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June 17, 2023 | Posted by Robert Winfree
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MAIN CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET)
#4 Jared Cannonier (185.5 lbs.) vs. #3 Marvin Vettori (185.5 lbs.)
Joaquim Silva (155.5 lbs.) vs. #8 Arman Tsarukyan (155.5 lbs.)
Christian Duncan (186 lbs.) vs. Armen Petrosyan (186 lbs.)
Lucas Almeida (145.5 lbs.) vs. Pat Sabatini (145 lbs.)
Nikolas Motta (155.5 lbs.) vs. Manuel Torres (156 lbs.)
Nicolas Dalby (170.5 lbs.) vs. Muslim Salikhov (170 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN2/ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)
Alessandro Costa (126 lbs.) vs. Jimmy Flick (125.5 lbs.)
Kyung Ho Kang (135.5 lbs.) vs. Cristian Quinonez (135 lbs.)
Denys Bondar (126 lbs.) vs. Carlos Hernandez (125 lbs.)
Tereza Bleda (125 lbs.) vs. Gabriella Fernandes (126 lbs.)
Dan Argueta (136 lbs.) vs. Ronnie Lawrence (136 lbs.)
Modestas Bukauskas (205 lbs.) vs. Zac Pauga (205 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN 47, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening. Well we’ve certainly got a card tonight, one that feels very much like the kind of card designed to keep the content machine working more than anything else. The main event is a relevant middleweight fight between two ranked guys, but two guys who have lost in title shots plus failed to get by Robert Whittaker. Still, Marvin Vettori and Jared Cannonier both need a win here if they want to possibly get back into the title picture and if one of them can pull out a truly spectacular performance it might help push them ahead of the winner of the upcoming fight between Robert Whittaker and Dricus du Plessis. Arman Tsarukyan is in the co-main event and he’s usually good for a fun fight if you like his brand of high paced wrestling, Pat Sabatini is trying to avoid his first losing streak, and Nicolas Dalby vs. Muslim Salikhov has definite potential. On the prelims the pickings are pretty slim, but let’s hope at least some of the fights deliver in terms of action.

UFC on ESPN 47 comes to the world from the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. We’ve got Brendan Fitzgerald, Paul Felder, and Dominick Cruz on commentary. Since we’re in Nevada we’ll have instant replay at any point the officials want it and the fight can be restarted after it’s been used. Keep in mind we’re in the smaller 25 foot diameter cage as well.

Zac Pauga has gone 1-1 in the UFC, dropping a heavyweight bout in his debut but he’s undefeated at his more natural weight class. Now Pauga looks for his first UFC winning streak. Modestas Bukauskas returned to the UFC back in February and got a decent win in that bout, now he’s likewise looking for his first UFC winning streak as his first run with the promotion went 1-3. The odds are with Bukauskas at -190 while the +160 on Pauga might be a decent little value bet.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Modestas Bukauskas (14-5, 205 lbs.) vs. Zac Pauga (6-1, 205 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Bukauskas is an inch taller with two inches of reach advantage. Both men come out looking to throw but not landing just yet. A blitz from Pauga wobbles Bukauskas and he clinches up, then Pauga hits a foot sweep to get on top in full guard. Some punches from Pauga land but he can’t pass the guard of Bukauskas yet. Pauga lands an elbow. Bukauskas wall walks but he’s still stuck in the clinch. They break without incident. Pauga lands a jab but his attempted follow ups are wide punches easily deflected. A bit of stance switching from Bukauskas now, then he lands a jab. Pauga forces a clinch and they hit the fence again. Solid elbow from Pauga. They break without incident. Left hand from Bukauskas lands. Bukauskas lands a left again, then a spinning back kick. Both men land rights. Bukauskas lands a left hook, then catches a charging Pauga with a right hand that wobbles him. Pauga recovers and lands a knee but he got hurt there. Another counter right from Bukauskas lands, then a jab. Bit of a punch from Pauga closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bukauskas

ROUND TWO: Pauga looks to push forward as the round starts. Bukauskas is looking to angle and counter him. They spilt jabs. Pauga misses a couple of punches. Bit of a right from Pauga. Pauga lands a right hand. Bukauskas lands a left hand. Calf kick from Bukauskas. Bukauskas avoids a couple of punches. Head kick from Bukauskas is mostly blocked but that definitely got Pauga’s attention. Left hook from Bukauskas, then a jab as he circles. Pauga lands an inside leg kick, and eats a bit of a left hook in reply. Pauga bulls forward and lands a couple of body strikes. A right form Pauga staggers Bukauskas, and Pauga pushes into a clinch against the fence. Elbow form Pauga then a right hand as they break. Both men miss some hooks. They punch into a clinch and that’s where the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pauga, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Bukauskas lands a hard body kick, and Pauga responds with a right hand. They trade and clinch again, hitting the fence with Bukauskas in control. Things are stalling out a bit, they’re trading knees but not much is happening overall. They break with a small elbow from Bukauskas. Bukauskas lands a right hand. Both men land punches in close. Pauga with a right hand. Bukauskas jabs to counter a body kick. They keep jousting and trading punches. Pauga lands a front kick to the body. Bukauskas lands a stiff right, that might have wobbled Pauga just a bit. One two from Bukauskas in close, Pauga lands a right hand. Bukauskas lands a left hand. Spinning back kick from Bukauskas. Left hook from Bukauskas, Pauga lands a left of his own just as the round ends.

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

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

A little surprised at the 30-27, but no issues with the overall winner. Mic time for Bukauskas, he puts over Pauga first and thinks they had a good fight. He feels amazing and feels like he’s really ready for a run in the UFC at this point. To close he talks about a man who he brought with him dealing with a serious disease and puts him over.

Dan Argueta has gone 1-1 in the UFC, he’s coming off of a win though and now looks for his first UFC winning streak while dropping down to bantamweight for the first time. Ronnie Lawrence has gone 2-1 in the UFC and was last seen losing to Saidyokub Kakhramonov about a year ago, now he’s back in action and hoping to avoid his first ever losing streak. Lawrence is your favorite at -200 to a +170 comeback on Argueta.

Bantamweight Bout: Dan Argueta (9-1, 136 lbs.) vs. Ronnie Lawrence (8-2, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Lawrence is an inch taller with half an inch of reach advantage. Argueta quickly tries a takedown and gets Lawrence down against the fence. Lawrence wall walks right away and Argueta starts working mat returns. Back on the mat Argueta looks for hooks but can’t find them. Some elbows from Argueta as he gets to side control. Lawrence gets to half guard then rolls away from a guillotine. Argueta jumps for the guillotine now, he can’t finish it and rolls through towards the top while looking to adjust to different front choke variations. Argueta rolls into full mount with the guillotine, Lawrence is thinking about tapping, there’s some hand movement from the ref checking on Lawrence and the ref reads that as a tap and stops things. Lawrence is pissed and they’re reviewing this one. They wont restart but we’re seeing if this goes as a submission or a No Contest.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – No Contest, referee error, at 2:20 of Round 1

Well that sucks for everyone, but ultimately it’s the right call. Lawrence didn’t tap and the ref blew the call, mostly it sucks for the fighters who take the financial hit.

Here’s the clip. If Peterson isn’t messing with Lawrence’s hand I might have thought this was a Brazilian tap which should be recognized as a sub, but with Peterson in there messing with his hand like that, not a tap.

Tereza Bleda suffered her first professional loss in her UFC debut last year, she’s back in action tonight and searching for that all important first UFC win. Gabriella Fernandes lost in her UFC debut earlier this year, now she’s likewise trying to get that first UFC win under her belt. The odds are pretty solidly with Bleda at -245 to +205 for Fernandes.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Tereza Bleda (6-1, 125 lbs.) vs. Gabriella Fernandes (8-2, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Bleda is three inches taller with five inches of reach advantage, she’s also eight years younger. Southpaw for Fernandes. Bleda probes with front kicks as they circle. Leg kick from Fernandes who has started switching her stance. Bleda forces a clinch and they hit the fence. Fernandes is able to spin free and fires a high kick. Bleda has started switching her stance as well, neither of them are doing much with that motion though. Fernandes lands a leg kick then a left hand. Bleda catches a body kick and takes Fernandes down into half guard. A few short punches from Bleda, she’s mostly controlling but Fernandes isn’t doing much to get out from under her. A lot of the same here from both women and they spend the last couple of minutes down there on the mat before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bleda

ROUND TWO: Both women are back to probing with kicks. Leg kick from Fernandes, Bleda forces a clinch off of it and they hit the fence. A few knees from Bleda as she keeps Fernandes on the fence. Fernandes is able to slip to the back in the clinch but she can’t break free and Bleda is into her again on a double leg. Bleda is able to reap the left leg of Fernandes and gets on top in full guard. Things are stalling out again, Bleda’s ground and pound is pretty anemic while Fernandes is just closing her guard. Fernandes throws up a triangle choke, not much happening with it though as Bleda has angled safely and lands some knees to the back before pushing her arm through the legs and returning to full guard. Short elbow from Bleda. Fernandes looks to wall walk and sits on the fence, Bleda moves to full mount and starts landing punches and elbows. That’s where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bleda, there might be a 10-8 argument in there though, 20-18 Bleda overall

ROUND THREE: Fernandes needs a finish here badly. Fernandes pushes forward and misses a few punches. They trade punches in close, Fernandes has heavier hands. Calf kick from Fernandes. Knees from Fernandes but Bleda is trying to clinch. A few more punches from Fernandes land. Belda avoids a punch and tries a double leg, and gets it against the fence. Quick pass to mount from Bleda, there are about three minutes left in the round. A few elbows from Bleda land. Bleda climbs higher with her mount and lands some more punches and short elbows. Fernandes gives up the back, Bleda starts fishing for a choke but wont find anything before the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Tereza Bleda via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Mic time for Bleda after her win, she’s never been happier in her life and has finally won in the UFC while showing a bit of what she can do. She knows this is how she always fights, but feels her stand up is coming along fight to fight.

Carlos Hernandez has gone 1-1 in the UFC but he’s coming off of a loss and is trying to avoid his first ever losing streak. Denys Bondar spent a little over a year just trying to get his UFC debut out of the way, then suffered an arm injury when he finally got to the cage in February of last year. Bondar is finally back and is trying for his first UFC win. This one is pretty close but the odds tip towards Bondar at -140 to a +120 for Hernandez.

Flyweight Bout: Denys Bondar (16-4, 126 lbs.) vs. Carlos Hernandez (8-2, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Hernandez is two inches taller while Bondar has two inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Hernandez looks to jab, then Bondar lands a calf kick. Some early stance switching from Hernandez as well as Bonda pressures forward. Jab from Hernandez. Bondar lands a right hand and they clinch up. Some knees go back and forth as they fight for position, then Bondar lands an elbow as they break. Hernandez lands a punch to counter a body kick. Bondar is pressuring forward a lot, he lands an inside leg kick. Body kick from Bondar. Body kick from Hernandez. Bondar lands a right hand in close. Hernandez avoids an elbow in close and lands a couple of punches. Bondar lands a spinning back kick then they clinch and trade as they break. Bit of a head kick from Bondar. Hernandez misses a right hand but lands a left hook in close. Leg kick from Bondar. Hernandez with some lefts in close then a knee. Bondar lands a spinning back kick. Hernandez works in a clinch, he lands a few short elbows before they break. A couple of hooks land for Hernandez to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Hernandez but a competitive one

ROUND TWO: Bondar looks to pressure more and get after his punches. Hernandez with some jabs as he’s circling. Hernandez blocks a head kick. Bondar lands a right to the body. They clinch up, Hernandez lands a knee and they hit the fence. Bit of an elbow from Hernandez as they break. There’s a cut on the head of Bondar, they banged heads in the first round to cause it. Spinning back kick from Bondar. Hernandez with a couple of punches, he’s fighting very well. Right hand from Hernandez. Bondar lands a body kick. They trade rights, Hernandez landed better I think. Bondar avoids some lefts then lands a punch. Front kick from Bondar. Hernandez with a glancing right in close then a left to the body. Bondar lands a right, Hernandez counters with a left hook. Double leg from Bondar, he gets it near the fence. Hernandez immediately wall walks and is able to break free. Punches from Hernandez. Bondar pushes forward with punches then avoids a double leg. Knee tap from Bondar, he off balances Hernandez then fires an illegal knee just before the bell ends and we get a time out. No controversy here, the knee hit the head and I’m not even sure he was aiming at the body with a kick that hit accidentally. The doctor checks on Hernandez, he can continue so they head to the end of the round. I guess we’re waiting on the point deduction ruling until after the minute break.

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

ROUND THREE: No point deduction, the ref ruled that the knee came about because Bondar was kicking at the body and the shin bounced off the shoulder leading to the knee hitting the head. I can see the argument there, I might have taken a point personally but that’s just me. Bondar gets back on offense as the round begins. Bit of a left from Bondar. Bondar lands a front kick. Hernandez lands a left hook. Bondar lands a calf kick. Body kick from Bondar. Hernandez digs a left to the body. Bondar with a jab then a right to the body. They split jabs a few times, then a bit of a right from Bondar. Hernandez lands a left hook then a jab. There looks to be a cut around the right eyebrow of Bondar after that hook, but it might be blood from the other side of his head. Bondar lands a right hand. Left hook from Hernandez. Bondar hits a double leg, Hernandez bases up quickly and lands a left hook. Hard knee from Hernandez in close. Bondar lands a calf kick. Hernandez avoids a double leg and lands a couple of lefts. Uppercut and left hook from Hernandez. Knee from Hernandez. Bondar avoids a wheel kick. Both men land rights. Hernandez avoids a spinning attack and hits a double leg of his own. Bondar wall walks right away, then Hernandez hits a body lock takedown into side control and unloads with elbows to put Bondar out with less than a minute left. The ref wants a look at replay to make sure there was no headbutt on the way down, I wouldn’t consider what happened there to be anything illegal personally. If they do rule that a foul they’ll go to a technical decision so I’m going to score the third to that point just in case. Yeah they’re calling that a foul so we’re getting a technical decision. I don’t agree with that ruling at all.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Carlos Hernandez via unanimous technical decision (29-28, 30-27 x2) at 4:59 of Round 3

They called that an accidental headbutt on the slam. I feel like that’s way too pedantic for MMA, there’s chaos in those throws and you see it in wrestling all the time. Mic time for Hernandez, who also calls BS on that ruling and claims the officials have never seen a wrestling match if they’re calling that. He says he and Bondar both needed a win here after their last fights, and he knew he could win the battle of wills. He’s really not happy about that not being ruled a finish.

Here’s the finish. You can see a little head contact on the throw, but for me this is one of those things that’s just in play. If we’re going to make this ruling here for something like this then I think we’re dealing with a regulatory over correction.

Kyung Ho Kang has gone 4-1 in his last five fights only dropping a decision to veteran Rani Yahya, but he’s coming off of a win a little over a year ago and now looks for another winning streak. Christian Quinonez is on a five fight winning streak including his UFC debut in September of last year, now he’s drawn a somewhat notable UFC veteran to try and extend his streak against. The odds are with Quinonez at -150 while Kang’s underdog status is +130.

Bantamweight Bout: Kyung Ho Kang (18-9 1 NC, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Cristian Quinonez (18-3, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Kang is an inch taller, has three inches of reach advantage, and is eight years older. They touch gloves to get things going. Kang lands a quick one two. Quinonez starts looking to jab as they move around. Kang with a calf kick. Solid right from Kang, then a calf kick. Kang keeps touching that calf as they circle. Quinonez looks to establish his jab more, then lands a right hand. Quinonez lands a right hand, Kang is wobbled but fires back and drops Quinonez with a left hook then a right hand. Kang tries a standing rear naked choke, can’t finish it but uses the attack to push him down and get on top in half guard. Kang moves to full mount. Quinonez gives up the back, choke from Kang and Quinonez has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Kyung Ho Kang via Submission, rear naked choke, at 2:25 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Kang for his work this evening. Mic time for Kang and his translator, he admits to taking some damage but he was composed and found the opening to get the finish. He hopes to fight more regularly going forward, then to close he gives love to his new born child and asks for a bonus.

All we get here is the choke, but it’s a beauty.

Jimmy Flick has gone 1-1 in the UFC, he returned from a hiatus back in January and suffered a loss, now he’s trying to get back on the right side of things and avoid his first losing streak. Alessandro Costa suffered a loss in his UFC debut in December of last year, now he’s back and searching for that critical first UFC win. Costa is a surprisingly heavy -295 favorite while the +245 underdog Flick might tempt a few bettors out there.

Flyweight Bout: Alessandro Costa (12-3, 126 lbs.) vs. Jimmy Flick (16-6, 125.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Flick is three inches taller with an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Flick probes with a jab, Costa lands a hard calf kick. Another calf kick from Costa. Flick lands a calf kick of his own then tries a takedown which Costa easily defends. Costa lands another calf kick. Costa digs a left to the body. More body shots from Costa, he’s trying to turn into a bruiser here and break down Flick. Flick lands a front kick. Another body kick from Flick. Costa lands a calf kick. Another calf kick from Costa. A left to the body from Costa then a calf kick that drops Flick. Costa makes Flick stand, and Flick comes up in southpaw to defend his left leg. Flick is a little stuck here, he’s not got a great idea about how to deal with this. Flick tries a single leg, they hit the fence on the attempt. Costa is able to avoid a guard pull and get free. Both men land punches but Flick’s left leg gives out briefly. Costa with a left to the body then a right to the head. Jumping knee from Costa, Flick just eggs him on. Flick is swinging back at Costa now, he needs this to be a close quarters brawl as kicking distance is not his friend. Costa digs the body a couple of more times. Bit of a left from Flick then a front kick. Costa lands a calf kick then a right to the body to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Costa

ROUND TWO: Flick opens southpaw for this round, but he’s not comfortable there. Calf kick from Costa, that left leg is basically asleep now and Flick can’t move it. They tie up and Flick pulls guard. Costa passes to half guard and lands a few elbows. More elbows from Costa and he just keeps throwing as Flick covers up and the ref jumps in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alessandro Costa via TKO, elbows, at 1:03 of Round 2

Heck of a fight from Costa. Mic time for Costa and the translator, he knew the calf kick would be a weapon for him and feels he’s finally arrived in the UFC. He would like a rematch with Amir Albazi at some point, then puts over his team as he trains with Lobo MMA and specifically thanks Alexa Grasso and Irene Aldan for their work with him. Asked about the future he’ll do whatever the UFC wants, but would like to fight in Brazil.

Here’s the finish, some nice ground and pound from Costa to polish off a darn good performance overall.

That’s the last prelim, we’re on ESPN for the main card.

Nicolas Dalby has gone 4-1 with 1 No Contest since returning to the UFC in 2019, he’s currently on a two fight winning streak and is looking to extend that to three in a row here to possibly earn a shot at some more recognizable competition going forward. Muslim Salikhov has gone 6-2 in the UFC and most recently he finished Andre Fialho, now he’s trying to build another winning streak and try to crack the official rankings. The odds like Salikhov at -190 to a +160 comeback on Dalby.

Welterweight Bout: Nicolas Dalby (21-4-1 1 NC, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Muslim Salikhov (19-3, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Dalby has four and a half inches of reach advantage. Dalby comes out looking to jab, Salikhov is happy to jab with him. Body kick from Dalby, Salikhov lands a calf kick. A lot of lead hand work from both men, Dalby also showing the lead leg kicks. Salikhov lands a right to the body. Front kick from Salikhov. Both men miss left hooks, then Salikhov lands a calf kick. Dalby checks a calf kick, they both didn’t like that. Some jabs go back and forth. Dalby lands a calf kick of his own. Calf kick from Dalby. Salikhov lands a left after avoiding a head kick. Dalby avoids a spinning back fist. Salikhov lands a front kick. Salikhov lands a spinning back kick. Bit of a right from Salikhov. Dalby lands a body kick. Salikhov catches a leg kick and lands a right hand, then they trade left hooks. Uppercut from Salikhov partially lands. Dalby lands a leg kick. A left hook from Salikhov gets Dalby backing up. Dalby lands a right hand then a head kick that staggers Salikhov, Salikhov hits a takedown but Dalby pops up and they’re in the clinch now. They end the round in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Dalby but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Dalby quickly forces a clinch and they hit the fence. Both men work some knees in the clinch as they jockey for position. They break as Salikhov misses an uppercut. Salikhov with a wheel kick that’s blocked. Dalby is showing a lot more kicks this round. They trade lefts. Salikhov lands a knee but Dalby is after a double leg on the fence. They wind up clinched and Salikhov catches a knee and gets a takedown against the cage. Dalby wall walks pretty much immediately and lands knees to the body as they’re back in the clinch. Trip from Dalby and he gets on top, the moves to full mount. Salikhov shrimps towards half guard, and Dalby takes the back in transition. Only one hook in for Dalby, he could set up a twister here but Salikhov is aware of the position. A few punches from Dalby, he’s got a few threats here and winds up getting on top in leg drag. Salikhov scrambles up but he’s still in the clinch. Dalby lands knees to the body in close then an elbow as they break. Head kick from Dalby then a one two. Salikhov slips throwing a head kick and Dalby lands a couple of punches as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Both men come out looking to swing. More kicks from Dalby, he’s trying to keep the pace high. Dalby lands a right hand then pushes Salikhov to the fence. They clinch up and start working from there. Dalby with knees to the body and thigh, his control is pretty solid and he’s the better clinch fighter thus far. Salikhov is able to spin free. They trade rights, and Dalby is starting to break Salikhov down. Front kick from Salikhov but Dalby is overwhelming him with punches. Dalby with a combination then clinches up. They break and trade, Dalby landing a right hand then throwing a head kick before clinching again. Short elbows from Dalby then knees. They fight in the clinch for a bit, Dalby still generally getting the better of things. Dalby lands elbows as they break, then they trade punches before clinching again. Dalby slips to the back in the clinch and drags Salikhov down to the mat. Full mount for Dalby but short time, he lands some punches as Salikhov hip escapes to half guard and the round ends.

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

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

There’s an argument for Salikhov in the first so I don’t object to that scorecard. Mic time fir Dalby, he knew he’d have a cardio advantage here but needed to keep pressure up to make use of it as the fight went longer. He felt his performance was a mixture of the different game plans they had. Asked about the future he wants a ranked opponent next and would like his personal 30th fight to be during the 30th anniversary of the UFC, and mentions November as a possible date. He notes he’s now the most successful Danish fighter in UFC history, and puts over Danish MMA vet Martin Kampmann.

Manuel Torres has a four fight winning streak going, all of them first round finishes including a win in his UFC debut over a year ago. Torres is trying to extend that streak tonight and show he’s ready to start moving from prospect to contender. Nikolas Motta has gone 1-1 in the UFC but he did score a win in his last fight and now tries to get his first UFC winning streak up and running. Torres enjoys favored status at -190 to Motta’s +160.

Lightweight Bout: Nikolas Motta (13-4, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Manuel Torres (13-2, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Torres is an inch taller with three inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Torres lands a calf kick. Front kicks now from Torres. Another calf kick from Torres. Motta lands a calf kick of his own. A left hook from Motta lands. Motta with a three punch combination, then an inside leg kick. Torres has gone southpaw now. Motta avoids a few punches. Torres steps forward and ENDS Motta wit a left elbow! One hitter quitter.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Manuel Torres via KO, ELBOW, at 1:50 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Torres for his work this evening. Mic time for Torres and the translator, he’s very happy with the win and the ability to get rid of all the pre-fight stress and would like a bonus. I imagine he’ll get one of those. He talks us through the finish and calls the whole thing sudden while putting over Motta. Asked about the future he’d like to fight in September.

Pat Sabatini had a six fight overall winning streak snapped in his last fight when Damon Jackson stopped him in the first round, Sabatini is trying to bounce back with a win here and avoid his first ever losing streak. Lucas Almeida was successful in his UFC debut a little over a year ago and has had three fights fall out since then, but he’s finally back in the cage tonight and looking to get his first UFC winning streak up and running. The odds are firmly with Sabatini at -190 against a +160 comeback on Almeida.

Featherweight Bout: Lucas Almeida (14-1, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Pat Sabatini (17-4, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Almeida is three inches taller with an inch of reach advantage. Sabatini pretty quickly ties up and forces a clinch into the fence. Trip takedown from Sabatini and he’s on top in half guard. Almeida looks to wall walk as Sabatini moves to side control, then he steps back into half guard for more control. Sabatini’s control is impressive, he’s sneaking in punches but his focus is keeping Almeida from getting up. Some more short punches and elbows from Sabatini. Sabatini moves towards full mount, Almeida quickly hip escapes to half guard again but he’s in trouble down there. Another full mount attempt from Sabatini, he’s got the position and lands lefts. Elbows from Sabatini now, this is going from bad to worse for Almeida quickly. Sabatini with more elbows and punches, he’s looking for a late finish as the clock is winding down. Almeida is able to defend and hang on until the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Sabatini

ROUND TWO: Almeida lands a leg kick. Sabatini tries a single leg, they hit the fence and he starts working the clinch. Some knees go back and forth as they fight for position. Sabatini is able to force things down to the mat and gets on top in half guard. Elbow from Sabatini and Almeida is bleeding from the bridge of his nose. Arm triangle from Sabatini and that gets the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Pat Sabatini via Submission, arm triangle choke, at 1:48 of Round 2

That was one way traffic all the way. Mic time for Sabatini, he puts over Almeida but feels his game plan worked out nicely and he’s happy to have gotten a finish. He’s glad he chose to get the better of the situation after his loss in his last fight. He talks us through the finish briefly, then expresses love to his loved ones and family all of whom support him through the highs and lows of fighting.

Armen Petrosyan has gone 2-1 in the UFC but he is coming off of a win and now looks to prove he’s found his footing in the promotion with his first winning streak under their banner. Christian Leroy Duncan is undefeated including a successful UFC debut back in March, he’s trying to keep that momentum going here and prove himself a notable prospect with his first UFC winning streak. Duncan is your -165 favorite to a +140 comeback on Petrosyan.

Middleweight Bout: Christian Duncan (8-0, 186 lbs.) vs. Armen Petrosyan (7-2, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Petrosyan is an inch taller but Duncan has a big eight inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going, southpaw for Duncan to start but he’ll do a lot of stance switching. Petrosyan avoids a few fancy kicks then they settle into landing leg kicks. Petrosyan lands a leg kick. Duncan starts looking to jab then lands a calf kick. Bit of an uppercut from Duncan but Petrosyan lands a couple of counters. Left from Duncan lands. Petrosyan avoids a wheel kick and lands a calf kick. Some drunk in the crowd with a “Leeroy Jenkins” yell, wow that’s dated. Petrosyan keeps landing calf kicks and looking to counter Duncan’s kicks with combinations. Another calf kick from Petrosyan. Duncan misses a couple of punches, he’s trying some wild stuff here while Petrosyan is sitting on the fundamentals, and the fundamentals are winning thus far. They trade calf kicks, then Petrosyan lands a left hook. More leg kicks from Petrosyan. Counter right from Petrosyan lands. Duncan lands a left hand. Some drunk, presumably the same one, “Kick his ass sea bass” and I really miss the empty venue fights. Bit of a spinning back kick from Petrosyan. Duncan walks backwards at Petrosyan, and Petrosyan lands a leg kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Petrosyan

ROUND TWO: Both men pick up more or less where they left off. Bit of a left from Petrosyan. Duncan is looking a little more settled this round, he tries a double leg but Petrosyan defends and punches him. Petrosyan smothers a spinning attack and gets the back in the clinch, then lands a few knees and they break. They split jabs. Petrosyan lands a calf kick then misses a couple of punches. Duncan lands a couple of leg kicks. Petrosyan with an inside leg kick then a couple of punches. Another calf kick from Petrosyan then a body kick. More calf kicks from Petrosyan, then he avoids a wheel kick. Petrosyan with a body shot, he’s got Duncan on the fence and clobbers him with a right hand. Duncan ties up to stem a flood of offense and regain himself. Duncan blocks an elbow as they break. Bit of a body shot from Petrosyan, then Duncan clinches up again. They break without incident. Front kick from Duncan, then Petrosyan lands a leg kick. Body shot from Petrosyan and Duncan ties up again. Duncan looks for a takedown, but Petrosyan smothers him and gets on top in full guard landing a few punches as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Petrosyan gets back on pressure and lands a leg kick. Duncan fires a few punches but can’t quite find the target. Inside leg kick from Petrosyan. They split jabs then Petrosyan lands a calf kick. Bit of a body kick from Petrosyan. Body shot from Petrosyan. Duncan lands a left hand and clinches up. Petrosyan spins Duncan into the fence. Duncan avoids a spinning elbow as they break. Elbow from Duncan lands, Petrosyan might be wobbled but he ties up and hits a takedown into full guard. Petrosyan with some body to head punches, he’s bleeding from that elbow that landed. Petrosyan passes as Duncan tries to work his guard, he winds up in the ride position. Duncan is able to wall walk with Petrosyan still on his back in the clinch. They get chest to chest and Petrosyan lands a couple of knees before they break. Duncan misses a wheel kick. Bit of a right from Petrosyan in close as the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Duncan but a close one, 29-28 Petrosyan overall

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

Mic time for Petrosyan and the translator, he thanks everyone for the support and wants a top fifteen opponent next. When asked about a specific name he knows he can take any of them and doesn’t give a name. Petrosyan might be due a step up, not sure about ranked opponents but a bigger name for sure.

Arman Tsarukyan has a stellar UFC record of 6-2 which has seen him enter the top ten rankings in the stacked lightweight division, he’s looking to build off of his most recent win and start another climb towards the title picture. Joaquim Silva has been with the UFC since 2015 but has been plagued by inactivity, he broke a two fight losing streak when he got a win in October of last year and now he’s trying for his first winning streak since 2017. Tsarukyan is the biggest favorite on the entire card at a prohibitive -1050 while the +700 payout on Silva might tempt a few of the more degenerate gamblers out there.

Lightweight Bout: Joaquim Silva (12-3, 155.5 lbs.) vs. #8 Arman Tsarukyan (19-3, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Silva is an inch taller while Tsarukyan has three and a half inches of reach, Tsarukyan is also eight years younger. They touch gloves to get us going. Tsarukyan comes out kicking and pressuring forward. Body kick from Tsarukyan. Silva lands a leg kick but Tsarukyan takes him down off of it and gets on top. Tsarukyan settles into the guard of Silva and starts working a few short punches as Silva is stuffed up against the fence. A few short elbows from Tsarukyan land. Some more short blows from Tsarukyan, he’s keeping a decent pace on his offense and Silva is kind of stuck. Silva gives up the back trying to wall walk, Tsarukyan moves to the ride position and he looks to keep Silva on his seat. Tsarukyan pulls Silva a little bit away from the fence, Silva scoots back to it and looks to wall walk again but Tsarukyan pulls him back to the mat and gets the back with one hook in. A scramble from Silva, but Tsarukyan is still on his back landing punches, Tsarukyan moves to stand over the kneeling Silva and lands elbows then a knee to the chest as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Tsarukyan, might be a 10-8 argument in there if you’re feeling generous

ROUND TWO: Silva comes out looking to fight, but Tsarukyan is kicking and then lands a one two. Elbow from Silva in close, Tsarukyan lands a left in response. Bit of a right from Tsarukyan. Tsarukyan lands an elbow as they clinch up. Silva is able to spin free and they reset. Leg kick from Silva. Tsarukyan lands a right hand. Another elbow from Tsarukyan in close, Silva responds with a right hook. Tsarukyan lands a right to the body. Jabs from Tsarukyan. Silva lands a left hook. Tsarukyan backs Silva into the fence and they both miss punches then clinch up. A few knees from Silva then they break. Tsarukyan lands a right hand. Calf kick from Tsarukyan, Silva lands a couple of body shots in response. Bit of a right from Silva in close, then he clobbers Tsarukyan wit a left hook. Tsarukyan is hurt but upright, he’s able to hit a double leg and get on top in full guard. Elbow from Tsarukyan lands. The round ends with Tsarukyan on top and Silva looking to roll for an omoplata.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Silva but could have gone either way, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Tsarukyan comes out looking to swing again, he backs Silva up and punches into a clinch. Silva lands an elbow in the clinch. Tsarukyan is looking for a takedown but Silva is defending thus far. Eventually Tsarukyan hits a spinning body lock takedown and gets on top in half guard. Silva scoots to the fence and looks to wall walk, Tsarukyan lands a few punches and gathers him back to the mat. Tsarukyan passes to half guard. Silva looks to scramble, Tsarukyan grabs at a headlock but they wind up separated. Tsarukyan lands a body kick and clinches again. Silva with some knees to the body in the clinch but Tsarukyan times a trip and lands on top landing punches. Tsarukyan with punches and hammer fists. Elbows now from Tsarukyan, he’s after the finish for sure. Silva gives up the back, Tsarukyan keeps landing punches as he rides Silva and eventually the ref steps in and halts things.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Arman Tsarukyan via TKO, punches, elbows, and hammer fists, at 3:25 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Tsarukyan for his work this evening. Mic time for Tsarukyan, he thanks Silva for the fight and says no one else was willing to take the fight and he feels he’ll be the number one contender and reminds us his last fight Islam Makhachev was on three weeks notice but if you give him eight weeks he’ll smash him. He acknowledges getting rocked in the second but wasn’t going to accept it, so he stayed calm and persevered. Asked what he’d like next if not a title shot he’ll fight anyone in the top five specifically mentioning Dariush or maybe Michael Chandler since Chandler probably wont be fighting Conor McGregor.

Marvin Vettori has only lost at middleweight in the UFC to Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker, and was last seen slowing the building hype around Roman Dolidze. Vettori needs not only a win, but a pretty memorable performance if he wants to put his name back into the title picture given his two losses to Adesanya. Jared Cannonier has also lost only to Whittaker and Adesanya at middleweight, he’s coming off of a split decision win over Sean Strickland that I kind of thought he lost. Cannonier is in the same spot as Vettori in terms of needing not only a win but the kind of win that will get fans talking about him and excited about a title shot for him, especially after he just kind of laid an egg in his prior title shot. This one is pretty close, but Vettori closed as a slight -125 favorite to +105 for Cannonier.

Middleweight Bout: #4 Jared Cannonier (16-6, 185.5 lbs.) vs. #3 Marvin Vettori (19-6-1, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Vettori is an inch taller while Cannonier has three and a half inches of reach advantage, Vettori is also a full decade younger. Both men come out southpaw. Cannonier is jabbing and leg kicking. Vettori lands a body kick. Some jabs from Vettori, he wobbles Cannonier with a left hand but Cannonier clinches up to hang on. They break and Vetori gets back on pressure until Cannonier lands a jab. Vettori lands another left hand. Cannonier goes orthodox now and lands a right hand. A right from Cannonier stuns Vettori and now Cannonier looks to pressure forward. Vettori lands a left to counter an inside leg kick. Body kick from Vettori. Cannonier lands a right to the body. A lot of pressure from Cannonier now. Calf kick from Cannonier. Vettori lands a right hook and a leg kick. A bit of stance switching from Cannonier now, his southpaw defense is still a bit of an issue though. A stiff jab from Vettori backs up Cannonier. Cannonier goes back orthodox, his defense is much better here. Some body kicks from Cannonier. Vettori lands a right hand in close. Bit of a right from Cannonier. Another right from Cannonier, he’s pushing Vettori to the fence now. Calf kick from Cannonier. A couple of rights from Cannonier partially land. Vettori lands a left hand then avoids a right as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Vettori

ROUND TWO: Cannonier gets back on pressure right away. Vettori lands some jabs while moving. Cannonier lands a right to the body, then one to the head as well. Vettori avoids a clinch and lands a left hand. Both men miss power hand punches. Vettori lands a right hook. Cannonier lands a calf kick, then another one. Hard right from Cannonier stuns Vettori and Cannonier looks to bomb on him along the fence. Vettori slips away from a clinch but Cannonier is stalking him and lands some hard punches along the fence. Cannonier lands a right hand then a body shot. Inside leg kick from Cannonier off balances Vettori and Cannonier gets on top in half guard. Hard punches from Cannonier, he’s happy to bomb on him here. Vettori works to come up on a single leg, Cannonier stands free of it and lands punches then an elbow. Vettori is upright and Cannonier bombs on him again, including some body shots. Cannonier has Vettori against the fence pretty consistently and he’s just clubbing him and breaking him down. One two from Cannonier then an uppercut. Vettori tries to fire back but Cannonier snaps his head back with a right hand. Cannonier just wont stop taking lumps out of Vettori with power shots. Vettori wont go down, his head is like a cinderblock but Cannonier is happy to keep swinging at him. Cannonier lands another right hand. Vettori lands a couple of punches to show he’s still here. Cannonier lands a right hand to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Cannonier but that’s a marginal call on my part, 19-18 Cannonier overall

ROUND THREE: Cannonier pressures forward right away with jabs. Vettori lands a left hand to counter an inside leg kick. Cannonier lands a jab. Body shot from Cannonier. Vettori lands a left. One two from Cannonier to counter a leg kick. Cannonier pushes Vettori into the fence but nothing comes of it and they break. Vettori lands a one two. Cannonier lands a jab then a right to the body. Vettori lands a jab. Bit of a one two from Vettori, he’s back in this fight. Cannonier lands a right hand. The body work from Cannonier is starting to pay off a bit. They trade power hand punches. Vettori lands a left hand to counter a leg kick. Cannonier lands a right hand then a front kick to the body. Solid right from Cannonier, he’s locking Vettori up and is getting him against the fence. Uppercuts from Cannonier in close. Double leg from Cannonier, he’s just using that to land punches as Vettori wall walks. Vettori’s face is a mess as they clinch up. They break without incident. More pressure from Cannonier and he lands to the body again. Vettori lands a couple of elbows. Hard right from Cannonier and they clinch again. Vettori is able to hit a takedown but Cannonier immediately wall walks into another clinch. They break and Cannonier misses a left hook. They trade jabs at distance. Cannonier lands a right hand. Vettori lands a left hand then a right hook. Cannonier lands a couple of jabs, Vettori jabs with him as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cannonier, 29-27 Cannonier overall

ROUND FOUR: Vettori comes out jabbing then lands a left hand. Cannonier lands a right hand. Hard right from Cannonier, then another one. Vettori lands an inside leg kick. Body kick from Vettori. Vettori lands a left. Inside leg kick from Cannonier. Cannonier blocks a head kick and lands a calf kick. Another calf kick from Cannonier, then another. Cannonier lands a right hand. Double leg from Cannonier and he gets on top, Vettori quickly scrambles up but he’s clinched on the fence now. They break without incident. Cannonier is coming forward again, he lands an inside leg kick but eats a left hand in reply. Another right from Cannonier. Vettori lands a knee. Stiff jab from Cannonier, then another. Body shot from Cannonier, then a jab. The body work from Cannonier really opens up his offense when he remembers to use it. A couple of hard rights from Cannonier but Vettori just eats them. Cannonier lands a calf kick then a one two. Jab from Cannonier but Vettori avoids the follow up strikes. Cannonier forces a clinch but nothing comes of it. Vettori avoids a few rights. Cannonier lands a right hand. Vettori fires a head kick, that’s blocked but he lands a jab to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cannonier but a close one, 39-36 Cannonier overall

ROUND FIVE: Vettori lands an inside leg kick but Cannonier lands a counter right. Both men land punches in close. Jabs from Cannonier then a body kick. Vettori lands a couple of jabs then misses a left. Calf kick from Cannonier then a right hand. They split some jabs. Cannonier lands a right hand then an inside leg kick. Hard counter right from Cannonier lands, Vettori’s head is made of freaking steel. Cannonier with another right then an elbow in close. Another right from Cannonier lands. Vettori lands a couple of body shots and shoves out of a clinch. Cannonier lands a hard body kick. They clinch up then break. Cannonier sticks another right hand. More rights from Cannonier then an elbow. Vettori lands a jab to counter a leg kick. Another Cannonier right hand. Jab from Cannonier then a right to the body. Both men avoid power hand punches. Cannonier lands a left hook then a right hand. Hard right from Cannonier, Vettori is hurt on the fence. Cannonier with more punches, then he double legs Vettori and gets on top. Vettori looks to work for a wall walk as Cannonier tries for strikes. Hard right from Cannonier, then another one. Vettori wall walks but eats punches along the way then they break. Cannonier lands another right hand, Vettori just can’t be dropped. Another takedown from Cannonier, Vettori fights up into a clinch. Cannonier and Vettori hang out in the clinch for the final few seoncds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cannonier, 49-45 Cannonier overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jared Cannonier via unanimous decision (48-46, 49-45 x2)

Heck of a brawl those two just had, and I can see Vettori winning two rounds. Mic time for Cannonier who set a record for the most strikes landed in middleweight history in a single fight, he’s happy to have set that record. Just so you all know, he set that by a wide margin. He knows he got hurt in the first but stayed on his feet and rallied back, and references a team mate who did pretty much the same recovery thing last night. He puts over Vettori’s toughness and is really proud of setting the record he did. Asked about the takedowns he wanted to show more to his game and show off his powerful ground and pound, mostly he’s just happy that he could show the world he’s still at the top of his game. Asked what he wants next he’d love a title shot but knows Whittaker vs. du Plessis is on deck, but he’s willing and ready to be on deck for a title shot or any fight that guarantees him another shot at the title. After that fight and performance, he made a darn good case for himself.

Well on that note, UFC on ESPN 47 comes to a close. We’ll be breaking down all the action and fall out from this event tomorrow on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast, plus looking ahead to next week when we get UFC on ABC 5 headlined by Josh Emmett and Ilia Topuria. I’ll be back here for that event and I hope you will too. Until next time everyone, stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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