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November 9, 2024 | Posted by Robert Winfree
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MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)
#15 Neil Magny (171 lbs.) vs. Carlos Prates (170.5 lbs.)
Reinier de Ridder (185 lbs.) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (185 lbs.)
Gaston Bolanos (135.5 lbs.) vs. Cortavious Romious (136 lbs.)
#13 Luana Pinheiro (115.5 lbs.) vs. #14 Gillian Robertson (116 lbs.)
Mansur Abdul-Malik (186 lbs.) vs. Dusko Todorovic (185.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 4 p.m. ET)
Denise Gomes (115 lbs.) vs. #14 Karolina Kowalkiewicz (115.5 lbs.)
Zach Scroggin (174 lbs.)* vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (171 lbs.)
Charlie Radtke (171 lbs.) vs. Matthew Semelsberger (171 lbs.)
Da’Mon Blackshear (135.5 lbs.) vs. Cody Stamann (135.5 lbs.)
Tresean Gore (186 lbs.) vs. Antonio Trocoli (186 lbs.)
Melissa Mullins (137 lbs.)* vs. Klaudia Sygula (136 lbs.)


Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 105, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the event. This event started out poor on paper and then the last week has almost completely gutted it. The main event is a fine fight but a poor main event, Neil Magny tries to hold onto his top ranking as rising prospect Carlos Prates looks to complete the jump to contender status. The original co-main event was Cody Garbrandt and Miles Johns but that fell out, then it was Bernardo Sopaj vs. Ricky Turcios but that feel apart after the weigh ins. Our current co-main event is actually another solid fight as former ONE championship two weight world champion Reneir de Ridder makes his UFC debut against Gerald Meerschaert. On the prelims we were supposed to have Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos in a rematch with Nicolas Dalby but Dalby fell out and then on like three days notice Zach Scroggin stepped in and missed weight but frankly I can’t be that mad at him over it. Honestly this is just a rough card on paper, so let’s hope the action makes up for it.

UFC on ESPN+ 105 comes to the world from the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. On commentary we’ve got Brendan Fitzgerald, Michael Bisping, and Laura Sanko. We are using the new rules so 12-6 elbows are good and what considers a grounded fighter. For what it’s worth, New York has so next week the new downed fighter definition and 12-6 elbows will be in play. Don’t forget that the Apex set up has the smaller cage set up as well.

Melissa Mullins has gone 1-1 in the UFC but is coming off of a loss and missed weight for the second time in a row, all of which is pretty bad and she really needs at least a win to salvage her year and look forward with some optimism. Klaudia Sygula brings a six fight winning streak into her UFC debut and she’s looking to get that all important first UFC win under her belt. The odds like Mullins at -325 to +260 on Sygula.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Melissa Mullins (6-1, 137 lbs.)* vs. Klaudia Sygula (6-1, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Sygula has an inch of height and reach advantage while Mullins is eight years older and of course Mullins missed weight. Both women probe with the jab early. Not much landing just yet, Mullins has a very odd posture going on, like a poor gangster lean or A frame position. Sygula is landing a few oblique kicks to the lead knee. They both land rights in close. Bit of a jab from Sygula. Sygula jabs the body a few times. They clinch and hit the fence. A few knees from Sygula but nothing serious, Mullins eventually tries a headlock throw but Sygula gets the back as they stand. Eventually Mullins gets chest to chest and hits an outside trip to land in half guard. Short blows from Mullins but she’s mostly focused on control. Mullins looks to pass and is able to get to full mount, short time though and she’s only able to land a few elbows.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Mullins

ROUND TWO: Mullins with a quick takedown then moves to full mount very quickly. Punches from Mullins then some elbows as well. Sygula is pretty stuck and gives up the back, Mullins keeps punching and eventually the ref steps in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Melissa Mullins via TKO, punches, at 1:20 of Round 2

Mic time for Mullins, since there’s only 11 fights on this card you’re going to have to have a really bad night to not get one, she feels great about the win and talks about her last fight and the loss a bit. She wanted to show off some of her striking this time around and feels that contributed to the slower start and puts over her team for all of their work.

Tresean Gore has gone 1-2 in the UFC but he is coming off of a win a little over two years ago, now finally back in action he’s hoping to get his UFC record to the .500 mark. Antonio Trocoli had a fairly poor showing in his UFC debut back in June but that whole thing came together on short notice and he’d had a quite long layoff, he’s hoping for a better outcome in his second UFC outing. Gore is the -165 favorite to +135 for Trocoli.

Middleweight Bout: Tresean Gore (4-2, 186 lbs.) vs. Antonio Trocoli (12-4 1 NC, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Trocoli is a significant six inches taller with four and a half inches of reach advantage. Both men show front kicks then Gore hits a single leg takedown into half guard. Trocoli quickly wall walks into a clinch. A few knees go back and forth as they jockey for position. Trocoli tries a single leg, Gore grabs at a standing guillotine though and cranks it then forces the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Tresean Gore via Submission, guillotine choke, at 1:23 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Gore for his work. Mic time for Gore, he gives glory to Christ first and is just happy to be back after the long layoff. He needed to smother the range of Trocoli and then work in close. He talks us through the finish and puts over his guillotine as a dangerous weapon.

Cody Stamann has gone just 2-5 in his last seven fights but a couple of those losses are to guys like Merab Dvalishvili and Said Nurmagomedov, his current two fight losing streak is comprised of Douglas Silva de Andrade and Taylor Lapilus and now he really needs a win to justify his spot on the roster. Da’Mon Blackshear has gone 2-3-1 in the UFC and is on a two fight losing streak, he really needs to find his way back to the winning side of things and prove he’s still got some upside in the division. Despite the losing streak Blackshear is a solid favorite at -260 while that +210 payout on Stamann has to tempt some bettors.

Bantamweight Bout: Da’Mon Blackshear (14-7-1, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Cody Stamann (21-7-1, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Blackshear is three and a half inches taller with a serious seven and a half inches of reach advantage. Both men circle early, Blackshear is looking to stay long and snipe at Stamann. They both have left hooks blocked in close. Body kick from Blackshear. Stamann is trying to get his jab going despite the reach difference. Left hook from Stamann. Blackshear jabs the body. Jumping knee from Blackshear seems to glance the chest then he lands an uppercut in close. A couple of body shots from Stamann then a leg kick. Solid right hand from Blackshear. Left hook from Blackshear. Blackshear lands a left hook, then a jumping knee stuns Stamann and a flurry of punches gets Stamann to shoot badly. Blackshear wraps a guillotine and looks to mount with it, he switches his grip and mounts with the choke but he can’t finish it and bails on the choke to keep full mount. Elbows from Blackshear now, Stamann gives up the back and Blackshear starts fishing for the choke. Eventually that choke tightens up and Stamann has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Da’Mon Blackshear via Submission, rear naked choke, at 4:19 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Blackshear for his work. Mic time for Blackshear and he knew the use of knees would be crucial, he talks us through the finish then says he wants back in as soon as possible.

Matthew Semelsberger is on a three fight losing streak and really needs to halt that skid with a win. Charles Radtke has gone 2-1 in the UFC and while he’s coming off of a pretty nasty loss to Carlos Prates a rebound win here would indicate he’s still on an upward trajectory in the promotion. Radtke is the favorite at -170 to Semelsberger’s +140.

Welterweight Bout: Charlie Radtke (9-4, 171 lbs.) vs. Matthew Semelsberger (11-7, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Semelsberger is four inches taller with three inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Semelsberger showing some stance switches then almost lands a left head kick. Left hook from Radtke. Combination from Radtke staggers Semelsberger, then he lands enough punches to get the ref to step in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Charlie Radtke via TKO, punches, at :51 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Radtke for his work. Mic time for Radtke, he plays with the crowd which isn’t really there then he puts over Semelsberger’s toughness. Asked about the future he wants a post fight bonus, didn’t really answer the question but OK. He gets emotional talking about doing this to support his family and ultimately feels he’s blessed to be able to do this for them.

Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos has been around the UFC since 2015 and has amassed a very respectable record of 10-4-1 during that time, he is coming off of a loss though and he’s looking for his first win since June of 2023. Zach Scroggin is undefeated but stepped in during fight week to replace Nicolas Dalby and ultimately missed weight, while I doubt that will be held too much against him given the circumstances a win would be the biggest of is career given how respected dos Santos is. It’s not surprising to see dos Santos as a very heavy favorite at -750 against a +525 comeback for Scroggin.

Welterweight Bout: Zach Scroggin (7-0, 174 lbs.)* vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (24-8-1, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Scroggin is four inches taller with an inch of reach advantage and he’s nine years younger, of course he also missed weight. The size difference is very evident and Scroggin lands a calf kick. Dos Santos lands a calf kick as well as they circle and look for openings. Another calf kick from dos Santos. Scroggin is showing a pretty good jab but then dos Santos cracks him with a right hand against the fence. Dos Santos on top and just unloads with punches and hammer fists until the ref steps in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos via TKO, punches, at 1:15 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. dos Santos for his work. Mic time for dos Santos and the translator, he thanks Scroggin for taking the fight on short notice and is overall happy and ready to move on. He talks about the change of opponent and is just glad everything worked out. Asked about the future he celebrates all the years he’s been in the UFC and at this point is just happy to still be here.

Karolina Kowalkiewicz just had a four fight winning streak broken and as she gets closer to 40 she can ill afford another losing streak developing here. Denise Gomes has gone 3-2 in the UFC and is coming off of a win, this represents the biggest name she’s fought and a win might set her up for a similarly recognizable name her next time out. Gomes is a surprising heavy favorite at -600 while that +440 comeback on Kowalkiewicz has to tempt some bettors out there.

Strawweight Bout: Denise Gomes (9-3, 115 lbs.) vs. #14 Karolina Kowalkiewicz (16-8, 115.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Kowalkiewicz has an inch of height and reach but she’s also 15 years older. Some early feinting from Kowalkiewicz while Gomes is showing stance switches while they circle. Gomes misses a few punches. Neither woman is landing a whole lot. Bit of a body kick from Kowalkiewicz. They’re both doing some stance switching now. They both miss punches in close again. Right hand from Gomes, she looks to unload but Kowalkiewicz is able to clinch up. A few knees go back and forth as they jockey for position. Eventually Gomes tries to level change but nothing comes of it. The round ends in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gomes

ROUND TWO: Kowalkiewicz walks forward with some kicks, Gomes then misses punches. Left hook from Gomes lands. The power difference is evident, Gomes just hits harder. Kowalkiewicz with an inside leg kick. Glancing right from Kowalkiewicz. Gomes swings a left to the body. Kowalkiewicz avoids a spinning back kick and gets the back in the clinch. Gomes is able to spin into the clinch and gets Kowalkiewicz on the fence. Knee from Kowalkiewicz on the break. Another clinch and Gomes tries to settle things against the fence. A few more knees from Gomes but not much is going on here. They break with a knee from Gomes. Kowalkiewicz has punches blocked but then lands a right hand. Combination from Gomes mostly lands. This is largely being determined by forward motion, neither woman is all that great while backing up. They clinch again and hit the fence. Gomes is able to get Kowalkiewicz bent over and knee her face but nothing really develops from it. The round again ends in the clinch.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. A few inside leg kicks go back and forth. They trade in close a few times. Gomes with a couple of hooks but Kowalkiewicz bulls through them into yet another clinch. Gomes is getting the better of the positional grappling on the fence and she lands a few knees as well. Kowalkiewicz is able to hit the body a few times then spin free. Bit of a right from Kowalkiewicz. Knee from Kowalkiewicz in close. Gomes might be fading a little bit now, Kowalkiewicz is pushing forward and looking to continue the offense. A few punches land for Gomes. Kowalkiewicz lands a combination. Front kick from Gomes. Gomes lands a right hand. Kowalkiewicz is hitting the body a bit now and after taking punches she’s able to jump to the back and they hit the ground. Less than a minute for Kowalkiewicz to find a finish. Gomes breaks one of the hooks and is able to sling Kowalkiewicz over top and avoid an armbar. They wrestle back up with Gomes sitting for a guillotine as the round ends.

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

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

Mic time for Gomes and the translator, she puts over the prior generation of female fighters and hopes to be in that position one day.

Mansur Abdul-Malik is undefeated coming into his UFC debut with all of his wins being finishes and now he’s trying to make a good first impression on the audience. Dusko Todorovic has gone 3-4 in the UFC and most recently suffered a knee injury in March of last year, this fight marks his return to action with him hoping to spoil the debut of Abdul-Malik. The odds are solidly with Abdul-Malik at -470 while that +360 comeback for Todorovic might be a tempting value bet.

Middleweight Bout: Mansur Abdul-Malik (6-0, 186 lbs.) vs. Dusko Todorovic (12-4, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Abdul-Malik is an inch taller with five and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Some stance switching from Abdul-Malik as they move around. Todorovic is switching a bit as well, they trade rights then Abdul-Malik drops Todorovic with a right hand. Abdul-Malik on top in guard looking to land blows, Todorovic ties up a leg and looks to attack it but Abdul-Malik lands hammer fists. Todorovic is still trying to attack a heel hook but Abdul-Malik is landing punches, eventually Todorovic wrestles up into a clinch. Knee from Abdul-Malik then they break. Abdul-Malik looks just a little fatigued after all that offensive output. Right hand from Abdul-Malik. A knee from Abdul-Malik drops Todoorovic, Todorovic tries to tie up a leg again but this time Abdul-Malik is able to land enough punches to get him to cover up and the ref winds up intervening.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mansur Abdul-Malik via TKO, knee and punches, at 2:44 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Abdul-Malik for his work. Mic time for Abdul-Malik, he thanks God first and then his team and family for all of their work and support. He expects beautiful things and more gratitude in his life as he continues in the UFC. He talks us through the finish to close.

Luana Pinheiro has gone 3-2 in the UFC but is on a two fight losing streak and really needs to get back on the winning side of things. Gillian Robertson has gone 3-1 since returning to strawweight and is on a two fight winning streak right now, a third win here could set her up for a fight against someone in the top 10 of the division next. Robertson is the -410 favorite to +320 on Pinheiro.

Strawweight Bout: #13 Luana Pinheiro (11-3, 115.5 lbs.) vs. #14 Gillian Robertson (14-8, 116 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Robertson is three inches taller with half an inch of reach advantage. Robertson pushes forward early, Pinheiro doing stance switching but isn’t landing much. A few jabs go back and forth then Robertson hits a double leg against the fence. Pinheiro scrambles and wall walks but Robertson slips to her back in the clinch. Elbow from Robertson then she can’t find a takedown but keeps the position. A few short knees from Robertson then she drags things to the mat but Pinheiro quickly wall walks again with Robertson still on her back. Pinheiro lands a few punches in the clinch then gets free. Body jab from Pinheiro then Robertson lands a front kick. Pinheiro lands an uppercut. Robertson with a right hand. Right hand from Robertson. Calf kick from Pinheiro but she eats a counter right. Leg kick from Robertson then Pinheiro avoids a takedown attempt. Hard calf kick from Robertson. Takedown from Robertson then she gets into 3/4 mount but Pinheiro quickly catches half guard. Robertson lands a few elbows to the leg as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Robertson

ROUND TWO: Pinheiro lands an uppercut but eats a counter right. Inside leg kick from Pinheiro. Robertson shows some kicks then grabs a clinch but can’t do much with it before they break. Pinheiro avoids another takedown attempt. Body kick from Robertson. Pinheiro lands a few punches. Right hook from Pinheiro in close. Robertson is keeping up pressure but really needs to find top position as the striking isn’t going her way. Calf kick from Robertson. Pinheiro with body jabs. Robertson clinches up on the fence and lands a few punches. Elbow from Robertson as they break. Pinheiro jabs the body again. Calf kick from Robertson. Pinheiro lands a left hook. Robertson lands a left hand but her punching power doesn’t seem to bother Pinheiro at all. Pinheiro with jabs while circling. Robertson eventually tries a takedown then slips to the back along the fence. Eventually Robertson rides things down to the knees and lands a few punches, Pinheiro wall walks but eats a knee then an elbow as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pinheiro but a close one, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Pinheiro avoids a takedown pretty quickly. Robertson keeps showing kicks and backing up Pinheiro. Robertson forces a clinch on the fence and this time gets a takedown into half guard. Some punches from Robertson as she looks for mount, she gets to mount and starts landing punches and elbows. More elbows from Robertson, Pinheiro is trying to get her legs in play and forces Robertson to switch to a mounted crucifix. Robertson starts landing punches as Pinheiro gets her arm out of danger. Now Robertson passes back to full mount and starts landing elbows again. Pinheiro finally shrimps to half guard then scrambles around and grabs for a guillotine but Robertson wrestles around to get on top in half guard again. Less than 30 seconds left, Robertson tries an arm triangle but the fence is in the way so she moves to full mount and lands strikes as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gillian Robertson via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-28 x2)

10-8 in the first or third feels too generous. Mic time for Robertson, she doesn’t feel great about the fight and prefers to get finishes. She feels she’s better than what she showed tonight. Asked about the future she wants anyone ranked above her.

Cortavious Romious brings a two fight winning streak into his UFC debut and he’s looking for a memorable first trip into the UFC Octagon. Gaston Bolanos has gone 1-1 in the UFC and while he’s coming off of a loss he’s looking to avoid his first UFC losing streak. The odds like Romious at -260 to a +210 payout for a Bolanos win.

Bantamweight Bout: Gaston Bolanos (7-4, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Cortavious Romious (9-2, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Bolanos is three inches taller with an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves, Romious fighting southpaw. Bolanos shows some kicks then Romious lands an inside leg kick. Right hand from Bolanos. Romious checks a few kicks then lands an inside leg kick. They both miss high kicks. Romious tries a takedown, that hits the fence but he finishes it anyway. Bolanos slips free and gets on top after avoiding an armbar. Romious starts working full guard and that gets Bolanos to stand free then they quickly clinch on the fence. They break without incident after a lot of nothing happened. Bolanos keeps showing kicks to the body and leg. Romious tries to get his lead hand working a bit and they both miss punches. A couple of body kicks from Bolanos. More body kicks from Bolanos. Romious tries a double leg, it hits the fence though and this time Bolanos is able to defend and they clinch. They break without incident. Bolanos lands a punch but Romious counters and drops him, Romious gets to the back just as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Romious but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Things seem a little slow as the round starts. Romious lands a combination of punches then hits a slam, Bolanos quickly wall walks but gets suplexed back down. Romious pulls Bolanos down and has both hooks in now, that was just strength with a bit more minimal technique. Body triangle for Romious and he starts fishing for a choke. Romious keeps fishing, Bolanos is defending so far though. Bolanos starts squirming backwards through the hooks of Romious, he lands some elbows but they wrestle back up into a clinch then separate. Those elbows bothered Romious it seems, Bolanos grabs a clinch and lands knees. Bolanos is able to hit a knee tap to get on top in full guard. Some more elbows from Bolanos then he moves to half guard and keeps looking for offense. Romious gets full guard back but he can’t get space for his guard work. Bolanos lands a few more blows as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bolanos, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Bolanos shows kicks again as the round begins. Both men miss punches. Romious is able to tie up and leg and looks for a calf slicer on the mat, it’s not quite angled right though and they wrestle around while tangled up then eventually Romious hits a takedown into full guard. Bolanos tries a triangle choke, switches towards an armbar but loses it and Romious comes out in the ride position. Bolanos is able to wall walk with Romious on his back. Romious tries to jump for the back but winds up just pulling guard, big mistake there. Bolanos lands a few elbows but Romious wall walks into a clinch. Romious looks for a takedown but can’t find it. Takedown for Bolanos into half guard. Romious starts fishing for a kimura but he’s not finding anything other than getting full guard again. Bolanos stands free but gets double legged for his effort. Romious is in full guard and looks for strikes but can’t find much. Not much will happen before the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gaston Bolanos via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27 x2)

Again a 10-8 seems super generous, but Bolanos is the first underdog to win thus far tonight. Mic time for Bolanos and he’s happy to have shown off his improvements then puts over his team for their work. He dedicates the fight to his father who moved them to the USA and worked three jobs so his family could make it here. He talks though a few highlights and wanted to show he’s deserving of his spot on the roster.

Gerald Meerschaert has gone 2-2 in his last four fights but he’s on a two fight winning streak and now he’s trying to hold off a new comer to the promotion and maybe get another crack at someone ranked. Reinier de Ridder is a former two weight champion from ONE championship and has only lost to Anatoly Malykhin, he’s coming off of a win as he makes his UFC debut and he’s hoping to make it a memorable one. De Ridder is your favorite at -325 to Meerschaert’s +260.

Middleweight Bout: Reinier de Ridder (17-2, 185 lbs.) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (37-17, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: De Ridder is three inches taller with half an inch of reach advantage. Both men fighting southpaw. Meerschaert stalking forward, de Ridder working front kicks and leg kicks to keep distance. Right hook from de Ridder. The striking between these two is quite awkward. Meerschaert lands a couple of punches. Jab from de Ridder. De Ridder tries a double leg and hits it against the fence then moves to half guard. They scramble around, Meerschaert gets on top and then backs up to force the restart where de Ridder lands a jab. They both land punches in close. Right hand from Meerschaert. De Ridder jabs the head and body. Meerschaert lands a couple of punches then avoids a clinch. De Ridder tries a takedown but Meerschaert defends. Another jab from de Ridder. One two from de Ridder then a knee. Meerschaert lands a left hand. They trade in close. Double leg from de Ridder but Meerschaert is able to kick him off and stand up. Another takedown from de Ridder, it hits the fence though and Meerschaert defends then lands an elbow. More pressure from de Ridder. Meerschaert blocks a takedown and lands an elbow. They split some jabs then de Ridder lands a solid left hand. They clinch and de Ridder lands a knee then a hard elbow, a left hook from de Ridder drops Meerschaert but the round ends before he can force the stoppage.

SCORECARD: 10-9 de Ridder but might be 10-8 if you think it was about to be stopped

ROUND TWO: They clinch briefly but nothing comes of it. Meerschaert jabs the body but eats a jab for it. Another clinch and de Ridder with an outside reap to get on top in half guard. Some punches from de Ridder as he works to set up some kind of head attack. De Ridder grabs at the head but Meerschaert scrambles up and lands punches then gets on top as de Ridder failed a judo throw. Meerschaert looks to pass but de Ridder is blocking and then gets full guard. De Ridder tries an armbar but Meerschaert avoids it. Triangle set up from de Ridder but Meerschaert is hip to it and gets his arm out. They fight up into a clinch, de Ridder drags things back down and gets on top in half guard. Meerschaert is fishing for a kimura, he spins for it but de Ridder stays with him and retains top position. A few punches from de Ridder but he slips trying a front choke and technically Meerschaert ends the round on top.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Meerschaert, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They trade punches then clinch pretty quickly. De Ridder wrestles off the fence but Meerschaert hits a brief foot sweep and they stand. Meerschaert looks for a single leg, de Ridder defends and lands a knee as they clinch. Outside trip from de Ridder and he looks for top position but Meerschaert wrestles up on a single leg. De Ridder threatens a front choke and they wrestle around until de Ridder gets the back with one hook then moves to full mount. Arm triangle attack from de Ridder, Meerschaert is stuck and taps out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Reinier de Ridder via Submission, arm triangle choke, at 1:44 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. de Ridder for his work. Mic time for de Ridder, he thinks he did to Meerschaert what Meerschaert usually does to people. He jokes about fighting next week in Madison Square Garden but if they need him they should call soon because after a few hours he’ll be quite drunk.

Neil Magny has been with the UFC since 2013 and has been trading wins and losses while going 4-4 in his last eight fights, Magny is coming off of a bad loss to Michael Morales and he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak since 2013. Carlos Prates has an impressive 10 fight winning streak going including three wins in the UFC, this does represent a step up in class for him as Magny has proven to be a difficult road block for rising talent in the past but a win would push Prates into the top 15. It’s not surprising to see Prates as a favorite but -800 feels a little heavy to me and a +550 payout for Magny might be tempting fate a little bit too much.

Welterweight Bout: #15 Neil Magny (29-12, 171 lbs.) vs. Carlos Prates (20-6, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Magny has two inches of height and reach advantage. Southpaw for Prates. Both men do some hand fighting, Magny goes southpaw and tries a takedown but Prates starts defending against the fence and then pushes Magny over to get on top in full guard. Prates lands a right hand then is able to stand free. Inside leg kick from Prates. Bit of a one two from Magny. Prates lands a jab, they clinch then Magny tries a takedown but again Prates defends against the fence. Magny tries a single leg, Prates defends but Magny keeps a clinch. Prates avoids another single leg but he can’t get out of the clinch yet. They break and Magny misses a punch. Prates misses a left hand but he’s backing Magny up and avoids a takedown. Inside leg kick from Prates. Right hand from Prates off balances Magny, he’s back up but looks unsteady. Prates keeps up pressure and lands a couple of lefts. Magny tries to circle but Prates lands a right hand, Magny grabs a single leg to stifle the offensive torrent but Prates gets free. They clinch then break. More pressure from Prates and he knocks Magny out cold with a left hand across the temple.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Carlos Prates via KO, punch, at 4:50 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Prates for his work. Mic time for Prates as he’s gone 4-0 with four finishes in 2024, he says this has been the best year of his life and thanks his team for all of their work. He talks a bit about fighting a lot in Thailand and using that experience along with hard work with a good team being the secret to success. Asked about the future he wants to fight in Australia and visit his daughter who lives there, and name drops Jake Della Maddalena as a possible opponent but if not him then maybe Geoff Neal. I think JDM might be a bit above Prates in the pecking order but Neal is a solid call out.

This doesn’t show the left hand that landed and put Magny’s lights out but look at how he falls. Magny is no stranger to losing via strikes but he hasn’t been slept like this since arguably the Ponzinibbio fight and even that didn’t have him out like this did.

Well on that note UFC on ESPN+ 104 comes to a close. That’s the last event in the Apex for this year as well. It wasn’t a great card, when only one underdog cashes all night I tend to think you’ve done a less than stellar job matchmaking, and the pacing was a little rough but at least it’s done. We’ll unpack the fallout from this and look ahead to UFC 309 next week. I wont be here live next Saturday, I apologize but real life stuff is interfering so be nice if there’s anyone else here. If not I will try to get a write up done before Monday at any rate. But until next time stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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UFC on ESPN+ 105, Robert Winfree