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Join 411’s Live UFC On ESPN+ 114 Coverage

May 17, 2025 | Posted by Robert Winfree
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MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)
#8 Gilbert Burns (170 lbs.) vs. #12 Michael Morales (170.5 lbs.)
Rodolfo Bellato (205.5 lbs.) vs. Paul Craig (205 lbs.)
Mairon Santos (155.5 lbs.) vs. Sodiq Yusuff (155.5 lbs.)
Nursulton Ruziboev (185.5 lbs.) vs. Dustin Stoltzfus (185.5 lbs.)
Melquizael Costa (145 lbs.) vs. Julian Erosa (145 lbs.)
Matheus Camilo (155 lbs.) vs. Gabe Green (154.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 4 p.m. ET)
Jared Gordon (156 lbs.) vs. Thiago Moises (155.5 lbs.)
Connor Matthews (145 lbs.) vs. Yadier del Valle (145.5 lbs.)
Tainara Lisboa (135.5 lbs.) vs. Luana Santos (136 lbs.)
Denise Gomes (115 lbs.) vs. Elise Reed (115 lbs.)
Carlos Hernandez (126 lbs.) vs. HyunSung Park (125.5 lbs.)
Tecia Pennington (114.5 lbs.) vs. Luana Pinheiro (115.5 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 114, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the event. The UFC is back in the warehouse for this one but they’ve got a relevant main event at least, and there’s a few fights worth noting on the rest of the card. In the main event undefeated rising contender Michael Morales gets a big step up in class to former title challenger Gilbert Burns. Burns is trying to break a losing streak and at age 38 is trying to prove he’s still got something left in the tank in the UFC. Beyond that things get a little slimmer, but Sodiq Yusuff vs. Mairon Santos might be fun, Nursulton Ruziboev is back at middleweight, and Julian Erosa vs. Melquizael Costa has some potential. The prelims are much sparser, but Yadier del Valle had a solid win on the Contender Series, and HyungSung Park is trying to prove himself a rising prospect at flyweight. So let’s hope the action lives up to the promise.

UFC on ESPN+ 114 comes to the world from the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. John Gooden will head commentary along with Michael Bisping and Paul Felder. Keep an eye on the smaller 25 foot cage and hopefully more fighters are ready to throw knees to an opponent who doesn’t have a knee on the mat.

Luana Pinheiro has gone 3-3 in the UFC but is on a three fight losing streak and desperately needs a win to avoid getting cut from the promotion. Tecia Pennington just broke a two fight losing streak in October of last year and now now looks to defend her ranking while getting her first winning streak since 2021 up and running. Pennington is a pretty serious favorite at -355 to a +280 comeback on Pinheiro.

Strawweight Bout: Tecia Pennington (14-7, 114.5 lbs.) vs. Luana Pinheiro (11-4, 115.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Pinheiro is an inch taller with two inches of reach advantage. A little lead hand probing from both women early. Pennington misses a few low kicks then finally lands one. Head kick from Pennington but Pinheiro just eats it. Pinheiro with a front kick. Calf kick from Pinheiro. A few stance switches from Pennington now as she circles. Pinheiro with a calf kick. Pennington has a few punches blocked. Bit of a left hook from Pinheiro. Pennington lands a couple of punches. Blitz from Pennington mostly lands. They both land punches in close then Pennington fights off a takedown and they trade again. Pinheiro lands a right hand. Again they both land in close. They clinch, Pinheiro lands a knee, then they break. Another clinch and Pinheiro lands a few knees before they break. Pinheiro knocks down Pennington in close, not sure what caused it but she’s down and cut around the right eyebrow. Pennington fires an up kick as Pinheiro goes into her guard and that’s where the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pinheiro but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Pinheiro gets back to moving forward, she’s not really cage cutting though. Pennington avoids a few kicks then misses a hook kick. They spend the first minute or so both missing kicks. Bit of a calf kick from Pinheiro. Inside leg kick from Pinheiro then a bit of a right hand. Both women swing punches in close. Pennington misses a few punches, then Pinheiro misses as well. Bit of a right hand from Pinheiro then a body jab. Another right from Pinheiro. They trade left hooks and both women got a little shaken up there. Pinheiro lands another right hand. Pennington eats a right hand while throwing a leg kick. Calf kick from Pinheiro. Bit of a left hook from Pinheiro. Pennington misses a spinning back kick. They tie up, Pennington hits a mat return but Pinheiro bounces up and they’ll end the round clinched on the fence.

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

ROUND THREE: Back to circling from both women and they show a few kicks. Pennington is showing side kicks now. They tie up, bit of a knee from Pinheiro. Pinheiro with an inside leg kick. Side kick from Pennington. Pinheiro catches a side kick then swings a right hand that misses. Hook kick then a spinning back fist from Pennington both land. Another hook kick from Pennington but Pinheiro gets a clinch and slips to the back against the fence. They get chest to chest then jockey for position. Headlock throw from Pinheiro and she’s on top in full guard. Pennington looks to wall walk, Pinheiro gets to her back standing again and drags her back down. Again Pennington stands and they get chest to chest again. Another throw from Pinheiro and she lands in side control this time. Pennington scrambles and looks for a triangle attack but Pinheiro slams her way free then they stand and reset. Both women trade punches in close. Another takedown from Pinheiro into full guard just before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pennington, 29-28 Pinheiro overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Tecia Pennington via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

No issues there, round one was close. Mic time for Pennington, she thought there would be more grappling but does feel she out pointed Pinheiro overall.

Hyun Sung Park is undefeated including two wins in the UFC but he missed all of 2024 due to a couple of fights falling out and now he’s trying to establish himself as a prospect. Carlos Hernandez has gone 3-3 in the UFC but he is coming off of a win and he’s looking to get his first UFC winning streak going here. The odds are with Park at -185 to +155 for Hernandez.

Flyweight Bout: Carlos Hernandez (10-4, 126 lbs.) vs. HyunSung Park (9-0, 125.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Hernandez is an inch taller with an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Both men do a bit of feinting early then Park lands a calf kick. Both men land rights in close. They trade calf kicks then Park fires a jab. Park with a body jab. Hernandez shows a few high kicks as he’s circling. Bit of a left hook from Park, he’s got Hernandez close to the fence pretty reliably early. Combination from Park including a knee to the body. Park keeps walking Hernandez down, he punches into a clinch and starts kneeing the body. Next Park slips to the back and hits a mat return then gets a body triangle pretty quickly. Choke from Park, it’s pretty tight and Hernandez taps.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – HyunSung Park via Submission, rear naked choke, at 2:26 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Park for his work. Mic time for Park and a translator, he talks through some highlights and notes he’s working on his body work and it helps set up his grappling. Asked about the future he just wants to be active and fight anyone who gets him closer to the rankings.

Denise Gomes has gone 4-2 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak, if she can get that to three in a row here she might be in line to fight some ranked opposition next. Elise Reed has traded wins and losses while going 4-4 in the UFC but she is coming off of a win and is looking for her first UFC winning streak. Gomes is a very heavy favorite at -600 to a +440 comeback for Reed.

Strawweight Bout: Denise Gomes (10-3, 115 lbs.) vs. Elise Reed (8-4, 115 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Reed is an inch taller while the reach is identical. They trade calf kicks early. Gomes with a right hand. Reed starts showing her jab and backing up Gomes. A lot of pressure from Reed, she lands a calf kick but Gomes counters with a right hand and Reed is backing up. Gomes swarms against the fence with some elbows but Reed ties her up to slow the flurry. Some knees from Gomes then a takedown. Reed wall walks but her left eye is swelling after those elbows, it’s more the cheek under the eye but still it’s visible. Gomes keeps riding Reed back down to the mat. Eventually Gomes secures a takedown into half guard. A few punches from Gomes land but not much is going on here. Some body punches from Gomes. The round will end with Gomes still on top.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gomes, borderline 10-8 if you’re feeling generous

ROUND TWO: Reed gets back on pressure with kicks. A right hand from Gomes floors Reed, she keeps unloading and gets the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Denise Gomes via TKO, punches, at :30 of Round 2

Mic time for Gomes and the translator, she knew Reed was open for the right hand and was able to capitalize on that opening. She talks about working on her grappling and showing her full game, she’s still working on becoming a complete MMA fighter.

Luana Santos has gone 3-1 in the UFC but she’s coming off of a loss which broke a five fight winning streak, now she’s looking to avoid her first losing streak with a move to bantamweight. Tainara Lisboa is on a five fight winning streak including two wins in the UFC, she’s looking to get another win here then start setting her eyes on bigger names going forward. The odds lean towards Santos at -175 to Lisboa’s +145.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Tainara Lisboa (7-2, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Luana Santos (8-2, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Lisboa is an inch taller while the reach is identical, she’s also 9 years older. They touch gloves to get things going. Both women show the jab early. A bit of stance switching from Santos as they move around. They split a few jabs. A few rights go back and forth then Santos hits a takedown into side control. Lisboa is trying to sneakily take the back from side control but Santos is hip to it and keeps smothering her. Santos moves to north-south, Lisboa looks to climb over the back and take it, she’s not able to finish the motion but does get half guard. Santos lands a few short punches. Lisboa looks to invert for a leg but winds up not finding one and instead tries to wall walk as Santos moves to her back standing. Santos has the back standing, Lisboa tries a throw and then looks for another leg attack but Santos stifles it. They wrestle up and Santos moves to the back again as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Santos

ROUND TWO: Lisboa gets on pressure this round and both women show kicks. Santos counters a leg kick with a right hand that transitions into a takedown into half guard. Santos passes to side control again. A few short punches from Santos, Lisboa is really struggling to find a way to attack the position since they’re out in open space. Santos starts threatening an americana but Lisboa avoids it only to give up her back now. Lisboa tries to roll to her knees, Santos keeps the back though and is riding between back mount and full mount. Some punches from Santos but her ground and pound has been a little lacking despite the dominant position. Santos tries another Americana with short time, she cranks it and Lisboa does tap out with seconds left in the round.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Luana Santos via Submission, Americana, at 4:59 of Round 2

That’s the first female Americana finish in UFC history. Santos gets an interview with the translator, she’s very happy and puts over her tiktok work. She talks us through the finish and brings up her 18 year history as a judoka which is her base, then puts over her new team at Syndicate. When asked about the future she says she feels good at bantamweight but wants another fight to determine if she stays here.

Connor Matthews has gone 0-2 in the UFC and really needs to find that all important first UFC win here to get a little job security. Yadier del Valle is undefeated coming into his UFC debut, he was last seen getting a solid win on the Contender Series and now he’s trying to make the most of his chance at making a first impression to the wider audience. Del Valle is the large favorite at -600 to +440 on Matthews.

Featherweight Bout: Connor Matthews (7-3, 145 lbs.) vs. Yadier del Valle (8-0, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Del Valle is an inch taller while Matthews has two inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for del Valle and they both do some early feinting and hand fighting. Inside leg kick from del Valle. Bit of a left from del Valle. They both have high kicks blocked. Another inside leg kick from del Valle, those are pretty heavy kicks. Del Valle catches a kick and off balances Matthews then gets on top in full guard. Some elbows from del Valle as Matthews looks to start wall walking. Matthews threatens a guillotine but del Valle mounts the legs and starts landing some punches to the head. Del Valle gets the back, has both hooks in and looks to keep throwing punches as he flattens Matthews out. Choke from del Valle now and Matthews has to tap out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Yadier del Valle via Submission, rear naked choke, at 2:54 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. del Valle for his work. Del Valle gets an interview with the translator, he says he was very well prepared for this moment and got to show his work here. He says the plan was to get a knockout but he got to show off all of his skills. Asked about the future he wants to work hard and get better.

Jared Gordon has gone 1-2 with 1 No Contest in his last few fights, though he really should have won that Pimblett fight, and most recently dropped a split decision to Nasrat Haqparast. Gordon has had a couple of fights fall out since then and now he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak since 2018. Thiago Moises has gone 3-2 in his last five fights and he got a win to start the year back in January, now he’s looking for another winning streak. Very close one here, -115 on Gordon to -105 for Moises.

Lightweight Bout: Jared Gordon (20-7 1 NC, 156 lbs.) vs. Thiago Moises (19-8, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Moises has two and a half inches of reach advantage. Moises tries a calf kick but Gordon takes him down into full guard right away. Not much going on here, both men with a few short strikes but nothing serious. Gordon looks to have a small cut on his head, I think an elbow from Moises got through there. Moises starts working his guard up higher, he thinks about angling for an armbar but bails on that. Gordon lands a few punches then Moises wall walks into a clinch. Bit of an uppercut from Moises as they break. Gordon lands a calf kick. Bit of a right from Moises. Calf kicks are traded. Moises lands a right hand but Gordon counters and floors him then lands a couple more punches to get the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jared Gordon via KO, punches, at 3:37 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Gordon for his work. Gordon gets an interview after that one, he thanks his family for their support then sends love to anyone struggling with addiction or mental health issues. He puts over a few sponsors and talks about partnering with Angela Lee to work about mental health in MMA. He then sucks up to the UFC brass. When talking us through the finish he knew his boxing was better he just had to be patient and find the opening. Asked about the future he feels he’s on a six fight winning streak and that confidence is with him then says he can hang with the best in the world and wants to fight a ranked opponent. That’s not entirely out of the realm of possibility but it is a little bit of a reach.

Gabe Green has gone 2-3 in the UFC but he’s on a two fight losing streak and a win here would get him his first win in a little over three years plus bring his UFC record back to the .500 mark as he makes his debut in the lightweight division. Matheus Camilo brings a six fight winning streak into his UFC debut and he’s looking to make the most of his only chance at a first impression. The odds are with Camilo at -205 while +170 for Green might tempt a few bettors out there.

Lightweight Bout: Matheus Camilo (9-2, 155 lbs.) vs. Gabe Green (11-5, 154.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height, Green has three and a half inches of reach advantage though and is 8 years older. A lot of stance switching from Green as he moves around. Little calf kick from Green. Camilo with an inside leg kick. Right hand then a left hook from Camilo, neither really landed flush but they definitely got Green’s attention. Green blocks a right hand. Some pressure now from Green but not much offense yet. Camilo with a right to the body. Inside leg kick from Camilo. Another right to the body then a left hand from Camilo. Green shows some kicks, then Camilo pushes forward into a clinch on the fence. They jockey for position for a bit before Camilo drops and hits a double leg into full guard. Some body punches from Camilo then he misses an elbow. Bit of an elbow from Camilo will close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Camilo

ROUND TWO: Green shows some offense this round, he lands a punch then tries a flying knee which results in a clinch on the fence. Inside trip from Camilo and he’s on top again in half guard this time. Green looks to wall walk from octopus guard but Camilo smothers him then grabs a triangle and rolls for it. Camilo switches towards a triangle armbar, Green tries to slam free but the triangle choke is still in. Green works to pull his head out and he does get free then moves to the ride position and starts landing punches. Both hooks in now for Green and he starts landing punches. Green with a body triangle now and he starts looking for a choke. Some strikes to the body and head from Green as he works to open up the choke, eventually he gets it and forces the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gabe Green via Submission, rear naked choke, at 3:43 of Round 2

Mic time for Green, he thanks God first then talks about being out of action for a while but despite that God has been providing for him. Asked about the triangle choke he admits the choke was deep but he was prepared to go to sleep if necessary and felt things getting a little loose and he got his head out. Asked about staying at lightweight he knows he was a little too small at welterweight and looks good at lightweight.

Julian Erosa is on a three fight winning streak with all of those being first round finishes, if he can get that to four in a row here it might get him a shot at some bigger names for his next fight. Melquizael Costa is on a three fight winning streak and has gone 4-2 in the UFC, he’s likewise trying to get a step up in class by extending his winning streak to four in the crowded featherweight division. The odds like Costa at -160 while that +135 payout on Erosa is a tempting value bet.

Featherweight Bout: Melquizael Costa (23-7, 145 lbs.) vs. Julian Erosa (31-11, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Erosa is three inches taller with three and a half inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Costa. Erosa pushes forward early and both men show inside leg kicks. Front kick form Costa. Body kick from Costa. Erosa is keeping up some nice pressure but he’s not throwing much once Costa gets to the fence yet. Front kick from Costa and he avoids the counter punch. Erosa blocks a body kick. Superman punch from Costa lands then a head kick and a left hand. Erosa is backing up now and Costa is pushing forward but they both land punches and then kind of reset. Body kick from Costa. Quick couple of punches from Costa land. Erosa misses an elbow and Costa responds with punches then a jumping knee. Front kick from Costa then a body kick. Erosa just doesn’t seem to have a feel for Costa and Costa is chewing him up a bit. Head kick from Costa then they trade punches. Costa lands a jab. Spinning back kick from Costa lands, that might have gone a bit low but Erosa kind of waves that off. Erosa back to forward pressure. Both men land punches in close but Costa is landing cleaner. Erosa tries a takedown and is able to get it into side control. That’s where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Costa

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves, Costa complained of a left foot issue between rounds and there’s blood on his foot. Both men land some punches then Costa lands a body kick. Left hand from Costa. Erosa keeps pressuring but eats a one two. Another left from Costa, the man just can’t seem to miss. Erosa tries a takedown and gets it against the fence but Costa wall walks then threatens a guillotine as Erosa takes him back down. Erosa is in half guard on the dangerous side of the choke. Costa loses the choke angle and needs to switch his grip, he just uses it to wall walk this time. Erosa moves to the ride position as Costa has a knee down. Costa stands and gets chest to chest. They both have some clinch strikes working while Erosa is keeping Costa on the cage. Some knees from Erosa then Costa hits a foot sweep and they separate. Costa lands a couple of punches at range. A few lefts land for Costa. Erosa’s head just doesn’t move when he enters and Costa is making him pay for that. Costa with some side kicks to the knee. Bit of a front kick to the face from Costa. Costa lands a left hand then a knee. Erosa lands an elbow then a right hand in close. Both men land again. Spinning back kick from Erosa then Costa counters a takedown to get on top and punches Erosa before they reset on the feet. Another left from Costa lands. Erosa just wont stop coming forward and eats a knee but he’s wearing on Costa a bit at this point. They tie up and trade punches to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Costa but a close one, 20-18 Costa overall

ROUND THREE: Erosa quickly pushes into a clinch on the fence. A few knees go back and forth. Costa counters a takedown attempt, he could get on top but doesn’t and Erosa lands an up kick then regains his feet. Side kicks to the knee from Costa keep landing to try and halt Erosa’s momentum. Both men land right hands in close. Another clinch from Erosa then an elbow before he separates. Costa with an uppercut. Both men land in close again. Erosa pushes into another clinch, he’s just dogging this one out. Costa with a knee once they break. They’re trading in close again then Costa lands a nice left hand. Right hand from Erosa. Costa with a knee. Erosa starts teeing off in close, once he gets inside kicking range he’s able to have success and he knows it. They both land punches in close again. These two just wont stop throwing punches, this fight deserves a real crowd behind it. Knee from Costa then a left hand. Bit of a head kick from Erosa. Costa kind of shoves Erosa over but then lets him up. Costa lands a left hand. Erosa with a combination in close, he’s not worried about Costa’s power now and will just brawl this out if he can. Costa avoid a spinning attack. They get close and trade again to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Erosa, 29-28 Costa overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Melquizael Costa via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Well that was a war. Mic time for Costa and the translator, he jokes around with Bisping to start then notes he’s won three times this year already. He thanks God for everything then dedicates the win to a friend who recently passed away and this would have been his birthday. Asked about the issue with his left foot he doesn’t know what caused it, then mentions he knew the fight was going to be tough and hopes they’ll get Fight of the Night. I think they’re the frontrunner so far if nothing else.

Nursulton Ruziboev hasn’t lost at middleweight since 2016 though he has lost at welterweight since then as he’s bounced between those two classes and last year he lost to Joaquin Buckley at welterweight but he bounced back with a win in February. Ruziboev is looking to further his middleweight campaign and maybe get a look at a bigger name with another win. Dustin Stoltzfus has gone 2-2 in his last four fights and has traded wins and losses while doing so, he’s coming off of a win though and could get his first UFC winning streak going. The odds are solidly with Ruziboev at -240 to Stoltzfus’ +195.

Middleweight Bout: Nursulton Ruziboev (35-9-2 2 NC, 185.5 lbs.) vs. Dustin Stoltzfus (16-6, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ruziboev is five inches taller with an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Stoltzfus. Both men with some feinting as they circle around. Ruziboev lands a body kick. Inside leg kick from Ruziboev, Stoltzfus is playing with stance switches now and lands a calf kick. Bit of a right from Ruziboev. Another right from Ruziboev. They clash and Ruziboev winds up dropping, Stoltzfus jumps for a guillotine and tries the mounted version. The choke is dangerous but Ruziboev seems OK at the moment. Stoltzfus looks to adjust his choke and removes space but Ruziboev spins and gets on top in full guard. Ruziboev starts landing body to head punches. A few more punches from Ruziboev to the head, Stoltzfus wrestles up on a single leg and they wind up clinched on the fence. Right hand from Ruziboev as they break. Wheel kick from Ruziboev partially lands, but he tries it again and misses badly. Ruziboev lands a left hook. Solid right hand from Ruziboev, Stoltzfus isn’t moving well on the feet and is getting tagged now. Stoltzfus tries to tie up and throw but Ruziboev takes him down against the fence. Ruziboev ends the round on top landing some short punches.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ruziboev

ROUND TWO: Stoltzfus looks a little slow still. Wheel kick from Ruziboev partially lands then an uppercut. Stoltzfus punches back then tries a takedown but that stalls on the fence. Ruziboev grabs a double wrist lock to fight off a single leg but loses the angle and Stoltzfus gets him down into half guard. The nose of Stoltzfus is bleeding now after that uppercut. Elbow from Stoltzfus. Ruziboev works to get to a hip, Stoltzfus threatens a d’arce choke but bails on it to keep top half guard. Ruziboev wrestles up, Stoltzfus tries another guillotine but Ruziboev gets his head out and settles into top position. Some punches from Ruziboev land, he’s almost into leg drag position and knees the body. Ruziboev keeps firing punches and hammer fists. Stoltzfus tries for a kneebar but winds up in 50-50 guard. Ruziboev spins free and lands more punches. More punches from Ruziboev land as he’s keeping Stoltzfus down and wailing on him until the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Circling to start the round then Ruziboev lands a body kick. Bit of a calf kick from Stoltzfus. Calf kick then a right hand from Stoltzfus. Ruziboev lands a right hand. Stoltzfus pushes into a clinch but misses an elbow as Ruziboev spins free. Bit of a counter right from Ruziboev. Ruziboev with a left hook that’s partially blocked. Right to the body from Ruziboev then a wheel kick mostly lands. Bit of a body kick from Stoltzfus but he eats a counter right. Stoltzfus misses a wheel kick. They trade rights. Bit of a left hook from Ruziboev. Stoltzfus avoids a punch and hits a takedown into half guard. Not much going on here. The ref warns Stoltzfus about doing things. Stoltzfus does pass to full mount but Ruziboev quickly scrambles up and Stoltzfus grabs a front headlock. Ruziboev pushes up and gets away from a guillotine attempt. Spinning back kick from Ruziboev. Ruziboev with a right hand then a left hook behind it. Both men miss strikes to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Stoltzfus, 29-28 Ruziboev overall

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

Ruziboev gets an interview with a translator, he gives glory to God then thanks everyone for the support and puts over Stoltzfus as a very tough opponent. He mentions working on his kicks then says he’s staying at middleweight and calls out Bo Nickal for a fight. To close he thanks everyone for the support then advocates for a couple of his teammates to get into the UFC.

We’ve lost the Craig and Bellato fight, some kind of medical issue with Bellato.

Sodiq Yusuff has gone 6-3 in the UFC but he’s on a two fight losing streak and really needs to get back on the winning side of things if he wants to make a serious run in the division. Mairon Santos is on a three fight winning streak including two wins in the UF which also included winning some pointless season of TUF, most recently he got a split decision over Francis Marshall and now he’s taking a pretty notable step up in class to the much more UFC proven Yusuff. The odds are close but like Santos at -140 while +120 on Yusuff has to be a super tempting bet.

Lightweight Bout: Mairon Santos (15-1, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Sodiq Yusuff (13-4, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Yusuff is two inches taller while Santos has an inch of reach advantage. A bit of movement from Yusuff early, he’s mostly orthodox but stands a bit square at times. They both look for the jab then Santos misses a front kick. Bit of an inside leg kick from Yusuff. Santos now starts playing with southpaw a bit. Right to the body from Yusuff. Santos takes a low blow but just waves it off. Yusuff lands a couple of body shots then Santos lands a left hook. Leg kick from Yusuff. Left hook from Yusuff in close. Santos misses a couple of punches then Yusuff ties up but they break without incident. Santos with a jab but Yusuff is coming forward. They both clash on kicks then Yusuff tries a takedown against the fence and he settles for a clinch on the fence. Knee from Yusuff. Santos spins free then they clash on a jumping technique from Santos to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Yusuff but a close one

ROUND TWO: Both men show kicks and Santos mostly lands a head kick. Yusuff tries to get forward motion going again. Santos looks to establish his jab while circling. Yusuff lands a leg kick, he’s kicking at the back leg of Santos. Both men land punches in close. That head kick earlier has cut Yusuff around the left eyebrow, not bad but he’s leaking. Santos lands a one two. Calf kick from Santos. Yusuff keeps pushing forward and Santos gets a clinch and puts him on the fence. A few knees from Santos as he’s got Yusuff on the fence. Yusuff is struggling to get out of the clinch here, Santos has him pinned and is finding some short blows to land. They break and trade punches. Santos lands a left hook in close. Inside leg kick from Yusuff is partially checked. Wheel kick from Santos doesn’t really land but that’ll close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Santos, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Yusuff looks to move forward again. Santos avoids a few jabs. Jab from Santos. Yusuff lands a jab of his own. Right hand from Santos. Bit of an elbow from Yusuff as he’s pushing forward. Yusuff lands a leg kick. They clash on calf kicks. A few more calf kicks from Yusuff land. Santos shows front kicks as he’s begun moving forward. Yusuff with another leg kick. Front kick from Santos. Santos blocks a left hook. Takedown from Yusuff, Santos scrambles up pretty quickly though and they’re on the fence again. Yusuff is still looking for a takedown, he’s after a single leg but wont quite find it. Santos with some back slaps then he turns Yusuff into the fence. They break with a right hand from Santos. Santos with a front kick. A few more kicks from Santos close the round.

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

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

Mic time for Santos, he trained hard for this fight and is happy to be fighting again after a bit of a layoff. He had to slow down once he realized he wasn’t going to put Yusuff away and mostly he’s just happy. He switches to Portuguese to send love to Brazil and that’ll close things.

Michael Morales is undefeated including being 5-0 in the UFC which have seen him crack the top rankings as well as get this fight against a tough UFC veteran. A win would be the biggest that Morales has ever had and would set him up nicely to make a real push towards the top of the rankings. Gilbert Burns has fought for the welterweight title before but he’s on a three fight losing streak right now, that is somewhat mitigated by those losses coming to Belal Muhammad, Jack Della Maddalena, and Sean Brady but if the 38 year old wants to remain highly ranked he has to turn back the surging challenger before him tonight. It’s a little surprising to see Morales as one of the biggest favorites on the card at -520, that +390 comeback on Burns has to tempt the bettors out there.

Welterweight Bout: #8 Gilbert Burns (22-8, 170 lbs.) vs. #12 Michael Morales (17-0, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Morales is two inches taller, has a big eight inches of reach advantage, and is 13 years younger. A lot of circling from Burns early. Calf kick from Burns. Morales starts showing some stance switches then lands his own calf kick. Burns misses a left hook. Jab from Morales. Morales lands a right hand, his follow ups are blocked but he definitely caught Burns there. Bit of a left hook from Burns. Morales starts working his jab then lands a calf kick. Right uppercut from Morales bothers Burns, he looks to flurry but Burns ties up and gets a takedown only for Morales to bounce up with Burns holding his back. Morales turns into Burns then lands an elbow as they break. Another right from Morales, he unloads as Burns drops but Burns wrestles up so Morales drops him again and the ref jumps in to stop things.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Michael Morales via TKO, punches, at 3:39 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Morales for his work. Mic time for Morales and the translator, he say this was the result of hard work and he was nervous before this fight but his coaches got him settled and he’s happy to have won in front of his mother. Asked about the future he knows the division is full of sharks but he’s ready and will fight anyone as long as he’s healthy. To close he gives love to his mother in the audience and dedicates the win to her.

Well on that note UFC on ESPN+ 114 comes to a close. We’ll be unpacking the fallout from this event on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast which I hope you’re listening to. The UFC is taking a week off next week but in two weeks we’ll have UFC on ESPN 68, also from the warehouse with Erin Blanchfield vs. Maycee Barber as the main event. That card also has Mateusz Gamrot vs. Ludovit Klein though so it’s not all bad. I hope you’ll be back here for that one, be it live or after the fact. Until next time everyone, thank you again for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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