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411’s UFC Fight Night Report: Buckley stops Covington

December 15, 2024 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC on ESPN 63 Image Credit: UFC

MAIN CARD (ESPN2, ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET)
#6 Colby Covington (171 lbs.) vs. #9 Joaquin Buckley (171 lbs.)
Cub Swanson (146 lbs.) vs. Billy Quarantillo (146 lbs.)
#9 Manel Kape (125 lbs.) vs. #12 Bruno Silva (126 lbs.)
Dustin Jacoby (205.5 lbs.) vs. Vitor Petrino (204.5 lbs.)
Daniel Marcos (136 lbs.) vs. Adrian Yanez (136 lbs.)
Navajo Stirling (206 lbs.) vs. Tuco Tokkos (206 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPNews, ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)
Ottman Azaitar (156 lbs.) vs. Michael Johnson (156 lbs.)
Joel Alvarez (156 lbs.) vs. Drakkar Klose (156 lbs.)
Fernando Padilla (145.5 lbs.) vs. Sean Woodson (145.5 lbs.)
Miles Johns (146 lbs.) vs. Felipe Lima (146 lbs.)
Jamey-Lyn Horth (126 lbs.) vs. Miranda Maverick (126 lbs.)
Davey Grant (136 lbs.) vs. Ramon Taveras (136 lbs.)
Josefine Knutsson (116 lbs.) vs. Piera Rodriguez (116 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN 63, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the event. This is it people, the last UFC event of 2024. What weird year it’s been, highs and lows, watered down disposable cards becoming a bit more of the norm but with a few quite electric moments sprinkled through the year. To cap it off we’ve got a decent Fight Night card headlined by a rising welterweight contender in Joaquin Buckley taking on an old guard former multiple time title challenger in Colby Covington. Cub Swanson vs. Billy Quarantillo should be fun, Manel Kape vs. Bruno Silva has an outside shot at getting the winner into the title picture, and on the prelims Joel Alvarez vs. Drakkar Klose is quite a good little fight. All in all it’s a decent little card so let’s hope the year goes out on a high note.

UFC on ESPN 63 comes to the world from Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, USA. We’ve got Brendan Fitzgerald, Michael Bisping, and Paul Felder on the call to close the year. We’ll be using the new rules so keep an eye out for the new definition of a grounded fighter to come into play, and of course 12-6 elbows are now perfectly legal. I’m still waiting on MMA guys to start using the standing tomahawk elbow. I’m a little unsure of instant replay but we’ll see if it comes up.

Josefine Knutsson is undefeated including two wins in the UFC, she’s looking to remain perfect here and fully establish herself as a rising prospect. Piera Rodriguez has gone 2-2 in the UFC but she’s on a two fight losing streak and most recently was disqualified for headbutting in a fight she was winning, she pretty badly needs to halt this skid and get back on the winning side of things. The odds are with Knutsson at -265 while that +215 comeback on Rodriguez might tempt a few bettors.

Strawweight Bout: Josefine Knutsson (8-0, 116 lbs.) vs. Piera Rodriguez (9-2, 116 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Rodriguez has three and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Both women show the lead hand then Rodriguez clocks Knutsson with a right hand. A little flurry from Rodriguez, she tries a takedown but they wind up clinched on the fence fighting for position. A few knees are traded then Rodriguez level changes under an elbow and finishes the takedown into full guard. Knutsson starts looking to wall walk, she’s upright but still in the clinch. They break then both land punches. Rodriguez punches into a clinch and hits a takedown into full guard. Knutsson quickly tries a gogoplata, the angle is a little off though and the free leg of Knutsson isn’t in play for more leverage or control. Eventually Knutsson bails on that and looks to wall walk into another clinch. Both women land punches in the clinch then they break and clinch again only to trade head kicks on the break. Knee from Rodriguez in close, Knutsson then lands a punch but gets taken down again. They’re in open space this time so the get ups from Knutsson will be more difficult. Rodriguez lands a punch then stands over Knutsson before passing her guard into side control. Some short elbows from Rodriguez land. More elbows from Rodriguez land then she stands over Knutsson as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rodriguez

ROUND TWO: Body kick from Rodriguez then a punch in close. Knutsson starts showing some kicks but she’s a little still in first gear. Rodriguez with a right hand then hits a double leg into full guard. Knutsson is able to wall walk into a clinch then spins free and misses a head kick. They clinch again and Knutsson lands a body kick as they break. Another clinch and knees are traded then Rodriguez trips Knutsson down. Some short elbows from Rodriguez as Knutsson closes her guard. Rodriguez passes to half guard then into full mount, nice pass. Knutsson quickly gets her legs up and sweeps, causing a scramble into another clinch. They fight for position then Rodriguez looks for a single leg but that wont develop. Elbows are traded then Rodriguez looks for a high crotch lift, switches to pipe running and gets on top as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Knutsson seems the lighter on her feet of the two. They both show front kicks. Front kick from Knutsson lands. Rodriguez hits a single leg and gets on top in half guard. Knutsson is holding a guillotine attempt, I doubt there’s anything there as Rodriguez is on the safe half guard. Rodriguez could even counter attack with a Von Flue choke as she passes to side control. Ultimately Rodriguez doesn’t go for the choke but lands elbows as Knutsson gets half guard back. Rodriguez lands a few short punches and elbows, enough to keep the ref from getting involved, then she looks to pass but Knutsson blocks it. They are scooting closer to the fence now, Rodriguez lands a few more punches as she changes the angle on the ground just enough to make wall walking difficult. Rodriguez is looking to pass to mount, it’s close but Knutsson is able to catch half guard back. Knutsson gets full guard but Rodriguez just keeps throwing punches as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Piera Rodriguez via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Mic time for Rodriguez, she knew she needed the win even if it had to come from a person she’s friendly with. She also mentions working hard on making her wrestling strong.

Davey Grant has gone 2-3 in his last five bouts and most recently lost a close split decision to Daniel Marcos, this is Grant’s only fight of 2024 and he’s hoping to enter the new year on a win. Ramon Taveras is on a two fight winning streak including his UFC debut back in January when he missed weight then got the nod in a split decision, now he’s trying to get a clearer win to close out the year. This one closed as a -110 pick ’em.

Bantamweight Bout: Davey Grant (15-7, 136 lbs.) vs. Ramon Taveras (10-2, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Taveras has an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Taveras. Grant lands an inside leg kick then a front kick. Another inside leg kick from Grant. Bit of a left from Taveras. Taveras is trying to dial in his left hand to counter the leg kicks. Grant has a high kick blocked. Bit of a counter right from Grant. Taveras avoids a few side kicks. Grant with a right to the body then fires a head kick that’s blocked. Grant has begun showing stance switches, he’s still mostly orthodox though. Right hand from Grant. Jab from Taveras. Another body shot from Grant but Taveras is throwing with him in the pocket when they get there. Taveras blocks a high kick but those are getting closer. Both men land punches in close again. Grant fires a body kick but it goes into the groin so we’ve got a time out. Replay confirms the groin shot. Taveras takes 44 seconds then we’re back to fighting. Inside leg kick from Grant then a side kick to the body. Taveras lands a left to the body. Grant lands a right hand. Inside leg kick from Grant. Taveras is moving forward, he slips a punch but Grant does land a body shot. Taveras avoids a spinning back kick. Left hand from Taveras. Grant is able to hit the body again, then lands a bit of a right hand. Side kick from Grant basically ends the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Grant

ROUND TWO: Grant back to working inside leg kicks or oblique kicks to that lead knee of Taveras. A left from Taveras counters a kick and off balances him then Taveras makes him stand back up. Grant lands a right hand, he doesn’t seem too rattled now. Body kick from Grant. Another oblique kick from Grant. Front kick from Grant then a head kick which is blocked. They trade jabs then Grant lands a body kick. Taveras blocks a head kick then lands a left hand. Wheel kick from grant partially lands but nothing comes of it. Upwards jab from Taveras lands then a left to the body. Grant lands a right to the body. More of those kicks to the knee from Grant, that’s really disrupting Taveras thus far. Looping right from Grant lands. Grant keeps chipping away with inside leg kicks then lands a left hook in close. Taveras ducks under a spinning back fist. Another couple of body shots from Grant land. Taveras is just getting out worked, his defense is minimizing a lot of Grant’s offense but he’s not offering much offense in return. Grant hits the body again. Head kick from Grant partially lands then they both land punches to close out the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Both men pick up where they left off and they trade power hand punches then Grant lands an inside leg kick. Right to the body from Grant. Left hand from Taveras then Grant lands an inside leg kick. Taveras with a left to the body. Grant lands a leg kick then a right to the body. Jab from Taveras but Grant then lands a right hand. Another right from Grant as he’s got Taveras backing up. Knee from Grant. Grant lands a left hook then a front kick. Taveras partially blocks a right hand. Grant lands a body kick. Combination from Grant lands. Grant with a left hook. Another left hook from Grant in close then an inside leg kick. Both men miss power hand punches. Taveras blocks a few punches then Grant lands an inside leg kick. Grant lands a front kick. One two from Grant then an uppercut, he’s starting to up the pressure down the stretch here. Leg kick from Grant. Inside leg kick then a regular one from Grant as Taveras tries to switch his stance up. A few jabs go back and forth then Grant with an oblique kick followed by a front kick. Calf kick from grant. Grant just wont stop kicking and chopping at Taveras. They trade punches. One two from Grant. Both men with punches in close and Grant then exits with leg kicks. They trade again as the round ends.

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

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

Fun little fight. Mic time for Grant, he is very happy and notes his family is here with him and sends his love to them. He knew he was winning but still went for the brawl at the end and puts over Tavares as a tough opponent.

Miranda Maverick had some hype a few years ago but has stumbled when she’s taken steps up in competition, she’s currently on a three fight winning streak and if she can get to four in a row here it might signal she’s ready for another step up in class. Jamey-Lyn Horth has gone 2-1 in the UFC and has gone to split decisions in her last two fights, tonight represents a step up for her but a win would be the biggest of her career. Maverick is among the bigger favorites on the card at -700 to a +500 comeback for Horth.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Jamey-Lyn Horth (7-1, 126 lbs.) vs. Miranda Maverick (14-5, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Horth is three and a half inches taller with half an inch of reach advantage. Both women come out showing some kicks, Maverick is doing some stance switching while Horth is mostly southpaw thus far. Bit of a left hand from Maverick. Maverick seems to favor southpaw at the moment. Both women miss kicks. Horth avoids a blitz from Maverick. Horth has started showing stance switches as well as they move around. Jab from Maverick. Maverick catches a leg and looks for a takedown, that hits the fence and they clinch. A few trip attempts from Maverick but Horth’s length and frame is giving her problems. Maverick sneaks in a few punches as they’re leg pummeling. Outside trip attempt from Maverick, she switches towards a double leg but Horth is able to defend against the fence. Eventually Maverick gets Horth down to a knee but Horth wall walks immediately. Maverick is almost looking for a valley drop, she can’t secure it but lands a knee as Horth scrambles up into the clinch again. They’ll end the round trading punches as the clinch breaks.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Maverick

ROUND TWO: Horth avoids a spinning back fist. Maverick tries a single leg, that hits the fence and we’re clinching again. A few knees go back and forth, Horth thinks about jumping for the back but can’t find an angle for it. Horth is able to slip around to the back then pulls things back to the mat and gets both hooks in. Maverick is able to break one of the hooks and looks to turn into Horth but Horth is trying for a face crank. There’s not much there to it though and they wrestle up and Maverick hits a single leg to get on top in half guard. Horth moves to her knees but now Maverick is on the back with both hooks in. Maverick is more on a hip though and Horth is able to turn into her and get on top in full guard. Horth moves to half guard and lands a couple of punches, Maverick to her knees and wall walks with Horth on her back. Maverick tries a kimura attack as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Horth, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Both women probe with kicks to start the third round. A few punches go back and forth but nothing’s much on them. They both block or otherwise avoid punches. Bit of a leg kick from Maverick. Left hand from Maverick partially lands. Double leg from Maverick and she’s on top in half guard. Some short blows go back and forth then Horth is able to get full guard. Maverick with a few body to head punches. Maverick is looking to pass but can’t get around the long legs of Horth at first, eventually she’s able to get towards 50/50 guard. Horth is trying to tie up and isolate a leg, Maverick lands hammer fists though. Eventually Horth is able to spin free and they both land punches. Left hand from Maverick, then they trade punches in close. Right uppercut from Maverick. They tie up and trade in the clinch as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Miranda Maverick via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

No interview for Maverick.

Miles Johns hasn’t lost since 2022 and he’s 3-0 with 1 No Contest in his last four fights but it seems the cut to bantamweight was getting to him so he’s trying his hand up at featherweight here. Felipe Lima is on a big 13 fight winning streak including his UFC debut back in June, he’s looking to extend that streak here and enter 2025 as one of the brighter prospects in the division. Given the move up in weight for Johns it’s not surprising to see Lima as the -260 favorite to the +210 on Johns.

Featherweight Bout: Miles Johns (15-2 1 NC, 146 lbs.) vs. Felipe Lima (13-1, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Johns is an inch taller while Lima has two inches of reach advantage. Both men show leg kicks early. They both miss some swinging punches. Lima showing some stance switches, he tries a takedown then switches to a knee that wobbles Johns. Johns tries a takedown of his own against the fence but Lima is defending. Lima is able to spin free and they reset. Inside leg kick from Lima. Both men miss looping punches. Jab from Lima. Johns avoids a hook kick. Lima is still pressuring but not landing quite as much now. Johns lands a calf kick. They both land jabs then miss hooks. Bit of a one two from Lima. Johns blocks a high kick. Glancing spinning back fist from Lima. They both miss inside leg kicks. Right to the body from Lima. Johns with a bit of a left hook, he’s trying to incite a brawl but then neither man engages as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lima

ROUND TWO: They both show the jab again then trade calf kicks. Bit of a right from Lima. Jab from Lima then Johns lands a solid calf kick. More jabs from Lima land. Jumping knee from Lima partially lands then he follows up with a right hand. Johns avoids a spinning back fist. Right to the body from Lima. Both men land in close then Lima hits an outside trip to get on top in full guard. Johns wrestles to his knees, Lima thinks about an anaconda choke then switches to holding the head as they come up. Johns slips to the back standing but Lima slips free and resets. They split a few jabs then Lima lands an uppercut. Another jab from Lima. Johns is just being stifled by that jab when he tries to get close. Johns does land a calf kick. Right hand then a partial left high kick from Lima. Uppercut from Lima in close. Johns lands a wild right and stumbles Lima just a bit. Lima hits the body then lands a left body kick. Elbows from Lima standing. Another Lima jab closes the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Both men come out jabbing again. Lima avoids some punches in close. Bit of an uppercut from Johns. Jab from Lima. A few jabs go back and forth then Lima lands a right hand. Calf kick from Johns then they both miss punches. Lima lands a few more jabs then an inside leg kick. Left hook from Lima. Johns pushes forward but Lima gets to his back and jumps to the backpack position. Lima drops to just hold the back against the fence then hits a double leg. Johns to his knees, Lima jumps to the back and lands punches while also working to get the hooks in. Both hooks in for Lima and he pulls Johns back to the mat. Lima is looking for the choke, Johns is hand fighting thus far but Lima keeps after it. Johns tries to attack the hooks and breaks them then they scramble up with Johns jumping to the backpack. Lima is able to sling Johns over the top and get on top landing punches then they wrestle up and free. Johns with a right hand but Lima gets his back again and pushes things to the fence. Lima is able to get the back but Johns breaks the hooks and gets on top in half guard. They wrestle up against the fence and break then swing and miss as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Felipe Lima via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Another fun little fight. Mic time for Lima, he gives glory to God and plays with the crowd first and says this is his first time in America and puts it over. He says the camp was abbreviated but his coaches worked hard with him then he puts over Johns as an opponent.

Sean Woodson has never lost at featherweight, his lone loss was at a catchweight back in 2020 and the only blemish on his record since then is a draw from 2022. Woodson has become a bit of a decision machine lately though with his last finish coming in 2021, and while he’s well regarded in general a more decisive win here would set him up for a run towards the top of the division next year. Fernando Padilla has gone 2-1 in the UFC and is coming off of a win, Woodson does represent a notable step up in class for him but a win would be big for his career and would solidify him as a rising prospect. Fairly close one here but Woodson closed at -150 but +125 on Padilla shows him a ton of respect.

Featherweight Bout: Fernando Padilla (16-5, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Sean Woodson (12-1-1, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Woodson is an inch and a half taller with two inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Woodson does a little bit of stance switching as both men show some kicks. Jab from Woodson. Padilla pushes forward but slips on a knee and Woodson gets on top in full guard. Padilla works a high guard but Woodson passes around towards side control. There’s a bit of an omoplata from Padilla but they wind up wrestling up and free. Jab from Woodson. Padilla keeps coming forward and gets a clinch, he lands a few elbows then Woodson breaks free and lands a punch. Left hook from Woodson. One two from Woodson, Padilla looks a little flat already. Another one two from Woodson. Padilla blocks a left to the body. Right hand from Woodson lands. Calf kick from Padilla. Woodson with a left to the body. Woodson avoids a tie up then lands a left hand. Calf kick from Woodson drops Padilla for a moment. Padilla tries to get forward motion going but Woodson is moving well. Another calf kick from Woodson. Woodson with a combination of punches. Padilla backs Woodson up and fires a knee but Woodson then lands a right hand as they reset. Left hand from Woodson. Padilla keeps marching forward but gets clocked with an uppercut then a couple of left hooks drop Padilla and that’ll get the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Sean Woodson via TKO, punches, at 4:58 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Woodson for his work in getting our first stoppage of the event. Mic time for Woodson after that one, he wants a bonus and a ranking after the performance. He knew what he was getting into with Padilla’s pressure but he knew he could be ready for it and get Padilla to break himself. Asked the future he again wants a ranking first and foremost.

Joel Alvarez has only lost in the UFC to Damir Ismagulov and Arman Tsarukyan, ultimately going 6-2 in the promotion with all of those wins being finishes and in fact all of his wins are by some kind of stoppage. Alvarez is looking for one of the bigger wins of his career here and to set himself up for a big push through the stacked division next year. Drakkar Klose has gone 7-1 in his last eight fights only losing to Beneil Dariush and he’s currently on a four fight winning streak, Klose is likewise trying to set himself up for a run towards the top of the division with a win here. Alvarez is a surprisingly heavy favorite at -470, and that +360 comeback on Klose has to look mighty tempting to bettors out there.

Lightweight Bout: Joel Alvarez (21-3, 156 lbs.) vs. Drakkar Klose (15-2-1, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Alvarez is a significant six inches taller with a serious seven inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Klose with a calf kick early. A bit of stance switching from Klose. Alvarez stalks his way forward and deflects a few kicks. Left hand then a right to the body from Alvarez. Right hand from Alvarez then a left hook in close. Klose hits a double leg to stifle that flurry, Alvarez scoots to the fence and starts looking to wall walk. Alvarez gets up against the fence and they start working in the clinch. Both men with short body punches then they break. Alvarez lands a left hook in close. Another left from Alvarez staggers Klose then a knee to the head to follow up, Klose is mostly out and Alvarez grabs a one armed standing guillotine and lands a few more strikes telling the ref he’s out before the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Joel Alvarez via KO, knee and punches, at 2:48 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Alvarez for his work. Mic time for Alvarez and the translator, he says he’s Spanish so the finishes just come to him. He talks us through the finish then when asked about the future he isn’t sure who he should call out but hints he might move to welterweight in the future.

Michael Johnson has been with the UFC since 2010 and he’s traded wins and losses while going 3-3 in his last six fights, he is coming off of a win though and could get his first winning streak since 2018 going with a win. Ottman Azaitar is on a two fight losing streak and really needs to halt that here and get his UFC record above the .500 mark, he’s also ending an 18 month or so layoff. Johnson is the favorite at -230 while Azaitar’s comeback sits at -190.

Lightweight Bout: Ottman Azaitar (13-2, 156 lbs.) vs. Michael Johnson (22-19, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Johnson is two inches taller with two and a half inches of reach advantage. Johnson is fighting southpaw and stalks Azaitar towards the fence. Right hand from Johnson lands. Azaitar misses a right hand. They trade punches to the body. Bit of a left from Johnson. They both land in close. Bit of a right from Azaitar. They’re kind of trading punches on occasion but neither man is landing cleanly yet. Jab from Johnson. Right from Johnson as he pushes into a clinch on the fence. Knee from Azaitar and they break. Right hook from Johnson bothers Azaitar. Azaitar fires a head kick but it’s blocked. Left hand from Johnson stumbles Azaitar for a second. Azaitar avoids a high kick then has a couple of punches blocked to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Johnson

ROUND TWO: Both men back to hand fighting with the lead hand as Johnson works to back up Azaitar. They both swing in close and can’t quite land flush but they’re getting closer. Bit of a left from Johnson, Azaitar responds with a left hook. Azaitar lands a right to the body. Jab from Johnson. Both men land in close but Johnson lands a right hook that FLOORS Azaitar, and a few more on the mat for good measure to nail the coffin shut before the ref jumps in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Michael Johnson via KO, punches, at 2:03 of Round 2

Mic time for Johnson after that knockout, he loves all of this and plays with the crowd. He puts over Azaitar and says he’s been fighting for 15 years and wants a better contract because even at 38 years old he’s looking to climb the ladder. Asked who he’d like next he instead thanks his family for their endless support of him and again says he’s going to the top.

Navajo Stirling is undefeated coming into his UFC debut, why this fight is on the main card is a bit baffling to me but he’s clearly being set up to get a big win after his knockout win on the Contender Series. Tuco Tokkos dropped his UFC debut back in May and now looks for his first UFC win. Stirling is the biggest favorite on the card at -900 to a +600 on Tukkos.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Navajo Stirling (5-0, 206 lbs.) vs. Tuco Tokkos (10-4, 206 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Stirling has three inches of reach advantage. Stirling pushes forward early and both men show some kicks. Bit of a calf kick from Tokkos. Some calf kicks from both men, more range finding than anything. Tokkos has started showing some stance switches. Body kick from Tokkos. Stirling lands a front kick. Right hand from Stirling. Leg kick from Stirling. Stirling with a right hand. Tokkos is kind of ineffectual thus far. Bit of a check left hook from Stirling. Stirling keeps moving forward now and lands a couple of punches. Body kick from Stirling then punches and a left to the body. Tokkos ties up and looks for a trip but Stirling lands an elbow before they break. Stirling with more punches but Tokkos slips away from the fence and he’s able to block a bit of these punches. Tokkos tries for a takedown, Stirling sprawls then spins to the ride before they wrestle up. Front kick from Stirling. Stirling blocks a few kicks. Left to the body from Stirling. Tokkos misses a high kick. Stirling gets a little tied up to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Stirling

ROUND TWO: Stirling comes out jabbing a bit more. Tokkos misses some punches. They both miss some punches, Tokkos then briefly hits a single leg but Stirling wall walks with Tokkos on his back. Tokkos is trying for a mat return and eventually gets around to a front headlock position. Stirling is able to stand and lands uppercuts then a knee. Body shots from Stirling then an elbow. Tokkos lands an uppercut of his own but he’s visibly outgunned in the striking department. Calf kick from Stirling. Body kick from Stirling then a left to the body as well. More body shots from Stirling then an uppercut. Tokkos is able to tie up and get Stirling on the fence, he looks for a single leg then slips to the back in the clinch. Double leg from Tokkos, Stirling moves to his knees and tries to wrestle up but Tokkos has a front headlock and holds him down with it. Tokkos towards the back, he’s got one hook in but Stirling wrestles up and free. Front kick from Tokkos. Stirling misses a right hook to close out the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Left hook from Stirling to get the round going. Jabs from Stirling. Tokkos avoids an elbow. Right to the body from Stirling, the body work has been pretty good thus far but it’s been a little too intermittent. Stirling with a front kick. Tokkos ties up and they hit the fence. Tokkos is working for a single leg but Stirling defends and turns him into the fence. They break without incident. Stirling with a right hand then a body jab. Left to the body from Stirling. Knee from Stirling but Tokkos lands an uppercut before they clinch. Stirling blocks some takedown attempts then is able to spin free. They trade in close. Body kick from Stirling then an elbow. Spinning back kick from Stirling. Tokkos looks quite fatigued. Stirling with a combination of punches then a leg kick. Bit of a high kick from Stirling then a few body shots that Tokkos clearly does not like. Stirling has Tokkos on the fence, Tokkos swings back at him but he’s faded badly. Front kick from Stirling then an elbow in close. Tokkos tries a double leg, Stirling defends and spins to the ride then lands a few punches before the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Navajo Stirling via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Someone explain to me why that was the main card opener instead of Alvarez vs. Klose. Mic time for Stirling because this isn’t going long enough, he feels he was a little too eager for the knockout but notes he only has a few fights and feels he’s still learning on the job.

Adrian Yanez was pretty well regarded as a rising talent in 2022 but a couple of setbacks in 2023 took a little bit of the shine from him, he did get a win back in May and is trying to close out the year on a two fight winning streak. Daniel Marcos is undefeated including being 3-0 with 1 No Contest in the UFC, this does represent a bit of a step up for him but not an unreasonable one and a win would set Marcos up nicely to start looking at ranked opponents next year. Marcos is a moderate favorite at -225 while +185 on Yanez has to be a really tempting value bet.

Bantamweight Bout: Daniel Marcos (16-0 1 NC, 136 lbs.) vs. Adrian Yanez (17-5, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Yanez has an inch of reach advantage. Quick right hand from Yanez. Calf kick from Marcos. Yanez with some jabs while they move around. They’re both showing oblique kicks but both men are willing and able to check them. Calf kick from Marcos. Right to the body from Yanez. Bit of a right from Yanez to counter a jab. Marcos lands a right hand, they trade along the fence but Yanez got tagged there. Yanez checks a leg kick. Yanez takes a groin kick plus a bit of an eye poke so we’ve got a time out. Replay confirms the groin shot and eye poke. The doctor comes in to check on Yanez, he looks like he’s going to be OK and we’re back to action after 2:18 and the ref warns Marcos about further fouls. Both men look to get their hands going again. Calf kick from Marcos. They trade calf kicks. Bit of a double jab then right hand from Yanez. They both land punches in close but Marcos lands the punch to close it. Calf kick from Marcos. They tie up and hit the fence. Some positional fighting in the clinch and Marcos with some knees. Elbow from Marcos. They’ll end the round in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Marcos

ROUND TWO: Yanez moves forward a bit then lands a left hook that wobbles Marcos. Body kick from Yanez then a right hand. Marcos lands a right hand, he’s starting to show some stance switches now. Calf kick from Marcos. Yanez keeps moving forward and lands a calf kick then a hard left to the body. Marcos digs a couple of body shots. Calf kicks go back and forth then they trade rights in close. One two from Marcos. Yanez with some jabs then a calf kick. Both men land in close then Marcos with a bit of a right hand as they exit the pocket. Yanez lands a few jabs then a counter right. Calf kick from Yanez. Marcos tries a jumping knee but can’t quite land it. A few jabs go back and forth. Right hand from Marcos. Yanez with a calf kick then a left hook. Marcos lands a right hand. Body kick from Marcos. Yanez with some more jabs, he’s backing Marcos up towards the fence. Nice combination from Yanez mostly lands. Marcos lands a right hand. Marcos tries a single leg, Yanez defends though. Left hook from Yanez connects. Right hand from Marcos closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Yanez, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round, then get into a pocket exchange. Yanez with a left hook in close. Both men swing but they’re evading a lot of the stuff. Yanez with a right hand but Marcos gets a takedown into full guard. Wall walk from Yanez into a clinch then he starts working a standing guillotine to get some motion and spins Marcos into the fence. Outside trip from Yanez then he lands a punch as Marcos wall walks and they break. Jabs from Yanez then Marcos hits a takedown into half guard. Yanez gets butterfly guard but Marcos lands an elbow. Elbow from Marcos and he moves to half guard. Yanez is able to scramble up but Marcos quickly forces another clinch. They jockey for position along the fence then Yanez breaks. Uppercut from Yanez, Marcos seems tired now. Yanez stalks forward and they trade punches. Yanez has Marcos on the fence but he’s not throwing much. Marcos with a few short uppercuts then they clinch again. They break with 5 seconds left, Yanez lands a left hook to close things out.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Yanez but super close, 29-28 Yanez overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Daniel Marcos via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

30-27 for Marcos seems wrong but no issues with him winning. Mic time for Marcos and the translator, he opens with English to thank God then goes to Spanish for the rest to put over Yanez and say this is the result of all of his hard work. He thanks his coaches then says he needs to stay more active and calls out Jose Aldo in particular.

Vitor Petrino suffered his first loss in his last fight when he got guillotined by Anthony Smith which brought his UFC record to 4-1, he’s trying to rebound and avoid his first losing streak. Dustin Jacoby has gone just 1-4 in his last five fights and he’s on a two fight losing streak, he pretty badly needs to halt that skid and get back on winning side of things here. The odds are with Petrino at -305 against a +245 comeback on Jacoby.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Dustin Jacoby (19-9-1, 205.5 lbs.) vs. Vitor Petrino (11-1, 204.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Jacoby is an inch taller while Petrino has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Some feinting from both men to start as they circle around. Jab from Petrino. Bit of a leg kick from Jacoby. Petrino with a leg kick. Not a whole lot going on here. Jacoby with a bit of a leg kick. Petrino with a partially blocked right hand. Jab from Petrino. Jacoby starts showing some southpaw looks now. A few leg kicks go back and forth. Jacoby lands a couple of punches in close, they both swing then back off and reset. Leg kick from Jacoby. There’s some blood coming from Jacoby’s right shin. Petrino misses some punches. Jab from Jacoby. Petrino misses a high kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jacoby but who knows

ROUND TWO: Petrino back to moving forward but not getting much offense off. Petrino tries a flurry against the fence but Jacoby avoids it. Jacoby misses a one two. Leg kick from Jacoby. A few jabs go back and forth. Petrino misses a right hand. Jab from Jacoby. Jacoby with a calf kick. Petrino lands a right to the body in close. Jacoby with another calf kick. Petrino has a few high kicks blocked. Petrino lands a right hand that staggers Jacoby for a second. Inside leg kick from Jacoby then both men block punches. Right hand from Petrino. Jacoby with an inside leg kick. Petrino avoids a spinning back kick. Jacoby avoids a few punches then lands a jab. Petrino with a right hand. Jacoby avoids a superman punch and lands a right hand. They feint away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Petrino, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Both men miss punches to start the round. Petrino lands a calf kick. Jacoby avoids a takedown and they clinch up on the fence. They break without incident. Left hand from Petrino. A few jabs go back and forth again. They both miss left hooks. Again they both miss punches then Jacoby avoids a takedown. Petrino hits a takedown and gets the back standing as they hit the fence. Jacoby turns into Petrino then lands a knee as they break. Glancing right hand from Petrino. 90 seconds left in this snoozer. Petrino avoids a takedown attempt. A right hand from Jacoby absolutely ENDS Petrino out of nowhere.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Dustin Jacoby via KO, punch, at 3:44 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Jacoby for his work. Mic time for Jacoby after that lovely knockout, he thanks God and admits he heard the boos but had to stay patient and pull the trigger when the moment was right. He talks us through the finish and feels he can knock anyone out in the division. He asks for a bonus to close.

Manel Kape just had a four fight winning streak broken in a very lackluster bout against Muhammad Mokaev, a fight so uninspiring that it got Mokaev cut from the promotion despite winning. Kape could set himself into the title picture with a win here given what champion Alexandre Pantoja has done against the guys in the top five. Bruno Silva is on a four fight winning streak, all of them bonus winning finishes, and he’s likewise trying to push towards the title picture with a win. The odds like Kape at -425 to Silva’s +330.

Flyweight Bout: #9 Manel Kape (19-7, 125 lbs.) vs. #12 Bruno Silva (14-5-2 1 NC, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Kape is an inch taller with three inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Silva bouncing a bit and showing the jab. Bit of a combination from Silva. Kape keeps stalking forward and lands a couple of punches of his own. Both men are showing stance switches now as well. Kape lands a couple of calf kicks. Silva jabs the body. Bit of a left hook from Kape. Another left hook from Kape. A right hand from Kape seems to bother Silva for a second. Left hand from Kape. Bit of a right from Silva. Inside leg kick then a left hand from Kape. Silva with a couple of short uppercuts in close but he eats a right hook exiting the pocket. Kape takes a kick to the groin so we’ve got a time out but he only takes 20 seconds then we’re back. Calf kick from Kape. Silva jabs the body. Kape with another calf kick. Short left hook from Kape. Jab from Kape, Silva tries to tie up but can’t secure it. Kape with another combination then a knee to the body. The hand speed of Kape is really impressive. Another groin kick from Silva so we’ve got another time out. In a sane sport that would result in a point deduction but MMA is not sane. Kape takes 45 seconds this time. Silva with a calf kick. Knee from Kape. Jab from Kape but he misses the follow up punch. Silva avoids a spinning attack as the last action of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kape

ROUND TWO: Silva shows the jab as the second round gets going. Kape with a couple of inside leg kicks. Silva tries a takedown but Kape shucks him aside then lands a jab. Bit of a combination from Kape. Kape with a left hook. They trade lefts then Kape lands a combination. Right hand from Silva but he tires to spin and Kape unloads a long counter combination but can’t get Silva to fall. Another groin kick from Silva and another time out. There’s no dispute here, Silva’s just been reckless with those kicks. This one really seemed painful and Kape is on his back working to recover. The ref takes a point from Silva, well deserved. Kape can continue after 1:52. Spinning back kick from Silva on the restart. Kape avoids a spinning attack and lands a combination. One two from Kape then a left hand to follow up. Bit of a right from Kape. Silva fires a body kick. Kape avoids a few punches, he’s really flowing nicely despite the repeated fouls. Counter right from Kape lands. Kape with a short combination. Left hook from Kape. Right hand then a left hook from Kape, he’s doing almost anything he wants right now. Silva lands a knee in close. Body jab from Silva. Kape lands a calf kick. Body kick from Kape to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Kape after the point deduction, 20-17 Kape overall

ROUND THREE: Silva comes out swinging but Kape counters him with a few punches. Silva keeps swinging wild, he’s going for it if nothing else, but Kape’s defense is holding up. Kape with a right to the body. Left hand from Kape. Silva lands a right hand. Left hand from Kape then a few body shots and an inside leg kick. More body shots from Kape, Silva does not like those. Kape punches Silva back towards the fence but Silva lands a left hook. Left hand from Kape then a right hook. Body kick from Kape, Silva thinks it’s low but the ref disagrees and Kape unloads on him against the fence until he falls over and the ref intervenes.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Manel Kape via TKO, punches, at 1:57 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Kape for his work. Mic time for Kape, he gives glory to God first then plays with the crowd just a little bit and says he’d like to be in a main event. He drops some profanity and says he’s the next title challenger for Pantoja and says he’ll become a PPV star for the division. Oh he also advocates for a bonus then walks off.

Cub Swanson has been fighting since 2004 and is a respected veteran, he’s traded wins and losses while going 3-3 in his last six fights most recently losing a controversial split decision to Andre Fili and now Swanson is trying to avoid his first losing streak since 2019. Billy Quarantillo has traded wins and losses while going 4-4 in his last eight fights, he is coming off of a loss though and he’s trying to avoid his first ever losing streak. Fairly close one here, -155 on Quarantillo to Swanson’s +130.

Featherweight Bout: Cub Swanson (29-14, 146 lbs.) vs. Billy Quarantillo (18-6, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Quarantillo is two inches taller but the reach is identical. They touch gloves to get us going. Swanson avoids a high kick. Both men with a bit of feinting. Swanson lands a leg kick but Quarantillo returns it. They trade rights. Swanson showing some stance switches already. Right hand from Swanson. Quarantillo with a right of his own. Quarantillo lands a left hook. Front kicks from Quarantillo as he’s working his way forward. Bit of a right from Swanson. Right hand from Swanson. Swanson with a calf kick. Quarantillo lands a front kick. A couple of left hooks land for Quarantillo, Swanson throws back though and they trade. One two from Swanson. Hard right from Swanson. Quarantillo lands a left hook but Swanson just eats it. Bit of a front kick from Quarantillo. Inside leg kick from Quarantillo. Swanson lands a calf kick. Quarantillo with a few rights. Jab from Quarantillo. Swanson avoids a leg kick. Another right hand from Swanson. Right hand then a left hook from Swanson. Quarantillo jabs his way forward. Calf kicks are traded. Quarantillo with a couple of hooks in close. Some jabs from Quarantillo land. Inside leg kick from Quarantillo. Swanson hits the body then they trade in close and Swanson starts backing up. Quarantillo tries a double leg and hits it against the fence. Swanson wall walks but eats a knee as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Quarantillo but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Swanson opens with a calf kick then a left hand. Quarantillo shows the jab then connects with a calf kick. Bit of a right from Quarantillo. Quarantillo lands a front kick. Both men land in close then they tie up and Quarantillo looks for a takedown against the fence. Swanson is able to limp leg free but they trade in close. They trade again, Swanson lands a few rights then they tie up again. Knee from Quarantillo then an uppercut on the break. A few jabs go back and forth. A hard knee from Quarantillo seems to wobble Swanson. Quarantillo with a right hand, he’s still pouring on the pressure. They clinch and Quarantillo has Swanson on the cage. Elbow from Quarantillo then an uppercut and they trade then break. Swanson clinches up again then lands a knee and breaks. They split jabs for a bit then Quarantillo clinches. They hit the fence and Quarantillo looks for a double leg, switches to a single then settles for a clinch. Double leg from Quarantillo, Swanson gives up the back as he stands. Knees from Quarantillo to the body and leg as he’s looking for mat returns. They break and trade punches. Quarantillo just doesn’t stop, he’s trying to drown Swanson with pace and output. They trade high kicks then Quarantillo lands a knee. Takedown from Quarantillo, Swanson then tries an octopus guard but can’t get the sweep and Quarantillo gets on his back as they stand. Uppercuts from Quarantillo in close as they get chest to chest. Foot stomps and a hammer fist from Quarantillo. They break then split jabs to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Both men come out jabbing again. Quarantillo lands a calf kick. Swanson fires a high kick that’s blocked. Front kick from Quarantillo. Right hand from Swanson. Quarantillo lands a calf kick then a left hook. They trade jabs then Quarantillo lands a right hand. Again they trade then trade leg kicks. Quarantillo tries a takedown, that hits the fence then Swanson spins free. One two from Quarantillo. Swanson lands a right, then a one two floors Quarantillo and we’re done.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Cub Swanson via KO, punches, at 1:36 of Round 3

Mic time for Swanson after gift of a fight, he puts over Quarantillo for throwing down with him like that then is glad his right hand got it done. He puts over his brother as it’s his birthday. Asked about the future he said this might be the last one and admits he’s kind of old at 41 and thanks the crowd for letting him do this.

If Cub is going to retire, this is one of those perfect fights to do so on.

Colby Covington has three times fought for the welterweight title, falling short twice to Kamaru Usman in close fights and then his last bout was about a year ago in a truly forgettable losing effort to Leon Edwards. Covington took this fight on short notice and is trying to defend his ranking and prove he’s still an elite level fighter. Joaquin Buckley has gone 5-0 since moving to welterweight last year, a win here would put him into the top 10 rankings and might set him up for a run towards the title picture next year. The odds are with Buckley at -225 to Covington’s +185.

Welterweight Bout: #6 Colby Covington (17-4, 171 lbs.) vs. #9 Joaquin Buckley (20-6, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Covington is an inch taller but Buckley has four inches of reach advantage. Both men open southpaw. They both show the lead hand as Buckley works his way forward. Side kick from Buckley. Covington has a few punches blocked. Jab from Covington. Buckley lands a couple of jabs. Right to the body from Buckley in close. Bit of a left from Buckley. One two from Buckley. Covington tries a takedown, Buckley sprawls away from that one pretty easily. Buckley with a side kick. Covington is already cut under the right eye. High kick from Buckley partially lands. Right to the body then a left hook from Buckley. Covington lands an uppercut then spams the lead hand but can’t corral Buckley. Combination from Buckley mostly lands. They tie up, Covington looks for a takedown against the fence but Buckley defends and separates. They both land punches in close. Right hook from Buckley. That right eye of Covington is giving him problems. A right from Buckley off balances Covington, he lands a couple of punches from over him as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Buckley

ROUND TWO: OK that cut on Covington’s right eye is not under it, it’s under the eyebrow and is in a bad spot. Covington comes out looking to punch a bit more. Body kick from Buckley. Some jabs from Covington then he tries a takedown but Buckley defends then lands a knee to the body and a couple of punches. Right to the body from Buckley. Covington lands a left hand but he’s out matched in the power department. Buckley lands another right to the body. Covington tries a takedown that hits the fence, he’s able to finish it and move to side control. Buckley works to wall walk but is only able to get half guard. Covington lands a bit of an elbow. Covington moves back to side control. Buckley wall walks and they break. A few jabs from Buckley then a side kick. Covington avoids a tie up attempt. Bit of a left from Buckley. They split a few jabs then Buckley lands a leg kick. Jab from Covington lands. Buckley lands a left hand then a few jabs. Covington swings back and lands a couple of punches. Buckley with an uppercut. Covington blocks a high kick to close out the round.

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

ROUND THREE: The doctor checked Covington between rounds and warns that if that cut gets much worse they’ll have to stop it. Covington tries to wrestle right away but Buckley avoids him and lands a couple of jabs. They trade a few jabs. Tornado kick from Covington partially lands. Bit of a left from Covington. Buckley fires some hooks in close that mostly land. Buckley sprawls away from a single leg then gets on top in half guard. Mount now for Buckley but Covington scrambles free and they trade punches. That’s a losing proposition for Covington in general. Buckley lands a few more punches. They trade jabs then Buckley lands a left hand. Covington tries a double leg but Buckley easily sprawls then pushes him over and they wrestle a bit on the mat. Ultimately Covington tries to wrestle up on a single leg but Buckley pushes him over and lands punches from top position. Again Covington scrambles to his knees, Buckley tries for the back but loses position and winds up on bottom with Covington on top in full guard. A few short elbows from Covington land. Covington is hitting the body but he’s not really able to pass the guard of Buckley. Buckley looks to wall walk now, he’s able to get up but is still clinched. Covington looks for another takedown but Buckley defends and they break. We get a time out as the ref wants the doctor to check the cut on Covington. That cut is bad enough to threaten his eyelid and the doc stops it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Joaquin Buckley via TKO, doctor stoppage due to cuts, at 4:42 of Round 3

I’m fine with that stoppage, that cut is bad and in a bad spot. Mic time for Buckley after the win, he plays with the crowd and apologizes for not getting the knockout. Asked about the future he thanks God for all of his blessings, his ability to care and provide for his family is all he wants. To close he asks the fans to pick his opponent, he gives three names and the biggest pop will get it. First, Leon Edwards to a mild reaction, Kamaru Usman to a slightly larger one, then Belal Muhammad which gets a slightly smaller pop so Buckley has settled on Usman.

Well on that note UFC on ESPN 63 comes to a close. We’ll be unpacking all the fallout from this event on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast tomorrow. This is the last UFC card until January 11th, and frankly that card is deeply depressing but the other three of the first four UFC events of 2025 are pretty solid. I’ll be back for that event in January and I hope you will as well. Until then I hope you all have a safe and fulfilling holiday season, and I’ll see you all in 2025. Unless you also follow my wrestling coverage, then I’ll see you on Friday.

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