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Join 411’s Live UFC 268 Coverage

November 6, 2021 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC 268

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MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)
Champ Kamaru Usman (169 lbs.) vs. #1 Colby Covington (169.4 lbs.) – for welterweight title
Champ Rose Namajunas (115 lbs.) vs. #1 Zhang Weili (115 lbs.) – for women’s strawweight title
#8 Frankie Edgar (135.6 lbs.) vs. #13 Marlon Vera (135 lbs.)
#14 Shane Burgos (145.6 lbs.) vs. Billy Quarantillo (145.4 lbs.)
#5 Michael Chandler (155.2 lbs.) vs. #2 Justin Gaethje (155.6 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPNews/ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET)
Andreas Michailidis (185 lbs.) vs. Alex Pereira (185.8 lbs.)
Bobby Green (155.2 lbs.) vs. Al Iaquinta (155.8 lbs.)
Chris Curtis (186 lbs.) vs. Phil Hawes (185.4 lbs.)
Nassourdine Imavov (184.6 lbs.) vs. #11 Edmen Shahbazyan (185.4 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET)
Ian Garry (169.6 lbs.) vs. Jordan Williams (170.6 lbs.)
Chris Barnett (263.8 lbs.) vs. Gian Villante (260.6 lbs.)
John Allan (205 lbs.) vs. Dustin Jacoby (203.6 lbs.)
Melsik Baghdasaryan (145.4 lbs.) vs. Bruno Souza (148.4 lbs.)*
Ode Osbourne (125.2 lbs.) vs. CJ Vergara (127.4 lbs.)*

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC 268. I’m Robert Winfree and I’m your host for the evening. On the heels of a quality UFC 267 we’ve got a card that’s arguably as strong here, headlined by two title fights and featuring a battle of lightweight contenders. The main event is a rematch for the UFC welterweight title, champion Kamaru Usman looks to extend his historic title reign when he takes on Colby Covington for a second time. Covington is getting his second shot at Usman here, his back is against the wall as losing twice to the same champion tends to end a fighters title aspirations. The co-main event is an immediate rematch, freshly crowned strawweight champion Rose Namajunas looks to get her second title reign off the ground when former champion Zhang Weili tries to reclaim the title she just lost. Last time these two fought Namajunas knocked Zhang out with a head kick in the first round, but if Zhang is able to reclaim the title here we could be looking at a division defining trilogy. The main card also features a can’t miss lightweight fight between two former title challengers when Justin Gaethje takes on Michael Chandler. That should be a great fight for as long as it lasts, both men are violence machines. The main card also features what could be the final fight in Frankie Edgar’s career as rumors have been swirling that the former champion might be hanging up his gloves tonight.

UFC 268 comes to the world from Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, USA. On commentary we have Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, and Daniel Cormier. As for the rules, we’re under the newer set except for the downed fighter definition so you only need one hand on the mat to be considered downed. We do have instant replay available but once used the fight cannot be restarted. Also keep in mind we’re in the larger 30 foot cage instead of the 25 footer installed at the UFC Apex facility.

Oh, for any reading this live or very close to that status, don’t forget that here in the United States the antiquated tradition of Daylight Saving hits tonight so set your clocks back an hour.

CJ Vergara brings a five fight winning streak into his UFC debut, but that’s somewhat clouded by his missing weight for the fight. Vergara is trying to move beyond the weight gaff and make a good first impression on the UFC audience. Ode Osbourne has gone 1-2 in the UFC, he’s coming off of a loss and is trying to get his UFC record back to the .500 mark. The odds are with Osbourne at -190 to a +160 comeback for Vergara.

Flyweight Bout: Ode Osbourne (9-4, 125.2 lbs.) vs. CJ Vergara (9-2-1, 127.4 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Osbourne is an inch and a half taller and has five inches of reach advantage, plus Vergara did miss weight. Southpaw for Osbourne, and they touch gloves to get us going. A lot of lead hand probing from Osbourne early, then a front kick to the body. Osbourne lands a left hand, then another one. Vergara lands a left hook to counter a flying knee. Osbourne lands a one two to counter an inside leg kick. Long left from Osbourne. Both men are dropping their hands in the pocket, that’s going to bite one of them. We’ve got “woo’s” now, so if you took the under on the usual half a round for how long that takes to manifest go cash the ticket. Some front kicks to the body from Osbourne, Vergara doesn’t like those. Vergara lands a left hook. Both men land lead hand hooks. Bit of a left from Osbourne. Vergara lands a right. Osbourne lands another front kick to the body. Some side kicks from Osbourne to the leg of Vergara, then he tries a single leg that hits the fence. Vergara lands a knee to the body as they break the clinch. Both men are back to touching each other with the lead hand. Osbourne lands a right hook then a left hand. Vergara tries a head kick, partially blocked and they end the round in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Osbourne

ROUND TWO: Osbourne gets back to showing the lead hand and keeping Vergara at distance. Both men land lead hand hooks, Vergara’s left eye is a little busted up now. Vergara avoids a double leg but eats a left hand from Osbourne. Some jabs from Vergara now, and he’s looking for the right hand to the body. Osbourne avoids a left hook and lands a straight left of his own. Another left from Osbourne lands, he might have found a bit of an angle when Vergara enters the pocket. Osbourne lands a couple of front kicks to the body. Again both men land lead hand punches. Vergara lands a left hook in close. Osbourne lands another front kick to the body, then a left hand after slipping the counter. Vergara is bleeding form the nose after taking a few more lefts. Osbourne gets a quick double leg, but Vergara bounces right back up and separates. Vergara lands a body kick then avoids the counters. Bit of a left from Osbourne, Vergara then lands a right to the body. Another right to the body from Vergara but Osbourne counters with a right hook. Osbourne lands a one two. Vergara lands a head kick, but Osbourne takes him down and gets his back. Osbourne gets one hook and just lands rights as there’s not enough time for anything else.

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

ROUND THREE: Vergara lands a body kick as the round begins. Osbourne lands a counter right hook then a left to follow up. Osbourne takes a body kick and lands a counter left. Vergara lands another body kick, but eats a counter right. More forward pressure from Vergara, he lands knees to the body from a brief Thai clinch. A lot of forward pressure from Vergara, both men land punches but Osbourne doesn’t like the relentless forward motion from Vergara. Osbourne avoids a body kick and lands a front kick to the body before they clinch then break. Both men land power hand punches. They trade lead hand hooks again, then Vergara lands a knee to the body. Osbourne clinches up and tries a foot sweep but slips and winds up on the bottom in full guard. Osbourne seems content to stall this out, Vergara doesn’t have powerful strikes from the top just yet. Vergara lands a few short punches and elbows. A few solid elbows from Vergara. Vergara moves to half guard and squishes Osbourne into the fence. Vergara lands some rights to the head, then lefts to the body as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Vergara, 29-28 Osbourne overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ode Osbourne via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Decent little fight to get us going, Vergara came on strong but too little too late overall. No interview for Osbourne.

Melsik Baghdasaryan is on a six fight winning streak including a finish in his UFC debut back in July, now he’s looking to extend that streak and establish himself as a prospect of note in the stacked featherweight division. Bruno Souza is on a ten fight winning streak but he took this fight on short notice, which probably contributed his his missing weight for this fight. Souza is trying to smooth that over with a win over a prospect that’s building so hype to introduce himself to the UFC audience. Baghdasaryan is a heavy -400 favorite to a +310 payout for Souza.

Featherweight Bout: Melsik Baghdasaryan (6-1, 145.4 lbs.) vs. Bruno Souza (10-1, 148.4 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Souza is an inch taller but the reach is identical, though again Souza did miss weight. They touch gloves, both men fighting southpaw. A lot of bouncing from Souza early. Baghdasaryan lands a leg kick then they trade jabs. Souza lands a body kick. Baghdasaryan lands another leg kick. Souza misses a jumping knee and they both miss punches in close. Body kick from Souza. Baghdasaryan is keeping a lot of pressure on Souza. Another leg kick from Baghdasaryan lands. Souza tries a single leg, they get to the fence and Baghdasaryan defends for a bit. They settle for a clinch and Baghdasaryan lands a knee to the body. More knees from Baghdasaryan then he gets free and Souza lands a body kick. Souza lands a body kick then a follow up right, he’s started switching his stance at times. Baghdasaryan lands a high kick. Bit of a body kick from Baghdasaryan. Baghdasaryan lands another leg kick. They stare away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Baghdasaryan

ROUND TWO: Baghdasaryan immediately goes back to forward pressure. Souza lands a left hand. Baghdasaryan lands a right hook. Souza avoids a few kicks. Bit of a body kick from Souza, Baghdasaryan isn’t cutting his movement off at all. Baghdasaryan lands a leg kick. Souza lands a left hook in close. Baghdasaryan walks into a couple of punches then lands a leg kick. Souza lands a high kick then they trade in close. Baghdasaryan lands a left then clinches up but has to separate to avoid a standing guillotine. Baghdasaryan with a body kick then a left hand, Souza counters with a right hook. Souza lands a body kick. Jab from Souza lands. Souza lands a few punches, Baghdasaryan lands a counter uppercut and hook that has Souza backing up. Baghdasaryan keeps coming forward, eats another punch in close before settling down. Both men just feint away the last 15 seconds or so.

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

ROUND THREE: Souza seems a bit more aggressive as the round starts. Right then a left from Souza lands flush. Souza lands an inside leg kick. Body kick from Souza. They trade lefts in close. Baghdasaryan lands a leg kick. Bit of a combination from Souza, Baghdasaryan might be fading a bit. Souza lands a knee to the body. Front kick to the body from Souza. Baghdasaryan lands a knee to the body in close. Souza lands a long right then a body kick. Again Souza lands a front kick to the body and a follow up right. Baghdasaryan lands a right hook, but his pace has dropped off noticeably. Souza lands a jab. Souza tries a single leg, they hit the fence and Baghdasaryan limp legs free. Bit of a body kick from Baghdasaryan, Souza returns it. Souza misses a head kick. Bit of a left hook from Souza closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Souza, 29-28 Baghdasaryan overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Melsik Baghdasaryan via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Baghdasaryan slowed pretty visibly in the third round, we’ll see if he can adjust that weakness in his preparation going forward, but he’s the rightful winner. No interview for Baghdasaryan.

Dustin Jacoby took this fight on about a weeks notice but he’s on a six fight unbeaten streak that includes going 3-0-1 since returning to the UFC, he’s hoping to extend that streak here and possibly earn a shot at some higher ranked opposition going forward. John Allan has yet to win in the UFC, going 0-1 with 1 No Contest. Allan has his back against the wall here as he badly needs to find that first UFC win. The odds favor Jacoby at a heavy -380 while Allan’s comeback sits at +300.

Light Heavyweight Bout: John Allan (13-6 1 NC, 205 lbs.) vs. Dustin Jacoby (15-5-1, 203.6 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Jacoby is two inches taller with one inch of reach over Allan. They touch gloves to get us going. Jacoby starts feinting forward, Allan lands a leg kick. Jacoby lands a leg kick. Another leg kick from Jacoby then he checks a return one from Allan. Allan tries to start jabbing but Jacoby is countering him well. Allan lands a body kick. Jacoby lands another leg kick then a couple of punches in close. Allan lands a calf kick. Jacoby lands another leg kick. Stiff right from Jacoby, he’s starting to switch his stance. Allan lands a couple of leg kicks. Jacoby lands a heavy calf kick, Allan did not like that one. We get a brief timeout as Allan got poked in the eye but it doesn’t take long to get back to fighting. Combination from Jacoby, then Allan misses a left hook. Jacoby seems to have a feel for Allan’s defense now and is starting to open up with his combinations. Jacoby lands a calf kick and Allan tries a counter combination. Head kick from Jacoby stuns Allan for a second. Jacoby lands a left hook then some jabs. Allan lands a leg kick but he’s caught constantly at the end of Jacoby’s reach and is taking punches. Allan blocks a head kick. Jacoby lands a couple of rights and evades the counters. A right hook then a left land for Jacoby, he tries a spinning attack as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jacoby

ROUND TWO: Jacoby is back to jabbing and working forward. Allan misses some punches then takes a leg kick. Jacoby lands a few more jabs. Leg kick from Jacoby then a jab behind it. Jacoby lands a right. More jabs from Jacoby, Allan lands a leg kick. Jacoby lands a right hand. Bit of a left from Allan. Jacoby starts working front kicks to the body. One two from Jacoby. Allan lands a leg kick but his offense is very muted. Jacoby lands another leg kick then they trade jabs. Allan is coming forward now, he walks into a right hand but is still trying to up the pressure. Jacoby lands a left hook, then another and Allan counters with a left of his own. More jabs from Jacoby, he’s able to land consistently but he can’t quite find the right strike to really hurt Allan. Allan blocks a head kick. Allan lands an uppercut in close. Left to the body from Allan, but he takes an eye poke as he’s exiting the pocket and we’ve got time again. Replay confirms the poke, wasn’t exiting the pocket but rather as both men tried to re-engage. The doctor is in to check on Allan, there’s no injury and Allan is good to continue after about 50 seconds. Jacoby lands a front kick to the face then a knee in close. Leg kick from Jacoby, that will be the last blow of the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Between rounds Allan mentioned his teeth are broken. Jacoby starts jabbing again as the round begins, Allan lands a right hook then a leg kick. Another jab from Jacoby. Jacoby lands an inside leg kick. Allan lands a jab. Jacoby lands a jab, then a left hand behind it. Allan has a leg kick checked but lands a right hook. Jacoby lands a series of jabs then a left hook that stuns Allan. Both men land punches. Jacoby lands another calf kick. Allan lands a left hook. A few more jabs from Jacoby, then he avoids a counter combination. Allan lands a leg kick. They get close and Allan misses a knee but lands a jab. Jacoby lands a few more jabs then a bit of a head kick. Jacoby with more jabs then a calf kick. Allan lands a left to the body but takes a jab then a follow up right hook. Jacoby lands a right hand. Bit of an elbow from Jacoby. Allan misses a right hook, then misses a straight left as the round ends.

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

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

For a guy taking the fight on around 14 days notice Jacoby looked pretty good. No interview for Jacoby.

Gian Vaillante has announced he’ll be retiring after this fight, probably for the best as he’s just 1-4 in his last five fights and both of his last two wins since starting 2017 have been debatable split decisions. Villante is on a three fight losing streak but will be trying for one final win in his native New York to close out his career on. Chris Barnett made his UFC debut on rather short notice earlier this year, he’s hoping with a more appropriate training camp this time he can display more of his abilities and get that first UFC win. This one is close, but Villante is favored at -130 to +110 for Barnett.

Heavyweight Bout: Chris Barnett (21-7, 263.8 lbs.) vs. Gian Villante (17-13, 260.6 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Villante is six inches taller but only has one inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Barnett fighting southpaw. Villante is poking with front kicks early. Barnett lands an inside leg kick. Villante lands a body kick. Barnett lands a leg kick. A lot of circling from both men. Villante lands a front kick to the body then an inside leg kick. Barnett lands a body kick. They trade inside leg kicks. Villante lands a bit of a left hook. Barnett lands a straight left. Inside leg kick from Barnett. Barnett blocks a kick and lands an uppercut. Villante blocks a combination. Barnett lands another inside leg kick. They clinch up, hit the fence and Villante lands a few knees as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Villante

ROUND TWO: A lot of circling again, Barnett misses a tornado kick. Barnett lands an inside leg kick. Villante lands a leg kick, Barnett returns it. Another leg kick from Barnett. Barnett lands a step through wheel kick that floors Villante, then he gets on the back and pounds out Villante.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Chris Barnett via TKO, wheel kick and punches, at 2:23 of Round 2

Terrible fight, but a memorable finish. Barnett gets an interview, he insists Villante stick around for the interview. Barnett says his foot is on fire and puts over Villante’s head then talks us through the finish. He doesn’t want to take this moment from Villante though and puts him over and gets the crowd to cheer for Villante.

It’s rare you see a man with Barnett’s physique pull this off, but he does so here. This is a very nice wheel kick from him, and it wraps easily around the guard of Villante and wallops him upside the head.

Ian Garry is undefeated coming into his UFC debut, there’s got a bit of hype around him and he’ll be looking to capitalize on the only chance you get to make a first impression. Jordan Williams has gone 0-2 in the UFC with losses to Nassourdine Imavov and Mickey Gall, he badly needs to find that first UFC win tonight. Garry is the biggest favorite on the card at -400 to a +310 comeback on Williams.

Welterweight Bout: Ian Garry (7-0, 169.6 lbs.) vs. Jordan Williams (9-5, 170.6 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Garry is two inches taller, Williams has an inch of reach advantage but Williams is also 8 years older. Southpaw for Williams. Williams lands an inside leg kick. A right from Williams lands then another inside leg kick. They trade power hand punches, Garry’s lack of head movement is a real problem. Williams lands another straight left. Bit of an uppercut from Williams, Garry responds with a body kick. Garry is getting backed up constantly, and Williams tries a single leg that stalls on the fence. They jockey for position in the clinch, then Williams lands a left in close. Garry works a few knees to the body and head. Bit of a right from Garry as they break. Williams lands a left, Garry’s nose is all busted up now. Another jab from Williams then a left. Williams lands a looping left hand to counter a kick. Garry avoids a left hand and lands a counter right that floors Williams, he then pounds Williams out with just a few seconds left in the round.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ian Garry via KO, punches, at 4:59 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Garry for his work this evening. Mic time for Garry, he says that was a heck of a knockout but Williams put up a good fight and he says it doesn’t get better than making his UFC debut in MSG at just 23 years of age. He calls this the biggest stage on the planet for a fighter and is proud to add his name to the list of greats who’ve fought in this venue. He thanks his coaches for all of their work, and knows he’s got a lot to learn still but thinks he will be a champion.

This is textbook stuff, especially against an opposite stance fighter. You slide back and to your power hand side just a bit as you evade the other power hand then drop your own counter cross to the exposed face as they’re out of position.

Edmen Shahbazyan went on a bit of a tear through his first four UFC fights but currently finds himself on a two fight losing streak. Shahbazyan needs a win to try and prove the hype that used to surround him wasn’t for naught. Nassourdine Imavov has gone 2-1 in the UFC, he’s coming off of a win when he finished Ian Heinisch and is looking to get his first UFC winning streak. The odds are close but favor Imavov at -120 to a +100 payout on the ranked Shahbazyan.

Middleweight Bout: Nassourdine Imavov (10-3, 184.6 lbs.) vs. #11 Edmen Shahbazyan (11-2, 185.4 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Imavov has an inch of height and reach over Shahbazyan. They touch gloves to get us going. Imavov showing the jab early as they both circle. A few stance switches from Imavov as they’re moving around but he’s mostly staying orthodox. Both men snipe with leg kicks, they’re still just getting a feel for each other. Shahbazyan lands a leg kick. Imavov lands a one two. A right from Imavov lands. Shahbazyan lands a jab to the body. Shahbazyan lands another leg kick, those are adding up. Imavov lands a right and they clinch up on the fence. There’s a small cut around the righty eyebrow of Imavov. Shahbazyan drops for a single leg, Imavov defends and grabs a guillotine as they go down but Shahbazyan gets his head free as Imavov gets full guard. Imavov hits a technical stand up and starts working knees to the body in the clinch. Imavov lands a left as they break the clinch. Stiff right from Imavov, then another one and they clinch again. They break and Shahbazyan blocks a head kick. Another right from Imavov then they clinch up. Imavov lands an elbow. They hang out in the clinch as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Imavov

ROUND TWO: Imavov back to jabbing and leg kicking. Shahbazyan misses a right hand. Imavov lands a right. Shahbazyan digs a right to the body, Imavov lands a left hook then a right and they clinch again. Imavov defends a single leg attempt, and grabs a ninja choke but isn’t able to finish it. Shahbazyan tries another single leg after he gets his head free but again Imavov defends. Imavov uses another ninja choke attempt to force Shahbazyan to the mat as he’s holding it, he keeps cranking on the choke but Shahbazyan is fighting for everything he’s worth to get out of this. Imavov bails on that choke, then they fight into the clinch again. Shahbazyan drops for a guillotine of his own but Imavov passes to side control on the safe side and starts working. Shahbazyan is able to hip escape to full guard but his gas tank is sapped as Imavov starts dropping elbows from top position. Imavov has Shahbazyan stacked up and is elbowing him. Shahbazyan is cut up around the right eye. Imavov moves to side control, Shahbazyan tries to stand but Imavov scrambles with him and retains side control then lands more punches. Mounted crucifix now for Imavov, he lands rights then elbows and unloads enough of them to force the ref to stop things.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Nassourdine Imavov via TKO, elbows, at 4:42 of Round 2

That was a whoopin’, surprisingly one way traffic. Mic time for Imavov and his translator, his coach Fernand Lopez. He thanks everyone for coming, thanks his opponent for the fight and apologizes for hurting him but he feels he belongs in the top of the division and wants more ranked opponents next. To close he thanks his team and sparring partners before switching to English to advocate for his brother getting a shot in the UFC.

Here’s the finish. Once Imavov gets the mounted crucifix he’s great about retaining it and finding space for those elbows, and Shahbazyan is too gassed and so far out of position he can’t do anything to meaningfully defend himself.

Phil Hawes has gone 3-0 in the UFC as part of an overall seven fight winning streak, he’s trying to extend that streak here and start looking to make the transition from prospect to contender. Chris Curtis brings a five fight winning streak into his UFC debut, if he’s able to spring an upset on Hawes it’ll be the biggest win of his career. Hawes is an unsurprising favorite at -330 while the comeback on Curtis sits at +260.

Middleweight Bout: Chris Curtis (26-8, 186 lbs.) vs. Phil Hawes (11-2, 185.4 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Hawes has two inches of height and reach advantage. Southpaw for Curtis, and they touch gloves to get going. Hawes starts off with front kicks to the body and jabs while backing up Curtis. A lot of front kicks from Hawes, and he’s starting to follow with right hands. A body kick from Hawes locks up Curtis for a second or two. Hawes lands a jab. Hard one two from Hawes, he’s just having his way with things right now. They both land punches in close. Hawes keeps stabbing the body of Curtis with a front kick. A right hand from Hawes, he’s also working side kicks to the knee now. They trade jabs, then Hawes lands a right hand and digs a left to the body. Curtis lands a left to the body, Hawes responds with a few front kicks. Another couple of rights from Hawes land. Curtis lands a left to the body then a body kick. Hawes lands another front kick, those are adding up. Curtis lands a left hand that stuns Hawes, he gets close and drops Hawes with an uppercut then lands a couple of hammer fists on the floor to prompt the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Chris Curtis via KO, punches, at 4:27 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Curtis for his work this evening. Pretty incredible comeback from Curtis. Mic time for Curtis, he talks about his journey to get to the UFC and then thanks Hawes for the fight and details his sacrifices to be here in this moment. He puts over Hawes as an opponent but wanted to stay in his face and stop the takedown, if he could do that he knew he could win.

Here’s the finish. Hawes drops his right hand as he throws the left hook to the body, either to feint a double leg or just out of habit but either way that hand drops and he enters on a straight line leading to him eating every bit of this left from Curtis. Impressive comeback from Curtis, Hawes was chewing him up all fight before this.

Al Iaquinta is just 1-3 in his last four fights and finds himself on a two fight losing streak, Iaquinta has been out of action for over two years and needs to get back on the winning side of things if he wants to keep his career on track. Bobby Green had gone 3-2 in his last five fights but is on a two fight losing streak, if Green wants to keep his surprising career renaissance alive he needs to halt that skid here and get back to his winning ways. Green is favored at -190 to a +160 payout for Iaquinta.

Lightweight Bout: Bobby Green (27-12-1, 155.2 lbs.) vs. Al Iaquinta (14-6-1, 155.8 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Green has an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Some stance switching already from Green, and he starts probing with leg kicks out of the southpaw stance. Green lands a side kick then a left hand. Iaquinta walks into a left hand then misses a right. Both men miss power hand punches, Green seems to be settling into southpaw. Iaquinta lands an inside leg kick. Hard right and left from Green. Green lands a right then a left to the body. A counter right lands for Green, then he lands a stiff jab. Bit of a right from Iaquinta. A right from Green drops Iaquinta, then he lands punches from top position. More punches and hammer fists from Green, and Iaquinta just covers up leading to the ref stopping the fight.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Bobby Green via TKO, punches, at 2:25 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Green for his work this evening. Mic time for Green, he jokes about a flawless victory and then plays with the crowd for a bit and calls fighting here a blessing and an honor. He talks us through the finish and says he’s here to impact, inspire, and motivate people then runs down all the adversity he’s overcome and says he’s living proof you can do anything you put your mind to.

This is slick stuff from Green, he slips back just a bit and lands a straight left then a follow up right that sends Iaquinta to the mat. Green looked good all fight, and this was a really wonderful finishing sequence.

Alex Pereira achieved a fair bit of success in kickboxing, including being the only man to knock out Israel Adesanya in that sport. Pereira has a bit of MMA experience but has been out of MMA action for about a year, he’s hoping to announce himself to the UFC audience in a big way. Andreas Michailidis has gone 1-1 in the UFC but he’s coming off of a win and looking to halt the attempt of the aging kickboxer to smoothly transition into the UFC. The odds are with Pereira at -260 to +210 for Michailidis.

Middleweight Bout: Andreas Michailidis (13-4, 185 lbs.) vs. Alex Pereira (3-1, 185.8 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Pereira is four inches taller and has three inches of reach advantage. Michailidis misses a leg kick, Pereira then lands one. Pereira keeps probing with leg kicks. Michailidis tries a double leg, they hit the fence but Michailidis still gets the double leg and looks to mount the legs. Pereira wall walks but they’re still clinched up with Michailidis on the back of Pereira. Michailidis works Pereira to a knee and lands some punches while working a grapevine with his legs. Pereira clears the hook of Michailidis and regains his feet. Pereira gets chest to chest but can’t get free. Michailidis starts looking for trips but can’t finish any of them yet. The ref has seen enough of the clinch and resets them. Michailidis avoids a one two and forces another clinch on the fence. Pereira lands a knee to the body. I’m not sure when it happened, but Michailidis’ left eye is swollen visibly as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Michailidis

ROUND TWO: Both men try leg kicking, then Pereira lands a jumping knee that floors Michailidis and he lands a couple more punches on the mat to get the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alex Pereira via TKO, flying knee and punches, at :18 of Round 2

Really nice KO. Mic time for Pereira and his translator, he thanks everyone for their support and is happy to be here, then thanks his opponent for the fight. He notes Michailidis over exerted himself in the first and he could feel it and knew he’d be able to come on in the second. He talks us through the finish to close.

Here’s the finish. Pereira feints the rear leg to set up the jumping knee coming off the lead leg. Pereira is unlikely to make a title run all things considered, but he could easily produce more quality knockouts.

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

Justin Gaethje is a former interim lightweight champion and is coming off of a failed bid for the full UFC lightweight title, an attempt that came up short when he was choked out by Khabib Nurmagomedov in Nuramgomedov’s last MMA fight. Gaethje is trying to bounce back from that loss and reassert himself as a legitimate title threat with a win here. Michael Chandler is also coming off of a failed title fight, in his case losing to Charles Oliveira for the vacant title back in May. Chandler is looking to secure another title shot with a win here. Gaethje is the favorite at -210 while the +175 comeback on Chandler makes a tempting value bet.

Lightweight Bout: #5 Michael Chandler (22-6, 155.2 lbs.) vs. #2 Justin Gaethje (22-3, 155.6 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Gaethje is three inches taller while Chandler has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Gaethje misses a leg kick early. Both men feinting, and they trade lefts. Chandler is staying out of Gaethje’s punching range, but eats a right hand. Bit of a right from Gaethje, then Chandler lands a leg kick. Hard leg kick from Gaethje. Both men get close and trade heavy punches. Gaethje checks a leg kick. Chandler lands a right hand. Bit of an uppercut from Gaethje, then a left hook. Chandler lands a jab. Gaethje lands a hard calf kick. They trade rights, neither man is moving when they’re hit thus far. Gaethje lands a calf kick. A Gaethje left hook stuns Chandler for a second. Chandler lands a couple of rights, Gaethje lands a leg kick. Gaethje rocks Chandler with a left hook, Chandler lands a right and starts trying to bomb on Gaethje but Gaethje fires back. Both men are hurt as they clinch up. Gaethje lands a wicked elbow then a right hand. This is nuts already. Another clinch and they trade uppercuts then break. Chandler avoids a right hand and they clinch again, again Gaethje lands an uppercut and they break. Gaethje lands an uppercut at distance. They trade lefts, then Chandler misses a few hooks. Gaethje lands a calf kick. A Gaethje uppercut rocks Chandler. They clinch and trade body shots and uppercuts then break. Chandler’s all cut up, he tries a double leg but Gaethje defends. Gaethje lands a calf kick and Chandler switches stances. Gaethje with rights that land, Chandler goes back orthodox. Another leg kick from Gaethje lands, that’ll be the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gaethje

ROUND TWO: The cut on Chandler’s right eyebrow isn’t a fight ender but it’s not good. Chandler’s left leg is messed up visibly. Gaethje lands a right hand then a bit of a calf kick. Chandler lands a right to the body then a jab. Gaethje lands an uppercut in close. Chandler keeps swinging punches to the body, Gaethje lands another calf kick. Hard right from Gaethje, Chandler might be hurt. Gaethje lands another leg kick, he’s got Chandler on the fence and lands an uppercut. Bit of a left hook from Gaethje, then a right uppercut and Chandler is down. Gaethje looks to pour on the offense, Chandler grabs a single leg to stall and recover, so Gaethje batters his body with lefts. Gaethje gets his legs free and lands punches from a front headlock position. Chandler is trying to hand fight but Gaethje spins towards his back then stands up. Gaethje lands a leg kick then another uppercut. Stiff jab from Gaethje, then another one, Chandler’s face is a mess but he lands an uppercut. Gaethje lands a leg kick then a left hook. A left hook from Gaethje staggers Chandler. Chandler lands a right hand. Gaethje lands a calf kick and avoids a takedown attempt. Chandler tries to defend his lef by going southpaw but he can’t defend his head from there and Gaethje clobbers him with a right. Body shots from Chandler now, but Gaethje backs him off with a right hand. Gaethje lands a body kick then a calf kick. Chandler lands a right then another one but we get time out as Gaethje took an eye poke. Gaethje recovers quickly and we’re back but nothing happens before the end of the round.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Gaethje lands an inside leg kick. Chandler seems to be recovered, but Gaethje kicks his leg again. Some stance switching from Chandler but his defense from southpaw is still porous. Gaethje lands another leg kick. Stiff left from Gaethje. Bit of a right from Chandler, Gaethje lands a leg kick and a jab to counter. Gaethje lands another leg kick. Chandler lands a short right in close. A few body shots from Chandler, then Gaethje lands a right. Another couple of body shots from Chandler, Gaethje lands a left hook then a calf kick. Gaethje with an uppercut and left hook. Gaethje lands a right hand, Chandler just waves him on. Another calf kick from Gaethje, that leg is toast. Chandler tries a double leg but Gaethje granby rolls and starts laying in strikes from the ride position. Chandler wall walks but Gaethje is on his back clinched up. A Gaethje left hook lands as they break apart. Gaethje lands a jab, Chandler digs the body. They trade again, Gaethje lands a leg kick then avoids a takedown attempt. Chandler wings a few uppercuts but Gaethje clobbers him with a right and Chandler is wobbled badly. Gaethje stalks forward and cracks Chandler with a left then anohter right that staggers Chandler. What in the world is Chandler made of?! Gaethje lands a leg kick and Chandler goes southpaw. Chandler appeals to the crowd but he’s getting chewed up still. Chandler misses a tornado kick, how does he have that kind of energy. Gaethje stalks Chandler back, lands a front kick to the body as the last blow of the round.

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

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

Amazing fight, why wasn’t that five rounds? Mic time for Gaethje, he says he knew exactly what he was getting into and says he and Chandler are living in the wrong time, they should be fighting to the death in the Colosseum. He again puts over Chandler’s toughness and knew he had to put him to sleep. About the future he wants the champion, either Oliveira in Brazil or Poirier in Louisiana. I’m not denying that man’s claim after that.

Some highlights for you.

Shane Burgos has gone 3-2 in his last five fights but finds himself on a two fight losing streak, though both of those fights were against tough opposition and both took him Fight of the Night honors. Burgos is trying to halt his losing streak and start another move up through the featherweight ranks. Billy Quarantillo has gone 4-1 in the UFC and stopped Gabriel Benitez his last time out, Quarantillo is looking for the biggest win of his career when he takes on the ranked Burgos and could be starting down even bigger names next time with a win. Burgos is a surprisingly heavy favorite at -195 while the +165 comeback on Quarantillo will definitely tempt a few bettors out there.

Featherweight Bout: #14 Shane Burgos (13-3, 145.6 lbs.) vs. Billy Quarantillo (16-3, 145.4 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Burgos is an inch taller but has a significant five and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Burgos starts coming forward immediately and they trade some leg kicks. Quarantillo lands a right hand then some uppercuts in close. Burgos lands a couple of leg kicks then a jab. Quarantillo keeps coming forward now, he lands a few punches but eats a counter right. Burgos lands a calf kick. Quarantillo lands a left, they clinch up and hit the fence. Burgos woks foot stomps and knees from the clinch. Quarantillo lands a knee as they break. Burgos is coming forward now, he lands a jab. They trade a few jabs then Burgos lands a right hand. They trade left hooks then Burgos lands a calf kick. Burgos is bleeding from the nose from all the jabs they’ve traded. More jabs are split, then Burgos clubs Quarantillo with a few rights. Quarantillo lands a right and eats a leg kick. Quarantillo lands a right, Burgos lands a right of his own then a leg kick. More jabs from Quarantillo, then a right but he takes a counter left. Burgos lands a right hand, they trade then clinch and Quarantillo lands a few uppercuts and a jab. More jabs from Quarantillo, Burgos lands a calf kick then they trade in close. Quarantillo tries a single leg, they hit the fence and settle into the clinch. They break without incident then both men go back to jabbing. Burgos lands a calf kick but Quarantillo lands a right in close. Burgos lands a right that drops Quarantillo and he looks to continue unloading as Quarantillo stands. Both men land again, Burgos has started digging the body now. Burgos lands a calf kick. Quarantillo lands a few more jabs and clinches up as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Burgos

ROUND TWO: Both men get close and trade left hooks immediately. Quarantillo lands a right but eats a calf kick. Burgos digs the body in close a few times. Quarantillo lands a right. Body shot from Burgos then a right elbow. They trade rights, then Burgos lands a jab. Quarantillo lands a few jabs then eats an inside leg kick. More jabs from Quarantillo then he tries a takedown but they stall out on the fence. Burgos lands some rights while defending a single leg and they clinch up. Knees are traded in close then Burgos digs the body as they break. Quarantillo lands more jabs while circling. A couple of more body shots form Burgos before they clinch up. Quarantillo looks to circle out and separates. Burgos lands a front kick to the body. They trade jabs a few times. Burgos lands a knee to the body then a right hand. Quarantillo misses a right hand. Burgos lands an inside leg kick then a straight left form southpaw stance. Quarantillo tries a takedown, he can’t get it and they trade punchesin close then Burgos lands an elbow. They split jabs again while moving around. Burgos lands a leg kick and Quarantillo tries another takedown on the fence. They break and go back to abusing each other. Burgos lands a calf kick, that hurt. They trade rights, Quarantillo is hurt and Burgos is stalking him down and bombing on him along the fence but Quarantillo is throwing with him. Quarantillo is badly hurt, Burgos stuns him with a body shot and they swing for the final few seconds of the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Burgos lands a leg kick but Quarantillo lands a right hand. They trade punches again but Quarantillo took an eye poke so we’ve got time. Quarantillo can continue and we’re back to brawling. Burgos is still coming for that leg of Quarantillo. They trade rights, Burgos lands a leg kick then punches. Quarantillo’s leg is toast, he tries a takedown but Burgos avoids it and they resume brawling. Quarantillo gets a clinch on the fence, he tries a single leg but Burgos defends and Quarantillo tries to tie up his legs but Burgos gets free. Burgos lands another leg kick and avoids a clinch. Knee to the body from Burgos, then to the head as Burgos avoids a takedown. They clinch up on the fence and fight from there for a bit. Burgos digs the body in close then lands an elbow. Quarantillo lands a couple of punches, but misses a right and eats a counter right. Burgos lands an elbow and they clinch again. They break without incident. Quarantillo lands a couple of elbows. Burgos lands a right hand then an uppercut. Quarantillo tries a double leg, they hit the fence and he slips to the back then starts looking for a mat return. Quarantillo drops for a heel hook but Burgos defends and they wind up clinched again. Burgos lands a few elbows and a knee before they break. Both men land punches in close then Burgos lands a leg kick and a knee. Front kick from Burgos then they trade rights in close. Burgos digs the body, Quarantillo lands a few knees and clinches again. Quarantillo lands a knee, Burgos punches him and they start fighting for position. They break and start swinging again as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Burgos but could go either way, 30-27 Burgos overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Shane Burgos via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Any other event that might have been Fight of the Night, following Gaethje and Chandler was always going to be tough though. Mic time for Burgos, he says the first round was too emotional for him and he should have been on the calf kicks earlier and then he puts over Quarantillo. He puts over Quarantillo again, but he’s back and it’s been too long since he got a win in the cage so this feels great.

Frankie Edgar is a legend of the sport, a former UFC lightweight champion and a two time challenger for the featherweight title but he’s just 2-4 in his last six fights and has been violently stopped in three of those losses including his last fight. There are rumors swirling that Edgar might be retiring tonight, and if that’s true he’ll be looking for one final victory very close to his native New Jersey. Marlon Vera has developed into a top shelf bantamweight during his time in the UFC, he’s only lost at that weight to Jose Aldo in his last eight outings there. Vera is trying for the biggest win of his career against a legend of the sport, and could set himself up for bigger things if he’s able to best Edgar here. The odds are with Vera at -160 while Edgar’s comeback sits at +135.

Bantamweight Bout: #8 Frankie Edgar (24-9-1, 135.6 lbs.) vs. #13 Marlon Vera (17-7-1, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Vera is two inches taller and has two and a half inches of reach advantage, he’s also 12 years younger than the 40 year old Edgar. Edgar comes out feinting, he lands a right hand. Vera lands a front kick to the body, he’s starting to switch his stance a bit now. Vera lands an inside leg kick and defends a takedown attempt. Edgar lands a left hook in close. Edgar lands a right. Vera lands a body kick then limp legs away from a single leg. Both men land punches in close. Edgar catches a side kick, tries a double leg but Vera grabs a guillotine on the way down. Vera doesn’t like the grip and bails on it as Edgar moves to half guard. Vera hip escapes to full guard. Edgar lands an elbow, he’s starting to work his ground and pound now. Vera fires a few elbows from his back. Edgar isn’t finding much success with his strikes to the head yet. Bit of an elbow from Vera, Edgar stands and Vera lands a few up kicks, Edgar didn’t like that and goes back into the guard. Edgar lands a few short elbows. Vera with some more elbows from his back as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Edgar

ROUND TWO: Vera lands an inside leg kick, he seems to favor southpaw at the moment. Edgar lands a right hand. Both men land rights in close but Edgar throws in greater volume and that’s becoming a problem for Vera. Vera keeps stalking forward, he lands a knee to the body but Edgar gets a takedown off of it into full guard again. Vera keeps trying to fire elbows, he lands a few legal up kicks as Edgar tries to stack him up. This seems like a losing strategy for Vera to play guard, Edgar lands a few short elbows and punches. Vera scrambles back up and separates. Edgar is circling again but Vera is coming after him and lands a front kick to the body. Vera lands a left hook. Edgar lands a right to the body. Bit of a jab from Vera. Vera lands a front kick to the body then a knee to the head. Edgar looks a little winded, which is odd for him. More front kicks from Vera then a left that stuns Edgar for a second. Vera is starting to show the jab, Edgar works outside and inside leg kicks. Edgar lands a right. Vera lands another front kick to the body then a round kick. An elbow from Vera wobbles Edgar, he tries a head kick and a knee but Edgar stays upright and swings back before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Vera, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Edgar lands a bit of a right, Vera responds with a straight left. Vera lands a couple of front kicks to the body. Bit of an uppercut from Vera, Edgar lands a right to the body. Vera is coming forward a lot, he’s really pursuing the fight. Edgar lands a bit of a combination but Vera is walking through him. Vera lands a side kick then avoids a takedown attempt. Vera lands an uppercut in close. Leg kick from Vera lands. A couple of short lefts from Vera land. Edgar lands a body kick but his offense has been muted this round. Vera lands a body kick. Glancing left from Vera, he’s pressing Edgar quite hard now. Vera lands an uppercut then a couple of kicks but Edgar gets a takedown. Edgar can’t keep the position and Vera slips free then starts walking him down again. Vera lands a front kick to the body. Edgar lands a left hook. Vera lands a front kick to the face, Edgar crumbles to the mat and we’re done.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Marlon Vera via KO, head kick, at 3:50 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Vera for his work this evening. Mic time for Vera after the win, he felt he was behind in the fight and feels he did damage in the first round despite losing it but thinks he’s going good now in his career. He was using the front kicks to the body to set up the one to the chin, and thanks his coaches for helping his boxing. He works hard and wants to continue on to bigger and better things.

Zhang Weili is the former strawweight champion and just had a 21 fight winning streak snapped in her second title defense. Zhang is trying to reclaim the title that so recently was hers and continue forging her title legacy. Rose Namajunas is the current strawweight champion, and the first woman in UFC history to regain a title after losing it. Namajunas knocked Zhang out in the first round of their fight back in April, and she’s looking for a repeat performance here while establishing her second title reign. The former champion Zhang is a slight -125 favorite while the +105 for Namajunas has to tempt any bettor.

Strawweight Title Bout: (c) Rose Namajunas (10-4, 115 lbs.) vs. #1 Zhang Weili (21-2, 115 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Namajunas is an inch taller with two inches of reach advantage. Both women circling early, Zhang lands a bit of a leg kick. Zhang is keeping long distance and trying to explode close for her strikes. Another Zhang leg kick lands. Namajunas is switching her stance now, she lands a bit of a right hand. Both women are landing leg kicks, then Namajunas lands a right hand. Namajunas lands a left then a leg kick. Combination from Namajunas lands, Zhang has landed another leg kick though. Zhang gets a body lock and gets a takedown into half guard. Namajunas gets full guard for a moment and starts playing her guard up high. Zhang looks to pass, she lands a couple of rights as she stands over Namajunas. Namajunas kicks Zhang off and stands, they trade knees in the clinch then Namajunas lands an elbow. Zhang lands a leg kick, but eats a counter right. Namajunas lands a leg kick after blocking a head kick. Bit of a left from Namajunas in close then she easily avoids a right from Zhang. Namajunas is backing Zhang up but Zhang is circling well. Namajunas off balances Zhang then they trade punches in close to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Zhang

ROUND TWO: Both women land jabs as the round begins. Zhang misses some kicks, she’s still circling a lot. Namajunas lands a combination ended with a leg kick. Bit of a left form Namajunas. Zhang lands a right as they clash. Namajunas lands a couple of punches, eats a right hand counter though. Both women miss rights. Zhang lands a leg kick but takes a counter punch. Namajunas lands a right hand. Bit of a left from Namajunas then she avoids a takedown attempt. Zhang lands a leg kick. Namajunas lands a couple of leg kicks. A left hook from Zhang wobbles Namajunas, but she stays upright and lands a head kick but Zhang catches it and gets a takedown into full guard. Namajunas lands an up kick, so Zhang heads all the way down into her guard. Zhang postures up and lands a few punches but Namajunas kicks her off and gets up. Namajunas is coming forward now, she eats another leg kick. They both land strikes in close then Namajunas avoids a trip. Namajunas gets an outside trip and lands on top of Zhang. Namajunas technically into full mount along the fence, she lands a few short elbows then a punch as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Zhang doesn’t have the best posture right now, Namajunas might be wearing her down with the pace. Namajunas keeps coming forward, she lands a jab to counter a leg kick. Zhang has some kicks fall short. Bit of a right from Namajunas. Zhang falls short with punches but lands a bit of a body kick. Namajunas lands a front kick to the body then a leg kick. Zhang misses a left hook. Namajunas lands a bit of a left. Zhang misses a right hand. Namajunas avoids a spinning attack and lands a counter shot. Namajunas lands a leg kick. Bit of a right from Namajunas, but Zhang lands a leg kick then a body kick. Both women miss rights. Namajunas forces a clinch and lands a punch as they break. A left hook from Namajunas off balances Zhang, then a right behind it and Zhang forces a clinch. Namajunas lands some shoulder strikes then slips free. They trade leg kicks. Namajunas lands a left hook in close. They trade left hooks and both get stunned for a second. Zhang tries a double leg, gets it and moves to the ride position. Namajunas scrambles towards top position but Zhang rolls with her and ends up in full mount landing body shots as the round ends.

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

ROUND FOUR: Zhang has a head kick blocked. Namajunas is trying to up the tempo now and jabs the body. Namajunas lands a right then a leg kick but Zhang lands a leg kick. Hard right from Namajunas but Zhang just eats it. Another right from Namajunas lands flush. Zhang has had enough of this, tries a takedown but Namajunas kicks her off and stands then starts looking to engage again. Namajunas lands another right, she’s got some kind of read on that punch and it’s landing every time. Zhang lands a leg kick. They tie up and scramble, Zhang gets the back standing and drags Namajunas back to her knees. Zhang is after the back, Namajunas turtles up and starts working her way back up. Zhang gets one hook in, now both. Namajunas is trying to explode into her, she’s starting to turn and gets on top in full guard. Namajunas passes to half guard, Zhang looks to sweep but only gets full guard back. Some body shots from Namajunas land. Zhang tries to kick Namajunas off but can’t do so. Namajunas looks for another pass, only winds up landing a right hand. Namajunas lands a left but Zhang has kept her tied up a lot. They trade some strikes on the mat as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Namajunas, 39-37 Zhang overall

ROUND FIVE: Namajunas gets back on offense pushing at Zhang. Zhang misses a couple of kicks. Zhang lands a left hook. Namajunas lands a bit of an elbow then avoids a takedown attempt. Namajunas lands a leg kick then a jab. A right then a double leg from Namajunas straight into half guard. Zhang tries to work elbows from her back. Namajunas looks to pass to 50-50 guard and lands a few hard punches. Zhang gets butterfly guard but Namajunas punches her and passes. Again Zhang hip escapes to full guard but can’t do much from there. Namajunas lands a few punches trying to pass but she can’t get around the guard. Namajunas moves to half guard and lands a punch. Zhang tries to shrimp but Namajunas passes and lands a right so Zhang has to scramble to guard again. Namajunas lands some body shots, but her ground and pound isn’t terribly compelling yet. Namajunas looks to pass again, she gets to half guard this time. Zhang gets full guard back but eats some punches along the way. Namajunas lands a right, stands over Zhang and lands leg kicks while looking to pass. Namajunas lands a left and returns to the guard. A final flurry from Namajunas closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Namajunas, 48-47 Zhang overall but the second round will swing everything

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and STILL UFC Strawweight Champion – Rose Namajunas via split decision(47-48, 48-47, 49-46)

I don’t object to scoring this for Namajunas, but 49-46 for her seems Cluckified. Mic time for Namajunas, she was pretty confident that she won but notes the first couple of rounds were close. She puts over Zhang’s improvements and knows what she has to improve on. Asked about the future she feels healthy and could get back in relatively soon.

Zhang gets an interview as well, she thinks she gave everything she had to this fight but is still happy to have fought in MSG. She’s still very happy about being supported in this endeavor and hopes everyone who’s seen her fall will see her rise again in the future, she’s sad she didn’t win but will never give up.

Colby Covington is a former interim welterweight champion and one of the better welterweights in the world, tonight represents his second crack at the full title though and if he loses a second time to the same champion that could easily extinguish any title aspirations for quite some time. Kamaru Usman is the reigning UFC welterweight champion, has yet to lose a fight in the UFC, he’s looking for his fifth title defense here. If Usman wins tonight he’ll have established himself as the second best welterweight of all time and will be a lot closer on the heels of Georges St. Pierre than anyone else. When last these two met Usman scored a fifth round TKO win, so it’s not terribly surprising that Usman is a rather heavy -320 favorite against a +250 payout on Covington.

Welterweight Title Bout: (c) Kamaru Usman (19-1, 169 lbs.) vs. #1 Colby Covington (16-2, 169.4 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Usman is an inch taller and has four inches of reach advantage. Covington comes out southpaw per usual, Usman has added more switches lately but is nominally orthodox. Cautious start from both men. Bit of a jab from Usman. Covington lands a glancing right hook to counter a jab. Usman is pushing forward, bit of a head kick from Covington then a left hand. Covington lands a calf kick. Usman avoids a few wild punches. Covington tries a single leg, they scramble to the mat but Usman defends into the front headlock. Usman works from his knees and gets free. Covington misses a leg kick. A lot of pressure from Usman, Covington misses an uppercut then lands a body kick. Covington lands a left then a bit of a right to follow up. Usman misses a jab. Usman blocks a few punches as Covington starts stance switching. Both men land punches in close. Usman avoids a rush and gets a takedown then lands a punch as they scramble back up. Covington lands a bit of a right then a body kick. Usman lands a left to the body. Covington avoids some punches then lands a left. Usman lands a left hook. They punch in close but don’t quite clinch up. Usman lands a calf kick. Covington lands a left. A few more punches land for Covington, but he’s cut under the right eye as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Usman but a close one

ROUND TWO: That cut on Covington is on his cheek, unless it’s really deep we wont get a fight stopper from it. Covington keeps switching his stance as he circles, he has a head kick blocked and Usman lands a left hook. Glancing right hook from Covington lands. Covington lands a body kick. Bit of a right from Usman. Usman avoids a one two. Covington lands an inside leg kick. They clinch up, trade some body work before breaking. Usman lands a few jabs. Usman slips a punch and lands a right to the body. Covington lands a body kick. Covington avoids a right hand and lands a left. Leg kick from Covington, then another one. Usman lands a jab. Covington has a head kick blocked. Covington lands a right and looks for a takedown against the fence. Usman is defending against the fence but Covington goes for a single leg. Again Usman defends and they settle for a clinch. Some knees from Covington then they break. Usman lands a front kick to the body, Covington returns it. There’s a body shot from Usman. Covington lands a right then misses a left. Usman lands a left that drops Covington, then another one. Covington is fighting back up and looks for a takedown but Usman stuffs that and gets on top landing body shots as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Usman, borderline 10-8, 20-18 Usman overall

ROUND THREE: Usman blocks a high kick. Bit of a head kick from Covington. Covington lands a left hand but Usman just eats it. They trade jabs along the fence line. Usman starts working his jab. Covington avoids a few punches. Usman avoids a few punches but does eat a left. Covington tries a takedown, Usman stuffs that and lands short punches from the front headlock. Covington fights up and blocks a left from Usman. Usman falls short with a few punches, but at this pace he’s content to land and keep winning. Usman lands a body kick. Covington lands another left. Bit of a right from Usman. They trade power hand punches in close, then Usman follows up with a one two. Usman digs a left to the body. They trade rights, then Covington lands a left and looks to follow up but Usman avoids him. Covington gets close and works a mat return from the back. Usman is able to wall walk but Covington lands strikes in the clinch as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Covington, 29-28 Usman overall

ROUND FOUR: Usman avoids a few punches as the round begins. Both men start probing with the jab as they circle. Covington lands a left, then a bit of a follow up but Usman blocks a head kick. There’s a jab from Covington but Usman lands a counter punch. Usman has a body kick blocked. Covington lands a straight left. Bit of a combination from Covington, he looks to follow up and they trade lefts. Usman lands a jab then a right to the body. Covington lands a combination and they trade in close again. Both men land body shots in a brief clinch. Covington lands a straight left, he’s found the target more the last couple of rounds. Usman lands a left hook and evades some counters. Covington starts coming forward, lands a body kick and some follow up punches, he’s got Usman out of sorts. Body kick from Covington. Covington lands a left in close, then another one. Usman is backing up more this round, Covington tries a takedown and they hit the fence. Covington starts working in the clinch with knees to the leg ana couple of elbows. There’s a left from Covington as they break. Covington wobbles Usman with a one two as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Covington, 38-38 DRAW overall

ROUND FIVE: Both men slowly circling, Covington lands a one two. Usman avoids an ugly uppercut. Covington lands a front kick to the body. Usman lands a right to the body. They get close and both miss. Covington lands a left. Usman lands a stiff that stuns Covington but he’s over swinging trying to follow up. Covington lands a combination that stuns Usman, he’s got him hurt and tries a double leg but Usman sprawls away from him. Usman tries to work from the front headlock but they just get up and resume circling. Both men miss punches in close. Covington blocks a head kick and lands a left. Usman goes back to working the jab. Covington lands his own jab and blocks the counters. Body kick from Covington. Usman slips avoiding a head kick but Covington dives on his legs and drives things to the fence. Both men work dirty boxing in close. Covington lands a right as they break. Left from Covington. Usman misses a right. Covington misses a head kick. Bit of a right from Usman. Covington takes an eye poke and we’ve got time out. Replay confirms the eye poke. The ref wants the doctor to check on Covington, there’s no issue with him continuing so we’re back to fighting. Covington lands a body kick, then another one. Usman has a head kick blocked. They both land punches, Covington lands a jab as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Covington but a close one, 48-47 Covington overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and Still UFC Welterweight Champion – Kamaru Usman via unanimous decision(49-46, 48-47 x2)

Not sure I agree with 49-46 but it’s not a hill worth dying on, 48-47 for either man is acceptable. Mic time for Usman, he plays with the crowd then puts over Covington as a tough opponent who wasn’t going to go away. He puts over Covington and his camp, noting he had to respect what he could do in here. Asked about his standing in the sport he calls himself the best pound for pound fighter in the world, the best don’t go crazy they do what’s necessary to win and notes Covington wouldn’t let him get a finish here. To close he thanks the fans for coming out, then speaks some Igbo for the Nigerians watching.

Covington also gets an interview, he knows he had his moments but couldn’t capitalize on them and puts over Usman. He thanks the military and first responders, and says love him or hate him you haven’t seen the best of him yet. He calls main eventing MSG a dream come true and doesn’t care if you love him or hate him, but reiterates he’s not done and we’ve yet to see the best of him.

Well on that note, UFC 268 comes to a close. My sincere thanks to all of you for reading. We’ll be unpacking all of this on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast tomorrow, as well as previewing UFC on ESPN+ 55 when Max Holloway takes on Yair Rodriguez. I’ll be back for that event and I hope you will as well. Until then, thank you again for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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