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June 6, 2020 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC 250

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MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)
(c) Amanda Nunes (145 lbs.) vs. Felicia Spencer (144.5 lbs.) – for women’s featherweight title
#5 Raphael Assuncao (136 lbs.) vs. #9 Cody Garbrandt (136 lbs.)
#4 Cory Sandhagen (135.5 lbs.) vs. #2 Aljamain Sterling (136 lbs.)
Neil Magny (171 lbs.) vs. Anthony Rocco Martin (170.5 lbs.)
Sean O’Malley (136 lbs.) vs. Eddie Wineland (136 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET)
Alex Caceres (146 lbs.) vs. Chase Hooper (145.5 lbs.)
#13 Ian Heinisch (185.5 lbs.) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (185.5 lbs.)
Brian Kelleher (146 lbs.) vs. Cody Stamann (145.5 lbs.)
Charles Byrd (184.5) vs. Maki Pitolo (185.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET)
#4 Jussier Formiga (126 lbs.) vs. #9 Alex Perez (126 lbs.)
Devin Clark (205.5 lbs.) vs. Alonzo Menifield (205 lbs.)
Herbert Burns (149.5 lbs.) vs. Evan Dunham (149.5 lbs.) 150-pound catchweight

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC 250. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the event, calling the action just as I see it. Tonight the UFC is bringing a really solid card to PPV. The main event sees all time great Amanda Nunes trying to defend and extend her legacy by putting her featherweight title on the line against Felicia Spencer, who’s trying to score one of the bigger upsets you’ll see if she can pull it off. The real meat of the card is where the best stuff is though, this is a big night for the bantamweight division. With the title currently vacant and Petr Yan vs. Jose Aldo targeted for that title the top contenders are trying to position themselves for the next crack at the belt. Former champion Cody Garbrandt is trying to break a three fight losing streak against perennial tough out Raphael Assuncao. In my mind the number one contenders bout is a little further down when streaking Aljamain Sterling battles the also surging Cory Sandhagen, it’s a darn shame that fight isn’t five rounds because on paper it’s great. Rising prospect Sean O’Malley will fight tough veteran Eddie Wineland, Alex Caceres is back in action against Chase Hooper, and all the way on the early prelims are two top ten flyweights (because the UFC hates that division) when Jussier Formiga takes on Alex Perez. Like I said, really good card on paper.

UFC 250 comes to the world from the UFC APEX facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. On commentary we have Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, and Daniel Cormier while Megan Olivi handles on site reporting. As for the rules, Nevada has most of the newer ones in place but only require one hand to be on the mat to be considered downed. We also have the use of instant replay at any point the ref wants it, no official word on if the fight can be restarted if the ref wants to use it or not. A reminder that in the APEX we’re using the smaller 25 foot octagon, so keep that in mind.

Evan Dunham hasn’t fought since 2018 when he retired after being finished for the second straight time, and he hasn’t won a fight since 2016 but is hoping the time away from the sport will help him find a second life coming back to the UFC. Herbert Burns is the brother of new top welterweight contender Gilbert Burns, he’s got a four fight winning streak including one in his January UFC debut. Burns is looking to keep that momentum going and take out a veteran of the sport. The odds are with Burns at -230 to a +190 comeback on Dunham.

Catchweight Bout: Herbert Burns (10-2, 149.5 lbs.) vs. Evan Dunham (18-8-1, 149.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Dunham is an inch taller while Burns has three and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves, Dunham fighting southpaw. Burns lands a heavy body kick. Dunham catches a kick and lands an elbow, Burns drops but he’s back up quickly. Burns lands a right and clinches, he gets the back standing and drags Dunham down then gets both hooks in. Full body triangle for Burns now and he’s looking to set up a choke attempt. Burns rolls Dunham belly down, as Dunham rolls again his neck is open and Burns locks up a choke that forces the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Herbert Burns via Submission, rear naked choke, at 1:20 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Burns for his work this evening. Burns is limping out of the cage, I’m not sure what got hurt in terms of knee or ankle or foot. Mic time for Burns now, his headset doesn’t work at first so Rogan has to riff a bit while they work on the technical issue. OK, he’s good to talk now and mentions he cut his left foot against the fence at one point and that’s why he’s limping. He says he’s very happy and has worked very hard for these kinds of opportunities, then puts over Dunham before saying he wanted to prove he’s dangerous everywhere. He talks us through the finish, noting he knew he could get the squeeze over the jaw given the position of his arm and Dunham’s head. To close he speaks some Portuguese for the Brazilians watching.

Alonzo Menifield is undefeated including two wins in the UFC, he’s hoping to establish himself as a genuine prospect in a division that badly needs an infusion of talent. Devin Clark has gone 5-4 in the UFC and is coming off of a win, he’s hoping for his second UFC winning streak and to prove that he’s finding his footing in the UFC. Menifield is your -230 favorite against a +190 comeback for Clark.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Devin Clark (11-4, 205.5 lbs.) vs. Alonzo Menifield (9-0, 205 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Menifield has an inch of reach advantage. Clark dives on a double leg, they hit the fence though and wind up clinched. Menifield is able to spin Clark, Clark lands some knees to the body. Clark lands some knees/kicks to the inside of the thigh while Menifield is trying to separate. Menifield lands an uppercut as they break that hurts Clark. Some follow ups from Menifield but Clark is able to clinch and buy himself time. Clark is looking for a double leg against the fence, Menifield is able to spin him and then break as Clark lands a couple of punches. Left uppercut from Menifield, he’s got Clark on the fence and is looking to unload. Clark’s left eye is swelling visibly, Menifield hit him clean on that first uppercut. They clinch up and Menifield with knees to the body before they break. Menifield has a head kick blocked but he backs Clark to the fence again and pushes in close. Menifield with some punches and an elbow. Clark is working his knees as they break, then clinch again. More knees from Clark before they break. Clark lands a jab. Blitz from Clark, he landed several punches clean but Menifield just eats them. Clark tries a double leg, they hit the fence again. That’s where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Menifield

ROUND TWO: That left eye of Clark is still swelling up, if that gets much worse it could end the fight. Clark lands a right as they clinch up to start the round but they break quickly. Menifield lands a bit of a high kick and then forces his own clinch. They break and both men miss punches. Bit of a head kick from Clark and another clinch. Menifield is fading visibly. They trade some knees to the body. Clark lands a left as they break. Both men miss punches, Menifield lands a right uppercut then a right hook as they wind up leaning on each other again. Clark spins free and resets at distance. They both miss punches, and they clinch again. Clark is still working his knees, he’s being the busier fighter. More knees from Clark, Menifield has no response so far. A few punches land for Clark as they break, then the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Clark, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Clark lands a right and gets another clinch. They move around before hitting the fence. They break. Menifield lands a right, Clark gets another clinch in space. Knees from Menifield as they break. Clark shoots a single leg, Menifield defends and separates. Some punches from Clark as they clinch again. Menifield drops for a double leg now, he winds up slipping around to the back for a moment. Clark gets chest to chest again and lands some body shots. Outside reap from Clark, he gets the back but has no hooks right now. Clark tries to keep the back, Menifield gets half guard while he’s looking to wall walk. Menifield to his knees, now back up and he’s got Clark on the fence. Some short punches from Menifield, Clark spins him back to the fence. They trade in the clinch, Clark lands a right as the round ends.

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

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

30-27? Not sure I agree with that. No interview for Clark, and given how long it went and how meh the fight was I get it.

Jussier Formiga has been one of the better flyweights in the world, he’s also the only man to best Deiveson Figueiredo. Formiga is on a two fight losing streak and needs to get back on the winning side of things if he wants to remain a viable contender. Alex Perez has gone 5-1 in the UFC, only dropping a fight to Joseph Benavidez. Perez is trying to climb up the ranks and get one of the most important wins of his career. Perez is a slight -135 favorite to +115 for Formiga.

Flyweight Bout: #4 Jussier Formiga (23-7, 126 lbs.) vs. #9 Alex Perez (23-5, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Perez is an inch taller while Formiga has two and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Perez looking to kick early, he’s landed a couple of calf kicks already. Formiga avoids a left hook, he’s still trying to get a read on the fight. Perez lands a left hook that definitely got Formiga’s attention. A couple of lefts to the body from Perez and a calf kick. Perez has a motor for sure, he’s working a heck of a pace. Leg kick from Perez, Formiga lands a left hook to counter. Left hook from Perez then a right to the body. Quick combination from Formiga, but Perez responds in kind. Formiga is showing damage to the right side of his face from all those lefts. Left to the body from Formiga. Perez still showing the leg kick. Knee from Formiga. Right from Perez lands flush. Another calf kick from Perez, Formiga is limping now. Formiga is down, but Perez makes him stand again. Perez lands one more calf kick, Formiga drops again and this time the ref has seen enough.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alex Perez via TKO, leg kicks, at 4:06 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Perez for his work this evening. Perez will get an interview, he mentions he’s known Formiga for years so this is bittersweet but he feels 2020 is his year. He puts over his team mates and his coaches, and jokes he used to wrestle when no one was in the building but his family so it wasn’t too weird. He mentions some friends who have suffered losses recently and dedicates the win to them.

That might be the first time we’ve had leg kick finishes in back to back events, there were two last week. Perez keyed into those low calf kicks early and Formiga didn’t have a response until his calf/shin was too compromised to handle checking them.

That wraps up the early prelims, though you can find the next set still on ESPN+ or ESPN proper.

Charles Byrd has gone 1-2 in the UFC and has dropped fights to Darren Stewart and Edmen Shahbazyan, he’s looking to even his UFC record and prove he can still be a valuable addition to the roster. Maki Pitolo had a three fight winning streak snapped in his UFC debut, now he’s trying to bounce back and get that all important first UFC win. Byrd is your favorite at -175 to a +155 payout for Pitolo.

Middleweight Bout: Charles Byrd (10-6, 184.5) vs. Maki Pitolo (12-5, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Pitolo has two inches of reach on Byrd. They touch gloves to get things going. Pitolo looking to punch in close. They trade lefts, and Byrd winds up getting a clinch on the fence. Bit of a trip from Pitolo, Byrd has full butterfly guard. Half guard now as Pitolo passes. Byrd hits a sweep and gets on top. Elbow from Byrd, he’s got a double under hook neck crank and uses that to pass to full half guard while Pitolo is trying to wall walk. Byrd looking to take the back but the fence is in the way. Pitolo explodes to a double leg from his knees, he gets Byrd down into half guard. Byrd to his knees now, he’s back up and gets a single leg into side control. Short elbows from Byrd now. Byrd nearly gets the back, he lands some heavy rights as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Byrd

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Byrd stalking forward, Pitolo angling on him. Front kick from Pitolo. Pitolo avoids a clinch situation. Pitolo lands a left. Overhand right lands for Byrd, he might be a little gassed. Body shot from Byrd. Pitolo with a combination and series of body shots, Byrd is down and Pitolo unloads from the ride position until the ref stops it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Maki Pitolo via TKO, punches, at 1:10 of Round 2

Mic time for Pitolo, he says he’s a specimen at 185 and plans on staying at this weight. He puts over all the the gyms he’s been at during quarantine and wishes happy birthday to his wife and love to his children.

This is a brutal sequence from Pitolo, he punches Byrd to the fence and then unloads to the body and head. When Byrd tries to tie up Pitolo wraps an arm, frames him off then trips him down hard before pounding him out on the mat.

Cody Stamann is coming off of a draw against Song Yadong but remains a promising bantamweight fighter, he’s taking this fight up at featherweight but is fighting another usual bantamweight and could regain his previous momentum. Brian Kelleher is on a two fight winning streak with the most recent one being up at featherweight, he’s trying to extend that streak and take out a ranked bantamweight in the process. Stamann is a notable -250 favorite to +210 on Kelleher.

Featherweight Bout: Brian Kelleher (21-10, 146 lbs.) vs. Cody Stamann (18-2-1, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Kelleher has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Leg kick from Kelleher, Stamann with a counter right. Both men showing some stance switches as they trade kicks. Bit of a right from Stamann. They trade leg kicks then a bit of a head kick from Kelleher. Stamann lands a left. Kelleher lands a leg kick but Stamann is firing counters. Stamann lands a left. Kelleher misses an uppercut and takes a body kick. Stamann is moving well so far, he’s landing more and slightly more frequently than Kelleher thus far. Head kick from Stamann is blocked. Both men with blocked kicks, but Kelleher winds up slipping and Stamann lands on the mat before they regain their feet. Body shots from Stamann, Kelleher lands a right to the body. Another flurry from Stamann after blocking a punch, his work rate is edging the round for him. Leg kick from Kelleher, then an inside one as well. Stamann evades a few punches. They feint away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Stamann

ROUND TWO: Stamann back to work with a combination. High kick from Stamann is blocked. Stamann is getting his jab working now, Kelleher lands a right and gets a clinch on the fence. Kelleher is looking for a takedown, Stamann defends and misses an elbow when they break. Right from Stamann to counter a jab. Quick combination from Stamann, but his jab is the most relevant weapon this round. Rights are traded. Kelleher avoids a combination. Another jab from Stamann lands. Kelleher is punching in closer now, looking to negate the jab with distance. Both men land in the pocket and along the fence. They punch into the clinch in open space then break with a series of punches from Stamann. Kelleher lands a right elbow then a body kick. Single leg from Stamann into the full guard of Kelleher. A few blows from Stamann but Kelleher is tying him up so far. Some lefts from Stamann then an elbow. Kelleher scrambles up and they trade in the clinch. Kelleher spins Stamann then they break. Both men miss punches, then they miss kicks to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Stamann but a closer one, 20-18 Stamann overall

ROUND THREE: Stamann back to jabbing and moving. Stamann catches a kick and jabs Kelleher down to his back then stands over him. Kelleher up and after a single leg, he can’t get it and they break. Kelleher lands a front kick to the body. Stamann lands some jabs while circling. Kelleher lands a left to the body. Right from Stamann lands. Kelleher pushes forward but can’t find the target. More jabs from Stamann. Kelleher lands a body kick then a right. Stamann ducks under a couple of punches. They trade lefts. Stamann catches a kick and forces a clinch. Knees from Stamann then he lands a right as they break. Kelleher punches to the body in close, Stamann fires back with an inside leg kick and punches. Front kick from Kelleher, that’s been a good kick for him. Stamann looking to establish his jab again. Leg kick from Kelleher but he can’t really follow up. Kelleher looking for a single leg against the fence, he gets a trip and Stamann holds a guillotine threat as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kelleher but I’m not sure that’s right, 29-28 Stamann overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Cody Stamann via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Stamann is in tears, his eighteen year old brother passed away suddenly about a week ago and he’s finally able to let the emotions out. Interview time for Stamann, he says it’s been a hard week and he’s been trying to hold it together he also thanks Kelleher for taking the fight. He puts over his team and the people around him for keeping him going. Asked about how he felt up at featherweight instead of bantamweight he says he prefers featherweight but knows he doesn’t have the frame for it in the UFC so makes his home at bantamweight and wants one of the big names next. The odds are with Heinisch at -130 to a +110 comeback for Meerschaert.

Ian Heinisch retains a top middleweight ranking despite the two fight losing streak he’s currently on, Heinisch needs a win badly if he wants to hold onto that spot or possibly improve it. Gerald Meerschaert is coming off of a notable win over Deron Winn, he’s hoping to take out a ranked opponent and crack the top fifteen.

Middleweight Bout: #13 Ian Heinisch (13-3, 185.5 lbs.) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (30-12, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Meerschaert is two inches taller and has five and a half inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Meerschaert. Heinisch comes out kicking, Meerschaert lands one to the body. Heinisch looking to work the inside leg kick so far. Heinisch fakes a takedown and lands a right. Meerschaert drops, Heinisch follows him and he looks to unload, winds up moving to the ride position and pounding him out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ian Heinisch via TKO, punches, at 1:14 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Heinisch for his work this evening. Needed win for Heinisch there. Heinisch gets an interview and puts over his new camp and his relationship with God for keeping him grounded during the chaos of the last months. He talks us through the finish, setting up the overhand right and whatnot, then says he plans on spending more time in Thailand for his next camp before putting over all of his coaches and his family.

Standard work from Heinisch here, dip low faking the takedown but come with the overhand right when they drop their hands looking for under hooks. From there Heinisch never lets him off the hook and gets a stoppage.

Alex Caceres has gone 3-4 in his last seven fights and hasn’t fought since July of 2019, he’s coming off of a win though and could get back to back wins for the first time since 2016 if he’s successful tonight. Chase Hooper is undefeated including a successful UFC debut, now he’s taking on a more recognizable name but could solidify his prospect status with a win. Hooper is your favorite at -210 to a +180 comeback on Caceres.

Featherweight Bout: Alex Caceres (15-12 1 NC, 146 lbs.) vs. Chase Hooper (9-0-1, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Hopper is three inches taller but only has half an inch of reach over Caceres. They touch gloves, both men open southpaw. Caceres jabbing early as he moves, Hooper is coming towards him constantly. Caceres avoids a clinch attempt and resumes jabbing up Hooper. Hooper walks into an uppercut and is dropped to a knee but he’s back up quickly. More forward pressure from Hooper but he’s struggling to find success on the feet. Strong left from Caceres, he’s sniping well at distance. They clinch up, Caceres is able to disengage. Hooper needs a paradigm shift badly, he’s getting wrecked on the feet. Hooper forces another clinch, this time he gets the back standing and looks to get this down to the mat. Caceres is hand fighting so far, Hooper looks to hop up for the backpack but can’t keep it and Caceres slips free. Caceres slips some punches and lands a body shot. High kick from Caceres lands. A couple of lefts land for Caceres. Caceres keeps landing his jab, and his left is starting to work in as well. A couple of lefts land for Caceres. They clinch again, Hooper looks for a headlock and they hit the mat. Hooper granby rolls and is after a leg lock while they scramble but the round will end before that position can develop.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Caceres but a marginal one

ROUND TWO: Hooper punching forward, Caceres countering again. Caceres lands a left, and is moving and jabbing again. Hooper forces a clinch, Caceres lands an elbow as he gets Hooper on the cage. Caceres breaks free and separates. More jabs from Caceres while moving, Hooper isn’t cutting him off almost at all. Another left from Caceres, but Hooper gets his back standing again. Hooper working a rear waist lock, Caceres hand fighting and he’s able to shake Hooper off. Hooper lands a right and forces another clinch. Knees from Hooper while he’s looking for a takedown. Caceres is able to slip free and then lands a jab. Caceres avoids a head kick with relative ease. Leg kick from Caceres. Hooper gets another clinch and pulls full guard. Caceres pulls free rather quickly and gets free. Calf kick form Caceres and they trade punches. Hooper tries to pull guard again, Caceres lands some punches but separates and stands over him. Some leg kicks from Caceres then he goes into the guard and gets swept immediately. Hooper working from top position, he lands some punches from half guard. Caceres kicks him off and they’re upright again. A few more punches land for Caceres, he’s tuning Hooper up on the feet. One more clinch just before the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Hooper looking to press the action, he knows he needs a finish. Caceres misses a few uppercuts. Another combination from Caceres lands. Hooper punches into a clinch and gets a body lock then slips to the back. Caceres keeps looking to hand fight, there’s a series of trips Hooper could be going for but he isn’t. They separate again and Caceres lands a jab but takes a kick to the groin. Caceres has time, he doesn’t need much and we’re back to fighting. Right hook lands for Caceres then a left behind it. One two lands for Hooper. Caceres ties up, Hooper with a guard pull then he tries a kuro-kuro sweep but Caceres gets free and Hooper has to regain his feet. More jabs from Caceres, Hooper can’t get out of the way to save his life. A couple of body shots from Caceres then a left. Hooper is able to pull half guard, Caceres with some elbows. Punches from Caceres to the body and head then he stands free. Caceres calls for a brawl, they both swing as the clock runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Caceres, possible 10-8, 30-26 Caceres overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alex Caceres via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Hooper had nothing on the feet for Caceres. Mic time for Caceres, he says a lot of people think they can beat him and his record isn’t great but he’s always getting better. He mentions not wanting to spend much time on the mat with Hooper and force him to work all the time. He puts over Hooper but says he’s been working a long time to be comfortable everywhere and got to show that off.

That’s it for preliminary action, on to PPV for the main card.

Eddie Wineland has gone 3-2 in his last five fights, he’s coming off of a win about a year ago and is hoping to derail one of the more notable hype trains in the UFC right now. Sean O’Malley is undefeated and coming off of a first round finish over Jose Alberto Quinonez, Wineland represents a step up in name value for him and he’s trying to justify and increase his hype. Your favorite is O’Malley at a hefty -500 to a possible payout of +400 for Wineland.

Bantamweight Bout: Sean O’Malley (11-0, 136 lbs.) vs. Eddie Wineland (24-13-1, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: O’Malley is three and a half inches taller, has three inches of reach advantage, and is a full ten years younger. Southpaw for O’Malley, who tries a side kick early but misses. Now some stance switching from O’Malley, he lands a left body kick and misses a head kick. Wineland is looking to close distance and engage in boxing while O’Malley is keeping things long and using his kicks. Bit of a counter left lands for Wineland. O’Malley lands a right then a front kick to the body. Wineland lands a right. Wineland is getting a feel for O’Malley’s movement. O’Malley lands a spinning back kick then a body kick and a right hand. Another right from O’Malley and Wineland is OUT before he hits the ground.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Sean O’Malley via KO, punch, at 1:54 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. O’Malley for his work this evening. Mic time for O’Malley after that one, he thinks that KO was worth 100k rather than just 50k. He says he believes he’s the best striker in the sport and plans to do this over and over again throughout his career. Asked where he stands he says there’s a lot of great bantamweight fights coming up and he plans on waiting until the event is over as well as have to renegotiate his contract.

Watch this. O’Malley feints with his fight low, Wineland lowers his lead hand and O’Malley then takes his soul with an overhand right.

Neil Magny has gone 3-1 in his last four fights only losing to top contender Santiago Ponzinibbio. Magny is trying to get his first winning streak since 2018 up and running, and at 32 in his 30th professional fight if he’s going to make a move on the upper ranks of the division he has to do so now. Anthony Rocco Martin has gone 5-1 since moving up to welterweight, the only loss being a majority decision against Demian Maia. Martin is coming off of a win and looking to build himself back into the rankings with another win. Magny is a slight -135 favorite to +115 for Martin.

Welterweight Bout: Neil Magny (22-7, 171 lbs.) vs. Anthony Rocco Martin (17-5, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Magny is three inches taller and has six and a half inches of reach over Martin. Southpaw for Magny. Martin pressing forward early. One two from Martin and they clinch up. They break without incident. Leg kick from Martin and he’s jabbing now. Magny lands a leg kick. They clinch again, Martin gets the back standing and starts looking to get things down to the mat. Magny is hand fighting, Martin switches to the other hip trying to keep him off balance. Magny gets chest to chest. Some knees from Martin then he decides to back off. Martin lands a right, Magny is trying out orthodox. Magny forces a clinch, Martin spins him into the fence. They break again. Both men working jabs now. Martin lands a calf kick. Magny responds with a kick of his own. Martin punches into a clinch again. They jockey for position then break. A one two from Martin falls short just as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Martin but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Martin is walking Magny down again. Both men trade some calf kicks. Right from Martin then he gets a double leg into side control. Magny hip escapes to half gaurd quickly and is looking to build up to his knees. Martin can’t keep him down and they’re up in the clinch again. Magny with some shoulder strikes, Martin gets a body lock and lands knees to the thigh. They break without incident. Bit of a right from Martin. Calf kick from Martin. Magny trying to walk Martin down, he ducks under a hook and gets a clinch. Martin gets him on the fence. Some punches from Martin, Magny tries a single leg but Martin threatens a kimura roll. That threat is enough for Martin to force a break. They trade calf kicks and Martin lands a right. Magny gets a clinch but finds himself on teh fence again. Martin seems better in the clinch. They break without incident. Jab from Martin and they trade calf kicks. Another clinch and time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Martin but another close one, 20-18 Martin overall

ROUND THREE: Magny looking to up the volume this round, he’s coming out hard. Jabs from Magny, Martin lands a calf kick. Magny lands a calf kick. Right from Martin and they clinch then hit the fence. They disengage safely. Magny lands a knee then a right as they break apart. Right from Magny and another clinch. Magny gets a body lock but can’t secure a takedown. Elbow from Magny as they break the clinch. One two fro mMagny, his pace is getting to Martin now. They clinch, Magny knees the body. Magny gets a front headlock and gets free. Jab and a calf kick from Magny. Martin lands a calf kick and they clinch. Martin looks for a single leg, can’t get it and they break. Magny lands a right and tries a double leg but that stalls out on the fence. Martin is able to remain upright and Magny retains the clinch. Knees from Magny before they break. Martin is just backing away while Magny is coming forward. Knee and elbow from Magny and they clinch. Magny gets free again. Martin keeps evading, Magny wont get a finishing sequence before the round ends though.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Magny, arguable 10-8, 29-28 Martin overall

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

I really don’t think 30-27 for Magny is appropriate. Magny on the mic now, he says the fight was too close for comfort and he doesn’t like those kinds of fights. He talks a bit about his conditioning being superb and how he can lean on it. He mentions wanting a finish in the third round but couldn’t find it.

Aljamain Sterling is on a four fight winning streak and looking to secure the top contender status position for himself with an impressive win in this fight. Cory Sandhagen has gone 5-0 in the UFC and is on a seven fight winning streak overall, he’s likewise hoping to secure a shot at the bantamweight title with a win here. The odds are close but lean towards Sterling at -110 to an even +100 on Sandhagen.

Bantamweight Bout: #4 Cory Sandhagen (12-1, 135.5 lbs.) vs. #2 Aljamain Sterling (18-3, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Sandhagen is four inches taller but Sterling has an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves, both men do a lot of stance switching. Both men probe with kicks early, Sterling eats a body kick and gets a clinch. Sterling gets the back standing, and jumps for the body triangle. Choke attempt from Sterling, it’s across the face and Sandhagen has to force the arms to break. That body lock is still in for Sterling. Sandhagen to his knees, Sterling gets under the chin and locks up the choke, Sandhagen has to tap just as he falls unconscious.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Aljamain Sterling via Submission, rear naked choke, at 1:28 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Sterling for his work this evening. Massive win for Sterling, likely secures himself a title shot. Mic time for Sterling, he says he doesn’t have words and says there’s a lot of things that need to be changed in America and dedicates the win to everyone protesting. He says he’s on cloud 9 right now, he wants Yan to win his fight because he’s coming for him. He calls this the biggest fight of his life and talks about how hard he’s worked for it then puts over his coaches. He puts over his ground game and his trainers for making him this good, then says they need to do a UFC card in Jamaica which he promises will sell out. Hard sell with hurricane season coming up.

Raphael Assuncao has been a perennial top bantamweight for several years now, but he’s currently on a two fight losing streak against Marlon Moraes and Cory Sandhagen. If Assuncao wants to remain a potential title contender he can’t afford to drop three in a row here. Cody Garbrandt is a former bantamweight champion but is currently on a three fight losing streak and has been finished via strikes in all of them, if Garbrandt wants to build up to another title shot he absolutely cannot afford a fourth consecutive loss. The odds are with Garbrandt at -145 to a +125 comeback on Assuncao.

Bantamweight Bout: #5 Raphael Assuncao (27-7, 136 lbs.) vs. #9 Cody Garbrandt (11-3, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Garbrandt is two and a half inches taller while Assuncao has an inch of reach advantage. Both men feinting early, Garbrandt lands a calf kick. Another leg kick from Garbrandt. Both men land some leg kicks, still just getting a feel for each other. Assuncao showing some stance switching. Assuncao avoids a wheel kick. Wheel kick from Assuncao is blocked. Bit of a right from Garbrandt, now he’s switching his stance as well. Garbrandt lands a calf kick. Bit of a right from Garbrandt and he evades the counters. Another low leg kick from Garbrandt. Those leg kicks from Garbrandt are adding up, and Assuncao doesn’t have a response yet. A couple of punches from Garbrandt, Assuncao lands a right. Some evasive movement from Garbrandt as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Garbrandt

ROUND TWO: Garbrandt opens with a calf kick. Right from Garbrandt, he and Assuncao scramble then Garbrandt lands a left high kick. Assuncao is still trying to find an avenue for offense. Body kick from Assuncao, Garbrandt lands a calf kick in response. Garbrandt lands a body kick. Bit of a right from Assuncao. They clash on kicks. Assuncao seems to have slowed things down now, and Garbrandt is getting sucked into his pace. Bit of a right in close form Assuncao. Jab to the chest from Garbrandt and Assuncao misses the counters. Garbrandt lands a wicked right and Assuncao is down but regains his feet rather quickly. Body kick from Garbrandt lands. Garbrandt lands another calf kick. Assuncao avoids a few punches. Body kick from Assuncao then a right from Garbrandt ENDS Assuncao right as the round ends.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Cody Garbrandt via KO, punch, at 4:59 Round 2

Huge win for Garbrandt. Mic time for Garbrandt, he says it’s been a journey for him going from undefeated and champion to on a three fight skid and he’s just grateful to be back and winning and climbing for the title. He puts over all of his coaches, and feels he’s been giving fights away by brawling. He says he’s blessed to have found his passion for the sport again and is excited for his future given how great the division is. He talks us through the finish, noting that Assuncao was getting confident and started biting on his dips then puts over Assuncao as a tough and defensive opponent. To close he says he’s back and gives love to his son.

Absolutely massive punch from Garbrandt there. He dips low at the waist, Assuncao tries to throw a right uppercut/shovel punch at his head but Garbrandt is waiting and intercepts him with a haymaker of a right and that’s all she wrote.

A couple of other angles, just wonderfully timed and placed.

Felicia Spencer has gone 1-1 in the UFC, but what with featherweight being a non-division on the women’s side of things she’s getting a shot here. Spencer is coming off of a win though and will be looking to spring one of the bigger upsets the sport has seen. Amanda Nunes is pretty firmly entrenched as best woman to ever fight in the sport at this point, a simultaneous two division champion, a ten fight winning streak with wins over every other bantamweight or featherweight champion in UFC history as well as two wins over flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko. If Nunes wins here she’ll do something no other dual champion in the UFC has done, successfully defend both titles while holding both titles, and add another accolade to her all time great career. Nunes is an massive -650 favorite to +475 on Spencer.

Women’s Featherweight Title Bout: (c) Amanda Nunes (19-4, 145 lbs.) vs. Felicia Spencer (8-1, 144.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Nunes is two inches taller and has an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Spencer moving around the outside early. Nunes lands a front kick to the body. Very cautious start. Spencer lands a bit of a right and forces a clinch but Nunes quickly disengages and lands a right. Leg kick then a right from Nunes. Nunes lands an uppercut then a left hook. The hands ability is very different in favor of Nunes thus far. Hard right from Nunes. Spencer is trying to come forward now, she walks into a few kicks but does get a clinch on the fence. Nunes with a step over judo hip toss into side control. Spencer was trying to work an empty half guard but Nunes gets her leg free and lands a knee to the body. Nunes grabs a front headlock and moves to the mount while Spencer tries to wall walk. Spencer moves into her and pulls half guard to avoid a choke attempt. Elbows from Nunes now. Spencer is kind of stuck here, and she’s cut from one of those elbows. Nunes digs some elbows to the body now as well. Spencer gets full guard, she’s trying to tie up an arm or wrist to attack. Spencer goes to a high guard, Nunes lands an elbow as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Nunes but a marginal one

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Spencer starts jabbing and eats a counter right. Nunes lands a right, Spencer has a heck of a chin if nothing else. Nunes is backing Spencer into the fence. Spencer lands a jab, she’s still fighting. Hard leg kick from Nunes. One two from Nunes then a stiff jab behind it. Spencer avoids a right, Nunes then lands a leg kick. Spencer reaches for a knee tap, Nunes reverses and takes her down into north-south position. Spencer tries to come up on a single leg, Nunes elbows her then stands fee and makes Sepncer come to her feet again. Nunes lands another leg kick. Jab to the body from Nunes. Nunes lands a left hook. More inside leg kicks from Nunes, Spencer lands a bit of a head kick. Spencer blocks a right. They feint away the final seconds.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again. Spencer tries to tie up, she can’t but does land a knee. Nunes is backing Spencer into the fence again. One two from Nunes, Spencer just eats it. They trade a bit, the pace is starting to pick up. Spencer reaches for a takedown, Nunes defends without much difficulty. Nunes lands a leg kick. Left hook from Nunes and they trade rights. Another pull back counter right from Nunes lands. Nunes lands a one two, she’s really looking to put Spencer away. Spencer lands a leg kick. Jab from Spencer. Nunes catches a kick and tosses Spencer down then makes her stand up. Right to the body from Nunes then a leg kick. More body work might do Nunes well, Spencer has a heck of a chin and breaking down the body might be a faster path to victory. Combination from Nunes lands. Spencer tries a double leg, Nunes defends and shoves her off. Nunes lands an uppercut then a front kick to the body. Another leg kick from Nunes, Spencer’s left leg is compromised after that one. Another combination from Nunes, she’s just breaking Spencer down at this point.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Nunes, 30-25 Nunes overall

ROUND FOUR: Spencer starts pushing forward again, Nunes evading her. Nunes lands a leg kick, Spencer returns it but eats a couple of counter rights. Another right from Nunes. Leg kick from Nunes, that one hurt. Another right from Nunes, Spencer’s corner should consider stopping this as Spencer doesn’t seem to have a path to victory. Nunes lands an elbow. Spinning back kick to the body from Nunes. Nunes punches the body again. Single leg from Nunes, she stands over Spencer for a bit. Spencer tries a kick and is able to regain her feet. Jabs to the body from Nunes, and a right behind the ear. Spencer tries to reach for the body of Nunes, Nunes shrugs her off. Leg kick from Nunes then a one two, Spencer is hurt to the leg now. Another right from Nunes, she’s looking to tee off but Spencer fires back and gets her to back off. Nunes unloads now with punches, Spencer reaches for a double leg, Nunes spins around her and unloads from the back, grabs a choke but time will save Spencer.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Nunes, maybe 10-7, 40-33 Nunes overall

ROUND FIVE: I wouldn’t let Spencer come out for the last round after that, there’s no point. There’s a big hematoma on the forehead of Spencer. They touch gloves again. Nunes lands a jab, and a left elbow. Leg kick from Nunes. Left hook from Nunes. Nunes lands a leg kick, and avoids a double leg attempt. Spencer is holding an ankle but Nunes spins to the ride position and unloads for a second before Spencer rolls through and gets half guard. Nunes thinks about an arm triangle but Spencer defends it. Full guard now for Spencer. High guard for Spencer, she’s just hanging out and Nunes doesn’t seem inclined to put herself in a bad spot for a finish. Nunes lands a couple of short elbows. Nunes stands free and stands over Spencer. Spencer is scooting after Nunes, and she is able to get up. We get time as there’s another cut on Spencer that the ref wants a doctor to look at. The doctor doesn’t have an issue with the cut, Spencer wants to keep fighting as well so we’ll resume the beating. Nunes avoids a few high kicks, then lands a few punches and gets a double leg. Spencer wall walks, gets punched and then taken down again. Side control for Nunes, she lands a hammer fist and stands free, lands leg kicks as the clock runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Nunes, 50-41 Nunes overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and STILL UFC Women’s Featherweight Champion – Amanda Nunes via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-44 x2)

That fifth round was wholly unnecessary. Under the new scoring criteria I think Nunes deserved more than one 10-8, and that judge who didn’t give her a 10-8 fourth should be fired. Mic time for Nunes, she puts over Spencer as a tough opponent and that she wasn’t surprised there wasn’t a finish. Asked what’s next for her after cleaning out two divisions, she doesn’t know as she’s accomplished the goal she wanted of defending both belts and puts over her team and gym. She says that the first time Spencer hit her she knew she wasn’t in danger on the feet. Rogan puts over her having made history by defending both belts while holding them both, then reiterates he wants to know who’s next and Nunes wants to know as well but will have to have a conversation with Dana White about it. She’s just looking forward to celebrating this victory with her friends and family. To close she says she’s glad to prove again she can fight for five rounds, this time against the toughest girl in the division then says it takes united effort to make the world a better place and that we need to come together if anything is going to change.

On that note UFC 250 comes to a close. Thanks everyone for being here, be that live or after the fact. We’ll unpack all the results from this card on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast, and preview the upcoming UFC on ESPN+ 30. That upcoming card is one of the least interesting things on paper that the UFC has put out in years, but we’ll preview it as well. Until next time everyone thanks again, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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