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411’s UFC on FOX 30 Report 7.28.18

July 28, 2018 | Posted by Robert Winfree

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on FOX 30. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for this evening, relaying all of the action to you just as I see it. Tonight is the penultimate UFC on FOX event as they’ll be moving all US broadcasts to ESPN and their related streaming service at the start of 2019. Fortunately, this event isn’t a thumb to the eye of FOX, at least not on paper, as we’ve got a card stacked with violent potential.

The main event is a rematch for the highly unofficial lightweight violence championship when former UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez takes on the surging Dustin Poirier. These two fought at UFC 211 and went to a No Contest after Alvarez landed an illegal knee that forced the fight to be stopped. Also there’s violence galore when former featherweight champion Jose Aldo takes on Jeremy Stephens, and former strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk tries to break a two fight losing streak against Tecia Torres.

UFC on FOX 30 marks the UFC’s first return to Calgary since the debacle that was UFC 149. Specifically we’re at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. On commentary we have Jon Anik and two weight world champion Daniel Cormier. As for the rules we will be under the new rules, so you need both palms or fists flat on the mat to be considered downed (or a knee of course), extending fingers towards your opponent is a foul regardless of contact being made, and the scoring criteria is more encouraging of 10-8’s. We also have limited replay, which means the ref can look at a replay for a fight ending sequence but once replay has been invoked the fight cannot be restarted. Also a big preemptive thanks to a friend of mine, Andrew Graham, who’s live at the event and will provide occasional updates from the venue.

Devin Powell has gone 0-2 in the UFC and is likely in a do or die situation here, he needs a win to avoid getting sent back to the regional scene. Alvaro Herrera isn’t in quite as bad a position, he’s 1-2 in the UFC but is also on a two fight losing streak and lost via Von Flue choke his last time out and is similarly trying to justify his spot on the roster. The odds closed out at a -115 pick ’em.

Lightweight Bout: Alvaro Herrera (9-5, 156 lbs.) vs. Devin Powell (8-3, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Herrera has an inch of reach on Powell. Circling to start, Herrera showing the jab while Powell misses a couple of hooks. Herrera lands a hook then a right and blocks a takedown attempt. Left to the body from Herrera. Powell lands a leg kick. There’s a clinch, and the “woo’s” have started in earnest. Herrera pushes Powell over then stands away so they’re rest on the feet. A couple of hard body shots from Herrera drop Powell but he makes him stand back up again. Powell poking with leg kicks then crumples Herrera with a couple of left body kicks and pounds him out on the mat.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Devin Powell via KO, body kicks, at 1:52 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Powell for his work this evening. Mic time for Powell who says this feels great and he’s been training hard for over a year. He puts over Herrera as a tough opponent then plays with the crowd and jokes about not have a strategy and how stupid that is. He talks us through the finish and hopes that Herrera gets to stick around the UFC before talking about how broke he’s been lately and how relieving this is.

Here’s the finish. Powell goes southpaw off of that pocket exchange and while Herrera is trying to adjust to that he blasts him to the body, then moves forward and hits a switch kick to the body from the orthodox stance to end things. Accurate kicking there from Powell.

Randa Markos has been trading wins and losses for the entirety of her UFC run, she’s coming off of a win over Juliana Lima and is trying for her first UFC winning streak here. Nina Ansaroff has gone 2-2 in the UFC but is on a two fight winning streak, she’s trying to move into the top ten with a win here. The odds favor Ansaroff at -140 to +110 on Markos.

Strawweight Bout: #13 Nina Ansaroff (8-5, 116 lbs.) vs. #12 Randa Markos (8-5, 115 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ansaroff is an inch taller and has just half an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Calf kick from Ansaroff. Ansaroff lands another calf kick. Markos misses a blitz attack, Ansaroff circles off of the fence. Markos catches a leg kick and is after a single leg against the fence but Ansaroff is defending. Trip from Markos gets Ansaroff down against the fence, Ansaroff looking to wall walk but Markos is fighting to strip her posting limb. Half guard for Markos and she lands some lefts then gets the back with one hook in. Ansaroff is doing a good job of preventing the second hook from Markos and Markos isn’t adjusting to it yet. Markos is a little bit high but Ansaroff can’t take advantage of it, instead she’s able to roll and get half guard back. Body to head punches from Markos and Ansaroff gets full guard. Markos lands a few rights, Ansaroff is too content to play guard instead of working back to her feet. Ansaroff is able to kick Markos off and regain her feet. Another calf kick from Ansaroff, and another one. Markos misses a couple of punches, Ansaroff lands a bit of a counter as time runs out on the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Markos

ROUND TWO: Circling to start the second round. Markos is trying to get her lead hand going this round, Ansaroff lands a calf kick. Another calf kick, that lead leg of Markos might be a little hurt now. Markos tries a takedown but Ansaroff stuffs it and resets in the middle of the cage. Ansaroff seems content to kick the calf of Markos and make her adapt to that technique. Bit of a right from Markos, Ansaroff kicks the calf again. Glancing left from Markos and Ansaroff responds with a body kick. Ansaroff lands a bit of a head kick. Markos has very little to offer so far this round, she’s not closing distance and Ansaroff is happy to fight at range and fight safely. Ansaroff lands a right and a body kick, Markos lands a couple of hooks while pushing forward but she’s going straight and letting Ansaroff angle away from the fence. Markos drives to a clinch on the fence but she can’t keep Ansaroff there for long. Ansaroff lands another calf kick, she needs to put some more heat on that kick because the number of times she’s landed it Markos should be limping at this point.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ansaroff, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Both women circling again, Ansaroff lands a calf kick. Another calf kick from Ansaroff. Markos is starting to push forward, we get exchanged flurries but Ansaroff hits the fence and gets clinched. Ansaroff quickly separates when Markos tried to wrap her head and we’re back at distance. More calf kicks from Ansaroff, and she’s landing punches while Markos comes forward. Another clinch, this time Markos gets an under hook and has some degree of control along the fence. Ansaroff pummels and then pushes free. Ansaroff lands a calf kick, Markos responds with a couple of hard jabs. The nose of Ansaroff is bleeding now, and Markos dives to the clinch on the fence and is looking for a double leg. Markos can’t get her hands together but she’s driving for that double leg, switches to a single leg but Ansaroff limp legs free and separates. Both women looking tired, and Ansaroff lands a calf kick. Bit of an uppercut from Ansaroff and she avoids a takedown attempt. Markos gets a clinch on the fence, tries a headlock take over but Ansaroff rolls through because that takedown is trash and Ansaroff winds up in half guard on top landing elbows as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Nina Ansaroff via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Nothing much there, hopefully that’s the worst fight of the night. Mic time for Ansaroff who laments her slow starting habits but feels once she’s up and running she can hang with the best. Asked about the calf kick she mentions she used to be a soccer player so it wasn’t a big adjustment to kick there then asks for anyone in the top ten.

Dustin Ortiz was thought to be the future of the flyweight division at one point, and while he’s stumbled along the way he’s currently on a two fight winning streak and could find himself in a title eliminator bout with a third win here. Matheus Nicolau has gone 3-0 in the UFC and is on an overall six fight winning streak, now he’s looking to take a step into the top ten at flyweight with a win over a top ten opponent. Nicolau is favored to win at -200 against a +160 comeback for Ortiz.

Flyweight Bout: #12 Matheus Nicolau (13-1-1, 126 lbs.) vs. #9 Dustin Ortiz (18-7, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Nicolau has an inch of height and reach on Ortiz. They touch gloves to get us going. Ortiz doing some stance switching while looking for an opening, Nicolau lands an inside leg kick. Hard leg kick from Nicolau takes the legs from under Ortiz for a second. Ortiz doing a lot of circling, Nicolau lands another leg kick. Right then a left from Nicolau landed flush and he avoids a high kick. Ortiz lands a leg kick of his own now. Nicolau misses a right. Body kick from Nicolau. Bit of a left hook from Nicolau, he’s ducking and coming up with that in the pocket and Ortiz hasn’t adjust to it yet. Nicolau avoids a combination then Ortiz lands a head kick that drops Nicolau and he pounds him out on the mat.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Dustin Ortiz via KO, head kick and punches, at 3:49 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Ortiz for his work this evening. Mic time for Ortiz, who really seems to have found his stride recently. He gives glory to God and thanks everyone who’s been supporting him. He talks about evolving his style and trying to be a little less aggressive given his history of raw aggression to mix things up. After talking us through the finish he expresses gratitude to the UFC and feels he’s the number one contender willing to do whatever it takes to get to the title.

Interesting finish here. Nicolau has his rear hand in blocking position and blocks the kick but not having the other hand to assist in absorbing the energy the fact that Ortiz kicked as hard as he did still rocks him. On the mat Nicolau actually reaches to wrap a leg instead of trying to control posture and Ortiz continues to punch him until the ref stops it.

Alexis Davis has only lost twice in the UFC and is currently on a two fight winning streak, she’s hoping to make a move up in the rankings of the still somewhat embryonic women’s flyweight division and possibly get into the title picture. Katlyn Chookagian has gone 3-1 in the UFC but has been distressingly forgettable during that time, she’s currently on a two fight winning streak and is trying to get into the title picture as well. Despite the ranking disparity Chookagian is a -155 favorite against +125 for Davis.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: #7 Katlyn Chookagian (10-1, 125 lbs.) vs. #3 Alexis Davis (19-7, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Chookagian is three inches taller but the reach is identical. Davis moving forward, Chookagian trying to keep distance and circle off of the fence. Right from Chookagian and a leg kick behind it. Davis lands a bit of a left but Chookagian is moving well and is countering her. Inside leg kick from Davis. Chookagian lands a right, she’s got her hands working in volume so far. Davis is turning things up now, lands a body kick. Bit of a counter left from Chookagian, Davis lands a leg kick. Chookagian’s left has done work so far, Davis has some swelling around the right eye because of it. Davis lands a leg kick after taking a jab. Leg kick from Davis, Chookagian lands a combination to counter. Davis lands a right. Another leg kick from Davis, those are starting to add up for her. The left from Chookagian is still doing work but she’s taking leg kicks. They trade punches after a Davis leg kick to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Chookagian

ROUND TWO: Davis has a small cut around the right eyebrow, Chookagian has some swelling starting on the right eye as well. Leg kick from Davis, Chookagian responds with a high kick that’s blocked. They trade left hooks, Davis then lands a leg kick. Davis lands to the body. Another leg kick from Davis. Davis lands a right, Chookagian isn’t keeping distance as well this round. Leg kick from Davis then a left hook behind it. Body kick from Davis. Bit of a right from Chookagian but she’s getting flustered by the pace and distance. Davis lands another leg kick. Hard leg kick from Davis, and another couple behind it. Chookagian trying to get her jab working but she’s not keeping Davis off of her. Davis lands a couple of rights and a leg kick. More leg kicks from Davis and a left. They split jabs but Davis is starting to out work her in terms of volume. Davis ends the round with another leg kick.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Davis, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Davis is back to coming forward throwing punches. Inside leg kick from Davis and they trade hooks then Chookagian slips free. Davis might have been hurt there, Chookagian lands a couple of side kicks but Davis lands a left hook. Another leg kick from Davis, Chookagian tries to return it but Davis catches it and gets a takedown then Chookagian bounces back up and separates. Bit of a body kick from Davis. Davis lands a couple of leg kicks. Left to the body from Davis then Chookagian lands a body kick. Davis has slowed down a bit this round, she lands a leg kick then eats a counter right. Chookagian has turned up the volume this round and is winning now because of it. For every blow Davis lands she’s eating a couple of counters. Davis into the clinch and lands knees to the body and thigh then gets a trip takedown, Chookagian tries an armbar and Davis passes to side control as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Chookagian but Davis might have stolen that late, 29-28 Chookagian overall

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

I don’t agree with 30-27 as Davis had a really good second round. Mic time for Chookagian, who dismisses the notion of Calgary’s altitude and puts over Davis as a tough opponent. She was prepared to fight backing up the whole time and wanted to keep this outside of takedown distance. She is undefeated at flyweight and hopes to have a bigger stage for her next fight and feels she deserves to be recognized at this weight.

John Makdessi has been with the UFC since 2010 but is just 2-3 in his last five fights. Makdessi is coming off of a win though and is after his first winning streak since 2013. Ross Pearson just broke a four fight losing streak by outlasting Mizuto Hirota to a decision, a win here would be his first winning streak since 2013 and might stave off talk of retirement further. The odds are with Makdessi at -230 while Pearson would pay out at +180.

Lightweight Bout: John Makdessi (15-6, 155 lbs.) vs. Ross Pearson (20-14 1 NC, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Pearson has an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Both men feinting a bit, Pearson lands a leg kick. More leg kicks from Pearson, Makdessi lands a jab. Both men are still trying to get a feel for the timing. Both men land some inside leg kicks, Makdessi lands a bit of a left hook. Left hook from Pearson. Makdessi is trying to bait Pearson in with a lead leg attack then blast him with a counter left, Pearson isn’t biting too much yet. Bit of a head kick from Pearson and they trade inside leg kicks. Makdessi lands a left hook to close a combination. Body kick from Makdessi got Pearson’s attention. Pearson lands a leg kick but eats another counter left. Makdessi lands a couple of jabs. Solid right from Makdessi lands to the jaw of Pearson. Inside leg kick from Makdessi and he avoids a couple of counters. Neither man lands over the last ten seconds or so.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Makdessi

ROUND TWO: Both men feinting, and Makdessi lands a left hook. Body kick from Makdessi. Makdessi is doubling up on the left hook now and it’s working. Spinning back kick to the body from Makdessi, Pearson responds with a body kick of his own. A couple of jabs from Pearson land. More jabs go back and forth, Makdessi lands a body kick but Pearson is fighting closer this round and his punches are landing a bit more often. Body kick from Makdessi, Pearson lands an inside leg kick. Solid body kick from Pearson. Makdessi is trying to get his lead hand working again, Pearson lands a right. A couple of rights land for Makdessi. Pearson avoids a spinning back fist but Makdessi lands a combination off of a pocket exit. Bit of a combination from Pearson, these two clearly came to fight. Pearson lands a left hook, and another one. Solid right from Makdessi, both men are bleeding from the mouth I think. A couple of counter lefts land for Makdessi and Pearson backs up to reset himself. Good one two from Makdessi, he’s got the faster hands and is taking advantage of it. Body kick from Makdessi. Bit of a left from Pearson and Makdessi lands a spinning back kick to the body then a left hook. That’ll be the last blow of the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Pearson has a cut on his forehead now as well. Both men land jabs then Makdessi lands a right. Pearson is coming forward more this round, he’s trying to up the output. Makdessi lands a combination to the body and head. A couple of counter left hooks land for Makdessi, he’s had that punch dialed in all night. Makdessi tries a body kick but that hit the groin so we’ve got time for Pearson to recover. Replay confirms the groin shot, Pearson is walking it off though and we’re back to fighting. They touch gloves on the restart and Makdessi lands a couple of side kicks to the body. They split left hooks and Pearson pushes into the clinch on the fence. Both men land body shots as they break. We’re getting a fire fight now, both men landing punches but the pressure of Pearson is starting to get to Makdessi. Stiff right then a left from Makdessi. Another exchange of left hooks. Makdessi starting to jab more, Pearson lands a leg kick but his face is bleeding. Left hook from Makdessi lands flush. Three punch combination from Makdessi, then an even longer one all land. Short hooks from Makdessi, he’s teeing off but Pearson is coming forward through them. Another combination from Makdessi and he off balances Pearson with a left. Pearson’s face is a bloody mess and Makdessi is carving him up. They split lefts again but Makdessi is out landing Pearson, lands another couple of lefts then tries a wheel kick as time runs out.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – John Makdessi via unanimous decision (30-26, 29-27, 29-28)

That’s our Fight of the Night so far. I’m not sure which round was 10-8 for Makdessi but I’m not arguing with it. Makdessi on the mic and puts over Pearson then wishes Dana White a happy birthday. He says he wants to win and give the fans excitement, then mentions he knew this would be a tough fight and how much he worked on his conditioning for this bout. He puts over Pearson again then says he wants to work on the holes in his game and prove that he deserves bigger stuff in the future.

That’s it for Fight Pass, to FOX for the rest of the prelims.

Gadzhimurad Antigulov has won his last fourteen fights including two successful bouts in the UFC, he’s trying to improve his current top ranking and establish himself as one of the few prospects in the division. Ion Cutelaba has traded wins and losses while going 2-2 in the UFC, he’s coming off of a win though and is looking for his first UFC winning streak. Cutelaba closed as a -140 favorite to a +110 comeback for Antigulov.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #15 Gadzhimurad Antigulov (20-4, 205 lbs.) vs. Ion Cutelaba (13-3 1 NC, 205 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Cutelaba is two inches taller and has four and a half inches of reach on Antigulov. Cutelaba coming forward early, bit of a right from Antigulov then he gets a double leg into the guard of Cutelaba. Antigulov steering Cutelaba twoards the fence, Cutelaba wall walks but Antigulov still has a body lock. Single leg from Antigulov and he’s got Cutelaba back down. Antigulov looking to pass, Cutelaba fighting for wrist control to set up something. Right from Antigulov and he’s looking to pass again. Cutelaba kicks Antigulov off but Antigulov is back on him and has the body lock again. Antigulov has the back standing and lands a knee to the body while Cutelaba gets chest to chest again. They trade knees, Antigulov lands a right and they break. Another clinch, Cutelaba lands an elbow and some knees. They trade in the clinch and Antigulov is after a single leg again, can’t get it and settles for a body lock. They trade again in the clinch, knees form Cutelaba but Antigulov just eats them and gets a takedown. Sweep from Cutelaba and he’s up but Antigulov is still on him. They trade in the clinch but Cutelaba is teeing off and Antigulov is fading. Uppercuts from Cutelaba, Antigulov lands a couple of uppercuts. Cutelaba teeing off with elbows now and the ref steps in to end this one.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ion Cutelaba via TKO, elbows, at 4:25 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Cutelaba for his work this evening. It wasn’t good but at least it was quick. Mic time for Cutelaba and his translator, though he starts with broken English to say he’s happy and enjoyed the fight and looks over to Cormier on commentary then tells him he’s coming for the belt. He tells Cormier that if he wants a picture or an autograph he’ll be outside, then expresses love for his wife and dedicates the fight to his wife and the Republic of Moldova and closes in some Bret Hart sun glasses and quotes The Hitman saying he’s the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be. On commentary Cormier praises Cutelaba’s personality but says he’s got no chance of beating him.

Relentless knees and elbows from Cutelaba, he excels at keeping a fight going during the in between phases and in just being a crazy man.

Kajan Johnson is on a four fight winning streak and is trying to make the difficult leap from prospect towards contender with a fifth win here over another highly touted up and coming lightweight. Islam Makhachev has gone 4-1 in the UFC and is on a three fight winning streak, he’s also looking to earn a ranked opponent with another consecutive win tonight. Makhachev is the biggest favorite on the card at a whopping -600 while the +400 payout on Johnson has to tempt those who like the long odds.

Lightweight Bout: Kajan Johnson (23-12-1, 155 lbs.) vs. Islam Makhachev (15-1, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Johnson is an inch taller and has a whopping five inches of reach advantage. Makhachev fighting southpaw and stalking forward. Johnson circling, looking to keep the fight long. Makhachev misses a head kick. Bit of a left from Makhachev, Johnson is doing some stance switching now. Body kick from Makhachev lands. Calf kick from Johnson. Makhachev lands a left and gets a clinch but Johnson spins free very quickly. Very sedate pace so far, neither man wants to make the first critical error. Makhachev in on a single leg, switches to a double leg and gets Johnson down against the fence. Makhachev is in half guard, into 3/4 mount and looking for full mount. Rights from Makhachev to the head, and a few short elbows. Body to head work from Makhachev and he’s into full mount now. Armbar from Makhachev, he’s into spider web position, straightens out the arm and forces the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Islam Makhachev via Submission, armbar, at 4:43 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Makhachev for his work this evening. Mic time for Makhachev, and the lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is doing some translation for him. Makhachev jokingly calls to Cormier, they train together, that he deserves a top fifteen spot or a fight with Brock Lesnar. He says Sambo isn’t like Jiu-jitsu but is a different level he’s happy to show off. Asked who he’d like next besides Lesnar he says Tony Ferguson, and I’m down for that.

Here’s the finish. It’s a really nice adjustment from Makhachev as the other arm of Johnson initially prevented the submission, he switches his legs, breaks that grip then re commits to the armbar and forces the tap.

Hakeem Dawodu lost his UFC debut in just thirty nine seconds, he’s looking to rebound from that loss here and get his first UFC win. Austin Arnett is also trying for his first UFC win after losing his UFC debut. The odds are with Dawodu at -450 to a tempting +325 payout for Arnett.

Featherweight Bout: Austin Arnett (15-4, 145 lbs.) vs. Hakeem Dawodu (7-1-1, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Arnett is four inches taller but Dawodu has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Circling to start, Arnett looking to fight long so far. Dawodu lands a leg kick. Another leg kick from Dawodu. Arnett misses a high kick and eats another leg kick. Not much happening besides the leg kicks from Dawodu. Another missed high kick from Arnett leads to another leg kick from Dawodu. Inside and outside leg kicks from Dawodu then he manages to avoid a deep double leg attempt from Arnett. Arnett is circling a lot on the end of Dawodu’s reach, he needs to get close and have some kind of answer to those leg kicks. Spinning back kick to the body from Dawodu, Arnett looks more like a sparring partner than an opponent at this point. High kick from Dawodu is mostly blocked. Dawodu lands another leg kick, those are starting to add up and Arnett is limping a bit. They stare away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Dawodu as I don’t think Arnett landed anything significant

ROUND TWO: Both men pawing a bit with their hands, Arnett lands a bit of a jab. Dawodu lands a left to the body. Left to the body then a leg kick from Dawodu, Arnett lands a couple of rights and Dawodu is backing up now. They both land punches, Arnett is coming forward now and is having more success. Bit of a right from Arnett. Dawodu lands a leg kick and a combination of punches. Arnett seems to have done enough to avoid accusations of throwing the fight and is back to getting hit consistently. They trade jabs and Dawodu lands to the body with lefts. One two from Arnett lands. Both men miss, Dawodu lands that left to the body but he’s leaving his head wide open, if Arnett reads that punch a right hook will clean Dawodu’s clock. More leg kicks from Dawodu but I’m seriously questioning why these two are in the UFC at this point. Arnett blocks a high kick. Leg kick from Dawodu will be the last blow of the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Dawodu comes out jabbing this round, Arnett misses a high kick and eats a leg kick. Another leg kick from Dawodu. Arnett tries a single leg, no drive though and Dawodu easily defends. Arnett lands a right but has a takedown blocked and they hit the fence. Dawodu lands to the body then a knee to the head. They’re just kind of hanging out in the clinch trading some knees, then Arnett spins free. Right to the body from Dawodu. Arnett lands a head kick but Dawodu just eats it. Leg kick from Dawodu. Commentary is trying to sell Dawodu as time runs down, but I’m not buying.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Hakeem Dawodu via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

That concludes our scheduled sparring session, though the crowd is all over Dawodu as the home town guy. On the mic he says he needed to get his confidence back and doing so in his home town was great. He thanks the city for the love, his coaches, and promises to be the real Mean Hakeem going forward. He talks about the importance of the leg kicks to his game plan and feels he was a little too cautious but he wanted to get things back on the winning track after the loss.

Jordan Mein just broke a three fight losing streak by drumming Erick Silva out of the UFC, now he’s after his first winning streak in nearly four years. Alex Morono has gone 3-1 with 1 No Contest in the UFC, he’s also coming off of a win and is trying for his second UFC winning streak. The odds are with Mein at -145 to a +115 comeback on Morono.

Welterweight Bout: Jordan Mein (30-12, 169 lbs.) vs. Alex Morono (14-4 1 NC, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Mein has an inch of height and reach on Morono. Morono comes bulling forward and misses a couple of punches. Mein coming forward now, and lands a right. Morono returns fire, man these two are flapping with their punches. Bit of a right from Morono and he follows up but Mein just eats it. Body kick from Mein and they both miss hooks. They’ve clinched up, Mein gets a trip into the guard of Morono. Mein looking to pass but Morono is stifling him so far. Morono almost gets a sweep but the fence is in the way, pity as he’d have been in full mount. The ref stands them up after they’ve continued to stall out. Bit of a left and right from Morono and they both miss wild hooks. Mein gets a double leg and moves to half guard then side control very quickly. Morono trying to get a sweep going, he gets half guard back but is holding the head now as Mein moves to side control. Half guard again for Morono again and he bails on the head this time. The round ends in that spot.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Mein

ROUND TWO: Mein coming forward again, lands a leg kick. Both men land some jabs, Morono misses a spinning back fist. Morono lands a leg kick but this is getting sloppier from both guys. Mein gets a double leg into half guard. Mein trying to set up an arm triangle, he’s got it locked in but he’s caught in full guard and can’t finish from there. Near sweep from Morono but Mein gets his legs out of the grip of Morono and settles back on top. Morono lands an elbow. Wrist control from Morono and he’s trying to get his legs in play but he wont get anything going. Half guard for Mein briefly, then Morono is back to full guard. Mein lands a couple of elbows. And that’s where the round will end.

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

ROUND THREE: Morono checks a leg kick. Mein still coming forward, lands a bit of a right. Morono is missing on almost everything he’s throwing, and Mein just isn’t throwing. Bit of a body kick from Mein, Morono lands a right to the body. Mein is back on the fence, Morono lands a few punches then gets on top when Mein drops for a takedown. Morono has half guard, Mein just looking to stall out and coast to the judges if this stays here. Full guard for Mein, Morono lands an elbow. Half guard again for Morono and he’s thinking about a choke, uses that to get to side control. Mounted guillotine for Morono, Mein rolls over but he’s in half guard now and that’ll let him be safe. Morono bails on the choke and gets full guard back. Mein to side control, then sells out for a guillotine of his own, switches to a d’arce but Morono is back on his knees and moving enough to keep that from getting tight. The fight ends with Mein on top.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Morono, 29-28 Mein overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jordan Mein via unanimous decision (scores not announced)

Mein gets a quick interview, expresses love to Calgary but that’s about all he has time for as we’re moving from prelims to the main card but staying on FOX. We open with a graphic and voice over from Jon Anik expressing solidarity with Toronto following the attack there earlier this month.

Alexander Hernandez brings a seven fight winning streak into this fight, and he’s coming off of a memorable UFC debut when he blasted Beneil Dariush in less than a minute. Hernandez is trying to prove that wasn’t a fluke and take out another tough opponent. Olivier Aubin-Mercier is currently on a four fight winning streak and is an impressive 7-2 overall in the UFC, if he can take out Hernandez here he’ll certainly find himself ranked and looking at bigger opportunities in the future. The odd closed again at a -115 pick ’em.

Lightweight Bout: Olivier Aubin-Mercier (11-2, 156 lbs.) vs. #13 Alexander Hernandez (9-1, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Hernandez has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Some broadcast hiccups to start, always fun but these are on the UFC not on Comcast so they get a pass as the graphics seem to not be working for the broadcast. Aubin-Mercier starts southpaw, Hernandez will do some stance switching. Hernandez pressing forward, lands a couple of punches along the fence. Both men land in close. They clinch up and trade knees then Aubin-Mercier isput on the fence. Aubin-Mercier spins free and lands a body kick. Bit of a head kick from Aubin-Mercier then a jab and they clinch up again. Hernandez lands a knee to the body. They break without incident. Bit of a combination from Hernandez and now he’s in on a single leg against the fence. Aubin-Mercier defends and they separate. They trade knees in close. Another clinch and more knees to the body go back and forth. They break with a knee from Hernandez. Hernandez lands a couple of rights, Aubin-Mercier lands a knee to the head in close. Aubin-Mercier lands a left but Hernandez bulls forward into another clinch. A few knees go back and forth. They break without incident. Hernandez lands a right and gets another clinch. Aubin-Mercier lands a knee to the body but gets taken down, then wall walks and the round ends in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Hernandez

ROUND TWO: Both men miss punches, Aubin-Mercier lands a bit of a knee but Hernandez gets a double leg against the fence. Aubin-Mercier looking to wall walk, he’s back up and they resume clinch fighting. Knees from Hernandez as they break, Aubin-Mercier pushes into another clinch. Aubin-Mercier stuffs a takedown and gets on top in the sprawl position looking for a crucifix. Kimura roll now from Aubin-Mercier, into a straight armbar from half guard. Hernandez gets his arm back but can’t get up and Aubin-Mercier punches him a few times. Aubin-Mercier passes to half guard without much effort, Hernandez eats punches then gets full guard back. Hernandez tries an armbar, trying to initiate a scramble and Aubin-Mercier winds up on top then has to pull guard when Hernandez nearly gets free. They kind of stall out and the ref stands them up, rather quick from where I sit. Hernandez dives into the clinch on a takedown attempt but Aubin-Mercier blocks it and spins him into the fence. They break briefly, then break again and Hernandez has some offense blocked before they clinch up. More knees from both guys in the clinch and Hernandez drops for a takedown then moves to the back standing and rides him down. Aubin-Mercier to a knee against the fence, Hernandez lands a few lefts as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Aubin-Mercier, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Hernandez punches into the clinch and has Aubin-Mercier on the fence. There’s a knee to the groin from Hernandez so we’ve got time for Aubin-Mercier to recover. Replay confirms the low blow, Aubin-Mercier is good to continue and we restart at distance. Hernandez lands a right and a knee to the body. Aubin-Mercier lands a looping right that off balances Hernandez then Hernandez gets a takedown against the fence. Full guard for Aubin-Mercier, Hernandez lands a few body shots. Rights to the body from Hernandez but the ref stands them up anyway, again quick from my perspective. Aubin-Mercier dives on a double leg immediately but gets reversed by the under hooks from Hernandez and he’s back on top. Aubin-Mercier hits a sweep and is back up against the fence looking for a takedown. Hernandez is defending well but Aubin-Mercier adjusts and gets the double leg into guard. Hernandez scrambles and gets the back, that was slick. Both hooks in for Hernandez and he’s landing some punches as time runs all the way down.

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

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

Mic time for Hernandez who wasn’t happy with this, then says that whether you love him or hate him he loves you. He says he wasn’t quite on his A game but plans on being better next time. Asked who he’d like next he just wants another win before the end of the year and plans on having the belt by 2020. They show Bret Hart in the crowd, and he gets the biggest pop of the night so far.

Joanna Jedrzejczyk is the former strawweight champion but is currently on a two fight losing streak, both of those title fights with current champion Rose Namajunas, and now she’s trying to win her first non-title fight since 2014 and prove she’s still a force in the division. Tecia Torres is coming off of a loss to Jessica Andrade but if she can take out the former champion it will be the biggest win of her career. Jedrzejczyk is a notable -280 favorite against +220 on Torres.

Strawweight Bout: #1 Joanna Jedrzejczyk (14-2, 115 lbs.) vs. #5 Tecia Torres (10-2, 115 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Jedrzejczyk has five inches of height and reach on Torres. They touch gloves to get us going. Torres coming forward, Jedrzejczyk looking to jab and keep distance. Jabs to the body from Jedrzejczyk and a left to the head. Torres pushes into the clinch against the fence and they’re trading knees. Jedrzejczyk spins Torres around and resumes kneeing the body and thigh. Torres has a body lock briefly and spins but can’t get anything else off of it. More knees go back and forth. A few more knees from Jedrzejczyk to the body. Jedrzejczyk spins Torres and lands another hard knee to the body. Those knees from Jedrzejczyk are pretty solid. Jedrzejczyk lands a knee to the head and Torres is after a single leg. Torres can’t finish the takedown before the round ends and Jedrzejczyk knees the body again.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jedrzejczyk

ROUND TWO: Jedrzejczyk lands a one two to start the second round. Torres lands a leg kick, Jedrzejczyk lands a couple of leg kicks. More leg kicks from Jedrzejczyk. Torres lands a bit of a right, Jedrzejczyk lands a few jabs then a right. Jedrzejczyk lands a couple of punches, Torres isn’t finding the target much so far. Body kick from Jedrzejczyk closes out a combination. Leg kick from Jedrzejczyk. Torres in on a takedown that hits the fence, Jedrzejczyk defending so far. High crotch attempt from Torres but her posture is broken at the moment and she comes back up for a clinch. Jedrzejczyk gets off of the fence and lands a knee to the body before Torres spins her back. Jedrzejczyk lands an elbow as they break apart. Front kick to the body from Jedrzejczyk then an inside leg kick. Leg kicks from Jedrzejczyk and a stiff jab. Both women doing some stance switching now. Jedrzejczyk lands a combination, we get close and trade hooks before clinching up as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Jedrzejczyk lands an inside leg kick then a left hook. Body kick from Jedrzejczyk. Torres avois a high kick. Jedrzejczyk avoids a high kick and lands a body kick. Right then a left hook from Jedrzejczyk. Torres trying to come forward, and walks into a hard jab to the body. A couple of more body shots from Jedrzejczyk and a right to the head. Jedrzejczyk is rolling right now. Jabs from Jedrzejczyk to the head and body. Torres lands an inside leg kick, Jedrzejczyk lands a leg kick. One two from Jedrzejczyk lands flush. Another right from Jedrzejczyk, she’s timing the rear leg from Torres now. They trade leg kicks but Torres is limping just a bit on it her lead leg. Another clinch from Torres, Jedrzejczyk blocks the takedown attempt and lands a knee to the body. Torres is trying for a high crotch now but Jedrzejczyk is stuffing her attempts and landing knees to the body. More knees from Jedrzejczyk, Torres breaks free and lands a bit of a right. Jedrzejczyk lands a front kick to the body. Single leg from Torres, Jedrzejczyk defends it and they hit the fence again. A few more knees go back and forth as they jockey for position but Jedrzejczyk is winning basically everywhere right now. A few more knees from Jedrzejczyk as time runs down then they trade elbows in close.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Joanna Jedrzejczyk via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

That went about as expected, Torres just doesn’t match up well with Jedrzejczyk. Jedrzejczyk gets an interview, puts over Torres as a tough fighter and says that while there’s some trash talk that’s just the sports aggression. She says this was an important fight for her and her career, she says she’s the queen with or without the belt then puts over Canada and wishes she could stay longer. She says she’d love to fight in Canada again and wishes Dana White a happy birthday, thanks her sponsors, and closes thanking her coaches for all of their work.

We get a pre-recorded interview between bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw and Cody Garbrandt. Dillashaw says he loves fighting, Garbrandt says after he knocks out Dillashaw he’ll give him an immediate rematch and knock him out again then move on with his career. Dillashaw says the rivalry was created by Faber and got put on Garbrandt’s shoulders. Garbrandt says Dillashaw’s trash talk just fuels his fire and calls the last fight a fluke. Dillashaw says he’s getting the rematch just because people want to see him knocked out. Garbrandt says’s Dillashaw is surrounded by yes men and they both promise to finish each other.

Jose Aldo is one of the best featherweights ever, but he’s just 1-3 in his last four fights and while his win over Frankie Edgar was brilliant he was finished in his last two fights by current champion Max Holloway. This is Aldo’s first non title fight since he brutally knocked out Cub Swanson way back in 2009 and he’s trying to prove he’s still an elite level fighter. Jeremy Stephens is a veteran of the sport and is currently on a three fight winning streak, if he can take out a former champion like Aldo he could find himself in the title picture assuming the Holloway and Ortega situation ever gets sorted out. The odds closed with Stephens as a slight -130 favorite to an even +100 on Aldo.

Featherweight Bout: #2 Jose Aldo (26-4, 146 lbs.) vs. #4 Jeremy Stephens (28-14, 144 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Stephens is two inches taller and has one inch of reach on Aldo. They touch gloves to get us going. Stephens sliding forward, Aldo circling. They both miss high kicks. Stephens lands a leg kick after taking a jab to the body. Aldo lands a leg kick and avoids a couple of hooks. Stephens lands a knee to the body in close then a calf kick. Inside leg kick from Aldo then they trade rights. Leg kick from Aldo. Left uppercut from Aldo and they both miss hooks to follow up. Stephens lands a right to counter a leg kick. Aldo’s back is on the fence and Stephens is throwing, they both land before they break apart. A couple of jabs from Stephens, Aldo then slips one and lands a bit of a right. Aldo lands a jab, he’s starting to find the target reliably now. Smooth stuff from Aldo now, slipping and countering while Stephens is eating rights and trying to goad a brawl. Hard left to the body from Aldo drops Stephens, he jumps on him on the mat and looks to finish from half guard. Aldo teeing off, moves to the back and lands hammer fists until the ref stops this one.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jose Aldo via TKO, body shot, at 4:19 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Aldo for his work this evening. That’s Aldo’s first finish since Chan Sung Jung separated his shoulder during their fight in 2013. Mic time for Aldo, he starts in Portuguese to thank Brazil and notes that he began his career in Canada and is happy to be back here. He says he was worried about losing but worked hard and is grateful to pull through. Asked about his return time table and what’s next he says the champion is back he’s just got to keep up this form.

OK, apparently that last bit from the Aldo interview was mistranslated.

And here’s the finish. Just a wicked body shot from Aldo, he got Stephens slowed down and thinking he was coming to the head then shot that left straight into the inside curve of the floating ribs.

Eddie Alvarez is a former lightweight champion and is coming off of a brutal knockout win over Justin Gaethje, if he can get another win here then Alvarez could easily find himself back in the title picture. Dustin Poirier has looked sensational recently with only one loss at lightweight, he’s on a four fight unbeaten streak and has finished his last two opponents, if he can take out Alvarez here he’s undeniably in the title picture. This is a rematch for these two, they fought at UFC 211 which went to a No Contest after Alvarez landed an illegal knee that forced the bout to be stopped. The odds are close again but lean towards Poirier at -200 to +160 for Alvarez.

Lightweight Bout: #3 Eddie Alvarez (29-5 1 NC, 155 lbs.) vs. #4 Dustin Poirier (23-5 1 NC, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Poirier has three inches of reach advantage. Poirier fighting southpaw as usual. They trade a couple of leg kicks while feeling each other out. Alvarez digs a couple of body shots. They trade leg kicks again. Poirier lands a left. Another left from Poirier and a leg kick behind it. Body kick from Alvarez lands flush. Another leg kick from Poirier off balances Alvarez for a moment. Bit of a left to the body from Alvarez. Poirier blocks some punches and avoids a clinch attempt. Poirier lands a couple of punches, Alvarez lands to the body again. Leg kick from Poirier. Alvarez avoids a left and tries a takedown that’s blocked. Poirier lands a body kick then a leg kick. Right to the body from Alvarez. They trade in close but neither man landed a really damaging blow. Poirier lands a left. Alvarez with a right then a left, both to the body. Bit of a right from Poirier. Long left then a leg kick from Poirier. Alvarez lands a right and walks into a left as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Poirier

ROUND TWO: Alvarez has some swelling around the left eye. Poirier blocks a takedown attempt and lands a front kick to the body. Spinning back fist from Alvarez lands, Poirier responds with a right to the head. Bit of a left from Poirier then a jab, he jumps guard for a guillotine as Alvarez closed distance, Alvarez is in trouble as they hit the mat and Poirier is adjusting it. Alvarez adjusting again and Poirier decides to bail on the choke as they’re seated on the fence. Poirier back up though he’s bleeding from the nose now. Alvarez has a body lock, Poirier pummels in and they break without incident. Double leg from Alvarez again, another guillotine attempt from Poirier but he bails on it quickly. Alvarez to the back now with one hook in, he’s got a neck crank going and Poirier isn’t hand fighting but he’s not worried about the crank. Alvarez after the choke again, then moves to the mount as Poirier is sitting against the fence. We get time for something, Alvarez landed a 12-6 elbow and that’s going to cost him the position. Replay shows the elbow as indeed illegal. Poirier lands a left on the restart, Alvarez lands a right to the body. Hard knee from Poirier and he’s teeing off on Alvarez against the fence. More knees from Poirier, he’s not getting crazy though, the methodical flurry is on and he’s crushing Alvarez on the fence but Alvarez is swinging back. One final elbow from Poirier drops Alvarez and prompts the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Dustin Poirier via TKO, punches and elbows, at 4:05 of Round 2

That makes Poirier the lightweight violence champion, hopefully with a title fight on the horizon. Mic time for Poirier, who addresses the bad blood between him and Alvarez and how he felt betrayed by Alvarez saying that he quit in their first fight after he stood up for him. He says the elbow didn’t hurt him and landed to the shoulder, and tells Alvarez don’t throw twelve to six elbows or knees to the head of downed opponent. Poirier references his long history despite being so young, then says he’s taken out four former champions in a row and feels that after his 23rd fight in the UFC now he wants to fight for the title. He mentions a group he’s working with to support schools in his home town and mentions where you can go to support them.

Here’s the finish. Poirier had been landing long lefts all fight and Alvarez started ducking to avoid them, here he ducks into a knee that rocks him. From there Poirier is all over him, just a violent barrage, but a controlled one as he makes Alvarez miss when Alvarez swings back then continues to punish him until that last elbow finally drops him.

The talking point for that fight will be the decision by Alvarez to land twelve to six elbows and that costing him a dominant position. Not saying Poirier wouldn’t have won anyway but Alvarez was in a strong position before that foul. I’m more of the opinion that 12-6 elbows should be legal but they’re not right now, and Alvarez clearly threw at least one. On the plus side, great fights to close out the event.

With that out of the way, UFC on FOX 30 comes to a close. It was a good night, better than the last three or so events combined, and UFC 227 is up next week. UFC 227 will feature a double championship main card, two rematches as well when bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw takes on former champion Cody Garbrandt and flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson tries for his twelfth consecutive title defense against Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo.

We’ll have a full review of UFC on FOX 30 this Sunday on the 411 Ground and Pound Radio Show, as well as a preview of UFC 227. If you’ve got a question or comment for the panel feel free to leave it in the comments section or if you do the twitter thing you can find me @WinfreeMMA and send them in there. I’ll be back to cover UFC 227 next week, it’s a good card on paper if you like technique and precision but it’s lacking the spicy element so I wont fault anyone for skipping it. Until then everyone thank you for being here and reading along, Lord knows I don’t deserve the support but I hope to one day have earned it, stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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