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Join 411’s Live UFC on ESPN 67 Coverage

May 3, 2025 | Posted by Robert Winfree
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MAIN CARD (ESPN2, 10 p.m. ET)
#4 Cory Sandhagen (135.5 lbs.) vs. #5 Deiveson Figueiredo (135 lbs.)
#13 Reinier de Ridder (185.5 lbs.) vs. Bo Nickal (185.5 lbs.)
Santiago Ponzinibbio (170 lbs.) vs. Daniel Rodriguez (170.5 lbs.)
#15 Montel Jackson (136 lbs.) vs. Daniel Marcos (135.5 lbs.)
Serhiy Sidey (135.5 lbs.) vs. Cameron Smotherman (135.5 lbs.)
Mason Jones (155.5 lbs.) vs. Jeremy Stephens (155 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)
#10 Yana Santos (136 lbs.) vs. #12 Miesha Tate (135.5 lbs.)
Azamat Bekoev (185.5 lbs.) vs. Ryan Loder (185.5 lbs.)
Gillian Robertson (115.5 lbs.) vs. Marina Rodriguez (115.5 lbs.)
Gaston Bolanos (135.5 lbs.) vs. Quang Le (135.5 lbs.)
Don’Tale Mayes (259 lbs.) vs. Thomas Petersen (250 lbs.)
Juliana Miller (126 lbs.) vs. Ivana Petrovic (125.5 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN 67, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the event. The UFC is back in Iowa for the first time since UFC 26 in the year 2000. Crazy to think that Iowa hasn’t had a UFC event since before 9-11. They’ve brought a decent to good card for the occasion. The main event is a relevant bantamweight clash as Cory Sandhagen takes on Deiveson Figueiredo to see who will be able to step closer to the title and who has reached their divisional ceiling. We’ve also go Bo Nickal taking on ranked Reiner de Ridder, and MMA veteran Jeremy Stephens returning to the UFC. On the prelims we’ve got Miesha Tate fighting, Azamat Bekoev is back in action after a solid UFC debut earlier this year, and Gaston Bolanos vs. Quang Le is a decent little fight on paper. Very little about this card leaps off the page but there isn’t much that looks out and out poor. Now let’s just hope the fights deliver.

UFC on ESPN 67 comes to the world from the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, USA. We’ve got Brendan Fitzgerald, Michael Bisping, and Paul Felder on commentary with Heidi Androl doing the roving reporter bit. Let’s see if anyone makes good use of the new downed fighter definition tonight, I’m still waiting for people to really unlock that potential.

Juliana Miller has gone just 1-2 in the UFC, is on a two fight losing streak, and hasn’t been in action since August of 2023. She did win some pointless season of TUF in 2022 but desperately needs to find a real UFC win here. Ivana Petrovic has gone 1-2 in the UFC and most recently dropped a closely contested split decision, now she’s back and looking to avoid her first ever losing streak. The odds like Petrovic at -250 to Miller’s +205.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Juliana Miller (3-3, 126 lbs.) vs. Ivana Petrovic (7-2, 125.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Petrovic is an inch taller with four inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Petrovic and she opens with an inside leg kick. Both women miss power hand punches, and the crowd is almost all here already but of course that means a few drunken idiots “woo” already. Petrovic shows some left kicks again, mostly range finding and playing with speed. Miller with a bit of a right hand. They tie up and hit the fence, that stalls and the crowd of course boos already. Have a little patience people. Bit of a fence grab from Petrovic but not one comments on it. Miller is trying for clinch trips but can’t find anything. Petrovic spins Miller into the fence and thinks about a level change but decides against it. Bit of a knee from Miller as she spins Petrovic. But this point the booing is more understandable. Petrovic with a bit of an elbow but not much on it. Petrovic hits a double leg, Miller thinks about a guillotine but thinks better of it. Miller works to wall walk, Petrovic lands a couple of short punches from the ride position as she keeps her down on her knees. A few more blows from Petrovic, Miller tries a kimura but that’s not going to accomplish much and Petrovic keeps hitting hte body as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Petrovic but a close one

ROUND TWO: Quick clinch from Miller but this time she gets a little motion and is able to get things down to the mat. Miller looks for the back but Petrovic blocks the hooks for now. Petrovic stands into a clinch and has Miller on the fence. They break without incident. Inside leg kick from Petrovic. Right hook from Petrovic. They clinch up, Miller hits a trip to get on top in side control. Petrovic rolls to her knees and fights up into another clinch. Miller pulls things back down again and looks for the back and ultimately gets her hooks in. Miller switches to a body triangle and starts fishing for the choke. A few punches from Miller as she’s trying to open up the choke. The round will end in that spot.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Miller, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Left hand from Petrovic after she blocked a head kick. Petrovic with a left to the body. Miller looks to stay light on her feet and remain mobile. Petrovic keeps stalking forward and lands a left hand. Left to the body from Petrovic. Miller with a body kick but she eats a couple of counters. Petrovic avoids a few punches then lands a left hand. Miller tries a takedown, that hits the fence and stalls out though. Petrovic avoids being taken down but Miller lands a couple of punches. Petrovic spins Miller into the fence and then pulls free. Left hand from Petrovic. Miller misses a head kick then eats a counter punch. Body kick from Petrovic. Miller gets to the clinch and slides to the back then they hit the fence. Miller looks to jump for the backpack, she gets things to the mat and looks for the back but she’s a little high. Petrovic can’t quite get her base to posture up and Miller gets the body triangle and slows things down. Petrovic is able to base up and Miller just holds the back as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Julianna Miller via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Mic time for Miller, she gets emotional talking about winning the fight for her grandmother who recently passed away. She talks about continuing to get better as she’s so young in her career.

Thomas Petersen has gone 1-2 in the UFC and most recently lost to Shamil Gaziev, he’s trying to bounce back and avoid his first losing streak. Don’Tale Mayes has gone 1-3 in his last four fights and is on a two fight losing streak, he really needs to halt that skid and get back on the winning side of things. Petersen is the favorite at -305 but a +245 payout on Mayes might tempt some bettors given the volatility of lower level heavyweight fights.

Heavyweight Bout: Don’Tale Mayes (11-8 1 NC, 259 lbs.) vs. Thomas Petersen (9-3, 250 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Mayes is five inches taller with a serious seven inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Petersen. Both men fall a little short with punches, they’re mostly range finding. Petersen hits a single leg against the fence and Mayes starts working to wall walk. Mayes is sitting on the fence, and he’s up with Petersen on his back now. Petersen drags things back down, Mayes scrambles back into another clinch but this time chest to chest. Lateral drop from Petersen, that was nice, and he lands in side control plus they’re out in open space away from the fence. A few elbows from Petersen land, he’s also trying to set up a mounted crucifix position. Petersen attacks an arm triangle and moves to full mount, Mayes puts his arm back into the attack after briefly getting out of it. Petersen gets the choke and hops to side control then begins locking things down but doesn’t like something about the grip so he goes back to full mount. Mayes is really stuck here, Petersen tries another arm triangle but the angle isn’t quite right and he loses it. Mayes is able to get half guard now. Petersen fires some punches. A few more punches land for Petersen to close out the round.

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

ROUND TWO: Petersen quickly hits a single leg near the fence and gets on top in half guard. A few short punches and elbows land for Petersen. Mayes is trying to build towards a base on his knees, Petersen gets to the ride position and gets up, he’s got hands and feet down and Petersen realizes he can knee him in the head and does get one in. They separate as Mayes is able to fight up and free. Petersen avoids an uppercut. They clinch and Petersen hits a takedown into side control. Petersen moves towards full mount, Mayes gets to his knees but Petersen gets to his back in the ride position. Mayes tries to granby roll but Petersen stays on top in half guard and unloads with some elbows. Petersen keeps top control and peppers in a few strikes, he’s looking for an intelligent flurry to try and force the stoppage but isn’t going crazy with it. The round ends with Petersen still on top.

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

ROUND THREE: Left hand then a right from Petersen wobbles Mayes, Mayes tries a jumping knee as Petersen crashes distance but it doesn’t land and Petersen gets a takedown into half guard against the fence. A few punches land for Petersen as he moves to the ride, Mayes is on his feet and hands but again Petersen doesn’t realize he could knee him in the head there. Guess it’s going to take a while to deprogram things in the fighters. They get to that position again and again no knees from Petersen, I’m just wildly disappointed in him. Mayes is up, but Petersen takes him back down into the ride position. Back to the tri pod and still no knees from Petersen, so many missed opportunities. Petersen drags things back down and lands punches from half guard. Mayes is pretty stuck as Petersen has moved to the ride position. Petersen drops some elbows and a few punches. Petersen pushes Mayes over into half guard and lands some more short elbows. Petersen just can’t find distance or will to unload a flurry of strikes. The round ends with Petersen still throwing some ground and pound.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Petersen, a marginal one but I’m OK going with it, 30-26 Petersen overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Thomas Petersen via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-26 x2)

Yeah that tracks. No interview for the winner though.

Gaston Bolanos has gone 2-1 in the UFC and did win his last fight which sets him up for his first UFC winning streak if he gets his hand raised. Quang Le has gone 0-2 in the UFC and really needs to get that all important first UFC win here if he wants some job security. Close one here, -125 on Bolanos to +105 for Le.

Bantamweight Bout: Gaston Bolanos (8-4, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Quang Le (8-2, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Bolanos is half an inch taller while Le has an inch of reach advantage. A little range finding from both men early, nothing serious yet. Bolanos shows some calf kicks. Le with a bit of a flurry then tries a takedown but Bolanos defends. Another takedown from Le and this one works, Bolanos quickly wall walks with Le on his back. Mat return from Le and this time he gets one hook in. Both hooks in now for Le then he switches to a body triangle. Bolanos is able to break the triangle and Le keeps both of his hooks in. Le loses his hooks and Bolanos scrambles up then Le grabs a back clinch. Eventually Le gets a mat return and one hook in. Bolanos tries to escape but Le gets both hooks in. Not much going on here and Le holds the back until the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Le

ROUND TWO: Some front kicks from Le then Bolanos fires a right hand. Both men land punches. Bolanos fires a front kick, Le catches it and pushes him over then gets on top in half guard. The crowd is not happy, they got a taste of some exchanges and this isn’t a welcome change. Le lands a few punches, Bolanos looks to wrestle up on a single leg but Le transitions to his back and gets one hook in. Both hooks for Le, and a choke attempt that gets pretty tight and Bolanos goes to sleep.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Quang Le via Technical Submission, rear naked choke, at 1:54 Round 2

Mic time for Le after that, he says this is a dream come true and he’s visualized this thousands of time. He was scared leading to the fight because he knew he needed a win and mentions how much he’s sacrificed to have this moment.

Marina Rodriguez has gone just 1-4 in her last five fights and is on a two fight losing streak, she’s rapidly approaching do or die territory for any kind of push towards the title level. Gillian Robertson has gone 5-1 in her last six fights and is on a three fight winning streak, she’s getting a shot here at a top 10 opponent and is looking to crash into those ranks with a win. Robertson is a fairly heavy favorite at -260 to a +210 comeback for Rodriguez.

Strawweight Bout: Gillian Robertson (15-8, 115.5 lbs.) vs. Marina Rodriguez (17-5-2, 115.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rodriguez is an inch taller, has two inches of reach advantage, and is 9 years older than Robertson. Both women show the jab early. Rodriguez avoids a few kicks. Bit of a right hand from Robertson. Rodriguez lands a jab. They both land punches in close. Both women miss punches then Robertson hits a single leg to get on top in half guard. A few elbows to the leg and body from Robertson. Robertson looks to attack the arm of Rodriguez but can’t get much of it going. Another attack but again Rodriguez gets her arm back. Robertson elbows the thigh and body a few times. Robertson threatens a few different attacks, she’s mostly trying to pass but can’t get around the half guard. Some more strikes land for Robertson then she again tries to attack the arm but can’t get it going. Elbows from Robertson land. Rodriguez tries to get her half guard working but wont get up before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Robertson

ROUND TWO: Robertson hits a quick takedown, Rodriguez tries a ninja choke on the way down but Robertson gets her head free and settles into top position. Pretty quick pass from Robertson into full mount and she starts hitting the body. Rodriguez catches quarter guard but Robertson keeps landing strikes. Now Rodriguez gets half guard but it’s open and isn’t doing her much good. Robertson passes back to full mount and unloads with punches and elbows until the ref steps in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gillian Robertson via TKO, punches and elbows, at 2:07 of Round 2

Mic time for Robertson, she’s very happy to now be a top 10 fighter in the division before briefly putting over Rodriguez who it looks like retired. She then says she wants Amanda Lemos next, which is quite reasonable all things considered.

Rodriguez and the translator do confirm this is her last fight, it’s time to do something new and she thanks the fans for being amazing. More thanks are given to the UFC brass and her team. She will be auctioning her gloves off to try and get some money for her gym back home.

Ryan Loder won a season of TUF last year and has an overall winning streak of three going on, now he’s looking to start his UFC career properly. Azamat Bekoev has a seven fight winning streak going including his UFC debut from back in January, he’s looking to extend that streak here and prove he’s a rising force in the division. The odds really like Bekoev at -345 to +275 on Loder.

Middleweight Bout: Azamat Bekoev (19-3, 185.5 lbs.) vs. Ryan Loder (7-1, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Loder is two inches taller with four inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Loder. Both men show a few early kicks, just range finding stuff. Loder bulls forward into a clinch. Bekoev gets Loder on the fence and fires a few punches. They jockey for position on the fence then Bekoev scrambles free. Both men land punches in close then Bekoev drops Loder with a right hand. Loder up but Bekoev is all over him with more punches against the fence. Bekoev can’t find the kill shot and gets another clinch. Uppercut from Bekoev before they break. Bekoev keeps Loder on the fence and looks for some dirty boxing, another right drops Loder and that’ll do it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Azamat Bekoev via TKO, punches, a 2:44 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Bekoev for his work. Mic time for Bekoev and he plays a little with the crowd and talks about him coming frow a wrestling country as well before putting over Loder. He thanks his team and the people at American Top Team, then says he wants to be on PPV cards going forward.

Yana Santos has gone 5-5 in the UFC and most recently halted a three fight skid with a win and now she’s looking for the highest profile win of her career given who her opponent is. Miesha Tate is a former bantamweight champion but retired in 2016 then came out of retirement in 2021. Since then Tate has gone 2-2 and had a really bad showing at flyweight, she’s back at bantamweight here though and is looking to get another win under her belt. Close one here, -155 on Tate to +130 for Santos.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: #10 Yana Santos (15-8 1 NC, 136 lbs.) vs. #12 Miesha Tate (20-9, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Santos has three and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves then both women fire jabs. Both women fire a few punches then they clinch and trade before breaking. Santos lands a right hand, then they clinch again. Santos gets Tate on the fence and lands a few knees before they break. Tate looks to keep up the pressure and they clinch again. Santos with a few knees then a right elbow as they break. Bit of a jab from Santos. Both women with some awkward punches in close. Santos with a leg kick. Tate pushes into another clinch, nearly gets a takedown but has to settle for a clinch. A few knees go back and forth as they jockey for position. Santos is landing the better knees here and she’s blocking Tate’s level changes. Another knee and elbow from Santos then they break. Santos with a left hand then gets the back of Tate in a clinch. Some punches from Santos then she breaks. Tate tries to come forward again and takes more knees to the body as she forces a clinch. The pressure of Tate isn’t leading to anything. They break with an elbow from Santos. A few jabs from Santos land. Calf kick from Santos, Tate didn’t like that one at all. They trade in close, Santos is just doing better work everywhere. Tate stumbles looking for forward motion. Santos with leg kicks to both legs before they clinch up. Knees from Santos then an elbow. They’ll end the round in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Santos

ROUND TWO: Tate tries to get back on forward pressure, let’s see how long she can keep that up. Santos circles early and lands a hard inside leg kick, the legs of Tate are starting to break down. Left hand from Santos. Santos with a right hand. Inside leg kick from Santos. Santos with a jab. They trade in close then Santos lands a jab. Stiff jab from Santos off balances Tate for a moment. Tate tries a takedown, that hits the fence though and stalls out. Santos with elbows as they break then they trade again. Tate keeps trying to dog this out but it’s not working for her. Another clinch and Tate is trying against the fence but Santos turns her without much difficulty and lands an elbow before pulling free. Solid right hand from Santos. Another right hand from Santos. Leg kick from Santos, Tate gets a clinch again but still can’t do anything with it as they hit the fence. Santos spins Tate and they trade some knees. Tate gets Santos on the fence but can’t level change and Santos keeps peppering her with knees and elbows before pulling free. Santos back to jabbing and moving. Front kick from Santos. Another Santos jab, then Tate ties up and that’s where the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Tate tries to get moving forward again as the round starts. Santos lands a jab. Santos avoids a few punches. Calf kick from Santos but Tate does land a counter right. Both women miss punches in close. Bit of a jab from Santos. Tate tries a takedown, this time she’s able to get Santos down and get on top in half guard. Santos scoots to the fence and looks to start wall walking. A few body shots from Tate. Tate looks for full mount, Santos gives up the back and Tate goes for the choke. Body triangle for Tate. Santos is defending and hand fighting but she’s not likely to actually get out of the position. Tate is able to land a few punches but she wont get the finish she needs that way. Santos will keep up the defense and see out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Tate, 29-28 Santos overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Yana Santos via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Mic time for Santos, she plays a bit with the crowd that’s been booing her then puts over Tate as one of her favorite fighters. She knew Tate would go for the takedowns but she was ready for her.

Jeremy Stephens made his UFC debut when Chuck Liddell was still UFC light heavyweight champion, and frankly I’d rather not think about how old that makes me feel right now. Stephens was cut from the UFC back in 2021 then went 1-2 in the PFL before moving to bare knuckle boxing where he’s had decent success. Back in his home state of Iowa Stephens is looking to make the most of this shot, but he could also tie Clay Guida’s record for most UFC losses if he comes out on the wrong end of things. Mason Jones is on a four fight winning streak coming into his return to the UFC here, he left the promotion in 2022 on a loss to Ludovit Klein but now he’s looking to make some noise in his return to the promotion. Jones is a borderline prohibitive favorite at -625 to +455 on Stephens.

Lightweight Bout: Mason Jones (15-2 1 NC, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Jeremy Stephens (29-21 1 NC, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Jones is an inch taller with three inches of reach advantage, he’s also 8 years younger. Jones opens with a high kick that’s partially blocked. Both men show some jabs then Stephens lands a calf kick. Another calf kick from Stephens. Jones lands a jab. A few more jabs from Jones then he checks a calf kick. Front kick from Jones then a jab. Stephens falls short with punches then eats a jab. Calf kick from Stephens then Jones returns it. Another calf kick from Jones. Wheel kick from Jones lands but Stephens stays upright. Jones with a front kick then they trade calf kicks. One two then a head kick from Jones. They trade rights in close. Jones with another calf kick. Stephens lands a solid right hand. Jones lands a couple of punches in close. Both men land jabs. Bit of a body kick from Jones. Both men avoid punches. They split a few jabs. Front kick from Jones then he avoids the counters. Jabs from Jones land and he’s getting Stephens backing up again. Stephens avoids a couple of uppercuts then lands a couple of calf kicks. Knee from Jones then he gets the back standing in a clinch and mat returns Stephens. Jones keeps the clinch as Stephens wall walks then mat returns him again and moves to the ride position. Both hooks in now for Jones and he’s after the choke, only 10 seconds left in the round though and Stephens will defend until it ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jones

ROUND TWO: Bit of a body kick from Jones then a front kick. Stephens swings a few punches but can’t quite connect. Jones digs a left to the body then lands a front kick. Jones slips a right hand and hits the body again, Stephens didn’t like that one. Bit of a flurry from Jones but Stephens fires back and gets him to reset. Again Jones digs the body in close. Stephens with a left hook then a right hand. Jones with another left to the body then a calf kick. Stephens misses a right hand. Jones with a calf kick then a jab. Glancing high kick from Jones. Jones with a jumping knee then an elbow. Stephens avoids a spinning back elbow. Jones has Stephens backed onto the fence and he’s cut up in the hair. Spinning back elbow from Jones connects, Stephens is hurt but still fighting. Bit of a tomahawk elbow from Jones. Stephens fires a one two. Right hand from Stephens. Stephens with another right. Jones tries a takedown but Stephens blocks it. They split jabs again. Both men are wearing the damage from this fight. Front kick from Jones. Stephens might be slowing now. Jones keeps up the forward pressure. Bit of a wheel kick from Jones. One two from Jones then Stephens lands a couple of body shots. Spinning elbow from Jones partially lands and Stephens grabs his back in a clinch. Jones turns into Stephens and then they break. Double leg from Jones under a spinning attack and he’s got Stephens sitting against the fence. Jones mounts the hips and starts firing punches from the ride then gets the back again. Choke attack from Jones but there’s not enough time to get anything out of it.

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

ROUND THREE: Jab from Jones to start the round. Calf kick from Jones. Both men swing punches in close. Jones with a front kick. Jones shoots, they hit the fence and he hits the double leg to get on top. A few punches from Jones land. Stephens is looking to wall walk, Jones knees him in the body and keeps him sitting on the fence. Stephens stands with Jones on his back, Jones then switches to a double leg then moves to the back and drags Stephens down. Jones into north-south and yanks on the arm of Stephens, he’s got a double wrist lock going and can go for a kimura or an armbar from here. Stephens is holding his hands together so far. Jones keeps trying to pry that arm up and into a kimura, he loses it though and Stephens stands with Jones on his back. Some knees to the leg from Jones then another double leg into half guard. Jones into the ride again, then he pulls Stephens into a seated position on the fence and lands elbows. Stephens wall walks but he can’t get free and Jones is smothering him. Again Stephens gets free but Jones double legs him again. Jones lands a few punches form the ride position then gets the back with both hooks in. Stephens tries to turn into Jones but Jones goes into full mount and that’s where the clock will run down.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mason Jones via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Well that was a fun little brawl. Mic time for Jones, he wanted to strike with Stephens then apologizes for the last round before jokingly asking the crowd for another boo. He talks us through a few highlights then thanks the fans and says this is the restart of his career. To close he asks to be on an upcoming card in July.

Cameron Smotherman is riding a four fight winning streak including his UFC debut last year, he’s trying to keep that going here and prove himself a rising prospect. Serhiy Sidey has gone 1-1 in the UFC but he is coming off of a win and now looks for his first UFC winning streak. The odds tilt towards Sidey at -150 to +125 on Smotherman.

Bantamweight Bout: Serhiy Sidey (11-2, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Cameron Smotherman (12-4, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Sidey is two inches taller with three inches of reach advantage. Circling from Sidey to start, both men probe a little bit with strikes. Calf kick from Sidey. Another calf kick form Sidey and Smotherman lands a right to the body. Another calf kick from Sidey, he’s moving very well thus far. Smotherman jabs the body. Another Sidey leg kick. Left hook from Sidey in close then Smotherman lands a body shot. Another jab from Sidey. Sidey tries a double leg, that hits the fence though and stalls out. Knees from Sidey then Smotherman swings punches as they break. Body jab from Sidey. Smotherman with a couple of punches, he’s got power and that’s fairly clear. Both men land in close. Jab from Sidey. They tie up and Sidey lands a knee then an elbow and pushes Smotherman into the fence. Elbow from Sidey as they break. Calf kick from Sidey but Smotherman fires a counter right. Left to the body from Smotherman. Knee from Sidey then a body kick. Stepping elbow from Sidey then Smotherman lands a bit of a left hook. Smotherman avoids a wheel kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Sidey

ROUND TWO: Sidey hits a pretty early takedown to start the second round. Smotherman is working to wall walk, Sidey has moved to the ride and fires some knees to the leg as Smotherman stands. Sidey keeps up the clinch work then they break. Body jab from Sidey. Both men land punches in close. Right to the body from Sidey, he’s just staying busier and is fighting at different ranges. When they’re in boxing distance Smotherman has some success but Sidey is good there plus at kicking range or the clinch. Some body jabs from Sidey. Smotherman fights off a takedown attempt. Both men miss punches in close. Right to the body from Sidey. Sidey with a left uppercut then a jab. Body kick from Sidey. Smotherman lands a couple of body punches. Sidey tries a takedown, that hits the fence again and he slips to the back. A few knees from Sidey land then he hits a mat return. Smotherman quickly moves to his seat against the fence and Sidey works from the ride with punches. Smotherman is up but Sidey is riding him and mat returning him. A few punches land for Sidey as he’s holding the back in a clinch then he hits a double leg. Smotherman wall walks but eats a knee while doing so. The round will end in the clinch with Sidey firing a few elbows.

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

ROUND THREE: Sidey tries a takedown but Smotherman defends and they trade rights. Body jab from Sidey. Both men show jabs then Smotherman fights off another takedown attempt. Both men swing in close but don’t land clean. Double leg from Sidey and he’s on top. Smotherman quickly scrambles to the fence, Sidey threatens a d’arce choke and rolls for it. Sidey can’t quite finish the choke but then adjusts the attack as they hit the fence. Smotherman gets his head out and stands into a clinch. Elbow from Smotherman as they break. Sidey shows the front kick and gets back to hitting and moving. Both men land punches in close. Bit of a right hand from Smotherman. Knee from Sidey and Smotherman misses a right hand. They trade rights then Sidey trips Smotherman down but Smotherman bounces right back up. Body kick from Sidey. Smotherman with a body to head combination in close. Jabs from Sidey land. Both men miss left hooks. Smotherman misses a jumping knee and eats a jab. A jab from Sidey is the last punch that lands of the round.

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

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

No interview for Sidey.

Montel Jackson has a five fight winning streak going and if he can get that six here it would all but guarantee him a bigger named opponent his next time out instead of just defending his ranking. Daniel Marcos is undefeated including four UFC wins with only one blemish coming in the form of a No Contest, he’s looking to crack into the rankings with a win. Jackson is the favorite at -225 but that +185 on Marcos looks like a tempting little value bet.

Bantamweight Bout: #15 Montel Jackson (14-2, 136 lbs.) vs. Daniel Marcos (17-0 1 NC, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Jackson is three inches taller with a significant six and a half inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Jackson and they touch gloves to get us going. Both men show a few kicks while doing a bit of lead hand fighting. Inside leg kick from Jackson, then Marcos returns it. Bit of a right hand from Marcos. They clinch up and Jackson hits a nice foot sweep to get on top in full guard. Marcos kicks Jackson off then stands but Jackson punches and clinches up again. Jackson tries a single leg but Marcos is defending thus far. They break without incident. Marcos misses a right hand. Jab from Jackson. Marcos looks to pressure forward, he gets a clinch and then Jackson pushes him into the fence. They break without incident. Bit of a right from Marcos and they clinch again. Marcos with a few knees to the body but things are stalling a bit. Double leg from Marcos, Jackson quickly tries to use butterfly hooks and gets up but Marcos is on his back in the clinch. They break without incident then stare away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jackson

ROUND TWO: Inside leg kick from Jackson. One two from Jackson, then another one. Marcos falls short with a blitz attack but then hits a single leg into guard. Marcos passes towards side control, Jackson is able to get to his knees then stand and separate. Inside leg kick from Marcos then Jackson returns it. Another inside leg kick from Marcos. Inside leg kick from Jackson. Marcos lands another inside leg kick. Jumping body kick from Marcos. Bit of a left hand from Jackson. Marcos tries another single leg, that hits the fence though and stalls out. Knee from Marcos then he looks to level change but can’t find a takedown and they separate. Both men swing but don’t land then Marcos tries another single leg which hits the fence. Marcos looks to double leg but can’t quite secure the takedown. Jackson moves around behind Marcos on the fence. Still not much going on and that’s where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Marcos, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: A few jabs from both men but nothing really lands. Bit of a body kick from Marcos. Glancing right from Marcos then Jackson lands some counters. Jackson looks to open up as he’s got Marcos against the fence but he does settle for clinching. Elbow from Jackson on the break. Marcos bulls in close but gets clinched again. Double leg from Marcos as he’s got Jackson on the fence. Jackson rolls to his knees then stands after taking a couple of short punches. Marcos looks for another takedown but can’t find it before they break. Jackson avoids a combination. Marcos tries another single leg, they hit the fence again. Eventually Marcos slips to the back but nothing comes of it. Jackson gets free of the clinch and fires a knee. Inside leg kick from Marcos. Jackson avoids a spinning back fist and takes Marcos down into half guard. Marcos wrestles up and Jackson tries a standing d’arce then rolls with it to the mat. Jackson is after the choke but Marcos defends and spins to the back of Jackson as they stand. Marcos fires a few body shots then they break and the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Montel Jackson via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

I’m a little surprised at the 30-27 but round 2 was boring enough that I’m not up in arms over it. No interview for Jackson as that fight mostly sucked.

Santiago Ponzinibbio has been with the UFC since 2013 but he’s just 2-4 in his last six fights, he did get a win over Carlston Harris his last time out though and now looks for his first winning streak since 2018. Daniel Rodriguez just halted a three fight losing streak with a win over Alex Morono and now he’s looking for his first winning streak since 2022. Very close one here, -140 on Ponzinibbio to +120 for Rodriguez.

Welterweight Bout: Santiago Ponzinibbio (30-8, 170 lbs.) vs. Daniel Rodriguez (18-5, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rodriguez has an inch of height and reach over Ponzinibbio. Rodriguez comes out jabbing and southpaw. Ponzinibbio keeps moving around but neither man is landing too much of consequence yet. Rodriguez jabs the body a few more times. Inside leg kick from Ponzinibbio. Rodriguez is still working the jab to the body and head. Ponzinibbio fires a head kick that’s blocked. Bit of a left to the body from Rodriguez. Ponzinibbio lands a body kick then an inside leg kick. Both men miss punches in close. One two from Rodriguez. Ponzinibbio avoids a few punches. Body kick from Ponzinibbio then Rodriguez avoids a takedown attempt. Jab from Rodriguez. Ponzinibbio tries a takedown but Rodriguez defends then lands a front kick. Ponzinibbio slips on a kick then Rodriguez cracks him with a left hand. Rodriguez is after Ponzinibbio and lands punches but Ponzinibbio wont go down and they wind up clinched on the fence. Bit of an elbow from Rodriguez then Ponzinibbio pushes free. Another left from Rodriguez stumbles Ponzinibbio for a second. Rodriguez fires a head kick that’s blocked. A couple more lefts from Rodriguez land before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rodriguez

ROUND TWO: Rodriguez with some more jabs to start the round. Ponzinibbio with a one two. Rodriguez jabs the body then lands a left hand. Ponzinibbio lands a right hand. Left to the body from Rodriguez. A left from Rodriguez lands and gets Ponzinibbio backing up again. Ponzinibbio misses a few punches but he’s still in this. One two from Ponzinibbio but Rodriguez countered with a right hook that gets Ponzinibbio backing up and a little unsteady. Rodriguez lands a jab. Ponzinibbio falls short with a few punches. Rodriguez fights off a takedown attempt. That jab from Rodriguez is still working pretty well. Rodriguez avoids another takedown attempt. Front kick from Rodriguez. They trade punches. Bit of a right from Ponzinibbio. Rodriguez fights off another takedown attempt. Left hand from Rodriguez but he seems to be getting a little tired. Ponzinibbio tries another takedown, that hits the fence though and Rodriguez defends. Both men miss power hand punches. Body kick from Ponzinibbio, Rodriguez then lands a left to the body. Ponzinibbio tries another takedown, this time he’s able to finish it against the fence into full guard but there’s no time left and the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Ponzinibbio lands a right hand to start the round. Bit of a left from Rodriguez. Bit of a right hook from Rodriguez. Ponzinibbio lands a jab. Both men miss punches again. Combination from Rodrigues then he floors Ponzinibbio with a left hook and the ref jumps in. Ponzinibbio complains but can’t even stand to do so.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Daniel Rodriguez via TKO, punches, at 1:12 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Rodriguez for his work. Mic time for Rodriguez after that one, he is happy to finally get a finish and notes the rollercoaster he’s been on for the last six fights then puts over Ponzinibbio’s toughness. He talks a bit about mixing his camps for preparation then says he’d like to fight Jake Matthews before putting over his rap career. Well it’s nice to know he’s got a plan for after fighting.

Reiner de Ridder has a three fight winning streak going that includes being 2-0 in the UFC since coming to the promotion late last year. De Ridder is looking to defend his ranking and earn a shot at someone ranked above him next. Bo Nickal is undefeated including four UFC wins and he had a lot of hype when he debuted in the UFC given his extensive amateur wrestling pedigree, but a lackluster win over Paul Craig his last time out cooled that a bit. Nickal is trying to regain some hype, take out a ranked opponent, and start his push towards the top of the division. The odds really like Nickal at -345 to a +275 comeback for de Ridder.

Middleweight Bout: #13 Reinier de Ridder (19-2, 185.5 lbs.) vs. Bo Nickal (7-0, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: De Ridder is three inches taller with two inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for both men. De Ridder comes out jabbing mostly. Nickal misses a left hand and they clinch up. Both men land punches to the body in the clinch as they jockey for position. Elbow from Nickal as they break. De Ridder avoids a punch, tries a takedown but that’s not happening and they just clinch up again. They trade knees for a bit while de Ridder half looks for trips or throws. A few short punches from Nickal but de Ridder lands a solid knee to the body that I don’t think Nickal liked. They keep up the clinch fighting for a bit then Nickal hits a nice ankle pick to finish a whizzer kick and he gets on top in the butterfly guard of de Ridder. Closed guard for de Ridder now as he tries an armbar, Nickal tries for a guillotine which was a weird decision and de Ridder gets on top in side control. Nickal catches half guard. De Ridder starts working to pass and sneaks in a few punches along the way but can’t pass yet. Now de Ridder gets to side control, Nickal moves to turtle and de Ridder gets the ride then the back as they stand. They wrestle up and down but remain in the clinch then de Ridder lands an elbow as they break and that’ll basically end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 de Ridder but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Calf kick from Nickal. De Ridder keeps up the forward pressure. They both swing punches in close before clinching up. Knee from de Ridder then some punches, his clinch striking is just a little better than Nickal’s thus far. A few more knees go back and forth then Nickal with a go behind to get the back standing but de Ridder turns into him quickly and lands more knees before they break. Bit of a one two from Nickal. De Ridder gets another clinch and lands knees, Nickal is hurt to the body and de Ridder folds him with a knee to the body that ends things.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Reiner de Ridder via TKO, knees, at 1:53 of Round 2

Interview for de Ridder after that big win, he talks about working very hard on his kickboxing and reminding everyone he’s Dutch. He talks us through some highlights and the body work broke down Nickal and how Nickal was fading so he kept up the attack. Asked about the future he now wants the best American striker we have, and names Sean Strickland. That’s not a title I’d give to Strickland but that’s not an unreasonable call out.

Cory Sandhagen has gone 10-4 in the UFC with his only losses coming to Aljamain Sterling, Petr Yan, Umar Nurmagomedov, and a highly disputed split decision to TJ Dillashaw that I thought he won. Sandhagen is coming off of that loss to Nurmagomedov though and if he’s ever going to make a run to the title level he needs a win here. Deiveson Figueiredo is a former two time flyweight champion and has gone 3-1 since moving up to bantamweight in 2023, he is coming off of a loss to Petr Yan though and if he ever wants to make a play for the title he cannot afford a loss here. Sandhagen is a very heavy favorite at -485 to a +370 comeback on Figueiredo.

Bantamweight Bout: #4 Cory Sandhagen (17-5, 135.5 lbs.) vs. #5 Deiveson Figueiredo (24-4-1, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Sandhagen is a significant six inches taller with two inches of reach advantage. Both men open orthodox but Sandhagen will switch as he feels like it. Both men do some feinting as they move around. Calf kick from Figueiredo. Sandhagen gets a clinch to the fence and lands some shoulder strikes. Body shots from Sandhagen then Figueiredo lands an uppercut as they break. Sandhagen with some jabs as they move around. Both men have started switching stances now. Leg kick from Sandhagen. Figueiredo seems to want closed stances and is always switching with Sandhagen. Uppercut from Sandhagen then Figueiredo hits a takedown. They wrestle around and Sandhagen gets on top when it’s all said and done. Hammer fists from Sandhagen, Figueiredo tries to go for a leg lock but there’s nothing really there yet. More punches and hammer fists from Sandhagen. Elbows now from Sandhagen, Figueiredo tries the heel hook but he doesn’t have the knee line secured so Sandhagen keeps hitting him. Figueiredo comes around and looks to get on top as they scramble but Sandhagen smothers him and keeps firing blows. Figueiredo half switches towards a kneebar but can’t find it and Sandhagen resumes punching him. Punches to the body from Sandhagen as he’s standing over Figueiredo. Sandhagen goes down into half guard and lands elbows and punches to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Sandhagen

ROUND TWO: Sandhagen comes out jabbing again. Figueiredo gets a back body lock and misses a head kick as they break it. Sandhagen is moving well but he’s a lot more disciplined about it in this fight. Leg kick from Sandhagen but Figueiredo lands a counter right. Uppercut from Sandhagen, Figueiredo then hits a single leg to get on top. Sandhagen goes for a leg lock then sweeps to get on top but Figueiredo kicks him off and they reset on the feet. Immediate pressure from Sandhagen and he lands a leg kick. Takedown from Sandhagen and he gets back to dropping punches and elbows from top position. Sandhagen passes to half guard and stays pretty active with his offensive output. An elbow from Sandhagen cuts Figueiredo but it’s not bad. More punches from Sandhagen land. Figueiredo looks for a leg entanglement then Sandhagen tries his own leg attack and it looks like he hits the inside heel hook but Figueiredo doesn’t tap. Sandhagen gets on top and fires some hammer fists but something’s wrong with Figueiredo’s leg and the ref jumps in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Cory Sandhagen via Submission, strikes and knee injury, at 4:08 of Round 2

Mic time for Sandhagen after that one, he says this happens when you play 50/50 guard and if you don’t know it your knee pops and he mentions that happened to TJ Dillashaw against him as well. He says he’s going to be champion soon and is focused on improving then puts over Figueiredo as a legend. He feels his style is great everywhere and he wants the winner of O’Malley vs. Merab. Decent chance he gets that depending on how that fight goes.

On that note UFC on ESPN 67 comes to a close. Thank you for reading, be that live or after the fact. We’ll be unpacking the fallout from this event on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast tomorrow, plus looking ahead to UFC 315 next week. I’ll be back here for that event and I hope you will as well. But until that time thanks again for reading, stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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