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December 7, 2019 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC on ESPN 7

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MAIN CARD (ESPN, 9 p.m. ET)
#6 Alistair Overeem (248 lbs.) vs. #14 Jairzinho Rozenstruik (250.5 lbs.)
#10 Cynthia Calvillo (120.5 lbs.)* vs. #9 Marina Rodriguez (115.5 lbs.)
Ben Rothwell (265.2 lbs.) vs. Stefan Struve (265.3 lbs.)
#7 Yana Kunitskaya (135.1 lbs.) vs. #5 Aspen Ladd (136 lbs.)
#9 Cody Stamann (135.2 lbs.) vs. #13 Song Yadong (135.2 lbs.)
#10 Rob Font (135.1 lbs.) vs. Ricky Simon (135.2 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN, 7 p.m. ET)
Thiago Alves (171 lbs.) vs. Tim Means (171 lbs.)
Jacob Kilburn (145.3 lbs.) vs. Billy Quarantillo (145.2 lbs.)
Bryce Mitchell (145.2 lbs.) vs. Matt Sayles (148.5 lbs.)*
Joe Solecki (155.6 lbs.) vs. Matt Wiman (155.3 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET)
Virna Jandiroba (115 lbs.) vs. Mallory Martin (115.5 lbs.)
Makhmud Muradov (185.3 lbs.) vs. Trevor Smith (185.5 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN 7. I’m Robert Winfree, still here after the break and ready to relay all of the action about to take place. The UFC is back on ESPN for this event, and in Washington DC for the first time since 2011 when Demetrious Johnson challenged Dominick Cruz for the UFC bantamweight title. I remember that fight, man I’m old. Feel free to check out the latest 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast while waiting between fights or what have you.

This card has been shaken up a fair bit over the last several weeks, but in all honesty it’s a pretty solid event on paper. The main event was to be Alistair Overeem taking on Walt Harris, Harris withdrew after his step daughter went missing and was recently found murdered (we here at 411mania express our condolences to Harris and his family in the wake of that horrific event) and stepping in is Jairzinho Rozenstruik. Rozenstruik is poised to have one of the better rookie years, he debuted early this year for the UFC and has gone 3-0 since then, if he can cap that off by taking out Overeem the heavyweight division could have a brand new contender for 2020. Also on this card Cynthia Calvillo is back, and missed weight badly for her fight with late notice replacement Marina Rodriguez. Stefan Struve and Ben Rothwell will fight in a bout that would have been more compelling seven or eight years ago, but such is the nature of the heavyweight division I guess. In better news bantamweights are fighting, Rob Font battles Ricky Simon and Cody Stamann tries to defend his top ten spot against surging talent Song Yadong.

Even the prelims have a couple of decent fights, Thiago Alves and Tim Means is almost guaranteed violence, plus I’ve kind of got my eye on Makmud Muradov vs. Trevor Smith as a sleeper interesting bout. Now let’s all just hope it plays out as good in practice as it does on paper.

UFC on ESPN 7 comes to the world from Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, USA. On commentary we have Jon Anik, Paul Felder and Daniel Cormier with Megan Olivi doing “sideline” reporting. As for the rules we’re under the older rules set, so anything other than the soles of your feet on the mat means you’re downed and the scoring language is less specific and inferior from where I sit. We will have the limited use of instant replay for fight ending sequences though if so desired.

Makhmud Muradov is riding an impressive twelve fight winning streak that includes a successful UFC debut earlier this year, he’s looking to keep that momentum going and score another win over a UFC veteran. Trevor Smith has a UFC record of 5-6, is just 1-3 in his last four fights and is on a two fight losing streak. Smith is in a must win situation here just to get his UFC record to the .500 mark. Muradov is a whopping -450 favorite to a +325 comeback on Smith.

Middleweight Bout: Makhmud Muradov (23-6, 185.3 lbs.) vs. Trevor Smith (15-9, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Smith is an inch taller, Muradov has half an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Muradov circling early, and getting his feints going. Jabs from Muradov, and a few stance switches as well now. Smith is trying to crowd Muradov towards the fence but he’s being good about keeping his back off of the cage. Jab from Muradov lands to the body, Smith hit a kick to the groin so we’ve got time while Muradov recovers. Replay confirms the foul, that was a pretty gnarly one. Muradov can continue and we’re back to fighting. Counter right from Muradov wobbles Smith for a second. Muradov is landing fairly consistently, Smith lands a leg kick but he’s getting jabbed up. Smith has started biting on Muradov’s fakes, not a good sign this early. Leg kick from Smith to try and punish the jab of Muradov. Muradov lands a left from southpaw, he really seems to be flowing. Left to the chest then a right to the side of the head for Muradov. Muradov lands a body kick. Both men land rights in close, but Smith’s technique is lacking compared to Muradov. A couple of more body shots land for Muradov then a right to the head. Muradov misses a flying knee, then lands a jumping head kick to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Muradov, would be 10-8 under the new rules

ROUND TWO: Smith’s left eye is discolored from all the jabs he’s eaten as the second round begins. Muradov back to jabbing and moving, his awareness of where he is in the cage is impressive. More jabs from Muradov land, then a right to the body. Muradov lands an overhand right. Smith lands an overhand right of his own. Smith blocks a head kick. Muradov avoids a looping right and lands a counter. Bit of a right from Muradov. Smith misses a couple of punches but he’s starting to close the distance a bit more now. Muradov circles and re-establishes the jab and distance that he wants to fight at. Smith forces a brief clinch, Muradov gets free and lands a right. Hard right to the body from Mruadov, then another. Smith is a little hurt to the body, Muradov is starting to target it. Smith gets a clinch, Muradov is able to get free and lands to the body again. Muradov catches a kick and lands a right that drops Smith, he gets the back and nearly has the choke locked up but the end of the round will save Smith.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Muradov after that near finish, 20-17 Muradov overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Muradov still jabbing and moving, Smith tries to lunge forward and force a brawl but Muradov slips free and makes things technical again. Smith is stalking forward to his credit, Muradov lands another right to the body. Muradov with more jabs to the body. The “woo’s” start, well we almost got through a full fight before they showed up. Muradov’s left hand is dictating the pace and distance of this fight and Smith has no reliable answer to it. One of Smith’s winging rights caused some swelling around the left eye of Muradov. Muradov cracks Smith with a couple of rights then a jumping left high kick. Another right from Muradov, Smith is a tad unsteady. Jabs from Muradov are still landing, he’s setting something up. Muradov lands a left uppercut. Smith is pushing forward again, and walks into a right to the body. Body kick from Smith lands. And there it is, Muradov with a right to the body, left hook to the head, then a knockout right to the chin that face plants Smith.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Makhmud Muradov via KO, punches, at 4:09 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Muradov for his work this evening. Mic time for Muradov, that is his 6th win this year overall and second in the UFC, he dedicates the win to his coaches and is happy to be here as well as hopeful for a post fight bonus. He talks us through the finish, and jokes that it was a good highlight before noting he works on that kind of combination all the time. He mentions both of his UFC fights have been on short notice and would like a full camp next to show what he’s really capable of.

Take a look at this, and watch the bit of yellow that flies across your screen as it’s Smith’s mouthpiece. Muradov had been hitting that right to the body fairly consistently, this time he follows it up as Smith misses a counter left while leaving his chin open and Muradov turns out the lights.

Virna Jandiroba suffered her first professional loss in her UFC debut when she lost to Carla Esparza, she’s trying to bounce back from that and get her first UFC win. Mallory Martin took this fight on short notice after two other opponents fell out for Jandiroba, but she’s on a five fight winning streak and is hoping to make a good impression in her UFC debut. Jandiroba is your favorite at -280 to a +240 comeback on Martin.

Strawweight Bout: Virna Jandiroba (14-1, 115 lbs.) vs. Mallory Martin (6-2, 115.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Martin is an inch taller while Jandiroba has an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Martin is pushing forward early. Blitz from Martin is mostly blocked, Jandiroba gets a double leg but Martin has a potential guillotine. Martin is really selling out for this choke but her grip isn’t great yet. Jandiroba is in half guard but on the dangerous side, she’s able to strip the grip and get her head free. Martin is still chasing the head of Jandiroba, who gets full mount while Martin is holding her head. Jandiroba breaks the grip and is now locking up an arm triangle, she moves to side control to finish the choke and looks to have it locked up. Martin is trying to roll over her head and release pressure, she does so and then scrambles back to her feet and they break. Double jab then a right from Martin land. They clinch up, Martin lands a knee to the body as they hit the fence. Jandiroba tries a trip, she can’t finish it though and they’re still clinched. Both women land some knees to the body then they break with a left from Martin. Martin lands another left, Jandiroba gets a double leg but again nearly gets guillotined. Jandiroba is rather relaxed in the choke, she strips the choke away and ends the round in half guard landing some short blows.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jandiroba

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Martin is looking to pressure early. Double leg from Jandiroba and she lands in side control, then gets the back in a scramble with both hooks in. Jandiroba is after the choke, she adjusts her grip a few times and eventually Martin has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Virna Jandiroba via Submission, rear naked choke, at 1:16 of Round 2

Superior grappling all around from Jandiroba. Jandiroba on the mic now, she thanks the crowd and fans and feels this fight was for herself in the future to look back on. She talks us through the finishing sequence and thanks Martin for taking the fight on such short notice.

Some nice grip adjustments from Jandiroba here, she nearly gets her choke removed but adjusts and adjusts until Martin finally has to tap.

Minor programming note, since there’s a college bowl game running long on ESPN the rest of the prelims will start on ESPNews then move over once that game is done.

Joe Solecki brings a three fight winning streak, including a win on The Contender Series, into his UFC debut. Solecki has a chance to score a win over a UFC veteran and get his UFC career started on the right foot. Matt Wiman just ended a four and a half year hiatus by getting smashed by Luis Pena in June of this year, he’s trying to recover and get his first UFC win since 2014. The odds are with Solecki at -350 to a +275 comeback on Wiman.

Lightweight Bout: Joe Solecki (8-2, 155.6 lbs.) vs. Matt Wiman (16-8, 155.3 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Wiman is an inch taller but Solecki has two and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Wiman is standing very square on to Solecki early. Solecki backs Wiman up, eats a leg kick and gets a double leg into his guard. Wiman closes his guard and looks to control posture. Solecki is working short punches and elbows while fighting to get his posture. Wiman tries to stand up, Solecki passes to half guard. A few lefts land for Solecki as he moves Wiman away from the fence. Wiman fights to get his guard back, Solecki keeps punching him while he does. Solecki back to half guard and lands a few more punches. Punches from Solecki then he gets the back and unloads with punches. Wiman tries to move, Solecki goes to a body triangle as he’s looking to lock up the choke. Wiman shrimps to half guard but Solecki stays on his hip and lands punches while getting the full back mount position. Solecki continues unloading as Wiman keeps moving around hoping to keep the fight alive. Wiman is going to survive and see the end of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Solecki

ROUND TWO: Wiman swings a couple of punches but there’s not much there. Solecki lands a couple of punches and gets a double leg into full guard. Wiman closes his guard again and looks to stall things out. Solecki lands body shots and a few short blows to the head. Elbow lands for Solecki. Wiman is being more control oriented thus far, Solecki stands in the guard and lands some punches but Wiman wont open his guard. Solecki swings more punches that mostly land. Wiman doesn’t want to open his guard and get passed but is getting beat up here because he’s not doing anything but try to stall. The ref stands them up after Wiman really locked up his poster for a period of time. Bit of a left from Solecki, Wiman is standing very flat trying to entice a brawl. Solecki lands a leg kick. Bit of a blitz attack from Wiman, Solecki gets another takedown off of it though. Wiman is selling out for a guillotine attack but there’s not really anything there in terms of finishing potentila but that will stall out the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Wiman still standing flat and square. Solecki punches into a clinch, and gets a double leg as Wiman tries to wrap up his head. Solecki is technically in half guard and looking to pass. Wiman fights to get towards full guard but Solecki is looking to handcuff one of Wiman’s hands. Solecki lands some lefts to the head. Elbow from Solecki, he’s really working Wiman over. Solecki passes to side control and lands more offense. Knees to the body from Solecki, and he gets the back with one hook in. Hammer fists and body shots from Solecki then he gets the second hook in and starts looking for the choke. Wiman gets one of the hooks out but can’t get much going besides that. Solecki gets the hook back in and lands more punches. Wiman is able to reverse into the guard of Solecki basically as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Solecki, 30-25 Solecki overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Joe Solecki via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26 x2)

At no point did that fight look all that competitive. Solecki mentions that Wiman was trash talking all fight, and he returned it noting that he’s from New Jersey and can do that if called on to do so. He talks us through some highlights, mentions knowing that finishing Wiman would be a tough ask then puts over his coaches for getting him ready.

Bryce Mitchell is undefeated with two wins in the UFC, he’s hoping to remain perfect and prove himself a genuine prospect in a talent rich division. Matt Sayles missed weight for this fight, never a good thing, and has gone 1-1 in the UFC thus far. Sayles is hoping a win will smooth over his weight gaff and secure himself a bigger opportunity going forward. Sayles is a slight -125 favorite while Mitchell’s comeback sits at -105.

Featherweight Bout: Bryce Mitchell (11-0, 145.2 lbs.) vs. Matt Sayles (8-2, 148.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Mitchell is three inches taller and has an inch and a half of reach over Sayles. Southpaw for Mitchell, he lands a side kick to the body. Sayles misses a right, Mitchell gets a takedown and moves to side control very quickly. Half guard for Sayles now but Mitchell is controlling him. Mitchell looks to pass straight into full mount, he’s got it and lands an elbow. Sayles gets half guard again, Mitchell moves to full mount again. Mitchell is trying to set up a safe submission attempt, Sayles is denying that but eating short blows along the way. Mitchell transitions towards the back, nearly loses it and decides to get full mount again instead. Sayles escapes to his knees, Mitchell gets one hook in from the ride position then gets the second hook. Body triangle for Mitchell, he loses it as Sayles keeps moving and Mitchell is after a twister. Mitchell gets under the arm, wraps the head and gets the twister which forces Sayles to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Bryce Mitchell via Submission, twister, at 4:20 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Mitchell for his work this evening. Mic time for Mitchell, he thanks God first and foremost then his support system and jokes again about Reebok getting him camo shorts. To close he says if Donald Trump needs help whipping some politician he’ll happily do it for free.

Late Submission of the Year candidate turned in here, just the second twister in UFC history.

Jacob Kilburn is making his UFC debut on the back of a two fight winning streak, and he’s hoping to capitalize by making a good first impression to the UFC audience. Billy Quarantillo is also making his UFC debut, he brings a five fight winning streak that includes a win on the Contender Series, and is likewise trying to leave a good impression on the wider UFC fan base. Quarantillo is your -330 favorite while Kilburn’s comeback sits at +270.

Featherweight Bout: Jacob Kilburn (8-2, 145.3 lbs.) vs. Billy Quarantillo (12-2, 145.2 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Quarantillo is an inch taller while Kilburn has two inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Quarantillo lands a leg kick. They tie up and trade body work before hitting the fence. Both men jockey for position, Quarantillo gets a front choke sequence and switches to an anaconda choke, rolls through with it but Kilburn is able to break the grip though he gives up mount to do so. Body shots from Quarantillo as he works to posture up. Quarantillo lands some rights to the head, he’s flowing all over Kilburn and is starting to abuse him with offense. More punches and elbows from Quarantillo as he lockes up a body triangle, then moves to full mount as Kilburn tries to get some motion going. Kilburn is just trying to survive, Quarantillo is unloading on him and is after the choke now. One arm is under the chin form Quarantillo, he gets the other free and locks up the choke but Kilburn breaks his grip before having to tap. Quarantillo lands offense, goes for the choke again but can’t get under the chin this time. Quarantillo moves to full mount, Kilburn gets full guard but still gets punched repeatedly as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Quarantillo

ROUND TWO: They tie up almost immediately and Kilburn winds up basically pulling guard. Quarantillo moves to side control almost immediately and looks to unload again. Quarantillo is after the mounted crucifix, gets it and is looking to set up an arm attack, winds up in 3/4 mount and lands elbows that open up Kilburn. Full mount again, Quarantillo unloads with punches. Kilburn gets half guard but gives up an arm triangle along the way and Quarantillo is after it. Quarantillo uses the choke treat to pass and get the back again, he keeps throwing and mostly landing as he flows all over Kilburn’s attempts at escapes. From back mount Quarantillo lands punches while looking to set up another choke. Armbar now from Quarantillo, switches to a triangle choke and lands elbows while locking it up and Kilburn mercifully has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Billy Quarantillo via Submission, triangle choke, at 3:18 of Round 2

That was a total wipe out from start to finish. Mic time for Quarantillo, who’s also awarded his jiu-jitsu black belt in the cage. He says he was hoping for the belt next week but between this and tomorrow being his birthday this is one of the best weeks of his life. He puts over Kilburn’s defense and talks us through the finishing sequence. To close he mentions working for this moment for ten years and he’s got even more goals now, as well as believing he put the division on notice.

Pretty solid technique here, Quarantillo just ran over Kilburn all fight.

Thiago Alves might be a veteran of the sport and the UFC and a former title challenger, but he’s just 1-3 in his last four fights and that win was a controversial decision in his hometown. Alves is coming off of a loss and could be fighting for his spot on the roster here. Tim Means is also 1-3 in his last four fights and coming off of a loss, plus he could be fighting for his spot on the roster as well. On the plus side for the fans, both men are known for engaging fights high on violence. Means is the favorite at -250 while an Alves win would pay out at +200.

Welterweight Bout: Thiago Alves (23-14, 171 lbs.) vs. Tim Means (28-11-1 1 NC, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Means has five inches of height and reach on Alves. Southpaw for Means, they touch gloves to get things going. Alves walks into a right then lands a leg kick. Body kick from Alves, Means punches into a takedown attempt but Alves defends and they break. Means fires a body kick, Alves lands a couple of counter punches. They clinch again, Means lands an elbow before they break. Means lands a left to the body, Alves lands a right. Another left to the body from Means. Alves lands another body kick, Means shoots into the cage with a clinch. Means lands a spinning elbow on the break then a couple of body shots. Left from Means drops Alves, he swarms him on the mat as Alves tries to keep moving but is just covering up and Means winds up grabbing a guillotine choke that gets the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Tim Means via Submission, guillotine choke, at 2:38 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Means for his work this evening. Means on the mic now, he talks about the injury he had to overcome to get here and says he should be on the upcoming New Mexico card. He talks about needing to mix up his skills going forward, puts over his coaches and reiterates that he comes to fight every time whether you cheer or boo him.

The low line side kick followed by a straight left from Means to drop Alves is nice, then he mixes strikes with the fight ending submission attempt and the mixing of threats is what helps secure the finish.

That will wrap up preliminary action but we’ll still be on ESPN for the main card.

Rob Font has gone 3-2 in his last five fights and has traded wins and losses during that time, but he’s coming off of a big win over Sergio Pettis and is hoping to get his first winning streak since 2017 up and running while moving towards the top of the division. Ricky Simon just suffered his first UFC loss, he’s hoping to bounce back and avoid his first ever losing streak. The odds are with Font and at -140 to Simon’s +110.

Bantamweight Bout: #10 Rob Font (16-4, 135.1 lbs.) vs. Ricky Simon (15-2, 135.2 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Font is two inches taller and has two and a half inches of reach on Simon. Font pressures forward early, he’s got Simon along the fence and lands a right. Simon misses a punch and Font hits a double leg, Simon wall walks but eats a knee and they fight in the clinch. Uppercut from Font. Simon tries a takedown now but Font sprawls away then Simon lands a right. Leg kick from Simon lands. Font is trying to get his jab working, Simon lands a left to the body. Simon lands a left that wobbles Font along the fence and looks to maul him along the cage. There’s the double leg from Simon, he unloads with knees as Font stands back up and looks for a guillotine. Font is able to force some separation and gets back to work. A combination from Font lands flush, but he doesn’t really follow up. Font tries a spinning elbow and Simon gets him down. Some ground and pound from Simon, Font wall walks and they wind up staring away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Simon

ROUND TWO: Font with forward pressure again, Simon after a double leg but can’t get it. The straight punching of Font is getting to Simon constantly, especially his jab so far. Solid left hook from Font, and he defends the double leg attempt. Font lands a combination, Simon hits a double leg but has to escape a guillotine attempt and gives up the position. Another right lands for Font. Simon is struggling badly this round. Font lands another right and digs the body in close. Simon after a double leg, he gets it along the fence and Font is able to wall walk back up. A final blitz attack from Font closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Font, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Font is back to jabbing and keeping distance. Simon tries to tie up, lands a knee but eats a couple of punches. Font avoids a takedown attempt and lands a few more punches. Solid three punch combination from Font. Simon with a knee to the body and an elbow off of a clinch. Body shot from Font, Simon gets a single leg high slam into side control but he can’t keep him down and Font is back up. Font back to jabbing and moving, Simon’s head is straight up for the hitting and Font is lighting him up. Knee from Font after he blocked a takedown. More jabs from Font then a knee and Simon circles away. Simon misses a couple more hooks and eats another counter as the clock runs down.

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

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

Apologies guys, my feed died and I missed Font’s post fight speech. Good fight all around though.

Cody Stamann has gone 4-1 in the UFC and is coming off of a win over Alejandro Perez, he’s trying to build his second UFC winning streak and possibly earn another crack at the top of the division. Song Yadong is on a seven fight winning streak including being 4-0 in the UFC, he’s hoping to take out a fighter ranked ahead of him and move towards title contention. Song is the -190 favorite to a +160 comeback on Stamann.

Bantamweight Bout: #9 Cody Stamann (18-2, 135.2 lbs.) vs. #13 Song Yadong (14-3 2 NC, 135.2 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Song is two inches taller and has two and a half inches of reach advantage. Stamann is pressing forward early, both men circling. Song lands some punches, his hand speed is still impressive. Song avoids a rush then misses a wheel kick. Stamann lands a double leg along the fence. Song has a front head lock he’s using to try and get up, and he lands an illegal knee to the face while Stamann had a knee down. That was a bad one, and is going to cost Song a point. Yeah, there’s the deduction and we’re back to fighting. Song is pressing forward now, he needs to win the round just to be even. Both men still kind of flitting with their hands, Stamann is after a single leg but Song defends as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Stamann after the point deduction

ROUND TWO: Song misses an overhand to start the round. bit of a right from Song then a body kick. Stamann is getting pushed to the fence, he tries a double leg but Song sprawls on him. Song lands a body kick and a jab. Hard leg kick from Song. Song blitzes close but Stamann covers up for most of it. Double leg from Stamann hits the fence. Elbow from Song on the break. Stamann gets a single leg then a go behind, Song fights to his feet rather quickly. Stamann gets a go behind and a mat return to side control, Song gets half guard but he’s struggling to get up. There’s a sweep from Song into the guard of Stamann. Stamann now looking to get up as Song looks to pass, elbows from Song bring the round to a close.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Song, 19-18 Stamann overall

ROUND THREE: Both men probing at distance in the beginning, Stamann gets a takedown though. Stamann into the ride position, now a really awkward half guard. Song looks to stand, Stamann rides him down again and gets half guard. Some punches and hammer fists from Stamann, Song is really kind of stuck here. Stamann into full mount, now back mount as Song tries to move. Full mount again, Stamann hammers away as Song tires to move, he ends the round on top slamming hammer fists to Song.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Stamann, 29-27 Stamann overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: DRAW, Majority – (29-27, 28-28 x2)

I’m not happy about it but I can see it, Stamann closed strong but wasn’t definitive enough in the first or second to completely avoid that kind of outcome. No interview.

Aspen Ladd just suffered the first loss of her career when she was smashed by Germaine de Randamie in just sixteen seconds, Ladd is hoping to rebound from that setback and build herself back into title contention. Yana Kunitskaya has gone 2-1 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak, but beating the highly touted Ladd would be the biggest win of her career and could propel her towards the top of the division. Ladd is a -160 favorite to a +130 comeback on Kunitskaya.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: #7 Yana Kunitskaya (12-4 1 NC, 135.1 lbs.) vs. #5 Aspen Ladd (8-1, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Kunitskaya has two and a half inches of reach advantage. They come out and punch into the clinch rather quickly. Kunitskaya has Ladd on the fence and is working knees to the body and thigh. Ladd tries a reversal but Kunitskaya is keeping her on the cage. Kunitskaya grabs the fence to keep her there and the ref breaks them. Both ladies throw punches and then we clinch again on the cage. Kunitskaya with more knees to the body along the fence. More knees from Kunitskaya, Ladd is pummeling now. Ladd hits a body lock takedown into half guard. Kunitskaya is controlling posture but Ladd is looking to set up a pass into full mount. Ladd lands an elbow, and moves to the back where she starts teeing off but wont get a finish before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ladd

ROUND TWO: They trade at distance early this round. Kunitskaya is punching and kicking in and out, while Ladd is kind of pushing with her left. Ladd tries a double leg, that stalls out on the fence and we’re clinched again. Kunitskaya with more knees to the body. More knees from Kunitskaya, and a few elbows for good measure before they break. At distance Ladd misses a couple of lefts while looking to march Kunitskaya down. Another takedown attempt from Ladd, this one works and she’s in the guard of Kunitskaya. Ladd is struggling to get her posture and the round will end with them trading some elbows.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kunitskaya, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Ladd comes out and drops Kunitskaya with a left hook. Ladd is all over Kunitskaya on the ground, looking to pass the legs, she gets the back with both hooks in and proceeds to just unload with punches while screaming until the ref stops it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Aspen Ladd via TKO, punches, at :33 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Ms. Ladd for her work this evening. Ladd gets an interview, she mentions needing to get going in the final round and is happy to be winning again. She talks us through the finish, and hopes for another top level fighter next.

Here’s the finish, well most of it anyway. Ladd comes out, shows the right and as Kunitskaya circles with her hands down and her chin up she cracks her with a left hook. From there is just about getting the back and then landing enough unanswered shots to warrant the stoppage.

Stefan Struve just broke a three fight losing streak, he’s been with the UFC since 2009 and is just kind of hanging around at this point. If Struve wants to prove he’s still worth a roster spot he really can’t afford another loss here. Ben Rothwell is on a three fight losing streak and needs a win badly if he wants to salvage his career in the UFC. Rothwell is a slight -140 favorite to Struve’s +110.

Heavyweight Bout: Ben Rothwell (36-12, 265.2 lbs.) vs. Stefan Struve (29-11, 265.3 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Struve is eight inches taller and has six inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Struve lands a leg kick. Both men kind of switch stances, and paw a bit at each other. Struve avoids a few hooks. Leg kick from Struve, and another one. Rothwell checks a leg kick, eats a body kick and forces a clinch. They jockey for position a bit, Struve is struggling to get free but Rothwell is struggling to get much going from his control position. They break and Struve lands a bit of a head kick, Rothwell tries an inside leg kick that hits Struve squarely in the crotch and we’ve got time. Struve is flat on the mat in apparent agony. Man, Struve is still down as the doctor comes in to check on him. Struve is in serious pain, he’s going to take the majority of the five minutes but he is able to continue. They touch gloves and Rothwell apologizes. Rothwell catches a few kicks and pushes Struve to the fence then punches him a few times. They break and Struve misses a head kick. More kicks from Struve that Rothwell punches him to counter. Rothwell punches to counter a kick and gets a clinch as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Struve

ROUND TWO: Rothwell is looking to stalk forward, he eats a knee as he punches him. They break the clinch, Rothwell takes a shot to the groin now but basically waves it off. Struve lands a couple of uppercuts, and eats an overhand right. Rothwell pushes into a clinch, he looks to change levels but Struve blocks that. They trade uppercuts in close before Struve breaks free. Leg kick from Struve, Rothwell still coming forward. Struve still kicking, Rothwell kicks him back and clinches up. They break with uppercuts. Struve still trying to kick, and Rothwell kicks Struve in the groin yet again. Replay confirms the groin shot, and if Struve can continue I’ll be shocked. They are taking a point from Rothwell this time. Struve can in fact continue, and God bless him and his lost children. Rothwell bulls forward and starts unloading in the clinch, he wants a finish after that point deduction. Struve tries to tie up but gives up the double collar tie, Rothwell is full on bear mode. Struve gets free but Rothwell keeps stalking him, checks a leg kick and proceeds to hammer Struve along the fence until he collapses and the ref halts the action.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ben Rothwell via TKO, punches, at 4:57 of Round 2

Ugly, and not engaging. Rothwell thanks the crowd for cheering, he says he wont be happy because he’s been doing this for twenty years and isn’t happy about how that happened and puts over Struve for continuing to fight after the hard groin kicks. He mentions that losing the point motivated him, he then thanks the crowd again.

Marina Rodriguez took this fight on short notice replacing Claudia Gadelha, Rodriguez has gone 2-0-1 in the UFC and could get the biggest win of her career by taking out the highly touted Calvillo. Cynthia Calvillo missed weight badly for this fight, her second such incident in her last three fights. Calvillo has won her last two fights but now needs a win to try and move beyond the weight issue, or to possibly move up to flyweight officially, but combining a loss with missing weight can be a career altering chain of events. The odds are with Rodriguez at -130 to an even -100 on Calvillo.

Strawweight Bout: #10 Cynthia Calvillo (8-1, 120.5 lbs.) vs. #9 Marina Rodriguez (12-0-1, 115.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rodriguez is two inches taller and has an inch of reach advantage. A lot of circling and Rodriguez landing punches. More punches from Rodriguez, Calvillo landing leg kicks and circling. That goes on a for a while, and Calvillo gets a takedown but can’t do much with it. Wait, my feed stuttered there? I missed like, two minutes somewhere, my apologies. Rodriguez with some punches and knees as they break a clinch. Calvillo avoids a spinning back fist. Right lands for Rodriguez, Calvillo gets a takedown, nearly into mount and lands punches. Rodriguez defends as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Calvillo but Rodriguez had moments

ROUND TWO: Circling to start the round, Rodriguez looking to keep this long. Calvillo misses a kick and gets punched three or four times for it. More circling from Calvillo, both women feinting now. They trade rights then Rodriguez lands a knee to the body. Another knee lands for Rodriguez, those have been a good weapon for her thus far. Rodriguez lands a right. Front kick from Rodriguez, Calvillo really doesn’t have much at range. Spinning back kick from Rodriguez. Rodriguez grabs a clinch and lands a knee to the body then an elbow. More offense from Rodriguez, she’s kind of picking Calvillo apart this round. Calvillo eats a knee, gets a clinch, and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rodriguez, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Calvillo comes out kicking, but mostly missing. Rodriguez with some thrust kicks to the thigh. Calvillo gets a takedown into half guard. Calvillo is really high on the chest of Rodriguez, and she’s landing elbows now. There’s a possible kimura attempt, Calvillo bails to land elbows to the body and head. Now Calvillo has the back with a body triangle locked in. Calvillo postures up and is landing punches consistently now, Rodriguez needs an answer to this position because she’s getting battered. More punches from Calvillo, Rodriguez is doing enough to keep this going but she’s getting pummeled. Full mount for Calvillo and she lands more punches but Rodriguez is coming up on a single leg, and she’s back on her feet. They’re clinched up, then break. Calvillo is just circling away the final seconds hoping she won the first round and will take this on the score cards. Rodriguez is chasing her, lands a few knees then a head kick as time expires.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Calvillo, 29-28 Calvillo overall but this comes down to the first round

OFFICIAL RESULT: DRAW Majority, (29-28, 28-28 x2)

No real issues with Calvillo getting 10-8 in the third, or the draw overall. No interview for either woman.

Alistair Overeem is one of the premier heavyweights of his generation, winning several accolades but failing to capture the UFC heavyweight title. Overeem is 2-2 in his last four and on a two fight winning streak, a win here could set him up for another shot at the title. Jairzinho Rozenstruik is undefeated and has a heck of a year shaping up, he debuted for the UFC this year and has gone 3-0 since then. Rozenstruick could score the biggest win of his career and set himself up for an even bigger 2020 if he takes out Overeem. Rozenstruik closed as a -125 favorite to Overeem’s -105.

Heavyweight Bout: #6 Alistair Overeem (45-17 1 NC, 248 lbs.) vs. #14 Jairzinho Rozenstruik (9-0, 250.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Overeem has two inches of reach advantage. Overeem opens southpaw, tries a side kick and Rozenstruik lands a leg kick to counter. Rozenstruik gets a leg kick caught but gets it back and fires punches. Overeem lands a left. They clinch up, Overeem with a knee then a trip into side control. Overeem puts himself into half guard for greater control and starts looking to posture up. Rozenstruik to his base but Overeem pulls him back down and gets to side control again. Elbows from Overeem, and that’s where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Overeem

ROUND TWO: Jabs from Rozenstruik to start, he wants to control the distance more this time around. Overeem bulls into the clinch on the fence. A few knees go back and forth. Overeem tries a takedown but Rozenstruik defends, though he’s still stuck on the fence. Both men back to kneeing each other. The ref breaks them up after they stall out a bit and we’re at distance. Overeem blocks a punch, Rozenstruik blocks a head kick. Side kick from Overeem, Rozenstruik lands a leg kick. They trade power hand punches. Overeem lands a left, Rozenstruik is coming forward now. A bit of a flurry from Rozenstruik. Hard body kick from Overeem. They trade kicks as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Overeem but a close one that could go either way

ROUND THREE: Bit of a right from Rozenstruik. Overeem reaches for a knee tap, doesn’t get it, reshoots as a double leg and they stall on the fence. Both men with knees to the body then they break. Overeem is finding his straight left now. Body kick from Overeem, Rozenstruik lands a leg kick. Another left from Overeem, he’s really found a home for that punch. Rozenstruik blocks a double leg attempt and they’re clinched again. They trade knees, Overeem hits a lateral drop and lands in side control. Overeem puts himself into half guard and lands a few punches. A few rights land for Overeem, those were flush. Another brief flurry from Overeem, Rozenstruik kicks him off and the round ends with Overeem standing over him.

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

ROUND FOUR: Overeem with a left to the body then misses a right hook. Left lands for Overeem. Rozenstruik lands a bit of a right, he’s starting to get aggressive. Flurry from Rozenstruik to the fence, he digs the body before resetting. Overeem lands a couple of lefts, that punch has really been dialed in for a few rounds at this point. Rozenstruik lands a straight right after taking a jab. Jumping kick from Rozenstruik is blocked, he tries to flurry as Overeem covers up though. Overeem lands a left. Rozenstruik avoids a looping left and lands a front kick to the body. Another blitz from Rozenstruik, he digs the body as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rozenstruik, 39-37 Overeem overall

ROUND FIVE: Both men feinting to start the fight. Overeem lands a side kick to the thigh. Rozenstruik avoids a takedown and then tries a head kick that’s blocked. Overeem lands a left, then misses a left and clinches up. They break without incident. Rozenstruik misses a right hook. Overeem lands an inside leg kick, and eats an uppercut and they clinch. Overeem tries a single leg, doesn’t finish it but he sure tried, and they separate. Rozenstruik circling, has a few punches blocked then Overeem lands an inside leg kick. Rozenstruik pushes forward, lands a couple of punches. Jumping knee from Rozenstruik is mostly blocked. Rozenstruik blocks a takedown attempt and then punches Overeem. They’re trading, Rozenstruik lands a left and a right that sits Overeem down then the ref jumps in to stop the fight.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jairzinho Rozenstruik via TKO, punches, at 4:56 of Round 5

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Rozenstruik for his work this evening. Heck of a near buzzer beater from Rozenstruik, Overeem isn’t happy with the stoppage but I think it’s justified. Mic time for Rozenstruik, he puts over Overeem but he found the kill shot. He says Overeem made a mistake by saying he wasn’t on his level, that disrespected the work he’s put in to get here and he just dug deep and proved he’s at that level. He says he wants to fight again in March or April and he wants to fight Francis Ngannou and hopes Ngannou accepts the fight. To close he puts over DC, thanks the fans and his family then thanks his father who’s in the cage with him.

Here’s a pic of Overeem’s lip after that last punch. The worst split lip I’ve seen.

And a look at the last punch, you can judge for yourself if the stoppage was justified.

Alright everyone, on that note UFC on ESPN 7 comes to a close. Thanks for being here. We’ll be breaking down the action from this card on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast this week, as well as previewing next weeks UFC 245. I’ll be back next week for UFC 245, please please hold together because that main card is so good. I hope you’ll all be back for that event, until then stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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