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April 6, 2024 | Posted by Robert Winfree
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MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET)
#6 Brendan Allen (186 lbs.) vs. #14 Chris Curtis (186 lbs.)
Alexander Hernandez (147.5 lbs.)* vs. Damon Jackson (146 lbs.)
Morgan Charriere (145 lbs.) vs. Chepe Mariscal (145.5 lbs.)
Ignacio Bahamondes (156 lbs.) vs. Christos Giagos (156 lbs.)
Charlie Campbell (155 lbs.) vs. Trevor Peek (155.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 3 p.m. ET)
Court McGee (170.5 lbs.) vs. Alex Morono (171 lbs.)
Lukasz Brzeski (236 lbs.) vs. Valter Walker (264 lbs.)
Germaine de Randamie (135 lbs.) vs. #11 Norma Dumont (136 lbs.)
Pedro Falcao (136 lbs.) vs. Victor Hugo (135.5 lbs.)
Cynthia Calvillo (119 lbs.)* vs. Piera Rodriguez (116 lbs.)
Dan Argueta (136 lbs.) vs. Jean Matsumoto (136 lbs.)
Cesar Almeida (185.5 lbs.) vs. Dylan Budka (185.5 lbs.)
Nora Cornolle (138.5 lbs.)* vs. Melissa Mullins (138 lbs.)*

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 98, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening. We’re almost out of the trough, the horrible chasm between UFC 299 and UFC 300. With both of those PPV cards being stacked the weekly shows have been pretty ho hum to facilitate those bigger events being as stacked as is reasonably possible, and this event is about as unremarkable as any in recent memory. The main event was supposed to be Brendan Allen vs. Marvin Vettori but Vettori suffered an injury and in steps Chris Curtis, these two actually fought back in 2021 with Curtis scoring the win but Allen hasn’t lost since. We also lost a fight between Cynthia Calvillo and Piera Rodriguez after Calvillo, on a five fight losing streak, weighed in at 119 pounds for a strawweight fight and the whole thing was called off, oh and to further prove how little anyone cares about this three other fighters missed weight as well. Honestly Curtis vs. Allen isn’t the worst Fight Night main event, but that’s a bar that’s been lowered consistently for a while now. The rest of the card is trying to find hidden gems, especially since half of your co-main event missed weight. But to that end Morgan Carriere and Chepe Mariscal might be fun, Trevor Peek has been at least been a funny and mostly entertaining kind of fighter, and hey former champion Germaine de Randamie returns after a few years off due to injury and pregnancy. I’m still not sure if de Randamie or Nicco Montano is the most forgotten UFC champion of the last decade. I know most people are watching night 1 of WrestleMania, but let’s hope for good action here at least.

UFC on ESPN+ 98 comes to the world from the UFC warehouse that is the Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. We’ve got John Gooden, Michael Bisping, and Paul Felder calling the action for us. Because we’re in Nevada we’ll have instant replay available, and because we’re in the warehouse we’re in the smaller 25 foot cage so keep both of those things in mind.

Melissa Mullins is undefeated including a solid UFC debut last year, but she missed weight here and is hoping a win will help smooth that over. Nora Cornolle is on a seven fight winning streak including her UFC debut last year, but she also missed weight here and is trying to get a win to try and make up for that gaff. The odds are solidly with Mullins at -335 to a +280 comeback on Cornolle.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Nora Cornolle (7-1, 138.5 lbs.)* vs. #15 Melissa Mullins (6-0, 138 lbs.)*

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Mullins has an inch of reach advantage, and of course both women missed weight, though apparently because they both missed there will be no fines. Odd ruling there but OK. Cornolle works some leg kicks and long range punches early. Double jab from Cornolle. Mullins pushes into a clinch and forces things to the fence. Cornolle is able to avoid a takedown but can’t quite get off the fence yet. Some knees from Cornolle. Eventually Mullins is able to get a takedown. Leg drag for Mullins now and she tries to mount but Cornolle catches half guard. Sweep from Cornolle and she’s on top now then moves towards the back but Mullins stands and they separate. Some kicks from Cornolle now. Mullins pushes into another clinch on the fence. Cornolle with some knees to the body while looking to separate, a few of those go to the kidney and that’s just mean. Mullins with a knee of her own then an elbow but Cornolle lands a right hand as they break just before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cornolle

ROUND TWO: Quick clinch from Mullins, she’s trying to keep the pace and physicality high. They jockey for position on the fence, Cornolle landing a few more knees to the body during that time. A few knees go back and forth while they jockey for position. In general Cornolle is getting more dirty boxing and knees off, then they break and Cornolle lands a bit of a head kick. Some distance kicks from Cornolle then they trade jabs. A knee to the body from Cornolle then a couple of head kicks drop Mullins and that’ll prompt the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Nora Cornolle via TKO, knee to the body and head kicks, at 3:06 of Round 2

Solid performance from Cornolle and she gets an interview. She feels great to get the finish and puts over Mullins as a tough opponent who gave her a dog fight. She talks us through the finish and about all the work her team has put in. Some French for her supporters back home and she dedicates the win to her father. To close she thanks her teammates and everyone who helped her.

The value of body work is how it wears down your opponent, it’s rarely one and done at the professional level. Cornolle had been working the body with knees all fight and this one finally brings it all crashing down for Mullins. Love the head kicks to follow up as well.

Dylan Budka brings a two fight winning streak into his UFC debut and he’s hoping to make the most of his only chance for a good first impression. Cesar Almeida is undefeated in MMA coming into his UFC debut and he’s also trying to make a good first impression on the UFC audience. Closer one here but the odds tilt towards Budka at -135 against Almeida’s +115.

Middleweight Bout: Cesar Almeida (4-0, 185.5 lbs.) vs. Dylan Budka (7-2, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Almeida is an inch taller while Budka has an inch of reach advantage and is 12 years younger. Circling to start, Almeida is doing a little bit of stance switching now as well. Body kick from Budka then a double leg into half guard. Almeida scoots to the fence and looks to wall walks but winds up sitting on the fence. Budka mounts the legs and works to keep Almeida from posting with his hands. A few short punches from Budka land to the head. Eventually Almeida is able to get up but eats a knee and is still clinched. Budka is still working for a double leg and hits it then again mounts the legs. Almeida wall walks again but can’t get free. A few short knees to the leg from Budka as he’s after a takedown but nothing serious yet. Budka is after another takedown but can’t find it before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Budka

ROUND TWO: Quick takedown from Budka but once again Almeida wall walks very quickly into a clinch. Some elbows from Almeida, he’s trying to find damage while fighting off the takedowns. Almeida slips to the back and lands punches then breaks. Front kick and a left to the body from Almeida. Budka is tired and looks not great. Budka tries a double leg but Almeida defends, though Budka does get him on the fence. Elbows from Almeida, Budka is hurt and Almeida gets on top and punches things out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Cesar Almeida via TKO, elbows, at 2:13 of Round 2

Mic time for Almeida and the translator, he actually starts with English and says he’s been working hard on his MMA game and is ready for this spot. He talks us through the finish and knew what Budka’s strategy would be then reiterates he’s ready. Asked about the future he wants to fight with Chris Weidman.

Dan Argueta has had a couple of No Contest results his last two times out but his overall UFC record is 1-1 with 2 No Contests, now he’s hoping to get back on the winning side of things while pulling his UFC record above the .500 mark. Jean Matsumoto is undefeated coming into his UFC debut and he’s hoping to keep that perfect record in tact with a memorable first UFC outing. The odds are with Matsumoto at -165 to a +140 payout on Argueta.

Bantamweight Bout: Dan Argueta (9-1 2 NC, 136 lbs.) vs. Jean Matsumoto (14-0, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Argueta is an inch taller while Matsumoto has half an inch of reach advantage. Both men doing a little feinting, Matsumoto mostly with his lead hand as he switches stance. Argueta lands a left to the body then tries a takedown against the fence and he’s able to finish it. Matsumoto works to wall walk but Argueta lands punches and starts working to return him to the mat against the fence. Some knees then an outside trip from Argueta and he’s moved into full mount. Matsumoto with a modified sweep and he comes up in the clinch on the back of Argueta. A few knees to the leg from Matsumoto but he can’t quite find a mat return. Trip from Matsumoto but Argueta quickly scrambles up into a front body lock, Matsumoto comes up on a single leg again and they hit the fence. Kimura roll from Argueta but Matsumoto rolls through and they wind up fighting free and on the feet. Argueta just bulls forward and tries another takedown on the fence, Matsumoto gets taken down to his seat on the fence. Matsumoto slips free and resets then lands a calf kick. Argueta swings a few punches then Matsumoto lands a head kick. They trade briefly just before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Argueta

ROUND TWO: Predictably Argueta bulls forward, he barely smothers a knee but does get the takedown on the fence. Matsumoto wall walks then tries a ninja choke but Argueta escapes that and tries another takedown. Argueta slips to the back in a clinch then looks for the back but can’t quite find his hooks. Matsumoto fights up, misses a left hook and Argueta gets another brief takedown. Another stand from Matsumoto and this time he gets Argueta on the fence and lands a knee to the body before they break. Left hook from Matsumoto stuns Argueta for a second. Calf kick from Matsumoto. They trade punches then Matsumoto lands a calf kick. Argueta doesn’t like that and tries another double leg on the fence, he’s able to finish it but Matsumoto is able to fight back up to his feet. Double leg from Matsumoto now on the fence and he gets the back but can’t keep it. Argueta shoots again but can’t finish it. Matsumoto slips out of the clinch and they reset. Right hand from Matsumoto. Argueta tries a takedown again, and settles for a clinch. They break without incident. Matsumoto pushes forward now and lands a couple of punches then an inside leg kick. Left hook then a right hand from Matsumoto. Argueta tries another takedown, that stalls on the fence and Matsumoto grabs a guillotine, rolls to a hip with it and Argueta taps just before going out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jean Matsumoto via Submission, guillotine choke, at 4:59 of Round 2

Mic time for Matsumoto and the translator, he says he trained very hard for this fight and puts over his team. He talks us through the finish and notes he’s been doing guillotines forever then thanks his coaches for all of their work again.

Pedro Falcao took this fight the week of the event, but he brings a five fight winning streak into his UFC debut and he’s hoping to extend that streak here. Victor Hugo has a very long 13 fight winning streak going right now and he’s looking to extend that with a win in his UFC debut. Hugo closed at -140 to +120 for Falcao.

Bantamweight Bout: Pedro Falcao (16-3, 136 lbs.) vs. Victor Hugo (24-4, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Hugo is an inch taller with five and a half inches of reach advantage. Hugo opens with a body kick. Falcao pushes into a clinch and looks for a single leg on the fence, Hugo defends and they clinch. Knee from Hugo, Falcao with some lefts to the head. Hugo with an elbow in close. Outside trip from Falcao and he jumps for the back, he gets both hooks in but Hugo breaks them and Falcao winds up scrambling around to get on top in full guard. Hugo goes to a rubber guard, he’s after a gogoplata but Falcao blocks it and they scramble back up. Knee from Falcao as he’s got Hugo on the cage. Hugo with some body shots then pushes away from the clinch. Left hand from Hugo. Falcao pushes into a clinch again. They break without incident. Calf kick from Hugo. Falcao keeps pushing forward, he tries another takedown on the fence but Hugo defends and sneaks in a few shots. They break then Hugo fires a head kick. Bit of a body kick from Hugo then a low kick. Falcao blocks a high kick then avoids a spinning kick. Uppercut from Hugo, he’s starting to come on now. Left hook from Hugo, he fires a body kick but Falcao tries to cross check with a leg and winds up taking a shot to the groin so we’ve got a time out. Replay confirms the low blow. That is one of the dangers of blocking that kick with the lead leg from open stance, especially when you don’t have a read on the distance. Falcao takes a minute then we’re back to fighting. Hugo right back on pressure and lands a body kick then a left hook to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Hugo but could have gone the other way

ROUND TWO: Falcao comes out pushing forward but walks into a left hook Hugo with a spinning back kick. Falcao tries another takedown on the fence, Hugo defends and spins free. A couple of punches from Hugo then a front kick. Left hand from Hugo then a left to the body. Falcao is fading but is still throwing punches. Calf kicks from Hugo. Falcao stalks forward, he tries another takedown but Hugo again defends on the fence then they break. Leg kick from Hugo. Falcao walks into a front kick but he’s still coming forward. Hugo with some elbows while defending a single leg on the cage then he limp legs away from it. A couple of body shots from Hugo. Falcao tries another takedown but again gets stalled out in the clinch. They break free. Calf kick from Hugo. Hugo with an uppercut in close then Falcao lands a bit of a left hand. Another front kick from Hugo. Falcao tries a takedown but it hits the fence again. Once again Hugo breaks free, he fires a wheel kick that doesn’t land but he does get around to the back of Falcao in a clinch. They break without incident. Bit of a high kick from Hugo. Body kick from Hugo then a calf kick. Falcao blocks a kick and they both miss punches to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Hugo but again fairly close, 20-18 Hugo overall

ROUND THREE: Left hook from Hugo and Falcao drops for a moment but he’s up quickly. Falcao pushes forward again. Hugo with a head kick then a front kick. They punch into a clinch and Hugo has Falcao on the cage. Some clinch work from both men as they fight for position, knee from Hugo then a spinning back kick. Falcao complains about the kick but the ref says it was legal. Hugo comes forward with punches then lands a calf kick. Falcao punches and tries another takedown that, say it with me, once again stalls on the fence. A replay seems to indicate that back kick hit the groin. Hugo with a knee and he’s able to get out of the clinch. More body kicks from Hugo. Left hook from Hugo then he avoids a single leg. Falcao lands an elbow then tries again for a takedown but again that isn’t working. Both men with some small shots then Hugo spins free. Hugo with a few lefts. Falcao eats a calf kick and looks to punch forward. Short left hook from Hugo. Falcao swings punches but doesn’t really land then he grabs at a clinch. They break free without incident. Right hand and a calf kick from Hugo. Falcao misses a left hand but tries a takedown, then slips to the back in the clinch. Hugo breaks his grip and they’re clinched again. Knees from Hugo and they break. Both men miss punches, Falcao tries yet another takedown that doesn’t work. Hugo with a bit of a high kick to close out the fight.

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

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

No interview for Hugo as the blue corner has gone 4-0 thus far.

Norma Dumont is on a three fight winning streak and she’s hoping to score her first win over a former UFC champion here. Germaine de Randamie was last seen choking out Julianna Pena in October of 2020, now three and a half years later she’s back after injury and pregnancy and hoping to prove that despite turning 40 before the end of the month she’s still a capable fighter. Given that layoff it’s not a surprise to see Dumont as the -120 favorite but an even +100 on de Randamie might be a decent little bet.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Germaine de Randamie (10-4, 135 lbs.) vs. #11 Norma Dumont (10-2, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: De Randamie is two inches taller with four inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Some front kicks from de Randamie. A lot of feints from de Randamie then she lands a calf kick. Dumont lands a right hand to counter a leg kick and drops de Randamie. Dumont gets on top and moves to half guard. Some decent pressure from Dumont but de Randamie him escapes to full guard. There’s a bit of an arm triangle attack from Dumont, it’s possible to get that from the guard but it’s very difficult. A few body shots from Dumont. Dumont postures up and lands a few punches. De Randamie fights up but eats punches as they clinch. Dumont with a quick takedown from the clinch just before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Dumont

ROUND TWO: Forward pressure from de Randamie. Dumont lands a couple of punches but can’t find a takedown. De Randamie pushes forward but misses a punch and gets clinched up. They fight for position in the clinch, a few knees go back and forth. Some rights from de Randamie and she slips to the back for a moment. Dumont gets chest to chest again. De Randamie with some knees still as she’s got Dumont on the fence. Dumont gets de Randamie on the fence, they trade again then separate. Some jabs go back and forth. Bit of a high kick from de Randamie. Right hand from Dumont in close. Dumont catches a kick and hits an inside trip to get on top in full guard. Not much going on here, then Dumont lands an elbow. De Randamie tries an armbar just before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 de Randamie, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Both women with some jabs to start the round. Dumont eats a front kick then lands a right hand. Jab from de Randamie. Double leg from Dumont and she gets on top. De Randamie looks to wall walk quickly, she’s upright but Dumont is able to spin her back down and lands on top in leg drag. Dumont to side control now and she’s after an arm triangle but there’s some arm position from de Randamie that’s blocking her pass to maybe really threaten it. A lot of shoulder pressure from Dumont but de Randamie does get her arm out of danger. Dumont gets the back as de Randamie rolls, she gets both hooks in and pulls things back to the mat. De Randamie keeps trying to move, she gets to her knees and she tries to wall walk with Dumont on her hip. They’re upright but Dumont is able to trip her back down. Dumont will end the round on top as they trade some punches on the mat.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Norma Dumont via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Solid win for Dumont who might get a bigger name next, but she wont get an interview.

Valter Walker is undefeated coming into his UFC debut and he’s hoping to enter himself into a division that seems perpetually in need of new talent. Lukasz Brzeski has gone 0-3 in the UFC and hasn’t won a fight since 2020, he could very well be fighting for his job here. Walker is a decent -230 favorite to a +190 comeback on Brzeski.

Heavyweight Bout: Lukasz Brzeski (8-4-1 1 NC, 236 lbs.) vs. Valter Walker (11-0, 264 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Walker is two inches taller with half an inch of reach advantage, but he’s also 20 some odd pounds heavier. Brzeski comes out looking to pressure forward and lands a couple of calf kicks. Walker starts coming forward now and lands his own calf kick. Brzeski keeps working the calf kick. Walker with an overhand right then hits a double leg into half guard. Brzeski tries to stand from his knees but Walker is riding his leg and landing some punches to the head. Walker to the ride position fully now and lands another couple of lefts. Some more lefts from Walker, he’s good about sneaking those punches in but not really losing the control position. Walker pulls the legs away from Brzeski, Brzeski is able to start his wall walk though Walker rides him back to his knees. Some short rights from Walker as Brzeski stands into a clinch. Brzeski is able to spin free and reset. Front kick from Walker. Brzeski with an uppercut. Calf kick from Walker. Both men land punches in close. Brzeski with a combination, but Walker takes him down into side control. Walker moves to the ride and lands a couple of rights as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Walker

ROUND TWO: Brzeski comes forward as the round starts and they trade calf kicks. Walker with a front kick. They trade in close. Brzeski is keeping up the pressure but he’s aware of the takedowns that might come back his way. Right uppercut in close from Brzeski. Walker with a double leg into half guard. Walker to the ride position but Brzeski is working to wall walk. They’re up but Walker is still on the back. Brzeski with a standing switch into the clinch, Walker lands a knee and shoves him off. Bit of a left from Walker. Brzeski lands in close, then eats a right hand. Both men land in close again but the hand speed and combinations of Brzeski is starting to work. Right hand from Brzeski. Walker has a spinning back fist blocked. Elbow from Walker but he eats an uppercut. They trade lefts. Brzeski lands a right hand. Both men land body shots. Bit of a right from Walker. Brzeski has a combination blocked. Clubbing right from Walker but they clinch up and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Brzeski, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Brzeski resumes walking forward. Front kick from Walker. Walker lands a left to the body. Brzeski lands a left to the body then they trade in close. Brzeski with a right to the body. Walker tries a takedown, he’s able to finish it against the fence. Walker moves towards full mount and lands right hands. Brzeski is trying to start a wall walk, he turns and stands but Walker has his back and pulls him back down then gets both hooks in. Walker starts fishing for a choke, Brzeski tries to spin around but gives up full mount. Walker with some short punches. Left elbow from Walker. Brzeski tries to bridge off the fence, he’s able to scramble around and get on top with 40 seconds left. Side control now for Brzeski. Walker to his knees and then slips to the back of Brzeski in the ride position. A few punches from Walker and he’ll end the round on the back of Brzeski.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Lukasz Brzeski via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Huh, thought Walker had the third but I’m not mad about it. No interview again.

Court McGee has had a surprisingly long UFC career dating back to 2010 but he’s 2-5 in his last seven fights and has been knocked out in the first round both of his last fights, as the end of his career is probably closing in he’s looking for a few more good memories before hanging up the gloves. Alex Morono has gone 5-2 in his last seven fights, he is coming off of a loss though and is trying to avoid his first ever losing streak. It’s not surprising to see Morono as a -340 favorite to +270 on McGee.

Welterweight Bout: Court McGee (21-12, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Alex Morono (23-9 1 NC, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while McGee has three and a half inches of reach advantage. Morono deflects an early body kick. Right to the body from McGee. Clubbing right hand from Morono lands. A lot of pressure from Morono. Body kick from Morono. McGee lands a body kick of his own. That right hand from Morono keeps landing and it’s going to be a real problem. McGee lands a calf kick. Bit of a right from McGee. Morono with another right hand then a jab. Body kick from Morono. Both men are doing some decent body work here as well, they’re not just head hunting. Body kick then a left hook from Morono. McGee lands a right to the body. Morono lands a right hand but misses a wheel kick to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Morono

ROUND TWO: McGee pushes forward quickly, he tries a double leg but Morono grabs a guillotine on the way down and jumps guard with it. Morono climbs up higher with his guard for more leverage on the choke, the angle is a little awkward though. McGee does get his head free and lands body shots. Armbar from Morono but McGee gets free and keeps on top. Morono seems a little stuck underneath here. McGee lands an elbow. Morono tries another guillotine but McGee gets his head free and lands a few more blows from on top. Eventually Morono scrambles up and free. Bit of a one two from McGee. Bit of a knee then a right hand from Morono. McGee bulls forward then lands a left hook. Inside leg kicks go back and forth. Both men miss punches. Morono lands a front kick. A couple of jabs go back and forth then Morono lands a one two to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Morono but might have gone the other way, 20-18 Morono overall

ROUND THREE: McGee bulls forward quickly and tries a single leg on the fence but bails and they trade punches. Bit of a right from Morono. Morono lands a solid right hand. McGee avoids a spinning back fist. Some jabs go back and forth. Morono with some front kicks. McGee jabs the body. Bit of a right from Morono. Morono blocks a double leg. They trade body kicks. McGee lands a right to the body. Both men miss punches. Both men wing punches, nothing quite lands. Morono lands another right hand, then misses a bunch of punches. McGee with a takedown into full guard as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alex Morono via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

No issues at all with McGee taking the second, but again we’ve got a decision that means there’s no interview.

Trevor Peek has gone 2-1 in the UFC but did get a win his last time out and now tries to build his first UFC winning streak. Charlie Campbell had a successful UFC debut last year and now looks for his first UFC winning streak as well. The odds like Campbell at -160 while Peek’s underdog status sits at +140.

Lightweight Bout: Charlie Campbell (8-2, 155 lbs.) vs. Trevor Peek (9-1, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Campbell is three inches taller with two and a half inches of reach advantage. Peek comes out with an inside leg kick. Campbell probes with some kicks. Calf kick from Campbell. Peek lands a leg kicks as well. A few more leg kicks go back and forth, Campbell is getting the better of these things. Hard calf kick from Campbell. Peek pushes into a clinch and they hit the fence. Body lock takedown from Peek, Campbell quickly looks to wall walk but eats a few knees on the way before they separate. Bit of a right from Campbell then a knee to the body. Peek has gone southpaw, that left leg of his is a little messed up from all the calf kicks. Peek forces another clinch but Campbell with knees to the body then pushes free. A couple of rights from Campbell land. Inside leg kick from Campbell. Peek swings a right hand that misses. Campbell with a knee after slipping a punch, then he lands a calf kick for good measure. Right hand from Campbell. Peek tries to tie up but Campbell slings him down to the ground. Knee from Campbell as Peek stands and the round will end in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Campbell

ROUND TWO: Campbell fires a high kick. Peek lands a calf kick. Campbell avoids a blitz from Peek. Campbell lands a couple of punches in close then Peek ties him up. Peek can’t keep the clinch though and Campbell knees him the gets free. Uppercut from Campbell then a trio of calf kicks. Peek ties up and they trade knees then break. That left leg of Peek is in real trouble. Campbell keeps chopping at the legs then lands a right hand. Campbell with a couple of knees in close then Peek ties up. Peek with a knee then looks to get on the back in the clinch. Campbell gets chest to chest and slips free. Peek is trying to brawl but Campbell double legs him and gets on top. Campbell moves to the back with one hook in and lands punches. Campbell keeps fishing for a choke or at least a face crank, but Peek fights to his feet and they break. Peek bulls forward and lands a right hand. Peek swings a series of punches but Campbell clinches up then slips free. Hard right hand from Campbell, then a flurry on the fence before Peek hits a takedown. Peek is in the ride position and looks to land but Campbell fights up into a clinch. Knees from Campbell now a flurry of them to the body before they break. Campbell with another couple of punches to close out the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Peek rushes forward right away but gets taken down. Campbell moves to a front headlock but Peek scrambles up into a clinch. They fight for position then Campbell lands a knee and an elbow but Peek bulls through them and lands a right hand then tries a hammerlock but Campbell scrambles up from his legs and gets on top against the fence. Peek works to stand but Campbell gets his back then grabs a body triangle to slow things down. Campbell starts fishing for the choke then switches to an arm triangle on the hip. Both hooks back in for Campbell and he grabs at another choke but Peek breaks that. Peek is able to force his way up to his feet with Campbell on his back still. Peek is next able to break the grip of Campbell and get free. Both men miss rights, then Campbell reaches for a single leg and slips to the back when Peek overcommits on his defense. Campbell on top in side control but Peek catches half guard. Campbell moves to the ride, then gets bot hooks in and grabs at a choke, it’s pretty close but there’s no time for that to play out.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Charlie Campbell via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Well that was a pretty fun little fight. Mic time for Campbell he tries to quote The Rock about finally coming back since he lost in the Apex before but overcoming fear is important. He puts over his mom and then says he wants to fight soon but wont call a name since he didn’t get a finish.

Ignacio Bahamondes has gone 3-2 in his last five fights but he’s coming off of a loss and he’s hoping to rebound while avoiding his first ever losing streak. Christos Giagos has gone 1-3 in his last four fights and he’s coming off of a loss, now he’s trying to avoid another losing streak. Bahamondes is among the bigger favorites at -310 to a +250 payout for a Giagos win.

Lightweight Bout: Ignacio Bahamondes (14-5, 156 lbs.) vs. Christos Giagos (20-11, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Bahamondes is five inches taller with four inches of reach advantage, he’s also eight years younger. They touch gloves to start. Bahamondes pushes forward and keeps switching his stance as he lands leg kicks. Bit of a right from Giagos. More calf kicks from Bahamondes. Giagos lands a right hand but then eats a couple of uppercuts. Bahamondes avoids a right hand and lands an uppercut. Giagos tries a takedown, that just winds up as a clinch on the fence. Bahamondes slips free pretty quickly and resumes showing long range weapons. Wheel kick from Bahamondes wobbles Giagos then he follows up with a spinning back kick to the body. Bahamondes lands lefts against the fence. Calf kick from Bahamondes. Bahamondes lands a right hand. Giagos is slowing his motion now and that means Bahamondes is sniping him. Both men miss punches then Bahamondes lands a body kick. Right hand from Bahamondes. A head kick from Bahamondes drops Giagos and that’ll do it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ignacio Bahamondes via KO, head kick, at 3:34 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Bahamondes for his work this evening. Bahamondes gets an interview, he gives glory to God first and foremost then thanks his team and family back in Chile, and he’s very happy that his wife is getting closer to giving birth. He talks us through the finish, then when asked about the future he mostly wants to recover quickly and get back to training but September sounds pretty good to him.

Giagos had taken some serious damage before this, and this last head kick was just the final blow that ended things.

Morgan Charriere is on a four fight winning streak including his UFC debut last year, he’s hoping to extend that streak here and prove he’s a rising force in the division. Chepe Mariscal is on a five fight winning streak including two wins in the UFC, he’s hoping to extend that streak here and prove he’s ready for a step up in class going forward. Close on here, -130 for Charriere to +110 on Mariscal.

Featherweight Bout: Morgan Charriere (19-9-1, 145 lbs.) vs. Chepe Mariscal (15-6, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Charriere is an inch taller but the reach is identical. Mariscal comes out working leg kicks and switching his stance. Charriere with some punches but Mariscal with a takedown, Charriere uses a guillotine to roll through. Charriere switches towards an anaconda choke, just control right now the choke isn’t in. Mariscal fights up to his feet and pushes things into the fence. Some knees go back and forth in the clinch. Charriere pulls away from a single leg and they reset. Bit of a right hand from Mariscal. Both men land punches in close then Mariscal tries a takedown on the fence. They trade in the clinch, then Mariscal lands a few punches before shooting again into a clinch. Charriere gets Mariscal on the fence but Mariscal spins free and lands a left hand then grabs a front headlock. Charriere gets a takedown but Mariscal bounces up and free. Mariscal blocks a high kick. Both men land kicks then Mariscal lands an inside leg kick. Head kick from Mariscal partially lands. Charriere lands a left hook then Mariscal fires a combination as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Mariscal

ROUND TWO: Mariscal back to circling. Charriere blocks a few punches. Mariscal lands a calf kick. Bit of a body kick from Charriere. Charriere with a one two. Mariscal lands a one two then a left hand. Bit of a high kick from Charriere. Inside leg kick from Charriere. Mariscal retaliates with a body kick. Right hand from Charriere. Mariscal lands a glancing left then a calf kick. Charriere blocks a head kick. Mariscal lands an uppercut in close but can’t find a clinch. Left to the body from Charriere and Mariscal responds with a right hook. Charriere with a left hook. A couple of body shots from Charriere, Mariscal didn’t like that and he’s backing up now. They trade front kicks then Mariscal lands a left hook in close. Charriere with a couple of punches, at kicking range he’s doing very well. Cut kick from Charriere lands. Mariscal lands a right hand. They tie up, Charriere gets a trip and gets on top. Mariscal moves to his knees, Charriere gets the ride as they stand then hits a mat return but Mariscal granby rolls through and they reset. Front kick from Mariscal but Charriere eats it and gets a takedown as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Charriere, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Charriere stalks forward to start the round. Mariscal blocks a head kick and lands a left hand. Some jabs from Mariscal. Charriere lands a leg kick then a right hand. Leg kick from Charriere then a couple of punches and a body kick. Mariscal unloads with a combination and they trade in close then Charriere ducks a punch and hits a double leg against the fence. Charriere settles into half guard and lands a few hammer fists but Mariscal is throwing off of his back. Mariscal lands a couple of elbows. Charriere with some body to head punches. Mariscal scrambles and wall walks, he grabs at a guillotine and lands knees with it before they trade in the clinch. Charriere drops for a choke but the angle is off and they scramble to their knees with Charriere holding a front headlock. Mariscal pushes Charriere over and gets on top in half guard. Charriere tries to sweep but Mariscal smothers him and keeps top position. Some lefts from Mariscal but Charriere gets to his knees. Mariscal ends the round still throwing some punches, heck of a fight there.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Chepe Mariscal via split decision (27-30, 29-28 x2)

I could see Charriere taking the third but not the first, 30-27 for him feels wrong. Mic time for Mariscal, he thinks he won and puts over Charriere and wants a bonus. Asked about the future he wants to get his cuts cleaned up but would like to fight again soon after that.

Alexander Hernandez has gone 1-3 in his last four fights, missed weight for this fight, and has yet to get a win at featherweight in the UFC. Hernandez needs a win pretty badly here to get his career back on track. Damon Jackson has gone 4-2 in his last six fights but he’s on a two fight losing streak and really needs a win here to get things back on track. Hernandez is your favorite at -180 while that +155 comeback on Jackson has to be a tempting little bet.

Featherweight Bout: Alexander Hernandez (14-7, 147.5 lbs.)* vs. Damon Jackson (22-6-1 1 NC, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Jackson is two inches taller while Hernandez has an inch of reach advantage, plus Hernandez missed weight. Jackson declines a touch of gloves. Hernandez misses a right hand. Both men do a little bit of stance switching as they circle around. Calf kick from Hernandez. Body kick from Jackson then they trade rights. Hard calf kick from Jackson. Bit of a right from Jackson then Hernandez lands a left hook. Jackson with another calf kick. Jackson catches a kick and gets the back in a clinch. Hernandez tries to fight the grip of Jackson, Jackson lands a few knees to the thigh. They get chest to chest then separate. Jackson with another calf kick. Hernandez is looking to land bombs but he’s not landing flush yet. A lot more southpaw stuff from Hernandez now, might be protecting that left leg. Jackson catches another kick then pushes things to the fence. More knees to the leg from Jackson. Hernandez with a few short punches in the clinch, then Jackson hits a double leg. Jackson mounts the legs and lands a few rights, Hernandez stands and they’ll end the round in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jackson

ROUND TWO: Bit of a right from Jackson but Hernandez landed a calf kick. Body kick from Jackson. Hernandez has some punches blocked. Front kick from Jackson. A bit of forward pressure from Jackson now and he lands a couple of calf kicks. Hernandez is bleeding from the nose now. Jackson with a right hand then a left hook. Hernandez lands a left hand, he’s still circling well. Jackson lands another right hand. Hernandez avoids a few kicks, then Jackson lands a right hand. Jackson lands a hard calf kick. Pressure from Jackson now, he lands another calf kick. One of those punches from Hernandez has got Jackson bleeding from the bridge of the nose. Jackson lands another calf kick. Jackson punches in close and hits a double leg takedown. Hernandez is trying to block Jackson actually getting a good position, but Jackson slips to his back and gets the backpack as Hernandez stands. Jackson fishes for the choke, he can’t find it but lands punches to the head as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Hernandez lands a right hand to start the round. Another right from Hernandez drops Jackson, Jackson scrambles to his knees. Hernandez gets towards the back, then switches to mount looking for an arm triangle. Jackson is able to get his arm out of danger but Hernandez is still in full mount. Jackson scrambles up and lands a knee. Both men land rights then Jackson tries a takedown against the fence, but Hernandez stays upright this time and they settle into a clinch. Jackson slips to the back and then falls down to get on the back fully, really slick back take. Hernandez is flat and Jackson starts landing punches. Hernandez bases up and tries to snake Jackson off over the top, but Jackson keeps the position. Jackson does fall off though and then scrambles back up looking for a single leg. Some knees from Jackson in the clinch as they get chest to chest. As they fight for position Jackson keeps sneaking in knees to the body and leg. 30 seconds left as they keep moving in the clinch. Elbow from Jackson then he flurries as they break and the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Damon Jackson via split decision (27-30, 29-28 x2)

I’m not going to complain about the split there. Mic time for Jackson he’s tired and puts over the fight and was grateful for the fear he felt in camp. He says 30-27 is off and he won 29-28, then dismisses the bad blood they’d sort of leaned into trying to promote things.

Brendan Allen is on a six fight winning streak last losing in 2021 to his opponent tonight, he’s trying to rectify that outcome and earn a fight against a top five opponent next. Chris Curtis has gone 2-2 with a No Contest in his last five fights, but most recently he got a win in January of his year and now looks for his first winning streak since 2022. The odds are with Allen at -235 while +195 on Curtis might tempt some bettors out there.

Middleweight Bout: #6 Brendan Allen (23-5, 186 lbs.) vs. #14 Chris Curtis (31-10 1 NC, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Allen is five inches taller but Curtis has half an inch of reach advantage, Allen is also eight years younger. Body kick from Allen early, Curtis is fighting southpaw per usual. Curtis with a bit of a left hand. Both men land body shots, then Allen slips to the back and rides Curtis down then gets both hooks in. Body triangle from Allen now. Curtis is able to scramble up and free, nice work there, and they restart on the feet. Body shot from Curtis now. Allen lands a one two. Double jab from Allen. Curtis lands a bit of a right hook. Body kick then a right hand from Allen. Curtis lands a left hand. Left to the body from Curtis. Allen lands a right hand. Curtis bulls forward but eats a right hand. One two from Curtis. Allen keeps showing that body kick. Another body kick from Allen. Curtis lands a couple of body shots then a front kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Allen

ROUND TWO: Curtis gets back to moving forward while Allen pokes out kicks and jabs. Some side kicks to the lead knee from Allen. They trade rights in close. Curtis is looking to land in the pocket now but Allen circles away. Allen lands a body kick. Bit of a left hook from Allen. Some jabs from Allen but Curtis avoids a right hand. Curtis avoids a takedown attempt, he’s starting to fight very well now and lands a left hand. Left hook from Allen in close then a right hand. Both men land punches, Allen’s got Curtis on the fence and lands an elbow then a right hand. Curtis pokes out a left hand and continues coming forward. Right to the body then a front kick from Allen. Bit of a knee from Allen. Curtis lands an uppercut in close but eats a counter left hook. They trade jabs. Curtis digs the body in close but Allen counters with a right hand. Allen might be fading already, and the body work from Curtis isn’t going to help him in that regard. Curtis lands a couple of lefts. Left to the body from Curtis. Allen lands a couple of rights. Curtis hits the body again then they trade hooks in close to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Curtis, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Curtis comes out showing the jab. Bit of a right from Allen. Curtis lands a left hand. Right hand from Allen. Curtis lands a left. Curtis blocks a couple of punches. Both men land punches in close. Allen lands an elbow. Right hand from Allen. Allen with an inside leg kick. Curtis gets close and lands a right hook. Allen grabs a clinch but nothing comes of it. Bit of a left to the body from Curtis. Allen fires a couple of punches and Curtis complains of an eye poke so we’ve got a time out. Replay shows there was a bit of an eye poke, but Curtis is good to continue after 53 seconds and they touch gloves on the restart. Curtis back to hitting the body now. Allen ducks under a head kick. Body kick from Allen. Allen lands a right hand but Curtis landed a counter combination. Curtis looks to push with punches, Allen ducks under and hits a double leg then gets the backpack position as Curtis stands. Allen starts fishing for the choke as he’s got a body triangle locked in. Allen bails on the back and they get chest to chest, then Allen lands an elbow as the last blow of the round.

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

ROUND FOUR: Curtis gets back on pressure. Allen lands a couple of body kicks while circling. Both men miss rights. They trade leg kicks. Curtis lands a left hand then a right to the body that stuns Allen for a second. Allen back to moving forward and lands a right hand of his own. Allen complains of an eye poke so we’ve got a time out, replay is a little inconclusive so they restart quickly. Both men avoid punches. Curtis lands a right hand in close but Allen lands a couple of counters. Inside leg kick from Allen. Allen lands a left hook, then hits a double leg in open space. Curtis tries to stand but gives up the back and Allen has both hooks in now. Curtis scrambles and gets on top then stands free to force a reset. Bit of a right from Allen. Curtis lands a left to the body then a one two. More body shots from Curtis. Allen wobbles Curtis with an elbow then lands an inside leg kick. Bit of a head kick from Allen but Curtis absorbs it. Double leg from Allen but he can’t secure it and just gets the back in a clinch. Allen works for a cheese donkey and gets it then grabs at the choke but Curtis defends that. Curtis tries to counter again but Allen reads it this time and transitions to full mount. The round will end with Allen on top landing a couple of elbows.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Allen, 39-37 Allen overall

ROUND FIVE: Curtis gets back to pressure. Allen fires a head kick but that’s blocked. Allen with a side kick to the knee. Curtis is moving forward and avoids a double leg then lands a knee to the head of Allen as Allen tries another takedown. Allen is able to slip to the ride position against the fence, he’s got the far hook then grabs at a kneebar as he loses that but Curtis scrambles up and free to reset. Body shot from Curtis. They tie up and trade elbows then Allen lands a knee. Allen tries a double leg but Curtis sprawls away. Left hand from Curtis. Allen with a glancing uppercut. Curtis blocks a high kick then they trade rights. Allen lands another right hand. Curtis blocks a double leg and lands a few punches to the body while Allen holds an arm trying to keep tied up. They reset on the feet and Allen lands a right hand. They both land in close, then Allen tries a single leg and gets a takedown then gets the back. Allen’s back takes are nuts. Allen looks for the choke again but Curtis is hand fighting. Curtis forces another scramble and makes things restart with less than 30 seconds. Allen tries a single leg, but can’t finish it. Flying knee from Allen, Curtis is hurt and Allen fires a head kick but can’t finish things before the round ends. There’s something wrong with the right leg of Curtis, he claims he tore his hamstring.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Allen, 49-46 Allen overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Brendan Allen via split decision (47-48, 48-47, 49-46)

I don’t hate 48-47 Curtis he could have taken the third, and maybe even should have, without incident and a couple of other close rounds. Mic time for Allen, he puts over Curtis for being super tough on short notice and then calls for a title shot. If he can’t get a title shot he’d like a rematch with Sean Strickland. He feels he won the fight but knows it was tough and puts over Curtis again and thanks him for taking this on short notice when no one else would.

Well on that note UFC on ESPN+ 98 comes to a close. Next week is UFC 300 and I’ll be back here for that, hopefully you will as well. We’ll be previewing that event plus going over all the fallout from this event tomorrow on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast. Until next time thank you all for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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