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MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)
#6 Manel Kape (126 lbs.) vs. #8 Asu Almabayev (126)
Cody Brundage (186 lbs.) vs. Julian Marquez (186 lbs.)
Nasrat Haqparast (156 lbs.) vs. Esteban Ribovics (156 lbs.)
Hyder Amil (146 lbs.) vs. William Gomis (146 lbs.)
Danny Barlow (170.5 lbs.) vs. Sam Patterson (170.5 lbs.)
PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 4:30 p.m. ET)
Austen Lane (249.5 lbs.) vs. Mario Pinto (246.5 lbs.)
Chepe Mariscal (146 lbs.) vs. Ricardo Ramos (146 lbs.)
Lucas Almeida (148 lbs.)* vs. Danny Silva (145.5 lbs.)
JJ Aldrich (126 lbs.) vs. Andrea Lee (126 lbs.)
#12 Charles Johnson (125 lbs.) vs. Ramazan Temirov (125.5 lbs.)
Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 111, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the event. Well this card was never great but it has suffered serious set backs in addition to being rather poorly constructed. Charles Johnson vs. Ramazan Temirov as your curtain jerker while both fighters in the co-main event have losing UFC records is frankly insulting. Originally the main event was Manel Kape vs. Brandon Royval but Royval withdrew and in steps Asu Almabayev, and while it’s still a solid fight it’s definitely a downgrade. We also lost two fights at weigh ins with Luana Carolina vs. Montana De La Rosa and John Castaneda vs. Douglas Silva de Andrade both falling apart. As for fights worth looking forward to, Nasrat Haqparast vs. Esteban Ribovics could be fun and Chepe Mariscal vs. Ricardo Ramos is very likely to feature fireworks. Other than that it’s really slim pickings so let’s hope for decent action.
UFC on ESPN+ 111 comes to the world from the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. A rare two man booth for this card, Jon Anik and Dominick Cruz will be calling the action. Remember we’ve got the smaller cage set up and let’s see if fighters are starting to figure out the new downed fighter definition, but I am happy to report that in general the use of 12-6 elbows has been on the upswing since they were legalized.
Charles Johnson is on a four fight winning streak which has seen him climb back into the rankings at flyweight, if he can get a fifth here it should earn him a shot at someone close to the top of the division. Ramazan Temirov is on a 10 fight winning streak including a successful UFC debut last year, he’s looking to extend that success here by knocking off a ranked opponent and proving he’s ready to make a run at the top of the division as well. Close one here, -130 on Johnson to +110 for Temirov.
Flyweight Bout: #12 Charles Johnson (17-6, 125 lbs.) vs. Ramazan Temirov (18-2, 125.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Johnson is five inches taller with a serious seven inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves, Johnson opens southpaw but will switch stance as he feels necessary. Both men do some early feinting as they look for reads. Spinning kick from Temirov then a bit of a left hand. Temirov is swinging hard when he goes but isn’t quite landing cleanly yet. Johnson lands a knee. Left to the body from Temirov then he catches a leg kick and off balances Johnson but Johnson wrestles up and lands a front kick. Front kick to the face from Johnson but Temirov just eats it. Temirov tries a spinning back kick. A few more kicks from Johnson then Temirov fires a left hook. Another front kick from Johnson. Temirov swings a couple of punches in close with mixed results. Johnson avoids a few punches. Some decent forward pressure from Johnson now, he walks into a spinning back fist but just eats it. Temirov tries another couple of spinning attacks but doesn’t land. Left to the body from Temirov. They both land lead hand hooks in close. A few jabs from Johnson then an uppercut in close but Temirov lands an uppercut then a spinning kick to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Temirov but a close one
ROUND TWO: Johnson gets back on pressure. Bit of a right from Johnson. They clinch and Temirov lands a knee but Johnson has him on the fence and is looking for a takedown. Temirov is able to push out of the clinch and reset. Johnson lands a body kick. Left hook from Temirov mostly lands. A couple of front kicks from Johnson land. Johnson lands an uppercut in close. Right to the body from Temirov. More forward motion from Johnson but he’s not throwing a whole lot yet. Left hand from Johnson. Temirov lands a jab, he’s timing some offense with Johnson’s stance switches now. Right hook from Johnson in close then Temirov lands a left hand. Johnson pushes into a clinch and lands a few short punches while looking for a takedown. Knee from Johnson then an elbow as they break. They both miss punches to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Johnson but could go to Temirov, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: Temirov lands a right hand to start the round. Johnson lands a head kick and looks to keep pouring on offense. Some body work from Johnson as he’s backing Temirov into the fence. Johnson lands a left hand then Temirov responds with a jab. Temirov hits a takedown against the fence but Johnson wall walks right away and lands an uppercut before spinning free. Another couple of body shots from Johnson, Temirov is fading a bit in the cardio department. Front kick from Johnson. Right hook from Johnson then he digs the body as he’s got Temirov against the fence. Temirov is poking out his jab again as he circles. Johnson with some calf kicks but he needs a finish and only has 2 minutes left. Temirov lands a left hook to get Johnson to be a little more cautious in his attacks. Johnson lands some calf kicks again. Johnson with several body shots then an uppercut before Temirov circles off the fence. A few jabs go back and forth. Temirov blocks a takedown but Johnson comes up in a clinch on the fence and knees Temirov. Johnson punches the thigh a few times then lands a right hand as they break. Temirov lands a one two. They tie up again and trade knees to basically close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Johnson, 29-28 Johnson overall but Temirov likely takes this
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ramazan Temirov via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
No interview for Temirov, and Johnson seems upset.
Andrea Lee is on a five fight losing streak though in fairness there are at least two of those bouts she should have gotten the decision but didn’t, despite that she badly needs to get her first wince since 2021 here if she wants to retain a roster spot. JJ Aldrich has gone 2-3 in her last five fights and is coming off of a loss 10 or so months ago, she’s trying to avoid another losing streak. The odds like Aldrich at -205 to +170 for Lee.
Women’s Flyweight Bout: JJ Aldrich (13-7, 126 lbs.) vs. Andrea Lee (13-10, 126 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Lee is an inch taller with two inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Aldrich. Both women probe with some kicks. Lee lands a body kick. They trade kicks. Bit of a one two rom Aldrich. Lee lands a right to the body. Both women miss power hand punches. Lee with a body kick, Aldrich returns fire with a right hook. A few more kicks go back and forth. Aldrich eats a body kick but gets a takedown into side control. Lee scrambles up quickly but eats a knee to the body before they break. Inside leg kick from Lee. Body kick from Lee then Aldrich lands a one two. Aldrich lands another left hand to counter a body kick and off balances Lee for a second. Lee misses a few kicks. Body kick from Lee. Lee tries a single leg, Aldrich defends and lands strikes from the back in a clinch and that’s where the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Aldrich
ROUND TWO: Both women show kicks again but aren’t landing much. Bit of a right from Lee. They both block high kicks. Body kick from Lee. Glancing high kick from Lee. Left hand from Aldrich. Aldrich lands another left hand. Lee lands a body kick. Bit of a right from Lee then Aldrich lands a body kick. Aldrich lands a one two. Bit of a right from Lee. Lee blocks a high kick and lands a leg kick. Another body kick from Lee. Lee lands a right hand then Aldrich responds with a solid left hand. Lee tries a double leg but Aldrich defends and then pushes Lee into the fence. They break without incident. Lee with another body kick after missing a right hand. Aldrich blocks a body kick. Inside leg kick from Lee closes the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Lee, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: Both women land punches in close. Aldrich avoids a few kicks. Left hand from Aldrich. Aldrich blocks a high kick. Right hand from Lee. Lee with a body kick but Aldrich lands a counter left hand. Glancing high kick from Lee then a left hand. Lee with a jab then Aldrich responds with a one two. Aldrich lands a left hand. Lee with a body kick. Aldrich lands a left hand. Lee with a knee in close. Lee forces a clinch but Aldrich spins her into the fence. They break without incident. Body kick from Lee. Lee tries a double leg but can’t quite finish it and they wind up clinched on the fence again. They break with a bit of an elbow from Lee. Jab from Lee then a front kick. Aldrich hits a knee tap but Lee grabs a guillotine on the way down and uses that to move into a sprawl then wrestle up into a clinch. They jockey for position in the clinch and that’s where the round will end.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Lee but a close one, 29-28 Lee overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – JJ Aldrich via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27 x2)
Giving Aldrich the third seems dubious. Mic time for Aldrich for some reason, she puts over Lee then says she’ll fight whoever the UFC gives her.
Lucas Almeida missed weight for this fight, never a good thing, but he’s 2-2 in the UFC and coming off of a win so now he’s trying for his first UFC winning streak. Danny Silva is on a three fight winning streak including his UFC debut about a year ago, he’s trying to extend that success and then look forward to a more active year. Silva is your -230 favorite to +190 on Almeida.
Featherweight Bout: Lucas Almeida (15-3, 148 lbs.)* vs. Danny Silva (9-1, 145.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Almeida has an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Silva but he’ll do some stance switching. Bit of a calf kick from Silva. Almeida shows a few kicks but nothing lands yet. Bit of a calf kick from Silva. Almeida lands a body kick but eats a counter calf kick. Bit of a left from Silva then they clinch up. Almeida avoids a spinning elbow and slips out of the clinch. Body kick from Almeida but Silva counters with a left hand then a right hook. Inside leg kick from Almeida. Silva misses a few punches. Left hook from Almeida. Bit of a left hook from Silva. Silva punches in close and lands a few blows before they clinch up. They break without incident. Bit of a front kick from Almeida. Right hand from Silva then a follow up left. Almeida tries a takedown but Silva defends against the fence before they break. Calf kick from Silva then they trade in close to close out the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Silva
ROUND TWO: Almeida with a right to the body. Silva lands a body jab. Almeida with some leg kicks while circling. Silva lands a calf kick then a couple of punches. The pocket exchanges benefit Silva tremendously and he’s starting to realize it. Silva lands a left hand. Almeida lands a body kick. Bit of a punch from Silva. One two from Almeida. Silva lands a body kick. Right hand from Silva in close then he blocks the counters. Again Silva lands the right hand. Spinning elbow from Silva rattles Almeida, Almeida throws back with punches but he got stunned there. Left to the body from Silva. Almeida has some punches blocked. Silva lands a right to the body then a left hook. Silva tries a takedown and hits it against the fence. Some short elbows from Silva then a knee lands as Almeida wall walks and the round concludes.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Silva, 20-18 Silva overall
ROUND THREE: Quick clinch from Almeida but Silva disengages quickly. Almeida misses some punches then Silva lands a jab and a body shot. Right hand from Almeida. Silva land a couple of lefts. Almeida avoids a few spinning kicks then lands a right hand. Silva lands a left to the body. They trade hooks in close. Silva lands a leg kick. Front kick from Almeida. Silva avoids punches in close. Bit of a left from Almeida. Silva tries another takedown against the fence but Almeida defends and separates. Bit of a one two from Almeida. They both miss spinning back fists. Bit of a left from Silva. Almeida misses a few punches. Silva avoids some punches to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Almeida, 29-28 Silva overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Danny Silva via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)
Another example of why you shouldn’t punt away the final round, especially with a moderately close round like the second. No interview for Silva.
Ricardo Ramos has gone 2-3 in his last five fights but he is coming off of a split decision win and now looks for his first winning streak since 2019. Chepe Mariscal is on a seven fight winning streak including four UFC wins and if he can get that to five in a row here he might earn a shot at a bigger named opponent his next time out. The odds like Mariscal at -440 while that +340 payout on Ramos might tempt some bettors out there.
Featherweight Bout: Chepe Mariscal (17-6 1 NC, 146 lbs.) vs. Ricardo Ramos (17-6, 146 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Ramos is two inches taller with three inches of reach advantage. Both men open southpaw but Mariscal does a lot of stance switching. Ramos is starting to switch now as well. Inside leg kick from Ramos. Mariscal bulls forward with punches into a clinch. Ramos is able to spin free but clinches up and Mariscal hits a judo throw then lands punches before Ramos fights up and free. Mariscal lands a left to the body. Ramos is trying to get his jab working. A few leg kicks go back and forth. Right hand from Mariscal then they clinch up. Ramos dives down for a leg and nearly gets a calf slicer but Mariscal gets free and lands a right hand as they break. Mariscal gets close and swings punches to the body and head, he’s just making this a dog fight now. Bit of a spinning elbow from Ramos but Mariscal just eats it and then lands uppercuts in close. Mariscal gets to the back standing and unloads punches from the ride position as he’s got Ramos down. Ramos catches a knee and gets a takedown but Mariscal quickly switches towards a leg entanglement and tries a heel hook. Both men are attacking legs in a 50-50 guard but Mariscal gets his knee out of danger then they scramble up and Mariscal pushes Ramos into the fence again. They break without incident to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Mariscal
ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Cut kick from Mariscal drops Ramos and he stands over him landing a few leg kicks before making Ramos stand. Glancing left from Mariscal. They trade right elbows. They clinch again and Mariscal fires a few knees as he’s got Ramos against the fence. A few short punches and elbows from Mariscal before Ramos is able to slip free. Some jabs from Mariscal then a left hand and a left uppercut. Spinning elbow from Ramos partially lands again. Mariscal lands a right hook. Knee from Ramos but Mariscal lands an inside leg kick then a couple of punches. Calf kick from Mariscal then a side kick. Mariscal side kicks the knee a few times. A couple of sharp jabs from Mariscal then a left hand. Mariscal lands a couple of rights then bulls close and fires hooks to cut open Ramos. A flurry from Mariscal, Ramos is fading but he will be able to see out the round as Mariscal lands a couple more punches against the fence.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Mariscal, 20-18 Mariscal overall
ROUND THREE: Ramos looks to jab as the round begins. Mariscal shows a front kick. They clinch up and Mariscal starts hitting the leg with hammer fists. A few lefts from Mariscal land. They break with a left hook from Mariscal. Oblique kick from Mariscal then a body kick. Ramos misses a tomahawk elbow. Calf kick from Mariscal. Ramos lands an elbow. Mariscal with an inside leg kick then takes Ramos down into full guard. Ramos quickly kicks Mariscal off and they reset at distance. Mariscal with an inside leg kick then they both miss spinning attacks. Side kick to the knee from Mariscal. Ramos ties up and lands a knee but eats a couple of lefts from Mariscal. Mariscal lands a one two. Front kick from Mariscal then Ramos lands a knee. Left hand from Mariscal. They get close and trade one last time, Mariscal lands a spinning kick then they trade again to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Mariscal but could go the other way, 30-27 Mariscal overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Chepe Mariscal via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
As expected that was a fun little fight. Mic time for Mariscal, he feels great and wanted a finish but is happy with the win overall. He puts over his team for their work and thinks he can show who he is now. Asked about the future he wants a ranked opponent but will fight anyone in his way to the top.
Austen Lane has gone 1-2 with 1 No Contest in the UFC, he is coming off of that win though when he managed to out wrestle Robelis Despaigne and now he’s trying to get his UFC record to the .500 mark. Mario Pinto is undefeated coming into his UFC debut and he’ll be trying to make good on his only chance at making a first impression on the audience. Pinto is the biggest favorite on the card at -550 to Lane’s +410.
Heavyweight Bout: Austen Lane (13-5 1 NC, 249.5 lbs.) vs. Mario Pinto (9-0, 246.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Lane is an inch taller with an inch of reach advantage, he’s also 11 years older. Both men show the lead hand as they circle around. Leg kick from Lane. Bit of a calf kick from Pinto. Pinto lands another calf kick. Bit of a right from Pinto. Lane lands a right to the body. Lane bulls forward and lands to the body then clinches up. They break without incident. Right hand from Pinto. Lane jabs the body then fires a few more punches in close before clinching up. Pinto misses an elbow as they break. A right hand from Lane drops Pinto for a second, Pinto is back up but now in a clinch. Short uppercut from Lane before they break. Another right hand from Lane. Lane clinches up and fires a few knees before the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Lane
ROUND TWO: Pinto comes out looking to up the pace and lands a few punches. A one two from Pinto ENDS Lane who’s out before he hits the ground.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mario Pinto via KO, punches, at :39 of Round 2
Mic time for Pinto, he admits to having jitters but got the win and had to weather a bit of the storm from a big man like Lane. He talks us through the finish then says he’d like a bonus for getting the first finish of the card. To close he gives love to his family and team.
MARIO PINTO ENDS IT WITH THE 1-2 👊 #UFCVegas103 pic.twitter.com/EN0dsn8yrm
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 1, 2025
Danny Barlow is undefeated including two wins in the UFC, if he can get remain perfect in his sophomore UFC outing he’ll begin establishing himself as a notable prospect. Sam Patterson has gone 2-1 in the UFC but he is on a two fight winning streak and is looking to prove his own prospect status with another win. The odds like Barlow at -305 to +244 for Patterson.
Welterweight Bout: Danny Barlow (9-0, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Sam Patterson (12-2-1, 170.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Patterson is an inch taller while Barlow has an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Barlow. Both men with some hand fighting and feinting. Left hand from Barlow. Inside leg kick from Barlow. Barlow with a bit of a right hook. Patterson lands a right hand. Left to the body then a right hook from Barlow. Patterson with a right to the body. Barlow lands a left hand. Jab from Barlow. Bit of a one two from Patterson. Again Barlow with a bit of a left, he’s getting closer and closer with that punch. They both land punches in close but it’s Barlow who’s hurt and Patterson follows up with a right that drops Barlow then a few more blows on the mat to get the stoppage.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Sam Patterson via KO, punches, at 3:10 of Round 1
The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Patterson for his work. Mic time for Patterson, he feels amazing and hopes he earned a new contract with that. He talks us through the finish and admits to being caught with some good shots but was able to land better ones. He wont call anyone out until he reaches the top 15.
Sam Patterson picks up the first-round K.O. 💥 #UFCVegas103 pic.twitter.com/HgwxYkimFp
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 2, 2025
William Gomis is on an impressive 12 fight winning streak including four UFC wins, if he can continue his winning ways it will set him up nicely to start aiming at ranked opponents. Hyder Amil is undefeated and has two UFC wins under his belt, he’s looking to solidify himself as not only an exciting fighter but one who can make a serious push through the division. Gomis closed as a rather heavy favorite at -205 to +170 on Amil.
Featherweight Bout: Hyder Amil (10-0, 146 lbs.) vs. William Gomis (14-2, 146 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Gomis is has three inches of height and reach advantage. Southpaw for Gomis who lands a body kick but Amil catches it and forces a scramble and they trade in close then break. Front kicks from Gomis. Amil bulls into a clinch again and they trade some knees while jockeying for position. Gomis gets Amil on the fence and lands another couple of knees. Eventually Amil is able to spin free. Gomis lands a couple of body kicks. Amil lands a right hand before they clinch up. Bit of an elbow from Amil then they break. Gomis lands a front kick. Inside leg kick from Gomis. They clinch again and Gomis has Amil on the fence. A few knees go back and forth then Gomis lands a right hand as they break. Gomis lands another body kick. Amil grabs another clinch that hits the fence. They both land elbows then Gomis lands a spinning elbow as they break which drops Amil briefly. Amil is up but he’s bleeding and Gomis is landing punches. Jumping knee from Gomis but Amil lands a left hook. Both men show spinning attacks again. Gomis avoids some punches then lands a right hook to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Gomis
ROUND TWO: Amil gets back to forward pressure, Gomis lands a couple of inside leg kicks. They trade inside leg kicks then clinch up. Gomis avoids a foot sweep then lands a right hand as they break. Left hand from Gomis, then another one. Amil is still trying but he’s getting countered pretty cleanly. Bit of a combination from amil. Gomis lands an inside leg kick then a bit of a spinning back fist. Spinning back kick from Gomis. Amil keeps walking into punches, then he lands a right hand and they clinch briefly. Some more long range punches from Gomis land. Amil misses a few punches again. Gomis again lands long range punches. Bit of a right from Amil then he pushes into a clinch. Nothing comes of the clinch and they break. Gomis with a front kick. Amil clinches again and lands some body punches then they trade hooks and break. Gomis lands a left hand. Bit of a high kick from Gomis. They trade inside leg kicks then clinch. They break without incident. Amil lands a right hand. Right hook from Gomis then a left hand behind it. Amil tries a takedown but Gomis defends then lands a front kick. Body kick from Gomis then Amil lands a right hand and clinches. They’ll end the round in the clinch.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Gomis but a very close one, 20-18 Gomis overall
ROUND THREE: Amil gets back to pressure and lands a body kick. Gomis lands a couple of lefts. Inside leg kick from Gomis. Gomis checks an inside leg kick. Amil lands a left hook. Gomis lands a couple of front kicks. Left hand from Gomis. They trade some leg kicks. Right to the body from Amil then Gomis lands a front kick. Gomis avoids some punches against the fence then lands a spinning elbow and Amil grabs a clinch. A few knees from Amil land before they break then he lands a left hook. Gomis with a couple more front kicks, Amil then punches into a clinch and hits a double leg. Amil moves to the ride position and lands a few lefts. Gomis works his way to his feet and they trade punches then break. Bit of a high kick from Gomis. Amil lands a left hook. Front kick then a left hand from Gomis. Right hook from Gomis. Amil lands a right to the body. Both men land punches in close. Amil lands a body kick. Gomis with a few front kicks then they clinch again. Knee from Amil then they break. Gomis with a bit of a left hand. Amil blocks a few punches. Both men land power hand punches. Amil hits the body then looks for a takedown but can’t finish it. Gomis again front kicks the body then they trade in close again to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Amil, 29-28 Gomis overall but this hangs on the second
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Hyder Amil via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)
Can’t complain about 29-28 either way though I preferred Gomis’ work in the second. Mic time for Amil and he feels great but he’s had a lot of personal losses in his life over the last six months including his dad and dog. He wants to fight someone ranked next then lists a bunch of health issues he fought through.
We get a retirement video package for Dominick Cruz.
Nasrat Haqparast is rather quietly on a four fight winning streak and only had one fight last year but if he can get a fifth win in a row tonight he could well be facing a ranked opponent or at least a bigger name for his next fight. Esteban Ribovics has gone 3-1 in the UFC and is on a three fight winning streak, he’s hoping another win here will solidify him as a fighter with upward mobility and not just another action fighter for a division that has plenty of them. The odds are with Ribovics at -260 while that +210 comeback on Haqparast has to be a tempting value bet.
Lightweight Bout: Nasrat Haqparast (17-5, 156 lbs.) vs. Esteban Ribovics (14-1, 156 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Haqparast has three inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Haqparast. Ribovics lands an inside leg kick. Bit of a right from Ribovics. Haqparast lands a left hand. Ribovics is pushing forward looking to engage and lands a one two. They trade power hand punches. Inside leg kick from Ribovics. Another left hand from Haqparast. Ribovics has a head kick blocked. Bit of a combination from Ribovics. Haqparast is blocking a lot but Ribovics is throwing several punches in combination. Left hand from Ribovics, he’s starting to show stance switches. Haqparast lands a body kick. Another front kick from Haqparast. Ribovics lands a right hand. Left to the body from Haqparast, that body work is starting to add up already. Ribovics lands a couple of punches. Front kick to the face from Ribovics then one to the body. Haqparast lands a couple of left hands. Front kick from Ribovics. Bit of a high kick then a left hand from Haqparast. Haqparast lands a front kick then they trade punches in close. Both men land punches before the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Haqparast
ROUND TWO: Ribovics lands a couple of body kicks to start the second round. Haqparast lands a left hand. Ribovics lands a couple of punches. Haqparast lands a right hook. Bit of a head kick from Ribovics. Bit of a one two from Haqparast. Ribovics is keeping the pace high and looking to engage. Haqparast hits the body again. Body shot from Haqparast. Haqparast lands an elbow. Ribovics with a combination of punches. Bit of a left hook from Ribovics. One two from Haqparast. A few short lefts from Ribovics in close, he’s keeping active. Haqparast lands a front kick. They trade again and split left hands. Ribovics just wont step backwards and lands a couple of uppercuts. Left hand from Haqparast. Haqparast lands a left to the body. Both men land in close. Haqparast lands a left hand. Ribovics with a combination of punches then a bit of a head kick. Haqparast lands a left hand. Both men land punches then Haqparast lands a front kick. A left hook from Ribovics bothers Haqparast for a second then he lands a superman jab to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Ribovics but could go either way, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: They shake hands for the final round. Ribovics lands a couple of hooks. Both men land punches in close. Bit of a high kick from Ribovics. Haqparast is trying to introduce elbows to his combinations. They both land jabs then Haqparast lands a front kick and a left hand. Ribovics lands a body kick. Haqparast with a left to the body. Both men take turns landing combinations. Both men land to the body. They trade left hands. Elbow from Haqparast. Ribovics with a combination. They trade punches again. Stepping knee from Ribovics stuns Haqparast but he stays upright. They trade punches again, Haqparast is cut under the left eye from that knee though. Combination from Ribovics mostly lands. Haqparast hits a takedown against the fence, Ribovics works to wall walk and eventually wrestles up and they break. Ribovics lands a few more punches. Haqparast lands a left hand. They trade punches again then Ribovics avoids a takedown. They trade lefts. Ribovics lands a combination. Haqparast tries another takedown then lands a left hand. Ribovics lands a couple of rights then a head kick which wobbles Haqparast at the bell.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Ribovics, 29-28 Ribovics overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Nasrat Haqparast via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)
Again can’t hate 29-28 either way, round two legitimately could go either way. Mic time for Haqparast after that one, he gives glory to God then puts over the Moroccan royal family. He would like to fight Renato Moicano next, which I’d be fine watching. He feels he’s finally getting into his prime now and that the future is bright for him.
Cody Brundage has a UFC record of 4-5 with 1 No Contest, of his most recent two wins one of them was a DQ and most recently he had a No Contest. He really needs a clear win here to have a little job security. Julian Marquez has a UFC record of 3-4 and is on a three fight losing streak with all of those being finishes, he likewise needs a win to justify his spot on the roster. No one should have confidence betting on either of these two, and the odds reflect that with Marquez at -120 to +100 on Brundage.
Middleweight Bout: Cody Brundage (10-6 1 NC, 186 lbs.) vs. Julian Marquez (9-5, 186 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Marquez is two inches taller but the reach is identical. Bit of a right from Brundage staggers Marquez but he recovers. Bit of a one two from Brundage. Marquez feints his way forward but doesn’t throw much. Calf kick from Brundage. They split a few jabs. Brundage lands an uppercut. Marquez lands a right hand. Brundage off balances Marquez then grabs at an anaconda choke but he can’t get it properly locked in and they break with an exchange of punches. Jab from Brundage. Marquez lands a couple of hooks in close. Marquez jabs the body. Again they split a few jabs. A hard right hand from Marquez hurts Brundage then he grabs a standing guillotine before switching to punches and knees against the fence. They both swing more punches, both men have lost mouth pieces at this point. Marquez keeps throwing in close then Brundage lands a knee and we get a brief time out to replace the mouth pieces. Brundage drops Marquez with a punch and jumps into a front headlock position. Marquez can’t get Brundage off of the ride position and Brundage keeps landing hammer fists until the ref steps in.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Cody Brundage via TKO, punches, at 4:45 of Round 1
The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Brundage for his work. Brundage gets an interview, he feels he needed this kind of fight to prove he’s got a real heart. He puts over his team and family then he talks us through a highlight to close things.
Manel Kape has gone 5-1 in his last six fights, only losing a decision to Muhammad Mokaev in a very weird fight and most recently he stopped Bruno Silva in December of last year. Kape is likely fighting for a title shot as the division needs some new challengers. Asu Almabayev is on a lengthy 17 fight winning streak including four UFC wins, he’s taking a pretty big step up in class here but a win would be the biggest of his career. The odds are with Kape at -220 but Almabayev is getting respect at +180 as a viable underdog.
Flyweight Bout: #6 Manel Kape (20-7, 126 lbs.) vs. #8 Asu Almabayev (21-2, 126)
ROUND ONE: Kape is an inch taller with three inches of reach advantage. Kape opens southpaw but will switch if he feels like it. Both men feint with the lead hand. Bit of a body kick from Almabayev. Kape lands an inside leg kick. Left hand from Kape connects. Another left hand from Kape mostly lands, bit of a counter right from Almabayev. Another left hand from Kape, he’s starting to find the target early. Combination from Kape lands. Almabayev shows another body kick. Short right hand from Kape. Both men land punches in close. Again they clash and trade some punches, Kape seems to have the power edge. Counter combination from Kape, he’s got Almabayev bleeding around the left eye but I can’t see the source. Almabayev tries a single leg but Kape defends then lands a knee and a couple of rights in close. Almabayev misses a right hand. They feint away the final seconds.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Kape
ROUND TWO: The blood from Almabayev is kind of coming from the eyelid or there about, that’s a really bad spot. They touch gloves. Bit of a right from Almabayev. Kape with a left hand. Almabayev tries a takedown but Kape defends. Left hand from Kape. Almabayev misses a spinning back kick. Bit of a left from Almabayev then Kape returns it. Kape blocks a high kick they then trade power hand punches. Right hand from Kape. Almabayev lands a calf kick, Kape is hanging out orthodox at this point. Left from Almabayev then Kape lands a counter right. Front kick from Almabayev. Kape lands a left hand. Jumping knee from Kape then a right hand to follow it. Kape with a left to the body. Almabayev lands a left to the body. Bit of a spinning kick from Kape then a right hook. Almabayev complains of an eye poke so we’ve got a time out. Replay says it was a punch not a poke so we’re right back to fighting. Almabayev lands a spinning back kick. Kape lands a flurry of punches and that’ll basically end the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Kape, 20-18 Kape overall
ROUND THREE: Kape gets back on pressure right away. Almabayev lands an inside leg kick. Kape lands a combination of punches after avoiding a takedown. Another combination from Kape mostly lands. Kape is just stalking now and lands a combination of punches. Almabayev tries a takedown, Kape lands elbows while fighting off a single leg. Knee from Kape then another flurry against the fence, he rips the body several times before Almabayev tries to escape. Almabayev keeps running away and Kape chases him down enough to prompt the stoppage.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Manel Kape via TKO, punches, at 2:16 of Round 3
Mic time for Kape and he gives glory to God then wants to know who’s next for him and he really wants a title shot. He just stopped a guy on a 17 fight winning streak and feels he’s the best in the division. He says he’ll steal the belt like he stole candy from his daughter, and he expresses love for his daughter who has made it into the cage.
On that note UFC on ESPN+ 111 comes to a close. We’ll be unpacking the fallout from this event on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast, plus look ahead to UFC 313 with the light heavyweight title fight and a rematch between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev. I’ll be back for that event and I hope you will as well. Until then thank you for reading, stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.
