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MAIN CARD (Paramount+, 8 p.m. ET)
#3 Sean Strickland (185 lbs.) vs. #4 Anthony Hernandez (186 lbs.)
Uros Medic (171 lbs.) vs. #12 Geoff Neal (170.5 lbs.)
Melquizael Costa (145.5 lbs.) vs. #14 Dan Ige (145.5 lbs.)
#9 Ante Delija (239 lbs.) vs. #7 Serghei Spivac (251.5 lbs.)
Josiah Harrell (171 lbs.) vs. Jacobe Smith (171 lbs.)
Michel Pereira (186 lbs.) vs. Zach Reese (185.5 lbs.)
PRELIMINARY CARD (Paramount+, 5 p.m. ET)
Carlos Leal (170 lbs.) vs. Chidi Njokuani (171 lbs.)
Alibi Idiris (126 lbs.) vs. Ode Osbourne (126 lbs.)
Alden Coria (125.5 lbs.) vs. Luis Gurule (125 lbs.)
#12 Nora Cornolle (136 lbs.) vs. #14 Joselyne Edwards (135.5 lbs.)
Ramiz Brahimaj (170.5 lbs.) vs. Punahele Soriano (171 lbs.)
Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani (170.5 lbs.) vs. Phil Rowe (170.5 lbs.)
Yadier del Valle (145.5 lbs.) vs. Jordan Leavitt (145.5 lbs.)
Carli Judice (125 lbs.) vs. Juliana Miller (126 lbs.)
Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host. The UFC took last week off but we’re in front of a real crowd for this one and it’s got a couple of pretty good fights. The main event is relevant for the middleweight division, the winner will likely be fighting for the title in their next fight though whether they get the next immediate title shot remains unclear. But Sean Strickland is a former champion and stylistically represents some real hurdles for most of the division while Anthony Hernandez has been surging lately and could finally punch his way to the title picture with a win. We’ve also got veteran Dan Ige taking on up and coming featherweight Melquizael Costa in what should be a good fight. Beyond that Ante Delija is back in action, Carlos Leal vs. Chidi Njokuani will likely feature a knockout, and Carli Judice is trying to inject some life into women’s flyweight as a prospect. So overall there’s definitely some highlights, there’s also a fair amount of less than stellar stuff but let’s hope the fights deliver.
UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez comes to the world from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, USA. On the mic we’ve got Jon Anik steering the ship along with Michael Bisping and Paul Felder, which is a decent trio. Bruce Buffer will handle the announcing with Heidi Androl as our roving reporter. Texas does use the newer rules if memory serves so hands are irrelevant when determining if a fighter is downed, and we’re in the larger 30 foot cage.
Carli Judice has gone 2-1 in the UFC but she’s on a two fight winning streak with both of those being finishes. With women’s MMA generally being a bit down across the board Judice is trying to prove herself an exciting prospect with another win. Juliana Miller has gone 2-2 in the UFC but has mostly been dogged by inactivity, she is coming off of a win though and despite nearly being out of action for a year she could get her first UFC winning streak going here. Judice is the biggest favorite on the card at -850 to Miller’s +590 comeback.
Women’s Flyweight Bout: Carli Judice (5-2, 125 lbs.) vs. Juliana Miller (4-3, 126 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Judice has two inches of reach advantage. Judice opens southpaw and both women start circling. A few probing lefts from Judice as both women do some lead hand fighting. Front kick from Judice, Miller tries a single leg and winds up slipping to the back standing. Miller kicks off the fence to force things to the mat, Jacare used to do that, and Miller gets a body triangle. Judice is kind of in a dicey position, it’s not immediately dangerous but she’s got to be careful. Miller tries to choke, Judice is able to try and turn into her and they wind up scrambling up with Miller moving to the backpack position. Miller bails on the backpack, Judice gets chest to chest then they trade body blows in the clinch. Judice with an elbow as they jockey for position. A few knees go back and forth then Miller lands an uppercut as they break. Another body kick from Judice, she’s looking to wind and wear down Miller. Uppercut from Judice. Solid left hand from Judice wobbles Miller for a second. Miller tries a takedown but Judice defends and keeps walking Miller down. Another front kick from Judice. Judice lands a combination of punches then an elbow before blocking a takedown into a clinch. They jockey in the clinch for a bit as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Judice
ROUND TWO: Judice gets back to forward pressure and long range attacks. Left hand from Judice. Another left from Judice. Miller lands a right hand. A bit of stance switching from Judice now though she’s still mostly southpaw. Judice almost can’t miss with her left hand at this point. Again Judice lands a combination. Miller tries a single leg, Judice defends but Miller then lands a left hand. Left hand from Judice. Bit of a right from Miller but she’s getting kind of chewed up now. Judice with a left to the body then a side kick. Short elbow from Judice as they clinch up then she hits the body as they break. Body kick from Judice. Counter left from Judice, she’s really just tuning up Miller now. Judice with a body kick that bothers Miller visibly. Left hand from Judice, she’s starting to roll down hill now and Miller is running out of ideas. Bit of a right from Miller. Front kick from Judice. Uppercut then a left hand from Judice. Ugly spin kick from Miller misses. Left to the body then a right hook from Judice. Judice fires a head kick that’s partially blocked. Miller avoids a wheel kick. Knee from Judice then another body kick to end the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Judice, 20-18 Judice overall
ROUND THREE: They quickly clinch up and Judice pushes things into the fence. Miller is able to slip to the back and kicks off the fence again but she can’t get both hooks in this time. Judice is able to get to her knees and looks to stand but Miller off balances things. Miller has both hooks in now. Body triangle now for Miller and she’s after the choke, Judice is able to hand fight and forces a scramble then gets free. Judice lands a couple of lefts then a knee. Bit of a body kick from Judice. Left to the body from Judice, Miller lands a right hand in response. Judice lands a left hand then a front kick. Miller tries to tie up but gets punched. Left to the body from Judice. Judice lands a left hand. Body kick from Judice. Judice lands a left hand. Inside leg kick from Judice. Miller avoids a punch. Bit of a left from Judice then they trade in close to end the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Miller, 29-28 Judice overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Carli Judice via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
I’m a little surprised at the 30-27, Judice didn’t really do much to overcome nearly getting choked. No interview for Judice.
Yadier del Valle is undefeated including being 2-0 in the UFC, most recently he was in that weird fight with Isaac Dulgarian but he apparently was cleared or not implicated in any of the shenanigans. Del Valle is looking for another win and to begin the difficult transition from prospect to contender this year. Jordan Leavitt has gone 5-3 in the UFC and is coming off of a win, he’s looking to find some new momentum moving to featherweight as well as fully maturing in his skill set by getting his second UFC winning streak up and running. The odds are with del Valle at -405 to a +320 comeback on Leavitt.
Featherweight Bout: Yadier del Valle (10-0, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Jordan Leavitt (12-3, 145.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Leavitt has two inches of reach advantage. Both men fight southpaw and they touch gloves. Leavitt catches a front kick and forces a clinch. Takedown from Leavitt into side control then he puts himself into half guard for control. Del Valle looks to wall walk, Leavitt keeps the clinch as they get up though. Knee from Leavitt but del Valle thinks it went low so we’ve got a time out. Eh, replay is a little unclear but it looks like the shin made some contact with the cup but nothing bad. Del Valle is good after 30 seconds and we’re back to fighting. Leavitt shows some front kicks. They clinch up again and Leavitt hits a nice outside reap to get on top. Leavitt moves to half guard then to side control. Some knees to the body from Leavitt, del Valle wall walks but he’s still stuck in the clinch and tripped back down. Full guard now for del Valle and Leavitt with a little slam then a short elbow. Leavitt with some short blows on top then a pretty decent elbow. Punch from Leavitt, del Valle seems way too content to just hold full guard and he’s losing because of it. A couple more elbows land for Leavitt. Del Valle blocks a few passes but he’s really not able to mount offense or make a real effort at standing up. Leavitt with some punches then he drops for a leg lock since there’s 10 seconds left, he wont find it but it was a nice idea to attack when the risks were so low as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Leavitt
ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Both men probe with kicks while they move around. Del Valle lands a jab. Leavitt avoids a left hand. Sprawl from del Valle then both men show kicks again. Front kicks from Leavitt now and he’s showing some stance switches while backing up del Valle. Right to the body from del Valle. Leavitt level changes, del Valle sprawls but Leavitt rolls with him and gets on top again. Half guard for Leavitt now and he lands a few elbows to the body. A few blows land for Leavitt. Del Valle gets butterfly guard but he’s still struggling. Leavitt moves to half guard and hits the body a few times. Del Valle sits against the fence now but Leavitt pulls him away from the fence and lands a couple of short punches. Elbow from Leavitt. A few punches from Leavitt then del Valle lands very illegal up kick so we’ve got a time out. Leavitt seems OK and the ref restarts them on the mat, as he should, after 30 seconds. Again Leavitt drops for an Achilles lock or something similar with 10 seconds left but wont find it.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Leavitt, 20-18 Leavitt overall
ROUND THREE: Both men show some kicks again as the round starts. Del Valle needs a finish and seems to know it but he’s struggling to find punches. Inside leg kick from Leavitt. Del Valle looks to pressure forward but he still can’t land any punches. Jab from Leavitt. Leavitt looks for a takedown, del Valle defends with a borderline illegal knee but he then gets on top in half guard. OK, replay showed that knee was legal as it hit the chest when Leavitt was down so fair play to del Valle. A few body blows from del Valle, Leavitt then blocks a few pass attempts. Leavitt moves to sitting on the fence, del Valle lands a few punches but Leavitt wrestles on a double leg and gets on top in side control. Leavitt steps over the head and hits the body then spanks del Valle for comedic effect. Back to side control Leavitt unloads a couple of elbows just before the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 del Valle, 29-28 Leavitt overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jordan Leavitt via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Solid upset win for Leavitt even if the fight wasn’t super exciting. No interview for Leavitt.
Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani brings a four fight winning streak into his UFC debut and now he’s looking to make good on his only chance at making a first impression. Phil Rowe took this fight on short notice replacing Austin Vanderford, he’s trying to avoid another losing streak. Lebosnoyani is the favorite at -205 to Rowe’s +170.
Welterweight Bout: Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani (9-2, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Phil Rowe (11-6, 170.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Rowe is four inches taller with a big eight and a half inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Lebosnoyani. Both men show the lead hand, and good grief the size difference is very evident. Inside calf kick from Lebosnoyani. Another inside calf kick from Lebosnoyani. Rowe avoids a takedown but Lebosnoyani lands a couple of punches. Knee from Rowe in close, Lebosnoyani has started switching his stance to land calf kicks. Jab from Rowe. Bit of a right hand from Lebosnoyani. Another jab from Rowe then they trade calf kicks. Takedown from Lebosnoyani against the fence and he moves to half guard pretty quickly. Rowe looks to wall walk but Lebosnoyani wraps the head and threatens a few chokes to force him back to the mat. Elbows from Lebosnoyani now and he starts moving towards mount. Lebosnoyani is pretty much in mount but Rowe is able to hip escape to half guard again. Some more punches from Lebosnoyani and he keeps threatening various choke attacks between landing elbows. Rowe wrestles up and avoids a front headlock but Lebosnoyani keeps punching in the clinch before they break. Jab from Rowe. Rowe avoids a takedown and lands a knee but Lebosnoyani lands a couple of solid punches. Lebosnoyani shows a head kick then lands a right hand. Rowe lands a right hand then they trade just before the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Lebosnoyani
ROUND TWO: Body jab from Lebosnoyani. Inside calf kick from Rowe. Calf kick from Rowe then a jab. Lebosnoyani misses an overhand right but then lands a calf kick. A few high kicks from Lebosnoyani miss. Lebosnoyani tries a takedown, that hits the fence though. A few punches go back and forth before they break. Body kick from Lebosnoyani. Rowe lands a few jabs. Both men trade calf kicks. Lebosnoyani tries a takedown, it hits the fence again and Rowe lands an elbow while defending. Both men land a few knees then Lebosnoyani hits an outside trip to get on top in half guard. Rowe quickly works to wall walk, he does get up into a clinch. Knee from Rowe then Lebosnoyani lands punches to the body and head before they break. Calf kick from Rowe. Bit of a one two from Lebosnoyani, then he catches Rowe off balance and gets on top as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Lebosnoyani, 20-18 Lebosnoyani overall
ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Rowe lands a jab then an inside leg kick. Lebosnoyani with a calf kick then a bit of a right hand. Stiff jab from Rowe then a right hand. Rowe’s jab is fairly active but he’s got to get something built off of it now. Lebosnoyani blocks a high kick then lands a jab of his own. Another jab from Rowe. Rowe with a right hand and he avoids the counters. Lebosnoyani blocks a high kick but Rowe then lands a right hand. Takedown from Lebosnoyani into leg drag off of a kick then he moves to side control but Rowe threatens a crucifix and they scramble around. Ultimately Lebosnoyani gets on to pin full mount then tries a choke but winds up just holding mount. Rowe is able to shrimp to half guard, then full guard but he needs a finish with 90 seconds left. Lebosnoyani with a nice scramble and pass, he looks for a front headlock series again as they stand but Rowe is able to slip free. 35 seconds and Rowe needs a knockout. Right hand from Rowe then Lebosnoyani returns it. One two from Rowe, then a left hook. They get close and both men land punches, Rowe finally came alive there but likely too late as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Lebosnoyani, 30-27 Lebosnoyani overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)
The second round was decently close maybe, but man I don’t know how you find two rounds for Rowe in that fight. No interview for the winner.
Ramiz Brahimaj has gone 5-3 in the UFC but he’s on a three fight winning streak and really seems to be settling into the UFC finally. A fourth win here would set Brahimaj up for a higher profile fight next. Punahele Soriano has gone 3-0 since dropping to welterweight in 2024, if he can get to four in a row here it could well line him up for a ranked opponent later in the year. Close one here, -120 on Soriano to an even +100 for Brahimaj.
Welterweight Bout: Ramiz Brahimaj (13-5, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Punahele Soriano (12-4, 171 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Soriano is an inch taller with half an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves, Soriano fighting southpaw. Both men show the lead hand as they circle. Bit of a left from Soriano. Brahimaj lands a front kick then blocks a couple of counters. Bit of a high kick from Soriano. Brahimaj shows a few body kicks of his own. Bit of a high kick from Soriano. Another body kick from Brahimaj as he circles. Left hand from Soriano and they trade in a collar tie briefly. Again Brahimaj lands the body kick, he’s just staying consistent with it. Left hook from Brahimaj seems to bother Soriano for a second. Soriano lands a left hand. Brahimaj with another body kick then Soriano lands a left hand. A couple body kicks from Brahimaj land. Bit of a combination from Soriano. Left hand from Soriano. Soriano lands a couple of lefts. Body kick from Soriano but Brahimaj fires back a counter right. One two from Soriano. Brahimaj tries a takedown, he slips to the back and pulls things down but he’s only got one hook and Soriano spins to get on top then fires punches to the body and head as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Brahimaj but Soriano gained the momentum late
ROUND TWO: Both men get back to the lead hand fight. Left hand from Soriano. Brahimaj shoots and gets to the back standing. Soriano avoids going all the way down, he gets put on a knee a few times but never for long he just can’t get free. Switch from Soriano and he gets on top now against the fence. Brahimaj immediately wall walks but Soriano lands a knee to the body as they clinch up again. A few more knees from Soriano but not much is going on as they jockey for position. Some body blows from Soriano but again neither man is doing much. Knee from Soriano then an elbow and another knee. Another knee from Soriano, Brahimaj returns it then the ref separates them. Brahimaj tries a double leg, Soriano sprawls but Brahimaj slips to the back again then rides things down and gets both hooks in. Body triangle for Brahimaj then he moves to mount briefly, grabs the fence to maintain position, and the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Brahimaj but a close one, 20-18 Brahimaj overall
ROUND THREE: Soriano comes out jabbing then fires a head kick. Glancing couple of head kicks from Soriano then a body kick, and another high kick. Brahimaj is struggling a bit now, he’s a little fatigued. They tie up, foot sweep from Soriano then he lands a punch and makes Brahimaj stand up. Brahimaj eats a punch, then tries a takedown and gets to the ride against the fence. Soriano blocks the hooks from going in then turns to get on top. Knee from Soriano then a left hand as they stand, Brahimaj gets to the back standing again and resumes hugging. Soriano gets chest to chest, Brahimaj hits a takedown but they scramble back up and into a clinch. Elbows from Soriano in the clinch. Takedown from Soriano then he again hits Brahimaj repeatedly as Brahimaj stands into a clinch. Brahimaj tries a guillotine but Soriano takes him down into side control. Another guillotine attack from Brahimaj but that wont work, he uses it mostly to stall out the final seconds of the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Soriano, 29-28 Brahimaj overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Punahele Soriano via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
I’m glad Soriano got that decision, I probably should have given him the second. No interview for Soriano.
Nora Cornolle has gone 3-2 in the UFC and most recently lost to Karol Rosa, she’s trying to avoid her first losing streak as well as defend her ranking. Joselyne Edwards is trying to avenge a 2023 loss to Cornolle and climb a little further up the ranks. The odds pretty heavily like Edwards at -375 while that +300 payout on Cornolle has to be fairly tempting.
Women’s Bantamweight Bout: #12 Nora Cornolle (9-3, 136 lbs.) vs. #14 Joselyne Edwards (16-6, 135.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Edwards is an inch taller with three inches of reach advantage. Both women with feinting. Cornolle lands a right hand. Some jabs from Cornolle into a clinch. Edwards pushes things to the fence and starts looking for trips. A few knees to back and forth then Cornolle lands an elbow. They keep jockeying for position and trading a few short knees. Whizzer kick from Cornolle to force motion then she lands elbows as they move around. Cornolle gets Edwards on the fence and lands knees to the body and leg. Knees to the head from Cornolle, Edwards is really after a takedown but can’t find one and they break. Both women land punches in close. Spinning back fist from Cornolle, Edwards then lands a right hand. Both women miss spinning attacks and they clinch again. Short elbow from Cornolle then a knee to the body. A few more knees from Cornolle close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Cornolle
ROUND TWO: Both women get back to long range weapons. A couple of leg kicks from Cornolle land, then Edwards hits a takedown into side control. Pretty quick get up from Cornolle as Edwards moves to the back standing. Edwards looks to jump for the backpack, Cornolle blocks that and they trade punches before getting chest to chest. Edwards slips to the back and slams Cornolle down, Cornolle looks out but the ref says fight on so Cornolle stands then gets taken back down and Edwards with a choke to get the tap. Man that slam did a ton of damage.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Joselyne Edwards via Submission, rear naked choke, at 2:44 of Round 2
Seems like something bad happened to Cornolle’s right shoulder on the slam, she’s not able to get up after the fight. No interview again, that seems odd but then again with Cornolle still being just barely seated and not able to get out of the cage yet it does kind of track. That right shoulder of hers is badly hurt as she’s in agony.
You can see the slam and finishHERE. There’s clearly something wrong with the shoulder or collar bone of Cornolle given how they landed.
Alden Coria is on a five fight unbeaten streak including a successful UFC debut last year, he’s looking to continue that streak here and prove he’s a flyweight to watch. Luis Gurule has gone 0-2 in the UFC and really needs to find that all important first UFC win here because an 0-3 start at flyweight is a pretty grim omen. The odds are with Coria at -390 to Gurule’s +310 comeback.
Flyweight Bout: Alden Coria (11-3 1 NC, , 125.5 lbs.) vs. Luis Gurule (10-2, 125 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Coria has three inches of height and reach advantage. Both men with some range finding early as they feint, nothing serious yet. Coria with a jab and a leg kick. Both men are being patient and cagey, they’re trying to set things up rather than just throwing. A few jabs from Coria. Now Coria with jabs to the body and head. Bit of a right hand from Gurule. Now Coria shows southpaw and lands a left hand. Gurule bulls forward into a clinch on the fence. They jockey for position on the fence, then Coria lands a knee as they break. Front kick from Gurule. Coria with a short uppercut in close. Cut kick from Coria but he can’t secure position on the mat. Jabs and calf kicks from Coria now. Gurule misses a blitz. Left hook from Coria and that’ll basically end the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Coria
ROUND TWO: Gurule punches into a clinch pretty quickly, he tries a takedown but Coria stays upright. Both men land elbows in close and Gurule might be a little wobbled. Calf kick from Coria then a one two. Left hand from Coria. Gurule shows a few kicks of his own now. Body kick from Coria. Right hand from Coria. They clinch up and Coria pushes things into the fence then lands an elbow. Another elbow from Coria on the break. Uppercut from Coria, that was nice. Both men land rights then Coria lands a body kick. Coria with a high kick that mostly lands. Gurule lands a combination into a clinch. They break and Coria lands a body kick. Gurule ducks under a spinning elbow and hits a takedown but Coria rolls with him and gets on top in side control. Short elbows from Coria then he grabs a ninja choke to force Gurule to stay on his back. A few more elbows from Coria land to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Coria, 20-18 Coria overall
ROUND THREE: Coria comes out jabbing then lands a calf kick. They trade in close, Gurule is trying to force the action and he grabs a clinch on the fence. They break without incident. Gurule with a few hooks then Coria lands an uppercut. Body blows from Coria then a left hand. Gurule lands a left hook. Double leg from Coria, nicely set up, and he moves to the back as Gurule stands. They move to the fence now and Coria lands punches as they break. Uppercut from Coria then Gurule lands a left hand. Knee to the body then a jab from Coria, Gurule is hurt to the body now. Coria with a body kick. Calf kick form Coria then a jab. Coria avoids a few punches then catches a kick and lands a right hand. Body kick from Coria. Right hand from Gurule and Coria then misses a spinning elbow. Body kick from Coria then an uppercut. Another body kick from Coria. Gurule misses some strikes as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Coria, 30-27 Coria overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alden Coria via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Solid win for Coria, but no interview.
Ode Osbourne has gone just 1-4 in his last five fights, most recently he lost to Steve Erceg and he badly needs to avoid another losing streak. Alibi Idiris suffered his first loss when he failed to win a season of TUF, but he’s still in the UFC and now he’s looking to get that critical first UFC win in his sophomore outing. Pretty close one here, -130 on Idiris to Osbourne’s +110.
Flyweight Bout: Alibi Idiris (10-1, 126 lbs.) vs. Ode Osbourne (13-9 1 NC, 126 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Osbourne is an inch taller with five inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Osbourne and he presses forward early then avoids a single leg from Idiris. Some stance switching from Idiris as he moves around but he’s mostly orthodox. Right hand from Idiris catches Osbourne off balance. Osbourne lands a body kick. Another body kick from Osbourne. Idiris lands a right hand. They clinch and Idiris pushes things to the fence. Inside trip from Idiris to land in the guard of Osbourne out in open space. Idiris looks to pass, he gets around towards side control but goes to half guard for control. Osbourne is able to scramble up with Idiris on his back, eventually Osbourne gets free then lands a one two. Both men land hooks. Left hand from Osbourne. Idiris reaches for a leg but can’t get to it. Bit of an up elbow from Idiris, that’ll be the last blow of the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Idiris
ROUND TWO: More forward pressure from Idiris. Osbourne lands a couple of rights to the body then avoids a takedown. One two from Osbourne. Calf kick from Idiris. One two from Osbourne, he’s starting to dial in his offense now. Idiris tries a single leg, he spins Osbourne into the fence and moves to the ride. Idiris with some punches, Osbourne rolls and gets half guard. Osbourne escapes to his feet and they trade in the clinch before breaking. One two from Osbourne. Idiris pushes for another takedown, that hits the fence though. Osbourne with a knee to the body but Idiris gets a body lock takedown into side control. Some short elbows from Idiris then hammer fists as Osbourne rolls to his knees. Idiris with punches as they stand then they just circle away the last seconds.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Idiris but could go either way, 20-18 Idiris overall
ROUND THREE: Osbourne gets back to forward pressure but he likely needs a stoppage. Left hand from Idiris lands. Single leg from Idiris and he’s able to get Osbourne down into full guard. Elbows from Idiris land. Osbourne is able to scramble up and lands a jab. Idiris lands a knee from a front headlock position. Right hook then a left hand from Idiris. Osbourne lands a couple of punches. Idiris hits a double leg but Osbourne is able to reverse position on the mat and get on top in full guard. Osbourne moves to half guard and lands a few strikes. Idiris is able to wrestle up but eats some knees on the way. One two from Osbourne. Idiris eats a jab then tries a takedown but has to settle for a clinch. Osbourne keeps things chest to chest and they’ll just ice the round in the clinch for about a minute.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Idiris, 30-27 Idiris overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alibi Idiris via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27 x2)
Decent win for Idiris but still no interview.
Chidi Njokuani just had a three fight winning streak broken by Jake Matthews, now he’s trying to avoid what would be his first losing streak at welterweight. Carlos Leal has gone just 1-2 in the UFC and most recently lost to Muslim Salikhov, he’s trying to avoid his first UFC losing streak with a win. The odds lean towards Leal at -140 while a +120 comeback on Njokuani might be a tempting value bet.
Welterweight Bout: Carlos Leal (22-7, 170 lbs.) vs. Chidi Njokuani (25-11 1 NC, 171 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Njokuani is four inches taller with a significant six inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves then Njokuani lands a couple of calf kicks. Leal with a right hand but Njokuani is firing a variety of kicks at various levels. So many kicks from Njokuani. Leal lands a right hand. Left to the body from Leal, then a right hand and another left to the body. Njokuani blocks a few punches but Leal is getting inside of kicking distance now a bit more reliably and is swinging leather. More up and down combinations from Leal as he’s got Njokuani on the fence. Njokuani shows kicks still and he’s blocking a lot of the punches. A couple more body blows from Leal. Njokuani takes another left to the body. Right hand from Njokuani. Leal lands a right hand then a few body blows again. Bit of a high knee from Njokuani. Leal keeps pressing forward and lands again to the body and head. Knee from Njokuani after he ate a right hand. Leal keeps hitting the body. Glancing left hand from Leal, he’s staying on offense. Njokuani with kicks to the lead leg, inside and outside. Leal with a few calf kicks of his own. Body kick from Njokuani. Right to the body from Leal. Leal with a right hand then an inside leg kick. Inside leg kick then a front kick from Njokuani. Leal with a jab then Njokuani with a body kick to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Leal but a close one
ROUND TWO: Leal back on pressure, Njokuani shows kicks then Leal tries a takedown against the fence. Njokuani defends then they wind up separating. Hard one two from Leal wobbles Njokuani, Njokuani seems to recover fairly quickly but he got his bell rung there. Leal keeps moving forward and Njokuani lands a body kick. Jab from Njokuani, he’s trying to stay off the fence more now. Both men land power hand punches. Jab from Leal. Njokuani lands a jab. Leal punches into a clinch and lands a few knees to the leg. Njokuani avoids a takedown but a second effort from Leal gets him down, but Njokuani just bounces up with Leal on his back. Some fence grabbing from Njokuani as Leal is on his back still. Leal tries to drop for a leg attack, that doesn’t work and they wind up separating. Left hook from Leal to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Leal, 20-18 Leal overall
ROUND THREE: Leal avoids a single leg and lands a right hand. Njokuani with a couple of kicks. Njokuani is the one coming forward now and he shows some jabs. Leal with a left hook, Njokuani responds with a high kick. Combination work from Leal including a few body blows. Both men land rights, they’re happy to trade in close. Combination from Leal again then a body blow. Njokuani lands a high kick and left hand. Body kick from Njokuani. Leal lands a left to the body. Jabs go back and forth then Leal follows up with a hook. Njokuani with some jabs now. Combination from Leal again. Njokuani with some punches while circling away. Leal avoids hooks, takes an illegal kick but just keeps going through it. Left hook from Leal. Inside leg kick from Njokuani. Double jab from Njokuani. Leal blocks a high kick then lands a right hand. They clinch then trade on the break. Njokuani lands a knee after avoiding an elbow. Left hand from Leal. Njokuani lands a right hand. Leal misses a wheel kick to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Njokuani, 29-28 Leal overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Carlos Leal via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
Well that was a fun fight, still no interview.
Zach Reese is on a three fight unbeaten streak and most recently choked out Jackson McVey, he’s trying to build on that momentum with another win here and then set his sights on some slightly bigger names. Michel Pereira looked like he might have revitalized his career with the move to middleweight a few years ago, but recently he’s on a three fight losing streak and now really needs to get back in the win column to preserve his job security. The odds like Pereira at -165 to a +140 payout for Reese.
Middleweight Bout: Michel Pereira (31-14 2 NC, 186 lbs.) vs. Zach Reese (10-2 1 NC, 185.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Reese is three inches taller with four inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Reese. Pereira with a body kick. Reese lands an inside leg kick, he’s really slow and Pereira is quick right now. Right hand from Pereira to counter a body kick and he’s got Reese down, Reese with up kicks then Pereira makes him stand back up. Reese keeps showing his left kick but he’s very slow with that leg and Pereira is countering him. Body jab from Pereira. Reese lands a couple of body kicks. Pereira takes a kick to the groin so we’ve got a time out. Replay shows not so much, looked much more like just an inside leg kick. The cup might have been jostled but the kick itself looked legal. Body kick from Reese once we get back to action. A few kicks go back and forth. Again they trade kicks and Pereira complains of a groin kick so we get another break. Replay shows this one made more contact with the groin. We get back to fighting fairly soon. Both men again with kicks. Reese with a bit of a high kick then they both swing some wild hooks in close. Pereira avoids a spinning back fist and takes Reese down into full guard. Some punches and elbows go back and forth, Reese then stands after taking a knee on the way up. Right hand from Pereira. Jumping kick from Reese partially lands. They clash on kicks to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Pereira but could go either way
ROUND TWO: Reese opens with body kicks again, Pereira looks to be slowing down. Knee from Reese then a calf kick. They tie up and Pereira pushes things to the fence but Reese quickly spins free. Some body blows from Reese then Pereira lands a knee. Now Pereira complains of an eye poke, looks like there was some finger to eye contact there from Reese. At this point the ref could get to point deductions from Reese just because of all the fouls. The doctor comes in to double check but Pereira is OK so we’re back to fighting after 1:35. Takedown from Reese into full guard. Reese passes to half guard and lands elbows, he’s bleeding a lot from somewhere though. Pereira fights up with Rees on his back and landing a knee. OK that blood was coming from the nose of Reese, the lands an elbow as they break. Body kick from Reese. They both land punches. Knee from Pereira then a right to the body. Front kick from Pereira. Reese misses a spinning attack. Both men land lead hand hooks. Body kick from Reese then another one. Right hand from Reese. Bit of a knee from Reese. Pereira avoids a head kick. Reese lands another body kick. Left hook then a right hand from Reese. Pereira avoids a wheel kick. Jumping knee from Reese partially lands then Pereira misses a rolling thunder kick as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Reese, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: They hug for the last round. Reese lands a body kick. Pereira with a right to the body. Left hand then a body kick from Reese. Again Reese with a left hand then a body kick behind it. Calf kick from Reese. Short right from Reese in close. Pereira avoids a takedown. Pereira lands a right hand. Reese lands a head kick. Right hand from Reese then Pereira fires a couple of jabs. Both men with body blows as they circle. Reese lands a body kick. Another body kick from Reese. Pereira lands a right hand. Clubbing left hand from Reese. Left hand from Reese again then a front kick. Pereira tries a takedown, Reese uses a guillotine threat though to scramble back up. Both men land rights then stare at each other. Left hook from Reese then they both land power hand punches. Body kick from Reese. Both men point at the mat but neither obliges, which is just funny. They finally do start throwing but nothing really lands for the final seconds of the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Reese but could go either way, 29-28 Reese overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Michel Pereira via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)
Can’t be too upset about that, the second round became the swing round apparently. I don’t agree but it’s not worth getting up in arms over given how the individual rounds went. No interview for Pereira.
Jacobe Smith is undefeated including two UFC wins last year, he’s become a fairly bright prospect given his background and MMA success thus far and now he’s looking to mature his skills then begin moving from prospect to contender. Josiah Harrell is undefeated, he took this fight on fairly short notice to finally get to the UFC after being medically disqualified a few years ago from a fight with Jack Della Maddalena. Harrell is looking to remain perfect and spring a fairly large upset. Given the replacement fighter in play here it’s not surprising that Smith is the -330 favorite to a +265 comeback on Harrell.
Welterweight Bout: Josiah Harrell (11-0, 171 lbs.) vs. Jacobe Smith (11-0, 171 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Smith is two and a half inches taller with four inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Harrell. A few front kicks from Harrell as they both range find. Bit of a right hand from Smith. Smith shows some side kicks to the knee then he sprawls on a double leg and grabs a brief front headlock before they separate. Body kicks go back and forth. Harrell avoids a right hand then lands a counter jab. Body kick from Smith. A few kicks go back and forth. Left hook from Smith. Right hand from Smith, he’s got quick punches so far. Takedown from Smith, Harrell quickly scrambles back up and lands a body kick. Smith lands a right hand. Body kick from Smith, Harrell with a body lock takedown but Smith counters to get on top in mounted crucifix and lands punches, Harrell is out but the ref takes a bit too long to step in.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jacobe Smith via KO, punches, at 3:01 of Round 1
The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Smith for his work. Mic time for Smith, he plans on still stacking up knockouts then plays with the crowd and says he wants to fight Kevin Holland. Holland, who is in the crowd, smiles but that’s a very reasonable call out for Smith. Smith says he’s going to keep building and tells everyone to stay tuned to him. He talks us through the finish to close.
You can see the finish HERE. Normally they allow embedding but not so much for this event so far. If that changes I’ll switch to embedding the clips.
Serghei Spivac has gone 8-6 in the UFC but he’s on a two fight losing streak and has had more fights fall through starting in 2025 than he’s actually had fights. Spivac is trying to halt the current skid and prove he’s still a worthwhile heavyweight. Ante Delija has gone 1-1 in the UFC, most recently losing to Waldo Cortes-Acosta in a slightly weird fight. Delija is trying to regain some hype and avoid his first losing streak. Close one here, -120 on Delija to +105 for Spivac.
Heavyweight Bout: #9 Ante Delija (26-7, 239 lbs.) vs. #7 Serghei Spivac (17-6, 251.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Delija is half an inch taller while the reach is identical. Both men come out jabbing early. Some quick hands from Delija in close. Spivac is willing to throw back at Delija when they get in close but they’re mostly just splitting jabs thus far. Left hand from Delija. Delija with a right hand. Spivac gets close and lands an elbow. Both men keep the lead hand working. Counter left from Delija after he avoided a right hand. Spivac lands a left hand. Right to the body from Delija. A few Spivac jabs land and he avoids a right hand. Bit of a blitz from Delija. Delija is bleeding from the nose and Spivac is marked up around the left eyebrow. A few more jabs go back and forth then they just stare away the final seconds.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Spivac
ROUND TWO: Delija gets back to moving forward but misses a few punches. Both men show the jab again. This is just a sloppy boxing match at this point. Right hand from Spivac. Right hand from Delija then a left hook behind it. A couple rights go back and forth then they briefly clinch then separate. A few more jabs go back and forth. Delija with a left hand then a right and Spivac is hurt. Delija gets things to the fence and unloads on Spivac, Spivac clinches up but Delija pushes him into the fence. Not much going on in the clinch. Eventually Delija spins free then they both fall short on punches as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Delija, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: Both men look to jab as the round begins. One two from Spivac. Delija lands a jab. Delija with a few punches as Spivac gets off the fence. Some jabs keep going back and forth. Spivac pushes into a clinch on the fence. Delija avoids a single leg. Spivac level changes and hits a double leg against the fence. Half guard for Spivac, he lands a few short punches or elbows. Delija with a hip hike then he moves to his knees looking to wall walk while Spivac holds his back. They wind up chest to chest on the fence then Delija spins free. A few jabs go back and forth again. Bit of a one two from Delija. Some more jabs from Spivac. Delija lands a right to the body. Bit of a flurry from Delija, he’s pushing forward now. Left hook from Delija wobbles Spivac then Spivac pushes close and eats an uppercut before clinching as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Delija but probably went to Spivac, 29-28 Delija overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Serghei Spivac via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
Not sure about Spivac getting the second. Spivac gets an interview for some reason, he dedicates the win to his father who passed away last year. He talks about last year being pretty awful and he’s happy to get the win. He talks about working hard on all aspects of MMA.
Dan Ige has been with the UFC since 2018 and has had some serious success but most recently is just 2-4 in his last six fights. Ige is trying to avoid another losing streak and prove he’s still got the time and talent to make a push to the top of the division. Melquizael Costa is on a five fight winning streak and was one of the breakout fighters of last year, he’s looking for his highest profile win here and then to set his sights on ranked opponents. The odds like Costa at -215 to a +180 comeback on Ige.
Featherweight Bout: Melquizael Costa (25-7, 145.5 lbs.) vs. #14 Dan Ige (19-10, 145.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Costa is three inches taller while the reach is identical. They touch gloves to get things going, Costa fighting southpaw. Both men probe with some kicks. Ige pushes into a clinch and spins things down to the mat, Costa quickly wrestles back up and they clinch again. A few knees go back and forth. Outside trip from Costa, Ige now wrestles up but eats a knee on the way and they resume clinching. They trade a few more knees while jockeying for position, Costa seems to be getting the better of things so far in the clinch. A few more knees from Costa then he pushes free. Bit of a high kick from Costa. Ige blocks a high kick. Bit of a high kick again from Costa. Ige with some stance switching now as the moves around then Costa locks him up with a front kick then they trade punches. Elbow from Costa then he avoids a clinch. Bit of a left from Costa then Ige grabs a clinch but Costa just knees him and spins free. Counter left from Costa. Ige is really struggling with the range so far. Spinning back kick to the head drops Ige, Costa then fires enough punches on the mat to get the ref to step in with just a few seconds left. Ige didn’t like that stoppage but I can see the refs point.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Melquizael Costa via TKO, spinning back kick and punches, at 4:56 of Round 1
The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Costa for his work. Mic time for Costa and the translator, he plays with the crowd then puts over Ige and is very proud to be the first person to stop Ige. He then talks us through the finish and puts over his team, then to close he calls out Diego Lopes. Big call out from Costa, not likely to materialize but not bad to start getting his name in that conversation.
SPINNING BACK KICK KNOCKOUT 🤯
COSTA FINISHES DAN IGE!!
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— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) February 22, 2026
We get a highlight package for Bruce Buffer as he’s hit 30 years working with the UFC.
Geoff Neal has gone just 1-3 in his last four fights but those losses came to Shavkat Rakhmonov, Ian Machado Garry, and most recently Carlos Prates so a degree of understanding should be applied there. That said he can ill afford another losing streak here and if he wants to make a serious run at the title he must win here. Uros Medic is on a two fight winning streak and has a reputation for fights not going long, in fact he’s never been the distance and has only been to the third round once in his entire career. Medic is trying to get a high profile win here and get into the rankings. The odds are with Neal at -215 to a +180 on Medic.
Welterweight Bout: Uros Medic (12-3, 171 lbs.) vs. #12 Geoff Neal (16-7, 170.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Medic is two inches taller but Neal has four inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves, both men fighting southpaw. Both men feint and circle, Neal with a bit of a body jab. Jab from Neal. A few front kicks from Medic. Right hook from Medic in close seems to bother Neal, they get close and trade and it’s Medic who SLEEPS Neal with a left hand.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Uros Medic via KO, punches, at 1:19 of Round 1
The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Medic for his work. Mic time for Medic, he thanks the fans then thanks God for everything he’s got in this life. He says he’s a problem for this division and he’ll keep delivering for the division, and while he might lose he will always work to knock people out. He talks us through the finish and says it sucks to have done that to Neal in his home town but that’s the sport, what really matters is getting up and still going forward. Asked about the future he wants to fight Leon Edwards in Serbia this summer. Big call out but given the recent skid for Edwards it isn’t quite as outrageous as you might think. To close he says immigration has been tough on him lately and asks the President to help the UFC get to Serbia later this year.
OH MY GOODNESS
MEDIĆ DELIVERS A KNOCKOUT!!
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— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) February 22, 2026
Sean Strickland is a former UFC middleweight champion and most recently failed to regain that title from now former champion Dricus du Plessis, Strickland is looking to get another title shot with a win here. Anthony Hernandez is on an eight fight winning streak dating back to 2021, a win here over a former champion would be the biggest of his career and should move Hernandez into a title shot for his next fight. Hernandez is the favorite here at -275 while a Strickland win pays at +220.
Middleweight Bout: #3 Sean Strickland (29-7, 185 lbs.) vs. #4 Anthony Hernandez (15-2 1 NC, 186 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Strickland has an inch of height and reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Per usual Strickland opens with jabs and some lead leg kicks to range find. Hernandez looks to move forward, a few low kicks go back and forth while Strickland keeps his jab working. Inside leg kick from Hernandez. Strickland avoids a few punches then lands a few jabs. Jab from Strickland. Bit of a right from Strickland, he’s able to get Hernandez to walk into stuff so far. Strickland with a front kick then a few jabs. Right hand from Strickland, he follows up and has Hernandez a little hurt but Hernandez swings back and gets him to reset but Strickland is letting go with more than just his jab this fight. Right hand from Strickland, Hernandez lands a right then pushes into a clinch on the fence. That clinch doesn’t last long and Strickland spins free. A couple more jabs land for Strickland. Both men swing rights that don’t really land, Strickland looked to slip a bit but he didn’t get hit on that. Hernandez has a high kick blocked. They trade rights again. Strickland lands a couple more jabs then a right hand. Hernandez misses a right hand but he’s pressing forward a lot now. Strickland with an inside leg kick. They trade again then stare for the final few seconds.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Strickland
ROUND TWO: Strickland opens the second round with an inside leg kick and a jab. Hernandez looks to move forward but Strickland avoids a takedown. Strickland avoids a few punches then lands a one two. Hernandez pushes forward and partially lands a right hand. Front kick from Strickland. Again a bit of a one two from Strickland. Jabs from Strickland as he circles. Hernandez lands a calf kick but then misses a couple of rights pretty badly. Front kick and jab from Strickland. Hernandez lands a left to the body. They tie up then break without any real incident. Jabs from Strickland. Hernandez lands a right uppercut. Body jab from Hernandez. Strickland with a few jabs and he avoids a tie up. Another jab from Strickland then a one two. Hernandez lands a couple of rights to the chest but he can’t really corral Strickland yet. More jabs from Strickland as he moves around. They tie up and Strickland pushes Hernandez into the fence. They break without incident and Strickland gets back to jabbing and moving. Hernandez eats a few jabs then bulls into a clinch but can’t keep it. One two from Strickland then a knee. Both men with jabs then Hernandez lands an uppercut in close to end the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Strickland, 20-18 Strickland overall
ROUND THREE: Hernandez misses a head kick to start the round. Calf kick from Hernandez. Strickland with a few jabs then avoids a right hand. Bit of a right hand from Strickland. Hernandez with a right hand and he’s trying to get close and slow Strickland down but Strickland is moving pretty well. Strickland blocks a few strikes then lands a left hook. Some jabs go back and forth again then Hernandez gets a clinch to the fence. Strickland with a few knees then he turns Hernandez before pushing free. A few more jabs from Strickland then a knee to the body hurts Hernandez. Strickland looks to flurry, he digs the body and head a lot against the fence, uppercuts drop Hernandez and Strickland is able to pound him out.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Sean Strickland via TKO, knee to the body and punches, at 2:33 of Round 3
That’s pretty easily the best Strickland has looked in a long time. Mic time for Strickland, he puts over Hernandez as a tough opponent with solid boxing. He talks through the finish and notes Hernandez never slowed down even when hurt. Asked about the future Strickland wants to fight Khamzat Chimaev if Chimaev is ever fighting again. To close he puts over Hernandez again thanks him for the fight and says Hernandez is married, a father, and hard worker and that’s what Strickland wants to be when he grows up.
They do give Hernandez an interview as well, he thought maybe they were a round each but he got sloppy and ate a knee he couldn’t recover from. He doesn’t like to lose but last time he lost he went on a big winning streak and promises something similar after this one.
Sean Strickland finishes Anthony Hernandez in the 3rd RD!
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— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) February 22, 2026
Well on that note UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez comes to a close. Thank you for reading, I appreciate the heck out of you. We’ll be unpacking the fallout from this event on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast tomorrow, around midnight EST or so on the 411 youtube page. Stop by if you get the chance, I’d love to see you there. Also we’ll be previewing UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanagh when the UFC returns to Mexico City next week. I’ll be back for that event and I hope you will too. Until then thank you again for reading, stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.
