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411’s UFC on ESPN+ 67 Report: Gane Stops Tuivasa 9.03.22

September 3, 2022 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC on ESPN+ 67 Image Credit: UFC

MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 3 p.m. ET)
#1 Ciryl Gane (247 lbs.) vs. #3 Tai Tuivasa (266 lbs.)
#2 Marvin Vettori (186 lbs.) vs. #1 Robert Whittaker (186 lbs.)
Joaquin Buckley (186 lbs.) vs. #12 Nassourdine Imavov (186 lbs.)
Alessio Di Chirico (186 lbs.) vs. Roman Kopylov (186 lbs.)
Jarno Errens (146 lbs.) vs. William Gomis (146 lbs.)
Charles Jourdain (145.5 lbs.) vs. Nathaniel Wood (146 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, noon ET)
Abusupiyan Magomedov (186 lbs.) vs. Dustin Stoltzfus (186 lbs.)
Nasrat Haqparast (155 lbs.) vs. John Makdessi (154.5 lbs.)
Michal Figlak (156 lbs.) vs. Fares Ziam (156 lbs.)
Gabriel Miranda (155.5 lbs.) vs. Benoit Saint-Denis (156 lbs.)
Christian Quinonez (136 lbs.) vs. Khalid Taha (135 lbs.)
Stephanie Egger (145 lbs.) vs. Ailin Perez (144.5 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 67, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening. It’s rare these days that the UFC gets to debut in a new country but that’s what we’ve got here as the promotion makes their debut in France. They brought a couple of good fights at the top of the card, in the main event former interim champion Ciryl Gane looks to defend his top ranking and potentially get another crack at the belt when he takes on the wild and dangerous Tai Tuivasa. The co-main is a pretty good fight as well when Robert Whittaker takes on Marvin Vettori in a fight that could have real title implications depending on how the rest of the year shakes out. Beyond that there’s a few good fights on paper, Nassourdine Imavov vs. Joaquin Buckley stands out as does Charles Jourdain vs. Nathaniel Wood. Other than that there’s a lot of local talent and several fighters either making their debut or on losing streaks, but the potential for action is still here.

UFC on ESPN+ 67 comes to the world from the Accor Arena in Paris, France. John Gooden, Michael Bisping, and Paul Felder will call the action. As for the rules I have no idea, I’m going to assume the same set the UFC uses when they self regulate which is basically what Nevada uses. If the broadcast updates us I’ll change this but until evidence emerges you’ll know what I’m basing my scoring and rules assumptions on.

Stephanie Egger has gone 2-2 in the UFC but she’s coming off of a loss and is now trying to avoid her first ever losing streak while pulling her UFC record above the .500 mark. Ailin Perez brings a two fight winning streak into her UFC debut and she’s looking to make a good first impression on the UFC audience. Egger is the -265 favorite to a +225 comeback on Perez.

Women’s Featherweight Bout: Stephanie Egger (7-3, 145 lbs.) vs. Ailin Perez (7-1, 144.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Egger is an inch taller with two inches of reach advantage. Perez declines to touch gloves. Some range finding kicks from Perez, then she tries a double leg but Egger counters into a headlock takeover and gets on top in side control. Perez is able to hip escape to full guard and starts hunting an armbar. Egger avoids an attempted armbar and moves to north-south, then switches to side control. Back to north-south and Egger lands some punches before Perez hip escapes to full guard. Egger lands some punches and passes back to side control. The “woo’s” have begun at the 2:50 mark. Perez is able to come up on a single leg takedown and gets Egger down against the fence but Egger wall walks immediately and they’re clinched on the fence. Knees go back and forth as they jockey for position, then Egger hits a hip throw to land on top in side control again. Egger lands punches as she’s working from the scarf hold position. Short elbows from Egger land, Perez rolls to her knees but Egger lands punches as she wall walks then rides her down to her knees. Perez is up again and slings Egger off of her then they separate. Big of a spinning back fist from Perez then they clinch again. The round will end in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Egger

ROUND TWO: They trade punches to start the round then clinch up and Egger forces things against the fence. Perez avoids a trip attempt but is still clinched. Egger lands a few knees. Perez tries a takedown, Egger counters into an armbar attempt but Perez gets free into side control and starts fishing for a Von Flue choke. Egger is able to get out of the choke and looks to come up on a single leg, they wind up clinched on the fence again. Short elbow from Egger then a few knees to the leg. More knees from Egger then she hits an inside trip and lands on top. Egger passes to half guard and lands some punches. Perez gives up the back and Egger gets both hooks in and starts landing punches. Perez tries to base up and shake Egger off over the top, and she’s able to get one of the hooks out but Egger puts it back in and starts fishing for the choke. Egger gets the arm under the chin and locks up the choke to force the tap with about six seconds left in the round.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Stephanie Egger via Submission, rear naked choke, at 4:54 of Round 2

Mic time for Egger and her translator after the win, she opens with French then switches to English and mentions she expected Perez to clinch because Perez does that a lot and is a naturally bigger woman. She talks us through the finish and says she wants to keep a busy schedule going forward.

Here’s the finish, Egger’s left arm is pretty deep in the choke already and her hammer fists to the body are just a distraction which Perez falls for leading to no hand fighting and a pretty clear choke.

Khalid Taha has had a rough go of it in the UFC, he’s gone 1-3 with 1 No Contest in the promotion and is on a two fight losing streak in addition to being out of action for over a year. Taha badly needs a win here to get his career back on track. Christian Quinonez brings a four fight winning streak into his UFC debut and was last seen a little under a year ago winning on the Contender Series, now Quinonez looks to capitalize on the only chance he’ll get to make a first impression. Despite his rough patch the odds are with Taha at -120 to a +100 comeback on Quinonez.

Bantamweight Bout: Christian Quinonez (16-3, 136 lbs.) vs. Khalid Taha (13-4 1 NC, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Quinonez is three inches taller with one inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Both men feint kicks as they circle. Quinonez looks to establish his jab. Bit of a calf kick from Quinonez. Taha lands a left hook. Left to the body from Taha. Quinonez lands a jab. Quinonez lands a calf kick and avoids a clinch. Taha is struggling with the range thus far. Jab from Quinonez. Quinonez lands a right hand, he’s starting to find the target and is moving very well. Hard right from Quinonez drops Taha, he gets on top and lands enough strikes to prompt the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Christian Quinonez via TKO, punches, at 3:15 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Quinonez for his work this morning. Quinonez and the translator get an interview, he speaks Spanish to play with the crowd and thank his coaches. We’ve got the translation line going as there’s the French one for the house then the Spanish one for Quinonez. He feels he’s a problem for the division going forward.

Here’s the finish, Quinonez has a good read on Taha’s entry and cracks him with a right hand. Taha enters on the center line without moving his head, you’re basically asking for a counter when you do that.

Benoit Saint-Denis has gone 1-1 in the UFC, losing a decision in his debut up at welterweight but he’s never actually lost at lightweight. Saint-Denis was last seen winning back in June and now looks to get his first win in his native country since 2019. Gabriel Miranda brings a three fight winning streak into his UFC debut and looks to get that all important first UFC win while spoiling the homecoming of Saint-Denis. Saint-Denis is the -300 favorite to a +250 payout on Miranda.

Lightweight Bout: Gabriel Miranda (16-5, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Benoit Saint-Denis (9-1 1 NC, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Saint-Denis has two inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Saint-Denis, and they touch gloves. Saint-Denis lands a couple of body kicks, Miranda didn’t like that and tries a takedown but winds up pulling guard. Miranda pushes Saint-Denis off and stands back up. Miranda lands a body kick then hits a double leg. Saint-Denis scrambles up but eats a knee along the way. They trade strikes in the clinch then Saint-Denis lands a right hook. Body kick from Miranda then a right hand. Miranda blocks a high kick and lands a couple of rights, Saint-Denis counters with a spinning elbow then they clinch up. Both men have been working the body a lot, and they trade knees then separate. Saint-Denis with another spinning elbow then they clinch and he hits a takedown to get on top. Some strikes from Saint-Denis on top, he stands free then goes back into the guard. Again Saint-Denis stands over Miranda but this time the ref forces a stand up. Both men land body kicks. They trade power hand punches but Saint-Denis drops Miranda with his and gets on top to land more strikes. Saint-Denis is in side control and lands some short elbows. A few more punches from Saint-Denis, Miranda is defending well enough now and Saint-Denis stands free. They reset on the feet and Saint-Denis lands a couple more lefts, Miranda is hurt and Saint-Denis drops him again then lands hammer fists from on top but the round ends and likely saves Miranda.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Saint-Denis

ROUND TWO: Saint-Denis gets right back on offense, he pushes Miranda to the fence then drops him with a right hook and we’re done.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Benoit Saint-Denis via TKO, punches, at :16 of Round 2

Mic time for Saint-Denis and the translator, he thanks the crowd for their energy tonight then talks us through the finish then thanks Paris for showing up.

Even with a break between rounds your opponent can still be hurt, Saint-Denis doesn’t give Miranda more time to recover and gets right back on offense to force the finish.

Fares Ziam has gone 2-2 in the UFC and is coming off of a loss back in February, now he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak and get a win in his home country for the first time since 2016. Michal Figlak is undefeated with most of his fights taking place in the Cage Warriors promotion, now he’s looking to remain perfect and get that critical first UFC win. The odds are with Figlak at -195 while Ziam’s comeback sits at +165.

Lightweight Bout: Michal Figlak (8-0, 156 lbs.) vs. Fares Ziam (12-4, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ziam is three inches taller with a notable five inches of reach advantage. Figlak declines a touch of gloves. Ziam lands a calf kick. More long range kicks from Ziam as he looks to keep Figlak at the end of his reach. Figlak keeps looking to bull forward, Ziam is angling away from him well thus far. Both men trade calf kicks. Figlak catches a knee and lands a body shot. Ziam lands a left hook then a calf kick. Jab from Ziam. Ziam digs a left to the body and lands a knee but Figlak forces a clinch off of that and they hit the fence. Body lock takedown from Ziam and he lands on top in side control. Figlak pushes Ziam off of him and they reset on the feet. Ziam lands a leg kick. Figlak lands a right to the body. Another body shot from Figlak, he’s pushing Ziam to the fence consistently but Ziam is good about getting away from it after the first exchange. Figlak forces a clinch and they trade knees on the fence. Both men land knees while jockeying for position along the fence. Figlak avoids a single leg attempt. Ziam tries a judo throw, Figlak avoids it and tries his own takedown but Ziam reverses on the way down and lands on top in full guard. Figlak grabs an armbar which looks pretty good but Ziam defends as the round ends and I think Figlak is cut on the forehead.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ziam

ROUND TWO: Replay shows the elbow that cut Figlak, it’s way up in the hair though so not a fight ender. Ziam gets back to jabbing as the round begins. Figlak punches into a clinch then they break without incident. Ziam avoids a blitz attack. Body shot from Ziam but Figlak responds with a few punches of his own and now Ziam tries a double leg which stalls out on the fence. Ziam switches to a high crotch and gets a takedown, Figlak threatens a leg briefly then winds up holding full guard. Ziam is able to pass to half guard. Figlak looks to hip escape and gets full guard back. Armbar attempt from Figlak, Ziam defends and lands a few punches. Figlak looks to wall walk, he’s upright and is able to spin free. Bit of a right from Figlak. Ziam lands a knee but Figlak gets a clinch off of it. Figlak looks for a single leg but Ziam limp legs free. Another clinch hits the fence and Ziam lands a spinning elbow as he breaks, that wobbled Figlak and Figlak tries a single leg. Ziam is landing hammer fists while defending, then punches his way into the guard of Figlak. Figlak is able to kick Ziam off and Ziam stands over Figlak then heads back into the guard. Ziam stands then passes to full mount, really slick, and lands hammer fists before Figlak pushes him off just before the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Ziam is keeping range very nicely still, he slips some punches from Figlak. Leg kick from Ziam, that hurt Figlak as he switches stance right away. Figlak misses a left hand. Ziam is aiming his leg kicks at the rear leg now that Figlak is fighting southpaw. Bit of a head kick from Ziam. They trade punches then clinch, Figlak hits a double leg but Ziam wall walks right away and they separate. Another clinch, and Figlak lands an elbow as they break. Bit of a left from Figlak. Ziam lands a knee to the body, Figlak tries a takedown but Ziam defends and they wind up on the fence again. High crotch from Ziam is successful and he gets on top in full guard. Figlak tries an armbar but Ziam defends. Ziam elbows the body then Figlak forces his way up and spins to the back in a wrestling exchange and gets on top in full mount. Figlak starts unloading with punches, but Ziam keeps moving on bottom and is able to off balance Figlak then sweep and get on top. Half guard for Ziam, he lands some hammer fists before Figlak gets full guard. One more armbar attempt from Figlak is avoided, then he tries to come up on a single leg which Ziam defends and lands a hammer fist as the round ends.

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

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

No idea which round went to Figlak, that seemed very obvious all three rounds. Mic time for Ziam and the translator, he plays with the crowd and puts over Figlak’s abilities. He talks about working hard on his grappling after his last loss, then thanks his coaches for all of their work. To close he says winning in France means the world to him, now all he wants is a cold Pepsi.

John Makdessi has been with the UFC since 2010 but has been very inactive during the last few years, fighting just once a year since 2017. Makdessi is trying to build another winning streak here and prove he’s still a valuable member of the roster. Nasrat Haqparast has gone 2-2 in his last four fights but finds himself on a two fight losing streak, which is somewhat mitigated by the level of opposition but he still needs to get back on the winning track as a three fight skid would be very damaging to his career. Haqparast is the -230 favorite against +195 on Makdessi.

Lightweight Bout: Nasrat Haqparast (13-5, 155 lbs.) vs. John Makdessi (18-7, 154.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Haqparast is two inches taller with four inches of reach advantage, he’s also a full decade younger. Southpaw for Haqparast. Makdessi starts pushing forward right away, Haqparast circling. A lot of feinting and circling from both men at the moment. Both men miss some strikes. A few leg kicks from Makdessi are starting to land. Haqparast lands a left to the body. Decent left from Haqparast lands. Head kick from Haqparast is mostly blocked. Haqparast fires another head kick that’s partially blocked. Haqparast has started finding the target a bit more now, the old southpaw double attack is working for him. Makdessi lands a side kick. Haqparast lands a body kick. Makdessi lands a front kick. Decent one two from Haqparast. A few jabs from Haqparast, then a left to the body. Makdessi lands an inside leg kick. Haqparast lands a body kick, Makdessi returns it. Uppercut from Haqparast lands and seems to stun Makdessi for half a second. Makdessi lands a right, then Haqparast lands a body kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Haqparast

ROUND TWO: Both men come out kicking for the second round. Haqparast lands a couple of lefts. Left to the body from Haqparast. Makdessi lands a jab but eats a couple of counters. Hook kick from Makdessi lands. Haqparast lands a left hand then a couple of rights, Makdessi is bleeding around the left eye now. Body kicks are traded. Right hook from Haqparast then a left to the body. The blood in Makdessi’s left eye is becoming a problem for him. Bit of a right from Makdessi, then Haqparast lands a body kick. Makdessi lands a jab. Haqparast lands a front kick to the body. Bit of a left from Haqparast to counter a kick. Both men land power hand punches. High kicks are blocked. Left then a right hook from Haqparast land. Haqparast avoids a spinning back fist and floors Makdessi with a left hand, but Makdessi fights back up despite taking abuse on the way. Makdessi lands a body kick but he’s still a little wobbled. Haqparast has some punches blocked. Makdessi lands a right hand. A right from Haqparast backs up Makdessi. Haqparast has a head kick blocked, Makdessi then misses a one two to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: A couple of body shots from Haqparast land. Makdessi avoids a few punches. Haqparast lands a couple of more body shots. Makdessi lands a one two. Left from Haqparast lands. Both men land body kicks then leg kicks. Makdessi lands a left hook. Another combination from Haqparast lands. Haqparast catches a leg kick and lands a left hand. Right to the body from Haqparast. Makdessi lands a body kick. Now Makdessi is cut on the bridge of the nose as well as the damage around his eye. Both men land power hand punches. Haqparast lands a left hand. Makdessi is almost in zombie mode coming forward. Both men land punches in close. Haqparast blocks a couple of punches. Double leg from Haqparast and he gets on top. Makdessi fights up and gets back to pressing forward. Haqparast lands a punch then hits another double leg. Makdessi wont get back up before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Haqparast but the closest round of the fight, 30-27 Haqparast overall

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

Mic time for Haqparast and the house translator, he puts over Makdessi and thanks him for the fight then thanks the King of Morocco for all of his support. He again puts over Makdessi and says he respects him despite the trash talk they sent back and forth during the build to the fight.

Abus Magomedov is on a two fight winning streak but he’s been out of action since 2020, though he’s had three different UFC debut fights fall through during that time. Magomedov is finally setting foot in the Octagon and will be looking to make a positive first impression. Dustin Stoltzfus has gone 1-3 in the UFC but he is coming off of a win and now looks to get his first UFC winning streak going. Magomedov is the -295 favorite to a +245 comeback for Stoltzfus.

Middleweight Bout: Abusupiyan Magomedov (24-4-1, 186 lbs.) vs. Dustin Stoltzfus (14-4, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Magomedov is two inches taller with three inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Magomedov lands a front kick to the face that rocks Stoltzfus, then he follows up with a few punches that drop him and will prompt the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Abus Magomedov via TKO, front kick and punches, at :19 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Magomedov for his work this afternoon. Mic time for Magomedov, he’s happy to be part of the historic UFC debut in France. He says the hype around him is real but he works hard and is happy to finally be fighting in the UFC. He says the plan wasn’t a front kick but he always works to finish as quick as possible while talking us through the finish.

Here’s the finish. Lovely front kick from Magomedov to set up the finish, and look at the accuracy from Magomedov on the follow ups as well.

Charles Jourdain has gone 3-2 in his last five fights and just had a two fight winning streak snapped by Shane Burgos, now he’s trying to avoid his first UFC losing streak and get back on the winning side of things. Nathaniel Wood moved up to featherweight earlier this year and scored an impressive win over Charles Rosa, now he’s looking to maintain that momentum in his new weight class by taking out Jourdain. The odds are close here but favor Jourdain at -145 against +125 for Wood.

Featherweight Bout: Charles Jourdain (13-5-1, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Nathaniel Wood (18-5, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Jourdain is three inches taller but the reach is identical. Southpaw for Jourdain. Wood misses a calf kick, then Jourdain lands a left hand. Bit of a right from Wood. Inside leg kick from Wood then a left hook follow up as both men swing in close. Jourdain lands a left and they clinch, both men land knees to the body then Wood trips Jourdain down and gets on top in full guard. Wood lands a few body shots but he’s looking to pass more than land shots. Jourdain keeps fishing for a guillotine but he’s way too far on his back to really go for it. They scoot to the fence and Jourdain wall walks but Wood is on his back in the clinch. They get chest to chest and Wood lands a left hand as they break. Calf kick from Wood. Jourdain lands a knee but Wood kicks his calf again. Bit of a combination from Jourdain as they circle and reset. Wood tries a front kick but it strays into the groin, though Jourdain doesn’t take hardly any time before we’re back to fighting. Wood cracks Jourdain with a right hook, Jourdain is hurt but Wood doesn’t jump on him. Inside leg kick from Wood then they clinch again but break quickly without incident. A lot of pressure from Wood now, he lands another calf kick. Jourdain lands a left hand. Bit of a right from Wood. Jourdain lands a jab. Body shot from Jourdain but Wood wobbles him with a left hook and starts pressuring him. Front kick from Wood then they they trade hooks in close, Wood gets the better of things and Jourdain disengages as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Wood

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the round. Wood lands a leg kick then a jab. Jourdain misses a blitz attack. Both men land punches in close then Wood lands a front kick to the body. Another front kick from Wood then he sweeps the legs of Jourdain with a leg kick and gets on top in half guard. Jourdain is able to fight up to his feet and separates. Wood lands a calf kick then they trade punches in close. Jourdain lands a left. Wood lands a right hand then a front kick to the body. Jourdain digs a couple of body shots in close, then Wood lands a calf kick. More body shots from Jourdain, then Wood lands counters and trips Jourdain down then gets on top again. Wood is working to trap one of Jourdain’s arms behind his back but he can’t get much going. Things are stalling out as Jourdain is just holing on and the ref sets them back on the feet. Wood lands a calf kick then a right hand. Right hand from Wood lands. Both men land body shots then Jourdain lands a left hook. Jourdain lands a left hand. Wood land a right hand. They get in close again and both men land body to head punches. Wood lands an inside leg kick. A left hook from Wood hurts Jourdain a bit, his pressure and infighting is breaking Jourdain down slowly but surely. They clinch, Jourdain hits a foot sweep but Wood bounces up and gets a takedown, then Jourdain comes up. Wood lands an elbow, Jourdain returns it as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Wood is back to pressuring forward, he lands a calf kick. Front kick from Wood. Jourdain lands a knee to the body but eats a right hook. Both men land body shots in close. Inside leg kick form Wood, Jourdain lands an uppercut to counter. Wood lands a left to the body then trips Jourdain down. Jourdain tries to roll up to his feet, Wood moves to the ride position. Jourdain rolls and gets full guard then stands, Wood is on his back though and looks for a mat return. Wood bails on that and just lands a few elbows before Jourdain gets free. Both men land blows in close, then Wood trips Jourdain back down and gets on top again. Jourdain moves Wood off of him quickly but Wood lands another calf kick once he’s upright. Both men land uppercuts in close, then Jourdain misses a spinning back kick. Wood lands to the body, Jourdain lands an uppercut. Left hook from Wood lands, these two are working in close again and Wood forces a clinch. Jourdain misses an elbow then eats a jab at distance. Wood lands a one two then a front kick to the body. Wood with a stiff right hand when Jourdain expected a reset. Body shot from Wood, then a right hand. Jourdain lands a body shot then misses a winging right hand. Wood lands a combination and they trade in close again. Jourdain misses a flying knee and Wood forces a clinch. Both men attack the body then Wood hits one last outside trip to get on top as the round ends.

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

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

No issues with Jourdain getting a round in there, it was a darn good fight. Mic time for Wood, he feels great at featherweight and plans on making a run here. He talks about dealing with bad anxiety and used it as fuel for his training to deal with a monster like Jourdain. Asked about the trips he says he doesn’t like double legs because they take a ton of energy, instead use a few sweeps and they count just as much.

William Gomis brings an eight fight winning streak into his UFC debut and looks to extend that success here with a win in his native France. Jarno Errens scored a win in his last fight coming into his UFC debut, he’s likewise trying to that first UFC win while leaving a positive impression on the fans. Gomis is the -225 favorite to a +190 comeback for Errens.

Featherweight Bout: Jarno Errens (13-3-1, 146 lbs.) vs. William Gomis (10-2, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Gomis is an inch taller but the reach is identical. They touch gloves to get us going, Gomis is fighting southpaw. Bit of a body kick from Gomis. The foot position of Gomis leaves a lot to be desired at the moment. Errens lands a body shot. Inside leg kick from Errens. Gomis blocks a head kick then avoids a wheel kick. Errens avoids a head kick. Gomis has a head kick blocked then eats a right to the body. Bit of a spinning back kick from Gomis. Errens lands a body shot. Errens is side kicking the leg now. Both men have punches blocked then they clinch up, Gomis gets a takedown to counter a bad headlock throw and he gets on top in side control. Errens shrimps to full guard. Gomis has Errens against the fence but things are stalling out. Bit of a punch from Gomis, he starts to pass and looks to open up but Errens comes up on a double leg attempt and they clinch up. Errens lands a knee to the body. Both men land knees as they fight for position in the clinch. They break and then Gomis lands a body kick as the final blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gomis

ROUND TWO: Errens comes out showing the lead leg kicks. They punch into a clinch then break without incident. Both men land rights. A knee from Errens lands in close. Hard right from Errens wobbles Gomis, he follows up with a kick and Gomis grabs a clinch to slow things down. Takedown from Gomis into full guard. Gomis pushes Errens into the fence and looks to work some ground and pound. Errens looks to start a wall walk but winds up bailing on it. Gomis lets Errens up for some reason. Both men miss punches. Errens misses a head kick. Inside leg kick from Gomis. Bit of a right from Errens, Gomis hits a double leg but Errens rolls though and gets on top. Gomis quickly comes up on a single leg, they wind up clinched again and hit the fence. Kimura throw from Errens but he doesn’t get control and Gomis rolls through to end the round on top in full guard.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Errens, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They hug to start the last round. Gomis lands a body kick. Errens lands a left hook in close. Both men land punches in close. A right from Gomis lands but he ate a hard body shot as well. Gomis lands a left hand. Spinning back kick from Gomis. Bit of a head kick from Gomis. They clinch up and hit the fence again. Gomis drops for a double leg and hits it. Errens is grabbing at a guillotine but he’s not that close and Gomis gets his head free. Some body to head punches from Gomis. Errens works for a sweep but Gomis stalls him out and resumes burning clock on top. Gomis lands a few short elbows. Errens grabs a triangle choke, it’s locked in and he cranks it down, but Gomis postures up and looks to pull his head out of the choke. Gomis is mostly out now and slips free to get on top in side control, which is where the round will end.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – William Gomis via majority decision (29-29, 29-28 x2)

Not sure about that 29-29 score. Gomis gets an interview, he’s asked about the triangle choke in the third round and says the position was complicated and was tight, but he could hear the crowd and decided he’d rather die than tap out. He gives love to his mom in the crowd to close.

Alessio Di Chirico has gone just 1-4 in his last five fights and is coming off of a pretty brutal knockout loss, now his back is against wall and he badly needs a win for a little bit of job security. Roman Kopylov has gone 0-2 in the UFC and really needs to find his first UFC win here because starting your UFC run 0-3 could easily mean he’s back on the regional scene. This one closed at a pick ’em of -115 for Kopylov to -105 on Di Chirico.

Middleweight Bout: Alessio Di Chirico (13-6, 186 lbs.) vs. Roman Kopylov (8-2, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Kobylov has an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Kopylov, and they touch gloves to get us going. Di Chirico comes out kicking, looking to maintain distance. Kopylov lands a left hand. Both men land lefts. Di Chirico lands a right hand. A lot of pressure from Kopylov, he lands a calf kick but he’s getting Di Chirico to the fence reliably. Bit of a jab from Kopylov. Bit of a body kick from Di Chirico. Some calf kicks go back and forth, then Kopylov slips throwing a high kick but he regains his feet quickly. Jab from Kopylov, Di Chirico counters with a right hand. Kopylov lands another calf kick then avoids a takedown attempt. Body kick from Kopylov. One two from Kopylov connects then a left to the body. Di Chirico avoids an elbow. Left hand from Kopylov lands. Uppercut from Kopylov lands then he has a head kick blocked. Di Chirico’s face is marking up at this point. Kopylov lands a jumping knee then avoids a takedown as they hit the fence. The round will end in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kopylov

ROUND TWO: Both men swing lead hand hooks. Quick left from Kopylov lands. Inside leg kick from Kopylov. Di Chirico misses a knee attempt, then Kopylov lands a body shot. Di Chirico misses another knee. Kopylov lands a couple of one two combinations. Di Chirico tries a single leg, Kopylov defends and lands a right hand. Kopylov’s jab is starting to show up more frequently now. Di Chirico lands a right hand. Both men land punches in close. Di Chirico forces a clinch and things hit the fence. Kopylov works a few knees. Di Chirico is fishing for a takedown but Kopylov is defending then slips free. Hard body kick from Kopylov. Kopylov lands a left hand. Di Chirico lands a right hand. Left from Kopylov lands. Another body kick from Kopylov, Di Chirico didn’t like that one. Bit of a knee from Di Chirico. Kopylov lands another body kick. Bit of a right from Di Chirico, Kopylov counters with a right hand. Kopylov with a one two then avoids a spinning back fist which will basically end the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Kopylov comes out with a hard body shot. One two from Kopylov. Di Chirico misses a jumping knee. Kopylov lands a hard body kick. One two from Kopylov then another body kick. Kopylov unloads with punches, and Di Chirico face plants to prompt the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Roman Kopylov via KO, punches, at 1:09 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Kopylov for his work this afternoon. Mic time for Kopylov and our translation chain, he plays with the crowd and notes the second round was tough for him but he had to take the fight in the third and get the finish then thanks God for the victory.

Kopylov’s body work pays off here, a body kick backs up Di Chirico then he’s able to unload with a combination of punches that all connect.

Nassourdine Imavov has gone 3-1 in the UFC only losing a majority decision to Phil Hawes but he’s on a two fight winning streak and has finished both of those fights. Imavov looks for another win here that would defend his top ranking and potentially earn him a shot at someone ranked above him next. Joaquin Buckley is on a three fight winning streak which has earned him a shot at a ranked opponent here, a win could put Buckley in the top fifteen and potentially set him up for a bigger fight going forward. The odds are with Imavov at -240 while the +200 payout on Buckley is a tempting value bet.

Middleweight Bout: Joaquin Buckley (15-4, 186 lbs.) vs. #12 Nassourdine Imavov (11-3, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Imavov is a whopping five inches taller but Buckley actually has an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Buckley. Both men move a lot to begin, then Buckley has a body kick blocked. Imavov is backing up Buckley towards the fence. Inside leg kick from Buckley. Front kick from Imavov. Buckley misses a combination. Bit of a right from Imavov. Imavov is allowing Buckley to fall short on a lot of his offense. Buckley avoids an uppercut and they clinch up. Imavov lands an elbow as they break. Front kick to the face from Imavov lands. Buckley lands a left to the chest. Imavov avoids a double leg attempt and gets back on the pressure. Inside leg kick from Buckley is caught and Imavov lands a left hook as he gets up then a knee. Imavov is keeping Buckley in the clinch and lands a couple of elbows as they break. Buckley misses a few punches. Imavov lands a few jabs then avoids the counters. Leg kick from Buckley. Imavov lands a high kick and they clinch again. They jockey for position then Imavov lands an elbow. Buckley fires back but struggles to connect. Imavov counters a double leg and gets on top in full mount, he unloads with punches and elbows. Buckley gives up his back and will see the end of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Imavov

ROUND TWO: Imavov gets back on pressure right away, he’s using long range kicks to keep Buckley flustered. Buckley misses a few punches, the range difference is really messing with him. We get a time out as Buckley took a finger to the eye, Imavov gets a stern warning from the ref and we restart. Buckley misses a few more punches, he’s trying but he can’t find the target. Imavov lands a left hand. Front kick from Imavov. Bit of a right from Imavov, Buckley responds with a prolonged combination and he does land a punch at the end of it. Hard right from Imavov staggers Buckley, but Buckley fires back to get him to back off. Imavov lands another right hand. Double leg from Imavov, Buckley looks to wall walk right away but Imavov is picking his ankle and keeping him on his seat. Imavov lands some punches from the ride, he’s got the Dagestani handcuff going as well. Imavov gets the back with a body triangle, locks up a neck crank and goes after it but Buckley wont tap and Imavov has to adjust his grip to try for the choke. Buckley is hand fighting well enough right now but he’s got to defend for a long time if he can’t address the position. Imavov lands a few punches to try and open up the choke. Elbows from Imavov now and Buckley is bleeding from the head. Imavov goes for another neck crank but Buckley is able to push the arm up over the head and escape. The round ends in that position.

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

ROUND THREE: Buckley comes out looking to push the pace. Imavov circles with a bit of ease. Buckley lands an inside leg kick. Imavov lands a hard right hand. Buckley lands a combination, he hit a nice uppercut in there but Imavov avoids one hook and gets the back standing. Imavov spins Buckley to the mat, Buckley wall walks but they’re still clinched. Knee from Imavov then he separates. Buckley avoids a knee and lands a right hand. Imavov avoids an uppercut. Uppercut from Imavov and he blocks the counters. Buckley misses some hooks then Imavov lands a right. Imavov lands an inside leg kick. Buckley misses a couple of hooks then misses a head kick. Imavov lands a right hand and avoids the counters. Imavov looks a bit fatigued at this point, but Buckley isn’t exactly a cardio machine either. Bit of a left from Buckley. Both men avoid punches in close. Imavov tries a double leg, Buckley sprawls but they hit the fence. Knee from Imavov then a one two as he breaks. Buckley misses a left and is clinched again. Imavov lands a knee to the body then an elbow as they break. Buckley looks for a flurry, he’s swinging hooks to the body and head and looking for the knockout. Imavov tries a double leg, Buckley sprawls then lands a legal knee to the head as Imavov stands. They clinch again and hit the fence. Imavov avoids an inside trip and they break. Both men avoid punches. Imavov lands a right hand, Buckley returns it. Another right from Imavov, Buckley misses his counters though. Buckely misses a left hook. Another clinch as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Buckley but a close one, 29-28 Imavov overall

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

Solid win for Imavov, needs to fix that third round gas tank though. Mic time for Imavov, he acknowledges the expectations on him and thanks the crowd then calls it an honor to be part of his event. Asked about the third round he puts over Buckley’s effort and says he got tired but he wanted to fight a warrior like Buckley. To close he puts over his team, thanks his family, and sends love back to his family in Dagestan.

Robert Whittaker is one of the very best middleweights in the world and in fact has only lost in that weight class when facing Israel Adesanya, he’s coming off of a close decision loss to Adesanya and needs a win here to avoid his first losing streak at middleweight as well as to maintain his position in the title picture. Marvin Vettori has also lost twice to Israel Adesanya but he’s coming off of a win over Paul Costa and if he’s able to get past Whittaker here it would go a long way towards earning another shot at the title. Whittaker is an unsurprising favorite at -210 while a Vettori win would payout +180.

Middleweight Bout: #2 Marvin Vettori (18-5-1, 186 lbs.) vs. #1 Robert Whittaker (23-6, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Vettori has half an inch of reach advantage. Vettori fighting southpaw. Whittaker lands a leg kick. Both men are showing the lead hand as a range finder. Whittaker lands a right hand. Another right from Whittaker. Whittaker lands a leg kick. Bit of a right from Whittaker. Vettori misses a right hook. Whittaker avoids a few punches. Right from Whittaker lands. Whittaker is starting to show his jab now. Vettori avoids a right hand. They get close and trade in the pocket. Whittaker blocks a high kick. Vettori misses a left hand. Bit of a short right from Whittaker. Vettori lands a left in close. Whittaker with some side kicks to the leg. Vettori lands a jab. Whittaker lands a front kick. Bit of a hook from Whittaker and they clinch up then hit the fence but Whittaker slips free almost immediately. Some leg kicks are traded, then Whittaker misses a blitz attack. Whittaker lands a few jabs and avoids the counters. Bit of a body kick from Vettori. Whittaker lands a jab, then an uppercut. Whittaker lands a right hand to counter a body kick. Jab from Whittaker. Vettori eats a jab then lands a knee to the body to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Whittaker but a close one

ROUND TWO: Whittaker comes out and lands a side kick to the leg then a front kick. Another front kick from Whittaker lands. Vettori avoids a head kick. Whittaker avoids a head kick. They trade jabs the clinch and hit the fence. Whittaker gets free almost immediately and resets. Vettori misses a head kick. Whittaker lands a side kick to the thigh then an inside leg kick. Bit of a head kick from Whittaker then he lands a right hand. Jab from Whittaker then a body kick. Whittaker avoids a few punches. Vettori blocks a head kick. Whittaker lands a right hand. A head kick from Whittaker wobbles Vettori, then he follows up with a right hand but Vettori stays upright. Vettori lands an inside leg kick. Whittaker has a head kick blocked but he lands a right hand to follow up. Another right from Whittaker, he’s got a read on the timing of Vettori now. One two from Whittaker, he’s got Vettori on the fence and digs a body kick. Whittaker side kicks the knee again, that looked unpleasant. They trade leg kicks, then Whittaker lands a one two. Vettori misses some jabs to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Vettori comes out looking to push forward, Whittaker with side kicks right away. Bit of a right from Whittaker then a front kick to the body. Whittaker lands a right hand. Vettori is still coming forward but he’s struggling to corral Whittaker. Whittaker lands a jab. Vettori lands a left hand. Glancing head kick from Whittaker. Whittaker avoids a right hook then lands a leg kick. Head kick from Whittaker staggers Vettori but he stays upright, Whittaker follows up with a right hand but again Vettori stays up. Vettori eats another few punches but his head is made of freaking steel because he wont go down. Whittaker lands a head kick, but Vettori wont falter. Right hand from Whittaker lands. Whittaker lands a couple of leg kicks. Hard right from Whittaker, he’s landing pretty much whenever he wants. Whittaker avoids a head kick. Vettori tries a single leg, that hits the fence and Whittaker defends then slips free. Hard right from Whittaker, Vettori stays on his feet though. Whittaker lands a side kick then a bit of a head kick. Double leg from Whittaker, that was nice and he lands on top in full guard. Some punches from Whittaker as Vettori fights to his feet and they break apart. Vettori lands a body kick but misses a right hook. Another head kick from Whittaker is partially blocked. They trade lefts and Vettori is the one backing up, Vettori avoids a head kick to close the round.

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

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

I don’t agree with giving Vettori a round but Whittaker left no doubt in the second and third. Vettori grabs the mic from Bisping to speak Italian that goes untranslated. Mic time for Whittaker, he’s happy to get the win and puts over Vettori and knew he had to be in great condition as hanging with Vettori is hard. Asked about the future he says including the champion he’s the most dangerous man in the division, he makes them hate fighting, and says he’s still gunning for the title.

Ciryl Gane is a former interim heavyweight champion and is coming off of a close but unsuccessful attempt at winning the full title back in January. Gane is fighting in his native country for the first time here and will be looking to defend his top ranking and stay firmly in the title picture. Tai Tuivasa is on a five fight winning streak, all of them finishes, that has seen him climb all the way towards the very top of the division, if he’s able to beat Gane here it would be very difficult to deny him a shot at the heavyweight title. Gane is the biggest favorite on the card at -560 while the +430 comeback on Tuivasa might tempt a few bettors given how volatile the heavyweight division is.

Heavyweight Bout: #1 Ciryl Gane (10-1, 247 lbs.) vs. #3 Tai Tuivasa (14-3, 266 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Gane is two inches taller with a significant six inches of reach, Tuivasa is 20 some odd pounds heavier though. They touch gloves to get us going. Gane starts showing long range weapons right away, range finding leg kicks mostly. A bit of stance switching from Gane as well now, he’ll see if he likes orthodox or southpaw more relative to his opponent. Leg kick from Gane. Front kick from Gane. Body kick from Gane. Tuivasa is a bit out of range on his leg kicks right now but he’s throwing them. Gane is switching his stance pretty freely at this point. Jabs from Gane connect. Gane lands an inside leg kick. The crowd is singing something I don’t recognize but it’s kind of awesome. Both men miss power hand punches. Apparently they were singing the French national anthem, very cool. Bit of a right from Gane. Tuivasa is starting to force the action a bit more now. Gane lands a jab. Inside leg kick from Gane and he easily avoids the counter hooks from Tuivasa. Another inside leg kick from Gane connects. Tuivasa misses a right hand but he’s getting a little closer each time. Stiff jab from Gane then a head kick that’s blocked. Gane lands a front kick, he’s been stabbing at the body of Tuivasa pretty regularly. They feint away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gane

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Gane starts showing the jab again right away. Inside leg kick from Gane. Gane lands another jab. More lead hand work from Gane, he’s dissuading Tuivasa from coming forward with it. Tuivasa avoids a front kick to the head. Gane lands a jab, Tuivasa lands a bit of a counter hook. Body kick from Gane. More lead hand work from Gane to keep Tuivasa at the range he wants. A few more front kicks to the body from Gane then an inside leg kick. Tuivasa lands an inside leg kick of his own. More jabs from Gane as he circles, he’s really peppering Tuivasa at the end of his range. They trade punches but Tuivasa is struggling to find follow up moments. Gane lands another inside leg kick. Hard left from Gane connects. Gane keeps jabbing, it’s really bothering Tuivasa. Inside leg kick and more jabs from Gane. Tuivasa avoids a takedown attempt, then eats a few more punches. A right from Tuivasa drops Gane, but Gane fights up to this feet quickly. Gane gets back to moving and jabbing but he’s definitely got to get his head clear. Tuivasa lands a right had but Gane with body shots to bakc him off. Tuivasa lands a left hand but he’s hurt to the body. More front kicks from Gane to the body, Tuivasais hurt visibly. Bit of an uppercut from Tuivasa in close. Gane with a knee to the body. Tuivasa is bleeding around the right eye. More jabs from Gane as he circles. Bit of a head kick from Gane. A hard right from Gane lands but Tuivasa just eats it. A few Gane jabs close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again. Gane starts jabbing again then lands a front kick to the body. Tuivasa lands a front kick, Gane returns it. Gane slips a punch and lands a jab. Tuivasa lands a leg kick. Front kick from Gane. Gane misses a front kick to the face then avoids the counters. More front kicks from Gane as he circles. Body kick from Gane hurts Tuivasa. Gane avoids a right and lands a hook. Jab from Gane. Gane with another front kick to the body, then another that visibly bothers Tuivasa. Jab from Gane, then a head kick but Tuivasa just eats it. Gane lands a left hand then a right, but Tuivasa fires back and Gane resets to not get into a brawl. Front kick from Gane then a body jab. Gane lands a jab. More jabs from Gane then Tuivasa lands a leg kick. Gane lands a couple more jabs. Tuivasa avoids a left hand, then takes a body kick. Gane lands a right hook. Front kick from Gane, and another that locks up Tuivasa for a second. Gane keeps kicking the body and backing up Tuivasa. Tuivasa avoids a head kick. Gane lands a jab. More jabs from Gane, then a right hand that locks up Tuivasa and he follows up with punches to finally drop Tuivasa and get the finish.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ciryl Gane via KO, body kick and punches, at 4:23 of Round 3

Mic time for Gane after he hugs his family, he puts over the fans in attendance and is so happy to be here in this atmosphere. Gane does his own translating because he speaks both languages. Asked about the knockdown in the second round he says Tuivasa hit him so hard he was out but he woke up and had to keep going. He talks us through the finish then gets the crowd to cheer for Tuivasa who’s still in the cage. Tuivasa thanks the fans and says it wasn’t his day but he always comes to fight, then he and Gane hug. Gane is asked about the future, he doesn’t care who it is as long as he fights for the belt.

Well on that note UFC on ESPN+ 67 comes to a close. Not the strongest card but what you thought would deliver did, and that’s not nothing. We’ll be unpacking all the results from this card on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast tomorrow, plus looking ahead to UFC 279 next week. I’ll be back here to cover that event and I hope you will as well, until then I thank you for reading, remind you to stay safe out there, and hope you’ll keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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