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411’s UFC Fight Night Report: Jandiroba Armbar’s Lemos
MAIN CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET)
#3 Amanda Lemos (116 lbs.) vs. #5 Virna Jandiroba (115.5 lbs.)
Seungwoo Choi (145 lbs.) vs. Steve Garcia (144.5 lbs.)
Kurt Holobaugh (155 lbs.) vs. Kaynan Kruschewsky (154 lbs.)
#14 Cody Durden (125.5 lbs.) vs. Bruno Silva (126 lbs.)
Bill Algeo (146 lbs.) vs. Dooho Choi (146 lbs.)
Hyder Amil (145 lbs.) vs. Jeong Yeong Lee (145.5 lbs.)
PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 5:30 p.m. ET)
Cody Gibson (136 lbs.) vs. Brian Kelleher (136 lbs.)
Dione Barbosa (125.5 lbs.) vs. Miranda Maverick (125.5 lbs.)
Trey Ogden (156 lbs.) vs. Loik Radzhabov (155.5 lbs.)
Luana Carolina (125.5 lbs.) vs. Lucie Pudilova (126 lbs.)
Thomas Petersen (258.5 lbs.) vs. Mohammed Usman (236.5 lbs.)
Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN 60, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening. Well I’m not going to lie to you guys, this is a very ho-hum card on paper but somehow fitting for our return to the warehouse. The main event might position the winner for a title shot when Amanda Lemos meets Virna Jandiroba but one has to imagine that will be a slightly tenuous claim depending on what Zhang Weili wants to do in the near future. Beyond that the only thing that really stands out is the return of Doo Ho Choi, the Korean Super Boy because he’s almost never been in a boring fight and he should match up well with Bill Algeo. The prelims do have Loik Radzhabov and he’s proven moderately interesting but all in all this is really not a card to get excited about. Of course the usual caveat is that the fights always have the potential to deliver, so let’s hope this one bucks the trend recently of uninteresting cards producing mostly uninteresting fights.
UFC on ESPN 60 comes to the world from the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Commentary will be provided by Brendan Fitzgerald, Daniel Cormier, and Laura Sanko. The Apex has the smaller 25 foot cage installed, and remember that Nevada does allow for the use of instant replay if it’s wanted.
Mohammed Usman has gone 3-1 in the UFC but he is coming off of a loss and is trying to avoid his first losing streak here. Thomas Petersen dropped his UFC debut back in February and is now in search of that all important first UFC win. Fairly close one here but Usman closed at -115 to -105 for Petersen.
Heavyweight Bout: Thomas Petersen (8-2, 258.5 lbs.) vs. Mohammed Usman (10-3, 236.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Usman is an inch taller with five inches of reach advantage while Petersen is about 20 pounds heavier. Southpaw for Petersen and both men do some circling early. Usman with a few jabs to keep range. Petersen with a left to the body then grabs a front headlock but can’t keep it then Usman pushes away. Calf kick from Petersen. Both men kind of land some half assed arm punches at range. They both miss power hand punches. Again Petersen is able to kind of blitz and land a few weaker punches. Left hand from Petersen. Usman defends a takedown then eats a knee but is able to avoid a clinch. Another left from Petersen mostly lands. Right hook from Petersen seems to bother Usman for a moment. Usman is still trying to work his jab and Petersen’s left hand is starting to get through. Petersen jabs the body then lands a left hand. They clinch and Petersen with some knees before Usman gets free. Inside leg kick from Petersen will close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Petersen
ROUND TWO: Usman is getting back to feeling things with his jab. Petersen lands a pretty solid left hand, Usman doesn’t react well when he’s hit and that’s becoming more and more of a problem. Inside leg kick from Petersen. Both men miss punches. Bit of a right from Usman. Right hook then a left from Petersen. Petersen hits a single leg into half guard. Usman is looking to scramble up, he gets up with Petersen on his back but he’s able to get free fairly quickly. A few punches go back and forth, then Petersen lands a left hand. Petersen just keeps pushing forward and landing some short uppercuts when they get close enough to kind of tie up. Right hook from Petersen as Usman circles away from the pocket. Left hand from Petersen then a body kick. Usman tries a single leg but Petersen limp legs away and lands a couple of punches. They’ll feint away the final seconds.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Petersen, 20-18 Petersen overall
ROUND THREE: More of the same as the last round gets going, Usman is circling and jabbing while Petersen is meandering forward and landing better punches. Left hand from Petersen. Petersen with a combination after he avoided a right hand, Usman is just a bit too predictable at this point. Both men swing and mostly miss in close. Usman is starting to throw his right hand more but it’s very loopy and not connecting yet. Left hand from Petersen. Left hand then a jab from Petersen. Usman is just missing and getting countered consistently. Another left hand from Petersen. Usman is able to land a right hand. Bit of a right from Petersen. Petersen with a combination that mostly lands. Usman avoids a single leg. Petersen lands a left hand. Again Petersen lands a couple of left hands. Single leg from Petersen and he’s on top, he lands a couple of punches from half guard. Usman works to stand but wont get off of his seat before the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Petersen, 30-27 Petersen overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Thomas Petersen via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Well that was pedestrian but Petersen gets an interview anyway, he puts over Usman and he’s just happy to have fought and won. He talks about being disgusted by his performance his last time and this time feels the work paid off, then says he’d like to fight Chael Sonnen. OK then.
Luana Carolina has gone 2-2 in her last four fights and is on a two fight winning streak, if she can get to three in a row here it might earn her a shot at a slightly higher class of opponent next time. Lucie Pudilova has gone 3-2 in her last five but she’s on a two fight losing streak and badly needs to halt that skid if she wants to preserve her second UFC stint. Carolina closed at -120 to an even +100 for Pudilova.
Women’s Flyweight Bout: Luana Carolina (10-4, 125.5 lbs.) vs. Lucie Pudilova (14-9, 126 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Pudilova is two inches taller while Carolina has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Southpaw for Carolina, both women come out probing with the lead hand. A few outside leg kicks from Carolina but nothing serious. Pudilova blocks a high kick. A lot of circling from Carolina, she’s looking to counter when Pudilova comes in. Pudilova with a few jabs, both women are still just dealing with long range work. Side kick to the leg then a left hand from Carolina. Pudilova pushes into a clinch, they trade a couple of knees then Carolina lands an elbow as they break. There’s a cut around the right eyebrow of Pudilova now, doesn’t look like a fight stopper but there’s blood. Another clinch and Carolina gets Pudilova on the fence then lands an elbow. Another elbow from Carolina s they break. Pudilova hits a takedown into side control and lands some elbows of her own as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Carolina
ROUND TWO: Pudilova comes forward but eats a right hand. Bit of a knee from Carolina. Pudilova with a combination of punches in close, that bothers Carolina so she grabs a clinch to stall things out. They jockey for position along the fence then Carolina lands an elbow as they break. Carolina lands a left to the body. They tie up and trade in the clinch before Pudilova pushes things to the fence. A few knees go back and forth then Pudilova lands a left hook when they break. Carolina lands a left hand but Pudilova bulls her into the fence again and lands a couple of elbows before Carolina pushes free. Bit of a left from Carolina. Double leg from Pudilova, Carolina grabs a front headlock though and backs to the fence to stay upright. Hard left elbow from Pudilova as they break the clinch. Carolina lands a couple of punches of her own. Another tie up and more knees are traded. Both women land punches as they break and the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Pudilova but could go either way, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: Pudilova back on pressure and Carolina is sniping at her. Bit of a high kick from Carolina then a left hand behind it. Pudilova tries to clinch but Carolina blocks that and lands a kick. Some punches are traded as Pudilova keeps coming forward. Bit of a left hand from Pudilova then Carolina fires a left kick. Bit of an elbow from Pudilova, Carolina then lands a knee. Carolina keeps throwing kicks, Pudilova catches one and gets close but only lands an elbow before Carolina lands a combination and circles free. They trade lefts. Double leg from Pudilova and she’s on top in full guard with 50 seconds in the round. Pudilova with a few hammer fists but time is running out on her. They’ll just trade a few strikes on the mat to end the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Carolina, 29-28 Carolina overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Luana Carolina via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
Mic time for Carolina and the translator, she talks about overcoming a broken foot before this fight and thanks everyone who helped her get ready. She is grateful to have made it to this fight and won after all she had to deal with.
Loik Radzhabov has gone 2-1 in the UFC, he’s coming off of a win though and is trying to find his first UFC winning streak. Trey Ogden has gone 2-2 with 1 No Contest in the UFC, he’s coming off of a win though and is hoping to get his UFC record above the .500 mark for the first time. Another close one, -120 on Radzhabov to an even +100 on Ogden.
Lightweight Bout: Trey Ogden (17-6 1 NC, 156 lbs.) vs. Loik Radzhabov (18-5-1, 155.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Ogden has three inches of reach advantage. Both men with some lead hand fighting, mostly for position rather than striking. Radzhabov is pushing forward and swinging punches, Ogden ducks under one of them and hits a double leg against the fence. Ogden gets the back as Radzhabov stands, he’s after a cheese donkey and is able to pull things down to the mat with both hooks in on the back. Radzhabov is working to scramble around, Ogden is using a power half nelson to keep things mostly on the mat and maintain position. A few lefts from Ogden land then he goes to a body triangle. Ogden keeps fishing for the choke but he’s not able to really get that to develop. A few punches from Ogden land but the round will end with him still on Radzhabov’s back.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Ogden, borderline 10-8 if you’re feeling generous
ROUND TWO: Radzhabov pressures forward again, he’s looking to drop bombs on Ogden. Right hand from Radzhabov and they clinch on the fence. Nothing comes of that and they separate. Radzhabov avoids a takedown attempt and lands a couple of punches. Uppercut from Radzhabov, he’s got Ogden on the fence and lands a couple of punches. Bit of a left hook from Radzhabov. Glancing right from Radzhabov, he’s got Ogden against the fence very consistently now. Calf kick from Radzhabov. Short punches from Radzhabov land in close. Some body work would help Radzhabov out, he lands an uppercut but he’s kind of just hitting the guard of Ogden a lot when he goes to the head. Ogden grabs a clinch and hits an outside trip into side control. Quick pass to mount for Ogden. Ogden is half setting up an arm triangle, might also be thinking about leche de madre. Ogden does commit to the arm triangle, but he’s staying in mount and working to finish there instead of giving up the position. Slowly Ogden is sagging to the side but he loses the choke and chooses to get mount back. Radzhabov breaks the mount and scrambles up and free. Radzhabov with an inside leg kick. Bit of a left hook from Radzhabov to close the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Ogden but a closer one, 20-18 Ogden overall
ROUND THREE: Radzhabov looks to jab and move forward again. Ogden avoids a right hand and hits a takedown into half guard. Ogden passes to full mount. Once again Ogden is trying to work for the arm triangle, he half thinks about switching to an Ezekiel choke but uses that to start working the arm triangle again. Radzhabov bucks up and scrambles free then gets on top of Ogden and starts dropping punches. Ogden closes his guard and looks to stall things out. Radzhabov lands a few punches but Ogden is blocking or avoiding a lot of these. A couple of elbows land for Radzhabov, Ogden tries an elevator sweep but Radzhabov retains top position as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Ogden but another one where you could argue for Radzhabov, 30-27 Ogden overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Trey Ogden via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
No issues with Radzhabov getting the third in particular. Mic time for Ogden, he really wanted to get the finish but Radzhabov was tough. He says the arm triangle in the second was super close but couldn’t quite finish it.
Miranda Maverick has gone 4-1 in her last five fights and is on her second two fight winning streak of that stretch, she’s trying to get to three in a row here and prove she’s ready to start moving up the rankings. Dione Barbosa took this on short notice after Tracy Cortez got moved into the main event of last weeks event but she did win her UFC debut a couple of months back and could extend her overall four fight winning streak here. Maverick is a solid favorite at -250 to a +205 comeback on Barbosa.
Women’s Flyweight Bout: Dione Barbosa (7-2, 125.5 lbs.) vs. Miranda Maverick (13-5, 125.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Barbosa is two and a half inches taller with an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Maverick. Both women fall short with some punches. A few range finding kicks go back and forth. Barbosa lands a right hand. They both miss power hand punches. Some body kicks go back and forth with mixed results. Maverick lands a calf kick. Barbosa misses a head kick. Left hand from Maverick in close. Bit of a right from Barbosa. Maverick lands another calf kick. They tie up then Barbosa slips and starts looking for a leg entanglement but Maverick just smothers into half guard. Some body to head punches from Maverick, Barbosa is able to get full guard though. Barbosa is trying to set up a triangle choke but Maverick is pressing hard into her and landing some punches. Bit of an elbow from Maverick. The round ends with Maverick on top.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Maverick
ROUND TWO: Both women miss punches to start the round. Bit of a right form Barbosa. Inside leg kick then a left hand from Maverick. Barbosa lands a right hand then clinches up on the fence. Head and arm throw from Barbosa, she gets half guard but Maverick immediately scrambles back up into a clinch. Spinning elbow from Barbosa lands then Maverick lands a left hand as they break. Maverick with a calf kick. Barbosa avoids a double leg, she grabs a standing guillotine but she’s losing that position against the fence as Maverick works for a single leg and gets it into half guard. A few lefts from Maverick land as they’re against the fence. Barbosa is able to try an armbar but Maverick gets out of that attempt and goes back into the guard of Barbosa. A few elbows from Maverick land, Barbosa tries to set up a wall walk but she’s a little slow moving through the sequence and has to settle for full guard. Maverick lands a few body to head punches then passes to half guard. The round ends with Maverick on top landing some punches.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Maverick, 20-18 Maverick overall
ROUND THREE: Both women avoid a few strikes to begin the last round. Barbosa lands a right hand and tries a double leg against the fence but Maverick defends and separates. Maverick with a calf kick. Barbosa lands a right hand. Single leg from Maverick, Barbosa rolls through and they wind up in a leg entanglement, ultimately Maverick comes up on top in half guard. Barbosa is able to get butterfly guard. Maverick lands a couple of punches, she’s trying to pass but Barbosa is blocking her. Maverick avoids an armbar attempt and lands a couple of punches. After a bit Maverick is able to push things into the fence and and smother Barbosa there. A few strikes land for Maverick but she’s struggling to pass guard while Barbosa is apparently incapable of regaining her feet. Maverick does pass to half guard and lands a few short elbows. The round ends with Maverick still on top.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Maverick, 30-27 Maverick overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Miranda Maverick via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27 x2)
Not sure which round went to Barbosa. Mic time for Maverick who’s frustrated she didn’t get a finish but feels happy to have won and to have done so well everywhere. She talks about moving to Colorado for her training and puts over her team. To close she thanks God, her family, and she puts over her pickle and honey company.
Brian Kelleher is a veteran of the sport but he’s on a three fight losing streak right now and badly needs to get back on the winning side of things. Cody Gibson has gone 0-2 since returning to the UFC in 2023, he also pretty badly needs a win here as an 0-3 start to your return could easily end his time in the UFC again. The odds like Gibson at -205 against Kelleher’s +170.
Bantamweight Bout: Cody Gibson (19-10, 136 lbs.) vs. Brian Kelleher (24-15, 136 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Gibson is four inches taller with five inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Kelleher opens probing with leg kicks. Bit of a right hand from Gibson. Gibson is looking to work in combination thus far. Bit of a calf kick from Kelleher. Both men are showing stance switches. A couple of jabs from Gibson, then he avoids a blitz and gets the back standing. Gibson wrestles Kelleher down and gets on top in half guard. Kelleher works to scramble, he’s stuck against the fence but is able to regain his feet in a clinch. Gibson again wrestles Kelleher down then gets to the back as he stands. Kelleher works for a double wrist lock and eats a knee but he uses that to get free. Uppercut and elbow from Gibson, Gibson then gets another clinch on the fence. Gibson slips to the back then lands an elbow that drops Kelleher for a second. Kelleher bounces up and grabs at a guillotine as Gibson tries a takedown, Gibson gets his head free though and moves to half guard. Arm triangle attempt from Gibson on the dangerous side and Kelleher has to tap.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Cody Gibson via Submission, arm triangle choke, at 3:58 of Round 1
The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Gibson for his work this evening, and for giving us our first finish of the evening. Mic time for Gibson, he talks about figuring out how to use his range while also being a pressure fighter. He talks us through the finish, and he’s excited for his next fight.
Here’s the finish. Catching the arm triangle on the same side as your half guard is nice when you can get it, Kelleher tried to frame and get to his right hip but as he did so Gibson snuck his head under the arm and blocked the transition towards octopus guard then locked up the choke.
CODY GIBSON TOOK HIS OPPONENT TO SCHOOL WITH A WIN IN ROUND ONE ✍️ #UFCVegas94 pic.twitter.com/YSWjaA8CtY
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 20, 2024
Jeong Yeong Lee is on an eight fight winning streak including two wins in the UFC, he’s looking to solidify his status as a rising prospect with another win here. Hyder Amil is undefeated including a successful UFC debut in February, he’s hoping to remain perfect and prove that he’s the prospect of note. Lee is your -190 favorite to +160 for Amil.
Featherweight Bout: Hyder Amil (19-0, 45 lbs.) vs. Jeong Yeong Lee (11-1, 145.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Lee is an inch taller with three and a half inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Amil. Right hook from Amil after he avoided a punch and they clinch up. Amil quickly spins free. Both men land punches in close. Lee is stalking forward and both men swing punches, defense is not a factor here as Amil is teeing off on Lee. Lee is just against the fence and Amil unloads with more punches to prompt the standing TKO.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Hyder Amil via TKO, punches, at 1:05 of Round 1
The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Amil for his work this evening. Well that was some insanity to get the main card going. Amil gets an interview, he says he’s normally happy but when you wake up the beast inside it’s a bad thing for you. He wants to keep moving up the ranks and is proud to represent the Philippines and the bay area in California.
Just some madness here, defense doesn’t exist for either man.
HYDER AMIL WITH A BLISTERING BARRAGE 💥 #UFCVegas94 pic.twitter.com/My8VF1RA3J
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 21, 2024
Doo-ho Choi has a career full of memorable fights and bonus winning finishes, but he’s gone 0-3-1 in his last four fights which includes the time he had to take off for his mandatory military service, Choi badly needs a win here which would be his first since 2016. Bill Algeo has gone 4-2 in his last six fights, he’s coming off of a loss though when Kyle Nelson stopped him in the first round and now he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak. The odds like Algeo at -185 while +155 on Choi might tempt a couple of bettors out there.
Featherweight Bout: Bill Algeo (18-8, 146 lbs.) vs. Dooho Choi (14-4-1, 146 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Algeo is two inches taller with three inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. A bit of stance switching from Algeo but he does a lot of southpaw. Algeo pressures forward, Choi jumps for a guillotine choke and he’s really after it but Algeo is able to get free as they fight up into a clinch. Choi has Algeo on the fence now and hits a takedown into side control. Algeo to his knees, Choi jumps for his back and gets the choke but he’s only got one hook in and Algeo slides him off the side to escape it and come up on the legs of Choi. Choi works to wall walk and gets up into a clinch. A few knees go back and forth then they trade elbows and break. Choi with an inside leg kick. Both men land punches in close, Algeo then grabs a clinch after landing a spinning elbow. Double leg from Algeo and he lands a couple of up elbows as Choi is sitting on the cage. Choi wall walks, grabs another front headlock and fires a few knees then jumps for the guillotine again. Algeo fights to get his head out and does then lands some punches on top as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Algeo but could go either way
ROUND TWO: Choi with a body kick. Algeo misses a few punches. They both miss punches in close. Bit of a right hand from Choi then an inside leg kick. Algeo with a bit of a left hand as he avoids a left hook from Choi. Algeo lands a left hand. Choi is starting to show his jab a little bit more as they trade some calf kicks. Right to the body from Choi. Another body shot from Choi then a calf kick. Choi with a jab, then Algeo lands a left hook. Algeo with a spinning back fist into a clinch but Choi spins him into the cage pretty quickly. Foot sweep from Choi then he grabs a front headlock and lands a knee before snapping Algeo down to a knee. They wrestle up and free. Choi with a left hook that stuns Algeo for a second. Algeo is cut around the right eyebrow from that punch. Choi with a right hand then a left hook Algeo sags and the ref jumps in to wave things off.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Doo Ho Choi via TKO, punches, at 3:38 of Round 2
Choi is just incapable of having a bad fight. Mic time for Choi and the translator, he is visibly emotional after his first win in 8 years and he talks about having leg people down with his losses but he wanted to win for everyone who still believed in him. He talks us through the finish and expresses gratitude to Chan Sung Jung for being there for him.
Algeo is a creative fighter but going a bit too often to fancier techniques leaves you vulnerable to fundamental counters. Here Algeo tries a spinning elbow but doesn’t land then is vulnerable trying to reposition so Choi cracks his already damaged eye with a left hook.
Devastating left hook from Doo Ho Choi 😤 #UFCVegas94 pic.twitter.com/H9q31cpqAc
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 21, 2024
Cody Durden just had a four fight winning streak broken by Tagir Ulanbekov, he’s still a ranked flyweight though and he’s trying to defend that spot here while also avoiding his first losing streak since 2018. Bruno Silva is riding a three fight winning streak with all of those being bonus winning finishes, he’s taking a step up to ranked opposition here but a win would firmly establish him as a contender in the division. Close one here, -125 for Silva to +105 on Durden.
Flyweight Bout: #14 Cody Durden (16-5-1, 125.5 lbs.) vs. Bruno Silva (13-5-2 1 NC, 126 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Durden is three inches taller with two inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Silva catches a kick and lands a right hand. Calf kick from Silva. Durden is pressuring forward and avoids a couple of punches. Bit of a right from Silva then a calf kick. Short left from Silva, he’s catching Durden when Durden crashes distance. Silva avoids a punch and they clinch up against the fence. Knee from Silva. Durden is after a trip but can’t find it, Silva gets free but Durden lands a couple of body shots as he does. Left hook from Silva lands. Durden lands a right hand in close. Silva misses an uppercut. Durden avoids a takedown attempt, his pressure is starting to amp up again. Silva goes southpaw for a moment but doesn’t stay there long. Body shots from Durden land. Front kick from Silva then a right hand. Durden lands a right hand, but Silva took an eye poke so we’ve got a time out. Replay confirms the poke. Silva takes two minutes then we’re back to fighting. Both men come out swinging and land punches. Calf kick from Silva. Spinning back kick from Durden lands. Bit of a right from Durden. Silva misses a spinning back fist as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Durden
ROUND TWO: Durden comes out swinging and hurts Silva, Silva tries a takedown but Durden looks for an anaconda. Eventually Silva gets his head free, Durden switches towards a ninja choke then Silva rolls to his back and gives up side control. Silva scrambles around and gets half guard. Silva works to wall walk, Durden then rides him back to his knees. Durden tries to push Silva over onto his back, Silva scrambles up and Durden with a knee to the head before they separate. An uppercut from Silva drops Durden, he gets on top and looks to unload with punches and elbows and Silva just pounds Durden out on the mat.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Bruno Silva via TKO, punches and elbows, at 2:58 of Round 2
Solid comeback from Silva after being behind most of the way, and Silva gets an interview as well. Silva expresses support for Donald Trump and he wants a bonus, seems like there’s a decent chance of that given how the event has gone so far. He talks us through the finish and notes when he saw the mouthpiece go flying after the uppercut he knew it was time to go for the finish. To close he calls out Brandon Moreno, that seems unlikely to bear fruit right now.
Well timed uppercut from Silva, Durden had avoided that punch a couple of times earlier but didn’t adjust to allow for it this time.
MASSIVE COMEBACK FOR BRUNO SILVA 😲 #UFCVegas94 pic.twitter.com/8n8XOKQkHO
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 21, 2024
Kurt Holobaugh has gone 1-1 since returning to the UFC last year, he’s coming off of a loss and is trying to avoid another losing streak. Kaynan Kruschewsky had a seven fight unbeaten streak broken in his UFC debut late last year, now he’s back in action and trying to find that all important first UFC win. Another close fight, -135 on Kruschewsky to +115 for Holobaugh.
Lightweight Bout: Kurt Holobaugh (20-8 1 NC, 155 lbs.) vs. Kaynan Kruschewsky (15-2, 154 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Kruschewsky is an inch taller with three inches of reach advantage. Holobaugh comes out jabbing and clinches, they both engage in some dirty boxing in the clinch. A few knees go back and forth as they fight for position, Kruschewsky grabs a front headlock for a moment but can’t do much with it. Holobaugh breaks and lands a couple of punches. Calf kick from Holobaugh. Kruschewsky grabs a clinch and lands a couple of knees before Holobaugh gets things to the fence. Knee from Holobaugh then he eats a punch as they break. Again Holobaugh bulls into a clinch, Kruschewsky with a knee then an uppercut. Body shots from Holobaugh then Kruschewsky lands a knee and they break. Left to the body from Kruschewsky. Bit of a right from Kruschewsky. Holobaugh lands a calf kick. Combination from Holobaugh, then Kruschewsky digs the body a couple of times. Right hand from Kruschewsky then they clinch. A few knees to back and forth. Kruschewsky keeps fishing for a headlock series, he grabs a ninja choke and lands knees as Holobaugh gets out of the choke. Body shots in close from Kruschewsky before they break. Both men land hooks in close. Calf kick from Kruschewsky. Kruschewsky with a left hand then Holobaugh with an uppercut. A clinch and Kruschewsky lands a couple of knees before the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Holobaugh but a close one
ROUND TWO: Kruschewsky lands a right hand to start the round. Both men land hooks but Kruschewsky seems to be the harder puncher. Right hand from Holobaugh. Kruschewsky avoids a combination. They clinch, Kruschewsky with a couple of knees and they hit the fence. Kruschewsky wraps the head again, this time he jumps for the guillotine but they wind up scrambling back upright. Holobaugh tries a single leg, Kruschewsky grabs the ninja choke again, Holobaugh sags to the mat but he’s at an angle to negate a bit of the pressure and they scramble back up. Kruschewsky tries to jump again for the guillotine but this time he slips off and Holobaugh gets on top. Knee to the body then an elbow from Holobaugh as Kruschewsky stands. They break and trade punches but Kruschewsky looks tired. Uppercut from Kruschewsky. Holobaugh misses a couple of punches. Kruschewsky lands a left to the body. Holobaugh looks to unload as he’s got Kruschewsky on the fence but Kruschewsky lands a hook and then a body shot. Bit of a right from Kruschewsky. Holobaugh lands a left hook. They trade rights then Kruschewsky lands a knee. Again they trade rights. Both men with arm punches in close, the body work from both men is paying off now. Right hand from Holobaugh lands. They trade in close again, then Holobaugh hits a double leg but Kruschewsky grabs a guillotine on the way down. Kruschewsky is really after this guillotine but Holobaugh is able to eventually pull his head free. The round will end with Holobaugh on top.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Holobaugh but again close, 20-18 Holobaugh overall
ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Knee from Kruschewsky and Holobaugh lands a couple of body shots. Kruschewsky with a jab. They split jabs. Left hook from Kruschewsky and they just trade a couple of punches. Right hand from Holobaugh but Kruschewsky grabs a clinch and lands knees. Both men dig the body again, Kruschewsky with a knee in a clinch then an outside trip to land on top in full guard. Kruschewsky passes to half guard and some punches land. Holobaugh gets full guard but eats an elbow for his trouble. Kruschewsky passes but Holobaugh gets donkey guard. A right hand from Kruschewsky lands then Holobaugh scrambles up and eats a left hook as they break. Body shots again from Kruschewsky. Holobaugh lands a right hand. Takedown for Kruschewsky, Holobaugh didn’t even fight that one. Kruschewsky lands a few punches as he works to pass, Holobaugh rolls to his knees and tries to come up on a single leg, he’s able to wrestle to get on top in half guard. Holobaugh with a few short elbows. Kruschewsky hip escapes and gets butterfly guard but couldn’t get upright. They scoot to the fence, Holobaugh then gets to the back and has both hooks in. Holobaugh is fishing for a choke but wont find it as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Holobaugh, 30-27 Holobaugh overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Kurt Holobaugh via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Mic time for Holobaugh, he says nothing is better than winning in front of his family. He puts over Kruschewsky to close. Really abbreviated interviews tonight, even by regular standards these feel bland and rushed.
Steve Garcia has gone 4-2 in the UFC and is on a three fight winning streak, he’s looking to extend that here and prove he’s ready for a step up in competition his next time out. Seung Woo Choi just broke a three fight losing streak his last time out, he’s trying to build his first winning streak since 2021 here. The odds like Garcia at -155 to +135 on Choi.
Featherweight Bout: Seung Woo Choi (11-6, 145 lbs.) vs. Steve Garcia (15-5, 144.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Garcia has half an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Garcia. Choi looks to show the right early. Garcia kicks then pushes into a clinch on the fence. Outside trip attempt from Garcia but Choi slips free and lands an elbow. Both men land punches. Choi with an inside calf kick. Bit of a right from Choi. They trade punches for a bit, and Choi gets hurt then Garcia drops him and gets on top then pounds things out.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Steve Garcia via TKO, punches, at 1:36 of Round 1
The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Garcia for his work this evening. Mic time for Garcia, he feels great and gives glory to God then thanks his family for their support of this career. He talks us through the finish, then is asked about the future and wants a fight with someone who’s name I can’t quite make out and then wants to golf with Cormier.
STEVE GARCIA IN ROUND ONE 💥 #UFCVegas94 pic.twitter.com/hFd7rOkgZ6
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 21, 2024
Amanda Lemos got beaten pretty soundly by Zhang Weili last year in a title fight but she rebounded with a decision over Mackenzie Dern in February, now she’s trying to build another winning streak and possibly get back into the title picture. Virna Jandiroba is riding a three fight winning streak and will be trying to lay claim to her first UFC title fight with a win here. The odds lean towards Jandiroba at -125 against a +105 payout on Lemos.
Strawweight Bout: #3 Amanda Lemos (14-3-1, 116 lbs.) vs. #5 Virna Jandiroba (20-3, 115.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Lemos has a inch of height and reach advantage. They touch gloves. Some feinting and stance switching from both women as they move around. Quick takedown into half guard from Jandiroba, Lemos tries a guillotine that’s more about control than the threat of finishing just yet. Jandiroba gets her head free and begins working to pass. Lemos tries to buck and roll but Jandiroba is able to ride her and retain top position. Jandiroba is working to pass but Lemos is able to bridge and sweep, they scramble and Jandiroba grabs a kneebar. This one is potentially dangerous, Lemos tries a toe hold to break the attack and Jandiroba then rolls through and comes up on the back as they stand. Jandiroba climbs to the backpack position but doesn’t really keep it settling for just holding the back. A few punches land for Jandiroba and the round ends with her still on the back.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Jandiroba
ROUND TWO: Both women back to bouncing around and showing kicks. Bit of a left hand from Lemos. Uppercut from Lemos partially lands. Jandiroba blocks a few punches, not much happening here. Jandiroba tries a double leg, that hits the fence and stalls out. Lemos gets taken down, she’s trying to grab at a crucifix position but just scrambles back up. Jandiroba is after a single leg, she lands a few short punches then winds up pulling half guard before getting the back in a scramble with both hooks in. Really lovely scramble from Jandiroba there. Jandiroba starts fishing for the choke and starts getting closer. Lemos is trying to hand fight, she’s keeping safe enough thus far as Jandiroba goes to a body triangle for control. Armbar from Jandiroba, that’s in and tight enough to force the tap.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Virna Jandiroba via Submission, armbar, at 4:48 of Round 2
Mic time for Jandiroba and the translator, she thanks the UFC brass and Lemos for the fight then calls for a title shot. She’s very well prepared and tells Dana White that she’s the next champion. She talks us through the finish and includes that she wasn’t going to be silly and try to strike with Lemos. To close she says she and Zhang were supposed to fight years ago but things worked out differently and wants to make that fight happen now.
Here’s the finish. Armbars from the back are terribly underused in MMA, nice to see this one hit.
VIRNA JANDIROBA (21-3) DEFEATS AMANDA LEMOS (14-4-1) VIA 2ND ROUND ARMBAR #UFCVegas94 #UFCFightNight pic.twitter.com/fScHrhshpE
— Sideline Recaps (@SidelineRecaps) July 21, 2024
Well on that note UFC on ESPN 60 comes to a close. Thankfully this wound up not being too tedious, even if it’s also mostly forgettable and about as close to mindless content creation as the UFC gets. But we’ll break this thing down tomorrow on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast plus look ahead to UFC 304 next week. I’ll be back for that card and I hope you will too, but until then thank you for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.