411’s UFC Fight Night Report: Bueno Silva Taps Holm

MAIN CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET)
#3 Holly Holm (135.5 lbs.) vs. #10 Mayra Bueno Silva (136 lbs.)
Bassil Hafez (171 lbs.) vs. #14 Jack Della Maddalena (171 lbs.)
Ottman Azaitar (156 lbs.) vs. Francisco Prado (156 lbs.)
Albert Duraev (185 lbs.) vs. Jun Yong Park (186 lbs.)
Chelsea Chandler (145.5 lbs.) vs. Norma Dumont (145.5 lbs.)
Terrance McKinney (156 lbs.) vs. Nazim Sadykhov (156 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)
Melsik Baghdasaryan (145.5 lbs.) vs. Tucker Lutz (146 lbs.)
Viktoriya Dudakova (116 lbs.) vs. Istela Nunes (115.5 lbs.)
Melquizael Costa (146 lbs.) vs. Austin Lingo (145.5 lbs.)
Evan Elder (156 lbs.) vs. Genaro Valdez (156 lbs.)
Azat Maksum (126 lbs.) vs. Tyson Nam (126 lbs.)
Carl Deaton (156 lbs.) vs. Alexander Munoz (155.5 lbs.)
Ashlee Evans-Smith (135.5 lbs.) vs. Ailin Perez (135.5 lbs.)

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Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN 49, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening. We’re on the heels of UFC 290, one of the best UFC events in a long time, and to follow that up we’ve got a pretty weak card. Our main event has some relevance now that the women’s bantamweight title is vacant when former champion Holly Holm and Mayra Bueno Silva battle things out for position in the title picture. Elsewhere on the card rising contender Jack Della Maddalena battles Bassil Hafez, at middleweight we’ve got Jun Yong Park and Albert Duraev in what should be a fun little brawl. There’s a fun little bit of trivia on this card, no one on the prelims is coming into this event on the back of a UFC win as everyone’s either coming off of a loss or making their promotional debut. That’s got to be some kind of record for the modern era. Anyway there are a few fights with potential, Melsik Baghdasaryan and Tucker Lutz, Melquizael Costa and Austin Lingo, and maybe Tyson Name vs. Azat Maksum. But mostly we’re hoping for good action because there’s not a lot on paper here to care about.

UFC on ESPN 49 comes to the world from the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. We’ve got Brendan Fitzgerald, Dominick Cruz, and Daniel Cormier on commentary. Keep in mind that because we’re in Nevada we’ll have instant replay and a fight can be restarted after it’s used. Also remember we’re in the smaller 25 foot Octagon set up instead of the 30 footer that they take everywhere that isn’t the Apex.

Ashley Evans-Smith has gone 1-4 in her last five fights, is currently on a two fight losing streak and has been out of action because of a failed drug test since November of 2020. At the age of 36 Evans-Smith needs a win very badly or she’ll probably find herself out of the UFC. Ailin Perez lost her UFC debut in September of last year but now she’s back in action and hoping to get that all important first UFC win. Perez is your favorite at -255 against +215 for Evans-Smith.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Ashlee Evans-Smith (6-5, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Ailin Perez (7-2, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Evans-Smith is three inches taller with an inch and a half of reach advantage, she’s also eight years older. Some early circling, both women show a few stance switches. Perez with a pretty quick takedown into side control and starts landing elbows. Evans-Smith hip escapes looking to get up but Perez moves to half guard and retains top position. A few short blows from Perez as Evans-Smith gets full guard. Perez is content to be on top and work some ground and pound, then she steps to half guard and lands more punches and hammer fists. Evans-Smith is on her knees but she eats a barrage of blows as she stands into a clinch. Perez hits a lateral drop and is back on top in side control. Back mount for Perez now and she starts landing punches while riding between mount and back mount. Evans-Smith is able to scramble up but eats a knee and then punches before Perez hits another takedown along the fence. Again Evans-Smith wall walks but Perez is glued to her and lands another knee then a right hand. They break but Evans-Smith looks done. Perez lands a right hand. Body kick then a left hand from Perez, they tie up as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Perez but a marginal one

ROUND TWO: Evans-Smith looks to have recovered, she’s missing combinations but she’s throwing at least. Perez kicks into a clinch and takes Evans-Smith down again into side control. Perez moves around to a ride position and lands punches as Evans-Smith stands with Perez on her back now. Foot sweep from Perez and she’s landing offense while mat returning and clinching with Evans-Smith. Evans-Smith lands an elbow in close but Perez punches her and they clinch again. Takedown from Perez and she’s in side control again. Some short elbows from Perez but she seems more interested in control at the moment. A few knees to the body from Perez. Perez is trying to set up an arm triangle but winds up just stepping over the head to force her way into a ride. Evans-Smith stands but Perez is still on her back and lands a knee to the head. Double leg from Perez, then she slips to the back but Evans-Smith is able to stand and get free. They clinch back up and hit the fence. A few lefts from Perez land before they break. A left hook from Perez then a takedown to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Perez, 20-17 Perez overall

ROUND THREE: Evans-Smith is still switching her stance, which leads to her getting clinched and taken down. Perez is on the back as they stand and hit the fence. Bit of a left from Perez then a knee to the thigh as she keeps Evans-Smith on the fence. They get chest to chest and Perez with some knees then an outside trip and she lands on top in half guard. Perez moves her left knee up and pins the arm of Evans-Smith and lands punches before Evans-Smith is able to bridge and break the half crucifix position. Perez moves to full mount now and lands punches. Evans-Smith bridges but Perez is on her back as they stand and lands a hard knee to the face. They trade some punches but Perez is able to hit another takedown into side control. Some hammer fists from Perez, she moves to the back and lands a head kick as Evans-Smith stands, then Perez keeps the clinch. More knees from Perez. Evans-Smith keeps trying for a judo toss but Perez smothers her on the way down and gets on top in half guard. Perez moves to full mount with 40 seconds left in the round. Perez postures and lands an elbow. Evans-Smith gives up the back, Perez lands hammer fists. They stand and tie up again as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Perez, 30-25 Perez overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ailin Perez via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-25 x2)

Mic time for Perez and the translator, after she’s done dancing. She waited a long time for this moment and no one will ruin it for her. She feels great and would like to fight a Brazilian she lost to via DQ back in 2021, that would be Tamires Vidal who recently made her UFC debut. Seems like a reasonable call out.

Alex Munoz has gone 0-2 in the UFC and is on a two fight losing streak, he needs a win pretty badly as an 0-3 start might get him cut from the roster. Carl Deaton had a two fight winning streak snapped in his UFC debut and, much like his opponent, he’s trying to find his first taste of victory in the UFC. The odds are with Munoz at -225 to Deaton’s +190.

Lightweight Bout: Carl Deaton (17-6 2 NC, 156 lbs.) vs. Alexander Munoz (6-2, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Munoz is two inches taller with three inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Munoz. Deaton misses a left hook. Deaton lands a left hook. Both men keep showing the power hand then a lead hand hook. Munoz misses a left hand. Both men swing and miss in close. Bit of a right from Deaton. Munoz lands a right hook, that wobbled Deaton, then they both land in close. Deaton lands a right hand, and he’s bleeding from the forehead. Things have slowed a bit, a lot of circling from both guys. Bit of a right from Deaton. Munoz tries a single leg but Deaton defends. Left hand from Munoz lands, he chases though and Deaton lands a knee to the head that gets Munoz to back off. Right hand from Deaton. Bit of an uppercut from Deaton. Munoz misses an elbow. Glancing left from Deaton, then he lands a knee as the last blow of the round.

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

ROUND TWO: More of the same to start this round. Deaton might be upping the pace now, he’s still leaning on that lead hook though. Munoz lands a left hand that seems to off balance Deaton for a moment. Deaton lands a right hand. That right from Deaton cut Munoz around the left eyebrow, can’t see specifics though. Deaton seems to have things dialed in a little more this round, he’s landing a bit more regularly. Munoz fires a head kick, but it’s blocked. Deaton lands a right to the body. Stiff jab from Munoz. Munoz lands a body kick. Deaton lands a right hand. Another bit of a right from Deaton. Munoz is pressuring forward but both men are missing in general. Bit of a body shot from Deaton. Deaton lands another right hand. Munoz tries a takedown, Deaton defends and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Deaton but another close one, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Both men show the lead hand as the round stars. Munoz lands a left hand, that drops Deaton and Munoz jumps to the ride position. Deaton eats some punches but he’s able to stand. Mat return from Munoz and he starts landing knees to the body. Deaton works his way up but he can’t get free and Munoz is riding him against the fence. Deaton is up against the fence, Munoz is trying to switch for takedown, he hits a high crotch lift and gets back on top. Once again Deaton wall walks with Munoz on his back in the clinch. They get chest to chest, Deaton is trying to get free but he can’t get away from Munoz. Deaton is fishing for a kimura, he’s got the double wrist lock and is stalling things out. They break and both men look fatigued. Bit of a right from Deaton. They trade rights. Bit of a right from Deaton to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Munoz but there might be a 10-8 argument in there, 29-28 Munoz overall

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

No interview for Munoz.

Tyson Nam is a veteran of the sport with a career dating back to 2006, he’s gone 3-4 in his current UFC stint and he’s coming off of a loss but is trying to avoid another losing streak by getting his hand raised tonight. Azat Maksum is undefeated coming into his UFC debut and gets a chance right away to make an impact as beating a tough veteran like Nam says a fair amount about your upside in the sport. Maksum is a surprisingly heavy favorite at -450 while the +340 payout on Nam might tempt some bettors out there.

Flyweight Bout: Azat Maksum (16-0, 126 lbs.) vs. Tyson Nam (21-13-1, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: these two are the same height, Maksum has two inches of reach advantage and is 11 years younger. Both men bouncing and feinting for a bit. Bit of a knee from Maksum. Both men start looking to jab. Some stance switching from Maksum as he comes forward, and he lands a left hand. Maksum is very upright when he enters though. Nam lands a right hand. Nam avoids a takedown attempt. Right to the body from Nam. Maksum lands a front kick. Bit of a right from Maksum, his jab isn’t working much but he’s using a front kick now to try and achieve the same effect. Southpaw now for Maksum, he goes back to orthodox though. Those front kicks from Maksum are still landing. Nam lands an inside leg kick. Another leg kick from Nam. Bit of a left from Maksum. Knee from Maksum, he’s committed to work the body. Nam is still landing leg kicks. Double leg from Maksum, he’s got Nam down then gets the back as they stand. Mat return from Maksum then they trade punches in close as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Maksum

ROUND TWO: Both men show the jab again. Bit of a one two from Maksum. Nam seems to want to up the tempo this round. Bit of a knee from Maksum, his stance switching is giving Nam some problems still. Left hook from Maksum lands. Nam lands a right to the body. Another body shot from Nam then a left hook behind it. Glancing right from Nam. Maksum lands a body kick. Nam avoids a takedown. Both men avoid hooks. Maksum lands a right hand. Nam lands an inside leg kick. Body kick from Maksum then a left hand. Nam lands a right to the body. Bit of a combination from Maksum. They trade rights. Nam lands a couple of inside leg kicks but he’s bleeding from the nose. Jumping knee from Maksum partially lands then they trade punches as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Maksum but could go either way, 20-18 Maksum overall

ROUND THREE: Maksum lands a jab, then Nam lands an inside leg kick. Both men land punches in close. Maksum lands another jab, then a right hand. Nam’s left eye is swelling up, not a fight ending issue but it’s visible. More jabs from Maksum are landing. Nam lands a leg kick. Another jab from Maksum. Nam lands an inside leg kick. Nam eats a few more jabs. Some jabs from Nam then an inside leg kick. Bit of a right from Maksum. Nam lands a jab then a right hand. They trade lefts in close. Maksum lands a left hand. Nam lands a right hand. Nam is pressing now, he lands another right hand. Maksum tries a takedown but Nam defends. Bit of a right from Maksum. Nam punches into a clinch and lands some lefts to the body and head. Maksum lands a knee then separates. Both men land in close. Clubbing right from Nam then a leg kick. They clinch up and hit the fence. Takedown from Maksum, then a nice mat return as Nam stands and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Nam, 29-28 Maksum overall but this could go any number of ways

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

No issues with 29-28 either way, decent little fight. No interview for the winner.

Evan Elder has gone 0-2 in the UFC and finds his back getting closer to the wall here as an 0-3 start in the UFC might end his time with the promotion. Genaro Valdez is in the same position, having gone 0-2 to start his UFC career and now he needs a win to get his career back on track. The odds are with Elder at -295 to a +245 comeback on Valdez.

Lightweight Bout: Evan Elder (7-2, 156 lbs.) vs. Genaro Valdez (10-2, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Elder is an inch taller but the reach is identical. They touch gloves to get us going. Elder counters a leg kick with a right hand that hurts Valdez, then he tries a guillotine but Valdez is able to spin out on his back and they separate. Elder lands a body kick. Stiff jab from Elder. Calf kick from Elder. Elder lands a body kick then they spilt jabs. Bit of a right from Valdez. Valdez lands a jab then they trade leg kicks. Elder jabs the body. Valdez lands a right hand. Valdez lands a jab. Bit of a right from Valdez. Elder avoids some punches then they trade in close. Elder lands a right hand. Valdez lands a body kick but Elder counters with an inside leg kick. Both men are still working their lead hand, Valdez is committed to his jab and it’s starting to land for him. Elder lands a right to the body. Valdez lands a counter right hand then a jab. Elder avoids a jab to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Elder

ROUND TWO: Elder lands a solid jab that drops Valdez for a second but he bounces back up. Calf kick from Elder. Valdez lands a calf kick then shows a front kick. Some more jabs from Valdez, then Elder lands a right hand. Body shot from Elder. Elder with a body shot then a jab. Valdez cracks Elder with a right hand that drops him, Elder bounces up and Valdez is all over him looking to finish. Both men start landing jabs again but Elder is still wobbled. Bit of a right from Valdez, they tie up and Valdez complains of an eye poke so we’ve got a time out. Replay confirms the poke and the doctor is in to check on Valdez. Valdez can continue and after 1:54 we’re back to fighting. Valdez lands a calf kick. Elder lands a body kick. Both men land in close and a right hook from Valdez staggers Elder. Elder lands a right hand of his own, these two are just trying to crush each other. Calf kick from Elder lands. Another calf kick from Elder. Valdez lands a right hand then a calf kick of his own. Jab from Valdez. Elder lands a left hand, he’s playing around with southpaw now. Bit of a right from Valdez. Elder lands another right to the body. Valdez lands a right hand. Both men land in close then Elder lands a flush knee but Valdez just eats it. Both men miss punches as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Bit of a calf kick from Valdez. They trade jabs but Elder landed better and sends Valdez staggering back. Body kick from Elder then they trade rights. Elder with some jabs. Valdez lands a calf kick then a left hook. Elder lands another jab. Hard right from Elder lands. Both men land in close. Calf kick from Valdez. Elder keeps working his lead hand to good effect. They split jabs a few times. Elder lands a one two. Body shot from Elder. Valdez lands a left hook then a calf kick. That left leg of Elder is visibly swelling and might be an issue. Both men land jabs. Double jab then a right hand from Elder. Both men land in close, and we get some brawling to close the fight.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Evan Elder via unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28 x2)

Not sure about that 30-26, but that was a pretty good fight. No interview for Elder as apparently we’re short on time.

Austin Lingo has gone 2-2 in the UFC but he’s coming off of a loss to Nate Landwehr and is trying to get his UFC record above the .500 mark with a win. Melquizael Costa dropped his UFC debut against Thiago Moises back in January and he’s hoping for a bit more success in his sophomore outing tonight. Costa is favored to do just that at -225 against +190 for Lingo.

Featherweight Bout: Melquizael Costa (19-6, 146 lbs.) vs. Austin Lingo (9-2, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Costa has an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Costa. Lingo is stalking forward. Both men land power hand punches. Calf kick from Costa. Bit of a left from Costa as he circles around the cage. Costa is landing knees and punches, he’s looking like the much better fighter right now. They trade lefts in close, Lingo has started switching his stance. Costa with a left hand then a body kick. Lingo punches into a clinch, but it’s Costa with a trip and they break. Lingo lands a jab. Costa lands a left hand then a body kick. Costa just can’t seem to miss. Hard front kick to the body from Costa, that hurt Lingo. More body attacks from Costa, Lingo is hurt but is trying to tough through this. Another body kick from Costa. Lingo lands a couple of punches in close. Another body kick from Costa. Lingo eats another body kick then misses some punches. Costa lands a couple of front kicks. Head kick from Costa partially lands. Lingo bulls forward and they trade lefts. Spinning kick from Costa lands then he misses a wheel kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Costa but a marginal one

ROUND TWO: Lingo gets back to pressure but Costa is leading him around and sniping him. Front kick from Costa then a head kick. They trade leg kicks while circling. Costa lands a calf kick. Hard body kick from Costa. Lingo with some leg kicks of his own. Costa with a body kick. Lingo blocks a head kick. Costa lands a front kick then a body kick. Lingo lands a stiff jab that off balances Costa for a second. Body kick from Costa. Another Costa body kick, those are nasty. Lingo lands a right hand in close. Costa lands a couple of lefts. Stiff left from Costa lands. Lingo lands a left of his own but he’s getting broken down. Another left from Lingo lands. Costa lands a knee to the body in close. Lingo is bleeding from under the right eye. They trade lefts in close. Spinning back kick from Costa lands to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Costa, 20-17 Costa overall

ROUND THREE: Lingo gets on forward pressure right away. Costa tries a takedown, Lingo defends, then Costa lands a head kick. Right hand from Lingo then a left hook behind it. Costa lands an inside leg kick. They tie up, hit the mat then scramble up as Costa lands a knee. Costa lands a front kick to the body. Body kicks from Costa land again. Costa lands a left hand. Bit of a head kick from Costa then a body kick. Lingo lands a left hook, then Costa ties him up and gets a takedown. Lingo is able to scramble to his knees, then back up with Costa holding his back. Mat return from Costa then he gets the back with a body triangle. Costa grabs at the choke, he can’t quite find it yet though. Lingo is able to spin and break the body triangle but Costa scrambles with him and gets on top in full guard. Costa grabs a front headlock then moves to the back as they stand. They scramble again and Costa thinks about an anaconda choke but wont find it before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Costa, 30-26 Costa overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Melquizael Costa via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27 x2)

Darn good outing from Costa, no interview though.

Viktoriia Dudakova is undefeated coming into her UFC debut but she’s been out of action for nearly a year since winning her contract on the Contender Series. Dudakova is hoping to make good on her only chance at a first impression to the UFC audience. Istela Nunes has gone 0-3 in the UFC and is almost certainly in win or go home territory here as she hasn’t had a win since 2018. The odds are firmly with Dudakova at -195 while a Nunes win would payout at +165.

Strawweight Bout: Viktoriia Dudakova (6-0, 116 lbs.) vs. Istela Nunes (6-4 1 NC, 115.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Dudakova has an inch of height and reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Both women show the jab, just range finding right now. They trade lefts. Bit of a left from Dudakova. They tie up, Dudakova tries an ankle pick, Nunes reaches to post and roll but the elbow of Nunes dislocates and that’ll prompt the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Viktoriia Dudakova via TKO, elbow injury, at :34 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Ms. Dudakova for her work this evening, and wishes Ms. Nunes a speedy recovery from that injury. Mic time for Dudakova and the translator, she opens with broken English and thanks her team for working with her through her surgery. She goes back to Russian to say she was hoping for a longer fight but was ready for the fight and is grateful for the first round finish even if it came in an unconventional way.

Tucker Lutz has gone 1-2 in the UFC but he’s on a two fight losing streak and needs to halt this particular skid while drawing his UFC record back to the .500 mark. Melsik Baghdasaryan has gone 2-1 in the UFC but he’s coming off a tough loss to Josh Culibao back in February, he’s hoping to avoid his first losing streak with another win here. This one is relatively close but Baghdasaryan is your -145 favorite while +125 on Lutz might make for a decent little value bet.

Featherweight Bout: Melsik Baghdasaryan (7-2, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Tucker Lutz (12-3, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Baghdasaryan is an inch taller while Lutz has two inches of reach advantage. Baghdasaryan comes out southpaw and looking to kick. Lutz is jabbing and circling. Bit of a high kick from Baghdasaryan. They trade lefts in close. Lutz lands a body kick of his own, then another one. Left hook from Lutz counters a body kick from Baghdasaryan. Front kick from Baghdasaryan. Lutz lands a body kick of his own. They trade kicks then Lutz forces a clinch and they hit the fence. Lutz hits a double leg and mounts the legs as Baghdasaryan sits against the fence. Baghdasaryan is trying to wall walk but he’s struggling as Lutz is controlling his legs. Eventually Baghdasaryan stands but Lutz easily gets him back down. They wrestle up in the clinch, and Lutz slips to the back. Baghdasaryan grabs the fence to avoid a mat return and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lutz but a close one

ROUND TWO: Both men land punches in close then Baghdasaryan lands a body kick. Lutz lands a body kick of his own. Lutz lands a right hand. Front kick from Baghdasaryan. Lutz lands a body kick. A left from Baghdasaryan hurts Lutz, but Lutz is able to avoid the follow up offense and they clinch. Baghdasaryan gets free without issue and Lutz is still trying to recover. They trade body shots. Lutz lands a leg kick then a right hook. Some jabs from Baghdasaryan land then he lands a punch to the groin of Lutz, and Baghdasaryan lands a partial head kick as the ref is calling the pause. Replay confirms the punch hit the groin of Lutz. Lutz doesn’t take long and we’re back after 30 seconds. Baghdasaryan is back to kicking. Both men land punches but Baghdasaryan is landing better at the moment. Lutz lands a body kick. Lutz tries a takedown but Baghdasaryan defends. Calf kick from Baghdasaryan. Bit of a left hand from Baghdasaryan. Lutz lands a right hook but he’s lost a lot of pop on his offense. Stiff jab from Baghdasaryan. Lutz lands a right hand then hits a double leg. Baghdasaryan tries to wall walk but Lutz keeps him on the mat as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Baghdasaryan, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Both men show the jab as the round starts. They get close, and Lutz takes an eye poke so we’ve got a time out. Replay confirms the eye poke, that was a pretty bad one. The doctor comes in to check on Lutz, he can continue I guess and Baghdasaryan gets a hard warning. Both men trade punches as they restart. Baghdasaryan with a couple of body kicks. Lutz lands a body shot then a right hand. Baghdasaryan lands a left hand. Left to the body then a right hook from Baghdasaryan. Lutz is able to force a clinch on the fence and he looks for a takedown. Lutz is able to collect the legs of Baghdasaryan, then he slips to the back for a ride. Baghdasaryan keeps grabbing the fence but Lutz pulls him to the mat and looks for hooks. They fight up into a clinch and Baghdasaryan lands an elbow. Lutz lands a knee. More knees go back and forth, then Lutz spins Baghdasaryan into the fence. Lutz drops for a takedown, he can’t find it but he keeps Baghdasaryan on the fence. They trade some body work then Baghdasaryan pushes free and lands a spinning back kick. More kicks from Baghdasaryan then a left hand and they clinch again. Elbows from Baghdasaryan land then a knee to the body. They break again. Another exchange of strikes in a clinch closes the round.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Melsik Baghdasaryan via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Mic time for Baghdasaryan, he thinks that was a good fight but feels he underestimated Lutz a bit. He thanks the UFC brass and would like to fight a striker next as he knows he’s still got a lot of growing to do. He talks us through some of the fight and knew he needed a pretty good rebound after the first round and getting controlled like that.

Terrance McKinney was violently knocked out by Ismael Bonfim back in January in one of the better knockouts all year, but he’s yet to have a losing streak in the UFC and he’s hoping to get back on the winning side of things here. Nazim Sadykhov is the first fighter on this entire card to enter the cage coming off of a win in the UFC, that’s got to be some kind of record to get this deep into a fight card before finding someone coming off of a UFC win. Anyway Sadykhov won in his UFC debut back in February and he’s looking to extend his overall eight fight winning streak here. Sadykhov is the -155 favorite to +135 on McKinney.

Lightweight Bout: Terrance McKinney (13-5, 156 lbs.) vs. Nazim Sadykhov (8-1, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while McKinney has four and a half inches of reach advantage. Both men open southpaw. McKinney looks to jab, and lands a left hand to counter a calf kick. They tie up and hit the fence, Sadykhov remains upright and they start jockeying for position. Some trips from McKinney, he’s got Sadykhov against the fence and then moves to the back with a body triangle. McKinney starts fishing for the choke but Sadykhov is hand fighting well enough thus far. Sadykhov spins into McKinney eventually and gets on top landing punches. They fight up and trade punches. Sadykhov lands a couple of lefts then McKinney clinches up again. That’s where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 McKinney

ROUND TWO: Sadykhov is pressuring forward right away. McKinney avoids an uppercut and tries a low takedown, Sadykhov looks to spin and get on top and is able to do so. Full mount for Sadykhov, he’s got the back and has one of McKinney’s arms trapped in a hammerlock position with his body, that means McKinney can’t hand fight and Sadykhov gets the choke and the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Nazim Sadykhov via Submission, rear naked choke, at 1:07 of Round 2

Mic time for Sadykhov, he’s been waiting for this and puts over McKinney but had to get the win back since McKinney had knocked out his team mate Matt Frevola. He talks us through the finish and puts over McKinney’s first round ability but was prepared to get things done in the second. Asked when he’d like to be back he wants to be on the Madison Square Garden card in November.

You can see the left arm of McKinney here, Sadykhov was able to catch it with his body/legs as he took the back and once it was pinned back there like that there was no way for McKinney to fight the choke.

Aljo was lovin' Nazim Sadykhov's submission win 👏 #UFCVegas77 pic.twitter.com/A2DcsdQEoL

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 16, 2023

Norma Dumont has gone 5-2 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak but since she normally fights at featherweight it’s a little unclear how much longer she’ll be around unless she can get to bantamweight since featherweight is probably dissolving now that Amanda Nunes has retired. Either way Dumont would like to get to three wins in a row here and possibly make an argument for being in the title picture at bantamweight. Chelsea Chandler is on a five fight winning streak including a successful UFC debut in October of last year, she’s trying to keep that momentum going and continue climbing the bantamweight ranks. The odds are with Dumont at -140 to +120 for Chandler.

Women’s Featherweight Bout: Chelsea Chandler (5-1, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Norma Dumont (9-2, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Chandler is an inch and a half taller with an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Chandler. Chandler stalks forward with some feints. Dumont circles and they trade some kicks. Dumont lands a couple of punches in close. Hard right from Dumont hurts Chandler, Dumont is all over her against the fence and Chandler ties up to stifle the offensive flurry. They trade then break the clinch. Dumont lands a body kick. Bit of a left from Chandler and they clinch again. Dumont with some knees. Chandler lands a knee but Dumont is able to spin her into the fence. More positional fighting but not much is happening. Hard knee from Dumont. Chandler tries a trip but winds up just pulling full guard. Bit of a left from Dumont. Chandler is trying to angle for an armbar but Dumont is covering her hips well enough thus far. The round ends with Dumont on top landing some short punches.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Dumont

ROUND TWO: Dumont lands a couple of punches to start the round. Chandler is still marching forward, but Dumont lands a hard body kick. Bit of a right from Dumont. Chandler lands a left hand. Hard inside calf kick from Dumont, then another one. Dumont lands a right hand. They punch into a clinch and hit the fence. Dumont pulls free and lands a left hand. Chandler keeps marching forward but she’s walking into punches. Dumont lands a body shot. Hard one two from Dumont stuns Chandler. Another one two from Dumont then a body kick. Takedown from Dumont and she’s on top in guard. Chandler is able to get full guard and looks to angle her hips again. Dumont with some body to head punches as she scoots them to the fence and stuffs Chandler against it. More short punches from Dumont as she looks to posture up. Chandler works her guard higher and might have a triangle position sort of, yeah it’s not really there and Dumont just punches through the attempt. Short elbows from Dumont. Chandler tries to kick her off but Dumont spins to the ride position. Some elbows to the kidney from Dumont as Chandler wall walks but they’re still clinched. A few punches from Chandler, she’s game if nothing else, and the round ends in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Dumont, might be a 10-8 argument in there, 20-18 Dumont overall

ROUND THREE: Chandler tries to bull forward again, but gets punched and then Dumont gets a clinch. Body lock takedown from Chandler but Dumont wall walks right away. There’s sort of a standing arm triangle from Chandler going on, Dumont is able to defend though. Elbow from Chandler as they break. Both women land punches. Dumont lands a body kick. They clinch, and Dumont hits a takedown into side control. Chandler is rolling to her knees so Dumont moves to a ride position and lands punches. Kneebar attempt from Chandler but Dumont gets free and lands punches from the back. Dumont lands some more punches as she moves towards leg drag. Chandler keeps trying to find a leg but Dumont is defending and landing punches. Dumont keeps smothering and landing punches and short elbows to Chandler as Chandler tries to roll on bottom. Arm triangle attempt from Dumont but that’s blocked and Dumont resumes working from half guard. Chandler tries to throw up an armbar but Dumont gets free and then postures through a triangle choke attempt. The round ends with Dumont landing some body to head punches.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Norma Dumont via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Mic time for Dumont and the translator, she puts over some sponsors then says that you shouldn’t trash talk a Brazilian or else this kind of thing will happen. Asked about the title picture she feels that given all the work she’s put in during her UFC run she says the division isn’t vacant and wants to be the face of the division. I’m not sure if she’s referencing bantamweight or featherweight, but if she means the latter I imagine she’s about to be disappointed.

Albert Duraev has gone 2-1 in the UFC but he’s coming off of a win and is trying to get his first UFC winning streak up and running tonight. Jun Yong Park has gone 6-2 in the UFC and is on a three fight winning streak, if he can get that to four in a row here it will likely earn him a step up in class for his next fight. Park closed at -150 to +130 on Duraev.

Middleweight Bout: Albert Duraev (16-4, 185 lbs.) vs. Jun Yong Park (16-5, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Duraev is an inch taller with two inches of reach advantage. Both men probe with the lead hand, then Duraev lands a calf kick. Park looks to establish his jab as they just try to get a feel for each other. Duraev lands a left hook. A left to the body from Duraev now, then a calf kick. Park keeps moving forward though and lands a calf kick of his own. More jabs from Park, he’s got Duraev’s nose bleeding already. Park lands a calf kick then some jabs. Duraev lands a left hand. Park checks a calf kick. Duraev might have rattled Park with a right hand, but Park settles himself and lands a calf kick. Left hook from Duraev. Hard right from Duraev, Park just eats it. Park lands a few more jabs. Duraev is swinging heavy, he might be wearing himself out early. Calf kick from Park. That jab from Park is just disrupting Duraev at almost every turn. Park catches a kick and forces a clinch on the fence, he jumps for a guillotine choke but the arm is in. They sag to the mat, Duraev is trying to pass, the choke is pretty tight but there’s short time left and Duraev will see out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Duraev

ROUND TWO: Park resumes jabbing and circling. Duraev seems to be recovered but he put out a lot of energy in that first round. Park lands another jab. Duraev tries a double leg, he gets Park down but Park immediately starts his wall walk. Duraev is fighting to keep Park down and lands a few punches but Park just wont stop moving and he gets upright and they break. Right to the body from Duraev. Park jabs a few more times, but he needs to start building on that weapon. Hard right from Duraev but it’s one and done. Park lands a one two then an uppercut. Bit of a right from Park as he’s backing Duraev into the fence. Duraev lands a right hand but he’s lost a lot of steam on those. Park lands a series of punches, he’s digging to the body now then drops Duraev with a left hand. Park on top in the ride position, he lands punches then gets the back and grabs at the choke. Duraev blocks the choke but Park has him flattened out and lands punches, then grabs the choke again but Duraev wont tap. Park has to bail on the choke and land punches then grab the choke again. Duraev’s hand fighting is quite impressive considering how beaten up he is. Park lands some more punches, tries the choke again and this time he’s able to get the angle just right and Duraev has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jun Yong Park via Submission, rear naked choke, at 4:45 of Round 2

Mic time for Park and the translator, he expected a hard fight but this went about as expected. He knew he had to have his takedown defense on point for this one. Asked what he’d like next he says he’s just a UFC employee and will fight whoever they want.

You only see the end of the choke here, but if you can get the other guy flattened out and leverage your weight down to help the choke it’ll compress things faster. This does include Park’s victory dance though.

A victory dance for Jun Yong Park after his FOURTH straight W 🕺 #UFCVegas77 pic.twitter.com/2nRWsWaPHa

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 16, 2023

Ottman Azaitar is coming off of his first professional loss when Matt Frevola knocked him out in November of last year, he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak and get back on the winning side of things. Francisco Prado suffered his first professional loss in his UFC debut his last time out, but he’s back in action here and trying to secure that all important first UFC win. We’ve got a close one here, in fact dead even as it closed at a -110 pick ’em.

Lightweight Bout: Ottman Azaitar (13-1, 156 lbs.) vs. Francisco Prado (11-1, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Prado is two inches taller while Azaitar has two inches of reach advantage, Azaitar is also 12 years older. Forward pressure from Prado right away. Prado lands a calf kick. Takedown attempt from Prado, but Azaitar is able to defend against the fence and break away. Calf kick from Prado. Prado checks a calf kick, that one hurt me watching and now Azaitar is bleeding from his right shin. Calf kick from Prado. Azaitar blocks a head kick then lands a right to the body. Right elbow from Prado, that was very well timed. They clinch up and Azaitar lands an uppercut before they break. Calf kick from Prado, but Azaitar lands a counter right. Azaitar lands an uppercut then avoids a takedown attempt. Bit of a right from Prado gets Azaitar to back off. Prado lands a body kick but Azaitar catches it and lands an elbow. Spinning elbow from Prado partially lands. Some body jabs from Prado land. Azaitar lands a body shot. Calf kick from Prado, Azaitar counters with a left to the body. Bit of a right from Prado, then he lands a spinning elbow and that drops Azaitar. Prado on top, Azaitar is bleeding from around the left eye, and Prado unloads with punches and hammer fists until the ref stops things. Azaitar is not pleased with the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Francisco Prado via TKO, elbow and punches, at 4:05 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Prado for his work this evening. Mic time for Prado, he gives love to Argentina and then says that his next fight should be in December. The translator comes over and Prado talks us through the finish then says he’d like a post fight bonus. Asked about the finish he actually thinks the stoppage was a little late rather than possibly early.

Jack Della Maddalena was supposed to fight at UFC 290 last week but first Sean Brady fell out then his replacement was found to have a serious brain condition and that fell apart too, leading to him sticking around Vegas and getting this fight here. Della Maddalena has gone 4-0 in the UFC and is on an overall 14 fight winning streak which has seen a ton of hype generate around him, he’s trying to keep that momentum here and defend his ranking while also proving he’s ready for a step up in class. Bassil Hafez took this on relatively short notice but has won his last two fights and has a chance to seriously shake up the MMA world with a win here. Della Maddalena is the biggest favorite on the card at -625 to +440 for Hafez.

Welterweight Bout: Bassil Hafez (8-3-1, 171 lbs.) vs. #14 Jack Della Maddalena (14-2, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Della Maddalena has an inch of reach advantage. Hafez immediately tries a double leg, he gets Della Maddalena down but Della Maddalena grabs a guillotine to help set up a wall walk. Hafez has moved to side control and is trying to keep Della Maddalena on the mat. Della Maddalena adjusts his grip on the guillotine and wall walks then hits a hip throw but Hafez stays on his back. Again Della Maddalena bounces up and works in the clinch. Hafez is on the back in the clinch but Della Maddalena spins into him and lands some body shots before avoiding an elbow as they break. Della Maddalena fires a jab then a high kick. They get close and trade punches, Hafez with a takedown but again Della Maddalena threatens a guillotine, Hafez spins around into side control though. Della Maddalena scrambles up and they reset at distance. Both men show some stance switching as Della Maddalena backs Havez into the fence. Combination from Della Maddalena lands. Hafez tries another takedown, this one stalls on the fence though. Della Maddalena lands a knee then they break. Hafez misses some punches. Della Maddalena lands a left to the head then body, his combination work is smooth. Hafez tries another takedown, Della Maddalena threatens a guillotine again but Hafez gets on top in half guard on the safe side. Arm triangle attack from Hafez but there’s no time for that to develop.

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

ROUND TWO: Della Maddalena gets back on pressure right away. Hafez hits a double leg but Della Maddalena spins to his back and lands punches before they break. They both land in close. Della Maddalena defends a takedown and lands a left body shot. Both men land in close, they’re just trading punches but Della Maddalena is taking them better and seems to land a little better. Della Maddalena avoids a few punches. Some body shots from Della Maddalena. Hafez tries a takedown, Della Maddalena defends against the fence. They break without incident. Some lefts from Della Maddalena land, then he avoids a takedown and lands a couple of knees. Hafez is fading a bit and Della Maddalena is pressuring him backwards and landing punches. Body shots from Della Maddalena then a left hand. Hard left to the body from Della Maddalena, that hurt and he’s unloading on Hafez. Hafez fires back with a few punches but he’s fading. Della Maddalena sprawls away from a takedown, then tries another guillotine but Hafez is able to scramble around to the half guard and stifle the offense. Hafez is looking to mount but Della Maddalena is blocking him. Hafez moves to side control, Della Maddalena shrimps to half guard. The round ends with Hafez still on top.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Della Maddalena, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Della Maddalena resumes pressuring Hafez back. Bit of a right from Della Maddalena. Right hook from Della Maddalena then a left hand. Hafez tries a takedown but Della Maddalena defends and jabs him. Bit of a left from Hafez. Della Maddalena defends a single leg and they hit the fence. They break without incident. Della Maddalena lands a couple of rights then a left hand. Hafez tries a takedown, again things stall on the fence and Della Maddalena pushes free. Hard right hook from Della Maddalena wobbles Hafez, he follows with body shots against the fence as Hafez ties up. Della Maddalena backs up and lands a knee to the body. More punches from Della Maddalena and Hafez tries a single leg but can’t finish it. More pressure from Della Maddalena, he lands knees and punches in the clinch then a left hand. More punches from Della Maddalena, Hafez is dead tired and Della Maddalena just batters him against the fence. Hafez tries a takedown, Della Maddalena spins to the ride position and lands punches. Full back mount for Della Maddalena now and he starts fishing for the choke. Hafez spins around into Della Maddalena and winds up in his full guard. Della Maddalena looks for a switch, he thinks about an armbar but loses it and has to fight up to his feet. Hafez is holding a front headlock but Della Maddalena pulls free. Another clinch from Hafez, he’s just holding on hoping he won the first two rounds. Della Maddalena uses a kimura to sweep and get on top in north-south and that’s where the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Della Maddalena but a marginal one, 29-27 Della Maddalena overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jack Della Maddalena via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)

Giving Hafez the second feels wrong, so of course Sal D’Amato did. Mic time for Della Maddalena, he puts over Hafez and is happy to have had the full three rounds. He acknowledges the fight could have gone either way and mentions the judges don’t always make good decisions. He mentions knowing he had to push the pace and jokes about being ready to go again next week.

Holly Holm is a former bantamweight champion and has in general been near the top of the division for quite some time now. Holm is 3-1 in her last four fights only dropping a close split decision to Ketlen Vieira last year and coming into this fight on the back of a win over Yana Santos, with the title now vacant Holm is hoping to position herself in the title picture with a win here. Mayra Bueno Silva brings a three fight winning streak into this fight, she’s hoping to score the biggest win of her career while also making her own claim to being involved in the title picture as the UFC tries to figure out what to do with the vacant title. The odds are with Holm at -165 while a Bueno Silva win would payout at +140.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: #3 Holly Holm (15-6, 135.5 lbs.) vs. #10 Mayra Bueno Silva (10-2-1, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Holm is two inches taller with two and a half of reach advantage, Holm is also a full decade older. Southpaw for Holm. Bueno Silva sneaks forward, Holm with a bit of a blitz. Another blitz from Holm partially lands. Bueno Silva lands a couple of inside leg kicks, then avoids a high kick. Holm lands a couple of jabs then they clinch up and hit the fence. Some lefts from Holm in the clinch, then knees to the thigh. Some knees go back and forth but Holm has Bueno Silva kind of pinned on the fence and is landing better strikes. They break without incident. Bueno Silva comes forward and walks into a side kick. Blitz attack from Holm mostly lands. They trade lefts then clinch up and hit the fence again. Bueno Silva landed a couple of knees to the body but she’s stuck on the cage yet again. Holm lands some lefts to the body and head. Elbow from Holm lands as they break. Bit of a left from Holm. Bueno Silva lands a left hook in close. Left from Holm and they trade in close. Front kick from Holm then a body kick. Another body kick from Holm lands. Bueno Silva catches a side kick and lands a left hand. They trade elbows in close and tie up again. Some knees to the leg from Holm and they’ll end the round in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Holm

ROUND TWO: Holm lands a body kick. Bueno Silva lands a right hand but they clinch up and Holm pins her on the fence again. Bueno Silva grabs a standing ninja choke, Holm doesn’t respect it until it’s too late and Holm tries to get free but that grip is in and Holm has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mayra Bueno Silva via Submission, ninja choke, at :38 of Round 2

Mic time for Bueno Silva, she opens with Portuguese to say she was massively depressed recently and found people to help her get through it and hopes everyone else can reach out to those around them when they’re in dark places. She switches to English to say she deserves a title shot, and calls out Julianna Pena and warns that the belt is still a Brazilian belt and this is going to be for Brazil, her team, and her family. To close she puts over sponsors that she has to read off of a phone.

Well on that note UFC on ESPN 49 comes to a close. This wasn’t a great night on paper, and in practice it was still less than standard but it had a few bright spots. We’ll be unpacking all the fallout from this event tomorrow on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA podcast, plus look ahead to UFC on ESPN+ 82 when the UFC returns to London. That card also isn’t terribly compelling on paper but we’ll give it a preview, and I’ll be back here next week to cover it. I hope you’ll be back next week, but if not I understand, though we’ve got UFC 291 in two weeks and that’s a stellar card. Well either way until we meet again, stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.