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411’s UFC Fight Night Report: Vera Beats Font in FOTY Contender

April 30, 2022 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC on ESPN 35 Image Credit: UFC

MAIN CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 7 p.m.)
#5 Rob Font (138.5 lbs.)* vs. #8 Marlon Vera (136 lbs.)
Andrei Arlovski (246 lbs.) vs. Jake Collier (265 lbs.)
Joanderson Brito (145.5 lbs.) vs. Andre Fili (145.5 lbs.)
Grant Dawson (155.5 lbs.) vs. Jared Gordon (155.5 lbs.)
Tristan Connelly (146 lbs.) vs. Darren Elkins (145.5 lbs.)
Krzysztof Jotko (186 lbs.) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (185 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN2/ESPN+, 4 p.m.)
Alexandr Romanov (236.5 lbs.) vs. Chase Sherman (247 lbs.)
Daniel Silva (125 lbs.) vs. Francisco Figueiredo (125.5 lbs.)
Gabe Green (170.5 lbs.) vs. Yohan Lainesse (169 lbs.)
Mike Breeden (155.5 lbs.) vs. Natan Levy (155 lbs.)
Gina Mazany (126 lbs.) vs. Shanna Young (125 lbs.)
Carlos Candelario (126 lbs.) vs. Tatsuro Taira (125.5 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN 35, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening. Tonight we’ve got a pretty darn good main event, and a supporting card we just hope is better in practice than on paper. But speaking of the main event it’s a relevant bantamweight clash between Rob Font and Marlon Vera, while the winner wont be the next title challenger they’ll definitely be in the title picture and in prime position to make a case for themselves going forward. Beyond that it’s rather slim pickings, but Grant Dawson vs. Jared Gordon has some potential and Alexandr Romanov vs. Chase Sherman will either be short and sweet or long and comical. Other than that we’re really just hoping for good action because there’s not a lot of narratives to get too invested in.

UFC on ESPN 35 comes to the world from the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. We’ve got Jon Anik, Michael Bisping, and Dominick Cruz on commentary. As for the rules we’re under most of the new ones but you still need only one hand on the mat to be considered downed. We do have the use of instant replay, and an official outside the cage who can request it be used, and the fight can be restarted after replay has been used if that’s applicable to the situation.

A couple of hours before the event we get word that the fight between Tatsuro Taira and Carlos Candelario has been postponed due to some illness with Candelario. This means we’ll get a fair bit of vamping to star the broadcast.

Gina Mazany has gone 3-5 in the UFC and is coming off of a loss, she’s trying to avoid another losing streak by pushing her UFC record closer to the .500 mark. Shanna Young has gone 0-2 in the UFC but is hoping a return to flyweight will get her that all important first UFC win. This one is relatively close but Mazany is the -190 favorite to a +160 comeback on Young.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Gina Mazany (7-5, 126 lbs.) vs. Shanna Young (7-4, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Young is an inch taller while Mazany has three and a half inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Mazany. Both women show the lead hand as they circle. Both women miss a bunch of punches. Mazany lands a left then they clinch up and hit the fence. Young breaks free pretty quickly. Bit of a body kick from Mazany. Mazany punches into another clinch and they hit the fence. A few small knees to the leg from Mazany but there’s not a whole lot going on. They break and Mazany lands a right hand. Mazany lands a knee in close and Young drops to a knee but bounces back up. Bit of a right from Young. Mazany lands a left to the body. Inside leg kick from Young. Young lands a right hand. They trade punches in close. One two from Young. Mazany lands a body kick. They trade lefts, then Young lands a right to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Mazany

ROUND TWO: Both women are back to jabbing and circling. Young lands a left hook. Mazany lands a body kick. Some leg kicks go back and forth. Mazany lands a left hand. Young clips Mazany with a left hook but doesn’t follow up. Bit of a right from Young, she’s starting to evade and counter and Mazany is fading. They trade lefts. Mazany forces a clinch and gets a body lock takedown but Young rolls through with her and gets on top in half guard. Young unloads with punches as Mazany wall walks to her feet. Mazany tries a headlock throw, this goes poorly and Young gets on top in the ride position. Young moves to the back mount and unloads with punches until the ref has to intervene.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Shanna Young via TKO, punches, at 3:11 of Round 2

Mic time for Young, she feels good to get her first UFC win. She puts over her camp and the associated personnel. She talks us through the finish, noting she didn’t want to get stuck on bottom as she can struggle to regain her feet.

Here’s the finish, nice back control from Young and you can see Mazany isn’t taking the necessary steps to address the position. If you can’t address the position all you’re going to do is get hit over and over again.

Natan Levy suffered his first professional loss in his UFC debut last year, now he’s trying to avoid his first ever losing streak by getting his first taste of victory in the promotion. Mike Breeden suffered a loss in his UFC debut when he was stopped by Alexander Hernandez, now he’s in the same position as his opponent in terms of looking for that first UFC win. Levy is your favorite at -220 to +180 for Breeden.

Lightweight Bout: Mike Breeden (10-4, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Natan Levy (6-1, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Breeden is an inch taller while Levy has an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Levy. Body kick from Levy, Breeden returns it. They punch into a clinch and Breeden hits an inside trip to land on top in half guard. Levy wall walks then lands a knee and forces a break. Leg kick from Levy. Both men miss punches. Levy misses a hook kick. Breeden catches a head kick, but gets caught in a heel hook on the way down. Breeden gets free but the scramble lets Levy get up and they reset on the feet. Inside leg kick from Levy. They trade rights in close. Levy lands an inside leg kick. Body kick from Levy. They tie up, trade knees and one hits Levy low so we’ve got a time out. Replay confirms the low blow. We’re back to fighting after 45 seconds. Breeden punches in close with hooks and they trade in the pocket. Levy lands a head kick, Breeden catches it and gets a takedown but Levy again moves into a heel hook attempt. Breeden scrambles free and they reset again. One two from Levy then a body kick. Both men land power hand punches. Levy lands a left to the body then a right hook. Single leg from Levy and he gets to the back as they stand. Levy with a mat return and he gets to the ride position then lands knees to the body. Another knee from Levy, Breeden stands and Levy has a high kick blocked as they break to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Levy

ROUND TWO: Breeden is trying to keep mobile, he lands a couple of body shots then they trade in the pocket. Levy grabs a single leg and dumps Breeden down then gets to the ride position. Breeden wall walks but Levy hits a mat return. Again Breeden regains his feet but is tripped back down. Another stand up from Breeden and Levy kicks his legs out again. These get ups from Breeden are coming slower and slower, Levy retains the clinch as they get up. This time Breeden gets chest to chest in the clinch then they break. Bit of a body shot from Breeden, then Levy lands a body kick. Breeden blocks a double leg and they hit the fence. Some knees go back and forth then they trade hooks in the pocket before resetting. Again they trade power hooks, then Levy lands a body kick that hurts Breeden. Levy misses a wheel kick but gets a takedown and lands punches as Breeden regains his feet. Levy with more mat returns and punches in transition. They wind up in the clinch then break again. Breeden misses punches then they stare away the final seconds.

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

ROUND THREE: Levy lands a body kick to start the round. Breeden pushes forward and looks to unload with punches. Levy tries a double leg but Breeden blocks it and they trade punches again. Foot sweep from Levy and they clinch up but Breeden is able to keep his hips back and separate. Breeden lands a right hand. Levy tries another takedown, again Breeden defends and lands body shots in close. Levy lands a knee. Hard left from Levy but Breeden defends the follow up single leg. Breeden comes forward and eats a right hand. Levy is badly fading and Breeden wont stop coming forward. Knee from Breeden lands. Breeden lands a right hand then a couple of body shots in close. Levy lands a left. A left from Levy staggers Breeden, then Breeden fires a couple of body shots in response. Breeden blocks a single leg. Head kick from Levy but there’s no power on it. Breeden lands body shots against the fence. Levy lands a one two then eats an elbow. Breeden lands more body shots then Levy responds with an uppercut and a left hook. Both men are tired but Breeden is still coming forward. A right and a left from Levy drop Breeden for a second, then Levy misses a wheel kick. Seems like a poor decision in terms of his offensive weapons. Levy tries a single leg but can’t finish it. Another one two from Levy then another one. Levy finally found his second wind I think, he’s coming forward and landing punches. Breeden forces a clinch and they hit the fence. They break and trade punches in the pocket to end the round.

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

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

Pretty fun brawl there. Mic time for Levy, he calls this redemption for his prior fight and knows he didn’t look great in the third round but will work on that. He puts over Breeden as a tough opponent who forced him to dig deep, then thanks everyone who’s helped him get here. He brings up this week was remembrance week for the Holocaust and plans to sell his fight gear with the proceeds going to Holocaust survivors. Asked about the last round he notes he was hurting and tired, but was never out and he always plans to get up when he falls down.

Gabriel Green has gone 1-1 in the UFC but he is coming off of a win over a year ago, he could get his first UFC winning streak up and running if he’s successful tonight. Yohan Lainesse is undefeated as a professional and makes his UFC debut on the back of a win on the Contender Series, now he’s looking to remain perfect and capitalize on the only chance he’ll get to make a first impression. The odds are close for this one but lean towards Green at -130 to +110 on Lainesse.

Welterweight Bout: Gabe Green (10-3, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Yohan Lainesse (8-0, 169 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Lainesse is two inches taller with three inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Green. Lainesse lands a body kick. Both men start showing stance switches. Bit of a right from Lainesse. A lot of leg kicks from Lainesse, both inside and outside. Green doesn’t have a way into his distance yet. Lainesse clubs Green with a right hook then a body kick. Another body kick from Lainesse. Green pushes forward and lands an uppercut. Both men land punches in close. Lainesse hits a double leg into half guard. Side control for Lainesse, but Green scrambles up as Lainesse grabs a standing guillotine. Green quickly breaks the grip and they reset. Lainesse gets back to landing long range kicks. Bit of a left hook from Lainesse. Green lands a right hand and they trade in close. They stare away the final few seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lainesse

ROUND TWO: Lainesse lands an inside leg kick then they trade punches. More inside leg kicks from Lainesse, those are adding up. Green lands a couple of leg kicks of his own. They tie up then break and Lainesse clobbers Green to the mat with a right hand, Lainesse gets on top in side control. Green scrambles back up and they hit the fence in a clinch. Lainesse is working a standing guillotine, Green gets free and lands a right hand as they break. Bit of a spinning back fist from Lainesse. Green lands a right hook then avoids a takedown but he tries to scoot to the back on the defense and Lainesse blocks his move then takes him down. North-south for Lainesse and he lands a few body shots. Lainesse jumps for the back as they scramble but Green keeps scrambling and comes up on top and then they wind up clinched. Lainesse lands a right hand as they separate from a clinch. Green lands a left hand. Front kick to the body from Green then a right hand. Lainesse might be slowing as Green keeps chipping away at his body. Green avoids a looping hook, then lands body shots as Lainesse falls to the fence. More blows from Green and Lainesse drops against the fence, Green then unloads standing over him and forces the ref to stop the fight.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gabe Green via TKO, punches, at 4:02 of Round 2

Mic time for Green, he gives glory to God first and foremost then puts over his corner. He talks us through the finish and puts over Lainesse as a tough opponent who hits hard. He talks about some eye surgery he had to fix his vision and notes he’s still got technical stuff to fix.

Here’s the finish, some brutal body work from Green finally pays off as a right to the ribs sits down Lainesse leading to the finish. Nice stuff from Green.

Daniel Da Silva had a three fight winning streak snapped in his UFC debut last year, now he’s looking to bounce back and notch his first UFC win. Francisco Figueiredo has gone 1-1 in the UFC but is coming off of a loss and is now trying to avoid his first ever losing streak. This one is very close, ever so slightly leaning towards Da Silva at -125 to an even +105 on Figueiredo.

Flyweight Bout: Daniel Da Silva (11-2, 125 lbs.) vs. Francisco Figueiredo (12-4-1 1 NC, 125.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Silva has two inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves, both men are fighting southpaw. Figueiredo lands a leg kick. Both men keep probing with leg kicks as they get a read on things, Da Silva starts showing his stance switches and lands a spinning back kick. They trade body kicks then Da Silva gets a takedown into full guard. Da Silva passes but he’s sloppy and Figueiredo grabs a kneebar as they roll and Da Silva has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Francisco Figueiredo via Submission, kneebar, at 1:18 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Figueiredo for his work this evening. Mic time for Figueiredo and his translator, he gives glory to God and talks about training a lot of jiu-jitsu for this and the kneebar was pretty much automatic. He talks us through the finish, then when asked about the future he’s willing to fight next week if that’s available.

Here’s the finish. Da Silva gets a little too aggressive on his pass and loses control while Figueiredo inverts, blocks his legs from passing to safety, and locks up a kneebar.

Alexandr Romanov is undefeated as a professional including four wins in the UFC, he’s looking to extend that streak here and earn a significant step up in class for his next fight. Chase Sherman is on a three fight losing streak, he was recently cut from the UFC but took this fight on short notice for the prior event to earn his way back into the promotion. Sherman is trying to get his first win since 2020 and derail a building heavyweight hype train. Romanov isn’t just a big favorite, at -2200 he’s one of the biggest favorites in UFC history while the +1100 payout on Sherman might tempt some degenerate gamblers.

Heavyweight Bout: Alexandr Romanov (15-0, 236.5 lbs.) vs. Chase Sherman (15-9, 247 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Sherman is two inches taller with three inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves, Romanov fighting southpaw. Double leg from Romanov hits the fence but he still dumps Sherman down. Sherman wall walks but his mat returned and Romanov lands in side control. Sherman gets half guard but Romanov is controlling him now. Some short punches from Romanov as Sherman tries to shrimp and wall walk. Sherman regains his feet but Romanov dumps him back down with a single leg and moves to side control. Full mount for Romanov now and Sherman is just trying to control posture. Romanov breaks the grip and postures up then unloads with some punches. Sherman tries to wall walk again, Romanov grabs an americana and Sherman has to tap out to the typical heavyweight kryptonite.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alexandr Romanov via Submission, americana, at 2:11 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Romanov for his work this evening. Mic time for Romanov, he worked hard on his striking for this fight but his wrestling was still dominant. Asked what he’d like next he’d prefer a ranked opponent, specifically Augusto Sakai if possible. He celebrates his brand new jiu-jitsu brown belt and jokes he thinks he’ll be a black belt in a year. Asked about the future he says he wants the belt eventually, everyone who comes to the UFC should want the belt and he’s not here just for a good time.

Here’s a look at the end. This is a pretty typical americana, ideally you bring the elbow closer to the body and down lower but with heavyweight frames it’s not as necessary.

That does it for prelims, on to the main card.

Krzysztof Jotko has gone 4-1 in his last five fights and most recently bested Misha Cirkunov, he’s trying to build another winning streak and resume moving up through the crowded middleweight ranks. Gerald Meerschaert finds himself on a three fight winning streak with all of those being finishes, if he can get to four in a row tonight he could easily earn a bigger opportunity for his next bout. The odds are with Jotko at -180 to the +155 underdog Meerschaert.

Middleweight Bout: Krzysztof Jotko (23-5, 186 lbs.) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (34-14, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Meerschaert has half an inch of reach advantage. Both men fight southpaw, and they touch gloves to get us going. They trade some punches at range. Jotko lands a front kick, Meerschaert lands a left hand. Bit of a right from Jotko. Meerschaert avoids an elbow and lands a left hand. Jotko lands a right hand. Jab from Jotko. Front kick to the face from Jotko wobbles Meerschaert, but he doesn’t really follow up. Jotko avoids a punch and gets a clinch then lands punches as he gets Meerschaert on the fence. They break without incident. Jotko lands a left hand, Meerschaert lands a right in close. Both men are swinging a little wide but Jotko’s hand speed is making the difference thus far. They trade leg kicks. Jotko lands a couple of lefts, he’s slipping and countering rather well thus far. Meerschaert lands a calf kick. They tie up and trade punches before they hit the fence. Jotko lands a few knees to the body as they spend the last 20 or so seconds in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jotko

ROUND TWO: Both men land lefts to get the round going. Meerschaert lands a leg kick. Jotko lands a one two, he’s backing up Meerschaert now. Jotko lands a right hand. Meerschaert starts coming forward, and eats another right hook. Meerschaert forces a clinch and starts working for a takedown. Jotko is able to land a knee and spin free. Meerschaert lands another leg kick. Jotko lands a left hand. Meerschaert lands a left hand. Jotko lands a calf kick. Bit of a one two from Jotko. Meerschaert keeps pressing forward, he eats a couple of punches then gets a clinch on the fence. Meerschaert goes for a takedown, he finally gets it but Jotko uses a whizzer to flatten out and regain his feet. Jotko slips to the back standing and lands knees to the leg. Meerschaert tries for a single leg and winds up spinning Jotko into the fence. Some knees go back and forth as Jotko spins Meerschaert. Jotko gets a takedown and lands in side control. Meerschaert uses a guillotine threat the get full guard and he starts working his legs up. Jotko with some body shots and they’ll end the round on the mat.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Jotko starts jabbing. Bit of a left from Jotko then a right hook. They split some jabs. A bit of combination work from Jotko, he tries a double leg but Meerschaert defends. Jotko hits a double leg into full guard. Meerschaert starts fishing for a kimura, but there’s not much there for him. Jotko lands a few hammer fists, Meerschaert keeps trying to work his guard but Jotko is defending. Jotko passes to half guard, Meerschaert stands and lands an uppercut as they clinch again. Meerschaert goes for a double leg against the fence but Jotko defends. They break without incident. Both men land some punches then Jotko lands a knee. Another takedown from Jotko into full guard. Meerschaert tries a triangle but can’t connects his legs and Jotko passes to the ride position. Meerschaert tries a reversal but winds up on his back again. Meerschaert moves to his knees, and Jotko pushes him over and moves into half guard. Jotko lands blows to the body as Meerschaert gets full guard back. Jotko lands an elbow. Meerschaert sits up and tries to reverse position, Jotko stands free and they clinch again just as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Kryzsztof Jotko via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Mic time for Jotko, he hopes people enjoyed the fight which doesn’t seem to be the case. He wanted to get a finish but felt he could get takedowns pretty much at will and his timing was much better so he could use them. To close he thanks all of his coaches and family.

Calvin Kattar is here for Rob Font, and it’s announced that on June 18th in Austin, Texas we’ll get Kattar vs. Josh Emmett as the main event for that card. Katter puts over Emmett and thinks they’ll put on a darn good main event. He’s focused on himself, and notes there’s no guarantee anyone makes it to fight night and he’s just trying to get better. Asked about the main event he thinks his boy Font will win.

Darren Elkins has been with the UFC since 2010 but has gone just 2-5 in his last seven fights and was finished in the first round his last time out, now he’s trying to avoids another losing streak and prove he’s still a viable featherweight. Tristan Connelly has gone 1-1 in the UFC and dropped a fight to Pat Sabatini his last time out, now back for the first time in over a year he’s looking to get back on the winning side of things at the expense of a respected veteran. Elkins is your -180 favorite to +155 on Connelly.

Featherweight Bout: Tristan Connelly (14-7, 146 lbs.) vs. Darren Elkins (26-10, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Elkins has three inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Both men showing the jab. Elkins punches into a clinch and gets a takedown against the fence. Connelly looks to wall walk as Elkins jumps on his back and gets a hook in. Elkins grabs an arm triangle but Connelly gets full guard and starts looking for a sweep. They trade some strikes on the ground. Connelly looks to wall walk again, Elkins moves to the back as they stand then drags him back to the mat. Elkins keeps trying to transition to an arm triangle but Connelly scrambles back up and lands an elbow before they break. Elkins tries another double leg, gets it and lands on top in full guard. Some blows from Elkins on top. Elkins passes to half guard, lands a few blows, then Connelly gets full guard back and lands elbows. Elkins lands a punch, Connelly tries to invert for a leg and they wind up scrambling to their feet but still in the clinch. Some knees from Elkins then he lands punches before they break. Connelly lands a right, then eats a couple of counters. They trade elbows in close then trade rights to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Elkins

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Connelly lands a right hand. Elkins lands a couple of punches. Calf kick from Connelly then he blocks a double leg. Another calf kick from Connelly. Elkins lands a right hand. Hard calf kick from Connelly. They clash and tie up, trade punches in close then hit the fence. They trade elbows then break. Both men land rights. Elkins tries another double leg, they hit the fence then trade there for a bit. Some elbows are traded then Elkins hits a double leg. Elkins moves to half guard as Connelly tries to wall walk, then he gets the back with both hooks in. Connelly keeps trying to stand but Elkins is using a nelson to force him back down. Connelly breaks the hooks and stands then they break. Connelly lands a leg kick. Elkins lands a right hand. Another calf kick from Connelly then a combination in close. Connelly lands a right hand, then another calf kick. They punch into a clinch and trade blows then break. Connelly lands a right, Elkins then forces another clinch on the fence and drags Connelly down. Elkins slips trying to take the back, eats some punches then Connelly lands a flying knee as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Both men land some punches to star the round. Connelly lands some kicks. Both men land hooks. Elkins forces a clinch, they trade punches, then break. Connelly lands a knee to the body, they clinch up and trade knees. Connelly lands an elbow, then they trade elbows and Elkins lands a left hook as they break. Both men are cut and bleeding now. Connelly lands a combination, Elkins forces a clinch but Connelly wobbles him with an elbow. More dirty boxing from Connelly, he’s really landing elbows now but Elkins fires back with uppercuts then a right hand. Knees from Connelly and they break. Connelly punches into another clinch, he lands body shots and short uppercuts as they break. Another right from Connelly then a head kick. Connelly lands a right hand. Elkins tries to fire back but Connelly is out gunning him. Body shot from Connelly then Elkins hits a takedown into full guard. Connelly rolls to his knees, Elkins lands some blows from the ride position and jumps to the back with a body triangle. Elkins starts fishing for the choke, he lands punches to the head as he’s grabbing at it. The choke is nearly in, but Connelly is able to hand fight. Elkins keeps fighting for the adjustment but Connelly gets the arm off of his neck. They’ll end the round in that spot.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Elkins but another competitive round, 30-27 Elkins overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Darren Elkins via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Mic time for Elkins, who says his warrior spirit keeps coming out every time he gets tagged. He never felt hurt but knew he got hit with some solid punches. Asked about the future he doesn’t have a name but would like a fight in September if he gets a new contract as this was the last fight on his current deal.

Jared Gordon is on a three fight winning streak and is looking for a fourth win that could earn a bigger name his next time out. Grant Dawson has gone 5-0-1 in the UFC and while he’s coming off of a draw with Ricky Glenn he’s trying to remain undefeated in the UFC and begin making the difficult transition from prospect to contender. The odds are with Dawson at -190 against a +160 payout on Gordon.

Lightweight Bout: Grant Dawson (17-1-1, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Jared Gordon (18-4, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Dawson is an inch taller with four inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Both men start showing kicks early. Dawson lands a front kick to the body. Gordon lands a calf kick, Dawson lands another front kick to the body. Bit of a right from Dawson, Gordon returns fire with a combination. Calf kick from Gordon. They tie up, Dawson tries a trip but Gordon pushes him over and lands some punches as Dawson regains his feet. Dawson misses a wheel kick. Single leg from Dawson, Gordon tries a guillotine threat and uses that to sweep through on the takedown and they roll up then break. Some jabs go back and forth. Gordon lands a leg kick. They trade punches, Dawson isn’t moving his head when they start throwing and it’s becoming a problem. Dawson hits a double leg then moves immediately to the back with both hooks in. Body triangle now for Dawson. Some punches from Dawson as he’s burning clock and fishing for the choke. More punches from Dawson, they’re not big blows but they’re adding up. The round ends in that spot.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Dawson

ROUND TWO: Gordon looks to strike early, but Grant with a pretty quick takedown then he jumps to the back and gets another body triangle. Dawson starts looking to grab at the choke, Gordon is back to hand fighting. Gordon is able to break the triangle and scrambles up but Dawson is on him in the clinch. Foot sweep from Dawson, but Gordon wall walks and gets out of the clinch. Gordon lands a right hand then a head kick. Left hook from Gordon. Gordon is stalking forward and looking make Dawson fight him. They clinch again, trade knees and elbows, then Dawson hits a double leg into half guard. Dawson moves towards the back with one hook in, which is where the round will end.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves to get the last round going. Gordon lands a jab. Another left from Gordon. Dawson avoids a hook. Bit of a right form Dawson. Gordon blocks a high kick and lands a calf kick. Right from Gordon, then he avoids a double leg and lands a few more punches. Dawson lands a jumping knee but Gordon eats it and lands a couple of punches. They plant and trade then Dawson hits a double leg but Gordon wall walks and they break. Dawson tries a single leg, Gordon rolls free and lands body shots in the clinch. They trade elbows. Gordon lands a right hand. Dawson tries a single leg, he gets it and Gordon grabs for a guillotine and uses that threat to force a scramble and they start trading in the clinch. Both men land knees and elbows. They break with a Gordon uppercut. Dawson slips on a spinning back fist, then tries a single leg as Gordon sprawls and lands short punches to the head. They fight up and into the clinch. Gordon avoids a single leg and lands blows to the body before Dawson dumps him over then jumps on the back as Gordon tries to scramble. Dawson is after the choke, this one is pretty tight and Gordon has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Grant Dawson via Submission, rear naked choke, at 4:11 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Dawson for his work this evening. Dawson gets an interview, he thanks his coaches and team mates first and foremost then jokes his game plan is always wrestling based. He’s the first person to submit Jared Gordon in the UFC and notes he hasn’t lost a fight since the Obama administration and wants some respect. He talks about how hard he trains, and notes Gordon put him in plenty of bad situations but he fought through them. To close he talks us through the finish.

Here’s a look at the finish, the technique Dawson uses is interesting because he wraps the non-choking arm around the front as well rather than behind the head. That’s a really sneaky technique.

Andre Fili has been up and down for his entire UFC tenure, now he’s after his first win since 2020 and if he’s ever going to make a legitimate run towards the featherweight elite he needs a win here badly. Joanderson Brito had a 12 fight unbeaten streak snapped in his UFC debut back in 2020, now he’s back in action for the first time in over two years and looking to get that all important first UFC win. Fili is a fairly heavy -250 favorite while a Brito win would payout +200.

Featherweight Bout: Joanderson Brito (12-3-1, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Andre Fili (21-8 1 NC, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Fili is three inches taller with two inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Fili is looking to jab early. Brito lands a calf kick. Another calf kick from Brito. Bit of a right form Brito, he lands another right that floors Fili and he jumps on top then pounds Fili out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Joanderson Brito via TKO, punches, at :41 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Brito for his work this evening. Mic time for Brito and his translator, he just heard that his uncle passed away in Brazil and gives love and condolences to his family back home. He’s really emotional about this and thanks his team for all of their support then gives support to his home town. He talks a bit about getting de railed in his last fight but he’s not being caught up in the hype anymore.

This is a really well timed punch by Brito, he induces a constant trade of jabs that allows him to get a read on Fili’s timing. It doesn’t help that Fili never moves his head, meaning once Brito can time the punch he’s got a clean power punch lined up.

Andrei Arlovski finds himself on a three fight winning streak very deep into his career, he took this fight on short notice but if he can get to four in a row tonight he might find himself facing ranked opposition next. Jake Collier has been trading wins and losses since his UFC debut back in 2014, now he’s coming off a win and could get his first ever UFC winning streak at the expense of one of the more recognizable and respected veterans the UFC has. The odds lean towards Arlovski at -130 to a +110 for Collier.

Heavyweight Bout: Andrei Arlovski (33-20 1 NC, 246 lbs.) vs. Jake Collier (13-6, 265 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Collier has an inch and a half of reach advantage, is 20 or so pounds heavier, and is a full decade younger than Arlovski. They touch gloves to get things going. Arlovski misses a front kick. They tie up and hit the fence. Collier lands a few knees to the body and leg. Arlovski spins free. Collier misses a punch and they clinch again. They break after a bit. Collier misses a few punches, then takes a right hand. Bit of a right from Arlovski. Inside leg kick then a one two from Arlovski, Collier lands a left hook. Bit of a left from Collier in close. Arlovski misses a right hand. They bang heads and the ref warns them both. Arlovski lands a right, Collier lands an elbow in close. They clinch again, Arlovski is cut from that elbow, and hit the fence. Arlovski lands a knee then slips free. Leg kick from Arlovski, then a knee in close. Some body shots from Arlovski and Collier lands a right hand. Arlovski goes southpaw and lands a front kick. Both men miss punches. Collier avoids a combination and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Collier but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Both men start feinting. Some jabs go back and forth then Arlovski lands a right hand. Arlovski checks a leg kick then lands a front kick. A few punches from Arlovski in close. Collier lands a left hook and clinches up. Arlovski lands a knee and breaks free. A couple of lefts from Arlovski land. Collier lands a left, then takes a right. Collier lands another left hook. Arlovski lands a right in close, then a calf kick to follow up. Another right from Arlovski. Collier lands a left hook in close, then Arlovski lands a right to counter. Arlovski lands a straight right hand. They trade punches then Collier forces another clinch. Collier gets a body lock takedown, Arlovski wall walks right away though Collier is now on his back. Arlovski gets chest to chest then spins free. Jabs from Arlovski land, Collier lands a right. Arlovski lands a right then a left hook to follow up. Collier eats a combination to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Arlovski, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Arlovski avoids some offense from Collier. Body kick from Collier. Arlovski lands a jab. Bit of a right from Arlovski. They clash heads again and we get a time out as Arlovski really felt that one. It’s not like Collier was deliberately butting, and the ref warns them both about leading with the heads as we restart. Arlovski gets jabbing, Collier’s nose is now leaking quite a bit. A right from Arlovski lands, then a front kick to the body. They clinch, Arlovski lands knees to the body then gets free. Collier lands a left hook. Arlovski has a head kick blocked then lands a series of jabs. Bit of a combination from Collier but his face is getting busted up. Arlovski goes southpaw, lands an inside leg kick then they trade punches before clinching up. Knee from Arlovski then they break. Arlovski lands a right, Collier gets a clinch and lands a knee. They break and Collier misses a spinning back fist. They split a few jabs. Arlovski lands a left hook in close. Collier lands a right hand. Arlovski lands a calf kick, Collier counters with a right hand. They get close and trade in the pocket. Arlovski misses a spinning elbow and Collier gets a takedown into half guard as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Andrei Arlovski via split decision (27-30, 29-28 x2)

Not surprised by the split, the 30-27 for Collier seems dubious but 29-28 for either man is perfectly acceptable. Mic time for Arlovski, he puts Collier over as a tough opponent. He puts Collier over again and notes this is the first time in 5 fights or so he’s been cut. Asked about his title aspirations he says he knows he still needs a lot of work but his coaches will be with him for it.

Rob Font just had a four fight winning streak snapped when he dropped a competitive decision to Jose Aldo, now he’s trying to get back on the winning side of things but has the cloud of a weight miss hanging over him as he looks to avoid his first ever losing streak. Marlon Vera is on a two fight winning streak and coming off of his best win when he stopped former champion Frankie Edgar in the third round, if he can get a third win in a row here he’ll find himself in the title picture going forward. Font is a slight -115 favorite to -105 on Vera.

Bantamweight Bout: #5 Rob Font (19-5, 138.5 lbs.) vs. #8 Marlon Vera (18-7-1, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height, Font has an inch of reach advantage. Vera comes out southpaw, Font will do a bit of stance switching. Side kick from Vera lands. Both men looking to jab, then Vera lands a calf kick. Font lands a front kick then a right hand. Bit of a jab from Vera, then a calf kick. Font lands a one two. Body kick from Vera. Font lands a right hand then an uppercut. Vera lands an inside leg kick. Font lands a right hand then a knee. Bit of a right then an elbow from Font. Vera lands a front kick. Font with a few uppercuts in close. Vera has started switching his stance in transition now, though he’s still mostly southpaw. Font digs a few body shots. Vera lands a calf kick. Font lands a body shot then a jab. Vera lands a jab. Font lands a right hand. Some jabs from Font then Vera lands an inside leg kick. Font lands a right to the body. Another leg kick from Vera but Font’s boxing is on point thus far. Vera lands a calf kick then Font lands an uppercut. Another uppercut from Font. More calf kicks from Vera. Font hits the body again. Body kick from Vera. They clinch and Font hits a knee to the body. A few leg kicks are traded to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Font

ROUND TWO: Both men are doing some stance switching now. Font lands a left hook. Vera avoids a few punches. Front kick from Vera, Font catches it and lands an elbow but Vera just mocks him. Vera lands a spinning back kick to the body. Inside leg kick from Vera then a bit of a head kick. Font lands a couple of rights. Another body shot from Font. Vera lands a left then a body kick. Stiff jab from Vera. They split a few jabs. Font lands a right hand, Vera responds with a one two. Vera lands a calf kick. Font lands a jab. Vera jabs successfully. Bit of a knee from Font in close. Vera lands a calf kick. Font misses a combination then Vera lands a heavy body kick. Font did not like that body kick. Vera with a front kick to the body. Font lands a one two, these two a scrapping. Vera lands a calf kick. Left hook from Font lands. Combination from Font then a knee. Vera blocks a few punches then lands a jab. Both men land jabs. Vera lands a left hook that wobbles Font, Font tries for a takedown and Vera tries to unload on the mat to get the finish. Font holds on in half guard and will see the end of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Vera, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Font comes out and looks recovered, he forces a clinch right away and gets a mat return from the back. Vera wall walks and turns into him. Vera has Font on the fence and they separate. Head kick from Vera is partially blocked. Font lands a right uppercut. Vera lands a jab, Font’s face is visibly marked up. Calf kick from Vera, then an oblique kick to the knee. Font lands a front kick to the body then an inside leg kick. Vera lands a left. They split some jabs, then Font lands a body kick. Vera lands a jab. Font with a calf kick then they trade lefts. Font lands a right hand. Vera with a partially blocked head kick then he lands punches in close. Vera lands a left hook. Bit of a right from Font, Vera replies with jabs. Font lands a body shot. They tie up, Vera lands a knee and they break. Bit of a left from Vera. Font lands a one two. Vera is just unflappable, even taking punches he just keeps with his game. Font lands a few one twos then a body shot. Body kick from Vera. They trade jabs. Font lands a right, then Vera lands a left. Body shots from Font but Vera catches him ducking with a knee and Font drops. Vera gets on top in full guard and lands punches, Font again will survive until the end of the round as Vera lands one final elbow.

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

ROUND FOUR: They touch gloves again. Font tries to get his jab working again, Vera lands a right. Vera blocks some punches and lands a combination. Vera is starting to come on strong now. Bit of a left from Vera. Font’s left leg is hurting. Vera lands a body shot. Front kick from Font then a one two. A few uppercuts in close from Font. Font lands a right hand. Vera lands a few jabs. They tie up and Vera lands an elbow as they break. Both men land jabs as they circle. Font lands a right to the body but his face is becoming a mess. Vera jabs Font a few times. Left hook from Vera lands. Calf kick from Vera then a jab behind it. Font lands a one two. Vera with a side kick to the face, Font drops and Vera stands over him looking to land blows. A few leg kicks as Vera stands over Font but he’s letting Font recover. After a bit the ref makes Font stand up. Vera with a wheel kick that partially lands. Bit of a left from Vera. Font lands a body kick. They trade a few jabs, Vera lands a kick to the knee. Bit of a body kick from Vera closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Vera, 39-37 Vera overall

ROUND FIVE: Font’s face is badly swelling on the forehead and around his eyes, not enough to stop the fight but he’s disfigured. Font lands a right to the body. Despite the abuse Font is in the fight still. Vera lands a calf kick. Bit of an elbow from Font in close. Vera lands a jab and avoids a few rights. Bit of a combination from Font. Vera lands a left hook. Jabs from Vera as he’s moving. Font is still pressing forward, and walks into a right hand. Font lands a right. Vera lands a front kick to the body. A few more jabs from Vera, Font lands a body kick. Vera lands a body kick and a jab. Front kick to the face from Vera lands. They split a few jabs. Stiff left from Vera lands. Another left from Vera connects. Font lands a knee in close. Stiff jab from Vera, then another one. More jabs from Vera and a calf kick. Vera lands a left hand, Font is hurt but keeps fighting. Font avoids a head kick and lands a right hand. Vera lands a couple of lefts. Font lands an uppercut in close. Both men land jabs. Font lands a right to the body, Vera side kicks Font in the face again and Font is hurt. Vera stalks Font down along the fence but Font will again survive until the bell.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Vera, 49-36 Vera overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Marlon Vera via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46 x2)

Darn good fight between those two, not sure which round Font got outside of the first though. Mic time for Vera after that, he’s barely marked up, and he says his mind has finally caught up with his physical ability and hard work has brought him to this moment. He says when you work hard you’ve got the best chance to survive hard times, he’s emotional and embraces his wife and kids. Asked about being here with his family he says this means the world to him, everything he’s ever dreamed of is coming true, and puts over his coaches, parents, and says he’ll be a world champion. Asked what he wants next he says 4, 3, and 2, he’ll be back in the gym soon and he’s going to earn the title. To close he gives some inspirational words.

Well on that note UFC on ESPN 35 comes to a close. Thank you all for reading, be that live or after the fact, and remember we’ll be breaking down all of the results from this card on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast tomorrow as well as previewing UFC 274 which is next week. I’ll be back here for UFC 274, which is a darn good PPV card, and I hope you will as well. Until then thank you again, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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