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October 17, 2020 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC on ESPN+ 38

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MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)
#2 Brian Ortega (146 lbs.) vs. #4 Chan Sung Jung (146 lbs.)
Jessica Andrade (126 lbs.) vs. #1 Katlyn Chookagian (126 lbs.)
Modestas Bukauskas (206 lbs.) vs. Jimmy Crute (206 lbs.)
James Krause (171 lbs.) vs. Claudio Silva (171 lbs.)
Thomas Almeida (146 lbs.) vs. Jonathan Martinez (146 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 4 p.m. ET)
Mateusz Gamrot (156 lbs.) vs. Guram Kutateladze (156 lbs.)
Poliana Botelho (125 lbs.) vs. #15 Gillian Robertson (125.5 lbs.)
Jun Yong Park (185 lbs.) vs. John Phillips (186 lbs.)
Jamie Mullarkey (156 lbs.) vs. Fares Ziam (156 lbs.)
Gadzhimurad Antigulov (206 lbs.) vs. Maxim Grishin (205.5 lbs.)
Said Nurmagomedov (136 lbs.) vs. Mark Striegl (136 lbs.)

Hey there everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 38. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be relaying all of the information to you just as I see it. We’ve got a relevant main event tonight when Brian Ortega returns from a near two year layoff to battle The Korean Zombie Chan Sung Jung, who’s been out of action for about a year himself. The winner of that fight likely gets their second crack at the UFC featherweight title now that Volkanovksi has beaten Holloway twice. Beyond that the card isn’t stacked, but there are bits of goodness sprinkled around. Claudio Silva is having his yearly fight, against James Krause while Tomas Almeida is back in action and trying his had at featherweight. The UFC debut of Mateusz Gamrot is also here on the prelims, and he’s been building momentum among the hardcore community. So let’s just hope for a good night of fights in practice, even if the excitement is a little thin on paper.

UFC on ESPN+ 38 comes to the world from the Flash Forum in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. On commentary we have John Gooden, Dan Hardy, and Daniel Cormier. As for the rules it’s mostly the new set, but you still only need one hand down to be a downed fighter and instant replay can only be used for a fight ending sequence plus once replay is used the fight cannot be restarted.

Said Nurmagomedov has gone 2-1 in the UFC and is coming off of that loss, he’s trying to bounce back by avoiding his first ever professional losing streak. Mark Striegl hasn’t lost in his last five fights coming into his UFC debut, he’s trying to make a good first impression to the UFC audience. Nurmagomedov is a big -420 favorite to a +330 payout on Striegl.

Bantamweight Bout: Said Nurmagomedov (13-2, 136 lbs.) vs. Mark Striegl (18-2 1 NC, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: They touch gloves, Striegl fighting southpaw. Inside leg kick then a right from Nurmagomedov. Both men working kicks early, mostly range finding. Nurmagomedov lands a left and Striegl is hurt, he swarms him on the mat and puts him out cold.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Said Nurmagomedov via KO, punches, at :51 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Nurmagomedov for his work this evening. Mic time for Nurmagomedov, he says he feels great and is grateful to not be injured during the fight. He talks us through the finish noting he has good balance which helped him land punches while Striegl was holding a single leg.

Watch the left of Nurmagomedov, he clips Striegly behind the ear and jaw which hurts and off balances Striegl. From there it’s just brutal blows until he puts him out cold on the mat.

Gadzhimurad Antigulov has gone 2-3 in the UFC but is on a three losing streak and has been finished in all of those losses, now he’s in pretty dire need of a win to salvage his UFC run. Maxim Grishin lost his UFC debut earlier this year against Marcin Tybura, now he’s back at his more natural weight class and hoping to get that all important first win. Grishin is a notable -360 favorite while an Antigulov win would pay out at +280.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Gadzhimurad Antigulov (20-7, 206 lbs.) vs. Maxim Grishin (30-8-2, 205.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Grishin is four inches taller and has a whopping seven and a half inches of reach on him. They touch gloves to get things going. Some feinting early, both men trying to get a feel for things. Not a whole lot activity through the first 90 seconds. Grishin lands a leg kick, and a bit of a left but Antigulov gets a clinch on the fence. Antigulov has Grishin on the fence, both men with some short blows to the body while fighting for position. They break without much issue and reset. They clash again, Grishin lands a knee to the body. Antigulov misses a left but gets another clinch. Both men land knees then Grishin lands an elbow. Short elbow from Grishin then a hard leg kick as they break. Some stance switching shown by Antigulov now, Grishin is switching a bit with him. Grishin lands an inside leg kick, they clinch then break without anything happening. Grishin lands a front kick to the face, that will be the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Grishin

ROUND TWO: Grishin back to kicking. Antigulov misses a spinning kick. Antigulov avoids a kick and gets a rear waist lock then rides Grishin to the fence. Grishin is looking to wall walk. One hook in for Antigulov but Grishin is able to regain his feet while eating knees to the thigh. Antigulov switches to get a double leg, Grishin sweeps him and winds up in the ride position on the fence. Grishin is trying to ride Antigulov forward and down, Antigulov back up and they fight in the clinch then break. Body kick from Antigulov, he grabs a guillotine attack as Grishin takes him down. Grishin moves to full mount and starts landing elbows. More punches and elbows from Grishin. Antigulov has to do something, he’s just covering up and taking damage. Antigulov bridges off of the fence and escapes to his feet, they clinch up amost immediately and Antigulov lands some punches. Grishin unloads to the body as they break. Another combination from Grishin along the fence, Antigulov just covers up and takes blows which prompts a last second stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Maxim Grishin via TKO, punches, at 4:58 of Round 2

Mic time for Grishin, he says he feels at home in the cage and is happy to be here. He talks us through the finish, and says Antigulov lost as soon as they signed to fight each other. Asked when he’d like to be back in the cage he notes he’s healthy and could fight in February or March.

Antigulov wasn’t thrilled with the stoppage, and in isolation I can kind of see why but he’s taking a lot of unanswered blows in addition to taking all the damage from mount earlier in the round.

Fares Ziam had a five fight winning streak snapped in his UFC debut, he’s trying for that first UFC win now. Jamie Mullarkey had a knock down drag out fight in his UFC debut when he lost to Brad Riddell a little over a year ago, now he’s also after that first UFC win. Mullarkey is a slight -130 favorite to +110 on Ziam.

Lightweight Bout: Jamie Mullarkey (12-3, 156 lbs.) vs. Fares Ziam (10-3, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ziam has an inch of height and reach over Mullarkey. Some leg kicks early from Ziam, he’s fighting long early. Bit of a right from Mullarkey and he’s after a takedown against the fence. There’s the double leg from Mullarkey and he moves Ziam away from the fence. Half guard for Mullarkey, Ziam hits a giggler sweep and he’s on top in half guard now. Ziam postures up and lands an elbow as Mullarkey stands. Another elbow from Ziam as they separate. Both men trying to establish the jab now, and Ziam lands a leg kick. Bit of a left hook from Ziam. Ziam might not be much taller or longer by the tape but he’s fighting much longer than Mullarkey is. Right from Ziam and they clinch up. They quickly separate. More jabs and leg kicks from Ziam as he’s moving around. Mullarkey lands a leg kick. Ziam working long range punches, he tries a single leg but they hit the fence. They’re down but Mullarkey is back up immediately with Ziam on his back. Mat return from Ziam, he lands a bit of a knee as they stand. Lefts from Ziam in the clinch. They break with an elbow from Mullarkey.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ziam

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Ziam back to circling, Mullarkey lands a left to the body. Jab from Ziam but Mullarkey lands a right to counter and they wind up clinched. Elbow from Ziam as they break. Ziam lands a leg kick. Bit of a left from Ziam. Mullarkey is pushing forward. Head kick from Ziam partially lands. Jumping knee from Ziam, Mullarkey tries to get a takedown off of it. They hit the fence and Mullarkey is still working but can’t get the takedown. Ziam lands a knee to the face as they break. Mullarkey forces another clinch but he’s struggling to get anything working there. Ziam spins free and they reset. Jabs from Ziam, then a knee as Mullarkey gets a clinch. There’s the takedown from Mullarkey but Ziam wall walks almost immediately. Knee from Mullarkey then a double leg into half guard. Mullarkey is trying to land offense but he’s not finding it. Ziam gets full guard. Mullarkey passes to full mount, nice pass, but he loses it and they’re back up. They fight into the clinch which is where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Mullarkey, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Both men jabbing as the round starts, Ziam lands a leg kick. More jabs from Ziam as he’s circling. Mullarkey forces his way into a clinch, he can’t get the takedown though but he lands an elbow as they separate. Ziam tries a takedown, Mullarkey defends and gets his own single leg against the fence. Half guard for Mullarkey. Ziam looking to wall walk, he’s also fishing for a double wrist lock. Mullarkey gets his arm back but Ziam is back up. Ziam gets Mullarkey on the fence and they fight for position. Mullarkey looks for a single leg, Ziam lands an elbow but Mullarkey gets the takedown into side control. Mullarkey tries to mount but Ziam gets half guard during the motion. Mullarkey moves to side control, tries to mount but Ziam sweeps him on that motion and gets on top in north-south. Ziam spins to the back, gets the ride position but he’s running out of time. Mullarkey slips out but Ziam stays with him and ends the round landing blows from the ride position.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Fares Ziam via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

I’m a little surprised by that, but Ziam ended the last round strong. Also might have been the second going for Ziam I guess, as Mullarkey struggled to find real damage in that round. Still a little curious. Mic time for Ziam, he’s happy he won and feels his commitment to doing damage won him the fight. He jokes he’s seen Daniel Cormier fight enough to have picked up some wrestling (Cormier is the one doing the interviews) then more seriously puts over his coaches for all of their work.

Jun Yong Park has gone 1-1 in the UFC but he’s coming off of a win and hoping to build that momentum into his first UFC winning streak. John Phillips has gone 1-4 in the UFC, he’s coming off of a bad beating at the hands of Khamzat Chimaev (though he’s the only person to have landed a blow on Chimaev in his UFC run thus far) and is trying to move his record a little closer to the .500 mark. The odds are with Park at -280 to a +230 comeback for Phillips.

Middleweight Bout: Jun Yong Park (11-4, 185 lbs.) vs. John Phillips (22-10, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Phillips is an inch taller and has two inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves, Phillips fighting southpaw. Some bouncing and feinting early. Quick single leg from Park and he’s got Phillips down against the fence. Phillips has butterfly guard, Park lands a few punches before Phillips kicks him off and moves to his knees. Park has a front headlock now, Phillips all the way up but Park rides him back down with the headlock pressure. Park slides around to the back and lands some punches with both hooks in. Phillips is kind of stuck here, Park finally flattens him out and looks to unload. Hammer fists from Park as Phillips finally gets to his knees but he’s stuck in turtle position. Park working from the ride position, gets both hooks in now and is fishing for the choke. They’ll just hang out here with Park landing short blows as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Park, I don’t think Phillips landed anything

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Phillips lands a leg kick. Park gets a single leg and drives Phillips to the fence and gets on his back in the ride position. Some short blows from Park, he’s just trying to open up opportunities for either passing or submission attempts. Lefts from Park, now rights as he looks to get that second hook in. Park is just racking up points and time, Phillips tries to get to his feet but Park slowly and methodically keeps him down on his knees. Phillips tries to get up again but Park is keeping him down and wearing him down. The round will end in that spot.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Park, 20-16 Park overall

ROUND THREE: Phillips trying to come forward, they trade a bit in close as Park is circling. Park gets a single leg and he’s on top in the butterfly guard of Phillips. Short elbows from Park on top. Park moves to half guard and lands some more punches. A few short elbows from Park. Phillips is able to shrimp to full guard and now he’s looking to stall things out as he closes it. Park working short elbows and punches. They reach the fence and Phillips tries to wall walk but Park smothers him and lands more blows. Phillips to his knees, Park back to the ride position. Phillips tries to roll but Park rides with him and lands more short blows. A few short elbows from Park as he’s in side control. A couple more elbows from Park as the clock winds down.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Park, 30-24 Park overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jun Yong Park via unanimous decision (30-25 x3)

Total blowout for Park numerically, Phillips was never in the fight. Mic time for Park, he jokes about getting cut by an errant elbow, then points out he’s got cauliflower ear for the first time in his life because he trained his wrestling so hard. He apparently set the record for total ground strikes in a UFC fight regardless of weight class, he’s happy when informed of that.

Gillian Robertson has gone 5-2 in the UFC, she’s coming off of a win and if she wants to make some kind of run towards the top of the division she can ill afford a loss here. Poliana Botelho has gone 3-1 in the UFC but is 1-0 since returning to flyweight, a win here could get her into the top fifteen rankings. Robertson is your -210 favorite to a tempting +175 payout for Botelho.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Poliana Botelho (8-2, 125 lbs.) vs. #15 Gillian Robertson (8-4, 125.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Botelho is three inches taller and has four inches of reach advantage. Robertson quickly dives for a single leg, Botelho defends from her knees. Botelho stays upright and lands a knee to the body as they hit the fence. Elbow from Botelho as she’s got Robertson on the fence. Knee from Botelho as they break. Hard inside leg kick from Botelho, then a body kick. Robertson misses a few strikes, she’s trying to time a takedown. Robertson grabs a single leg, Botelho defending again. They break that attempt with a left hook from Robertson. Botelho establishing her jab now, and lands a leg kick. Body kick from Botelho, then a knee as Robertson tries a single leg and finally gets it into side control. Botelho gets half guard. Robertson is trying to pass towards mount but wont get there before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Botelho

ROUND TWO: Both women jabbing and leg kicking as the round starts. Hard jab from Botelho, then a leg kick but Robertson catches the kick and gets a takedown into full guard. Neither woman getting much off here. Robertson passes to half guard, then into side control. Really nice passing from Robertson. Botelho fights to get half guard back, but Robertson slices through into full mount. Some ground and pound from Robertson, Botelho catches the ankle for quarter guard. Robertson with elbows and punches now. Full mount again for Robertson, she’s all over Botelho now. The round will end with some more Robertson elbows.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Robertson, borderline 10-8, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Botelho defends a takedown attempt. There’s some swelling under the right eye of Botelho from those elbows in the second. Botelho is trying to establish her jab. Robertson ducks under a right hook and gets a double leg along the fence. Half guard for Robertson now. Robertson is landing punches while trying to set up her passing game. Full mount for Robertson now and she’s landing rights and elbows. More elbows from Robertson, she’s threatening an armbar while landing these. Botelho is trying to buck but there’s not much technique and Robertson is riding without much issue. Robertson is landing consistent damage. Botelho gives up the back, Robertson attacks the choke but wont find it before the clock winds down.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Robertson, 29-27 Robertson overall

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

Mic time for Robertson, she isn’t happy that she couldn’t get a finish. She talks about working on her ground and pound but is bummed she ruined her perfect finish rate. Asked who she wants next she wants Antonina Shevchenko, or anyone ranked above her.

Mateusz Gamrot is undefeated coming into his UFC debut, there’s a bit of hype around him from the very hardcore segment of the fan base and he’s looking to make good on that here. Guram Kutateladze brings an eight fight winning streak into his UFC debut, and he’s likewise hoping to make a good first impression on the UFC audience. Gamrot is a hefty favorite at -330 to a +260 comeback on Kutateladze.

Lightweight Bout: Mateusz Gamrot (17-0 1 NC, 156 lbs.) vs. Guram Kutateladze (11-2, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Kutateladze is an inch taller and has an inch and a half of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Body kick from Kutateladze. Gamrot is pressuring him backwards but Kutateladze is circling well so far. Some stance switching from Gamrot and he checks a body kick. Low single leg from Gamrot and he’s got Kutateladze down in full guard. Kutateladze tries to go to rubber guard but Gamrot cuts through that and moves to half guard. Some elbows from Gamrot, Kutateladze is trying to attack and armbar but Gamrot gets his arm free. Kutateladze tries to attack the legs now, Gamrot turns that around on him but Kutateladze is able to roll through and get up and free. Kutateladze lands a body kick. Gamrot lands a left hook. Another body kick from Kutateladze, the man is a hard kicker. Stiff jab from Gamrot. Gamrot is after a single leg, he took what looked like an illegal kick along the way but isn’t bothered too much as the ref warns Kutateladze. Both men land kicks at distance now. They’ll feint away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kutateladze

ROUND TWO: Kutateladze lands a left quickly that drops Gamrot for a second but he’s back up immediately. Gamrot coming forward, Kutateladze misses a few fancy kicks. Gamrot dives for a takedown, they hit the fence and he can’t get it but lands a right as they break. They trade rights in close. Kutateladze lands a body kick. Gamrot lands a right but he doesn’t seem to have a lot of power in it. Single leg from Gamrot, he’s got things down but Kutateladze sweeps him and regains his feet. Body kick from Kutateladze. Kutateladze lands a combination. Another takedown from Gamrot and he moves to half guard quickly. Kutateladze tries to work rubber guard, Gamrot defends though and keeps working from the guard. Gamrot postures up and lands some punches before Kutateladze hits a technical get up. Body kicks are traded. Kutateladze defends a double leg, Gamrot lands a right hook as they break off of that to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Touch of gloves for the final round. Kutateladze lands a leg kick. Gamrot gets close, tries a whizzer kick into a back take but Kutateladze defends and escapes. Leg kick from Gamrot. Gamrot tries another takedown but can’t finish it. Leg kick and jab from Gamrot. Kutateladze lands a leg kick. Both men land rights. Another right from Gamrot then he gets a double leg into half guard. Kutateladze is able to wall walk but Gamrot gets the ride position. Another wall walk attempt from Kutateladze and Gamrot lands a knee then takes him down again. Kutateladze keeps getting up but Gamrot is able to land a high kick as they break. Gamrot lands a left. Another single leg from Gamrot but Kutateladze defends and scrambles free. One two from Gamrot, then Kutateladzelands a right. Gamrot lands a front kick to the face. Double leg from Gamrot, Kutateladze scrambles and attacks an omoplata. Gamrot escapes, lands blows from half guard as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gamrot, 29-28 Kutateladze overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Guram Kutateladze via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)

First round was close enough to warrant the split, really good fight. Mic time for Kutateladze, he says he loves Daniel Cormier and says he should have lost this fight. He’s not happy and puts over Gamrot, he thinks Gamrot won and reiterates that.

That wraps up preliminary action, the main card is still here on ESPN+ coming up next.

Thomas Almeida had some hype at one point, but he’s gone just 1-3 in his last four fights and hasn’t fought since January of 2018. Almeida is trying to revive his career by moving up to featherweight and he really needs a win to break his two fight losing streak. Jonathan Martinez is also moving up to featherweight for the first time after he missed weight for his previous fight, he’s also hoping to move into his new weight class with a win. Almeida is a slight -135 favorite to +115 for Martinez.

Featherweight Bout: Thomas Almeida (21-3, 146 lbs.) vs. Jonathan Martinez (12-3, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Martinez is an inch taller while the reach is identical. Both men open southpaw. Martinez working front kicks early, Almeida doing some stance switching now. Bit of an uppercut from Almeida but the kicking game of Martinez is working so far. Martinez keeps checking the leg kicks from Almeida. Jab from Martinez lands. Martinez keeps stabbing his front kick to the body of Almeida. Martinez lands a right then a left, he’s timing Almedia’s entrances. Jabs from Martinez, then a knee to the body. Almeida keeps walking into jabs and getting stopped. Martinez lands another front kick, Almeida returns this one. Knee then a left from Martinez. Bit of a leg kick from Almeida, Martinez lands a left hand. High kick from Martinez then a left behind it will be the final blows of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Martinez

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Martinez back to jabbing. Front kicks from Martinez. Almeida lands a bit of a right. Martinez defends a knee tap attempt and Almeida lands a bit of a knee. More jabs from Martinez. Almeida is doing better this round, but he’s still struggling with the jab. Martinez back to front kicks to the body. Knee from Martinez in close, Almeida lands a left hook and both men take a step back after that exchange. Stiff jabs from Martinez, he’s hand fighting well at distance to set those up. Both men miss power hand punches, then Martinez lands a left. Clubbing left from Martinez lands. Martinez with another jab to close out the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Martinez back to jabbing, then they both block high kicks. Almeida tries a single leg but eats a knee to the body as they break. Martinez has a high kick blocked but he’s looking smooth. That jab from Martinez is really troubling Almeida every time Almeida tries to close distance. Body kick from Martinez. Almeida lands a right to the body but eats a counter left and is backing up now. Martinez lands another left. Another left from Martinez wobbles Almeida. Martinez lands a hard leg kick. Almeida lands a hard one two. Martinez keeps landing the right hand. Right from Almeida in close after he took a knee to the body. Both men land power hand punches, then Martinez tries a high kick that’s blocked. Left from Martinez in close. Almeida blocks a high kick. Left from Martinez, he’s circling and firing in the face of pressure. Almeida tries a double leg, Martienz defends and they close the round in close quarters.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Martinez but a very close one, 30-27 Martinez overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jonathan Martinez via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

One of the more complete and composed performances Martinez has given us. Mic time for Martinez, he puts over Almeida as a dream opponent then talks about the work his coaches have put into him. Asked what he’d like next, he doesn’t have a name even when Cormier tries to jokingly press him on it.

Claudio Silva is on a 14 fight winning streak including being 5-0 in the UFC, he’s also one of just two men to beat Leon Edwards (Kamaru Usman being the other) but his lack of activity has really hampered his momentum. Silva last fought over a year ago and the clock is ticking on his career if he wants to make some kind of legitimate run. James Krause just had a six fight winning streak broken when he jumped up to middleweight on extremely short notice, but now back at welterweight he’s hoping to notch another big win and continue building momentum in a fairly stacked division. The odds are with the more active Krause at -135 to +115 for Silva.

Welterweight Bout: James Krause (27-8, 171 lbs.) vs. Claudio Silva (14-1, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Krause is three inches taller and has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Southpaw for Silva, they touch gloves to get things going. Silva opens with kicks to the body and leg. Krause is mostly looking to counter with his right hand if Silva over extends. Bit of a right from Krause. Krause lands a right to the body. Silva has some offense blocked, he’s looking sloppy thus far. Bit of a left from Silva then an inside leg kick. Krause with rights to the body and head. Silva gets a double leg, he gets the back as Krause wall walks. Krause is keeping the motion going while Silva is riding him from behind. Some knees to the thigh from Silva, but Krause is able to spin free. Bit of a left from Silva but Krause is slipping most of his offense. Krause lands a right and avoids a takedown attempt. Both men land lefts, then Silva lands a body kick. Silva dives for a takedown attempt, Krause defends and separates. Both men land power hand punches. Bit of a right from Silva. Krause lands a right, he’s catching Silva on the entries now. Some offense from Krause along the fence, Silva grabs a single leg to ice the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Krause

ROUND TWO: Krause showing some stance switching now. Apparently Krause complained of a torn up knee between rounds. Silva lands a body shot but he can’t tie up Krause or get close enough to reliably land blows. Krause with rights to the body and head. Silva reaches for a single leg but can’t get it. Krause with a right. Both men land rights. Bit of a left from Silva. Body kick from Silva. Krause is backing Silva up. Silva is really struggling to close distance so all of his offense is very telegraphed and he’s got to reach for it. Shovel jab from Silva. Both men land rights. Silva lands a left, and another one. Both men land in close, we get some pocket brawling but Krause is keeping his head and moving it. Power hand punches are traded, but Krause’s volume is helping him carry these exchanges so far.

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

ROUND THREE: Silva coming forward, lands a bit of a left. Krause lands a right. Inside leg kick from Silva and a right. Both men land winging punches. Silva lands a right hook then an inside leg kick, that knee of Krause is hurting him. Silva lands a body kick. Another leg kick from Silva, Krause with a bit of a left hook. Krause lands a right hook, then takes another inside leg kick. Silva coming forward, lands a left to the body. Krause lands a two one. Another right from Krause. Silva with a combination, tries a single leg but Krause defends. Krause lands a right to the body. Silva defends a takedown attempt. Silva lands a left. Krause lands a right to the body. Another right from Krause. Silva takes the legs from Krause with a leg kick. A body kick from Silva will close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Silva but could go either way, 29-28 Krause overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – James Krause via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Nice performance from Krause. Krause on the mic now, he puts over Silva and notes he had to stay off the mat and keep things long. Asked about the knee issue he notes Silva tore his knee on an inside leg kick in the first round. Asked about the future he wants to get off the island as the sleep schedule is terrible and thanks the UFC for the chance. He wishes happy birthday to the daughter of his coach who’s here cornering fighters.

Jimmy Crute has gone 3-1 in the UFC and is coming off of a win, he’s trying to get another UFC winning streak and possibly get a crack at someone higher up the food chain in a division that could always use new talent. Modestas Bukauskas has a seven fight winning streak going including his UFC debut back in July, he’s trying to maintain that momentum and take out a fellow rising prospect at light heavyweight. Crute is a fairly heavy -310 favorite while the +250 comeback for Bukauskas is a tempting value bet.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Modestas Bukauskas (11-2, 206 lbs.) vs. Jimmy Crute (11-1, 206 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Bukauskas is an inch taller but has four inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Leg kick from Bukauskas and Crute counters with a one two. Leg kick from Bukauskas but Crute catches it and goes for a takedown that hits the fence. Knees from Crute, one of them strays into the groin so we’ve got time for Bukauskas to recover. Bukauskas walks that off and is ready to continue. Bit of a right from Crute. Bukauskas is trying to jab and move, he eats a leg kick. More leg kicks from Crute, and a counter right. Bukauskas is switching his stance to try and protect that left leg now. Hard right from Crute drops Bukauskas, then another right as he’s on spaghetti legs. A few more lefts put Bukauskas out against the fence.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jimmy Crute via KO, punches, at 2:01 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Crute for his work this evening. Mic time for Crute after that substantial knockout, he thanks his coaches for their work and feels the old him would have lost control when he ran into resistance but he stuck to the gameplan and got the win. He talks us through the finish, then says he’d like to fight Nikita Krylov next. I’m down for that fight.

Watch what happens on the kick here, Bukauskas reaches out with his left while kicking and leaves a clear punching lane for Crute’s right. From there the follow up blows Crute lands are impressive in accuracy and power, he never lets his opponent back into the fight.

Katlyn Chookagian has fought both of the Shevchenko sisters this year, being smashed by Valentina before getting a rebound win over Antonina. Chookagian is trying to defend her top ranking and possibly make the case for another title shot. Jessica Andrade is the former strawweight champion, but after dropping a close decision to former champion Rose Namajunas in her last fight she’s trying her hand at flyweight. Andrade could make an immediate case as a title challenger if she can best Chookagian here. Andrade is your favorite at -165 to +140 for Chookagian.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Jessica Andrade (20-8, 126 lbs.) vs. #1 Katlyn Chookagian (14-3, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Chookagian is seven and a half inches taller and has six inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Andrade coming forward early looking to close distance. Clubbing punches from Andrade into a clinch on the fence. Takedown from Andrade into half guard. Chookagian gets full guard and starts working it high quickly but Andrade slams her down to discourage that. Andrade avoids a leg entanglement and lands some leg kicks then a right as Chookagian gets up. Another clinch, Chookagian with some knees to the body. Andrade lands body shots and knees as they break. Leg kick from Andrade drops Chookagian for a second. More leg kicks from Andrade. Chookagian missing a lot of punches, and they clinch again. Andrade drives Chookagian to the fence and eats an elbow. Knees from Andrade, and body shots as well. Chookagian spins free. Knee from Chookagian. Andrade lands a leg kick and some body shots. Andrade keeps hitting the body while pushing forward. Hooks from Andrade as she pushes into another clinch. Chookagian defending a single leg, Andrade with a high crotch slam into side control. Punches from Andrade as Chookagian gets up into the clinch. Chookagian pushes free but took a body shot that hurt. Andrade collapses Chookagian with a body shot and the ref waves it off with seconds left in the round.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jessica Andrade via TKO, body shot, at 4:55 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Ms. Andrade for her work this evening. Andrade is now the first woman in UFC history wo win in three different weight classes. Mic time for Andrade, she says you can only win when you fight with happiness like she does. She says she just beat the top contender and wants a shot at Shevchenko for the title. She talks us through the finish, noting she trained body shots for this fight given Chookagian’s weight cut and thanks a lot of people. To close she mentions her brother who was in an accident recently that almost caused her to miss this fight.

Watch Andrade’s right, she sneaks in a body shot on the break that surprises and hurts Chookagian. She doesn’t let her recover after that and goes back to the damaged area instead of head hunting so the second right to the body near the fence folds Chookagian up like a lawn chair.

Brian Ortega was last seen in December of 2018 when he failed to take the featherweight title from Max Holloway. Ortega is trying to secure a second title shot here, if he gets an impressive win he would make a fair bit of sense as the next challenger to Alexander Volkanovski. Chan Sung Jung is on a two fight winning streak but has been out of action since December of 2019, he could likewise secure a second title shot if he becomes the second man to beat Ortega. Between the recent wins and the more active schedule Jung is the favorite at -200 while the +170 comeback for Ortega has to tempt some bettors.

Featherweight Bout: #2 Brian Ortega (14-1 1 NC, 146 lbs.) vs. #4 Chan Sung Jung (16-5, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ortega is an inch taller while Jung has three inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Ortega opens orthodox but will do some stance switching. Leg kick from Ortega. Both men just feeling things out right now. Bit of a front kick from Ortega. Inside leg kick from Jung. Jab from Ortega. They trade some leg kicks, mostly range finding. Bit of a right from Jung, Ortega lands another leg kick. Glancing right hook from Ortega. Jung avoids an overhand left. Calf kick from Ortega. Jab from Ortega, then a left to the body. Lots of single shotting from both men, still getting reads. Hard right from Ortega catches Jung on the way in. Ortega catches a body kick and lands a left that drops Jung for a second. Both men block power hand punches. Bit of a body kick from Ortega then a leg kick as well. Jung lands a jab. A front kick from Ortega will be the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ortega

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Ortega comes out orthodox again, quickly goes southpaw. Ortega lands an inside leg kick. Jung pushes forward and tries to brawl but can’t really find the target. Jung lands a right. Calf kick from Jung. Ortega grabs a single leg, Jung defends but eats an elbow. Jabs from Ortega as they reset. Left from Ortega lands. Bit of a one two from Jung but the slower pace is favoring Ortega so far. Ortega lands a side kick to the knee, then blocks a couple of punches. Jung lands an uppercut, Ortega lands a body kick. Spinning back elbow from Ortega floors Jung, he’s after the finish but Jung fights back up and we get some brawling. Ortega gets a double leg along the fence, Jung wall walks quickly but he’s taken down again into half guard. Ortega lands some short elbows as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again. Ortega checks an inside leg kick. Jung lands a calf kick. Leg kick from Ortega. Jung is still stalking forward, runs into a jab. Ortega lands another jab, he’s moving very well still. Bit of a right from Jung. Ortega lands a heavy body kick. Ortega lands a left to the body. Jung tries to push forward but he can’t find the target yet. A few jabs are traded. More jabs from Ortega, then a left to the body. Bit of a left from Ortega, he’s confusing Jung still. Jung blocks a high kick. Ortega lands a leg kick. More jabs from Ortega, then he uses a single leg to set up a right and a left that land flush. Ortega misses a spinning elbow but lands a front kick to the face to close the round.

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

ROUND FOUR: They touch gloves for the fourth round. Ortega moving still and chipping at Jung. Jung has a high kick blocked. A lot more forward pressure from Jung here, he’s trying to force the issue more now. Solid left lands for Ortega, Jung just eats it. Ortega lands a body kick. Inside leg kick from Ortega then a single leg into a right and he’s got Jung down against the fence and cut around the left eyebrow. Wonderful combination from Ortega there. Jung back up but eats an elbow as they break. We get time as the ref wants that cut looked at. It’s not awful, the doc says they can keep going so we’re fighting again. Ortega lands another body kick then a side kick to the knee. Jung lands a body kick. Both men with glancing rights. Ortega lands an inside leg kick. Right from Ortega to counter a body kick, then a right body shot. Jung misses a left hook. Ortega blocks a few punches. Jung lands a jab. Ortega slips a punch, tries a single leg against the fence but can’t get it. They both miss punches as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ortega, 40-36 Ortega overall

ROUND FIVE: They touch gloves again. Ortega circling and probing again, Jung trying to push forward and force the fight. Leg kick from Ortega. Jung misses a right. Bit of a jab from Ortega. Right hook then a left from Ortega both land. Ortega lands a straight left, then a stiff jab. Another jab from Ortega. Body kick from Ortega. Jung lands a body kick. Right from Jung. Jung still coming forward but Ortega circling and landing now. Lefts to the body and head from Ortega then a leg kick. Jung lands a lunging left hook. Ortega lands a couple of jabs. Ortega tries a single leg, Jung limp legs free. More jabs from Ortega, he’s stifling Jung’s forward pressure with those badly. Jung defends a single leg attempt but can’t capitalize. Ortega lands a body kick and a jab. Bit of a right from Jung. Another stiff jab from Ortega. More jabs from Ortega, Jung wont find his miracle finish as the clock winds down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ortega, 50-45 Ortega overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Brian Ortega via unanimous decision (50-45 x3)

Wonderful performance from Ortega, hard to overstate his improvements during that two year layoff. Mic time for Ortega, he gives love to everyone who stuck with him after his loss and tells everyone who counted him out to learn to count. He thanks his new coaches for their work and talks about all the work he’s been doing to improve himself and wanted to prove he’s a full mixed martial artist. Asked about getting the next title shot he says you take chances in this game, puts over Volkanovski as the champion but someone he wants to fight to see if he can keep growing.

The spinning elbow from the second round, nice stuff from Ortega here.

On that note, UFC on ESPN+ 38 comes to a close. Thank you for reading, I always appreciate the support. We’ll unpack this event on the 411 Ground and Pound Podcast, available wherever you can find podcasts, and look ahead to next week. Next week the UFC is back on PPV for UFC 254, undefeated lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov tries to get his third title defense against interim champion Justin Gaethje. That card also features Robert Whittaker taking on Jared Cannonier in a fight with serious middleweight title implications. I’ll be back next week to cover that card, don’t forget the early start time for it. Until next time stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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