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MAIN CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET)
#6 Rose Namajunas (124.75 lbs.) vs. #11 Tracy Cortez (126 lbs.)
Santiago Ponzinibbio (171 lbs.) vs. Muslim Salikhov (171 lbs.)
Drew Dober (155 lbs.) vs. Jean Silva (155 lbs.)
Gabriel Bonfim (171 lbs.) vs. Ange Loosa (170 lbs.)
Julian Erosa (145.5 lbs.) vs. Christian Rodriguez (145.5 lbs.)
Abdul Razak Alhassan (185 lbs.) vs. Cody Brundage (185.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)
Charles Johnson (125.5 lbs.) vs. Joshua Van (125 lbs.)
#15 Jasmine Jasudavicius (125 lbs.) vs. Fatima Kline (125 lbs.)
Da’Mon Blackshear (135.5 lbs.) vs. Montel Jackson (135 lbs.)
Mariya Agapova (125 lbs.) vs. Luana Santos (125 lbs.)
Josh Fremd (186 lbs.) vs. Andre Petroski (185.5 lbs.)
Evan Elder (170 lbs.) vs. Darrius Flowers (170 lbs.)

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Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN 59, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the event. Tonight the UFC is back in Colorado for the first time since 2018 and while this card doesn’t really jump off the page at you there’s definitely a few things worth keeping an eye on. The main event got a late switch, this was originally Rose Namajunas vs. Maycee Barber but Barber had some health issues and Tracy Cortez now steps in on short notice to fill that spot. The co-main event will probably be fun as Santiago Ponzinibbio takes on Muslim Salikhov. Jean Silva steps in on short notice after fighting at UFC 303 to move up and fight Drew Dober, Gabriel Bonfim is getting kind of a get well fight against Ange Loosa as well. On the prelims I’m very interested in Charles Johnson vs. Joshua Van, and Da’Mon Blackshear vs. Montel Jackson could surprise a few people. So while this is hardly the best card on paper it’s far from the worst.

UFC on ESPN 59 comes to the world from Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, USA. Brendan Fitzgerald, Dominick Cruz, and Paul Felder will be calling the action for us and that’s usually a pretty solid trio. I’ll keep you updated on if any rules have odd quirks here, and do also keep in mind that we’re in the bigger 30 foot cage since we’re not in the Apex.

Evan Elder has gone 1-2 in the UFC but he is coming off of a win a year ago and now looks for his first UFC winning streak. Darrius Flowers has gone 0-2 in the UFC and really needs to find that all important first UFC win here. Elder is the biggest favorite on the card tonight at -470 to a +360 comeback on Flowers.

Welterweight Bout: Evan Elder (8-2, 170 lbs.) vs. Darrius Flowers (12-7-1, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Elder has an inch of height and reach advantage. Both men come out looking to jab, Elder doing circling thus far. Elder with a body kick then a right hand. Flowers works the front kick then lands a knee in close. Elder lands a couple of body shots. Right hand from Elder. Flowers misses a couple of rights. Elder with a few body jabs. They both miss rights but they’re engaging pretty consistently. A right from Elder backs up Flowers but then Flowers lands a left in response. Body kick from Elder. Bit of a head kick from Elder. They both level change, clinch up and Elder hits a lateral drop then they scramble up and Elder lands a knee. Flowers with a leg kick then they trade punches. Glancing high kick from Elder after faking a knee tap. Elder shoves Flowers over and then gets on top in half guard. Hip sweep from Flowers then he gets the back but slips off and Elder gets back on top. Flowers to a knee and Elder stands over him landing punches to the body and head. Elder digs the body a few times while Flowers is standing on the fence. Left hook from Elder. Bad takedown attempt from Flowers and he just kind of flops over, Elder gets on top in full guard. Bit of an elbow from Elder. Elder passes to side control as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Elder

ROUND TWO: Flowers looks not great, his cardio is failing him. Bit of a body kick from Elder, Flowers complains of a low blow in there somewhere and we’ve got a time out. Replay shows a front kick from Elder did go into the groin. Flowers is clearly suffering cardio wise so he’s taking his time to recover, eventually we’re back to fighting after 1:52. Elder is back on pressure pretty quickly, then gets to moving and making Flowers come after him. Flowers hits a double leg, well timed there, and he’s on top in full guard. Elder starts working his guard, they scramble into 50/50 then Elder gets on top and starts landing punches to the body of Flowers on the mat. Elder moves to half guard then passes right to full mount, nice pass but it was facilitated by Flowers being gassed. Arm triangle from Elder is locked up and that’ll get the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Evan Elder via Submission, arm triangle choke, 1:46 of Round 2

Mic time for Elder, he feels good and talks about doing this on four days notice and up at welterweight when he’s normally a lightweight but he’s always down for a fight so accepted. He talks us through the finish and knew Flowers would fight him hard in the first round but that would change as the fight went on. Asked about the future he wants to fight again soon, then references the fact that someone just tried to shoot former President Donald Trump and expresses support for the former President.

Josh Fremd has gone 2-3 in the UFC most recently being stopped by Roman Kopylov late last year, now he’s back in action and trying to get his UFC record back to the .500 mark. Andre Petroski has gone 5-2 in the UFC but a couple of those were slightly dubious decision wins and he’s currently on a two fight losing streak, if Petroski wants to make good on the potential others see in him he really needs to break that losing streak here. Close one here, in fact a -110 pick ’em.

Middleweight Bout: Josh Fremd (11-5, 186 lbs.) vs. Andre Petroski (10-3, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Fremd is four inches taller with three inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. A few jabs from Fremd land as Petroski has gone southpaw. Short uppercut from Fremd lands but Petroski is able to hit a single leg into side control. Not much going on here, Petroski is able to hold and control but not do much more than that. Now Petroski starts working towards a mounted crucifix but Fremd is blocking. Fremd gets an empty half guard hook but can’t do anything with it. Petroski is trying to attack the left arm of Fremd but can’t get it isolated. Full mount now for Petroski. Petroski is trying to set up an arm triangle but Fremd is hip to that and blocks it. Fremd looks to buck and get some motion going, he’s able to catch half guard but he’s still on bottom. Petroski passes back to full mount, he gets the back and lands a few punches as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Petroski

ROUND TWO: Bit of a right from Petroski to start the round. They trade body kicks then Petroski misses a couple of high kicks. Petroski hits a single leg and gets on top. Fremd tries a triangle choke, Petroski passes into a ride position then uses the assassin grip to transition into an anaconda choke. Petroski can’t keep the grip and Fremd rolls to his knees but Petroski is still in a ride. Petroski grabs at the arm triangle, switches to full mount and starts locking down the choke. Fremd seems OK so far and he’s kind of got a half guard to alleviate some of the lock. Petroski bails on the choke and winds up back in full guard. Fremd scoots to the fence and looks to wall walk but Petroski is in half guard and keeping him down on the mat. Petroski moves back to full mount, Fremd walks over the fence and gets out of the mount but he can’t get of his back. Sort of a reverse triangle from Fremd, only 25 seconds left though and he’s not got it correctly applied. That’s where the round will end.

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

ROUND THREE: Body kick from Petroski to start the last round. Fremd with a couple of rights then a flying knee into a clinch on the fence. Fremd is looking to up the pace and unload on Petroski now. Petroski is circling and trying to keep distance, then he hits a single leg into side control. Petroski moves into full mount now. Fremd gives up his back but then goes back to giving up full mount, he’s just not able to get anything going under Petroski. Petroski moves back to side control after smothering a bridge attempt. Not a whole lot happening. Fremd gives up the back as he moves to his knees and Petroski moves to a ride. Fremd is stuck on the fence with Petroski technically on his back and that’s where the round will end.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Andre Petroski via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Well that fight sucked. For some reason Petroski gets an interview, he says this was a tall order and he can’t really breathe here in Denver. He gives some love to his kids then says all he wanted was to win especially coming off of two losses.

Luana Santos is on a four fight winning streak including two wins in the UFC which have seen her gain a bit of attention as a prospect, now she’s hoping to extend that streak here and prove herself to be a reliable up and coming talent. Mariya Agapova has gone 2-3 in the UFC and she’s currently on a two fight losing streak, she’s trying to turn her career around here with a win. The odds really like Santos at -380 against Agapova’s +300.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Mariya Agapova (10-4, 125 lbs.) vs. Luana Santos (7-1, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Agapova has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Agapova looking to show the jab and long range kicks. Santos avoids a few strikes while Agapova has begun switching her stance as she moves around. Bit of a left from Agapova in close. There’s a lot of space between these two, Santos then lands a right hand that drops Agapova and follows up with a head lock throw into half guard. Santos is after an arm triangle set up but can’t get it and instead settles for passing to side control. Santos into full mount, she’s got an arm triangle attack going but stays in full mount for a bit. Agapova tries to get on a hip but Santos is adjusting her grip and looking to really clamp things down. Santos bails on the full attempt, lands some body shots, then gets her grip back and is trying to leverage her weight down into the choke. Agapova gives up her back, Santos grabs a choke with the back and forces the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Luana Santos via Submission, rear naked choke, at 3:27 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Ms. Santos for her work this evening. Mic time for Santos and the translator, she’s very happy and talks about training for this for the last four months of training. She talks us through the finish especially noting how much she’s worked on back takes then tells her jiu-jitsu coach she wants a belt advancement.

Montel Jackson has gone 7-2 in the UFC and is on a four fight winning streak, he’s trying to earn a step up in class by extending that streak here. Da’Mon Blackshear has gone 2-2-1 in the UFC, most recently he lost to Mario Bautista and is trying to his first ever losing streak with a win tonight. Jackson is your favorite at -120 to and even +100 for Blackshear.

Bantamweight Bout: Da’Mon Blackshear (14-6-1, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Montel Jackson (13-2, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Jackson has three and a half inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Jackson and he floors Blackshear with a left hand then lands a few perfunctory punches on the mat to get the stoppage. Man that was quick.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Montel Jackson via KO, punches, at :18 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Jackson for his work this evening. Mic time for Jackson, he thanks everyone for coming out and thanks Blackshear for stepping up on short notice to take the fight. He tells people to start signing to fight him then talks us through the finish before putting over friends and training partners. To close he’s asked what he wants next, he says he’ll fight anyone as long as they’ll sign the contract to fight him.

Jasmine Jasudavicius has gone 4-2 in the UFC most recently choking out Priscila Cachoeira, she’s trying to build another winning streak tonight while also looking to solidify herself as a contender on the rise. Fatima Kline is undefeated but is normally a strawweight and took this fight on short notice replacing Viviane Araujo, but Kline has history at this weight class as well and is a former champion in both Invicta FC and CFFC. Kline could announce her arrival in a big way if she can take out Jasudavicius tonight. Another close fight here, -135 on Jasudavicius to +115 for Kline..

Women’s Flyweight Bout: #15 Jasmine Jasudavicius (10-3, 125 lbs.) vs. Fatima Kline (6-0, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Jasudavicius is an inch taller with half an inch of reach advantage, she’s also 11 years older. Kline circles but is generally moving more forward, she’s doing a bit of stance switching as she moves around. Bit of a leg kick from Kline. They both partially land power hand punches. Both women are still doing a lot of probing, no one has found a lot of success yet. Kline hits a takedown off of a leg kick and gets on top in butterfly guard. Jasudavicius is working those butterfly hooks and tries to scramble, she gives up mount briefly but can regain her feet then gets a mat return on Kline. Jasudavicius is in the ride position now and lands some elbows and punches. Kline is blocking the hooks from going in but Jasudavicius is fishing for the choke even with only one hook now. A few more punches from Jasudavicius sneak through then she pulls things back into north-south and switches to side control. Kline catches half guard but Jasudavicius lands a few more elbows. Kline rolls to her knees and Jasudavicius gets a ride position. Both hooks in now for Jasudavicius and she lands some punches as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jasudavicius

ROUND TWO: Kline back to circling and switching stances, then she lands a front kick. Left hand from Kline lands. Kline lands a right hook, then another one. Jasudavicius is trying to stalk forward but she’s lacking in the hand speed against Kline. Body kick from Kline. Both women land rights. They trade punches, Kline working bigger volume thus far. Jasudavicius lands a left hook then a right to the body. Right hand from Kline then they clinch up and Jasudavicius pushes things into the fence. Kline is able to arm drag then get the back but Jasudavicius spins into her and lands a series of knees to the body. Jasudavicius is able to ride things down to the mat and get into a ride position. Some lefts land for Jasudavicius. Full back take for Jasudavicius now and then she grabs a body triangle. Jasudavicius starts fishing for the choke but Kline is able to break the body triangle. Kline rolls through and gets on top landing hammer fists as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Front kick from Kline to start the last round. Combination of punches from Kline has Jasudavicius hurt, Jasudavicius is firing back but Kline is still landing punches. Left hand from Kline lands. Jasudavicius lands a left hook. Some punches go back and forth, the pace and altitude seem to be getting to both women now. They tie up and trade uppercuts then Jasudavicius slips around to the back standing. Jasudavicius gets a takedown into half guard, Kline looks to invert for a leg but Jasudavicius smothers her and retains top position. Jasudavicius moves into full mount, Kline is able to roll through the pass and stand but Jasudavicius hits a takedown into half guard. Some body punches from Jasudavicius as she’s trying to set up an arm triangle but Kline blocks that. Kline is able to hip escape and get full guard. Kline rolls to her knees then Jasudavicius gets the back. Jasudavicius works for a choke, short time left though and Kline will see out the round.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jasmine Jasudavicius via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Mic time for Jasudavicius, she says the game plan was grappling then she antagonizes the crowd for booing her. She talks a bit about the change of opponent then says Denver is cool. She keeps trying to play with the crowd but they just don’t care.

Charles Johnson has gone 4-4 in the UFC but he’s on a two fight winning streak and a few of his losses were closely contested if not controversial decisions. Johnson is trying to extend his winning streak here and prove he’s found the consistency to make a move towards ranked opposition. Joshua Van is on an eight fight winning streak including three wins in the UFC, if he can get that streak to four in a row here he’ll almost certainly be staring down ranked opponents going forward. The odds like Van at -250 while that +205 payout on Johnson might tempt a few bettors out there.

Flyweight Bout: Charles Johnson (15-6, 125.5 lbs.) vs. Joshua Van (10-1, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Johnson is four inches taller with five inches of reach advantage, he’s also 11 years older. Southpaw for Johnson to start. Van moves forward early but Johnson is circling well thus far and throwing kicks. Some stance switching from Johnson but he’s mostly southpaw. Both men land punches in close. Van avoids a few punches then Johnson lands a body kick. Van keeps moving forward and lands a jab. Both men show some leg kicks now. A few front kicks from Johnson as he’s keeping distance. Van punches into a clinch and they hit the fence. A few knees go back and forth as Johnson has Van on the fence. Short left from Van lands as they break the clinch. Johnson punches then tries a double leg but Van sprawls away and gets back on pressure. Right hand from Van. Another right from Van, he’s starting to get to Johnson now as Johnson circles. Johnson lands a left hand but Van just eats it. Van swings a few hooks in close that don’t quite land. Van catches a kick and cut kicks Johnson to the mat. Van on top landing some punches then he avoids an armbar and forces the reset on the feet. Both men land punches. Johnson lands a right hand. Van lands a left hook then a knee. Some body shots from Van now, his boxing in the pocket is doing work. Van lands a jab to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Van but a close one

ROUND TWO: Van gets back to forward pressure. Johnson is showing front kicks and trying to get his jab going. Van lands a right uppercut then an inside calf kick that Johnson did not like at all. More pressure from Van and a couple of body shots land. Right to the body from Van. Johnson lands a left to the body of his own then misses a couple of kicks. Van with another body shot then Johnson avoids a few hooks. Johnson lands a left hand. They split some jabs as Van keeps pressuring forward. Right hand from Van but Johnson returns it. Van blocks a few punches then lands a left hand. Johnson avoids an uppercut and circles away from the fence. Bit of a left hook from Van then he lands a calf kick. Short right from Van. Van lands a combination. Johnson eats a right hand then fires a body kick. A couple of punches then a high kick from Van, he’s trying to keep Johnson pinned on the fence but Johnson is always circling away from it. Both men have punches blocked. Bit of a right from Van. Johnson lands a front kick. Stepping knee from Johnson partially lands. Van avoids a spinning back fist. Johnson fires a combination that misses as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Johnson but again close, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Both men come out swinging to start the round. Johnson fires a spinning elbow, that misses but he lands a right hand that staggers Van then follows up with an uppercut that floors Van and prompts the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Charles Johnson via KO, punches, at :20 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Johnson for his work this evening. Johnson gets an interview, he starts a “USA” chant and then puts over his coach and asks for a brief moment of silence for him which the crowd obliges. He talks about getting this fight 11 days ago and worked hard to get prepared for the elevation here and knows he always has a great third round in him. When talking us through the finish he then asks everyone pray for each other given that the world is going crazy, we’re humans first and need to take care of each other then wants a flyweight ranking. I think that would be fair.

Abdul Razak Alhassan has gone 6-6 in the UFC but he’s traded wins and losses through his last four fights, most recently he got choked out by Joe Pyfer and is now trying to avoid another losing streak. Cody Brundage has gone 4-5 in the UFC and had a two fight winning streak broken by Bo Nickal most recently, he’s trying to avoid another losing streak and prove he’s finally finding his footing in the UFC. Alhassan is your favorite at -175 to +145 for Brundage.

Middleweight Bout: Abdul Razak Alhassan (12-6, 185 lbs.) vs. Cody Brundage (10-6, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Brundage is two inches taller but Alhassan has an inch of reach advantage and is eight years older. Brundage with a right hand then tries a double leg but Alhassan defends and floors Brundage with a punch. Alhassan with punches on the mat, then elbows to the head as Brundage is holding onto a single leg. A few too many of those elbows hit the back of Brundage’s head and we get a break in the action. Brundage has a history of not continuing after being fouled and he’s still down, and in his defense a few of those did hit the back of the head. The doctor comes in to check on Brundage, the doctor seems to have no strong opinion on a stoppage but they’re conferring. Eventually one of them signals this is over, Brundage keeps asking what happened despite being told.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – No Contest, accidental illegal blows, :37 of Round 1

Alhassan is pissed and Brundage has to have negative fight equity at this point as that’s the second time he’s been in this kind of position.

Julian Erosa has been very up and down during his third stint with the UFC, most recently he broke a two fight losing streak and now tries to build his first winning streak since 2022. Christian Rodriguez has gone 4-1 in the UFC but he’s on a four fight winning streak including his move up to featherweight his last time out, now he’s looking to further cement himself in the division with a win over a veteran like Erosa. The odds like Rodriguez at -245 while +200 for Erosa might tempt a few bettors out there.

Featherweight Bout: Julian Erosa (29-11, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Christian Rodriguez (11-1, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Erosa is six inches taller with five inches of reach advantage, he’s also 8 years older. Rodriguez comes out and misses a right hand. Erosa circling and they trade some punches. Rodriguez with a calf kick then they trade punches again. Erosa is showing a few stance switches. Bit of an uppercut from Erosa. Jab from Rodriguez. Rodriguez lands a head kick then a couple of punches, Erosa just eats it. Elbow from Rodriguez then a left hook. Now it’s Erosa who’s coming forward more. They trade rights, Erosa seems not too bothered by the punching power of Rodriguez so he’s looking to brawl now. Front kick from Erosa then Rodriguez lands a left hook. Bit of a high kick from Rodriguez. Both men land punches in close. Elbow from Erosa, Rodriguez didn’t like that and they both swing punches. Rodriguez lands a couple of hooks in close. Left hook from Rodriguez. Erosa catches a body kick and trips Rodriguez down, then jumps to the back and gets a body triangle. Rodriguez is able to break the triangle and spin to get on top of Erosa and fires elbows from full guard. Erosa starts fishing for a guillotine, it’s in and tight and gets the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Julian Erosa via Submission, guillotine choke, at 4:49 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Erosa for his work this evening. Mic time for Erosa he says he loves to brawl even when it isn’t the game plan. He calls Rodriguez a bantamweight and knew he could do work on the mat because he might not be the strongest guy in the division but he’s stronger than someone that much smaller. To close he talks us through the finish to close.

Gabriel Bonfim suffered his first loss his last time out in November of last year, he’s still thought of rather highly as a prospect and is looking to get his hype train back up and running with a win. Ange Loosa has gone 2-1 with 1 No Contest during his time in the UFC, he’s on a two fight winning streak and most recently fought to a No Contest now he’s looking for the biggest win of his career if he can upset the touted Bonfim. It’s not surprising to see Bonfim as the favorite at -345 to a +275 comeback on Loosa.

Welterweight Bout: Gabriel Bonfim (15-1, 171 lbs.) vs. Ange Loosa (10-3 1 NC, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Bonfim is three inches taller while Loosa has an inch and a half of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Bonfim with some early calf kicks. Loosa tries a single leg, Bonfim defends against the fence and they wind up clinched. Outside trip from Loosa, Bonfim scrambles back up though and they resume clinch work. Some knees from Bonfim land as he’s got Loosa on the cage. They jockey for position and Bonfim with more knees before Loosa gets free. Bonfim is all over Loosa with knees, Loosa is able to hit a double leg but Bonfim is threatening a guillotine now. Loosa is able to get his head free and moves to the ride while Bonfim works to wall walk. Bonfim regains his feet but Loosa is able to trip him back down. Hammer fists from Loosa now as he’s securing the ride position. Bonfim is back up and this time he spins free. Some jabs go back and forth. Bonfim blocks a takedown and lands a knee. Left hook from Bonfim is partially blocked. Loosa gets a clinch but Bonfim lands a knee to the body then they break. Some jabs from Bonfim land. Bonfim blocks a takedown but tries a guillotine, then slips and scrambles back up. Both men swing hooks in close, Bonfim’s power is starting to get through Loosa’s guard now. They feint away the last couple of seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bonfim but a close one

ROUND TWO: Bonfim gets on offense quickly and lands a few front kicks. Loosa hits a single leg, Bonfim tries a guillotine but loses it and has to wall walk then lands a knee in the clinch. Loosa lands a couple of jabs. Bonfim digs a right hand to the body. Bit of an uppercut from Bonfim. Right hand then a knee from Bonfim. Body kick from Bonfim. Bonfim lands a calf kick. Both men miss punches in close then Bonfim lands a knee to the body. Both men land lefts then Bonfim lands a right to the body. Left hook from Loosa. Both men seem to be slow and Bonfim lands a body kick. Uppercut from Bonfim. Another knee to the body from Bonfim lands. Both men miss hooks in close. They trade some jabs, Bonfim’s output is steady while Loosa’s seems to be waning. Double leg from Bonfim and he gets on top just before the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Loosa pressures forward but can’t find much offense. They trade calf kicks then Bonfim lands a left hook. Bonfim lands a couple of right hands. Some combination work from Bonfim now, Loosa is blocking a lot of these but he’s getting outworked and Bonfim is starting to piece him up. Bonfim lands a body kick. Bit of a right from Bonfim. Calf kick from Bonfim. Loosa tries a takedown, but Bonfim defends against the fence and separates. Bit of a right from Bonfim. Loosa mostly blocks a high kick. Knee from Bonfim lands. Bonfim with a combination of punches, the last one lands. Loosa gets a clinch and pushes things to the fence. Bonfim is able to spin free and reset. Bonfim lands a couple of punches. Loosa tries a single leg, Bonfim jumps for a guillotine but slips off of it as the round ends.

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

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

No issues with Loosa getting the first round. Mic time for Bonfim and the translator, he’s happy to fight for three rounds especially coming off of a loss and is grateful for the experience. He was well trained for this fight and was really ready to avoid being held down, then asks for a bonus. That will almost certainly not be happening.

Drew Dober has been kind of an action hero for the UFC over his last couple of years in the promotion, he’s gone 4-2 in his last four fights but did drop a decision to Renato Moicano back in February. Dober is trying to avoid his first losing streak since 2021 and prove he’s still a potential threat in the division. Jean Silva is normally a featherweight and fought just 14 days ago at UFC 303, but if Silva can get another win here it would be a very important one for him as he continues to establish himself in the UFC. The odds like Silva at -120 to a +100 payout for Dober.

Lightweight Bout: Drew Dober (27-13 1 NC, 155 lbs.) vs. Jean Silva (13-2, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Dober has an inch of height and reach advantage, he’s also 8 years older. They touch gloves to get us going, Dober fighting southpaw. Both men probe with the lead hand. Bit of a leg kick from Dober. A fair amount of pressure from Dober and he lands a body kick then a left hand. Silva lands a couple of rights then circles off of the fence. Dober fires a high kick. The size difference is evident, Dober would have to cut off a limb to make 145 but Silva is a fairly tanky guy in general. Both men land strikes at distance. Dober is cut around the right eyebrow after a punch from Silva. Both men land punches in close. Silva lands a body kick. Dober lands a body kick, he’s still backing Silva up pretty consistently. Left to the body from Dober. Silva lands a glancing right hand. Left hook from Silva, he’s timing that when Dober closes distance. Dober lands a body kick. Silva with a front kick. Dober misses a few kicks, he doesn’t quite have a feel for the range. Left hook from Silva then a body kick. Both men land punches then Dober misses a wheel kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Silva

ROUND TWO: Dober lands a left to the body. Silva avoids a spinning kick. Inside leg kick from Dober. Dober pushes into a clinch and lands a knee before Silva gets free, then Silva lands a left hook. Body kick from Dober. Silva lands a left hook but Dober just eats it. Another left hook from Silva but Dober’s chin is notoriously great and he’s just taking these to land his own punches. Knee from Silva. Left hand then a right from Silva but Dober bulls close and unloads uppercuts. Dober with a body kick. Bit of an elbow from Silva but Dober lands a left hand. Dober lands an inside leg kick. A left to the body from Dober. Silva checks a body kick then lands a right hand. Both men miss power hand punches. A left hook from Silva off balances Dober. Dober lands a superman punch that staggers Silva. Silva lands a right to the body. Bit of a left from Dober. Silva lands an inside leg kick. Dober with another body shot then a left hand. Both men land in close, they’re swinging then Dober tries a takedown but nothing comes of it. Spinning elbow from Silva staggers Dober then Silva lands a combination but Dober stays upright as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: The doctor checks on the cut on Dober, he’s good to continue so here we go. They hug to start the last round. High kick from Silva, Dober with an inside leg kick. Left hand from Dober lands. Dober tries a takedown, Silva grabs a guillotine but slips off and fights up then free. Dober pushes forward and eats an elbow. Silva fights off a takedown and lands a spinning elbow to drop Dober for a second. Silva has targeted that cut and it’s getting worse each time he hits it. Dober keeps coming forward but eats another blow to the cut. The ref pauses things and gets the doctor to check the cut, this one should be stopped I think. The doctor agrees and we’re done. I have 0 problem with that one.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jean Silva via TKO, cuts, at 1:28 of Round 3

Mic time for Silva and the translator, he’s very emotional and says commentary and the UFC have figured out that he’s different and in particular Dominick Cruz for seeing his ability. He talks us through some highlights and says they train hard for this kind of thing then puts over Dober as a guy he’s watched and admired for a long time. To close he apologizes again for missing weight last time and hopes he did get a bonus tonight, and I think that was the Fight of the Night so far.

Dober gets some mic time as well, he jokes about his neanderthal eyebrows cutting easily then thanks Silva for the fight on two weeks notice. This is what fighting is about, doesn’t matter who or where you show up and go to war. He thanks the fans and promises to get back to work as soon as possible.

Here’s the cut, and to repeat myself I have no problem with fights being stopped with cuts like this.

#UFCDenver pic.twitter.com/1KPvGmwF5V

— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) July 14, 2024

Santiago Ponzinibbio has had a pretty successful UFC career, he debuted for the promotion in November of 2013 and had a seven fight winning streak at one point as well as several attempts to make a fight between himself and Robbie Lawler that just never quite materialized. Ponzinibbio has gone just 1-3 in his last four fights though and pretty badly needs a win to get things back on track. Muslim Salikhov has gone just 1-3 in his last four fights and is on a two fight losing streak, that’s somewhat saved by his fights usually being quite fun to watch but at the age of 40 he really needs to get back on the winning side of things here if he’s going to make any kind of run in the division. The odds to like Ponzinibbio at -180 to +150 for Salikhov.

Welterweight Bout: Santiago Ponzinibbio (29-7, 171 lbs.) vs. Muslim Salikhov (19-5, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ponzinibbio is an inch taller with three inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Salikhov circling and showing some stance switches. Body kick from Salikhov. Ponzinibbio is pressing forward, then misses a calf kick. Salikhov misses a left hook but his feinting is getting reactions out of Ponzinibbio. Bit of a body kick from Salikhov as he avoids a right hand. Ponzinibbio blocks a wheel kick. A lot of forward motion from Ponzinibbio but he hasn’t landed much yet. Right hand from Ponzinibbio. They clinch up and Ponzinibbio pushes things into the fence. Salikhov gets free pretty quickly. A spinning back fist from Salikhov partially lands and Ponzinibbio slips a little bit, more footing issue than the force of the blow. Bit of a combination from Ponzinibbio but Salikhov lands a right uppercut. Bit of a right from Salikhov. Salikhov lands a body kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Salikhov but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Ponzinibbio circles more as the round begins. Spinning back kick from Salikhov. Ponzinibbio lands a calf kick. Front kick from Salikhov. Another spinning back kick from Salikhov partially lands. Ponzinibbio avoids a spinning kick then lands a calf kick. Both men land left hooks, Salikhov landed better. Ponzinibbio is on the retreat but Salikhov partially lands a wheel kick. Bit of a calf kick from Salikhov. Ponzinibbio lands a left hand, he seems recovered after being a little bit buzzed. Calf kick from Ponzinibbio. Double jab then a right from Ponzinibbio. Uppercut in close from Salikhov. Ponzinibbio is still marching forward, partially lands a right hand. Salikhov eats a right hand, he doesn’t like that one and hits a double leg but doesn’t retain control and they just reset. Ponzinibbio keeps coming forward, lands a couple of punches then eats a left hook. Salikhov misses a left hook. Ponzinibbio tries a double leg and hits it against the fence. Salikhov looks to wall walk, and that’s where the round will close.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ponzinibbio but another competitive one, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Ponzinibbio starts jabbing right away. Both men miss left hooks. Salikhov shows some front kicks then Ponzinibbio lands a right hand. Ponzinibbio lands a calf kick. Bit of a front kick from Salikhov. Both men miss left hooks. They both avoid kicks. Ponzinibbio blocks a few punches. Short left from Ponzinibbio. Salikhov avoids a few punches. Ponzinibbio pushes into a clinch but nothing comes of it. Jab from Salikhov. Ponzinibbio avoids a left hook. Bit of a one two from Ponzinibbio, then he pushes into a clinch on the fence. Ponzinibbio looks for a double leg on the fence, winds up slipping around to the back as Salikhov defends. Salikhov sags to a knee and Ponzinibbio wrestles him all the way to his seat. Salikhov wall walks, Ponzinibbio looks for a takedown but wont find it before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ponzinibbio but again close, 29-28 Ponzinibbio overall but who knows with this one

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Muslim Salikhov via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)

Can’t be upset about 29-28 either way, it was a close fight. Mic time for Salikhov, he puts over Ponzinibbio then thanks his own team for all of their work. He thanks the crowd and puts over the city of Denver, saying he’ll try and do more training camps here.

Rose Namajunas is a former two time strawweight champion but her campaign up at flyweight thus far hasn’t exactly been inspiring, she is coming off of a win though and a second one here could set her up for a high profile fight next. Tracy Cortez is on an 11 fight winning streak including five wins in the UFC she’s stepping in on short notice though to take on the biggest name she’s ever faced, but this does represent a big opportunity as well as a big risk for the rising contender. While this one close fairly close the odds to like Namajunas at -230 to a +190 comeback on Cortez.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: #6 Rose Namajunas (12-6, 124.75 lbs.) vs. #11 Tracy Cortez (11-1, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Cortez has half an inch of reach advantage. Both women start off circling and feinting. Namajunas with a bit of a calf kick. Cortez falls short with some punches. Namajunas misses a few punches then eats an inside leg kick. One two from Namajunas. Both women block punches in close. Namajunas lands a right hand to counter a low kick. They trade jabs. Stiff left from Namajunas drops Cortez and Namajunas gets on top in full guard. They wind up just resetting on the feet. Bit of a right from Namajunas. Cortez misses a couple of punches. Left hook lands for Cortez. Both women land punches in close. Inside leg kick from Cortez. Cortez lands a right hand then Namajunas lands a left. Some low kicks go back and forth. Both women avoid punches. Namajunas misses a few punches to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Namajunas

ROUND TWO: Cortez moves forward this round and lands a couple of punches. Namajunas avoids a takedown attempt then lands a couple of punches. Both women land some punches in close, Cortez is starting to string longer combinations together. Namajunas lands a leg kick. Bit of a left from Namajunas. The movement of Namajunas has slowed this round. Both women try head kicks that don’t really land. Cortez hits a takedown, gets the back as Namajunas bases up but slides off and grabs a front headlock as they stand. Namajunas gets her head free and they both swing lefts as they separate. Right hand from Namajunas. A few punches go back and forth in close. Bit of a front kick from Cortez. Namajunas lands a leg kick. Takedown from Namajunas into half guard. Not much time left in the round and that’s where the round will end.

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

ROUND THREE: Cortez comes out looking to push the pace but Namajunas quickly hits a takedown then mounts Cortez. A few short punches from Namajunas land but she’s not getting much offense off yet. Cortez is able to get some motion, Namajunas moves to a ride position but Cortez stands into a clinch. They jockey for position in the clinch, Namajunas blocks an inside trip and then trips Cortez down to land back on top. Namajunas with a few more punches as she’s pretty much mounted Cortez again. Cortez is looking to use the fence to bridge, she gives up her back though and Namajunas lands punches while Cortez works to try another wall walk. Namajunas winds up in half guard, Cortez is able to stand into a clinch and they separate. Front kick from Namajunas lands. They feint away the last seconds.

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

ROUND FOUR: Namajunas back to circling and making Cortez miss. Cortez fires a high kick then tries to brawl but gets clinched on the fence. A few knees from Cortez land before they break. Cortez just can’t find Namajunas reliably. Namajunas lands a stiff jab. Bit of a knee from Cortez. Namajunas with a leg kick then a right hand. Double leg from Namajunas, Cortez gives up the ride position and stands with Namajunas on her back. They break without incident after a bit. Bit of a left from Namajunas, she’s started doing more stance switching now. Glancing right from Cortez but her range management has been off for a pretty much the whole fight. Namajunas with a left hook. Cortez hits a double leg, Namajunas then quickly wall walks into a clinch. A knee from Cortez closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Namajunas, 40-36 Namajunas overall

ROUND FIVE: Cortez moves forward with some kicks. They trade left hooks, Cortez is definitely going for it despite being down all four rounds thus far. Cortez lands a right hand. They clinch up and Cortez pushes things to the fence. Namajunas spins things around then they break. Namajunas avoids some punches. They trade power hand punches, then both swing without much success before clinching up. Cortez gets free without incident. Bit of a left hook from Namajunas. Namajunas hits a takedown, Cortez quickly scrambles up into a clinch on the fence. Cortez lands a knee as she’s looking to spin free, then they break. Left hook from Cortez. Cortez wants a brawl but Namajunas wont indulge her. Namajunas lands a right hand. Bit of a right from Cortez. Another couple of punches land for Cortez. They trade in close. Cortez is still trying to get the brawl going, Namajunas is willing to throw but wont stand and trade. They clinch up and that’s where the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cortez but could go to Namajunas, 49-46 Namajunas overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Rose Namajunas via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46 x2)

Not sure what the other round was that Cortez could have won. Namajunas gets an interview, she puts over the crowd and the city of Denver. She knew Cortez was going to be a tough opponent and kind of found success in the wrestling. Asked about the future she wants a title shot, which seems unlikely all things considered.

Well on that note UFC on ESPN 59 comes to a close. An event that was OK on paper, and honestly OK in practice but we’ll break down all the specifics on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast tomorrow. Plus we’ll look ahead to next week, which is a pretty dismal affair on paper when we’re back in the UFC warehouse with Virna Jandiroba and Amanda Lemos as the main event. I’ll forgive you for not watching that one, but please do read my report. Until next time thank you all for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.