mma / Reports

411’s UFC Fight Night Report: Hill Wins

February 19, 2022 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC on ESPN+ 59 Image Credit: UFC

MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)
#10 Johnny Walker (206 lbs.) vs. #12 Jamahal Hill (205 lbs.)
Kyle Daukaus (193.5 lbs.) vs. Jamie Pickett (194 lbs.) – 195-pound catchweight
Alan Baudot (256 lbs.) vs. Parker Porter (263 lbs.)
Jim Miller (156 lbs.) vs. Nikolas Motta (154.5 lbs.)
Abdul Razak Alhassan (186 lbs.) vs. Joaquin Buckley (183 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 4 p.m. ET)
Gabriel Benitez (148 lbs.)* vs. David Onama (144.5 lbs.)
Jessica-Rose Clark (135.5 lbs.) vs. Stephanie Egger (135 lbs.)
Chas Skelly (146 lbs.) vs. Mark Striegl (145 lbs.)
Diana Belbita (116 lbs.) vs. Gloria de Paula (115.5 lbs.)
Chad Anheliger (135 lbs.) vs. Jesse Strader (135 lbs.)
Jonathan Pearce (145.5 lbs.) vs. Christian Rodriguez (146 lbs.)
Mario Bautista (135.5 lbs.) vs. Jay Perrin (136 lbs.)

Hey there everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 59, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening. Tonight the UFC brings a card that’s very lackluster on paper, this card took a serious hit when it lost the original main event of Rafael dos Anjos and Rafael Fiziev and what’s left isn’t terribly intriguing on paper. Our new main event is Johnny Walker taking on Jamahal Hill, which is a slightly relevant light heavyweight fight. Elsewhere on the card Kyle Daukaus is in action, UFC veteran Jim Miller tries for UFC win number 23, and the bout between Joaquin Buckley and Abdul Razak Alhassan has a high chance of producing some fireworks. Beyond that, it’s a lot of wait and hope it’s better in practice than on paper.

UFC on ESPN+ 59 comes to the world from the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. We’re under most of the newer rules with the exception of the downed fighter so you still only need one hand on the mat. There is the use of instant replay as well as an official outside of the cage who can also request it be used, and the fight can be restarted after instant replay if that’s applicable to the situation. Also keep in mind we’re in the smaller 25 foot Octagon. Our commentary team is Jon Anik, Dominick Cruz, and Paul Felder.

Mario Bautista has gone 2-2 in the UFC but he’s coming off of a loss, now he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak and prove he’s still a prospect of note in the stacked bantamweight division. Jay Perrin brings a two fight winning streak into his UFC debut, and if he can knock off a fighter who’s shown the potential that Bautista has it’ll be a great way to announce his arrival. The odds are heavily with Bautista at -350 while Perrin’s comeback sits at +270.

Bantamweight Bout: Mario Bautista (8-2, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Jay Perrin (10-4, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Bautista is two inches taller but the reach is identical. Both men do a fair bit of stance switching. Leg kick from Bautista, then a jumping knee to the body but they wind up clinched. Perrin starts landing knees then Bautista spins free. Bit of a right form Perrin, then he lands a left hook to follow up. Leg kick from Perrin. They split a few jabs then Perrin lands a right to the body. Both men land rights. Another clinch into the fence. Bautista lands a few knees then starts looking to get a takedown but can’t find it. They jockey for position for a bit before Bautista times a knee tap with a knee attempt from Perrin and he gets Perrin down to his knees. Perrin looks to wall walk, he’s back up but eats a knee on the way. They spin and separate. A left from Bautista staggers Perrin for a second but he recovers quickly. Perrin has a few punches blocked then lands a front kick to the body. Perrin hits a double leg, but Bautista reverses on the mat then scrambles back up into a clinch. Knees from Perrin then Bautista lands an elbow while they fight in the clinch. More knees from Perrin, Bautista starts returning them then they break. Bautista avoids a few kicks then misses a jumping attack as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bautista but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Perrin comes out punching but can’t find the target. Leg kick from Perrin. Bautista avoids a knee and lands a couple of counter punches. They punch into a clinch then break without much happening. Bautista keeps stalking forward, he lands a right then a left hook. Jumping knee lands for Bautista, Perrin just eats it and forces a clinch while looking for a takedown. Perrin lands a knee, Bautista returns it then lands an elbow as well as he gets Perrin on the fence. Bautista slips to the back but can’t hit the mat return and they trade punches while breaking. Bautista lands a right then they clinch again. Perrin looks for a double leg and gets Bautista down but Bautista wall walks right away then works knees to the body. Hard elbow from Bautista in the clinch, he’s been landing a lot of those. Another elbow from Bautista then a body shot. Bautista just wont relent with his clinch strikes. Perrin lands a few punches to the body and head then they break. Bautista lands a left hook, Perrin then lands a combination to the body. Perrin is a touch out gunned but he’s definitely in it. They trade leg kicks. Bautista with a bit of a left hook, then they both try high kicks to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Bautista lands a leg kick. Body kick from Bautista. Perrin lands a bit of a right hand. Bautista avoids a few hooks. More leg kicks from Bautista. Bautista lands a right then they clinch up and Bautista gets Perrin on the fence. There’s a go behind from Bautista and he starts kneeing the body and thigh from the back. Perrin spins into Bautista then they break. Bautista misses a right hook but gets a clinch and lands a hard knee to the body. More elbows from Bautista in close, then he gets to the back and lands punches while trying for a mat return. Perrin is bleeding from under the left eye, after taking all of those elbows I’m not surprised. Bautista lands another elbow then works the body with knees. More knees from Bautista then a double leg into leg drag position. Bautista lands more elbows, Perrin gives up the ride position and wall walks but he’s taking damage all along the way. A knee and an elbow from Bautista as Perrin stands, then some more clinch work closes the round.

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

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

No objection from me for a 10-8 third, it’s a marginal one but definitely defensible. Mic time for Bautista, he wants to stay active going forward as activity helps keep him sharp. He mentions having a great gas tank and learning to weaponize it, then talks about enjoying a dirty fight in the clinch.

Jonathan Pearce has gone 2-1 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak, if he can extend that to three in a row here he’ll be in prime position for a big year. Christian Rodriguez is undefeated coming into his UFC debut and will be looking to make a good first impression. Pearce is a heavy -350 favorite while a Rodriguez win would payout at +270.

Featherweight Bout: Jonathan Pearce (11-4, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Christian Rodriguez (7-0, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Pearce is five inches taller but Rodriguez has half an inch of reach over him. Some circling to start, Pearce is trying to fight long and use his height. A few jabs from Pearce then he tries a double leg but things stall out on the fence. Rodriguez defends the double leg and they wind up in the clinch. Some knees from Pearce but Rodriguez defends a whizzer kick attempt. Pearce keeps working knees then gets an ankle pick but Rodriguez grabs a guillotine on the way down. Rodriguez is squeezing the guillotine, Pearce keeps fighting the grip and finally breaks it but that was a deep choke. Pearce starts looking to pass, he gets to half guard and knees the body. Nearly a back take from Pearce but they scramble around for a bit with Pearce winding up in the ride. Great scrambles there. Pearce gets the back with one hook in, he’s just riding Rodriguez right now and now he’s got both hooks in but he’s not quite square with it and Rodriguez is trying to turn into him and get on top. Some punches from Pearce as he holds the position while the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pearce

ROUND TWO: Rodriguez comes out punching. One two from Rodriguez lands. Pearce lands a right, then tries a double leg but Rodriguez defends and goes back to punching. The boxing from Rodriguez is working thus far. Pearce hits a double leg and winds up in side control. Rodriguez to the turtle and Pearce moves to the back with one hook in. Pearce is trying to set up a twister I think, but he uses that to get back on top in half guard and he’s got a handcuff so he lands punches while Rodriguez gets his arm back. Rodriguez moves to the fence for a wall walk but Pearce is all over him and lands a knee to the head. Pearce tries another takedown but Rodriguez goes for an armbar as they get down, that gets pretty close but the elbow is too far back beyond the hips and Pearce comes out on top. Rodriguez gets up but Pearce takes him right back down and starts working towards the back again. Top position now for Pearce and he lands short punches while Rodriguez looks to wall walk again. Pearce keeps looking for a choke but he’s not all that close. Full back mount for Pearce but he bails to keep control while Rodriguez tries to scramble. Rodriguez shakes Pearce over the top then lands a few punches as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Rodriguez lands a right hand as the third round starts. Another couple of rights from Rodriguez land, Pearce’s defense is failing him. Pearce tries a double leg, but Rodriguez gets free and moves to the back but slips off and Pearce starts working the scrambles again. Rodriguez gets the back again as they scramble, he’s got both hooks in and starts looking to land punches. Pearce stands, then Rodriguez lands an elbow as they break. One two from Rodriguez lands, Pearce tries a double leg but is caught in another guillotine on the ground. Pearce moves into full mount while defending the choke and starts working from there. Rodriguez moves to his knees but he can’t get Pearce off of him. Pearce gets the back again, he’s looking for the choke but he’s not at all under the chin. Pearce transitions to top position and threatens an arm triangle but Rodriguez blocks that and gives up his back again. Rodriguez keeps hand fighting while Pearce is on his back, he nearly comes up on top but he can’t quite get a step ahead of Pearce. Pearce lands a few punches from the back then ends the round on Rodriguez’s back.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rodriguez, 29-28 Pearce overall

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

Mic time for Pearce, he always comes out here to tell the world what his name is. He thought he could get a finish then puts over Rodriguez. Asked who he’d like next he has to check with his coach, then jokingly comes back to say it doesn’t matter just line up whoever’s next.

Chad Anheliger brings a nine fight winning streak into his UFC debut and now he’s trying to maximize his only chance to make a good first impression. Jesse Strader lost his UFC debut 11 or so months ago, now he’s back in action while looking for his first UFC win while simultaneously avoiding his first losing streak. The odds are rather solidly with Anheliger at -240 to a +195 comeback on Strader.

Bantamweight Bout: Chad Anheliger (11-5, 135 lbs.) vs. Jesse Strader (5-2, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Strader is an inch taller and has a whopping five and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Both men working jabs and lead leg kicks, just range finding early. Anheliger is pressing forward but misses a few hooks. Strader lands an inside leg kick then hits a double leg into full guard. Anheliger looks to wall walk, Strader moves to his back and works knees to the leg. Bit of a right from Strader as Anheliger gets up and they separate. Both men land punches to the body and head. Anheliger keeps stalking forward, they trade leg kicks. Double leg from Strader, Anheliger tries a guillotine as they go down but it’s not quite tight enough. Anheliger tries an armbar, Strader has to stand free and settle for a front headlock. Anheliger back up and they start trading again as both men land knees and punches. Strader lands a couple of body shots. Southpaw for Strader now, mostly for his left kick which he lands to the body then punches into a clinch. Both men land knees the Strader lands a left hook as they break. Another couple of body shots from Strader then Anheliger avoids a high kick. Strader lands a leg kick. Anheliger with a front kick to the body then misses a high kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Strader

ROUND TWO: Strader lands a leg kick. Another leg kick from Strader. Anheliger lands a right hand but Strader lands a knee to the body. They trade inside leg kicks. Strader lands another leg kick then a knee to the chest. Bit of a left from Strader. Anheliger lands a right as Strader is coming in that off balances him and he gets on top in half guard. They trade some body shots then Strader uses a Z guard to stand up and separate. Strader with a series of body shots. Another leg kick from Strader then they clinch up. Anheliger lands a knee then an elbow as they break. Strader lands a calf kick. Jab from Strader. Anheliger avoids a right hand and lands a knee. Strader lands a couple of leg kicks, then body shots but Anheliger unloads with some knees to deter his forward pressure. Anheliger lands a couple of punches. Jab from Anheliger lands. Strader with a calf kick but he’s not building off of it. Body shots from Strader then they trade knees. Anheliger definitely looks fresher, and he lands a calf kick. Strader lands a left hook. Anheliger with a calf kick. Bit of a right from Anheliger closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Anheliger, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Anheliger gets to jabbing and moving right away. Strader lands a calf kick then hits a double leg, Anheliger moves to the fence and they wind up clinched with Strader on the back. Anheliger threatens a ninja choke briefly then Strader lands a right hand. Strader tries a single leg but can’t finish it then they break. Anheliger lands a jab then a leg kick. Head kick from Strader then he lands a hard body kick. Anheliger lands an inside leg kick. Strader misses a left hand. Bit of a left from Strader in close. Another left from Strader lands. Anheliger lands a right hand. Strader lands a body kick then a left hand, but he gets close and Anheliger clobbers him with a left hand that drops him, then gets on top and unloads with punches from the full mount until the ref saves Strader.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Chad Anheliger via TKO, punches, at 3:33 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Anheliger for his work this evening. Mic time for Anheliger, he’s happy with the win and notes he had a rough last couple of weeks and he’s proud he dug this win out. Asked about that he mentions being sick for the last couple of weeks and some minor knee injuries, nothing other guys don’t deal with all the time, then talks about his cardio routine. He talks us through the finish then says he’s ready to dive in now that he’s got his feet wet.

Here’s the finish. It’s a hair late for me but maybe I’m just a bit trigger happy. This is a nice finish from Anheliger, he steps back southpaw and plants to land the left hand then when Strader immediately tries to walk back on the same line he just swings that same left but harder and this time it puts him down.

Diana Belbita got her first UFC win in her last fight, now she’s trying to build her first UFC winning streak while continuing to establish herself at strawweight. Gloria de Paula has gone 0-2 in the UFC and now finds herself in pretty desperate need of that all important first UFC win. This one is close according to the odds but they lean towards Belbita at -130 to an event +110 for de Paula.

Strawweight Bout: Diana Belbita (14-6, 116 lbs.) vs. Gloria de Paula (5-4, 115.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Belbita is two inches taller with half an inch of reach advantage. Bit of a leg kick from Belbita. Both women get close and Belbita lands a right hand. De Paula misses a few jabs, she’s got a high guard working though. Belbita lands a right to the body then a right to the head. Some jabs from de Paula then Belbita digs a left to the body. De Paula didn’t like that body shot, she lands a couple of punches but takes another body blow in return. Belbita lands a couple of rights then a body shot. De Paula has had enough of this and forces a clinch. Some knees from de Paula, Belbita starts returning them. More knees go back and forth then they separate. Bit of a combination from de Paula then Belbita lands a left to the body. Leg kick from Belbita. A lot of body work from Belbita thus far, that’s a good read given the guard of de Paula. Belbita lands a leg kick. Bit of a right from Belbita. De Paula forces a clinch and they hit the fence again. The round ends in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Belbita

ROUND TWO: Belbita comes out looking to be the aggressor and digs a left to the body in close. Calf kick from Belbita. De Paula lands a jab. Belbita lands another right to the body. A right from Belbita lands, de Paula then jabs her a few times. De Paula lands a right hand. Belbita avoids a takedown but they wind up clinched on the fence. Both women land knees to the body and thigh while they jockey for position. Bit of an elbow from Belbita as they break. Some jabs go back and forth then Belbita lands a front kick to the body. They split jabs again. De Paula with more jabs. Belbita land a couple of rights. Another clinch and de Paula works more knees. Both women keep up the knees in the clinch. Belbita tries an outside trip, de Paula defends then gets a front headlock. They fight back up then separate. De Paula lands a couple of jabs. Belbita lands another right to the body. Belbita blocks a head kick, then lands one of her own to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: De Paula tries a double leg right away but Belbita sprawls away from her and starts using a front headlock position then gets free and lands punches. They get close and both women land punches in the pocket. We get an eye poke to de Paula but she wants to continue quickly. Belbita starts throwing right away but she’s struggling to find the target now. De Paula gets close and hits a body lock takedown. Belbita wall walks immediately but is still stuck in the clinch. Both women land knees from the clinch. They break without incident. They split some jabs then de Paula lands a body kick. Belbita lands a body kick, then another one. De Paula lands a right, then takes a right in return. Belbita avoids a few punches, then de Paula extends the combination and they trade for the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 de Paula, 29-28 de Paula overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gloria de Paula via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

No interview for de Paula, but that was a fun little fight.

Chas Skelly has been out of action since September of 2019 but was last seen about a year ago when his fight with Jamall Emmers fell out while Skelly was in the cage waiting for his entrance. Skelly hasn’t lost since 2017 and is trying to build another winning streak here. Mark Striegl had a five fight unbeaten streak snapped in his UFC debut back in 2020, now he’s looking to get back on the winning side of things and get that critical first UFC win. Skelly is your -200 favorite against +170 on Striegl.

Featherweight Bout: Chas Skelly (18-3 1 NC, 146 lbs.) vs. Mark Striegl (18-3, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Skelly is three inches taller with two inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Striegl, and he lands an inside leg kick. Skelly starts working his way forward, Striegl misses a kick. Striegl lands a body kick but Skelly responds with a combination of punches then they clinch up and hit the fence. Short punches and knees go back and forth while they fight for position. Skelly is able to get a body lock but can’t quite get the takedown. Striegl avoids a takedown attempt then they go back to trading knees. Skelly gets a takedown in open space and lands in the full guard of Striegl. Some body shots from Skelly on top, Striegl is trying to work elbows off of his back. Striegl tries to work his guard high but Skelly postures through it and lands a few punches. Skelly stands over Striegl and lands a punch then returns to the guard. Striegl tries to wall walk, and he does regain his feet as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Skelly

ROUND TWO: Striegl lands an inside leg kick. Skelly starts jabbing forward, he lands a right hand and gets a clinch on the fence. Skelly moves to the back, they hit the mat and scramble back up to the feet in the clinch. They break without incident, then they trade power hand punches. Skelly lands a right hand, Striegl replies with a left. Elbow from Skelly then a knee to the head drops Striegl and Skelly unloads on the mat to finish the fight.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Chas Skelly via TKO, knee and punches, at 2:01 of Round 2

Mic time for Skelly as this is his last fight, he says the win feels great and says he’s selling roofs now to make money. He wanted to go out on his own terms with his body not recovering well anymore, he has other things he wants to focus on now and find something more consistent since his body isn’t quite holding up these days.

Keep your eye on Skelly’s left elbow, he hits a nice little up elbow as he closes distance and that troubles Striegl. The follow up knee is a really nice one then he unloads to get the finish. Solid stuff.

Jessica-Rose Clark is currently riding a two fight winning streak and has an overall UFC record of 4-2, now she’s looking to get to three wins in a row and possibly get a shot at some ranked opposition. Stephanie Egger has gone 1-1 in the UFC but is coming off of a win and now looks to prove she’s found her footing in the UFC by securing her first winning streak within the promotion. The odds are with Clark at -165 while the +145 comeback on Egger is a solid value bet.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Jessica-Rose Clark (11-6 1 NC, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Stephanie Egger (6-2, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Egger is an inch taller and has three and a half inches of reach advantage. Egger misses a right hand and Clark gets a clinch right away. They hit the fence and Clark starts working for trips and takedowns. They fight for position for a bit but things are stalling out just a bit. Outside throw from Egger connects but Clark fights back up and trips Egger down, then they move back up in the clinch. Another outside throw from Egger and she starts working from the scarf hold. Egger lands some punches, then she goes for an armbar but has to settle for taking the back. Egger goes for an armbar, extends the arm and Clark has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Stephanie Egger via Submission, armbar, at 3:44 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Ms. Egger for her work this evening. Mic time for Egger, she expected more of a striking fight but Clark forced the clinch and Egger likes throwing people around. She hopes to fight again soon and continue climbing the ranks.

Gabriel Benitez has gone just 1-3 in his last four fights and he’s coming off of a loss when he returned to the featherweight division, which would be bad enough but he also missed weight for this fight and needs a win to try and smooth over that particular gaff. David Onam suffered his first professional loss in his UFC debut late last year, now he’s back and looking to secure that first UFC win while taking out a durable veteran. Onama is your -170 favorite against +150 for Benitez.

Featherweight Bout: Gabriel Benitez (22-9, 148 lbs.) vs. David Onama (8-1, 144.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Onama has three inches of height and reach advantage. Southpaw for Benitez. Benitez lands a body kick. Inside leg kick from Benitez then a couple of follow up punches. Onama lands a right hook and starts stalking forward. Southpaw now for Onama, Benitez then digs a few body shots but Onama just eats them. They trade leg kicks, then Onama lands a spinning back fist. A lot of pressure from Onama, then Benitez lands to the body again. Inside leg kick from Benitez, then Onama cracks him with a left hand. A lot of stance switching from Onama at this point. A couple of kicks from Onama land then Benitez lands a couple of counter punches. They trade lefts and Onama is staggered. Benitez starts walking Onama down with punches, he lands a series of body blows that double Onama over, so Onama shoots a double leg and they wind up clinched. A few punches from Onama land then he separates. Benitez lands another leg kick. Head kick from Benitez partially lands. Another couple of body shots from Benitez then they trade right hooks. Body kick from Benitez. Onama is still coming forward, he’s determined if nothing else. Benitez lands a body kick but Onama blitzes forward and hurts him with a couple of punches. Onama stays on Benitez along the fence and unloads with punches that put Benitez OUT.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – David Onama via KO, punches, at 4:24 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Onama for his work this evening. Mic time for Onama after that brutal KO, he says he can’t see out of his right eye after Benitez punched him in it earlier in the round but he wants a post fight bonus. He talks us through the finish and says fighting with a full camp at his natural weight class should put the rest of the division on notice. To close he again calls for “50 g’s”. You’d like to think a company making as much as the UFC would be slightly embarrassed by fighters perpetually pleading for 50 grand, but you’d be wrong.

Here’s the finish. Onama hurts Benitez then never lets him off the hook, Benitez gets a touch out of position against the fence then can’t keep up with the hand speed and powerful punches coming his way. Brutal finish, you love to see it.

That’s it for the prelims but we’re still on ESPN+ for the main card.

Joaquin Buckley has gone 3-2 in the UFC and is coming off of a win, he’s trying to build another winning streak and continue climbing the surprisingly unforgiving middleweight ranks. Abdul Razak Alhassan just snapped a three fight losing streak in his last fight, now he’s trying to build his first winning streak since 2018. The odds lean towards Buckley at -160 to a +140 for Alhassan.

Middleweight Bout: Abdul Razak Alhassan (11-4, 186 lbs.) vs. Joaquin Buckley (13-4, 183 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Buckley has three inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Buckley. Buckley starts looking to establish his jab. Alhassan misses a kick. Bit of a body kick from Buckley. Some stance switching from Alhassan, and he lands a leg kick. Glancing left from Buckley. Bit of a body shot from Buckley. Both men are playing with their stances now, and both miss some strikes. Bit of a right from Alhassan, then Buckley ducks under a right and gets a double leg into half guard. Alhassan shrimps and gets to his feet but Buckley mat returns him. Alhassan wall walks and then Buckley lands an elbow as they separate. Buckley has a head kick blocked, then he avoids a right hand. Double leg from Buckley, but Alhassan wall walks very quickly and they fight in the clinch. Uppercuts from Buckley then Alhassan lands a couple of wide punches. A left from Alhassan connects but Buckley just eats it. Alhassan lands an inside leg kick but takes a left from Buckley at the same time. Alhassan avoids a single leg then they trade punches to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Buckley

ROUND TWO: Alhassan pressures forward to start the second round. Buckley lands a bit of an uppercut then takes a leg kick. Jab from Buckley connects. Alhassan blocks a double leg attempt and they hit the fence. Buckley gets a takedown from the clinch, Alhassan is able to wall walk and hits an outside throw but Buckley is back up and fires punches whil Alhassan covers up. Alhassan might be gassed, he’s putting himself on the fence and just kind of covering up. Buckley lands a jab then an uppercut. Body shot from Buckley connects then he avoids the counters. Bit of a jab from Alhassan but his positioning has gone away and he’s still looking to recover a bit. Buckley avoids a flurry and lands a couple of punches. Alhassan backs himself into the fence and Buckley digs the body while he covers up high. Buckley keeps picking at Alhassan with strikes, he tries a double leg but Alhassan defends and they clinch up. Alhassan lands an elbow but Buckley lands punches and knees to the body. An elbow from Alhassan lands and they break. Double leg from Alhassan and he’s got Alhassan down against the fence. The round ends with Alhassan sitting against the fence.

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

ROUND THREE: Alhassan still looks gassed, and Buckley starts punching at him right away. Buckley with long range attacks to the body, just continuing to wear on Alhassan. They clinch up and Buckley starts working the body again. Alhassan hits that cross body trip again, eh lands a couple of rights but can’t hold the position and Buckley is back up and free. Buckley has backed Alhassan in the fence again and lays in a series of body shots. Buckley is looking a bit tired now too. They clinch up and Alhassan gets an outside trip into half guard. Buckley is fishing for a kimura, but Alhassan gets his hand free and he lands a few punches from the top. Buckley rolls to his knees and tries to stand but Alhassan pulls him back down. Alhassan gets the back and looks for hooks but he can’t find them. Buckley is back up, but he can’t get free of Alhassan. Mat return from Alhassan and he gets on top in half guard. Short elbows from Alhassan land but both men are visibly tired. Alhassan moves to side control, he looks for mount and lands some punches as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Alhassan, 29-28 Buckley overall

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

No issues with the split, I could see an argument for Alhassan in the first even if I disagree with it. Mic time for Buckley, he expected this kind of fight especially since they got no promotional love until the last week or so. He puts over one of his corner men, Dale from the D.U.S.T program and thanks him for his promotional help. Asked about the future he notes he hasn’t seen his son in 8 months, then puts over his real coach for all of his help and looks forward to bigger and better things.

Jim Miller has his name littered throughout the UFC record books and has been win the promotion since 2008, he’s coming off of a win and is looking to climb towards the most wins in UFC history record as a win here would be his 23rd. Nikolas Motta brings a three fight winning streak into his UFC debut and while Miller is more on the downside of his career beating a legend like Miller would be a great way to announce your arrival. Motta is the favorite at -160 while the +140 comeback on Miller might be a tempting value bet.

Lightweight Bout: Jim Miller (33-16 1 NC, 156 lbs.) vs. Nikolas Motta (12-3, 154.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Motta is an inch taller while Miller has half an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Miller, per usual. Miller looks to jab and then lands a leg kick. Both men doing some feinting, then Miller lands a left hand. Both men land punches. They trade power hand punches. Bit of a blitz attack from Miller. Head kick from Miller lands but he gets tagged hard by Motta in response. Inside leg kick from Miller. Very patient counter game from Motta thus far. Miller lands another inside leg kick. Motta lands a right hand, then Miller with another inside leg kick. Miller is really going after that lead leg. Bit of a left from Miller but Motta avoids a clinch attempt. Miller with a bit of a right hook, then Motta avoids the follow up attack. Inside leg kick from Miller. Motta lands a left to the body. Miller lands an inside leg kick but again Motta counters with a punch. Another inside leg kick from Miller, that one got a reaction from Motta. Superman punch from Miller then he tries a takedown but they stall out on the fence. Miller starts working short elbows and knees before Motta spins free. Another inside leg kick from Miller, then another. Motta does not like those. Miller closes the round with another inside leg kick.

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

ROUND TWO: Motta lands a right hand to start the second round. Miller lands another inside leg kick, that lead leg of Motta is hurt and Miller kicks it again. Outside leg kick from Miller lands. Bit of a right from Miller in close then Motta avoids a blitz. Miller is stalking forward now and lands a right hook while Motta lands a right hand. Another inside leg kick from Miller then Motta lands a body shot. Miller lands a leaping right hook that FLOORS Motta, then he gets on top and pounds things out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jim Miller via TKO, punches, at 1:58 of Round 2

Miller has now tied Donald Cerrone for most wins in UFC history (23). Mic time for Miller, he feels great but feels the stoppage was a touch late but acknowledges how tough the refs job is. He talks us through the finish, noting he chipped away with the leg kicks to open things up then started pressing Motta. He talks about how he’s going to keep fighting as long as there’s time on the clock. Felder brings up that he’s tied for most UFC wins now, and he says this was a tough camp as he was balancing a lot of things but his goal now is just to fight as hard as possible for as long as he can and he’ll know when it’s time to end. To close he’d like to fight in front of a crowd his 40th UFC fight next.

Parker Porter has gone 2-1 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak, if he’s able to extend that streak here he might get a crack at a bigger name for his next bout. Alan Baudot lost his UFC debut back in 2020 then went to a No Contest in his last fight, now he’s looking for that first UFC win to try and get his career back on track. The odds like Porter to the tune of -280 against +225 for Baudot.

Heavyweight Bout: Alan Baudot (8-2 1 NC, 256 lbs.) vs. Parker Porter (11-6, 263 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Baudot is three inches taller with four inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Porter starts out jabbing, Baudot is happy to jab with him thus far. Porter lands a left hook. Both men land punches in close. Baudot is trying to circle but he’s finding himself on the fence. Both men land uppercuts in close, Baudot lands an elbow but Porter grabs a single leg though he can’t finish it. They come up in the clinch and start working from there. Some knees from Porter, Baudot lands a knee to the body. They break without incident. Baudot misses an uppercut. Bit of a jab from Baudot, then Porter lands a right hand. Baudot seems to be finding his rhythm now, he’s moving well and lands a few rights as Porter gets a clinch. Knee from Porter lands, then an elbow. Some more dirty boxing from Porter then they break. Porter lands a leg kick. They trade kicks then Porter gets an outside trip to land on top as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Porter but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Porter lands a leg kick then a right hand. Both men miss rights then Porter lands a leg kick. Baudot lands a jab. Porter lands a front kick to the body. More leg kicks from Porter then he lands a knee to the body in close. Baudot lands a jab then both men miss rights. Porter punches into a clinch, tries a single leg then switches to the double leg and tries to finish it but he can’t complete it and winds up with Baudot holding a front headlock. Porter slips free and gets to the ride position, he lands punches as Baudot wall walks. An elbow from Porter lands as they break. Baudot looks a bit tired after that scramble, he’s trying to get back into his rhythm. Porter lands a leg kick. They split a few jabs then Baudot avoids a badly set up takedown but they wind up clinched on the fence again. Porter lands a punch and they break. Baudot lands a right to the body. Some jabs from Baudot, he’s back to moving. Porter lands an inside leg kick. Leg kick from Porter connects. Bit of an uppercut from Baudot as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Baudot, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Porter is back to pressing forward and Baudot is working long. Bit of an elbow from Baudot, Porter lands a left hook. Leg kick from Porter, then Baudot lands a left hook. Porter lands a leg kick and blocks some counters. Bit of a right from Baudot. They split jabs again. Baudot lands an uppercut. Combination from Baudot lands, he’s starting to find the target reliably now. Porter lands a right hand. Baudot avoids some offense, then Porter ducks under a punch and goes for a takedown but he can’t finish it and they wind up clinched on the fence. Porter hits a double leg on the fence and lands in side control. Porter puts himself into half guard for more control and starts working body shots. There’s a bit of an americana attempt from Porter but he can’t isolate the arm. Some elbows to the body and head from Porter but there’s not a lot on them. Porter goes after the arm again but again can’t isolate it, though he uses the threat to pass into full mount. Porter postures up and lands some punches for the final seconds.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Parker Porter via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Porter and Baudot hug and share props after the announcement, but he doesn’t get an interview.

Kyle Daukaus has gone 1-2 with 1 No Contest in the UFC, he’s coming off of that NC and is looking for his first official win since 2020. Jamie Pickett took this fight on short notice, hence the catchweight affair, but he’s on a two fight winning streak and a win over Daukaus tonight could easily set him up for a bigger fight next time. Daukaus is a rather heavy -300 favorite while the +235 payout on Pickett might tempt a few bettors out there.

Middleweight Bout: Kyle Daukaus (10-2 1 NC, 193.5 lbs.) vs. Jamie Pickett (13-6, 194 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Daukaus is an inch taller while Pickett has a significant four inches of reach advantage. Both men fighting southpaw. Daukaus lands a leg kick. Another leg kick from Daukaus then he pushes into a clinch and looks for a single leg. Pickett defends the takedown attempt but Daukaus continues with another attempt and gets Pickett down into half guard. Pickett is holding onto the head, so Daukaus goes for the Von Flue choke but just uses the threat to get Pickett to bail on holding the head. Some rights from Daukaus as he’s able to posture up, then Pickett wall walks and they resume clinch fighting. Daukaus gets another double leg, this time into half guard. Some short elbows from Daukaus, he jumps for the back as Pickett stands but can’t find it and they wind up clinched again. Daukaus lands a couple of punches as they break, then he double legs Pickett into half guard again. Pickett shrimps but Daukaus threatens a d’arce choke to keep him down. Daukaus looks for the choke as the round winds down, and Pickett taps out just as the round ends.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Kyle Daukaus via Submission, d’arce choke, at 4:59 of Round 1

Heck of a buzzer beater by Daukaus there. Mic time for Daukaus, he’s excited and is happy to get his feet back under him and get a win. He plans on fighting again soon, referencing his brothers fight in March. He talks us through the finish then jokes that his new nickname is “The D’arce Knight” since he’s now got more d’arce chokes than Tony Ferguson. I’m not sure that’s true but I’d have to double check.

Here’s the finish, we don’t get to see the set up but if you can see how far Dakuaus’s left hand is around the back of Pickett that’s a decent indicator of how deep the choke is.

Johnny Walker made a big splash in his UFC debut but he’s just 1-3 in his last four fights and is coming off of a very lackluster outing against Thiago Santos, if Walker wants to get back into the title discussion he can ill-afford another losing streak here. Jamahal Hill has gone 3-1 with 1 No Contest in the UFC, he’s coming off of a pretty violent finish of Jimmy Crute and if he can extend that streak here it would move him into the top ten contenders of the division. Hill is a surprisingly heavy -225 favorite while the +185 payout on Walker is a very tempting value bet.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #10 Johnny Walker (18-6, 206 lbs.) vs. #12 Jamahal Hill (9-1 1 NC, 205 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Walker is two inches taller and has three inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Hill, Walker does a lot of stance switching. They trade some long range kicks, both men are just range finding right now. Hill avoids a spinning attack and lands a right hook. Walker with a few inside leg kicks. Hill blocks a high kick and they trade punches in close. Walker pushes into a clinch, he ate a few punches along the way but he does get things to the fence. Hill lands a knee to the body then slips free. Walker lands a front kick to the body. Walker avoids a punch, he’s constantly circling to his own right. Hill is coming forward constantly, then lands a right hand that makes Walker go stiff as a board and fall in slow motion.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jamahal Hill via KO, punch, at 2:55 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Hill for his work this evening. Mic time for Hill after that, he’s feeling great and got to show what he can do. He says people should be asking where he’s going next and how good he can be, not doubting him. He expects to be back soon, then talks us through the finish noting he was struggling fighting from southpaw so he went orthodox and landed the right hand once he got the timing down. Asked about the future he aims to fight for the belt sooner rather than later, but in the immediate future he’s going to take a look at the division and find what makes the most sense.

On that note UFC on ESPN+ 59 comes to a close. That card definitely over performed relative to how it looked on paper, so kudos for that. We’ll be breaking down all of the results tomorrow on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA podcast, plus looking ahead to UFC on ESPN+ 60 which has a new main event of Islam Makhachev taking on Bobby Green. I’ll be back for that event next week and I hope you will as well. Until next time thank you for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

More Trending Stories

article topics :

UFC Fight Night, Robert Winfree

More Stories

loading