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411’s UFC on ESPN 36 Report: Rakic Falls Against Blachowicz

May 15, 2022 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC on ESPN 36 Image Credit: UFC

MAIN CARD (ESPN2/ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET)
#1 Jan Blachowicz (205.5 lbs.) vs. #3 Aleksandar Rakic (205 lbs.)
Ion Cutelaba (205 lbs.) vs. #13 Ryan Spann (206 lbs.)
Davey Grant (135.5 lbs.) vs. Louis Smolka (136 lbs.)
#1 Katlyn Chookagian (125.5 lbs.) vs. Amanda Ribas (125.5 lbs.)
Frank Camacho (155 lbs.) vs. Manuel Torres (155.5 lbs.)
Jake Hadley (125.5 lbs.) vs. Allan Nascimento (125.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN2/ESPN+, 7:30 p.m. ET)
#8 Viviane Araujo (125 lbs.) vs. #9 Andrea Lee (125 lbs.)
Michael Johnson (155 lbs.) vs. Alan Patrick (156 lbs.)
#13 Angela Hill (115.5 lbs.) vs. #12 Virna Jandiroba (115 lbs.)
Carlos Candelario (126 lbs.) vs. Tatsuro Taira (125 lbs.)
Nick Maximov (184.5 lbs.) vs. Andre Petroski (185 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN 36, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening. Tonight the UFC puts the spotlight on the light heavyweight division as former champion Jan Blachowciz tries to earn another crack at that title when he takes on rising contender Aleksandar Rakic. The top of light heavyweight is surprisingly volatile at the moment with Glover Teixeira taking on Jiri Prochazka later this year, Magomed Ankalaev surging up through the ranks, and this main event all having an impact on the title picture. Sadly after that it’s rather slim pickings on this card, but Davey Grant vs. Louis Smolka has high action potential, as does any Frank Camacho fight. On the prelims Michael Johnson vs. Alan Patrick has about 3.5 minutes of insanity written all over it, and we get the UFC debut of flyweight prospect Tatsuro Taira which was supposed to take place a couple of weeks ago. And we can always hope for something more compelling in practice than it looks on paper.

UFC on ESPN 36 comes to the world from the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. We’ve got Brendan Fitzgerald, Michael Bisping, and Dominick Cruz on commentary. As for the rules Nevada uses most of the newer ones but you still only need one hand on the mat to be considered downed, there is instant replay whenever the officials desire and the fight can be restarted after it’s used if that’s applicable, and keep in mind we’re in the smaller 25 foot diameter cage.

Nick Maximov is undefeated as a professional including two wins in the UFC and while he’s young in his career and young in age if he can get to three in a row here he’ll have established himself as a prospect of note. Andre Petroski has likewise gone 2-0 in the UFC and is trying to establish himself as the one to watch going forward. Maximov is your -365 favorite to a +280 comeback on Petroski.

Middleweight Bout: Nick Maximov (8-0, 184.5 lbs.) vs. Andre Petroski (7-1, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Maximov has three inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Petroski. They clash on kicks. Maximov lands a right hand. Both men land punches in close. Bit of a body kick from Maximov. They wrestle to the ground and scramble back up with Petroski grabbing a front headlock. Petroski sits for an anaconda choke, he’s able to walk his body in close to lock things up and Maximov goes to sleep rather than tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Andre Petroski via Technical Submission, anaconda choke, at 1:16 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Petroski for his work this evening. Petroski gets an interview after that quick bit of work, he works a lot on his front headlock sequence then talks us through the finish. Asked about the future he calls out Gerald Meerschaert for a fight in Singapore in a few weeks. I don’t hate that matchup, but that timing is unlikely to work.

Sadly this doesn’t show the grip adjustment to lock up the choke, but if you look at the position here this how you should finish an anaconda. The neck of Maximov is bent over furthering compression, Petroski has walked his hips around closer to Maximov which also furthers the compression and while ideally you’ve got the legs hooked it’s not completely necessary.

Tetsuro Taira is undefeated coming into his UFC debut, now he’s looking to capitalize on the only chance he’ll get to make a first impression on the UFC audience. Chris Candelario lost his fight on the Contender Series but wound up in the UFC anyway and now looks to showcase his abilities on the biggest stage of his career. The odds are with Taira at -310 while a Candelario win pays at +245.

Flyweight Bout: Carlos Candelario (8-1, 126 lbs.) vs. Tatsuro Taira (10-0, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Candelario is an inch taller while Taira has two inches of reach advantage and is 8 years younger. Southpaw for Candelario. Taira circles at first, then Candelario fires a body kick and forces a clinch. They break without incident, then Taira lands an inside leg kick. Both men land power hand punches then Taira lands a body kick. Candelario lands a left hand. Taira avoids a punch and gets a clinch on the fence. Taira keeps looking for an inside trip, he lands a couple of short punches as Candelario defends then they break. Bit of a right from Taira. Candelario looks for a single leg but they hit the fence then separate. Inside leg kick from Taira then a body kick behind it. Both men avoid some punches then Taira lands a straight right hand. Bit of a left head kick from Taira. Candelario has a head kick blocked. Taira lands a right to the body, Candelario counters with a left to the head. Candelario blocks a head kick but Taira has some heavy kicks. Taira tries another takedown, again they hit the fence but this time he’s able to sweep Candelario down. Candelario wall walks immediately but Taira is still on him then breaks and digs a right to the body. Candelario punches Taira back to the fence then hits a single leg. Taira looks to wall walk, but he wont regain his feet before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Taira

ROUND TWO: Rather sedate pace to start the second round. Candelario lands a left to the body, Taira responds with a head kick. They clinch up and Candelario tries a double leg but Taira defends then lands a right hand. Hard right from Taira drops Candelario, Taira lands punches then jumps to the backpack position with a body triangle to secure it. They fall to the mat and Taira lands punches then starts fishing for the choke. Elbows from Taira now, but he’s prioritizing the choke attempts. Candelario avoids a choke attempt, then Taira lands another elbow and more punches. Candelario tries to turn into Taira but Taira rolls with him and retains back mount. Taira ties up one of Candelario’s arms with his legs, now with two hands to attack the choke he goes after it but the angle on their bodies isn’t right anymore. Taira lands a right hand but Candelario is finally able to spin into him and get on top. Slick transition from Taira and he’s on the back again, that was really nice. Candelario is able to spin into Taira’s guard again, then he moves to half guard. A few body shots from Candelario and they end the round on the mat.

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

ROUND THREE: Taira tries an inside leg kick but it goes into the groin and we’ve got a time out. Candelario takes about 30 seconds then we’re back to fighting. Candelario punches in close and tries a takedown but Taira is defending against the fence. Eventually Candelario completes the takedown then grabs a guillotine choke as Taira counters to get on top. Candelario rolls into top position with the choke but Taira is able to scramble through though Candelario winds up on top in half guard again. Taira tries to come up on a single leg, and gets it then moves to half guard. There’s an arm triangle attack from Taira but he can’t get past the half guard of Candelario. Candelario scrambles into top position but Taira grabs a triangle choke in transition then rolls into top position. They scramble again and Taira moves around to the ride position then gets the back. Candelario is looking to spin into top position again but Taira is riding him. Taira grabs at a choke attempt, it’s not really that close but he’s got one of Candelario’s arms trapped again. Now Taira bails on the choke to land elbows as he moves to full mount. Taira postures up and unloads with punches and elbows. Candelario tries to control posture but Taira just keeps swinging though Candelario will survive until the round ends.

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

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

No issues with a 10-8 for Taira in the third, even possibly the second. Mic time for Taira and his translator, he’s happy despite not being able to get the late finish. He puts over Candelario as an opponent then thanks the new fans he’s made in English and says he wants to become the champion.

Virna Jandiroba has gone 4-3 in the UFC only dropping fights to Carla Esparza, Mackenzie Dern, and Amanda Ribas. Now Jandiroba is trying to avoid her first ever losing streak and begin climbing the competitive strawweight ranks again. Angela Hill is making her 20th UFC appearance here, she’s just 1-4 in her last five fights but three of those losses were close split decisions. Hill needs a win rather badly if she still wants to be a relevant player in the division. Jandiroba is the -210 favorite against +175 on Hill.

Strawweight Bout: #13 Angela Hill (13-11, 115.5 lbs.) vs. #12 Virna Jandiroba (17-3, 115 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Hill has half an inch of reach advantage. Hill declines to touch gloves. Both women do some feinting and circling, just getting a read on things. Jandiroba tires a takedown then lands a right hand. Bit of a left hook from Hill. Glancing right from Jandiroba. Jandiroba tries a takedown, they wind up clinched on the fence. Jandiroba is looking for some kind of trip, then rolls under for a leg attack and tries for a kneebar but Hill is defending. It takes a bit as Jandiroba extends the legs, Hill is fighting for wrist control but Jandiroba gets her hand free and switches to a heel hook though Hill keeps rolling through and avoids the attack then gets on top in half guard. Jandiroba looks to spin up, they regain their feet and resume clinch fighting. Hill lands a knee to the body as they jockey for position. Both women land knees as they keep fighting in the clinch before finally breaking. Hill lands a jab. They trade power hand punches. Both women fall short with punches, then they clinch and Hill trips Jandiroba down. Jandiroba gets on top in half guard as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jandiroba

ROUND TWO: Hill looks to push the pace a bit as this round starts. They trade punches then clinch and break before trading punches again. Bit of a right from Jandiroba. They trade in close then clinch again and hit the fence. Some knees go back and forth then Jandiroba lands an elbow as they break. Hill lands a right to the body. They clinch again and hit the fence. Some knees are traded before they break. Hill lands a right hand. Jandiroba tries a double leg, and gets Hill down into half guard. Jandiroba is using a lot of pressure and control, slow and methodical at the moment. Now Jandiroba passes to north-south then looks to spin for an armbar. Some hammer fists from Jandiroba as she moves to spiderweb control then sits for the armbar. Hill tries to stack Jandiroba up but her arm is in serious danger. Jandiroba looks to extend the arm but they’ll just stalemate for the final few seconds.

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

ROUND THREE: Hill lands a right hand then a stiff jab to follow up. Both women land rights. Hill lands a combination of punches, then Jandiroba tries a single leg and forces things to the fence. Jandiroba switches to a double leg and gets Hill down then moves to half guard. Jandiroba moves to north-south again, Hill rolls to her knees and looks to wall walk. Hill regains her feet but Jandiroba is still stuck to her. Double leg from Jandiroba and Hill closes her guard once they hit the mat. Jandiroba lands some body to head punches, including sneaking in a few elbows to the body. Hill fires a few elbows from her back but she’s on the wrong end of pretty much everything right now. Jandiroba moves to half guard, Hill keeps fishing for a wrist but Jandiroba is landing punches to the body and head. Hill scoots to the fence and looks to wall walk but gives up her back and Jandiroba gets both hooks in. Hill looks to spin and get on top, she gets there with 10 seconds left. Jandiroba tries to work her guard high as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Virna Jandiroba via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Mic time for Jandiroba and her translator though she opens in English and puts over Hill for the fight. Asked about who she’d like to fight next she just wants to fight anyone in the top ten.

Michael Johnson has been with the UFC since 2010 but he’s on a four fight losing streak and was last seen losing to old man Clay Guida over a year ago, now Johnson needs a win just to get a bit of job security as a five fight losing streak usually ends your time in the UFC. Alan Patrick was a rather hot prospect back in 2016 or so, but he hasn’t won a fight since 2018 and is 0-2 with 1 No Contest since that win. Patrick also needs a win just to feel secure about his spot on the roster. The odds lean towards Johnson at -150 while Patrick’s underdog status sits at +130.

Lightweight Bout: Michael Johnson (19-17, 155 lbs.) vs. Alan Patrick (15-3 1 NC, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Patrick has one inch of height and reach on Johnson. Southpaw for both men, and they touch gloves to get us going. Bit of a leg kick from Patrick, then Johnson lands a one two. Johnson avoids a takedown attempt and shoves Patrick over. A left from Johnson staggers Patrick but he remains upright. Patrick lands an inside leg kick. Johnson lands a leg kick. Bit of a left from Johnson as he avoids a poorly set up takedown from Patrick. Patrick lands a left that wobbles Johnson, then Patrick gets a clinch on the follow up and he lands a few knees. Both men land knees then they separate. Patrick lands a front kick. Bit of a leg kick from Patrick. Johnson avoids a wheel kick but things are settled into a slower pace now. Johnson lands a left hand to counter a front kick. Spinning backfist from Patrick partially lands, then Johnson hits a double leg into full guard. A few short elbows from Johnson who’s also using a can opener to keep Patrick uncomfortable. Patrick tries to set up an armbar, but Johnson passes to side control. The round ends on the mat.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Johnson

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Johnson lands a short left as Patrick is starting to swing wildly. Patrick lands a leg kick then Johnson avoids a clinch attempt. Bit of a let from Johnson as he avoids another blitz. A right hook from Johnson lands in close. Patrick lands another leg kick. Johnson lands a left hand. They tie up and hit the fence. Johnson lands a knee then separates. Patrick misses a blitz attack. Johnson avoids a spinning kick and lands a couple of punches. Patrick with a double leg from way too far out and Johnson easily evades him. Johnson lands a right hand. They trade in close and Johnson drops Patrick with a left then follows up with a few hammer fists that prompt the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Michael Johnson via KO, punches, at 3:22 of Round 2

Much needed win for Johnson. Johnson gets an interview, he gives love to people and says his performance spoke for itself. He says the journey was rough for this one but he’s finally out of a dark hole. He talks us through the finish and says he’s one of the best strikers in the world, though he’s still got a lot of climbing to do. To close he asks to fight again soon.

Fairly traditional boxing combination here, double to the body then double to the head and that left from Johnson slips inside of the wider arms of Patrick then crushes his chin.

Viviane Araujo has gone 4-2 in the UFC but dropped a decision to Katlyn Chookagian about a year ago, now she’s trying to avoid her first losing streak and defend her ranking. Andrea Lee is on a two fight winning streak, if she can get to three in a row here she could earn another crack at the top of the division and possibly find herself in the title orbit given the state of contenders at flyweight. This one is very close but Lee is a slight -120 favorite against an even +100 for Araujo.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: #8 Viviane Araujo (10-3, 125 lbs.) vs. #9 Andrea Lee (13-5, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Lee is two inches taller with an inch and a half of reach advantage. Both women work the lead hand early as they circle. Araujo does a bit of stance switching. Body shot from Araujo then a calf kick. Lee lands a right hand. A hard left from Lee drops Araujo, then a head kick to follow up but Araujo keeps a clinch and is thrown down. Lee moves to half guard but Araujo fights up to her feet and looks for a takedown of her own. Araujo hits a double leg into half guard. Lee has a double wrist lock and uses that to scramble back up to her feet and they resume clinch fighting. Lee is bleeding from the nose, not sure exactly what caused that. A knee from Lee lands then they separate. Lee keeps showing kicks at range as they circle. Bit of a left from Lee then a leg kick. Araujo is kind of zombie walking forward and gets chewed up before she can force a clinch. Lee defends a takedown attempt then lands a right hand after they break. Araujo lands a jab. They trade front kicks to the body. Lee lands a jab. Body shot from Lee in close but Araujo is still coming forward and hits a double leg into half guard. Araujo quickly passes to side control and looks for an arm triangle attack. Lee is able to hip escape and get her guard in play. Araujo moves to half gaurd again, then side control. Araujo stands, lands a punch then returns to the guard as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lee but a close one

ROUND TWO: They trade power hand punches. Bit of an elbow from Lee. Araujo lands a combination then a left to the body. Lee with an elbow then a head kick. They split a few jabs, Lee tries an ankle pick and Araujo moves to her back after defending and gets both hooks in. Terrible decision from Lee there. Araujo lands some punches while working to flatten Lee out. Lee moves to half guard but Araujo is attacking an arm triangle choke. Lee gets on her hip to avoid the choke but Araujo keeps after it as she moves to side control. Araujo bails on that choke attempt and passes to side control on the other side. Lee gives up her back again, Araujo is just a step or so ahead in the transition game. Some more punches from Araujo as she’s got both hooks in again. Araujo lands some more punches, Lee bases up and looks to shake Araujo off as Araujo threatens a Suloev stretch. Araujo avoids being thrown over the top and lands a couple of more punches. Now Araujo flattens Lee out and lands punches. Full mount for Araujo and she attacks the arm triangle again, this one is much tighter than the previous one but Lee is able to defend and will see the end of the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Lee looks to establish her jab as the round begins. Araujo walks into a few jabs then they trade leg kicks. Araujo tries a double leg, and gets it into leg drag. Araujo moves to side control. Lee is able to shrimp to half guard but she’s struggling on the mat. Araujo moves to side control again. Lee moves to her knees then stands and lands a few knees from the clinch. Another knee from Lee then they break. Bit of a left hook from Lee. Lee lands a jab, Araujo might be fading as she’s flatter on her feet. Body kick from Lee, then she tries a hook kick and Araujo takes her down off of it. Araujo moves to side control and threatens another arm triangle but can’t pass to make it a real threat. Lee gives up the back trying to stand, and Araujo gets her back with both hooks in. Araujo falls off over the top and Lee gets on top in 50-50 guard. Lee lands a series of punches as the clock expires.

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

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

Tough fight and a solid win for Araujo. Araujo gets an interview with her translator, she thanks everyone for their support and acknowledges she got hurt in the first round. Only a short interview for her as we’re short on time.

That’s it for the prelims, we’re still on ESPN+ as well as ESPN 2 for the main card.

Jake Hadley is undefeated and was last seen earning his way into the UFC on the Contender Series last October. Hadley now looks to remain perfect and make a splash in a still somewhat shallow flyweight division. Allan Nascimento dropped his UFC debut last year and now looks to avoid his first losing streak while securing that critical first UFC win. The odds are with Hadley at -195 to a +165 comeback on Nascimento.

Flyweight Bout: Jake Hadley (8-0, 125.5 lbs.) vs. Allan Nascimento (18-6, 125.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Nascimento is an inch and a half taller while Hadley has half an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Hadley, and they touch gloves to get things going. Hadley fires the left hand while backing up Nascimento. Nascimento lands a body kick. Nascimento catches a kick and sweeps Hadley down then gets on top in full guard. Hadley looks to work rubber guard, he’s going for an omoplata, Nascimento rolls through and attacks a leg. Hadley is sitting on one of Nascimento’s legs and lands a few punches while trying to get around the other leg. Nascimento tries to sell out for the heel hook but Hadley comes up on his back, then Nascimento rolls through and goes for a straight ankle lock but Hadley punches him in the body and smothers the attack. Now Nascimento rolls through again and sweeps to get on top in full guard. Nascimento passes to half guard and lands a couple of punches. Hadley shrimps back to full guard. There’s not a whole lot going on here at the moment, then Nascimento passes to half guard. Nascimento nearly gets full mount but Hadley keeps one leg in play to prevent that. A few elbows from Nascimento then Hadley fights to his feet as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Nascimento

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Hadley lands a left hand but Nascimento fires back with a few kicks. Hadley backs Nascimento into the fence but Nascimento hits a double leg and gets on top in full guard. Nascimento avoids another rubber guard attack and passes to half guard. Hadley shrimps to full guard but Nascimento is doing a good job of keeping him on the mat. Nascimento passes to half guard. Hadley gets full guard back, he tries to kick Nascimento off but Nascimento returns to the guard. Nascimento moves to half guard, but Hadley has scooted to the fence and wall walks with Nascimento on his back. Hadley and Nascimento trade knees as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Hadley comes out aggressively, and lands a left hand. Nascimento is circling and kicking at distance. Hadley avoids a takedown attempt and uses a guillotine threat to get on top in half guard. A few short elbows from Hadley land then punches as Nascimento tries to attack his legs. Nascimento is able to attack a leg but Hadley winds up on top looking for an arm triangle but Nascimento is at way too odd an angle to finish it yet. Hadley looks to take the back but he can’t find the hooks. Nascimento is able to shake Hadley over the top then get on top in half guard. Nascimento threatens a d’arce choke but he wont be able to fully lock it up and Hadley hip escapes to full guard. Hadley rolls to his knees and looks to stand but Nascimento is using a front headlock to keep him down. They fight up to the feet and Nascimento lands a couple of punches. Hadley blocks a double leg and Nascimento pulls half guard to force a scramble but Hadley is able to keep top position in half guard. Nascimento hits a sweep and gets on top in half guard. Nascimento lands punches from top position as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Allan Nascimento via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Some fun scrambling in that one. Nascimento gets an interview along with his translator, he’s happy for this moment and dedicates the win to his late father. He says he didn’t want to be on his back at all this fight and knew he needed to work his top game, then puts over his team for getting him ready.

Frank Camacho has gone just 2-5 during his time in the UFC but his fights are so action packed that the promotion seems to like having him around. Camacho is just 1-4 in his last five and is on a two fight losing streak, and having a fan friendly style is a nice thing but eventually you do have to find some consistent success in the cage. Manuel Torres brings a three fight winning streak into his UFC debut, and he could make a great first impression with a win over a respected action fighter like Camacho. Torres is the -135 favorite against +115 for Camacho.

Lightweight Bout: Frank Camacho (22-9, 155 lbs.) vs. Manuel Torres (12-2, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Torres has half an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Calf kick from Torres. Camacho lands a calf kick then Torres lands a counter left. Both men land hooks in close. They trade left hooks. Torres lands a couple of lefts then Camacho lands a right. Stiff jab from Camacho then they clinch up and hit the fence. Torres lands some knees to the body then they break. Camacho lands a calf kick. Torres lands a one two. Camacho forces a clinch but nothing comes of it. Stiff left from Camacho. Torres swings some hooks before they clinch up. Camacho lands some body shots then a knee before they break. Bit of a one two from Torres. Torres lands a left hook. Camacho avoids a few punches and clinches. They break without incident. Torres lands an uppercut. Camacho is hurt and Torres looks to unload with punches, Camacho fires back with a left but Torres is measuring him. Torres lands a jab, then avoids a right and drops Camacho with a left then a right hook and the ref waves this one off.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Manuel Torres via TKO, punches, at 3:27 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Torres for his work this evening. Mic time for Torres and his translator after that fun little brawl, he says he’s very happy to be a part of the UFC and to win in here as well. He says he wasn’t hurt but Camacho definitely hit him. To close he lobbies for a post fight bonus.

Here’s the finish. Torres has a good read on the distance, he slides just out of range for that Camacho right then counters with a couple of brutal hooks that end things.

Katlyn Chookagian is on a three fight winning streak, if she can extend that streak to four here she could find herself a second shot at the flyweight title. Amanda Ribas has gone 5-1 in the UFC, she’s bounced around a bit between strawweight and flyweight though if she’s able to best the top contender at flyweight tonight she could easily find herself in the title picture given how desperate this division is for fresh title contenders. Chookagian is your favorite at -165 to a +145 comeback on Ribas.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: #1 Katlyn Chookagian (17-4, 125.5 lbs.) vs. Amanda Ribas (11-2, 125.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Chookagian is six inches taller with two inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Ribas. Chookagian circles early and they both start shadow boxing. Both women do some stance switching as they circle. Bit of a right from Chookagian. Chookagian lands a body kick. Ribas forces a clinch then throws Chookagian with a head and arm throw. Ribas starts working from kesagatame but Chookagian keeps threatening to take the back, to avoid that Ribas rotates into her and settles for side control. Again Chookagian tries to get hooks in but Ribas keeps landing short punches and using an underhook to prevent the movement. Chookagian locks up the right leg of Ribas as she threatens to take the back, there’s not much chance for either woman to change position now. Ribas keeps landing punches, then Chookagian is able to sweep and stand up. They punch in close then Chookagian avoids a clinch. Spinning back kick from Ribas lands. Chookagian lands a one two. Bit of a right from Chookagian. They trade jabs. Chookagian lands a knee. Ribas avoids a few punches but she’s struggling with the distance. Bit of a left from Ribas. One two from Chookagian. They trade punches in close. Ribas lands a left hand to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ribas

ROUND TWO: Ribas resumes forward pressure, and lands a left hand. Chookagian lands a jab. They trade punches then Chookagian avoids a single leg. They trade jabs. Ribas lands an inside leg kick. One two from Chookagian then an uppercut to follow up. They trade rights but Chookagian’s faster hands are giving Ribas all kinds of trouble. Ribas lands a back kick to the body. Chookagian lands a combination. Ribas forces a clinch and they hit the fence then Ribas hits the headlock throw again. Chookagian tries to reach for the back again and winds up getting full guard. Ribas misses a punch but passes to side control. Some short elbows from Ribas land as Chookagian shrimps to full guard. Ribas passes to half guard and they trade some blows while Chookagian gets full guard back. More punches from Ribas then Chookagian wall walks only to be caught in the clinch. Ribas lands some body shots then Chookagian spins free and lands a right hand. One two from Chookagian. Chookagian lands a left hook to counter a leg kick. They trade lefts. One two from Chookagian then a knee to follow up. Chookagian lands another right. Another right from Chookagian then they clinch for the final few seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Chookagian but could go either way, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Ribas looks to keep the pressure high. Chookagian lands a right hand. Stiff jab from Chookagian. They trade rights. Ribas lands a spinning back kick to the body but Chookagian avoids her follow up takedown attempt. Some rights from Chookagian land. Ribas lands a front kick to the body. Stiff jab from Chookagian. Chookagian avoids a clinch attempt then lands a left hook. Chookagian lands a left to the body. Ribas misses a spinning kick. They trade in close. Combination from Ribas lands. Chookagian lands a jab, she’s dictated the range a lot more consistently this round. Another right from Chookagian lands. Bit of a head kick from Ribas. Ribas lands a body kick. Bit of a head kick from Chookagian. Ribas lands an inside leg kick then hits a takedown. Chookagian scoots to the fence and wall walks right away. Ribas starts landing body blows in the clinch before Chookagian spins free. Chookagian lands a head kick, Ribas lands a right hand to counter. They both swing punches in close and both land. Ribas is forcing a brawl and Chookagian clinches up to settle things down. They get free and brawl for the final couple of seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Chookagian, 29-28 Chookagian overall but it likely hinges on the second round

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

Don’t hate the split, round two was close. Mic time for Chookagian, she felt confident she’d get the win and hopes the fight was a good one to watch despite going the distance. She puts over Ribas then says she’d like another shot at Valentina Shevchenko, but barring that she just wants to stay active. To close she puts over a couple of sponsors.

Davey Grant has gone 4-5 in the UFC and technically made his UFC debut way back in 2013, he’s on a two fight losing streak though both of those being Fight of the Night helps his job security a little bit. Grant looks to get his UFC record to the .500 mark with a win tonight. Louis Smolka has traded wins and losses while going 3-3 since returning to the UFC in 2018, he’s coming off of a loss and is hoping to avoid another losing streak. The odds are rather solidly with Grant at -280 while the +225 comeback on Smolka might be a tempting value bet.

Bantamweight Bout: Davey Grant (13-6, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Louis Smolka (17-8, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Smolka is an inch taller while Grant has half an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves, Grant opens southpaw while Smolka does some stance switching. A few side kicks from Grant land. Grant lands a calf kick, he’s switching his stance now as well. Smolka lands a front kick to the body. Grant lands another calf kick. Smolka counters a calf kick with a right hand. Grant swings a couple of hooks that are blocked. Grant lands a right to the body then a left to the head. Smolka checks an inside leg kick. Grant lands a front kick to the body. Grant lands a right hook in close. A right from Grant staggers Smolka for a second. Smolka lands a jab. Bit of a combination from Grant then a calf kick. Smolka lands a right hand. Grant lands a body kick. Bit of a left hook from Grant. Spinning back fist from Grant lands, Smolka counters with a knee to the head. Smolka blocks a few punches. Grant digs the body a couple of times then lands a right hand. Smolka blocks a few punches. Grant drops Smolka with a jab and jumps on top. Smolka tires to tie up the legs and Grant pulls free then makes Smolka stand. Smolka is still wobbly but he’ll evade Grant until the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Grant

ROUND TWO: Smolka looks to push forward with front kicks. Grant lands a few punches then a front kick to the body. Smolka lands a jab. Hard right from Smolka lands. They tie up and trade in close then break apart. Jab from Smolka. Smolka lands a right. Grant hits the body a couple of times but he’s starting to swing wider and wider trying to end things. Smolka lands a couple of punches in close. Grant looks a little out of it. Smolka lands a combination in close. They trade elbows in close. Bit of a left from Smolka and he avoids the counters. Jab from Smolka. Grant is getting most of his punches blocked at this point, he needs to adjust. Smolka lands a jab. Bit of a left hook from Grant. Smolka lands a couple of punches and avoids the counters. Knee to the body from Smolka. Smolka lands a right hand then they trade body shots in close. Grant lands a calf kick. Smolka lands a jab but he needs to start building off of it. Right from Smolka lands. Grant slips on a wheel kick and Smolka gets on top in the ride position and lands punches. Smolka jumps for the back, tries for an armbar as he slips off the back then rolls Grant into spiderweb control. Smolka bails on that and Grant is able to escape. Both men block rights. Body shot from Smolka then they trade in the pocket to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Smolka, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Grant lands a calf kick then a left hook. Another calf kick from Grant lands. Smolka’s left leg is compromised from those kicks. Grant lands a calf kick and Smolka starts limping, he tries a takedown but Grant smothers him and lands a few punches on the mat one of which puts Smolka out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Davey Grant via KO, leg kick and punches, at :49 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Grant for his work this evening. That was wild for as long as it lasted. Mic time for Grant, he puts over Smolka but says he was never really hurt and felt good going into the third round. He talks us through the finish and notes the calf kicks were important and he got away from them in the second round. He thinks he’s developing a reputation for good fights, then says he’ll fight anyone next but he’d really like to be in the UFC video game.

Here’s the finish, it doesn’t show the leg kick that prompted this terrible shot from Smolka but it is a good example of how to pick your shots for ground and pound. Grant is appointment viewing.

Ryan Spann has gone 2-2 in his last four fights and is coming off of a loss to Anthony Smith, now he’s trying to defend his ranking and avoid his first UFC losing streak. Ion Cutelaba just got his first win since 2019 when he bested Devin Clark, now he’s looking for his first winning streak since 2018 and to possibly crack the top fifteen rankings with a win. Despite the ranking disparity the odds like Cutelaba at -235 while the +190 payout for Spann has to tempt more than a few bettors.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Ion Cutelaba (16-6-1 1 NC, 205 lbs.) vs. #13 Ryan Spann (19-7, 206 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Spann has four inches of height and reach over Cutelaba. They touch gloves to get us going. Both men land rights. Spann looks to establish his jab. Spann lands a right hand. Cutelaba avoids a kick. One two from Spann then a follow up right but they clinch and Cutelaba hits a judo throw into side control. Cutelaba passes to mount briefly but Spann shrimps to half guard. Full guard now for Spann. Spann kicks Cutelaba off and stands but Cutelaba takes him back down into full guard. Again Spann kicks Cutelaba off and lands a right hand but Cutelaba clinches and takes him down again. Cutelaba lands an elbow from full guard. Spann again regains his feet then grabs a standing guillotine and forces Cutelaba down with it, gets full mount holding the choke and Cutelaba has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ryan Spann via Submission, guillotine choke, at 2:22 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Spann for his work this evening. Mic time for Spann, he gives glory to God first and then says he has to get out of his own way and then these things happen. He was fully prepared for this fight and promises to get the title for his coach.

Here’s the finish. Cutelaba gets a bit reckless/desperate and Spann is able to grab his neck standing. From there Spann has a tight enough bite on the choke to force things down and when Cutelaba can’t address the choke in short order he’s left with only the choice to tap.

Jan Blachowicz just had a five fight winning streak snapped when Glover Teixeira defeated him and took the light heavyweight title from Blachowicz, now Blachowicz is trying to avoid his first losing streak since 2017 and possibly earn a chance at reclaiming the title he recently held. Aleksandar Rakic has gone 6-1 in the UFC only dropping a close split decision a few fights back, he’s currently on a two fight winning streak and if he can take out his first former champion here he could easily be the next in line for a title shot. The odds lean towards Rakic in this one at -200 while a Blachowicz win would payout at +170.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #1 Jan Blachowicz (28-9, 205.5 lbs.) vs. #3 Aleksandar Rakic (14-2, 205 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rakic is two inches taller while the reach is identical, plus Blachowicz is 9 years older. They touch gloves. Blachowicz lands a calf kick. Rakic starts working his jab then lands a calf kick. Rakic is stalking forward, he lands another calf kick. Bit of a right from Blachowicz. Rakic lands a right, Blachowicz is bleeding from the bridge of the nose. They trade calf kicks, Blachowicz seems to be getting the worse end of them. Bit of a right from Blachowicz, that cut is actually under the left eye of Blachowicz. Blachowicz lands a left to the body. Rakic lands a calf kick. Another combination from Blachowicz lands. More calf kicks go back and forth. Bit of a right from Rakic. Blachowicz checks a leg kick. Leg kick from Blachowicz, Rakic returns it. Blachowicz lands a left that gets the attention of Rakic. Blachowicz is being a bit predictable with his patterns but Rakic hasn’t started to counter him yet. Rakic misses a few rights. Blachowicz falls short on a blitz and Rakic lands a jab. Another calf kick from Blachowicz lands. They trade punches in close but Blachowicz landed the better punches. Rakic lands a calf kick. Rakic lands a right to the body. Some inside leg kicks from Rakic land. Blachowicz misses a right hand to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Blachowicz

ROUND TWO: That cut on Blachowicz is in a bad spot, it’s just under the eyelid near the nose and has been bothering Blachowicz since it opened up. Rakic goes back to working his jab. They trade calf kicks but Blachowicz has started checking those by getting his leg out of the way. Rakic avoids a blitz and hits a single leg takedown into guard. Blachowicz is threatening a triangle but Rakic is aware. Rakic escapes the triangle attempt and looks to pass but Blachowicz shrimps to full guard again. Rakic starts hitting the body and sneaking in elbows to the head. Blachowicz is keeping his guard closed at the moment. Rakic keeps up the body to head punches. A few elbows from Rakic land. Blachowicz tries an armbar but Rakic easily avoids it and resumes working strikes from the top. Rakic lands a couple of elbows. Blachowicz scoots to the fence and looks to wall walk but Rakic mounts the legs to tie him up. Rakic lands some body shots. Blachowicz gets his legs free but Rakic looks to spin around towards his back. They trade some punches from their knees. Rakic lands some uppercuts. Blachowicz completes his wall walk as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rakic, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again. Rakic starts jabbing, he’s aiming at that eye. Left hooks are traded. Bit of a combination from Blachowicz. Rakic misses an uppercut. More jabs from Rakic, he’s getting a better feel for the distance now. Blachowicz lands a calf kick. Bit of a body shot from Blachowicz, but Rakic stumbles and drops clutching his right knee and we’re done. Well that sucks.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jan Blachowicz via TKO, knee injury, at 1:11 Round 3

Well that’s a terrible ending to a pretty good fight. Mic time for Blachowicz, he expected the fight to be tough and notes he can’t see out of his left eye right now. Despite losing the second round he won, and hopes Rakic heals quickly, then says he wants to keep this feeling for his next fight and wants that to be a shot at the title. He says he’d love to fight Glover Teixeira again and wishes him well in his upcoming fight. Asked about the leg kicks he says calf kicks are an important weapon for him, especially against longer fighters like Rakic. He jokes that he’s like Gollum looking for his precious and relates some of the hardships he overcame to be here and win. To close he gives love to his wife.

Well on that disappointing note UFC on ESPN 36 comes to a close. We’ll be unpacking all of the results from this event on the 411 Ground and Pound podcast this Sunday, plus looking ahead to next week and UFC on ESPN+ 64. I’ll be back for that event next Saturday and I hope you will as well. Until next time thank you for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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