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March 23, 2024 | Posted by Robert Winfree
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MAIN CARD (ESPN, 10 p.m. ET)
#8 Amanda Ribas (125.5 lbs.) vs. Rose Namajunas (125.5 lbs.)
Justin Tafa (264.5 lbs.) vs. Karl Williams (246.5 lbs.)
AJ Dobson (185.5 lbs.) vs. Edmen Shahbazyan (186 lbs.)
Cameron Saaiman (135 lbs.) vs. Payton Talbott (135.5 lbs.)
Billy Quarantillo (145.5 lbs.) vs. Youssef Zalal (146 lbs.)
Fernando Padilla (145 lbs.) vs. Luis Pajuelo (145 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (7 p.m. ET)
Kurt Holobaugh (155.5 lbs.) vs. Trey Ogden (155.5 lbs.)
Julian Erosa (146 lbs.) vs. Ricardo Ramos (145.5 lbs.)
Cody Gibson (135.5 lbs.) vs. Miles Johns (136 lbs.)
Jarno Errens (144.5 lbs.) vs. Steven Nguyen (145 lbs.)
Montserrat Rendon (135 lbs.) vs. Daria Zheleznyakova (135.5 lbs.)
Andre Lima (126 lbs.) vs. Igor Severino (125 lbs.)
Mick Parkin (262.5 lbs.) vs. Mohammed Usman (237 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN 53, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host per usual. The UFC is back on ESPN proper for the first time in a bit tonight, but man did they bring a very odd card. The bout order feels off to me, there are a couple of prelim fights that should be on the main card and the co-main is mid level heavyweights because, I guess reasons? The main event is pretty relevant though, former two time strawweight champion Rose Namajunas is making her second walk as a flyweight and trying to get her first win since November of 2021 when she takes on Amanda Ribas. Ribas has shown moments of promise but has stumbled at key intervals, but a win over the former champion would pretty easily be the biggest of her career. The co-main event is heavyweights Justin Tafa and Karl Williams, honestly it’s not interesting on paper. Edmen Shahbazyan is nearly on his last life in the UFC, then two bright bantamweight prospects in Payton Talbott and Cameron Saaiman will fight things out, and Billy Quarantillo is always good for a fun little scrap. On the prelims Cody Gibson vs. Miles Johns is pretty good, Julian Erosa vs. Ricardo Ramos should be fun, and two flyweight prospects in Igor Severino and Andre Lima will throw down. Again, this isn’t a great card on paper but a better card layout would have helped tremendously.

UFC on ESPN 53 comes to the world from the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Brendan Fitzgerald, Laura Sanko, and Paul Felder will be on the action. That’s one of the better trios the UFC can field at the moment. Keep in mind we’ll have instant replay because Nevada allows for that, and we’re in the smaller 25 foot cage.

Mohammed Usman has gone 3-0 in the UFC but didn’t get a finish all last year and now hopes to keep his streak in tact while also getting back to finishing his opponents. Mick Parkin is undefeated including two wins in the UFC, he’s filling in for Chris Barnett here and hoping to further prove himself as the next heavyweight prospect. Fairly close here on the odds, -130 for Parkin to +110 on Usman.

Heavyweight Bout: Mick Parkin (8-2, 262.5 lbs.) vs. Mohammed Usman (10-2, 237 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Parkin is two inches taller while the reach is identical, Parkin is also a little over 20 pounds heavier. Parkin lands a bit of a right hand fairly quickly. Some feints from both men as they circle, not much going on. Usman misses a few jabs. Leg kick from Parkin. Parkin with a one two, that might have wobbled Usman a bit, then he follows up with a leg kick. Usman with a flurry of punches, Parkin covers up and throws back to get Usman to back off. Calf kick from Parkin. Another Parkin calf kick lands. Some jabs from Parkin as they’re circling. Inside leg kick from Parkin. Bit of a right from Usman, that looks to have cut Parkin around the left eyebrow. Parkin lands another calf kick. Lunging right hand from Usman partially lands. Parkin lands a glancing right hand. Usman misses a couple of punches to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Usman but a close one

ROUND TWO: Both men miss some strikes early in the second. Parkin lands a leg kick, Usman returns it. Parkin lands a right hand that off balances Usman for a second. Usman falls short with punches again. Both men miss rights. Calf kick from Parkin, Usman didn’t like that one. They trade rights. Usman misses a right hand. Parkin lands another calf kick. Bit of a one two from Parkin, he’s just diligently chipping away at Usman. Parkin with a calf kick, right hand, then another calf kick. Usman lands a jab. Parkin is starting to poke in a right hand over the jab of Usman, if he feels spicy now that he’s got the timing he might try the uppercut instead. Calf kick from Parkin. Usman has a few of his lunging attacks blocked then Parkin lands a calf kick. Those calf kicks are adding up, Usman is starting to react more and more. Usman misses a punch, then Parkin lands an inside leg kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Parkin, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Usman has a right hand blocked to start the last round. Bit of a right from Parkin, he’s able to get over that jab of Usman pretty reliably. Parkin lands a right hand. Calf kick from Parkin. Inside leg kick then a right hand from Parkin. Usman misses another right hand. Short left from Parkin lands. Parkin lands a calf kick. Usman misses yet another right hand. One two from Parkin partially lands. Body kick from Parkin. Parkin avoids a couple of punches and lands a counter right. Another right hand then a calf kick from Parkin. Usman falls short with a few more punches. Parkin lands a couple of jabs. Bit of a right from Parkin. Usman has a right hand blocked. Parkin avoids a few punches then lands a hard calf kick. They trade rights. Leg kick from Parkin and he avoids some hooks. Both men miss rights. Parkin pokes out a couple of jabs then lands a calf kick. Right hand from Parkin. Another calf kick from Parkin hurts Usman, Usman tries to swing back but can’t connect. Parkin lands a right hand. Both men miss in close. They tie up briefly, Parkin lands a knee then a right hand as Usman misses punches to close things out.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mick Parkin via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Forgettable fight, but Parkin gets an interview and puts over Usman’s power but he started landing a lot more over the last two rounds. He knew Usman was heavy on the front leg so the calf kick was open to him. Asked about the future he wants to be on the upcoming English card if possible.

Igor Severino is undefeated coming into his UFC debut and hopes to make a good first impression on the audience. Andre Lima is in exactly the same position, undefeated and making his UFC debut hoping to make a big splash while doing so. Close one here but the odds like Lima at -160 to +130 for Severino.

Flyweight Bout: Andre Lima (7-0, 126 lbs.) vs. Igor Severino (8-0, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Severino has two inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Bit of a calf kick from Lima. Severino is jabbing and pressing forward, then lands a calf kick of his own. Lima blocks a few punches then lands a calf kick. Severino bulls forward and has a few punches blocked. Knee from Lima but Severino then hits a single leg against the fence, Lima bounces up into a clinch. Severino is on the back in the clinch and hits a cheese donkey sweep to get on the back but Lima scrambles up and gets chest to chest. Lima with some knees in the clinch as they jockey for position, then he hits a foot sweep. Severino scrambles up, Lim jumps for a guillotine choke, it’s pretty tight but Severino is able to get his head free. Lima with an omoplata attempt, he’s looking more for a sweep than anything else and they scramble back up and Severino lands a right hand as they break apart. Both men land punches now then Severino lands a calf kick. Lima lands a calf kick while circling. Severino tries a double leg and hits it against the fence, Lima scrambles up and sweeps Severino down then they reset. Severino just wont stop moving forward and lands a left hook. Stepping elbow from Lima then he lands it again and staggers Severino. Lima avoids a takedown. Some jabs from Lima then Severino lands a calf kick. Lima with a right to the body. Elbow from Lima lands. They trade calf kicks a few times, then Lima with another chopping elbow. Right hand from Lima. Left to the body from Lima. Severino catches a kick and trips Lima down, they then scramble right away as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lima

ROUND TWO: Lima with a few jabs then a one two. Severino misses a high kick. Lima with a right hand. Severino keeps coming forward but Lima is willing to throw at him. Right to the body from Lima then a jab. Severino lands a left to the body. Both men are hitting the body more now, then Lima lands a calf kick. Severino lands a knee in close, then Lima chops him with a couple of elbows. Lima checks a calf kick, that hurt. Another exchange of body blows, then Severino hits a double leg against the fence. Lima blocks a pass attempt and grabs a kimura. That kimura doesn’t develop much and Severino lands a few punches from top position. Lima gives up the back and wall walks. We get some complaints from both men, Lima complains about being bitten while he’s been grabbing the fence, and the ref calls a time out. The ref wants to look at some replay, and after doing so the ref waves it off and disqualifies Severino for biting.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Andre Lima via disqualification, biting, at 2:52 of Round 2

Lima shows off the bite mark, yeah good call by the ref. Mic time for Lim and the translator, he feels he’s a sniper and kept hitting Severino and was ready for the grappling but then got bitten but feels he was still going to keep landing on Severino. He says he’s here to be a champion then puts over his team for all of their work and then quotes some scripture to close.

Here’s the image, no doubt about how that happened.

Montserrat Rendon is undefeated including her UFC debut last year, now she’s hoping to keep that perfect record and continue building her resume in the promotion. Daria Zheleznyakova is making her UFC debut here and hoping to hand Rendon her first loss. Zheleznyakova is your -250 favorite to a +205 payout on Rendon.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Montserrat Rendon (6-0, 135 lbs.) vs. Daria Zheleznyakova (8-1, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Zheleznyakova is an inch taller but the reach is identical. A few early rights from Zheleznyakova land, both women are flashing the jab as they move around. Rendon misses a few punches, she’s getting feinted out early. Zheleznyakova lands a couple of rights. Rendon keeps biting on these feints, and she’s dropping her right hand so there’s a lane for a left hook. Knee from Zheleznyakova but Rendon then gets a takedown into side control. Zheleznyakova scoots to the fence and looks to wall walk, she’s upright but still in the clinch. A few knees from Zheleznyakova, Rendon is holding the clinch though. Rendon keeps trying for trips but Zheleznyakova is blocking them and then spins free. Bit of an uppercut from Zheleznyakova. Rendon tries to bull forward but can’t close distance. Zheleznyakova lands a right to the body. Right hand from Zheleznyakova in close as she avoids a clinch. Rendon gets a clinch and pushes things to the fence. Outside trip from Rendon and she gets on top in half guard. Nothing will come of that takedown before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Zheleznyakova but could have gone to Rendon

ROUND TWO: Zheleznyakova shows jabs again as she’s moving forward. Rendon is poking out her jab as well but neither is landing much. Bit of a right hand from Zheleznyakova. A few jabs go back and forth. They trade rights but Zheleznyakova is just more active. Jab from Zheleznyakova. Rendon avoids a few punches. Zheleznyakova lands a right to the body. Another right to the body from Zheleznyakova. They clinch and Rendon forces things to the fence again. Zheleznyakova is able to spin free. They trade rights again. Zheleznyakova lands a couple of jabs then a right to the body. A few more jabs from Zheleznyakova land as she’s moving around. Rendon lands a couple jabs of her own. Zheleznyakova lands a couple of punches in close. Bit of a spinning elbow from Zheleznyakova. Rendon forces another clinch and tries a trip but Zheleznyakova blocks that with a fence grab. Eventually Rendon lands a few punches to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Zheleznyakova but again close, 20-18 Zheleznyakova overall

ROUND THREE: Zheleznyakova’s definitely wearing a little more damage but she’s landed more strikes. Some jabs from Zheleznyakova to start the last round. Rendon avoids a left hook. Jab from Zheleznyakova. Rendon tries to clinch but that’s blocked and she lands a right hand as they break. Right hand from Zheleznyakova. Bit of a left hook from Zheleznyakova. Rendon bulls forward and grabs a front headlock but Zheleznyakova breaks that then spins out of the clinch. Zheleznyakova with a jab. Left hook from Zheleznyakova. Right to the body from Zheleznyakova. Left to the body from Zheleznyakova. Jab then a right to the body from Zheleznyakova, she’s staying busy. Rendon eats a jab and forces a clinch on the fence. They fight for position in the clinch, Rendon is trying for trips again but can’t find them. Zheleznyakova lands a knee. Rendon just doesn’t seem to have a lot of options here, she’s trying the same two things over and over then Zheleznyakova spins free. They both land punches in close. Zheleznyakova misses a spinning back fist but lands a left hook, she winds up throwing several of those in a row but doesn’t land them before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Zheleznyakova and the clearest round of the fight, 30-27 Zheleznyakova overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Daria Zheleznyakova via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Sloppy fight there, Rendon seems miffed by the decision but she really struggled to do anything with her clinch work and the old wall and stall strategy didn’t pay off this time. No interview for the winner.

Jarno Errens has gone 0-2 in the UFC and badly needs a win here as an 0-3 start to your UFC career rarely heralds good things. Steve Nguyen brings a three fight winning streak into his UFC debut and he’s hoping to get that all important first UFC win under his belt right away. Nguyen is the -160 favorite to +135 for Errens.

Featherweight Bout: Jarno Errens (13-5-1, 144.5 lbs.) vs. Steven Nguyen (9-1, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two have identical heights and reaches. They touch gloves then Nguyen lands a hard calf kick. Both men land punches in close then Nguyen lands a calf kick. Front kick from Nguyen. Errens lands a calf kick but Nguyen lands a harder one. Nguyen catches a kick and gets a takedown then lands punches on top. Nguyen stands free and they reset. Errens lands a right hand but eats a counter left. Right to the body from Errens. Uppercut from Errens partially lands then he follows up with a calf kick. Nguyen lands a left hand in close. Both men miss rights then Errens lands a calf kick. Nguyen lands a left hook in close. Jab from Nguyen. Errens lands an uppercut then eats a counter left. Side kick from Nguyen. Nguyen pressures forward and they trade calf kicks. Errens lands a right uppercut then a left hook. Nguyen fires back but he’s bleeding from the mouth now. Right to the body from Errens then a calf kick. Both men are bleeding now, Errens is bleeding from the nose. Nguyen with a few jabs but then Errens lands a calf kick. They trade calf kicks then Nguyen lands a knee to the body. They’ll end the round without incident.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Errens but a close one

ROUND TWO: Some early jabs from Nguyen land and he’s got Errens bleeding again. Errens with a combination, his fundamentals in the pocket are quite good. Nguyen lands a right to the body. They trade calf kicks. Errens tries a side kick to the face, that doesn’t land. Bit of a spinning back kick from Nguyen. Jab from Nguyen. Errens gets close and swings some hooks that partially land. Front kick from Errens. Nguyen with a couple of lefts in close but Errens lands a right hand. Jab to the body from Nguyen. Errens with a bit of a calf kick then a side kick to the chest. Both men land in close but that left leg of Nguyen might be in trouble. Both men land in close again. Nguyen is playing with southpaw now at times. Errens lands a right to the body. Both men land punches in close. Body kick then a couple of rights from Errens drop Nguyen, he looks to follow up but Nguyen regains his feet and lands a right hook. Both men land in close as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They hug to start the last round. Errens lands a calf kick. Nguyen keeps moving forward, he lands a left hook to counter a body shot. Errens with a right to the body then one to the head, Nguyen lands a counter left but he’s got problems with that left leg. Nguyen lands a left that drops Errens, Errens is able to fight up and get back to circling. They trade lefts, then Errens drops Nguyen with a left but Nguyen bounces back up. Errens gets a clinch and trips Nguyen down but Nguyen bounces up and they separate without incident. A few jabs go back and forth. Nguyen with a left hook. Errens with a series of jabs then they trade power hand punches. Nguyen lands a right hand. Both men land in close. A lot of circling from Errens. Nguyen with a calf kick but Errens returns it. A right uppercut then a left hook behind it from Errens. Again both men land in close. Errens lands a couple of jabs. Both men land jabs then we get one more flurry from both men before Errens goes back to circling as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Nguyen but a heck of a round to close things out, 29-28 Errens overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jarno Errens via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Mic time for Errens after your current Fight of the Night leader, he feels great and notes people stopped believing in him but he got his first win and feels that was Fight of the Night. Lots of fights still to go but so far he’s right. He talks about working 10 weeks for this moment and how hard the sport is but hopes everyone knows who he is now.

Miles Johns fought to a No Contest in his last fight after he failed a drug test, but he hasn’t lost since 2022 and he’s trying to stay out of the losers circle with another win here. Cody Gibson lost in the finals of the last season of TUF but everyone loved the fight so despite that he did get to stick around the UFC, Gibson’s prior UFC run went 1-3 from 2014-15, now he’s looking for his first UFC win in almost a full decade. Johns is your favorite at -140 while +120 on Gibson is quite a tempting little underdog bet.

Bantamweight Bout: Cody Gibson (19-9, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Miles Johns (13-2 1 NC, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Gibson is three inches taller with five inches of reach advantage. Both men circle and feint with the lead hand early. Calf kick from Johns. Gibson avoids some punches. A few jabs from Gibson land. Bit of a short uppercut from Gibson in close. A lot of circling from Johns, Gibson is pressuring him down but neither man has landed anything too damaging yet. Front kick from Gibson. Johns lands a couple of punches in close but he can’t get Gibson to back off. Gibson avoids a right hand and they clinch, he’s got Johns on the fence and lands a couple of knees. Johns is able to spin free. Gibson ducks under a punch but Johns is able to run him over and get on top in full guard. Some elbows from Gibson. Gibson works his guard high then angles for an armbar, but Johns is able to stack him up and avoid that attack. Bit of an elbow from Johns but his offense here has been limited. Gibson stands with Johns still holding him in the clinch. They trade some punches in the clinch then Gibson with a knee. Gibson gets free and misses a knee, eating a counter but he follows up with a couple of punches on the fence as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gibson but Johns might have stolen it late

ROUND TWO: Gibson gets back to forward pressure right away. Single leg from Gibson and he’s got Johns down, Johns wall walks quickly but Gibson is on his back in the clinch. They get chest to chest and Gibson lands a knee before Johns gets free. Johns might be fading, he’s had cardio issues before and this is a high paced fight. A right uppercut from Johns bothers Gibson, but Gibson gets a single leg and gets on top. Johns gives up the back, Gibson with both hooks in now. Body triangle from Gibson and he starts fishing for the choke. Johns is able to spin into Gibson and get on top in full guard. Johns passes to half guard and starts fishing for for something. Gibson scrambles up with Johns on his back again. They start working in the clinch then break with an uppercut from Johns. Gibson with jabs now, he’s still trying to keep the pressure up. Johns lands a right hand. Gibson misses a jumping knee, Johns tries a takedown against the fence and hits it. Gibson fights back up into a clinch and that’s where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Johns but again close, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Gibson gets back on pressure and shows front kicks. Johns lands a couple of rights. Gibson fights off a single leg but they hit the fence and clinch up. They break without incident. Johns lands a couple of punches. Gibson keeps poking with kicks then lands a jab. Front kick from Gibson. Johns grabs a single leg and looks to stall on the fence again. Uppercut from Johns as they break. Gibson gets back on pressure and lands a jab. Johns misses a few rights. Inside leg kick from Gibson. Gibson lands a knee then a body kick. Right hand from Johns then he again grabs a single leg that stalls on the fence. Gibson lands a few elbows then they break. Johns tries another takedown, again they hit the fence but he’s able to finish this one into side control. Gibson wrestles up and free but he’s only got 20 seconds left. Gibson lands an uppercut then a front kick but he wont find the finish he could well have needed.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Miles Johns via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

No interview for Johns.

Ricardo Ramos has been trading wins and losses while going 3-3 in his last six fights, he’s coming off of a loss and is hoping that pattern holds long enough to avoid his first ever losing streak. Julian Erosa has gone 3-2 in his last four fights but he’s on a two fight losing streak and needs a win here, he’s in his third UFC stint right now and if he gets cut again I doubt there will be a fourth. Ramos is your favorite at -185 to +155 for Erosa.

Featherweight Bout: Julian Erosa (28-11, 146 lbs.) vs. Ricardo Ramos (16-5, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Erosa is four inches taller with two and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Ramos shows the jab early then tries a body kick. Leg kick then a jab from Ramos. Erosa lands a jab then a front kick. Stiff jab from Ramos but then he walks into a one two. Ramos drops Erosa with a right hand, Erosa bounces up into a clinch and looks to stall so he can recover. Ramos with an elevated double leg and then goes to work from full guard. Erosa fires a few elbows from his back but Ramos punches him to the body then passes to half guard. Pretty quick guard reclaim from Eros. Ramos with some short elbows on top as Erosa goes to a body triangle from bottom. Erosa kicks Ramos off and they stand. Ramos misses a spinning elbow then hits a double leg but Erosa has a guillotine. That’s tight and Erosa is able to lock it down and then Ramos tries to shake free but can’t get out and has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Julian Erosa via Submission, guillotine choke, at 2:15 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Erosa for his work this evening, and Ramos has a very large cut on his forehead. Mic time for Erosa after that, he gives love to his wife and newborn son. He says the birth of his son motivated him tremendously, then he talks us through the finish and notes he has one of the best guillotine’s in the division so if Charles Jourdain could catch Ramos with one he knew he could.

This is great finishing technique on an arm in guillotine, Erosa isn’t pulling back he’s clamping down. With the arm in you’re better off compressing than extending and Ramos can’t quite get his head free meaning he has to tap.

Kurt Holobaugh was cut from the UFC in 2019 after going 0-3, he was also cut from the UFC back in 2013 after going 0-1 in the promotion but he won a season of TUF last year for his first UFC win and now hopes to prove he’s ready to win consistently at this level. Trey Ogden has gone 1-2 with a No Contest in the UFC, he’s coming off of that No Contest a few months back and now hopes to get back on the winning side of things. The odds are with Ogden at -140 to +120 for Holobaugh.

Lightweight Bout: Kurt Holobaugh (20-7 1 NC, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Trey Ogden (16-6 1 NC, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Ogden has two inches of reach advantage. A bit of pressure early from Holobaugh. Ogden with some jabs then a left hook as he’s circling. That lead hand from Ogden is working early. Holobaugh lands a right to the body then a calf kick. Ogden avoids a few punches then hits a double leg into full guard. Some elbows from Holobaugh off of his back, Ogden is firing a few punches off then passes to half guard. Ogden lands a few punches from half guard. Things aren’t moving much but Ogden is generally doing enough on top to prevent the ref from getting involved. Ogden is trying to set up a pass now, he’s got good shoulder pressure but can’t get around the half guard of Holobaugh. They trade some strikes on the mat to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ogden

ROUND TWO: Jabs from Ogden then an inside leg kick to start the round. Holobaugh falls short on some punches but he’s the one pressing forward again. Body kick from Holobaugh then a bit of a right hand. Holobaugh lands a calf kick. Right to the body from Holobaugh. Ogden lands a right hand. One two from Holobaugh. Ogden with a body kick then a jab. Ogden tries a takedown but Holobaugh defends so Ogden lands a knee and breaks. Solid right hand from Holobaugh stuns Ogden for a second. Holobaugh still pressuring forward and lands a calf kick. Combination from Holobaugh then they clinch up. Some knees go back and forth then Ogden sweeps things down into half guard. Ogden with some shoulder strikes, he’s got a great squeeze going. A few punches from Ogden, he’s got the left wrist of Holobaugh trapped now and is safe to land a few punches. Some more rights from Ogden land before Holobaugh gets his wrist free. The round will end with Ogden still on top.

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

ROUND THREE: Holobaugh starts pressuring forward right away. Ogden with some jabs while he circles. Holobaugh jabs the body. A flurry from Holobaugh partially lands. Ogden lands a jab. Knee tap from Ogden and he’s back on top in full guard. Ogden passes to half guard. Per usual in this fight, Holobaugh can’t get out of half guard and Ogden is content to work from here. Ogden keeps up good top pressure and decent enough ground and pound. Ogden passes to full mount with about 40 seconds left. They talk to each other for a bit, Ogden keeps trying for an arm triangle but he wont find one and the round ends there.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Trey Ogden via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Mic time for Ogden, he feels great and puts over the gym he runs. He needs to spend time with his kids and puts over one of his fighters who’s going to be fighting in the UFC soon.

Fernando Padilla has gone 1-1 in the UFC and he’s coming off of that loss but he’s trying to bounce back here and avoid his first UFC losing streak. Luis Pajuelo brings a five fight winning streak into his UFC debut and he’s hoping to make it a memorable one. The odds are with Padilla at -170 against +145 for Pajuelo.

Featherweight Bout: Fernando Padilla (15-5, 145 lbs.) vs. Luis Pajuelo (8-1, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Padilla is three inches taller with a significant six and a half inches of reach advantage. Padilla checks a leg kick. Calf kick from Padilla. Some calf kicks go back and forth for a bit. Pajuelo starts moving forward, he walks into a front kick but keeps coming and they trade punches in close. Padilla lands a front kick then a calf kick and a side kick. Bit of a left uppercut from Padilla, then he lands an elbow in close. More front kicks from Padilla, he’s sniping at distance. Pajuelo misses a couple of punches then eats a body kick. They get close and Pajuelo tries to brawl but gets dropped with a left hand. Padilla on top and looking to unload with punches, he passes to half guard and then starts working elbows. Pajuelo wrestles up into a clinch but Padilla grabs a d’arce choke on the way up and forces the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Fernando Padilla via Submission, d’arce choke, at 2:45 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Padilla for his work this evening. Mic time for Padilla, he talks about how hard the camp was but he stayed positive despite the nerves and trials but this is always his cage. He jokes that he’s the Jon Jones of featherweight then talks us through the finish.

Padilla uses the fence here like the mat, the barrier allows him to finish the choke the same way you might if you were on the mat. Nice read from him on the position and finishing technique.

Billy Quarantillo has been trading wins and losses while going 4-3 in his last seven fights, he’s hoping to break that pattern here as he’s coming off of a win and could get his first winning streak since 2020 up and running here. Youssef Zalal got cut from the UFC in 2022 after going 3-3-1 in the promotion but ending that on a streak of 0-3-1, he’s won three in a row since then though and is stepping up to replace Davey Grant here, and his first UFC win since 2020 would be a great capstone to this series of events for him. Even fight here, a -110 pick ’em.

Featherweight Bout: Billy Quarantillo (18-5, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Youssef Zalal (13-5-1, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Zalal has two inches of reach advantage. Both men open probing with the jab and leg kick. Quarantillo moves forward generally. Zalal with a couple of calf kicks. Quarantillo pushes forward and lands a couple of front kicks. Bit of a left hook from Quarantillo. Zalal is switching his stance as he circles around. Quarantillo misses a right hand. Both men land leg kicks. Knee from Zalal. Zalal lands a right to the body. Another body shot from Zalal then a right hand up top behind it. Quarantillo keeps coming forward but he’s walking into traffic thus far. Quarantillo with a couple of lefts then he gets a clinch on the fence. Zalal is able to spin out of the clinch and reset. Clubbing right from Quarantillo seems to off balance Zalal for a second. High kick from Zalal then a couple of punches. They trade lefts but Zalal had set up a trip with his and he gets on top in full guard. Bit of an elbow from Zalal. Quarantillo looks to invert for a leg but Zalal punches him and passes, then gets the back in a backpack spot. Quarantillo is standing but Zalal is under the chin with a choke attempt, Quarantillo is able to hand fight and avoid that getting much worse then breaks the grip. The round ends with Zalal still on Quarantillo’s back.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Zalal

ROUND TWO: Quarantillo gets back to pressure and lands a right hand. Zalal avoids a few punches then lands a knee. Trip from Zalal and he gets back on top in full guard. Quarantillo tries to get a high guard working, he almost gets a triangle but Zalal gets on his back again. Zalal gets the body triangle and starts working from the back. Quarantillo keeps moving but Zalal gets the choke locked in and this time he gets the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Youssef Zalal via Submission, rear naked choke, at 1:50 of Round 2

Mic time for Zalal, he plays with the non-existent crowd then reiterates he wants to be the champion here in the UFC now that he’s back. He tries for inspirational stuff, mediocre but I’ve heard worse. He says he knows he had some tough times but he fought a lot of great guys including Ilia Topuria and he made Topuria wrestle, then he puts over his team and would like a post fight bonus.

Textbook stuff from Zalal here on the finish, he just looked really great all fight.

Payton Talbott is undefeated including a successful UFC debut last November, he’s hoping to continue that momentum here and begin making waves as a possible prospect in the deep bantamweight division. Cameron Saaiman has gone 3-1 in the UFC but he’s coming off of his first professional loss, now he’s hoping to bounce back and avoid his first losing streak while also reminding everyone that he’s got a bright future in the division. Another close on here, -155 for Talbott while +130 on Saaiman is a another pretty tempting little value bet.

Bantamweight Bout: Cameron Saaiman (9-1, 135 lbs.) vs. Payton Talbott (7-0, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Talbott is two inches taller with three and a half inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Saaiman, who opens with a calf kick. Talbott blocks a high kick. Both men land punches in close. Saaiman begins playing with stance switches and they trade body kicks. Right hand from Talbott. Talbott lands a one two. They trade inside leg kicks. Talbott lands a couple more punches, he’s looking good so far. They trade left hooks but it’s Saaiman who drops for a second. Talbott times a duck with a sick knee, he unloads with body shots but Saaiman recovers and separates. An elbow from Talbott in close then a knee and punches but again Saaiman is able to defend and circle. Saaiman tries an Imanari roll but just ties up then stands free. Talbott keeps coming forward but misses a couple of punches. Saaiman lands a left hand. Glancing head kick from Talbott. Elbow from Talbott then a body kick. Saaiman keeps throwing back but he’s not landing as much. Talbott digs the body a few times. Saaiman with a body kick then a spinning back kick to the body. Talbott lands a right hand, then Saaiman fires a body kick that goes low but Talbott basically waves that off to continue his offense. Bit of a head kick from Talbott. Saaiman lands a left to the body. They trade jabs then Talbott lands a combination. Left hook from Saaiman then a right hand behind it but he ate a body kick as well. Talbott is becoming a little predictable with his entries and Saaiman fires a high kick, that’s caught and Talbott trips him down as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Talbott

ROUND TWO: Talbott quickly drops Saaiman with a left hook and looks to follow up on the mat, Saaiman is trying to tie up on the mat but the ref does jump in to wave things off.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Payton Talbott via TKO, punches, at :21 of Round 2

Mic time for Talbott after that one, he wanted to start better this time and feels he did this time around. He puts over Saaiman’s toughness, then says he wants to get more wins like this and doesn’t care who he faces.

Talbott was definitely on form tonight, here’s the finish after Saaiman got dropped with a left hook.

Edmen Shahbazyan had momentum back in 2019 before he got somewhat exposed by Derek Brunson in 2020. Shahbazyan is 1-4 in his last five fights only managing a win over Dalcha Lungiambula and last being seen getting smashed by Anthony Hernandez, given the thin ice he has to be on right now Shahbazyan needs a win to salvage his UFC run. AJ Dobson stepped in on somewhat short notice to replace Dusko Todorovic, he’s gone 1-2 in the UFC but he’s coming off of a win and is hoping to get his first UFC winning streak up and running here. The odds are with Shahbazyan at -200, which might be asking for trouble all things considered, to Dobson’s +165.

Middleweight Bout: AJ Dobson (7-2, 185.5 lbs.) vs. Edmen Shahbazyan (12-4, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Shahbazyan is an inch and a half taller while Dobson has two inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get started. Dobson probes with a few kicks then checks a leg kick. A couple of combinations land for Dobson, he seems to have the hand speed advantage. Calf kick from Shahbazyan and he avoids the counters. Dobson jabs the body then lands a calf kick. Both men land left hands but Dobson is just firing more and has quicker hands. Counter right lands for Dobson. Solid right hand from Dobson hurts Shahbazyan, he lands another one then a left hook in close that stuns Shahbazyan for a second as they break. More punches from Dobson but Shahbazyan clinches up and hits an inside trip to land on top in full guard. Dobson quickly works to stand, he scrambles around and gets on top in full guard. Some lefts from Dobson as he’s working on top. Shahbazyan fires a few elbows from his back. Dobson avoids a triangle attempt and lands a couple of punches. Shahbazyan wall walks into a clinch and they trade some knees while fighting for position. Dobson blocks a takedown but can’t get out of the clinch yet. They break without incident. They trade jabs. Both men land in close but it’s Shahbazyan who drops Dobson, he gets on top and unloads with punches to put Dobson out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Edmen Shahbazyan via KO, punches, at 4:33 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Shahbazyan for his work this evening. Mic time for Shahbazyan he admits to being hit but didn’t feel he was badly hurt, and he was in dog shape for this fight and is happy to have shown off his skills. He thanks his coaches for their work then talks us through the finish to close.

It’s just a short left hook style punch that catches behind the ear, but it wobbles Dobson and then Shahbazyan doesn’t give him a chance to get back into the fight.

Karl Williams has gone 2-0 in the UFC as part of an overall six fight winning streak, he’s hoping to extend that here and prove he’s starting to be a rising force at heavyweight. Justin Tafa has gone 3-0 with 1 No Contest in his last four fights and was last seen knocking out Austen Lane in short order, now he’s trying to keep that going here and indicate he’s ready for a step up in class next time out. Williams is your -205 favorite while +180 for Tafa might tempt some bettors out there.

Heavyweight Bout: Justin Tafa (7-3 1 NC, 264.5 lbs.) vs. Karl Williams (9-1, 246.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Williams is three inches taller with five inches of reach advantage but Tafa is probably around 20 pounds heavier tonight. Southpaw for Tafa, and they touch gloves to get going. Williams with a bit of a right hand. Tafa starts poking the jab out then lands a body kick. Both men keep hand fighting then Tafa lands a left that wobbles Williams, Tafa tries to follow up with a knee and that’s a poor decision as Williams eats it and gets a takedown into half guard. Bit of an elbow from Williams. Tafa scoots to the fence and looks to wall walk, he gets upright but Williams takes him back down then lands a hammer fist. Again Tafa stands with Williams on his back. Williams works for a mat return, kind of gets it but can’t really finish it and Tafa is back up. Tafa breaks the grip around his waist, Williams tries a single leg and hits it into full guard. Some punches from Williams then he moves to half guard. Tafa looks to wall walk, he’s kind of stuck on his knees though as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Williams

ROUND TWO: Williams with some head fakes to start the round. Tafa with a jab. Front kick from Williams. Tafa lands a solid body kick. Another Tafa body kick. Bit of a one two from Williams. Tafa is the one pressuring forward and cracks Williams with a couple of left hands. Williams misses a right hand. Single leg from Williams, that hits the fence though and Tafa gets free this time. Tafa lands a left hand, then tries an ill advised head kick which Williams catches and then gets a takedown into half guard. Some punches from Williams. Williams lands a few hammer fists. Forearm choke from Williams then he transitions to an arm triangle, but Tafa gets his arm out of danger. Tafa tries to stand but Williams flattens him back out and lands a couple of more punches to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Both men start plodding again, because mid level heavyweights. One two from Williams lands. They trade power hand punches, Williams is hurt and tries a takedown but Tafa defends and cracks him again. Williams forces a clinch to the fence and hits the single leg to stifle the offense. Tafa looks to wall walk but Williams is sitting on his leg and looking to strip his hands from posting. Things are stalling, but Williams gets one of the wrists of Tafa controlled and starts landing some punches. Eventually Tafa gives up the back on his knees, Williams with a few knees to the body and thigh. Tafa is able to get upright and spins free with about a minute left. Williams avoids a left hand but can’t get a takedown. Tafa plods forward, and misses another left hand then Williams hits a single leg. Williams gets Tafa down against the fence and just rides out the round on top in half guard landing a few short punches.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Tafa, 29-28 Williams overall

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

Well that sucked, but it was to be expected. Williams gets an interview, he wanted to strike with Tafa more but thinks it went 50/50 in terms of how he played it. Logic and evidence disagrees. He admits Tafa hits hard but he can fight through that with the help of his coaches then talks about the future, specifically that he’d like to fight that firefighter Stipe Miocic for a charity cookoff to help firefighters. Well I can’t hate the man for that wholesome callout.

Amanda Ribas has been trading wins and losses while going 3-3 in her last six fights, she’s also bounced around a fair bit between strawweight and flyweight but she’s coming off of a win and if she can get her first winning streak since 2020 at the expense of a former champion tonight she might finally prove she’s found consistency and is ready to move towards the title picture. Rose Namajunas is a two time strawweight champion but lost that belt in 2022 in one of the worst fights you’ll ever see, then she decided to try her hand up at flyweight and had almost no success against Manon Fiorot last year. Namajunas is at something of a crossroad here, she’s taking a step back in class from the very best but if she loses it puts her career in a very odd purgatorial place. The odds are with Namajunas though at -225 against +185 for Ribas.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: #8 Amanda Ribas (13-4, 125.5 lbs.) vs. Rose Namajunas (11-6, 125.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Namajunas is two inches taller while Ribas has an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Ribas and they touch gloves. Both women bounce around for a bit and probe with the lead hand. Namajunas lands a jab. Some stance switching from Namajunas now and she lands a left hand. Ribas falls short with a few punches. Sharp left from Namajunas in close, she’s moving well and countering. Both women land punches in close. Some leg kicks go back and forth, and both women have started switching stances. Bit of a right from Namajunas. Spinning back kick from Ribas lands. Ribas with a clinch and gets a takedown, Namajunas immediately scrambles up into a clinch and knees Ribas a few times as they hit the fence. More knees from Namajunas then they break. Namajunas lands a left to the body. Right hand from Ribas, but Namajunas counters with a left hand that stuns Ribas for a second. They tie up, Ribas with a headlock throw but Namajunas rolls through and gets on top in side control. Namajunas puts herself into half guard and lands some short elbows. Some more punches from Namajunas land as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Namajunas

ROUND TWO: Namajunas avoids a kick and lands a right hand. Ribas lands an inside leg kick but eats a counter left. Solid right hand from Namajunas, she’s moving well. Ribas tries a body kick but eats a counter left. Another left from Namajunas lands. They both land in close. Side kick from Ribas. Namajunas lands a right hand. Some lefts from Namajunas land then she avoids a few punches. Ribas misses a combination. Left hand from Namajunas lands then they trade leg kicks. Namajunas with a takedown, Ribas bounces back up and fires a knee as they break. They trade body shots in close, Ribas tries a headlock again but Namajunas blocks, Ribas tries a leg lock but again Namajunas counters and gets on top. Namajunas is on top in leg drag at the moment, she lands a few punches. Ribas is trying to get a guard in play and eventually gets full guard. Namajunas lands body to head punches as Ribas closes her guard. Ribas is just trying to stall from the bottom, and they’ll end the round with Namajunas still on top.

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

ROUND THREE: Ribas back to doing the same things she’s been doing. Namajunas blocks a high kick and lands a right hand. Bit of a high kick from Ribas but Namajunas ignores it. Ribas misses a wheel kick then Namajunas lands a leg kick and a right hand. Body shot from Namajunas then a body kick. Short uppercut from Namajunas then a right hand behind it. Ribas lands a leg kick. Some jabs go back and forth. They tie up, Namajunas with knees to the body then they break. Ribas misses a spinning back fist. Namajunas lands a one two. Right hand from Namajunas lands. Left to the body from Namajunas. Ribas lands a right hand, then misses a spinning attack. Namajunas lands a right hand. They tie up, takedown from Ribas but Namajunas scrambles up, they roll back down but again Namajunas rolls through and up into a clinch and has Ribas on the fence. Good head position from Namajunas, she’s got Ribas pinned on the fence for a bit. Ribas hits a trip and gets on top holding a scarf hold, Namajunas scoots towards the back but Ribas reads that and gets on top in half guard. A few elbows from Ribas land, Namajunas fights to her knees, Ribas gets the back but nothing will come of it before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ribas, 29-28 Namajunas overall

ROUND FOUR: Both women miss lead hand punches to start the fourth round. Bit of a left from Namajunas. Another left from Namajunas. Ribas lands a couple of punches. Namajunas lands a left to the body again. Namajunas lands a right hand. Bit of a right from Ribas. Ribas lands a calf kick. They trade rights again. Left from Namajunas. Both women avoid power hand punches. Namajunas lands a right hand. Namajunas with a takedown, Ribas thinks about a leg attack but then switches to a triangle attempt though Namajunas seems safe blocking the triangle from getting fully locked. Some body shots from Namajunas as Ribas has to settle for full guard. Ribas not doing much off of her back, but her control is enough to stop Namajunas from doing anything serious. Namajunas avoids a loose triangle attack and lands a couple of punches. The round will end with Namajunas still on top.

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

ROUND FIVE: Both women still move well as the round starts. Ribas lands a body kick. Bit of a right hand from Namajunas. Both women land punches. Namajunas lands a right hand. Ribas falls short on a combination. Solid right hand from Namajunas, she’s countering well right now. Right hand from Namajunas then a left to the body. Ribas misses a spinning back fist. Ribas misses a high kick. They trade lefts then Ribas misses a right hand. Namajunas avoids a spinning kick then they trade rights. Both women hit the body a few times. Namajunas with a knee to the body in close. Spinning back kick from Namajunas lands then a front kick. Both women avoid punches in close. Namajunas blocks a couple of high kicks then lands a right hand. Ribas misses another wheel kick. Namajunas lands a body kick. Left hand from Namajunas. Ribas avoids a takedown, they clinch up and Namajunas with knees to the body then they break. Ribas misses a few more kicks. Another missed wheel kick from Ribas then Namajunas lands a right hand. Stiff jab from Namajunas. They both miss power hand punches. Namajunas with a leg kick then avoids a wheel kick, that’ll be the last real exchange of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Namajunas but a close one, 49-46 Namajunas overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Rose Namajunas via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46 x2)

No issues with Ribas maybe taking the fifth. Mic time for Namajunas, she’s happy to have won and gives thanks to God. She talks about having to work on her adjustments mid fight but feels her experience helped win the day. I lose the broadcast for bit, because ESPN+ as a service still has a lot of problems and I miss the back half of her interview.

Well on that note UFC on ESPN 53 comes to a close. Thanks for reading, I always appreciate it. We’ll be unpacking the fallout from this event on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast plus looking ahead to UFC on ESPN 54 next week when Erin Blanchfield and Manon Fiorot fight over the presumptive next title shot at flyweight, oh and look, Chris Weidman is fighting. I’m sure that wont be sad on multiple levels right? Anyway I’ll be back for that one next week and I hope you will as well, until then thanks again for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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