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411’s UFC Fight Night Report: Blanchfield Stops Andrade

February 18, 2023 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC on ESPN+ 77 Image Credit: UFC

MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)
#3 Jessica Andrade (124 lbs.) vs. #10 Erin Blanchfield (125.5 lbs.)
Zac Pauga (205.5 lbs.) vs. Jordan Wright (204 lbs.)
Josh Parisian (266 lbs.) vs. Jamal Pogues (249.5 lbs.)
William Knight (206 lbs.) vs. Marcin Prachnio (205 lbs.)
Alex Hernandez (156 lbs.) vs. Jim Miller (155.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 4 p.m. ET)
Evan Elder (155.5 lbs.) vs. Nazim Sadykhov (155.5 lbs.)
#14 Mayra Bueno Silva (136 lbs.) vs. #12 Lina Lansberg (135.5 lbs.)
Khusein Askhabov (146 lbs.) vs. Jamall Emmers (145 lbs.)
Philipe Lins (203.5 lbs.) vs. Ovince Saint Preux (206 lbs.)
A.J. Fletcher (171 lbs.) vs. Themba Takura Gorimbo (171 lbs.)
Clayton Carpenter (125 lbs.) vs. Juancamilo Ronderos (125 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 77, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening. I’m not going to lie to you people, this card is really unimpressive on paper. Our main event got a last week shift when Talia Santos fell out of the fight with Erin Blanchfield, but now in steps top contender Jessica Andrade to provide a much more difficult stylistic threat to Blanchfield’s ascent towards the title picture. Beyond that it’s kind of a dead card, the only thing really standing out to me is Jim Miller kicking off the main card as he looks to continue his historic UFC run. Elsewhere on the card a few things to possibly look for, Khusein Askhavbov is undefeated and has a pretty big social media following, Ovince Saint Perux is trying to salvage his time in the UFC, and that’s kind of it. Now that doesn’t mean the fights will be bad, but we’ve got a lot of debutants and old hands filling out this card and this is a pretty clear example of the machine just turning over between bigger events.

UFC on ESPN+ 77 comes to the world from the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. We’ve got Brendan Fitzgerald, Paul Felder, and Laura Sanko on commentary. Nice to see Sanko back, she did a solid enough job in her first outing a couple of weeks ago and more reps will only help. We’re under most of the new rules and do have the use of instant replay, plus the fight can be restarted after replay is used if that’s applicable to the situation. Lastly keep in mind that we’re in the smaller 25 foot diameter Octagon.

Clayton Carpenter is undefeated coming into his UFC debut, now he’s looking to remain perfect while making a good first impression. Juancamilo Ronderos suffered a loss in his UFC debut back in 2021, now finally back in action he’s trying to secure that all important first UFC win. The odds are with Carpenter at -315 to +260 for Ronderos.

Flyweight Bout: Clayton Carpenter (6-0, 125 lbs.) vs. Juancamilo Ronderos (4-1, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Carpenter is three inches taller with an inch and a half of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going, southpaw for Ronderos. Both men miss punches in close, then trade. Bit of a head kick from Carpenter, Ronderos forces a double leg and Carpenter grabs at a guillotine but loses it. Closed guard for Carpenter, he’s looking to swing around for an armbar. Ronderos lands a few punches. Triangle choke from Carpenter, he switches towards an armbar but Ronderos with a hitchhiker escape though Carpenter follows him and comes out on top in full guard. Half guard for Carpenter and he’s looking to pass again. Full mount for Carpenter, Ronderos tries to roll but just gives up his back. Carpenter grabs a body triangle and starts looking for a choke. The choke is getting tight and Ronderos has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Clayton Carpenter via Submission, rear naked choke, at 3:13 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Carpenter for his work this afternoon. Mic time for Carpenter, he feels his performance was fine and he stayed calm and eventually got the kill. He knew he’d get the finish, then talks us through the finish.

Carpenter showed solid jiu-jitsu all fight and the finish became a little academic. Ronderos didn’t do a good job of fighting the hands and Carpenter just took away real estate inch by inch until Roderos was unable to resist anymore.

AJ Fletcher has gone 0-2 in the UFC and now finds his back against the wall as an 0-3 start has ended more than a few UFC runs. Themba Gorimbo is 4-1 in his last five fights coming into his UFC debut, now he’s looking to showcase his skill and make a good first impression to the UFC audience. Fletcher is the -300 favorite to a +250 comeback on Gorimbo.

Welterweight Bout: A.J. Fletcher (9-2, 171 lbs.) vs. Themba Takura Gorimbo (10-3, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Gorimbo is three inches taller with a very large 10 inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Some range finding kicks from both men. Gorimbo keeps showing the front kick, and Fletcher is parrying with the same side hand which is kind of a no-no as it opens up the question mark kick. Double leg from Gorimbo, they hit the mat and Fletcher looks to scramble but gives up his back. Fletcher keeps moving and gets to the fence, he’s looking to wall walk with Gorimbo in the ride position. Gorimbo tries to take the back but he’s a little loose with his positioning and Fletcher flips him over the top and gets on top in half guard. A few short elbows from Fletcher as he’s working to set up a pass. Fletcher lands some body shots then uses an arm triangle attack to move to full mount though he loses the attack. Two minutes left and Fletcher will have lots of time to work from mount. Fletcher lands a couple of solid elbows. Gorimbo is looking to buck but he’s not really fighting the hips of Fletcher and that’s the thing he has to address. Fletcher with some short punches and elbows. A few more elbows from Fletcher. Gorimbo is able to buck and get at a leg, then wind up in 50/50 guard, Gorimbo is after an Achilles lock but Fletcher doesn’t seem bothered and stands over Gorimbo as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Fletcher

ROUND TWO: Fletcher lands a calf kick, but Gorimbo lands a one two. Takedown from Fletcher, he’s nearly into full mount but Gorimbo scrambles around onto his knees looking for his own takedown but Fletcher is threatening a guillotine. Gorimbo gets his head out and moves to the ride as Fletcher sets to wall walk. Choke attempt from Gorimbo but Fletcher gets free and lands a standing elbow that drops Gorimbo then Fletcher grabs a guillotine, rolls to mount with it and Gorimbo has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – AJ Fletcher via Submission, guillotine choke, at 1:37 of Round 2

Fletcher gets an interview, he says coming off of a year of losses is tough but he wasn’t going to be broken by it and is happy with the finish. He talks us through the finish and jokes his thick forearms mean every time he throws an elbow he thinks he’s only landing meat not bone. Next he dismisses the notion of reach mattering, it’s all about how you use what you’ve got.

Sadly this clip doesn’t show the elbow that Fletcher landed in the clinch which precipitated the bad shot from Gorimbo, but the grip adjustment here from Fletcher is nice and he uses Gorimbo’s attempted defense against him by rolling all the way through into full mount to get the tap.

Ovince Saint Preux has been fighting since 2008 and is 2-3 in his last five fights but is coming off of a win and could get his first winning streak since 2017 going here. Philipe Lins has gone 1-2 in the UFC but won his return to light heavyweight in his last fight and now looks to begin building some momentum in that division with a win over a tough veteran like Saint Preux. Lins is your -215 favorite against +185 for Saint Preux.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Philipe Lins (15-5, 203.5 lbs.) vs. Ovince Saint Preux (26-16, 206 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Saint Preux is an inch and a half taller with two inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves, both men open southpaw. Saint Preux lands a calf kick. Hard left hand from Lins wobbles Saint Preux, eh looks to follow up along the fence and he’s swinging big but Saint Preux is defending and moving thus far. A left from Lins staggers Saint Preux again, this time as Saint Preux tries to exit off the fence Lins cracks and drops him which prompts the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Philipe Lins via TKO, punches, at :49 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Lins for his work this afternoon. Mic time for Lins, he gives glory to God and thanks Him for good health then puts over his coaches and family even dedicating the win to his mother. He talks about being prepared to counter the kicks of Saint Preux with that straight left and is very happy. Asked about the future he says he’s here and warns the light heavyweight division to watch him, and he’d like to fight again before summer.

Decent look at the finish here, Saint Preux starts trying to get away from the pressure and punishment after taking a second left to the temple but this time he’s so anxious to exit his hands are down and Lins is able to crack and drop him prompting the stoppage.

Jamall Emmers has gone 1-2 in the UFC and has been out of action since getting tapped out by Pat Sabatini in August of 2021, now he’s back and looking to bring his UFC record to the .500 mark. Khusein Askhabov has an impressive undefeated record over a lower level of opposition but his popularity and success have landed him in the UFC and now he gets his one chance to make a good first impression on the audience. The odds lean towards Askhabov at -150 to the +130 underdog Emmers.

Featherweight Bout: Khusein Askhabov (23-0, 146 lbs.) vs. Jamall Emmers (18-6, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Emmers is two inches taller with a notable five inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Emmers looks to get the jab working, then lands a right hand. A few probing low kicks from both men. Askhabov tries a clinch, they hit the fence and begin fighting for position. Askhabov fires a knee to the groin of Emmers and we get a time out. Replay easily confirms the groin shot, the ref warns Askhabov and we’re back to fighting after less than 30 seconds. Emmers avoids a spinning back kick. Leg kick from Emmers. Askhabov lands a hard inside leg kick. Both men miss punches in close. Askhabov lands a calf kick. Emmers lands a couple of leg kicks. Askhabov misses a few punches, he’s throwing nothing but heat with the hands. Side kick from Askhabov then a leg kick. Emmers lands a right hand in close. Bit of a right from Emmers then a leg kick. Askhabov misses a few more strikes then they trade leg kicks again. Neither man is settling themselves when they punch and it’s leading to a lot of over swinging and being off balance. Emmers avoids a left hand. Emmers ducks under a wheel kick. Leg kick from Emmers. Askhabov misses a right hand. Emmers misses a spinning back fist, they clinch up and trade some body shots then break. Askhabov misses another wheel kick. Emmers lands a right hand to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Emmers

ROUND TWO: Emmers with a bit of a right hand to start the round. Askhabov avoids a takedown and they trade punches in close. Hard leg kick from Emmers and he avoids a takedown attempt. Askhabov is running out of ideas here, he’s just doing the same things over and over again. Emmers pokes the jab to the chest then lands a few uppercuts in close. Solid right hand from Emmers. Emmers lands a right to the body, Askhabov misses a takedown attempt and tries an up kick but it doesn’t land. Bit of a right from Askhabov. Emmers lands a couple of uppercuts. Another right from Emmers lands. They get close and trade uppercuts, but the pressure of Emmers is working now. Askhabov is backing up. Emmers with a front kick then a right hand. They trade some leg kicks. Askhabov lands a jab, Emmers counters with a right hand. Emmers lands a right to the body. A solid right from Emmers off balances Askhabov, Emmers lands a hammer fist then stands over Askhabov. Some leg kicks from Emmers, he’s looking to get around the guard and head to the mat. Emmers with a few leg kicks and eventually Askhabov gets up. They trade rights in close again. Emmers keeps coming forward, avoids a few hooks and lands an uppercut. Body kick from Emmers then a one two and that’ll end the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Askhabov looks for a takedown right away, but Emmers defends and lands a leg kick. Knee from Emmers in close then he tosses Askhabov down and looks to get on top with a cradle. Eventually Emmers settles into leg drag, then passes to mount but Askhabov quickly bucks and looks to reverse leading to a wall walk and a scramble. Askhabov drops for a double leg, Emmers defends and gets on top again with some punches. Side control for Emmers, he’s after the mounted crucifix but Askhabov rolls to his knees and Emmers switches to the ride. Back to side control for Emmers and he lands some hammer fists. Askhabov looks pretty done, Emmers goes to mount, then gets the back as Askhabov tries to move. Emmers is just riding and landing hammer fists but Askhabov bucks and forces a scramble and they wind up separated. Bit of a right from Emmers then they trade uppercuts in close and Emmers lands a right as they break apart. Emmers lands another right. Askhabov tries a single leg, easily sprawled on and Emmers gets on top in north-south and starts fishing for a kimura. Askhabov moves to his knees, Emmers spins to the ride the forces Askhabov down onto his back in side control. Some hammer fists from Emmers then he goes back to full mount and lands hammer fists, Askhabov bucks and gives up the back. Emmers keeps riding, back to full mount now and Emmers with a few short punches. Now Emmers is able to posture up, land some punches then grabs at a kimura as Askhabov bucks, he’s got the grip but not enough time to fully extend and crank it before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Emmers, 30-26 Emmers overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jamall Emmers via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

No issues with not giving Emmers a 10-8. Mic time for Emmers, he can’t describe this moment and says life kicked his butt over the last few years and this was just 15 minutes so it was a relief from the life battles he’s been dealing with every minute. He puts over his coaches and calls all of them over to be front and center to thank them. Asked about the future he wants to be back as soon as possible, possibly the Miami card as that’s his home town.

Lina Lansberg is on a three fight losing streak right now and badly needs a win to justify her ranking and continued spot on the UFC roster. Mayra Bueno Silva has gone 2-1-1 in her last four fights but she’s on a two fight winning streak right now and could start a move up the rankings if she can get that streak to three here. Bueno Silva is the biggest favorite on the card at -475 favorite to a +380 payout on Lansberg.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: #14 Mayra Bueno Silva (9-2-1, 136 lbs.) vs. #12 Lina Lansberg (10-7, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Lansberg is an inch taller while Bueno Silva has an inch of reach advantage, Bueno Silva is also 9 years younger. Bueno Silva lands a leg kicks. Lansberg with a leg kick but there’s also an eye poke so we get a time out. Replay confirms there was an eye poke to Bueno Silva but she’s able to clear it relatively quickly. We’re back to fighting after about 30 seconds when it’s all said and done. Bueno Silva lands another leg kick then they both miss punches. A lot of pressure from Bueno Silva, she lands a left to the body. A bit of stance switching from Bueno Silva now, she lands a body kick then another one. Lansberg lands a body kick of her own. Bueno Silva back to orthodox for a calf kick then goes southpaw to land a body kick. A lot of stance switching from Bueno Silva, she’s happy to go either way. Lansberg lands an elbow in close. Bueno Silva with a calf kick then a body kick, she’s just beating up Lansberg at distance. Bueno Silva digs a left to the body. Lansberg pushes forward into a clinch, Bueno Silva lands a knee then spins free. Another clinch from Lansberg, they trade knees then Bueno Silva lands an elbow as they break. Bueno Silva lands a front kick to the body. Lansberg forces another clinch, lands an uppercut then Bueno Silva lands a knee and escapes. Calf kicks from Bueno Silva then a knee in close. Spinning back kick from Bueno Silva lands. Lansberg lands a right hand then an elbow. Lansberg forces a clinch and gets things to the fence. Knees from Lansberg but Bueno Silva spins around and fires knees of her own then looks for a takedown against the fence. Bueno Silva winds up hitting a mat return from the back and settles into half guard. They trade a few elbows on the mat, there’s a big knot around the corner of Bueno Silva’s left eye as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bueno Silva

ROUND TWO: Lansberg comes out looking to push the pace. Bueno Silva fires elbows in close then lands a right hand and a leg kick. Lansberg is able to force a clinch, they trade knees then Bueno Silva hits a hip throw to land on top in half guard. Bueno Silva is looking to pass towards full mount, and her shoulder pressure is impressive as she’s got Lansberg pretty much locked down. 3/4 mount for Bueno Silva now, then she gets the back as Lansberg looked to roll. Bueno Silva with some elbows to the head. Body triangle now for Bueno Silva, she’s as focused on control as finish threats at the moment. Some elbows from Bueno Silva, Lansberg is able to spin into Bueno Silva then Bueno Silva inverts for a leg lock, she extends the leg and gets the kneebar tap before the round ends.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mayra Bueno Silva via Submission, kneebar, at 4:45 of Round 2

Mic time for Bueno Silva and her translator, she opens with English and asks if she deserves a title shot. She respects Julianna Pena but feels Pena is asking for a title shot off of a loss and would like to fight her or Raquel Pennington next, just as long as her next opponent gets her closer to the title. She brings up being one of the only reliable finishers in the division and wants to fight for the belt soon, but does know she’s still another win or two.

Solid finish here from Bueno Silva, I’m a sucker for kneebars and leg locks in general and the entry here was good plus look at how deep the kneebar is, Lansberg knows she’s done and taps before this could get really ugly.

Nazim Sadykhov is on a seven fight winning streak coming into his UFC debut and looks to keep that momentum going showing his skills on the biggest stage he’s yet occupied. Evan Elder suffered his first professional loss in his UFC debut about a year ago, now he returns in search of his first UFC win. The odds are with Sadykhov at -200 while the +170 for Elder might be a decent value bet.

Lightweight Bout: Evan Elder (7-1, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Nazim Sadykhov (7-1, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Elder has three inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Sadykhov, and they touch gloves to get things started. Bit of a jab from Elder. Elder lands a body kick, Sadykhov counters with a leg kick. Solid left from Elder then a couple of more body kicks as he goes southpaw briefly to work the lead leg then goes back orthodox. Sadykhov pushes forward, lands an elbow. Elder lands a right hand. A lot of pressure from Sadykhov as Elder circles. Bit of a right from Sadykhov seems to wobble Elder, he looks to follow up but can’t land flush. Elder lands right hand then a few front kicks. Sadykhov just keeps coming forward, he eats a body kick. Straight left from Sadykhov lands. Elder lands a right hand but he can’t get Sadykhov to back off. Hard right from Elder drops Sadykhov, but he bounces back up and looks to continue. Elder lands another right hand then a body kick. Sadykhov lands a knee to the body. Sadykhov is coming forward again, he doesn’t seem phased by the power of Elder. They trade in close, Elder digs a right to the body then one up stairs. Knee from Elder. Sadykhov’s pressure is impressive but his offense has become a touch muted over the last minute or so. Left hand from Sadykhov partially lands. Elder lands another body kick. Sadykhov avoids a takedown attempt. Elder lands a left hook then a knee. Knee from Sadykhov. Sadykhov complains of an eye poke and we get a time out. Replay shows we did have an eye poke, Sadykhov takes around 30 seconds then we’re back to fighting. Both men swing in close. Head kick from Sadykhov in close, Elder fires back and they trade punches as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Elder

ROUND TWO: Both men come out and trade power hand punches. Elder is doing a lot of stance switching at this point. Right from Elder lands, Sadykhov didn’t like that one and backs up. Sadykhov comes forward, lands a jab then a left hand. Elder lands a body kick then jabs the body. Sadykhov misses a spinning back fist then Elder lands an inside leg kick. Double leg from Elder and he gets on to in full guard, that was nicely timed. Sadykhov starts squirming and looks to hit the fence, he’s there and looking to wall walk. Elder knees the body then lands a punch as Sadykhov stands but they’re still clinched. Elder knees the body again, he’s keeping Sadykhov in the clinch on the fence. More body work from Elder, both knees and punches as Sadykhov is kind of stuck. They wrestle off and reset at distance. Both men land power hand punches again. There’s a cut around the right eyebrow of Sadykhov, not sure what caused it. Commentary says they bonked heads, and I’ll take their word for it. Body kick from Elder then a right hand. Sadykhov lands a left hand but that cut is bothering him given how close it is to his eye. Elder with a body to head combination, Sadykhov fires back with counters and Elder is backing up now. Left from Elder. Sadykhov hits his own double leg, Elder scoots to the fence and wall walks. They trade punches as they break the clinch. Elder keeps punching the body, Sadykhov lands a knee. Head kick from Sadykhov partially lands. Elder lands a left hand and forces another clinch. More knees from Elder land as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Both men get right back after it, Elder is still landing hard body kicks. Sadykhov defends a takedown. Both men land punches in close. Bit of a head kick from Sadykhov, Elder digs the body, but we get a timeout as they break. There’s a bad cut on the right eyebrow of Elder, that’s a really bad one going across the brow and down by the eyelid, and the doctor waves this off.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Nazim Sadykhov via TKO, doctor stoppage (cut), at :38 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Sadykhov for his work this evening. Unfortunate for Elder as he was fighting well, but that’s a bad cut in a terrible location. Still Fight of the Night to this point. Mic time for Sadykhov he says he didn’t find his timing in the cage and feels the UFC jitters got to him a bit before putting over Elder and his team. He says he tends to finish late and knows he dropped the first but you’ve got to kill him to get him out of here and wants a post fight bonus. Asked about the future he says he wants to stay active and would like 4 fights this year.

That’s it for preliminary action, though the main card is still on ESPN+.

Jim Miller has been with the UFC since 2008 and holds a few different records right now, specifically most UFC fights, most UFC wins, most lightweight fights, most lightweight wins, second most UFC finishes, most lightweight finishes, and more along those lines. Miller’s career is closer to then end than the beginning but he’s on a three fight winning streak right now and is looking to extend the late career renaissance tonight. Alexander Hernandez stepped in on relatively short notice to replace Gabriel Benitez, he’s just 1-3 in his last four fights and is on a two fight losing streak but a win over a legend like Miller would be a nice way to break that streak. Hernandez is a decently sized -225 favorite while that +190 comeback on Miller has to tempt a few bettors out there.

Lightweight Bout: Alex Hernandez (13-6, 156 lbs.) vs. Jim Miller (35-16 1 NC, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Hernandez has an inch of height and reach advantage, he’s also 9 years younger. Southpaw for Miller per usual. Both men show the lead hand as they get to circling and feinting. Hernandez falls short on a kick. Inside leg kick from Miller. Hernandez lands an inside leg kick. Neither man has a great feel for the range yet, we get a time out for an eye poke to Miller but we’re back after 20 seconds or so. Hernandez is looking for a head kick, Miller lands a hard inside leg kick. Solid left from Miller, then his own head kick stuns Hernandez. Miller looks to pressure but Hernandez keeps his cool and fires back leading to a reset. Hernandez lands a knee. Bit of a front kick from Miller. Hernandez goes southpaw and Miller immediately blitzes him with decent success. Orthodox again for Hernandez, he lands a body kick. They clash on kicks. A few rights from Hernandez. Miller lands an inside leg kick. They trade power hand punches. Short right hook from Hernandez lands, Miller throws back but can’t connect. Hernandez with a body kick. Miller fires a head kick that’s blocked. They trade rights, then Miler lands a follow up left. Hernandez keeps moving, he’s not allowing Miller to put him on the fence. Bit of a head kick from Miller. Hernandez lands a jab, Miller fires a kick at the same time and Hernandez took that kick to the groin. Hernandez doesn’t want much of a break and we’re back to fighting quickly. Miller lands a body shot. Miller checks a body kick, that looked painful. They’ll stare away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Miller but could go the other way

ROUND TWO: Miller comes out with some leg kicks. Hernandez lands a left hook. They trade power hand punches. Miller goes for a takedown but Hernandez keeps away. Stepping knee from Hernandez, he seems to really have found his rhythm right now. Inside leg kick from Miller. Hernandez lands a jab. Miller lands a left to counter a jab. Bit of a right from Hernandez, Miller’s face is kind of lumped up. Inside leg kick from Miller. Hernandez lands a couple of punches. Body kick from Hernandez. Hernandez avoids a combination. More jabs from Hernandez, he’s starting to really stick that punch reliably. Solid right from Hernandez. Bit of a left from Miller. Miller lands a couple of lefts, then eats an elbow. Hernandez with a one two. A lot of elbow work from Hernandez. Miller lands a left to the body. Bit of an uppercut then a left hand from Miller. Hernandez fires back with a punch then a knee to the body. Body kick from Hernandez. Miller falls short on a left hand then misses a head kick. A jab from Hernandez closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Hernandez, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Hernandez comes out and lands a jab. Miller with an uppercut. They trade power hand punches. Inside leg kick from Miller. Both me land punches in close, then Miller just extends the combination and rattles Hernandez with a left hand. They clinch and Miller lands knees then grabs a guillotine threat, lands a few more knees, then Hernandez gets free with an elbow. Both men land in close again. Miller lands another inside leg kick. Hard outside leg kicks from Miller now to counter a right from Hernandez. Miller with another leg kick. Hernandez lands a knee. Miller with an inside leg kick but ate a jab. Body shot from Miller but Hernandez fires back with three or four punches. Left from Miller in close. Both men miss punches, then Miller lands an inside leg kick. They both block power hand punches. Hernandez lands a jab, he’s after things in close and lands an elbow. Miller lands a right hook, he just wont go away. Knee from Hernandez lands. Bit of al eft from Miller. They trade again in close. Hernandez lands a right hook, he’s done the generally better work thus far. Body kick from Hernandez. Hard one two from Miller lands. Miller sweeps the legs of Hernandez and gets on the back, Miller is after a choke, he’s adjusting but there’s 30 seconds left. Hernandez seems OK, the choke isn’t quite in and Hernandez is able to scramble around on top and fire punches as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Hernandez but could go the other way, 29-28 Hernandez overall

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

Don’t agree with 30-27 but can’t complain too much, that might be your Fight of the Night frontrunner now. Mic time for Hernandez, he puts over Miller and is proud to have a win over a legend like him. He wanted to stay poised and control the tempo, he couldn’t get into prolonged grappling with Miller but he was able to strike and break consistently. Asked about the end of the fight he was telling himself not to screw it up because he was in danger but could get out as long as he didn’t panic. Now asked about the future he wants to go back to featherweight and notes he took this on 10 days notice for lightweight and will be back at featherweight.

William Knight has gone 3-3 in the UFC but he’s on a two fight losing streak including a bad weight miss and a failed heavyweight bout, now he’s back down at light heavyweight and seems to have gotten his weight in order which would be a nice precursor to snapping his losing streak and getting back on the winning side of things. Marcin Prachnio has gone 2-4 in the UFC and is coming off of a loss, he’s trying to avoid another losing streak and get his record closer to the even mark. This one closed rather close but Knight ended at -130 to +110 for Prachnio.

Light Heavyweight Bout: William Knight (11-4, 206 lbs.) vs. Marcin Prachnio (15-6, 205 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Prachnio is a notable five inches taller but only has one inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Prachnio starts switching his stance right away. A lot of low leg kicks from Prachnio, just keeping distance. More kicks from Prachnio, he’s leaning back when throwing them and that might cause problems if Knight gets a read on him. Inside leg kick from Prachnio. Bit of a body kick from Knight, Prachnio responds with a calf kick. Another leg kick from Prachnio then he misses a head kick. Knight is relatively bemused by all of Prachnio’s movement and long range kicks. Prachnio lands a leg kick. Knight avoids a wheel kick. More leg kicks, both inside and outside from Prachnio. Knight just isn’t doing almost anything, and Prachnio keeps beating up his legs. They just stare away the final 10 seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Prachnio, screw it Knight didn’t do anything

ROUND TWO: More leg kicks from Prachnio, then he fires a head kick that’s blocked. Knight isn’t doing much, and his left leg is pretty much dead meat now. Prachnio lands another hard calf kick then makes Knight get off the fence. Knight blocks a head kick. More leg kicks from Prachnio, and Knight finally does something by landing one of his own. Prachnio lands a couple of calf kicks then a head kick. Some more kicking offense from Prachnio, about half the time now when Knight lifts his lead leg Prachnio is happy to kick through and hit the back one. Bit of a body kick then a right hand from Prachnio. More leg kicks from Prachnio, this feels more like technique specific sparring than a fight. Prachnio avoids a takedown attempt and lands a leg kick. Knight avoids a few kicks. Inside leg kick to the rear leg from Prachnio. Prachnio lands yet another leg kick, then a bit of a head kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Prachnio again as Knight is just a heavy bag, 20-16 Prachnio overall

ROUND THREE: Prachnio lands a leg kick to open the last round. Body kick from Prachnio. Prachnio with another leg kick while Knight does nothing. They clash on leg kicks, hey Knight remembered he can strike back. Hard rear leg leg kick from Prachnio, but Knight does land a right hand. Prachnio lands a head kick, Knight just eats it. Even commentary is burying Knight at this point. Prachnio with another calf kick then misses a head kick. More calf kicks from Prachnio, those are adding up towards maybe a finish. Knight avoids a wheel kick. Knight does land a leg kick. Prachnio avoids a left hook then partially lands a wheel kick. Knight catches a leg kick but can’t do anything with it. Front kick from Prachnio, then a leg kick. Knight trips Prachnio down but can’t get on top before Prachnio gets up. Prachnio lands another leg kick. Another leg kick from Prachnio, then another. More leg kicks from Prachnio, Knight is just standing on the fence now. Prachnio with a head kick, he’s landed it a few times but Knight just doesn’t care. Prachnio wit another leg kick. Another bit of a head kick from Prachnio, then he misses a wheel kick and that’ll end this “fight”.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Prachnio, 30-24 Prachnio overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Marcin Prachnio via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Well that was a total waste of everyone’s time. Prachnio gets an interview, because we must punish the fans I guess, he says the plan was to keep kicking at distance. Shocking revelation there. He brings up that his left foot is swollen and bruising, which it is, and he says he just kicked more with his right leg. He puts over Knight’s durability and says he didn’t want to get close against him and stuck to the game plan.

Josh Parisian has traded wins and losses while going 2-2 in the UFC but he’s coming off of a win and might be able to get his first UFC winning streak up and going tonight. Jamal Pogues is on a two fight winning streak and has a couple of wins on the Contender Series, now he’s finally making his UFC debut and looking to make a good first impression on the audience. The odds are with Pogues at -255 to +215 for Parisian.

Heavyweight Bout: Josh Parisian (15-5, 266 lbs.) vs. Jamal Pogues (9-3, 249.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Parisian is an inch taller with two inches of reach advantage, he’s also heavier. They touch gloves to get us going. Pressure from Parisian, Pogues shows the jab. Bit of a leg kick from Parisian. Both men swing rights, neither really lands. Pogues lands a leg kick. Bit of a left from Parisian. Pogues ducks under a right hand and hits an outside trip to land on top in side control. Parisian hip escapes to half guard and starts working to wall walk. Pogues starts working for a guillotine as he mounts the legs of Parisian, but bails on that as Parisian wall walks but Pogues did land an elbow. They break and Parisian lands a front kick to the face. Pogues lands a jab but misses a right hand. They clinch and hits the fence, then Parisian lands an elbow on the break. Parisian lands a front kick, then Pogues counters with a one two. Pogues has faster hands and it’s troubling Parisian. They clinch and hit the fence. Some positional jockeying they then break. Pogues avoids a rush and hits another body lock takedown into half guard. The round will end in that spot.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pogues

ROUND TWO: Well Parisian broke some toes on his right foot on that front kick he landed so we’ll keep an eye on that. Both men land some kicks. Parisian is pressing forward a lot, and Pogues grabs a clinch but can’t keep it. Some jabs from Parisian as he lumbers forward. Pogues with a double leg into half guard, Parisian immediately grabs at a kimura for an attack or sweep. Looks like Parisian has the double wrist lock, he uses that to scramble back up but Pogues with another trip takedown into half guard. Parisian wall walks pretty quickly and they break. Pogues is circling, and avoids a spinning back kick. Parisian with a body kick. Right hand from Parisian then they clinch again. Elbow from Pogues as they break. Parisian chops in a leg kick, then eats a jab. Parisian forces another clinch and works knees to the leg before Pogues spins free. Running leg kick from Parisian lands. They trade a few jabs then clinch. Short elbows from Pogues in the clinch, then Parisian lands one of his own as they break. Parisian lands some punches in close. They trade rights then Parisian avoids a takedown. Pogues might be fading, Parisian forces another clinch and lands an uppercut then an elbow. Jab from Pogues. Parisian keeps coming forward, lands a spinning back fist then clinches. The round ends in the clinch.

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

ROUND THREE: Parisian gets back to forward pressure. Pogues lands a combination. Right hand from Pogues. Parisian punches back and is just looking to wear Pogues down. Right from Parisian, then he tries a body kick that went into the groin of Pogues and causes a time out. Replay shows the front kick from Parisian more just glanced off the cup, which can still suck as it moves things around. Pogues takes a little over a minute and the ref warns Parisian as this is the second groin strike and says another will result in a point deduction. Parisian lands a double jab then a right hand. They split jabs, then trade rights. Pogues is still faster but he’s fading and Parisian just wont stop coming forward. Both men fall short on punches then Pogues hits a double leg. Full mount for Pogues now, Parisian hip escapes to half guard rather quickly. Parisian works to wall walk, Pogues lands some punches while grabbing at the left arm of Parisian to keep him from posting and wall walking. Parisian comes up, Pogues has a half nelson going and uses it for control and leverage on a couple of knee strikes before they get chest to chest. They break with an elbow from Pogues. Parisian misses a spinning back fist and they clinch again. They break and Parisian misses another spinning attack. Bit of a left from Parisian. Pogues lands a jab. Parisian lands an uppercut, Pogues didn’t like that. Pogues with some lefts, then Parisian lands a body shot and clinches up. They break without incident. Parisian blocks a double leg but eats an elbow. Uppercut and a right from Parisian. Pogues avoids a left hook. Right hand then a clinch from Parisian, he’s after a takedown and gets the ride position. Some lefts from Parisian as he’s on top along the fence as the round ends.

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

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

Not sure I can get behind 30-27, but no issues at all with Pogues winning. Mic time for Pogues, he feels he broke his right hand in the second round and had to push through that issue. He says winning in front of his parents means everything. He puts over Parisian’s grappling and knew he could control him once his hand got hurt, but says his wrestling is back and he doesn’t want to hear anything about it. To close he gives love to his home town and his coaches.

Jordan Wright has gone 3-4 in the UFC and is on a three fight losing streak, now he needs a win just for a bit of job security. Zac Pauga suffered his first loss in his UFC debut last year, now he’s back and looking for that critical first UFC win. Pauga closed as your -280 favorite to +235 for Wright.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Zac Pauga (5-1, 205.5 lbs.) vs. Jordan Wright (12-4 1 NC, 204 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Wright has an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Jabs from Pauga, then Wright misses a front kick. Pauga forces a clinch and they start trading knees in the clinch. Elbow from Pauga. Not much going on here, just short punches. Pauga lands an elbow. They trade some knees. A few more knees go back and forth. More knees and for a second time Pauga throws one into the groin of Wright, this one much clearer than the previous one, so we get a break. After about 45 seconds they restart in the clinch, apparently the ref decided they were throwing at the same time and it was so accidental he’s not taking away the position. More knees are being thrown. Pauga lands an elbow and Wright is cut above the right eyebrow, it’s pretty high up so I wouldn’t worry about this being stopped. Another elbow from Pauga lands. They’ll end the round trading in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pauga

ROUND TWO: Pauga comes out jabbing again. Wright lands a body kick, he’s started to switch stance. Pauga forces another clinch and we’re back on the fence. A few knees go back and forth, then Wright tries a trip that forces Pauga to break and reset. Wright misses a front kick. They both have kicks blocked. Pauga lands a right hand and gets another clinch. Knees are traded then Pauga unloads with a series of elbows while keeping the clinch. Wright tries a spinning elbow, that doesn’t work and he can’t get out of the clinch. Pauga drops for a double leg, Wright lands a couple of elbows and he thinks better of it just keeping the clinch. The ref finally tells the fighters to do stuff and Wright is able to pull free. Side kick from Wright. Pauga tries another double leg, and settles for another clinch. Some elbows from Pauga, Wright clocks him with a right hand though as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Wright fires a few kicks as the round gets going. Pauga lands a jab. Body jab from Pauga. Body kick from Pauga, Wright returns it. Wright lands a jab. Wright is fighting southpaw now, he lands a few jabs. Pauga lands a clubbing right that off balances Wright but he bounces up and fires back immediately. Leg kick from Pauga. Pauga blocks some kicks. Jab from Pauga. Wright lands a body kick but Pauga gets a clinch off of it and they hit the fence again. Some knees go back and forth. Pauga lands an elbow. They break and Pauga misses a right hand. Bit of a right from Wright in close. Pauga lands a right hand after avoiding an uppercut. They trade in close. Pauga avoids a wheel kick. They both miss rights. Wright lands a right hand. Pauga catches a kick, and lands a counter kick of his own. They’ll stare away the final couple of seconds.

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

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

Not sure which round Wright won. Mic time for Pauga, he calls this just the first one on the boards for him and he’ll be racking them up. He says he’s always had good elbows but now he’s working on his punches. He knows he needs wins but he really wants finishes, so he’s going to start working on putting people away going forward.

Jessica Andrade is a former strawweight champion and flyweight title challenger, she’s on a three fight winning streak right now and if she’s able to turn back the surging contender Blanchfield it could earn her a second crack at the flyweight belt or set her up for a relevant strawweight fight if she’d rather drop back down to that division. Erin Blanchfield is on a seven fight winning streak including four wins in the UFC, now she’s taking a significant step up in class to battle a former champion and longtime staple at the top of several divisions but a win would make her case for a title shot all but undeniable. This one is close by the odds but they ultimately favor Andrade at -120 to an even +100 for Blanchfield.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: #3 Jessica Andrade (24-9, 124 lbs.) vs. #10 Erin Blanchfield (10-1, 125.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Blanchfield is two and a half inches taller, has four inches of reach advantage, and is 8 years younger. Andrade gets right after it per usual. They trade some punches in close. A few leg kicks from Andrade. Blanchfield lands a one two. Another leg kick from Andrade. Blanchfield forces a clinch, she’s after a takedown against the fence but can’t get it and Andrade separates. Andrade lands a leg kick then avoids an elbow. Blanchfield is game, she’s going after the fight now. Bit of a right from Blanchfield. Andrade lands a leg kick and avoids another takedown. Left hand from Andrade. Blanchfield with some jabs then avoids a right hand. Right hand from Blanchfield then they trade in close. Andrade looks a little off, given the short notice that’s possible. Both women land in close, they’re both working leg kicks and punches. Hard one two from Blanchfield and she avoids a blitz counter. Blanchfield with another right hand, she’s fighting long and is making Andrade miss. Bit of an uppercut from Andrade. Thudding left from Andrade stuns Blanchfield, but Blanchfield recovers quickly and resets. Andrade lands a right hand. Blanchfield with a couple of counters, when she’s mobile she’s able to land and avoid but when she plants Andrade finds counters. Andrade with a hard right in close and she looks to flurry but Blanchfield stays calms and avoids her. They trade rights, Blanchfield gets a clinch and wants a takedown but can’t finish it. They break and trade again as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Blanchfield but a close one

ROUND TWO: Both women get back to it fairly quickly. Andrade with an inside leg kick then a left hook. Blanchfield with a one two but Andrade fires a counter right that lands. Both women land punches again, Blanchfield is staying mobile right now, let’s see if she can keep that up as the fight drags on. They trade lefts. Andrade lands a right, Blanchfield with a couple of counters. Andrade lands a left hook. They clinch up, Blanchfield gets an inside trip and immediately moves to side control once they hit the mat. Andrade gives up the back, Blanchfield takes the back like a snake and grabs the choke, Andrade tries to fight but didn’t get on the hands fast enough and has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Erin Blanchfield via Submission, rear naked choke, at 1:37 of Round 2

Heck of a win for Blanchfield, that could get her a title shot. Mic time for Blanchfield, she puts over Andrade’s power but in the clinch she could feel the trip and was able to hit it. She knew she’d have to deal with the strikes and hopes she wont have to deal with getting hit that much again in the near future. Asked about the future Blanchfield wants the next title shot

Well on that note UFC on ESPN+ 77 comes to a close. It wasn’t a good event, but we’ll still break down all the results and whatnot tomorrow on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast. We’ll also preview next weeks card, which isn’t that much better than this one. But I hope you’ll be here to read if nothing else. Until then thank you again for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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