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411’s UFC Fight Night Report: Perez KO’s Nicolau

April 27, 2024 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC on ESPN 55 Image Credit: UFC

MAIN CARD (ESPN, 7 p.m. ET)
#5 Matheus Nicolau (125.5 lbs.) vs. #8 Alex Perez (126 lbs.)
Bogdan Guskov (204.5 lbs.) vs. #11 Ryan Spann (205.5 lbs.)
#12 Ariane da Silva (126 lbs.) vs. #13 Karine Silva (125.5 lbs.)
Jhonata Diniz (255 lbs.) vs. Austen Lane (254.5 lbs.)
David Onama (148.5 lbs.)* vs. Jonathan Pearce (146 lbs.)
Tim Means (171 lbs.) vs. Uros Medic (171 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN2/ESPN+, 4 p.m. ET)
Victor Henry (135.5 lbs.) vs. Rani Yahya (136 lbs.)
Michal Figlak (155 lbs.) vs. Austin Hubbard (156 lbs.)
Caio Machado (251.5 lbs.) vs. Don’Tale Mayes (264 lbs.)
Marnic Mann (115.5 lbs.) vs. Ketlen Souza (115.5 lbs.)
James Llontop (156.5 lbs.)* vs. Chris Padilla (154.5 lbs.)
Na Liang (126 lbs.) vs. Ivana Petrovic (126 lbs.)
Gabriel Benitez (155 lbs.) vs. Hayisaer Maheshate (155.5 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN 55, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening. The UFC took last week off in the wake of UFC 300, which was a smashing success, but now we’re back to business as usual with another round of warehouse fights in the Apex. The main event features a couple of ranked flyweights as Matheus Nicolau tries to rebound from a loss against Brandon Royval and Alex Perez looks for his first win since 2020. The rest of the card is pretty weak, but if you wanted things to look out for then Jonathan Pearce vs. David Onama has some potential, and Tim Means vs. Uros Medic is probably going to at least be entertaining. On the prelims I’m interested in Victor Henry vs. Rani Yahya but I understand if you’re not, and honestly maybe Austin Hubbard vs. Michal Figlak could feature some interesting stuff. But all in all, this is a very uninspired card on paper so let’s really hope it overperforms in practice.

UFC on ESPN 55 comes to the world from the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. John Gooden will try to wrangle Dominick Cruz and Daniel Cormier on commentary while Charly Arnolt does the roving reporter bit. Remember that Nevada does allow the use of instant replay last time I checked, and we’ll bein the smaller 25 foot diameter cage.

Gabriel Benitez has had a surprisingly long UFC career that dates to November of 2014, he’s just 2-5 in his last seven fights though and was last seen losing to Jim Miller back in January. Benitez is trying to extend his UFC career with another win here. Hayisaer Mahesate has gone 1-2 in the UFC but he’s on a two fight losing streak and could be fighting for his job here. Maheshate is your favorite at -210 to a +170 comeback on Benitez.

Minor disclaimer, the English stream on ESPN+ hasn’t started yet so I’m going on the Spanish feed, which never has technical problems.

Lightweight Bout: Gabriel Benitez (23-11, 155 lbs.) vs. Hayisaer Maheshate (9-3, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Maheshate is taller with some decent reach advantage but these are listed in metric so forgive my lack of rapid translation between systems of measurement, he’s also 11 years younger. Southpaw for Benitez, Maheshate comes out aggressive. High kick from Maheshate, then Benitez lands a left hand. Inside leg kick from Benitez. Maheshate keeps poking with body kicks and longer range strikes. Inside leg kick from Benitez. Maheshate with a right hand to the body. Left hook from Maheshate lands. Bit of a left from Benitez but he kind of ate a knee on the way into that one. Both men land body kicks. Bit of a right from Maheshate. Maheshate with a right to the body. They trade lefts then Maheshate lands a front kick. Maheshate lands a body kick then a leg kick. Bit of a knee from Maheshate to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Maheshate

ROUND TWO: Maheshate gets back to forward pressure. Benitez lands a jab. A few jabs go back and forth. Maheshate checks an inside leg kick. Both men miss lefts in close. Maheshate lands a body kick then a right hand and a left hook. Front kick from Maheshate. Bit of a right from Maheshate. Benitez with a calf kick then Maheshate lands a body kick. Right hand to the head from Maheshate. Both men keep chopping in kicks. Maheshate with a solid right hand. Benitez is trying to stay busy but he’s not having the same effect that Maheshate is in general. They trade punches again. Benitez lands a left hand and avoids the counters. A couple of rights from Maheshate land. Maheshate with a flying knee into a clinch and he lands an elbow, that’ll be the last exchange of the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Maheshate gets back to moving forward again and lands a couple of rights. Benitez lands a left hand. Right hand then a body kick from Maheshate. Benitez lands a left hand. Maheshate lands a body kick. Benitez lands some jabs but then eats a right hand in close. Left hand from Benitez. Maheshate lands a right hand then a front kick. A few knees from Maheshate land now as he’s trying to work in close, but his cage craft is kind of dismal and he can’t corral Benitez. Left hands go back and forth. Benitez blocks a few kicks. Both men fall a little short with power hand punches. Jumping knee from Benitez then Maheshate returns it in close as the round ends.

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

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

I can see the first round going to Benitez I guess. Mic time for Maheshate and the translator, he feels he won the fight and puts over Benitez as a tough opponent.

Ivana Petrovic suffered a loss in her UFC debut about a year ago but now she’s back in action and looking for that all important first UFC win. Na Liang has gone 0-3 in the UFC and she’s likewise trying to get her first taste of success in the UFC. It’s not surprising to see Petrovic as the favorite, but at a nearly prohibitive -455 that +3500 comeback on Na might tempt a few bettors out there.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Na Liang (19-7, 126 lbs.) vs. Ivana Petrovic (6-1, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Petrovic is three inches taller with three inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Petrovic to start. They trade power hand punches, then Na tries a takedown and eventually gets it against the fence. Petrovic wall walks into a clinch, Na has one of her hands trapped behind her back though. Eventually they settle into a regular clinch. A few knees go back and forth before they break. Glancing high kick form Petrovic then Na lands a body kick. Na keeps showing an overhand right and uses that to force another clinch. Na starts looking for a single leg, Petrovic counters with one of her own and they scramble on the mat with Petrovic winding up on top in half guard. Petrovic grabs at an arm triangle but can’t keep it and settles for a few elbows. Na tries to walk off the wall and sweep, Petrovic grabs an armbar on the way over though and starts looking to finish it. Petrovic tries one last time to finish the armbar but wont find it before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Petrovic but a close one

ROUND TWO: Some jabs from Petrovic. Na bulls forward into a clinch and they hit the fence. As they jockey for position Petrovic fires a few knees then Na pulls free and they reset. Na fires a few rights, one or so landed. Petrovic lands a left to the body. Another clinch and Petrovic slips to the back in the clinch and rides Na down to the mat. Side control for Petrovic and she lands some knees to the body. Na is half trying a buggy choke but can’t find it as Petrovic lands some short elbows. Na is able to get guard and tries for an armbar, Petrovic is able to get her arm free and lands some elbows from north/south. Donkey guard for Na at the moment but Petrovic keeps elbowing the body. Hammer fists from Petrovic and she moves to the ride position, then into side control. Na is trying to entangle but she’s fading and Petrovic moves into full mount. Punches and elbows from Petrovic, then she gets the back with both hooks in. Back to full mount, Petrovic is just floating and landing elbows as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They trade power hand punches to start the round. Petrovic with a quick single leg and into full guard. Na is trying to play her guard but Petrovic passes into full mount. Petrovic tries an arm triangle, Na gives up the back but the choke is still in and Na taps.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ivana Petrovic via Submission, arm triangle choke, at 1:29 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Ms. Petrovic for her work this afternoon. Petrovic gets an interview, she feels more comfortable here in her second outing now that she’s familiar with everyone and the whole UFC process. She talks about working her striking before this fight but then wound up just grappling. She talks us through the finish to close.

Finishing the arm triangle from the side or back is becoming a little more common and I’m glad for it, Brian Ortega hit one of these not too long ago and while it’s not really a technique you’ll hit under ideal circumstances we all know fights are never ideal.

James Llontop brings an impressive 12 fight winning streak into his UFC debut and while he missed weight, never a good thing, a memorable win would go a long way towards smoothing that over. Chris Padilla brings a three fight winning streak into this fight which he took on very short notice, and he’s hoping to make the most of his only chance at a good first impression. The odds are pretty heavily with Llontop at -455 to +350 for Padilla.

Lightweight Bout: James Llontop (14-2, 156.5 lbs.)* vs. Chris Padilla (13-6, 154.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Llontop is three inches taller than Padilla but Padilla has an inch of reach advantage and of course Llontop missed weight. they touch gloves to get us going. Some feinting from both men then Padilla lands a leg kick. Llontop with an inside leg kick, he’s starting to play with his stance a bit now but is mostly orthodox. Bit of an inside leg kick from Llontop. Padilla hits a takedown then lands a knee as Llontop wall walks and they break apart. Llontop with another inside leg kick. Some southpaw work for Llontop now, he keeps landing inside leg kicks. A fair bit of stance switching from Llontop now as he’s getting more comfortable. Bit of a right from Padilla. Padilla eats a knee but gets a takedown, then Llontop quickly scrambles up and they reset. Some jabs go back and forth. Padilla blocks a few punches. Llontop with a body kick then an inside leg kick. That inside leg kick has been very good for Llontop thus far. Left to the body hurts Padilla but he does get a takedown off of it. Llontop gets too eager trying to stand and gives up the back then Padilla grabs a rear naked choke to get the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Chris Padilla via Submission, rear naked choke, at 4:33 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Padilla for his work this evening. Mic time for Padilla after that upset, he says this feels surreal but knows how much he works for these moments and isn’t surprised at his success. He talks us through the finish then tells everyone out there to keep doing it, small steps will carry you a long way. To close he says he’d like to fight Gabriel Benitez on Mexican independence day in September. Not an unreasonable call out.

Llontop just tries to rush his get up and this is what happens when you skip steps in that process.

Marnic Mann lost her UFC debut last year but now she’s back in action and trying to get that critical first UFC win under her belt. Ketlen Souza also dropped her UFC debut, in her case almost a year ago, but she’s trying for that first taste of UFC success as well. Souza is a fairly big favorite at -345 to Mann’s +275.

Strawweight Bout: Marnic Mann (6-2, 115.5 lbs.) vs. Ketlen Souza (13-4, 115.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Souza is three inches taller but Mann has an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going, Mann fighting southpaw. A bit of hand fighting early and both women show some kicks, just probing really. Some inside leg kicks go back and forth. Bit of a high kick from Mann. Souza lands a front kick. Mann lands an inside leg kick. Souza with a right hand then a left hook that mostly lands. Souza tries a few kicks, Mann avoids them and clinches then gets to the back of Souza. Mann with a few knees to the body as they get chest to chest. Souza is able to pull out of the clinch. Leg kick from Mann but Souza is pressuring her. They trade punches in close. Souza keeps coming forward and lands a right hand. Souza jumps into a clinch and then hits a takedown against the fence. Some punches from Souza as Mann tries to work guard, then Souza passes into leg drag. Mann gets guard and threatens high guard, Souza stands away from that and makes Mann regain her feet. They both land leg kicks, then Souza misses a wheel kick. Both women land inside leg kicks. They clinch up and Mann hits an outside throw to land on top in side control as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Souza

ROUND TWO: Hard inside leg kick from Mann. Souza grabs a clinch and pushes things into the fence. Knee from Souza then she pulls free. Souza lands a right hand. Mann lands an inside leg kick. Souza with a front kick then gets another clinch. They break and trade punches. Mann with another inside leg kick. Front kick from Mann then a bit of a head kick. Souza with a combination as she’s got Mann against the fence. Souza keeps marching forward and looks to launch power punches. Right to the body from Souza. Body to head punches from Souza as she’s got Mann on the fence pretty consistently now. Souza with a side kick to the body, that body work is starting to add up for her. Mann punches in close and tries a headlock throw but Souza reads it and floats to get on top in full guard. The round ends with Souza still on top.

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

ROUND THREE: Mann lands a leg kick, Souza is playing with some southpaw looks but then goes orthodox. Mann is the one coming forward and lands some leg kicks, then she catches a kick and tries for a single leg against the fence. Souza defends and lands a knee to the body before they break. Souza with some rights to the body then a left hook. Combination from Souza lands, she’s starting to tee off now. Mann is freezing up on the fence then grabs a clinch. Souza to the back in the clinch and lands knees to the body and head. Mann looks for a kimura roll, they hit the mat and she uses it to sweep into top position, full guard more specifically. Souza is holding to control posture rather than looking to regain her feet. Mann is able to land a couple of punches. Souza kicks Mann off and regains her feet. Souza with punches as she marches forward, then lands a tornado kick to the body. Mann grabs a clinch takedown into side control. Some elbows to the body from Mann but Souza scrambles up and lands punches from top position as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ketlen Souza via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Mic time for Souza and the translator, she gives glory to God for everything in her life then thanks her coaches for their work with her.

Don’Tale Mayes has gone 1-2 with 1 No Contest in his last four fights and was last seen losing, now he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak since 2020. Caio Machado dropped his UFC debut back in November which snapped a seven fight winning streak, now he’s trying to get back on track and avoid his first ever losing streak. The odds closed at a -110 pick ’em.

Heavyweight Bout: Caio Machado (8-2-1, 251.5 lbs.) vs. Don’Tale Mayes (10-6 1 NC, 264 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Mayes is two inches taller with three inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves, Machado fighting southpaw. Both men swing and miss punches. Again both men miss punches. Cormier advocates for more heavyweight fights, further cementing his place as the worst commentator they have. Bit of a left from Machado lands. Mayes avoids a few punches. Bit of a body kick from Mayes but Machado lands a couple of counter punches. Mayes lands a jab. Right hand from Mayes. Machado lands a solid body kick. Bit of a calf kick from Machado, then a left hand behind it. Mayes falls short with a one two. Both men miss punches again. Machado avoids a left hand then lands a jab. Mayes has gone southpaw for a bit and eats a leg kick then goes back orthodox. Machado avoids a combination. Mayes avoids a left hand. Machado punches in close but eats a right hand and drops, Mayes tries to get on top and does but Machado gets full guard. Not much time left, Mayes stands and staggers back because he’s off balance and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Mayes

ROUND TWO: Mayes tries some kicks early that miss. Bit of a right from Mayes. Machado misses a couple of punches. Bit of a left from Machado, he’s pushing forward if nothing else. Both men miss power hand punches. Mayes drops his hands badly when he kicks but I’m not sure Machado is going to punish him for that. Blitz from Machado lands. Mayes lands a right hand. Bit of a right from Mayes. Machado with a left hand. Both guys are just throwing power but struggling to land. Bit of a left from Machado. Mayes lands a left to the body. Body kick from Machado. Mayes misses a spinning back fist. Leg kick from Machado. Machado with a jumping knee. Body kick from Machado lands. Bit of a one two from Machado. Both men swing in close, and they both land hooks. Mayes misses some punches and eats a counter left to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Machado but could go either way, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Both men back to doing what they’ve been doing all fight, maybe this time it’ll yield a different result. Mayes misses some jabs. Jab from Machado. Both men miss punches then Machado lands a leg kick. Again both men miss punches in close, they’re still doing the same combinations with the same results. This borders on insanity, trying the same thing wanting different results. Bit of a body kick from Machado. Machado lands a couple of body shots, he should have been doing that for a while by this point. Bit of a combination from Machado, then Mayes misses a left hook. Hard left to the body from Machado. Machado tries a head kick but that’s blocked. Machado tries to goad a brawl then steps away. They do exchange a bit then Machado lands a body kick. Bit of a left from Machado. Machado lands a body kick. Glancing left from Machado to counter a leg kick. Another left to the body from Machado, Mayes didn’t like that and throws back right away but misses. Machado with a couple of body kicks then we get some sloppy brawling to close the round.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Don’Tale Mayes via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Not arguing that one, round two was close. Mayes felt he won the first two rounds and should have won the fight. He then talks about working on preparing for the southpaw fighter.

Austin Hubbard returned to the UFC in August of last year but fell short in a TUF finale, he still got another shot in the UFC though and now looks for his first UFC win since 2021. Michal Figlak lost his UFC debut over a year ago but now he’s back in action and looking for that all important first UFC win. Fairly close one here, Figlak at -175 to +145 for Hubbard.

Lightweight Bout: Michal Figlak (8-1, 155 lbs.) vs. Austin Hubbard (15-7, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Hubbard has an inch of reach advantage. Hubbard comes out jabbing. Figlak avoids a calf kick. Bit of a high kick from Hubbard. Both men land jabs. Some inside leg kicks go back and forth, then Hubbard blocks a few punches. Bit of a left hook from Figlak. Hubbard goes southpaw briefly but doesn’t stay there long. Both men are willing to throw hands still. Hubbard tries a single leg but can’t finish it and lands a knee as they break. Bit of a right to the body from Hubbard. They get close and Hubbard hits a takedown into full guard. Figlak absorbs some body shots but wall walks and separates. They trade rights. Figlak lands a leg kick. Both men land in close. Bit of a right from Figlak. Solid right from Hubbard. Figlak lands a left hand in close. Hubbard lands a right hand then a front kick. Figlak lands a left again in close. Front kick from Figlak. Hubbard shows a front kick as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Hubbard but a close one

ROUND TWO: Both men back to jabbing as the round starts. Bit of a combination from Hubbard. Short left from Hubbard. More jabs are traded then both men swing rights. Bit of a high kick from Hubbard. Figlak avoids a single leg then misses a right hand. Bit of a body kick from Figlak. Hubbard lands a left hand. Bit of a right from Hubbard then they split some jabs. Figlak lands a right hand. Bit of a body kick from Hubbard. Figlak lands a one two then avoids a counter hook. Bit of a front kick from Hubbard. Hubbard tries a single leg but Figlak gets into sprawl control then they stand free. Figlak lands a right hand. Hubbard with a combination. Leg kick from Hubbard. Some lefts from Hubbard land, Figlak is bleeding from the nose now. Hubbard lands a right to the body then they trade head shots. They split jabs. Hubbard avoids a combination then lands a front kick. Figlak lands a left hook in close. They trade one last time to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Figlak, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Bit of an uppercut from Hubbard then Figlak lands a left hook. Hubbard keeps poking out the jab and front kick. Figlak avoids a few punches but then Hubbard lands a left hand. They split some more jabs, Hubbard is getting the better of these by just a bit. Body kicks go back and forth. Figlak pushes close and slips to the back, he looks for mat returns but they hit the fence and stall out. Hubbard slips out of the clinch and lands a couple of jabs. Left hook from Figlak connects. Bit of a head kick from Hubbard. Figlak tries another takedown but has to settle for the back in the clinch again. Bit of an elbow from Figlak as they break the clinch. Hubbard lands an inside leg kick. Right to the body from Hubbard. Right from Figlak, he’s starting to find the target now. Takedown from Hubbard and he gets to the ride, but Figlak wall walks quickly. Hubbard pulls things back down and Figlak wall walks again but eats punches and a knee before getting up. They start trading in the clinch as they fight for position then break apart. Hubbard with some jabs. Figlak pushes forward and lands a right hand then avoids a takedown. Figlak holds a sprawl control as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Figlak but another close one, 29-28 Figlak overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Austin Hubbard via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Not complaining there, honestly 29-28 either way works. No interview for Hubbard.

Rani Yahya made his professional debut all the way back in 2002 and has been with the UFC since 2011, and if you keep track of this kind of stuff his WEC debut was in 2007. The man is an old war horse still out here in the cage, he was last seen a little over a year ago in a losing effort but he’s 2-2-1 in his last five fights, now he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak since 2010. Victor Henry fought to a No Contest his last time out when he got kicked in the groin by Javid Basharat and couldn’t continue, he’s back in action now and looking to get back on the winning side of things at the expense of a respected veteran in Yahya. Henry is a big -395 favorite while +310 on Yahya might tempt some bettors out there.

Bantamweight Bout: Victor Henry (23-6 1 NC, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Rani Yahya (28-11-1 1 NC, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Henry has an inch of height and reach advantage. Southpaw for Yahya, who lands a body kick. Circling from Henry. Bit of a right from Henry, Yahya is showing a lot of kicks. They trade rights in close. Counter left from Henry lands. Yahya tries a takedown, they hit the fence and Yahya moves to the back in the clinch. Mat return from Yahya but Henry fights up and into a clinch then pushes Yahya to the fence. Short left from Henry then he breaks free. Bit of a right from Yahya. Henry lands a right to the body. Leg kick from Henry then Yahya tries another takedown on the fence. Henry is defending, they briefly hit the mat then scramble up into a clinch. Some lefts from Henry in the clinch, going both body and head with them. They break clean and Henry gets back on pressure. Yahya lands a right hand. They clinch again and Henry works some dirty boxing from the clinch as they’re on the fence. Henry avoids a trip and they reset at distance. Henry lands a leg kick. Yahya misses a few punches then Henry lands a front kick. Combination from Henry, Yahya fires back as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Henry

ROUND TWO: Henry lands a one two to start the round. Yahya with a bit of a right hand. Henry avoids a takedown and lands a leg kick. Henry keeps poking with strikes. Both men miss rights. Right hand from Henry lands. Yahya reaches for a takedown but Henry defends and lands a couple of punches. Henry rolls in close and lands a left hook. Leg kicks go back and forth. They clinch up and Henry lands punches on the break. Elbow and body kick from Henry. Left from Henry, Yahya lands a right hand counter. Henry is staying very busy and it’s stifling a lot of Yahya’s offense. Yahya lands a right hand. Henry pressures forward and lands a couple of body shots. Body kick from Henry then a partially successful head kick. Henry with more pressure, he’s really working well now. Another right to the body from Henry. Henry with a right hand then he looks to continue pouring on offense with Yahya on the fence. Left to the body from Henry. More body work from Henry then a right hand that drops Yahya. Yahya tries to grab guard but Henry follows him safely and keeps landing punches. Half guard for Henry now as he lands elbows to the head while the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Henry, could be 10-8 with that closing stretch, 20-18 Henry overall

ROUND THREE: Yahya comes out looking to push the action, Henry lands a front kick. Henry avoids a single leg, Yahya tries for a leg entanglement and Henry drops onto him with a hard punch. Short punches from Henry as he’s on top in half guard. Henry stands free and makes Yahya stand. Both men with punches in close then a front kick from Henry. Henry drops Yahya with a right hand and gets to the ride position. Punches from Henry but Yahya gets half guard. Some hammer fists from Henry as he’s got Yahya pinned on the fence. Henry stands free and makes Yahya stand again. Left to the body from Henry. Henry with a flurry against the fence including a head kick, Yahya doesn’t drop but the ref sees enough anyway and steps in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Victor Henry via TKO, head kick and punches, at 2:36 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Henry for his work this evening. Mic time for Henry since he got a finish, he jokes that everyone’s a jerk for fighting back after he jabs them in the first round because he’d rather that be the end of it. He knew this would be a tough fight and admits he usually doesn’t have a great first round but he’ll melt you after that. To close he doesn’t call people out, he’s in the business of fighting but he’ll be good to go after some Korean BBQ in celebration of the win.

Some nice combination work from Henry here, but the story is just his pressure and volume wearing Yahya down overall.

That’s it for the prelims, onto the main card.

Tim Means snapped a three fight losing streak his last time out when he stopped Andre Fialho, he’s hoping to keep that momentum going here with his first winning streak since 2021. Uros Medic has gone 3-2 in the UFC, he was last seen in a losing effort but now looks to avoid his first ever losing streak. The odds like Medic at -300 while a +240 payout on Means is a tempting little value bet.

Welterweight Bout: Tim Means (33-15-1 1 NC, 171 lbs.) vs. Uros Medic (9-2, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Means is an inch taller with four inches of reach advantage, he’s also nine years younger. Southpaw for both men to start. Medic with some leg kicks early. Means tries a takedown, that hits the fence and they start working for position. Both men with some short punches then Medic lands an elbow as they break. Jab from Medic. Means fires a combination then tries a takedown but again they hit the fence. Medic is able to defend there then they trade knees and break. Both men land jabs. Left uppercut from Medic floors Means and that’ll do it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Uros Medic via KO, punches, at 2:09 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Medic for his work this evening. Mic time for Medic, he’s happy to have won and says he messed up in his last fight because he wasn’t prepared for a late notice change of opponent to a wrestler like he got. He talks us through the finish and notes whoever he lands on it’ll be a problem for them.

The timing here is great from Medic, he’s seen Means level change several times by this point and reads the intent then lands the appropriate weapon.

Jonathan Pearce just had a five fight winning streak snapped by Joanderson Brito in what was his first featherweight loss in the UFC, now he’s trying to bounce back and avoid his first losing streak since 2017. David Onama missed weight for this fight, never a good thing, but he’s coming off of a win and is hoping to build his second UFC winning streak here. The odds are with Pearce at -140 to a +120 comeback on Onama.

Featherweight Bout: David Onama (11-2, 148.5 lbs.)* vs. Jonathan Pearce (14-5, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Pearce is an inch taller while Onama has three inches of reach advantage, plus Onama missed weight. Pearce and Onama both probe with punches early while circling. Bit of a calf kick from Pearce. Pearce with a right to the body then a left hook upstairs. Onama lands a jab. Both men are doing a fair bit of stance switching as they move around. Pearce falls short with punches. Front kick from Pearce. Calf kick from Onama, then he lands a right hand. Body kick from Pearce then he misses a right hand. Pearce lands a right hand then tries a single leg, that hits the fence and Pearce trips Onama down. Onama wall walks and lands a left hook as they break. Body kick from Pearce but Onama lands a counter left hand. Onama lands a jab. Pearce tries a double leg and finishes it. Onama tries to base up and stand, Pearce slips to the back quickly and starts landing punches. Pearce with some punches but Onama spins into him and gets on top in full guard. Pearce stands and they separate. Onama blocks a few punches then Pearce tries another takedown, he gets to the back and pulls him down but Onama once again spins into him and gets on top in full guard to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Onama but a close one

ROUND TWO: Pearce pushes forward again as the round starts and lands a right to the body. Double leg from Pearce, Onama tries a guillotine but Pearce quickly pulls his head out and lands punches. Onama to his knees but Peace moves to the back with a body triangle locked in. Pearce starts looking for the choke, he over cranks though and Onama spins into him to get on top. Onama winds up jumping for the back as they wrestle and Pearce slings him to the mat again. Pearce to the back again and starts landing punches. Only one hook in for Pearce, he’s using the ride now instead of hooks. Pearce is trying to set up a twister but Onama blocks that and stands but Pearce rides him back to his knees. Body triangle again for Pearce and he’s looking for the choke again, he doesn’t find it though and Onama spins into him. Pearce stands and off balances Onama over the top and again jumps to the ride. Some rights from Pearce, Onama scrambles up but Pearce hits a single leg and gets on top in half guard. Short elbows from Pearce now, and Onama moves to his knees. Pearce starts working from the back again, then transitions to the guard as Onama tries to explode into him. Onama kicks Pearce off and regains his feet. Jab from Onama. Pearce lands an inside leg kick. Both men miss punches to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Pearce, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Onama lands a left hand to counter an inside leg kick. Both men fire some punches. Pearce tries a single leg but Onama is able to defend and push him away. Some jabs from Onama land. Pearce lands a left hand. Right from Pearce. They clinch up and hit the fence. Onama quickly spins free. Right hand from Onama. Combination from Onama then he avoids a single leg and lands a left hand. Pearce tries another single leg, this one hits the fence and Pearce slips to the back in the clinch. Onama wrestles around and is able to get free. Body shots from Pearce. Onama lands a jab. Onama sprawls away from a takedown. Pearce tries a single leg and gets Onama down to his knees. Pearce gets both hooks in but Onama spins into him again and gets on top. Kimura attempt from Pearce but Onama gets free and resets. Pearce pushes forward and lands a few kicks. Left hand from Onama. Pearce with a bit of a right hand. They trade power hand punches. Pearce lands a left hook, he’s just running forward and they try to recreate Gaethje and Holloway for the final seconds but neither man drops before the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – David Onama via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Mic time for Onama, he knew that Pearce couldn’t keep the pace he set and just had to deal with a tough middle round but win the first and third. He thanks his team for all of their work on his wrestling for this fight. Asked about the future he feels he can beat anyone and would like to fight in Denver. I’m not sure if the UFC goes to Colorado anymore but I’ll double check that.

Austen Lane has yet to win in the UFC, fighting Justin Tafa twice with their first fight being cut short by eye pokes then Lane was on the wrong end of a violent knockout in their rematch. Lane is hoping to get his first taste of UFC success here. Jhonata Diniz is undefeated in MMA and has a fairly extensive kickboxing record as well, he’s hoping to remain perfect in his UFC debut and show everyone what he’s capable of. Diniz is your -325 favorite while +260 on Lane might tempt some bettors out there.

Heavyweight Bout: Jhonata Diniz (6-0, 255 lbs.) vs. Austen Lane (12-4 1 NC, 254.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Lane is two inches taller with half an inch of reach advantage. Diniz begins walking forward while Lane pokes out jabs. Lane circles a bit and lands a body kick. Leg kick from Diniz. Lane with a single leg and gets on top in half guard. Diniz works to scramble a bit but only gets full guard. Some rights from Lane, Diniz fires a couple of elbows from his back. Lane is able to pass to half guard. Diniz is trying to shrimp but he’s not familiar enough with what to do to actually get out from under Lane. Lane passes towards mount but can’t secure it and gets stuck in half guard again. Some more punches from Lane and he passes to full mount with 10 seconds left. Lane looks to tee off from mount as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Lane but a marginal one

ROUND TWO: Diniz pressures forward right away and blocks a takedown then lands a left hook. Diniz with a combination of punches. Lane forces a clinch and things hit the fence. Diniz is able to spin free. Lane lands a couple of jabs then clinches again. Diniz with a combination in the pocket then separates. Hook from Diniz then he avoids a single leg and Lane sinks to his back. Some leg kicks from Diniz as he stands over Lane until Lane eventually regains his feet. They trade punches in close then Diniz avoids a clinch. Lane looks dead tired and Diniz lands a couple of punches. Right hand from Lane but Diniz counters with a left hook, Lane is badly hurt and Diniz follows up with a couple more punches to put him out cold on his feet.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jhonata Diniz via KO, punches, at 2:12 of Round 2

Mic time for Diniz and the translator, he’s very happy and doesn’t have words for this moment. He was calm all fist round, he knows he’s still working on his defense but stayed calm there. When talking us through the finish he felt Lane get tired in the first round and knew he’d get him after that.

Lane is basically done after that first left hook, Diniz still has a lot of overall work to do but his striking is predictably good given his kickboxing career.

Ariane da Silva is on a three fight winning streak since returning to flyweight in 2023, she’s hoping to continue climbing the ranks here. Karine Silva is on an eight fight winning streak that includes three UFC wins, all of them first round finishes. Silva is trying to further establish herself as the most impressive rising force in the division with another win tonight. Silva is your favorite at -175 to +145 for da Silva.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: #12 Ariane da Silva (17-8, 126 lbs.) vs. #13 Karine Silva (17-4, 125.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Da Silva is an inch taller but the reach is identical. Silva comes out kicking and switching her stance. Da Silva catches a high kick and lands a leg kick. More front kicks and leg kicks from Silva. Right hand from Silva then she hits a takedown into half guard. Silva is kicked off but goes back down into side control on da Silva. Now Silva is working for a north-south choke then switches to mount, da Silva quickly shrimps to half guard though. Silva starts working a guillotine from top position, tough to get that from here but it’s a decent threat. Some elbows from Silva after she can’t get the motion she wanted on that choke threat. Da Silva is able to get her legs in play and kicks Silva over then stands over her looking for kicks. Both women work kicks while Silva is on her back, da Silva with some rights as she goes into the guard of Silva. Silva quickly works rubber guard then goes to a full high guard for a bit. The round ends with da Silva on top.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Silva

ROUND TWO: Da Silva shows some punches early then lands a left body kick. Silva lands a body kick. Right to the body from da Silva. Bit of a high kick from da Silva. Silva catches a kick and they both land punches in close. They tie up, Silva gets to the back and hits a mat return then looks for the back. Da Silva scrambles to break the hooks of Silva but Silva is on top landing elbows from half guard. Silva moves to side control and elbows the body a few times. Da Silva captures half guard but eats an elbow along the way. Da Silva looks to tie up a leg, they get to 50/50 with a leg entanglement before eventually breaking apart and Silva stands over da Silva. Both women with some kicks before Silva lands a body kick while da Silva stands and Silva then forces a clinch. Silva drags things to the mat and has one hook in on the back. Da Silva is trying to turn into Silva but Silva is also about half setting up a twister. The round will end with Silva switching to top position.

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

ROUND THREE: Da Silva with a jab to the body then a right hand. Right hand from da Silva lands. They tie up and trade knees then break, da Silva is fighting more aggressive this round. Silva with some front kicks to the body to keep distance and slow the pace down. Both women miss punches, then Silva catches a kick and slips to the back of da Silva along the fence. Da Silva eats a few knees as they get chest to chest. They jockey for position and trade knees then break. Da Silva blocks a few punches. Body kick from Silva. Da Silva lands a body kick. They trade then clinch on the fence. Inside trip from Silva and she gets on top in full guard. Da Silva is trying to wall walk, and Silva slips to her back as she does so. Cheese donkey from Silva and she’s got the back with both hooks in. Body triangle now for Silva, and that’s where the round will end as Silva tries for an arm attack.

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

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

Da Silva could have gotten the first I think. Mic time for Silva and the translator, she knew the fight would be tough but they were well prepared for her. She talks about wanting a five round fight soon but doesn’t have a name she’ll fight anyone the UFC puts in front of her.

Ryan Spann has gone 2-3 in his last five fights and is on a two fight losing streak, he’s trying to defend his ranking here and hopefully get back on the winning side of things. Bogdan Guskov has gone 1-1 in the UFC but he is coming off of a win and is now trying to get his first win over a ranked opponent. The odds like Spann at -190 but with his spotty record the +160 comeback on Guskov might tempt some gamblers.

Heavyweight Bout: Bogdan Guskov (15-3, 204.5 lbs.) vs. #11 Ryan Spann (21-9, 205.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Spann is two inches taller with three inches of reach advantage. Circling to start and Spann shows some front kicks. A bit of feinting from both men, Guskov is looking for ways in and lands a bit of a jab. Calf kick from Spann. Guskov with a jab, Spann then tries a single leg that hits the fence and he lands a knee that goes low so we’ve got a break. Replay confirms the low blow, Guskov only wants 30 seconds or so and they restart in the clinch. Not sure about that one from the ref. They fight for a few seconds then Spann lands another illegal knee, once again it clearly impacts the cup so we’ve got another time out. Spann gets a hard warning and we’re back to fighting after 48 seconds, this time they reset at distance. Right hand from Spann. They tie up and Spann hits a trip to land on top in full guard. Triangle attack from Guskov but Spann slips free and passes to side control. Full mount for Spann, nice pass there, and he’s threatening an arm triangle if Guskov doesn’t give up his back. Guskov bases up and looks to shake Spann over the top, Spann has a leg hooked though and slowly forces Guskov back down. Some punches from Spann, only one hook in but he’s fishing for the choke anyway from the ride. Neck crank from Spann and he uses that to flatten Guskov out then get both hooks in. Guskov moves to sit against the fence to negate strikes from Spann and that’s where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Spann

ROUND TWO: Guskov gets on forward pressure to start the round. Spann snaps out his jab and some front kicks. Bit of a left from Guskov in close. Bit of a right from Guskov. Spann with a right of his own then misses a left hook. A right hand from Guskov wobbles Spann, he follows up then avoids a takedown attempt. Spann lands a couple of his own rights. One two from Spann lands. Guskov avoids a left hook. They trade some jabs. A right uppercut from Guskov hurts Spann, Spann drops and Guskov gets on top in full guard and looks to unload with punches. Guskov keeps landing punches until the ref jumps in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Bogdan Guskov via TKO, punches, at 3:16 of Round 2

Mic time for Guskov, he feels great and he’s looking forward to be in bigger events going forward. He admits to losing the first round but the second round was his time and promises that he’s coming for the top of the division. Asked about his trajectory he says he came here to prove himself and he’s happy to be in the rankings now.

A nicely timed uppercut here from Guskov then some quality accuracy on the finishing blows.

Matheus Nicolau just had a six fight winning streak broken by Brandon Royval, a loss that derailed a potential title shot when it happened last year. Nicolau still has a stellar UFC record of 9-2 and now tries to avoid his first ever losing streak while defending his top ranking and possibly moving closer to the title picture. Alex Perez is on a three fight losing streak, in fact his last win was in June of 2020 which earned him a title shot which he lost when he ran into then champion Deiveson Figueiredo. Perez is trying to halt this skid and hopefully breathe some life back into his career. Relatively close main event by the odds, -185 for Nicolau to +155 on Perez.

Flyweight Bout: #5 Matheus Nicolau (19-3-1, 125.5 lbs.) vs. #8 Alex Perez (24-8, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Nicolau has half an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Perez shows the jab early as he moves closer while Nicolau is circling and reading. Both men start feinting a little more. Nicolau jabs the body a bit. Combination from Perez, nice up and down work to the body and head. Nicolau lands a leg kick. Bit of a right from Nicolau. Nicolau jabs the body again. Bit of a left hook from Nicolau. Perez bulls forward and lands a right to the body. Right hand then a left hook from Nicolau seem to stun Perez for a second. Perez with another combination that’s partially successful. Bit of an uppercut from Nicolau then a calf kick. The feint away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Nicolau

ROUND TWO: Both guys seem a little more willing to engage this round. Nicolau jabbing up and down. Perez still looking to blitz forward with punches. Nicolau lands a calf kick. Left to the body from Nicolau. Bit of a right from Perez. Nicolau lands another calf kick. Perez lands a right to the body. Bit of a left hook from Nicolau to counter a leg kick. Right hand and a left hook from Perez, well timed and he’s got Nicolau backing up. A right hand from Perez along the fence folds up Nicolau and that’s it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alex Perez via KO, punches, at 2:16 of Round 2

Mic time for Perez, he sends love to his family and notes he was counted out coming off of his losing streak despite those losses coming to champions and Mokaev. He’s always in the gym and he works hard, then asks for a post fight bonus. He mentions always coming to pressure his opponent and is very grateful his hard work is paying off finally. To close he puts over his team for all of their work.

Well on that note UFC on ESPN 55 comes to a close. Thank you all for reading, be that live or after the fact. We’ll be breaking down all the action from this card on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA podcast tomorrow, plus looking ahead to UFC 301. I’ll be back for that card, and it’s not the strongest PPV card on paper but I’ll be covering it anyway. Hopefully you’ll be here as well. Until next time, thank you again for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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