411’s UFC 271 Report: Adesanya Retains

MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)
Champ Israel Adesanya (184 lbs.) vs. #1 Robert Whittaker (184 lbs.) – for middleweight title
#3 Derrick Lewis (266 lbs.) vs. #11 Tai Tuivasa (265 lbs.)
#4 Derek Brunson (185.5 lbs.) vs. #3 Jared Cannonier (185 lbs.)
Alexander Hernandez (156 lbs.) vs. Renato Moicano (156 lbs.)
Bobby Green (155.5 lbs.) vs. Nasrat Haqparast (156 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET)
Andrei Arlovski (246 lbs.) vs. Jared Vanderaa (265 lbs.)
#12 Roxanne Modafferi (126 lbs.) vs. #15 Casey O’Neill (125.5 lbs.)
Kyler Phillips (136 lbs.) vs. Marcelo Rojo (136 lbs.)
Fabio Cherant (206 lbs.) vs. Carlos Ulberg (204 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET)
Ronnie Lawrence (136 lbs.) vs. Mana Martinez (136 lbs.)
AJ Dobson (185 lbs.) vs. Jacob Malkoun (186 lbs.)
Douglas Silva de Andrade (136 lbs.) vs. Sergey Morozov (135 lbs.)
Blood Diamond (170 lbs.) vs. Jeremiah Wells (170.5 lbs.)
Maxim Grishin (206 lbs.) vs. William Knight (218 lbs.)*

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Hello everyone and welcome to 411manai’s LIVE coverage of UFC 271. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening. Tonight the UFC is back on PPV and has brought with them a stellar main event featuring the two best middleweights in the world. Reigning champion Israel Adesanya looks to extends his title reign when he rematches the man he dethroned to claim the belt, Robert Whittaker. Whittaker has only ever lost to Adesanya at middleweight and is trying to reclaim the belt. I’m pretty pumped for this fight, I expect it to look almost nothing like their first fight but still be great. The rest of the card isn’t weak, but it’s not exactly the sexiest card you’ve ever seen. In the co-main event we’ve got heavyweights as hometown boy Derrick Lewis takes on Tai Tuivasa, the next middleweight contender might well come out of Jared Cannonier vs. Derek Brunson, and the duo of lightweight fights that open the main card are rock solid fights on paper. We’ve also got the last fight for Roxanne Modafferi as the pioneer will be retiring after this fight, and she’s drawn the undefeated rising force that is Case O’Neill. Kyler Phillips taking on Marcelo Rojo has some decent potential, and Carlos Ulberg vs. Fabio Cherant will probably be fireworks for as long as it lasts.

UFC 271 comes to the world from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, USA. On commentary we have Jon Anik, Michael Bisping, and Daniel Cormier. As for the rules, Texas is under the older set and we wont have the use of instant replay. Also bear in mind we’re in the bigger 30 foot diameter cage rather than the 25 foot set up at the Apex.

William Knight has gone 3-1 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak, unfortunately he set an ignominious record for this fight when he missed weight by a whopping 12 pounds marking the biggest weight miss in UFC history and forcing the fight to move up to light heavyweight. Now Knight did take the fight on short notice, but that’s still a big miss and Knight will need a win to help smooth things over. Maxim Grishin has gone 1-2 in the UFC but he’s coming off of a loss and is now trying to avoid his first UFC losing streak. The odds are with Grishin at -170 to +150 for Knight.

Heavyweight Bout: Maxim Grishin (31-9-2, 206 lbs.) vs. William Knight (11-2, 218 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Grishin has five inches of height and reach over Knight. They touch gloves to get us going. The “woo’s” have already started, God help us all. Grishin starts probing with jabs and low kicks. Calf kick from Grishin. Bit of a body kick from Knight. Grishin lands a head kick that wobbles Knight but he recovers quickly. More leg kicks from Grishin as he circles, he’s started switching between orthodox and southpaw. Knight misses a couple of kicks. Grishin lands a front kick to the body, he’s been showing that a lot thus far but that was the first really solid one. More kicks to the body and leg from Grishin as he’s backing Knight towards the fence. Knight starts coming forward but doesn’t connect with anything before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Grishin

ROUND TWO: Grishin avoids more kicks from Knight then lands a body kick. Front kick from Grishin. Knight misses a few more kicks then Grishin lands a body kick. Grishin lands a right hand. Calf kick from Grishin lands. Knight lands a leg kick then eats a jab. Grishin avoids a spinning kick then lands a leg kick. Bit of a right from Grishin then Knight forces a clinch and starts looking for a takedown along the fence. Grishin works knees and elbows from the clinch. Knight is fishing for a takedown, he finally gets one but Grishin spins into him on the mat and lands some elbows from half guard. Grishin is fishing for an arm triangle choke but Knight defends and they scramble back up to their feet. Knight misses more kicks. Grishin is getting his jab working a bit more now. Calf kick from Grishin then a front kick to the body. Knight lands a jab to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Knight misses a left hook, then misses a right hand. Grishin with a front kick to the body. Calf kick from Grishin, Knight spins into him and lands a bit of a back fist then Grishin lands a right hand and they clinch. Knight is after a single leg, Grishin defends and he pushes Knight into the fence. Grishin lands a few punches as they break. Knight punches into a clinch and Grishin defends then spins free. Knight catches a body kick and gets an inside trip and lands on top in full guard. Grishin scrambles back up to his feet as Knight tried to pass and then he pushes Knight into the fence. Some knees from Grishin. Knight tries for a single leg, he can’t fully finish it and they trade knees in the clinch. Grishin lands an elbow and a right hand as he gets free then a front kick to the body. Calf kick from Grishin then a jab. A right from Grishin drops Knight, he follows him down into full mount but the clock runs out before that can develop.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Maxim Grishin via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Let’s hope that’s the worst fight of the evening, no interview for Grishin.

We get an update on next weeks card, which has a new main event of Johnny Walker and Jamahal Hill after Rafael dos Anjos vs. Rafael Fiziev had to be delayed due to visa issues, that fight will now be a 5 round co-main event for the UFC 272 PPV.

Jeremiah Wells is on a three fight winning streak that includes a successful UFC debut in June of last year, he’s hoping to extend that streak here. Mike “Blood Diamond” Mathetha is undefeated coming into his UFC debut and will be looking to capitalize on the only chance you get to make a first impression. Wells is your favorite at -240 to a +195 comeback on Mathetha.

Welterweight Bout: Blood Diamond (3-0, 170 lbs.) vs. Jeremiah Wells (9-2-1, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Mathetha has two inches of height and reach over Wells. Wells trips starting the fight, and Mathetha charges then they wind up clinched up. They start working in the clinch and eventually Wells gets a body lock takedown then gets the back with ease. Wells with some ground and pound while trying to get a choke locked up but he’s forcing the choke too much and Mathetha is defending. Another choke attempt from Wells and Mathetha wont tap but Wells puts him to sleep.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jeremiah Wells via Technical Submission, rear naked choke, 4:38 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Wells for his work this evening. Mic time for Wells, he acknowledges tripping early but kept his composure and implemented his game plan. He talks us through the finish, then when asked about the future he wants to be back soon.

Douglas Silva de Andrade has been trading wins and losses dating back to 2017, but he’s coming off of a win and is trying for his first winning streak since 2016. Sergey Morozov has gone 1-1 in the UFC but he’s coming off of a win and is looking for his first UFC winning streak, even better if he can get it at the expense of a durable and respected veteran like de Andrade. The odds favor Morozov at -210 while the +175 comeback on de Andrade might be a tempting value bet.

Bantamweight Bout: Douglas Silva de Andrade (27-4 1 NC, 136 lbs.) vs. Sergey Morozov (17-4, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: De Andrade is an inch taller with an inch and a half of reach advantage. De Andrade comes out kicking but Morozov is backing him up with feints. Morozov avoids a few heavy strikes from de Andrade. Jab from Morozov lands. De Andrade lands a calf kick. Morozov lands a few jabs then a right hand. A left from Morozov staggers de Andrade, then he drops him with an uppercut and gets on top. Morozov lands body shots from the guard. De Andrade closes his guard, he’s just holding on while Morozov works body to head punches and elbows. Morozov lands a few more punches. Short elbow from Morozov, de Andrade is cut open from that one around the right eyebrow. De Andrade wall walks and eats a solid knee to the face before they separate. Morozov lands a left hook. De Andrade is looking battered already. Knee to the body from Morozov. De Andrade lands a right hand then a left hook. Body shot from de Andrade. Body kick from Morozov lands then he takes de Andrade down into half guard. Morozov ends the round on top landing elbows.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Morozov but a marginal one

ROUND TWO: That cut us off the corner of the righty eyebrow, not a bad spot but it’s a pretty large gash. The doctor checked it between rounds and doesn’t seem to object to the fight continuing. Morozov is jabbing as the round begins. Bit of a counter right from Morozov then a body jab. De Andrade lands a left hook then a right follow up staggers Morozov. A right from de Andrade drops Morozov but Morozov fights back up. De Andrade is coming forward but misses a left hook. Body shot from de Andrade. Morozov lands an inside leg kick then we get an eye poke to de Andrade and the resulting time out. Replay confirms the thumb to the eye. De Andrade wants to continue and after about 30 seconds we’re back to fighting. A blitz from de Andrade drops Morozov, they clinch and scramble but Morozov wont stay down when he’s hit. They wind up on the fence, but de Andrade is able to get free. A left from de Andrade lands, he’s trying to flurry and finish this. Morozov drops to the mat, de Andrade jumps on his back and starts fishing for the choke. De Andrade goes to a body triangle but Morozov is hand fighting. Another choke attempt from de Andrade, this one gets tight and Morozov wont tap but instead goes to sleep.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Douglas Silva de Andrade via Technical Submission, rear naked choke, at 3:34 of Round 2

Wild fight, heck of a comeback from de Andrade. Mic time for de Andrade and his translator, he plays with the crowd then acknowledges the tough first round but he came back and did what he had to do. He hopes he gets a Performance and Fight of the Night bonus then calls out Sean O’Malley. In fairness to his point, that is the Fight of the Night after 3 bouts by far. He talks a bit about how hard he’s worked for this and gives glory to God.

This clip doesn’t do justice to the insanity of the fight, but here’s the end. Watch de Andrade use his head to lever into the back of Morozov’s as well as help cover his palm to palm grip, nice little detail there.

Silva De Andrade with an epic comeback 😳

Stream #UFC271 on @ESPNPlus ➡️ https://t.co/8nSLNkbqlT pic.twitter.com/CmgLfkLTdC

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) February 13, 2022

AJ Dobson is undefeated coming into his UFC debut and is trying to make a good first impression on the wider UFC audience. Jacob Malkoun has gone 1-1 in the UFC but he’s coming off of a win and is trying to build his first UFC winning streak. This is a close one, Dobson at -115 to -105 on Malkoun.

Middleweight Bout: AJ Dobson (6-0 1 NC, 185 lbs.) vs. Jacob Malkoun (5-1, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Dobson is four inches taller with three inches of reach advantage. Dobson is looking to fight long, he lands a few rights that hurt Malkoun. Malkoun forces a clinch and starts looking for a takedown, he can’t get it though. Dobson is able to spin free and they reset at distance. Dobson keeps tagging Malkoun with a one two, Malkoun tries a double leg that hits the fence but he can’t finish the takedown. Malkoun starts working a body lock, but Dobson gets free and misses a knee. Bit of a right from Dobson. A knee from Dobson lands then they trade punches. Malkoun lands a couple of jabs. Bit of a left hook from Dobson, then a calf kick. Malkoun lands a right but takes a three punch combination in return. Another right from Dobson lands. They trade jabs then Dobson lands a right hand. Dobson lands a body kick then avoids a single leg. Another exchange of rights, but Dobson is rolling with the punches a bit better and Malkoun’s defense is lacking. Dobson lands a left hook in close. One two from Dobson lands again. Malkoun tries a single leg, that hits the fence and he finishes the takedown but nothing will come of it before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Dobson

ROUND TWO: Dobson back to jabbing, and lands a knee to the body as well. Leg kick from Dobson. Malkoun tries a single leg, forces things to the fence but Dobson spins him around. They jockey for position then separate without incident. Malkoun tries another single leg, he gets Dobson down but Dobson looks to wall walk quickly though Malkoun keeps the clinch. Another takedown from Malkoun and he unloads with punches from the ride position. Dobson tries to wall walk again, but Malkoun is able to break him down with a power half nelson. More punches from Malkoun but the flurry has slowed. Dobson can’t wall walk as Malkoun keeps attacking his posting limbs to keep him on the mat. A few hard punches from Malkoun as he’s working the ride position. Malkoun things about sitting for a seated arm triangle choke but loses it and goes back to punching from the ride position. Dobson finally wall walks and they break apart. Malkoun avoids a few punches as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Malkoun, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Dobson jabbing as the round starts. Both men land rights in close, then Malkoun tries a single leg and they hit the fence. Malkoun gets a body lock takedown and winds up in the ride position. Dobson back up, but is mat returned right away. A few punches land from Malkoun as Dobson moves to the fence and wall walks. Malkoun reaps the leg and gets on top in half guard. A few blows land for Malkoun. Malkoun keeps a decent pace of ground and pound from the top and Dobson is struggling to get up from under him. More rights from Malkoun, he’s running away with this last round. Dobson is trying to tie Malkoun up and stall but he doesn’t seem to have the ability to do so. Malkoun passes to side control, Dobson finally escapes and regains his feet but the round immediately ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Malkoun as he did that by a wide enough margin, 29-27 Malkoun overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jacob Malkoun via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Mic time for Malkoun, he feels he’s been counted out ever since his first loss in the UFC and plans to keep pushing hard. He’s here to win, not just see how he does. He mentions being a bit off in the first round but is glad he proved he’s got a chin.

A minor correction I’ll be making going forward with my scoring, Texas uses the older scoring criteria where 10-8’s are much more difficult to obtain. While I find the newer criteria more accurate, I’ll be scoring to reflect the criteria being used. Under the older rules Malkoun did not earn a 10-8 in the third for me.

Mana Martinez is on a three fight winning streak including a successful UFC debut last year, now he’s trying to extend that streak and start the long climb up through the bantamweight ranks. Ronnie Lawrence is on a four fight winning streak and had a successful UFC debut about a year ago, now he’s back in action and looking to prove himself the prospect of note at bantamweight. The odds are firmly with Lawrence at -305 to a +240 comeback on Martinez.

Bantamweight Bout: Ronnie Lawrence (7-1, 136 lbs.) vs. Mana Martinez (9-2, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Martinez is two inches taller and has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Both men do a fair bit of stance switching. A few kicks go back and forth to start, Lawrence doing more of the circling while he looks for an angle of attack. Lawrence lands a leg kick. Martinez lands a calf kick. Lawrence with a few punches, they’re just a distraction as he goes into a double leg and gets Martinez down with a slam. Martinez starts working his guard, and scoots to the fence then starts looking to wall walk. Lawrence moves to the back as they stand. Martinez is able to wall walk and get free. They trade leg kicks. Calf kick from Martinez lands. Lawrence lands an inside leg kick then drops Martinez with a right hand and jumps on top. Martinez moves to the turtle and Lawrence starts laying in punches and hammer fists from the ride position. Lawrence avoids a leg attack but the attempt did let Martinez get full guard. Elbow from Lawrence lands, and the round ends with Lawrence still on top.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lawrence

ROUND TWO: Martinez continues coming forward but he’s not really cutting off Lawrence. Lawrence lands a left to the body. A left hook from Lawrence drops Martinez, he gets back on top and lands more punches before Martinez ties him up. Lawrence passes to half guard. Martinez is trying to shrimp and is able to get his full guard back. Lawrence postures up and lands a right hand then moves to the ride position as Martinez moves to his knees. Martinez moves to the fence and tries to wall walk, he’s back up and they break then trade lefts. A hard right from Lawrence drops Martinez again, he gets on top and lays in punches but Martinez rolls to the turtle and tries to stall and recover. Lawrence moves to the back and locks up a body triangle. A few choke attempts from Lawrence, but he can’t quite find it yet. Martinez is about to come up on top, and he does but Lawrence kicks him off and they stand. Double leg from Lawrence and he moves to half guard quickly. Martinez is trying to wall walk again but Lawrence works to mount the legs. Martinez is able to wall walk, but Lawrence gets him back down immediately. Lawrence ends the round on top.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Lawrence, 20-17 Lawrence overall

ROUND THREE: Lawrence lands a right hand. Martinez avoids a wheel kick but can’t capitalize. Bit of a body shot from Martinez. Lawrence tries a head kick, that’s mostly blocked. Hard body kick from Martinez, then Lawrence cracks him with a counter left. Lawrence misses a head kick. Martinez lands a right hand. Lawrence tries the head kick again, he needs to avoid being this predictable with them. Martinez stuffs a takedown, then Lawrence lands another right hand. Bit of a left from Martinez. Martinez lands a left then avoids a double leg. A spinning back fist from Martinez lands and hurts Lawrence, then a follow up right drops Lawrence. Martinez looks to flurry, but Lawrence survives and gets a double leg. Triangle choke attempt from Martinez, then he switches to an armbar but Lawrence defends and retains top position. Lawrence lands a few punches from top position then Martinez kicks him off and they reset on the feet. Lawrence with another takedown and he’ll ice the final few seconds of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Martinez, 29-27 Lawrence overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ronnie Lawrence via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27 x2)

Wild fight, bantamweights are bringing it tonight. Mic time for Lawrence, he acknowledges how badly he was hurt but went through some drills to do when you get hurt and was fortunate enough to wind up on top. He says he had some medical issues and didn’t feel good tonight which led to some of his decisions. Asked about the future, he’s disappointed in himself but still wants to keep going up.

That’s it for the early prelims, the rest of the prelims will be on ESPN as well as ESPN+.

Carlos Ulberg lost his UFC debut in March of last year, now he’s trying to rebound and get that all important first UFC win. Fabio Cherant has gone 0-2 in the UFC and has his back pretty close to the wall here, an 0-3 start could easily end his UFC run. Ulberg is a solid -265 favorite while Cherant’s comeback sits at +215.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Fabio Cherant (7-3, 206 lbs.) vs. Carlos Ulberg (3-1, 204 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ulberg has three inches of height and reach over Cherant. Southpaw for Cherant. A lot of circling from Cherant, Ulberg stalks him then lands an inside leg kick. Ulberg keeps working leg kicks while trying to find an opening to the head. Bit of a jab from Ulberg. Ulberg is getting his jab working a bit more now, and lands an inside leg kick. They trade lefts then Ulberg lands a front kick that seems to stray into the groin of Cherant so we get a timeout. Replay confirms the kick did hit the cup. Cherant takes about 30 seconds then we’re back to fighting. Cherant comes out swinging and lands a left hand then they clinch up. Ulberg lands a few knees then gets a takedown to land on top in half guard. Cherant is able to kick him off and they reset on the feet. Ulberg avoids a few punches then lands an inside leg kick that sweeps Cherant. Jab from Ulberg lands. Spinning kick from Ulberg partially lands to the head. Body shot from Ulberg then he has a head kick blocked. Ulberg is keeping Cherant on the fence, Cherant lands a bit of a left hand as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ulberg

ROUND TWO: Cherant is coming forward to start the round, but soon enough bails on that. Both men land glancing lefts. A stiff jab from Ulberg has Cherant backing up and his right eye is damaged from it. Bit of a left from Cherant. There’s some blood around the right eye of Cherant, not a big amount but it’s swelling just a bit as well. Ulberg lands a jab. Leg kick from Ulberg. A hard left hook lands for Ulberg as he avoids a punch from Cherant. Ulberg lands a front kick to the body. More long range attacks from Ulberg, he’s getting Cherant to the fence over and over again. Cherant lands a left to the body. Ulberg lands some more leg kicks. Cherant misses some punches to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Ulberg avoids a few punches, Cherant is only attacking on straight lines and he’s lunging a bit which allows Ulberg to avoid without much issue. Cherant is backing up consistently still. Ulberg with a few more leg kicks. Cherant misses a punch after taking a jab. Ulberg lands a front kick then a leg kick. Right to the body from Ulberg, he’s got Cherant on the fence again. Cherant blocks a head kick. Another body shot from Ulberg, he’s starting to increase his output while Cherant isn’t throwing anything back at him. Ulberg avoids a few punches, gets a body lock takedown then starts working from leg drag. Cherant is able to get to his knees then scramble back up and they separate. They just stare away the final 10 seconds.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Carlos Ulberg via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Well that fight sucked. No interview for Ulberg.

Kyler Phillips just had a four fight winning streak snapped when he lost a majority decision to Raulian Paiva, now he’s trying to bounce back and avoid his first ever losing streak. Marcelo Rojo lost his UFC debut about a year ago and has had three fights fall out since then, he’s now looking for that all important first UFC win. The odds are heavily with Phillips at -490 while a +360 payout for Rojo might tempt a few gamblers out there.

Bantamweight Bout: Kyler Phillips (9-2, 136 lbs.) vs. Marcelo Rojo (16-7, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Phillips has an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Phillips comes out jabbing then they trade leg kicks. Body kick from Phillips. Both men miss punches in close. Phillips lands a right hand then misses a wheel kick. Jumping knee from Phillips, then they trade leg kicks. Combination of punches from Phillips, Rojo fires back with punches of his own. Phillips lands a calf kick. Rojo lands a left hook in close, they trade in the clinch with Phillips landing an elbow before they hit the fence. Phillips reaps the outside leg then jumps on the back of Rojo as he tries to stand. Phillips moves to full mount, but Rojo quickly shrimps to half guard. Some punches from Phillips but Rojo is able to wall walk then eats a knee and they break. Rojo blocks a wheel kick then avoids a few punches. Phillips lands a few jabs then a calf kick. Bit of a right from Phillips then a left hook. Phillips gets a clinch on the fence and lands a knee to the body. Rojo separates and lands a bit of a right hand. Phillips lands another left. Both men land rights, then tie up and Phillips lands a knee to the body then a foot sweep and he lands on top in full guard. A few blows from Phillips close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Phillips

ROUND TWO: Phillips lands a spinning back kick to the body. Rojo lands a bit of a punch but he’s struggling to find the target. Phillips is the faster fighter evidently. More kicks to the leg and body from Phillips. Phillips lands a calf kick, then another one. Rojo blocks a head kick but eats a right hand. Both men miss punches. Phillips digs a left to the body. Rojo misses a right hand. Jab and calf kick from Phillips. Another calf kick from Phillips, those are starting to add up. Phillips lands a jab and they both miss rights. Rojo lands a right hand. Phillips is just chewing up Rojo with jabs and calf kicks. Bit of a body kick from Phillips then he lands a couple of hard calf kicks. Rojo tries a combination but Phillips avoids most of it. Body shot from Rojo connects. Phillips hits a double leg but Rojo scrambles back up then eats a knee. More jabs from Phillips then they clinch. Some knees from Phillips in the clinch. Rojo lands a knee of his own then they break to basically end the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Rojo’s left calf is swelling up visibly. Both me land punches as the round begins. Phillips lands another calf kick. Body kick from Phillips. Rojo defends a couple of takedown attempts but the third one in the chain from Phillips works and he lands in side control. Phillips goes for a kimura, he can’t finish it but uses that to get to full mount. Mounted triangle from Phillips, he unloads with elbows then rolls back for the choke. Rojo is almost out, but as he tries to pull back Phillips switches to a triangle armbar and Rojo has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Kyler Phillips via Submission, triangle armbar, at 1:48 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Phillips for his work this evening. The bantamweights are still bringing the heat. Mic time for Phillips, he had a good time in the fight and thanks the fans but knows he’s going to keep pushing and get even better in the future. He talks about landing the calf kicks to set up his offense, then talks us through the finish.

Switching from a triangle choke to a triangle armbar isn’t quite as easy as you’d think, it takes some timing and hip adjustment but Phillips does both of those things well here as Rojo is primed to escape the choke.

Slick arm at transition by @Kymatrix 😳

Stream #UFC271 on @ESPNPlus ➡️https://t.co/8nSLNjTPul pic.twitter.com/6pvjaHCHIa

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) February 13, 2022

Roxanne Modafferi is a true pioneer for women’s MMA and even fought for the inaugural women’s flyweight title in the UFC back in 2017, but she’s announced this will be her last fight. Modafferi will be looking for one final win to hang her hat on as she rides off into the sunset. Casey O’Neill is undefeated including being 3-0 in the UFC, she’s trying to take out a respected veteran here and continue her rapid ascent through the flyweight ranks. O’Neill is a very big -400 favorite over the +300 Modafferi.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: #12 Roxanne Modafferi (25-19, 126 lbs.) vs. #15 Casey O’Neill (8-0, 125.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Modafferi is an inch taller but the reach is identical, Modafferi is also 15 years older. O’Neill declines a touch of gloves. Both women land some punches, Modafferi is pressuring forward early. O’Neill lands a calf kick. More leg kicks from O’Neill then a right hand. O’Neill lands a right hand. Hard right from O’Neill, but Modafferi is still pushing forward. Another right from O’Neill, then a left to follow up. O’Neill lands another right hand. One two from O’Neill. Modafferi lands a bit of a right hand. Both women land rights. They split a few lefts. Modafferi lands a right, O’Neill returns it. O’Neill lands a right hand then a leg kick. Body kick from O’Neill lands. Modafferi is landing some arm punches, she’s got the nose of O’Neill bleeding. O’Neill lands another leg kick. O’Neill starts coming forward more now, she lands another right. Modafferi has been landing in the exchanges, now O’Neill’s left eye is swelling up a bit. They trade in close again. O’Neill lands a right hand to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 O’Neill

ROUND TWO: They basically pick up where the first round left off, clashing then backing up and clashing again. O’Neill catches a kick and lands a right hand. Another right lands for O’Neill. Calf kicks from O’Neill are landing. Both women land jabs. They clinch up, then break as O’Neill lands a right hand. O’Neill lands another right, then a follow up left. They split jabs again. Both women land in close. Hard right from O’Neill lands. O’Neill starts coming forward now, they both trade then Modafferi avoids a clinch. More jabs from O’Neill are landing now, she lands a right hand as well. Calf kick from O’Neill. O’Neill lands a right hand. That jab from O’Neill is troubling Modafferi. O’Neill lands another calf kick. Modafferi lands a left in close but takes a body kick. O’Neill lands a one two, she’s really found the target much more this round. Another right from O’Neill then a few punches in close. Modafferi lands a right in close. O’Neill lands a left hook, she’s calling for a brawl and Modafferi seems willing to partially oblige. Modafferi tries a double leg, she finishes it into half guard as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 O’Neill, 20-18 O’Neill overall

ROUND THREE: Modafferi starts pushing forward right away, she runs into a few right hands though. Hard right from O’Neill then a front kick but she took some punches along the way. A right and left hook land for O’Neill. Both women land jabs. O’Neill lands a calf kick. Bit of a combination from O’Neill. They trade rights in close. O’Neill lands a right, but Modafferi gets close and lands a knee. More knees from Modafferi land. O’Neill lands a right hand. One two from O’Neill. O’Neill starts getting her jab working again. A few lefts from O’Neill in close, then Modafferi lands a knee. Modafferi lands another knee to the body. Spinning back fist from Modafferi is blocked. O’Neill lands a front kick to the face then they trade some more punches. Both women land punches, they’re content to just slug this out. O’Neill lands a combination. Solid one two from O’Neill then she avoids a double leg. They trade rights. O’Neill lands a body kick but Modafferi gets a takedown off of it against the fence. O’Neill wall walks but Modafferi keeps the clinch. Modafferi slips to the back in the clinch and works knees to the leg and body. O’Neill turns into Modafferi and they close the round in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 O’Neill, 30-27 O’Neill overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Casey O’Neil via split decision (28-29, 29-2 x2)

You can’t possibly justify giving Modafferi two rounds, the third she’s got a case for but not the first or second. O’Neil gets an interview, she insults the crowd who was very pro Modafferi. She puts over Modafferi and says it was great to have a war with her in her retirement fight. Asked what she wants next she wants to be on a PPV and will fight anyone.

Modafferi gets an interview as well, she’s OK with this being her last fight as she gave this everything and she’s ready to pass the torch to the next generation. She thanks her fans, gives love to her coaches and everyone who came before her in this sport.

Andrei Arlovski is improbably still fighting and winning in the UFC, he’s 4-1 in his last five fights only falling to Tom Aspinall and currently riding a two fight winning streak. Arlovski is trying to turn back another heavyweight prospect and extend his ridiculously long career (seriously, Arlovski debuted as a professional in April of 1999). Jared Vanderaa has gone 1-2 in the UFC and is coming off of a loss, a win over Arlovski would be the biggest of his career and would be a good way to bring his UFC record back to the .500 mark. The odds are with the veteran Arlovski at -145 while the +125 payout on Vanderaa might not be the worst plus money bet you could make.

Heavyweight Bout: Andrei Arlovski (32-20 2 NC, 246 lbs.) vs. Jared Vanderaa (12-6, 265 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Vanderaa is an inch taller, has three inches of reach advantage, and he’s 14 years younger. Both men start feinting a bit as the fight starts. Calf kick from Arlovski. Arlovski lands a left hand, he’s started switching his stance a bit now. Flurry from Arlovski lands. Vanderaa is still pushing forward, he lands a leg kick. Arlovski lands a right hand. The combination punching from Arlovski is working, he’s getting to Vanderaa. Vanderaa lands a left but he eats a counter right for it. They punch into a clinch then Vanderaa lands a few knees as they hit the fence. Vanderaa starts looking for some trips but he wont find one before Arlovski spins free. Arlovski misses a right, and they trade lefts. Both men land punches. Vanderaa lands a calf kick. Bit of a right from Arlovski. Hard right from Arlovski but Vanderaa just eats it. Vanderaa tries a leg kick as Arlovski attempts a spinning backfist to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Arlovski

ROUND TWO: Vanderaa starts pressing forward. Arlovski lands a right then a left hook. The hand speed is in favor of Arlovski. Vanderaa pushes into a clinch and they hit the fence. Some knees from Vanderaa before Arlovski spins free. Arlovski has a head kick blocked then lands a right hand. They trade rights. Arlovski lands another right. That right from Arlovski is money right now. Vanderaa misses a head kick, Arlovski has gone southpaw but returns to orthodox rather quickly. Arlovski lands a right, and eats a counter right. Both men land punches in close. They clash in close and Arlovski complains of a low blow so we’ve got a timeout. Replay confirms the groin shot in the flurry but he wants to fight still and we restart after about 30 seconds. Arlovski lands a right hand. Vanderaa gets a clinch on the fence, he works some knees. Arlovski gets off the fence and they break. Vanderaa avoids a spinning back fist. They trade rights then both miss punches to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Arlovski

ROUND THREE: More of the same to start the round. Vanderaa lands a couple of leg kicks, he’s trying to up the tempo at least. Body kick from Vanderaa. They punch into a clinch and trade knees before they hit the fence. Knees from Vanderaa as they’re on the fence but things are stalling out. They break after trading knees. Bit of a calf kick from Vanderaa. Both men try to establish the jab, then they trade rights. Bit of a right from Vanderaa after he avoids a blitz. Arlovski lands a left but Vanderaa lands a body kick. The pace from Vanderaa is increasing, and it’s leading to success. Both men land body kicks. Vanderaa lands a left hand. Vanderaa avoids a right hand and lands a couple of punches. Arlovski is on the fence a lot this round, Vanderaa lands a left hook. Arlovski forces a clinch and they hit the fence. Vanderaa unloads with punches then they break. Arlovski lands a right to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Vanderaa, 29-28 Arlovski overall

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

That same judge from the Modafferi and O’Neil fight had the dissenting card for this fight. No interview for Arlovski.

Well that’s it for the prelims, onto PPV for the main card.

Bobby Green has gone 4-2 in his last six fights and is coming off of a first round stoppage win, he’s hoping to build on that momentum here and start another run up the ranks of the lightweight division. Nasrat Haqparast has gone 5-3 in the UFC but he’s coming off of a loss and is trying to avoid his first ever losing streak. Green is a slight -140 favorite over Haqparast’s +120.

Lightweight Bout: Bobby Green (28-12-1, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Nasrat Haqparast (13-4, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Haqparast has an inch of reach advantage, Haqparast is also 9 years younger. Haqparast is fighting southpaw. Green comes out looking to jab and is pushing Haqparast back. A few punches from Green partially land. Green lands an inside leg kick. Bit of a left from Green and he gets poked in the eye so we get a timeout. Replay confirms the poke. Green wants to continue and we’re back to fighting. Green has gone southpaw for a bit now. Haqparast is circling away, now he complains of an eyepoke so we get another pause. Again replay confirms the poke but Haqparast wants to continue. The ref warns both men about keeping this clean and we’re back to fighting. Green keeps working the jab, then lands a front kick to the body. Haqparast misses a few punches. Hard calf kick from Haqparast. Green is switching his stance frequently now. Bit of a left from Haqparast. Green lands a jab. Another jab from Green lands. Haqparast fires a combination but it’s blocked. Green lands a few lefts but Haqparast fires back and lands. Some more long range punches from Green. Green lands a one two. Haqparast lands a body kick. Green avoids a kick and lands a few punches to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Green

ROUND TWO: Green is back to popping the jab and circling, Haqparast can’t find the target when he does throw. Another combination from Green, and he avoids the counter kick. Haqparast lands a bit of a left hand. Both men avoid punches, but Haqparast’s face is becoming a mess. Green unloads with punches and kicks that land. More punches from Green, Haqparast lands a glancing counter but he’s getting sucked into head hunting at a guy with great head movement. Haqparast lands a leg kick but eats a strong jab. Green lands a few more punches. Bit of a left from Haqparast. Green lands a couple of inside leg kicks. More punches from Green land and he gets Haqparast to back up for a second. Haqparast’s face is a mess. Green keeps peppering at Haqparast. Haqparast lands a left hand. Stiff left and right from Green. Both men land punches but Haqparast’s defense is still lacking. Head kick from Haqparast partially lands. Green lands a series of punches to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Green back to jabbing and moving. Haqparast lands a calf kick. Green lands a couple of more punches and slips the counter. A series of jabs to the body and head from Green. Green lands a right hand and blocks the counters. Haqparast is able to land a left but he’s taking three or four punches for each one he lands. Green lands a combination of body shots. Front kick from Green then a body jab. Haqparast misses a left hand, he’s just behind at every step thus far. Haqparast lands a leg kick. Green lands a couple of jabs. A few punches from Green land, Haqparast lands a front kick to the body. More lead hand work from Green. Green is stabbing to the body with front kicks, then lands a few punches. Another combination from Green, he’s just flowing all over Haqparast. Green avoids a high kick, then lands a few punches to cloe the round.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Bobby Green via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Great performance from Green there. Mic time for Green, he gives love to his family for their support then gets the crowd to flip off “everyone who’s ever been told they couldn’t do it, or counted out then turned it back around” and walks off.

Alexander Hernandez has gone 5-3 in the UFC but has been trading wins and losses lately, he’s coming off of a win though and is trying to get his first winning streak since 2018 up and running tonight. Renato Moicano has gone 2-1 since returning to lightweight, only falling to rising contender Rafael Fiziev. Moicano is trying for his first winning streak since 2018 as well, and a win here could set him up for a substantial 2022. The odds are with Moicano at -155 to +135 for Hernandez.

Lightweight Bout: Alexander Hernandez (13-4, 156 lbs.) vs. Renato Moicano (15-4-1, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Moicano is two inches taller but the reach is identical. Both men come out kicking. Moicano lands a right hand. Hernandez lands an inside leg kick. Body kick from Moicano. Moicano lands a right hand then a left hook. Bit of an uppercut from Moicano. Hernandez is just a bit too far outside to land his punches, but he does land a body kick. Moicano forces a clinch and they hit the fence. Takedown from Moicano but Hernandez wall walks immediately though he’s still in the clinch. Moicano keeps trying for a takedown, he finally gets an outside trip and lands in half guard. Hernandez tries to get up but Moicano keeps him down and lands some punches. Hernandez comes up on a single leg then lands an elbow as they break. Now Hernandez is pressing forward, he lands a right hand. Body shot form Hernandez then a right hand. Hernandez has gone southpaw and he’s chopping at Moicano with kicks to the body. Moicano slips a right and lands a right hand punch. Glancing uppercut from Moicano gets Hernandez to back off for the final seconds of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Moicano

ROUND TWO: Moicano gets back on the front foot right away, chopping with leg kicks. Hernandez is doing a lot of stance switching. Moicano lands a knee in close. They clinch then break without incident. Moicano lands an uppercut and a left hook. A flurry of punches from Moicano land, Hernandez is hurt and gives up the back on the ground where Moicano instantly grabs the choke and forces the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Renato Moicano via Submission, rear naked choke, at 1:23 of Round 2

That choke from Moicano was lightning fast. Mic time for Moicano, he puts over Hernandez then puts over DC as well as his coaches and the USA for respecting sport and even gets a cheap pop by putting over Texas. He talks us through the finish, then says he wants a big check next since he’s got a life to live and taxes to pay, since Texas likes everything bigger he’d like a big check to go with it.

Jared Cannonier has gone 4-1 since dropping to middleweight with his only loss coming to former champion Robert Whittaker, he bested Kelvin Gastelum last year and if he can get another win here there’s a good chance he could lay claim to the next title shot at middleweight. Derek Brunson is on a five fight winning streak and despite losses on his record to both Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya, if he can extend that streak to six here he could likewise make a case for being the next in line to challenge for the middleweight title. Cannonier is the slight -155 favorite to a +135 payout on Brunson.

Middleweight Bout: #4 Derek Brunson (23-7, 185.5 lbs.) vs. #3 Jared Cannonier (14-5, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Brunson is two inches taller while Cannonier has half an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Brunson. Cannonier stalks forward looking to kick. Both men miss power hand punches. Brunson lands a body kick. They clinch but Cannonier breaks free quickly. Bit of a left from Cannonier. Brunson tries a double leg against the fence but Cannonier defends. Single leg now from Brunson and he eventually gets the takedown. Cannonier starts wall walking, he’s up quickly and they break. Brunson forces a clinch but can’t keep it. Cannonier lands a right hand. Brunson might be fading, or at least settling down. Cannonier lands an elbow then a leg kick. The footwork of Cannonier is troubling Brunso who force another clinch but Cannonier gets free with relative ease. Brunson lands a left hand. Another left from Brunson lands, he fails another double leg after that though. Cannonier misses a right hand then they clinch again and hit the fence. Brunson takes a couple of attempts but he does get the takedown into half guard. Cannonier wall walks then shoves Brunson away. Brunson blocks a head kick. Bit of a right from Cannonier lands. A counter right from Brunson drops Cannonier, he gets on the back and grabs the choke but Cannonier hangs on until the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Brunson, borderline 10-8 depending on how close you think that choke was

ROUND TWO: Brunson grabs at a single leg, and gets Cannonier down quickly. Half guard for Brunson but Cannonier scrambles to his feet and lands a right hook. Cannonier lands a right uppercut. Leg kick from Cannonier, Brunson doesn’t look great physically at the moment. Cannonier lands a right hand. Bit of a left from Brunson. Cannonier lands another right hand, he’s got Brunson fighting scared at the moment. Inside leg kick from Cannonier. Brunson tries a takedown, Cannonier shoves him away. Cannonier lands a right hook. Another right from Cannonier then he avoids a clinch. Cannonier lands a leg kick. Brunson misses a few punches. Cannonier lands a jab. Right from Cannonier lands. Cannonier lands an elbow and they clinch but Cannonier lands a right and Brunson is wobbled. More punches from Cannonier, Brunson is hurt and drops down. Cannonier gets on top in half guard and lands elbows until the ref saves Brunson as Brunson’s corner tossed in the towel.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jared Cannonier via TKO, punches and elbows, at 4:29 of Round 2

Big statement win for Cannonier, he might be the next title challenger. Mic time for Cannonier, he knows he’s a bit of a slow starter and puts over Brunson’s wrestling but he kept going through the motions and got the win. He talks us through the finish and says he turned Blonde Brunson into Blood Brunson. Asked about the future, he tells Dana White he wants the next title shot. I’d give it to him.

Derrick Lewis has gone 5-1 in his last six fights only falling to former interim champion Ciryl Gane, he was last seen knocking out Chris Daukaus and if he can get another win here there’s a non-trivial chance he finds himself in another title fight. Tai Tuivasa is on a four fight winning streak with all of those being finishes but he’s taking a significant step up in class for this fight, though a win over Lewis would easily be the biggest of his career and could signify the arrival of a new contender to the upper echelon of heavyweight. The odds are with the higher ranked Lewis at -195 to +165 on Tuivasa.

Heavyweight Bout: #3 Derrick Lewis (26-8 1 NC, 266 lbs.) vs. #11 Tai Tuivasa (13-3, 265 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Lewis is an inch taller with four inches of reach advantage, he’s also nine years older. They touch gloves to get us going. Tuivasa is feinting Lewis backwards. Bit of a leg kick from Tuivasa. Tuivasa lands a calf kick. They clinch up and hit the fence. Knees from Tuivasa to the body and leg. They stall out there and the ref breaks them up. Lewis goes southpaw, and has a head kick blocked then goes orthodox again. Tuivasa lands a calf kick, bit of a right from Lewis and they clinch again. Both men with some knees to the body while they fight for position. Lewis drops for a single leg but Tuivasa defends and lands an elbow. Another elbow from Tuivasa in the clinch. Lewis hits an inside trip and lands in half guard. Lewis lands some rights as Tuivasa comes up and they both swing wildly before they clinch again. More knees from Tuivasa, Lewis tries a step across trip and Tuivasa works on a single leg to counter. They fight up to the feet and Tuivasa lands a knee to the body. They close the round with Tuivasa kneeing the body in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lewis

ROUND TWO: Tuivasa comes out feinting again. Inside leg kick from Tuivasa and he avoids a counter right. Lewis is protecting that lead leg. Bit of a punch from Lewis, then he follows up with a flurry and they wind up clinched on the fence again. Tuivasa avoids the takedown this time but eats a knee. They get cloe and trade punches but Lewis winds up stunned. Tuivasa hurts Lewis with a right. Another right from Tuivasa, then he lands an elbow in the clinch that makes Lewis face plant and we’re done.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Tai Tuivasa via KO, elbows, at 1:40 of Round 2

Hands down the biggest win of Tuivasa’s career. Mic time for Tuivasa, he plays with the crowd before putting over Lewis but feels he’s younger and is now looking to take over. He jokes that his name is Tai like Muy Thai while talking us through the finish. Asked about the future he doesn’t care, he’s coming for everyone.

Robert Whittaker is the former middleweight champion, in fact his middleweight record stands at 11-1 with his lone defeat coming at the hands of his opponent tonight. Since losing the title Whittaker has won three fights in a row over Darren Till, Jared Cannonier, and Kelvin Gastelum, now he’s trying to become the first ever two time middleweight champion in UFC history. Israel Adesanya is the reigning UFC middleweight champion, he’s never lost in that particular weight class and since taking the title from Whittaker in 2019 he’s notched three successful title defenses and had one failed bid to move up and take the light heavyweight title. Adesanya is trying to firmly cement himself as the best middleweight in the world right now, and if he’s able to best Whittaker a second time he’ll continue forging his legacy in the sport. It’s no surprise to see the champion Adesanya as the favorite at -280, but the +225 payout on Whittaker makes for a tempting value bet.

Middleweight Title Bout: (c) Israel Adesanya (21-1, 184 lbs.) vs. #1 Robert Whittaker (23-5, 184 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Adesanya is four inches taller with a whopping six and a half inches of reach over Whittaker. Adesanya will do a lot of stance switching, Whittaker fights orthodox. Some early feints from Adesanya as he plays around with stances. Whittaker looks to fight long as well, he’s probing with leg kicks. Adesanya lands an inside leg kick. Whittaker keeps showing the side kick but he can’t quite find the range yet. Adesanya lands a jab. Whittaker avoids a head kick. Calf kick from Adesanya. Another inside leg kick from Adesanya lands. More leg kicks from Adesanya, he’s upping the pace to try and force Whittaker to react. Both men land jabs. Adesanya lands another calf kick. Whittaker avoids a head kick. A left from Adesanya drops Whittaker but he bounces back up and resets. Whittaker tries a double leg, Adesanya easily sprawls away. Adesanya keeps pressing Whittaker towards the fence, he lands another leg kick. Body kick then a left from Adesanya. Whittaker isn’t responding to the feints from Adesanya with aggression and Adesanya is starting to pick him apart. Body kick from Adesanya lands. They feint away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Adesanya

ROUND TWO: Adesanya gets back to kicking and moving. Whittaker misses a high kick. Adesanya lands a leg kick then a jab. Whittaker lands a jab but eats a counter. Leg kick from Adesanya lands, he’s getting Whittaker to extend and get wild now. Adesanya avoids a few jabs. Whittaker lands a jab and takes a bit of a counter uppercut. Adesanya slips a right hand. Whittaker lands a stiff jab. Adesanya lands a jab of his own. Adesanya avoids a high kick. Inside leg kick from Adesanya lands. Whittaker tries a double leg, gets Adesanya down against the fence. Adesanya wall walks and starts looking to frame and break, which he does safely. More forward pressure from Adesanya, he’s slowed down his feinting a bit. Head kick then a body kick from Adesanya. Whittaker eats a jab and lands a leg kick. Adesanya lands a jab. Whittaker blocks a high kick. They split jabs then Adesanya lands a calf kick. They circle away the final seconds.

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

ROUND THREE: Adesanya avoids a side kick. Whittaker keeps circling away from Adesanya’s pressure. Adesanya misses a head kick then they trade jabs. Body kick from Adesanya. Another body kick from Adesanya lands. Adesanya lands a calf kick. Whittaker lands a jab but eats a counter right hook. Adesanya lands a calf kick then blocks a takedown and lands a knee. Whittaker avoids a left hand. Adesanya fires a head kick, partially blocked then Whittaker gets a takedown and Adesanya pops up and they move to the fence. Whittaker is on the back standing, Adesanya uses a double wrist lock to break the grip and they reset. Adesanya starts jabbing then lands a hard calf kick. Bit of a left from Adesanya. Whittaker lands a jab. Adesanya landsa a body kick to close the round.

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

ROUND FOUR: Adesanya starts pressuring forward again. Whittaker lands a jab. Adesanya lands another body kick. Hard calf kick from Adesanya lands. Adesanya lands another body kick. Whittaker misses a couple of lefts. Double leg from Whittaker, he jumps on the back in the backpack position and starts looking for the choke. Adesanya hand fights and Whittaker bails then resets. Bit of a body kick from Adesanya. Both men miss jabs. They trade some jabs then Adesanya lands an inside leg kick. Whittaker lands a couple of jabs but eats a counter right. Adesanya lands a calf kick then a right hand that seems to off balance Whittaker. Whittaker lands an uppercut in close. Whittaker lands a couple of jabs then they clinch up. Adesanya frames to break the posture of Whittaker then gets free. Glancing head kick from Adesanya closes the round.

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

ROUND FIVE: Adesanya starts pressuring again. Left hook from Adesanya lands. Both men land jabs. Hard calf kick from Adesanya, Whittaker lands a jab. Adesanya lands a body kick. Whittaker lands a stiff jab. Inside leg kick from Adesanya, then he defends a single leg and separates. Bit of a right from Whittaker. Adesanya avoids a few jabs and keeps prssuring Whittaker. Double leg from Whittaker, but Adesanya immediately bounces up then fights to break the grip. Knee from Adesanya then Whittaker lands a left as they break the clinch. Adesanya lands a jab. Calf kick from Adesanya lands. Adesanya defends a takedown and they clinch on the fence again. Whittaker can’t complete the takedown and Adesanya lands punches from the clinch as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Whittaker but another close one, 48-47 Adesanya overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and STILL UFC Middleweight Champion – Israel Adesanya via unanimous decision(49-46, 48-47 x2)

The crowd is not happy about the decision, and Whittaker clearly had the better 5th round. Mic time for Adesanya, he knew Whittaker would bring everything to this fight but he’s the champ and if you want it come get it. He knew he hurt Whittaker’s leg but Whittaker started defending it and he gives kudos to the boxing coaches of Whittaker. Asked about the fight he knew Whittaker would come with wrestling trying to copy Jan but at middleweight he’s the big dog. When the future comes up he says he’d like to fight in June against Jared Cannonier.

Whittaker gets an interview as well, he thought he’d done enough to win believing he won every round after the first. Regardless of the outcome he’s happy to be here, but he’s still gutted about the decision. He wasn’t surprised too much by the fight, if anything he was surprised at how well his plan was working, and he was surprised by the decision. He calls himself and Adesanya the two best in the world, and they both know it.

Well on that note everyone, thank you for reading. We’ll be unpacking all the results from this tomorrow on the 411 Ground and Pound podcast. I’ll be back next week for UFC on ESPN+ 59 and I hope you’ll be here as well. Until then I thank you again, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.