mma / News

Join 411’s Live UFC on ESPN 62 Coverage

August 24, 2024 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC on ESPN 62 Image Credit: UFC

Keep Refreshing For The Latest Results

MAIN CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET)
#5 Jared Cannonier (184 lbs.) vs. #12 Caio Borralho (186 lbs.)
#9 Angela Hill (115.5 lbs.) vs. #11 Tabatha Ricci (115 lbs.)
Ryan Loder (186 lbs.) vs. Rob Valentin (185 lbs.) – TUF 32 middleweight final
Kaan Ofli (145 lbs.) vs. Mairon Santos (146 lbs.) – TUF 32 featherweight final
#12 Neil Magny (170 lbs.) vs. Michael Morales (171 lbs.)
Gerald Meerschaert (185 lbs.) vs. Edmen Shahbazyan (184.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)
Dennis Buzukja (155.5 lbs.) vs. Francis Marshall (156 lbs.)
Jose Medina (186 lbs.) vs. Zach Reese (184.5 lbs.)
Viacheslav Borshchev (155.5 lbs.) vs. James Llontop (144.5 lbs.)
Jacqueline Cavalcanti (135 lbs.) vs. Josiane Nunes (136 lbs.)
Zygimantas Ramaska (146 lbs.) vs. Nathan Fletcher (145.5 lbs.)
Wang Cong (125 lbs.) vs. Victoria Leonardo (125 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN 62, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening. On the heels of a pretty well received UFC 205 we’ve got another batch of warehouse fights. This card doubles as the finals of whatever season of TUF we’re up to, apparently 32. But my jadedness aside the main event is pretty solid, Jared Cannonier has been with the UFC for a bit and even fought for the middleweight title a couple of years back and he’s trying to road block the rising contender Caio Borralho who hasn’t lost since 2015. After that things drop off pretty heavily, the next interesting thing to me is prospect Michael Morales taking on proven UFC veteran Neil Magny then we’ll also take a look to see if Edmen Shahbazyan is actually turning things around recently or if favorable matchmaking prolonged the fools gold renaissance. If you watched this season of TUF, we all know you didn’t it’s OK, then you might care about those finals but I didn’t and I don’t. Mostly let’s hope for good action.

UFC on ESPN 62 comes to the world from the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Brendan Fitzgerald, Dominick Cruz, and Michael Bisping will be calling the action for us. We’re in the smaller 25 foot Octagon in this facility, and remember that Nevada does allow for the use of instant replay. Not that fouls get called in any real way in MMA anyway, you might as well start each fight by kicking your opponent low then poking the eyes. We are getting closer to the new rules being used though, and I’ll be sure to let you all know when they potentially go into effect.

For some reason we spend the first 30+ minutes vamping and trying to put over this season of TUF and the concept as a whole as something worthwhile, it isn’t. This is going to be a long event isn’t it? OK, they explain that part of this downtime is due to Zygimantas Ramska vs. Nathan Fletcher being off due to some medical issue with Fletcher. More understandable, still not a great portent.

Wang Cong is undefeated and makes her UFC debut tonight, she’s trying to maximize her only chance at a first impression. Victoria Leonardo has gone 1-3 during her time in the UFC and was stopped by Natalia Silva her last time out, she could well be fighting for her spot on the roster here. Wang is an almost comically large favorite at -900 while Leonardo’s +600 payout might tempt a few bettors out there.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Wang Cong (5-0, 125 lbs.) vs. Victoria Leonardo (9-5, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Wang is an inch taller with two and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Leonardo is doing a little stance switching while Wang lands a leg kick then a front kick. Some more probing kicks from Want. Solid leg kick from Wang. A hard one two from Wang slumps Leonardo over unconscious and we’re done!

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Wang Cong via KO, punches, at 1:02 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Ms. Wang for her work this evening. Heck of a way to debut in the UFC and get the evening going. Wang and a translator get an interview, she isn’t happy about curtain jerking the event and wants to be on the main card for the upcoming Macao card. She then calls out Casey O’Neil, and Bisping brings up that she has a kickboxing win over Valentina Shevchenko to preface asking how far she’s going and she thinks she can beat Shevchenko in MMA too.

Standard one two, Wang finds a slightly superior angle and Leonardo isn’t mindful at all about defense. That right hand finds the off button behind the jaw and puts her to sleep.

Jacqueline Cavalcanti is on a four fight winning streak including her UFC debut about a year ago, she’s back in action now after that layoff and is looking to establish herself in the bantamweight division. Josiane Nunes has gone 3-1 in the UFC but she is coming off of a loss to Chelsea Chandler and is focused on avoiding her first losing streak tonight. The odds are with Cavalcanti at -260 against a +210 comeback for Nunes.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Jacqueline Cavalcanti (6-1, 135 lbs.) vs. Josiane Nunes (10-2, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Cavalcanti is a significant six inches taller with three inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Nunes. Both women probe with some lead hand work. Cavalcanti shows a few kicks, just range finding. Nunes falls short with some punches. A few leg kicks go back and forth. Nunes lands an inside leg kick. Cavalcanti keeps showing the hands, she’s falling just a bit short but is keeping Nunes at bay. Body kick and a couple of punches from Cavalcanti then she avoids a counter attack. Again they trade leg kicks. Cavalcanti still looks the smoother striker and lands a right hand. Stomp kick then a one two from Cavalcanti. Bit of a right from Cavalcanti. Nunes gets close enough to fire a few lefts, her cage cutting leaves a lot to be desired. Cavalcanti lands a right hand. Nunes has started hitting the body, good adjustment since Cavalcanti is leaning a bit when circling. Cavalcanti lands a body kick. A couple of front kicks from Cavalcanti land. Nunes misses a few lefts. Bit of a right from Cavalcanti. Glancing high kick from Cavalcanti. Cavalcanti lands a solid right hand but Nunes eats it. Knee then a right hand from Cavalcanti, Nunes tries to flurry as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cavalcanti

ROUND TWO: Cavalcanti lands a body kick to get the round going. Cavalcanti is generally landing good strikes but her exits after they land leave a bit to be desired and Nunes can bulldog her way forward somewhat reliably after them. Nunes blocks a high kick then misses a lunging left hand. Cavalcanti with a right hand then an uppercut when Nunes looks to bull forward and return fire. Left hand from Nunes. Cavalcanti with a front kick. Cavalcanti lands a right hand. Inside leg kick from Cavalcanti. Cavalcanti lands another right hand, she’s got that range pretty much down now. Nunes is trying to brawl but Cavalcanti is staying composed and countering. Right hand from Cavalcanti but Nunes seems to poke her in the eye so we’ve got a time out. Replay actually shows that was a punch so they restart very quickly. Nunes is pushing forward again, she eats a body kick. Jab from Cavalcanti, then Nunes with a bit of a counter left. Cavalcanti lands a leg kick. They trade power hand punches. Nunes misses a few lefts then eats a right hand. Cavalcanti with a body kick to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cavalcanti but a closer one, 20-18 Cavalcanti overall

ROUND THREE: Bit of a left hook from Cavalcanti, Nunes is still pushing forward but it’s become a bit predictable. Cavalcanti with some uppercuts in close, then Nunes lands to the body as she’s again trying to force some action. Leg kick then a right hand from Cavalcanti. Nunes has a couple of punches blocked. Cavalcanti avoids a left hand then lands an uppercut. Nunes falls short with a few punches. Cavalcanti slips throwing a head kick, Nunes with some hammer fists but Cavalcanti regains her feet pretty quickly. Front kick from Cavalcanti. Cavalcanti avoids a flurry from Nunes. Bit of a left from Nunes. Nunes lands a left hand. One two from Cavalcanti. Cavalcanti lands a right hand. Both women miss power hand punches, then Cavalcanti does land a right hand to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Nunes, 29-28 Cavalcanti overall

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

What in the Clucky was 30-27 for Nunes? That wasn’t as bad as the Tuivasa scorecard from last week but that’s a bad one. Mic time for Cavalcanti, she thinks she won all three rounds when asked about the scoring. She says she’s coming for the title.

Viacheslav Borshchev has gone 2-3-1 in the UFC last getting choked out by Chase Hooper a few months ago, he’s trying to avoid another losing streak here. James Llontop dropped his UFC debut back in April which snapped a 12 fight winning streak, he’s trying to bounce back and get that critical first UFC win. Borshchev closed as the -245 favorite while that +200 comeback for Llontop might be a decent little value bet.

Lightweight Bout: Viacheslav Borshchev (7-4-1, 155.5 lbs.) vs. James Llontop (14-3, 154.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Llontop is an inch taller with four inches of reach advantage. Both men probe with the jab early then Borshchev lands a calf kick. They both miss kicks, mostly range finding. They clash on calf kicks. Both men miss punches then they clinch, and Borshchev lands a right hand as they break the clinch. Bit of a body shot from Llontop. Borshchev with another calf kick. They split a few jabs. Llontop with a right to the body then he checks a calf kick. Body kick from Llontop. Borshchev with a front kick. Llontop lands an inside leg kick, he’s showing southpaw on occasion but is still 90% time in orthodox. Knee from Llontop in close. Borshchev lands a right hand. Llontop blocks a high kick but he’s not moving as well now. Calf kick from Llontop. Another calf kick from Llontop. Borshchev with a bit of a right hand in close then they trade body kicks. Borshchev avoids a right hand then lands a counter left hook. Right to the body from Borshchev. Llontop lands a calf kick, Borshchev complains of an eye poke but the ref doesn’t intervene so Llontop gets close and lands punches but eventually the ref does pause the action. Replay shows there was a bit of an eye poke on the push out of a clinch. The ref warns Llontop that another eye issue will result in a point, probably should have taken one here to be honest but cheating isn’t punished in MMA. Borshchev can continue and after 2:05 we’re back to fighting. Both men are back to kicking right away. Bit of a right from Llontop. Borshchev misses a right hand and that will pretty much close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Borshchev but relatively close

ROUND TWO: Borshchev comes out and fires a combination. Borshchev jabs the body then lands a leg kick. Llontop lands a calf kick. Bit of a right from Llontop but Borshchev is slipping a lot of his punches. Llontop lands a calf kick but still can’t quite find the target with his hands. A couple of body shots from Llontop land. Borshchev avoids a kick and lands a leg kick. Bit of a right from Borshchev. Hard inside leg kick from Llontop. Right hand from Borshchev. Counter left from Borshchev lands, both men are southpaw at the moment. Left to the body from Borshchev as Llontop goes orthodox. Llontop with a body kick. Borshchev lands a left to the body. They both miss a few punches. Right hand from Llontop. Borshchev lands a left to the body, he seems to really like fighting out of southpaw against Llontop. Llontop avoids a few spinning kicks. Bit of a left from Llontop then a knee to the head. Llontop is pushing forward a lot now. Borshchev lands a body kick, that’ll be the last blow of the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Borshchev fires a head kick to start the round. Llontop lands a body kick. Body kick from Borshchev. They trade left hooks, Borshchev might have been a little stunned there. Llontop with a body kick. Borshchev back orthodox now. Llontop lands a left to the body. They clash on kicks then Llontop lands a right hand. Calf kick then a body kick from Llontop. Borshchev misses an elbow but lands a body kick. Llontop lands another calf kick. Borshchev starts showing body work again. Llontop lands a right to the body. Body kick from Llontop then Borshchev lands an inside leg kick. Body kick from Borshchev. Borshchev slips a right hand and lands a left. Borshchev has gone back southpaw now. Bit of a left from Llontop then a right to the body. Borshchev with a calf kick. Llontop fires a few inside leg kicks. Bit of an uppercut from Borshchev. Borshchev lands a left hook. Both men miss some punches then Llontop jabs the body. Llontop avoids a takedown and they start trading in the clinch before breaking. Bit of a right from Llontop. Llontop lands a few jabs then avoids a rolling thunder kick, that’ll basically end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Llontop, 29-28 Borshchev overall

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

I’m not going to get up in arms over that one, a couple of close rounds in there, but still that’s not great as far as how the judging is trending. Borshchev thanks the UFC on the mic then wishes a Happy Birthday to his first coaches back in Russia. He was surprised by the split decision and puts over Llontop’s toughness, then wants to fight as soon as possible.

Zach Reese has gone 1-1 in the UFC, he is coming off of a quick knockout win two months ago and he’s trying to continue that success here with his first UFC winning streak. Jose Medina lost on the Contender Series in October of last year but he’s here in the UFC now anyway and trying to make a good first impression. As a bit of trivia, I believe Medina is the first Bolivian fighter in the UFC, certainly the only one active in the promotion right now if someone from history is escaping my memory. The odds like Reese at -800 to a +550 on Medina.

Middleweight Bout: Jose Medina (11-3, 186 lbs.) vs. Zach Reese (7-1, 184.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Reese is four inches taller with two and a half inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Reese and he comes out firing body kicks then lands a left hand. Medina lands a calf kick. Left hand from Reese then they clinch up and Reese with an outside reap to get on top in half guard. Reese with some punches and hammer fists. A few more lefts from Reese, Medina is cut now. Medina to turtle and wall walks but Reese is hitting him the whole way up then Reese grabs a back body lock. Medina avoids a mat return, then Reese lands a couple of punches before they break. Medina jabs the body, then Reese lands a body kick. Medina blocks a high kick then partially lands a left hand. Glancing uppercut from Reese then a body kick that hurts Medina. Reese gets close and they trade punches but Medina gets a takedown into the guard of Reese. Medina works to keep Reese on the mat, but Reese grabs a modified guillotine and uses that to sweep into top half guard. Reese stands over Medina and makes him stand. Left to the body from Reese then a body kick. Medina laughs at him then they trade punches. Reese misses a spinning back fist then misses a flying knee to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Reese but a slightly marginal one

ROUND TWO: Medina looks to move forward early. Reese might be slowing after the pace in the first. Body shot from Medina. Reese lands a body kick Medina didn’t like that one. Another body kick from Reese. Medina partially blocks a body kick but those kicks have badly hurt him. Reese shows a few more kicks as he’s got Medina on the fence. Medina starts going forward again and lands an inside leg kick. Partial head kick from Reese. Bit of a left hook from Medina. Reese finds a body kick but he’s visibly slowing down. Bit of a left from Medina. Glancing back elbow from Reese but Medina lands a couple of punches. Reese lands a calf kick. Medina continues with pressure and lands a couple of punches then an elbow as he’s got Reese on the fence. Reese lands a calf kick. A right hand from Medina lands then he tries a double leg against the fence but that’s going to stall out. The round ends not long after they break the clinch.

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

ROUND THREE: Medina forces a bit of a hug as they start the third round. Reese lands a body kick then tries a takedown but Medina defends and they clinch. Bit of an elbow from Reese as they break. Medina with a right to the body then a left hook. Reese hits a double leg into half guard. A few punches land for Reese then Medina kicks him off, only for Reese to hit another double leg against the fence. Medina stands again. Bit of a left from Reese. Reese with a calf kick. Medina lands a left to the body then a left hook. Back elbow from Medina but Reese grabs a rear waist lock and hits a mat return to get on top in side control. Medina is able to find half guard. A few elbows from Medina off of his back, then Reese hooks a cradle for control. Some lefts from Reese then he tries to attack an arm triangle but Medina blocks it. Medina to turtle and looks to wall walk, Reese is on him though and starts working from the back in the clinch. Reese switches to a double leg and hits it, Medina wall walks again with Reese on his back. They break to throw a few punches as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Zach Reese via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Mic time for Reese, he was a little surprised he couldn’t get the finish then puts over Medina’s toughness. He brings up that this fight was longer than all of his total pro fights combined and is grateful for the experience.

Dennis Buzukja has gone 1-2 in the UFC but he is coming off of a win and is trying to draw his UFC record to the .500 mark with a win tonight. Francis Marshall has gone 1-2 in the UFC but he’s on a two fight losing streak and is trying to get his first win since 2022 here. We’ve got a moderately close one here, -185 on Marshall to +155 for Buzukja.

Lightweight Bout: Dennis Buzukja (12-4, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Francis Marshall (7-2, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Marshall has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Marshall quickly shoots for a clinch and gets the back then rides Buzukja down to a knee. Some knees to the thigh from Marshall, Buzukja starts fighting his grip but Marshall gets one hook in. Bit of a right hand from Marshall. Buzukja is really struggling to get out of this position. Marshall rides Buzukja down a knee. A few punches land for Marshall. Buzukja is able to get upright and finally spins free. Marshall fires a couple of rights. They split jabs, Buzukja with a bit of a body kick. Marshall lands a jab, then blitzes forward with punches and grabs a clinch but Buzukja gets free. Buzukja slips on a punch then Marshall lands a one two to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Marshall

ROUND TWO: Marshall comes out aggressively again, lands a right hand. A right hook from Marshall drops Buzukja, Marshall on top now and lands a couple of punches. Buzukja wall walks and gets free. Calf kick from Buzukja. Buzukja has gone southpaw now, but gets cut kicked and instead returns to orthodox. Bit of a combination from Marshall. Marshall pushes into a clinch and they hit the fence. Knees from Marshall then they break. Some lead hand work from both men then Marshall lands a right. They trade lefts in close. Buzukja avoids a double leg attempt then lands a left to the body. Right hand then a left from Marshall. Another right from Marshall. Buzukja lands a left hook and Marshall’s nose is bleeding. They clinch up and hit the fence. Buzukja is cut around the left eye. Bit of a knee from Marshall and they break. Buzukja swings a right hand, then Marshall lands a left. Calf kick from Marshall. Buzukja with a left hook. Another left hook from Buzukja, then a right hand to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Buzukja is slipping and countering now, he started fighting better towards the end of the second but couldn’t make up for the knockdown in that round. Marshall lands a jab. They split a few jabs. Right hand from Buzukja, Marshall then lands a left hook. Calf kick from Marshall. Bit of a left hook from Marshall. Buzukja lands a right hand. Lefts go back and forth, then Buzukja blocks a right hand. Buzukja lands a left. Marshall blocks a double leg and they clinch up. Marshall spins Buzukja into the fence and they trade knees then break. Left hand from Marshall. Buzukja avoids a right hand. Counter right from Buzukja lands. Marshall flicks out a few jabs. Right from Marshall, Buzukja then throws a left hook. Bit of a right from Marshall. Marshall lands a jab. Buzukja with a left to the body. Marshall tries a single leg, that hits the fence and turns into a clinch. Marshall slips to the back and rides on Buzukja as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Buzukja, 29-28 Marshall overall

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

Not sure about 30-27 for Marshall, or 29-28 Buzukja for that matter. Some dubious judging tonight. Mic time for Marshall, he puts over Buzukja and then thanks his coaches for their work with him.

That’s it for the prelims, time for the main card.

Edmen Shahbazyan has gone 2-4 in his last six fights, he is coming off of a win though and after a really bad stretch of fights where he looked to have been definitively figured out he could start turning a corner with another win. Gerald Meerschaert has been fighting since 2007, he’s gone 2-3 in his last five fights but did get a win his last time out and he’s looking for his first winning streak since 2021. The odds like Shahbazyan at -310 while that +250 payout on Meerschaert definitely has to tempt some people given the ups and downs of Shahbazyan’s career.

Middleweight Bout: Gerald Meerschaert (36-17, 185 lbs.) vs. Edmen Shahbazyan (13-4, 184.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Shahbazyan is two inches taller while Meerschaert has two and a half inches of reach advantage, Shahbazyan is also a full decade younger. Southpaw for Meerschaert. Some lead hand work then Meerschaert lands an inside leg kick. Shahbazyan with a right to the body. Meerschaert lands a body kick. Shahbazyan is pressuring forward. Bit of a one two from Meerschaert then Shahbazyan lands a jab. Meerschaert lands a left hand then tries a single leg but Shahbazyan is able to defend that one. That’s a bad omen for Meerschaert. Shahbazyan lands a right hand then clinches up and they break with a bit of a left from Meerschaert. Meerschaert lands a left hand but Shahbazyan just easily eats it. Shahbazyan lands a right to the body. Glancing high kicks being shown by Shahbazyan now. Meerschaert avoids a right hand. Meerschaert lands a body kick. Shahbazyan misses a right hand. Bit of an inside leg kick from Meerschaert but it strays into the groin of Shahbazyan so we’ve got a time out. Replay confirms the groin shot. Shahbazyan takes a little over a minute then we’re back to fighting. Both men miss a few punches. Bit of a cut kick from Meerschaert. Shahbazyan lands a left hook along the fence. A Shahbazyan body kick closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Shahbazyan

ROUND TWO: Meerschaert tries a takedown but Shahbazyan shucks him off. Jab from Meerschaert then Shahbazyan avoids a single leg attempt. Meerschaert slips on a kick but nothing comes of it. Shahbazyan sprawls away from a single leg. A body shot from Shahbazyan hurts Meerschaert, Shahbazyan gets on top and fires punches. Meerschaert is doing enough to keep the fight alive, and eventually gets full guard. Shahbazyan with a few elbows, Meerschaert tries to wrestle up on a single leg but then pulls half guard. Technically Shahbazyan is in leg drag, then passes into full mount. Meerschaert quickly hip bumps and gets full guard. Shahbazyan is kind of stuck in the guard, eventually he gets free and makes Meerschaert stand back up. Shahbazyan blocks a double leg and they clinch. Meerschaert wraps the head but can’t secure an attack and Shahbazyan gets free. Combination of punches from Meerschaert, Shahbazyan then lands a couple of knees to the body but he might be fading. Meerschaert hits a double leg into half guard. Arm triangle attack from Meerschaert, that’s in tight and Shahbazyan has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gerald Meerschaert via Submission, arm triangle choke, at 4:12 of Round 2

That’s a bit of history actually, Meerschaert now surpasses Anderson Silva’s record for middleweight finishes in the UFC. Mic time for Meerschaert, he feels good to get that particular record then jokes about being happy to get the takedown via getting dropped. He admits to getting hurt by the body shot, then calls out Paul Craig. Reasonable call out.

The leg pummeling from Meerschaert is quite nice here, starting on the opposite side then quickly sliding to mount then half guard on the dangerous side. It all prevents Shahbazyan from using his legs or guard to defend at all and then he’s got nothing else to do but tap or nap.

Neil Magny has been with the UFC for a full decade at this point but more recently has traded wins and losses while going 3-3 in his last six fights. Magny is coming off of a win and he’s hoping for another winning streak here while also turning back another rising younger fighter who clearly has designs on his spot in the rankings. Michael Morales is undefeated including four wins in the UFC, he’s taking a non-trivial step up in class here though but a win would arguably complete the difficult transition from prospect to legitimate contender. Morales is a pretty hefty favorite at -850 while Magny paying out at +575 could have a lot of bookies sweating a bit.

Welterweight Bout: #12 Neil Magny (29-11, 170 lbs.) vs. Michael Morales (16-0, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Magny is three inches taller with an inch of reach advantage, he’s also 12 years older. Both men do a little range finding with kicks early. Morales checks a leg kick. Calf kick from Morales. Another calf kick from Morales. Magny starts moving forward but takes another calf kick. They clinch up and Magny gets to the back standing. Not much going on here, Magny is trying to drag things down but he can’t really get Morales onto the mat. Morales is struggling to break the grip Magny has, then Magny breaks it to land a few punches. Morales clobbers Magny with an elbow and drops him, Morales then lands a right hand and gets on top in half guard. Magny works to try and stand, he gets to a hip but Morales lands a few punches then stands over him. A leg kick from Morales then he goes back down and lands a few more punches then passes to full mount. Magny gives up the back, Morales keeps pounding away and gets the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Michael Morales via TKO, punches, at 4:39 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Morales for his work this evening. Mic time for Morales and the translator, he mentions flowing through that spinning elbow and admits Magny’s control was strong but he found a small opening to land that blow. He would like a post fight bonus. He thanks his new team and coaches.

Kaan Olfi brings an eight fight winning streak into his UFC debut, he’s trying to win his weight class for this season of TUF then set his sights on proving he can win at the UFC level. Mairon Santos has been out of professional competition for over a year, he had a couple of fights fall through since that win and then came through this season of TUF to potentially earn his way into the UFC. The odds are with Santos at -220 to +180 on Ofli.

Featherweight Bout: Kaan Ofli (11-2-1, 145 lbs.) vs. Mairon Santos (13-1, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Santos has a significant six inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Circling from Santos then a bit of a right hand. Ofli is pushing forward and looking to tie up, he gets a clinch and they hit the fence. Santos fights off a single leg and spins free. Solid right hand from Santos but Ofli just eats it. Santos checks a calf kick and lands a knee to the body. Ofli is dogged, he’s still coming forward and gets a clinch. They hit the fence and things start to stall out. Bit of a right to the body from Ofli. Not much going on here, Santos sneaks in an elbow then spins free. Front kick from Santos. Santos lands a few jabs then a hard calf kick. Bit of a right from Ofli. Another front kick from Santos. Calf kick from Santos. Right to the body from Santos then a calf kick behind it. Another calf kick from Santos. Ofli can’t find a clinch, this is starting to get away from him. Some southpaw work from Ofli now but he goes back orthodox. Santos blocks a few punches but Ofli is still throwing and looking for openings. Calf kick from Santos but Ofli lands a counter right. Head kick from Santos lands as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Santos

ROUND TWO: Santos gets back to showing offense early and lands a calf kick. Another calf kick from Santos. Ofli lands a calf kick. Ofli forces a clinch on the fence, Santos quickly fights free then checks a calf kick. Glancing high kick from Santos. Santos lands a front kick, that kick has been bothering Ofli pretty much all fight. Calf kick from Santos. Right hand from Santos, then a wicked left hook that ENDS Ofli.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mairon Santos via KO, punches, at 1:30 of Round 2

Heck of a knockout, Santos gets the glass pillar but no UFC brass could be bothered to be here. Mic time for Santos, he can’t believe this is real and calls this whole thing amazing. He expected this to be a tough fight and talks about how hard he worked for this moment, then jokes that he’s the new Alex Pereira. Asked about the future he wants to be a champion but has no plans to rush things, he knows he’s young and has a lot to still learn.

There’s a bit of an art to hooking in the pocket effectively. Ofli is already a bit rattled by a right hand and just forces the exchange but he’s out of position and his hands are more at his hips. Santos throws a tighter hook and keeps his right hand in position to block if necessary, resulting in a pretty violent KO.

Robert Valentin has a six fight unbeaten streak going, not counting the TUF appearances, and he’s trying to claim the title of TUF champion. Ryan Loder brings a two fight winning streak into his bid for the TUF crown and potential UFC glory. The odds here have swapped a few times but closed at -140 on Valentin to +120 for Loder.

Middleweight Bout: Ryan Loder (6-1, 186 lbs.) vs. Rob Valentin (10-3 1 NC, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Valentin has an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Loder. Double leg from Loder results in a clinch then he gets a body lock takedown. Valentin quickly works a high guard, then rolls through to his knees with Loder now in a ride position. Granby roll from Valentin then he tries an arm triangle from the bottom, Loder blocks that and looks for a scarf hold arm lock but Valentin scrambles through that and gets the back briefly. Loder is trying to stand but Valentin flattens him out and grabs a choke attempt, Valentin keeps adjusting the grip but can’t find it and bails on the attempt. Valentin has gone to a body triangle, he tries another choke but Loder blocks that and is able to turn into Valentin and get on top in full guard. Elbow from Loder. Not much here, Loder does sneak in a few short elbows. Valentin doesn’t seem to have much off of his back now that Loder has settled things, that doesn’t bode well for him. The round ends with Loder on top.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Valentin

ROUND TWO: Loder quickly forces a clinch and they hit the fence. Valentin tries a whizzer kick but Loder pancakes flat and scrambles to get on top in side control. Mounted crucifix from Loder and he starts dropping some short elbows. Valentin is trying to scramble but he can’t get out of the position and eventually the ref steps in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ryan Loder via TKO, elbows, at 1:49 of Round 2

Mic time for Loder after he gets the glass pillar from an Octagon girl, he feels good and talks about working hard for this dream for the last four years. He says he popped Valentin’s arm with that scarf hold armlock but he fought through it and he then says he thinks Valentin should be in the UFC. He puts over his team, thanks his family and advocates for mental health awareness and treatment. Asked about the future he’s just taking this one day at a time and he’s looking forward to his first official UFC fight.

Angela Hill has been around the UFC for almost her entire career but she’s closing in on 40 and is trying to turn her current two fight winning streak into one last legitimate push towards the title level which has eluded her thus far. Tabatha Ricci has gone 5-2 in the UFC and her only loss in this weight class was a controversial split decision with Loopy Godinez, most recently she bested Tecia Pennington and now looks for another winning streak plus a win over a proven veteran. Close fight here but the odds tilt towards Ricci at -150 to Hill’s +125.

Strawweight Bout: #9 Angela Hill (17-13, 115.5 lbs.) vs. #11 Tabatha Ricci (10-2, 115 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Hill is two inches taller with three and a half inches of reach advantage, she’s also a full decade older. Ricci looks to pressure forward right away as both women show the jab. Hill lands a one two but Ricci forces a clinch on the fence. Some short punches to the body and head from Ricci. Hill is able to spin free. Ricci lands a right hand. More pressure from Ricci, she walks into a right hand then can’t find a clinch. Ricci lands a calf kick. Hill looks a little surprised by the pace as Ricci gets another clinch on the fence. Knee then punches from Ricci before Hill pushes free. Right from Ricci, Hill with a jab. Ricci with another clinch on the fence, a few knees go back and forth before they break. They clinch again but nothing comes of this one. Ricci just bulls into another clinch but Hill slips free then lands a front kick. This pace is definitely wearing on Hill, her offense is much slower than usual now. Ricci picks with leg kicks and looks to keep the pressure on. They trade rights then Ricci gets another clinch to hit the fence. Some knees are traded as they jockey for position then Hill gets free. A couple of body shots from Ricci then Hill misses an elbow attempt. Ricci lands a counter left hook. Hill with a couple of body punches then forces a clinch. They start fighting for position on the fence, again some knees are traded. They break then Ricci lands a right hand to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ricci

ROUND TWO: Ricci back on pressure, they both swing and miss then clinch and Ricci hits a judo throw to get on top. Hill tries to work her guard up high and starts working for a triangle but Ricci pulls free then lands a body kick as Hill stands into another clinch. This pace is pretty nuts, and the style is draining as well. They eventually break the clinch and reset. Both women miss punches. Ricci bulls forward with punches that kind of land. Hill lands a jab but she keeps walking into punches. Ricci punches Hill back towards the fence. Bit of a right from Hill. Both women are feeling this pace now. Ricci with a calf kick then they clinch up again. Hill with a couple of knees despite eating a punch then they break. Ricci punches into another clinch. Again they trade knees then break and Hill lands a body kick. Glancing knee from Ricci. Ricci with a one two. Hill lands a front kick then Ricci responds with an elbow. Right hand from Ricci. They trade lefts. Right hands are traded. Bit of a right from Ricci. Ricci hits a single leg into half guard. They trade a few strikes on the mat then Hill kicks Ricci off and they stand just before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ricci but a close one, 20-18 Ricci overall

ROUND THREE: Hill avoids a rush and lands a couple of rights. Ricci with a left hand. Both women land punches in the pocket. They trade rights. Ricci lands a body kick. Hill grabs a front headlock but Ricci has a single leg and gets a takedown but Hill immediately kicks her off and they reset. Jabs go back and forth. Ricci bulls forward again and gets another clinch. Some knees go back and forth, Ricci is using head position for more control now. They do break after a bit. Hill shows kicks that don’t quite land. Left hand from Ricci. They trade in close again, Ricci seems to be throwing in more combinations while Hill has a slightly higher overall work rate with single shots. Ricci pushes into another clinch but Hill lands an uppercut then separates. Right hand from Ricci. Hill hits the body then lands a front kick. They trade rights for a bit. Hill avoids a single leg. They trade in close again. Hill with a left hook. Ricci lands a left hand then a knee in a brief clinch. Left hook from Ricci and she avoids an elbow. Bit of a right from Ricci, Hill then lands a right hand. They trade power hand punches. Ricci eats a front kick then gets a clinch. They trade in the clinch then break. One last exchange closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Hill but another close one, 29-28 Ricci overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Tabatha Ricci via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Well that’ll probably be Fight of the Night given the pace despite getting sloppy down the stretch. Mic time for Ricci, she got exactly what she expected out of this fight and is proud to beat a proven fighter like Hill. She thanks her team for all of their work. Asked about the future she wants to train in Thailand a bit then get back early next year.

Jared Cannonier has been with the UFC since 2015, recently he’s 2-2 in his last four fights and most recently lost to Nassourdine Imavov via slightly controversial stoppage, now he’s trying to rebound and avoid his first losing streak at middleweight. Caio Borralho hasn’t lost since 2015 and is on a 16 fight unbeaten streak which includes being 6-0 in the UFC, tonight Borralho is taking a pretty big step up in class to Cannonier but a win would put him very close to the title picture. The odds like the surging Borralho at -245 to a +200 comeback on Cannonier.

Middleweight Bout: #5 Jared Cannonier (17-7, 184 lbs.) vs. #12 Caio Borralho (16-1 1 NC, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Borralho is two and a half inches taller while Cannonier has two and a half inches of reach advantage, Cannonier is also 9 years older. Southpaw for Borralho. A bit of feinting from both men as they engage in some lead hand fighting. Borralho lands a jab. Cannonier with an inside leg kick. Borralho lands an inside calf kick then Cannonier lands a calf kick in return. They circle for a bit, both men still getting reads. Cannonier complains of an eye poke, replay confirms it. We’re back to fighting after 45 seconds. Borralho fires a head kick that’s blocked. Jab from Borralho, then he blocks a counter right. A bit of stance switching from Borralho, he lands a calf kick then goes back orthodox. Borralho lands a front kick then a calf kick. Now it’s Cannonier who’s playing with stance switches. Borralho seems to just prefer open stance against Cannonier most of the time. Jab from Borralho, both men are switching rather freely now. Bit of a body kick from Borralho. Cannonier is back mostly orthodox now and Borralho mostly southpaw. Bit of a knee from Borralho. Cannonier with a jab. Right hands land for Cannonier. Borralho backs Cannonier to the fence but misses a front kick. Jab from Borralho. Borralho lands a calf kick. That left leg of Cannonier is a little busted up at this point, not fight ending but it bears watching. Right hook from Cannonier lands. They feint away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Borralho

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Cannonier is getting on pressure right away, he doesn’t like being on the back foot. Borralho blocks a right hand but Cannonier is pressing him. Jab from Borralho and now he’s moving forward, neither man seems that great off the back foot at the moment. Calf kick to the right leg now from Borralho. Cannonier lands a calf kick. Bit of a high kick from Borralho then a jab. Double jab then a left hand from Cannonier. They split jabs again. They trade power hand punches. Cannonier lands a right hand that might have bothered Borralho. Borralho lands a calf kick then a one two, if he did get hurt there he recovered quickly. Another jab from Borralho. Cannonier with a glancing right hand then they seem to bang heads but the ref tells them to fight on. Both men miss right hands. Borralho lands a jab. Another jab from Borralho. Cannonier blocks a body kick. Glancing right hook from Cannonier. Leg kick from Cannonier then Borralho lands a calf kick. Glancing right hook from Cannonier but that’s a dangerous punch especially when he’s southpaw. Borralho blocks a few punches but then eats a body kick. Both men land rights, Cannonier might be bothered as he starts backing up. Borralho with a blocked head kick as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cannonier, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Borralho lands a right hand to start the round. More jabs from Borralho, but mostly when going forward. Cannonier with a bit of a left hook. Borralho lands a body kick. A couple of rights land for Cannonier but he did eat a knee during that. Calf kick from Borralho. Glancing right hook from Borralho. Another knee from Borralho lands. Cannonier misses a right hook then Borralho gets him along the fence and misses his own right hook. They split jabs again. Calf kick from Borralho, that one looked like it hurt. Borralho blocks a right hand then lands a left. Body kick from Borralho. Borralho lands another calf kick. Cannonier keeps trying to enter with a right hook but he’s become a little predictable with it. Borralho avoids a clinch attempt then lands a right hook. One two from Borralho. Borralho lands a left hand then a jab after missing a knee. Borralho seems to be cooking now and lands a combination but Cannonier lands a left hand. A one two from Borralho wobbles Cannonier, Borralho is after him along the fence and lands punches but Cannonier lands a left of his own. Cannonier is still wobbled, Borralho lands a jab then a knee to the body in close. Cannonier swings with him but eats a bit of a left hand as the round ends.

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

ROUND FOUR: Borralho comes out jabbing again, then lands a calf kick. Bit of a hook from Cannonier. Right hand from Borralho to counter a body jab. Borralho with a calf kick. Right hand from Cannonier lands. Right hand from Borralho then Cannonier lands a calf kick. Jab from Borralho. Bit of a calf kick from Borralho, he’s backing Cannonier towards the fence again. Borralho lands a hard calf kick. Bit of a right hook from Cannonier. Left hand from Borralho. Body kick from Cannonier. Borralho avoids a left hand then lands a right hook. One two from Borralho but Cannonier responds with a couple of punches of his own. Left hand from Cannonier, Borralho’s right eye is a little busted up from that clash of heads in the second and this isn’t helping it. Right hand from Borralho, he’s cut under that right eye now. Borralho with a jab. Cannonier with a bit of a right hook. Left hand from Borralho then he avoids a left hand and hits the body. Right hook then a jab from Borralho. Cannonier avoids a high kick as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Borralho but could go either way, 39-37 Borralho overall

ROUND FIVE: Borralho lands a calf kick. Cannonier avoids a single leg attempt. Both men miss punches. Borralho stalks forward again and lands a right hook. Jab from Borralho. Cannonier lands a jab then eats a one two. Calf kick from Borralho. Borralho slips a few punches then lands a clubbing right hook. Bit of a high kick from Borralho. Borralho avoids a couple of punches then lands a right hook. Left hand from Borralho then a jab. Borralho’s counter game has really stepped up these last couple of rounds. Calf kick from Borralho, then another one. Cannonier misses a punch then eats a right hook. A one two from Borralho drops Cannonier, he gets on top and starts unloading with punches and elbows from half guard. Cannonier hangs on from half guard, I have no idea how he recovered from that because he looked out. Borralho moves to side control, he things about an arm triangle but it’s on the other side and the fence is in the way. They spin off the fence and Borralho really leans into that choke, still on the wrong side though and Borralho is trying to use just raw shoulder pressure to get this choke. Borralho bails on that choke and Cannonier gets to a knee, Borralho with a front headlock and a knee to the body. Cannonier up and free just before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Borralho because they really could have stopped that after that one two, 49-45 Borralho overall

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

Nice to see a unanimous 10-8 in the 5th, really good fight there. Mic time for Borralho, he’s been doing great work in the UFC for a while and thinks he’s only this good because of all the great fighters he faced. He feels he’s the new face of this division and puts over his team as coming to take over. He says the Fighting Nerds spend a lot of time studying the game and train hard, then puts over the coaches as well, their dream success in the UFC. Next he thanks his wife and baby for being here with him, then says he should be a top 5 contender after this. Asked what he wants next he says he wants Dricus du Plessis and the title. It’s a little unlikely for him to get the next shot but he’s only one away at this point.

More Trending Stories

article topics :

UFC on ESPN+ 62, Robert Winfree

More Stories

loading
About us privacy policy contact us

Copyright © 2024 411mania.com, LLC. All rights reserved.
Click here for our privacy policy. Please help us serve you better, fill out our survey.
Use of this site signifies your agreement to our terms of use.