10 Johnny Walker (206 lbs.)
John Makdessi (155 lbs.) vs. Francisco Trinaldo (156 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN, ESPN+)
#3 Jussier Formiga (126 lbs.) vs. #5 Brandon Moreno (126 lbs.)
Randa Markos (116 lbs.) vs. Amanda Ribas (115.5 lbs.)
Aleksei Kunchenko (170 lbs.) vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (171 lbs.)
Enrique Barzola (136 lbs.) vs. Rani Yahya (136 lbs.)
Maryna Moroz (126 lbs.) vs. Mayra Bueno Silva (126 lbs.)
David Dvorak (126 lbs.) vs. Bruno Silva (125.5 lbs.)
Veronica Macedo (135.5 lbs.) vs. Bea Malecki (136 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 28. I’m Robert Winfree, and I’ll be relaying all of the action to you good people just as I see it. This might be the last real UFC card for a while due to the covid-19 pandemic. I know the UFC is still planning on next week’s London card going forward as planned, but I find that highly unlikely. As for some other upcoming events the plan right now is to move them from their current locations and host the fights at the UFC Apex, but again I have a hard time seeing that hold together assuming the spread of this virus continues to follow the models. I mean even this event is taking place completely without fan attendance, which I think I’ll enjoy as a viewer. It means no stupid chants, no “woo’s”, and I feel the viewer experience is better without those things. This is a pretty solid card, the main event is now tarnished because Kevin Lee missed weight for the second time in his UFC career but Lee vs. Charles Oliveira is a darn good fight on paper. Gilbert Burns vs. Demian Maia could be fun, old man Francisco Trinaldo takes on John Makdessi, the whole card is quite solid.

UFC on ESPN+ 28 comes to the world from Ginasio Nilson Nelson in Brasilia, Brazil. On commentary we have Brendan Fitzgerald and Michael Bisping. As for the rules, I can’t recall what the CABMMA uses but will update you when I do. Huh, they didn’t update the rules at the top of the broadcast, instead talking about the upcoming events that have been moved to the Apex in Vegas.

Veronica Macedo just broke a three fight losing streak to score her first UFC win, now she’s hoping to build on that momentum and start climbing the bantamweight ranks. Bea Malecki just scored her first professional win when she debuted in the UFC, she’s hoping to keep to her winning ways while keeping that perfect record in tact. Macedo is a slight -170 favorite to +140 on Malecki.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Veronica Macedo (6-3-1, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Bea Malecki (1-0, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Malecki is five inches taller and has a whopping ten inches of reach advantage. Macedo showing some stance switching as we get going. Bit of a left from Macedo, she’s also moving well. Malecki lands a right. A high kick from Macedo is blocked and she’s falling short with punches. Macedo forces a clinch, and lands a right while they break. Spinning back kick from Macedo. Malecki lands a one two, Macedo doesn’t have a feel for the reach differential yet. Macedo lands a left in close. Both women land leg kicks. Body kicks go back and forth. Macedo lands a left hook in close, and eats a counter right. Malecki is suffering from a lack of output so far, despite the physical advantages she has in this fight. They trade body kicks again but Macedos lips and Malecki lands an uppercut on her. Right from Malecki. Bit of a right from Macedo but the range is still giving her problems. A couple of rights from Malecki land then a front kick to the body. There’s a Malecki leg kick. Front kick from Malecki lands. They trade rights, Macedo whiffs on a couple of hooks and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Malecki but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Malecki jabbing as the round starts but Macedo has her energy back and is looking to fire off. Leg kicks from Macedo, she’s circling now as Malecki is walking her down. Right from Macedo and then she winds up pulling guard after a clinch. Malecki stands over her and lands leg kicks before the ref makes them stand. Malecki lands a few long lefts, Macedo is swinging wider and wider as she gets tired. Body kick from Malecki. Malecki lands a right and is letting Macedo fall short with punches. Front kick from Malecki then a knee to the body. Knee from Malecki. Macedo tries to hit a double leg, winds up falling over and Malecki lands in full mount and starts landing punches but Macedo slips out the back and we’re standing again. Rights from Malecki, Macedo only has arm punches left and is pretty gassed. Malecki sprawls away from a takedown attempt and then gets on top in side control. Punches from Malecki as Macedo rolls to her knees then to her guard. Malecki stands over her and lands a right then some leg kicks. Macedo is forced to stand back up and then misses a couple of lefts. Front kick from Malecki, Macedo lands an uppercut but Malecki doesn’t care. Malecki lands a body kick then a knee. Macedo kind of drops to her knees, let’s call it a takedown attempt, and Malecki smothers her and unloads as they fight up to the feet. Macedo backs away for the final seconds.

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

ROUND THREE: Malecki coming forward again, lands a kick and then avoids a takedown attempt. Macedo is swinging but she’s very tired. Malecki off balances Macedo on a spinning back fist and Malecki lands a hammer fist before making Macedo stand. Macedo misses another takedown and Malecki lands some blows before making her stand back up. Bit of a right from Macedo, Malecki lands a front kick to the body. Jabs from Malecki then a knee to the body. Another failed takedown from Macedo and Malecki smothers her from side control. Elbows and punches from Malecki, Macedo rolls to her guard and Malecki makes her stand up again. Right from Malecki then a front kick to the body. Macedo has a spinning back fist blocked, then tries a double leg and rolls to pull guard but Malecki avoids it and makes her stand. Macedo lands a right on the restart. Front kicks from Malecki then a body kick. Those front kicks from Malecki are killing Macedo slowly but surely. Jabs from Malecki then a body kick. Macedo swings some wild hooks that land and things break down for a few seconds before Malecki lands a knee. Macedo gets a takedown, Malecki instantly wall walks and they break. Sloppy brawling now, and a clinch on the fence. Knees from Malecki to the body and head, then some phone booth brawling as the clock runs down.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Bea Malecki via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

No real issues with Macedo getting the first, even if I disagree. No interview for Malecki.

Bruno da Silva suffered a loss in his UFC debut and is now hoping to rebound with his first UFC win. David Dvorak took this fight on somewhat short notice but brings a whopping thirteen fight winning streak into his UFC debut, now he’s hoping to keep that momentum going and prove himself on the UFC stage. The odds are with Dvorak at -120 to a -110 comeback on Silva.

Flyweight Bout: David Dvorak (17-3, 126 lbs.) vs. Bruno Silva (10-4-2, 125.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Dvorak is an inch taller and has three and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Both men feinting a bit as we get started, Silva showing stance switches. Dvorak misses a right. Silva working leg kicks, Dvorak lands a right and is switching his stance as well. They both miss rights and clinch, then break immediately. There’s a right from Dvorak. Silva lands a spinning back fist, Dvorak lands a couple of counters. Both men showing leg kicks as well now. Dvorak lands a left. Dvorak blocks a takedown attempt but Silva lands a left hook then a right. Body kick from Dvorak. Silva is after a single leg, he didn’t like that left body kick at all. Dvorak slips free and they’re at distance again. Short right from Dvorak. Silva lands a right as they break a clinch. Front kick from Silva lands to the chin and wobbles Dvorak. Silva chases him down and gets a takedown against the fence. Dvorak is looking to stand, Silva moves to half guard. Silva tries to unload, Dvorak lands an up kick as they scramble and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Silva

ROUND TWO: Dvorak looks recovered as the second round starts. Body kick from Dvorak, then a knee as they break away from the pocket. Another body kick from Dvorak lands, that left body kick is getting to Silva a bit. Knees from Dvorak as he defends a takedown attempt and they break. Silva lands a leg kick. Another body kick from Dvorak and he avoids a takedown. Silva whiffs on a spinning back fist. Dvorak lands a left hook in close. Body kicks are traded. Body kick and a right form Dvorak, Silva gets an trip takedown but Dvorak sweeps him and gets on top along the fence. Dvorak lands a few short elbows and moves to half guard. Silva looks like he wants to play half guard rather than try to wall walk right now. Silva explodes and is able to get up and free. Bit of a body kick from Dvorak then a leg kick. Dvorak lands a right then a jumping knee and they trade in the clinch as they hit the fence. The round will end in the clinch on the fence.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Dvorak, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Both men jabbing, Silva lands a body kick. Dvorak lands an inside let kick. Double leg from Silva, and he gets around to the back then jumps to get both hooks in as Dvorak moves to the fence. Just one hook in now for Silva, now both but Dvorak turns into him and gets on top. Silva wall walks but eats knees in the clinch and they break. Silva looks like he’s slowing down. Combination from Dvorak lands then a left hook. Right to the body from Dvorak. Knee and a kick, Silva is definitely wilting under the pressure and body work. Dvorak lands a left hook. Body kick from Dvorak. Left then a body kick from Dvorak. They clinch up and trade knees but Dvorak is landing more of them. Three punch combination from Dvorak mostly lands. Silva lands a clubbing right as they exit a clinch. More punches from Dvorak then a front kick to the body. Dvorak lands a right to counter a left hook. Combination from Dvorak, and Silva shoots but can’t finish a double leg. Silva lands a body kick, then eats a leg kick. Another clinch and knees from Dvorak. They clinch, and start trading there, punches from Silv and knees from Dvorak as time runs down.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – David Dvorak via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Kind of surprised that wasn’t split, but the lack of partisan fans could hurt some of these Brazilian fighters going forward. No interview for Dvorak.

That was a pretty good fight, here’s the front kick from Silva in the first round.

Maryna Moroz has gone 3-2 in her last five fights but is coming off of a win in her return to flyweight, a streak she’s hoping to build on here while climbing the ranks of a somewhat thin division. Mayra Bueno Silva is undefeated including a successful UFC debut back in 2018, now she’s hoping to take out another proven UFC fighter and mount her own climb up the ranks. The odds are with Silva at -150 to a +120 comeback on Moroz.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Maryna Moroz (9-3, 126 lbs.) vs. Mayra Bueno Silva (6-0, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Moroz is an inch taller and has half an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Silva lands a calf kick. Moroz trying to work jabs, she jabs the body as well. Spinning back kick from Silva. Silva showing a stance switching now. Leg kick from Moroz. They clinch and Moroz lands punches but eats a knee as they break. Another calf kick from Silva. Moroz is establishing her jab but hasn’t addressed the calf kicks yet. Left from Moroz but she eats another calf kick. Jab from Moroz lands then her own leg kick. Left and a right from Silva then a calf kick. Silva lands a right and a knee from a clinch. Spinning elbow from Silva as they break the clinch. Another calf kick from Silva at range. Moroz lands a couple of leg kicks. Moroz catches a kick and takes Silva down into full guard. Lefts to the body and head from Moroz before Silva gets some posture control. Moroz lands an elbow to the body. Rights from Moroz. Body shots from Moroz as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Moroz but a close one

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Silva lands a right then a body kick. Moroz punches into a takedown attempt, but she can’t finish the single leg and Silva pushes her into the fence with a front headlock. Knee from Silva then they both miss elbows on the break. Body shot from Moroz then they trade leg kicks. A couple of lefts land for Moroz. High kick from Silva partially lands then they resume punching each other. Knee tampe attempt from Moroz, they hit the fence again and are stuck in the clinch. Moroz digs some body shots but eats a knee and then Silva slips around to the back standing. Silva misses a spinning elbow on the break. Moroz back to jabbing, Silva lands a calf kick. Both women with some calf kicks. Rights and lefts, then Silva lands a knee in close as they hit the fence. Moroz hits a judo toss and lands in full guard. Moroz lands some elbows to the body and moves to half guard. More elbows from Moroz, now to the head. Another flurry from Moroz. Moroz is really working those elbows, Silva is just holding on as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Moroz, might be 10-8 under the new rules, 20-18 Moroz overall

ROUND THREE: Moroz comes out jabbing and moving, Silva looks a little flat on her feet. Body kick from Moroz. Silva lands a hard body kick. Standing elbow from Silva, Moroz is landing to the body more now. Rights to the body from Moroz then she avoids a calf kick. Silva avoids a single leg attempt. Moroz punches into a clinch, Silva with knees then Moroz lands a left on the break. Left to the body from Moroz, Silva lands a couple of chopping rights to counter. Calf kicks from Silva, Moroz is a little hurt. Double leg from Moroz, they hit the fence and stall out. Moroz punches as they break. Hard right from Silva wobbles Moroz, Silva is coming forward but Moroz tries a double leg and Silva has to sprawl away. They’re up and Moroz lands an elbow. Moroz lands a right to the body. Body kick from Silva, Moroz lands a right. Another body kick from Silva, she’s going for the kill if nothing else. Moroz lands a left to counter a leg kick. A clash of kicks then Silva blocks a spinning back fist. Silva lands a knee in close and they start brawling in close quarters. There’s a huge cut on the forehead of Moroz from that last knee. Silva lands a calf kick. More body kicks from Silva but she wont get a finish.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Silva, 29-28 Moroz overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Maryna Moroz via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Silva came on hard in the third but Moroz was just too tough to get out of there. No interview again.

Rani Yahya has been a workhorse of the bantamweight division for many years now, he’s 3-1 in his last four fights but is coming off of a loss. Yahya now tries to avoid his first ever losing streak while proving he’s still a UFC caliber fighter. Enrique Barzola has a solid UFC record of 6-3 but is coming off of a loss and now hopes to turn back a true veteran in his new weight class while avoiding his first UFC losing streak. Barzola is the -200 favorite against +170 for Yahya.

Bantamweight Bout: Enrique Barzola (16-5-1, 136 lbs.) vs. Rani Yahya (26-10 1 NC, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Barzola is an inch taller and has three inches of reach advantage. Yahya coming forward early. Superman punch from Yahya lands. Both men swing wild, then Yahya lands an inside leg kick. Another exchange of punches into the clinch, Yahya pulls guard then comes up on a single leg and gets the back in a scramble but has no hooks in. Yahya, still a very good grappler. Barzola is on his knees against the fence looking to build up and wall walk, he’s up and separates. Yahya working leg kicks. Barzola has yet to find consistent offense, Yahya lands a right hook and then is after a single leg. Barzola is on the fence looking to defend, Yahya dumps him to his seat and is working to get him on his back. Barzola gives up the back again but Yahya can’t get his hooks in. Yahya slips off, winds up on bottom and starts working sweeps, he’s nearly got the back actually. Barzola with some body shots but they’re both kind of tied up. Yahya looks to invert, gets on bottom of noth-south then scrambles up for a single leg and gets the back then moves to the crucifix. Barzola looking to base up, Yahya drags him back down with a rear waist lock. Knees from Yahya as the clock runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Yahya

ROUND TWO: Barzola looking to jab this round, Yahya switching his stance and moving well. Barzola misses a high kick and takes a side kick to the thigh. Yahya avoids some punches and hits a knee tap to land in the guard of Barzola. Barzola closes his guard, then opens it and Yahya moves to half guard with a nice tripod pass. Full guard again for Barzola, now trying to wrap up the head of Yahya, Yahya for his part is looking to pass again. Yahya passes to half guard. Barzola gets full guard back, Yahya punches him for that. Barzola looks to wall walk now, he gets to his knees as Yahya moves to a ride position. Knees from Yahya, now one hook briefly. Barzola back on his feet, mat return from Yahya. One hook in for Yahya, but he loses it and Barzola scrambles to top position. Yahya back up, Barzola gets a mat return, Yahya granby rolls through to his half guard. Side control for Barzola, Yahya comes up on a single leg and they break. They trade punches in close quarters as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-10 DRAW, 20-19 Yahya overall

ROUND THREE: Barzola comes out punching, Yahya goes for a single leg and Barzola sprawls away while landing elbows then separates. Yahya grabs the single leg again, Barzola on his seat but landing hammer fists as Yahya has the leg locked up. There’s a kimura attempt from Barzola but his legs are all tied up and he’s not going to get the proper leverage. Yahya nearly gets a sweep, Barzola lands hammer fists as Yahya goes for another sweep. Yahya is after a single leg now, Barzola scrambles with him to get on top in side control. Punches from Barzola as Yahya gets up and tries another single leg, Barzola flattens him to a hip and has side control again. Mounted crucifix now for Barzola, he spins to the back and lands rights while Yahya tries to hit an ankle pick. More rights from Barzola and he gets side control again. Hammer fists from Barzola as he deals with Yahya looking for another sweep. Elbows from Barzola to the body and head then he leans back for a knee bar, he loses the angle though and has to scramble to come up in half guard. Another elbow from Barzola and he’s back in side control. Yahya comes up for a single leg, Barzola gets the back, Yahya granby rolls and Barzola fires more blows as time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Barzola, though I’m still not sure which rule set is being used, 29-28 Barzola overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – DRAW, Majority (29-28 Barzola, 28-28 x2)

I can see Yahya getting the second, then the 10-8 for Barzola in the third seems correct. No interview for either man.

Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos just had a seven fight winning streak snapped, now he’s hoping to rebound and possibly reclaim his top fifteen spot. Alexey Kunchenko just suffered his first professional loss, despite that he could likewise lay claim to a big fight next if he can take out the respected dos Santos. Dos Santos is you -140 favorite to +110 for Kunchenko.

Welterweight Bout: Aleksei Kunchenko (20-1, 170 lbs.) vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (21-6, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Dos Santos has three inches of height and reach on Kunchenko. Kunchenko tries a high kick, it’s blocked. Dos Santos tries an inside leg kick. Kunchenko avoids a few kicks. Dos Santos has a right blocked. Kunchenko lands a body kick. Neither man has a real feel for the fight yet, they’re kind of sniping and probing. Both men land lefts in close then Kunchenko avoids some other hooks. Bit of a right from dos Santos. Kunchenko lands an inside leg kick. They clash on high kicks. Leg kick from Kunchenko, dos Santos gets a takedown off of it though. Kunchenko wall walks and dos Santos holds him in the clinch. Some short punches from Kunchenko. The ref breaks them up, dos Santos was just holding on. One two from Kunchenko will close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 dos Santos

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Both men showing stance switches. Dos Santos kicks Kunchenko in the groin so we’ve got time for him to recover. Kunchenko is able to continue and we’re back to fighting. Both men opening up with kicks this round. Kunchenko checks a kick, they clinch and dos Santos eats a right then rolls for a knee bar, comes up on a single leg and they trade in the clinch before breaking. Right from Kunchenko staggers dos Santos. Another right from Kunchenko, dos Santos is wobbled but has his poker face on. Dos Santos lands a left. Kunchenko lands an inside leg kick. Kunchenko lands a right and dos Santos gets a clinch on the fence to slow things down. Dos Santos is content to stall things here by holding his body lock but not doing much. bit of a knee from Kunchenko but the ref does break them up. Dos Santos lands a leg kick. Both men land in a brief exchange. Right from Kunchenko. Both men land front kicks to the body. Wheel kick from dos Santos misses. Right from Kunchenko then another one as dos Santos tries to angle out. Both men land leg kicks then dos Santos fires a right that’s blocked. Kunchenko lands a right. Spinning back kick from Kunchenko. Both men miss punches as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kunchenko, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Kunchenko avoids a kick then lands punches in close. Right from Kunchenko lands. Minor player hiccup. Kunchenko lands a right, dos Santos is dropping his hands when he tries to circle. Leg kicks from Kunchenko. Dos Santos misses a series of kicks. They trade leg kicks. Bit of a right from dos Santos. Kunchenko lands a right to counter a body kick. Leg kicks from Kunchenko then a body kick. Right from Kunchenko lands flush. Dos Santos is getting countered by a right hand consistently now and needs to adjust. Body kick from Kunchenko lands. They clinch up and dos Santos is on the fence. KUnchenko lands body shots and knees to the thigh. Spinning elbow from Kunchenko mostly misses as they break. Kunchenko lands an inside leg kick. Dos Santos gets a takedown after eating a right and lands in the guard of Kunchenko. Kunchenko has full butterfly guard, looks to elevate but wont be able to before time runs down.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Elizeu Zaleski do Santos via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

I really disagree with that one, dos Santos got a benefit from a pointless takedown I guess. No interview.

Randa Markos (10-7-1) hasn’t strung wins together since 2013 when she was fighting outside the UFC, she’s coming off of a win though and is hoping to get her first UFC winning streak up and running. Amanda Ribas (8-1) has a three fight winning streak that includes two wins in the UFC, if she can take out a UFC veteran like Markos she could be fighting ranked opposition sooner rather than later. -380 for Ribas while an even +300 payout on Markos has to tempt some bettors.

Strawweight Bout: Randa Markos (10-7-1, 116 lbs.) vs. Amanda Ribas (8-1, 115.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Both women open with leg kicks. More circling, Ribas trips up Markos on a leg kick and gets on top in her guard. Elbow from Ribas. Ribas with some body shots, Markos gets a body triangle from her back. Ribas passes to half guard. Now Ribas into full mount, that was really pretty. Elbows from Ribas, and Markos is able to shrimp to half guard. Markos now trying to scramble back up, she’s up and they trade knees to the body before separating. They trade jabs then Ribas lands a right. Spinning back kick from Ribas, Markos is hurt and Ribas gets a body lock takedown into half guard. Markos is trying to get on a hip, Ribas is pushing her down and elbowing her. More elbows from Ribas and hammer fists before Markos gets some control over the posture. There’s swelling under the right eye of Markos. Ribas with a few more elbows as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Ribas

ROUND TWO: They both land rights. Markos lands a right. Ribas lands a spinning back kick. Both women land in close. Ribas lands a right. Leg kick and a jab from Ribas. Another spinning back kick from Ribas. Ribas gets a clinch on the fence and lands knees to the thigh. Knee to the body from Ribas. They break and Ribas lands an elbow. Markos lands a leg kick. Body to head punches from Ribas now. Both women with hard rights. Ribas lands a leg kick. They clinch up again, Ribas is looking for a trip but can’t get it. Knees from Ribas and some body shots as well. Markos lands a heavy elbow but can’t get free. Ribas lands a spinning back fist as they break. Jabs then a flurry from Ribas as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Ribas pushing forward again, Markos lands a right. Jabs go back and forth, Markos is bleeding from the nose I think. Ribas lands a right. Markos gets a takedown, Ribas threatens an armbar but Markos gets her arm free and is on top in a modified spiderweb position. Markos gets into full guard, she’s bleeding even more now though I can’t see the source right now. Ribas hits a modified kuro-kuro sweep and gets on top to land elbows while Markos fishes for a leg lock. Half guard for Ribas, she lands elbows to the body and head. Americana attempt from Ribas, the arm is still up by the head, she needs to bring the elbow down to the hips/ribs. The arm is free but now Ribas is threatening with an arm triangle choke. Ribas passes to side control but she’s lost the proper position for the choke as Markos gets half guard back. More elbows from Ribas. Ribas to 3/4 mount, she lands more lefts and shoulder strikes. Hammer fists from Ribas, now short elbows as well. Markos just holds on as the clock runs down.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Amanda Ribas via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-25 x2)

I don’t disagree with Ribas getting a 10-8 in the third as well. Ribas does get an interview, she opens with some English then goes back to Portuguese before doing her own translation. She puts over Markos as a tough opponent and thanks her for taking the fight on short notice after Paige VanZant fell out of the fight. She says she wanted the finish but Markos fought through it, then mentions she prefers to watch fast fights and promises a finish in her next fight.

Jussier Formiga just had a four fight winning streak snapped by Joseph Benavidez now he’s trying to rebound and possibly put himself higher in the title picture, assuming there’s even a flyweight title picture to be had by the end of the year. Brandon Moreno is 2-0-1 in his last three fights and could score the biggest win of his career by taking out the highly ranked Formiga. Formiga is the -160 favorite against +130 for Moreno.

Flyweight Bout: #3 Jussier Formiga (23-6, 126 lbs.) vs. #5 Brandon Moreno (16-5-1, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Moreno is two inches taller and has three inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Leg kick from Formiga early. Bit of a left from Moreno. They clash in close, Formiga jumps for a standing guard and has a guillotine wrapped up. Moreno down to a knee, the choke doesn’t look too tight just yet but Formiga is adjusting and Moreno has to fight and gets his head free. Formiga working for wrist control off of his back. Moreno lands an elbow. Triangle attempt from Formiga, switches to an omoplata but Moreno is scrambling with him and they wind up back in Formiga’s guard. Moreno stands up, lands a punch or two and returns to the guard. Some more punches from Moreno, Formiga lands an up kick and in the blink of an eye gets the back, then moves to mount as Moreno rolls. Moreno gets half guard but he felt the fire right there. things are stalling out and the ref stands them up, not sure I agree with that one. Moreno stabbing out the jab, Formiga misses a spinning high kick. They clinch, Moreno gets a body lock then lands punches as they stand. The final seconds are stared away.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Moreno

ROUND TWO: Moreno’s chin is disturbingly protruded. They clinch up rather quickly then break. Moreno lands a right after avoiding a takedown attempt. We get a call of time, Moreno got poked in the eye. Replay shows the thumb of Formiga did graze the eye of Moreno, he’s good to continue though. Bit of a left hook from Formiga. Formiga tries a single leg, and gets Moreno down into full guard. Formiga looking to pass, he gets the back as they scramble and Moreno hits a modified arm take over to land in top position. Moreno is in half guard, now full butterfly guard. Formiga tries a sweep, Moreno bases down and winds up in full guard. Elbows from Formiga. Formiga scrambles up, eats a high kick but gets the back standing. One hook in for Formiga, he’s looking for a mat return. Formiga with some knees to the thigh. The round will end in that spot.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Formiga but a close one, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Both men working the lead hand as the round gets going. Bit of a right from Moreno, Fromiga lands an uppercut but Moreno lands a left hook. Formiga has a spinning back fist blocked. Formiga lands a leg kick. Left hook from Moreno as he avoided a takedown attempt. Both men land lefts at range. They clinch up in space, then break without incident. Formiga gets the back standing, hits a mat return and Moreno has to scramble free but does so. Nice escape from Moreno there. Formiga lands a left hook in close. Jab from Moreno. Moreno blocks a spinning back fist, then sprawls away from a takedown attempt but Formiga holds on and gets the back after a scramble. Full mount now for Formiga as they roll a bit. Some short punches from Formiga, he might be looking to ice the round in a dominant position more than anything. Lefts to the body and head from Formiga as time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Formiga, 29-28 Formiga overall but all three were close rounds so who knows

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

No issues with that, even the 30-27 is somewhat justifiable I think. Mic time for Moreno, because at this point why not just take this long it’s not like they’re pre-empting anything. Moreno feels the first and second rounds were his but the third was close. He tells the match makers they have to tell him why he shouldn’t fight for the belt at this point.

That wraps up the prelims on ESPN+, the main card now on ESPN and ESPN+ so you can take your pick on that one.

Francisco Trinaldo is an old warhorse for the UFC and the lightweight division, he’s been trading wins and losses while going 4-3 in his last seven fights. Trinaldo is coming off of a win and hoping for his first winning streak since 2016. John Makdessi is on a three fight winning streak and hoping to score his fourth in a row and possibly get a higher profile fight next. Trinaldo is the -175 favorite while Makdessi would payout at +145.

Lightweight Bout: John Makdessi (17-6, 155 lbs.) vs. Francisco Trinaldo (24-7, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Trinaldo is an inch taller and has two inches of reach over Makdessi. Southpaw for Trinaldo. Both men feinting early. Constant circling from Makdessi, Trinaldo lands a body kick. Two short lefts land for Trinaldo and Makdessi is backing up slightly stunned. Body kick from Trinaldo again. Side kick to the body from Makdessi. Makdessi with another side kick to the body. Trinaldo is pushing Makdessi towards the fence, he lands an inside leg kick. Left from Trinaldo backs up Makdessi. Trinaldo lands a body kick. Makdessi has a high kick blocked. Makdessi avoids a wheel kick. Trinaldo with another body kick, those are getting through the guard of Makdessi rather easily. Makdessi lands a body kick but Trinaldo tracks him down and lands a couple of lefts. Trinaldo misses a jumping knee and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Trinaldo

ROUND TWO: Makdessi lands a body kick early, Trinaldo lands a left. Body kick from Trinaldo. High kick from Trinaldo is partially blocked. Both men land lefts then Trinaldo hits a jab. Bit of a left from Makdessi, he’s getting a bit of a read on that check left hook. Trinaldo is pressuring but needs to cut the cage off. Trinaldo lands a right, and eats a left. Body kick from Trinaldo. Right hook then a front kick from Trinaldo. High kick from Trinaldo mostly lands, but Makdessi eats it. Makdessi lands a body kick. A few lefts from Trinaldo kind of land, not flush but they’re probably scoring. Trinaldo lands a left to the body. Counter left lands for Makdessi. Makdessi lands an uppercut, and eats a left. Missed cartwheel kick from Trinaldo ends the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Trinaldo but closer, 20-18 Trinaldo overall

ROUND THREE: Both men still feinting as the round gets going. Makdessi lands an inside leg kick but eats a counter left. Trinaldo lands a left as he’s chasing Makdessi along the fence. Leg kicks from Makdessi. Trinaldo lands a knee to the chest, very nearly the chin. Makdessi kicks the inside leg again. Trinaldo blocks a high kick. Bit of a left from Trinaldo. Some more lefts from Trinaldo, Makdessi lands a jab. Trinaldo lands a left, Makdessi is bleeding from the bridge of the nose. Trinaldo lands a left to the body. Side kick from Makdessi lands, Trinaldo pushes forward but can’t really land a counter. Uppercut from Trinaldo lands then a high kick that’s partially blocked. Jabs from Makdessi, Trinaldo fires a counter left. They clinch up, elbow from Trinaldo just before the clock runs out.

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

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

Decent little technical scrap. Mic time for Trinaldo now, he says it’s amazing to fight in his home town even when there’s no audience to cheer for him. He says all of his opponents lately have been running away from him, and even though he’s an old man he’ll beat everyone who runs like that.

Johnny Walker just had a nine fight winning streak snapped by Corey Anderson, now he’s trying to get some of his previous hype back and prove he’s still a rising contender in a division that badly needs them. Nikita Krylov has gone 1-2 since returning to the UFC, though his last fight was a hotly contested decision with Glover Teixeira. Krylov needs this win if he wants to make a case for himself as a contender. The odds are with Walker at -145 to +115 for Krylov.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #12 Nikita Krylov (25-7, 206 lbs.) vs. #10 Johnny Walker (17-4, 206 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Walker is three inches taller and has four and a half inches of reach advantage. Walker lands a front kick to the body. Jumping elbow from Walker, Krylov gets a clinch though and starts kneeing as they hit the fence. Walker gets Krylov on the fence. Krylov lands a right and clinches again. Trip attempt from Krylov, Walker stays upright. Elbows from Walker, Krylov gets his double leg finally. Walker looks to wall walk, Krylov lands a few short rights while keeping him on his knees. More short rights from Krylov, he’s got one of Walkers legs stretched out and isolated to keep him down. Krylov mounts the other leg now and lands a few lefts. Body shots as well now for Krylov. Walker back up to his feet but still clinched. Both men land elbows then they break. They trade jabs. Right from Krylov staggers Walker, Walker lands a spinning back fist and Krylov then lands an uppercut and hits a takedown into guard. Some punches from Krylov to the body and head. Krylov passes to half guard and elbows the thigh and body. The round ends in that spot.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Krylov

ROUND TWO: Walker misses a kick. Krylov kicks and punches, then eats a right and hits a double leg. Walker is looking to wall walk but he’s stalled out on a knee. Krylov punches the body a few times. Krylov is trying to straighten out the other leg of Walker, Walker winds up with butterfly hooks, Krylov moves to half guard. Short elbows from Krylov. Krylov lands some lefts and looks to attack an arm triangle choke but the fence is blocking his motion. Walker looks for his guard, he’s got a triangle choke attempt but it’s really loose at the moment and Krylove gets free. Krylov avoids an armbar attempt and moves to side control. Walker tries to sit up, Krylov shoves him over and moves into half guard again. More body shots or short elbows from Krylov. Krylov working the short elbows, Walker gets full guard and sweeps with the aid of the fence to get on top. Full guard for Krylov, he ties up a leg and thinks about a leg lock. They both land some hammer fists, Krylov lsoes the grip and Walker gets the back in trutle position. Krylov rolls under for a knee bar again, Walker lands some rights and a knee to the body. Another roll from Krylov, nothing dong and Walker lands an elbow.

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

ROUND THREE: Walker circling early, Krylov coming forward. Front kick from Krylov and they clinch again. Walker avoids a takedown attempt but Krylov stays glued to him and gets a trip takedown. Walker gets a sweep to half guard, Krylov is fishing for a sweep of his own. Elbows from Krylov. Walker to full mount as Krylov tried to move, then Krylov hits a sweep into half guard on top. Elbows from Krylov and a few punches. Walker gets to full guard and looks to elbow. Krylov with body to head punches. Some body shots from Krylov. Walker rolls for an armbar but loses the grip and gets hammer fisted as Krylov moves to half guard. Elbows to the thigh from Krylov. Krylov lands a punch as Walker gets full guard again. Walker tries to explode up, Krylov keep shim down and moves to half guard. Elbows from Krylov. Knee to the body from Krylov, and that’s about where the clock runs down.

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

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

I disagree with Walker getting the second round. No interview.

We have now tied the record for most consecutive decisions in a UFC event with 9, the other two are Fight Night 134: Shogun vs. Smith, and UFC on ESPN 4: dos Anjos vs. Edwards. The record for total decisions is 10, held by seven different cards, so let’s see if we can break that.

Renato “Moicano” Carneiro is making a move up to lightweight after suffering back to back stoppage losses at featherweight, and if he wants to make waves in the shark tank of lightweight he has a chance here to announce himself in a big way. Damir Hadzovic has gone 3-3 in the UFC, he’s coming off of a loss and is now looking to turn back a promising featherweight contender and defend his spot at lightweight. Moicano is a hefty -450 favorite to a whopping +325 comeback on Hadzovic.

Lightweight Bout: Damir Hadzovic (13-5, 155 lbs.) vs. Renato Moicano (13-3-1, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Moicano has two inches of height and reach advantage. Leg kick from Hadzovic. Moicano stalking forward, he gets a clinch and hits a trip takedown into the guard of Hadzovic. Moicano transition so to the back quickly and gets a body triangle then the choke, that one’s done.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Renato Moicano via Submission, rear naked choke, at :44 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Moicano for his work this evening, and notes it was only recently they got clearance to be in the arena due to the personnel limit. Mic time for Moicano, he’s frustrated by the lack of an audience or friends and family here and notes he just had his first son born recently and puts over his wife then dedicates the win to his son. He then says he wants to fight Paul Felder, sure sign me up.

Here’s a look at the finish, Moicano gets the choking arm in place quickly then distracts Hadzovic with the other hand punching before locking up his grip and getting the tap.

Demian Maia is very nearly a legend of the sport and in the UFC, he’s on a three fight winning streak right now and if he can get to four in a row here could very well find himself fighting a top ranked opponent next. Gilbert Burns is on a four fight winning streak including two wins since returning to welterweight, and now he could score the biggest win of his career by taking out a multiple time title challenger while possibly moving into the top ten rankings. The odds are with Burns at -180 to a +150 comeback on Maia.

Welterweight Bout: #12 Gilbert Burns (17-3, 170.5 lbs.) vs. #5 Demian Maia (28-9, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Maia is three inches taller but has just one inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Maia. Both men doing some feinting early, Burns lands an inside leg kick. Body kick form Burns. Maia is backing Burns up, and he gets a single leg into half guard but Burns is looking to use a leg lock to sweep, he comes up on his own body lock and they clinch into the fence. Maia slips around to the back and gets Burns to a knee. Maia climbs to the back, they hit the mat and he’s got one hook in but Burns defends the second. Maia moves to mount but Burns slips out the back door and is up on his feet. Left from Burns, Maia is down and Burns follows him down to land hammer fists until the ref stops the fight.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gilbert Burns via TKO, punches, at 2:34 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Burns for his work this evening. That’s the first time Maia has been finished since the Marquardt fight in 2009, big win for Burns. Mic time for Burns, who puts over Maia first and foremost and mentions admiring him and his career. He talks us through the finish, puts over his coaches, then says he wants to fight Colby Covington next.

Here’s a look at that finish. Maia doesn’t bring his hand back to defensive position or move his head, leaving a wide open punching lane for Burns to clip his chin and then follow up.

Kevin Lee is coming off of a wonderful head kick knockout win at the end of last year, unfortunately he missed weight here. Lee is hoping to score a win to help smooth over the reality of missing weight and get his first winning streak since 2017. Charles Oliveira is on a six fight winning streak with all of those being finishes, but also against a lower level of opposition. Oliveira has long had to contend with the narrative about where his ceiling is, and if he can take out Lee here he’ll finally break through and start consistently fighting the very best of the division. The odds favor Lee at -150 to a +120 comeback for Oliveira.

Lightweight Bout: #8 Kevin Lee (18-5, 158.5 lbs.) vs. #13 Charles Oliveira (28-8 1 NC, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Oliveira is an inch taller but Lee has three inches of reach advantage, and of course missed weight. Lee starts out circling, Oliveira lands a left hook in close. Jumping kick from Oliveira, Lee clocks him with a left. Oliveira lands a jumping knee. Oliveira looking to establish his jab. Calf kick from Oliveira. Lee lands a right. Lee with a left to the body. Stiff jab from Lee lands. Oliveira tries a double leg, and Lee reverses but Oliveira slides under for a heel hook. Lee gets up and puts weight on Oliveira, who lands elbows before Lee gets his leg free. Wait, his leg isn’t free and Oliveira might be after a calf slicer, Lee slides over the top to half guard. Oliveira still trying to tie him up with his legs, Lee lands punches while Oliveira tries to attack the heel. Lee gets that leg mostly free and looks to get to half guard. Oliveira gets to full guard and tries a triangle attempt but Lee rolls with him and gets the back for a moment before Oliveira sweeps him Lee sweeps back and is on top but there’s another triangle attempt. Lee got his other arm back in and settled into the closed guard of Oliveira. There’s a pass from Lee and he lands rights while standing over Oliveira before Oliveira gets his guard back. Elbows from Lee close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lee but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Lee circling again, Oliveira misses a spinning back fist. Some jabs from Lee, Oliveira with a spinning back kick. Lee with a left hook then a one two. Oliveira with a heavy leg kick. Lee lands a left, Oliveira lands one of his own. Left hook lands for Oliveira then a right. Body kick from Oliveira then an uppercut and a right. Lee slips some punches along the fence. Body shots from lee, Oliveira lands an uppercut. Left from Lee, Oliveira lands a knee to the body. They trade rights. Double leg from Lee into the guard of Oliveira. Oliveira with an armbar, switches to an omoplata then a triangle choke, beautiful transition from Oliveira but Lee gets free and keeps Oliveira on the mat. Oliveira back up but taken down again into half guard this time. Some offense from Lee, punches and shoulder strikes so far. Bit of an elbow from Lee. Oliveira gets tired of taking elbows, and looks for a 50-50 guard but Lee lands hammer fists. Elbows from Lee again as he stands over Oliveira. The round ends in that spot.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lee but a very close one, 20-18 Lee overall

ROUND THREE: Oliveira comes out quickly with kicks, Lee tries a head kick. Lee lands a right, Oliveira lands one of his own. Lee gets a takedown but Oliveira grabbed a guillotine, he cranks on it and Lee taps out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Charles Oliveira via Submission, guillotine choke, at :28 of Round 3

That’s seven wins in a row and seven finishes during that streak for Oliveira, which ties Chuck Liddell for second longest finish streak of the modern era of the UFC behind only Anderson Silva at eight. He’s also tied for most finishes in UFC history at 16 with Donald Cerrone Mic time for Oliveira, he jokes with Bisping first then Bisping asks him who he wants next and he responds that he wants the winner of Tony and Khabib, he wants the belt. He mention she almost couldn’t make the fight but his coaches got him to be here and he’s glad he did.

On that note, thanks everyone for being here. Tomorrow on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast we’ll be breaking down the action from this event, and we’ll get a preview for UFC on ESPN+ 29 where Tyron Woodley is scheduled to face Leon Edwards in the main event. I don’t think that event is going to happen, but unless it get’s called off before we record we’ll do that. We’re also going to have to talk about the covid-19 pandemic and how it will impact the sport for the next several months, so that will be fun. If Woodley vs. Edwards goes on in some capacity I’ll be here to cover it on Saturday, 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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