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411’s UFC Fight Night Report: The Korean Zombie Wins

June 19, 2021 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC on ESPN 25

MAIN CARD (ESPN2/ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)
#4 Chan Sung Jung (146 lbs.) vs. #8 Dan Ige (146 lbs.)
#15 Aleksei Oleinik (228 lbs.) vs. Serghei Spivac (242 lbs.)
Davey Grant (135.5 lbs.) vs. #15 Marlon Vera (136 lbs.)
Julian Erosa (145.5 lbs.) vs. Seungwoo Choi (146 lbs.)
Bruno Silva (186 lbs.) vs. Wellington Turman (185.5 lbs.)
Matt Brown (170.5 lbs.) vs. Dhiego Lima (171 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN2/ESPN+, 4 p.m. ET)
Aleksa Camur (204.5 lbs.) vs. Nicolae Negumereanu (205.5 lbs.)
#13 Virna Jandiroba (115 lbs.) vs. Kanako Murata (114.5 lbs.)
Matthew Semelsberger (170 lbs.) vs. Khaos Williams (169 lbs.)
Roque Martinez (249 lbs.) vs. Josh Parisian (266 lbs.)
Ricky Glenn (156 lbs.) vs. Joaquim Silva (154.5 lbs.)
Casey O’Neill (125.5 lbs.) vs. Lara Procopio (126 lbs.)


Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN 25. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening. On the heels of a successful PPV in the form of UFC 263 the UFC is back to a more mundane card tonight. The main event is a really good fight on paper when The Korean Zombie Chan Sung Jung returns to action against surging contender Dan Ige. Ige is 7-1 in his last eight fights and is trying to find his way into the title picture with a win over a top five opponent. The card is kind of slim below that very relevant featherweight fight, there’s a potentially awkward heavyweight fight in the co-main event when Aleksei Oleinik takes on Serghei Spivac, Marlon Vera and Davey Grant will rematch in what could be a good bantamweight fight, and Matt Brown is always good for a watchable fight if nothing else. On the prelims there’s a pretty good strawweight fight when Virna Jandiroba takes on Kanako Murata. Mostly we’re hoping for good action rather than excitement on paper, but there’s a few reasons to be optimistic.

UFC on ESPN 25 comes to the world from the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. We’ve got Jon Anik, Dominick Cruz, and Michael Bisping on commentary. As for the rules we’re mostly under the newer set except for the downed fighter rule, so you still just need one hand on the mat to be downed. We do have the replay official role who can call for the use of instant replay, and a fight can be restarted after instant replay is used if that’s applicable.

Casey O’Neill is undefeated including a successful UFC debut back in February, she’s trying to remain perfect tonight and start making her way up through the flyweight ranks. Lara Procopio has gone 1-1 in the UFC but is coming off of a win and looking get her first UFC winning streak up and running. Procopio is the -170 favorite to +145 for O’Neill.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Casey O’Neill (6-0, 125.5 lbs.) vs. Lara Procopio (7-1, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: O’Neill is two inches taller and has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Both women feinting early. A few leg kicks are traded, O’Neill showing the jab now. Both women land rights, they clinch then trade knees before O’Neill gets Procopio on the fence. Bit of an elbow from O’Neill, then a right from Procopio and they break. Both women land lefts in close. Procopio lands a right hand. O’Neill punches into a clinch and works knees to the body from a Thai clinch as they hit the fence. Bit of a knee from O’Neill and they break. More knees from a quick clinch go back and forth. Procopio avoids a head kick. O’Neill lands an inside leg kick, Procopio counters with a left hook. They trade lefts again, O’Neill doesn’t have much head movement but Procopio doesn’t seem to have power enough to trouble her. Another clinch, Procopio is slowly out working O’Neill along the fence right now. Procopio gets a body lock takedown into side control but O’Neill quickly hip escapes to full guard then sweeps back up and knees Procopio in the body. Bit of a right from O’Neill. Procopio lands a jab. Procopio tries a single leg, they hit the fence and O’Neill defends with some elbows to the head. O’Neill gets a takedown and lands a hammer fist just as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Procopio

ROUND TWO: O’Neill comes out jabbing to start the round, then lands a leg kick. Another leg kick from O’Neill. O’Neill with a right, she’s getting busy and is pushing Procopio back. A knee from O’Neill is caught and Procopio gets a takedown into half guard. Full guard now for O’Neill, she threatens a gogoplata and lands elbows as Procopio defends. More elbows from O’Neill, then she kicks Procopio off and they reset on the feet. O’Neill lands a leg kick then a one two. More punches from O’Neill then knees to the body in a Thai clinch and she drives Procopio into the fence. O’Neill stuffs a takedown, pushes Procopio over and gets on top in half guard landing elbows. More elbows from O’Neill, she’s aiming them to both the body and head. Procopio is able to get full guard but is still getting roughed up by O’Neill’s offense. Procopio tries to work her guard high, she’s after an armbar but O’Neill pulls free and lands hammer fists. They trade leg locks, O’Neill has a toe hold going and they switch to 50-50 guard with Procopio working for a heel hook. O’Neill gets her leg free, gets on top and lands punches to the head. Elbows from O’Neill and body shots close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 O’Neill, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: O’Neill coming forward again, still working the high pace and pressure. Both women land rights, trade knees in a clinch then O’Neill gets a takedown into half guard. O’Neill passes the legs, Procopio to her knees and O’Neill winds up grabbing a crucifix and lands punches and elbows. Procopio gets her arm free but O’Neill switches to the back immediately and is looking for the choke. O’Neill switches to full mount, she’s riding from mount to back mount with strikes all along the way. A body triangle for O’Neill now, she’s landing punches while working to flatten Procopio out. Procopio stands with O’Neill in the backpack spot, but gives up the choke on the way up and O’Neill chokes her out as they sag to the mat, Procopio going all the way to sleep.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Casey O’Neill via Technical Submission, rear naked choke, at 2:54 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Ms. O’Neill for her work this evening. Mic time for O’Neill after the win, she wanted to strike for a lot of this fight but her coaches helped her believe in her grappling and as the fight wore on she got more and more confident in that space. She talks us through the finish and is stoked to have choked out a black belt, but thinks she needs to figure out her slow starting habit. Asked what she’d like next she wants a couple of months to focus on her skills and improve then come back in the fall or early winter.

Here’s the finish, Procopio can’t deal with both of O’Neill’s hands when getting up and once one goes around the neck O’Neill is able to lock up the choke. Nice stuff all around from O’Neill.

Joaquim Silva was once thought of as a top prospect when he debuted for the UFC back in 2015, but he’s fought just six times for the UFC going 4-2. Silva hasn’t fought since losing to Nasrat Haqparast in August of 2019, if he wants to salvage his career he needs to not only avoid his first ever losing streak and hopefully find a more consistent fight schedule. Rick Glenn has gone 3-3 since joining the UFC but he missed weight his last time out which helped precipitate this move to lightweight. Glenn’s layoff has been even longer than Silva’s, Glenn last fought in a losing effort back in November of 2018 and he’s trying to avoid his first ever losing streak. The odds are slightly with Silva at -120 to an even +100 comeback on Glenn.

Lightweight Bout: Ricky Glenn (21-6-1, 156 lbs.) vs. Joaquim Silva (11-2, 154.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Glenn is four inches taller and has an inch and a half of reach of reach advantage. Southpaw for Glenn as we get going. Both men feinting a bit, trying to get a feel for things. Silva walks into a left hand and gets dropped, Glenn swarms him, drops him again with uppercuts and the ref has seen enough of this.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ricky Glenn via KO, punches, at :37 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Glenn for his work this evening. Mic time for Glenn, he’s on cloud nine and calls this the best feeling apart from the birth of his child. He talks us through the finish, then mentions he had hip and shoulder surgery that led to his layoff but he’s taking care of himself now. Asked when he’d like to fight again he’d be happy to hang out in the cage and fight whoever comes out because he feels good.

You can see the finish here. Silva comes in too aggressively and despite having outside foot position Glenn has him timed and intercepts him coming in. From there it’s just smart aggression and swarming until the ref has to stop things.

Josh Parisian had a six fight winning streak snapped in his UFC debut, now he’s trying to avoid a losing while getting that all important first UFC win under his belt. Roque Martinez has gone 0-2 in the UFC and finds himself in a must win situation as going 0-3 would probably end his time with the promotion. Parisian is your favorite at -150 to a +125 payout for Martinez.

Heavyweight Bout: Roque Martinez (15-7-2, 249 lbs.) vs. Josh Parisian (13-4, 266 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Parisian is six inches taller, has seven inches of reach advantage and is round about twenty pounds heavier. They touch gloves to get us going. Both men punching early, Martinez punches into a clinch and pushes Parisian into the fence. Martinez is working short punches to the head before he separates. Parisian lands a jab, Martinez lands a right hand and they clinch again. Some nice dirty boxing and elbows from Martinez as he’s keeping Parisian on the cage. Uppercut and elbow from Martinez, that was a nice shot and Parisian is bleeding around the left eyebrow. Parisian lands a knee to the body. They trade punches on the break, Martinez punches again and gets the clinch. This time Parisian gets separation quickly and starts working long. Double jab and a right from Martinez. Parisian pushes Martinez into the fence and we’re clinched again. Parisian slips free, Martinez lands a right and a few uppercuts before clinching again. Parisian lands some short punches then they break. Inside leg kick from Parisian then an inside leg kick. Body kick from Parisian. Martinez is working his way forward, lands a right hand then an uppercut and they clinch again, Parisian is cut under the left eye as well now. Bit of a knee from Parisian, Martinez digs body shots along the fence. A knee from Parisian, Martinez lands an elbow and they separate. Parisian pushes Martinez to the fence, misses a few punches and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Martinez

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. More forward pressure from Martinez, Parisian lands a front kick to the face but Martinez gets him on the fence and they start clinch fighting again. Parisian has Martinez on the fence. Martinez is bleeding from the nose, he’s working some body shots while Parisian holds him on the fence. Parisian lands a few knees to the body while Martinez lands short punches to the body and head. Martinez lands a knee to the body, but Parisian is out working him now and lands a right elbow. More trading of blows in the clinch, and we get a low blow to Martinez so we’ve got a break. Martinez is good to continue and we reset at distance. We get another clinch right on the restart, Martinez is working for a takedown but can’t get it. They break, Parisian lands a bit of a head kick, and we clinch again. Parisian slips free and lands a right. Martinez punches his way forward but Parisian lands elbows in close then a flurry of punches and another knee to the head. Martinez has a heck of a chin. They clinch again and Parisian has Martinez on the fence. Standing guillotine from Martinez, he drops to get it with guard, tries to switch as Parisian spins free but can’t adjust in time and they wind up trading in the clinch to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Parisian, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Martinez starts walking forward immediately, lands a few lefts but eats a counter right from Parisian. A flurry from Martinez mostly lands, Parisian lands a right of his own. Some nice lead hand work from Parisian to keep distance while he circles. Martinez lands a leg kick, but his footwork has fallen off and that’s what was helping him earlier. Right from Martinez lands, he flurries in the clinch but Parisian is able to turn him to the fence. Both men with short punches, Martinez lands an elbow and gets Parisian on the fence. Parisian quickly spins Martinez but he can’t find a trip takedown and he’s looking for one. Neither man can find much of an advantage in the clinch right now, and they break apart. Martinez takes a kick to the goin and we’ve got a time out. Replay confirms the front kick went into the groin of Martinez. Martinez takes about 50 seconds then we’re back to fighting. Parisian jabbing but Martinez punches him to the fence and they start fighting there again. Some elbows from Martinez, but Parisian moves him onto the fence. They break apart, then Parisian lands a right. Martinez lands a left hook as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Martinez but could go either way, 29-28 Martinez overall

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

The third round was close enough to go either way, 29-28 for either man is perfectly acceptable. Mic time for Parisian, he wasn’t super confident in the decision but knows he worked hard but acknowledges he got punched in the face a lot. To close he jokes with Bisping that he looks just like him.

Khaos Williams had an eight fight winning streak that included two first round finishes in the UFC snapped when he dropped a decision to Michel Pereira. Williams is trying to get back on the winning side of things and avoid his first losing streak. Matthew Semelsberger is on a five fight winning streak including two wins in the UFC, he’s trying to extend that streak and start proving himself as a prospect deserving of attention. The odds are with Williams at -160 to a +135 payout on Semelsberger.

Welterweight Bout: Matthew Semelsberger (8-2, 170 lbs.) vs. Khaos Williams (11-2, 169 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Semelsberger is an inch taller while Williams has two inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Williams working low kicks early, Semelsberger misses a counter right. Semelsberger lands a leg kick, then blocks a counter flurry. Semelsberger lands a one two but Williams fires a flurry to counter, and a couple of those rights landed before they clinch up. There’s a cut on the bridge of Semelsberger’s nose. Both men work some knees to the thigh and body but there’s not a lot coming of this. Bit of an elbow from Williams as he exits the clinch. A right from Semelsberger stuns Williams for a second. Semelsberger lands a calf kick. Body kick from Semelsberger, and Williams misses a counter combination then eats a right hand. Williams is getting a little wide with his punches and Semelsberger is finding the holes in his defense. Semelsberger lands a calf kick, they both land punches in close after that. A combination from Semelsberger mostly lands then they split jabs. Williams lands a leg kick, and takes a glancing counter right. Semelsberger lands a right, a bit of a body kick, then a combination from Williams falls short.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Williams but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Both men come out swinging then trade kicks. Semelsberger lands a straight right. Williams lands a bit of a right. Semelsberger lands a glancing right but Williams counters with a combination and they clinch again. The overall output from Williams is helping him edge the round out so far. Williams lands a right as he exits the clinch. Bit of a left from Semelsberger, he’s coming forward more now. Semelsberger lands a couple of leg kicks and blocks the counters. Glancing head kick from Semelsberger. Williams lands a leg kick but he’s slowing down a bit. They trade in close again but Williams is slowing. Semelsberger lands a leg kick. Semelsberger avoids a few punches, then lands a left as they exit a clinch. There’s a right from Semelsberger, then a leg kick to follow up. Williams lands a body shot, then avoids a wheel kick and the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Williams is working kicks early. Semelsberger lands a bit of a left. Stiff right from Semelsberger. Both men miss punches in close. Semelsberger lands a right in close. Another right from Semelsberger. Williams has a couple of clubbing punches blocked, then eats a leg kick. Williams lands a right. Semelsberger lands a jab. Lunging left from Williams. Semelsberger lands another calf kick and Williams’s left leg is kind of toast, he switched stances for a moment. Bit of a right from Semelsberger, Williams lands a body shot to counter. Semelsberger lands a calf kick, Williams doesn’t like those. A right from Semelsberger lands, Williams is slowing again. Williams lands a right to the body. Williams avoids Semelsberger for a bit, he thinks he’s got this won. Both men land in close, they clinch up and the round ends there.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Semelsberger but who knows, 29-28 Semelsberger overall

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

I’m not sure about 30-27 but have no objection to Williams winning. Mic time for Williams, he was confident in the decision and feels the numbers don’t lie about how the fight went. He mentions getting caught with a few shots but ultimately knew he would win. He dedicates the fight to someone who passed from cancer recently.

Kanako Murata is on an eight fight winning streak that includes a successful UFC debut in November when she bested Randa Markos. Murata is trying to extend that impressive streak and start moving towards contender status in a talent rich division. Virna Jandiroba has gone 2-2 in the UFC she just had a two fight winning streak broken by top contender Mackenzie Dern, now Jandiroba is trying to avoid her first ever losing streak and remind everyone she’s still a viable contender in the division. Jandiroba is the favorite at -130 while a Murata win would pay out at +110.

Strawweight Bout: #13 Virna Jandiroba (16-2, 115 lbs.) vs. Kanako Murata (12-1, 114.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Jandiroba has two inches of height and reach over Murata. They touch gloves, Murata fighting southpaw. Both women bouncing early and feinting with the hands. Murata lands a body kick. Jandiroba lands a right, another right and looks to flurry along the fence but Murata circles away. A lot of feints from both women, Murata falls short with punches. Murata lands a bit of a right hook. They punch into a clinch and Murata gets Jandiroba on the fence. Some knees from Murata while they jockey for position. Jandiroba tries to jump guard, Murata gets on top and lands a series of rights. Jandiroba is after an armbar, but the arm is too far out beyond the hips. Murata avoids a triangle choke, but Jandiroba grabs an armbar, it’s extended but Muarata is stepping over the body and looks to be somewhat safe. Jandiroba is trying to adjust the armbar, Muarata rolls with her and gets out of the attempt then lands a right hand. Jandiroba is working her guard still but Muarata passes to half guard. The round ends with Murata wrapping the head from the top.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jandiroba

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again, Murata has some serious swelling under her right eye. Bit of a left from Murata. Jandiroba has some punches blocked but she’s the one coming forward. Murata misses a head kick. Jandiroba lands a right. Bit of a right from Jandiroba but she’s starting to force that right hand a bit too much. Jandiroba lands a right head kick, Murata just eats it. Murata tries a single leg, and things hit the fence. They break and Jandiroba misses a head kick. That left arm of Murata looks a little odd, that’s the arm that Jandiroba had in the armbar in the first and if that thing is hurt she’ll be in a really bad way for the rest of this fight. A couple of rights land for Jandiroba, yeah that left elbow looks off on Murata relative to her other arm. They trade rights but Jandiroba is getting the better of things. Murata lands a leg kick. One two from Jandiroba wobbles Murata but she stays upright. Jandiroba lands a flurry to close the round. I’m curious if the doctor will check that arm or not between rounds.

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

ROUND THREE: Yeah, the doctor checked Murata between rounds and doesn’t like what he feels in the elbow so we’re done.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Virna Jandiroba via TKO, doctor stoppage, at 5:00 of Round 2

Mic time for Jandiroba, she felt the arm give in the first and puts over Murata as a tough opponent. She noticed the injury to the arm and felt she had to keep things working on the feet.

Here’s a quick look at the end, you can see the issues with the elbow. Credit to Murata for toughness, but that was the right call.

Nick Negumereanu suffered his first professional loss in his UFC debut, now he’s trying to rebound with his first UFC win. Aleksa Camur has gone 1-1 in the UFC but is coming off of a loss, and like Negumereanu he’s trying to avoid his first ever losing streak. The odds are solidly with Camur at -240 while Negumereanu’s underdog status sits at +200.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Aleksa Camur (6-1, 204.5 lbs.) vs. Nicolae Negumereanu (9-1, 205.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Camur is an inch taller while Negumereanu has four inches of reach advantage. Stiff jab from Camur to start the round. Both men feinting a lot, Camur lands a left hook and a right. Camur is working punches to the body while circling, he lands an inside leg kick but eats a bit of a counter left. Negumereanu isn’t cutting Camur off at all, he’s just following him around and getting hit. Both men land lefts but Camur landed the better shot. Hard one two from Camur, Negumereanu just eats it. Camur lands a right uppercut, Negumereanu is a monster because he’s just eating these things. They get close and brawl in the pocket, Negumereanu hurts Camur with an uppercut before they clinch and hit the fence. Negumereanu gets a body lock takedown into side control. Camur is trying to scoot to the fence, he gets there and wall walks but is still clinched. They trade inthe clinch then break. More pressure from Negumereanu, but he might be slowing down already. Camur lands a few jabs while circling. Both men miss hooks, they trade punches, Camur lands a left hook and a right behind it but Negumereanu is a tank who just keeps coming forward. Camur lands an uppercut. Negumereanu lands a few punches in close to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Camur

ROUND TWO: More pressure from Negumereanu, he lands a right rather quickly. Camur lands an inside leg kick but he’s getting walked down. Camur lands a couple of rights but Negumereanu wont be deterred. They clinch again and hit the fence. Some knees from Camur. Negumereanu is after a takedown from the clinch but he can’t find it. Knees go back and forth, Negumereanu is grabbing the fence to keep Camur in place. Negumereanu can’t keep the clinch and Camur slips free. Camur is jabbing again and trying to circle, he lands a right to the body. Negumereanu lands a left hook, Camur returns it. Camur lands a combination. Negumereanu lands a right after avoiding an uppercut. A bit of a left from Negumereanu, then a clubbing right close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Negumereanu, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Negumereanu coming forward again, he eats an inside leg kick. Camur jabs the body a few times while circling. Negumereanu lands a right hand. We get time as a kick went into the groin of Camur. Camur takes about 30 seconds then we’re back to fighting. Negumereanu coming forward again trying to land the right hand. Negumereanu avoids a takedown and lands a right, he’s got Camur backing up and a little hurt. Camur lands a left hook. Some jabs from Camur. Camur lands a left hook, but gets hit but a stiff jab. Negumereanu gets a clinch but can’t keep it and they just jab each other in the face a few times. Negumereanu blocks a double leg and lands an elbow then a right hand. Camur lands a one two. Negumereanu pushes things to the fence and they clinch again. Some shoulder strikes from Camur. Negumereanu works knees, he’s grabbing the fence again as well. Short lefts from Negumereanu, but he’s using the fence again and the ref breaks them and gives Negumereanu a stern warning, he might have been justified in taking a point there. Camur lands a one two. Negumereanu lands a right to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Camur but could go either way, 29-28 Camur overall

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

I thought Camur did the better work in the third, but then again maybe the first was the swing round. 29-28 for either man is perfectly acceptable. No interview for Negumereanu as we’re short on time as the prelims end and the main card is set to begin.

Matt Brown has gone 2-2 in his last four fights but is on a two fight losing streak dropping fights with Miguel Baeza and Carlos Condit. Brown’s career is winding down and he’s looking for a few more wins to go out on. Dhiego Lima just had a three fight winning streak broken by Belal Muhammad, now he’s trying to get back on the right side of things and arguably score his biggest win given Brown’s stature in the promotion. Lima is the -180 favorite to a +155 comeback on Brown.

Welterweight Bout: Matt Brown (22-18, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Dhiego Lima (15-8, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Lima is two inches taller but the reach is identical, though Brown is eight years older at 40. Brown pressing forward early, Lima doing some stance switching. Some lead leg kicks from Brown, he’s just range finding and lands a calf kick. Lima keeps circling, Brown working kicks to the body and leg. Lima lands a leg kick. Brown jabs the body, Lima lands a calf kick. A leg kick from Brown lands. Lima lands another calf kick, those are starting to add up. Another leg kick from Lima. Brown checks a calf kick. Lima lands a leg kick. They get close but Lima can’t find a takedown and Brown shucks him aside. Lima lands another calf kick, Brown responds with a leg kick. Brown lands a jab after avoiding a calf kick. Lima avoids a right, misses a counter. Brown lands a left hook, and takes a calf kick. They feint away the final seconds of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Brown but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Lima lands a combination, he’s getting his hands going as the round starts. Brown coming forward again, lands a left to the body then they clinch. Brown lands a knee to the body, then Lima gets free. More forward pressure from Brown, he lands a jab but takes a couple of calf kicks in response. Brown lands a leg kick. Lima tries a takedown, but things stall out on the fence and Brown lands a knee to the body. They fight for position in the clinch, then Lima separates. More forward pressure from Brown, he lands a right. Lima gets a clinch but he’s fallen off in terms of his offense. Some knees from Brown before they break. Lima lands a left to the body, Brown dips and lands a right hand that FLOORS Lima and we’re done.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Matt Brown via KO, punch, at 3:02 of Round 2

Mic time for Brown after that one, he jokes he did good for a 40 year old man from small town Ohio. He says he knew Lima would drop his left hand after the jab, and he set it up with a right to the body then repeated the motion but threw to the head. He puts over Lima as a guy he likes and wishes the best for, but this is the game they play.

Here’s a look at the finish. Brown dips low like he’s going to the body, and while he doesn’t throw the punch straight the angle of his trunk provides a straighter line for his punch than anything Lima is doing. It doesn’t hurt that Lima’s guard is a little wide and Brown’s angle allows him to split it right down the middle.

Wellington Turman has gone 1-2 in the UFC and was last seen losing to Andrew Sanchez. Turman is trying to avoid his first losing streak and start making good on the potential that’s been observed within him. Bruno Silva brings a four fight winning streak into his UFC debut and he well knows this will be his only chance to make a first impression to the wider audience. Silva is a slight -125 favorite to a +105 comeback on Turman.

Middleweight Bout: Bruno Silva (19-6, 186 lbs.) vs. Wellington Turman (16-4, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Silva has two inches of reach advantage. Some stance switching from Silva, Turman tries a single leg and slips around to the back. A mat return from Turman, he nearly gets the back but Silva gets behind him and starts working from the waist lock. Turman is after a kimura, he uses that to get in on a single leg and nearly gets Silva down along the fence. Turman gets a mat return, and another as Silva keeps bouncing up. Now Turman moves to the backpack position and starts working for the choke. A few punches from Turman, small stuff as he’s mostly working to choke. Silva is trying to shake Turman over the top, and he does to get on top as Turman closes his guard. Some punches from Silva, he lands a good flurry of them to the head. Turman tries to work his guard, Silva passes and lands more punches. A few more lefts from Silva put Turman out cold.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Bruna Silva via KO, punches, at 4:45 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Silva for his work this evening. Mic time for Silva, he came here to get a win and notes this is his 17th knockout and he wants to be champion. He says he’s a striker by trade but is working hard to be able to finish a fight wherever it goes.

A couple of things to pay attention too here. First is the accuracy of Silva, he’s not swinging and hoping with his punches, he’s aiming at the target he wants to hit. Second is Turman’s right arm, he’s under hooked the leg of Silva but Silva just kind of sits on it resulting in the arm being pinned between his calf and thigh, meaning Turman doesn’t have his right hand to defend himself. That leaves him open for the left hooks that Silva lands. A really nice display of ability from Silva.

Julian Erosa is on a three fight winning streak with the last two being in the UFC, he’s hoping to keep that momentum going and continue along his winning ways. Seung Woo Choi has gone 2-2 in the UFC but is on a two fight winning streak and if he can take out a veteran like Erosa in this fight he might be due a more recognizable name next. The odds are with Choi at -140 while an Erosa win pays out at +120.

Featherweight Bout: Julian Erosa (25-8, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Seungwoo Choi (9-3, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Erosa is an inch taller but the reach is identical. They touch gloves to get us going. Choi lands a leg kick, and both men with glancing rights. Straight right then a left hook from Choi as Erosa is switching his stance. Choi lands another right. Erosa lands a left hook then a leg kick. Choi lands another right, his hand speed is quite good. A Choi left hook drops Erosa, then a few follow ups on the mat and we’re done here.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Seung Woo Choi via TKO, punches, at 1:37 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Choi for his work this evening. Mic time for Choi, he starts with English and is happy to have won three in a row in the UFC and feels he’s on his way to become a champion. He goes back to Korean and notes he’s been working hard and his practice is paying off. To close he shares the honor with his family and trainers, then says he’ll be working on his English more in the future, he’s pretty good from where I sit, and says he’s a big fan of Bisping.

This is a dynamite left hook, the right hand Choi throws is more of a range finder which misses, but note his feet don’t stop moving so while the range might have been initially off the half step he takes forward brings his left hook directly into range to land.

Marlon Vera just suffered his first bantamweight loss in 6 fights when he dropped a decision to all time great Jose Aldo, now he’s trying to bounce back and resume the tough upward climb through the bantamweight ranks. Davey Grant is on a three fight winning streak, he bested Vera back in 2016 and if he can repeat that success tonight he could find himself one of the ranked contenders going forward. Vera is a notable favorite at -210 while the +170 payout on Grant might be a tempting value bet. Vera is the favorite at -210 to a +175 comeback on Grant.

Bantamweight Bout: Davey Grant (13-4, 135.5 lbs.) vs. #15 Marlon Vera (16-7-1, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Vera has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Grant lands a leg kick, he’s doing a lot of stance switching thus far. Vera is checking leg kicks already, and switching his stance as well. Both men working kicks early, Grant lands a spinning back kick to the body. Vera lands a calf kick. Grant lands a couple of lefts to the body. Vera blocks a wheel kick then slips a few hooks. Bit of a right from Vera. Vera lands a knee to the body. Hard inside leg kick from Grant. Vera lands a calf kick. Both men fall a little short with punches, they’re still getting a feel for the range. Grant lands a right to the body then a left hook to the head. Vera catches a body kick and takes Grand down into full guard. Vera passes to half guard, Grant tries to wall walk and he’s up but Vera lands a knee to the head then a one two along the fence. Grant lands a left to the body. Vera lands a straight left then an inside leg kick. Grant misses a tornado kick. Vera lands a calf kick. Bit of a right from Grant after he took a calf kick. Vera with some front kicks to the body. Grant avoids the worst of a head kick as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Grant but a close one

ROUND TWO: Vera moving forward again, he lands a calf kick. Grant is cut around the bridge of the nose. They trade left hooks then Vera lands a calf kick. Vera pushes into a clinch, he starts working knees to the body then eats a right as they break. Another calf kick from Vera. Grant lands a couple of body shots. Both men land in close. Grant lands a left hook but Vera chops his calf again. Elbows from Vera in close, he’s got Grant cut on the hairline. Grant digs the body again, he’s not going away. Vera lands a front kick to the body, Grant responds with a wheel kick that mostly lands. Another elbow from Vera in close then a knee to the body and they clinch. Grant gets a trip and lands on top in full guard. Some punches from Grant as Vera tries to get his guard in play. Grant avoids an omoplata, Vera is fishing for a reverse triangle but Grant slips free into side control. Grant lands an elbow. Vera is fading a bit here, he’s not doing the right things to get back up to his feet. Vera spins to his feet, Grant jumps for a guillotine but can’t keep it and Vera gets on top then lands punches to the body and head as Grant moves to his knees. Elbows form Vera as he’s in the ride position, he gets more elbows as Grant rolls to try and play guard. Half guard for Vera, he lands more strikes as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Vera, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Vera is coming forward again, lands a front kick to the body. Grant lands a right hook. Vera sprawls away from a double leg attempt, he spins to the back and gets both hooks in. Vera is after the choke, but Grant spins and gives up the mount. Now Vera tries to transition to an arm triangle choke, he mounts with it and then looks to unload. Grant come sup on a single leg, and Vera limp legs free. Both men land punches at distance. Grant cracks Vera with a right hand then digs the body. Vera lands a one two. Bit of an elbow from Vera, he lands a knee and an elbow. Vera is looking to unload along the fence, he gets a body lock takedown and lands in half guard. Grant gets full guard as Vera punches him a few times. Vera lands an elbow, Grant returns it. Grant lands an up kick as Vera stands to pass, Vera lands a hard elbow as he gets caught back in the guard of Grant. Vera postures up and lands another elbow. Grant is fishing for a kimura as Vera passes and gets his arm back. Vera into full mount, then the back with the choke in. Grant is trying to fight the hands but the choke is in tight. Vera is squeezing but he’s not on the back fully anymore, the angle is wrong so he switches to full mount and ends the round there.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Vera, 29-27 Vera overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Marlon Vera via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-28, 30-26)

That’s your Fight of the Night so far, heck of a scrap. Mic time for Vera, he feels great and is happy to have won. He thought Grant won the first round but he definitely won the second two and promises to get better going forward. Asked what he wants next he says anyone, before pointing at Dominick Cruz and saying he’s willing to fight Cruz. That would be a heck of a fight.

Aleksei Oleinik is on a two fight losing streak and needs a win rather badly if he wants to maintain his roster spot, plus he’s trying to get his 60th professional win and that’s an impressive milestone he’d certainly like to cross. Serghei Spivac has gone 3-2 in the UFC but is on a two fight winning streak and could get the biggest win of his career if he can get by Oleinik tonight. Spivac is your -270 favorite while the +220 comeback on Oleinik might tempt a few bettors out there.

Heavyweight Bout: #15 Aleksei Oleinik (59-15-1, 228 lbs.) vs. Serghei Spivac (12-2, 242 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Spivac is an inch taller, Oleinik has two inches of reach advantage but Spivac is 17 years younger. They touch gloves to get us going. Oelinik lands a leg kick. Oleinik forces a clinch, they hit the fence but Spivac is able to spin free quickly. Spivac with some jabs while circling. Both men land punches in close. Oleinik lands a leg kick. Some more jabs are traded, then Spivac avoids a clinch. Spivac very quickly clinch breaking every time they get close. Both men swing in close but neither lands flush. Bit of a left hook from Oleinik, then Spivac avoids a clinch attempt. Oleinik gets a clinch, but again can’t keep it. Single leg from Oleinik, that stalls on the fence then they break. Spivac eats a leg kick and lands an uppercut. Oleinik is swinging wilder and wilder as the round goes on. Oleinik punches into a clinch and gets things to the fence. Spivac again spins free very quickly. Another clinch, this time Oleinik drags Spivac down for a crab ride and switches to the back mount. Oleinik switches to mount, then jumps for a scarf hold neck crank but loses the grip and settles for top position as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Oleinik

ROUND TWO: Oleinik lands a right. Spivac is circling and looking to counter. They trade rights and Spivac avoids a clinch. Oleinik lands a couple of leg kicks. Spivac lands a couple of punches but Oleinik gets a clinch. Oleinik pulls guard, that’s certainly an odd choice. Spivac is able to find places to land short blows but Oleinik is looking to come up on a takedown. Spivac can’t pass but he’s able to avoid a high guard and land some punches while passing to half guard. Some elbows from Spivac land. A few punches from Spivac, the rolls for an anaconda choke but Oleinik comes up on top and gets his head free. Oleinik moves to mount, and lands some punches, he tries for the scarf hold chest compressor but the round ends before Spivac has to tap.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Spivac, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Spivac working the jab as the round starts. Oleinik lands a leg kick, then a few body shots. Spivac lands a left hook, then a heavy right hand. Another jab from Spivac, Oleinik got cut around the right temple. They trade in the pocket then Oleinik resumes walking forward. We get a clinch, Oleinik drops for a double leg but things are stalling against the fence. Spivac slips free and lands punches as they stand back up. Oleinik just keeps wading forward, he gets a clinch and lands an elbow before looking for a takedown. Spivac defends and separates. Oleinik lands a couple of punches but his arms are a little dead. They punch into another clinch and hit the fence. Spivac is bleeding from the nose. Oleinik drops to his knees looking for a low single leg, Spivac is able to get on top in half guard. They trade some elbows, Spivac getting the better of things. Some more punches from Spivac, and that’s how we’ll end the round.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Serghei Spivac via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Mic time for Spivac, he notes how hard the fight was, he’s quite tired. Asked who he’d like next he’s happy to leave that up to the UFC brass.

Chan Sung Jung just had a two fight winning streak broken when he lost a decision to Brian Ortega in October of last year, now he’s trying to rebound and avoid his first ever UFC losing streak while proving he’s still a viable contender in a crowded featherweight division. Dan Ige has gone 7-1 in his last eight fights, only dropping a decision to Calvin Kattar during that time. Ige was last seen starching Gavin Tucker in 22 seconds and if he can best Jung tonight it would almost certainly earn him a space in the title orbit. Ige is the favorite at -150 to a +125 comeback on Jung.

Featherweight Bout: #4 Chan Sung Jung (16-6, 146 lbs.) vs. #8 Dan Ige (15-3, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Jung has an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Jung lands a calf kick. Both men probing with feints, just getting a feel for things. Ige lands a leg kick and blocks the counters. Jung misses an uppercut and Ige lands a right to the body. Calf kick from Jung lands. They trade lefts, clinch and break without anything coming of it. Ige with a left to the body then left to the head. Jung lands a body shot then gets a takedown into half guard. Ige hip escapes to full guard, then tries to kick Jung off but Jung passes to half guard again. Jung tries to pass to mount, then they scramble back to the feet and reset. Bit of a right from Jung. Another right from Jung lands, Ige stays composed but that one hurt. Calf kick from Jung. Some lead hand work from both men, Ige with a bit fo a blitz that’s partially successful. Jung lands a body kick. Bit of a right from Ige to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jung

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Jung clobbers Ige with a right hand, Ige bounces up and swings back. Calf kick from Jung and they trade punches in close. Ige misses a left hook. Ige catches a kick and lands a right. Another calf kick from Jung then a right hand to follow up. Ige lands a jab, then Jung returns it. Ige lands an inside leg kick. Jung lands a right, his calm minimalistic approach seems to be giving the more movement oriented Ige some problems. Ige lands a right but misses a left hook. Jung cracks Ige with another right hand. Ige looks for a single leg, Jung defends against the fence and cranks a hammerlock to force Ige to switch tactics. They break the clinch without incident. Jung lands a hard calf kick. Another calf kick from Jung then they both miss punches. Ige lands a left hook but he’s becoming more stationary. They clinch again, Ige is looking for a takedown but can’t find it. Jung lands a knee ot teh body, then falls onto the back of Ige as Ige tried to escape. Full body triangle for Jung as he’s landing some punches and looking to open up the choke as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: There’s a small cut under the left eyebrow of Jung, it was caused by a clash of heads last round. They touch gloves again. Jung lands a calf kick. Ige with a body kick then they both land punches. Nice double leg from Jung into full guard, that was well timed. Some punches from Jung while Ige fights for wrist control. Ige with some elbows from his back, Jung lands a left punch. Short elbow from Jung, he moves to the ride position as Ige tries to stand. Jung all the way around to the back and get the body triangle again. Ige hand fights out of a possible choke but he’s in a bad position. Jung gets the choke around the chin but can’t get it all the way under before Ige breaks his grip. Jung keeps fishing for the choke while Ige tries to attack his body triangle. There’s an armbar attack if Jung wants it, but he prefers to hold the body triangle. They’ll end the round in that position with Jung trying one more time for the choke.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jung, might be a 10-8 argument in there, 30-27 Jung overall

ROUND FOUR: Ige comes out jabbing and looking to push forward. Bit of a left hook from Jung. A few jabs go back and forth. Both men miss rights. Jung lands a jab. Ige digs a couple of body shots. Jung lands a couple of lefts, Ige sneaks in a right but he’s behind on the offense. Ige lands a left to the body and gets a clinch on the fence. They break without much incident. More jabs from Jung, then a left hook as he ate a right hand. Ige slips a few punches but doesn’t throw a counter. Jung has gotten away from his leg kicks, wait there’s one but Ige lands a counter right. Jab from Jung then a right to counter a left hook. Jung catches a kick and gets a takedown into full guard. Ige fires elbows from his back, Jung stands and lands punches while Ige fishes for a leg entanglement. Jung gets his leg free and lands a few punches and moves to north-south. A few body shots from Jung, then an elbow to the head to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ige but a close one, 39-37 Jung overall

ROUND FIVE: They touch gloves for the final round. Ige is southpaw at the moment, he lands a body kick. They trade power hand punches and Ige goes orthodox again. Jung lands a couple of jabs then avoids the counters. A lot of stance switching for Ige now, he’s trying to find something as he knows he needs a finish. Ige lands a body shot then a right hand. A left hook from Ige stuns Jung, Jung has had enough and gets a takedown, nearly gets the back but Ige gets free and resumes landing body shots before Jung clubs him with a right. Ige tries for a takedown but Jung defends and separates. More body shots from Ige in close and he tries a takedown but that stalls out on the fence. Ige lands an up elbow and starts working from the clinch. Jung gets free and lands a bit of an uppercut. Ige pushes forward, but Jung lands a knee and moves to the back as Ige sinks to his knees. Body triangle for Jung and he’s working for the choke again. Jung is after the choke, he can’t find it but lands a few short punches. They trade some punches while Jung fishes for the choke but he wont find it before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jung but could go to Ige, 49-46 Jung overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Chan Sung Jung via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46 x2)

Late fight heroics from Ige weren’t quite enough to undo the solid work from Jung. Mic time for Jung, he wanted to show all of his skills and prove he has what it takes to be a champion. He puts over Ige as a tough opponent, and feels he wanted to get a sub in the fifth but couldn’t find it. Asked what he’d like next he says he’s not number four anymore, after this he should be number 3. To close he thanks a bunch of people.

Ige gets an interview as well, he gives glory to God first and foremost. He has no excuses and puts over Jung as a legend who’s still one of the best. He expresses love for his family to close.

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UFC Fight Night, Robert Winfree