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411’s UFC Fight Night Report: Cannonier Stops Rodrigues

February 15, 2025 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC on ESPN+ 109 Image Credit: UFC

MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)
#7 Jared Cannonier (185.5 lbs.) vs. Gregory Rodrigues (186 lbs.)
#10 Calvin Kattar (146 lbs.) vs. Youssef Zalal (146 lbs.)
Dylan Budka (186 lbs.) vs. Edmen Shahbazyan (185.5 lbs.)
Ismael Bonfim (156 lbs.) vs. Nazim Sadykhov (156 lbs.)
Andre Petroski (186 lbs.) vs. Rodolfo Vieira (185.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 4 p.m. ET)
Jose Delgado (146 lbs.) vs. Connor Matthews (146 lbs.)
#12 Angela Hill (115.5 lbs.) vs. Ketlen Souza (115.5 lbs.)
Jesus Aguilar (125.5 lbs.) vs. Rafael Estevam (126 lbs.)
Gabriel Bonfim (170.5 lbs.) vs. Khaos Williams (169.5 lbs.)
Vince Morales (136 lbs.) vs. Elijah Smith (135.5 lbs.)
#15 Don’Tale Mayes (266 lbs.) vs. Valter Walker (245 lbs.)
#12 Julia Avila (135.5 lbs.) vs. #13 Jacqueline Cavalcanti (134.5 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 109, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the event. The UFC is back in the old warehouse tonight but there are a few fights worth noting. The main event sees former title challenger Jared Cannonier trying to defend his spot against fan friendly Gregory Rodrigues. Both men are primarily strikers and have a penchant for violence so it’s got some potential. The co-main event is another cross roads affair as Calvin Kattar tries to halt his three fight losing streak against Youssef Zalal who hasn’t lost in a few years and has looked quite good since returning to the UFC. Beyond that both Bonfim brothers are fighting, Rodolfo Vieira is usually fun for anyone who likes grappling, and two flyweight prospects in Jesus Aguilar and Rafael Estevam battle it out. So while this is very clearly an Apex card there are some decent things on paper and hopefully the action will make it a fun affair.

UFC on ESPN+ 109 comes to the world from the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. John Gooden, Daniel Cormier, and Paul Felder will be calling the action. That’s a decent trio as Gooden and Felder usually reign in Cormier’s less professional habits. Keep in mind that the Apex has the smaller cage set up, and let’s hope for some tomahawk elbows to show up. On another logistical note, the “new” UFC gloves have been abandoned, everyone is using the “old” gloves going forward. Can’t wait for the string of less T/KO finishes to continue just to mess with everyone.

Julia Avial has gone 3-2 in the UFC but has just five fights since signing with the UFC back in 2019, most recently she fought a little over a year ago in a losing effort to Miesha Tate and now looks for her first win since 2021. Jacqueline Cavalcanti has gone 3-0 in the UFC but her last couple of wins have been split decisions, she’s hoping for a more definitive win here to propel her up the rankings. Cavalcanti is the biggest favorite on the card at a whopping -675 to Avila’s +490.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: #12 Julia Avila (9-3, 135.5 lbs.) vs. #13 Jacqueline Cavalcanti (8-1, 134.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Cavalcanti is an inch taller with two inches of reach advantage and is nine years younger. They touch gloves to get things going. Some early jabs from Cavalcanti then Avila lands a calf kick. Not much happening here, both women are probing with low kicks and a few feints. Bit of a one two from Cavalcanti. Both women avoid punches. Avila lands a calf kick. Cavalcanti lands a front kick. Bit of a calf kick from Cavalcanti. Right hand from Cavalcanti. Avila lands a calf kick but her punches are falling short thus far. Front kick from Cavalcanti. Avila partially checks a calf kick. Cavalcanti has been methodically backing Avila towards the fence but isn’t quite pulling the trigger yet. Right hand from Cavalcanti, then Avila lands one of her own. Cavalcanti with a calf kick then they both miss some punches. Cavalcanti lands to the body. Right hand then a body kick from Cavalcanti will basically close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cavalcanti

ROUND TWO: Cavalcanti lands a front kick to get the round going. Avila swings a right hand, partially lands. Cavalcanti with a right hand. A few leg kicks go back and forth then Cavalcanti lands another right. Again Cavalcanti lands a right hand. Calf kick from Cavalcanti then a right hook as Avila tries to bull forward. A bit of stance switching from Cavalcanti but she’s still mostly orthodox. They both miss rights. Cavalcanti lands a right hand. Right hand then a jab from Cavalcanti and a front kick. Body kick from Cavalcanti, she’s baiting strikes from Avila when Avila is out of range and then countering. Avila lands a calf kick but then a body kick is caught and Cavalcanti lands a right hand to drop her but Avila wrestles up on a single leg and gets Cavalcanti down into full guard. Someone is bleeding and I think it’s Avila. Avila is trying to land strikes but isn’t able to do much as Cavalcanti is keeping her tied up thus far. Cavalcanti scrambles up and free, yeah the blood is coming from Avila’s nose but there’s also a cut on her left eyebrow as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Cavalcanti lands a one two, she’s looking to get a finish if possible but isn’t going to lose composure. Avila lands a calf kick and tries to bull forward but Cavalcanti is still moving well and lands a counter left hook. Bit of a one two from Cavalcanti. Glancing left hook from Cavalcanti then a front kick. Cavalcanti lands a right hand. Avila lands a left to the body. Cavalcanti avoids a few hooks. They trade rights then Cavalcanti lands a left hook. Bit of a right from Cavalcanti. Cavalcanti just keeps popping Avila at the end of her range and is avoiding the counters pretty easily. Avila ties up into a clinch with 20 seconds left, they break and Cavalcanti lands a knee to the head as the round concludes.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jacqueline Cavalcanti via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Solid performance from Cavalcanti who gets an interview with the translator, she opens with English though and thanks everyone for their support. She wanted a finish but Avila was very tough. She talks about maintaining distance and wanting to start sitting down on her punches. To close she calls out anyone in the division ranked above her.

Avila gets an interview as well, she’s retiring and thanks God for the chance to be here and fight in the UFC.

Don’Tale Mayes has traded wins and losses while going 2-3 in his last five fights, he dropped a decision to Shamil Gaziev last year and now he’s trying to bounce back and avoid his first losing streak since 2020. Valter Walker has gone 1-1 in the UFC but he is coming off of a win and now looks to build his first UFC winning streak. The odds like Walker at -280 got a +225 comeback on Mayes.

Heavyweight Bout: #15 Don’Tale Mayes (11-7 1 NC, 266 lbs.) vs. Valter Walker (12-1, 245 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Mayes has two and a half inches of reach advantage, plus there’s about 20 pounds going to Mayes. Both men do a little feinting then Walker lands a calf kick. Walker tries a double leg, and he finishes it into half guard. A few punches to the body and head from Walker. Walker sits for a heel hook, that’s a choice but he’s able to get things against the fence so Mayes can’t roll and gets the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Valter Walker via Submission, heel hook, at 1:17 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Walker for his work. Mic time for Walker, he speaks some Portuguese and a little Russian before going to English and saying if Ciryl Gane could get Mayes with a leg lock then he knew he could. He talks about working his wrestling very hard and getting smashed in training so he’s ready for fights. Next he asks for a post fight bonus so his wife might not have to work as much. Asked about the future he will fight anyone and wants to fight every three months or so if possible, there’s only 30 heavyweights on the UFC roster so that strikes me as unlikely.

Vince Morales had a five fight winning streak snapped when he returned to the UFC last year on short notice and dropped a decision, but he’s hoping to get his first UFC win since 2021 with a successful outing tonight. Elijah Smith he brings a five fight winning streak into his UFC debut while trying to make the most of his only chance at making a first impression. Fairly close one here, -135 on Smith to +115 for Morales.

Bantamweight Bout: Vince Morales (16-8, 136 lbs.) vs. Elijah Smith (7-1, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Smith is two inches taller, has an inch of reach advantage, and is 12 years younger. A lot of pressure from Morales right away as he’s backing Smith towards the fence. A couple of punches to the body from Morales. Left uppercut from Smith lands. Smith lands a calf kick. Some stance switching from Smith, not much just a bit. Morales with a couple of rights then tries a body kick but it hits the groin and Smith is down in serious pain. Replay confirms the foot hit the groin, just bad timing as Smith was circling into it and Morales expected him to go the other way which would have resulted in an inside leg kick. Smith takes 2:50 then we’re back to fighting. Morales back on pressure and pokes out his jab. Smith shows a combination, he’s got smooth hands. Front kick from Morales. Calf kick from Smith. Morales keeps moving forward and takes a bit of an eye poke so we’ve got another time out. No question that fingers went into the eyes there. The doctor is in to double check on Morales but he can see and wants to continue so we’re back to fighting after just under a minute. They touch gloves on the restart. Morales keeps pressuring forward and lands an inside leg kick. One two from Morales then a left hook, Smith got stunned but ties up then separates after he’s recovered. Right hand from Morales but he’s bleeding from the nose after Smith connected in the prior exchange. Morales lands a right hand. Jab from Morales. They trade in close. Calf kicks from Smith connect. Jab from Morales. Smith has some hooks blocked. Smith hits a double leg with 10 seconds left, Morales wraps up his head looking for a reverse triangle as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Morales but a close one

ROUND TWO: Smith pretty quickly forces a clinch that hits the fence. Double leg from Smith but Morales rolls to his knees and Smith moves to the ride. Smith goes after the choke but only one hook is in so Morales breaks the grip but Smith wrestles around to stay on top. Morales is after a kimura grip, he’s trying to bridge off the fence as well and gets around to wrestle up on a single leg and hits it against the fence. Smith looks to wrestle up but Morales has a d’arce choke going and works to lock it up as they wrestle around. Morales really tries to compress things down and tightens the lock up. Smith is still fighting through this and gets on top briefly and finally gets his head out of danger. Morales works to wall walk and sweeps to start a scramble and they stand with Morales holding a d’arce position and landing knees then snapping Smith down. Morales now tries the Peruvian Necktie but Smith wriggles free and grabs a front headlock. Smith moves to the ride but Morales wrestles him around and gets to the ride himself. They wrestle up then back down and stand with Smith holding the back as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Morales gets back on pressure as the round starts. Bit of a right hand from Morales. Both men land jabs. They split more jabs and Morales lands a right to the body. Morales lands another jab. Smith has gone southpaw for a bit but nothing comes of it. Right hand from Morales then they clinch up. Knee from Morales as they jockey for position. Smith lands an uppercut then hits a double leg against the fence. Morales is bleeding from the bridge of the nose after that uppercut but he wall walks and separates. Smith lands a jab. Bit of a right from Morales. Smith lands a calf kick. One two from Smith who still has his hand speed advantage. Morales bulls forward and grabs a front headlock then snaps Smith down and starts working for a choke. Morales is trying for a Peruvian Necktie but Smith blocks it and stands into a clinch where Morales lands a bit of an elbow as they break. They split jabs but Smith is throwing more in combination now and lands a calf kick as well. Smith avoids a flurry of punches. Morales bulls into a clinch and hits a mat return but Smith is up and Morales gets a standing bulldog choke but Smith will hold on until the round ends. High drama right there.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Smith but that choke at the end might have stolen it, 29-28 Morales overall but I think I got the first round wrong so I expect Smith to get this one

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Elijah Smith via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Mic time for Smith, he got what he expected out of this fight and thanks his team for all of their work. He talks us through some highlights and knew he could just keep touching Morales and is glad to have showed his endurance overall as well.

Gabriel Bonfim has gone 3-1 in the UFC, most recently fighting in July of last year and now he’s trying to build another UFC winning streak as well as regain some of the hype he had when he debuted in the promotion. Khaos Williams stepped in on short notice for this fight but he’s on a two fight winning streak and prove he’s ready for a step up in class with a win. The odds like Bonfim at -205 while the comeback on Williams sits at +170.

Welterweight Bout: Gabriel Bonfim (16-1, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Khaos Williams (15-3, 169.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Bonfim is an inch taller while Williams has four and a half inches of reach advantage. Both men probe with the lead hand early and experiment with low kicks. Neither man is landing much, they’re still just looking for reads. Overhand right from Williams partially lands. Bit of a right to the body from Williams. Bonfim lands a calf kick. Another calf kick from Bonfim. Williams bulls forward with punches, Bonfim then hits a takedown but Williams works to wall walk right away. Mat return from Bonfim then he jumps to the back with both hooks in. Williams is able to scramble around and wrestle up into a clinch. They break without incident. Bonfim still showing jabs and calf kicks, that wrestling exchange might have slowed Williams a bit. Williams jabs the body. Bonfim with another calf kick. Williams lands a punch but gets taken down into side control as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bonfim

ROUND TWO: Williams is back on pressure and looping punches at Bonfim. Bonfim lands a jab. Another jab from Bonfim. Left hook from Bonfim, he’s starting to open up just a bit and is landing pretty reliably. Williams with a bit of a right hand. More jabs and calf kicks from Bonfim, he’s just chipping away and breaking down Williams. Bonfim with another calf kick. That jab from Bonfim is just landing consistently and every counter Williams throws is looping and short as his feet aren’t as educated as Bonfim’s. Another calf kick from Bonfim. Double jab then a right hand from Bonfim, he’s just fighting very well so far. Williams lands a left hand but Bonfim quickly gets a takedown into mount then transitions to a d’arce choke as they scramble. Bonfim looks to clamp down on the choke and puts Williams to sleep with short time left in the round.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gabriel Bonfim via Technical Submission, d’arce choke, at 4:58 of Round 2

Mic time for Bonfim and the translator, he gives glory to God first then says he worked hard on this kind of fight and is happy to have shown off all of his work. He talks us through the finish to close.

Rafael Estevam is undefeated including his UFC debut back in 2023, but he did miss weight for that fight and he’s looking for an overall cleaner win here to more firmly establish himself as a flyweight to watch. Jesus Aguilar has gone 3-1 in the UFC and is on a three fight winning streak, he’s hoping a win will get him a ranked opponent next. Estevam is a big favorite at -500 while a +380 payout on Aguilar might tempt a few bettors out there.

Flyweight Bout: Jesus Aguilar (11-2, 125.5 lbs.) vs. Rafael Estevam (12-0, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Estevam is four inches taller with a significant six and a half inches of reach advantage. Aguilar opens with a calf kick. Lunging left hook from Aguilar then they clinch up and hit the fence. They jockey for position for a bit then Estevam gets a takedown into full guard but quickly passes towards half guard. Aguilar tries for an omoplata sweep but Estevam gets his arm free and moves to the ride position. They wrestle up into another clinch and Estevam with an inside trip to land in guard again. This time Estevam moves to half guard pretty quickly and settles things there. Some short elbows and hammer fists from Estevam. Aguilar looks to start a wall walk, Estevam mounts the legs and lands some punches as they stand up. Aguilar grabs a guillotine choke as they go back down to the mat, he’s really after this one. Estevam is able to pull his head out and starts working from full guard. Some lefts from Estevam as he works to pass. Aguilar works to wall walk again but takes punches before getting there but Estevam is on his back and hits another mat return. Estevam to the back but can’t get hooks in and they scramble until he grabs a front headlock. That’s where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Estevam

ROUND TWO: Some quick action from both men, then Estevam tries a single leg but can’t quite finish it. Bit of a right hand from Aguilar but Estevam hits a takedown against the fence and lands some punches while mounting the legs. Some elbows from Estevam land. Aguilar works to wall walk but Estevam is keeping him seated against the fence. A few more punches from Estevam land, and he moves to the back as they stand then Estevam hits a mat return. Hammer fists from Estevam but Aguilar slips him off over the top and jumps for a guillotine but bails on it before they hit the mat to land a knee. Estevam tries another single leg and hits it to get into the ride again. Some punches from Estevam as he hooks a leg while Aguilar sits on the fence. Aguilar stands but gets mat returned and keeps eating punches while standing and then getting slammed back down. Estevam settles briefly into side control and moves towards the back as Aguilar wraps the head and ultimately shrimps to half guard. Arm triangle attack from Estevam, it’s pretty dangerous and he moves to mount with it but Aguilar is able to belly down and avoid the choke before the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Estevam avoids a few punches but then Aguilar defends a takedown. Both men show some kicks then Aguilar lands a calf kick. Some hooks from Aguilar then he clinches up. They break without incident. Aguilar shows more kicks, then Estevam pokes out a few front kicks. Estevam tries a double leg but Estevam defends. Double leg from Estevam but Aguilar sprawls on him and threatens a front choke as they stand and break. Body jabs from Aguilar then a few punches against the fence. Estevam might be fading, he tries another takedown but Aguilar defends and swings punches. They trade a bit but Aguilar is swinging hard while Estevam seems to still being recovering. Front kick from Estevam then a right hand. Estevam bulls in close and fires a few punches. Aguilar misses a left hook. Calf kick from Aguilar then they clinch briefly. Estevam lands a few jabs then they trade and Aguilar briefly gets a takedown but nothing comes of it. Single leg from Estevam but Aguilar defends and tries for the back but slips off and Estevam gets on top in full guard. Estevam into the ride position then has the back as they stand. Aguilar fights to break the grip but Estevam has him tight and they’ll end the round swinging in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Aguilar, 29-28 Estevam overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Rafael Estevam via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

No interview for the winner.

Angela Hill has been with the UFC for a while now, she’s gone 4-2 in her last six fights and despite being a little long in the tooth she’s trying to avoid her first losing streak since 2022. Ketlen Souza has gone 2-1 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak, a win here would be the highest profile of her career and could set her up nicely for a big 2025. The odds closed at a -110 pick ’em.

Strawweight Bout: #12 Angela Hill (17-14, 115.5 lbs.) vs. Ketlen Souza (15-4, 115.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Hill has an inch and a half of reach advantage and is a full decade older. Hill moves forward early and looks to jab. Souza jabs the body then lands a calf kick. A couple of knees from Hill as they clinch up. Some knees go back and forth as Hill has Souza on the fence. Elbow from Hill as they break. Souza lands a leg kick. One two from Souza lands. Left hook from Hill. Both women land punches in close. Bit of a right from Souza. Souza lands a left hook in close. They clinch up and Hill pushes Souza into the fence then lands a few knees. Souza spins free. They trade punches in close. Takedown from Hill into half guard. Hill moves to sort of a front headlock and knees the body a few times. Hill is just riding here and sneaks in a few punches before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Hill

ROUND TWO: A few low kicks go back and forth. They trade rights, Souza is starting to land her jab in close. Both women land punches then Souza avoids a takedown. Right hand from Hill. Souza keeps moving forward and blocks a takedown then lands a knee. They trade punches in close then Hill lands a front kick. Bit of a one two from Souza. Souza with a knee after blocking another takedown. Hill lands a left hook then partially blocks a high kick. Souza lands a spinning back kick. Knees are traded in close. Souza just wont stop coming forward and is looking to wear down Hill. Left to the body from Souza. They trade rights. Calf kick from Souza. Souza lands a left hand. Calf kick from Souza then a bit of a wheel kick. Hill forces a clinch but can’t do anything with it. Right hand from Souza in close. Lunging left hook from Souza after she avoided a right hand. They clinch and Hill lands a knee but Souza gets free then lands a right hand. Left hand from Souza. Hill is bleeding from the bridge of the nose, and they trade knees in close to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Souza, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Side kick from Souza then a body kick and Hill ties up then forces a takedown against the fence. Not much going on here. Souza is able to kick Hill off and stand, they clinch again and Souza hits the body then Hill fires a high kick as they break. More pressure from Souza including a front kick. Leg kick from Hill but Souza lands a right hand. Some leg kicks go back and forth then Souza lands a jab. A lot of southpaw play from Souza now. Right hand from Souza, then another one. Souza with an uppercut then a front kick. Hill misses a few kicks. Jab from Souza. Short left hook from Souza then a body shot as well. Hill has some punches blocked. Jab from Hill then she tries a single leg, Souza defends though and blocks a kick as they separate. Jab from Souza. Souza circles well and they trade punches in close. A short left from Souza. Hill lands a front kick but gets swept down but Souza doesn’t want to grapple. They both swing punches then try jumping knees to close the round.

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

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

The third round was close enough, and frankly Hill is overdue getting the nod in a split decision even if I’m not sure I agree here.

No interview for the winner.

Jose Delgado brings a five fight winning streak into his UFC debut as well as a 100% finish rate in his wins, he’ll be looking to keep that streak intact as well as announce himself with a memorable performance. Connor Matthews dropped his UFC debut almost a year ago but now he’s back and looking for that all important first UFC win. Delgado is a pretty heavy favorite at -500 to +380 for Matthews.

Featherweight Bout: Jose Delgado (8-1, 146 lbs.) vs. Connor Matthews (7-2, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Delgado is three inches taller with two inches of reach advantage. Both men do a lot of stance switching as they move around. Delgado shows a few low kicks. They tie up and Matthews hits a mat return into the ride position. Delgado wall walks but Matthews with another mat return. Delgado scrambles around and they separate. They both block high kicks. Spinning back fist from Delgado stuns Matthews for a second but he stays upright. One two from Delgado then a body kick. Left hand from Delgado. There’s a cut around the right eyebrow of Matthews, I think from that spinning back fist. A clubbing right from Delgado drops Matthews and he gets on top in full mount. Matthews gives up the back and a few more lefts from Delgado put Matthews out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jose Delgado via KO, punches, at 2:58 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Delgado for his work. Mic time for Delgado, he talks about working hard for this moment and today he made his dream real. He admits to having started a little slow but once he got going he felt good. Asked about the future he wants the belt eventually but wont make a call out until he’s ranked.

Rodolfo Vieira is one of the best jiu-jitsu black belts of his era and has gone 5-2 in the UFC, he’s riding a two fight winning streak coming into this fight and if he can get to three in a row he might be staring down some ranked competition next. Andre Petroski has gone 2-2 in his last four fights but he’s on a two fight winning streak and looking to begin making his own way towards ranked opponents. The odds like Vieira at -270 to +220 on Petroski.

Middleweight Bout: Andre Petroski (12-3, 186 lbs.) vs. Rodolfo Vieira (10-2, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two have the same height and reach measurements. Southpaw for Petroski. Both men show some low kicks and jabs, nothing is really landing yet. Vieira lands a front kick. A bit of stance switching from Petroski. Vieira lands a right hand and tries a single leg but Petroski defends. Both men block kicks. Inside leg kick from Vieira. Double leg from Vieira but Petroski is able to defend and reset then hit the body. Petroski is starting to throw more punches now. Vieira punches in close but Petroski shoves away from the clinch. Petroski misses a few punches. Vieira avoids a few low kicks. Vieira tries a takedown, settles for a clinch on the fence then slips to the back. Petroski is able to spin free of the clinch. Petroski jabs the body. Vieira with an inside leg kick. A bit of a combination from Vieira. Petroski tries a takedown but Vieira immediately scrambles free before Petroski can get any kind of control A Vieira front kick closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Petroski but a close one

ROUND TWO: Calf kick from Petroski. Vieira is pushing forward and can get Petroski to the fence regularly, he tries a single leg but Petroski defends. Both men land some punches then Vieira tries a takedown but Petroski is able to defend. A few body blows from Petroski. Bit of a right form Vieira then he jabs the body as well. Vieira with an inside leg kick. Another body jab from Vieira. Again Vieira jabs the body. Vieira tries a double leg and gets to the back as Petroski stands. A couple of punches from Vieira land as he bails on the position. Petroski lands a calf kick which Vieira returns. Another body jab from Vieira then a couple of shots up top to follow it up. Petroski is biting on the body now, so the left hook should be coming. Jab from Vieira. Vieira with an inside leg kick then a one two. Stiff jab from Vieira lands. Petroski with a calf kick. Both men avoid punches. Body kick from Vieira but Petroski lands a jab. Vieira defends a body kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Vieira, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Vieira back to forward pressure. One two from Vieira. Single leg from Vieira but Petroski defends. Bit of a one two from Vieira. Petroski lands a calf kick. Another calf kick from Petroski. Vieira tries a double leg, he gets Petroski to his seat against the fence and mounts the legs but Petroski wall walks with Vieira on his back. A few knees to the leg from Vieira then a right hand as they break. Jab from Vieira. Both men are showing lead hand work now. Vieira lands a leg kick then a jab. Another Vieira jab, another Petroski calf kick. Vieira tries a single leg but Petroski defends. One two from Vieira. Bit of a body kick from Petroski. Vieira with another one two. Petroski with a one two of his own. 30 seconds left. Vieira tries a single leg but Petroski defends then they trade punches. Single leg from Petroski but Vieira defends as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Andre Petroski via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Well that mostly sucked but Petroski gets an interview anyway. He thinks he won fair and square and puts over his team. To close he wants Bo Nickal. That fight would also suck, but most of Petroski’s do.

Ismael Bonfim has gone 2-1 in the UFC but did get a win in his last fight and now looks for his first UFC winning streak. Nazim Sadykhov has gone 2-0-1 in the UFC and he is coming off of that draw, he had two fights fall out last year and now finally makes his return looking for a high quality win. Bonfim closed at -220 while +180 on Sadykhov might be a decent little value bet.

Lightweight Bout: Ismael Bonfim (20-4, 156 lbs.) vs. Nazim Sadykhov (9-1-1, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Sadykhov is two inches taller while Bonfim has two and a half inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Sadykhov. Both men block a few early punches. A few kicks are shown but nothing really lands yet. Calf kick from Bonfim. Bit of a left from Sadykhov. Bonfim misses a right hand but his punches look sharp. One two from Bonfim. Right hook from Sadykhov. Both men club in punches. Calf kick from Bonfim again. Right hand from Bonfim, he’s timing Sadykhov’s entries at this point. Right hook from Sadykhov. Bonfim tries to blitz but falls a little short. Body kick from Bonfim. Head kick from Sadykhov wobbles Bonfim, he pressures forward and lands an uppercut and Bonfim is staggering while backing up. Sadykhov lands punches but they clinch up on the fence. A few knees from Sadykhov land to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Sadykhov

ROUND TWO: There’s a cut under Bonfim’s right eye from that head kick and his right eye is struggling. The doctor checks between rounds and Bonfim says he can’t see and the fight is over.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Nazim Sadykhov via TKO, doctor stoppage, at 5:00 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Sadykhov for his work. There might have been some translation issues there but Bonfim’s right eye is a little messed up. Mic time for Sadykhov, he gives glory to God and talks us through a habit he saw in Bonfim to open up the head kick. He says the fight was just getting going and wants more, he’s willing to fight any lightweight going forward. He says he wants more fights and would like a five rounder.

Edmen Shahbazyan has had an odd UFC career, he had a ton of hype back in 2019 then went on a three fight losing streak that just destroyed all of it. Now he’s gone 2-2 in his last four and he’s trying to avoid another losing streak. Dylan Budka has gone 0-2 in the UFC and really needs a win to justify his spot on the roster. The odds are solidly with Shahbazyan at -455 to +350 on Budka.

Middleweight Bout: Dylan Budka (7-4, 186 lbs.) vs. Edmen Shahbazyan (13-5, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Shahbazyan is two and a half inches taller while Budka has an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Both men miss a few punches, Budka is starting to show stance switches. A few jabs go back and forth. Bit of a body kick from Shahbazyan. Another body kick from Shahbazyan. Hard counter right from Shahbazyan staggers and drops Budka, then a few follow up blows will end things.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Edmen Shahbazyan via TKO, punches, at 1:35 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Shahbazyan for his work. Mic time for Shahbazyan he gives glory to God first and then puts over his coaches. He talks about trying to be more calculated going forward.

Calvin Kattar is still a top featherweight but is on a three fight losing streak, this is somewhat mitigated by one of those being a split decision he probably should have won, another being a freak knee injury, and most recently dropping a decision to Aljamain Sterling. All of that means that Katter is now in a position where he has to win to defend his ranking and prove he’s still one of the best in the world in the division. Youssef Zalal is on a six fight winning streak including being 3-0 since returning to the UFC last year, he’s getting a step up in class here but a win would easily be the biggest of his career. It’s not too surprising to see Zalal as a favorite, but at a whopping -484 you have to imagine that +370 on Kattar is viewed as tremendous value given Kattar’s overall track record relative to Zalal’s.

Featherweight Bout: #10 Calvin Kattar (23-8, 146 lbs.) vs. Youssef Zalal (16-5-1, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Kattar is an inch taller but the reach is identical, Zalal is also eight years younger. Both men probe with the jab to start and show some calf kicks. Zalal showing a few stance switches but seems mostly comfortable in orthodox. A few more probing strikes from Zalal, jabs and low kicks mostly. Kattar just seems a little hesitant to pull the trigger right now. Zalal tries a few foot sweeps, mostly just keeping Kattar off balance. Front kick from Kattar. Zalal with a few jabs. Kattar lands a jab to counter a calf kick. They split a few more jabs but Zalal is just a little busier. One two from Zalal. Kattar is showing a few stance switches but he’s also mostly orthodox. Right to the body from Zalal. A lot of circling from Zalal at the moment. Bit of a knee from Zalal. They split jabs again. Glancing right from Kattar, now he’s beginning to open up a bit. Zalal avoids a few punches to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Zalal

ROUND TWO: Jab from Zalal then he tries a takedown but Kattar defends that. Both men doing some feinting then Kattar avoids a single leg attempt. Zalal lands a jab. Calf kick from Zalal. Zalal is able to land some jabs out of both stances. Another jab from Zalal. Body kick from Zalal. Kattar just can’t find offense. Jab from Zalal then he tries a takedown but Kattar defends again. Zalal lands a left hand then a body kick. They trade some jabs. One two from Zalal. Kattar just can’t get his offense going. Zalal tries a takedown, Kattar defends and partially lands a right hand. Zalal avoids a few punches to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: A lot of circling from Zalal again. Bit of a right hand from Zalal. Kattar is looking to be a bit more aggressive this round at least. They both miss punches but Kattar is looking to flurry now. Single leg from Zalal but Kattar bounces up and keeps moving forward. Jab from Zalal. Some more jabs from Zalal but he’s playing a lot of defense on his lead this round. Some jabs from Zalal again. Kattar misses a right hand but lands a left elbow in close. Zalal avoids a punch. Kattar lands a left hand. Inside leg kick from Kattar. Zalal lands an inside leg kick. Oh that elbow from Kattar missed as we see on replay. Left hand from Kattar. Zalal lands a couple more jabs to try and settle things down. A right hand from Kattar bothers Zalal for a second or so. Zalal avoids a few punches, his movement is quite good. Kattar keeps pressuring forward but he’s struggling to land consistently. They tie up and Kattar lands an elbow but misses a head kick. A bit of a right hand from Katter closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kattar, 29-28 Zalal overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Youssef Zalal via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

While that third round was almost comical from Zalal he fought very well in the first two. Mic time for Zalal and he plays with the crowd who is mostly booing him, then feels the performance was only OK. He still wants to be a world champion. He says this is a young mans sport and Kattar is a legend. Asked about the future he would like to fight Brian Ortega but will fight anyone.

Jared Cannonier has retained a top ranking but he’s 2-3 in his last five fights and is on a two fight losing streak, he needs to avoid a third loss here if he wants to remain highly ranked and avoid transitioning to being a gate keeper just yet. Gregory Rodrigues has gone 7-2 in the UFC and is currently on a three fight winning streak, he’s taking a step up in class to take on a ranked opponent but a win would be the biggest of his career and would set him up nicely to start moving towards the general title picture as the year goes on. The odds like Rodrigues at -240 while that +195 comeback on Cannonier has to be a decently tempting value bet.

Middleweight Bout: #7 Jared Cannonier (17-8, 185.5 lbs.) vs. Gregory Rodrigues (16-5, 186 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rodrigues is four inches taller while Cannonier has two and a half inches of reach advantage, Rodrigues is also eight years younger. They touch gloves to get things going. Cannonier probes with some leg kicks. Body kicks from Rodrigues then a right hand. Cannonier is backing up now. Rodrigues with a bit of a left hand. Cannonier lands a right hand. Glancing right hand from Rodrigues. Bit of an uppercut from Rodrigues then he drops Cannonier with a right hand, Cannonier fights up into a clinch though. They fight for position then break and miss punches. They’re both starting to open up now. Rodrigues is walking Cannonier down. Cannonier with some body punches to try and shift the momentum. Left to the body from Rodrigues. Single leg from Rodrigues then they bounce up and hit the fence. They break without incident. Bit of a right from Rodrigues. Right hand then a left hook from Rodrigues. Rodrigues with another right hand, he’s all over Cannonier now and lands body shots then a right hand out of a collar tie. Bit of a right from Cannonier. Counter right from Rodrigues off balances Cannonier, Rodrigues gets on top and moves towards the back as they stand but Cannonier gets chest to chest looking for a single leg. Cannonier switches to a double leg and gets Rodrigues down but he bounces up into a clinch. They’ll close the round in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rodrigues

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Cannonier looks to get his jab going early. Rodrigues avoids a few punches. Calf kick from Cannonier. They trade rights. Cannonier jabs the body. Bit of a jab from Rodrigues. They clinch up and Cannonier lands a punch as they break. Bit of a body shot from Rodrigues. Jab from Rodrigues starts to land. Cannonier lands a calf kick. Rodrigues avoids a few punches then Cannonier lands a jab. Left hand from Rodrigues. Stiff right from Cannonier. They both miss rights. Calf kick from Cannonier. Left to the body from Rodrigues then a calf kick of his own. They split some jabs then Rodrigues lands a left hook. There’s blood coming from under the right eye of Rodrigues. Inside leg kick from Cannonier but Rodrigues lands a right hand. Cannonier has gone southpaw now, he gets off balanced but bounces up as Rodrigues grabs a clinch. They trade body shots in the clinch then break. Left hook from Rodrigues partially lands. Another tie up and they trade in close then Rodrigues lands a body kick as they break. A calf kick from Rodrigues closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cannonier, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again. Cannonier is looking to keep the pressure and pace high. Bit of a left hook from Rodrigues. Again Cannonier is starting to show stance switches and lands an inside leg kick. Body kick from Rodrigues. Rodrigues lands a right hand. A few jabs from Rodrigues then they trade punches. Rodrigues hits the body a few times then avoids a couple of hooks. Cannonier blocks a body kick. They send jabs back and forth for a bit before trading rights. Right to the body from Rodrigues. Cannonier keeps his jab active but Rodrigues lands a one two. There’s a cut under the left eye of Rodrigues now but he lands a right hand anyway. Both men land punches in close then Rodrigues lands another right and has Cannonier backed up. Cannonier lands a left hook after a takedown attempt but Rodrigues cracks him with a right hand in return. Some jabs from Rodrigues land. Knee from Rodrigues in close then an elbow and Cannonier is backing up. They trade let hooks. A right hand from Rodrigues stuns Cannonier for a second then he hits the body as well. Cannonier fights off a single leg attempt. Bit of a right from Rodrigues then Cannonier drops him with an elbow in close, he gets on top and looks to flurry but the round ends.

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

ROUND FOUR: Cannonier gets back on pressure and swings punches, Rodrigues gets cracked with a couple of rights and drops which prompts the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jared Cannonier via TKO, punches, at :21 of Round 4

Well that was a fun little fight. Mic time for Cannonier and he admits to getting dropped and puts over Rodrigues for hitting hard but he weathered the storm and just kept fighting. He puts over his team for their work and admits that while his experience in main events helped it was his team that put in the hard work. He talks us through the finish then puts over the team he works with and the fellow fighters in that camp including Jose Delgado who made his UFC debut earlier on this card.

On that note UFC on ESPN+ 109 comes to a close. Thank you for reading, be that live or after the fact. We’ll be unpacking all the fallout from this event on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast plus previewing UFC on ESPN+ 110 when the UFC returns to Seattle for the first time in a dogs age with a card headlined by Henry Cejudo and Song Yadong. I’ll be back for that event and I hope you will as well. Until next time thank you again for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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