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August 21, 2021 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC on ESPN 29

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MAIN CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET)
#3 Jared Cannonier (185 lbs.) vs. #9 Kelvin Gastelum (186 lbs.)
Clay Guida (155 lbs.) vs. Mark Madsen (156 lbs.)
Parker Porter (262 lbs.) vs. Chase Sherman (256 lbs.)
Trevin Jones (135 lbs.) vs. Saidyokub Kakhramonov (138.5 lbs.)*
Austin Hubbard (156 lbs.) vs. Vinc Pichel (155.5 lbs.)
#3 Alexandre Pantoja (126 lbs.) vs. #6 Brandon Royval (125.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN2/ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)
Austin Lingo (145.5 lbs.) vs. Luis Saldana (146 lbs.)
Brian Kelleher (136 lbs.) vs. Domingo Pilarte (136 lbs.)
Bea Malecki (135 lbs.) vs. Josiane Nunes (136 lbs.)
Fabio Cherant (205 lbs.) vs. William Knight (206 lbs.)
Ignacio Bahamondes (154 lbs.) vs. Roosevelt Roberts (154.5 lbs.)
Ramiz Brahimaj (171 lbs.) vs. Sasha Palatnikov (170 lbs.)

Hello there everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN 29, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening. Tonight’s card is a bit of a throwaway, and seeing as it’s competing against both a Manny Pacquiao boxing PPV and WWE’s Summerslam that makes some sense. But that doesn’t mean it’s a horrible card on paper, in fact the main event fight between Jared Cannonier and Kelvin Gastelum is both good on paper and a very relevant fight at the top of the middleweight division. Beyond that it’s a little slim, but Austin Hubbard and Vinc Pichel has some potential and there’s a very relevant flyweight fight between Alexandre Pantoja and Brandon Royval. As for the rest of the card, we’re mostly hoping it’s better in practice than it is on paper.

UFC on ESPN 29 comes to the world from the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. On commentary we have Jon Anik, Paul Felder, and Daniel Cormier. As for the rules, Nevada has adopted most of the new ones except the downed fighter definition so anything other than the soles of your feet on the mat means you’re downed. There’s also the use of a replay official who can call for the use on instant replay, and of course the in cage ref can request it as well, and the fight can be restarted after replay is used if that’s applicable.

Sasha Palatnikov has gone 1-1 in the UFC, he’s coming off of a loss though and is trying to avoid his first ever losing streak. Ramiz Brahimaj lost in his UFC debut late last year when his ear partially exploded, now he’s back and hoping to leave a better impression while getting his first UFC win. Brahimaj is a slight -150 favorite to a +125 comeback on Palatnikov.

Welterweight Bout: Ramiz Brahimaj (8-3, 171 lbs.) vs. Sasha Palatnikov (6-3, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Palatnikov is three inches taller but has just half an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Both men moving well early, Brahimaj gets a double leg, they scramble but Brahimaj is able to pass to half guard and secure position. Brahimaj is trying to set up an arm triangle choke, and uses the threat to pass to full mount. Palatnikov gives up his back, Brahimaj is after the choke and it’s getting tighter and tighter and eventually Palatnikov goes to sleep.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ramiz Brahimaj via Technical Submission, rear naked choke, at 2:33 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Brahimaj for his work this evening. Mic time for Brahimaj, he gives glory to God and thanks Him for all of the help during his trials over the last couple of years. He talks us through the finish and puts over Palatnikov then plans on seeing his mother, praying, and maybe looking into building a well in some developing country with his winnings.

Here’s a look at the finish. The constant adjustments from Brahimaj during this choke are quite nice, his grip changes a bit, the arm slips deeper, and you can see him finally start pulling his right shoulder back at the end of it to really secure the strangle. Nice stuff from Brahimaj.

Roosevelt Roberts has gone 4-2 with 1 No Contest during his time in the UFC, but he’s been unsuccessful in his last two fights. Roberts has been out of action for almost a full year, but he’s trying to get back on the winning side of things tonight. Ignacio Bahamondes dropped a split decision in his UFC debut a few months back, now he’s hoping his second trip into the Octagon will yield better results in the form of his first UFC win. The odds are with Roberts at -150 to +125 for Bahamondes.

Lightweight Bout: Ignacio Bahamondes (11-4, 154 lbs.) vs. Roosevelt Roberts (10-2 1 NC, 154.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Bahamondes is an inch taller and has two and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Roberts with a leg kick, Bahamondes counters with a left hook. Both men are working calf kicks and other long range strikes. Roberts lands a one two then gets a clinch on the fence. They break without incident. Bahamondes lands a right to counter a leg kick. Stiff jab from Roberts. More jabs from Roberts, Bahamondes lands a leg kick but his right eye is starting to swell up. Some stance switching from Bahamondes, Roberts lands a calf kick. Bahamondes lands a right. Roberts lands a right of his own. We get a time out as the ref warns both men about their extended fingers. Some jabs go back and forth on the restart. Roberts tries a single leg, and gets Bahamondes to the fence. Bahamondes limp legs away from a single leg and they separate. Both men land left hands and leg kicks. Roberts has started doing a bit of stance switching as well. More jabs from Roberts, Bahamondes lands a combination in response. A left from Bahamondes lands flush. Roberts tries another takedown, again they hit the fence and Roberts is still after the takedown. Bahamondes slips free of the clinch and lands a knee. Both men land jabs as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Roberts but a close one

ROUND TWO: Roberts is pushing forward to start this round. Bahamondes lands a few punches and is coming forward now. Bahamondes limp legs away from a single leg attempt. More kicks from Bahamondes, once he adjusted to the jab of Roberts he started winning the exchanges consistently. Roberts lands some jabs but he’s not able to follow it up. Bahamondes lands a body shot, he’s bleeding around that right eye now though. Spinning back kick from Bahamondes then a bit of a left hand to follow up. Bahamondes is constantly putting Roberts on the fence and is able to land punches there. Right to the body from Bahamondes. Roberts lands a jab, he’s just not able to build on his jab or string together meaningful offense. Bahamondes lands a knee to the chest but gets clinched on the fence. They break without issue but Bahamondes is cut a second time around the other eye. Neither cut looks to be a fight stopper at the moment but he’s bleeding. Both men land in close to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bahamondes, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Bahamondes working the body as the round starts. Roberts tries a takedown but Bahamondes is able to sprawl away. Bahamondes lands a body shot, then a left to the body hurts Roberts just a bit. Roberts tries a takedown, looks to pull guard but can’t get it. Bahamondes is still working the body with straight punches, he avoids a takedown and stands over Roberts. Back on the feet and Bahamondes with more body jabs then a leg kick. Roberts avoids a few high kicks, Bahamondes then lands a few front kicks to the body. Roberts is definitely hurt to the body, and Bahamondes lands a left to the body that hurts Roberts again. A few leg kicks from Bahamondes, then another body shot. Roberts lands an uppercut in close but he’s still feeling bad. Bahamondes avoids a takedown, then stands over Roberts with some leg kicks before making Roberts stand. Leg kick from Bahamondes then another right to the body. Bahamondes is relentless with his body attacks, he lands a straight left and eats a counter right. Roberts lands a few punches, but gets caught in a standing guillotine when trying a takedown. Bahamondes bails on the choke to land an elbow, then a wheel kick finally connects and ENDS Roberts.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ignacio Bahamondes via KO, wheel kick, at 4:55 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Bahamondes for his work this evening. Mic time for Bahamondes, he gives glory to God first and foremost. He talks us through the finish, noting he was working the spinning back kicks to the body to set up the wheel kick up top. He jokes that his English is mostly profanity because that’s all his training partners have taught him, then says he’s ready to fight as soon as he’s medically cleared and would like another one before the end of the year so he can spend Christmas with his family.

I don’t have a whole lot to say here, but the little step through in reverse Bahamondes does is a sneaky little set up for this kick as it encourages Roberts to move into it.

William Knight has gone 1-1 in the UFC but is coming off of that loss, he’s trying to rebound and avoid his first ever losing streak. Fabio Cherant had a three fight winning streak snapped in his UFC debut, he’s trying to get his first UFC win this time out. Knight is a decent favorite at -170 to a +145 comeback on Cherant.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Fabio Cherant (7-2, 205 lbs.) vs. William Knight (9-2, 206 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Cherant is three inches taller and has an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Cherant. Some hard inside leg kicks from Knight as he’s backing Cherant up. More inside leg kicks from Knight, then tries a head kick that’s blocked. Cherant lands a left to the body. Right hook from Cherant lands. Knight lands some more leg kicks, those are starting to add up. Cherant lands a left hand. Hard body kick from Knight then an inside leg kick. Cherant comes forward but walks into a left hook and Knight absolutely face plants him with it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – William Knight via KO, punch, at 3:58 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Knight for his work this evening. Mic time for Knight, he objected in the build up to being told he didn’t have hands and was afraid to be hit. He talks us through the finish, and his coaches have been working his speed and jokes about the big man backflip he did to celebrate.

Here’s a look at the finish, the punch doesn’t look like much but it’s the blows you don’t see that tend to cause damage.

Bea Malecki has only fought in the UFC where she’s undefeated, she’s been out of action for well over a year though and is looking to remain perfect after this fight. Josiane Nunes brings a six fight winning streak into her UFC debut, she’s hoping to extend that here while making a good first impression to the UFC audience. The odds favor Malecki at -150 against +125 for Nunes.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Bea Malecki (2-0, 135 lbs.) vs. Josiane Nunes (7-1, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Malecki is a whopping seven inches of height and reach over Nunes. Southpaw for Nunes as we start. Malecki working long range kicks and punches. Some leg kicks from Malecki. Nunes lands a left hand in close. Malecki misses a right and eats a counter left. Body kick from Malecki, Nunes is pushing forward and looking to unload though. Malecki blocks most of Nunes’ flurry and then they reset. Head kick from Malecki stuns Nunes for a second. Malecki lands a right in close. Nunes bulls in close and swings a few hooks that are mostly blocked but she’s still trying to force the issue. Some body work from Nunes, Malecki lands a spinning elbow that stuns Nunes for a second. Nunes tries another flurry but she can’t find much, but her flurries are keeping Malecki on the back foot. Bit of a left from Nunes, she tries to unload again then lands a left that FLOORS Malecki and we’re done.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Josiane Nunes via KO, punch, at 4:54 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Ms. Nunes for her work this evening. Mic time for Nunes, she’s happy to have won and overcome a lot of challenges in her life then thanks a bunch of people who’ve helped her along the way. She talks us through the finish, noting she knew it was over when she landed that punch. Asked about the future she wants to get back in the cage as fast as she can.

Nunes was good about getting inside the reach of Malecki all fight, and she beat up Malecki there leading to this. Malecki tries to walk out of the pocket with her hands low, her arms fatigued from the bludgeoning and overall pace, leaving herself open to this overhand left from Nunes.

Brian Kelleher has gone 3-2 in his last five fights but is coming off of a loss to ranked contender Ricky Simon. Kelleher is trying to bounce back and return to the winning side of things. Domingo Pilarte has yet to win in the UFC, dropping a decision to Felipe Colares then going to a No Contest with Journey Newson after Newson TKO’d him but failed a drug test for marijuana. Pilarte’s back is nearly against the wall here and he needs a win. Kelleher is the -175 favorite against a +150 payout on Pilarte.

Bantamweight Bout: Brian Kelleher (22-12, 136 lbs.) vs. Domingo Pilarte (8-2 1 NC, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Pillarte is six inches taller and has seven and a half inches of reach. Southpaw for Pillarte. Kelleher coming forward quickly, swings a few punches then gets a double leg and passes to half guard quickly. Side control now for Kelleher, Pilarte is able to hip escape to full guard though. Some body to head punches from Kelleher, then a left elbow. Pilarte is trying to work his guard but Kelleher is able to follow his hips and keep him from finding much. Kelleher is keeping a decent pace on his ground strikes but he’s not looking to pass too much yet. More rights from Kelleher, then a left as he tries to pass but Pilarte keeps him tied up. Pilarte is bleeding from the nose. Some more short elbows from Kelleher. Kelleher lands another series of punches, he stands and lands a few kicks to the body and leg before heading back into the guard. Pilarte tries to sit up, but Kelleher is able to push him onto his back again. More elbows from Kelleher. A final flurry from Kelleher closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Kelleher as I think he won it by enough

ROUND TWO: Kelleher is pushing forward again, Pilarte lands a short left but Kelleher is able to get a double leg and secure top position. Pilarte closes his guard again, and Kelleher is back to working ground and pound drills. More body to head stuff from Kelleher. Some short elbows from Kelleher, he’s trying to pass now and finally does so into side control. Pilarte is able to scramble up but Kelleher jumps for a guillotine and Pilarte has to fight to get his head free but eventually does. Kelleher right back to the choke but again can’t keep it as the blood from Pilarte’s nose is helping him slip free. Pilarte moves to half guard, lands an elbow and tries an arm triangle choke but can’t control the relevant arm. Kelleher to a knee, and gets on top in half guard and lands some elbows and hammer fists to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kelleher, 20-17 Kelleher overall

ROUND THREE: Another quick bit of pressure from Kelleher and then he gets a takedown into full guard. Pilarte moves to the fence and tries to wall walk but Kelleher moves to the ride position. Pilarte moves to his back and gets full closed guard. Kelleher resumes working ground and pound. Elbows now from Kelleher, Pilarte is just holding on trying to work his guard. Kelleher is working to posture up and land punches, he lands a few short elbows as well. Pilarte isn’t trying to wall walk despite being against the fence, and he’s just allowing this fight to slip away. Body shots from Kelleher, now some punches to the head. The fight will end in that spot.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kelleher, 30-26 Kelleher overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Brian Kelleher via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

That first round could have been 10-8, I’m surprised none of the judges went that way. Mic time for Kelleher, he felt good to be back at bantamweight after several featherweight fights. He felt a lot stronger than Pilarte and knows it wasn’t the most exciting fight but he needed the win and wants activity going forward, specifically the November 6th card and wants a fight with Sean O’Malley.

Austin Lingo has gone 1-1 in the UFC but is coming off of that win and now looks to build his first UFC winning streak. Luis Saldana is on a five fight winning streak including a successful UFC debut earlier this year, he’s hoping to extend that winning streak here and start building some positive momentum in the promotion. The odds are close but favor Saldana at -120 to an even +100 on Lingo.

Featherweight Bout: Austin Lingo (8-1, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Luis Saldana (15-6, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Saldana is an inch taller and has three inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Lingo feinting forward early, lands a bit of a left hook. Saldana is showing stance switches, then they trade leg kicks. Body kick from Saldana lands. Lingo is still coming forward though, he lands a left hand. Bit of a left hook from Lingo, there’s a cut around the right eye of Lingo I think from a head kick. Saldana checks a leg kick. Hard body kick from Saldana locks up Lingo for a second but he doesn’t follow up right away. Saldana is working a lot from southpaw so he can threaten the body kicks. Bit of a left from Lingo as he’s pushing forward. Saldana lands a leg kick then a spinning back kick to the body. Another body kick from Saldana, those hands of Lingo are dropping just a bit. Lingo lands a left. Lingo misses a right, but he’s still in the fight. Saldana is circling, he misses a few punches. Some jabs from Lingo now, Saldana might be fading just a bit. Saldana lands some leg kicks as the last blows of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Saldana

ROUND TWO: Saldana has some serious swelling on his left foot and he’s losing mobility, not sure what caused that but he threw enough kicks to have caused it. Lingo is back to pressuring forward as the round starts, he saw Saldana starting to slow and doesn’t want to give him a break. They clinch up and hit the fence then break. More pressure from Lingo, he’s landing some punches now. Bit of a right from Lingo then a body shot. Lingo lands a left hook. Saldana with a spinning back kick to the body, then a hard leg kick. Lingo lands another left. A couple of rights land for Lingo. A left hook from Lingo counters a leg kick then they clinch up again. Lingo lands a knee to the body and they break. Saldana lands an inside leg kick. Straight right from Lingo lands, he’s trying to force a bit of a brawl now. They split punches, then Lingo lands a right to counter a jumping knee attempt. Saldana is fading badly, Lingo lands a couple of more rights. They split jabs to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lingo, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They clinch up very quickly and hit the fence, Lingo is working to wear on Saldana as they break. Lingo is still coming forward, and they clinch again but break quicker this time. Saldana lands a spinning back kick to the body. Lingo limp legs away from a single leg attempt then digs a left to the body. Lingo lands a long range left and they clinch then separate. Bit of a knee from Saldana. Lingo lands a right to the body then a bit of a left hook. A right from Lingo lands flush. Saldana tries a head kick that’s partially blocked. Lingo forces a clinch and they break, then Lingo lands a right hand. Saldana lands a calf kick. Some left hooks from Lingo then he misses a right. Bit of a right from Lingo. A left to the body from Lingo drops Saldana, he gets on top and moves to leg drag position. Saldana to his knees, Lingo on his back looking to move for an armbar as he’s a bit too high on the shoulders for proper back control. Lingo is able to adjust to the back and lands some punches from there as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Austin Lingo via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Tough fight from Lingo, but he gutted through it and won. Mic time for Lingo who’s busted up, he says he’s always in come back mode as he practices very hard. He knew that Saldana was a little hurt to the foot and knew he could keep coming forward off of that. He puts over Saldana to close.

That’s it for the prelims, though we’re still on ESPN+ and ESPN for the main card.

Alexandre Pantoja has only lost three times in the UFC but has been trading wins and losses over his last five fights, he’s coming off of a win over Manel Kape though and is looking for his first winning streak since 2019. Brandon Royval has gone 2-1 in the UFC, submitting his first two opponents before dropping against current champion Brandon Moreno, now he’s trying to avoid his first ever losing streak while battling for position in the flyweight division. Pantoja is your favorite at -175 while the +150 comeback for Royval is a tempting value bet.

Flyweight Bout: #3 Alexandre Pantoja (23-5, 126 lbs.) vs. #6 Brandon Royval (12-5, 125.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Royval is four inches taller but only has half an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Royval, there’s a quick clinch, Pantoja slips to the back and gets a takedown then jumps on the back with one hook in. Royval is trying to scramble, rolling through and working but Pantoja is staying on his back thus far. Pantoja moves to the ride position, Royval inverts for a heel hook, they wind up fighting in a version of 50-50 guard with Royval fishing for the leg while throwing a few elbows. Royval switches towards an Achilles lock, Pantoja gets his leg free and gets the back in a scramble as they stand. Pantoja drags Royval to the mat again and retains top position but Royval scrambles back up to the feet. Southpaw for Royval, he lands a left to the body. Pantoja lands a right hand. Royval’s pace is absolutely nuts even for flyweight. Pantoja lands a one two that bothers Royval. Bit of a left from Royval, he’s still coming on. Both men land in close. Royval lands a left. Bit of a right from Pantoja closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Royval but there’s arguments for both men

ROUND TWO: Both men kicking as the round starts. Royval is still pressing the pace, Pantoja with a series of punches and tries a takedown but Royval defends and gets on top. They head up along the fence and Royval just will not stop. Pantoja gets the back standing, drags things to the mat and this time gets both hooks in. Body triangle for Pantoja, he’s looking for the choke and wraps it up, then forces the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alexandre Pantoja via Submission, rear naked choke, at 1:46 of Round 2

That probably gives Pantoja the next title shot since Figueiredo isn’t getting an immediate rematch. Mic time for Pantoja, he puts over Royval and is happy to have won. He dedicates the win to his family and country, Moreno is in the building and references that he’s beaten Moreno twice and is happy for Moreno’s success but he wants a fight with him for the belt.

Some lovely back work from Pantoja here, he kept up with Royval’s scramble game until he was able to get some control position and from there worked diligently for the finish. I’m down with him and Moreno for the belt.

Vinc Pichel has gone 2-1 in his last three fights and is on a two fight winning streak, he’s trying to get to three in a row here and possibly earn a step up in class for his next bout. Austin Hubbard has been trading wins and losses for his entire 3-3 run in the UFC, he’s coming off of a win though and is trying to get his first UFC winning streak up and running. We’ve got a close one here, closing at -120 for Pichel to an even +100 on Hubbard.

Lightweight Bout: Austin Hubbard (13-5, 156 lbs.) vs. Vinc Pichel (13-2, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Pichel has an inch of reach advantage, Pichel is also nine years older. They touch gloves to get us going. Hubbard showing a lot of long range weapons, Pichel lands a leg kick that drops him for a second, then they clinch up on the fence. They break without incident. Bit of a right from Pichel. Hubbard showing the jab, while Pichel is doing a bit of stance switching. Leg kick from Hubbard, Pichel returns a calf kick. They clash on some kicks, both men are still getting a feel for things. Pichel lands a body kick, Hubbard lands a right hand. Hubbard lands a front kick, and takes a couple of calf kicks. Both men are switching stances now. Pichel has a head kick blocked. Hubbard lands a leg kick, Pichel lands a hard inside leg kick then a body kick. There’s an eye poke to Pichel, so we’ve got time for the doctor to check him. Replay confirms the poke, the doctor double checks Pichel who can still see and we’re back to fighting after a little less than a minute. Some long range kicks from both men, then Hubbard lands a right. Pichel lands an inside leg kick. Hubbard lands a body kick then they trade left hooks. Pichel sweeps the legs with a low kick and lands a few punches on the ground before Hubbard fights up. Some front kicks are traded to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Hubbard but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Hubbard working the lead had as the round starts. They trade rights, these two have a pretty serious pace going on. Body kick from Pichel, Hubbard tries a double leg but they wind up clinched on the fence. They break without incident. Pichel lands a leg kick. Bit of a right from Pichel. Hubbard avoids a front kick and gets the back standing, drags Pichel down but Pichel is able to scramble back up and they reset on the feet. A punch from Pichel rocks Hubbard, he lands a right in close but Hubbard survives and slips free. Straight right from Pichel lands, Hubbard responds with an uppercut in close. Pichel lands a body shot. Both men with leg kicks. A lot of circling from Pichel, he lands a knee and Hubbard gets a takedown because of it. Hubbard looks to pass the guard, Pichel ties up the legs and scrambles up off of the motion. Left then a right from Pichel. Pichel lands a right. Bit of a left to the body from Pichel, he tries a double leg as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pichel, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Both men working kicks as the round starts. Pichel still circling, his footwork is solid. Pichel lands a combination of punches and they clinch up on the fence. Hubbard is able to avoid a level change but Pichel lands a few elbows. They break after Pichel can’t secure a high crotch lift. Hubbard avoids a left hand and tries a double leg, he can’t get it but switches to a cheese donkey move from the clinch and gets the ride position. Pichel back up, and back down but this time he scrambles to top position in half guard. Pichel with some blows as he moves to north-south but Hubbard looks to wall walk and Pichel has to keep him down. Elbow from Pichel, Hubbard is trying to work a reverse triangle from the bottom but nothing doing. Pichel lands some punches as Hubbard wall walks, then a knee to the body. Hubbard is able to spin free. Right uppercut from Hubbard lands. Pichel with a hard inside leg kick, but Hubbard uses a low single off of that move and gets a takedown into full guard. Hubbard moves to half guard, both men land strikes on the mat. Pichel kicks Hubbard off, gets up and lands a few punches as they break. A combination from Pichel lands, Hubbard just eats it and fires back, we go full on Road House for the last few seconds of the round.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Vinc Pichel via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

No issues with Pichel getting the first. Mic time for Pichel, he says he’s still a dog and fights like one. He says he’s an awkward fighter and he wanted to use his footwork to win and prove he wont lose easy. Asked what’s next he’d like a rematch with Gregor Gillespie at some point.

Trevin Jones hasn’t lost a fight since 2018 including two appearances in the UFC, he stopped Mario Bautista in his last fight and is looking extend that streak here which should cement him as a prospect of note. Saidyokub Kakhramonov took this fight on very short notice which contributed to his missing weight, but Kakhramonov is on a two fight winning streak and could announce his arrival in the UFC in a big way if he can halt the budding hype around Jones. Jones is the -150 favorite to a +125 comeback on Kakhramonov.

Bantamweight Bout: Trevin Jones (13-6 1 NC, 135 lbs.) vs. Saidyokub Kakhramonov (8-2, 138.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Kakhramonov is an inch taller while Jones has an inch of reach, Kakhramonov did miss weight but to be fair the man was in his native Uzbekistan a week ago. Southpaw for Jones to start. Both men probing with the lead hand, just range finding. Jones avoids a head kick and they clinch up on the fence. Nice whizzer kick from Kakhramonov, then he gets a guillotine in the scramble. A few grip adjustments from Kakhramonov, they scramble and roll through into a front headlock position then up to the feet and on the fence. Jones gets a body lock as they trade short punches. Some knees from Jones, Kakhramonov gets Jones on the fence though. They keep jockeying for position along the fence. Some knees go back and forth while they fight for position. They end the round still in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kakhramonov

ROUND TWO: Jones comes out kicking, but he might be fatiguing just a bit. Kakhramonov with some long range kicks as well. Jones catches a kick and gets a clinch on the fence. They jockey for position, Kakhramonov is fishing for various trips then slips free and they reset. Hard right from Kakhramonov, then another one and Jones grabs a single leg to stall things. They trade punches in the clinch, then Kakhramonov switches to some elbows while defending a takedown attempt. Kakhramonov moves free and lands a right, Jones avoids a head kick but Kakhramonov is looking to tee off as Jones is fading. Jones eats a right, and gets another clinch but again he can’t hold it. Kakhramonov lands a series of punches, then a right to the body. More body shots are traded in the clinch before Jones gets free. Jones fires back with some punches and gets a double leg into half guard. Some short blows from Jones. Kakhramonov gets full guard, Jones passes again. Jones gets the back in a scramble and moves to full mount. Kakhramonov hangs on as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jones but could go the other way, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: At this point whoever gets on top probably wins. Kakhramonov is coming forward, he lands a body kick. Bit of a right from Kakhramonov. Another body kick from Kakhramonov lands. Jones is showing the jab but he’s not landing it. Kakhramonov still coming forward, Jones avoids a punch and they clinch up on the fence. Jones slips around to the back. Jones tries to move for a takedown, he can’t secure it though and they resume clinch fighting. Things are stalling out a bit now, but the ref is taking his sweet time getting involved. Jones tries to drop for a double leg, Kakhramonov defends with ease and they’re still clinched. Kakhramonov gets Jones on the fence, then pulls free and lands a punch. Jones with a takedown attempt, Kakhramonov pushes him over with a front choke attempt, he moves to a high elbow guillotine, switches to a ninja choke and puts Jones to sleep.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Saidyokub Kakhramonov via Technical Submission, ninja choke, at 4:39 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Kakhramonov for his work this evening. Mic time for Kakhramonov, he says getting the finish was expected and says he did this on 4 days notice/training, give him a full camp and he can compete with the champ. He talks us through the finish, then thanks his country and says the Uzbeks are coming.

Look at the grip adjustments from Kakhramonov, he goes from version to version until he finally finds one that sticks then puts Jones to sleep with it.

Chase Sherman just had a four fight winning streak snapped by Andrei Arlovski, but he’s back in action now and looking to avoid another UFC losing streak. Parker Porter has gone 1-1 in the UFC, but he’s coming off of a win and looking to get his first UFC winning streak up and running. Sherman is the favorite at -195 while the +165 comeback on Porter probably tempts a few bettors out there.

Heavyweight Bout: Parker Porter (11-6, 262 lbs.) vs. Chase Sherman (15-7, 256 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Sherman is four inches taller and has three inches of reach advantage. Both men probing with punches at first, Sherman seems more mobile. Porter lands a calf kick. Bit of a calf kick from Sherman. They both miss rights. Both men land lefts, then they trade calf kicks. Sherman avoids a right and lands a couple of quick counters. Porter lands a right. Sherman evades some punches then lands a calf kick. Porter lands a right then they trade calf kicks. Another exchange of calf kicks and they trade rights in close. Sherman’s lead leg is a little compromised. Sherman with a calf kick, partially checked by Porter. Porter misses a right and eats a couple of punches. Porter catches a front kick and gets a takedown into half guard. I think Porter is after an Americana, yeah he’s after that but can’t keep it. Some short elbows from Porter as he works from half guard. There’s a bit of a forearm choke from Porter, he can’t quite finish it but he’s still uncomfortable and he sues that to land a right hand. Some short punches and elbows from Porter as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Porter

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Porter lands a one two. Sherman is a lot more flat on his feet this round. Bit of a right from Sherman, he’s got a decent read on Porter’s entries and is countering. Porter lands a calf kick then they trade punches in close. They trade rights. Porter lands a solid right hand. Sherman lands a right to the body then a calf kick. Porter lands a calf kick then a couple of punches. Porter lands a right to the body. Sherman lands a right hand, Porter hits him in the body again. Porter lands a right hand. Combination from Sherman lands but Porter lands a counter right. Porter lands a left but can’t find the follow up single leg. Sherman lands another calf kick but Porter punches him in response. Porter tries a double leg, switches to a single leg but still can’t find it and they separate. A couple of rights from Porter land. Another couple of punches from Porter land. Porter lands a left, he’s swinging wild but Sherman is dead tired too. Sherman lands a calf kick. They trade some jabs then Porter lands a right. Porter lands another right then checks a calf kick. They trade rights, then another trade of punches as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Porter bull rushes early with punches into a clinch but can’t find a single leg and they break. Sherman lands a body kick. Porter with a few punches. Porter avoids a few punches. They trade rights. A stiff left from Porter stuns Sherman for a moment. Porter forces a clinch, they hit the fence then break. Sherman misses a right. Things are getting sloppier by the minute here. Left from Porter lands to counter a right from Sherman. Porter lands a right hand. Both men land lefts, then Porter backs Sherman off with a right. Sherman lands a calf kick. They trade punches in close again. Porter lands a left to the body. Bit of a right from Porter, we get time as Sherman took a kick to the groin. Given how tired these guys are I expect Sherman to take some time and get his wind back. Sherman takes a little under 90 seconds then we’re back to action. Both men kicking again, then Porter lands a right. Sherman lands a combination. Porter lands a left hook. They trade calf kicks again, then trade punches. Both men land rights, then we get a bit of a brawl for the final few seconds.

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

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

Sloppy as heck, but at least it wasn’t slow. Mic time for Porter, he puts over Sherman and notes that he wanted more take downs but couldn’t find them so he went to leg kicks to slow Sherman down. He jokes they both got too tired to dance around at the end, and Porter’s head movement was better.

Clay Guida has gone 2-3 in his last five fights but did break a two fight losing streak by scoring a decision over Michael Johnson in his last fight, now he’s trying for his first winning streak since 2017. Mark Madsen is undefeated including two wins in the UFC, and if he can best Guida here he’ll score the highest profile win of his career given Guida’s name value. Madsen is your favorite at -155 to +130 for Guida.

Lightweight Bout: Clay Guida (36-20, 155 lbs.) vs. Mark Madsen (10-0, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Madsen is an inch taller and has two inches of reach advantage. Guida doing his usual bouncing routine. Madsen lands a few jabs then a knee in close as they clinch up. More knees from Madsen as Guida fights to get free. Another right from Madsen lands in close. Guida lands a right hand and they clinch up again. More knees from Madsen then a left hook as they break. Another left hook from Madsen lands. Madsen with more knees to the body in close, Guida doesn’t like those at all. They clinch again and Madsen with more knees then a right as they break. Guida is circling again, and gets clinched up and eats more offense in close before he gets free. Madsen lands a leg kick. Another leg kick from Madsen. They trade in close for a moment then separate again. Guida misses a combination. Madsen gets another clinch, lands knees to the body then Guida is able to get free. Guida lands a calf kick. They stare away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Madsen

ROUND TWO: Both men land punches as we start the second round. Madsen lands a calf kick. Guida avoids a double leg and lands a few punches. Madsen with some jabs, Gudia lands a couple of calf kicks then Madsen returns one. More jabs from Madsen, then a right hand. Guida lands a calf kick. A quick combination from Guida in close lands. They trade leg kicks again. Madsen gets another clinch, and is back to working the body before Guida fights free. Guida lands a calf kick. Madsen lands a few jabs. They trade lefts. Calf kick from Madsen then Guida lands a calf kick. That Madsen jab is messing up Guida’s nose at this point. Guida lands a calf kick. Both men kind of shadow box for the last 10 seconds.

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

ROUND THREE: Madsen jabbing again as the round starts, then they trade calf kicks. More jabs from Madsen, he’s picking up the pace just a bit. Madsen lands a left hook. Guida avoids a right hand. More jabs from Madsen and Guida misses a couple of hooks. Madsen lands a right hand. A left hook from Madsen connects. Guida keeps missing his punches, he’s falling short with them and eating jabs at the end of Madsen’s range. They trade calf kicks then Madsen lands a few punches in close. Guida lands a calf kick, Madsen returns it. Madsen lands a front kick to the body. More jabs from Madsen, then they trade calf kicks. Guida misses a right, then Madsen misses a left hook. More jabs from Madsen are landing. Madsen gets a clinch, and lands a knee as Guida gets free. Madsen lands some more punches as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mark Madsen via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

Nuts to the judge who scored that for Guida, there’s no justification for that. Mic time for Madsen, he speaks Danish to his wife at home and says winning for her means more than going to the Olympics. He puts over Guida and says it was an honor to share the cage with him and thanks his coaches. Asked about the future, he says he’d like to take on Gregor Gillespie to determine who the best wrestler in the division is.

Jared Cannonier just suffered his first loss at middleweight when he fought for a potential title shot against former champion Robert Whittaker, now he’s trying to rebound and keep his top contenders spot. Kelvin Gastelum also lost to Robert Whittaker in his last fight, but he’s just 1-4 in his last five fights and while the level of opposition somewhat offsets that he badly needs a win if he wants to retain his top ranking. The odds are with Cannonier at -140 to a +120 comeback on Gastelum.

Middleweight Bout: #3 Jared Cannonier (13-5, 185 lbs.) vs. #9 Kelvin Gastelum (16-7 1 NC, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Cannonier is two inches taller and has a notable six inches of reach advantage. Gastelum fighting southpaw per usual. Both men probing with he lead hand early. Cannonier has a high kick blocked. Cannonier lands a left hand. Body kick from Cannonier, bit of a left from Gastelum. Southpaw for Cannonier, just long enough to land a calf kick then back to orthodox. Gastelum still showing the jab, he eats a body kick. One two from Cannonier. Gastelum lands an inside leg kick but misses his follow up punches. Both men are working the lead hand still, and Cannonier is starting to show southpaw a fair bit. Calf kick from Cannonier. A lot of movement from both men, Gastelum lands a looping left. Cannonier has a head kick blocked. Bit of a combination from Gastelum, Cannonier lands a left hook. Another calf kick from Cannonier. Bit of a right from Cannonier and he avoids the counters. Gastelum with a bit of a right, but neither man is really dialed in thus far. Some kicks go back and forth. They clinch up, hit the fence and that’s where the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cannonier but a close one

ROUND TWO: Gastelum coming forward again and looking to punch. Both men are a little closer to each other this round, Cannonier lands a bit of a right. Cannonier avoids a takedown and they trade punches. Some leg kicks from Gastelum as they circle. Cannonier lands a stiff jab. Gastelum with a couple of body shots in close. Cannonier lands a calf kick. Gastelum lands an inside leg kick, Cannonier lands a right hand in close. Cannonier is coming forward now, but Gastelum is timing him and lands a one two. One two from Cannonier lands. Calf kick from Cannonier. Gastelum avoids a head kick. Cannonier lands a calf kick. Gastelum lands an inside leg kick, that kick has been working for him so far. Cannonier lands a body kick. Gastelum wit a bit of a right hand to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gastelum, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Both men moving again, Cannonier starting to show his lead hand more. Bit of a high kick from Cannonier then a right hook sits Gastelum down for a moment. Cannonier is coming after Gastelum but he’s not going crazy. Gastelum tries a takedown, they hit the fence and Gastelum moves around to the back. Cannonier lands a knee to the body and breaks free. Some jabs from Cannonier out of either stance. Another right from Cannonier lands. Gastelum blocks a couple of rights and lands a right of his own. Cannonier blocks a double leg and they both miss power hand punches. Some front kicks to the body from Cannonier. Gastelum lands a bit of a right hand. They get close and Cannonier lands an elbow. More jabs from Cannonier, Gastelum misses a few lefts. Gastelum lands an inside leg kick. Cannonier avoids a combination as the round ends.

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

ROUND FOUR: Gastelum lands a body kick. Cannonier avoids a few punches and lands a combination that forces Gastelum to get a clinch. They break without incident. Gastelum lands a left to the body. Cannonier lands a right hand. Gastelum lands a leg kick. Both men miss power hand punches. Gastelum blocks a head kick. A head kick from Cannonier is blocked but that was a hard one. Both men land a few jabs while circling. Cannonier lands a right to the body. A right uppercut from Cannonier drops Gastelum toa a knee but he’s back up and swinging back. Gastelum avoids a hook. More jabs from Cannonier land. Cannonier with a right uppercut after he avoided a left. Another counter right from Cannonier lands. Gastelum lands a leg kick as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cannonier, 39-37 Cannonier overall

ROUND FIVE: They touch gloves for the final round. Bit of a counter from Cannonier, then a straight right. Another right from Cannonier lands, he’s timing Gastelum more effectively now. Both men land leg kicks. Gastelum with a bit of a right hook. Cannonier lands a right elbow. Gastelum gets a double leg, Cannonier bounces up and they’re clinched on the fence. Some knees from Cannonier to the body. Gastelum slips around to the back, but can’t hold it and they break free. One two from Gastelum is blocked. Cannonier lands a right hand then a right to the body. Gastelum lands a leg kick. Cannonier defends a double leg and lands an elbow to the head. Cannonier lands a left hook, they clinch again and hit the fence. They break, then Cannonier lands a knee to the head just as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gastelum, 48-47 Cannonier overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jared Cannonier via unanimous decision (48-47 x3)

Solid fight, not exceptional but a good fight. Mic time for Cannonier, he says going for five rounds with a guy like Gastelum is glorious and winning even more so. He puts over Gastelum and is happy he dropped him but not happy he couldn’t get the finish. He mentions not throwing a lot of kicks because Gastelum is good at catching them and then as the fight wore on it was an energy management issue. Asked what’s next he wants a title shot but notes he needs to fight for financial reasons.

Well on that note UFC on ESPN 29 comes to a close. Not a bad night of fights all things considered. We’ll be unpacking all of the action from this card tomorrow on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast, plus looking ahead to next weeks UFC on ESPN 30 card. That’s headlined by a great featherweight fight between Edson Barboza and Giga Chikadze. I’ll be back for that event, and I hope you will be as well. Until next time stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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