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411’s UFC on ESPN 56 Report: Lewis Stops Nascimento 5.11.24

May 11, 2024 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC on ESPN 56 Image Credit: UFC

MAIN CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)
#12 Derrick Lewis (264 lbs.) vs. #15 Rodrigo Nascimento (265 lbs.)
#11 Joaquin Buckley (170 lbs.) vs. Nursulton Ruziboev (170.25 lbs.)
#11 Alonzo Menifield (205.5 lbs.) vs. Carlos Ulberg (205 lbs.)
Diego Ferreira (155 lbs.) vs. Mateusz Rebecki (155.25 lbs.)
#15 Alex Caceres (145 lbs.) vs. Sean Woodson (145 lbs.)
Waldo Cortes-Acosta (262 lbs.) vs. Robelis Despaigne (262.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 4 p.m. ET)
Viacheslav Borshchev (155 lbs.) vs. Chase Hooper (155 lbs.)
Terrance McKinney (155.25 lbs.) vs. Esteban Ribovics (155 lbs.)
Tecia Pennington (115 lbs.) vs. #11 Tabatha Ricci (115 lbs.)
Billy Goff (170.25 lbs.) vs. Trey Waters (170 lbs.)
Jake Hadley (125 lbs.) vs. Charles Johnson (125.5 lbs.)
JJ Aldrich (125.25 lbs.) vs. Veronica Hardy (126 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN 56, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the event. The UFC is heading to St. Louis for the first time since 2018 and they brought a decent card with a really lackluster main event. Derrick Lewis hasn’t been setting the world on fire lately, in fact his last fight was one of the very worst all of last year but he and virtual unknown Rodrigo Nascimento will probably take up 25 minutes of action in the main event. The co-main event is a solid welterweight when St. Louis native Joaquin Buckley takes on Nursulton Ruziboev, Alonzo Menifield battles the surging Carlos Ulberg, and just overall it’s a really solid Fight Night main card that’s lacking a quality main event. So let’s hope that this delivers because it’s surprisingly solid on paper.

UFC on ESPN 56 comes to the world from the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Brendan Fitzgerald, Laura Sanko, and Michael Bisping will be calling the action for us with Charly Arnolt doing the roving reporter bit. I’m unaware of any quirks of the rules in Missouri but will update you if anything comes up, and do keep in mind that we’re in the bigger 30 foot cage sine we’re not in the Apex.

JJ Aldrich has gone 2-2 in her last four fights but she’s on a two fight winning streak and if she can get that to three in a row here she might earn a crack at some ranked opponents next. Veronica Hardy is 3-1 in her last four fights and is on a two fight winning streak, she’s likewise trying to prove she’s found her footing in the UFC and is ready for a step up in class. Close one here on the odds but they’re with Hardy at -125 to +105 for Aldrich.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: JJ Aldrich (13-6, 125.25 lbs.) vs. Veronica Hardy (8-4-1, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Aldrich is an inch taller with three and a half inches of reach advantage. Both women fighting southpaw. The “woos” have already begun, God help us all. Both women show the jab a bit, they’re just looking for reads. They trade rights but there’s really not a lot going on. Hardy lands a leg kick then they trade punches again. A bit of stance switching from Hardy now, they trade power hand punches. They clinch up and Aldrich forces things to the fence. Elbows are traded then Hardy slips free. Hardy with a combination then they clinch again. Aldrich lands a knee as she’s got Hardy on the fence. Hardy avoids a few trip attempts then lands an elbow and slips free. Aldrich is bleeding from the nose rather visibly. Hardy lands a calf kick. Left hand from Hardy then they trade punches. Hardy lands a solid left hand after avoiding a clinch, and that’ll be the last exchange of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Hardy

ROUND TWO: Hardy opens the second round with a high kick that’s blocked. Aldrich lands a knee in close but can’t keep the clinch. Aldrich lands a right hand but Hardy counters with a solid left hook. Bit of a body kick from Hardy, then a leg kick and another body kick to close the sequence. Right uppercut then a right hook from Hardy but Aldrich does land a right hand of her own. The hand speed and overall volume of Hardy is troubling Aldrich at distance. They tie up and trade in close then separate. Elbow from Hardy but Aldrich gets a clinch and pushes things to the fence. Knee from Aldrich but Hardy lands punches in close. Hardy lands a knee then spins free and fires a left hook that falls just a hair short. Leg kick from Hardy. Jab from Hardy. Aldrich misses a right hook, then Hardy misses a jab to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Bit of a jab from Aldrich to start the round. Calf kick from Hardy then a right hand that seems to bother Aldrich. Another leg kick from Hardy. Hardy with another body kick then a left hook. A few jabs go back and forth. Aldrich lands a spinning back kick. Aldrich lands a left hand that off balances Hardy, she follows her down and Hardy grabs for a reverse triangle. Hardy is trying to adjust the choke and tighten things down but loses the head. Aldrich moves to half guard for control. Hardy tries for a triangle again but Aldrich passes to side control and lands a knee to the body. A few lefts from Aldrich land. Hardy gets half guard back but she’s kind of stuck here. Aldrich keeps half setting up an arm triangle that just isn’t developing. They trade some elbows then Hardy kicks Aldrich off and they stand but there’s not enough time for anything to come of that.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Aldrich, 29-28 Hardy overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Veronica Hardy via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Hardy gets an interview, she feels she still could have done better and puts over Aldrich as an opponent then thanks her team for all of their work. She brings up tomorrow being Mother’s Day and thanks all the moms out there and expresses love to those going forward without theirs.

Charles Johnson just broke a three fight losing streak earlier this year, though in fairness all of those were competitive decisions, but he’s trying for another winning streak here. Jake Hadley has gone 2-2 in the UFC and he’s coming off of a loss, now he’s trying to avoid his first ever losing streak. The odds tilt towards Hadley at -125 to a +105 comeback on Johnson.

Flyweight Bout: Jake Hadley (10-2, 125 lbs.) vs. Charles Johnson (14-6, 125.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Johnson is two inches taller but the reach is identical. Southpaw for Hadley. Both men poke out some jabs, Hadley is generally moving forward thus far. Some stance switching from Johnson as he circles. Johnson lands a front kick. Bit of a body shot from Hadley. Johnson checks a calf kick. Hadley keeps coming forward, he’s not quite finding the target yet but he’s still throwing. Double leg from Hadley but Johnson bounces back up into a clinch. They break without incident. Johnson avoids a takedown and lands a knee then they break. Now it’s Johnson starting to move forward with the jab. Body kicks go back and forth. Johnson keeps testing leg kicks to try and steer Hadley around the cage. Bit of a one two from Johnson. Johnson lands a front kick. Right to the body from Johnson in close. Hadley lands a left to the body. Johnson avoids a jab to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Johnson but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Johnson opens the round with a head kick then wobbles Hadley with a right hand. Pressure from Johnson now as he’s got Hadley on the fence and fires an inside leg kick. Body kick from Johnson. Hadley has begun moving forward again, he tries a takedown but Johnson defends and they separate. Johnson lands a right hand in close. A fair bit of stance switching from Johnson now. Hadley blocks a high kick. Hadley with a left to the body. Johnson avoids a left hand then lands a bit of a right. Hadley lands another left to the body. Bit of a right from Johnson then a calf kick. Right to the body from Johnson. Hadley misses a left hand then eats a couple of jabs. Johnson with a few uppercuts, partially successful. Leg kicks go back and forth for a bit. Johnson doubles up on the right with some success. Calf kick from Johnson. Bit of a right from Johnson. Both men block punches. Johnson lands a right hand. A right from Johnson drops Hadley, he stands over him then goes down with him but Hadley scrambles up and gets the clinch on the back. They’ll close the round in the clinch.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Hadley begins moving forward, he lands a left to the body. Johnson defends a takedown against the fence then spins free. Calf kick from Johnson. Johnson lands a right hand. Hadley tries another takedown, he hits it against the fence but Johnson bounces up with Hadley on his back looking for a cheese donkey. Johnson is able to spin free though and lands a right hand. Bit of a right to the body from Johnson. Johnson keeps trying the jab but Hadley is blocking that well. Right hand from Johnson then a body shot and he avoids a double leg. Calf kick from Johnson. Both men land calf kicks then Johnson lands a right hand. Both men miss lefts then Johnson lands a front kick. Hadley lands a left to the body. Johnson pushes forward but eats a left hand. Uppercut from Johnson in close but Hadley grabs a single leg, Johnson defends and they hit the fence again. They break with 5 seconds left and both men swing punches as time expires.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Hadley, 29-28 Johnson overall but 29-28 either way is fine

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Charles Johnson via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

I might have gotten the scoring for the first and third off there. Mic time for Johnson, he plays with the crowd as he’s a native of St. Louis. He calls himself the best five round flyweight in the UFC but he’s stuck in the three round place right now and he’s still working on that. To close he wants a ranked opponent next, which might be a tad ambitious but I also wouldn’t hate it.

Billy Ray Goff is on a seven fight winning streak that includes a successful UFC debut last year, he’s trying to keep that momentum going here and build his first UFC winning streak. Trey Waters scored a win in his UFC debut a little over a year ago and now he’s back looking to build his own UFC winning streak. Waters closed at -155 to +130 on Goff.

Welterweight Bout: Billy Goff (9-2, 170.25 lbs.) vs. Trey Waters (8-1, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Waters is a serious seven inches taller with four and half inches of reach advantage. Some feinting from Waters early, the size difference is very obvious right away. Goff lands a leg kick then tries a front kick up high. Waters with some lead hand work to try and keep distance. Right hand from Waters seems to stun Goff for a second. Both men land hooks, Goff is marching forward but he’s running into a lot of traffic to do so. Goff tries a takedown but Waters defends and they trade punches. Goff keeps landing leg kicks but he’s eating punches from Waters now. Waters with an uppercut then some jabs. Goff tries a takedown, that hits the fence in a clinch. Elbow from Goff lands. A few knees go back and forth, Goff tries a lateral drop and winds up jumping for the back but loses it and they just separate. Waters lands a right hand. Goff lands a leg kick but then takes another right hand. Jab from Waters then a one two. Goff just keeps walking into punches, Waters has a read on his entries now. Takedown from Goff against the fence, Waters moves to his knees and Goff gets to the ride. Waters is able to scramble up and knees Goff somewhat illegally but the ref doesn’t do anything about it. Goff bulls forward and they trade punches, Waters drops Goff briefly but Goff is up and still swinging back at Waters. They just keep trading as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Waters

ROUND TWO: Goff gets back to pressure and lands a leg kick. Jab from Waters but he might be fading now under all this pressure despite all the punches he landed. Goff keeps working the leg kick. Waters with a few jabs then a right hand. Another right from Waters lands. Waters with a few more jabs as he circles. A couple more rights from Waters, Goff lands a left hook though. Goff tries a takedown against the fence, then lands an elbow as he breaks a clinch. Knee from Goff but Waters then lands a right hand. Goff tries another takedown but Waters defends. They trade rights. Left hand from Waters. Goff lands a right, he’s starting to wilt Waters. Waters defends a takedown then breaks free. Goff with a bit of an elbow. A left hook from Waters stuns Goff, but not for long. Waters with a combination now, then Goff tries a takedown and Waters dissuades him with a ninja choke attempt. Now it’s Goff looking poor, he tries another takedown and Waters grabs a standing guillotine this time. Goff breaks the grip and they reset. Glancing right from Waters. Bit of a left hook from Waters. Goff lands a couple of jabs then misses a right hand. Waters with a few rights, they trade again in close as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Goff gets back to walking forward. Waters pokes out a jab. Bit of a left hook from Waters. Right hand from Waters. Goff tries a takedown, that hits the fence in another clinch. Waters is blocking the high crotch lifts from Goff against the fence. Things seem to be stalling out a bit here and the ref breaks them up. Leg kick from Goff. Bit of a right from Waters. Another right from Waters. Some jabs from Waters. Goff lands a couple of front kicks to the leg. Both men land punches again. Goff lands a left hook, he’s still just marching forward. Both men land punches, we’ve got sloppy brawling going on now as the fight runs out.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Goff, 29-28 Waters overall

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

Well that’s a front runner for Fight of the Night, UFC brass love fights like that. Not sure at all about Waters getting the third. Mic time for Waters after that, he puts over Goff as a tough opponent and he’s just grateful for the fight.

The end of the first round, just in case you missed it.

Tabatha Ricci just had her first loss at strawweight when she dropped a close split decision late last year, she’s trying to get back on the winning side of things while avoiding her first ever losing streak. Tecia Pennington has been out of action for over two years between an injury and then pregnancy, she’s trying for her first win since 2021 tonight. Ricci is a slight -140 favorite while Pennington’s +120 payout might tempt some bettors.

Strawweight Bout: Tecia Pennington (13-6, 115 lbs.) vs. #11 Tabatha Ricci (9-2, 115 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Ricci has half an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves and start throwing quickly. Both women land rights. Front kick from Ricci. Pennington lands a bit of a right hand. Leg kick from Ricci. Inside leg kick from Ricci. Pennington lands a left hook then misses a right hand. They’re kind of trading blitz attacks then resetting. Pennington with a couple of punches to counter a leg kick. Ricci lands a right hand in close. Right hand from Ricci. Pennington avoids a takedown attempt and lands a left hand. Some leg kicks go back and forth then they trade in close with Ricci ending that exchange with a right hand. Right and from Pennington. Pennington avoids a tie up and lands a right hand. Ricci grabs a double collar tie and fires a knee. They trade again, the pace is pretty nuts even for strawweights. Ricci hits a takedown into half guard with almost no time left in the round but she does land a couple of punches before it expires.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ricci but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Ricci shows some kicks to start the second, Pennington has started playing with stance switches now as she circles. A lot of pressure from Ricci and they keep trading arm punches. They trade rights, then Ricci gets a clinch on the fence. A few knees and short punches from Ricci as she’s trying to set up a takedown but Pennington is staying upright. Ricci is able to ride her down to a knee but Pennington gets upright though still clinched. Pennington is able to stay upright but she can’t get out of this clinch. Ricci sneaks in a few short punches and knees then tries a single leg again, she switches towards a trip but can’t finish it and they just remain clinched. Eventually Pennington is able to spin free and reset. Pennington swings punches but misses. Both women miss punches again. They trade in close, Pennington lands a right hand. Ricci land a left hook. They tie up and trade again as the round closes.

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

ROUND THREE: Leg kick from Ricci. Pennington lands a right to the body. Right from Ricci but she can’t find a clinch. Bit of an elbow from Pennington. They clinch up and hit the fence, Ricci in control at the moment. A few knees from Ricci land. Knee from Ricci then she looks for an outside reap but can’t find it. Pennington splits her base to avoid a double leg, but Ricci keeps after that takedown. Lefts from Ricci as Pennington is balancing on one leg against the fence. Eventually Pennington pulls free and they reset. Right hand from Ricci. Pennington with a right of her own. Body kick from Ricci. They’re just trading the same combinations, backing off, then doing it again. Knee from Ricci lands. Pennington lands a right hand. Again both women land punches. Ricci lands an uppercut but Pennington fires back with a combination. They tie up, nearly hit the mat but Ricci pops up and lands an elbow in the clinch to close things out.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ricci, 30-27 Ricci overall but I’m not sure at all about my scoring on this one

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

29-28 either way is probably more accurate than my card, that was a tough one to judge. Mic time for Ricci, she sends love to the south of Brazil which is still dealing with flooding and the aftermath of that. She expected a tough fight out of Pennington here.

Terrance McKinney has gone 2-2 in his last four fights but he’s on a two fight winning streak and is looking to extend that here. Esteban Ribovics has gone 1-1 in the UFC but he’s coming off of a win and looking to build his first UFC winning streak. The odds are with Ribovics at -165 to +140 on McKinney.

Lightweight Bout: Terrance McKinney (15-6, 155.25 lbs.) vs. Esteban Ribovics (12-1, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while McKinney has four and a half inches of reach advantage. McKinney comes out jabbing, then they tie up and trade knees. Ribovics is trying to circle, he eats a right hand but then pushes closer and lands a head kick that ENDS McKinney.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Esteban Ribovics via KO, head kick, at :37 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Ribovics for his work this evening. Mic time for Ribovics and the translator, he says this was going to be his moment and he worked very hard for this moment. He says the plan was to go for the kill and not stop going for it until he got it. While talking us through the finish he’s impressed with his handiwork to close.

This is a really nice head kick from Ribovics, McKinney stepped back into southpaw during the initial exchange and Ribovics punishes that decision with the open side power kick.

Chase Hooper has gone 2-0 since returning to lightweight and now looks to prove he’s finding his stride in the weight class with another successful outing. Viacheslav Borshchev has gone 2-2-1 in the UFC and he’s coming off of a draw, he’s trying to prove he’s found his footing recently and a memorable performance tonight might signal just that. Another fairly close bout but the odds are with Borshchev at -135 to Hooper’s +115.

Lightweight Bout: Viacheslav Borshchev (7-3-1, 155 lbs.) vs. Chase Hooper (13-3-1, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Hooper is two inches taller, has five inches of reach advantage, and is 8 years younger. Hooper comes out southpaw and misses a head kick. A couple of lefts land for Hooper. Borshchev lands a left hook in close. Borshchev starts pressuring forward and avoids some punches. A left from Hooper drops Borshchev, Hooper jumps on him and gets the back. Mount now for Hooper, he looks to unload with hammer fists and punches. Borshchev is moving and defending but he’s got to address the position, he tries to hip bump and Hooper moves towards the back again. Only one hook for Hooper, now he’s got the second one in. Borshchev is still trying to move but Hooper is riding him well. Some elbows from Hooper as he’s got full mount again. Elbow from Hooper but Borshchev has scrambled around to get half guard in play. Hooper passes back to mount, Borshchev scrambles though and forces Hooper into north-south. Borshchev is still trying to scramble but Hooper is well ahead of him positionally. Hooper grabs an inverted triangle choke and a toe hold at the same time, Borshchev is blocking the toe hold thus far though. The angle of the triangle isn’t really allowing for a choke but it’s still a control position here. Hooper tries to adjust that angle on the triangle and sits on Borshchev’s head for more compression but Borshchev will defend until the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Hooper, you could argue 10-7 really

ROUND TWO: Hooper comes out and fires a head kick then tries a single leg against the fence. Borshchev is trying to defend but Hooper is able to ride him down and get a crucifix then switches to full mount. Hooper with some punches again, he’s able to just ride and flow no matter what Borshchev is doing on bottom. Hooper is able to get the back again, then back to mount and keeps working ground and pound. Borshchev is unable to address the position, he’s also got a huge knot on the top of his head. Hooper grabs at a d’arce, the ref thinks there’s a tap and stops things but I don’t think that was a tap. That wasn’t going his way anyway but I think the ref got that one wrong.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Chase Hooper via Technical Submission, d’arce choke, at 3:00 of Round 2

I don’t think that was a tap, but Hooper was mugging that man. Mic time for Hooper, he’s been working very hard on his overall game and feels he’s proved he belongs here. He mentions working hard on his striking to improve then gives love to his pregnant wife. He reiterates that this was going to be tough and asks to be in the UFC video game. Asked about the future he would love to take on Paddy Pimblett but the division is stacked so he’s just taking anything he can get.

Here’s the finish so you can decide for yourselves if you think this is a tap. Personally I think Borshchev is trying to block the body and hips from coming around, not looking to tap.

Waldo Cortes-Acosta has gone 4-1 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak, he last got a lackluster win over Andrei Arlovski. If Cortes-Acosta can get a third consecutive win here he might get a ranked opponent next given how thin the overall division is. Robelis Despaigne is undefeated including a successful UFC debut a couple of months back, he’s trying to knock off a fellow heavyweight prospect and remain perfect as a professional. Despaigne is your -245 favorite but a +200 comeback on Cortes-Acosta has to tempt some bettors out there.

Heavyweight Bout: Waldo Cortes-Acosta (11-1, 262 lbs.) vs. Robelis Despaigne (5-0, 262.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Despaigne is three inches taller with a significant six inches of reach advantage. Immediate pressure from Despaigne and he lands a right hand. Body kick and a couple of punches from Despaigne. Cortes-Acosta has had enough of this hand hits a takedown into half guard. Bit of an elbow from Despaigne. Not a whole lot going on here as Cortes-Acosta is trying to get strikes off but he’s not got great ground and pound. Cortes-Acosta is after an Americana, the heavyweight killer that is, but Despaigne is able to get his arm free. We’re back to not a lot going on, Cortes-Acosta is maybe sneaking in a few short elbows but again, not a whole lot is going on here. The round ends in that spot.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cortes-Acosta but you could argue the other way

ROUND TWO: More pressure from Despaigne to start, and he lands an inside leg kick. Cortes-Acosta swings punches that don’t really land. They trade leg kicks, Despaigne is the harder kick then he lands a right hand. Bit of a high kick from Despaigne then an uppercut misses and Cortes-Acosta gets a clinch. This time Despaigne spins free and they trade punches. Right hand from Despaigne. Cortes-Acosta avoids a right hand. Leg kick from Despaigne then a body kick. Bit of a combination from Despaigne, Cortes-Acosta lands a right hand and they clinch up. Cortes-Acosta is able to get a clinch takedown into full mount. Cortes-Acosta postures up and tries to unload, Despaigne blocks most of these though. A few more punches from Cortes-Acosta land but his ground and pound leaves a lot to be desired. That’s where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cortes-Acosta, 20-18 Cortes-Acosta overall

ROUND THREE: Despaigne stalks forward to begin the round and avoids a few leg kicks. Leg kick from Despaigne, then another one. Jab from Despaigne then a right hand. Bit of a body kick from Despaigne. A couple of inside leg kicks from Despaigne land. A lot of staring now then they both miss punches. Despaigne keeps switching his stance and then lands a front kick to the face but Cortes-Acosta eats it. Leg kick from Despaigne. Cortes-Acosta forces a clinch and gets things to the fence. Double leg from Cortes-Acosta into side control. A few elbows from Cortes-Acosta as he puts himself into half guard for more control. Despaigne tries to grab a leg and start wrestling but Cortes-Acosta is able to get a mounted crucifix and a few more punches off then the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cortes-Acosta, 30-27 Cortes-Acosta overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Waldo Cortes-Acosta via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27 x2)

That 30-26 is super generous. Not a good fight and no interview for Cortes-Acosta.

Alex Caceres has gone 2-2 in his last four fights but he’s coming off of a loss and is now trying to avoid his first losing streak since 2017. Sean Woodson has gone 5-1-1 in the UFC and hasn’t lost since 2020, he’s trying to extend that streak here and possibly climb into the official rankings. The odds like Woodson at -225 against a +180 on Caceres.

Featherweight Bout: #15 Alex Caceres (21-14 1 NC, 145 lbs.) vs. Sean Woodson (11-1-1, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Woodson is four and a half taller with an equal amount of reach advantage. Caceres fighting southpaw, Woodson opens southpaw but might switch as time goes on. Woodson lands a calf kick then a jab. Another calf kick from Woodson who seems to really like southpaw against Caceres. Bit of a left from Woodson. Woodson with a calf kick. Caceres lunges with some punches but he falls short. They trade in close briefly then separate. Bit of a left from Woodson. Orthodox now for Woodson and he partially lands a head kick. Caceres misses a couple of punches but he’s starting to get more into the pocket now. Woodson lands a body kick. Some defense from Woodson but then Caceres lands a bit of a left hand. Bit of a left from Woodson. Caceres with a spinning back kick but that goes into the groin of Woodson so we’ve got a time out. Woodson doesn’t take too much time then we’re back to fighting. One two from Woodson lands. Woodson with a stiff jab. Caceres blocks a high kick. Bit of a high kick from Woodson then a right uppercut as Caceres starts trying to chase him as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Woodson

ROUND TWO: Left hook from Woodson lands to counter a superman punch. Caceres lands a body kick then avoids a right hook. Hard body kick from Woodson then a couple of punches off balance Caceres. Bit of a knee from Woodson lands. Caceres lands a couple of punches. Again Caceres weaves his way in and lands a couple of punches. Woodson blocks a few punches but Caceres is starting to pressure him towards the fence. Right hand from Woodson lands, then a jab behind it. Caceres with a spinning attack that misses but he gets close enough to fire off a couple of punches. Woodson lands another jab. Another body kick from Woodson. A Caceres combination falls short then Woodson lands a leg kick. A bit of a left from Caceres in close. Woodson lands a calf kick then a one two. Caceres avoids a few punches. Woodson avoids some punches but Caceres gets a clinch on the fence for a moment before they break apart. A couple of lefts from Woodson land. Woodson lands a right hand then a body kick to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Woodson but could go either way, 20-18 Woodson overall

ROUND THREE: Bit of a side kick from Caceres to start the third. Woodson with a glancing left. Bit of a left from Woodson. Caceres blocks a high kick. They split jabs but the reach of Woodson is still working well for him. Woodson lands a calf kick. Caceres lands a right to the body. Left hand then a right hook from Woodson. Hard left shovel hook from Woodson but Caceres just eats it. Caceres tries a jumping kick but doesn’t land. Both men land in close but Caceres is trying higher volume when they get close to try and find success. Woodson lands a right hand. Caceres with a body kick then a flurry in close. Left then a right to the body from Woodson. Caceres lands a body kick. Caceres grabs a clinch and lands some short uppercuts before Woodson circles free. Woodson misses a few punches. Left hand from Woodson. Woodson lands a jab but Caceres is bulling forward and throwing punches. They trade punches again. Caceres blocks a high kick. Woodson lands a right hand. Both men start swinging for the final couple of seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Caceres, 29-28 Woodson overall

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

Mic time for Woodson, he says winning here is a dream come true. He puts over Caceres then says that he’s coming for the belt in the near future. Asked who he wants next he feels he should be top 15 and calls out Bryce Mitchell, which isn’t unreasonable.

Diego Ferreira just broke a three fight losing streak by knocking out Michael Johnson about a year ago, now he’s trying for his first winning streak since 2020 and prove he’s still a viable and dangerous lightweight. Mateusz Rebecki is on an impressive 16 fight winning streak that includes three UFC wins, he’s taking a step up in class here against Ferreira but a win would begin the difficult transition from prospect to contender for him. Rebecki is a big favorite at -470 to a +360 payout for Ferreira.

Lightweight Bout: Diego Ferreira (18-5, 155 lbs.) vs. Mateusz Rebecki (19-1, 155.25 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ferreira is an inch taller with a big eight inches of reach advantage, he’s also 8 years older. Southpaw for Rebecki and he starts pushing forward early then lands a front kick. Rebecki with a couple of punches in close. Body kick from Rebecki. A left hook from Rebecki wobbles Ferreira for a second. Ferreira misses a couple of punches then lands a body kick but eats a counter left. Rebecki just wont stop coming forward and lands a front kick. Bit of a high kick from Ferriera. A left hook from Ferreira lands. Rebecki lands an inside leg kick. A couple of punches land for Rebecki in close. Both men land in close. Ferreira lands a jab. Body jab from Rebecki. A left to the body then a right hook from Rebecki. Rebecki lands a head kick but Ferreira just eats it. They trade lefts. Bit of a high kick from Ferreira then Rebecki lands a left hand. A left from Rebecki drops Ferreira, he gets on top and starts landing punches from guard but Ferreira closes it up and stifles the flurry. Rebecki passes to half guard briefly but Ferreira gets full guard back. Ferreira will keep posture control and see out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rebecki

ROUND TWO: Rebecki comes out with leg kicks early. Ferreira eats a jab then lands a one two. Rebecki’s right eye is a little messed up, but he hits a double leg into full guard. Ferreira is looking to play guard but Rebecki postures through a triangle attempt. Helicopter push from Ferreira then he scrambles up and they reset. Bit of a left from Rebecki. Rebecki lands a jab. Short left from Ferreira lands. Ferreira blocks a left hand. Rebecki avoids a high kick. Bit of a left from Rebecki but the steam is kind of off of his punches now. Rebecki hits a double leg, both of his eyes are swelling a bit now, then Ferreira quickly wall walks and they reset. Ferreira pokes out some jabs now. Rebecki hits the body but Ferreira lands a combination of punches. Both men land in close but Ferreira might be taking over now. Rebecki lands a right hook but now he’s bleeding over the right eye. Ferreira with a combination then we get a time out so a doctor can check the cut on Rebecki. There’s no issue with him continuing as he can still see. Bit of a right hook from Rebecki. Ferreira lands a couple of punches. Rebecki catches a high kick and gets a takedown into full guard. Some short punches from Rebecki then Ferreira blocks a pass and wrestles up then gets on top in full mount. Arm triangle from Ferreira, there’s short time though and the round ends with Ferreira on top.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ferreira, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Rebecki gets back on pressure and lands a left to the body. Ferreira is happy to swing with him now and they trade in close. They trade again. Jab from Ferreira then a right to the body. Rebecki blocks some offense but Ferreira is all over him, body shots and head kicks are all coming at Rebecki. Rebecki lands a left hand but Ferreira counters with a combination. Ferreira lands a one two. Right hand from Ferreira. Rebecki hits a double leg, Ferreira quickly wrestles up as Rebecki looks for a single leg then comes up on the back in a clinch. Ferreira looks for an ankle pick and hits it then gets on top and passes to full mount like it’s nothing. Rebecki is trying to shrimp and move, Ferreira is just all over him and sneaking in punches or hammer fists. Rebecki tries to wrestle up on a leg, Ferreira spins to the ride position then transitions to mount as Rebecki tries to block the back take. Ferreira lands a few more elbows to the body and head. Rebecki is able to slip out the back though and they reset on the feet. Front kick from Ferreira. Both of Rebecki’s eyes are swollen and Ferreira lands a right hand. Ferreira hits a double leg and gets on top in full mount. Ferreira lands punches, Rebecki looks to grab a leg but Ferreira keeps striking and gets the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Diego Ferreira via TKO, punches, at 4:51 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Ferreira for his work this evening. Mic time for Ferreira, he gives glory to God then sends out a Happy Mother’s Day to everyone out there. He knew the fight would be tough but he could overcome and reiterates he’s willing to fight pretty much anyone.

Bit of a mercy stoppage here, but a perfectly fair one.

Alonzo Menifield hasn’t lost since 2021 and has 4-0-1 in his last five fights, he’s trying to defend his ranking here and possibly earn a shot at someone ranked above him if he can get the win. Carlos Ulberg has gone 5-1 in the UFC and is on a five fight winning streak, tonight represents his first shot at ranked opposition and a win would likely see him crack into the top 15. The odds like Ulberg at -265 while that +215 comeback on Menifield might tempt some people out there.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #11 Alonzo Menifield (15-3-1, 205.5 lbs.) vs. Carlos Ulberg (9-1, 205 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ulberg is four inches taller with an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Menifield blitzes forward but Ulberg counters him, Menifield fights up but gets clubbed down again and the ref jumps in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Carlos Ulberg via TKO, punches, at :12 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Ulberg for his work this evening. Mic time for Ulberg, he knew he had to be careful of Menifield’s power but his coaches helped him prepare and they had a good game plan. Asked about the future he just wants to be in the UFC game and will fight anyone in the top 10 rankings.

Here’s the whole fight.

Joaquin Buckley has gone 3-0 since returning to welterweight last year, he’s trying to get another win here and defend his ranking while also putting pressure on those ranked above him to step up to the plate against him. Nursulton Ruziboev is on a 10 fight winning streak including two wins in the UFC, this is his first shot against a ranked opponent though and another win could easily see him break through into the contender ranks. Fairly close fight here but the odds like Buckley at -130 to +110 on Ruziboev.

Welterweight Bout: #11 Joaquin Buckley (18-6, 170 lbs.) vs. Nursulton Ruziboev (34-8-2 2 NC, 170.25 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ruziboev is a notable seven inches taller but the reach is identical. Southpaw for Buckley who comes out looking to push the action. Man that height difference is very evident. Some feinting from both men then Ruziboev lands a right hand. Buckley is blocking or ducking under the right hand of Ruziboev but he hasn’t found his own counters yet. Things have settled a little bit, both men are feinting still. Ruziboev with a jumping knee, it partially lands but Buckley gets a takedown into full guard. Buckley has things pressed into the fence but not a lot is going on here. A few punches from Buckley then he stands free and both men land punches. Ruziboev lands a right hand and tries the knee again but again gets taken down because of it. Buckley with some punches from top position, Ruziboev is working his guard and they decide to restart on the feet. Inside leg kick from Buckley. Ruziboev has a high kick blocked, then both men miss rights. A bunch of circling, then Ruziboev lands a couple of rights. Buckley avoids a knee and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Buckley but a close one

ROUND TWO: Buckley comes out kicking to start the second round. Bit of a right from Ruziboev. Buckley catches a kick and gets a takedown into full guard. Ruziboev is able to wall walk and separate without taking too much damage. Short right from Ruziboev, Buckley swings back and lands a couple of body shots. Knee from Ruziboev then a right hand. Bit of a knee from Ruziboev. Buckley with a side kick. A lot of front kicks from Ruziboev but he’s very right side heavy with his offense. Buckley lands a right hook then grabs a clinch and hits a lateral drop into side control. Some punches land for Buckley as Ruziboev gets full guard. Buckley with some hammer fists then Ruziboev grabs at an armbar, not a bad entry but there’s not enough time for that develop before the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. A bit of stance switching from Buckley now as he’s using those to close distance. Both men miss punches. Right hand then a left hook from Buckley drops Ruziboev, Buckley follows him down and Ruziboev fires up kicks before fighting up to his feet and landing a knee. Both men miss hooks. Buckley lands a couple of body shots. Front kicks from Ruziboev land. Ruziboev slips throwing a punch and Buckley jumps on top in half guard. Buckley passes to full mount and unloads with punches but Ruziboev grabs on to slow his offense. More punches from Buckley, Ruziboev is struggling to address the mount and Buckley just keeps unloading with punches and elbows. The ref could have stopped this, then Buckley thinks about rolling for a triangle then loses it and Ruziboev gets on top in full guard. Ruziboev punches and passes to half guard. Buckley scrambles around and gets on top in side control. Some punches and elbows from Buckley as Ruziboev hip escapes to full guard. Buckley punches to the body and head, Ruziboev with some ax kicks, a few land legally to the back but one hits the head and we get a time out. They restart on the feet after the ref asks Buckley what he wants. Uppercut from Ruziboev lands. Buckley with a bit of a left hand to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Buckley could go 10-8 without much controversy, 30-27 Buckley overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Joaquin Buckley via unanimous decision (29-27, 30-26, 30-27)

Mic time for Buckley, he plays with the crowd as he’s a native of St. Louis. He puts over his grandmother who’s dealing with ALS. Asked about what he wants next, he calls out Conor McGregor for fighting a blown up lightweight at welterweight, Conor can try and bully Sean O’Malley or Ryan Garcia but come bully a real welterweight. He’s done research on the McGregor line and Conor comes from a long long line of ho’s and he’ll become just another one if he wont even respond to this.

Derrick Lewis has gone 1-4 in his last five fights and is coming off of being half of one of the worst fights all of last year, but somehow that still merits a main event slot I guess. Lewis lost his last fight and is trying to avoid yet another losing streak. Rodrigo Nascimento is on a three fight winning streak, two of those split decisions and the last one a very uninspired unanimous decision but once again this merits a main event slot for some unknown reason. This is Nascimento’s first shot at a ranked opponent and a win could prove that he’s a rising force in the division. The odds are with Lewis at -165 to +140 on Nascimento.

Heavyweight Bout: #12 Derrick Lewis (27-12 1 NC, 264 lbs.) vs. #15 Rodrigo Nascimento (11-1 1 NC, 265 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Lewis is an inch taller while Nascimento has an inch of reach advantage, Lewis is also 8 years older. Lewis fires a kick to start then they get close and land punches in a clinch before they hit the fence. Nascimento with some knees to the body then he turns Lewis into the fence. Judo throw from Lewis but Nascimento bounces up and resumes landing knees in the clinch. More knees go back and forth as they fight for position along the fence. Bit of an elbow from Nascimento. Nascimento keeps firing knees then Lewis pulls free. Bit of a right from Lewis, then Nascimento fires back. They clinch up again and Nascimento resumes landing some short knees. Outside reap from Nascimento and he’s on top in half guard. A few punches and hammer fists land for Nascimento as he’s pinning Lewis against the fence. Nascimento lands an elbow, he’s going body to head with his ground and pound rather nicely. Nascimento passes to full mount with 35 seconds left. Lewis postures up and rolls, he winds up on top in half guard. That’s where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Nascimento

ROUND TWO: Nascimento gets back on pressure to start the round. Both men land punches in close, then Lewis rushes forward into a clinch. They jockey for position for a bit while trading some knees. Lewis tries a throw but can’t hit it and they wind up separated. Nascimento with a combination then another clinch. Lewis breaks and fires punches, Nascimento blocks most of these then clinches again. Elbow from Lewis in the clinch. Some punches from Lewis partially land as Nascimento escapes the clinch. They clinch up quickly and Nascimento lands a knee then avoids a takedown and jumps to the back of Lewis with both hooks in. Some scrambling but Nascimento winds up on top in half guard and drops some elbows as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Lewis shows kicks again to start the round. Nascimento pushes forward and lands a right hand. Clubbing right from Lewis drops Nascimento, and Lewis gets on top looking for punches and the ref waves it off.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Derrick Lewis via TKO, punches, at :49 of Round 3

Mic time for Lewis, he feels good and plays with the crowd a little bit. He’s now got 15 knockouts in the UFC for the record, then thanks several sponsors. He jokes that he couldn’t let a Brazilian cab driver beat him, then says he’ll be sitting down for a bit as he’s getting a bit old for this. To close he puts over his coaches and reminds Michael Bisping that Bisping owes him a drink tonight.

Well on that note UFC on ESPN 56 comes to a close, next week we’re back in the warehouse for UFC on ESPN+ 99 and I’ll be right here covering it. Tomorrow on the 411 Ground and Pound podcast we’ll be reviewing this card and previewing that upcoming card, and I hope you’re listening to that show. I’ll be back next week, hope to see you then be it live or after the fact. Until then thank you for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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