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Join 411’s Live UFC on ESPN+ 83 Coverage

August 26, 2023 | Posted by Robert Winfree
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MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 8 a.m. ET)
#1 Max Holloway (146 lbs.) vs. #8 Chan Sung Jung (146 lbs.)
#8 Anthony Smith (205.5 lbs.) vs. #10 Ryan Spann (205 lbs.)
#15 Alex Caceres (145.5 lbs.) vs. #9 Giga Chikadze (146 lbs.)
Fernie Garcia (135.5 lbs.) vs. Rinya Nakamura (135 lbs.)
#3 Erin Blanchfield (125.5 lbs.) vs. #4 Taila Santos (124.5 lbs.)
Parker Porter (256 lbs.) vs. Junior Tafa (255 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 5 a.m. ET)
Lukasz Brzeski (243 lbs.) vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta (264 lbs.)
Garrett Armfield (135 lbs.) vs. Toshiomi Kazama (135.5 lbs.)
Chidi Njokuani (185.5 lbs.) vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk (186 lbs.)
Rolando Bedoya (170.5 lbs.) vs. Song Kenan (170 lbs.)
Billy Goff (170 lbs.) vs. Yusaku Kinoshita (170.5 lbs.)
JJ Aldrich (126 lbs.) vs. Liang Na (126 lbs.)
Seungwoo Choi (146 lbs.) vs. Jarno Errens (145 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 83, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your sleep deprived host for the event. This morning the UFC is back in Singapore and they’ve brought a surprisingly strong card. The main event has potential to be very sad, veteran Chan Sung Jung is looking to wind down his career and seeing as he’s fought two of the three best featherweights in history he’s looking to close out his career taking on the one of that group he hasn’t fought yet in the form of Max Holloway. Holloway is trying to hold position in the division and score another memorable performance. But the card is pretty deep, Erin Blanchfield vs. Taila Santos should crown the next title contender once the rematch between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko takes place next month. Giga Chikadze is back and taking on Alex Caceres, Michal Oleksijczuk vs. Chidi Njokuani could be fun, and we’ve got a few people from the last Road to UFC tournament back in action. So let’s hope the action lives up to or exceeds the promise it has on paper.

UFC on ESPN+ 83 comes to the world from the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Kallang, Singapore. Brendan Fitzgerald, Michael Bisping, and Paul Felder will be on the call. I think the UFC basically self regulates for these events, and if so they’ll be using the standard unified rules with only Instant Replay being something of a sticky point but I’ll let you know if we’re updated on that particular widget. Lastly keep in mind we’re in the 30 foot cage instead of the smaller 25 footer in the Apex.

Seung Woo Choi has gone 3-5 in the UFC but is unfortunately on a three fight losing streak, he’s trying to get back on the winning side of things and prove he’s still a worthwhile addition to the roster. Jarno Errens dropped his UFC debut just about a year ago but now he’s back and looking to get that all important first UFC win under his belt. The odds are with Choi at -155 to +130 for Errens.

Featherweight Bout: Seungwoo Choi (10-6, 146 lbs.) vs. Jarno Errens (13-4-1, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Choi is an inch taller with an inch and a half of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Choi lands a calf kick. Errens looks to kick as well and they trade calf kicks. Some stance switches from Errens as they move around. There seems to be some lighting issues early, things are darker than usual and the shadows are very obvious. Bit of a right from Choi. Errens lands a right hand. Calf kick from Choi. More long range kicks from Choi, and if the crowd is any indicator this early the South Koreans are here in force. Choi lands a right hand, but Errens is able to clinch up and they hit the fence. Bit of an elbow from Choi as he’s spun Errens into the fence. Another elbow from Choi as they break. Bit of a left hook from Choi. Another left hook from Choi but Errens lands a counter right hand. Knee from Errens lands. Choi lands another calf kick. Jabs now from Choi as they circle. Errens gets a little out of sorts after eating a punch and is backing up. Choi’s left shin is cut. Errens tries a double leg, Choi sprawls away and we end the round with Choi in a front headlock position landing a few body shots.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Choi

ROUND TWO: Choi resumes kicking, then lands a left hook. A few leg kicks go back and forth, then Errens lands an uppercut that drops Choi and he gets on top in half guard. Errens isn’t landing much on top yet. Choi scrambles to his feet with Errens on his back. Choi counters a mat return with a judo toss and gets on top in full guard. A few short elbows from Choi land then he passes to half guard. Right hand from Choi. A few hammer fists and short punches from Choi, and he’ll end the round on top.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Errens, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They hug to start the last round. Calf kick from Choi lands, then he fires a head kick and a front kick. Errens goes southpaw now, so Choi keeps showing head kicks. Body kick from Choi. Errens is opening up with his kicking game now, and Choi lands another calf kick. Now inside leg kicks are being traded. Right hand from Choi mostly lands. Bit of a head kick from Choi. Errens walks into a right hand. Another right from Choi lands. Choi lands another calf kick. Errens lands a body kick, then gets hobbled by a calf kick. That leg is toast as Errens drops to his back and Choi jumps on top of him. Errens grabs on and looks to tie up Choi and hold on. Choi, technically in half guard, works some short punches. Now Choi moves to side control and then gets the back as Errens tries to move. 18 seconds left as Choi has both hooks in and lands punches. Choi grabs for a choke but not enough time and the clock runs down.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Seung Woo Choi via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)

30-27 for Choi seems wrong, he didn’t do enough to overcome getting dropped in the second. Mic time for Choi and the translator, he opens with English to say he survived today and he’s happy to prove that he’s improved from his last fight. He thanks the fans for their support and for coming out, then he goes back to Korean to reiterate that point.

Na Liang has gone 0-2 in the UFC and might need a win to keep her job as 0-3 might still end your time with the promotion. JJ Aldrich has gone 3-2 in her last five fights but is on a two fight losing streak right now and is trying to avoid continuing what is her first ever losing streak. The odds are heavily with Aldrich at -520 while Na’s +390 payout might tempt those who don’t mind long shot gambling.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: JJ Aldrich (11-6, 126 lbs.) vs. Liang Na (19-6, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Aldrich has half an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Aldrich. Liang showing the lead foot for distance closing early. Bit of a one two from Aldrich. Aldrich avoids a combination. Right hook from Aldrich lands. Liang lands a right hand. Liang forces a clinch and gets a headlock takedown into guard. Aldrich kicks Liang off and stands, Liang tries the headlock again and nearly gives up her back but is able to retain top position. They fight up and then break. Liang misses a combination. Aldrich lands a left hand then a right hook behind it. Liang forces a clinch, tries another headlock but this time Aldrich gets on her back in the ride position. Liang is able to roll and get out of real danger but Aldrich is still on top in side control. Aldrich steps into half guard for more control and starts landing left hands. A final flurry from Aldrich to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Aldrich

ROUND TWO: Aldrich gets back to her counter punching ways, and lands a right hook. Liang throws a right hand and shoots a takedown then spins to the back of Aldrich. Liang is after an arm triangle, but loses the position and gets a bit too high and Aldrich is able to stay close and smother her. The position is tricky but Aldrich gets her head out of potential danger into side control now. Liang might be thinking about a buggy choke, but she’s not going about it right. Aldrich with some knees to the body. Mount for Aldrich now and she grabs at the arm triangle, she’s got the arm position but her shoulder isn’t low enough and she has to let it go to try and attack again. Some punches from Aldrich to the body and head. Another arm triangle attack from Aldrich, and Liang gives up the back with both hooks in for Aldrich. More punches from Aldrich as Liang tries to get half guard. Aldrich has Liang flattened out and lands punches to the head. Short time left in the round but Aldrich switches to landing some elbows as well as punches, and the ref does step in. If she’d been using the old kiai to make it seem more damaging the ref might have jumped in sooner.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – JJ Aldrich via TKO, punches and elbows, at 4:49 of Round 2

Liang is still down, looks like some kind of foot or ankle injury hopefully not a bad one. Mic time for Aldrich she doesn’t like being on a losing streak but is happy to get her first UFC finish and is very proud to show more of what she’s capable of. She puts over her coaches for all of their work to close.

Solid back mount ground and pound from Aldrich here, and smart to include the elbows as they’re good weapons that also get more of a reaction out of the refs.

Billy Goff brings a six fight winning streak into his UFC debut and now he’s trying to make the most of his only chance at a good first impression. Yusaku Kinoshita lost his UFC debut back in February but now he’s trying to rebound with his first UFC win while also avoiding his first ever losing streak. Pretty close one here but Kinoshita is your -135 favorite to +115 for Goff.

Welterweight Bout: Billy Goff (8-2, 170 lbs.) vs. Yusaku Kinoshita (6-2, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Kinoshita is two inches taller while Goff has an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Kinoshita and he comes out looking to kick. Solid left from Kinoshita. Goff is moving around and lands a bit of a right hand. Body shot from Goff. Goff lands a right hand. They clinch up, then Kinoshita lands a left hand as they break. Left hand from Kinoshita lands. Goff lands an inside leg kick. Stiff right from Kinoshita. Both men with glancing power hand punches. Both men land in close again, but it seems thus far that Kinoshita is landing a little better. Kinoshita blocks a takedown attempt. Bit of a body kick from Kinoshita. Solid left from Kinoshita lands. Goff pushes forward and lands a right to the body. Body kick from Kinoshita. Goff is just pushing forward now and looking to fight in close. Kinoshita with a head kick, partially successful. Goff with some lefts. A right to the body from Goff drops Kinoshita, caught him breathing I think, and then he jumps on top and lands hammer fists to get the ref to jump in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Billy Goff via TKO, body shot, at 3:49 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Goff for his work this morning. Mic time for Goff, he thanks the crowd and dedicates the fight to a team mate who lost a sister this week. He talks about working on the mental side of things and is happy he didn’t get dropped this time. Asked about the future he will fight anyone, preferably on the Madison Square Garden card in November.

Here’s the finish. Getting a good body shot in is as much about timing as anything, and it looks like Goff catches Kinoshita when he’s breathing. At a minimum Kinoshita isn’t braced properly while looking to land a right hand of his own, then to top it off Goff’s positioning is great, a hard shot to the solar plexus will ruin your fight night in a hurry.

Song Kenan has gone 2-3 in his last four fights and is on a two fight losing streak in addition he’s been stopped in both of those fights, he’s trying to halt that skid here and get his first win in over three years. Rolando Bedoya had an 11 fight winning streak broken in his UFC debut when he dropped a hard fought split decision a few months back, but now he’s looking to rebound from that setback and score that all important first UFC win. The odds are with Bedoya at -340 while +270 on Song might be a decent little value bet.

Welterweight Bout: Rolando Bedoya (14-2, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Song Kenan (19-7, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Song is an inch taller while Bedoya has two and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Bedoya with some calf kicks early. Song with a bit of a flurry to counter a calf kick. Bedoya lands another calf kick then some punches in close, Bedoya is switching his stance now as they move. Both men land punches in close. Song lands a left hook. Bit of a knee from Song in close. Bedoya keeps showing the calf kick. They clinch up and Bedoya pushes things into the fence. Song with an uppercut in close. They break without incident. Calf kick from Song, and Bedoya lands a better one. Stiff jab from Song to counter a kick. Bedoya keeps showing kicks but Song is getting hip to them. Front kick from Song. Both men swing punches in close that are blocked. Bedoya catches a kick and lands a right hand. More calf kicks from Bedoya. Bit of a combination from Bedoya. Song checks a calf kick but he’s falling behind numerically. Bedoya catches a kick and lands a punch. Bit of a body kick from Bedoya closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bedoya but a close one

ROUND TWO: Bedoya comes out kicking again. Both men land hooks in close before Song forces a clinch. Song lands a left hook as they break the clinch. Bedoya with a calf kick then a right hand. A left hook from Song drops Bedoya but Bedoya pushes back up and resets. Bedoya with a few clubbing blows in close. One two from Song lands. They trade power hand punches in close. Right hand then a left behind it from Song. Bedoya keeps working calf kicks and inside leg kicks. Song lands a right hand. Another right from Song, then a left hook behind it. Bit of a combination from Bedoya then he tries a takedown that hits the fence. Knee from Bedoya before they break. Song lands a right hand. Another right from Song lands. An inside leg kick from Bedoya closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Song, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Song checks a calf kick. Bedoya lands a calf kick and then they trade in close. Bit of a right from Bedoya then a calf kick. Stiff jab from Song. Glancing left hook from Song, then a jab. Both men land in close again. Bedoya lands a knee then eats a left hook from Song. One two from Song. Song lands another right hand and avoids the counters. Another couple of lefts from Song land. Bedoya with a few inside leg kicks. Song with a right hand to counter a leg kick. Bit of a left hook from Song then he avoids a clinch and lands a body shot. Song drops Bedoya with a right, Bedoya bounces up and eats a knee. A left hook from Song in close. They split jabs in close. Song avoids a takedown attempt and then he and Bedoya clinch up. They fight for position in the clinch then trade punches on the break. Both men miss kicks, then have punches blocked to close the round.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Song Kenan via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Fun little fight, no interview for Song.

Chidi Njokuani has gone 2-2 in the UFC but he’s currently on a two fight losing streak and is fighting to halt that skid as well as get his UFC record above the .500 mark. Michal Oleksiejczuk has gone 2-1 since dropping to middleweight but he is coming off of a loss to Caio Borralho and now tries to avoid another losing streak while proving he’s still got a lot of potential in the division. Another close one here, 125 for Oleksiejczuk to +105 on Njokuani.

Middleweight Bout: Chidi Njokuani (22-9 1 NC, 185.5 lbs.) vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk (18-6 1 NC, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Njokuani is three inches taller with a significant six inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Oleksiejczuk, and they touch gloves. Njokuani starts kicking right away, then lands a couple of knees. Oleksiejczuk catches a kick and lands a counter punch. They get close and Njokuani lands some knees. Oleksiejczuk keeps pushing forward now and lands a body shot. Bit of a left from Oleksiejczuk. Njokuani might be slowing, he came out very hot. Oleksiejczuk lands a left hand, then another one in close but Njokuani gets a clinch to stifle him. They fight for position, Oleksiejczuk slips to the back in the clinch and lands some knees to the leg. Njokuani gets chest to chest and lands a knee but Oleksiejczuk lands a left hand as they break. Inside leg kick from Njokuani. Oleksiejczuk keeps coming forward and lands a jab. Njokuani ties up, he tries a throw or might have been slipping but either way Oleksiejczuk gets on top in full guard. Oleksiejczuk lands a few punches on the mat then elbows the body, that’s just mean. Oleksiejczuk stands and makes Njokuani stand up as well. Body shots from Oleksiejczuk, then Njokuani lands a knee. Head kick from Njokuani wobbles Oleksiejczuk, he lands elbows in close then Oleksiejczuk lands a left hand. Oleksiejczuk lands a left hand that wobbles Njokuani, he keeps throwing as he’s getting Njokuani towards the fence. Njokuani lands a knee but Oleksiejczuk trips him down and is back on top. Lefts then elbows from Oleksiejczuk, he postures up and lands more punches, Njokuani is just turtling up and Oleksiejczuk keeps dropping strikes to prompt the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Michal Oleksiejczuk via TKO, punches, at 4:16 of Round 1

Well that was a wild one round fight. Mic time for Oleksiejczuk and his translator, he puts over Njokuani and says he worked hard for this one. He wanted to get a stoppage, and wants to fight his way to the top if the brass likes what he does. Asked about the future he’d like a top 15 guy next. That’s not entirely unreasonable, but it’s unlikely.

These aren’t the cleanest finishing blows, but Njokuani isn’t moving or addressing the position, he’s just covering up and that’ll prompt the stoppage more often than not.

Toshiomi Kazama lost his UFC debut back in February but now he’s trying to get his first UFC win and start making his way in the promotion. Garrett Armfield likewise dropped his UFC debut but his was over a year ago, he’s trying for that first UFC win as well. Armfield closed as the -165 favorite to Kazama’s +135.

Bantamweight Bout: Garrett Armfield (8-3, 135 lbs.) vs. Toshiomi Kazama (10-3, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Kazama is an inch taller but Armfield has an inch of reach advantage. Armfield lands a jab. Kazama is trying to work kicks but Armfield is countering him by smothering and throwing punches. Left hook from Armfield. One two from Armfield. Armfield is landing punches, then avoids a takedown attempt. Both men miss punches. Armfield lands a left hook in close. Kazama tries a single leg but Armfield limp legs out of it. They trade jabs while circling. Armfield lands another right hand. Kazama’s face is reddening and swelling. Armfield lands a right to the body. Combination from Armfield then a left hook that staggers Kazama. Kazama winds up on his back, and Armfield makes him stand. Another combination from Armfield, Kazama is firing back but he’s not got the firepower to get Armfield to really change his strategy. Armfield with a combination against the fence. They trade lefts. Hard right from Armfield drops Kazama and the ref jumps in to stop the action. Swift stoppage there but not a bad one.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Garrett Armfield via TKO, punches, at 4:16 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Armfield for his work this morning. Mic time for Armfield, he plays with the crowd first then talks us through the finish noting he’s been boxing for almost 20 years. He feels he’s only going to continue improving going forward and says he’s going to earn every step he takes but he’s got the heart and dedication for the journey.

Here’s the finish. Armfield was just battering Kazama all round, and when he finally dropped him that was enough for the ref. If the rest of the round hadn’t been as one sided and relatively brutal this would be a more questionable stoppage but all things considered I’m fine with it.

Waldo Cortes-Acosta is coming off of his first professional loss when he took a step up in class to fight Marcos Rogerio de Lima and came up short, he’s trying to rebound here and avoid his first ever losing streak. Lukasz Brzeski has yet to taste official victory in the UFC, going 0-2 with 1 No Contest in there as well which means he could very well be fighting for his job this morning. Cortes-Acosta is your -225 favorite to +185 for Brzeski.

Heavyweight Bout: Lukasz Brzeski (8-3-1 1 NC, 243 lbs.) vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta (9-1, 264 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two have the same height and reach, Cortes-Acosta is 20 or so pounds heavier though. They touch gloves to get us going. Both men show the lead hand as they circle. A few probing leg kicks go back and forth. Brzeski lands a couple of calf kicks. Cortes-Acosta lands a calf kick of his own. More calf kicks from Brzeski, he’s doubling up on them with some interesting timing on them. Cortes-Acosta swings a right hand, mostly misses. Jabs from Cortes-Acosta then a right to the body. Brzeski lands a body kick but Cortes-Acosta lands a right hand to counter. Calf kick from Brzeski again, Cortes-Acosta isn’t liking those. Clubbing right from Cortes-Acosta is blocked but he’s got some thump on those punches. Bit of a left hook from Brzeski. Leg kick from Brzeski and he blocks a counter right. Cortes-Acosta catches a body kick and lands a couple of right hands. Another right from Cortes-Acosta turns Brzeski around, then a few lefts make him drop face first unconscious.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Waldo Cortes-Acosta via KO, punches, at 3:01 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Cortes-Acosta for his work this morning. Mic time for Cortes-Acosta and his translator, he expected to get a finish like this because he works very hard on this and had really dialed in his counter right. He thanks all of his coaches and team mates for giving him the best camp of his life for this fight. To close he sort of talks us through the finish.

Here’s the finish. Just a classic overhand right against the jab, and once Brzeski is back on wobbly legs Cortes-Acosta doesn’t give him anything like a chance to recover.

Well that’s it for the prelims, though we’re still on ESPN+ for the main card.

Junior Tafa suffered his first loss in his UFC debut back in April, he’s hoping to rebound here and score that all important first UFC win. Parker Porter has gone 4-3 in the UFC but he’s coming off of a win and looks to build another winning streak here. Tafa closed as the -140 favorite to +120 on Porter.

Heavyweight Bout: Parker Porter (14-8, 256 lbs.) vs. Junior Tafa (4-1, 255 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Tafa is three inches taller but Porter has three inches of reach advantage, Porter is also 12 years older. They touch gloves to get us going. Porter looks to feint his way forward while Tafa circles away from the fence. Jab from Porter lands. Tafa lands a counter right hand. Both men land punches then Tafa lands a knee and a right hand but Porter grabs a single leg and they hit the fence. Elbow from Tafa in close then some punches. A right from Tafa drops Porter and that gets the ref to step in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Junior Tafa via TKO, punches, at 1:24 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Tafa for his work this morning, and is sending out an intern to get more gift baskets. Mic time for Tafa and he plays with the crowd then asks for a post fight bonus. He talks us through the finish and plans to put people down and out.

Nice striking from Tafa, he aims as you can see his eyes so he’s not just throwing randomly but picking his target.

Erin Blanchfield has been tearing things up in the UFC, she’s gone 5-0 against increasing opposition and is looking to earn her first title shot if she can get by Santos. Taila Santos has been out of action for about 14 months, but she was last seen fighting to a contentious split decision in a title fight with Valentina Shevchenko. Santos is trying to earn another shot at the title if she can halt the meteoric rise of Blanchfield. Blanchfield is your -155 favorite to +130 on Santos.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: #3 Erin Blanchfield (11-1, 125.5 lbs.) vs. #4 Taila Santos (19-2, 124.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Santos has two inches of height and reach advantage. Blanchfield shows the jab as they get going, then Santos lands a leg kick. Inside leg kick from Blanchfield. Another leg kick from Santos. Bit of a jab from Santos. Blanchfield is coming forward and they trade punches. Santos blocks a takedown attempt. Bit of a jab from Blanchfield. Santos lands a one two. Blanchfield is not deterred by this from Santos and she’s still working pressure. Santos lands an inside leg kick. Calf kick from Santos. Both women land rights. They trade rights again, Blanchfield is bleeding from the bridge of the nose now. Blanchfield pushes forward and they trade in close before Blanchfield gets the clinch on the fence. Some knees from Blanchfield as she’s looking for a trip. Santos with a few elbows before they break. Blanchfield gets back on pressure right away. Santos lands a knee. Another clinch, inside trip from Blanchfield but Santos scrambles free very quickly. Santos lands a right hand. Calf kick from Santos. Blanchfield just keeps coming forward and forcing the pace to remain high. They trade punches then clinch again and hit the fence. Some positional jockeying on the cage, then trade a few knees. A few knees from Blanchfield close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Santos

ROUND TWO: Blanchfield looks to keep the pace high again. They trade leg kicks while moving around. Santos blocks a takedown and lands a knee. Stiff jab from Blanchfield. Santos lands a calf kick. Blanchfield punches forward and they clinch, she looks for a takedown and eventually Santos defends into a clinch. Some short punches and knees from Blanchfield now as she’s got Santos on the fence. Santos keeps blocking inside trips, she’s well prepared for that attack. Santos tries a takedown but Blanchfield counters and gets on top in full guard. Blanchfield pressures forward and passes to half guard. Some short punches from Blanchfield as she looks to pass again. Santos to her knees, Blanchfield gets to the ride position and lands punches. Wall walk from Santos and Blanchfield keeps the clinch on the fence. Blanchfield keeps working knees to the leg and body while pinning Santos on the fence. They break, then clinch again and end the round trading knees in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Blanchfield, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Santos comes out swinging. Bit of a head kick from Blanchfield then she tries a double leg that stalls on the fence. Santos fights off the fence and breaks free pretty quickly. Jabs from Blanchfield land. Santos is blinking out her right eye. Punches go back and forth, then Blanchfield punches into a clinch. Some knees from Blanchfield in close then she works for a high crotch but can’t find it and they break. Another double leg from Blanchfield, she can’t quite finish it though and we’re on the fence again. They trade elbows then break again. Blanchfield punches in close, tries a double leg but again gets stalled on the fence. Some knees from Blanchfield now. Santos can’t get off the fence though, and eventually they trade elbows and break. Some punches go back and forth. Blanchfield lands a few combinations, then forces another clinch. Blanchfield with punches, then tries a double leg but Santos doesn’t go down. More knees from Blanchfield, she’s just keeping up pressure and pace. Blanchfield lands an elbow. They break without incident, then both women land punches. Santos lands a right but Blanchfield cracks her with a head kick. Another clinch, Blanchfield rocks Santos with an elbow in close but can’t fully capitalize before the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Erin Blanchfield via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Mic time for Blanchfield, she puts over Santos and knows the fights only get tougher as she keeps going up the ranks. She acknowledges getting out struck in the first. Asked about the future she wants a title shot next, which is probably fair though we’ll have to wait just a bit since Rose Namajunas and Manon Fiorot are fighting next week.

Rinya Nakamura is undefeated including a successful UFC debut back in February, he’s looking to continue building that momentum here as well as hopefully establishing himself as a notable prospect in the division. Fernie Garcia has gone 0-2 in the UFC and really needs to find that first UFC win here if he wants to have any kind of job security. Nakamura is the biggest favorite on the card at a whopping -900 to Garcia’s +600.

Bantamweight Bout: Fernie Garcia (10-3, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Rinya Nakamura (7-0, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Nakamura has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Southpaw for Nakamura, and they touch gloves. Nakamura stalks forward while Garcia circles. Both men miss kicks, then Nakamura lands a body kick. Nakamura lands a front kick to the body. Garcia blocks a double leg but Nakamura switches to a single, back to the double and he gets Garcia down against the fence. Garcia wall walks but is still clinched and Nakamura hits a clinch takedown into half guard. Nakamura with some body to head punches. Nakamura passes to side control, then moves to north-south. A lot of motion from Nakamura here, he’s looking to isolate an arm and grabs a north-south choke as Garcia is worried about his arms. Garcia is trying to defend but Nakamura is slowly locking this down but decides he doesn’t have it and bails to keep top position. Nakamura with some elbows to the body, then he grabs at an arm but Garcia gets it free though he can’t get out from under Nakamura. Some knees to the body from Nakamura, then elbows to the head as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Nakamura

ROUND TWO: Garcia misses some punches and then eats a body kick. Nakamura lands another body kick, Garcia didn’t like that one. Bit of a head kick from Nakamura then an inside leg kick. Garcia avoids a head kick. Some jabs from Nakamura then Garcia lands a body kick. Bit of a right hook from Nakamura then a calf kick. Double leg from Nakamura and he’s got Garcia down, but Garcia grabs a guillotine but Nakamura passes to side control and counters with a Von Flue choke but loses the grip as he moves to north-south. Nakamura’s top pressure must be insane because Garcia can’t get any motion going. Some body work from Nakamura and he’s looking to attack an arm again. Nakamura has a mounted crucifix going now and starts dropping elbows. Straight armlock from Nakamura now, that’s tight enough to get a wince but Garcia gets his arm free. Nakamura keeps Garcia on the mat and lands an elbow to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Garcia is looking to throw punches this round, and he avoids a left hand from Nakamura. Leg kick from Nakamura. Body kick from Nakamura. Nakamura lands an inside leg kick after avoiding a punch. Left hand from Nakamura. Bit of a right from Garcia. Both men block head kicks then Nakamura hits a double leg into half guard. Arm triangle attack from Nakamura, he mostly uses it to pass to side control as Garcia defends but loses position. Nakamura looks to isolate the arm of Garcia but can’t keep control of it so he just lands a couple of elbows. Knee on belly for Nakamura, he’s looking for the back but grabs an arm triangle attack then lands elbows. Nakamura has the back now but only one hook and Garcia rolls back to get half guard. Some elbows from Nakamura now and he passes back to side control. Armbar attack from Nakamura, it’s deep but he loses the angle and spins around as Garcia gets to his knees and Nakamura is in the ride position. The speed of Nakamura on the man is insane. Garcia fights to his feet and separates but Nakamura cracks him with a head kick and a left hand which Garcia just eats to close the round.

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

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

I don’t hate a 10-8 for Nakamura, probably the first round has the best argument for it though the third had a lot going for Nakamura as well. Mic time for Nakamura, he opens with English and thanks the crowd for their energy. He wanted to get the finish but Garcia was too good and he promises a finish next time out. He was a little surprised at not getting the armbar in the third but puts over Garcia’s defense again and again promises a big impact finish next time out. Asked about the future he wants to fight all of the top 15 but knows he’s still junior in the sport and is still developing, then says in a few years he’ll be on top of the sport.

Giga Chikadze just had a nine fight winning streak that included seven wins in the UFC broken when he stepped up in class against Calvin Kattar and came up short. Chikadze has been out of action since that fight in January of last year, but now he’s trying to get back on the right side of things while avoiding his first losing streak. Alex Caceres has been on one of the better runs of his career recently, he’s 7-1 in his last eight fights only losing to Sodiq Yusuff and is on a two fight winning streak right now. Caceres is taking a step in opponent here though, but if he can win it would be one of the biggest of his career and could propel him even higher in the rankings. Chikadze is your favorite at -245 while +200 on Caceres might tempt some bettors out there.

Featherweight Bout: #15 Alex Caceres (21-13 1 NC, 145.5 lbs.) vs. #9 Giga Chikadze (14-3, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Chikadze is two inches taller with half an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Caceres. Chikadze avoids some kicks early. Bit of a right hand from Chikadze. Chikadze lands a body kick. Caceres lands a left to the body. Some leg kicks, both inside and outside from Chikadze. One two from Caceres. Caceres lands a spinning back fist. Chikadze fires a head kick, that’s blocked. Right hand from Chikadze lands. Chikadze lands another right, he’s starting to time Caceres coming in just a bit. Body kick from Chikadze. Caceres blocks a right hand. Chikadze avoids a superman punch. Bit of a head kick from Chikadze. Glancing right from Chikadze and he’s got Caceres circling away again. Chikadze lands a calf kick. Right hand from Chikadze. Caceres walks into a left hand. Chikadze lands a leg kick. Body kick from Chikadze then a right hand that bothers Caceres just a bit to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Chikadze

ROUND TWO: Caceres tries to blitz early but can’t quite connect. Chikadze avoids a head kick, then fires one of his own that’s blocked. Caceres avoids a few kicks then they trade power hand punches. One two from Chikadze lands. Caceres misses a couple of punches. Left hand then a right from Chikadze. They trade rights but Chikadze is landing better. Chikadze lands a body kick. Caceres bulls forward and lands a left hand. Chikadze avoids a combination from Caceres. Caceres lands a right to the body. Chikadze avoids a wheel kick. Bit of a right from Chikadze in close. Caceres blocks a head kick. Right hand from Chikadze sends Caceres moving backwards. Chikadze lands a left hook. Body kick from Chikadze. Caceres with a bit of a left. Chikadze lands a right hand to counter an inside leg kick. Short right from Chikadze in close. Caceres has a few fancy kicks blocked. Chikadze lands a head kick as the last blow of the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Chikadze misses a high kick to start the round, then cracks Caceres with a right hand. Both men fire kicks again. Leg kicks from Chikadze land, he’s timing those well. A right from Chikadze wobbles Caceres, he lands another one as Caceres stats circling again. Chikadze lands a jab. Caceres lands a right hand. Another right from Chikadze lands. Left hand from Caceres lands. Chikadze lands a couple of punches in close. Both men land punches in close. Body kick from Caceres. Chikadze lands a couple of leg kicks then a right hand. Caceres avoids a few body kicks then eats an inside leg kick. Bit of a right from Chikadze in close. Caceres avoids a right hand. Chikadze lands a right. Caceres blocks a high kick. A few leg kicks from Chikadze are partially successful, then he lands punches after avoiding a spinning back kick. Chikadze lands a couple of body kicks. Caceres misses a few punches, then eats a bit of a high kick. Chikadze lands a right hand to counter a spinning attack. Body kick from Chikadze. Chikadze avoids a spinning kick and they trade, then a rolling thunder kick from Chikadze to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Chikadze, 30-27 Chikadze overall but it’s closer than that would indicate

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Giga Chikadze via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Mic time for Chikadze, he says it’s not easy to be out of work for 18 months when you’ve got a family and he thanks the UFC for keeping him busy earlier in his career. He notes he’s worked to change his style a bit, then announces that the Giga show is back and he wants to be on an upcoming PPV card and he’ll fight anyone in the division. Of all the fake out retirements I’ve seen that was certainly one of them.

Anthony Smith has gone 3-2 in his last five fights but is on a two fight losing streak right now and in fact his last win was in 2021 against his opponent today. Smith is trying to halt that skid and prove he’s still a top flight light heavyweight even as the division is kind of a mess right now. Ryan Spann has gone 3-2 in his last five fights as well with one of those losses coming to Smith, he was last seen losing to Nikita Krylov though and is trying to avoid his first UFC losing streak by getting some revenge on Smith. Close one here but the odds lean towards Spann at -130 to +110 for Smith.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #8 Anthony Smith (36-18, 205.5 lbs.) vs. #10 Ryan Spann (21-8, 205 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Spann is an inch taller with three inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves, Smith fighting southpaw just long enough to throw a head kick that misses then goes orthodox. Front kick from Spann. Both men miss punches, they clinch up then break without incident. Spann starts showing the jab and looking to close distance, then lands a front kick. Smith lands a left hook. A right hand from Smith lands but Spann just eats it. Leg kick from Smith. Bit of a left hook from Spann. Front kicks are traded. Smith with another calf kick. Right hand from Smith lands as Spann is off balance but he doesn’t really follow up. Smith with another calf kick. Spann lands a right hand to counter a calf kick. Bit of a left from Spann, Smith hits a takedown into half guard though. Smith is looking for mount, but Spann uses the pass to generate motion and regain his feet at distance. Bit of a left hook from Spann. Smith lands another calf kick, those are starting to add up. Another Smith calf kick closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Smith

ROUND TWO: Smith goes back to landing calf kicks as the round starts. Spann misses a left hook. Bit of a left from Spann in close, Smith is backing up and Spann tries a flying knee that doesn’t really land. Smith is bleeding around the left eye and Spann stands over him landing hammer fists now. Half guard for Spann and he lands a knee to the body. Smith looks to invert for a leg but Spann unloads with hammer fists then an elbow. Spann moves to a front headlock, then stands free and makes Smith stand. That left eye of Smith is badly swollen and bleeding, it might be a fight ender between rounds. Front kick from Spann. They both miss rights. Uppercut from Spann. Smith lands a calf kick. Bit of a one two from Spann. Smith lands a left. Bit of a left from Spann in close. Spann lands a right hand. Calf kick from Smith. Another right from Spann. Smith lands a jab. Front kick from Spann, then he eats a right hand but lands a counter left hook. Smith lands a calf kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Spann, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: OK, the swelling on Smith’s eye didn’t get worse over that round but the doctor is in to check on him. Smith can see well enough to continue so we’ve got a final round and the two fighters hug. Spann comes out jabbing, and Smith lands a calf kick. Jabs go back and forth. Some front kicks from Spann, then he lands a right hand. Uppercut then a right hand from Spann, body work might serve him well given Smith’s high guard but he’s not going for it. Smith lands some jabs at distance. Spann lands a right hand. Smith blocks some punches. Glancing left from Spann. Smith lands a right hand. Both men miss high kicks. Bit of a jab from Smith. Spann lands a right hand. They split jabs for a bit then Spann lands a glancing right that off balances Smith briefly. Smith lands a left hook. Right hand from Spann. They trade leg kicks. Spann misses a wheel kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Smith but the closest round and probably the swing round, 29-28 Smith overall

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

29-28 either way is fine, round three was quite close scoring wise. Mic time for Smith and he says he’s a 35 year old dad and hanging with some of the bad men in the cage isn’t too bad. He says Spann hit him very hard and he couldn’t see for much of that round, but he had to adjust and then puts Spann over again knowing he wasn’t going to just smoke him. Asked what he wants next he says he just wants to go home and spend time with his family and podcast with Bisping.

Max Holloway is one of the true greats of the featherweight division, if not one of the all time greats as well given his mountain of stats and incredibly memorable fights along with his title run. Holloway is in an odd place right now as the years, he’s been in the UFC since 2012 and has had a whopping 28 fights in the promotion, and miles might be catching up to him. Holloway has only lost at featherweight to Alexander Volkanovski going all the way back to 2013 when he fought Conor McGregor, and if he loses here it would be a pretty big red flag for his career. Chan Sung Jung has turned in some great battles over the years but he’s indicated his career might be coming to an end sooner rather than later. Jung fought the great Jose Aldo for the title back in 2013 and is coming off of a title shot against Alexander Volkanovski in April of last year, this leaves Holloway as the last of the featherweight greats that he hasn’t fought and if he is about to call it a career then a great fight or even a win over Holloway would be a good way to go. Holloway is one of the bigger favorites on the card at -650 while Jung’s comeback sits at +470.

Featherweight Bout: #1 Max Holloway (24-7, 146 lbs.) vs. #8 Chan Sung Jung (17-7, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Holloway is four inches taller while Jung has three inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Jung misses a leg kick. Body jab from Jung. Holloway looks to jab and keep Jung at distance. They trade some leg kicks. Holloway lands a left hook. Jung checks a leg kick. Left hand from Jung then a right behind it. Holloway lands a counter left hook and Jung wobbles and backs off. Holloway punches in close and lands a couple of punches. Left hand from Holloway. Holloway lands to the body, bit of a right from Jung to counter. Another left hook from Holloway lands. Holloway jabs the body, he’s starting to cook now. Jung eats another left hand. Left hand from Jung. Holloway avoids a right hand. A left hook from Holloway stuns Jung for a second. Holloway lands a right to the body. Right hook from Jung, sneaky of him to do that off of a switch. Holloway jabs the body again. They both land rights to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Holloway but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Jung lands a left hook. Bit of a right from Holloway as he’s starting to press forward. A right from Holloway drops Jung, Jung tries to climb up on his legs but Holloway grabs an anaconda choke. Jung is defending the choke thus far and Holloway bails on the choke to land punches as Jung stands. They’re clinched up on the fence before Holloway spins free. Right from Holloway then Jung lands a left hook. Bit of an uppercut form Jung. Holloway lands a left hook. Right to the body from Holloway, then a left hook. Jung with a right hand then a left hook. Holloway lands a right hand but Jung just throws back at him. They split jabs but the hand speed and volume of Holloway is messing with Jung. Bit of a head kick from Holloway. Jung lands a calf kick. Right to the body from Holloway. They trade lefts again. A couple of body shots from Holloway then a right hand. Jung misses a right hand and eats a body kick. Spinning back kick from Holloway lands. Holloway has started switching his stance a bit now as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Holloway, might be a 10-8 argument in there, 20-18 Holloway overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again. Jung starts throwing right away, they both land punches in close. We’ve got a brawl going, Jung just wants the fight now and Holloway absolutely face plants him with a right hand.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Max Holloway via KO, punch, at :23 of Round 3

That was a lot more fun and closely contested than I thought it would be. Holloway gets an interview and puts over Jung as a legend and gets the crowd to show him some love, not that they needed much encouragement. He thanks God and says he can’t talk about the fight, he dedicates the fight to the islands of Hawaii and everyone dealing with the aftermath of the fires there. He feels lucky his right hand landed before Jung’s did in that final exchange.

Jung gets an interview as well along with his translator. He announces his retirement, he always wanted to be champion and thought he could beat Holloway but the loss means he’s out of the title picture and isn’t going to keep fighting if that’s not possible. Jung then puts his gloves in the cage and gets overwhelmed by emotion as they play his walkout song again.

Well on that note UFC on ESPN+ 83 comes to a close. We’ll be unpacking all of the fallout from this event on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast plus looking ahead to the UFC’s return to Paris next week. I’ll be back for that event and I hope you will as well. But for now, I’m horribly sleep deprived and just want to thank you for reading. Until next time stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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