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Join 411’s LIVE UFC 220 Coverage

January 20, 2018 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC 220

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MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)
Champ Stipe Miocic (246 lbs.) vs. #1 Francis Ngannou (263 lbs.) – for heavyweight title
Champ Daniel Cormier (205 lbs.) vs. #2 Volkan Oezdemir (205 lbs.) – for light heavyweight title
Shane Burgos (146 lbs.) vs. Calvin Kattar (145.5 lbs.)
Francimar Barroso (205 lbs.) vs. #15 Gian Villante (206 lbs.)
#10 Thomas Almeida (135.5 lbs.) vs. #14 Rob Font (136 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (FS1, 8 p.m. ET)
Kyle Bochniak (146 lbs.) vs. Brandon Davis (146 lbs.)
Abdul Razak Alhassan (170 lbs.) vs. Sabah Homasi (171 lbs.)
#10 Dustin Ortiz (125.5 lbs.) vs. #11 Alexandre Pantoja (126 lbs.)
Julio Arce (146 lbs.) vs. Dan Ige (145.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC Fight Pass, 7 p.m. ET)
Enrique Barzola (145.5 lbs.) vs. Matt Bessette (146 lbs.)
Islam Makhachev (156 lbs.) vs. Gleison Tibau (155 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC 220. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening, relaying all of the action just as I see it. This is a really top heavy card, but the top two fights are good title fights. In the main event UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic goes for his record breaking third consecutive title defense but standing in his way is a force of destruction known as Francis Ngannou. The co-main is in the dumpster fire that is the light heavyweight division, champion Daniel Cormier is trying to move on from being finished by Jon Jones as he tries to defend the title against surging finishing machine Volkan Oezdemir. The rest of the card is pretty lackluster, but there’s a relevant bantamweight bout between Thomas Almeida and Rob Font.

UFC 220 comes to the world from the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Our commentary team is Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, and former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz. As for the rules update The Massachusetts State Athletic Commission has not adopted the new rule set so anything besides the soles of your feet on the mat means you’re downed and the language around scoring is needlessly nebulous.

Islam Makhachev is 3-1 in the UFC and currently on a two fight winning streak, if he can extend that to three in a row here against a veteran roadblock like Tibau he’ll start making the transition from prospect towards contender. Gleison Tibau has been with the UFC since 2006 and is currently tied with Jim Miller for most wins in UFC lightweight history with sixteen, but he hasn’t fought since 2015 as he’s been serving a suspension for a drug test failure. While a title run is unlikely at this point, Tibau can take over the title of winningest lightweight in UFC history with a win here. The odds are with Makhachev at -275 to +215 on Tibau.

Lightweight Bout: Islam Makhachev (14-1, 156 lbs.) vs. Gleison Tibau (33-12, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Tibau has half an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves, both men fighting southpaw. Both guys feinting with the lead hand, Tibau lands a leg kick. One wicked left from Makhachev ENDS Tibau, who falls stiff as a board.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Islam Makhachev via KO, punch, at :57 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Makhachev for his work this evening. That was quick, and Makhachev is on the mic now. He starts with limited English, he says he’s ready for a top fifteen guy as his last opponents have been tough but not top guys and he wants one of them. Asked about the finish, he puts over Tibau as tough but notes with the small gloves anyone can get caught.

Here’s the finish, Makhachev jabs a bit to bait the counter jab from Tibau, Tibau squares up to try and fire a kick behind his jab and Makhachev reads the motion and clobbers him with a left.

Enrique Barzola has gone 3-1 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak, his only loss in the UFC was a somewhat contested split decision and if he can extend his streak to three he’ll be looking for a bigger opportunity next time out. Matt Bessette lost his fight on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series but that result was changed to a No Contest when his opponent was revealed to have rehydrated with an IV (oh the horror). Bessette is making his UFC debut here on short notice when Barzola’s original had visa issues and he’s hoping to make a good first impression. Barzola is a -250 favorite to +195 for Bessette.

Featherweight Bout: Enrique Barzola (13-3-1, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Matt Bessette (22-7 1 NC, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Bessette is three inches taller and has half an inch of reach on Barzola. They touch gloves to get things going. Some circling to start, neither man doing a lot of feinting yet. Bit of a leg kick from Barzola lands. Barzola misses a looping right, and he eats a bit of a short counter. Another leg kick from Barzola, Bessette lands a glancing head kick. Bessette lands a few body kicks, Barzola is backing up and seems really hesitant to engage. They trade a few body kicks but there’s a lot of just touching without much heat. An exchange of hooks in close gets things going for a second but both men disengage. Head kick lands for Bessette but Barzola just eats it. Bessette misses a punch, Barzola is able to duck under and get a double leg takedown into guard. Quick pass from Barzola but Bessette tries a leg lock, Barzola spins free and stands. Bit of a right from Barzola, Bessette gets up and they reset on the feet. Right uppercut from Bessette lands, then he blocks a double leg attempt. High kick and a left from Bessette land, they stare away the last few seconds after that exchange.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bessette

ROUND TWO: Another touch of gloves, Barzola is bleeding from what I think is the left side of his head, it’s on the back of his head. Bessette pushing forward now, Barzola is backing straight up into the fence and covering up with his chin in the air. A couple of body shots from Bessette land, Barzola has a jumping knee blocked and Barzola is visibly slowing down. They trade some leg kicks, Barzola lands a hard one to the calf that drops Bessette to this knees for a second. The leg kicks have been Barzola’s best weapon, Bessette lands a right and they wind up clinched. Bessette gets free quickly and we’re at distance again. Short left hook from bessette lands, he backs Barzola towards the fence and they wind up clinched. Barzola gets an elevated slam into guard again, then stands and looks to pass from that position. A few punches land for Barzola but Bessette gets up anyway. We’re back in the clinch, Barzola is trying to get a few points with takedowns but they’re stalling out on the fence again. They jockey for position, Barzola gets a body lock takedown but again he’s standing and not really throwing. Bessette gets up again, again they clinch and Barzola is after another takedown. Now Barzola has the back standing, he turns the corner and one more double leg closes out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Barzola, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round, and after that Barzola lands a leg kick. Bessette is pushing forward hard this round, he lands a glancing combination. Bit of a head kick from Bessette lands. A few jabs from Bessette then Barzola lands a low leg kick. Barzola lands a couple of punches, Bessette slips a few of them. Hard left to the body from Bessette. Now Bessette lands a bit of an uppercut, Barzola lands a calf kick in response. Body kick lands for Bessette. They wind up clinched, Barzola after a single leg against the fence. Barzola can’t finish this one and settles for a body lock. Barzola gets an elevated double leg into guard, this time Bessette tries a rubber guard but can’t really maintain it. Now Barzola stands and looks to fire down punches, Bessette gets up and they trade kicks. They trade a bit as time winds all the way down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Barzola but could go either way, 29-28 Barzola overall

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

Well that was a perfectly acceptable regional level fight. Barzola is excited though, and he gets an interview despite us being on short time. He says he’s getting better all the time, then when asked about the late notice change in opponent he talks about the differences between his original opponent and Bessette then thanks American Top Team and Peru.

That’s it for Fight Pass, on to Fox Sports 1 for the remainder of the prelims.

Dan Ige is on a six fight winning streak and won his fight on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series, his official UFC debut is tonight and he’s looking to continue his winning ways in the biggest fight of his career. Julio Arce is on a five fight winning streak and was also successful on the Contender Series, he’s debuting on short notice here after Charles Rosa got injured, but he’s also in position to make himself known to the wider UFC audience. The odds are with Arce at -140 to +110 on Ige.

Featherweight Bout: Julio Arce (13-2, 146 lbs.) vs. Dan Ige (8-1, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Ige has an inch of reach on him. Arce fighting southpaw. They feint, Arce lands a head kick but Ige gets close and has him down. Arce back up immediately but Ige still has him on the fence in the clinch. Ige misses an elbow as they separate. And the “woo’s” have started, God help us all. Both guys still doing a lot of feeling out, Ige gets a quick double leg but they wind up standing on the fence again. Ige lands a knee to the body before Arce gets free. We’re clinched again, Ige isn’t fighting underhooks in the clinch and Arce is able to spin free every time. A couple of jabs from Arce land. Bit of a leg kick from Ige. Arce wobbles Ige with a right hook Ige shoots a desperation takedown that’s blocked. Another right lands for Arce, he’s got Ige on the fence and is starting to tee off. Ige wings a couple of rights to get Arce to back off but he’s still a little out of sorts. Solid left from Arce, he’s reading everything Ige is trying now. The round ends after a bit of grappling leads to nothing.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Arce

ROUND TWO: Arce starts out circling, Ige still doesn’t quite look right. Body kick from Ige. The big problem for Ige is distance, he’s winding up on punches fro too far out. They clinch then break, Arce content to snipe and counter when Ige tries to crash distance. Front body kick and a left from Arce, then an uppercut in close. Another front kick to the body from Arce. Ige is swinging but he’s missing more than he’s landing, Arce lands a hard combination that’s punctuated with a left. Arce stops a double leg attempt, Ige is getting desperate. Bit of a right from Ige lands then he tries a takedown that stalls out on the fence. Arce lands a knee to the body before they break. One more sprawl from Arce closes out the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Arce opens with a body kick. Arce fades a right and lands an expended combination. Ige is fading and is getting beat basically everywhere. Straight left from Arce lands. They clinch and trade knees, then Arce drops Ige with some lefts to the body and he makes Ige stand back up. Arce is continuing to pick Ige apart, and Ige’s face is a mess. A few sharp jabs from Arce, Ige is throwing but he’s swinging wild and getting countered. I’m a little surprised Arce hasn’t gone back to the body at distance, he can get Ige to cover up pretty easily. Solid left hook from Arce lands. Another bit of an exchange as time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Arce but could be 10-8, 30-27 Arce overall

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

No idea which round could go to Ige, but such is the nature of scoring in MMA right now I guess. No interview for Arce.

Dustin Ortiz is coming off of the fastest (T)KO win in flyweight history when he blitzed Hector Sandoval, he’s trying to get his first winning streak since 2014 up and running with another win here. Alexandre Pantoja is riding an eleven fight winning streak and is 2-0 in the UFC, if he can take out Ortiz here he’ll quickly find himself in the title picture given the general status of contenders at flyweight. The odds lean slightly towards Pantoja at -130 to +100 on Ortiz.

Flyweight Bout: #10 Dustin Ortiz (17-7, 125.5 lbs.) vs. #11 Alexandre Pantoja (18-2, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Pantoja has two and a half inches of reach on Ortiz. Both men come out jabbing. They clinch up and Ortiz gets a takedown, he moves to the back quickly and has one hook in but Pantoja is threatening then spins to the back himself and we’re standing with Pantoja holding a rear waist lock. One hook in now for Pantoja, and the other as he forces Ortiz to his seat. Pantoja moves to a body lock and starts slamming lefts to the body and head. Pantoja is trying to open up the choke, Ortiz looking to explode into his guard. Another choke attempt from Pantoja, he’s got the neck cranked more than a choke but it’s pretty gnarly in terms of torsion on the spin until Ortiz is able to break the grip. Ortiz spins into top position, Pantoja to his knees and Ortiz lands knees to the chest and one questionable one to the head but Pantoja was on his way up and motion directionality actually plays a role in that determination. Pantoja gives up his back for the final few seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pantoja

ROUND TWO: Feinting to start, both men lands a couple of punches then Pantoja lands a leg kick. Ortiz lands a left then a right behind it. Pantoja seems to be reserving some energy and Ortiz is coming out with his usual output and pace. Ortiz misses a single leg attempt but his pressure is getting to Pantoja a bit. Body kick from Ortiz. Pretty good right from Ortiz lands, he’s doing a lot of stance switching as well at this point. They get close and Ortiz gets a takedown, Pantoja back up but Ortiz has a rear waist lock and is riding him. Knees to the thigh from Ortiz, he’s also going from the back to threatening a double leg, back and forth to overload Pantoja’s defense. Ortiz has Pantoja down to a knee now and is moving to a ride. More knees to the thigh and body from Ortiz and he’s got Pantoaj down again. Pantoja back up and this time he’s able to dig under hooks to switch the position and separate. Ortiz comes out jabbing. An exchange of rights and Ortiz gets to the clinch on a single leg attempt. Knee to the head from Ortiz, and he hits a single leg but Pantoja is after a switch from a high crotch reversal position. Pantoja can’t keep the grip and Ortiz is back to his back with that clinch as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ortiz, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Pantoja comes out more aggressively, they both trade some punches then Ortiz gets a takedown, Pantoja reverses and gets on top. Ortiz moves to the fence and is looking to wall walk, Pantoja his holding the waist looking for control. Pantoja into half guard, now moves to the back as Ortiz got to a knee. Ortiz back up and they’re chest to chest, Pantoja has the back again as he scores a takedown and he’s got a body triangle. Ortiz is looking to get out of this quickly but the body triangle of Pantoja is keeping him there. They’re on the feet and Ortiz shakes Pantoja over the top to wind up in guard. Elbows from Ortiz, Pantoja back up and they separate. Forward pressure from Ortiz and he lands punches into a clinch, now he’s after a single leg and spins to the back standing. rear waist lock from Ortiz and he’s landing knees to the body, now punches to the head. Another knee to the chest from Ortiz and he lands more punches as time winds down.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Dustin Ortiz via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Not a bad scrap there, Pantoja really faded after the first and Ortiz keeps an insane pace. No interview for Ortiz, instead we head to the analyst desk with Karyn Bryant, Kenny Florian, former Bellator play by play man Jimmy Smith, and Rashad Evans to hype the main and co-main events.

Up next is a rematch, these two fought at UFC 218 but the stoppage was incredibly poor and so they were booked for this card. Abdul Razak Alhassan is 2-1 in the UFC and coming off of that dubious win, but he was the official winner of that fight and he’s looking to leave no doubt this time around. Sabah Homasi is 0-2 in the UFC, but his debut was against Tim Means and most recently his fight with Alhassan was stopped early. Homasi is after the all important first UFC win. Alhassan is the -195 favorite to a +155 comeback on Homasi.

Welterweight Bout: Abdul Razak Alhassan (8-1, 170 lbs.) vs. Sabah Homasi (11-7, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Homasi is two inches taller while Alhassan has an inch of reach on him. They touch gloves to get us going. Bit of a jab from Homasi, Alhassan misses a high kick. Leg kick from Alhassan. Body kick from Homasi and he has a couple of follow up punches blocked. Another leg kick from Alhassan, those are heavy kicks so far. Punch from Alhassan but he runs into a knee to the chest, then they clinch up and both men land combinations. Left sneaks through from Alhassan. Thus far the forward motion of Homasi is dictating things, and we get another exchange before they clinch, they trade heavy punches and break. Another exchange of heavy punches, Alhassan likes this kind of fight. Homasi ducks under a punch and gets a takedown, he’s moving towards side control but Alhassan is on a hip looking to explode to his feet. The ref stands them up, I can’t support that as Homasi was virtually in full side control. Alhassan wings a few rights that are mostly blocked, but he used that to set up a right uppercut that ENDS Homasi’s night.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Abdul Razak Alhassan via KO, punch, at 3:47 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Alhassan for his work this evening. Big finish from Alhassan, and he’s on the mic with Joe Rogan. Rogan asks about the controversial first stoppage and how it feels this time, he says he didn’t feel good about the first one and was happy to show everyone it wasn’t a fluke. He talks us through the finish, noting that Homasi kept ducking to avoid the overhand and adjust to the uppercut, and closes by telling Ghana that he’s coming.

In case you missed it live. Again, Alhassan swings the overhand a few times in a row to get a read on Homasi and make him think that’s the punch coming. The uppercut can have a similar set up with the shoulders and upper body, Homasi bites on the motion and ducks while covering his head but leaving the uppercut a clear path to his chin.

To kill time we’re back to the studio desk. Bellator got Goldberg and the UFC got Smith, the UFC definitely got the better end of that deal.

Kyle Bochniak (7-2) is 1-2 in the UFC and coming off of a loss to Jeremy Kennedy, he’s trying to avoid the first losing streak of his career and get his UFC record back to the .500 mark. Brandon Davis (8-3) is making his UFC debut here on the back of a four fight winning streak that includes a successful fight on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series, and you only get one chance to make a first impression so he’s trying to make it a good one. The odds are with Davis at -160 to +130 for Bochniak.

Featherweight Bout: Kyle Bochniak (7-2, 146 lbs.) vs. Brandon Davis (8-3, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Davis is three inches taller and has two inches of reach on Bochniak. Bochniak circling early, Davis feinting. It takes a minute before the first blow lands, Davis hit a leg kick. Quick combination from Bochniak lands. Right to the body from Bochniak, Davis lands a spinning back kick to the body. They trade and Bochniak lands a left hook to exit the combination. Leg kicks from Davis then Bochniak lands a left hook. Single leg from Bochniak gets to the fence, Davis fighting to defend it. Bochniak finishes the single leg, Davis back up immediately but they’re still clinched. Another single leg works for Bochniak, again Davis is back up immediately but he can’t get separated. Now Bochniak has the back standing, Davis turns into him though. Bochniak to the rear waist lock again, elevates, can’t finish the slam though and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bochniak

ROUND TWO: Bochniak back to movement, Davis trying to stalk after him. Right lands for Bochniak, Davis returns fire. Davis lands a couple of leg kicks. A right lands for Davis but Bochniak lands a combination, Davis lands a leg kick as he’s exiting the pocket. Davis is struggling to find the target with most of his offense, but those leg kicks are working for him to corral Bochniak. Bochniak walks into a knee, they do wind up clinched then break without much issue. They get close and exchange, Bochniak is throwing greater volume while Davis is struggling with the movement a bit. Bochniak ducks under a spinning back fist and gets the back standing. Davis is able to break much quicker this time and reset at distance. A double leg from Bochniak stalls on the fence as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: More circling from Bochniak, he’s walking Davis into a lot of stuff but he’s not able to really close out his combinations. Bit of a head kick from Davis, both men posture afterwards. Quick series of hooks from Bochniak land, Davis fires back with a leg kick. Another double leg attempt stalls on the fence, Bochniak switches to a single leg. Davis is fighting off the attempt but Bochniak spins him down, Davis is back up and Bochniak cracks him with a right. Hard leg kick from Davis and they exchange rights. Davis ducks under a right and gets a double leg, Bochniak back up and they trade as they separate. They wind up clinched on the fence again, Bochniak is after the single leg. Davis is able to get free and they trade a bit for the final few seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Davis, 29-28 Bochniak overall

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

Bochniak on the mic now, he says this was make or break for him given his UFC record and is psyched to fight in his home town. He puts over Davis in terms of movement and cardio, he expected to wear him out in the second and get him out of there in the third.

That’s it for prelims, to PPV for the main card. We open with a pretty good video package, and holy crap! No “Face the Pain”! I am so damn happy I could dance!

Thomas Almeida was undefeated for his first twenty fights, but he’s just 1-2 in his last three and is coming off of a loss to top contender Jimmie Rivera. Almeida needs to rebound in a big way as another loss here would be a serious blow to his title aspirations. Rob Font is also coming off of a loss, but he’s only lost twice in the UFC and those were to John Lineker and Pedro Munhoz. This fight represents a massive opportunity for Font to take out a fighter once thought to be a can’t miss prospect and assert himself as a contender on the rise. The odds here are with Almeida at -130 to a +100 comeback on Font.

Bantamweight Bout: #10 Thomas Almeida (21-2, 135.5 lbs.) vs. #14 Rob Font (14-3, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Font is an inch taller and has an inch and a half of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Almeida circling early, Font is the one pressing forward. Some probing offense, mostly punches, and Font pushes into a clinch. Hard right from Font as they break. Another combination from Font, he doesn’t want Almeida to settle at all. Hard right from Font and they’re clinched again. Almeida is able to spin free, Font misses another right and Almeida misses a couple of counters. Font backing up now, Almeida doesn’t have much going backwards and he’s trying to adjust. Font’s right is money thus far and his jab is disrupting Almeida’s timing. Head kick from Almeida is blocked. Almeida lands a right, he might have a read on Font at this point. Leg kicks now from Almeida, Font lands a couple of jabs. Font lands a right after a quick tie up, he’s better exiting the clinch than Almeida is. Left hook lands for Almeida. More forward pressure from Almeida now, he seems warmed up now. Almeida lands a right, they clinch and Font nearly gets a judo toss as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Almeida but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Almeida’s face looks a little marked up, I think he just marks up easily. Font comes out jabbing, Almeida working a counter inside leg kick to keep Font from committing his weight to it. Solid right from Font lands, Almeida responds with a jab. Another right from Font drops Almeida, Almeida tries to get up but Font follows him down and is in the ride position. Almeida back up and Font clobbers him with a right. Font stalking forward, lands a right elbow but they’re clinched again. Font really shouldn’t have followed him to the mat like that. Body shots from Font and a right uppercut, Almeida is down from a body lock takedown but he’s back up and Font knees him in the head as they break the clinch. Body kick and a leg kick from Almeida, he seems to have recovered. Font really let him off of the hook and needs to get back on him. Font lands a right, Almeida leans into a head kick and Font swarms him with rights as he falls to end this one.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Rob Font via TKO, head kick and punches, at 2:24 of Round 2

Big win for Font, and Almeida’s defensive issues continue to haunt him. Interview time for Font now, he says he was a little reckless to start the fight but he calmed down and worked it out. He watches the finish and laughs with joy, then thanks everyone in the crowd and says he loves this venue to close the interview.

Here’s the fight that started the end for Almeida. When I talk about his defensive liabilities, look at his lead hand in this exchange. He takes the jab then dips and bends the elbow while ducking, leaves the entire side of his head exposed to the follow up right.

Gian Villante is just 1-3 in his last four fights and is on a two fight losing streak, despite that he’s a ranked contender because the division is a wasteland and he’s hoping to defend his ranking while snapping that losing streak. Francimar Barroso is 1-1 in his last two fights and coming off of a loss, but he could rebound with a win over a ranked opponent and inch closer to an official ranking of his own here. Villante is a slight -145 favorite to a +115 comeback on Barroso.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Francimar Barroso (19-6 1 NC, 205 lbs.) vs. #15 Gian Villante (15-9, 206 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Villante is an inch and a half taller and has an inch of reach on Barroso. They touch gloves to get things started. Villante pressuring forward, lands a looping right. Barroso avoids a leg kick then jabs the body. Leg kick from Barroso and Villante lands a counter right. Right uppercut from Barroso lands. Uppercut from Villante, they’re both swinging but Barroso is a little wobbled. Leg kick from Barroso lands but Villante wont stop coming forward. A few body kicks from Barroso but he can’t get Villante to back off, and if Villante had any follow up to that right he’d catch Barroso as he leans to avoid the overhand right with his hands nearly at his waist. Solid leg kick from Barroso. Leg kick from Villante but Barroso lands to the body with his right again. Barroso lands a leg kick. An exchange of leg kicks. Leg kick from Barroso, they trade rights and do a second of brawling as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Villante

ROUND TWO: Barroso opens the second round with a jab. Some more jabs to the body from Barroso, he seems to want to slow down Villante and be better conditioned later in the fight. Leg kick from Barroso, and we get an exchange along the fence. Another hard clash of hooks, these two are squaring up and swinging. Barroso lands a left body kick. Villante tries a low kick, this one hits the groin of Barroso so he’s got time to recover. He’s ready to continue quickly and we’re back to fighting. More forward pressure from Villante, they’re taking turns throwing punches but both men are missing a lot as well. Another left body kick from Barroso, there’s a welt forming on Villante’s body already from those. Bit of a right from Villante. Man this is bad from both guys. Leg kick from Barroso then they trade punches. Hard leg kick from Barroso, Villante lands a right to the body. Left to the body and a knee from Barroso, he’s picking up the output as Villante is coming in a bit now. They just kind of hang out for the last bit, both guys are sucking serious wind.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Barroso but probably went the other way, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Villante throws a right and is marching forward again, Barroso backing up. Left hook from Barroso. Leg kick from Barroso but Villante fires back with a combination. Hard left body kick from Barroso, Villatne keeps walking forward and lands a right. Left hook from Barroso, they trade in close and both land left hooks again. Right from Villante counters a leg kick from Barroso but these two are content to fight the same way they’ve been fighting. Leg kick then a blocked high kick from Barroso, Villante responds with a heavy jab. Good counter right from Barroso, Villante keeps walking forward. Stepping left elbow from Barroso, Villante is bleeding from the bridge of the nose now. And the crowd is booing, commentary pretends to be surprised but come on guys, this fight is the pits. More staring, and at least it’s finally over.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gian Villante via split decision (28-29, 30-27 x2)

I don’t agree with 30-27 but who cares that much. Oh, Villante gets an interview after that “fight”. He says he thought he crushed him, he says fighting in front of a big crowd means you put on a show and says he hoped to get the crowd up for Stipe’s upcoming fight (he trained with Stipe for this fight). He wanted to put on a show after losing his last two bouts and promises to get drunk tonight.

Calvin Kattar is riding a nine fight winning streak and defeated Andre Fili in his UFC debut, he’s trying to take out another tough fighter to further cement his place in the UFC as a fighter on the rise. Shane Burgos is undefeated and is 3-0 in the UFC, he’s trying to continue his ascendance tonight and prove he’s a force in the featherweight division. The odds favor Burgos at -205 to +180 for Kattar.

Featherweight Bout: Shane Burgos (10-0, 146 lbs.) vs. Calvin Kattar (17-2, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Burgos has three and a half inches of reach on Kattar. They touch gloves to get us going. Feinting from Burgos, Kattar circling to start. These two are very close to each other already, Burgos lands a right. Kattar lands a couple of jabs. Calf kick from Kattar lands, Burgos isn’t moving his head all that much yet. Jab from Burgos but Kattar responds with a body shot. Jab from Burgos and Kattar immediately counters with a right. Fast hands from both guys, Burgos lands a right to the body. Series of jabs from Kattar land, then a right but Burgos responds with a couple of hard body shots. Burgos is still pushing forward, he digs another left to the body. More jabs from Kattar, that’s doing a lot of work for him and is causing Burgos a few problems. A few leg kicks go back and forth, Kattar is targeting the calf. Bit of a combination from Burgos, he’s working volume offense now. Right from Kattar. Jabs from Kattar then a body shot, Burgos needs to address that jab or he’s going to be at a disadvantage. A few kicks then a right from Kattar end a really good round.

SCORCARD: 10-9 Kattar

ROUND TWO: Burgos back to forward pressure but that jab from Kattar is still working. Some leg kicks, inside and outside, from Burgos to try and disrupt the jab game of Kattar. Double jab from Kattar lands and he avoids the counters. Burgos lands a left to the body, Kattar tries a single leg that stalls out on the fence. Kattar lands an elbow as they break. A couple of body shots from Burgos lands but he’s getting jabbed consistently. More pressure from Burgos, he’s turning up the volume and is starting to land more. Another couple of body shots then a right hook from Burgos land, he’s starting to get to Kattar and Kattar’s footwork is falling off just a hair. Kattar lands a bit of an uppercut. They’re trading leg kicks now, these two clearly came to fight and are helping the crowd wake up after the last fight. Leg kicks from Burgos close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Burgos, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Another touch of gloves for the last round. Burgos lands an inside leg kick but takes a counter right. Hard right from Kattar wobbles Burgos, then an uppercut wobbles him fore and another one drops him! Burgos fights towards his feet but he eats a ton of punches doing so and the ref jumps in to save him.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Calvin Kattar via TKO, punches, at :32 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Kattar for his work this evening. Really good fight all the way around and a really slick finish from Kattar, who’s on the mic. He puts over Burgos as a banger and says he’s been visualizing doing this in his home town since his debut and it feels like a dream come true. Talking us through the finish he puts over his coaches for setting him up and giving him good advice then thanks his fellow Bostonians for their success earlier this evening and encourages the Patriots to win in their game tomorrow evening.

Volkan Oezdemir is 3-0 in the UFC and on an overall five fight winning streak, tonight he gets his first shot at the title and is looking to cement what would be one of the most impressive twelve month periods in UFC history by going from debutante to champion. Daniel Cormier was last seen being knocked out by Jon Jones, but the official result was overturned and Cormier was given back the title. Cormier is after his first successful defense post Jones and to reinforce that he’s the best light heavyweight in the world when Jones is out of the equation. Cormier is the biggest favorite on the card at -340 to a +260 comeback on Oezdemir.

Light Heavyweight Title Bout: (c) Daniel Cormier (19-1 1 NC, 205 lbs.) vs. #2 Volkan Oezdemir (15-1, 205 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Oezdemir is three inches taller and has two and a half inches of reach on Cormier, he’s also a full decade younger. They touch gloves to get us going. Oezdemir pushing forward early, misses a couple of rights then lands a left hook. A couple of jabs from Oezdemir, then clinch up and then break without incident. Right from Oezdemir lands. Oezdemir gets close and lands left to the body and head before Cormier gets free. More forward pressure from Oezdemir. Oezdemir lands a right in close, Cormier is coming forward now. Right from Oezdemir, Cormier lands a right of his own but takes a body shot. Cormier lands a leg kick then takes a bit of a left. Bit of a right from Cormier but Cormier is throwing mostly with his arms and he’s reaching a lot, Oezdemir has a couple of counter options available to him if he keeps doing that. Leg kick from Oezdemir but they’ve both slowed down, Cormier lands a right that stuns Oezdemir. They trade lefts, Oezdemir is wobbled and Cormier is chasing him. They both swing wild in close and miss. Body kick from Oezdemir, Cormier catches it and tries a single leg but Oezdemir is defending. Cormier switches to get him down and lands a few punches from the ride position, gets the back and is after the choke but the round ends and saves Oezdemir.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cormier, could be 10-8 given how close that choke was

ROUND TWO: Oezdemir showing the lead hand to start the second. Oezdemir lands a bit of a right but Cormier gets a single leg trip and moves into full mount. Well that was quick. Oezdemir is able to hip escape to half guard but Cormier moves to side control and nearly has a mounted crucifix. Rights from Cormier, Oezdemir is stuck and he’s gonna get pounded on until the ref stops it. More rights from Cormier and Oezdemir’s inability to defend himself prompts the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and STILL UFC Light Heavyweight Champion – Daniel Cormier via TKO, punches, at 2:00 of Round 2

That was basically as expected. Cormier drops to his knees in the cage after the decision, he says he’s been through a lot but it feels good to be in here and win. He says he felt this was for a vacant belt after he got finished by Jones and now feels like he’s the champion again. Cormier puts over Oezdemir as being on the level and that Oezdemir took a piece of him in this fight and then reiterates that Oezdemir hits hard and was game but he wasn’t on his level on the mat. He puts over his team and coaches, predicts that Khabib Nurmagomedov will get a title and that Cain Velasquez will get the heavyweight title back by the end of the year.

Francis Ngannou has taken the UFC by storm, he’s 6-0 with the promotion and has finished all of those fights. Ngannou gets his first shot at the title tonight and he’s looking to complete his ascension to the top of the division and begin his own reign atop the heavyweights. Stipe Miocic (17-2) is on the verge of history, no UFC heavyweight champion has reached three consecutive title defenses and this could be his third. Miocic is trying to make that bit of history and enter his name into the conversation for best heavyweight of all time in doing so. The odds are with the challenger Ngannou at -170 to a +140 comeback for the champion Miocic.

Heavyweight Title Bout: Stipe Miocic (17-2, 246 lbs.) vs. #1 Francis Ngannou (11-1, 263 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Ngannou has three inches of reach on Miocic. They touch gloves, Ngannou opens southpaw but has done a lot of stance switching lately. Miocic ducks a punch and gets a single leg, Ngannou back up along the fence but still in the clinch. Ngannou breaks free but Miocic is back on a single leg, this time Ngannou defends and separates. Hard right from Ngannou, Miocic moving well though. Uppercut from Ngannou lands. Jab and a right from Miocic land, Ngannou breathing a little heavy already. Clinch from Miocic and he’s got Ngannou on the fence. They trade some knees but Miocic is clearly just trying to wear Ngannou out. Knee to the body from Miocic before Ngannou spins free. Miocic avoids a couple of punches and lands a right. Another right from Miocic wobbles Ngannou for a second, then he ducks under a punch and gets a double leg into side control. Miocic steps over with one leg, goes back to side control and lands some lefts. A few punches and hammer fists from Miocic, Ngannou able to force his way back up but he’s dead tired. Miocic lands a right and avoids a counter. Another counter right from Miocic hurts Ngnanou again, he tries and gets one more double leg before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Miocic

ROUND TWO: Ngannou was pretty dead on the stool between rounds. There’s swelling around the left eye of Miocic and Ngannou looks like he’s fought three rounds already. They touch gloves for the second round. Miocic feinting, lands an inside leg kick. Bit of a counter right from Ngannou. Miocic lands a front kick to the body. Solid leg kick from Miocic, he’s fighting smart and picking at Ngannou. Ngannou misses a right, his hand speed has dropped dramatically. Miocic tries a takedown, Ngannou blocks it then eats a right. Body kick from Miocic then a right and a left. Miocic gets a takedown and moves to the ride when Ngannou tried to stand. Lefts to the body and head from Miocic, he’s wearing on Ngannou as Ngannou tries to wall walk. Ngannou back up but he’s keeping a hand on the mat, then Miocic hits a mat return to drive him back to a knee. Miocic is leaning on Ngannou’s head, landing knees to the body. Lefts to the head now from Miocic and he’s using a 3/4 nelson to keep him controlled. More lefts from Miocic and he’s after the choke as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Miocic, 20-17 Miocic overall

ROUND THREE: Ngannou was really slow to get off of the stool between rounds, he looks fatigued. Miocic opens with an inside leg kick. Ngannou looks really wobbly on his feet, Miocic gets a low single leg and drives Ngannou into the fence before they clinch. Miocic looking for a trip with foot position, and he pushes Ngannou over with it and now he’s in a ride position again. Rights from Miocic, and a knee to the head before Ngannou grounds himself with a hand. They’re back up, but still clinched and Miocic lands an elbow on the break. Another right from Miocic lands. Ngannou lands a right and Miocic backs up then hits a double leg as Ngannou came forward to land in half guard. Miocic lands a couple of elbows. Rights from Miocic and lefts to the body, he’s starting to batter Ngannou. Another few rights from Miocic end the round.

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

ROUND FOUR: Another touch of gloves, and Miocic lands an inside leg kick. Single leg from Miocic and he’s in side control again, easily this time. Miocic goes into half guard for the anchor, then moves to side control again and starts landing lefts. Ngannou to his knees but Miocic has the ride position and is punching him in the body. Elbows to the body now from Miocic and now lefts to the head. Headlock now from Miocic and he drags Ngannou back to his knees and lands lefts. Knees to the body from Miocic now. Ngannou up to a single knee, Miocic pounds him to the body and rides him dwon then lands lefts to the head. More lefts from Miocic, Ngannou trying to defend but he’s only able to get a hand between the fists and his face. Another knee to the body from Miocic. If Miocic turned up the offense a bit he might be able to force a stoppage here but he’s focused on controlling him. Body shots from Miocic as the round comes to a close.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Miocic, 40-34 Miocic overall

ROUND FIVE: Ngannou is barely moving, his legs are shot. Miocic lands an inside leg kick and is circling. Miocic tries a double leg, it hits the fence and stalls out there. Knees to the body and thigh from Miocic but the pace has slowed. Hard knee to the body from Miocic. Ngannou after a front choke, not sure how much is there though. Miocic pulls free and gets Ngannou back on the fence. Body work from Miocic but the ref separates them. Ngannou misses a couple of punches. Sharp jab from Miocic. Miocic is content to coast I think, he’s pretty tired as well, and Ngannou doesn’t have the energy to rally. Miocic after a takedown, settles for the clinch adnd hits the fence where time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Miocic, 50-43 Miocic overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and STILL UFC Heavyweight Champion – Stipe Miocic via unanimous decision (50-44 x3)

Really, only round 4 was a 10-8 for the judges? Anyway that’s history for Miocic, 3 consecutive title defenses in the heavyweight division. Miocic on the mic now, says he’s not that scariest guy but he’s the baddest and says Ngannou hits hard. He points to Ngannou and says he’s huge and hits hard, he says he’ll get back in the gym and keep getting better. Miocic dismisses the people who’ve insulted him and says he’s gonna be a dad and that’s the only thing that matters to him.

Ngannou on the mic now, he says he underestimated Miocic a bit and Miocic had a great game plan. He sort of says he’ll be back, Rogan said it and Ngannou just kind of agreed.

Alright everyone, that wraps up UFC 220. Thank you all for being here and reading, be that live or after the fact. I know how many places you can get this same service and am humbled that you choose me. We’ll be reviewing this card as well as last week’s Fight Night at 8pm eastern time Sunday on the 411 Ground and Pound Radio Show, which takes callers at (323) 657-0901 if you’ve got a question or comment you’d like on the air. Next week the UFC is in Charlotte for UFC on FOX 27 when Derek Brunson tries to avenge an earlier career loss to Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza in the main event. I’ll be back for that event, because I have no life. Until then thank you all again, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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