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Join 411’s Live UFC on ESPN 66 Coverage

April 26, 2025 | Posted by Robert Winfree
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MAIN CARD (ESPN2, 9 p.m. ET)
#7 Ian Machado Garry (171 lbs.) vs. #13 Carlos Prates (171 lbs.)
Zhang Mingyang (206 lbs.) vs. #15 Anthony Smith (206 lbs.)
#12 Giga Chikadze (147 lbs.)* vs. David Onama (146 lbs.)
Abus Magomedov (185.5 lbs.) vs. #14 Michel Pereira (186 lbs.)
Randy Brown (171 lbs.) vs. Nicolas Dalby (171 lbs.)
Ikram Aliskerov (185.5 lbs.) vs. Andre Muniz (185 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET)
Jimmy Flick (126 lbs.) vs. Matt Schnell (126 lbs.)
Evan Elder (156 lbs.) vs. Gauge Young (156 lbs.)
John Castaneda (146 lbs.) vs. Chris Gutierrez (146 lbs.)
Alatengheili (136 lbs.) vs. Da’Mon Blackshear (135.5 lbs.)
Cameron Saaiman (135 lbs.) vs. Malcolm Wellmaker (135 lbs.)
Jaqueline Amorim (116 lbs.) vs. Polyana Viana (115.5 lbs.)
Timmy Cuamba (146 lbs.) vs. Roberto Romero (145 lbs.)
#14 Chelsea Chandler (134 lbs.) vs. Joselyne Edwards (136 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN 66, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be keeping you updated all event. The UFC is back after a week off to avoid running something opposite WrestleMania. We’ve got a solid main event which came together somewhat late in the process but nonetheless is a really good bout with rising welterweights Ian Machado Garry taking on Carlos Prates. Garry is coming off of a loss to top contender Shavkat Rakhmonov which is the lone blemish on his record while Prates has been storming through people in the UFC. Neither man is likely to be the next contender to the title the winner will be in good position relative to it. Things drop off a bit after that, we’ve got Anthony Smith’s retirement fight against Zhang Mingyang, Giga Chikadze being back in action, Michel Pereira takes on Abus Magomedov as well. On the prelims very little stands out, but Matt Schnell vs. Jimmy Flick is unlikely to go the distance, Chris Gutierrez vs. John Castaneda is solid on paper as well. The rest might not stand out on paper but there’s very little that draws a negative reaction. So let’s hope the action delivers.

UFC on ESPN 66 comes to the world from the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. Brendan Fitzgerald, Laura Sanko, and Paul Felder will be on commentary. That’s about as good as commentary can get in the UFC these days. Hopefully we’ve got some fighters here ready to make use of the new downed fighter definition, and I’m still hoping for more standing tomahawk elbows but that might just be me.

Chelsea Chandler has traded wins and losses while going 2-2 in the UFC and missing weight twice during that time, somehow that still gets you ranked in the absolute dumpster fire that is women’s bantamweight. She’s coming off of a loss and is hoping the prior pattern holds long enough to avoid her first losing streak. Joselyne Edwards has gone 3-2 in her last five fights, she’s missed weight three times during that time including her most recent fight where she won. She’s trying to get another winning streak up and running and possibly take Chandler’s spot in the rankings. The odds like Edwards at -280 to Chandler’s +225.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: #14 Chelsea Chandler (6-3, 134 lbs.) vs. Joselyne Edwards (14-6, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Chandler is half an inch taller while Edwards has two inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Chandler, and the drunken people in the crowd “woo” already. A little range finding from both women but nothing serious. Edwards lands a couple of leg kicks. Body kick from Edwards. Chandler ties up and then Edwards hits an outside trip into half guard. Edwards stands up and lands some leg kicks before Chandler is forced to stand. They trade a few punches then Edwards lands a body kick. A couple of punches land for Edwards. Edwards with a few counter punches then she drops Chandler against the fence with a left hook and the ref jumps in to halt things.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Joselyne Edwards via TKO, punches, at 2:31 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Ms. Edwards for her work. Mic time for Edwards and the translator, she worked hard for this and credits the performance to her training camp and coaches. She talks about being the first and currently only Panamanian fighter in the UFC and advocates for the UFC to have an event in Panama. That seems very unlikely at the moment but no harm in putting the idea out there.

Timmy Cuamba has gone 0-2 in the UFC and really needs to get back on the winning side of things here. Roberto Romero dropped his UFC debut late last year and now he’s also looking to get his first UFC win. This one closed even, -110 pick ’em.

Featherweight Bout: Timmy Cuamba (8-3, 146 lbs.) vs. Roberto Romero (8-4-1, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Cuamba has an inch of height and reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Some feinting from both men, nothing serious yet. Bit of an inside leg kick from Romero. Romero with a leg kick. Cuamba ties up and pushes things to the fence. They jockey for position as a few knees go back and forth. Eventually Romero takes a knee a little low so we’ve got a time out. They kind of hit each other low on simultaneous knees. The break isn’t long then we’re back to fighting. A few jabs from Cuamba then he lands a right hand. Bit of a body kick from Romero. Romero tries a takedown, that hits the fence though and they wrestle around into the clinch then separate. Another clinch then Cuamba lands a left elbow and Romero fires a body kick on the break. Counter right from Cuamba lands after he avoided a kick and that’ll close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cuamba but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Romero back to moving forward as the round starts. Leg kicks are traded. Right to the body from Cuamba then a spinning back kick as well. Bit of a left hook from Cuamba. Calf kick from Romero, Cuamba then hits a takedown but Romero bounces right up into a clinch. They break without much incident. Double jab from Cuamba. Bit of a jab from Romero. They clinch again and Romero pushes things into the fence. Double leg from Romero against the fence but Cuamba bounces up and they break. A few punches go back and forth. Cuamba lands another jab. Combination from Cuamba. Romero with another calf kick. A few short rights from Cuamba in close. A right from Cuamba wobbles Romero for a second, then he lands a left head kick as well. Romero is still upright and coming forward but he walks into a jumping knee and goes down then the ref jumps in to halt things, Romero is not thrilled with that.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Timmy Cuamba via TKO, punches and knee, at 3:55 of Round 2

Mic time for Cuamba, he feels amazing and is grateful to be here then says this win finally starts his UFC run. He puts over his team and talks us through the finish. To close he thanks his team and family for their support.

Jacqueline Amorim has gone 3-1 in the UFC and is on a three fight winning streak which has seen her generate a bit of hype, this is her first bout of 2025 and she’s looking to set herself up for a big year. Polyana Viana has gone 4-6 in the UFC and is on a two fight losing streak, she’s been out of action for over a year and really needs to halt that skid if she’s going to prove there’s still better things ahead of her in MMA. Amorim is one of the biggest favorites on the card at -750 to Viana’s +525.

Strawweight Bout: Jaqueline Amorim (9-1, 116 lbs.) vs. Polyana Viana (13-7, 115.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Viana is two inches taller while Amorim has an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Quick takedown from Amorim into Viana’s full guard. Viana fires some elbows and hammer fists from her back but Amorim passes her guard into north-south. Side control now for Amorim, she’s moving between that and north-south while trying to set up an arm attack. Viana gets half guard but Amorim grabs a kimura attack. Eventually Amorim bails on that to land punches then moves to full mount. Amorim with some punches from full mount then she drops some elbows. Viana tries to buck but can’t dislodge Amorim, though she does get 1/4 mount briefly. Amorim moves to side control then gets to the ride position and takes the back. There’s some confusion as the ref mistakes the 10 second clapper for the round end but it wouldn’t have impacted much.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Amorim but a marginal one

ROUND TWO: Quick takedown from Amorim into half guard then she passes to side control easily. Amorim gets the back as Viana tries to move around and she locks up a body triangle. Choke from Amorim, Viana tries to hand fight but Amorim gets her hands together and forces the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jacqueline Amorim via Submission, rear naked choke, at 1:49 of Round 2

Amorim gets an interview she thanks God first then talks about working to finish every time she gets into the cage. Asked about the future she wants a ranked opponent next, which isn’t unreasonable.

Cameron Saaiman has gone 3-2 in the UFC but he’s on a two fight losing streak and has been out of action for over a year. That said he’s still got a bit of promise as he’s young and tonight is a good time for him to get back on the winning side of things. Malcolm Wellmaker is undefeated coming into his UFC debut and now he’s looking to make the most of his only chance at leaving a first impression. This one is close, -120 on Wellmaker to an even +100 on Saaiman.

Bantamweight Bout: Cameron Saaiman (9-2, 135 lbs.) vs. Malcolm Wellmaker (8-0, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Wellmaker is two inches taller with four and a half inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Saaiman. A bit of hand fighting from both men as they range find. Wellmaker with a body kick, then Saaiman returns it. Front kick from Wellmaker. Bit of a calf kick from Saaiman. Wellmaker avoids a left hand then blocks a high kick. Bit of a leg kick from Saaiman. Saaiman ducks a couple of hooks and then goes orthodox to land a spinning back kick. Wellmaker is showing some stance switches now too. Calf kick from Saaiman. Wellmaker lands a right hook that floors Saaiman and that’ll do it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Malcolm Wellmaker via KO, punch, at 1:59 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Wellmaker for his work. Mic time for Wellmaker, he says this whole thing has been unreal and he capped it off with a great moment. He talks us through the finish and mentions he expected more grappling but Saaiman gave him what he wanted. To close he asks to be on the upcoming Atlanta card as he’s from Augusta, Georgia and wants to fight there.

Da’Mon Blackshear has gone 2-2 in his last four fights but he’s on a two fight winning streak and if he can get to three in a row here it’ll demonstrate he’s finally found some consistency in the UFC. Alatengheili has gone 5-2-1 in the UFC and won his last fight, that was a little over a year ago though and he’s hoping to knock off the ring rust with another winning streak. Blackshear is a fairly large favorite at -550 to Alatengheili’s +410.

Bantamweight Bout: Alatengheili (17-9-2, 136 lbs.) vs. Da’Mon Blackshear (16-7-1, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Blackshear is five inches taller with five and a half inches of reach advantage. Alatengheili avoids a jumping knee then lands a jab. Blackshear shows some early kicks while circling. Right hand from Blackshear. Another right from Blackshear. Blackshear lands another body kick then they trade punches. Glancing head kick from Blackshear. Alatengheili falls short with some punches. Both men land punches in close. Leg kick from Alatengheili. Blackshear keeps trying knees but he’s not landing them yet. Body jab from Blackshear. Left hook from Alatengheili. Alatengheili misses a right hand. Blackshear with another body kick, those are starting to get to Alatengheili just a bit. Front kicks from Blackshear now. Blackshear with a jab. Alatengheili swings a couple of punches that are partially blocked to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Blackshear

ROUND TWO: Both men avoid punches, then Blackshear jabs the body. Bit of a right from Blackshear. Both men with rights in close. Blackshear jabs then Alatengheili digs the body a couple of times. Alatengheili is firing punches in the pocket, his head shots aren’t getting through but his body work is. They clinch up and Alatengheili pushes things into the fence. Blackshear blocks a takedown then is able to pull free. A few jabs from Blackshear then a front kick. Some jabs go back and forth. Alatengheili with a right hand. Bit of a right from Blackshear then a front kick. Blackshear with a left to the body. Some more lead hand work from Blackshear. Calf kick from Blackshear then a front kick. Another front kick from Blackshear then they trade calf kicks. Blackshear with more jabs now while circling. Right hand then a body kick from Blackshear. Alatengheili bulls forward and they trade punches that off balances Alatengheili briefly to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Blackshear but a much closer round, 20-18 Blackshear overall

ROUND THREE: Body jab then a right hand from Blackshear, he’s pushing forward early and lands to the body as well. Alatengheili with a left to the body. Blackshear with some jabs. Alatengheili falls a little short with a right hand. Alatengheili keeps bulling forward and looking to force some pocket brawling. Blackshear shows a few spins. Front kick from Blackshear. Another body kick from Blackshear then a few punches. Blackshear lands another body kick then a side kick. Bit of a knee from Blackshear then a body kick. Bit of a right from Alatengheili. Blackshear is good about avoiding most of the power punches but he’s lost the ability to discipline Alatengheili’s aggression as the fight has worn on. Jabs from Blackshear, then a right hand. Knee from Blackshear in close. Calf kick from Blackshear then a jab. Both men land punches in close, Blackshear still seems to be getting the better of things. Alatengheili swings but he’s missing down the stretch. Left to the body from Alatengheili, he’s trying to brawl but Blackshear wont oblige that as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Da’Mon Blackshear via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27 x2)

No interview for Blackshear.

Chris Gutierrez has traded wins and losses while going 2-2 in his last four fights but he’s coming off of a win and is looking for his first winning streak since 2022. John Castaneda has gone 4-3 in the UFC and was last seen losing to Daniel Marcos, he’s had a couple of fights fall out since then but now he’s back and looking to avoid his first losing streak since 2018. The odds are with Gutierrez at -140 to +120 on Castaneda.

Featherweight Bout: John Castaneda (21-7, 146 lbs.) vs. Chris Gutierrez (21-5-2, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Gutierrez is three inches taller but Castaneda has four inches of reach advantage. Gutierrez with early pressure and kicks as Castaneda circles. Bit of a darting left from Castaneda. Both men are showing mostly southpaw thus far but they’re content to switch stances. Inside leg kick from Gutierrez. Both men fall a little short with kicks. They trade punches in close. Bit of a high kick from Gutierrez. Castaneda avoids a high kick but then takes an inside leg kick. Gutierrez slips throwing a body kick and Castaneda gets on top in his full guard. Castaneda passes to half guard. Not much going on here and Castaneda winds up standing over Gutierrez, Gutierrez is able to stand and they reset on the feet. Calf kick from Gutierrez then he drops Castaneda with a right hand. Gutierrez on top with 30 seconds left and he looks to pass and land punches but Castaneda stalls a chunk of that out and the round ends with Gutierrez standing over him.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gutierrez

ROUND TWO: Gutierrez eats a right hand early but fires back with leg kicks then a couple of punches. More inside leg kicks from Gutierrez then he misses a wheel kick. A hard couple of calf kicks from Gutierrez land. Bit of a right hand from Gutierrez. Castaneda fires a head kick but it doesn’t land. Body kick from Gutierrez. Castaneda misses a wheel kick. Bit of a left from Castaneda. Castaneda starts coming forward more, he’s not landing much but Gutierrez doesn’t throw as successfully off the back foot. Right hand from Castaneda. Jab and calf kick from Gutierrez. Gutierrez with an inside leg kick. Jab from Gutierrez. Castaneda with a leg kick of his own. Knee then a left hand from Gutierrez. Jab and leg kick from Gutierrez. Castaneda fights off a single leg and lands a couple of punches. They trade inside leg kicks, bit of a left from Gutierrez closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Castaneda but a close one, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Both men show some kicks to start the last round. Gutierrez lands a couple of inside leg kicks. They tie up and hit the fence then break with a Gutierrez right hand. Elbow from Gutierrez. Castaneda pushes forward and lands a bit of a left. Bit of a one two from Gutierrez. Gutierrez with some jabs as he circles. They tie up again and hit the fence. Not much is going on here, Gutierrez eventually pummels so Castaneda drops for a double leg and hits it to get on top in full guard. Castaneda passes to side control after a bit. Some knees to the body from Castaneda then he grabs at a top side guillotine as Gutierrez gets half guard back. The hands aren’t close to locking for Castaneda, he bails on the grip to land a few punches as Gutierrez gets full guard. Some up kicks from Gutierrez as Castaneda stands and that’ll basically close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Castaneda, 29-28 Castaneda overall but this hinges on the second

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

No issues with that, Gutierrez’s output dwindled in the second but Castaneda didn’t do a whole lot really solidify that round either. No interview for Gutierrez.

Evan Elder has gone 2-2 in the UFC but he is on a two fight winning streak and a third consecutive win here would set him up nicely going forward. Gauge Young took this fight on fairly short notice but will now get a chance to showcase his skills to the UFC audience. The odds like Elder at -190 to +160 on Young.

Lightweight Bout: Evan Elder (9-2, 156 lbs.) vs. Gauge Young (9-2, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Elder is an inch taller with two inches of reach advantage. A bit of feinting from both men early. Young avoids a right hand. Elder with a leg kick. Right hand then a left hook from Elder. Young jabs the body. Jab from Elder then he fights off a takedown and pushes Young into the fence. Elder tries a takedown but Young is able to shove him off and they reset. Front kick from Young. Elder with a right hand. Calf kick from Elder. Bit of a right from Elder. Elder gets poked in the eye and we’ve got a time out, the ref has vocally warned both men a few times during the action about their fingers. That means Young gets a “hard warning” because the rules mean nothing. We’re back to fighting after about 30 seconds. Elder with some body kicks then an inside leg kick. Calf kick from Elder. Elder with another body kick. Young avoids a tie up then lands a body jab. Bit of a right from Young then a left hook from Elder. Another body kick from Elder then a calf kick. Glancing wheel kick from Elder. Young fires a front kick. Calf kick from Elder, then another one. Front kick from Elder. Again Elder with a body kick. Elder doubles up on the body kicks again then lands a calf kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Elder

ROUND TWO: Young gets back to pressure as the round starts and both men miss punches. Body kick from Elder. Young misses a few kicks. Elder with a right to the body then a body kick. Almost all of Elder’s kicks are with his left leg. Body jab from Elder then another body kick. Calf kick from Elder. Right hand from Elder then another body kick. Bit of a right from Elder. Elder with a left hook. Young lands a right to the body. Elder keeps peppering in the body kick. Right to the body from Elder. Young avoids a takedown then blocks a high kick. Young with a body jab. Left hand then a calf kick from Elder. Another body kick from Elder. Both men miss some lefts. Young lands a body shot. Elder with a body kick. Calf kick from Elder. Another calf kick from Elder. Young with a jab, Elder lands another body kick to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Bit of a left hook from Elder to get the round going. Young lands a couple of body punches. Left hand then a body kick from Elder. Jab from Elder. Elder lands a right hand then a bit of a calf kick. Young keeps stalking forward but he’s struggling to really land powerful blows. Elder with a body kick then a calf kick. Right hand from Elder. Young hits the body again. Body kick from Elder then an inside leg kick. Again Elder lands a body kick. Jab from Elder. Young blocks a few punches but eats a leg kick. Front kick from Young then both men miss hooks. Bit of a high kick from Elder. Elder with a jab then a leg kick. They trade punches in close. Elder with a body kick then body jab. Another body kick from Elder. Young misses a right hand. They get close and swing a bit to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Elder but the closest of the round, 30-27 Elder overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Evan Elder via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

No interview for Elder, we’re a little pressed for time to the top of the hour.

Matt Schnell is on a three fight losing streak and while he’s debated retirement in the past he might be looking to at least leave competition on a winning note. Jimmy Flick has gone 1-3 in his last four fights and most recently lost to Nate Maness, Flick has also retired briefly in the past but he’s back in action here and looking to avoid another losing streak. Schnell is your favorite at -160 while +135 on Flick might tempt a few bettors out there given the likely volatility of this fight.

Flyweight Bout: Jimmy Flick (17-8, 126 lbs.) vs. Matt Schnell (16-9, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Schnell is an inch taller with two inches of reach advantage. Schnell shows some kicks early, Flick is happy to do the same. Bit of a right hand from Schnell. Jab from Schnell. Flick lands a few left hands. Schnell limp legs away from a single leg, Flick then pushes into a clinch on the fence. Inside trip from Flick and Schnell is now sitting on the fence. Schnell wall walks into a clinch but Flick with an outside trip this time to get on top in half guard. Flick moves to side control. Schnell is blocking arm triangle attacks then gets his guard in play and tries a triangle attack but Flick is blocking the second leg from getting involved. Flick gets around the attack and gets to half guard. Schnell works to get full guard and closes it up. A few short blows from Flick but nothing serious is landing yet. Bit of an elbow from Flick and that’ll close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Flick

ROUND TWO: Bit of a right from Schnell early, then Flick hits a single leg takedown into half guard. Flick starts setting up an arm triangle attack but winds up bailing on that. Again Flick goes for that arm triangle attack and uses it to pass towards mount and winds up on a hip threatening to take the back. Flick is looking to attack the arm triangle still but Schnell gets his arm out of danger. Schnell gets full guard back and lands a couple of short blows but he needs to get up and separate. Schnell tries to attack another triangle, switches towards an omoplata but Flick scrambles to get on top and attacks a guillotine only for Schnell to get his head out and elbow him. Some more elbows from Schnell as he’s on top. Up kick from Flick, a legal one, lands. Schnell goes back to punches and elbows then gets the ride position as Flick moves to his knees. Flick slips out the back and jumps on a guillotine in transition again but Schnell gets his head out quickly. More punches and elbows from Schnell, Flick is bleeding now. Flick tries to wrestle up on a single leg, Schnell defends as they stand and drops elbows then jumps for his own guillotine but he wont find it before the round ends. The ref again mistook the clapper for the round end, it’s the same ref Dan Miragliotta so that’s a problem.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Schnell, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Flick misses a front kick to start the round. Schnell looks to get his hands working and lands a right hand. Flick tries a single leg, Schnell is defending but eventually Flick gets him down into full guard. Schnell kicks Flick off and stands then lands a couple of punches. Jab from Schnell. Schnell avoids a takedown, then grabs a guillotine and works it top side to get into half guard. Flick looks for a sweep but can’t find it. Schnell keeps after the choke as they wrestle around, but Flick gets his head free and looks for the back as they fight on the fence. Now it’s Flick with knees to the body before they stand. Schnell looks to defend a double leg against the fence, he lands a few elbows then gets a guillotine as Flick finishes a single leg. The choke is pretty dangerous and Schnell sweeps with it to get on top again. Punches and elbows from Schnell as he’s in Flick’s full guard. Schnell passes and gets the ride position then looks for the back. Choke attack from Schnell, Flick is hand fighting though and avoids being choked. Schnell keeps going for the choke, we’ve got 30 seconds left. Flick is able to stay safe and will see out the round.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Matt Schnell via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Fun little fight there, but no interview for Schnell.

That’s it for the prelims, 6 more fights on the main card.

Ikram Aliskerov has gone 2-1 in the UFC, most recently he was stopped by Robert Whittaker but he’s taken a chunk of time off to recover and now he’s back and looking to remind everyone that he’s still a rising force in the division. Andre Muniz has been out of action since December of 2023 when he got a slightly dubious split decision win over Jun Yong Park, he’s looking to build another winning streak here and prove that he’s still a threat to the division. The odds really like Aliskerov at -485 to a +370 comeback on Muniz.

Middleweight Bout: Ikram Aliskerov (15-2, 185.5 lbs.) vs. Andre Muniz (24-6, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Muniz is an inch taller with two inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Muniz. Some early hand fighting from both men. Aliskerov looks like he could make welterweight if he really wanted to. They clash on a few kicks. Bit of a body kick from Aliskerov. Aliskerov keeps up the pressure, he’s getting Muniz pretty close to the fence reliably. Bit of a right from Aliskerov. Spinning kick from Muniz doesn’t really land. Both men land punches in close. Aliskerov keeps Muniz pressured back into the fence but he’s being judicious with his offense. Left hook from Aliskerov then a right to the body. Aliskerov punches into a clinch and starts throwing a few knees to the leg. They break without incident. Muniz tries a takedown but Aliskerov defends. Inside leg kick from Aliskerov. Glancing right from Aliskerov. Right to the body from Aliskerov then he ducks under a counter left. Front kick from Aliskerov, Muniz then returns it. Aliskerov wobbles Muniz with a left against the fence, he pushes him down then unloads from on top in half guard and after a bit the ref halts things with short time left in the round.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ikram Aliskerov via TKO, punches, at 4:54 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Aliskerov for his work. Aliskerov gets an interview with the translator, he speaks some English to play with the crowd then would like a fight with a top 10 opponent this year. Seems a little ambitious all things considered.

Randy Brown has been with the UFC since 2016 and has amassed a 13-6 record during that time, he just had a three fight winning streak broken by Bryan Battle and now he’s trying to avoid his first ever losing streak. Nicolas Dalby just had a four fight winning streak broken when he lost a contentious split decision to Rinat Fakhretdinov and now he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak since 2018. Brown is your -310 favorite to +250 on Dalby.

Welterweight Bout: Randy Brown (19-6, 171 lbs.) vs. Nicolas Dalby (23-5-1 2 NC, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Brown is four inches taller with three and a half inches of reach advantage. Early jab work from Brown, he wants to keep things long. Dalby shows a few kicks. Bit of a right from Brown. Brown keeps showing the jab and Dalby misses a left hook. Some stance switching from Dalby as they move around. A few more jabs from Brown then an uppercut. Calf kick from Dalby. Glancing right from Brown gets Dalby backing up in trouble. Brown looks to walk him down, Dalby’s nose is badly broken from that right hand, it’s not bleeding but it’s badly smashed and displaced. Now Brown starts showing a few stance switches. Double left hand then a right hook from Brown. Dalby with a left hand. Brown blocks a high kick then gets warned about his fingers being extended. Dalby with another calf kick. A sweeping right from Dalby off balances Brown and he gets on top in side control. Not much going on here, Dalby’s nose has started bleeding now as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Brown but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Dalby gets on pressure to start the round, his corner reset his nose between rounds. Brown with some long range punches then a body kick. Brown looks to get his jab working again. Front kick up high from Brown then a few punches. They’re both stance switching now as they move. Looping punch from Dalby but he can’t corral Brown’s movement yet. Brown avoids a clinch and wobbles Dalby with a right hand. They trade in close, this is wild and Brown finally face plants Dalby with a right hand in close to end things.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Randy Brown via KO, punches, at 1:39 of Round 2

Mic time for Brown, he feels good to have gotten the win and showed what he’s about against a tough veteran. He talks us through the finish and says he’s still a problem for anyone in the division. Asked about the future he wants to fight anyone in the top 15.

Michel Pereira looked like he reinvented himself at middleweight when he moved to that weight class in 2023, most recently he had a long eight fight winning streak broken by Anthony Hernandez and now he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak since 2020. Abus Magomedov has gone 3-2 in the UFC but he is on a two fight winning streak and now looks to earn a step up in class with another win here. Fairly close one here, -140 on Pereira to +120 for Magomedov.

Middleweight Bout: Abus Magomedov (27-6-1, 185.5 lbs.) vs. #14 Michel Pereira (31-12 2 NC, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Magomedov is an inch taller with five inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Pereira fighting southpaw and he avoids a few early kicks. Pereira starts showing some stance switches as he avoids more kicks. Bit of a left to the body from Pereira. Bit of a right from Magomedov to counter a front kick. Magomedov keeps showing the front kick. Pereira’s offensive output still hasn’t really kicked into gear. Left hook from Magomedov. Magomedov slips throwing a head kick then lands a right hand. Pereira avoids a punch but he still seems out of sorts. Takedown from Magomedov into half guard against the fence. Pereira wall walks with Magomedov moving to his back. Magomedov jumps to the backpack position but can’t secure it so he settles for keeping the back standing. Pereira spins free and they reset. Magomedov misses a lunging left hook. Magomedov shows a few kicks but neither man is doing much now. Pereira with a front kick then he blocks a high kick. They feint away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Magomedov, could be 10-8 if you’re feeling generous

ROUND TWO: Magomedov back to some forward motion, let’s see if Pereira remembers he can throw strikes this round. Bit of a jab from Magomedov. Glancing left to the body from Pereira. They trade front kicks. Knee from Pereira then Magomedov gets a clinch. Magomedov tries a takedown, Pereira defends and they separate out of the clinch. A couple of front kicks from Pereira then a left to the body. Bit of a right from Magomedov. Pereira avoids a couple of punches then gets the back standing. They get chest to chest then separate. Both men fall short with punches. Front kick from Pereira. They split a few jabs. Bit of a right from Pereira. They’ve both slowed a lot, cardio isn’t a strength of either guy. Left to the body from Pereira. Magomedov still has forward motion but his offense has become anemic at best. Jab from Pereira. Right to the body from Pereira. They split jabs again. They kind of fent away the last seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pereira but who knows, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: The crowd is booing these two and I can’t blame them. Bit of a left from Pereira, if he’s going to get going he’s got to do it now. A couple of body shots from Pereira. More body punches from Pereira then a front kick. Again Pereira digs a left to the body. They split jabs for a bit. Front kick from Pereira then a bit of a left hook. Magomedov lands a jab. Another front kick from Pereira then he avoids a takedown. Pereira with another front kick. Magomedov lands a left to the body, Pereira then returns it. Solid right hand from Magomedov wobbles Pereira then another one but nothing really comes of it. Left hand from Pereira. Pereira with a bit of a knee. Magomedov looks very tired but Pereira can’t capitalize on it. One minute left. Pereira sprawls away from a takedown then lands a knee. Left hook from Magomedov. They split jabs again. Magomedov lands a left hand. Pereira lands a right hand then both men with some sloppy punches that miss to close the terrible fight.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Magomedov, 29-28 Magomedov overall but this sucked

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Abus Magomedov via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Man that sucked, but it is our first underdog win of the event. For some reason they interview Magomedov, he’s not even getting booed. He feels good about the win and thanks Pereira for the fight. He’s the only one grateful for that. Asked about the future he says he’s coming for the top 15, and no one cares. Seriously, not even booed.

Giga Chikadze has gone 8-2 in the UFC but he’s coming off of a loss and moderate layoff, plus he missed weight for this fight. Chikadze is trying to avoid his first losing streak and prove he’s still got another push towards the top of the division in him. David Onama is riding a three fight winning streak and if he can get to four in a row here it might get him into the rankings which should set him up for even bigger fights going forward. With the weight miss it’s not surprising to see Onama as the favorite at -200 to Chikadze’s +165.

Featherweight Bout: #12 Giga Chikadze (15-4, 147 lbs.)* vs. David Onama (13-2, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Chikadze is an inch taller while the reach is identical, and of course Chikadze missed weight. Southpaw for Onama. Chikadze shows a few inside leg kicks. Bit of a one two from Chikadze. Onama blocks a few punches but his offense hasn’t been there yet. Chikadze has a few kicks blocked. Onama blocks a few punches. Left hand from Onama. Chikadze starts showing a few stance switches but he’s still mostly orthodox. Knee from Chikadze then a bit of a left hand. Calf kick from Chikadze. They trade calf kicks then Onama stuns Chikadze for a second with a right hook. Onama pressures forward but Chikadze throws at him and they wind up resetting. Glancing left from Onama. Bit of a one two from Onama. Chikadze lands a solid right hand, Onama is a little wobbled and they tie up then Onama gets to the back standing. Takedown from Onama and he’s on top in half guard. Chikadze is able to get full guard and fires a few elbows before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Chikadze but a fairly close one

ROUND TWO: Onama back on forward motion and lands a front kick. Left hand from Onama. Chikadze circles around then throws a right hand. Onama lands a left then blocks a right. Chikadze misses a left hand. Onama misses a few punches but he’s still pressuring well. Takedown from Onama and they’re against the fence. Chikadze looks to start wall walking, Onama removes his posting limbs and gets to side control. Chikadze gets half guard but Onama lands a few punches along the way. Short elbows from Onama. Chikadze moves to sit against the fence and works to wall walk but Onama mounts the legs then gets to the ride position and Chikadze gets half guard as he rolls to his back. Onama with some punches and elbows again. A few body punches from Onama then Chikadze gets full guard. Onama stands and knees Chikadze on his way up then they trade punches to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Onama, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Chikadze looks to punch, then Onama lands a nice knee. Onama with a left hand. Bit of a high kick from Chikadze. They trade punches in close. Left hook from Onama. Chikadze with a right to the body. Onama with a few jabs. Chikadze misses an ax kick. Onama avoids a few punches. Body jab from Onama. Onama with a takedown into full guard. Not much going on here on the mat. Chikadze has closed his guard and Onama is struggling to get offense going. Bit of an elbow from Onama. Onama passes and gets the ride position then Chikadze rolls and catches half guard. Some body punches from Onama land. Chikadze gets full guard. Onama lands a couple of punches from top position as the clock runs out.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – David Onama via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Mic time for Onama, he plays with the crowd a bit then puts over Chikadze and he’s watched enough of him to be well prepared for this fight. He again plays with the crowd a bit then says being ranked after this will be huge for his career before calling this one of the best moments in his life.

Anthony Smith has been fighting since 2008 and has announced this will be his retirement fight, he’s looked pretty lifeless of late so that’s likely for the best and he’s also on a two fight losing streak. Smith is looking to end his career on a high note. Zhang Mingyang is on an 11 fight winning streak including three wins in the UFC, he hasn’t been the distance since 2017, he’s looking to continue the tradition in combat sports of taking out the veteran on their way out the door. Zhang is a hefty favorite at -410 to Smith’s +320.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Zhang Mingyang (18-6, 206 lbs.) vs. #15 Anthony Smith (38-21, 206 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Smith is two inches taller with half an inch of reach advantage, he’s also a full decade older. No touch of gloves. Zhang fires a few range finding kicks then lands a side kick. Smith looks to get closer and eats a calf kick but then fires a counter right. Left hook from Zhang. Both men miss rights in close. Zhang with a side kick. Another Zhang side kick then a right hand. They tie up and hit the fence. Zhang with some knees to the body then an elbow before he slips free. Smith keeps working to press forward and force a bit of a brawl. Zhang with calf kicks and punches. Elbow from Smith. Another Smith elbow lands. Zhang fires back and they trade elbows in close, Smith is cut up on the head now. They break and Zhang lands a calf kick and they both keep showing elbows in close. Smith with a right to the body. Zhang lands another couple of calf kicks. Smith with a right hand but Zhang responds with a couple of elbows. Zhang sprawls away from a double leg and avoids Smith pulling guard. Smith keeps reaching for him from his knees, Zhang with a kick to the body then elbows to the back, he’s avoiding the spine at least. More punches from Zhang, Smith looks to tie up and tries to tie up half guard. Zhang just unloads with some more elbows until the ref steps in. A few of those were to the back of the head but I’m not sure how much difference it made at the end of the day.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Zhang Mingyang via TKO, elbows, at 4:03 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Zhang for his work. Mic time for Zhang and the translator, he asks the crowd to boo him so they briefly oblige. Asked what he wants next he knows the crowd doesn’t really know him yet but you will now and he tells the UFC brass to come talk to him.

Smith gets an interview as well, he felt OK but once he got cut and the blood went into his eyes things went south. He says five years ago he’d have won this fight, probably true, but father time won tonight and he then puts over Zhang. He thanks everyone who’s had his back over the years, thanks the UFC brass and other UFC personnel for making his life better. They show a few career highlights with sound clips from fighters and UFC personnel for him. He gets visibly emotional after that and doesn’t know what to say, he can’t believe he did all that and is grateful this all happened.

Ian Machado Garry is coming off of his first professional loss when he stepped on short notice to fight Shavkat Rakhmonov, despite that loss he performed ably and now looks to remind everyone that he should be considered the future of the division. Carlos Prates is on an 11 fight winning streak with four of those being in the UFC and all of those being finishes, and a win here would be the highest profile of his career and could set him around the title picture. The odds have been close since this was announced but Garry closed at -155 to +130 on Prates.

Welterweight Bout: #7 Ian Machado Garry (15-1, 171 lbs.) vs. #13 Carlos Prates (21-6, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Machado Garry is two inches taller but Prates has three and a half inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Prates. Both men doe a little feinting and some lead hand work. Bit of an inside leg kick from Prates. Machado Garry misses a body kick. Another inside calf kick from Prates. Prates blocks a high kick. Both men miss power hand punches. Both men block a few strikes, they’re still just kind of feeling each other out. Prates counters a takedown attempt and then threatens one of his own which gets Machado Garry to back off. Body kick from Prates. Machado Garry fires an inside leg kick. Machado Garry avoids a few punches. Prates blocks a few strikes then avoids a single leg. Jab from Machado Garry. Jab from Prates then he avoids a few counters. Machado Garry misses a knee in close then has a high kick blocked. Bit of a body kick from Machado Garry. Prates looks to pressure forward, he gets tripped down and Machado Garry fires a few punches while standing over him to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Machado Garry

ROUND TWO: Bit of a body kick from Machado Garry. Prates with an inside leg kick. They trade body kicks. Machado Garry with a single leg, Prates defends though and separates. Jab from Machado Garry, Prates with an inside leg kick. Machado Garry keeps showing the high kick, it’s occupying the back hand of Prates at least. Prates blocks a couple of punches. Jab from Prates. Both men seem to be loosening up and getting a feel for the fight. Jab from Prates then both men miss power hand punches before they clinch. Nothing comes of the clinch and they break clean. Bit of a body kick from Machado Garry. Right hand from Machado Garry. Bit of a left from Prates. Machado Garry tries another single leg but again Prates defends and nearly counters to get on top before they scramble free. Prates pushes into a clinch again. They break without incident. High kick from Machado Garry partially lands but Prates just eats it. Prates blocks a few punches but his offense is still struggling to really get going. Jab from Prates. Machado Garry misses a wheel kick, then hits a bit of a spin kick to the leg to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Machado Garry, 20-18 Machado Garry overall

ROUND THREE: Prates really needs to get his offense in gear here. Body kick from Prates. Machado Garry shows a few jabs. They both fire high kicks with mixed results. Prates blocks a right hand then lands a body kick. Jab from Prates, Machado Garry returns it. Machado Garry tries a single leg again, again Prates defends. They trade body kicks. Prates misses a head kick. Uppercut from Machado Garry and he looks to follow up but Prates avoids most of those. Machado Garry lands a right hand in close. Prates lands a jab. Takedown from Machado Garry into full guard. Prates scoots to the fence pretty quickly and works to wall walk. Machado Garry has the back in the clinch as they stand. Prates gets chest to chest and puts Machado Garry into the fence before they separate. Bit of a left from Prates. Machado Garry lands a jab. Machado Garry lands a punch in close. The speed difference is keeping a lot of the offense of Prates muted. Machado Garry with a takedown then he gets the back as they stand. Prates blocks a mat return to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Machado Garry, 30-27 Machado Garry overall

ROUND FOUR: Machado Garry lands a body kick to get the round going. Glancing left hand from Prates. Body kick from Prates. Machado Garry with a body kick of his own. Prates avoids a double leg. Machado Garry ducks under a punch and tries a takedown, that hits the fence though. Prates gives up his back briefly and Machado Garry grabs the ride position before Prates stands. Mat return from Machado Garry but Prates bounces up and we’re back in the same position. They break the clinch and Machado Garry gets back to dancing around. Prates jabs the body but misses a knee. Jab from Prates but he can’t follow it up. Pretty solid jab from Prates. Machado Garry gets back to moving and they trade power hand punches. Left to the body from Prates. Machado Garry tries a takedown but Prates defends. Jab from Machado Garry. Knee from Prates, then a jab. One two from Prates after he took a jab. Machado Garry is on the fence but he avoids a head kick then tries a takedown but Prates defends. There’s blood on the face of Machado Garry as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Prates but a close one, 39-37 Machado Garry overall

ROUND FIVE: Prates gets on forward pressure right away, he needs a finish and likely knows it. They trade body kicks. Machado Garry lands a jab. Jab from Prates then they trade in close, Machado Garry tries a takedown but Prates stuffs it. Right hand from Machado Garry. Prates with a stepping jab. Body kick from Prates then he defends a single leg but they wind up clinched. Prates spins free and gets back to pressure. Bit of a left from Prates, Machado Garry’s right forearm is visibly swollen and he’s not throwing it much. Machado Garry blocks a high kick then Prates defends a takedown. One two from Machado Garry. Prates misses a head kick. Bit of an uppercut from Machado Garry. Prates lands a right hook but eats a counter right from Machado Garry. Machado Garry gets a clinch and looks to stall things a bit. They break after a bit. Bit of combination from Machado Garry. Prates misses a head kick. Both men miss punches in close then Prates counters a takedown and gets on top in half guard. Hammer fists from Prates, Machado Garry gives up his back and crawls to the fence, Prates looks to unload but Machado Garry gets up and tries another low single leg. Prates has 40 seconds, he gets on top and fires elbows. Machado Garry gives up the ride position and Prates stands free then looks for a kill shot. Machado Garry just circles away from him to close the fight.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Prates, 48-47 Machado Garry overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ian Machado Garry via unanimous decision (49-36, 48-47 x2)

Mic time for Garry after that, he says he wasn’t unconscious in the fifth but puts over Prates and says he hits like a truck and he had to fight smart at the end. He mentions that Prates is a bit of a plodding fighter and he had to keep him from settling for much of the fight. Asked what’s next he wants to prove he’s an all time great and says he’s the backup for the welterweight title fight in two weeks then wants the next title shot. Seems a bit unlikely after how this fight went but he’s very close to the title.

Well on that note UFC on ESPN 66 comes to a close. Thank you for reading, be that live or after the fact. Next week the UFC is in Des Moines and I’ll be here to cover it. We’ll be unpacking this card plus looking ahead to that one on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast so I hope you’ll be tuning into that. Until next time stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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