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411’s UFC on ESPN+ 35 Report: Waterson Wins

September 12, 2020 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC on ESPN+ 35

UFC MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET)
#8 Michelle Waterson (115 lbs.) vs. #13 Angela Hill (115.5 lbs.)
Ottman Azaitar (156 lbs.) vs. Khama Worthy (155.5 lbs.)
#9 Andrea Lee (125.5 lbs.) vs. #8 Roxanne Modafferi (125 lbs.)
Ed Herman (205.5 lbs.) vs. Mike Rodriguez (205.5 lbs.)
Bobby Green (156 lbs.) vs. Alan Patrick (156 lbs.)
Kyle Nelson (145.5 lbs.) vs. Billy Quarantillo (145.5 lbs.)

UFC PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 5 p.m. ET)
#14 Julia Avila (135 lbs.) vs. #15 Sijara Eubanks (135 lbs.)
Kevin Croom (154.5 lbs.) vs. Roosevelt Roberts (155.5 lbs.)
Roque Martinez (258.5 lbs.) vs. Alexander Romanov (261 lbs.)
Jalin Turner (163.5 lbs.) vs. Brok Weaver (164 lbs.)
Bryan Barberena (170 lbs.) vs. Anthony Ivy (169.5 lbs.)
Justine Kish (125.5 lbs.) vs. Sabina Mazo (125.5 lbs.)

Hey there everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 35. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening, relaying all of the action to you just as I see it. Tonight’s card is another one full of late notice replacements, including an entirely different main event. Originally a light heavyweight fight between Thiago Santos and Glover Teixeira was supposed to headline, and presumably crown the next contender for the winning of Reyes vs. Blachowicz, but that feel through after a positive covid test. Now Michelle Waterson and Angela Hill take over the main event spot, with the winner still on the outside of the title picture but closer than they would be with a loss. There’s not a whole lot to be too excited about here, Andrea Lee and Roxanne Modafferi battle it out for top ten position at women’s flyweight, Bobby Green welcomes back Alan Patrick in a solid bit of match making, though Green is taking this on short notice. Beyond that we’re banging on the old drum of hope it’s better in practice than it is on paper.

UFC on ESPN+ 35 comes to the world from the UFC APEX facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. On commentary we have Brendan Fitzgerald and Michael Bisping. As for the rules Nevada uses a hybrid system, they’ve adopted most of the changes but you still need only one hand on the mat to be downed and they allow officials to use instant replay whenever they want to. Also remember we are in the smaller 25 foot diameter cage instead of the usual 30 foot one.

Sabina Mazo has gone 2-1 in the UFC but has a two fight winning streak going, and could take a step towards ranked opposition next if she gets a win here. Justine Kish has gone 3-2 in the UFC but got a win in her last fight and is looking for her first winning streak at flyweight in the UFC. Mazo is your -220 favorite to +185 for Kish.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Justine Kish (7-2, 125.5 lbs.) vs. Sabina Mazo (8-1, 125.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Mazo is two inches taller and has six inches of reach advantage. Kish southpaw, Mazo lands a head kick. Leg kicks from Kish, Mazo circles away from the cage and starts working long range weapons. Kish goes orthodox, and lands a bit of a right. Some lefts from Mazo but Kish lands a series of leg kicks. Mazo lands a flush head kick, Kish stays upright but did not like that. Jabs now from Mazo. Kish is cut around the left eye, no surprise after taking that head kick. Right lands for Kish. Kish has been working leg kicks, she’s landed several but they haven’t had much impact yet. Kish lands a jab. Mazo lands a body kick. Bit of an intercepting knee from Mazo, then Kish misses some punches. Right from Mazo lands. Kish is working volume but still struggling with the range. Mazo checks a leg kick and Kish limps for a second or two. Mazo gets a body kick caught and Kish gets a takedown into full guard. Neither woman does much on the ground as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Mazo but will likely go to Kish

ROUND TWO: Mazo showing the jab again as the round starts. They clash on kicks again. Kish punches into a clinch, but nothing comes of it. Mazo lands a leg kick. There’s a front kick to the body from Mazo. Kish tries to clinch, but can’t get it. Kish is still working at a high pace but struggling to do much. Mazo lands a body kick, Kish catches it then eats some punches and lands a high kick of her own. Kish lands a stepping back fist. Spinning back fist from Kish, Mazo counters with a punch. Mazo is getting out worked so far and this round hasn’t had a big strike to sway things. Right lands for Mazo. Kish lands a body kick then a leg kick. Mazo lands a leg kick. Jabs from Mazo, Kish forces a clinch and they then punch as they break. They trade rights. Another exchange of leg kicks. They clinch again, and punch on the break. Kish misses a side kick as the last moment of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kish, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Mazo comes out leg kicking, Kish is trying to push through them. Kish lands a couple of body shots. Mazo is just getting stifled by the work rate of Kish. Mazo lands a couple of high kicks, and Kish is slowing down. Another head kick from Mazo and Kish is very flat on her feet. They trade rights. Leg kicks go back and forth, then Mazo lands a body kick and Kish lands a left hand. Right then a left from Mazo and another high kick. Kish walks into a couple of jabs but lands a right eventually. A head kick from Mazo sits Kish down, Mazo jumps on her back and is grabs the choke and forces the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Sabina Mazo via Submission, rear naked choke, at 3:57 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Ms. Mazo for her work this evening. Mic time for Mazo who says she always looks for kicks and while she wanted the knockout she’s happy to have finished things. She mentions Kish being touch and felt on the ground a submission was a better choice than trying to pound her out.

This is a nice bit of work from Mazo here, she shows the right hand early and gets Kish backing up. She shows the right a second time to get Kish to reach for the punch, then fires the head kick to the open head which sits Kish down. On the mat she goes back and forth, attacking the neck with both arms and the dazed Kish can’t keep up eventually tapping out once the choke is locked in.

Bryan Barberena has gone just 2-3 in his last five fights, he’s on a two fight losing streak and is trying to avoid his first ever three fight losing streak. Anthony Ivy lost his UFC debut earlier this year and is now trying to get that all important first UFC win. The odds are with Barberena at -250 to a +210 comeback on Ivy.

Welterweight Bout: Bryan Barberena (14-7, 170 lbs.) vs. Anthony Ivy (8-3, 169.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ivy is two inches taller and has an inch and a half of reach advantage. They touch gloves, Barberena fighting southpaw. Ivy doing a lot of circling early. Barberena showing the jab as he’s trying to cut off Ivy. Ivy looks for a double leg, they hit the fence though. Single leg now from Ivy, Barberena defending so far. Ivy keeps going back and forth from double leg to high crotch but he can’t get Barberena to the mat. Ivy picks the ankle and then finally gets a double leg, Barberena is able to wall walk almost immediately though. Short elbows from Barberena as he defends. Ivy lands a knee to the body. Elbow from Barberena then he gets a Thai clinch and lands knees then punches as they break. Ivy lands a body kick but slips on a high kick, Barberena decides to let him up. Barberena lands a calf kick. Ivy with a looping right. Barberena lands a left and Ivy is hurt to the body, they trade elbows in close and they break. Another clinch but again nothing comes of it. Ivy might have tired himself out a bit, Barberena is punching in close and they tie up again. Ivy gets a single leg, Barberena scoots to the fence and gets to his knees. Barberena is looking to wall walk, Ivy pulls him away from the fence and gets to half guard then lands an elbow as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Barberena

ROUND TWO: Barberena comes out pushing punches to Ivy, Ivy goes for a takedown and they wind up clinched on the fence. Ivy can’t finish the takedown but he keeps the clinch. Barberena spins free and lands an uppercut as they break. Inside leg kick from Barberena, and another one. Short right from Barberena in close. A couple of body shots from Barberena in close, and Ivy grabs a clinch to try and slow him down. Ivy lands an elbow, then a right but Barberena lands a left as they break. Ivy reaches for a takedown, Barberena sprawls and gets a front headlock. Back up and Barberena lands a couple of punches along the way. Hard left from Barberena, Ivy gets a clinch but he’s fatigued at this point. They trade knees then break. Barberena avoids a takedown attempt and lands punches. Ivy lands a left of his own but he’s breaking down under the pace and physicality. Barberena lands a right to the body and a left, Ivy fires back but the ratio is not in his favor. They trade power hand punches. Right then a left from Ivy land. Barberena pushes close and lands elbows in the pocket. They brawl in close, then Barberena gets the clinch on the fence as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Both men come out firing again. Barberena avoids a double leg attempt. They clinch and hit the fence. Ivy looks to change his level for a takedown, Ivy sweeps the leg with his own and gets Barberena down. Barberena looking to wall walk, both men land punches from their knees for a bit. Barberena back up but still clinched. An elbow from Ivy partially lands as they separate. Ivy circling again, Barberena punches in close. Ivy grabs a single leg, Barberena defends and moves to the ride position. Ivy is back up and they break. Barberena lands an uppercut to counter a takedown attempt. Ivy is really reaching for these takedowns now, Barberena grabs a choke attempt, uses that to sweep into north-south on top. Barberena grabs the front headlock again as Ivy fights up, and they’re in the clinch again. Elbow from Barberena and they trade in close before breaking. Both men land punches as they break again but Ivy is turning away as Barberena looks to unload. Ivy reaches for a takedown, Barberena defends and lands punches before they clinch. Quick exit of the clinch, Ivy gets a double leg but Barberena wall walks almost immediately. Ivy hits a mat return into half guard but Barberena has a kimura and is cranking on it as the clock winds down.

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

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

I’m not sure giving Ivy even the first is all that justifiable given he was hurt at one point and didn’t do much with the single takedown he got. Mic time for Barberena who feels great despite the fight being tough. He mentions he was able to always find damage when he and Ivy got close and was well prepared for those positions. To close he gives glory to God and gives love to his family.

Brok Weaver has gone 1-1 in the UFC but that win was via disqualification and in his last fight he was stopped by Roosevelt Roberts. Weaver is looking for his first emphatic UFC win here. Jalin Turner took this fight on about a weeks notice, hence the catchweight nature of the fight. Turner has gone 2-2 in the UFC while trading wins and losses, he’s coming off of a win though and is after his first UFC winning streak. The odds are rather heavily with Turner at -380 to a +310 payout for a Weaver win.

Catchweight Bout: Jalin Turner (9-5, 163.5 lbs.) vs. Brok Weaver (15-5, 164 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Turner is three inches taller and has four inches of reach advantage. Both men fighting southpaw. Left from Turner wobbles Weaver right away. Weaver lands a leg kick. Turner works his jab, Weaver grabs a single leg and gets things to the fence. Turner spins Weaver into the fence and lands a knee to the body. Both men with knees, Turner then separates. Weaver lands a leg kick. Weaver is bleeding from the nose already. A couple of short right hooks from Turner then he avoids a takedown attempt. Turner lands a front kick to the body. Turner has gone southpaw to land another of those. Left from Turner in close. Turner’s jab lands, Weaver is fairly flat on this feet now and Turner is skewering him with that jab. Bit of a left from Turner. Both men land leg kicks. Weaver is trying to work leg kicks but Turner is checking a fair number of those. Right then a left from Turner drops Weaver and he follows him down to the mat. Elbows from Turner as Weaver tries to tie up the legs and goes for a heel hook. There’s no real threat there, but he uses it to sweep, he hits a mat return and they close the round in the clinch on the fence.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Turner

ROUND TWO: Weaver circling again, trying to work long. Turner with a double jab then a left. Jabs from Turner now. Turner avoids a takedown attempt and lands a right. Left to the body from Turner, then a right to the body as well and a knee. Weaver lands a left and they clinch. Knees go back and forth as they fight for position along the fence. They break and Turner lands a body kick. Weaver is starting to reach for those, which could open up a head kick. Weaver lands a left in close. Another exchange in the clinch and they break. Weaver lands a body shot. A couple of rights from Turner drop Weaver, but he doesn’t follow him down and after a bit forces Weaver to stand. Turner lands a right along the fence, they clinch and Turner rides Weaver down and lands punches from the ride position. One hook in for Turner and he’s got the choke, Weaver tries to fight it off but has to tap out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jalin Turner via Submission, rear naked choke, at 4:20 of Round 2

Turner just looked better everywhere. Mic time for Turner, he walks us through the finishing sequence. Asked about the sequence, he says he thought Weaver was out which was why he didn’t pounce on him immediately but was able to get it anyway. He says he wants to be on the upcoming Yas Island series of events, and hopes he did enough to win a puppy.

The punching combo here was a favorite of Mike Tyson, though obviously Tyson was more technically proficient. Turner lands the right uppercut, there isn’t much on it but it’s there and then he follows that up with a right hook after his opponent dropped his left and exposed his head.

Alexander Romanov has been trying to make his UFC debut all year, he was supposed to fight last week, but will now finally get into the cage. Romanov is trying to remain undefeated and get that all important first UFC win. Roque Martinez brings a two fight winning streak into his UFC debut, he’s trying to make an immediate impact with a memorable win. Romanov is a heavy favorite at -380 to +310 for Martinez.

Heavyweight Bout: Roque Martinez (15-5-2, 258.5 lbs.) vs. Alexander Romanov (11-0, 261 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Romanov is four inches taller but has just three of reach over Martinez. They touch gloves to get us going, southpaw for Romanov. Martinez lands an inside leg kick. Romanov lands a body kick and gets a single leg against the fence into half guard. Martinez tries to roll under for a leg, Romanov punches him in the head while they fight up and Romanov hits a mat return. Romanov moves to side control, he’s after a scarf hold chest compressor but doesn’t have the arm properly trapped and they scramble back up. They clinch again quickly and hit the fence. Elbow from Martinez. Romanov gets a single leg into half guard again. Martinez is trying to shrimp up, Romanov lands a couple of short elbows while working to tie up the arms of Martinez. Full mount for Romanov, he unloads with hammer fists, Martinez covers up and blocks most of them so far. Martinez is blocking a lot of these but he’s not getting up or even working towards that. Romanov moves to knee on belly instead and throws more hammer fists that are mostly blocked. Back to full mount for Romanov, actually more of a half guard as I see the leg position. Romanov gets full mount again, and he’s finally finding the target with some of his offense. Romanov grabs at a straight armbar, Martinez resists the urge to tap, Romanov back to full mount and lands a punch as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Romanov

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Romanov lands a body kick, bit of a counter right from Martinez. Romanov gets a single leg into half guard again. Let’s see if Romanov has decided to be more precise here instead of just going wild. Some punches from Romanov. There’s a couple of elbows from Romanov and he threatens an arm triangle but loses the grip, he does get full mount though. Romanov moves to side control, might have been thinking about an armbar attack but didn’t go for it. Back to full mount and Romanov lands some punches. Martinez keeps blocking most of these offensive offerings but he’s got to address the position at some point. Romanov moves himself to side control again, lands an elbow and goes back to knee on belly. Martinez tries to scramble back up, Romanov spins around towards the back but he’s got an arm triangle choke locked up now. Martinez tries to defend but eventually taps.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alexander Romanov via Submission, arm triangle choke, at 4:22 of Round 2

Fairly generic one sided heavyweight fight, you see similar stuff all the time if you watch more regional level MMA. Romanov does get an interview after that, he thanks everyone for making this happen and says he’s here and angry. He tells the rest of the division he’s here and ready to fight.

The arm triangle here is fairly standard, but doing the standard stuff correctly is what wins fights.

Kevin Croom took this fight on extremely short notice when he replaced Matt Frevola but he’s got a three fight winning streak going and could make a quick impact with a win over a notable prospect. Roosevelt Roberts has gone 4-2 in the UFC but is coming off of a loss, now he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak and get back on the winning side of things. Roberts is a prohibitive -440 favorite to a +350 payout for Croom.

Lightweight Bout: Kevin Croom (21-12, 154.5 lbs.) vs. Roosevelt Roberts (10-2, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Roberts is three inches taller but Croom has half an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves and get us going. Roberts working inside leg kicks and lands a one two but Croom drops him with a left. Roberts back up but Croom has a power guillotine and pushes Roberts into the fence with it then forces the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Kevin Croom via Submission, standing guillotine, at :31 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Croom for his work this evening. Mic time for Croom after what is the fastest debut win in UFC lightweight history, he mentions working for 13 years to get to this point and he’s elated to be here. He talks us through the finishing sequence and says that tap was the best feeling in the world. He says he never expected his debut to go that way to close.

Roberts drops his right hand throwing a one two, at the same time Croom fires a right to the body and a left to the head to drop Roberts. From there Croom grabs a power guillotine/ninja choke, drives Roberts to the fence with it and then arches his hips into it to get enough leverage to force the tap.

Julia Avila has gone 2-0 in the UFC and has a four fight winning streak, she’s looking to continue her ascent through the ranks and start looking for bigger names going forward. Sijara Eubanks has gone 3-2 in the UFC, she’s coming off of a win though and could take her own step forward at the expense of a rising prospect. Avila is a hefty -280 favorite while the +240 payout on Eubanks has to tempt those who don’t mind gambling.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: #14 Julia Avila (8-1, 135 lbs.) vs. #15 Sijara Eubanks (5-4, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Avila is three inches taller but has just one inch of reach over Eubanks. They touch gloves to get us going. Avila showing the jab early and she avoids a looping right. More jabs from Avila as Eubanks is falling short with her counters. Both women get close and they brawl for a bit before Eubanks decides to force a clinch after getting the worst of that. Eubanks gets the double leg into side control. Knee to the body from Eubanks. Avila wraps up the head of Eubanks with her legs but only uses that to try and escape. Avila is back up, lands a knee in the clinch as they settle on the fence. They trade some knees to the body, then Avila gets a takedown and nearly has the back of Eubanks as they scramble a bit. Eubanks is after a leg, but Avila sweeps to top position, side control more specifically. Hammer fist from Avila, then an elbow as well. Some punches from Avila, then she moves to the back as Eubanks gets to her knees but she has no hooks and Eubanks slides her off over the top. Eubanks towards the back now just as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Avila

ROUND TWO: Avila jabbing again as the round starts. Bit of a head kick from Avila, Eubanks already looks like her arms are tired. Avila still jabbing well, then lands a combination and we get more brawling in the pocket before Eubanks gets a takedown. Avila is after a knee bar, decides against it and settles for full guard. Eubanks lands a couple of blows, Avila gets her guard up in play but can’t find a submission as Eubanks moves to leg drag. Half guard now for Avila. Eubanks is threatening the arm triangle, she moves to side control but loses that threat. Another arm triangle attack, Eubanks gets to mount with it, now to side control looking to lock it up. Eubanks keeps adjusting her choke but loses the pressure as Avila moves to her hip. Eubanks settles for punches and gets the back then looks for the choke. Back to full mount now, Eubanks is riding well. Another arm triangle attack from Eubanks, she’s in full mount with it and Avila is able to survive for a bit. Eubanks gets the back again, tries another neck crank to get back to full mount and she lands punches as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Eubanks, 19-18 Eubanks overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again. Avila looking to jab, Eubanks pushes forward and they brawl for a bit. Jabs from Avila to try and maintain distance, Eubanks forces a takedown into the fence and slows things down. Avila slips free and we’re at distance again. Eubanks looks gassed right now, time to see if Avila can take advantage of that. Some jabs from Avila, then Eubanks gathers energy and then gets another takedown and finally gets the outside trip to land in side control. Avila scoots to the fence looking to wall walk, but Eubanks moves to half guard to try and control her here. Eubanks lands some punches as she’s got Avila kind of squashed up on the fence. Avila is bleeding a bit from the nose now, she doesn’t seem capable of getting up from here right now. Avila gets full guard back, she tries to threaten with a triangle choke but there isn’t much there for her. Now she switches to an armbar but Eubanks gets her arm free almost immediately. Eubanks lands more punches, Avila tries a kneebar again but can’t extend the leg as Eubanks lands punches and time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Eubanks, 29-27 Eubanks overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Sijara Eubanks via unanimous decision (29-27 x3)

Disappointing performance from Avila, and a fairly solid outing for Eubanks. Eubanks on the mic now, she says she tried to stay confident during the exchanges and knew Avila would be coming for her. She says she’s been doing jiu-jitsu for about 15 years and she’s always confident on the mat, and felt even better after the first takedown. Asked about the future she wants another fight before the end of the year but doesn’t have a name in mind.

That’s it for preliminary action, though we’re still on ESPN+ for the main card.

Billy Quarantillo has a seven fight winning streak going that includes two wins in the UFC, he’s looking to keep that momentum going and prove he’s a prospect to pay attention to. Kyle Nelson has gone 1-2 in the UFC, but he is coming off of that win and now looks for his first UFC winning streak. The odds like Quarantillo at -250 to +210 on Nelson.

Featherweight Bout: Kyle Nelson (13-3, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Billy Quarantillo (14-2, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Nelson has an inch of height and reach over Quarantillo. Nelson coming forward early, and lands a right. Quarantillo lands a right, then Nelson lands a body kick. Nelson rips the body a couple of times and they clinch up. They separate and both men miss elbows. Quarantillo lands a punch. Nelson lands a right to the body. Left to the body from Nelson but he walks into a knee and they clinch again. More clinch fighting, Nelson gets around to the back then lands a right as they get chest to chest. Bit of an elbow from Nelson as they break. A couple of punches from Quarantillo are partially blocked. Quarantillo lands a couple of leg kicks. Nelson lands a right, then Quarantillo lands a body kick. They split some jabs. Calf kick from Quarantillo, those are adding up quickly. Double leg from Quarantillo, they hit the fence on the mat and Quarantillo lands some rights to the body and head. Nelson wall walks to his feet. A knee from Quarantillo hits Nelson square in the groin and we’ve got time out. Nelson takes a minute and we’re back to fighting. Both men miss some punches. Nelson lands an uppercut. Left to the body from Nelson. A spinning back kick from Nelson is the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Nelson but a close one

ROUND TWO: Both men come out kicking, and Quarantillo lands a right. Jab from Nelson lands. Quarantillo lands a right to the body, Nelson lands a body kick then a calf kick. Quarantillo tries a double leg, can’t get it and eats a knee to the body for his effort. Calf kick from Quarantillo. Nelson avoids another takedown and they hit the fence. Some knees go back and forth in the clinch. Elbow from Quarantillo as they break. Quarantillo lands a calf kick. Nelson gets taken down against the fence but wall walks immediately. Elbow from Nelson in the clinch. They break after some punches are traded. Another clinch after both men miss punches. Quarantillo drops for a double leg but can’t finish it, he just lands knees and elbows instead. Quarantillo lands another elbow in close then they break. Left hook from Quarantillo, Nelson is fading but lands a one two. Calf kick from Quarantillo and another clinch on the fence. They break without incident, then trade punches in the pocket for a bit. Quarantillo lands a right then a right to the body. Lefts and rights from Quarantillo, Nelson kind of pulls guard as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Quarantillo, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Quarantillo comes out, lands a one two and Nelson is OUT.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Billy Quarantillo via KO, punch, at :07 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Quarantillo for his work this evening. Quarantillo gets an interview after that, he says he wasn’t surprised by the fight and knew Nelson would come out hard. He talks us through the finish, then says he delivers exciting fights and finishes just as Dana White wants.

Text book one two from Quarantillo, the jab draws the reaction the the right splits the guard and smashes the severely fatigued Nelson to get the finish.

Bobby Green took this fight on short notice but he’s on a two fight winning streak and is showing some of the better form of his career, if he can get to three in a row here he could get another step up in competition next. Alan Patrick has a solid UFC record of 5-2 but he’s been very inactive for periods of time, he hasn’t fought since October of 2018 when he was stopped by Scott Holtzman. Patrick is trying to return to form and get back on the winning side of things. Despite taking this on short notice the odds are with Green at -260 to a +220 payout on the returning Patrick.

Lightweight Bout: Bobby Green (26-10-1, 156 lbs.) vs. Alan Patrick (15-2, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Patrick is an inch taller but has three inches of reach over Green. Southpaw for Patrick, Green will do a lot of switching. Patrick tries a takedown, Green reverses and lands on top in half guard. Short elbows from Green as they work for position along the fence. Patrick up, but eats a knee to the body as they clinch. Patrick is still after a takedown, he tries a roll through but Green is happy to roll through and come up in the clinch. Green gets a body lock takedown into side control again. Some short punches and elbows from Green as he shoves Patrick into the fence. Patrick is trying to wall walk, he’s on his knees and now up but eats a knee as they clinch. Both men land knees then Patrick tries to change his level again. Green with excellent defense so far, sneaking in knees and elbows when he can. Patrick tries to hit a standing switch but gets taken down into full guard. Green avoids an armbar attempt and moves to half guard. Ground and pound from Green, nothing devastating yet but he’s staying fairly busy. Patrick gets back to full guard, Green with more elbows. Back up on the feet now, Green lands a couple of rights to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Green

ROUND TWO: Quick clinch as the round starts, but Green elbows his way out of that and separates. Bit of a left from Patrick and he’s got another clinch. Body lock takedown from Green into full guard. Green back to landing short elbows. Green moves to half guard and lands a few more punches. Patrick is struggling here, he tries to fish for a leg lock and they wind up scrambling to their feet and clinch on the fence. They separate without incident. Bit of a right from Green. Green lands a left, he’s doing a fair bit of stance switching and using the power hand more often than not. Green avoids a takedown attempt. Green eats a leg kick and lands a right. Short punch from Green lands and they clinch briefly. Jab from Green. A body kick from Green closes the round.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Green avoids a looping left and they clinch up again. Green gets the back, hits a mat return and they wind up on the ground. Patrick tries to use his guard but Green passes to side control and works more short blows from there. Patrick wall walks, and they separate. Green lands a right. Pull back right from Green lands. They clinch, Green gets the back and Patrick rolls under for a leg lock and then scrambles to the back but Green shakes him off and they reset. Another clinch, Green works knees to the body. They break without incident. Green lands a right, Patrick lands a bit of a head kick and gets a takedown along the fence but Green is back up right away. Punches from Green then a knee as they break. Green lands a couple of rights. Another right from Green, Patrick stays upright but he ate that one flush. Green keeps baiting a left from Patrick and landing a counter right. Another couple of punches land for Green but he wont get a finish before the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Bobby Green via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Green notches his third win in about four months and looked better pretty much everywhere. Mic time for Green, he says he felt off in this fight and had to cut around 22 pounds in about a few weeks. He says he just heard about the Iranian wrestler (Navid Afkari) who was executed for protesting and he’s a little messed up by that, he thanks everyone and walks off, he was clearly affected by that news.

Ed Herman has gone 2-3 in his last five fights but is on a two fight winning streak right now, he’s been out for almost a year but if he can get to three in a row he could earn a step up in competition given how relatively thin light heavyweight is. Mike Rodriguez has gone 2-2 with 1 No Contest in the UFC, he is coming off of a win though and could get his first UFC winning streak up and running at the expense of the veteran Herman. Rodriguez is your favorite at -240 to a +200 comeback on Herman.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Ed Herman (25-14 1 NC, 205.5 lbs.) vs. Mike Rodriguez (11-4 1 NC, 205.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rodriguez is two and a half inches taller but has a hefty five and a half inches of reach over Herman. Southpaw for Rodriguez. Herman is circling around the outside. Rodriguez checks a leg kick. Inside leg kick from Rodriguez then a bit of a left hand. Rodriguez lands a front kick to the body. Herman checks an inside leg kick. They clinch up and trade knees and elbows then break. Rodriguez lands a body kick, Herman bulls forward and they trade knees in the clinch. Elbows go back and forth then Rodriguez gets Herman on the fence. Knee from Rodriguez. Both men land some blows while jockeying for position. Rodriguez gets free and they separate. Elbow from Rodriguez wobbles Herman and he’s looking for a finish. They tie up in the clinch though and Herman will get the time he needs to recover. Both men land knees and elbows in the clinch, then they separate. Left from Rodriguez lands. Bit of a right from Herman. They clinch again, and that’s where the round will run down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rodriguez

ROUND TWO: Herman has a leg kick checked to get the round going. Both men land lead hand hooks. They clinch, trade blows in close and hit the fence. Herman lands an elbow. Knees from Herman, Rodriguez starts to return them. Elbow from Rodriguez, then knees to the body as well. Bit of an inside sweep from Herman, Rodriguez winds up on his knees against the fence. Rodriguez back up before anything happens though and they trade in the clinch again. Rodriguez pulls free, Herman looks a little gassed. Body kick from Rodriguez and they clinch again. Rodriguez pulls free and resets. Another body kick from Rodriguez, and another clinch from Herman. Herman lands an uppercut, then Herman took a knee to the groin so we’ve got time for him to recover. Replay looks like that was a clean blow to the body, Herman might be getting the benefit of a bad call here. Herman takes his sweet time, between the body damage and his gas tank I don’t blame him but he’s doing it. Herman can continue and we’re fighting again, clearly a missed call by the ref for what it’s worth. Rodriguez kicks the body again and Herman didn’t like that. Herman tries to swing, but Rodriguez keeps cutting him off with body work. More body shots, including a knee and Herman is down again. Rodriguez thinks about following him, instead makes him stand but time runs out as he does so.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rodriguez, might be 10-8, 20-18 Rodriguez overall

ROUND THREE: Rodriguez comes out and lands an inside leg kick. We get a correction on the rules, officials can only use instant replay to look at a fight ending sequence so the ref couldn’t have double checked the foul he called. Herman gets a takedown from the clinch, Rodriguez back up and lands a knee to the body. Elbows from Rodriguez now, and body shots as well. Herman is just taking punishment while bent over holding a single leg. Herman slumps to the ground, Rodriguez on top in half guard. Lefts and elbows from Rodriguez, Herman moving better down here and looking for a kimura. Herman has the double wrist lock but he can’t get the arm out. The arm is out and Herman hits a roll into top position and has the kimura locked up tight. Rodriguez tries to hold on but has to tap as Herman steps over the head and really cranks it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ed Herman via Submission, kimura, at 4:01 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Herman for his work this evening. Also, Rodriguez got royally screwed by the ref in this fight. Mic time for Herman, Bisping immediately asks him about the faux low blow, he says he knew he was hurt and he went down but he was tired for sure and puts over Rodriguez. Asked about the future he says he looked terrible and isn’t happy with his performance, he says being 39 makes this tougher and tougher. He thanks everyone to close.

Horrible reffing job aside, taken on its own this is a really nice finish from Herman. He locks up the kimura, sweeps Rodriguez with it and then steps over the head to get maximum torque on the hold.

Roxanne Modafferi has been trading wins and losses while going 3-4 during her second UFC stint, she’s coming off of a loss and is trying to avoid a losing streak. Andrea Lee has dropped her last two fights via close split decision, but she needs a win badly here if she’s going to make a run towards the top of the division. Lee is your favorite at -310 to a +225 payout for Modafferi.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: #9 Andrea Lee (11-4, 125.5 lbs.) vs. #8 Roxanne Modafferi (24-17, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Modafferi is an inch taller while Lee has half an inch of reach advantage. Both women come out range finding. Lee lands a leg kick. Modafferi catches a leg kick, they scramble up into the clinch then trade there before breaking. Lee is backing Modafferi up to the fence. Both women working jabs. Leg kick from Lee. They clinch, and Lee hits a headlock throw to land on top in half guard. Lee lands some short elbows as Modafferi tries to shrimp under her. They scramble back up and are still clinched. Modafferi gets a trip takedown into half guard. Modafferi lands some short blows, Lee gets to her knees but is eating blows while trying to base up. More punches from Modafferi, Lee does get her down on a hip with a single leg, she’s almost got the back and now has it. Modafferi back up and to the fence, where the clock will wind down as they trade knees.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Modafferi

ROUND TWO: Lee lands a couple of lefts. Both women land lead hand punches. Modafferi blocks a head kick. Lee lands a leg kick. Counter right from Lee, then a blitz of punches and a body kick. Both women are landing some jabs but neither have much heat on them. They trade rights, then Lee lands a leg kick. Shifting left from Lee then a leg kick. Lee lands another body kick then a right to the body. A couple of punches land for Lee then a leg kick. Modafferi tries a clinch, Lee hits a knee to the body and then avoids the exchange. They trade some jabs again while circling. They clinch again, Lee hits a headlock throw and lands knees as they get up then separate. Spinning back elbow from Lee staggers Modafferi and Lee comes forward looking to finish it but Modafferi is avoiding a lot of the offense. Lee with a leg kick. Modafferi catches a body kick and gets a takedown into half guard. Lee works elbows from her back as the clock runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lee, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Lee lands a left and a right, then Modafferi lands a right to counter a leg kick. More leg kicks from Lee. Modafferi lands a right uppercut, but Lee returns it and hers had more heat. Lee keeps kicking the leg. Modafferi lands a jab. Left from Lee then a right to the body. Another body kick from Lee. Overhand right from Lee lands. Modafferi is circling around, not sure what she’s looking for. Bit of a right and a body shot from Lee. Another couple of body shots from Lee, then she tries a spinning back kick but Modafferi gets a clinch and takes her down into half guard. Bad decision from Lee there. Lee wall walks up but can’t get out of the clinch yet. Modafferi hits another trip takedown into half guard. Some elbows from Lee, Lee up after a single leg and ends the round on top.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lee, Modafferi didn’t do enough with her top position for me, 29-28 Lee overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Roxanne Modafferi via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Much as I disagree I’m not surprised. Mic time for Modafferi, she trained hard for this fight but is happy to have gotten the win. She says both she and Lee have improved since their first fight many years ago, and thanks her coaches.

Ottman Azaitar is undefeated including a successful UFC debut about a year ago, he’s trying to retain that undefeated status and start making a name for himself in a very crowded division. Khama Worth is on a seven fight winning streak that includes two wins in the UFC, he’s hoping to build that momentum here and likewise try to stand out in the very deep lightweight division. The odds are close but lean towards Worthy at -135 to +115 for Azaitar.

Lightweight Bout: Ottman Azaitar (12-0, 156 lbs.) vs. Khama Worthy (16-6, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Worthy has three inches of height and reach over Azaitar. They touch gloves to get us going. Azaitar circling, both men feinting. Bit of a jab from Worthy. Azaitar lands a left to the body. Azaitar with a right and a left they get close and trade in the pocket but Worthy is the one who falls over and Azaitar pounds him out from the ride position.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ottman Azaitar via TKO, punches, at 1:33 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Azaitar for his work this evening. Mic time for Azaitar who feels very good and gives glory to God and the Moroccan king and government for their support. He gives love to his family, thanks his coaches as well, and puts over his country. He says he wanted to go long in the fight and to let the fight come to him, especially since Worthy is a counter fighter, but once he hurts someone he can’t help but go for the kill.

A little wild, but hand speed and power can make up for a fair amount of technical flaws.

Michelle Waterson is on a two fight losing streak, she’s trying to get back on the winning side of things which she needs to do if she ever wants to get to the title picture. Angela Hill just had a three fight winning streak broken when she ran into Claudia Gadelha and lost a close split decision, she could get one of the bigger wins of her career here and potentially break into the top ten of the division. The odds here are extremely close, but favor Hill at -115 to -105 for Waterson.

Strawweight Bout: #8 Michelle Waterson (17-8, 115 lbs.) vs. #13 Angela Hill (12-8, 115.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Hill has two and a half inches of reach advantage. Both women circling early. Waterson showing the jab and low kick, nothing landing yet. Bit of a right from Hill and she avoids a feinted takedown. A couple of rights land for Hill, Waterson lands a few jabs. Right from Hill counters a jab. Bit of a right from Waterson. They clinch up, and Waterson gets Hill on the fence. Some knees then an elbow from Waterson as they break. Hill lands another right. Waterson goes southpaw now, and takes another right from Hill. Leg kick from Waterson lands. Waterson lands a right. Takedown attempt from Waterson, that stalls out on the fence in a clinch position. Hill lands a few knees then they break. Knee to the body from Hill, Waterson lands a right. Waterson lands a front kick to the face. Another clinch on the fence. Both women land knees to the body and they break. Both women miss kicks as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Hill

ROUND TWO: Waterson misses a few strikes. Body kick from Waterson, then a bit of a right. Hill lands a right. Waterson lands a body kick. Hill lands a left hook. Bit of a right from Waterson. Hill lands a body kick. Another left body kick from Hill. Left hook then a leg kick land for Waterson. Right from Hill and another one. They split jabs but Waterson doesn’t have the power that Hill does. Combination from Waterson, then she tries a single leg that hits the fence and settles for a clinch. Knees go back and forth then they break. Stiff right from Waterson but Hill just eats it. Leg kick from Waterson, then a clinch but nothing comes of that. Another clinch that hits the fence, Hill lands a couple of elbows. They both miss kicks as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Hill still feinting but she looks a little fatigued, she’s had cardio issues in the past. Waterson lands a body kick. Right from Waterson. Hill working her jab to try and keep distance. Another counter right from Waterson lands, she gets a clinch and hits a takedown into half guard. Some short blows go back and forth. Hill tries to get on a hip and scoot to the fence, she’s making slow progress that way. Waterson lands a couple of rights. An elbow from Waterson. Hill rolls to her knees, Waterson jumps to her back with one hook in along the fence. They scramble again, Waterson still threatening the back and landing blows as Hill goes back to half guard on the bottom. Waterson looking to pass but can’t and Hill gets full guard. Body shots from Waterson. Waterson postures up and lands an elbow, then takes an illegal up kick just before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Waterson, 29-28 Hill overall

ROUND FOUR: Both women have blows fall short. They clinch up, but Hill separates quickly. Waterson lands a right. Both women land punches in close, they clinch again and hit the fence. They trade knees to the body then break. Hill lands a jab. Both miss punches. Stiff jab from Waterson lands. Hill misses a few punches but she’s looking labored with her punches. Waterson lands a straight right. Hill defends a takedown attempt and Waterson kicks her body. Waterson tries a double leg, they hit the fence clinched. They break without real incident. Jabs from Waterson and a side kick to the body. Another side kick to the body from Waterson. Waterson with a side kick to the face. Hill coming forward but she’s walking into stuff now. Ax kick from Waterson partially lands, they clinch up again. Hill tries to slip around to the back, they trade kicks as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Waterson, 38-38 overall

ROUND FIVE: Jabs from Waterson then a body kick. Bit of a right from Hill. Waterson grabs a single leg, can’t finish it though and they break. Bit of a left from Waterson. Front kick from Waterson. Hill lands a body kick. More body kicks from Waterson. Waterson lands a side kick to the face. They split some jabs. Another side kick to the body from Waterson. Hill avoids a few punches but takes another kick to the body. Waterson lands a right. Body shot and a leg kick from Waterson, she’s out working Hill down the stretch. Another clinch, Hill misses an elbow as they break. Hill lands a right. Lefts go back and forth. Bit of a right from Hill. Waterson blocks a high kick, and they trade rights. Hill backs off and circles. Leg kick and an ax kick from Waterson. Another Waterson combination, they clinch up and both unload with knees as the clock winds down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Waterson, 48-47 Waterson overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Michelle Waterson via split decision (47-48, 48-47, 49-46)

49-46 seems deeply incorrect, I can’t imagine Waterson taking either of the first two rounds but 48-47 for either woman is perfectly acceptable. Mic time for Waterson, she says she was confident after the final bell but she’s a little tired of split decisions. Asked about who she wants next she just wants the next title contender, she wants a shot at the belt as soon as possible. To close she sucks up to Bisping a little then hopes everyone around the world can use their pain to propel them forward rather than let it weigh them down.

That wraps up UFC on ESPN+ 35 everyone, thank you for being here whether that was live or after the fact. We’ll unpack all the action from this event on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast tomorrow, plus look ahead. Next week has a pretty decent card when Colby Covington takes on Tyron Woodley, Niko Price and Donald Cerrone will engage in sanctioned insanity, and the new hot prospect Khamzat Chimaev gets a step up in competition against battle tested veteran Gerald Meerschaert. I’ll be back for that event next week, and I hope you will be here as well. Until then thanks again, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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