411’s UFC Fight Night Report: Hernandez Batters Pereira

MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)
#13 Anthony Hernandez (185.5 lbs.) vs. #14 Michel Pereira (185.5 lbs.)
#10 Rob Font (135.5 lbs.) vs. #12 Kyler Phillips (135.5 lbs.)
Charles Johnson (126 lbs.) vs. Su Mudaerji (126 lbs.)
Jake Hadley (135.5 lbs.) vs. Cameron Smotherman (135.5 lbs.)
Darren Elkins (144.5 lbs.) vs. Daniel Pineda (145.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 4 p.m. ET)
#14 Asu Almabayev (125.5 lbs.) vs. #7 Matheus Nicolau (125.5 lbs.)
Brad Katona (135.5 lbs.) vs. Jean Matsumoto (135.5 lbs.)
Joselyne Edwards (139 lbs.)* vs. Tamires Vidal (135.5 lbs.)
Jessica Penne (115.5 lbs.) vs. Elise Reed (115 lbs.)
Alice Ardelean (115 lbs.) vs. Melissa Martinez (115.5 lbs.)
Robelis Despaigne (264 lbs.) vs. Austen Lane (251 lbs.)

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Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 103, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the event. We’re still in the warehouse for this one but there are a few fights here worth looking at. The main event is a darn good middleweight bout between two rising contenders Anthony Hernandez has looked like the real deal while Michel Pereira’s middleweight campaign has seen him look like a serious problem for the division. The co-main is pretty solid too with divisional warhorse Rob Font trying to stave off the rising contender Kyler Phillips. Both men have a history of entertaining fights behind them. Beyond that I’m personally interested in Asu Almabayev’s continued flyweight rise. We’ve also got a shorter card in terms of overall fights so hopefully we can get in and out relatively quickly.

UFC on ESPN+ 103 comes to the world from the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Brendan Fitzgerald, Paul Felder, and Dominick Cruz will be on the call for us. No new rules yet, but they’re coming in a few more weeks and I’ll be sure to let you know when they’re in play.

Austen Lane has gone 0-2 with 1 No Contest during his time in the UFC, even for heavyweight that’s pretty dismal and he really needs a win here. Robelis Despaigne has gone 1-1 in the UFC and most recently lost a pretty bad fight with Waldo Cortes-Acosta, now he’s trying to get back on the winning side of things. Despaigne is a heavy -375 favorite to +295 on Lane.

Heavyweight Bout: Robelis Despaigne (5-1, 264 lbs.) vs. Austen Lane (12-5 1 NC, 251 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Despaigne is an inch taller with four inches of reach advantage, he’s also 13 pounds heavier. Both men with a little bit of feinting to start, Despaigne generally stalking forward. Lane tries to probe with some kicks, then they clash on kicks and Despaigne gets pushed over and Lane jumps on top in half guard. Despaigne shrimps to full guard, that’s already more than he did in his last fight. Lane with some weak strikes from top position, he’s not able to mount much offense and Despaigne is just kind of holding on. They scoot towards the fence, Despaigne is able to wall walk then Lane tries a single leg. Despaigne is able to block the single leg but he’s stuck in the clinch still. Elbows from Despaigne as Lane tries to level change for a takedown. Lane is trying another takedown but Despaigne uses a front headlock to deter him, eventually Lane finishes the double leg though. Lane to half guard then attacks an arm triangle position. Despaigne is able to get his arm out of danger so Lane elbows the body a few times. The round ends with Lane still on top.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lane

ROUND TWO: Despaigne looks pretty tired as the round starts. Lane tries to bull forward with punches but Despaigne hits him with a couple of counter punches. Leg kick from Lane. Despaigne lands an inside leg kick, he’s gone southpaw now and lands that kick again. Lane blocks a high kick. Bit of a one two from Despaigne. They wait for a while then Despaigne lands a left hand. A fair bit of stance switching from Despaigne now. Lane punches into a takedown attempt on the fence. Despaigne is able to block the takedown but Lane is happy to have a clinch, though this time Despaigne is able to push free and reset. They split jabs. Inside leg kick from Despaigne. Lane walks into a couple of jabs. Looping right hand from Despaigne lands and Lane is backing up. Despaigne lands a leg kick. Lane tries a takedown, that hits the fence but eventually Lane finishes the takedown and gets to full mount with 20 seconds left in the round. Nothing will come of the position though before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Despaigne, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Both guys visibly slower by now. Bit of a body kick from Lane. Despaigne with a stiff jab. Lane lands a leg kick. Despaigne with a leg kick of his own. Lane tries a single leg that hits the fence. Knee from Despaigne, Lane is still trying to find level changes in the clinch but Despaigne lands some elbows to the head before Lane finishes the takedown into full guard. A few body punches from Lane. Despaigne is still pretty novice off of his back and Lane is happy to just keep him down. Lane passes to full mount with 20 seconds again. A few punches from Lane land as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Austen Lane via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Not a good fight but Lane gets an interview anyway. Lane feels great about getting the win, he then sends words to his son and promises that if you keep grinding and working you’ll find your dreams. This was the last fight on his contract and I’m not sure they’ll be offering him a new one.

Melissa Martinez dropped her UFC debut way back in 2022, now she’s finally back in action and looking for that all important first UFC win. Alice Ardelean lost her UFC debut back in July, she’s likewise trying to get her first UFC win. Despite the layoff the odds like Martinez at -140 to +120 for Ardelean.

Strawweight Bout: Alice Ardelean (9-6, 115 lbs.) vs. Melissa Martinez (7-1, 115.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ardelean is an inch taller while Martinez has four inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Martinez, Ardelean is stalking forward. Both women land a few jabs, Martinez is moving a lot and making Ardelean miss a fair bit. Left hand from Martinez. Leg kick from Ardelean. Martinez lands another left hand. They trade inside leg kicks. Ardelean keeps coming forward and lands a bit of a left but Martinez is moving a lot and still looking to snipe her on her way in. Right hand from Ardelean to counter a front kick. Side kick from Martinez. They trade strikes in close. They trade lefts but Ardelean landed a solid left hook in there. Martinez misses a left hand. Bit of a right hand from Ardelean. Martinez misses a left hand but fires a head kick that partially lands. Ardelean looks to up the pace now and they trade in close. Right hand from Ardelean. They trade one las time to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Martinez but a close one

ROUND TWO: Ardelean back to pressuring forward, she’s getting closer this round and is starting to land a bit to the body. Side kick to the face from Martinez then she avoids a clinch. Left hand from Martinez. Ardelean lands a left in close. Ardelean wit a right to the body. Bit of a left from Martinez then an inside leg kick. They trade inside leg kicks. Right hand from Ardelean. Martinez lands a right hook. Both women land punches in close, Martinez is starting to throw a little bit more volume now. Ardelean lands a leg kick. Body kick from Martinez then Ardelean lands a punch in response. Ardelean lands a couple of rights. Left hand from Martinez. Martinez lands another left hand then avoids a takedown. Ardelean lands a right hand. They trade leg kicks then Ardelean lands a jab. Right hand from Ardelean. Martinez lands an ax kick. They clinch up to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ardelean but again close, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Martinez lands a left hand to start the round. Ardelean with a few punches then a leg kick. Jab from Ardelean. Another combination then an inside leg kick from Ardelean. Bit of a side kick from Martinez. Both women miss lefts. Inside leg kick from Martinez but she eats a couple of counter punches. Left hand then a right hook from Martinez. They trade lefts in close. Ardelean with a couple of punches then grabs a body lock and pushes things to the fence. Elbow from Ardelean. Ardelean is cut around the right eyebrow, I assume from a clash of heads but I’m not sure. Martinez is able to frame off and spin free. Elbow from Martinez. Left from Martinez then a kick that went low so we’ve got a time out. Replay shows the kick was good, a front kick to the liver. That means the fight should be waved off, it was a clean kick but they do restart the action. Martinez lands a left hook. What a shame for Martinez, she had the finish by all rights. Martinez avoids a clinch. Ardelean avoids an ax kick. Some poor decision making from Martinez, I don’t think she went back to the body once after that restart, and she misses a few fancy kicks to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Martinez, 29-28 Martinez overall but could go either way

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Melissa Martinez via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

I’m surprised a little bit at 30-27, I kind of figured Ardelean might have gotten one or two. Mic time for Martinez, she’s happy to show off her work and get the win. Asked about the weirdness in the third round she did want to get the finish but she didn’t lose focus and kept working.

Jessica Penne has gone 2-5 in her last seven fights, is on a two fight losing streak and her last win was in 2021. At age 41 Penne is very likely fighting for her roster spot as her career should be winding down. Elise Reed has traded wins and losses while going 3-4 in the UFC, she’s coming off of a loss though and will be hoping that pattern holds long enough to avoid her first losing streak. Reed is favored to do just that at -205 while Penne’s +170 might tempt a few bettors out there.

Strawweight Bout: Jessica Penne (14-7, 115.5 lbs.) vs. Elise Reed (115 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Penne is two inches taller with four inches of reach advantage, she’s also a full decade older. A little bit of feinting from both women then they trade calf kicks. Reed lands another calf kick then avoids a counter punch. Penne with a leg kick then they clinch. Both women land knees then they break. Penne falls short with a few punches. Reed avoids a clinch and lands a left hook. Penne goes for a takedown, this one hits the fence and Penne starts landing some knees to the body. Reed avoids being dragged down then breaks and lands a body kick but Penne then takes her down and gets a clinch as they wrestle up against the fence. A few more knees from Penne but not much going on here. Reed avoids an outside reap but she’s not doing much to actually get out of the position. Penne keeps landing knees to the body. The ref does break them up with 36 seconds left in the round. They trade power hand punches. Both women block kicks. Calf kick from Reed then they trade punches in close to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Penne

ROUND TWO: Both women show kicks at distance. Penne lands a couple of punches. Bit of a right from Reed. Reed lands a left hook then a calf kick. Bit of a blitz from Penne. Reed lands a jab. Penne grabs a clinch and pushes things into the fence. Reed avoids a trip and starts pummeling then breaks and staggers Penne with a left hook. Calf kick from Reed. Another calf kick from Reed but Penne lands a counter right this time. Penne misses a couple of punches but lands a calf kick. Reed with some more jabs then a left hook as she backs away from Penne. Another jab from Reed. Penne lands a front kick then they trade knees in close. Another jab from Reed. Reed lands a left hook then a combination along the fence. Front kick from Reed but Penne then pushes for a clinch. They trade in the clinch and Reed hits the body a few times before pushing free. Penne lands a calf kick but eats a counter right. Reed lands a calf kick but Penne checks the second one. One two from Reed then a front kick. They clinch and trade knees to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Reed, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Reed opens with a front kick then a calf kick. Right hand from Reed. Penne misses a few punches then Reed lands a leg kick. Short right from Penne after she faked a single leg. They trade calf kicks again then Reed lands a couple of punches. Right hand from Reed. Reed avoids a takedown and lands a couple of counter punches. Reed lands another right hand. Counter left hook from Reed. Calf kick from Reed. Penne lands a couple of knees in close then Reed lands an elbow and separates. Reed lands a side kick. Another right hand from Reed. Penne lands a right but eats two punches in return. They trade rights, Reed has a power advantage though. Reed lands a calf kick. Reed avoids a takedown and lands punches as she’s got Penne on the fence. Penne with some knees in close but she can’t control Reed and Reed is still hitting her at range. A couple of side kicks from Reed, Penne might be a little hurt to the body now. Reed lands a couple more rights. Jab from Reed, she’s fighting incredibly well now and is starting to tee off on Penne. Bit of a head kick from reed. Right hand from Reed, she looks to unload along the fence but the round ends and likely saves Penne.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Elise Reed via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Mic time for Reed after the win, she feels great as she got married last week and is just happy to celebrate her honeymoon like this. She knew she dropped the first but kept up the body work that round and knew Penne would slow in the following rounds.

Joselyne Edwards has gone 2-2 since returning to bantamweight, but unfortunately this is her third time in five fights at that weight class where she missed weight. Edwards is on a two fight losing streak and if she loses again her in addition to the weight miss she could well be on her way out of the promotion. Tamires Vidal has gone 1-2 in the UFC and is on a two fight losing streak, she really needs get her UFC record back to the .500 mark with a win. Despite the weight miss, or perhaps because of it, Edwards is the -230 favorite while that +190 comeback on Vidal is a tempting offer.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Joselyne Edwards (13-6, 139 lbs.)* vs. Tamires Vidal (7-3, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Edwards has two inches of height and reach advantage plus she missed weight. Both women do some feinting to start. Edwards is showing the jab then lands a front kick. They trade leg kicks. Another front kick from Edwards. Edwards jabs the body. A couple of body shots from Edwards then Vidal grabs a clinch to slow things down. Edwards with a whizzer kick but Vidal wrestles back up into a clinch and looks for her own takedown. Some punches go back and forth in the clinch as they jockey for position. Eventually they break then Edwards lands a body kick followed by a leg kick. Vidal swings a few rights but misses them. They trade punches then Edwards lands a calf kick. A series of punches from Edwards then a body jab, she’s just working Vidal over on a technical level. Calf kick from Edwards then a one two . Vidal grabs a clinch and lands a few knees before Edwards gets free. Edwards back to jabbing and keeping distance. Right hand from Edwards. Edwards has tried four spinning back fists this round with diminishing returns. Vidal lands a right to the body. Edwards with a combination of punches then a front kick. Body jab from Edwards then some punches as she avoids Vidal’s punches. Edwards hits the body then avoids a punch and grabs a clinch. Takedown from Edwards and she’ll end the round technically getting the back.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Edwards

ROUND TWO: Edwards with a bit of a wheel kick to start the round. Vidal lands a leg kick. Right hand from Edwards then a body kick behind it. Edwards with another right hand. A few jabs from Edwards as she’s also starting to show some stance switches. They trade leg kicks. Right hand from Edwards. Vidal bulls into a clinch on the fence, Edwards with some punches but Vidal slips to the back. A few punches from Vidal then she settles into a rear waist lock. Vidal lands a head kick as they break the clinch but Edwards grabs a body lock and trips Vidal down to land on top in half guard. A few elbows from Edwards land as she keeps Vidal on the mat. Vidal is able to scramble around but Edwards keeps top position as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Front kicks from Edwards to start the round. Vidal is backing up, she might be hurt to the body now. Calf kick from Edwards. Vidal punches into a clinch and they trade knees then Edwards slips free with a right hand. Spinning back fist from Edwards is blocked. Vidal lands a couple of leg kicks but Edwards responds with a flurry of punches then a front kick. They trade punches in close again before clinching. Vidal lands an elbow as they break. Spinning elbow from Edwards partially lands. Vidal misses a spinning back fist and Edwards hits an easy takedown into half guard. Edwards lands an elbow. Some short elbows from Edwards land. Edwards with elbows to the body and head. Vidal tries to tie up a leg for a heel hook, Edwards is defending so far. Edwards is able to come up on the ride position and lands punches then an elbow. Edwards grabs at the choke, it’s pretty close as she grabs a body triangle. Vidal is able to do a bit of hand fighting but Edwards cranks the choke and gets the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Joselyne Edwards via Submission, rear naked choke, at 4:33 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mrs. Edwards for her work this evening. Mic time for Edwards and the translator, she thanks God first then apologizes for missing weight and claims to not be content with missing weight. This is her third time doing so so I’m calling some BS on that claim.

Joselyne Edwards gets the submission in the final seconds of the fight 🔒 #UFCVegas99 pic.twitter.com/7mhkc002OG

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 19, 2024

Brad Katona has gone 2-1 since returning to the UFC in 2023, he’s coming off a win though and is looking for his first UFC winning streak since 2018. Jean Matsumoto is undefeated including a win in his UFC debut back in April, he’s looking to solidify himself as a rising prospect with another win tonight. The odds like Matsumoto at -220 to Katona’s +180.

Bantamweight Bout: Brad Katona (14-3, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Jean Matsumoto (15-0, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Matsumoto has four inches of reach advantage. Katona looks to pressure forward right away. Matsumoto lands a leg kick, he’s doing a bit of stance switching but prefers orthodox. A few more leg kicks go back and forth, Katona is doing a lot of circling. Matsumoto lands a right hand. They trade rights in close, Matsumoto seems to have a power edge. Matsumoto with another right hand. Jab from Katona. Matsumoto with a right hand to counter an inside leg kick. Katona is retreating and Matsumoto lands a couple of punches. They clinch and hit the fence. A few knees go back and forth. Katona lands a left hand as they break. Matsumoto lands a leg kick as he’s still the one coming forward. Elbow from Katona gets Matsumoto to back up. They trade punches in close. Right hand from Matsumoto. They trade rights again then Matsumoto lands a left hook. They trade again then clinch. Matsumoto has Katona on the fence and looks to change levels. Katona avoids the takedowns and lands an elbow. Matsumoto lands an elbow as they break. Body kick from Matsumoto. Matsumoto keeps moving forward and lands a calf kick. Katona fights off a single leg but they hit the fence. They fight for position, Matsumoto nearly gets a takedown then they trade elbows before breaking as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Matsumoto but a close one

ROUND TWO: They trade punches right away. Inside leg kicks from Matsumoto. Matsumoto with a left hook that stuns Katona for a second. One two from Matsumoto. Another right hand from Matsumoto. They trade inside leg kicks. Again Matsumoto with the right hand then a left hook that lands. Katona is trying to throw back but he’s a little out gunned in the punching department. Matsumoto punches into a clinch. They jockey for position and then break with an elbow from Katona. Matsumoto with a hard right hand. Another right hand from Matsumoto. They trade lefts in close. Katona checks a calf kick. Matsumoto with another left hook. They keep trading in close, this is pretty nuts. Matsumoto with a combination, Katona’s chin is holding up but he’s taking a lot of damage. Katona gets hurt on a punch and then forces a clinch. Matsumoto gets Katona on the fence then lands a punch as they break. Both men are busted up in the face area. Katona lands a right hand but Matsumoto lands a better one to counter. Matsumoto with a few kicks both high and low. Inside leg kick from Matsumoto. Again they trade in close. Katona misses an uppercut and Matsumoto with a right hook. Matsumoto tries a takedown but Katona defends and they hit the fence. They fight for position then trade knees. Elbow from Matsumoto, then he tries a guillotine choke as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They’re back to trading as the round starts. High kick from Matsumoto bothers Katona, Matsumoto is pressuring forward and lands a left to the body. Katona tries a takedown, they hit the fence and Matsumoto gets off of his knees quickly. Katona keeps looking for a takedown against the fence, Matsumoto is defending so far. Matsumoto avoids a single leg but can’t get out of the clinch. They do break cleanly. Matsumoto avoids a takedown then lands a leg kick. Stiff jab from Matsumoto. Another jab from Matsumoto. Left front kick from Matsumoto. Matsumoto is hanging out southpaw and lands a few inside leg kicks from there. They trade left hooks. Katona fails a takedown and they trade lefts. Matsumoto is slowing just a hair and Katona gets a clinch on the fence. Matsumoto grabs at a guillotine choke, Katona is aware of it and he switches the angle to block it from tightening. Elbows from Matsumoto as he spins Katona around then knees the body. Matsumoto hits a double leg, Katona quickly wall walks and they resume clinch fighting. Takedown from Katona but Matsumoto scrambles up as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Katona but all the rounds have been tight, 29-28 Matsumoto overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jean Matsumoto via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Heck of a fight there, Fight of the Night thus far. Mic time for Matsumoto and the translator, he says he’s here to give tough fights but is sad his dad couldn’t corner him tonight due to visa issues. He knew the fight would be tough but still wants even tougher ones going forward.

Matheus Nicolau had a lot of momentum back in 2022 but recently he’s been on the wrong end of two knockout losses, if he wants to defend his ranking and make another run towards the top of the division he needs to get a win here. Asu Almabayev is on an impressive 16 fight winning streak including three wins in the UFC, he’s taking a decent step up in class here but a win over Nicolau would set Almabayev up for a real push towards the top of the division next year. Almabayev is favored here at -220 while +180 for Nicolau might tempt some bettors.

Flyweight Bout: #14 Asu Almabayev (20-2, 125.5 lbs.) vs. #7 Matheus Nicolau (19-4-1, 125.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Nicolau is two inches taller with an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. A bit of feinting from both men as they look for reads. Both men probe with the calf kick, Nicolau is looking to counter off of it. Body kick from Almabayev. Bit of a right from Almabayev. Wheel kick from Almabayev partially lands. Very sedate round thus far, Nicolau is worried about overcommitting and getting taken down. Almabayev avoids a left hook. They both miss lefts. Nicolau lands a leg kick, bit of a counter right from Almabayev. Almabayev lands a solid body kick. Side kick to the knee from Almabayev. Nicolau misses a couple of kicks to basically close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Almabayev

ROUND TWO: Both men miss lefts to start the round. Nicolau lands a calf kick. Knee from Almabayev, Nicolau ties up with him and they wrestle around but nothing comes of it. Spinning back kick from Almabayev. Minor production issue, commentary has dropped but comes back rather quickly. They both block left hooks. Almabayev misses a spinning attack. Nicolau lands a calf kick. Calf kick from Almabayev. Both men miss rights. Single leg from Almabayev, that hits the fence and Almabayev lands a left hand as Nicolau avoids the takedown. Double leg from Almabayev, Nicolau lands some elbows against the fence. Almabayev is still after the takedown against the cage, Nicolau is threatening a guillotine and Almabayev finishes the takedown but Nicolau commits to the choke. The choke is tight but Almabayev is able to roll through and they wrestle back up and separate. Knee from Almabayev. Both men miss punches as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Nicolau, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Almabayev pressures forward to start and lands an inside leg kick. They trade punches but Nicolau goes down, Almabayev jumps on him. Mount for Almabayev and he lands punches, Nicolau tries for a leg entanglement but Almabayev passes it and gets back no top in half guard. Almabayev with some punches from top position. Nicolau again tries to work the legs but Almabayev punches him and gets through it. They scramble but Almabayev’s scrambling is nuts and he keeps top position with half guard. A few punches from Almabayev land. Nicolau with some elbows but he is able to get guard back. Almabayev with punches to the body and head. Nicolau tries to angle his hips but Almabayev lands hammer fists. Almabayev lands a few more punches. Nicolau is able to stand and separate just as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Asu Almabayev via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Mic time for Almabayev, he wants a title shot which seems like a longshot after that performance despite the win. He sends love to Kazakhstan and thanks God to close.

Darren Elkins has gone 4-2 in his last few fights and while he is coming off of a win that fight was almost a full year ago, he’s trying to build another winning streak though and prove he’s still a worthwhile member of the roster. Daniel Pineda has gone 1-2 in his last three fights and is on a two fight losing streak, he really needs to get back on the winning side of things here if he wants to make any real move through the ranks of the UFC. The odds lean towards Elkins at -135 to +115 for Pineda.

Featherweight Bout: Darren Elkins (28-11, 144.5 lbs.) vs. Daniel Pineda (28-16 3 NC, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Elkins is three inches taller with two inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Elkins circles around the cage. Both men do a little probing with the jab then Pineda lands a spinning back kick. Pineda grabs a front headlock as Elkins hits a takedown, Pineda rolls to mount with it and locks up the choke. Elkins is able to scramble around and is able to break the choke then get on top in full guard. A few short punches from Elkins but not much is going on here. Pineda’s right eye is swelling up a bit, he took a punch on the Elkins takedown. Bit of an elbow from Elkins, Pineda is cut around the left eyebrow now. Pineda wall walks and grabs at a ninja choke, he mounts with the adjusted guillotine choke and looks to finish it. Pineda keeps trying to adjust but has to settle for top position in half guard. Elbows from Pineda as Elkins shrimps to full guard. Pineda passes to side control then half guard, he tries for a kneebar but Elkins wrestles up on the back as they stand. Pineda counters a takedown to get on top in full mount and lands elbows. Elkins is trying to scramble but Pineda is riding and landing elbows and punches. More elbows from Pineda to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pineda

ROUND TWO: Pineda gets on pressure right away and chops Elkins down with a leg kick. Elkins misses a few punches. Pineda with another calf kick. They trade in close, Pineda is hitting the body now. Elkins misses a few punches. Right hand from Pineda. Right hand from Pineda bothers Elkins for a second. Left hook from Elkins lands. They clinch and trade then break. Elkins hits a takedown, Pineda grabs at a guillotine choke but can’t get it working and Elkins settles into half guard. Pineda works to wall walk, Elkins moves to the ride position but Pineda spins free and resets. Both men miss punches. Pineda avoids some punches then lands a left hand. One two from Elkins. They trade punches in close. Front kick from Pineda. Pineda grabs another guillotine on a takedown but loses it and has to switch to a triangle choke and lands elbows. Elkins gets his head out of the choke but he’s still stuck in full guard. A bit of ground and pound from Elkins connects including a few elbows. The round will end with Elkins still on top.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Elkins, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Elkins falls short with a few punches. Pineda avoids a single leg then spins out of a clinch. Elkins with a one two. Pineda lands an uppercut, they wrestle against the fence and Pineda gets on top. Elkins looks to regain his feet, Pineda gets the back briefly but they keep wrestling and Elkins tries to come up on a single leg. Pineda avoids that and stands up with a front headlock and they break. Elkins tries a takedown but Pineda defends and they trade in the clinch for a moment. Left uppercut from Pineda. Right hand from Pineda. Elkins misses a couple of punches then trips on his feet after a leg kick. Bit of a right from Pineda. They trade in close then Elkins tries a takedown against the fence but settles for a clinch. Some knees from Elkins but Pineda is able to return them and spins Elkins then hits the body a few times before they break. Both men land punches. Calf kick from Pineda then he grabs a ninja choke attempt as Elkins tries a takedown. Pineda is using that attempt but Elkins gets his head free and looks to keep Pineda down. Elkins has Pineda down and lands an elbow from full guard. Pineda works to wall walk but he can’t get free. One last guillotine threat from Pineda but nothing comes of it and Elkins ends the fight technically on top.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Darren Elkins via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Well that’s our bloodbath of the evening. Elkins puts over Pineda, Pineda gets a moment to say this was his last fight and thanks Elkins for the great fight to end it on. Elkins feels great to be back and says every fight against him is hell. He says the chokes were a little tight but he’s used to guys trying to guillotine him because he always gets out and gets on top. Asked about the future he says more fights like this are coming. That man is going to have a miserable existence in about 10 years with all the head trauma he’s taken.

Jake Hadley has gone 3-3 in the UFC, most recently he bested Caolan Loughran but did miss weight for that fight and now he’s hoping for a cleaner win in his sophomore outing at bantamweight. Cameron Smotherman took this fight on about a weeks notice replacing Brady Hiestand, he is on a three fight winning streak though and could announce his arrival in a major way with a win. Hadley is among the biggest favorites on the card at -535 against a +400 comeback for Smotherman.

Bantamweight Bout: Jake Hadley (11-3, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Cameron Smotherman (11-4, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Smotherman is two inches taller while Hadley has an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Hadley and he comes out probing with inside leg kicks. Smotherman with a right to the body. A bit of pressure from Smotherman now. Glancing left from Hadley. Smotherman starts poking out his jab. Bit of a left from Hadley. They both miss punches in close. Bit of a left hook from Smotherman. Smotherman with a left to the body then a right hook. Hadley lands an inside leg kick. Body kick from Hadley. Smotherman with a right to the body. That right to the body from Smotherman is consistent and landing. Smotherman with a left hook to the body. Bit of an inside leg kick from Hadley. They trade in close but Smotherman’s pressure is getting to Hadley. Left hand from Hadley but Smotherman with a counter combination. Smotherman again lands a few punches in close to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Smotherman

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Hadley then kicks Smotherman low so we’ve got a time out. Smotherman takes 55 seconds then we’re back to fighting. Body jabs from Smotherman then a left hook. They trade punches in close. Both men are happy to throw in the pocket, nothing too serious is landing just yet though. Hadley lands a sharp left hand. Smotherman with a right hand. Left to the body from Smotherman. Again Smotherman shows the punches high then digs the body. Hadley swings a left to the body. They trade lefts. Smotherman keeps touching the body in close. Another left to the body from Smotherman. Smotherman lands a right hand. We get an eye poke to Smotherman and another time out. Replay confirms the poke, that’s a bad one. Ultimately Smotherman takes just about 4 minutes then the ref takes a point from Hadley. I don’t hate that call. They touch gloves on the restart. Both men get back to swinging then Hadley tries a single leg which he briefly finishes. Smotherman wall walks but Hadley is on his back now and lands lefts to the head. They get chest to chest and wrestle there for a bit. The round will end just after Hadley lands a left and breaks the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Smotherman after the point deduction but could have gone to Hadley, 20-17 Smotherman overall

ROUND THREE: Smotherman gets right on pressure with punches. Both men land in close. Hadley reaches for a double leg, that hits the fence though and settles into a clinch. Smotherman avoids an elbow and gets out of the clinch. Hadley lands a left hand. Smotherman with a right, he’s still throwing in combination. Hadley lands a one two. Smotherman with a left to the body. They trade punches in close again. Smotherman with a couple of body shots to keep Hadley backing up. Knee from Smotherman. Right hand from Smotherman in close. Smotherman swarms with a combination of strikes. Knee from Smotherman. Hadley lands a left hand. Another left from Hadley connects. We get a groin kick to Hadley so here’s a time out. Hadley takes 40 seconds then we’re back to fighting. Bit of a right from Smotherman. Smotherman with a combination of punches but Hadley does crack him back with a left hand and Smotherman is backing up. Bit of a high kick from Hadley. Both men miss punches to close the fight.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Cameron Smotherman via unanimous decision (30-26, 29-27 x2)

Mic time for Smotherman, he talks about how hard it is to get to the UFC but he’s finally here and is a little annoyed he couldn’t get a finish. He’s still over the moon about being in the UFC, you can see the emotion starting to hit him.

Charles Johnson has a deceptive UFC record of 5-4 as many of those losses were close split decisions, he’s found his footing more recently though with a three fight winning streak and another win here might set him up for a fight with ranked opponents. Sumudaerji has gone 3-4 in his last seven fights and is on a two fight losing streak, he’s looking for his first win since 2021 tonight and to hopefully reestablish himself in the flyweight division. Johnson is the favorite at -265 to a +215 comeback on Sumudaerji.

Flyweight Bout: Charles Johnson (16-6, 126 lbs.) vs. Su Mudaerji (16-6, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Johnson is an inch taller while Sumudaerji has two inches of reach advantage. Quick blitz from Johnson into a clinch. A few knees from Johnson as he’s got Sumudaerji on the fence. Sumudaerji is able to spin off the fence and get free. Both men are looking southpaw right now. Jabs from Sumudaerji as he circles then he lands a calf kick. Johnson has started switching his stance up now and lands a left hand. Calf kick then a jab from Sumudaerji. A few inside leg kicks from Sumudaerji. Johnson lands a couple of punches. Johnson is pressuring forward and lands a couple of body shots then clinches up. They jockey for position then Johnson starts landing some knees to the leg. Sumudaerji lands an elbow then spins free. Some jabs from Sumudaerji land. Johnson punches into a another clinch but Sumudaerji knees him and gets free quickly. Johnson keeps pressuring forward and lands a right uppercut. Body shot from Johnson. Sumudaerji has a high kick blocked. Johnson with some punches in close, they trade in the pocket as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Johnson

ROUND TWO: Johnson with a front kick to get the round going. Sumudaerji lands a few jabs while circling. Johnson side kicks the leg then eats a left hand. Sumudaerji is keeping that jab active. Inside leg kick from Sumudaerji. Johnson lands a front kick. Both men land punches in close. Left hand from Johnson. Johnson with a leg kick to counter a front kick. Sumudaerji lands a left hand. Johnson avoids a punch and cracks Sumudaerji with a right hand. Johnson keeps coming forward and lands a combination, a right uppercut then a left hand drops Sumudaerji. Johnson gets on top but Sumudaerji tries a triangle choke, he switches to an arm bar and rolls towards mount but Johnson fights out of that. Sumudaerji looks to get the back but Johnson gets to a knee against the fence. Johnson stands and takes Sumudaerji down again but Sumudaerji with a lovely butterfly sweep and they wrestle around a bit with Johnson ending up on top landing a few punches to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Sumudaerji has a wheel kick blocked to start the round. Bit of a knee from Sumudaerji after he briefly tripped Johnson down. Some leg kicks from Sumudaerji. Left hand from Sumudaerji. Johnson checks an inside leg kick. Johnson starts pressuring forward and lands a left hand. Sumudaerji with a jab. Looping left from Johnson lands. Sumudaerji lands a hard inside leg kick. Johnson with a front kick. Sumudaerji is leg kicking and circling then Johnson lands a body shot. Left hand from Sumudaerji. A few jabs from Sumudaerji as he circles. Left from Johnson then he tries a clinch and lands a knee before Sumudaerji gets free. Hook kick from Sumudaerji mostly lands. Johnson stuffs a double leg and pushes Sumudaerji over to get on top in side control. Sumudaerji quickly looks to scramble up and eats a knee then punches but he is upright on the fence. Elbow from Sumudaerji. Sumudaerji with a few punches, Johnson tries a takedown but Sumudaerji defends that and grabs at an awkward d’arce choke, the angle is off though and Johnson is safe. Knee from Sumudaerji but Johnson gets free and they trade one last time to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Sumudaerji, 29-28 Johnson overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Charles Johnson via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Fun little fight there. Johnson gets an interview and tries the Rock’s “it doesn’t matter what you think” while playing around with Felder. He calls himself the most active MMA fighter in the world, he gets a little bitter about Kai Asakura getting a title shot and really wants one. He puts over his family to close.

Rob Font is just 1-4 in his last five fights but that’s somewhat mitigated by the losses coming against Jose Aldo, Marlon Vera, Cory Sandhagen, and Deiveson Figueiredo with the Sandhagen and Figueiredo losses comprising his current two fight losing streak. Even with those circumstances Font needs a win here to defend his top ranking and remain a factor near the top of the division. Kyler Phillips has gone 6-1 in the UFC and is on a three fight winning streak which has seen him crack the top 15 rankings, a win over Font would be the best of his career though and would signify he’s ready for a move into the top 10 rankings. It’s not surprising to see Phillips as the favorite, but the -575 betting line is more than a little surprising and a +425 comeback on Font is playing with fire given how good Font has proven to be.

Bantamweight Bout: #10 Rob Font (20-8, 135.5 lbs.) vs. #12 Kyler Phillips (12-2, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Phillips has half an inch of reach advantage and is 8 years younger. Quick pressure from Font looking to establish the jab. Phillips shows a few kicks then hits a single leg takedown. Font looks to scramble but Phillips gets him to settle and lands an elbow. Font blocks a mount attempt and catches half guard. Phillips passes back to side control and lands a punch. Phillips moves towards leg drag position then attacks the arm of Font. Font is able to block that attack but Phillips postures up and lands a couple of punches then an elbow. Half guard now for Phillips and he lands elbows as Font shrimps to full guard. Quick pass from Phillips back into side control. Font is able to catch half guard but he eats a couple of elbows for that effort. Phillips lands some punches, he’s nearly getting the back now as Font is on a hip. Font looks to invert and is able to stand free but then eats a wheel kick. They trade rights. Knee from Phillips. Font tries a takedown, he slips to the back in the clinch but Phillips break the grip and reset. Phillips with a one two. Font avoids a high kick and lands a right hand. Body kick from Phillips then a left hand. They clinch as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Phillips

ROUND TWO: Font gets back on pressure and lands a right hand. Phillips lands a body kick but eats a counter punch. Takedown from Phillips and he gets on top in full guard. Font quickly looks to wall walk, he’s up but eats a right hand for his trouble. Body shot from Font. They clinch up and then break. Phillips circles then lands a hook kick. Calf kick from Phillips. Font punches into a clinch and then they break. Right hand from Font. Bit of a right from Phillips. Phillips with a jab. Font lands a right hand. Right to the body from Font. They tie up again and Font slips to the back. Phillips threatens a kimura and they break out of the clinch. Font lands a front kick. Bit of a high kick from Phillips. Knee from Phillips then Font lands a right hand. Font hits the body a couple of times then lands a right hand. Phillips with a calf kick. Font keeps up the pressure and lands a right hand then a right to the body. Phillips avoids a spinning back fist. Font lands a couple of punches into a clinch. Phillips pulls out of the clinch and lands a left hand. They trade in close again then Font grabs a clinch, Phillips hits a nice foot sweep and gets on top as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Font, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Quick single leg from Phillips and he moves to side control. Font shrimps to full guard and tries to scramble but Phillips is able to land punches and keep close. They wrestle up and separate. Bit of a right from Phillips. Both men miss punches in close. Font lands a flurry of punches. Calf kick from Phillips. Phillips lands a few jabs then they tie up. Nothing comes of the clinch and they break without incident. Bit of a body kick from Phillips. Font lands a jab. Bit of an elbow from Phillips then Font hits the body. Right hand from Font. Phillips with a calf kick. They tie up again and Phillips tries a takedown, Font is defending against the fence though and they just separate. Font with a combination. Phillips lands a right hand. Left to the body from Phillips. Font grabs a body lock and slips to the back, Phillips spins into him then misses a knee as they break. Phillips has a wheel kick blocked. Phillips lands a right hand. Jab from Font. Both men land in close. There’s a brief clinch but they break quickly. Phillips with a right hand then a clinch but again Font gets free and the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Rob Font via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Mic time for Font after that one, he talks about forcing himself to get up and get moving forward after a tough first round. Asked about the future he wants to fight again soon.

Anthony Hernandez is on a five fight winning streak with four of those being finishes, Hernandez has been steadily advancing up the middleweight rankings and if he can be successful in his first main event spot it should earn him the chance to fight up in the ranks instead of defend his spot. Michel Pereira is on an impressive nine fight winning streak with the last three of those being first round finishes since returning to middleweight, if he can keep that streak going here at the expense of a rising talent like Hernandez then Pereira should be facing down a big name his next time out. Fairly close main event but the odds are with Hernandez at -140 to a +120 comeback on Pereira.

Middleweight Bout: #13 Anthony Hernandez (12-2 1 NC, 185.5 lbs.) vs. #14 Michel Pereira (31-11 2 NC, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Pereira is an inch taller but Hernandez has two inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Hernandez pressures forward then avoids a few punches. Pereira jabs the body. A bit of stance switching now from Pereira and he lands a hard front kick to the body. Hernandez didn’t like that and Pereira fires punches then digs body shots against the fence. Another front kick from Pereira, Hernandez really doesn’t like those shots. Hernandez tries a takedown but Pereira defends and they clinch up on the fence. Pereira is able to spin free. Bit of a right from Hernandez. They clinch again and Hernandez lands an elbow before they break. Pereira avoids a spinning kick. Bit of a left to the body from Pereira. Hernandez bulls into a clinch but Pereira spins him into the fence then pushes free. Hernandez lands a right hand then tries a single leg but Pereira defends that and they hit the fence, then Pereira spins free. Pereira with a left to the body then a knee as he avoids a takedown. A few more knees from Pereira out of a double collar tie. Hernandez is just steady with his pressure though and lands a combination then tries a takedown but Pereira defends. Spinning elbow from Hernandez but Pereira then lands a knee. Trip from Hernandez and he’s down into leg drag. Some punches and elbows from Hernandez as Pereira gets half guard. A final flurry from Hernandez closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Hernandez

ROUND TWO: Hernandez quickly pushes into a clinch and gets Pereira on the fence. Pereira pushes free and we get a time out as Pereira takes a finger to the eye. That’s the second time technically and Hernandez gets a strong warning, then we’re back to fighting after 35 seconds. Hernandez has been landing a spinning heel kick to the thigh and lands another one here. Pereira fights off a takedown then pushes out of the clinch. Pereira jabs the body but his offense has been severely muted after the first minute of the first round. Hernandez tries a takedown, Pereira grabs a guillotine choke though and they start wrestling with Pereira still after that choke. Hernandez is able to get free and gets on top in half guard. Some elbows from Hernandez now. Pereira is trying to scoot towards the fence but Hernandez moves to full mount. Arm triangle from Hernandez but Pereira counters and sweeps to get on top. Pereira lands a punch but Hernandez wrestles up into a clinch. They break without incident then trade punches. Hernandez with a few body shots then hits a double leg against the fence. Pereira is trying to wall walk but Hernandez hits punches from the ride. Elbow from Hernandez. Pereira is up but Hernandez immediately double legs him again. Hernandez with more punches then grabs at the seated arm triangle, he sits for it then switches to landing punches as Pereira defends that. More punches from Hernandez, he’s really starting to unload. Hernandez just has Pereira in a washing machine here and he’s going between strikes and submission threats. Pereira is stuck on his knees and tries to roll for guard. Hernandez with more punches and elbows as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Hernandez, 20-17 Hernandez overall

ROUND THREE: They quickly clinch and Hernandez hits a takedown into the ride position. Pereira is able to wall walk but he’s in the clinch still. Hernandez with punches to the body and head. Pereira gets free and hits the body. Another tie up and Hernandez looks for a double leg but Pereira defends into a clinch. They trade punches as they break. Both men land body shots then Pereira lands a knee before Hernandez gets him on the fence. Double leg from Hernandez into half guard. Some elbows from Hernandez land. Pereira looks pretty tired here as Hernandez starts unloading with punches. Elbows from Hernandez now as well then he moves to side control and then into full mount. Pereira is able to get guard back but Hernandez is all over him and passes again. Hernandez grabs at an arm triangle and switches to the kaiju choke given the angle. Hammer fist from Hernandez and he lands punches from the ride position. Pereira moves to his knees but again Hernandez works from the ride with elbows to the body. A few knees and elbows to the body from Hernandez, those are just mean. Hernandez starts fishing for his front headlock sequence again but wont find it and instead just lands more punches as the round ends.

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

ROUND FOUR: Hernandez immediately pushes into a clinch and starts working there. Pereira is able to spin free and lands a left hand. Knee to the body from Pereira but Hernandez gets the takedown against the fence. Some punches from Hernandez as he settles into half guard. Hernandez with punches to the body and head. Pereira is able to wall walk with Hernandez on his back then Hernandez with a high crotch lift to get back on top. Hernandez is able to land a few more punches and elbows. Pereira is able to roll to a knee but Hernandez is in the ride position now and lands more punches. Pereira is able to regain his feet but Hernandez elbows him. Double leg from Hernandez and he moves to half guard. Hammer fists from Hernandez now then an elbow as well. Pereira is just getting mauled. Pereira is able to regain his feet but Hernandez is on the clinch again. They trade punches then Hernandez gets another clinch. They break and Hernandez blocks a single leg then moves to the ride again. That’s where the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Hernandez, 40-33 Hernandez overall

ROUND FIVE: They hug before the round begins. Hernandez bulls forward and tries a double leg but Pereira defends that. Hernandez moves to the back. Pereira fights to his feet after a brief takedown but Hernandez is still on him and lands a few punches. Jabs from Hernandez then he eats a knee but hits a double leg into leg drag. Hernandez drops some elbows and they shift to half guard. More elbows from Hernandez and he looks to pass to mount but Pereira gets half guard. Finally Hernandez has cut Pereira on the right eyebrow, and he lands a few more elbows to prompt the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Anthony Hernandez via TKO, elbows, at 2:22 of Round 5

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Hernandez for his work this evening. Mic time for Hernandez after that one, he got what he expected and says he’s ready for his belt and will take out anyone necessary to get there. He knows he’s ready for anyone and doesn’t care who’s in front of him. Asked about the beginning he admits he got hurt to the body and was surprised by the strength of Pereira and knew he’d have to lean on technique. He feels like he’s really peaking at only 31 and reiterates he wants to get the belt.

Well on that note UFC on ESPN+ 103 comes to a close. We’ll be breaking down all the fallout from this event on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast plus looking ahead to UFC 308 next week. I’ll be back for that event and I cannot wait for Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway, and I hope you’ll be here as well. Until then thank you for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.