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Join 411’s Live UFC 265 Coverage

August 7, 2021 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC 265

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MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)
#2 Derrick Lewis (264.5 lbs.) vs. #3 Ciryl Gane (247 lbs.) – for interim heavyweight title
#5 Jose Aldo (136 lbs.) vs. #9 Pedro Munhoz (135 lbs.)
#5 Michael Chiesa (170.5 lbs.) vs. #6 Vicente Luque (170 lbs.)
#12 Angela Hill (115 lbs.) vs. #10 Tecia Torres (115 lbs.)
Casey Kenney (136 lbs.) vs. Song Yadong (135.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN2/ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET)
Rafael Fiziev (155.5 lbs.) vs. Bobby Green (156 lbs.)
Vince Morales (136 lbs.) vs. Drako Rodriguez (136 lbs.)
Ed Herman (205.5 lbs.) vs. Alonzo Menifield (204.5 lbs.)
Karolina Kowalkiewicz (115 lbs.) vs. Jessica Penne (116 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN2/ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET)
Manel Kape (129 lbs.)* vs. Ode Osbourne (125 lbs.)
Anderson Dos Santos (135.5 lbs.) vs. Miles Johns (136 lbs.)
Melissa Gatto (124 lbs.) vs. Victoria Leonardo (125 lbs.)
Johnny Munoz (135.5 lbs.) vs. Jamey Simmons (136 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC 265. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your stenographer of violence for the evening. Tonight the UFC tosses a pointless interim title into a heavyweight fight between top contenders Derrick Lewis and Ciryl Gane, the winner should fight the real champion Francis Ngannou before the end of the year since Ngannou is still quite healthy and available for the last quarter. The fight itself between Lewis and Gane is a classic clash of brawling power and technical finesse respectively and should be relatively interesting. The rest of the card is quite good, a bantamweight clash between Jose Aldo and Pedro Munhoz has fireworks written all over it and the welterweight meeting of top contenders Michael Chiesa and Vicente Luque is terribly important for that division. Elsewhere on the card there’s Casey Kenney and Song Yadong in bantamweight action, and Rafael Fiziev vs. Bobby Green should be a strikers delight.

UFC 265 comes to the world from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, USA so we’ll also have a full crowd. On commentary we have Jon Anik, Daniel Cormier, and Dominick Cruz. As for the rules, well Texas uses all of the old ones so anything other than the soles of your feet on the mat means you’re downed, and they have the notably worse scoring criteria. Plus no use of instant replay. Come on Texas, get your crap together and update the rules please. Because we’re out of the Apex facility we’re back in the 30 foot cage as well, so keep that in mind.

Johnny Munoz suffered his first professional loss in his UFC debut a little over a year ago, now he’s back and hoping to score that all important first UFC win. Jamey Simmons lost in his UFC debut and is likewise trying to get that critical first win inside the Octagon. Munoz is a rather heavy favorite at -335 to a +260 comeback on Simmons.

Bantamweight Bout: Johnny Munoz (10-1, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Jamey Simmons (7-3, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Munoz is three inches taller but has just one inch of reach advantage. Circling to start, both men range finding with the lead hand just a bit as well. The “woo’s” started in less than a minute, ugh. Simmons misses an overhand right. A few jabs are coming out from both men but no one is really landing yet. Munoz lands a leg kick. Simmons clips Munoz with a right as Munoz was thinking about shooting a takedown. Munoz goes southpaw for a moment and lands a left hand. Bit of a left from Simmons. Munhoz avoids a right and gets a body lock takedown into guard. Simmons fights up, Munoz lands a knee as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Munoz

ROUND TWO: Munoz seems a bit more comfortable this round, he’s jabbing and landing leg kicks again. Some more jabs from Munoz, then he avoids a punch and gets a takedown into the guard of Simmons again. Munoz starts looking to pass, he gets the back as Simmons tries to stand. Both hooks in for Munoz and he flattens Simmons then lands some punches. Simmons keeps trying to stand, Munoz is after the choke but can’t quite get under the chin. Munoz is keeping Simmons on the mat, he’s got to a body triangle and Simmons gets a little lax with his defense and Munoz is able to get the choke and force the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Johnny Munoz via Submission, rear naked choke, at 2:35 of Round 2

Mic time for Munoz, he says it smells a lot like freedom in here and plays with the crowd. He says a fight can go anywhere but he started coming on at the end of the first round and that let him take over in the second and get the win. He feels no one can really threaten him on the ground, then puts over his coaches and training partners.

This is just quality jiu-jitsu stuff from Munoz. Against someone of this skill level you can’t be lax with your hand fighting, Simmons makes just a single lapse and in response gets choked out.

Victoria Leonardo took a fairly bad beating in her UFC debut when she was on the wrong end of Manon Fiorot, but she’s trying to rebound here and get her first UFC win. Melissa Gatto is undefeated coming into her UFC debut, and she’s trying to keep her loss column empty while making a good first impression on the UFC audience. Of note, Gatto has been out of action for almost three years, and has been trying to make her UFC debut since signing with the promotion in 2019. The odds have this one a -110 pick ’em.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Melissa Gatto (6-0-2, 124 lbs.) vs. Victoria Leonardo (8-3, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Gatto has a notable five inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Both start off with some leg kicks to help range find. A bit of a combination from Gatto lands. They clinch up and hit the fence. Leonardo is trying to build a frame on the neck and is defending trip attempts. Gatto pulls things away from the fence then hits an inside trip. Leonardo is able to sweep into top position, Gatto is trying for an armbar and while she can’t get that she is able to flip her hips around and get the back with one hook in. Some punches from Gatto, Leonardo can’t base up but is able to spin through into full guard. Leonardo avoids an armbar and lands a few punches to the body and head. Half guard now for Leonardo but Gatto is able to hip escape back to full guard. Leonardo lands a few lefts but there’s not a ton of heat on them. Gatto keeps trying to spin for an armbar but can’t complete it. They break and stand of their own accord. Some punches from Leonardo then they clinch up and wind up back on the fence. They trade knees to the body then a bit of a head kick from Leonardo as they break and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gatto

ROUND TWO: Both women are swinging as the round starts. A few leg kicks go back and forth. Gatto looks fresher at the moment, and she lands a one two. Leonardo lands a side kick to the body. Gatto lands a jab. A straight right from Gatto lands, she’s getting into punching range easier this round and is using her reach advantage. Leonardo lands a front kick but gets staggered by a couple of one two combinations from Gatto. They trade right hands but Gatto’s output is getting to Leonardo at this point. Leonardo tries a double leg, but can’t finish it and Gatto lands a knee as they separate. Another clinch, this one hits the fence. Gatto is able to spin free and reset. More rights from Gatto, Leonardo is fatigued visibly. Leonardo tries a takedown, has to settle for a clinch on the fence. Gatto again is able to break free and resume stalking forward. Leg kick from Gatto lands. Leonardo avoids Gatto for the last seconds.

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

ROUND THREE: Leonardo complained between rounds that her right arm is jacked up, she said she can fight through it but can’t really use that limb too much. The doctor comes in to examine the arm, she insists she can fight on but he feels a break in the forearm kind of near the glove and waves it off.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Melissa Gatto via TKO, doctor stoppage (broken arm), at 5:00 of Round 2

Mic time for Gatto, she talks about the long layoff and while she’d rather have won a different way she’s happy to have gotten the win. She mentions feeling a bit of something off in the arm during her kimura attempt, and gives sympathy to Leonardo as she’s had that same kind of break and it sucks.

Miles Johns has gone 2-1 in the UFC and scored a fairly memorable knockout win his last time out, now he’s to build his first UFC winning streak. Anderson dos Santos just broke a two fight losing streak to get his first UFC win and he’s trying to bring his UFC record to an even 2-2 with a win tonight. Johns is your favorite at -200 while dos Santos would payout at +170.

Bantamweight Bout: Anderson Dos Santos (21-8, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Miles Johns (11-1, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Johns is two inches taller while Dos Santos has four inches of reach advantage, Johns is also 9 years younger. Both men throwing kicks early, just range finding. Bit of a counter left from Johns lands and stuns Dos Santos for a second. Dos Santos is trying to use a front kick to keep distance but the power of Johns has him a little rattled. Johns lands a leg kick. A hard calf kick from Johns locks up the leg of Dos Santos. Another calf kick from Johns, this time dos Santos lands a counter right. Johns lands a left hook, the lack of head movement from Dos Santos is a problem. Another calf kick from Johns badly hurts the leg and Dos Santos is switching his stance and trying to protect his left leg. A right form Johns lands, then another one. Dos Santos is coming forward, but eats another right hand. They kind of feint away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Johns, borderline 10-8 but under the older scoring rules it’s not that close to 10-8

ROUND TWO: Between rounds Dos Santos mentioned that a damaged ligament in his left knee was hit again, acknowledging it’s hurt but he’s coming out for the second round. Johns is working punches again. A combination from Johns lands. Johns lands a couple of rights, then a left hook. If Johns would aim instead of swing he might be able to get Dos Santos out of here. Dos Santos lands a knee to the body and Johns resets. Johns lands a left to the body then a right hook. A few of those lefts to the body from Johns keep landing, then a right that staggers Dos Santos. Dos Santos gets a clinch after taking a body shot but can’t keep it and Johns slips free with a right hand. Another calf kick from Johns takes the legs from Dos Santos, but he gets back and up and limps forward. A left to the body from Johns lands. Dos Santos is all heart, but I’m not sure this should continue. Johns is circling, and lands a right hand. Another right from Johns lands. Johns backs Dos Santos to the fence and lands a few more punches. A front kick to the knee from Johns closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Johns, would have been 10-8 under the new rules, 20-18 Johns overall

ROUND THREE: Johns is coming forward again, both men sniping with leg kicks. Dos Santos is trying to get his lead hand going but his lack of mobility is making that hard. Johns lands a couple of rights. They trade power hand punches, dos Santos eats a left to the body then a right hook to the jaw finally drops him and we’re done.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Miles Johns via KO, punch, at 1:16 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Johns for his work this evening. Mic time for Johns, who notes he was in that same spot not long ago but when he got up after that loss he knew it was now his time. He talks about finding targets based on what his opponent gives him, legs if you’re heavy and body if you come hard with punches. Asked who he’d like next, he trusts his coach in that respect and he’ll just stay ready.

Here’s a look at that knockout. Johns has broken down Dos Santos to the leg and body, at this point the left to the body is a traditional set up for the right hand. Note the angle Johns takes, he’s able to drive off of his legs to generate power in both punches but he’s also able to take an angle that a one legged opponent can’t match, it gives him a great punching lane for that right hand.

Manel Kape has gone 0-2 in the UFC, though I kind of thought he won his last fight, but now he’s missed weight as well and if he goes 0-3 with a weight miss along the way he’ll probably be out of the promotion. Ode Osbourne has gone 1-1 in the UFC, but he’s coming off of a win and hoping to get his first UFC winning streak up and running tonight. Despite missing weight Kape is the -200 favorite to +170 for Osbourne.

Flyweight Bout: Manel Kape (15-6, 129 lbs.) vs. Ode Osbourne (9-3, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Osbourne is two and a half inches taller and has five inches of reach advantage. Both men start southpaw. Some leg kicks go back and forth as they probe each others defenses. Kape lands a one two, his timing seems on point already. Osbourne is coming forward, but he keeps getting moved into a left hand from Kape. Osbourne catches a kick and lands a left of his own. Kape has started switching his stance around now. A left lands from Kape. Kape is splitting Osbourne’s timing nicely, Osbourne needs to adjust a bit. Osbourne fakes a few takedowns, then lands a left of his own. Another left from Osbourne lands, the longer exchanges seem to favor Kape at the moment. Kape lands a left again. Jumping knee from Kape floors Osbourne, he follows up on the ground and we’re done here.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Manel Kape via KO, flying knee and punches, at 4:44 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Kape for his work this evening. Mic time for Kape, he says the fight before this was not a loss and anyone who watched the fight knows it but moving on to now he puts over his team mates and coaches. He thinks he’s one of the best flyweights in the world, you should make weight for that claim to hold weight buddy. When talking though the finish he can’t seem to stop swearing long enough to get a point across, then closes by noting his girlfriend is pregnant and can’t wait to become a father.

Here’s a look at the finish. Kape with a step through switch from southpaw to orthodox, that draws Osbourne in closer than he should and Kape then hits a lovely jumping knee to end things. Osbourne wasn’t thrilled with the stoppage, but for whatever my opinion is worth I’m OK with it.

Well that wraps up the early prelims, the rest of the prelims can be found on ESPN2 and ESPN+.

Karolina Kowalkiewicz is on a four fight losing streak right now, and could easily be fighting for her job in this bout as an 0-5 skid usually ends your time in the UFC. Jessica Penne just came back from a four year suspension and got a win to break a three fight losing streak, now she’s trying to get her first winning streak since 2014 going. Kowalkiewicz is a slight -140 favorite to a +120 comeback on Penne.

Strawweight Bout: Karolina Kowalkiewicz (12-6, 115 lbs.) vs. Jessica Penne (13-5, 116 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Penne is two inches taller and has three inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Both women working punches early. Kowalkiewicz circling and leg kicking now. Kowalkiewicz catches a kick and off balances Penne, she lands a couple of kicks then heads into the guard. Penne comes up on a single leg, hits a trip and lands on top in full guard. Some elbows go back and forth, Penne stands and lands a punch then starts looking to pass from a standing position. Penne into the guard again and lands a few punches. Kowalkiewicz rolls for a kneebar, he gets the leg position then switches to a heel hook, but she’s not able to find anything as Penne spins free and gets a full mount. Penne is after an armbar, winds up in the spider web position hunting the arm. Kowalkiewicz is trying to get her legs in play while protecting her arm but Penne is able to systematically break down her grip and extend the arm but Kowalkiewicz defends again. Penne keeps the armbar as she’s rolling, finally gets it extended and Kowalkiewicz has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jessica Penne via Submission, armbar, at 4:32 of Round 1

That’s Penne’s first finish since 2013, and the First Round Finish Club thanks her for the work and is happy to sponsor her success on this evening. Penne is in tears after the fight and can barely speak, she’s just happy to be here and didn’t expect to be back and now just wants to maximize every chance she gets. She puts over her corner team and says Angela is next. She talks us through the finish and puts over Kowalkiewicz. Asked what she wants next she wants to be back soon and hopes to keep improving.

This is just consistent high level grappling from Penne, once she got that arm she was not letting it go and kept attacking over and over again until she finally got it locked up and done.

Ed Herman has been in the UFC since 2006 and is improbably on a three fight winning streak and if he’s able to extend that here he might find himself staring down some ranked opposition next. Alonzo Menifield has gone 3-2 in the UFC with all of his wins being some form of stoppage, now he’s setting his sights on a veteran of the sport and looking to add that rather notable scalp to his collection. The odds are with Menifield at -260 while a Herman win would payout at +210.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Ed Herman (26-14 1 NC, 205.5 lbs.) vs. Alonzo Menifield (10-2, 204.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Herman is an inch and a half taller, has one inch of reach advantage, and is seven years older than Menifield. They touch gloves to get us going. Menifield opens with a heavy calf kick then misses a right hand. Herman is keeping his guard high and looking to land. Menifield lands a calf kick. A left hook from Menifield lands as Herman is coming forward. They split a few jabs while circling. Herman lands a jab, Menifield with a counter right. A left hook from Herman lands. That hook seems to have troubled Menifield and he’s backing up now. Menifield is really wind up and swinging for the fences with each right hand, that strategy isn’t serving him well thus far. Calf kick from Menifield lands. That lead leg of Herman is a little jacked up already. They trade leg kicks, Menifield’s landed better. Another calf kick from Menifield. They trade left hooks while circling. Herman misses a rush of attacks and eats a counter. They just circle away the final seconds of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Menifield

ROUND TWO: Herman is coming forward again but he’s not cutting Menifield off as he circles. Bit of a one two from Menifield. Menifield lands a couple of jabs. Herman off balances Menifield as he was kicking, he tries to jump for the back but Menifield gets back up. Menifield gets Herman on the fence and unloads with a barrage of punches but Herman covers up, and fires back with uppercuts as Menifield backs up and separates. Calf kick from Menifield lands, Herman falls a little short on a counter right hand. Menifield lands a left hook, Herman just eats it and keeps coming forward. Stiff jab from Menifield lands. Another left from Menifield, he’s getting to Herman easily now and cracks him with another calf kick. Herman is in zombie mode but he’s taking a lot of damage along the way. Menifield lands another calf kick, and now Herman is limping visibly as he tries to follow Menifield around. Herman has gone southpaw now to try and protect his left leg. Bit of a right from Menifield, then a final calf kick that drops Herman just as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: The ref has the doctor check out the left calf of Herman between rounds, there’s some serious swelling there but nothing that will cause the doctor to stop it. Herman is still really limping on that left leg and tries southpaw to start the round. Menifield off balances Herman quickly and gets on top. Herman tries an armbar but Menifield lands hammer fists and gets his arm free then passes to side control. Menifield stands free and makes Herman get up. Herman is badly limping around on that leg, but he’s still southpaw. Menifield is stalking forward, lands a left hook after missing an uppercut. A leg kick lands for Menifield. Herman lands a bit of a left and Menifield is annoyed by that one. High kick from Menifield partially lands. Bit of a right from Menifield. They trade rights again, but both men just keep moving after the punches. Menifield lands a right then a left hook. Both men swing and miss looping punches. Bit of a left from Herman in close. A Menifield jab will close the round.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alonzo Menifield via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

One sided fight in practice, but not terribly compelling viewing. Mic time for Menifield, he says the win is awesome and puts over Herman as a tough veteran of the sport. He talks about the calf kick being useful because Herman is more of a hooker and keeps his feet flat. He mentions keeping a pace for a full fight was something he needed to do and is looking to move from being an animal to being a weapon. Asked about the future he wants to be back in December and gives love to his wife and kids.

Vince Morales has gone 1-3 in the UFC and is on a two fight losing streak, if he wants to ever make a run in the promotion he can ill afford another loss here. Drako Rodriguez had a three fight winning streak broken in his UFC debut when he was knocked out in the first now, now he’s trying to rebound and get that all important first UFC win. The odds closed at a -110 pick ’em for this fight.

Bantamweight Bout: Vince Morales (9-5, 136 lbs.) vs. Drako Rodriguez (7-2, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rodriguez is an inch taller, Morales has half an inch of reach advantage though. Morales starts coming forward early, Rodriguez showing the lead hand and calf kick to keep Morales at bay. Some jabs from Rodriguez, he’s trying to keep Morales at distance. Morales lands a couple of jabs of his own, both men are still getting a feel for things. Rodriguez avoids a right and lands a right of his own. Bit of a calf kick from Rodriguez. Morales is still coming forward, he lands a bit of a left. Morales lands a right. Rodriguez lands a left. Morales misses some punches in close, then they trade rights. Neither man has really found the fight yet. They clinch up, Morales drives things to the fence and is looking for a takedown but can’t find it and they break. Rodriguez lands a couple more jabs. A one two from Rodriguez lands to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rodriguez

ROUND TWO: Rodriguez lands a one two to get the round going. Morales takes a calf kick but drops Rodriguez with a right hand and gets on top in half guard. They move back to the feet and reset. Rodriguez lands a calf kick. Morales lands a leg kick of his own. They trade in the pocket, both men landed rights in that exchange. They clinch up, trade body shots and hit the fence. Rodriguez is looking for a takedown but Morales is defending thus far. Eventually Rodriguez finishes the single leg, but Morales bounces up. Another takedown from Rodriguez but he can’t secure the position and Morales is wall walking immediately. A double leg from Rodriguez is successful and this time he gets to work for a bit with punches before Morales wall walks and slips free. Both men miss punches in close. Rodriguez is coming forward a bit more this round. Both men land again but Morales is starting to throw three or more in combination and that’s serving him well. Rodriguez lands a calf kick. Morales lands a right. Both men land rights again, Morales is starting to collapse the distance. Rodriguez lands a nice left hook. They clinch, then miss punches on the break and the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: More forward pressure from Morales, he lands a bit of a right hand. Both men miss rights, then Rodriguez lands a left. Morales lands a couple of punches. Rodriguez lands a right hand. Morales lands a left hook. They punch into a clinch, then Rodriguez lands a right as they break. Bit of a right from Morales then he avoids a takedown attempt. Glancing left from Rodriguez in close. Morales lands a right and tries a double leg that hits the fence. Rodriguez defends and they separate. Morales blocks a head kick. Morales lands a right. A left hook lands for Rodriguez. Morales is still pushing the pace but Rodriguez is avoiding most of his offense. They trade along the fence. Morales lands a body shot, but takes a counter right. Rodriguez lands a calf kick. They trade in the clinch as the clock winds down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Morales, 29-28 Rodriguez overall

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

I don’t agree with 30-27 for Morales, he didn’t win the first round, but 29-28 for him is perfectly acceptable. Mic time for Morales, he puts over Rodriguez for finding a few holes in his game that he had to adjust too. He was expecting Rodriguez to slow down more than he did, but he ultimately got the win and would like one more before the year ends.

Bobby Green just had a three fight winning streak snapped but he’s been showing consistency lately with his overall performances, he’s hoping to avoid another losing streak here and get his best win in years if he can best the rising prospect set against him tonight. Rafael Fiziev has gone 3-1 in the UFC and is on a three fight winning streak, if he can get by a veteran like Green tonight he’ll be well on his way to making the difficult transition from prospect to contender. Fiziev is favored to win at -305 while Green’s comeback sits at +240.

Lightweight Bout: Rafael Fiziev (9-1, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Bobby Green (27-11-1, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Green is two inches taller while Fiziev has half an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going, both men do a lot of stance switching. Circling to start, Fiziev starts probing with kicks. Green lands a couple of lefts. Bit of a right from Fiziev, then a body kick. Fiziev avoids a combination and lands a leg kick. Green avoids a right hand. Bit of a combination from Fiziev, then a solid left hook at the end of it. Green jabs the body a few times. Bit of a left hook from Fiziev. Green takes a body kick and lands a left hand. Fiziev lands a body kick. Green lands a bit of a left. More kicks from Fiziev, he’s just keeping busy. Green lands a right hand then body kick. Fiziev lands a right elbow in close. Both men slip punches, the defense thus far has been outstanding. A couple of Fiziev leg kicks close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Fiziev

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round then start trading right away. Green avoids some punches in close. Bit of a right from Fiziev and they clinch, then break. Fiziev lands a body kick. Green avoids another few punches. More kicks from Fiziev, then he avoids a combination. Body kick from Fiziev and Green avoids the follow up punches. More leg kicks from Fiziev, those are starting to add up. Fiziev lands a couple of body shots. They trade body kicks. A right from Fiziev stuns Green, he looks to unload along the fence but Green hits him with a couple of punches and is able to get back to distance. Bit of a head kick from Fiziev, they trade punches in close with both men finding success. Fiziev lands a body kick, the body work is adding up now too. Green lands a couple of lefts. They clinch up, then Green lands a left as they break. Fiziev lands a counter right then a leg kick. Green is coming alive, they trade in close, Fiziev gets the better of it and lands an elbow before they clinch. Green slips free and resets. Fiziev lands a body kick. More kicks from Fiziev at distance. Green has a few punches blocked. A body shot and right hook from Green close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Fiziev comes out kicking again. A few lefts from Fiziev land in close. Green lands a right of his own. Both men are attacking the body with kicks at distance, but Fiziev’s volume is a problem for Green. They get close and we get some RoadHouse moments. Fiziev with a series of leg kicks. Green digs the body a few times. Both men land punches, Fiziev lands a leg kick as well. Green lands a jab. Fiziev with an inside leg kick but he might be slowing just a bit. Green is working long range punches. Fiziev lands a leg kick. Green avoids a right and lands a one two. Fiziev lands a body kick then they trade punches in close. Head kick from Fiziev partially lands, Green just eats that and lands a series of punches. Green lands a few punches in close. Fiziev is coming forward but Green is landing some punches as he does so. A head kick from Fiziev partially lands. Green lands a knee to the body. Fiziev lands an elbow in close, Green lands a left then a right and Fiziev is stunned. Fiziev fires back and we get a fire fight right to the end of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Green, 29-28 Fiziev overall

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

Great fight, that’s Fight of the Night so far. 30-27 for Fiziev is wrong from where I sit, but the fight was great. Mic time for Fiziev, he says he’s a money fight for anyone in the division and then puts over Green as a real gangster and says Green landed a lot on him.

That does it for prelims, on to PPV for the main card. In the mean time, have some highlights from that excellent fight.

Song Yadong is coming off of his first loss since 2016 and is now trying to avoid his first ever losing streak. Casey Kenney has gone 5-2 in the UFC but is coming off of a loss and is likewise trying to avoid his first losing streak. The odds for this one have been up and down but closed at a -110 pick ’em.

Bantamweight Bout: Casey Kenney (16-3-1, 136 lbs.) vs. Song Yadong (16-5-1 1 NC, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Song is an inch taller while Kenney has an inch of reach advantage. Kenney is seven years older as well. Kenney opens southpaw. Both men land power hand punches. Song is circling early, Kenney is attacking with long range weapons. Kenney blocks a couple of right hands. Kenney avoids a high kick. Song keeps circling away. Bit of a right from Kenney, he’s still coming forward and looking to pressure. Body kick from Kenney. Song lands a right. Body kick from Song lands. Kenney lands a left hand. Another left from Kenney connects. Song lands a left hook. Both men miss power hand punches. Song with a bit of a left hook. Kenney misses a wheel kick. A left from Kenney off balances Song, he gets on top then uses a front headlock as they stand to keep the clinch. Both men work the body in the clinch then they break. Kenney back to forward pressure, Song lands a body kick. Both men land rights, then Kenney lands a body kick. That’ll be the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kenney but a close one

ROUND TWO: Kenney is keeping the pace high as we start the round, he’s trying to wear Song down. Inside leg kick from Kenney. Song with some body shots. Song lands a body kick. Kenney lands a left hand. Bit of a body kick from Kenney, he’s the one coming forward now. More long range kicks from both men. Song lands a left to the body. Kenney lands a right hook. Both men land in close. Song blocks some punches but he’s backing up a lot. Kenney tries a takedown, that stalls out on the fence and Song spins free. Bit of a left from Kenney. Song lands a right. Both men land body kicks, Kenney lands a right hook. Hard left from Kenney lands. Song starts coming forward, he didn’t like that punch. A couple more lefts from Kenney then a body kick. Song forces a clinch that hits the fence. They’ll fight in the clinch for the final 15 seconds or so.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Song but another close one, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Song lands an inside leg kick. Bit of a right from Song. Song lands a couple of body kicks. Kenney lands a body kick. Both men landing lead hand punches, Kenney lands a body kick. Song lands a right hand. Kenney lands a body kick then a head kick. Song lands a body kick. Bit of a left from Kenney. Song digs the body in close, he’s finding the target a lot more cleanly now. Song avoids a takedown attempt. Kenney lands a right hook. A few jabs from Song, Kenney lands a left hand. Body kick from Song. Another sprawl from Song, Kenney lands a left. Song with a combination of punches then a body kick. Both men land in the pocket. Kenney lands a right hook. Song digs the body again. Kenney gets a double leg into half guard, and lands elbows from top position as the clock runs down.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Song Yadong via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

30-27 for Song seems wrong, especially after that third round but I’m not arguing 29-28 for either man and don’t hate that Song won. Mic time for Song, he thinks he performed well tonight and feels like himself again. He feels he’s a good stand up fighter, there must have been some kind of translation issue on that last question.

Tecia Torres comes into this fight on a two fight winning streak, she’s hoping to defend and improve her current ranking while possibly setting up a fight with someone ranked above her next. Angela Hill has gone 1-2 in her last three fights but she’s coming off of a win and could score her first win against a ranked opponent in quite some time. The odds favor Torres at -150 while the +130 comeback on Hill is a tempting value bet.

Strawweight Bout: #12 Angela Hill (13-9, 115 lbs.) vs. #10 Tecia Torres (12-5, 115 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Hill is two inches taller and has four inches of reach advantage. Both women come out jabbing, but not hitting anything. Torres starts showing kicks to try and keep distance. A couple of body kicks from Torres land. Torres lands a combination of punches, she’s throwing a front kick or side kick off of her rear leg then landing forward and throwing punches. Hill catches a leg kick and sweeps the leg of Torres. Torres looks to wall walk, she’s up but is still clinched by Hill. Hill can’t keep Torres down though and lands a knee to the body. They break without incident. Hill lands a right. Torres lands a leg kick. Bit of a right from Torres. Counter right from Torres lands. Hill lands a right to counter a leg kick. A couple of more rights from Torres then a side kick to the body. Hill avoids a takedown and they trade rights. Body kick from Torres, then a right hand behind it. Hill avoids a spinning back fist. Hill avoids another takedown attempt then they trade in close. Torres is mostly successful on a blitz attack. Torres lands a right. Hill lands a boyd kick, Torres returns it as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Torres

ROUND TWO: Hill comes out with a blitz attack and lands some punches. Torres fires back with kicks to the body. Both women land punches in close. Some stance switching from Torres now, she’s feeling more comfortable. Torres lands a leg kick, Hill hits a couple of counter punches. Torres lands a right hook to counter a few punches. Side kick to the body from Torres lands then Hill misses some punches. Hill gets the back standing and spins Torres down, she looks for the back but Torres is up and against the fence to stabilize herself. Torres is able to break the grip of Hill but eats an elbow on the way out of the clinch. A head kick from Torres is partially successful, Hill’s left eye is swelling up a bit. Torres with a partially successful wheel kick. Hill bulls into a clinch, they trade in there before Torres spins free and lands a right hand. Hill walks into a right hand then a leg kick. Torres eats a left, then lands a high kick. Another blitz attack from Torres, then a side kick to the knee. Both women land rights in close, then Hill lands a left as they exit the pocket. Combination from Torres, but she slips and Hill jumps on top into full mount as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Torres but Hill might have stolen it at the end, 20-18 Torres overall

ROUND THREE: Torres comes out kicking again. Body and leg kicks from Torres land. Left then a right from Torres. Torres lands a body kick but gets clinched up on the fence. Hill lands a few knees to the body but Torres spins free quickly. Both women land rights. They clinch again and hit the fence then punch out of it. Hill lands a right to the body but she’s fatiguing a bit. Torres lands a right hand. They trade rights but neither is landing all that cleanly. Hill eats a body kick but gets close and they trade punches. Jab from Hill. Torres lands a side kick to the body. Bit of a right from Torres. Hill lands a knee in close but Torres cracks her with a right. Torres lands a right. Hill misses a right and eats a counter shot. Torres lands a right hand. Hill gets a clinch on the fence, lands a few knees then they break. The lunging right hand of Torres is giving Hill all kinds of problems. Torres gets a double leg into half guard. Torres moves to side control, Hill fights up and the fight will end in the clinch.

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

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

Not sure which round went to Hill, maybe she stole the second one? Torres on the mic now, she talks us through some highlights and says she’s satisfied with the win and hopes the fans enjoyed the fight. She thinks she’s one of the best strikers in the division. Asked who she wants next she wants someone in the top 5 but has no specific name. She dedicates the fight to her grandmother who’s battling breast cancer right now.

Michael Chiesa is on a four fight winning streak and is undefeated at welterweight overall, he’s looking to put his name into the title picture if he can get to five in a row here at the expense of another top welterweight. Vicente Luque has a ridiculously impressive UFC record of 13-3 since entering the promotion in 2015, he’s currently on a three fight winning streak with all of those being stoppage wins and if he can hand Chiesa his first welterweight loss he’ll be firmly in the title picture as well. This fight has been close all week and closed at a -110 pick ’em.

Welterweight Bout: #5 Michael Chiesa (18-4, 170.5 lbs.) vs. #6 Vicente Luque (20-7-1, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Chiesa is two inches taller while the reach is identical. They touch gloves to get us going. Chiesa circling early, he goes southpaw quickly and that’s his normal stance. Luque is stalking forward, doing a bit of stance switching along the way. Bit of a leg kick from Luque. Luque lands a calf kick. Chiesa lands a left hand. Luque lands another calf kick. One two from Chiesa lands. Luque drops Chiesa briefly with a right hook but Chiesa is right back up. Chiesa has had enough of this and hits a double leg into half guard. Luque to his knees and Chiesa jumps to his back and starts fishing for the choke. Chiesa only has one hook in but he’s got decent control and starts working a choke, but the lack of body control allows Luque to get free and spin into top position. Luque gets a d’arce choke in transition and looks to finish it. Chiesa is trying to fight it off but he can’t get his arm out of the choke position and has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Vicente Luque via Submission, d’arce choke, at 3:25 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Luque for his work this evening. Mic time for Luque, he thinks this was the best way to finish the fight then tells Kamaru Usman that he’s showing something to the champion and thinks he should get the shot after Colby Covington. To be fair to Luque, he’s the only top ranked welterweight Usman hasn’t already beaten. He talks us through the finish, noting it’s hard to escape his d’arce choke.

Jose Aldo is one of the all time greats in the sports history, he snapped a three fight losing streak his last time out and is looking to remain around the title picture at bantamweight if he’s able to get another winning streak up and running tonight. Pedro Munhoz has gone 4-2 in his last six fights but just broke a two fight losing streak when he bested Jimmie Rivera, now he’s got his sights set on a legend of the sport and could notch a big win he’s able to best Aldo tonight. Aldo is a slight -120 favorite to +100 on Munhoz.

Bantamweight Bout: #5 Jose Aldo (29-7, 136 lbs.) vs. #9 Pedro Munhoz (19-5 1 NC, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Aldo is an inch taller and has a significant five inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Munhoz misses a spinning back kick. Aldo stalking forward, he avoids a combination of punches. Munhoz misses another spinning kick. Aldo working the lead hand now, he hits a couple of body shots. Body shot from Aldo lands. Munhoz is trying to get his leg kicks going but Aldo is doing a good job of checking them. Aldo digs the body a few more times. Knee from Aldo lands to the chest. Aldo lands a left to the body. Munhoz lands a right and gets a clinch but can’t maintain it. Bit of a left hook from Aldo. Glancing uppercut from Aldo as Munhoz is trying to close distance. Munhoz is struggling to land anything of substance, Aldo’s defense is superb right now. Aldo digs a couple of more body shots then lands a jab. One two from Aldo lands, Munhoz fires back. Aldo lands a right uppercut. Bit of a right from Munhoz then they feint away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Aldo

ROUND TWO: Aldo jabbing and moving as the round begins. Munhoz is trying to get some forward pressure going. Aldo lands a leg kick. Munhoz lands a body shot. More jabs from Aldo and he avoids a blitz counter. More body shots from Aldo. Bit of a left from Munhoz. Aldo is establishing his jab now. Munhoz lands a right hand. Another couple of body shots from Aldo. Aldo lands a leg kick. More jabs from Aldo as he’s moving. They split a few jabs, then Aldo avoids the follow ups. Aldo lands a right to the body. Aldo lands a right. A left from Aldo closes the round.

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

ROUND THREE: They hug to begin the last round. Combination from Aldo mostly lands, then he starts jabbing Munhoz. Munhoz forces a clinch and tries to slow things down. They break clean then Aldo lands more jabs. Munhoz misses a tornado kick. Aldo lands a leg kick. Some jabs to the body and head from Aldo. Another leg kick from Aldo, then some jabs. Hard combination from Aldo connects then he digs the body with a left. Aldo lands a leg kick, bit of a right from Munhoz to counter. Hard leg kick from Aldo drops Munhoz, then he lands a right as Munhoz got up. some jabs from Munhoz, who’s got a cut around the left eye. Aldo slips off line and lands a right hand. Combination from Aldo then a leg kick. Aldo lands a long combination, Munhoz just eats it to close the round.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jose Aldo via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Great stuff from Aldo there, especially in the third round. Mic time for Aldo, he says he’s been working hard on his craft because he wants to become a champion again. He puts over Munhoz, and promises the next few fights from him will be even better. To close he thanks everyone in Brazil, his coaches and family as well.

Derrick Lewis is on a four fight winning streak with his last two wins being via finish, now he’s getting a crack at an interim title and with a win could secure a second shot at the real title. Ciryl Gane might be the next big thing at heavyweight, he’s undefeated including six wins in the UFC where he’s barely ever been meaningfully hit or in danger of losing. Gane is getting his first shot at UFC gold here, and if he’s able to best Lewis will get a shot at the real title next. The odds are with the more technically proficient Gane at -350 but given Lewis’ power the +270 payout on his success might tempt a few bettors out there.

Heavyweight Interim Title Bout: #2 Derrick Lewis (25-7 1 NC, 264.5 lbs.) vs. #3 Ciryl Gane (9-0, 247 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Gane is an inch taller and has two inches of reach advantage, Lewis is also at least 20 pounds heavier at this point since he cuts a bit to hit 265. They touch gloves to get us going, Gane opens southpaw but can switch if he feels inclined. Some lead leg kicks from Gane, Lewis slips on a head kick and eats a right hand as he gets up. Gane is coming forward, he’s flicking out the lead leg to probe and annoy Lewis. Some side kicks to the knee from Gane. A few leg kicks from Gane now, Lewis just takes them. Gane avoids a rush from Lewis then lands a jab on the reset. Some jabs from Gane now, then a leg kick. Gane lands a front kick to the body. Lewis hasn’t landed anything yet, OK now maybe a body shot but nothing of value. Lewis tries a body kick, that hits the groin of Gane so we’ve got time out. Replay confirms the foul, Gane takes about 30 seconds then we’re back to fighting. Gane resumes stabbing at the belly and leg of Lewis. Lewis walks into a stiff jab, gets a clinch but Gane shucks him off. Lewis slips a side kick and misses a few swinging rights. Gane is starting to switch his stance and lands some body kicks as Lewis has gone southpaw now. One two from Gane then a chopping leg kick as Lewis is orthodox now. Pretty stiff jab from Gane lands to the eye of Lewis, that’ll be the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gane

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Gane is hanging out orthodox now, and landing oblique kicks to the knee of Lewis. Stiff jab from Gane lands. Lewis lands a leg kick. Gane is freely switching his stance now, and lands another leg kick. Bit of a leg kick from Gane. They clinch up then break, Lewis just can’t find the target. Gane blocks a high kick. Body kick from Gane lands. Gane with a jumping knee into a clinch and they start fighting on the fence. Some knees to the body and thigh from Gane, he’s keeping fairly busy. They break without incident. Gane lands a leg kick. Bit of a right from Gane then he clinches up again. More knees from Gane, he mixes in a few shoulder strikes as well. Gane lands an elbow on the break then a bit of a right hand as they reset. Lewis is trying to come forward now, but he can’t find an angle to attack from. Gane avoids Lewis then lands a bit of a body kick to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Lewis needs to change the paradigm here, or he’ll be unable to win outside of a Hail Mary punch. Gane lands a couple of leg kicks then a right hand. Lewis is almost hypnotized by Gane, he can’t seem to find anything reliable. Another leg kick from Gane. Gane keeps circling and leg kicking. More leg kicks from Gane, Lewis is following him in a circle and not cutting him off. Gane lands a front kick to the body. Bit of an elbow from Gane and they clinch up on the fence. Knees from Gane, Lewis is able to misdirect him and get free. Lewis misses a few punches then Gane lands a leg kick. That lead leg from Lewis is hurt and Gane lands a series of uppercuts along the fence. More lefts from Gane, Lewis is able to clinch up and try to stall out. Gane lands an uppercut, then a knee to the head and he unloads along the fence but Lewis survives and spins free. Head kick from Gane mostly lands. Lewis is trying to sweing back, but Gane jabs him and he drops to his knees, Gane just hammer fists him from the ride position until the ref has to stop it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and NEW UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion – Ciryl Gane via TKO, punches, at 4:11 of Round 3

That was almost too easy, Gane just out classed Lewis at every step of the fight. Mic time for Gane, he says he’s happy but feels bad for Lewis because Lewis is awesome and fighting in your hometown like this is tough. He says everyone knows his style but they struggle with it and says this fight went according to the game plan. He talks us through the finish, then hands the belt to his coach as the first champion from France to a coach who’s been trying to get this spot for a long time. Asked about a fight with champion Francis Ngannou, he’s looking forward to it.

Here’s a look at the finish, Gane has broken Lewis down at this point and can tee off essentially at will.

Well we’ve got a genuine heavyweight contender now, Gane vs. Ngannou will be a very intriguing fight when it happens. As UFC 265 comes to a close I’d like to remind everyone that we’ll be breaking down all the action from this event tomorrow on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast (available wherever fine podcasts are found). There’s no UFC event next week, they were planning something in London but that fell apart, but I’ll be back in two weeks for UFC on ESPN 29 when Jared Cannonier meets Kelvin Gastelum. Until then you can find me covering stuff in the wrestling zone, specifically AEW Dark: Elevation on Mondays, MLW’s offerings on Wednesdays, and WWE Smackdown on Fridays. I hope to see you again soon, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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