mma / Reports

411’s UFC Fight Night Report: Barber and Blanchfield Falls Apart

May 31, 2025 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC on ESPN 68 Image Credit: UFC

MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 9 p.m. ET)
#4 Erin Blanchfield (125 lbs.) vs. #5 Maycee Barber (126.5 lbs.)*
#7 Mateusz Gamrot (156 lbs.) vs. Ludovit Klein (156 lbs.)
Ramiz Brahimaj (171 lbs.) vs. Billy Ray Goff (170 lbs.)
Dustin Jacoby (205 lbs.) vs. Bruno Lopes (206 lbs.)
Macy Chiasson (144 lbs.) vs. Ketlen Vieira (146 lbs.)*
Dusko Todorovic (186 lbs.) vs. Zachary Reese (185 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET)
Jafel Filho (126 lbs.) vs. Allan Nascimento (127.5 lbs.)*
Kurt Holobaugh (156 lbs.) vs. Jordan Leavitt (155.5 lbs.)
Michael Aswell (155 lbs.) vs. Bolaji Oki (155.5 lbs.)
Alice Ardelean (115.5 lbs.) vs. Rayanne dos Santos (116 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN 68, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the event. This poor event, it’s been kind of a clown fiesta for a bit and then the weigh ins happened. This has always been a quite weak card on paper with things falling off after the co-main event but man, the hits just kept coming. The main event was supposed to put someone into the title picture at flyweight but then Maycee Barber missed weight and complicated that so she’s unlikely to be auditioning for a title shot even if she wins, though Erin Blanchfield could still make a case for a shot with an impressive win since she hit 125 on the dot. The co-main event is pretty solid with Ludovit Klein taking a big step up in class against the ranked Mateusz Gamrot in a fight that definitely has some potential. We were supposed to get Trevin Giles stepping in on short notice to take on Andreas Gustafsson but Giles then had some medical issue and that fell apart. Also Macy Chiasson and Ketlein Vieira got moved from bantamweight to featherweight due to Vieira weight issues. On the prelims Allan Nascimento missed weight, and Michael Aswell is stepping in on a few days notice to take on Bolaji Oki after MarQuel Mederos fell out of things. We also had a couple of fights fall apart when Oban Elliott and Seok Hyun Ko both had visa issues so their original opponents Ramiz Brahimaj and Billy Ray Goff now take on each other. So while this whole thing feels like it’s limping across the finish line, even by warehouse standards, let’s hope the action can make up for it.

UFC on ESPN 68 comes to the world from the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Brendan Fitzgerald, Laura Sanko, and Daniel Cormier will be on commentary. Keep in mind we’re in the smaller 25 foot cage, and let’s hope people start getting the hang of kneeing people who are in the quadpod position.

Rayanne dos Santos has gone 0-2 in the UFC, dropping a couple of split decisions thus far and now really needs to find that first UFC win to for a little job security. Alice Ardelean is in almost the same position being 0-2 in the UFC and badly needing that first win, the only difference being one of the decision losses for Ardelean was unanimous and the split she lost was quite dubious. The odds like dos Santos at -205 to a +170 comeback for Ardelean.

Strawweight Bout: Alice Ardelean (9-7, 115.5 lbs.) vs. Rayanne dos Santos (14-8, 116 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ardelean is an inch taller while the reach is identical. Dos Santos lands a couple of close quarter punches. Ardelean is trying to punch into range but she’s getting hit every time. Right hand from dos Santos as she exits a clinch. A bit of stance switching from Ardelean now as they circle. They tie up again and dos Santos shoves things into the fence. They jockey for position a bit then break. Dos Santos lands a right hand. They both miss rights. Bit if a right from Ardelean but she ate a calf kick for that. They both swing in the pocket with mixed results. Left hand from Ardelean in close after she avoided a right. There’s very little strategy or technique here, they’re just kind of clashing then backing off and repeating that over and over. Calf kick from dos Santos. Combination from Ardelean lands to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ardelean

ROUND TWO: They tie up and Ardelean hits a throw but can’t secure position so they just kind of reset. Jab from dos Santos. Bit of a left from Ardelean. Ardelean avoids a clinch attempt then they jab each other a couple of times. Right hand from Ardelean. They split a few jabs. Ardelean clubs the body a couple of times then dos Santos cracks her with a left hook. Both women land in close again, Ardelean seems more able to take the damage and keep going though while dos Santos doesn’t seem to want long exchanges. Right to the body from Ardelean, then dos Santos lands a right hand of her own. Dos Santos lands a right hand. Knee from dos Santos in close. Ardelean avoids a takedown attempt and lands a punch. A few jabs go back and forth. Right to the body from Ardelean. Dos Santos lands a right hand. They trade power hand punches. Ardelean with a right hand then a calf kick. They trade left hooks in close to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ardelean but a closer one, 20-18 Ardelean overall

ROUND THREE: Dos Santos comes out with a kick but Ardelean counters her. One two from dos Santos then Ardelean lands a knee. Left hook from dos Santos lands. Ardelean lands a right to the body. Bit of a combination from Ardelean. Both women land punches in close again. Ardelean with a counter right. More jabs from Ardelean. Both women land punches in close again but Ardelean still has more firepower. Defense is not really a thing for either woman, they both land power hand punches. Ardelean with a few rights while circling. More brawling from both women, then dos Santos hits a brief takedown but Ardelean scrambles around and gets on top in full guard. They pretty quickly just reset on the feet. Ardelean with a left to the body. Some jabs from Ardelean. Dos Santos fails a takedown attempt, her left eye is swelling pretty obviously. Bit of a combination from Ardelean. Ardelean with a right hand then a left hook. They trade again to close out the round.

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

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

Mic time for Ardelean, she worked very hard to get this win and puts over the UFC PI for helping her out. She hopes everyone enjoyed the fight and that it wasn’t boring, I’m sure to a certain type of fan this was great. A few shout outs to her social media followers then she thanks dos Santos and puts her over as an opponent. To close she thanks her team for their work.

Bolaji Oki has gone 1-1 in the UFC but he’s coming off of a loss and now looks to avoid his first losing streak. Michael Aswell took this fight on very short notice but did win his last fight and now looks to make the most of his chance at a first impression up a division from his normal weight class. All things considered it’s not surprising to see Oki as a big -550 favorite to +410 on Aswell.

Lightweight Bout: Michael Aswell (10-2, 155 lbs.) vs. Bolaji Oki (9-2, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Oki is two inches taller with four inches of reach advantage. The size difference is pretty evident, Aswell looks like a guy who normally fights at featherweight, which he does. Both men slip a few punches. Aswell avoids a right hand. One two from Oki. Left hook from Oki. Oki with a left to the body and they trade in close. They trade calf kicks. Right hand from Oki. Oki lands another right. Oki with a leg kick. Both men land punches in the pocket. Aswell with a right hand but then eats a counter left hook. There’s a cut around the left eyebrow of Aswell, not bad but he’s leaking. A couple of lefts land for Oki. Aswell lands a left hook after he had a kick caught. That might have bothered Oki, Aswell pressures and lands a three punch combination. Oki lands a jab then a leg kick. Body jab from Oki then a left to the body. They trade power shots again to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Oki but Aswell got stronger down the stretch

ROUND TWO: Oki comes out showing some kicks. Aswell lands a right to the body. Oki is spending some time southpaw but I’m not sure what he’s getting out of that. Left hook from Oki. Intercepting knee from Oki then a body kick. Right hand from Aswell. Aswell with a one two to counter a leg kick. Oki with another leg kick. They trade power hand punches. Body jab from Oki. Again both men land in close. Right to the body from Oki. Rear leg side kick to the body from Oki, that’s a mean kick if you can land it. Both men land left hooks. Counter left from Oki, he’s starting to push Aswell around a bit. Oki hits the body a couple of times. Oki with a body shot then a couple of punches up top. Aswell lands a left hand but Oki is starting to tee off a little bit, that body work is opening up his head attacks. Left to the body from Oki. Left hook from Oki. Oki looks to keep the pressure up and lands as he’s got Aswell against the fence. Right hand from Oki. Aswell is quite durable but he’s having to show it here. A knee from Oki pretty much ends the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Oki with some rights to start the round. Aswell blocks a body kick. Oki with some jabs then a glancing right hand. Aswell with a right to the body. Oki lands a right hand. Bit of a right hand from Aswell. Oki lands a solid left hook. Left to the body from Oki. Both men land a bit in close. They both land lefts in motion. Aswell is doing a better job of staying off the fence this round but Oki is still pressuring him. Again Oki with body to head punches. Knee from Oki then a left hook. Aswell with a right hand after avoiding an uppercut. Body jab then a right hand from Oki. Aswell with a right hand in close. They clinch then break with a bit of a right from Aswell. Oki with a left hand. One two from Aswell but Oki doesn’t seem to care at all. Oki lands a right hand. Right to the body from Oki. Another right from Oki but Aswell just eats it. Oki looks to unload along the fence but Aswell counters and will see out the round.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Bolaji Oki via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Aswell had some moments in the first and given how he closed I can see him getting it. Mic time for Oki after the win, he expected to get the finish but Aswell is a very tough opponent. He puts over his coaches for helping him adjust in the second round and switch to more of a pressure based game.

Kurt Holobaugh has traded wins and losses while going 2-2 since returning to the UFC back in 2023, he’s coming off of a loss though and will be hoping that trend holds long enough to avoid his first losing streak since the three fight skid in 2019 that got him cut from the UFC the first time. Jordan Leavitt has gone 4-3 in the UFC, he’s coming off of a loss to Chase Hooper though and he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak. Leavitt is a rather surprisingly heavy favorite at -225 while that +185 comeback on Holobaugh might be a tempting value bet.

Lightweight Bout: Kurt Holobaugh (21-9 1 NC, 156 lbs.) vs. Jordan Leavitt (11-3, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Holobaugh is two inches taller but Leavitt has an inch of reach advantage and is 9 years younger. They touch gloves to get us going. Leavitt does some stance switching while circling. Tie up and Leavitt hits a takedown into side control. Holobaugh is able to get half guard and things settle a bit. They scoot to the fence and Holobaugh looks to start a wall walk, Leavitt gets to the ride as they stand then hits a bit of a German suplex to get the ride back. Some punches from Leavitt then he grabs at an anaconda choke and looks to tighten that up then puts Holobaugh to sleep.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jordan Leavitt via Technical Submission, anaconda choke, at 1:39 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Leavitt for his work. Leavitt gets an interview after that, he gives glory to God first then mentions he’s been out of action for about 18 months and was a little nervous about it but was able to find the submission a little faster than he thought he would. He talks us through the finish and feels he was a bum his last time out and now he’s out of the tutorial mode and ready to make a real run at things. Asked about a new celebration since he wont twerk anymore, he does the worm which gets a bit of a pop.

Allan Nascimento has gone 2-1 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak but he not only missed weight here he’s also been out of action since January of 2023 with four fights falling out between now and his prior outing. Nascimento is trying to smooth over the weight miss and remind everyone that he’s a viable prospect in the division. Jafel Filho has gone 2-1 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak, he’s looking to start the move from prospect towards contender with another win. Very close one here, -125 on Nascimento to +105 for Filho.

Flyweight Bout: Jafel Filho (16-3, 126 lbs.) vs. Allan Nascimento (20-6, 127.5 lbs.)*

ROUND ONE: Nascimento is an inch and a half taller with an inch of reach advantage, plus of course he missed weight. Both men circle and do some feinting then Nascimento lands a calf kick. Another calf kick from Nascimento. Filho looks to pressure forward, they both swing punches before clinching on the fence. They fight for position, Filho has Nascimento on the fence and lands a few short knees for a bit. Both men think about throws but neither lands one. Nascimento tries an ankle pick, that forces enough motion to adjust the position of the grips. They fight over another throw but it’s Filho who lands on top in basically mount. Full mount now for Filho. Nascimento shrimps to half guard but eats a few punches. Filho moves to the back as Nascimento tries to shrimp. Arm triangle attack from Filho, but Nascimento defends then Filho grabs a mounted guillotine with 15 seconds left. It’s tight but Nascimento will gut out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Filho but a slightly generous one

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Leg kick from Nascimento. Filho pushes into a takedown but has to settle for a clinch on the fence. Nice little knee pick from Filho and he gets on top. Nascimento wall walks but Filho moves to his back standing. Mat return from Filho then he looks for an arm in transition but loses it and Nascimento gets on top. Quick pass to side control from Nascimento. Filho avoids an arm triangle attack but he’s really struggling to get motion going. Nascimento lands a couple of short elbows then tries another arm triangle but Filho is able to catch full guard and stifle that. Now Nascimento moves to half guard again. Filho looks to shrimp but Nascimento is able to keep control. Nascimento is fine to hold half guard and land a few punches, Filho is really struggling to get something going on bottom. That’s where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Nascimento, 19-18 Filho overall

ROUND THREE: Nascimento tries another takedown quickly but Filho defends then spins to the back. Only one hook in for Filho but he’s got a choke attack going at the moment. They roll and Filho moves to the ride position but he really needs that second hook. Nascimento keeps rolling and gets Filho to slip over the top and Nascimento gets on top. Filho looks to generate motion but Nascimento is keeping him down so far. Eventually Filho gets to a knee, Nascimento moves to his back and gets one hook in. Face crank from Nascimento, that’s unpleasant but not going to get the tap. Filho tries to roll under and attack a leg but Nascimento keeps top position then gets the back as they stand. Nascimento keeps the back standing, then drags things back down to the mat and gets the back. Choke attempt from Nascimento but Filho defends. Nascimento goes to a body triangle and rides out the round on the back.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Nascimento, 28-28 DRAW overall but realistically is going to Nascimento

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Allan Nascimento via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Nascimento gets an interview, he talks about how hard it was to be away from fighting for as long as he was but he’s ready to get another start going with this win. He talks us through a few highlights to close.

Zach Reese has gone 2-2 in the UFC but he’s coming off of a loss to Azamat Bekoev and now looks to avoid his first losing streak. Dusko Todorovic has gone just 3-5 in the UFC and is on a two fight losing streak, he really needs to get onto the winning side of things here as another loss might spell the end of his time with the promotion. Reese is a -220 favorite against a +180 payout on Todorovic.

Middleweight Bout: Dusko Todorovic (12-5, 186 lbs.) vs. Zachary Reese (8-2, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Reese has three inches of height and reach advantage. Southpaw for Reese. Pretty quick takedown and Todorovic finds himself looking for a mounted guillotine. Reese is able to elevate and stand but Todorovic is still holding the front headlock as Reese presses him into the fence. Todorovic rides Reese down to a knee then tries to spin to the back but they wind up wrestling around into the same spot. Eventually Reese stands and breaks the grip of Todorovic then starts landing elbows and knees in the clinch. Reese keeps Todorovic on the fence then lands knees before they break. Nice little couple of punches from Reese as Todorovic looks to close distance. They clinch up again and hit the fence. Reese lands a knee but slips and winds up on bottom again. Todorovic avoids a leg attack and gets on top in half guard. Reese shrimps to full guard but he took an elbow along the way. A few elbows from Reese land then Todorovic returns them while passing towards half guard. Solid hammer fists from Todorovic as he keeps top position while the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Todorovic

ROUND TWO: Reese shows a few calf kicks to start the round. One two from Reese lands. Todorovic ties up after those big punches and he pushes Reese into the fence. Reese is able to spin free then lands a body kick. Todorovic pushes into a clinch again but took an uppercut to get there. Reese with a few elbows then they trade knees. Another knee from Reese then he spins free. Bit of a left hook from Reese. Left hand from Reese then an inside leg kick. Todorovic lands a body kick then avoids a flying knee. Another clinch and Todorovic pushes stuff to the fence. Reese spins free pretty quickly and they reset. Right hook from Reese in close. Solid body kick from Reese then a front kick. Reese avoids a clinch. Another body kick from Reese but Todorovic times a takedown after it and gets a takedown into half guard. Full guard now for Reese. Reese thinks about an armbar and uses that to scramble up, Todorovic is able to keep a clinch though. Some body shots from Todorovic before they break. Reese lands a left hand then a knee and they clinch up to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Reese, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Reese lands a calf kick to start the round. Bit of a right from Reese. Both men land punches in close. Reese lands another body kick. Calf kick from Todorovic. Bit of an uppercut from Reese. A couple of lefts land for Reese. Todorovic fails a takedown attempt then eats a knee. Glancing left hand from Reese then he lands a calf kick. Short right from Reese lands, he’s doing some stance switching now. Another body kick from Reese then he misses a head kick. Both men land hooks. Todorovic tries a takedown but can’t find it and then Reese avoids a clinch. Reese with another body kick. Inside leg kick from Reese. Todorovic lands a right hand. Front kick from Reese. Todorovic misses a few punches. Both men land punches in close and now Reese is cut. Reese with a right hand in close. Todorovic lands a right hand. Reese tries a takedown but has to settle for a clinch. Foot sweep from Todorovic but nothing comes of it and they separate. Reese lands a left hand. Body kick from Reese then a left hand. Reese with a right hook. Todorovic tries a takedown, that stalls on the fence though. Both men land some punches in the clinch then Reese spins free. Both men miss punches, Reese then blocks a takedown and they end the round hitting each other in the clinch.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Zachary Reese via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Mic time for Reese, he feels he should have wrestled harder in the first round but is glad to have gotten the win. He is quite critical of his performance overall but then puts over his team for working so hard with him.

Ketlen Vieira is coming off of a loss to Kayla Harrison and had some weight issue that forced this fight up to featherweight which is costing her a percentage of her purse, so she really needs a win to try and start rebuilding herself as a contender. Macy Chiasson is on a two fight winning streak and given the dire state of women’s bantamweight she’s hoping to enter the title picture with another win here. Pretty close one here, -130 on Chiasson to +110 for Vieira.

Women’s Featherweight Bout: Macy Chiasson (10-3, 144 lbs.) vs. Ketlen Vieira (14-4, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Chiasson is three inches taller with four inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Southpaw for Chiasson. A bit of circling for both women as they probe with kicks. Bit of a left from Chiasson. Vieira lands a right hand. High kick then a left hand from Chiasson, gotta love the southpaw double attack. Both women miss punches in close. Vieira digs a couple of body shots. Hard right from Vieira staggers Chiasson for a second. Chiasson misses a spinning back kick, she’s gone orthodox now. Vieira lands another right hand. Both women miss power hand punches, Chiasson is switching back and forth with her stance. Vieira takes a body kick but lands a left hook in response. Vieira with some punches as she’s got Chiasson against the fence. Chiasson is able to clinch but they trade elbows then Vieira gets her on the cage. They jockey for position for a bit then eventually separate without incident. Right hand from Chiasson. Vieira lands a right of her own then they clinch and that’s where the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Vieira

ROUND TWO: They tie up quickly and Vieira avoids a trip then is able to off balance Chiasson to get on top and she looks for leg drag position. Eventually Chiasson gets full guard and Vieira starts landing some punches. Vieira passes to half guard but Chiasson gets full guard back pretty quickly. A few elbows go back and forth. Body shots from Vieira, Chiasson tries to stand but Vieira gets to the ride position. Vieira keeps landing some punches but Chiasson is able to get full guard back. Chiasson is really struggling to get out from under Vieira. Vieira is keeping a decent pace of offense going but nothing really game changing so far. A few elbows from Chiasson land, Vieira returns them. Body to head punches from Vieira land. The round ends with Vieira on top.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Vieira lands a right hand. Chiasson tries a takedown but Vieira counters and gets on top in full guard. Vieira with a few punches and she’s looking to pass but can’t quite get around the guard of Chiasson. Chiasson throws a few elbows from her back, then Vieira lands a solid left hand. Vieira with a few body to head punches. The ref is taking a look at the position, Vieira is trying to stay busy enough to keep him out of it and lands a few good punches. Chiasson tries to get her legs in play for elevation but Vieira pressures through them to keep top position. Chiasson is able to roll and scramble up with Vieira on her back and when Chiasson tries to roll Vieira stays with her and retains top position. Chiasson tries to angle for an armbar, Vieira stands and lands leg kicks. Vieira is cut, one of those elbows from Chiasson got through it seems. Chiasson is able to stand and they clinch up on the fence. Both women land elbows then Chiasson lands a knee before they break. They trade punches in close to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Vieira but could go either way, 30-27 Vieira overall

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

No interview for Vieira.

Dustin Jacoby just broke a two fight losing streak with a late stoppage win over Vitor Petrino, now he’s looking for his first winning streak since 2022 while making a move to reenter the top 15 rankings. Bruno Lopes has a three fight winning streak going including his UFC debut back in January, he’s looking to extend that success here and start proving himself a bright spot in a division that always seems to need them. The odds closed with Jacoby at -190 to +160 on Lopes.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Dustin Jacoby (20-9-1, 205 lbs.) vs. Bruno Lopes (14-1, 206 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Jacoby is an inch taller with an inch and a half of reach advantage. Circling to start, both men do some feinting as well. Bit of a calf kick from Lopes. Another calf kick from Lopes. Stiff jab from Jacoby bothers Lopes, he looks to follow up but they wind up clinched on the fence. They trade knees then Jacoby fires a few uppercuts. They swing in close then break and both men keep swinging until Lopes drops and Jacoby gets the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Dustin Jacoby via KO, punches, at 1:50 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Jacoby for his work. Mic time for Jacoby after the win, he says he’s just getting better with age then gives glory to God. He talks us through the finish then when asked about the future he says he’s not a stepping stone and wants to get back into the top 15 and feels he got robbed in the Rountree fight, but then he wants to play some golf.

UFC 320 is moving from the Guadalajara arena that wont be built in time to San Antonio, Texas. We all kind of knew a relocation was imminent for that card. Also it’s not likely to stay the PPV of UFC 320 but will become a Fight Night.

Billy Ray Goff has gone 1-1 in the UFC but he’s not only coming off of a loss he’s been out of action for over a year, he’s now trying to avoid his first losing streak. Ramiz Brahimaj has traded wins and losses while going 3-3 in the UFC, he’s coming off of a win though and now looks to get his first UFC winning streak up and running. Goff is the biggest favorite on the main card at -395 to +310 for Brahimaj.

Welterweight Bout: Ramiz Brahimaj (11-5, 171 lbs.) vs. Billy Ray Goff (9-3, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Goff has half an inch of reach advantage. Circling from Goff to start, Brahimaj is looking to move his way forward. Double leg from Brahimaj, Goff moves to his knees and Brahimaj is in the ride position then has the back as they stand. Brahimaj looks to drag things back down to a crab ride, he gets both of his hooks in and has the back now. Goff bases up and looks to sling Brahimaj over the top but they wind up clinched with Brahimaj still on the back. They get chest to chest and Brahimaj lands a knee. Right hand from Goff and he spins Brahimaj into the fence. They pummel for a bit then Brahimaj thinks about a guillotine but loses the grip then switches to a ninja choke. Brahimaj switches to a high elbow guillotine and puts Goff to sleep.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ramiz Brahimaj via Technical Submission, guillotine choke, at 3:16 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Brahimaj for his work. Mic time for Brahimaj who has a cultural hat for Cormier, he gives glory to God first and is grateful for everything he’s got. He talks us through the finish and feels like he’s finally home in the cage, he mentions overcoming a nasty neck injury with the strength God has given him. To close he thanks Sean Shelby for never giving up on him in the organization and he puts over the UFC brass as well as his team and family.

Mateusz Gamrot is coming off of a hotly contested split decision loss to Dan Hooker last year which snapped a three fight winning streak, now Gamrot is fighting to defend his spot against an unranked opponent and then get back to fighting for a spot in the title picture. Ludovit Klein is on a seven fight unbeaten streak since returning to lightweight back in 2022 with only a draw against Jai Herbert marring that stretch. Klein is taking a big step up in class here though as he’s yet to fight anyone as highly ranked as Gamrot but a win would launch him up into the rankings in a stacked division. Close one here, -155 on Gamrot to Klein’s +130.

Lightweight Bout: #7 Mateusz Gamrot (24-3 1 NC, 156 lbs.) vs. Ludovit Klein (23-4-1, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Gamrot is three inches taller but Klein has two inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Klein. Gamrot pressures forward and shows some early kicks. Bit of a right hand from Gamrot. Klein avoids a few kicks. Gamrot keeps pressing forward and misses a body kick. Klein falls short on a one two but then lands a jab as Gamrot tried to close distance. Gamrot tries a takedown, that hits the fence and Gamrot slips to the ride position as he drags Klein down to a knee. Some short punches from Gamrot land as Klein works to stand. They’re vertical now but Klein is really struggling to get Gamrot off of his back. Gamrot lands some punches and he keeps trying to kick out the legs of Kelin. Some knees to the back from Gamrot and he keeps working to drag Klein back down. Gamrot stands on one of Klein’s legs and knees him in the thigh a few times, then a couple to the body as well. Now Gamrot has a hook in and will ride out the round on his back.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gamrot

ROUND TWO: Quick takedown from Gamrot, a really nice crackdown from the high crotch and he’s on top now in half guard. Klein is able to get full guard but he’s got to get off of his back. Some punches land for Gamrot. Gamrot with a few more punches then he looks to pass and does get to half guard. A few more punches from Gamrot then Klein shrimps to full guard. Klein is able to get full guard back but he’s still taking some blows and isn’t able to start the process of regaining his feet. Gamrot with some elbows to the body and head. Can opener from Gamrot then he looks to pass and does get to the ride position. Klein scoots to the fence and looks to start wall walking but Gamrot is on his back still. They both fire head kicks as they break the clinch. Bit of a one two from Gamrot. Front kick from Klein. Gamrot avoids a spinning back kick then lands a right hand to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: They trade inside leg kicks then Gamrot mostly lands a high kick. Klein sprawls on a double leg and threatens a front headlock series but they wind up separated. Right to the body from Gamrot. Klein lands another front kick. Gamrot tries a takedown, Klein is defending though and nothing comes of it. Gamrot is stance switching now while Klein stays southpaw. Bit of a left hand from Klein. One two from Gamrot. Glancing high kick from Klein and he’s pressuring Gamrot now. Gamrot lands a right hand. Klein lands a left hand. Both men land punches. Gamrot starts keeping his jab out there to try and maintain distance. Single leg from Gamrot and he gets on top in the full guard of Klein. Gamrot looks to pass and gets to the ride position then lands punches. Now Gamrot gets to side control and lands a few more punches. Klein tries to scramble but only gets half guard and Gamrot stays on top landing punches and elbows as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mateusz Gamrot via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Gamrot gets an interview, he mentions fighting an unranked guy but he needed a win and wanted to remind everyone how good he is and how proud he is to represent wrestling in MMA. He wants to continue to prove he’s one of the best in the world. Asked about the future he wants to fight everyone, but Paddy Pimblett and Benoit Saint-Denis are names that stand out as he name drops a lot of the top of the division.

Oh, no main event apparently. There was a last minute medical issue with Maycee Barber and the main event has been canceled. You know, Erin Blanchfield has been saying for weeks that she doubted this fight actually went through. I’m not saying anything bad about Barber, this was a medical thing and the doctors prevented her from coming out but man that sucks for everyone involved.

We do get a quick interview with Erin Blanchfield with Megan Olivi, she’s still a little stunned. She was completely ready to walk out to the cage as this was literally a last minute thing, she was all warmed up and ready for the fight. Asked about rescheduling with Barber she says she’s not interested in fighting someone who’s not on her level and wound up with that much unprofessionalism. She would like a main event or a five round fight next if possible, and one that gets her towards the title.

Well on that profoundly anticlimactic note, UFC on ESPN 68 comes to a close. We’ll be unpacking all the fallout from this event on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast plus looking ahead to UFC 316 with two title fights, though it’s a bit weak on the PPV scale. I’ll be back next week for that event and I hope you will as well. Until then thank you all for watching, stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

More Trending Stories

article topics :

UFC Fight Night, UFC on ESPN+ 68, Robert Winfree

More Stories

loading
About us privacy policy contact us

Copyright © 2025 411mania.com, LLC. All rights reserved.
Click here for our privacy policy. Please help us serve you better, fill out our survey.
Use of this site signifies your agreement to our terms of use.