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411’s UFC 300 Report: Pereira KOs Hill and Holloway KOs Gaethje

April 14, 2024 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC 300 Image Credit: UFC

MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)
(c) Alex Pereira (205 lbs.) vs. #1 Jamahal Hill (205 lbs.) – for light heavyweight title
(c) Zhang Weili (115 lbs.) vs. #1 Yan Xiaonan (115 lbs.) – for women’s strawweight title
#2 Justin Gaethje (156 lbs.) vs. Max Holloway (156 lbs.) – for “BMF” title
#1 Charles Oliveira (156 lbs.) vs. #4 Arman Tsarukyan (156 lbs.)
Cody Brundage (186 lbs.) vs. Bo Nickal (186 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET)
#2 Jiri Prochazka (206 lbs.) vs. #5 Aleksandar Rakic (206 lbs.)
#8 Calvin Kattar (145.5 lbs.) vs. Aljamain Sterling (146 lbs.)
Kayla Harrison (136 lbs.) vs. #5 Holly Holm (136 lbs.)
Diego Lopes (146 lbs.) vs. #13 Sodiq Yusuff (146 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET)
#13 Renato Moicano (156 lbs.) vs. #10 Jalin Turner (155.5 lbs.)
#4 Jessica Andrade (116 lbs.) vs. #6 Marina Rodriguez (116 lbs.)
#14 Bobby Green (156 lbs.) vs. Jim Miller (155.5 lbs.)
#8 Deiveson Figueiredo (135.5 lbs.) vs. Cody Garbrandt (136 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC 300, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening. We finally made it, the lack of good fights between UFC 299 and 300 is over and we can enjoy one of the most stacked cards the UFC has put together in years. I almost don’t know where to begin with this one, because from start to finish this is full of great fights on paper. Two title fights, Alex Pereira vs. Jamahal Hill and Zhang Weili vs. Yan Xiaonan, an almost guaranteed classic between Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway, Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan battling for a title shot, Aljamain Sterling’s featherweight debut, Kayla Harrison making her way to the UFC, heck our first fight of the night is Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Cody Garbrandt. Seriously, this is just a ridiculously stacked card now let’s all hope it lives up to expectations.

UFC 300 comes to the world from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, and Daniel Cormier will be on commentary with Megan Olivi doing the roving reporter bit. Because we’re in Nevada we’ll have instant replay, and the non-Apex cards are blessed with the 30 foot cage set up.

Deiveson Figueiredo is a two time flyweight champion and in his entire UFC career has only lost to Jussier Formiga or Brandon Moreno, he moved up to bantamweight after the flyweight cut became too much and promptly scored a solid win over Rob Font. Figueiredo now tries to follow up that with another big win in the division and set his sights towards the title. Cody Garbrandt is a former bantamweight champion but not that long ago had a pretty terrible stretch where he was 1-5 in his last six fights, but after returning in 2023 from a layoff he’s gone 2-0 and is trying to prove he’s still a top bantamweight by taking out a ranked contender. The odds are rather heavily with Figueiredo at -380 while +300 on Grabrandt has to tempt some bettors out there.

Bantamweight Bout: #8 Deiveson Figueiredo (22-3-1, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Cody Garbrandt (14-5, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Garbrandt is three inches taller but Figueiredo has two and a half inches of reach advantage. A bit of feinting from both men then Garbrandt lands a calf kick. Figueiredo avoids a couple of leg kicks but his wide stance makes those an inviting target. Garbrandt lands another calf kick. Figueiredo lands a calf kick and blocks a couple of counter punches. Both men land lefts in close. Figueiredo avoids a rush and thinks about a takedown but Garbrandt easily defends. Bit of a high kick from Figueiredo, Garbrandt was trying a high kick at the same time and that just wound up being weird. Figueiredo with a bit of a right hand. Garbrandt keeps probing with the leg kick. Glancing right from Garbrandt seems to off balance Figueiredo for a moment and then Garbrandt doesn’t follow him down. Garbrandt with a bit of a one two, his hand speed might be bothering Figueiredo. Figueiredo lands a left hand. Bit of a front kick from Figueiredo then they trade rights. Single leg from Figueiredo, they hit the mat then scramble up and Figueiredo lands a right hand. Garbrandt lands a calf kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Garbrandt but a close one

ROUND TWO: Figueiredo with a stance switch to start the round, he seems to like southpaw. Both men land rights. They trade again then Figueiredo gets the back in the clinch. Cheese donkey from Figueiredo and he’s able to get on top in half guard. There’s an arm triangle if Figueiredo wants to really go for it, but Garbrandt gets his arm free. Garbrandt tries to roll but Figueiredo gets the back and flattens him out. Figueiredo starts landing punches to the head, Garbrandt gives up mount and Figueiredo grabs the arm triangle in transition. Figueiredo switches to side control, cranks down the arm triangle but Garbrandt is able to get enough space to avoid the choke so Figueiredo goes back to full mount. Garbrandt tries to scramble but Figueiredo shoves him back and keeps mount. A few short punches from Figueiredo now as he works to posture up. Figueiredo with some shoulder strikes then a right hand. Garbrandt gives up the back again, Figueiredo grabs at the choke as he’s got a body triangle locked in. That choke gets tight and Garbrandt taps out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Deiveson Figueiredo via Submission, rear naked choke, at 4:02 of Round 2

Mic time for Figueiredo and the translator, he tries some English first to express gratitude and ask for a title shot at bantamweight. I’m not sure he’ll get it off of this win but he’s got to be close. He wants a post fight bonus, with those being set at 300 thousand dollars tonight I imagine everyone will be asking for that.

Figueiredo leaning a bit more on his grappling at bantamweight is a fun wrinkle, without the hard weight cut he seems more willing to expend the energy for a more concentrated grappling approach. And on the mat he’s always been dangerous, he beautifully floated around everything Garbrandt tried on the mat.

Bobby Green just had a two fight winning streak snapped when he got violently knocked out by Jalin Turner but he’s trying to avoid a losing streak here and prove he’s still got what it takes to take on ranked opposition. Jim Miller is a living legend of the sport with his name strewn across the UFC record books, and he’s 5-1 in his last six fights while also riding a two fight winning streak. Miller fought and won at UFC 100 and UFC 200, he’s trying to complete the century events by getting another win here as his career continues to move towards a conclusion. Green is your -185 favorite against Miller’s +155.

Lightweight Bout: #14 Bobby Green (31-15-1 1 NC, 156 lbs.) vs. Jim Miller (31-17 1 NC, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Green is two inches taller but the reach is identical. Southpaw for Miller, Green will do some switching but opens southpaw as well. Miller lands a calf kick. Green lands a right hand to counter an inside leg kick. Left hand from Miller drops Green but Green bounces back up and they reset. Right hook from Miller. Green avoids a couple of punches. Green avoids a high kick. Miller keeps pressing forward and lands a bit of a right hand. Green lands a left hand. A lot of stance switching from Green now as they move around. They trade in close. Green lands a right hand. Solid right from Green to counter an inside leg kick. Both men miss power hand punches. Left hand from Green. Miller lands a couple of punches in close then fires a body kick. They trade lefts then Miller lands a leg kick. Bit of a left from Miller. A left from Miller staggers Green, they get into a bit of a firefight and Miller hurts Green again but Green fires back with a knee and resets. Jumping knee from Green partially lands to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Miller but a close one

ROUND TWO: Miller stalks forward again to start the round. Green with some front kicks to keep distance. Both men land punches in close but it looks like Green landed better. They trade in close again then Miller lands an inside leg kick. Left hand from Miller but Green just walks through that one. Green lands a right to the body. Another leg kick from Miller. Green avoids a left hand and lands a couple of counters. One two from Green. Bit of a right hook from Miller but he’s cut under the right eye now. Green blocks a head kick. Combination from Green, he’s really flowing well right now. Right hand from Miller lands. Sharp right hand from Green. Miller lands an inside leg kick. Green with another combination of punches along the fence. Jabs from Green now, he’s really slipping and countering well. Body kick from Miller. Green keeps his jab working. Bit of a left hand from Green closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Green, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Miller moves forward and fires a front kick. Bit of a left from Miller. Green with a one two. Right hand from Green. They trade punches in close but Green is landing two or three to each one Miller does. Both men land in close again. Green avoids a left hand. Left hand then a right from Green, he can’t seem to miss these punches. Miller with an inside leg kick. Green lands a combination of punches. Right hand from Miller but he ate a few to land that one. Another combination from Green in close. Green with a front kick then a combination but Miller lands a left hand. Right hook from Green. Miller lands a left hand that seems to wobble Green, Miller pushes into a clinch and they start working there. Some knees from Miller land before they break. Green gets back to poking out the jab. Miller lands a right to the body. They trade rights again. Green wants a brawl and cracks Miller with a one two, Miller is hurt and Green clubs him down. Miller reaches for a takedown, Green grabs a front headlock and lands some more rights as Miller wall walks. Knees from Green in the clinch then a body lock takedown and he’ll end the round on top.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Green but a 10-8 might be called for here, 29-28 Green overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Bobby Green via unanimous decision (29-26, 30-27, 30-25)

Mic time for Green, he calls himself a poor black kid from the streets who started this just to get a house but now he owns four of them and thanks the UFC for blessing his life. He calls out Paddy Pimblett and promises to kick his ass in July in England.

Jessica Andrade is a former strawweight champion and fought for the flyweight title as well, she broke a three fight losing streak in her last fight out and now tries to get another winning streak up and running. Marina Rodriguez just broke a two fight losing streak of her own and if she can get another winning streak up and running here at the expense of a big name like Andrade it would signify big things for her immediate future. Close one here but Andrade is the favorite at -150 to +125 on Rodriguez.

Strawweight Bout: #4 Jessica Andrade (25-12, 116 lbs.) vs. #6 Marina Rodriguez (17-3-2, 116 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rodriguez is four and a half inches taller with three inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Rodriguez works some front kicks to keep distance. Andrade with some leg kicks. Andrade lands a calf kick. Another Andrade calf kick lands. Rodriguez falls short on a one two but she’s looking to keep Andrade at range. Bit of a right from Rodriguez, Andrade counters with a left to the body. Another right hand from Rodriguez lands but Andrade landed a couple of leg kicks. Rodriguez lands a combination. Andrade lands a calf kick. Rodriguez slips on a kick and Andrade jumps on top of her in half guard. Andrade with some short elbows and punches to the head. Rodriguez is able to hip escape to full guard, Andrade stands out of that but doesn’t let Rodriguez up. Andrade with some hammer fists as she goes back into the full guard. Andrade passes to half guard again and lands left hammer fists. The physical strength difference in favor of Andrade is showing up here, and Andrade passes to side control. Andrade spins all the way around and Rodriguez looks for a d’arce from the bottom but Andrade moves to north-south and nullifies that. Back to side control now and Andrade lands a few more punches. The round will end with Andrade on top.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Andrade

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Rodriguez again looks to use long range weapons as she moves around. Andrade back to kicking at the legs. Left hook from Rodriguez and she avoids the counter punches. Bit of a right from Andrade but her range is a problem. They trade rights but Rodriguez has cleaner technique. Rodriguez lands another right hand. Andrade falls short with punches, she also can’t seem to cut the cage off and corral Rodriguez. Right to the body from Andrade. Rodriguez lands a right hand. Andrade works to keep moving forward, she punches in close but Rodriguez fires back. Inside leg kick from Andrade but Rodriguez lands a counter punch. Rodriguez lands a right hand. Combination from Rodriguez. Andrade with a bit of a right to the body. Andrade bulls in close and clinches up. Both women land punches as they break. Rodriguez lands a right hand. Andrade is really being led around the cage now and Rodriguez is avoiding her punches and countering. Rodriguez lands a couple of rights. Andrade finally lands a right hand that wobbles Rodriguez but Rodriguez gets away from her. Andrade keeps coming forward landing hooks but her lack of cage craft is hurting her. More punches from Andrade, Rodriguez grabs a clinch though and they trade knees to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Andrade but could easily have gone the other way, 20-18 Andrade overall

ROUND THREE: Andrade gets back to pressure to start the round. Calf kick from Andrade, but Rodriguez lands a spinning back fist. Andrade keeps working the leg kicks. Rodriguez fires a combination, partially lands. Right hand from Rodriguez. Andrade falls short with punches. Bit of a side kick from Andrade. Rodriguez lands a combination. Andrade catches Rodriguez around the leg and spins her down then gets on top in full guard. Rodriguez tries to kick Andrade off, she stands and Andrade cracks her with a left hook. Andrade has Rodriguez against the fence and is looking to tee off. Rodriguez lands a one two. Andrade falls short with another couple of hooks. Bit of a calf kick from Andrade. Rodriguez tries a knee, Andrade looks for a single leg and Rodriguez counters with a ninja choke. Andrade is able to pull her head out of danger then Rodriguez lands a knee. Right hand from Rodriguez. Andrade lands a right to the body. Both women miss punches. Andrade moves forward again and avoids a few punches. Calf kick from Andrade drops Rodriguez for a second, Rodriguez is up but Andrade moves after her and lands punches. Andrade keeps up the pressure and lands punches in close, then Rodriguez lands a knee to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rodriguez but again close, 29-28 Andrade overall

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

29-28 either way is perfectly fine there, no interview for Andrade.

Jalin Turner had a forgettable 2023, going 1-2 but both of those losses were split decisions and his last outing was a swift and violent finish of Bobby Green. Turner is trying to continue his ascent here and prove he’s ready to challenge some higher ranked opponents again. Renato Moicano has gone 4-1 in his last five fights and is on a two fight winning streak, he’s trying to take out a top 10 opponent here and take aim at even higher ranked fighters going forward. Turner is a notable favorite here at -240 against a +195 comeback on Moicano.

Lightweight Bout: #13 Renato Moicano (18-5-1, 156 lbs.) vs. #10 Jalin Turner (14-7, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Turner is four inches taller with five inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Turner and they touch gloves to get us going. Moicano fires a body kick then Turner returns it. Front kick from Turner hurts Moicano, he looks to pressure but Moicano grabs a clinch. Turner is able to break free pretty quickly, then Moicano tries for a takedown and he’s able to eventually get it. Half guard for Moicano now. Turner is trying to shrimp but Moicano is all over him on top. Moicano is looking to pass into full mount but Turner is blocking him right now. A few elbows from Moicano land. Moicano lands a few more punches but they’ve hit the fence and Turner wall walks then separates. Turner lands a front kick. Moicano lands a right to the body. Turner lands a leg kick. A left hand from Turner floors Moicano, but he doesn’t follow up. Moicano stands and stumbles around but Turner wont find the finish before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Turner

ROUND TWO: Moicano comes out and fires a body kick. Turner avoids a clinch attempt. Right hook from Turner lands. Moicano lands a knee in close but does eat a counter right. Both men land punches in close. Bit of a left from Turner. Moicano is the one coming forward and they trade rights. Double leg from Moicano and he’s got Turner down. Turner tries to use butterfly hooks but Moicano passes to full mount. Moicano postures up and lands some punches. Turner is trying to scoot to the fence and start a wall walk. Moicano lands a few short rights, Turner is still trying to wall walk but Moicano is turning him away from the fence so he can’t just sit up. Turner is able to get half guard but Moicano has him back on the mat now. Moicano spins Turner away from the fence and works to pass. Punches from Moicano now, Turner is getting battered and Moicano just unloads until the ref steps in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Renato Moicano via TKO, punches, at 4:11 Round 2

Moicano grabs the mic and wants a bonus but knows he wont get it because he keeps cursing. He puts over the USA and tells the people to beware about the future of their country. He puts over his podcast, and jokes that Joe Rogan will be on his podcast on Monday. Asked about the fight he claims he can’t be hurt and is the best lightweight in the world, he can’t afford to lose anymore because he’s got kids and dreams so he wont stop until he gets the belt.

Turner will be kicking himself for trying that walk off moment in the first, he was way overmatched on the ground and Moicano just pounds him out here. These aren’t the biggest shots you’ll ever see but Turner can’t address the mount and can only cover up. If all you’re doing is covering up while getting hit the fight can, and frequently should, be stopped.

Sodiq Yusuff has gone 6-2 in the UFC and while he’s coming off of a loss to Edson Barboza he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak here. Diego Lopes has gone 2-1 in the UFC only dropping his debut when he stepped in on short notice to take on Movsar Evloev, and as an added bonus he’s finished both of his wins in the first round. Lopes is taking a step up in class here but he’s trying to prove he’s ready for the upper echelon of the division with a win over a ranked opponent. The odds like Lopes to do just that at -140 while Yusuff’s underdog status sits at +120.

Featherweight Bout: Diego Lopes (23-6, 146 lbs.) vs. #13 Sodiq Yusuff (13-3, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Lopes is two inches taller with an inch and a half of reach advantage. Lopes moves forward early and avoids a leg kick. Calf kick from Lopes. Another Lopes calf kick. Bit of a right from Lopes then a calf kick. A left hook from Lopes in close drops Yusuff, Yusuff tries to scramble up but Lopes is on a front headlock. Yusuff does fight up into a clinch and Lopes hits the body then a right uppercut drops Yusuff. Lopes on top in full mount and pounds out Yusuff in short order.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Diego Lopes via TKO, punches, at 1:29 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Lopes for his work this evening. Mic time for Lopes and the translator, he knew this fight was important and puts over Yusuff but he also knew the result would be this. When talking us through the finish and says he’s going to be champion soon. Asked about the future he wants to rematch Movsar Evloev or fight Ilia Topuria.

Lopes with a nice finishing sequence here, in the tie up a right to the body followed by a right uppercut that drops Yusuff for the second time. On the ground Lopes is incredible and Yusuff couldn’t get anything going after already being hurt on the feet.

Holly Holm is a former bantamweight champion but she’s been a bit up and down recently, officially she’s 3-1 with 1 No Contest in her last five fights but her last fight was originally a submission loss in the second round that switched to a No Contest after a drug test issue, but now she’s welcoming in one of the brighter talents on the women’s side of things and trying to prove she’s still a threat to the title. Kayla Harrison is a two time Olympic gold medalist in Judo and ran roughshod over the PFL at lightweight for a few years, now she’s made the move to the UFC and was able to make the weight cut to bantamweight, she’s trying to score an impressive win and begin her UFC run with a bang. Harrison is a pretty big favorite at -455 to +350 on Holm.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Kayla Harrison (16-1, 136 lbs.) vs. #5 Holly Holm (15-6 1 NC, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height, Holm has three inches of reach advantage and is nine years older at 42. They touch gloves, both women fighting southpaw. Some jabs go back and forth as they circle. Bit of an inside leg kick from Harrison. Holm falls short with some punches. They clinch up and Holm tries to push things into the fence, Harrison hits a hip toss but Holm rolls through on the takedown and gets on top. Harrison quickly wall walks though and starts kneeing Holm in the clinch. Some lefts from Harrison in the clinch then she hits an inside trip into half guard. A couple of punches land for Harrison. Harrison is postured up and lands elbows, she moves towards the back now but settles for a hip ride. Harrison catches Holm’s left arm behind her back and lands punches with her right. Some elbows from Harrison then punches. More elbows from Harrison now as Holm gets half guard back. Full guard now for Holm but Harrison stands and lands punches and elbows coming back down into the guard. More elbows from Harrison. Holm with some elbows from her back but Harrison postures up and drops more elbows. Some punches are traded then Harrison lands an elbow. Holm is closing her guard and looking for posture control. The round will end with Harrison still on top.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Harrison, I don’t think Holm landed a real strike all round

ROUND TWO: Both women come out circling again. Harrison with a bit of a jab. Holm lands a side kick. Harrison misses a right hand. They get close then Harrison fires a head kick and tries a double leg, Holm defends but Harrison grabs a front headlock. Guillotine for Harrison but she gives up on that to retain the clinch as they stand. Knee from Harrison then an outside trip and she’s back on top in 3/4 mount. Harrison gets the back now and lands punches. Holm tries to base up but Harrison grabs a choke and forces the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Kayla Harrison via Submission, rear naked choke, at 1:47 of Round 2

That was about as good a debut as you’ll find. Mic time for Harrison, she’s been waiting a long time for this moment then puts over Holm as a legend. Asked what she wants next, she’s only here for the belt and doesn’t care if it’s Raquel Pennington or Juliana Pena she’s taking that belt by the end of the year. I wouldn’t bet against her at this point. To close she gives glory to God.

This was a totally one sided fight, Harrison could easily become champion on the timetable she set out.

Calvin Kattar has gone just 1-3 in his last four fights, but in fairness one of those losses was to Max Holloway, one was a close split decision to Josh Emmett that I thought Kattar won, and most recently he suffered a random knee injury in the cage. That fight took place two and a half years ago and now he’s back and hoping to prove he’s still a top featherweight. Aljamain Sterling is a former bantamweight champion but after losing that title and a nine fight winning streak his last time out he decided to move up to featherweight and now looks to avoid his first losing streak since 2017 while also proving himself an immediate player in the division. The odds are with Sterling at -170 to +140 on Kattar.

Featherweight Bout: #8 Calvin Kattar (23-7, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Aljamain Sterling (23-4, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Kattar is four inches taller with an inch of reach advantage. Sterling comes out and starts switching his stance as he moves forward. Kattar immediately starts working the jab. Kattar checks a leg kick. Now Kattar is showing off some stance switches. Sterling lands a right hand. Jab from Kattar after checking a calf kick. Bit of a high kick from Kattar. Sterling is showing side kicks to the leg now. Kattar avoids a tie up attempt. Sterling has a couple of winging punches blocked. Kattar seems very composed right now and is reading Sterling. Bit of a right hand from Kattar. Kattar lands a jab. Sterling tries a single leg, they hit the fence and Kattar winds up on his seat. Kattar starts looking to wall walk, Sterling slips to a hip against the fence but Kattar is able to get up. Sterling looks for a mat return, he rides Kattar to all fours and tries to work from the ride. Kattar blocks the second hook from going in and stands the separates. Sterling lands a body kick. Kattar continues stalking forward while Sterling is circling away. Jab from Kattar then he avoids a takedown. Sterling tries a takedown and hits it into full guard. Sterling passes to side control as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Sterling

ROUND TWO: Kattar with a bit of a left hand. Sterling lands a couple of calf kicks then a body kick and he tries a takedown against the fence. Kattar is able to defend on the fence, Sterling keeps working for the takedown though. Eventually Sterling trips Kattar down to a knee and he starts sitting on one ankle. Sterling is trying to pick the ankles of Kattar but Kattar is able to wall walk into a clinch. Some knees from Sterling to the leg but there’s not much going on here. Eventually they break without incident. Sterling tries some punches and Kattar lands a knee. Kattar misses a right hand. Sterling punches at the body then hits a double leg. Sterling is able to roll into side control. Not a lot goes on there either but Sterling will hold that position until the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Sterling comes out and throws a side kick. Single leg from Sterling, Kattar bases up and looks to stand but Sterling is on his back in a clinch situation. Kattar is up and fighting the grip around his waist, he’s able to break that grip but Sterling still has him pressed into the fence. A few body shots from Kattar, then Sterling hits a single leg against the fence. Kattar slowly works towards a wall walk but Sterling pulls him away from the fence into full guard. Sterling is able to pass to half guard, he’s working towards an arm triangle position as he passes to side control. Kattar scoots free and Sterling hits a version of a powerbomb to get back on top. Sterling gets back to half guard and lands some body shots. Kattar tries to base up, Sterling thinks about an anaconda choke but winds up just holding on top half guard as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Aljamain Sterling via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Well that was boring but clearly a dominant win for Sterling, but Sterling does not get an interview.

Jiri Prochazka is a former light heavyweight champion and just had a 13 fight winning streak that dated back to 2015 broken in a fight with Alex Pereira for the vacant title, now he’s trying to avoid his first ever losing streak and put himself right back into the title picture. Aleksandar Rakic has been a bright prospect for the division for a while now, only losing in the UFC via split decision that I thought he won and then suffering a freak knee injury against Jan Blachowicz back in May of 2022, he’s making his return after that near two year layoff and looking for arguably the biggest win of his career if he can knock off the former champion Prochazka. Very close on here but the odds tilt towards Rakic at -120 to an even +100 payout on Prochazka.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #2 Jiri Prochazka (29-4-1, 206 lbs.) vs. #5 Aleksandar Rakic (14-3, 206 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rakic is an inch taller while Prochazka has two inches of reach advantage. Bit of an early calf kick from Rakic. Prochazka lands a calf kick and has begun switching his stance. Rakic is switching his stance a bit as well now and lands a calf kick. Prochazka avoids a right hand then misses a head kick. Rakic starts showing the jab and then lands a calf kick. Another calf kick from Rakic. Bit of a right hand from Rakic. Both men land in close. Rakic lands another calf kick. Another calf kick from Rakic, those are starting to add up. Prochazka lands a bit of a jab. Rakic lands a hard calf kick then a one two. Prochazka is limping a bit on that left leg now. Rakic is happy to kick whichever leg is forward on Prochazka. Bit of a right hand from Rakic. Prochazka doing a lot more southpaw work to protect his left leg. Rakic lands another calf kick, again he’ll kick either leg. Right hand from Rakic. Another right from Rakic. Prochazka pushes forward and looks to force some action but can’t quite find something he likes in terms of either looks or angles. Rakic lands a right hand. Prochazka lands a front kick. Bit of a head kick from Prochazka and they trade punches. A right hand from Prochazka in close wobbles Rakic but he stays upright. Rakic lands an uppercut then a right hand. Bit of a right from Rakic. They tie up and end the round in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rakic

ROUND TWO: Prochazka avoids a calf kick to start the second round. Rakic lands a right hand to counter a kick. Rakic blocks a high kick then lands a right hand. Calf kick from Rakic. A right hand from Rakic lands but Prochazka just eats it. Prochazka lands a body kick but eats a jab. Both of Prochazka’s legs are a little compromised at this point. Both men miss rights then Prochazka lands a left hand. Rakic fires back but misses a right hand. Prochazka keeps coming forward and looking to engage but Rakic isn’t running away. Rakic lands a calf kick. Prochazka with a head kick then they get close and slug it out for a few seconds. A slug fest seems to favor Prochazka as he keeps firing punches. Rakic lands a knee then a combination of punches. Prochazka lands a one two and hurts Rakic, he looks to follow up and lands punches and knees, but Rakic pushes him off and lands a right hand but slips. Prochazka gets on top and looks to pound things out, he winds up cranking a hammerlock and lands punches as Rakic is on his knees. Now Prochazka pushes into side control and unloads with punches and elbows until the ref steps in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jiri Prochazka via TKO, punches, at 3:17 of Round 2

Well that was a crowd pleaser and is maybe your front runner for Fight of the Night right now. Prochazka gets an interview, he jokingly beefs with Rogan about being on his podcast then says he’s a guy from the Czech Republic but we all need inspiration in our life and the samurai ideals did that for him. No matter who wins in the main event he wants the next title shot. He believes in his dreams and in himself. When talking us through the finish and says this was the perfect storm for him, then reiterates he wants the next title shot.

Here’s the finish, Prochazka just gutted through bad spots and forced the fight to be his kind of fight. I think he probably does get the next title shot.

Well that’s it for preliminary action, on to PPV for the main card.

Bo Nickal has gone 2-0 in the UFC and is one of the more decorated collegiate wrestlers to transition to MMA, his background combined with a couple of dominant UFC wins have put him as one of the brightest prospects in the sport. Nickal is trying to continue his ascension here with another impressive win. Cody Brundage has had a pedestrian UFC run thus far, he was riding a three fight losing streak last year but fortune smiled on him and Jacob Malkoun wound up disqualified in their fight, though he did back that up with slamming his way out of a nasty submission which knocked out his opponent to close out 2023. Brundage is trying to pull off one of the biggest upsets in MMA history here. Nickal is an almost comical favorite at -1450 to + on Brundage.

Middleweight Bout: Cody Brundage (10-5, 186 lbs.) vs. Bo Nickal (5-0, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Nickal is an inch taller with four inches of reach advantage. Apologies, internet issues are going on here and it just kind of figures the first time Fiber gives me problems would be right here but these have been a lot less common since I ditched Comcast for Google Fiber. Ultimately I missed this fight but do have the result for you.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Bo Nickal via Submission, rear naked choke, at 3:38 of Round 2

All I gleaned is that Nickal wasn’t impressed with his own performance.

So I’m trying to watch on my phone now, so apologies if this is a mess while hopefully the internet outage gets fixed because my phone is incredibly weak.

Mark Coleman gets a special video package and walkout, which is really cool.

Charles Oliveira is a former lightweight champion and has been with the UFC since way back in 2010 along the way he’s gotten the records for most finishes in UFC history and most submissions in UFC history. Oliveira lost his title on the scale in 2022 then failed to claim it when he took on Islam Makhachev, but he rebounded with a win over Beneil Dariush last year and now he’s trying to secure another shot at the title he used to hold. Arman Tsarukyan has only lost in the UFC to Islam Makhachev and Mateusz Gamrot, he’s currently on a three fight winning streak and is trying to stake a claim to a title shot with a win over the vaunted Oliveira. Somewhat surprisingly Tsarukyan is the -225 favorite while a +185 payout on Oliveira has to be a supremely tempting value bet.

Lightweight Bout: #1 Charles Oliveira (34-9 1 NC, 156 lbs.) vs. #4 Arman Tsarukyan (21-3, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Oliveira is three inches taller with an inch and a half of reach advantage. Oliveira opens with a leg kick. A few more leg kicks from Oliveira, Tsarukyan tries a single leg but Oliveira sprawls on him. Oliveira is working his front headlock series, and jumps for a guillotine choke, then rolls to a hip with it. This is almost a seated arm triangle variation and he rolls to mount with it but then loses the choke. I don’t see how it happened but Tsarukyan scrambled around and got on top in Oliveira’s full guard. Some short blows from Tsarukyan land. Oliveira looks for a leg and lands an illegal up kick. That gets a pause in the action, the doctor comes in to check on Tsarukyan, he can continue and they restart on the ground. Some elbows from Tsarukyan land. Oliveira is able to stand up and they start clinch fighting. Knee to the body then an elbow from Oliveira and they break then the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Oliveira based on what I saw but that wasn’t much.

ROUND TWO: They hug to start the second round. Oliveira back to kicking and circling. Both men probe with some leg kicks. OK internet back as Tsarukyan has Oliveira on the fence in a clinch. Tsarukyan trips Oliveira and gets on top in full guard. Both men land some strikes on the mat, but Oliveira is a bit too content to play guard here while Tsarukyan is on top. Tsarukyan with a few shoulder strikes, Oliveira is stalling here but isn’t quite stalling enough to force the stoppage. Some lefts from Tsarukyan, Oliveira is cut open now in the hairline. Elbows from Tsarukyan now start to land. OK, that cut is around the right eye now the hair, my mistake. Oliveira with a triangle attack, that one might have been a problem if it hadn’t come just a second before the end of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Tsarukyan, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They hug again before the last round. Oliveira comes forward but eats a right hand and a body kick. Bit of a right from Oliveira. A couple of lefts land for Tsarukyan. They tie up, then Tsarukyan pushes things to the fence. Tsarukyan lands an elbow before they break apart. Bit of a counter right from Oliveira. Tsarukyan tries a double leg, Oliveira defends and lands a knee then breaks. Some jabs from Tsarukyan, his forward pressure is bothering Oliveira. Oliveira lands a body kick. Double leg from Tsarukyan, he finishes it and moves to side control. There’s a bit of a Von Flue choke attack from Tsarukyan working here since Oliveira has the head wrapped. Oliveira lets go of the head and Tsarukyan is on top in a mounted crucifix briefly. Oliveira gives up the back, Tsarukyan has one hook in and starts working from the ride. Tsarukyan tries for the second hook but slips off over the top, Oliveira grabs at a d’arce choke, there’s only 20 seconds left though. Oliveira tries to lock that down, it’s tight but Tsarukyan is able to stay safe as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Oliveira for the near sub at the end but probably went the other way, 29-28 Oliveira overall

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

Can’t complain about that, I know where I place some value but 29-28 either way is perfectly fair. Mic time for Tsarukyan, he puts over Oliveira as a good fighter and good man then thanks his team and wants to fight for the title next. His goal is to become the youngest UFC champion at lightweight. Asked about the future he notes he’s still had the toughest fight for Islam Makhachev and that was five years ago when he stepped in on short notice, he would really like that rematch.

We get the announcement that our fight going into the UFC Hall of Fame, it’s the first fight between Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen. That’s not a terribly interesting fight but watching it live was definitely an experience and the end is certainly dramatic.

Justin Gaethje is one of the action heroes of this era of MMA, a man with 12 post fight bonuses in 12 UFC appearances and a deserved reputation for violence. Gaethje has failed twice to win the lightweight title, falling short against both Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira but he’s on a two fight winning streak right now and if he can get that to three in a row here he could find himself with one last shot at the lightweight belt. Max Holloway is a legend of the sport, a man with 28 UFC appearances, at one point a 13 fight winning streak, the featherweight title and several defenses to his name, and a bevy of records to his name for just how often he’s hit people. Holloway had only lost at featherweight to Alexander Volkanovski in years but there was a brief journey up to lightweight back in 2019 where he came up short against Dustin Poirier. Holloway is back up at lightweight now looking for another legendary fight in his legendary career, and we’ll have to see if he sticks around here or goes back to featherweight now that Volkanvoski isn’t the champion, though I’m not sure I’d favor him over Ilia Topuria either. The odds lean towards Gaethje at -155 while +130 on Holloway has to tempt some gamblers out there. Keep in mind that this is five rounds because the UFC put their really weird BMF belt on the line.

Lightweight Bout: #2 Justin Gaethje (25-4, 156 lbs.) vs. Max Holloway (25-7, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Gaethje has an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Both men do some early feinting. Gaethje moves forward but misses a right hand. Calf kick from Gaethje. Holloway starts to get his jab going now, he’s happy to jab either head or body. Gaethje lands another calf kick. Holloway lands a jab, then Gaethje takes his legs out for a moment with a calf kick. Bit of a one two from Holloway. Glancing right from Gaethje. Holloway lands an uppercut then they trade in close. Gaethje lands another calf kick. Jab from Holloway. Holloway lands a right to the body. Bit of a calf kick from Gaethje, those are adding up already. Bit of a high kick from Gaethje. Holloway lands a right hand. Gaethje with a right hand of his own and Holloway backs up to reset. Holloway tries a front kick, then lands a bit of a spinning back kick to close the round. That one got up towards the nose of Gaethje.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Holloway

ROUND TWO: That nose on Gaethje is probably cracked if not broken from that kick, he ducked into the heel of Holloway. They touch gloves for the second round. Holloway gets back to picking at range, Gaethje’s nose is just leaking blood. Gaethje lands a left hook. Holloway lands a body kick, then Gaethje lands a hard calf kick. Both men miss punches but Gaethje takes an eye poke so we’ve got a time out. Replay confirms the poke as the doctor comes in to check on Gaethje. That’s a pretty bad poke, but Gaethje isn’t going to take a way out on this one so we’re back to fighting after 50 seconds. Body kick from Gaethje. Gaethje lands a calf kick. Bit of a body kick from Holloway. Gaethje jabs the body then checks a leg kick. Bit of a right from Gaethje then a leg kick. Short left from Gaethje lands. Bit of a right from Gaethje in close but he got poked again and we’ve got another time out. Replay shows the thumb of Holloway did hit the eye. Gaethje doesn’t want out and they’re back after 20 seconds but you could have taken a point there. Holloway lands a left to the body. Short left hook from Gaethje lands. Gaethje with a front kick. Holloway jabs the body but Gaethje lands a hard leg kick that stumbles Holloway. They trade lefts. Gaethje with another calf kick, Holloway is not liking those. Gaethje avoids a spinning kick then they trade rights and we get a quick exchange to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Holloway but a close one, 20-18 Holloway overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again. Gaethje lands a calf kick but Holloway lands a jab. Front kick from Gaethje. Bit of a high kick from Gaethje. Holloway lands a body kick. Bit of a calf kick from Gaethje. Gaethje lands a right hand. Holloway lands a left hook in close. Holloway with a leg kick of his own. Gaethje lands a left hook. Front kick from Gaethje. Holloway lands a right hand then Gaethje ducks under a high kick. They trade in close and Holloway still seems like a step ahead in the boxing. Gaethje lands a calf kick. Bit of a right to the body from Holloway. Right hand from Holloway. Gaethje avoids a right hand and lands a right of his own. Calf kick from Gaethje then a front kick. Both men land in close then Gaethje lands a calf kick. Holloway lands a right to the body then Gaethje responds with a front kick. One two from Holloway, doesn’t quite land though. Gaethje lands a body kick. They trade body kicks. Holloway blocks a high kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Holloway but again fairly close, 30-27 Holloway overall

ROUND FOUR: They touch gloves for the round. Gaethje lands a front kick. Calf kick from Gaethje, he’s started to play with stance switches now. Holloway lands a right to the body. One two from Gaethje lands. They trade front kicks. Short uppercut from Holloway lands. Gaethje lands a one two. Let from Gaethje but Holloway avoids the follow up right. Jab from Gaethje. Holloway lands a right hand. Let from Holloway, then Gaethje lands a couple of jabs. Double jab then a right from Gaethje. Gaethje lands a calf kick. Both men miss in close. Stiff jab from Gaethje then a couple of follow ups. Gaethje lands a calf kick. Some jabs to back and forth then Holloway avoids a right hand and lands a right of his own. Gaethje lands a calf kick. Bit of a left hook from Gaethje then a front kick. Another calf kick from Gaethje. Holloway lands a couple of body shots. A right from Gaethje drops Holloway. Gaethje moves forward and lands another right hand but Holloway fires back. Bit of a right from Gaethje. Jab from Gaethje. Gaethje’s jab is working more now, not a good sign for Holloway. Left then a right from Gaethje and a front kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gaethje, 39-37 Holloway overall

ROUND FIVE: They touch gloves again. Gaethje looks to get his jab working again and lands a few of them. Bit of a body kick from Holloway. Short left hook from Gaethje. Both men land in close. Bit of a right from Gaethje, Holloway then lands a spinning back kick. Gaethje lands a calf kick. Bit of a right from Holloway, Gaethje lands a calf kick but Holloway cracks him with a right hand. Holloway looks to pour on offense but Gaethje swings back. They trade jabs. Holloway lands a right to the body. A few jabs from Gaethje. Hard right hand from Holloway. Calf kick from Gaethje then a bit of a left hook. Holloway lands a couple of punches. Right to the body then a left hook from Holloway. Some side kicks to the leg from Holloway. Gaethje with a bit of a right hand. Jab from Gaethje, then Holloway avoids a right hand and lands a body kick. Bit of a high kick from Gaethje, Holloway then lands a knee. Gaethje with a calf kick. Gaethje misses a rolling thunder kick. Holloway wants a brawl, Gaethje obliges, they go toe to toe for the last seconds and Holloway ENDS Gaethje with a right hand!

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Max Holloway via KO, PUNCH, at 4:59 of Round 5

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Holloway for his work this evening. And my internet is out again. . . great. Holloway gets an interview and he’s pretty hyped, he calls himself him and then wants a title fight at featherweight against Ilia Topuria or he’ll take on Islam Makhachev if possible. He gives love to the fans and the UFC brass, and wants 600 thousand dollars for Fight of the Night and a knockout bonus. I’d pay that man his money.

I don’t know how long this will stay up, but enjoy the final seconds of insanity for as long as it does.

Yan Xiaonan brings a two fight winning streak into her first UFC title fight and she’s hoping to make the most of what might be her only shot at gold. Zhang Weili is the reigning and two time strawweight champion and is coming off of the first title defense of her second reign, she’s trying to keep that momentum going here and try to further cement herself as an all time great in the division. As a bit of trivia, this is the first UFC title fight between Chinese nationals. The odds are with the champion Zhang at a prohibitive -520 to +390 on Yan.

Strawweight Title Bout: (c) Zhang Weili (24-3, 115 lbs.) vs. #1 Yan Xiaonan (17-3 1 NC, 115 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Yan is an inch taller but the reach is identical. They touch gloves to get us started. Zhang with a bit of feinting to start. Yan avoids a high kick. They trade punches. Zhang lands a hard calf kick. Bit of a high kick from Zhang, Yan then forces a clinch and things hit the fence. They fight for position then break as Zhang lands a body kick. Bit of a calf kick from Zhang then a left hook as Yan misses a few punches. Yan avoids a head kick. Bit of a body kick from Zhang then they trade punches and Yan clinches then is able to take down Zhang. Zhang quickly escapes and they reset on the feet. Yan lands a right hand that drops Zhang for a moment, she’s timing things very well so far. Bit of a high kick from Zhang. Yan misses a one two. Spinning back fist from Zhang lands, then Yan fires a right hand. Stepping elbow from Zhang lands and they clinch, judo throw from Zhang and she’s on top in side control. Zhang works for a mounted crucifix but can’t find it so she lands body shots. Full mount now for Zhang, then the back with both hooks and a choke, it’s in and Yan tries to hold on and goes out for a moment but right at the end. They should have stopped that.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Zhang for the should have been finish

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Side kick from Zhang, then Yan lands a right hand. Left from Zhang in close then she gets the back standing. Zhang rides Yan down, then jumps to the back with both hooks in. Punches from Zhang now, but Yan is able to roll and get a guard. Zhang stands and then comes down with a punch, Yan tries to scramble but Zhang forces her back to a hip and stays on top in half guard. Now Zhang moves to side control again and starts landing some lefts. Yan rolls to her knees, she forces a scramble but Zhang is staying on top and landing some elbows from half guard. Zhang gets the back again and flattens Yan out then unloads with punches. Yan tries to move but Zhang is keeping her flat and hammering her. Zhang grabs the choke again but this time Yan hand fights to block that. Zhang grabs an arm triangle as Yan scrambles, Zhang get to the side and sinks it in but Yan is able to spin into Zhang and break the choke then get on top. They scramble again and wind up standing at distance. Bit of a right from Yan. They trade punches to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Zhang, 20-16 Zhang overall

ROUND THREE: Both women move around a bit but they’re a little fatigued. Side kick from Yan lands. Right hand from Yan. Zhang lands a left hook. They clinch up and Yan slips free pretty quickly. A right from Yan drops Zhang, she stands over her and tries some leg kicks while Zhang throws up kicks. They do that for a bit before the ref restarts them standing. Yan misses a left hook. Body kick from Zhang. They trade rights then Zhang forces a clinch on the fence. Zhang tries a lateral drop but Yan smothers that and lands on top in half guard. Hip escape from Zhang and she’s got full guard. Zhang kicks Yan off and they reset. Bit of a side kick from Zhang but Yan catches it and sweeps her down then gets on top in full guard. Zhang stands with Yan in a clinch and they break. Bit of a side kick from Yan. Jab from Zhang. Yan lands a left hand after avoiding a right. Zhang punches into a clinch, Yan lands a knee and they’ll just ice the last seconds in that position.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Yan, 29-26 Zhang overall

ROUND FOUR: They touch gloves for the fourth round. Body kick from Zhang. They trade lefts. Bit of a one two from Yan. Zhang lands a right hand but misses a left hook follow up. Yan lands a right to counter a leg kick and off balances Zhang with it. Both women land rights. Zhang punches into a double leg, Yan tries for a back take but she can’t control that. Yan works and wall walks, but Zhang rides her down and gets to a ride position. Zhang gets one hook in and lands some lefts to the head. A few more lefts from Zhang land. Yan is getting controlled here, her right arm is tied up and she can’t get her legs under her. Zhang with some rights now, Yan visibly grabs the fence to pull herself closer to the fence but she can’t get Zhang off of her. Some more rights from Zhang then she finally gets the second hook in and flattens Yan out. Zhang with some lefts, Yan is trying to stand but Zhang is riding and landing punches. Some hammer fists from Zhang. Zhang goes for a choke but Yan defends as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Zhang, 39-35 Zhang overall

ROUND FIVE: Yan got warned hard between rounds by the ref about fence grabbing. Zhang looks to back up Yan and fires a high kick. Yan avoids a head kick, but Zhang hits a takedown into half guard. They wrestle on the mat and Yan is able to get up and free after blocking a mount attempt. Some lefts go back and forth but not much on them. Head kick from Zhang but Yan just eats it, so Zhang then hits a takedown into side control. Zhang moves to mount then gets the back with both hooks in. Yan tries to spin into Zhang but Zhang reads it and retains top position in half guard. A few short punches from Zhang to the head as she looks for the back. Zhang does get the back and starts fishing for the choke. Yan is able to break the hooks but Zhang rolls with her and keeps the back. Zhang might be thinking about an armbar from the back, she bails on that and switches to top half guard. Yan is back to being stuck on bottom as Zhang lands some body to head punches. Zhang ends the fight being on top landing strikes.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Zhang, 49-44 Zhang overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – and STILL UFC Strawweight Champion Zhang Weili via unanimous decision (49-45 x3)

So I guess only the second round was officially a 10-8 for Zhang. Mic time for the champion and the translator, she puts over Yan and hopes they can be friends. Asked about the end of the first round she thought Yan was out but Yan recovered quickly, then she thanks the fans in English for supporting a couple of Chinese girls in here. To close she advocates for another UFC China card then advocates for the Chinese board of tourism or whatever it’s called over there by asking people to visit China.

Jamahal Hill has only one loss on his record when he suffered an elbow injury against Paul Craig back in 2021 and claimed the UFC light heavyweight title in 2023 only to have to give it up after rupturing his Achilles tendon. Hill is back now though and hoping to reclaim the title he never officially lost. Alex Pereira is a former middleweight champion and the reigning light heavyweight champion, he became a two weight world champion last year when he knocked out Jiri Prochazka, now he’s trying to secure his first title defense which would be his first successful defense of any UFC title while also trying to bring stability to a division that’s been kind of a mess for years at this point. The main event is close but the odds lean towards Pereira at -140 to +120 on Hill.

Light Heavyweight Title Bout: (c) Alex Pereira (9-2, 205 lbs.) vs. #1 Jamahal Hill (12-1 1 NC, 205 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two have identical heights and reaches. Southpaw for Hill. Pereira with a calf kick. Another calf kick from Pereira. Inside leg kick from Hill. A lot of hand fighting with the lead hand. Both men check calf kicks. Pereira jabs the body. Body kick from Pereira then Hill lands a right hook in response. Some more calf kicks go back and forth as both men are trying to find an angle on the other. Pereira lands a calf kick. Body jab from Pereira, Hill tries a high kick that’s blocked. Hill with a body kick. Pereira jabs the body again. Pereira blocks a few kicks then jabs the body again. Hill misses a left hand. Pereira absorbs a low blow then ENDS Hill with a left hook but the ref wants blood so Pereira keeps hammering him until the Old Gods are satisfied.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – and STILL UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira via KO, punches, at 3:14 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Pereira for his work this evening. Mic time for the champion and the translator, he was well prepared for this fight and knew he had to remain disciplined or Hill would counter him. He never sees himself as a champion, this belt isn’t going to his head and every time he has to come in here and become champion again. Asked about the future he wants to keep defending the belt and would love to fight in Brazil soon and he’d like to try the waters at heavyweight as well. You know, it’s not impossible for Pereira to win gold at heavyweight either and he might become a three weight world champion.

Well on that note the historic UFC 300 comes to a close, we’ll be unpacking all of the fallout from this card tomorrow on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast which I hope you’re tuning into. There’s no UFC event next week but we’re back in the warehouse in two weeks so I’m sure that’ll be fun, and I hope you’ll be back for that. Until next time I thank you very much for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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