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MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET)
#7 Ketlen Vieira (136 lbs.) vs. #8 Miesha Tate (135.5 lbs.)
#14 Sean Brady (170.5 lbs.) vs. #6 Michael Chiesa (170.5 lbs.)
#10 Taila Santos (125.5 lbs.) vs. #5 Joanne Wood (126 lbs.)
Kyung Ho Kang (136 lbs.) vs. Rani Yahya (135.5 lbs.)
Davey Grant (135.5 lbs.) vs. Adrian Yanez (135 lbs.)
PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 3 p.m. ET)
Tucker Lutz (145.5 lbs.) vs. Pat Sabatini (145 lbs.)
Rafa Garcia (155 lbs.) vs. Natan Levy (154 lbs.)
Loopy Godinez (115.5 lbs.) vs. Loma Lookboonmee (115.5 lbs.)
Terrance McKinney (155.5 lbs.) vs. Fares Ziam (156 lbs.)
Cody Durden (126 lbs.) vs. Aori Qileng (126 lbs.)
Shayilan Nuerdanbieke (145 lbs.) vs. Sean Soriano (146 lbs.)
Sam Hughes (115.5 lbs.) vs. Luana Pinheiro (116 lbs.)
Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 56. I’m Robert Winfree, your host for the event. Tonight the UFC has a decent main card on paper, the best fight being the co-main event when undefeated rising contender Sean Brady meets battle tested veteran Michael Chiesa with the winner taking an important step towards title contention. Your main event is a relevant clash for the women at bantamweight, former champion Miesha Tate battles Ketlen Vieira with the winner moving ever closer to a title shot. We’ve also got Rani Yahya in action against Kyung Ho Kang and the exciting bantamweight prospect Adrian Yanez against Davey Grant. The prelims are mostly populated with newer entries to the UFC, or people still in search of their first UFC win, but there’s still the potential for exciting action.
UFC on ESPN+ 56 comes to the world from the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. We’ve got Brendan Fitzgerald and Daniel Cormier on commentary. As for the rules Nevada uses most of the newer rule set but you still only need one hand on the mat to be considered downed. There is the use of instant replay, there’s an outside the cage official who can request it be used in addition to the in cage ref, and the fight can be restarted after using instant replay if that’s applicable. Do bear in mind the Apex has the smaller 25 foot diameter cage set up instead of the 30 footer.
A couple of hours before the event was to start we lost the Terrance McKinney vs. Fares Ziam bout when someone in McKinney’s corner popped for Covid. Hopefully the fight can be rescheduled sooner rather than later but that does mean we’ll get a lot of vamping from Cormier and Fitzgerald at the top of the broadcast.
Luana Pinheiro is on a seven fight winning streak including a successful UFC debut which she won after Randa Markos landed an illegal upkick and she couldn’t continue. Pinheiro is trying for a more positive win this time. Sam Hughes has gone 0-2 in the UFC and finds herself in dire need of that first UFC win. Pinheiro is a massive -400 favorite to a +300 comeback on Hughes.
Strawweight Bout: Sam Hughes (5-3, 115.5 lbs.) vs. Luana Pinheiro (9-1, 116 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Hughes is three inches taller and has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Both women circling to start, and some range finding strikes. Some jabs from both women, they’re mostly shadow boxing at the moment. Hughes with a bit of a left hook. Pinheiro misses a right hand. Double jab then a right from Pinheiro partially lands. Hughes lands a leg kick, she’s only landing with the foot though. Both women get close and trade punches then Pinheiro hits a headlock throw to land in side control. Hughes shrimps to full guard. Pinheiro avoids a high guard attempt and lands a right. Hughes moves to her knees, Pinheiro grabs a front headlock and jumps for a Peruvian Necktie but slips off. They fight up and Pinheiro hits a whizzer kick and gets Hughes down again, again into full guard. Hughes wall walks and they trade punches then separate. Both women miss kicks. Bit of a leg kick from Hughes. They wont find anything effective for the final 10 seconds or so.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Pinheiro
ROUND TWO: Both women looking to jab as the round starts. Slight body kick from Hughes. Pinheiro lands a calf kick. Both women miss punches, Hughes is coming forward but it’s not leading to much. Hughes lands a leg kick. Bit of a jab from Hughes. They trade jabs then Pinheiro misses a few punches. Hughes jabs the body, then one to the head as well. Pinheiro forces a clinch and they hit the fence. Hughes avoids a throw and pulls free. A few more jabs from Hughes, Pinheiro is swinging wider and wider. Hughes lands a calf kick. Pinheiro avoids a high kick, then punches into a clinch but can’t get control and they separate. Hughes lands another leg kick. Pinheiro eats a leg kick and lands a right hand. Hughes lands a jab but Pinheiro flurries to counter and drops her with a punch. They fight up into the clinch and end the round there.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Pinheiro, 20-18 Pinheiro overall
ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Hughes is back to jabbing and leg kicking. Pinheiro lands a leg kick and a flurry of punches. More circling now, Pinheiro seems content to just flurry a few times a round at the moment. Hughes lands a calf kick. Hughes lands a left hook. Bit of a right from Hughes then a body kick. Pinheiro jabs the body as she circles. Another leg kick from Hughes. Pinheiro lands a right to counter a leg kick. They clinch again, Hughes starts working knees and elbows then they break. Pinheiro is back to circling. Another jab from Hughes lands then a front kick to the body. Pinheiro avoids a head kick. Both women miss rights, Pinheiro is just evading right now. Bit of a left hook from Hughes. Hughes lands a body kick. They get close and swing with mixed results. Hughes just charges at Pinheiro for the final few seconds but wont find anything offensive.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Hughes, 29-28 Pinheiro overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Luana Pinheiro via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27 x2)
I don’t agree with Pinheiro getting the third, but the fight kind of sucked so I’m not up in arms over it. Mic time for Pinheiro and her translator, she’s happy to have won this way and puts over Hughes as a tough opponent before doing the usual round of thanks to her trainers. She puts over her judo skills and training to close.
Sean Soriano has yet to get a win in the UFC despite being in his second stint with them, he lost to Christos Giagos earlier this year and is back at featherweight now and still looking for a taste of UFC glory. Shayilan Nuerdanbieke suffered a loss in his UFC debut but his back now and looking for his first UFC win. The odds are with Soriano at -280 while Nuredanbieke would payout at +230.
Featherweight Bout: Shayilan Nuerdanbieke (19-7, 145 lbs.) vs. Sean Soriano (14-7, 146 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Soriano has an inch of height and reach over Nuredanbieke. They touch gloves at the start of the fight. Soriano stalks forward, he lands a calf kick. Nuredanbieke lands an inside leg kick. Soriano lands another leg kick and avoids some counters. Stiff left from Soriano wobbles Nuredanbieke for a second. Nuredanbieke tries an inside leg kick but hits the groin of Soriano so we’ve got a timeout. Soriano is back to fighting after 25 seconds. Leg kick from Soriano lands. Nuredanbieke tries a double leg to counter a leg kick, it takes a second effort but he does get it only to be swept on the mat as Soriano uses a body lock and butterfly hook to take him over and land on top in full guard. Soriano works some punches from the guard. Short elbow from Soriano, Nuredanbieke tries to work his guard up but Soriano stands free and makes him regain his feet. Bit of a right from Nuredanbieke. Soriano lands a front kick to the body then a leg kick. Nuredanbieke lands a right to the body. Soriano avoids a takedown attempt and gets back to forward pressure. Leg kick from Soriano then he avoids a few kicks. Bit of a left hook from Soriano. Nuredanbieke tries a spinning back kick, Soriano smothers him and gets a takedown into the ride position as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Soriano
ROUND TWO: Nuredanbieke tries a takedown but Soriano avoids it and lands a few punches. Soriano lands a leg kick. More punches from Soriano, he’s starting to open up a bit more and Nuredanbieke is struggling defensively. Body kick from Soriano then a left hook. Soriano digs a left to the body. Nuredanbieke lands a right hand. Soriano avoids a double leg and counters with a body lock takedown into half guard. Nuredanbieke hits a half guard sweep and is on top now in half guard. Full mount from Nuredanbieke, nice pass there. Soriano gives up the back as he shrimps around but he does get one of the hooks out and then spins into top position. Nuredanbieke is trying for an arm triangle from the bottom, he uses that grip to sweep again and land on top in half guard. A few short punches to the body and head from Nuredanbieke as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Nuredanbieke, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: Soriano keeps coming forward as the round starts, he lands a left hook to counter a head kick. Nuredanbieke gets a double leg and gets the back then hits a German suplex as they stand. Soriano stands again and moves to the fence then gets spun down again. Nuredanbieke lands a left as he moves to half guard. Nuredanbieke is sitting on a hip and has tied up the right arm of Soriano and is landing lefts. Soriano fully gives up the back and Nuredanbieke gets body hooks in. Body triangle now for Nuredanbieke. A few punches from Nuredanbieke but Soriano is hand fighting rather effectively so far. Nuredanbieke starts chasing the choke, the angle isn’t great and he bails on it. Soriano can’t find his way out of this position and Nuredanbieke is content to control, land shorter punches, and ride out the round. Time runs down in that spot.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Nuredanbieke, 29-28 Nuredanbieke overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Shayilan Nuredanbieke via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
No interview for Nuredanbieke.
Cody Durden has gone 0-1-1 in the UFC, now he’s making his first appearance of 2021 and hoping the turn of the calendar will help him find his first UFC win. Aori Qileng had a six fight winning streak snapped in his UFC debut earlier this year, now he’s back in the cage and trying to avoid his first UFC losing streak. Durden is a slight -160 favorite to +150 on Aori Qileng.
Flyweight Bout: Cody Durden (11-3-1, 126 lbs.) vs. Aori Qileng (18-8, 126 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Aoriqileng has two inches of reach advantage. Durden misses a calf kick to get us going. Aoriqileng lands a body kick. I’m also calling a bit of BS on these two being the same height, Aoriqileng looks to be taller by a bit. Some stance switching from Aoriqileng as he’s starting to get warm. Durden hits a double leg against the fence. Some rights from Durden as Aoriqileng wall walks but can’t get free. Durden lands some knees to the body then picks the ankle and gets a takedown into half guard. Aoriqileng hip escapes to full guard. Durden lands an elbow. Some body to head punches from Durden, then he postures up and lands rights but Aoriqileng kicks him free and gets up. Calf kick from Durden but he takes a right hand counter. Durden forces things to the fence again but this time Aoriqileng is defending better. It takes a second takedown effort but Durden is able to pick an ankle and get Aoriqileng to his knees. Aoriqileng is fighting from his knees, Durden lands a few punches but Aoriqileng is back up again. Both men land knees in the clinch before Aoriqileng pulls free. Aoriqileng lands a right hand. Durden keeps kicking the leg but he’s tiring from all of the wrestling. Aoriqileng lands a knee to the body then a few punches as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Durden
ROUND TWO: Aoriqileng comes out jabbing, he lands a leg kick as well. Front kick to the body from Aoriqileng. Durden lands a right hand. Jab from Durden. Both men land jabs then Aoriqileng avoids a double leg and punches the body. Uppercut from Aoriqileng lands, Durden fires back though, then lands a calf kick. Aoriqileng forces a clinch on the fence, they trade blows in close then separate. More leg kicks from Durden. Aoriqileng lands a right hand. Both men land rights. Aoriqileng lands a right as Durden punches into a clinch. Durden looks for a single leg but can’t finish it and they trade punches again as they break. Durden lands a right hand to counter a leg kick. Aoriqileng lands a bit of an uppercut. They trade in close and Durden slips, Aoriqileng gets on top in half guard. Durden scrambles up looking for a single leg and Aoriqileng has to bail and they reset on the feet. Some jabs go back and forth. Durden lands an uppercut of his own. More jabs are traded. Stiff rights from Aoriqileng stun Durden, they get close and swing to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Aoriqileng, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: Durden lands a left hook to get the round going. Aoriqileng with a body kick. Bit of a right from Aoriqileng. Both men land jabs then Aoriqileng lands a leg kick. Durden lands a few jabs. Aoriqileng lands a leg kick. Durden tries a double leg but Aoriqileng defends, he keeps grabbing the fence as Durden works for a low single leg. Aoriqileng tries to leverage Durden up, but Durden hits the angle and gets the takedown into full guard. Durden lands some punches, Aoriqileng immediately looks to wall walk and Durden moves to the ride position. Mat return from Durden and he starts looking to control one of the arms. Aoriqileng again tries to wall walk, Durden is doing a good job of controlling either a wrist or an ankle but eventually he regains his feet. Aoriqileng with a bit of a throw then starts working a front headlock. Durden arm drags him and they wind up on the feet again. They get close and start trading punches in the pocket. Both men are tired, but Aoriqileng lands a few rights. Durden gets a body lock and pushes Aoriqileng into the fence again. Some knees from Durden, Aoriqileng off balances him but can’t get the takedown and Durden comes up on a single leg. They wind up just trading short blows in the clinch as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Durden but could go either way, 29-28 Durden overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Cody Durden via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Fun little scrap, Durden gets an interview and mentions he’s been out because of a knee injury then puts over his coaches and calls out Jeff Molina. That might be a good fight, Molina has proven himself a legitimate prospect. Asked about the fight he knew Aoriqileng would be tough but he had to send him back to China.
Loma Lookboonmee has gone 3-1 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak, and while strawweight is the most talent rich of the women’s divisions in the UFC she could make some serious headway if she can get to three wins in a row here. Lupita Godinez has gone 1-2 in the UFC but has made some waves with her recent string of fights, this will be her fourth fight of 2021 and her third fight since October 9th and she’s trying to even her UFC record at 2-2. Despite the short notice fight and quick turnaround Godinez is your -160 favorite to +140 for Lookboonmee.
Strawweight Bout: Loopy Godinez (6-2, 115.5 lbs.) vs. Loma Lookboonmee (6-2, 115.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Godinez is an inch taller while Lookboonmee has half an inch of reach over her. Some feinting from Lookboonmee, Godinez is circling. Bit of a left hook from Godinez. Lookboonmee has a few kicks blocked. Godinez catches a front kick, tries a takedown but Lookboonmee counters with a hip toss and they scramble back up and settle on the fence. Lookboonmee starts working knees to the body and leg. Lookboonmee spins out of the clinch and they reset. Godinez misses a few strikes. Bit of a body kick from Lookboonmee then a high kick that’s blocked. Godinez fires a few punches that are mostly blocked. Lookboonmee lands a knee to the body then they clinch up. Godinez fights for a takedown but can’t find it along the fence. Both women land knees then Lookboonmee lands an elbow. Another knee from Lookboonmee and they separate. Bit of a right from Lookboonmee and a body kick as well. Godinez blocks a head kick then lands a right hand. Godinez tries a double leg, switches to an inside trip and gets the takedown into half guard. Nothing will come of that takedown before the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Lookboonmee but could go the other way
ROUND TWO: Lookboonmee fires a leg kick as the round begins. Godinez starts coming forward, she lands a left hook. Both women land punches then Godinez hits a double leg into half guard. Godinez moves to side control, Lookboonmee is trying to set up a wall walk but the top pressure of Godinez is stifling her. A left lands for Godinez but Lookboonmee moves to her feet though still in the clinch. Lookboonmee can’t get the grip around her waist broken as Godinez sticks to her back. Lookboonmee is finally able to get free and reset at distance. Leg kick from Lookboonmee. Knee from Lookboonmee lands, Godinez gets a takedown off of it though. Godinez mounts the legs of Lookboonmee, Lookboonmee starts elbowing as she’s sitting against the fence. Godinez moves to more of a half guard and she starts breaking Lookboonmee’s posture. Some lefts from Godinez as she keeps Lookboonmee on her back. Godinez starts fishing for a kimura, and uses that threat to take full mount then the back. Lookboonmee looks to base up and shake her off, Godinez retains the back as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Godinez, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: There’s a decent chance Lookboonmee needs a finish here. Lookboonmee comes out stalking forward and lands a head kick. Godinez tries a single leg, Lookboonmee defends but can’t get her leg free and Godinez is able to persist and get the takedown into side control. Lookboonmee is back up, Godinez tries to use a spladdle to return things to the mat then goes for a leg lock. Godinez doesn’t really have the heel hook, Lookboonmee pulls her leg past the hips and then gets on top in full guard. Lookboonmee lands some body shots as Godinez starts working her guard. Elbows from Godinez, Lookboonmee returns them. Godinez is able to get to her feet, Lookboonmee lands knees to the body and leg from the clinch. Godinez tries a single leg and they wind up separated. Quick double leg from Godinez and she lands in half guard. Godinez gets the back as Lookboonmee tries to get to her base. Lookboonmee is able to shake her off and regain her feet, she starts firing knees in the clinch as she gets Godinez on the fence. They trade knees as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Godinez, 29-28 Godinez overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Lupita “Loopy” Godinez via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Godinez gets an interview after that, she loves to fight so four times in seven months is a pace she likes to keep. She talks us through some highlights, noting she struggled but kept going for takedowns and got the win.
Rafa Garcia has gone 0-2 in the UFC and could be staring down a pink slip if he goes to 0-3 after this fight. Natan Levy is undefeated coming into his UFC debut, he was last seen over a year ago on the Contender Series and is now looking to remain perfect while leaving a good impression on the UFC audience. This one is close, leaning towards Levy at -115 against -105 on Garcia.
Lightweight Bout: Rafa Garcia (12-2, 155 lbs.) vs. Natan Levy (6-0, 154 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Levy is two inches taller and has an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Levy, he lands a few body kicks as Garcia tries to push forward. Garcia avoids a high kick. Inside leg kick from Levy, Garcia counters with a few punches. Levy misses a right hook, he’s over swinging badly, and Garcia grabs a front headlock on him then forces things to the mat. Garcia gets a cradle position as he’s hooked the right leg of Levy then uses that to get a takedown into side control. Levy quickly to his knees and stands then they break. Both men land punches, then Levy lands a knee to the body. Levy lands a few jabs then a body kick. Bit of a right from Garcia. Garcia lands a left hook in close. Bit of a right from Garcia, Levy’s lack of head movement is a real problem already. Levy lands a body kick. Levy lands a right hand then a head kick. Garcia lands a body kick of his own. Glancing left from Levy but Garcia ties him up and gets the back as they hit the fence. Levy hits a foot sweep but Garcia springs right back up and hits a single leg into half guard as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Garcia
ROUND TWO: Both men miss some punches. Levy lands an inside leg kick. Bit of a head kick from Levy but Garcia catches it and gets a takedown. Levy bases up and stands, Garcia on his back with a waist lock and looking for mat returns. Garcia lands a right hand as they break the clinch. Levy lands a left hand. A couple of rights from Levy, Garcia lands a right of his own. Levy lands a front kick to the body then a right hook. Garcia lands a right to the body then they trade body kicks. Levy lands another body kick. Both men land punches in close. Levy lands a left uppercut, Garcia just eats it. Some more body kicks from Levy then he gets a takedown and moves to the back as they scramble. Garcia moves to the fence and wall walks but Levy hits a mat return. Levy has no hooks in, he’s just controlling with the arms and they fight up then separate. Body kick from Levy then he defends a single leg as they hit the fence. They break without incident. Garcia blocks a high kick then Levy tries a single leg that Garcia avoids. Knee to the body from Levy then a body kick, those are adding up. Garcia tries a single leg, it takes a bit but he does get Levy to his seat and holds top position as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Levy, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: Garcia comes out punching, Levy digs the body in close. Garcia tries a single leg but Levy defends and separates. Levy is coming forward, lands a bit of a head kick. Left from Levy then a right to the body. Garcia tries another single leg, again Levy defends but they hit the fence and Garcia slips to the back standing. Levy gets chest to chest and lands a leg kick as they break. Garcia dives for a double leg, Levy defends and lands a punch. A few lefts from Levy then a knee in close. Spinning back kick from Levy lands, Garcia forces a double leg and finally gets Levy down into half guard. Levy moves to his knees and stands then gets to the fence. Garcia is able to get another double leg but again Levy bounces up in the clinch. Garcia avoids a punch as they break the clinch. Levy with some punches in close, then he tries a single leg but Garcia sprawls away then lands a knee while holding a front headlock. They break and Levy lands a body kick. A lot of forward pressure from Levy, he digs the body but Garcia is able to hit a double leg into full guard. The round will end in that position.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Garcia but could go either way, 29-28 Garcia overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Rafa Garcia via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Garcia made that a slog down the stretch but it paid off. Mic time for Garcia, he’s happy to have finally won in the UFC and says he knew Levy would be a game opponent that he had beat little by little. He knew the last round was key and had to push hard in that round, he gives glory to God, thanks Cub Swanson and Justin Gaethje for coaching him and closes with some Spanish.
Tucker Lutz is on a 12 fight winning streak including a successful UFC debut back in May, he’s trying to continue this hot streak and start making his way up through the ranks of UFC fighters. Pat Sabatini is on a four fight winning streak including two wins in the UFC, he’s looking to establish himself as a cut above the lower rank of fighters and possibly eye some bigger names for his next bout. The odds are close but lean towards Lutz at -120 to an even +100 on Sabatini.
Featherweight Bout: Tucker Lutz (12-1, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Pat Sabatini (15-3, 145 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Lutz has two inches of reach advantage. Sabatini circling to start, Lutz moving forward. Bit of a right from Sabatini. Both men are showing kicks as well as they try to get a feel for things. Both men land lefts then Lutz lands a follow up right. Some stance switching from Sabatini, he punches into a takedown attempt but Lutz defends and they hit the fence. Both men land knees to the body, Sabatini tries a single leg but can’t secure the takedown. Some lefts from Sabatini as he’s working trips and finally gets an inside trip to land in full guard. Lutz starts wall walking right away, Sabatini gets his back in the clinch and hits a mat return then looks for the back on the mat. Sabatini lands some punches, he’s technically got one hook in and is riding Lutz. More punches from Sabatini, he’s got both hooks in and starts fishing for the choke. Lutz is caught in a neck crank but stays calm and defends as Sabatini gets to a body triangle. Sabatini keeps fishing for the choke but Lutz is defending thus far. Some punches from Sabatini close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Sabatini
ROUND TWO: Lutz comes forward quickly, tries a kick but Sabatini gets a takedown into half guard in open space. Sabatini starts working to pass but Lutz is keeping that leg locked down so far. Lutz is just holding on as Sabatini starts landing punches to the body and head. Elbow from Sabatini and he lands short punches while improving his passing position. Sabatini gets to side control, and jumps for a guillotine as Lutz tries to shrimp into him. Sabatini rolls to full mount with the choke, then gets the back as Lutz defends and then Sabatini locks in a body triangle. Lutz is trying to hand fight, Sabatini keeps attacking the choke but can’t quite find it. Sabatini goes side to side with the choke attempts but Lutz is able to stay safe for a while. Some punches from Sabatini, Lutz ties up his arms and hangs on as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-8 Sabatini but a marginal one, 20-17 Sabatini overall
ROUND THREE: Lutz comes forward right away and he’s trying to pressure Sabatini. Sabatini tries a single leg, they hit the fence though and things slow down. Lutz is defending but Sabatini keeps threatening trips and throws. Lutz is able to get his own takedown but Sabatini quickly wall walks then hits an inside trip. Lutz tries to wall walk, he gets up but Sabatini sweeps his legs and puts him back down. Sabatini starts trying to move Lutz off of the fence, but Lutz wall walks though he’s still clinched. Sabatini keeps him on the fence as Lutz lands a couple of knees to the body. Sabatini breaks the clinch and lands a couple of punches. Lutz tries a left hook, that’s blocked. They punch into another clinch and hit the fence. Lutz with more knees to the body but he’s stuck on the fence still. They fight for position, then break and Sabatini lands a right hand. Another clinch on the fence, Lutz tries to get free and does so but time expires right after.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Sabatini, 30-26 Sabatini overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Pat Sabatini via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27 x2)
Sabatini might be a real problem for the featherweight division. Mic time for Sabatini, he dedicates the fight to a couple of people who passed away recently then talks us through highlights and notes how much time he spends on the fence and in the clinch. Asked who he’d like next he doesn’t have a name in mind, but promises to continue improving fight over fight.
That’s it for preliminary action, but we’re still on ESPN+ for the main card.
Davey Grant just had a three fight winning streak snapped by Marlon Vera which brought his UFC record to 4-4, he’s trying to avoid another losing streak here and resume moving up through the deep division that is bantamweight. Adrian Yanez is on a seven fight winning streak including three finishes in the UFC, he’s developed a bit of hype following those performances and is looking to earn a step up in class for his next bout if he can add Grant to his list of victims. Yanez is a rather heavy -280 favorite while the +225 comeback on Grant might be a tempting value bet.
Bantamweight Bout: Davey Grant (13-5, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Adrian Yanez (14-3, 135 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Grant is an inch taller while Yanez has an inch of reach advantage, Yanez is also eight years younger. They touch gloves to get us going. Grant misses a wheel kick. Southpaw for Grant, he’s doing some stance switching now. Yanez checks a calf kick. Front kicks to the body are traded, then Yanez lands a calf kick. Yanez lands a right hand. Grant misses a spinning back fist. Inside leg kick from Grant. Bit of a right from Yanez. Another right from Yanez, he’s backing Grant into the fence and is starting to pick him apart. They trade calf kicks but Yanez has started finding the openings from Grant and is landing consistently. Yanez lands a couple of punches. Grant lands an inside leg kick. Short right from Yanez lands. Yanez lands a one two, Grant is bleeding from the bridge of the nose. Grant misses a few kicks. Yanez lands a left to counter an inside leg kick and staggers Grant. A right from Yanez lands flush, he seems to be flowing now. Both men land rights. Yanez blocks a few kicks then lands a couple of jabs. Grant lands a body kick. Yanez avoids a few wild techniques as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Yanez
ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Yanez lands a couple of punches in close. Jab from Yanez, but Grant lands a front kick to the body. Yanez lands a right hand, then another one. Combination from Grant is partially successful. Calf kicks are traded then Yanez lands a right hand. Yanez lands another calf kick then a right hand. We get a timeout as Yanez took a finger to the eye. Replay shows it was more of a scrape than a poke, either way that sucks. Yanez takes a little over a minute then we’re back to action. Grant lands a left. Yanez defends a takedown attempt against the fence then separates. Calf kick from Yanez then some body jabs. Yanez lands another calf kick then they trade punches in close. Grant blocks a high kick. Yanez lands a right hand to counter a spinning attack. Another right from Yanez then a jab and Grant lands a left hook. They trade rights. Yanez lands a right in close. They get close and both men swing punches. Yanez lands a one two. Grant lands a right. A stiff left from Grant lands as the last blow of the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Grant but could go either way, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: Yanez lands a bit of a right hand. Calf kick from Yanez. Grant lands a front kick to the body, then takes a calf kick in return. Yanez lands a bit of a jab. They trade calf kicks. Grant lands a right to the body. Yanez lands a one two. A three punch combination from Yanez lands, Grant digs the body then lands a left hook. Body jabs from Yanez. Yanez lands a one two. Solid combination from Yanez. Grant fires back and lands a bit of a high kick. Yanez lands a counter right. Yanez avoids an uppercut and lands a right. Grant lands a front kick to the body. More jabs from Yanez. Another right from Yanez. Grant misses a few punches, he’s still swinging but he’s struggling to connect now. Yanez lands a couple of punches then avoids a hook. More jabs and slips from Yanez, he’s got some sweet boxing. Grant tries a few wild techniques as the clock winds down.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Yanez, 29-28 Yanez overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Adrian Yanez via split decision (27-30, 29-28 x2)
WTF was that judge smoking to give Grant all three rounds?! Mic time for Yanez, he talks about his late coach Saul Soliz who passed recently. He puts over Grant as a dangerous opponent but knew he had to stay composed with how easily Grant can put you to sleep and calls out the stupid 30-27 score card. He wants to fight a ranked opponent next, and I wouldn’t object.
Rani Yahya is a veteran of the sport and has been with the UFC for nearly 11 years, he’s coming off of a win and is looking to continue adding to his impressive resume as his career begins winding down. Kyung Ho Kang has gone 6-1 in his last seven fights and is on a three fight winning streak, if he’s able to get to four in a row here especially at the expense of a fellow UFC veteran in Yahya he could well find himself starting down some ranked opposition next time. This one is close by the odds, but they favor Kang at -115 to a -105 for Yahya.
Bantamweight Bout: Kyung Ho Kang (17-8 1 NC, 136 lbs.) vs. Rani Yahya (27-10-1 1 NC, 135.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Kang is three inches taller and has a significant six inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Yahya lands a calf kick. Kang lands a calf kick and they trade right hands. Bit of a knee from Kang but Yahya catches it and goes for a single leg. They hit the ground against the fence, Yahya is still working to finish the takedown. Kang tries to set up a switch but Yahya avoids it and mounts the legs of Kang. Kang looks to wall walk, Yahya moves to his back and starts trying for mat returns. Yahya drags Kang backwards but can’t get him to the floor. Yahya does pull things down, tries to roll for a leg but Kang gets free and forces things back up. Kang lands a few jabs, Yahya lands a calf kick. Yahya lands an inside leg kick, then a calf kick. Kang is keeping his jab working, and lands a right that catches Yahya behind the ear. One two from Kang lands. Hard right from Kang drops Yahya, he stands over the fallen Yahya and tries leg kicks before making Yahya stand. Both men land lefts but Kang’s striking is much sharper. Kang lands an uppercut. Calf kick from Kang and Yahya switches stance for a moment. Yahya tries a single leg, winds up pulling half guard and starts looking for a sweep as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Kang
ROUND TWO: Kang lands a right, avoids a takedown, then Yahya reshoots and gets the takedown into full guard. Yahya quickly passes to half guard. Impressive back take from Yahya, that was incredibly slick, and he starts working for the choke. Both hooks in now for Yahya, he goes to a body triangle and starts fishing for the choke. Yahya keeps trying to attack the choke, he tosses out some weak punches trying to open up a choke attack. Kang is defending well enough but he’s really struggling to actually get out of the position. The round ends in that spot.
SCORECARD: 10-8 Yahya based on extended positional dominance, 19-18 Yahya overall
ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again then get back to punching. Yahya lands a calf kick and they trade punches again. Left hook from Yahya, Kang responds with a combination and he drops Yahya with a right hook and follows him down. Yahya uses a guillotine threat to force a scramble back up then starts working against the fence. Yahya drops for the guillotine, then spins towards the back as Kang defends. There’s a crucifix for Yahya if he wants it, he uses that to threaten and force movement and winds up on top in half guard after Kang defends. Kang starts trying to work his half guard game but Yahya settles that down and begins working to pass. Yahya lands a knee to the body and keeps working short strikes to induce movement from Kang. Kang hip escapes to full guard and closes it up. Yahya passes to half guard and keeps punching while working to continue his pass. Kang shrimps to full guard again but he still can’t get up. Yahya keeps punching from top position as he tries to pass again. Both men keep throwing strikes but Yahya is getting the better of this as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Yahya, 29-27 Yahya overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Rani Yahya via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
It’s pretty cool to see old man Yahya still getting it done in there. Mic time for Yahya, he talks about working to improve himself as a man and a fighter and puts over Kang for landing hard shots. He talks about working hard to improve his cardio and heart as he’d had a habit of giving away the last round of a fight. He talks us through some highlights, noting he tried to keep position rather than rush submission attempts and he’s happy to have won. To close he thanks his friends, family, and coaches.
Joanne Wood has been trading wins and losses while going 3-3 in her last six fights, she’s coming off of a split decision loss against Lauren Murphy that I thought she won. Wood is trying to avoid her first losing streak since 2017 and re-establish herself as a viable title contender. Taila Santos has gone 3-1 in the UFC and is on a three fight winning streak, if she can get to four in a row here she could well find herself in title contention given how effectively Valentina Shevchenko has disposed of the rest of the top of the division. Santos is your favorite at -370 while a Wood win pays out at +290.
Women’s Flyweight Bout: #10 Taila Santos (18-1, 125.5 lbs.) vs. #5 Joanne Wood (15-6, 126 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Santos has two and a half inches of reach advantage. Santos checks some leg kicks while stalking forward. Bit of a right from Santos. Wood keeps snapping out leg kicks. Bit of a leg kick from Santos. Bit of a one two from Wood. Neither woman has a real feel for the distance yet and they’re struggling to land consistently. Santos lands a right hand then they trade jabs. They clinch up, trade body shots then break. Wood lands a right hand. Santos lands a calf kick. Santos lands a right then Wood lands a body kick. A few body shots from Santos then a calf kick. A hard right from Santos drops Wood along the fence then she jumps on top into full mount as Wood sits on the cage. Some lefts from Santos as Wood stands, then they trade in the clinch before breaking. Another right from Santos then a left drops Wood and she gets on top hammering punches. Hammer fists from Santos, then she gets both hooks in and starts going for the choke. Santos keeps adjusting her grip as they fight, Wood is able to defend for a bit but Santos finally gets the arm under the chin and forces the tap.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Taila Santos via Submission, rear naked choke, at 4:49 of Round 1
The First Round Finish Club is happy to sponsor our first finish of the whole event, and thanks Ms. Santos for her work this afternoon. Mic time for Santos and her translator, she was confident coming into this fight and this went exactly as expected. She wanted the fight to be striking at first so she could eventually get the finish on the mat. To close she has an idea for who she’d like to fight next but does not give a name.
This is a great example of how to apply the choke, she attacks side to side and once she gets the choking arm around the neck she does a good job of hiding the lever arm behind Wood’s head so there’s no way to fight off the mechanical lock of the choke.
Taila Santos switched sides and locked up the submission 🔒 #UFCVegas43 pic.twitter.com/pPUOxf8w5n
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 21, 2021
Michael Chiesa just had his four fight winning streak since returning to welterweight snapped by Vicente Luque, now he’s trying to avoid another losing streak and retain his top ranking. Sean Brady is undefeated including four wins in the UFC with the last two being finishes, if Brady can get by Chiesa here it’ll be the biggest win of his career and would signal his position as a rising title contender. The odds lean towards Brady at -165 while Chiesa’s comeback sits at +145.
Welterweight Bout: #14 Sean Brady (14-0, 170.5 lbs.) vs. #6 Michael Chiesa (18-5, 170.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Chiesa is three inches taller and has three and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going, Chiesa fighting southpaw. Both men pawing with the lead hand as they get a feel for each other. Bit of a right from Brady but he took an eye poke and we’ve got a timeout. Replay confirms the poke as the doctor comes in to check on Brady, doesn’t seem to be a fight ender and we’re back to fighting. Both men resume probing with the lead hand as they look for an angle of attack. Bit of a left from Chiesa. Brady lands a right hand. Left hook from Brady but he takes another finger to the eye along the way. Replay confirms the poke, he’s cut under the left eye after that one. The ref gives Chiesa his last warning for the pokes and we’re back to fighting after 80 seconds. Brady lands a leg kick. Bit of a right from Brady. Brady catches a body kick, he tries a takedown and gets Chiesa down with a high crotch lift. Chiesa looks to wall walk but Brady moves to his back and lands punches as he does so. Chiesa gets chest to chest but Brady takes him back down. Brady winds up on the back again and lands punches as Chiesa starts his wall walk. Chiesa does get up but eats punches along the way and can’t get out of the clinch. They break without incident. Chiesa lands a left to counter a leg kick. Brady lands another leg kick. They feint away the last bit of the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Brady
ROUND TWO: Both men are jabbing again as the round starts. Glancing left from Brady. Chiesa punches close and lands a right hook. Brady lands a calf kick. Bit of a right from Brady. Brady lands a left hook in close after they both missed power hand punches. Chiesa lands a left. Again Chiesa lands a left hand, he’s got a bead on that straight punch. Brady forces a clinch and looks for a takedown along the fence. Chiesa gets Brady on the fence and lands some knees to the body. Brady gets his double leg and starts working. Chiesa looks to stand, Brady jumps to his back with both hooks in and starts working from there. Brady goes to a body lock and works punches while trying to open up the choke. Chiesa tries to scramble, but Brady rides him and keeps the back as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Brady, 20-18 Brady overall
ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Both men are back to working the lead hand. Chiesa lands a jumping knee but they clinch up and hit the fence after it. They trade knees while jockeying for position then separate. Bit of a right from Brady. Chiesa lands a left hand, then an uppercut but Brady clinches up. A knee from Chiesa lands, he’s trying everything he’s got but Brady takes him down and scrambles to the back as they stand. Brady looks for another takedown and gets it then moves to the back yet again. Chiesa tries to use the fence to generate motion but Brady rides him and keeps the back while still looking for the choke. Chiesa is really stuck here as Brady keeps riding him well and is threatening the choke. After a bit Chiesa is finally able to get motion and break free, then lands a knee to the body as Brady goes for another clinch. Hip toss from Chiesa and he lands on top in side control. Brady blocks an arm triangle attack, Chiesa moves to full mount and strikes for the final few seconds but wont find the finish.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Chiesa, 29-28 Brady overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Sean Brady via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Brady had to weather some serious storms late there, but he did so. Mic time for Brady, he says the pressure got to him a bit given how Chiesa is highly ranked but he feels he proved he belongs here and puts over Chiesa. He thinks he’s the best grappler in the division and doing what he did to Chiesa should be proof of that. He talks us through some highlights, then when asked what he’s taking from this fight he knew Chiesa would be tough but will be working on his cardio and looks to continue moving up. Asked what he’d like next he wants a main event to prove he can go five rounds with a top contender and lobbies for the UFC to return to Philadelphia.
Ketlen Vieira has gone 5-2 in the UFC but she’s coming off of a loss, if she wants to retain her top ranking here she needs to avoid her first ever losing streak. It should also be noted Vieira has been on the cusp of a title shot more than once, and if she can score the biggest win of her career here she could be next in line for Amanda Nunes. Miesha Tate is a former bantamweight champion and just returned from a four and a half year retirement and got her first win since 2016, Tate could likewise find herself in the title picture if she’s able to get a win here. The odds closed at a -110 pick ’em.
Women’s Bantamweight Bout: #7 Ketlen Vieira (11-2, 136 lbs.) vs. #8 Miesha Tate (19-7, 135.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Vieira is two inches taller and has three inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Tate circling early, Vieira probing with the lead hand. Vieira lands a right hand. They trade rights then Vieira lands a left hook. Another left lands for Vieira. Bit of a right from Vieira. Stiff jab from Vieira lands. Tate falls short with a one two. That jab from Vieira is troubling Tate thus far. Vieira lands another left then a calf kick. Both women land in close. Vieira lands a right, Tate lands a right to the body. Tate lands a flurry, Vieira returns fire and they clinch up on the fence. Vieira lands a right as they break. Another right from Vieira lands. Combination from Vieira as they clinch again and again hit the fence. They break and both women miss punches. Single leg from Vieira, Tate defends and they stall there as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Vieira
ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Vieira lands a right hand, then they trade punches. One two from Vieira then a left hook behind it. Tate is backing up now, she didn’t like those punches. Vieira seems happy to cede the tempo, and they trade a few more long range punches. Tate lands a right, and takes a counter right. Another right from Vieira lands, Tate’s face is starting to mark up. Calf kick from Vieira lands. Another calf kick from Vieira then a left hand behind it. Tate lands a left but she’s taking counters every time she gets close. Tate lands a front kick to the face, Vieira just eats it. They get close and start trading punches, Vieira lands a few jabs and slows things down. Vieira lands an uppercut and a left hook to counter a one two. Another right from Vieira lands. Another calf kick from Vieira and she defends a takedown attempt. Bit of a right from Tate. Vieira lands a few more jabs to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Vieira, 20-18 Vieira overall
ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again. Tate misses a right hand. When Vieira goes forward she does very well, but she doesn’t seem comfortable on the front foot for some reason. More jabs from Vieira as they circle. Tate lands a calf kick. Vieira lands a right hand. Tate pokes Vieira in the eye and we’ve got a timeout. Replay confirms the eye poke, that was a pretty bad one. Vieira is able to clear her eye and after about a minute we’re back to fighting. More jabs from Vieira, Tate misses some pawing left hooks. Tate misses a right hand. Vieira lands a right. Another right from Vieira, she’s landing good punches but she could be doing better if she just went forward. Vieira lands another right hand, Tate is backing up now. Vieira eats a body kick, and lands a glancing counter right. Jabs from Vieira are still landing. Vieira avoids a cinch and they trade some punches. Right then a left from Vieira lands. Vieira lands a combination, her corner is losing their minds about her constantly letting Tate reset. Tate tries a takedown but Vieira defends with relative ease and they reset at distance. Vieira lands a jab to counter a calf kick. Tate misses a right. Vieira lands a right, they clinch up and hit the fence as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Vieira, 30-27 Vieira overall
ROUND FOUR: Tate starts pushing forward as the round begins. Vieira lands a couple of rights as she slides backwards. Tate lands a front kick to the body. Right hand from Tate lands. Vieira lands a right. Bit of a right from Vieira. Another right from Vieira lands but again she doesn’t follow up. Tate lands a jab, tries a double leg but Vieira wall walks immediately as Tate holds the back. Both women land some short punches as they get chest to chest. They break with an uppercut from Vieira. Both women land rights. They punch in close and trade body shots from a clinch before they break. Tate did not like the body shots, let’s see if Vieira realizes it. Vieira lands an uppercut. Tate lands a calf kick but eats a counter right. A combination from Vieira lands. Vieira lands a couple of rights then digs to the body in close. They clinch up, trade body shots as they jockey for position and the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Tate, 39-37 Vieira overall
ROUND FIVE: They hug to start the last round. Vieira lands a one two. Tate lands a right of her own. Vieira lands another right. Tate forces a clinch and they break without incident. Both women land uppercuts in close. Vieira lands another jab. A left hook from Vieira wobbles Tate but she doesn’t realize it. They trade some jabs for a bit. Vieira starts going forward and lands some lefts then a right in close. Tate is bleeding from the nose now. Vieira lands a combination and a knee to the body then another right. A series of lefts from Vieira land as Tate misses punches. It finally feels like Vieira has found the range as she’s busting up Tate’s face. More jabs from Vieira. Both women miss rights. Vieira avoids a right and lands a couple of counters. More jabs from Vieira, Tate’s left eye is nearly swollen closed. A lot of circling for the final seconds, Tate forces a clinch and they trade as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Vieira, 49-46 Vieira overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ketlen Vieira via unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47 x2)
That fight sucked, it was a competition to see which of those two could make the consistently worse decisions. Mic time for Vieira, she gives glory to God and she’s here to fight the best and expects to be a champion one day. She acknowledges being hesitant and knew she didn’t want to be taken down and only felt comfortable for the last three rounds. Asked what she wants next she first asks to train with Miesha Tate in the wake of this fight and doesn’t actually answer the question.
Tate gets an interview as well, she had fun and that’s the big priority for her right now. She thought the fight was close and knew it could have gone either way then puts over Vieira as the better woman tonight. Cormier puts over her legacy, and Tate calls this just a moment in time and a chance for her to grow, but she’s looking forward to kissing her kids tonight and that’s the most important thing.
10 decisions in 11 total fights, the Decisionatti are pleased. Well on that note UFC on ESPN+ 56 comes to a close. Not a great event all things considered. There’s no UFC event next week but they will be back in two weeks for UFC on ESPN 31 when former featherweight and all around all time great Jose Aldo takes on rising contender Rob Font in a very relevant bantamweight clash. I’ll be back for that event and I hope you will as well. We’ll unpack all the fallout from this event on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast, which I hope you’re listening too. Until next time thanks again for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.
