411’s UFC Fight Night Report: Kattar Bloodies and Outlasts Chikadze

MAIN CARD (ESPN, ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)
#5 Calvin Kattar (146 lbs.) vs. #8 Giga Chikadze (146 lbs.)
Jake Collier (264.5 lbs.) vs. Chase Sherman (250 lbs.)
#7 Rogerio Bontorin (125.5 lbs.) vs. #5 Brandon Royval (125.5 lbs.)
#2 Katlyn Chookagian (126 lbs.) vs. #4 Jennifer Maia (126 lbs.)
Viacheslav Borshchev (155 lbs.) vs. Dakota Bush (155.5 lbs.)
Bill Algeo (145 lbs.) vs. Joanderson Brito (145.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 5 p.m. ET)
Joseph Holmes (185.5 lbs.) vs. Jamie Pickett (184.5 lbs.)
Ramiz Brahimaj (170.5 lbs.) vs. Court McGee (170 lbs.)
Kevin Croom (144.5 lbs.) vs. Brian Kelleher (145 lbs.)
TJ Brown (155 lbs.) vs. Charles Rosa (156 lbs.)

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Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN 32. This is the first UFC event of 2022, and for the second year in a row Calvin Kattar is half of the main event for the first event of the year. I’m sure he’s hoping this one goes better than last year. The main event is the aforementioned Calvin Kattar taking on surging contender Giga Chikadze, a win for Chikadze could put him in the title picture while Kattar is trying to rebound from the historic beating he took at the hands of Max Holloway. This card had some serious set backs, we lost a great fight between Muslim Salikhov and Michel Pereira, Saidyokub Kakhramonov had to pull out of his fight with Brian Kelleher, Gabriel Benitez dropped from his fight with Charles Rosa, and a bruiser of a fight between Joaquin Buckley and Abdul Razak Alhassan fell apart. Ultimately he have just a 10 fight card to work with, but hopefully the action is good.

UFC on ESPN 32 comes to the world from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. We’ve got Brendan Fitzgerald, Michael Bisping, and Dominick Cruz on commentary. As for the rules Nevada uses most of the newer ones but you still only need one hand on the mat to be considered a downed fighter. We will have the use of instant replay if the in cage official or the outside official want it, and the fight can be restarted after using it if that’s applicable.

Charles Rosa has been trading wins and losses for the entirety of his UFC run, he’s coming off of a loss and is looking to avoid his first ever losing streak. TJ Brown has gone 1-2 in the UFC but he’s coming off of a win and is looking to get his first UFC winning streak while drawing his UFC record to the .500 mark. Brown is your favorite at -220 while the +180 comeback on Rosa is a tempting value bet.

Lightweight Bout: TJ Brown (15-8, 155 lbs.) vs. Charles Rosa (14-6, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Brown has three inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Brown starts pressuring right away and lands a glancing right. Rosa lands a sold calf kick, then another one. Rosa is constantly on the back foot, and Brown lands another right hand but takes another calf kick. Bit of a right from Rosa, then a calf kick. Brown needs some diversity in his offense, the right hand is predictable. Rosa lands another calf kick, Brown goes southpaw long enough to land a body kick. A calf kick from Rosa drops Brown for a second. Brown lands a leg kick of his own then gets the back standing and forces things down to the mat. Rosa looks to wall walk, he threatens a front choke as they regain their feet and Brown lands an elbow on the break. Both men have started switching stances now, and Rosa lands another calf kick. They trade rights in close then Rosa lands another calf kick. Rosa lands to the calf again, Brown digs a left to the body. Brown blocks a high kick. Stiff right from Brown then the forces a clinch and takes Rosa down against the fence. Rosa wall walks and looks for a guillotine sequence but Brown takes him down from his knees and into side control. Brown looks to set up an arm triangle choke, it’s pretty tight and he starts moving to the side to finish it but Rosa is able to get his head free. Brown swings some ground and pound as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Brown

ROUND TWO: Brown gets back on the front foot right away, applying pressure. Rosa lands a couple of calf kicks. Brown lands a left hook in close. Bit of a left from Brown, he’s starting to get through to Rosa. Brown times a double leg and gets Rosa down along the fence. Rosa starts working to wall walk, Brown scoops him away from the fence and starts working but Rosa is able to hit a sweep and wind up on top in side control. Brown picks an ankle as he rolls and is able to get on top in side control. Some nice scrambles from both men there. Brown again tries for the arm triangle choke, he keeps getting caught in half guard by Rosa though and so he bails on the choke. Some punches from Brown as Rosa gets to full guard. Rosa grabs at an armbar, he can’t finish it but uses the motion to regain his feet and sprawl away from a double leg but he tries to roll for an anaconda choke and Brown arm drags free and into top position. Brown starts landing punches from the ride position then moves to side control as Rosa rolls to his back. Short elbows land for Brown then he moves to the back as Rosa tries to turtle, Rosa is able to get half guard but Brown grabs an arm triangle and starts squeezing. Brown wont be able to finish the choke and decides to again end the round landing strikes from the top.

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

ROUND THREE: Rosa lands a calf kick to start the round, then Brown returns it. Brown punches into the clinch again and hits a double leg into side control. Knee on belly for Brown and he passes into full mount. Brown gets the back with both hooks in. Rosa is able to clear one of the hooks and tries to wall walk but Brown is smothering him. Rosa uses a front choke threat to push Brown over and gets on top in half guard. Side control now for Rosa. Brown shrimps and gets up then takes Rosa down into half guard. Rosa is trying to grab something from side control but Brown smothers the attempt and lands an elbow. Brown moves into full mount, threatens the arm triangle again but again can’t finish it as Rosa gets a loose half guard. Rosa wall walks but Brown is on his back in the clinch. They get chest to chest and Brown lands some elbows then looks for a takedown but Rosa threatens him with a d’arce choke that Brown defends. Rosa tries to grab another front choke but he can’t get his arms together for either the d’arce or anaconda. Brown regains his feet and lands punches on Rosa but he tries another takedown and again gets stuck on bottom. Rosa lands some elbows still trying a front headlock sequence as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rosa but the closest round of the fight, 30-27 Brown overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – TJ Brown via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Mic time for Brown, that wasn’t the performance he wanted as he wants perfection but he got the job done and continues to put food on the table. He expected to get the arm triangle choke and puts Rosa over for taking the fight on short notice.

Brian Kelleher has gone 4-2 in his last six fights, he’s coming off of a win and is trying to build his first winning streak since 2020. Kevin Croom took this fight on about a week’s notice and is still searching for his first UFC win, if he’s able to get it at the expense of a veteran like Kelleher it will be the biggest win of his career. Given the short notice replacement it’s not a surprise that Kelleher is a rather hefty -335 favorite against a +260 payout on Croom.

Featherweight Bout: Kevin Croom (21-13 1 NC, 144.5 lbs.) vs. Brian Kelleher (23-12, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Croom is five inches taller and has a whopping seven and a half inches of reach advantage. Both men probe with the jab as they circle. Croom is using his legs well, he’s starting to land kicks. Kelleher covers up on a flurry and Croom forces a clinch against the fence. Kelleher slips free and they reset. Croom lands a calf kick. A nice step through right from Kelleher drops Croom, Croom bounces up but he’s still a little wobbled. Kelleher looks to press the issue, Croom fires some kicks but one of them goes into the groin so we’ve got a timeout. Kelleher takes about 25 seconds then we’re back to fighting. Front kick from Kelleher lands. Croom with a bit of a left hook, he’s doing a decent job of managing distance and choosing his weapons. Kelleher misses a spinning back fist. Croom lands a leg kick. Kelleher lands a left hand. Croom avoids a double leg attempt and lands a knee. Bit of a right from Croom then a calf kick. Kelleher digs a left to the body. Front kick goes high for Kelleher but Croom manages to avoid it. Croom lands a left hook. Kelleher ties up for a moment then slips free. Spinning back fist then a right hand from Kelleher and he gets a takedown into full guard. They’ll end the round in that spot on the ground.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kelleher

ROUND TWO: Croom starts jabbing again right away. Kelleher lands a front kick. Croom lands a leg kick. Croom lands a left. Kelleher is staying mobile, he’s done a good job of keeping his back off of the fence for the most part. Croom lands a right hand, Kelleher lands a body shot and then has a right blocked. Bit of a right from Croom. Body kick from Croom, then another one. Clubbing left from Kelleher but he’s getting out struck numerically but a wide margin. Both men land rights then Croom forces a clinch on the fence. Kelleher slips free after a bit and they reset. Kelleher digs a left to the body then lands a left to the head. Another body shot from Kelleher then a takedown where he barely avoids a knee but he gets on top. Kelleher grabs at the seated arm triangle choke but he’s cut around the right eye and it’s leaking. Croom moves to his knees, and Kelleher spins to the back then into half guard as Croom keeps scrambling. Kelleher moves to the back as they stand and tosses Croom down then gets on top in full guard. That cut on Kelleher was caused by the knee on the takedown, I thought Kelleher had avoided it but apparently not. Croom tries to fire off of his back while Kelleher lands a few elbows to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Croom, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: OK, correction to the above as the cut was caused by a nice little elbow from Croom as Kelleher landed a body shot. Kelleher goes back to attacking the body. Left from Kelleher then he gets a takedown into half guard. Croom rolls to his knees, Kelleher looks for the back but has to settle for the ride position. Croom is able to wall walk, Kelleher moves around and hits a double leg. Punches from Kelleher as he moves to the ride position again. Kelleher looks to take the back but again has to just work from the ride. Croom looks to come up on a single leg, Kelleher uses a front headlock to land knees then gets another double leg this time into side control. Kelleher moves to the ride position, Croom wall walks again but takes knees on the way up and sags to his knees to block them. Now Kelleher jumps for a seated arm triangle, tries to switch to a d’arce but Croom defends and Kelleher continues working to keep him down. Croom winds up with half guard and Kelleher lands some elbows. Kelleher moves to the ride, he again tries the seated arm triangle and uses that threat to open up the back and looks to get it. Croom keeps defending but Kelleher is riding him and continues to land strikes while threatening submissions. Punches from Kelleher, he gets the back with both hooks in and lands punches as the round ends.

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

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

The second round was close enough that I don’t object to Kelleher taking it, and the 10-8 in the third was a marginal call on my part. Kelleher gets an interview, he felt he needed a finish in the third and puts over Croom as a tough and skilled opponent. He wants to be back as soon as the cut has healed, then notes Croom took this on three days notice and thanks him for doing so.

Court McGee has been with the UFC since 2010, he just snapped a three fight losing streak and is looking for his first set of consecutive wins since 2013. Ramiz Brahimaj has gone 1-1 in the UFC but is coming off of a win and now looks to build his first UFC winning streak. The odds are close on this one, leaning towards Brahimaj at -125 to +105 for McGee.

Welterweight Bout: Ramiz Brahimaj (9-3, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Court McGee (20-10, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: McGee is an inch taller, has three and a half inches of reach advantage, and is is eight years older. They touch gloves to get things started. McGee jabs the body as they circle. Both men land body shots in close. Brahimaj keeps pressing forward. McGee lands a couple of body shots. Brahimaj lands a left then a right. McGee keeps jabbing the body, he lands a calf kick as well. Double leg attempt from McGee stalls out in a clinch on the fence. They trade knees, McGee’s goes into the groin but the ref doesn’t see it. McGee sucks Brahimaj off the fence and gets the double leg. Brahimaj starts working to get up, he shrimps to his hip but McGee forces him to the mat. Brahimaj is able to fight up and McGee starts working from the back. They trade body shots as they clinch up, McGee’s clinch game seems better at the moment. Another takedown from McGee, Brahimaj gives up his back while trying to wall walk but he does regain his feet though he’s still clinched. Knees from McGee land, Brahimaj lands one of his own. They finally break then McGee lands a right hand. Body kick from McGee. Some body shots from McGee land, Brahimaj lands a right hand. McGee lands a right. They trade some jabs then McGee lands a right hand. More body shots from McGee, then an uppercut and a body kick. McGee floors Brahimaj with a right hand but the round ends right about then and probably saved Brahimaj.

SCORECARD: 10-8 McGee based on control and the bell saving Brahimaj

ROUND TWO: McGee comes out punching again, and he tries a high kick that’s blocked. Calf kick from McGee takes the legs from Brahimaj. Brahimaj is back up and hits a double leg but McGee wall walks immediately. Brahimaj is able to move towards the back but McGee turns into him and gets his own double leg. McGee starts working elbows from a ride position. They fight up to the feet but McGee is drowning Brahimaj in the clinch. Brahimaj bounces up from a mat return but he can’t get McGee off of him. Uppercut from McGee, Brahimaj grabs a front headlock to threaten him but he can’t find anything with it. Elbow from McGee lands. Knee from Brahimaj lands but McGee slips to his back again. More body shots from McGee then he gets another takedown but Brahimaj bounces up. Brahimaj looks to be fading here, McGee has forced a high pace with a ton of physicality. They trade punches as they break. McGee works his jab then a body kick. They clinch again and again hit the fence. McGee works knees then lands a right as Brahimaj pulls away. Both men land punches in close. One two from McGee staggers Brahimaj. They trade left hooks. Brahimaj tries a double leg, they stall on the fence again and McGee gets Brahimaj on the fence. McGee looks for a double leg, and gets it as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. McGee lands a couple of body kicks. Brahimaj tries to push forward but McGee gets a clinch on the fence. McGee keeps looking for a double leg, he gets it and Brahimaj tries to grab a guillotine but McGee moves to half guard to avoid it. Brahimaj starts working a rubber guard but McGee pressures through it. Brahimaj tries to wall walk again, McGee lands a few punches. There’s another guillotine attempt from Brahimaj, this one’s a bit deeper but McGee again postures up and pulls his head out. Some body shots from McGee, Brahimaj keeps fishing for a guillotine as he starts wall walking and McGee moves to the ride position. McGee gets one hook in for a leg ride and starts fishing for his own choke from there. Brahimaj defends the choke attempt, but McGee moves to full mount as he avoids the choke. McGee attempts an arm triangle choke but the fence is complicating matters for him. Brahimaj is able to defend that attempt but McGee is in full mount. McGee gets the back again, he lands a few punches. Brahimaj can’t get up at this point, McGee keeps landing short blows while riding him. McGee ends the round on the back.

SCORECARD: 10-9 McGee but there’s a loose 10-8 argument in there, 30-26 McGee overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Court McGee via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Gritty win for McGee, who gets an interview. He says he’s happy with that win, and that he feels better physically now than he did 8 years ago. He says fighting is tough, he tries to be kind all the time but he’s in a job where you have to be mean and he thanks a neighbor for helping get his mind right. To close he wishes a happy birthday to his son, and shouts out a local high school wrestling tam.

Jamie Pickett just got his first UFC win in his last fight, now he’s trying to build on that and get his first UFC winning streak up and running. Joseph Holmes is on a seven fight winning streak coming into his UFC debut and will be looking to extend his winning ways tonight. Holmes is a slight -150 favorite to +130 on Pickett.

Middleweight Bout: Joseph Holmes (7-1, 185.5 lbs.) vs. Jamie Pickett (12-6, 184.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Holmes is two inches taller but the reach is identical. They touch gloves, Pickett fighting southpaw. Both men clash on kicks. Some feinting from both men, they’re trying to get a feel for things. They trade some calf kicks. Pickett barely avoids a high kick. Holmes lands a right hand then a body kick. They clinch up and hit the fence. Holmes tries a few trips but can’t find them before they break. Calf kick from Holmes but he misses the follow ups. Pickett forces the clinch and drives Holmes to the fence. They jockey for position, neither man finding much of an edge here. Holmes lands a few elbows then a knee as he gets free. Pickett tries a bad double leg and Holmes easily avoids him. Holmes lands a calf kick. Pickett lands a left, then Holmes lands an inside leg kick. Holmes avoids a flurry. Another double leg from Pickett, he can finish this one but Holmes immediately sets up his wall walk. They’re up and in the clinch, Holmes with some elbows and knees as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Holmes

ROUND TWO: Both men come out punching for the second round. Pickett lands a front kick and forces a clinch. Bit of a trip from Pickett but Holmes only goes to a knee and regains his feet. Pickett lands a few punches as they break, Holmes is bleeding under the left eye. Both men land punches then they clinch and hit the fence again. They break without incident. Holmes lands a left hook. Bit of a right from Holmes. Both men land lefts. Pickett is stalking Holmes down now, but Holmes dissuades him with a right to the body. Calf kick from Holmes. Pickett lands a left hand. They tie up again and hit the fence, Holmes is working on a single leg but can’t finish it. They break and Pickett lands a right hand. Holmes lands a one two then they clinch again. Some knees from Holmes as he’s got Pickett on the fence. They break as Pickett lands a body kick. Pickett punches back into the clinch and they end the round there.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pickett, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Pickett comes out looking to push the pace, Holmes looks a little more fatigued. Calf kick from Pickett then he forces a clinch. They break and Pickett misses a kick. Pickett fires a few kicks then they fall into another clinch and hit the fence. After a bit they break without incident. Another trade of punches into another clinch. Pickett lands an elbow a they break. Holmes lands a one two then a body kick. Pickett hops forward and we’ve got another clinch. Some knees from Pickett then they break. Holmes lands a few inside leg kicks. Body kick from Holmes, Pickett returns it. Pickett punches into another clinch and then pushes Holmes to the fence. Holmes lands an elbow as they break. Some front kicks from Pickett, Holmes lands a jab. Holmes lands an elbow as they clinch up. They break without incident. Pickett has a couple of high kicks blocked. Holmes avoids a high kick and they just feint away the final seconds.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jamie Pickett via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Mic time for Pickett despite the fight kind of sucking. He’s happy with the win but not happy with the performance, but he did get to show that he’s trained hard. He wants to get back in the gym and continue improving. To close he gives love to his family and home town.

That ends the prelims, on to ESPN or still on ESPN+ for the main card.

Bill Algeo has gone 1-2 in the UFC but he’s coming off of a loss and is trying to avoid his first ever losing streak. Joanderson Brito hasn’t lost since 2015, giving him an impressive 12 fight unbeaten streak. Now Brito is making his UFC debut and will be looking to extend that streak while making an impression on the UFC audience. The odds are close on this one but favor the newcomer Brito at -150 to a +130 comeback on Algeo.

Featherweight Bout: Bill Algeo (14-6, 145 lbs.) vs. Joanderson Brito (12-2-1, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Algeo is four inches taller but has just one inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Algeo lands a calf kick then a body kick. Brito misses a right hand and they clinch up. Brito has a body lock here and he’s got Algeo on the fence, they trade knees while Brito fights to get a double leg. Brito gets a double leg but Algeo has a grip through the legs to stifle him and he uses that to regain his feet. They’re still clinched, Brito gets a double leg and hoists Algeo up then slams him down and moves to the back. Only one hook for Brito, Algeo is trying to get free but Brito gets both hooks in and starts fishing for the choke. Brito keeps the back as they roll around, Algeo keeps looking to attack the hooks but he can’t dislodge Brito. Algeo is able to spin into Brito and get on top in full guard. Some elbows from Algeo as he works from top position. Algeo postures up, Brito moves to his feet and tries another double leg on the fence. Brito can’t finish the double leg this time and Algeo gets free. Body kick from Algeo as he avoids punches. Brito is pushing forward but he’s struggling just a bit with the length of Algeo. Brito forces another clinch on the fence. Algeo spins free and lands a front kick to the chest to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Brito

ROUND TWO: Algeo starts pushing the pace right away, he lands a right that gets Brito to back off. Brito lands a left to the body and tries a takedown but Algeo defends along the fence. Algeo defends the takedowns along the fence, Brito is using a lot of energy on these attempts. Some knees from Algeo as he’s using a front headlock to control Brito, he grabs a cradle and forces Brito down to his knees. They break and Algeo lands a left hand then a body kick. Brito lands a calf kick. Another calf kick from Brito, that man has no off speed pitches everything is full power. Both men land punches in close. They get close and brawl for a bit then Brito tries another takedown that Algeo defends. Algeo smothers Brito and gets on top, he lands some punches while Brito tries to set up his wall walk. Brito looks gassed, Algeo pulls him down and gets on top in side control. Algeo uses another front headlock against the fence and lands knees to the body and thigh then a nasty one to the head as Brito pulls free. Brito lands a right hand, they trade punches then clinch up on the fence again. Algeo works knees to the body and thigh as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Algeo, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Brito starts pushing forward right away, Algeo jabs him while circling. Algeo lands a few body shots then they clinch up again. There’s an elbow from Algeo as they break, then he lands a front kick to the body. Brito lands a stiff jab. Algeo lands a few jabs, then avoids a right and they clinch then break apart. Brito lands a right hand. Calf kick from Brito, then another one. Algeo keeps his jab working, then he gets the clinch and forces Brito to the fence. Knees from Algeo, he’s going to all levels with them at this point. Algeo lands an elbow as they break. Both men land some jabs, then Brito lands a right hand. Algeo lands a jab. Brito lands a body shot but misses the follow ups. We get a brief timeout as Algeo got poked in the eye but he doesn’t want to give Brito the break. Brito lands a jab. Another calf kick from Brito, he’s keeping the pace high despite being tired. Brito forces a clinch that hits the fence. Algeo gets a takedown into side control and knees the body. Elbows to the head, then Algeo moves to the back. More elbows from Algeo, he’s going for the finish despite the short time. Another few elbows from Algeo close out the round.

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

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

I don’t agree with Algeo getting the first, but that was a competitive fight. Mic time for Algeo, he could see everything Brito was doing and advocates for 5 judges instead of 3 as he doesn’t feel 29-28 is a fair score. He tells the Giga Chikadze fans to go home, and calls out Chikadze for a fight.

Dakota Bush dropped his UFC debut last year, now he’s trying to score that all important first UFC win. Viacheslav Borschev makes his UFC debut on the back of a three fight winning streak that was capped off by a knockout on the Contender Series, now he’s trying to make a good first impression to the UFC audience. Borshchev is your favorite at -190 to a +160 payout for Bush.

Lightweight Bout: Viacheslav Borshchev (5-1, 155 lbs.) vs. Dakota Bush (8-3, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Borschev is an inch taller while Bush has four inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Bush starts probing right away with his jab and long range kicks. Borschev is keeping distance, letting most of Bush’s offense fall short. Bush lands a right hand. Body kick from Bush but Borschev times him and takes his legs out with a leg kick. Bush back up, they get close and Borschev lands uppercuts before Bush hits a takedown into full guard. Borschev starts looking to off balance Bush, he’s able to do so and get up but Bush forces a clinch on the fence. Bush lands a knee as they break, that seems to have rattled Borschev. Borschev lands a left to the body. A left hook from Borschev stuns Bush for a second. Bush tries a double leg, Borschev sprawls but that allows Bush to spin around to the back. Borschev bases up and looks to slide Bush over the top and does so, then he gets on top in full guard and looks to land punches. Borschev digs some body shots. Bush fights to his feet, tries a takedown but Borschev is defending against the fence. They break clean then Borschev lands a wicked left to the body that folds Bush up like a lawn chair and a few more shots on the mat prompt the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Viacheslav Borshchev via TKO, body shot and hammer fists, at 3:47 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Borshchev for his work this evening, and congratulates him on the first UFC finish of 2022. Mic time for Borshchev after that finish, he’s happy the hard work on his wrestling has paid off then talks us through the finish. He isn’t sure when he’ll be back but trusts his team to help make those decisions.

Here’s the finish. I like how Borshchev properly uses footwork in the pocket, he’s got his base and is well anchored to the ground so he can truly dig everything into the body shot. The sound is pretty gnarly, that deep thud makes me hurt just listening to it.

Slava Claus delivered a nasty body shot for the first UFC finish of the year 😬 (via @ufc) pic.twitter.com/ciNvT53lMg

— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) January 16, 2022

Katlyn Chookagian is on a two fight winning streak and is hoping to make a case for being back in the title picture if she can get to three in a row here. Jennifer Maia is coming off of a win when she bested Jessica Eye last year, if she can knock off Chookagian tonight it might earn her a second crack at flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko. The odds are with the higher ranked Chookagian at -190, no real surprise as Chookagian holds a win over Maia, while the +160 comeback on Maia is a tempting value bet.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: #2 Katlyn Chookagian (16-4, 126 lbs.) vs. #4 Jennifer Maia (19-7-1, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Chookagian is five inches taller with four inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Chookagian starts flashing the jab, Maia lands a left of her own. Bit of a right from Maia, she’s trying to time her entries with Chookagian’s kicks. Chookagian lands a one two and avoids the counter. Maia lands a calf kick. Jab from Maia. Bit of a leg kick from Chookagian. Maia lands a right hand. Chookagian lands a jab then a front kick to the body. Maia lands a leg kick. There’s some swelling and discoloration under Chookagian’s left eye from those rights, nothing fight stopping but it bears nothing. Maia lands a leg kick. Chookagian lands a combination. Pretty solid left from Chookagian. Maia lands a right hand as Chookagian forces a clinch then Chookagian gets a takedown into half guard. Chookagian is trying to set up a pass, and does get to side control. Maia is scooting to the fence, Chookagian looks for mount but Maia blocks it and uses the motion to regain her feet. Chookagian lands a knee as they clinch again. They hit the fence in the clinch and hang out there to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Chookagian

ROUND TWO: Chookagian still looking to keep distance as they start the round. A few punches land for Chookagian as she’s keeping distance. Maia lands a right hand in close. Another right from Maia lands. Chookagian avoids a punch and gets a clinch then they hit the fence. They trade knees then separate. A few jabs go back and forth. Maia lands a calf kick. Chookagian is bleeding around the right eye now, not sure what caused it specifically. Maia avoids a front kick and gets a clinch that hits the fence. They jockey for position for a bit before trading knees and breaking apart. Maia lands a calf kick. Chookagian avoids a takedown attempt and lands a knee to the body. Maia misses a right hand. Bit of a right from Maia. They both land punches in close, Maia has more firepower but he technique is a little sloppier. Chookagian lands a right hand then a knee. Maia keeps pushing forward and gets another clinch on the fence. Maia tries a judo throw but is too slow and Chookagian just collapses onto her back with both hooks in. They’ll end the round there.

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

ROUND THREE: Bit of a one two from Chookagian to start the round. Maia lands a right, she needs a finish if she’s going to win and seems to know it. Head kick from Maia lands. Chookagian lands a few jabs then a right hand. Left hook from Chookagian. Maia doesn’t have a good way to close distance and her lack of ideas on that front is starting to cost her, she’s getting chewed up a bit. Body kick from Maia lands. They trade one two combinations. Chookagian lands a right hand. They clinch up and Maia lands a right hand as they break. They trade lefts. Inside leg kick from Maia. Maia lands a calf kick. Bit of a right from Maia. Chookagian lands a one two. Stiff jab from Chookagian. They trade leg kicks but Chookagian’s volume and movement is stifling most of Maia’s offense. Chookagian keeps her jab working. Both women land rights. The head hunting from Maia is a problem as well, Chookagian’s body is open but she never seems to target it. Chookagian lands a right hand. Another right from Chookagian lands. Chookagian lands another combination, she’s chewed Maia up at this point. Maia lands a body kick then takes a front kick to close the round.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Katlyn Chookagian via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Mic time for Chookagian, she’s happy with the win. She wants another shot at the title and will fight anyone who gets her closer to that rematch.

Brandon Royval has gone 2-2 in the UFC but currently finds himself on a two fight losing streak, granted both of those losses are to top flyweights but he badly needs to halt this skid. Rogerio Bontorin has gone 3-2 in the UFC but he’s coming off of a win and is looking to build another winning streak while climbing towards the title picture. Royval is the -165 favorite while Bontorin’s comeback sits at +145.

Flyweight Bout: #7 Rogerio Bontorin (17-3 1 NC, 125.5 lbs.) vs. #5 Brandon Royval (12-6, 125.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Royval is four inches taller but only has one inch of reach advantage. A lot of stance switching from Royval, he looks to back up Bontorin right away. Royval seems to have settled into southpaw. Bontorin trips Royval down but Royval scrambles back up immediately. Bontorin goes southpaw to land a punch then back to orthodox. Royval lands a right hand. A lot of kicks from Royval, then he takes a left hook in close. Bit of a right from Bontorin. They tie up and Bontorin gets a body lock takedown into side control. Royval tries to shrimp to half guard but Bontorin stifles him. Royval is able to get full guard, Bontorin lands a punch then gets kicked off and they resume fighting on the feet. Royval keeps his pace high. Bontorin lands a left hand, then gets another takedown into full guard. Royval tries to work rubber guard but Bontorin easily controls through that and looks to pass. Bontorin gets the back as they stand and they end the round in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Royval but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Bontorin lands a left hand right away and Royval tries to use that to jump for a triangle choke but Bontorin pulls out of that and looks to pass. Royval gives up his back, Bontorin gets both hooks in and starts looking to finish. Credit to Royval, he’s not conceding the position, he’s trying to attack the position. Bontorin has to abandon the back but gets on top in half guard. Royval is able to get full guard back and Bontorin again looks to pass. Bontorin lands a right elbow and passes to half guard. Full guard again for Royval and he starts trying to wall walk. Royval is up but still clinched. They wind up breaking without incident. Royval lands a left but Bontorin staggers him with a left hook. They clinch up and Bontorin gets a takedown then jumps for the back but Royval wall walks quickly. Bontorin keeps working for trips and mat returns as they clinch then Royval is able to spin free. Boyd kick from Royval, Bontorin lands one of his own. Bontorin lands an inside leg kick then a left hand. Southpaw for Bontorin, he lands another left hand then gets a body lock takedown into side control. The round will end as Bontorin moves to the ride position.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bontorin, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Royval gets back to pushing the pace right away, he’s got gas for days. Bontorin lands a couple of lefts in close. Royval lands some jabs then takes a left from Bontorin. A few body shots from Royval, then Bontorin trips him down but can’t capitalize. Both men land lefts, Royval lands a knee but Bontorin takes him down off of it and lands in full guard. Royval toes for an omoplata, tries to switch to a gogoplata but Bontorin is able to defend. Royval is trying to switch to an armbar, it gets tight but Bontorin is able to get his arm free. Bontorin avoids a triangle choke and passes to side control. Royval tries to get up but Bontorin moves to his back then Royval sweeps him into top position. Bontorin gets half guard and Royval starts working from the top. A few punches from Royval land but Bontorin doesn’t seem to have the same urgency in sweeping or getting up that Royval did, he might be giving this away. Body shots from Royval, then some short elbows. More elbows from Royval, Bontorin fires back with his own elbows and both men swing on the mat as the round ends.

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

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

I don’t even object too much to the split, that was a close fight and Royval has a heck of a motor on him. Mic time for Royval, he knew he was doing damage but Bontorin had good control, then apologizes for not finishing. He notes he needs to work on his balance because he gets off balanced but not hurt then notes he needs to start getting finishes. To close he says he’ll stay on weight with the title fight on deck next week, and says “202020 is the year of the Raw Dog”. Well it’s nice to look to the future.

Jake Collier has gone 1-2 since moving to heavyweight, he’s coming off of a loss and is trying to avoid his first ever losing streak. Chase Sherman has gone 1-2 since returning to the UFC and is on a two fight losing streak, he needs a win here to avoid another pink slip from the promotion. The odds favor Collier at -140 to +120 for Sherman.

Heavyweight Bout: Jake Collier (12-6, 264.5 lbs.) vs. Chase Sherman (15-8, 250 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Sherman is an inch taller while Collier has half an inch of reach advantage, Collier is also 15 pounds heavier. They touch gloves to get us going. Both men with a bit of feinting and circling. Collier lands a right hand. Both men land punches in close. Sherman lands a leg kick then a few rights as he avoids looping punches. They trade in close again. Bit of a body kick from Collier. They trade right hands. Collier catches a body kick and pushes Sherman over then gets on top in half guard. Full mount for Collier, he looks to unload with punches and elbows. Sherman is cut from those elbows, he tries to bridge off of the fence but can’t dislodge Collier. Collier gets the back, grabs the choke and Sherman gives it up.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jake Collier via Submission, rear naked choke, at 2:26 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Collier for his work this evening. Mic time for Collier, he says he’s happy with the win and is happier that he didn’t need to rely on the judges. He talks us through the finish then says he wants to fight again soon and would love to fight Andrei Arlovski.

This is fairly basic stuff, it’s not even a real choke so much as a neck crank given the angles involved, but watch the left shoulder of Collier. He pulls it back to tighten things up and it’s only then that Sherman taps, the little things matter.

The first submission of 2022 locked in by @JakeCollier88 🔒

[ #UFCVegas46 | Tune in LIVE on @ESPN & E+ ] pic.twitter.com/auIRm9M5pN

— UFC (@ufc) January 16, 2022

Calvin Kattar had a two fight winning streak snapped when he was on the wrong end of a history beating from Max Holloway almost exactly a year ago, now he’s trying to defend his top ranking and avoid his first ever losing streak. Giga Chikadze is on a nine fight winning streak but really seems to have hit his stride in his last three fights as he’s finished every one of them. Chikadze could put himself into the title picture if he’s able best Kattar tonight. Chikadze is a rather heavy favorite at -225 while Kattar’s comeback sits at +185.

Featherweight Bout: #5 Calvin Kattar (22-5, 146 lbs.) vs. #8 Giga Chikadze (14-2, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Chikadze is an inch taller with two inches of reach advantage. Chikadze lands a calf kick right off the bat. Another one lands for Chikadze. Both men will do some stance switching but tend to operate out of orthodox. Kattar is pushing forward but Chikadze is circling rather than backing up in a line. Bit of a jab from Kattar. Chikadze lands a couple of lefts then a body kick. Another body kick from Chikadze then he slips trying a high kick and Kattar gets a takedown into half guard. Kattar lands a few punches but there’s not a lot happening here. Chikadze shrimps but can’t get up and has to settle for a less than great guillotine and Kattar switches to the other half guard. Kattar tries to get mount, Chikadze sweeps him but Kattar grabs an arm triangle from the bottom and uses that to take the back with a body triangle. They’ll end the round as Kattar moves to full mount.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kattar

ROUND TWO: Chikadze goes southpaw very quickly this round. Kattar is still pushing forward, he avoids a let hand. Chikadze lands a body kick. A right hook from Chikadze lands. A couple of body shots from Chikadze in close then a body kick. Chikadze lands a couple of punches, Kattar is struggling a bit with the stance changes in motion and Chikadze is landing on him. Kattar keeps coming forward, he eats another couple of body kicks. Chikadze keeps circling but he’s starting to fade a bit. Kattar keeps eating punches but he’s pressing forward. Chikadze lands a one two. Kattar lands a jab. More jabs are traded, Chikadze is landing heavier though. Chikadze lands a right as he circles. Kattar lands a few punches in close, his pressure is getting to Chikadze. Chikadze digs a left to the body. Kattar with a weak takedown that Chikadze blocks. Chikadze avoids some punches then eats a knee and a left hook. Kattar lands an elbow, then they trade punches in close. Chikadze lands some jabs. Kattar lands a left. Chikadze lands a few lefts then another left that backs Kattar up. Kattar lands a spinning elbow, and we get some brawling in close. Head kick from Chikadze then a follow up right. Kattar tries a takedown, he gets Chikadze down against the fence and lands punches as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Chikadze looks much more fatigued of the two. Kattar gets right back to forward pressure. Chikadze avoids a few punches. Chikadze lands an inside leg kick. Some jabs from Chikadze. Kattar forces a clinch, but they break without incident. Bit of an elbow from Kattar. They trade some jabs. Kattar lands a right, Chikadze is fading badly. Chikadze lands a couple of punches. Calf kick from Chikadze, then another one. Chikadze lands a right hand. Hard right from Chikadze lands then they trade lefts. Kattar doesn’t like that and tries a takedown, they fight through the clinch and separate. Chikadze lands another jab, Kattar lands a counter elbow. A few more punches land for Chikadze but his power is fading. Kattar lands a few jabs. Chikadze is bleeding from the bridge of the nose. Kattar lands a few more jabs, then they trade lefts. Chikadze lands a combination of hooks but Kattar wont go down. Kattar lands a right in close. Body kick from Kattar lands. Chikadze avoids some punches then lands a right. Kattar avoids a combination to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kattar but the closest round thus far, 30-27 Kattar overall

ROUND FOUR: Kattar resumes forward pressure. Jabs from Kattar continue to pour out. Chikadze lands a few jabs of his own, he seems to have found his second wind and lands a body kick. High kick from Chikadze is blocked. Kattar tries a double leg, Chikadze defends. Bit of a left from Chikadze, then Kattar lands an elbow. Chikadze lands a few calf kicks. Jabs are traded then Kattar avoids a combination. Chikadze lands a right hand. Chikadze hits the body a few times then a left hook. When Chikadze goes forward he has success. Kattar lands an uppercut. Chikadze lands a right hand. Kattar tries a single leg, he can’t finish it and Chikadze lands a few punches while getting free. Chikadze lands some calf kicks. Kattar lands an elbow. Chikadze lands a right hand then a follow up left. Kattar is swinging a lot of elbows now. Chikadze avoids some punches then jabs the body. Kattar keeps his jab going, Chikadze lands a body kick. Chikadze lands a combination. They trade rights then Kattar lands an elbow that wobbles Chikadze. They get close and trade punches then Chikadze lands a body kick to close the round. There’s a pretty big cut on Chikadze’s right eyebrow.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kattar, 40-36 Kattar overall

ROUND FIVE: Chikadze probably needs a finish now. Chikadze lands a body kick then they trade jabs. Kattar keeps coming forward but he eats a combination of punches. Another right from Chikadze lands. Chikadze kicks the body again. Kattar lands a few jabs. Kattar lands a couple of elbows. Chikadze lands a right then a body kick. Both men land lefts then they trade in close. Chikadze lands a couple of punches then avoids an elbow. Another body kick from Chikadze then a high kick but Kattar just eats them. Kattar lands a series of jabs then a power hand punch. They clash on kicks then Chikadze lands a body shot. Kattar lands a couple of rights. Kattar lands another right hand. Chikadze lands a right then a jab. Kattar lands an elbow and pushes forward with strikes. Chikadze lands a right but takes a spinning elbow in response. More punches from Chikadze, then Kattar lands an elbow. Kattar lands a right and they trade again. Chikadze fires a few body kicks. They get close and trade hard punches, Kattar drops Chikadze but Chikadze hangs on to see the end of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kattar, 50-45 Kattar overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Calvin Kattar via unanimous decision (50-44, 50-45 x2)

Much needed win for Kattar, there were serious questions asked of him after the Holloway beating and he answered most of them here. Mic time for Kattar, he calls this bittersweet because he feels like crap but knew he won. He puts over Chikadze and notes a lot of people counted him out here and he proved them wrong. He knows he can fight like this, just needs to clean things up, again puts over Chikadze and plans on continuing to the top of the division. Asked what’s next he doesn’t have a callout, instead gives love to his brother and a departed friend.

Well that wraps up UFC on ESPN 32. We’ve got a fight of the year contender out of that main event, darn good way to start the year. We’ll unpack all of the results on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast tomorrow, plus look ahead to next week when we get UFC 270. I’ll be back next week for UFC 270 with two title fights including the big heavyweight clash between champion Francis Ngannou and interim champion Ciryl Gane. I hope you’ll be back for that one but until then, stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.