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411’s UFC on ESPN 15 Report: Edgar Wins

August 23, 2020 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC on ESPN 15

MAIN CARD (ESPN/ESPN+)
#5 Pedro Munhoz (136 lbs.) vs. Frankie Edgar (135.5 lbs.)
Marcin Prachnio (205.5 lbs.) vs. Mike Rodriguez (205.5 lbs.)
Austin Hubbard (156 lbs.) vs. Joe Solecki (155.5 lbs.)
Mariya Agapova (125.5 lbs.) vs. Shana Dobson (126 lbs.)
Daniel Rodriguez (170.5 lbs.) vs. Dwight Grant (169.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN/ESPN+)
Mizuki Inoue (115.5 lbs.) vs. Amanda Lemos (115.5 lbs.)
Ike Villanueva (205.5 lbs.) vs. Jordan Wright (200 lbs.)
Carlton Minus (170 lbs.) vs. Matthew Semelsberger (170 lbs.)
Trevin Jones (139.5 lbs.) vs. Timur Valiev (140 lbs.) – 140-pound catchweight

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN 15. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening, relaying all of the action to you good people just as I see it. On the heels of the apparently quite successful UFC 252 the UFC brings this card, which is kind of a very lame duck. The main event is the bantamweight debut of former lightweight champion and two time featherweight title challenger Frankie Edgar as he takes on top ranked Pedro Munhoz. Beyond that we’ve got slim pickings, Ovince Saint Preux is back at light heavyweight against Alonzo Menifield, Mariya Agapova returns looking to capitalize on the momentum she built in her UFC debut, on the prelims Austin Hubbard is back and we finally get the UFC debut of Timur Valiev. Though if you want to understand how gutted this card is we have as many canceled/fizzled fights (10) as we do actual fights on the card.

And then, a couple of hours before the event was to begin we got word that Saint Preux vs. Menifield is being postponed due to positive covid tests from Saint Preux. So we now officially have more canceled bouts for this event than fights that will actually happen. Not that I’m going to complain too much about not watching another Ovince Saint Preux performance.

UFC on ESPN 15 comes to the world from the UFC APEX facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. On commentary we have John Anik and Dominick Cruz. As for the rules Nevada uses a hybrid system, they’ve adopted most of the changes but still require only one hand on the mat to be considered downed and they allow referees to use instant replay whenever they feel like it. Also remember the APEX facility has the smaller 25 foot diameter cage instead of the usual 30 footer.

Timur Valiev has been a bit of a hardcore fan darling for his run through the WSOF/PFL, and now with a six fight winning streak he’s finally making his UFC debut. Valiev is hoping to keep that momentum going and showcase his skills to the UFC audience. Trevin Jones took this fight on short notice when Valiev’s original opponent fell out, but he’s won his last two fights and could score a notable win here. Valiev is a prohibitive -550 favorite to a +425 comeback on Jones.

Catch-weight Bout: Trevin Jones (12-6, 139.5 lbs.) vs. Timur Valiev (16-2, 140 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Jones is an inch taller and has three inches of reach over Valiev. Southpaw for Jones, and they touch gloves to get us going. Bit of a right from Valiev to counter a leg kick. A couple of body kicks from Valiev land. Glancing head kick from Valiev, these two are here to throw early. Leg kick from Valiev. Jones lands a bit of a right in close. Valiev with a body kick then a head kick, on the outside his kicking game is giving Jones real problems. Valiev slips a left and lands a right. Long combination from Valiev lands, he’s flowing really well. Jones tries to clinch, Valiev escapes quickly and resumes kicking him. Hard right from Valiev lands. Jones lands a knee in close quarters. Front kick from Valiev drops Jones, Jones back up and Valiev digs the then lands a head kick. Jones trying to gut through this but Valiev is all over him. Another body kick then rights from Valiev but Jones remains upright. Valiev might be punching himself out a bit here, he backs off to reset things. Jones gets a takedown into full guard to slow things down. The round ends in that spot.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Valiev

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Body kick from Jones, but he walks onto a knee closing distance. They’re on the fence clinched, Valiev escapes and we’re at distance again. Front kick from Valiev lands. Jab from Jones lands. Another body kick from Valiev, those hurt just watching. Valiev is feinting Jones out of his shoes and then punishing him. Right hook from Jones floors Valiev and he’s on top looking to finish. The ref stops the fight as Valiev looks to come up but he was clearly hurt.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Trevin Jones via TKO, punches, at 1:59 of Round 2

Impressive comeback from Jones, they probably could have stopped that in the first round. Mic time for Jones, he notes how tough things were to get here but that it’s a dream come true. He says he’s seen guys hurt with body shots a lot and despite being hurt he knew he could continue and got himself back into things. When talking us through the finish he mentions knowing he needed to bounce back after that first round. He puts over his coaches, friends and family as well.

Here’s some of the abuse Jones survived in the first, again I wouldn’t have objected to a stoppage in here.

But here’s the finish, Jones lands a clean right hand and works hard to secure the finish.

Matthew Semelsberger brings a three fight winning streak into his UFC debut, now he’s trying to continue that success and get that all important first UFC win. Also debuting for the UFC is Carlton Minus who’s only lost once professionally and will be trying to make a good first impression on the UFC brass and fans. The odds are with Minus at -115 to -105 for Semelsberger.

Welterweight Bout: Carlton Minus (10-1, 170 lbs.) vs. Matthew Semelsberger (6-2, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Semelsberger is three inches taller but the reach is identical. They touch gloves to get us going. Semelsberger lands an inside leg kick. Semelsberger misses a few punches but he’s throwing heat. Minus lands a straight right. Leg kick from Semelsberger. Semelsberger lands a left to the body and looks to brawl in close but can’t corral Minus. Minus with a couple of rights, Semelsbergeris bleeding under his left eye. They trade rights. Minus lands a leg kick. One two from Semelsberger lands. Left to the body and a right from Semelsberger, he’s really pressing the action. Right then a left from Minus but he’s being a little too patient and is getting out worked. Semelsberger lands a leg kick. Stiff jab from Minus. Semelsberger bulls forward and lands to the body before getting a clinch on the fence. Minus quickly slips free and resets. Body kick from Semelsberger. Minus blocks a few kicks but really needs a way into this fight. Both men fall short on punches as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Semelsberger

ROUND TWO: Both men come out throwing but not finding much just yet. Some kicks go back and forth. Minus lands a right. Right then a bit of a left from Semelsberger. Semelsberger seems to have a bit of a power edge. A couple of leg kicks from Semelsberger. A few jabs from Minus but he’s still getting pushed back. Semelsberger eats a body kick but drops Minus with a counter right. On the ground Semelsberger gets the back with a body lock in and is looking for the choke. Choke attempt from Semelsberger, he’s not under the chin yet though and has to bail. Minus is hand fighting well so far and Semelsberger can’t quite find the choke. Minus is able to scramble up as Semelsberger was looking to transition and we’re on the feet again. Lunging right from Minus lands. Semelsberger lands a left hook. Right from Minus, that’s basically the last blow of the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Back to punching as the last round starts. Some leg kicks go back and forth. Both men land in close. Semelsberger blocks a right and lands a counter right. Bit of a right from Minus. Minus lands an overhand right. Elbow from Semelsberger lands as he closed distance but there’s no clinch. Bit of a counter right from Semelsberger then a couple of leg kicks. Minus with an overhand right. Both men land body shots. Semelsberger looks to clinch but can’t get it, then he hits a double leg into half guard. Short elbows from Semelsberger as Minus wall walks. Semelsberger has the back standing and hits a mat return, Minus back up but still clinched. Elbows from Semelsberger as Minus spins free. Bit of a right from Minus. Semelsberger lands a straight right. Minus blocks a head kick but eats an uppercut when trying to counter. Some exchanges in the pocket, both men landed. Semelsberger back to the leg kicks. They trade in close, and we get some pocket brawling to close the fight.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Matthew Semelsberger via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 29-28)

No real issue with a 10-8 in the second, giving Minus the third seems a little harder to justify but the right man won. Semelesberger gets an interview, he was ready for the full distance and thanks Minus for taking the fight. He says the UFC debut was a dream come true then says he’s happy to do whatever the UFC wants going forward. To close he says his gym is going to have a lot of other guys coming into the UFC soon, he’s just the first.

Ike Villanueva had a four fight winning streak broken in his UFC debut when he was stopped by Chase Sherman, now he’s trying to bounce back from that defeat and get his first UFC win. Jordan Wright has yet to lose professionally coming into his UFC debut, and he’s looking to retain that zero in the loss column with a successful performance here. As for the odds, they like Wright at -120 while Villanueva’s comeback sits at +100.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Ike Villanueva (16-10, 205.5 lbs.) vs. Jordan Wright (10-0 1 NC, 200 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Wright is an inch taller and has four inches of reach advantage. Circling from Wright to start out, Villanueva looking to back him up. Wright lands a wheel kick, Villanueva is down but back up and forces a clinch on the fence. Knees from Wright to the body and head and Villanueva is bleeding badly. Villanueva keeps things close and looks to beat up the body and head . Wright gets some more knees off as they start jockeying for position in the clinch. They break and we get time to check on the cut. The cut is pretty nasty, it’s on the inside of the eyebrow near the bridge of the nose and the doctor takes a look at it then waves off the fight.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jordan Wright via TKO, doctor stoppage (cuts), at 1:31 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Wright for his work this evening. Mic time for Wright, he thanks God and his mother first and foremost then his coaches and training partners. He says he visualized the wheel kick early and then thanks Jon Jones for some encouragement he got from him. He thanks the UFC for the shot on short notice up a weight class for his debut, then talks about the finish and how tough Villanueva was in the clinch. To close he confirms he’ll be at middleweight going forward then thanks Jon Anik for the interview.

You can see the cut here, it’s bad and along three different axis which tends to mean they’re really hard to close instead of the usual single slice. I’m OK with the stoppage.

Amanda Lemos has gone 1-1 in the UFC but is coming off of a win and looking for her first UFC winning streak. Mizuki Inoue has a two fight winning streak including winning her UFC debut last year, now she’s looking to maintain that momentum with another win. Mizuki is a slight -135 favorite to +115 for Lemos.

Strawweight Bout: Mizuki Inoue (14-5, 115.5 lbs.) vs. Amanda Lemos (7-1-1, 115.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Lemos is an inch taller while Mizuki has half an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Mizuki opens up with kicks, Lemos is happy to return them. Lemos is switching her stance a bit now. Mizuki lands a right then evades some counter hooks. Spinning elbow from Lemos and they wind up clinched on the fence. Short punches and knees from Mizuki as she’s got Lemos on the cage. Some knees from Mizuki, Lemos isn’t in much danger but she’s kind of just hanging out. A few knees from Lemos then they trade punches as they break. Lemos lands a body kick at range. Left from Mizuki, Lemos has head shots blocked but lands to the body. Body kick from Lemos then a right that drops Mizuki and she follows her down into the full guard. Armbar attempt from Mizuki, she gets her hips perpendicular but can’t maintain grip on the arm so Lemos gets free and forces things back to the feet. Mizuki blocks a high kick, and they clinch again. Lemos finds herself on the fence eating knees and short elbows. A few nice elbows from Mizuki, Lemos hits a hip toss into top position as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Lemos

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Lemos lands a leg kick. Body kick from Lemos. Mizuki is trying to back Lemos up and get in close quarters. Right to the body and head from Mizuki and she gets a clinch. Mizuki is looking for a takedown, Lemos defending against the fence. They settle for a clinch, and start trading some knees again. Elbow from Mizuki lands. A series of elbows from Mizuki land then she digs the body. Lemos gets a Thai clinch and lands a few knees but she’s taking a lot of blows. Elbows go back and forth then more knees from Mizuki. Trip form Mizuki, Lemos back up and gets a takedown of her own into full guard. Mizuki gets her guard working but Lemos defends. Bit of an elbow from Lemos. They wind up scrambling to the feet again. More forward pressure from Mizuki, she just doesn’t stop. Lemos gets pushed to the fence again and is getting tied up again. Shoulder strikes from Mizuki, knees as well as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Mizuki starts backing Lemos up again immediately. Leg kick from Lemos but she gets clinched off of it. Mizuki with short punches and elbows. Lemos defends a takedown attempt but can’t get free. Bit of an elbow from Lemos and she spins free. Some kicks go back and forth, Lemos has the firepower edge. Another clinch and Lemos still can’t get off of the fence. Mizuki looks to change level for a takedown, but thinks better of it and lands more knees. They trade as they break then Mizuki starts coming after Lemos again. Bit of a right from Lemos. Chopping elbow from Lemos in close and she avoids a clinch. Mizuki forces a clinch but she’s got a cut around her left eye. Both women working short blows in the clinch. Knees are traded now then they break. Lemos with some punches and circles off of the fence. They clinch at distance, Lemos misses a spinning attack as they break. Bit of a right from Lemos. Mizuki lands a right of her own. Another pocket exchange closes the fight.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Amanda Lemos via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

No real issues with Lemos getting all three rounds, she just had more firepower and was able to overcome the positional losses she had to deal with. Mic time for Lemos who’s happy with the victory and gives glory to God. She mentions she expected a kick heavy fight both from her and Mizuki. Asked about the future she wants to fight in December and hopefully fight someone near the top of the division.

That’s it for prelims but we’ll still be on ESPN+/ESPN for the main card, though the ESPN stuff might be delayed due to the basketball game going long.

Daniel Rodriguez has an eight fight winning streak that includes two wins in the UFC, he’s trying to maintain that momentum and possibly earn a shot at someone higher up in the ranks with a third win tonight. Dwight Grant has gone 2-1 in the UFC but has a two fight winning streak and could likewise secure a shot higher up the ranks if he can take out a fellow rising prospect. This fight came together quickly as both men had their original opponents fall out on weigh in day. Your favorite is Rodriguez at -200 to a +175 payout on Grant.

Welterweight Bout: Daniel Rodriguez (12-1, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Dwight Grant (10-2, 169.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Grant has two inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Rodriguez, both men showing the lead hand early. Bit of a leg kick from Grant, Rodriguez lands a counter left. Counter right from Grant floors Rodriguez and he’s on top looking to finish. Rodriguez fights to the fence, looking to wall walk now. Grant keeps landing punches and drags Rodriguez away from the fence for a bit. Back to the fence and Grant is landing blows from the ride position but Rodriguez is back up and drops Grant with a left. Grant back up and lands a right and they both kind of reset. Rodriguez is coming forward still looking to land on Grant. Left from Rodriguez, he drops Grant along the fence and pounds him out along the cage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Daniel Rodriguez via KO, punches, at 2:24 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Rodriguez for his work this evening. Wild fight as long as it lasted. Rodriguez has tied Youssef Zalal and Merab Dvalishvili for most wins in the UFC in 2020 with 3. Mic time for Rodriguez who calls it the craziest fight he’s been in, and says he definitely went out a few times but recovered quick and turned things around. He says the fight was fun. He mentions hearing the refs commands and trying to respond to them but feels a little speechless as he’s still amped up. Asked about how successful his rookie year has been he mentions all his hard work and wants another one or two before the end of the year. He puts over his coaches and training partners to close.

The punch that floored Rodriguez early, Rodriguez survived though.

And here’s the comeback from Rodriguez, wild stuff.

Mariya Agapova has a three fight winning streak that includes a lopsided win in her UFC debut when she bulldozed Hannah Cifers, she’s trying to build on that momentum with another win here to establish herself as the brightest prospect in the division. Shana Dobson is on a three fight losing streak and was last seen losing to Priscilla Cachoeira, she’s most likely fighting for her job here. Agapova is a prohibitive favorite at -1250 to a +800 comeback on Dobson.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Mariya Agapova (9-1, 125.5 lbs.) vs. Shana Dobson (3-4, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Dobson has half an inch of reach over Agapova. Agapova is fighting southpaw. Quick kicks from Agapova, and they start brawling. Dobson doesn’t like that after taking a head kick and gets a takedown into full guard. Elbows from Agapova then she wall walks back up to her feet. They trade knees in the clinch, Agapova is a tornado of offense. Agapova hits a lateral drop into full guard. Punches from Agapova as she postures up. Dobson kicks her off and we’re on the feet again. More body kicks from Agapova. They clinch again, Dobson gets a sloppy throw but lands in half guard on top. Dobson gets the back in transition but Agapova starts to shake her off. Bit of an armbar threat from Dobson, Agapova is getting free and starts working to get her arm free. Dobson bails on the armbar and eats some punches for it. Agapova to the back now and looks for a choke. Dobson is hand fighting as Agapova gets a body triangle. Another choke attempt from Agapova but she’s not under the chin. Dobson gets full guard in a scramble, and they both throw from that spot as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Agapova

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Agapova digs the body early and Dobson lands a head kick. They brawl a bit and Agapova gets a takedown into full guard. The pace from that first round was not sustainable and Agapova looks tired right now, though Dobson isn’t exactly breathing easy. Dobson hits a sweep and gets full mount. Agapova is giving up her back, Dobson landing hammer fists as she gets both hooks in. More hammer fists from Dobson and the ref stops the fight.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Shana Dobson via TKO, punches, at 1:38 of Round 2

That’s our second massive underdog tonight to cash. Mic time for Dboson who says she brings the dog out when she’s the underdog and she used those wide odds as motivation. She puts over her team and coaches and thanks them for getting her ready. Asked about how her back was against the wall on that three fight skid she mentions just doing a lot of work and being confident in the work she put in.

Agapova is just gassed at this point, Dobson has a little more in the tank and once she gets superior position Agapova has nothing left to defend.

Austin Hubbard has gone 2-2 in the UFC but is coming off of a win and could secure his first UFC winning streak with a win here. Joe Solecki has a four fight winning streak going that includes his UFC debut, now he’s trying to take out a notable prospect in Hubbard and continue moving up through the lightweight ranks. Solecki is a slight -115 favorite to -105 for Hubbard.

Lightweight Bout: Austin Hubbard (12-4, 156 lbs.) vs. Joe Solecki (9-2, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Hubbard is an inch taller and has half an inch of reach over Solecki. They touch gloves to get us going. Both men feinting early. Bit of a left from Solecki. They both fall short on punches then trade leg kicks. Solecki with a one two, he’s throwing very straight punches. Body kick from Solecki and they clinch up then hit the fence. They trade body work, Hubbard lands a knee to the body as well. Solecki drops for a single leg, he can’t secure it but gets the back standing. Solecki jumps to the backpack position and gets his hooks in. Some punches from Solecki as he’s trying to open up a choke attempt. Solecki gets the choke in, not sure if it was under the chin or across it but either way his squeeze is hard enough to get the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Joe Solecki via Submission, rear naked choke, at 3:51 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Solecki for his work this evening. Mic time for Solecki who looks like a million bucks after that fight, he mentions how tough Hubbard is and then talks about how he blends strikes with the grappling to open things up. He gives glory to God and thanks everyone from his home for their support. He talks us through the finish then puts over his training partners and trainers. To close he thanks his wife and soon to be born daughter for being his motivation and that he does all of this for them.

This is textbook stuff from Solecki, he keeps attacking with the choke as well as misdirecting with his legs in terms of balance when Hubbard gets a little off of the fence. Lovely stuff all the way around.

Marcin Prachnio has gone 0-2 in the UFC and could be on the chopping block if he drops his third consecutive fight here. Mike Rodriguez has gone 1-2 with 1 No Contest in the UFC, he’s coming off of a loss and needs a win just to get his UFC record back to the .500 mark. Rodriguez is your -220 favorite to a +185 comeback on Prachnio.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Marcin Prachnio (13-4, 205.5 lbs.) vs. Mike Rodriguez (10-4 1 NC, 205.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rodriguez is an inch taller but has a whopping eight inches of reach over Prachnio. Southpaw for both men. Prachnio with a couple of leg kicks, he’s also stance switching now. Rodriguez lands a body kick. More leg kicks from Prachnio as he circles. Both men kicking at distance, but not much else so far. Knee from Rodriguez and they clinch up. They hit the fence, and trade knees. Prachnio gets Rodriguez on the fence, they spin a few times and Rodriguez lands a knee to the head and elbows. More Thai clinch work from Rodriguez then elbows drop Prachnio and he finishes things on the ground with punches.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mike Rodriguez via KO, elbows and punches, at 2:17 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Rodriguez for his work this evening. Mic time for Rodriguez, he says it feels good to be back on the winning side of things, then mentions he didn’t expect that volume of early leg kicks but once he drew them out he used that to close distance. He talks us through the finish, noting he works on changing the rhythm in his clinch game and that helped him get the finish. He says he’s glad to be in the UFC doing what he does, he wanted to earn his respect back with this performance.

Rodriguez has a good clinch game here, he has the Thai/double collar tie set up and alternates knees and elbows. The final one just lands behind the ear and off balances Prachnio, from there he hammers the nails into the coffin on the mat with punches.

Pedro Munhoz just had a three fight winning streak broken by Aljamain Sterling but he’s long been among the top bantamweights in the world, now he’s trying to avoid his first ever losing streak as well as taking out one of the most visible and recognizable opponent he’s faced. Frankie Edgar is a genuine legend of the of the sport but he’s just 1-3 in his last four fights and has been stopped in two of those losses, he’s trying his hand down at bantamweight for the first time and hoping to squeeze one more run at the top out of his body and career. The odds are with Munhoz at -270 to a +230 payout for Edgar.

Bantamweight Bout: #5 Pedro Munhoz (18-4 1 NC, 136 lbs.) vs. Frankie Edgar (23-8-1, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Edgar has a three inch reach advantage, though I have seriously questioned that measurement in the past. They touch gloves to get things going. Edgar circling early, Munhoz trying to back him up. Munhoz lands a leg kick. Calf kick from Munhoz and a left hook behind it. Another calf kick, Edgar responds with a right hook. Bit of a right from Edgar while he’s moving. Edgar lands a straight right, he’s got a notable hand speed advantage. The counter right from Edgar is working early. They trade some jabs. Jab then a calf kick from Munhoz but Edgar avoids the pocket. Another leg kick from Munhoz. Munhoz lands a left hook. Edgar with a couple of rights to the body, he’s sticking and moving well so far. Cracking right from Munhoz lands. Edgar lands a one two but Munhoz seems to have no trouble eating his punches so far. Munhoz lands another right. Edgar is getting stuck near the fence a lot more frequently now. Calf kick from Munhoz. Munhoz with a left and a right then a calf kick. Edgar avoids a right. Jab from Munhoz, Edgar’s counters have fallen off. They trade in close but both men just walk away from it. Another left hook lands for Munhoz. Edgar hits the body and angles away. One two from Edgar to close out the round, Edgar’s nose is bleeding though.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Edgar but a very close one

ROUND TWO: Munhoz back to pressing forward. Edgar lands a right. Munhoz kicks the calf again and lands a left then avoids a single leg. Both men land punches in close. A couple of rights land for Munhoz. There’s a cut around the left eye of Munhoz. Munhoz lands a couple of rights. Edgar lands a right to the body. They trade rights but Edgar has a better feel for the distance. Edgar lands a right, he gets a takedown but Munhoz escapes and they reset. Another one two from Edgar but he’s planting a little more now and Munhoz is hitting him. Both men land rights. Munhoz lands a jab. Edgar lands an uppercut, he’s landing well but can’t seem to deter Munhoz yet. Edgar lands a spinning back kick. A couple of leg kicks from Munhoz but Edgar counters him. Munhoz lands another calf kick. Edgar with another right uppercut. Both men land rights in close, then Edgar lands a glancing right. There’s an accidental shot to the groin of Edgar but the round ends before anything can come of it.

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

ROUND THREE: Munhoz coming forward again, he eats a left. Some body shots from Edgar and he avoids a kick. Leg kick from Munhoz lands. Body kick from Munhoz then a jab. Bit of a right from Munhoz lands. Edgar lands a one two. Munhoz is showing the front kick more now, he lands a couple to the body. Jab from Munhoz stands Edgar up for a second. A couple of calf kicks from Munhoz, Edgar lands a left hook but he’s taking more leg kicks now. Edgar lands a left hook. More jabs from Munhoz and a calf kick, those are adding up. Edgar with a couple of punches then they split jabs. A right from Edgar lands. Munhoz back to jabbing and leg kicking. Munhoz lands a jab and avoids the counters. Left hook from Munhoz in close lands. Hard calf kick from Munhoz lands, Edgar tries to counter but falls short. More jabs from Munhoz, they’re landing a lot more now. Edgar lands a spinning back kick then Munhoz lands a body kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Munhoz, 29-28 Edgar overall

ROUND FOUR: They touch gloves again. Munhoz back to jabbing and backing up Edgar. Edgar eats a calf kick, hits a double leg but Munhoz back up and free almost instantly. Right from Edgar lands. Bit of a right from Munhoz. Left and right hook from Munhoz in close. Munhoz still leg kicking, Edgar’s combinations are falling short or are blocked more frequently now. Body kick from Munhoz then a front kick. Edgar lands a left hook. They trade jabs. Edgar lands a right. Another jab from Munhoz. Stiff right from Munhoz lands. Munhoz lands a leg kick. Both men land in close quarters. Bit of a left from Edgar. Munhoz lands a winging right hook. Quick combination from Edgar lands. Munhoz back to kicking the body now. More jabs from Munhoz then a calf kick. Glancing right from Munhoz then a calf kick that has Edgar stumbling. Edgar lands a right. More body kicks from Munhoz. Stiff jab from Munhoz, Edgar’s face is kind of a mess. Munhoz lands a right. Another calf kick from Munhoz lands. Munhoz lands a right just as the round ends, biggest blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Munhoz, 38-38 overall

ROUND FIVE: They touch gloves for the last round. Munhoz opens with a front kick to the body. Calf kick from Munhoz. Edgar with a combination but his left leg is giving out on him. Edgar with a right to the body then a right uppercut. Long left from Munhoz lands. Both men land in close during an exchange, Edgar is backing up now. Munhoz with a front kick to the body. Edgar lands a glancing right but Munhoz is shoulder rolling with a lot of those. Edgar lands a right hand, Munhoz with a couple of body kicks to respond. Both men land rights, and Edgar avoids a couple of follow ups. Munhoz lands a bit of a leg kick. Quick combination from Edgar, then Munhoz spears him to the body with a front kick. Left from Munhoz wobbles Edgar for a second. Munhoz lands a right to follow up. Munhoz with another right then a calf kick. Jabs then a calf kick from Munhoz land, Edgar’s left leg is hurting. Right from Edgar stumbles Munhoz for a second but he keeps coming forward. Edgar lands another right. Munhoz lands a solid right. Body shots from Edgar. A right from Munhoz stumbles Edgar but he stays up, bit of a spinning kick from Munhoz as the clock winds down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Munhoz, 48-47 Munhoz overall but again close

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

I thought Munhoz won but can’t complain about 3-2 for either man. Mic time for Edgar he says he proved all the naysayers wrong and wants to make a run to the title even at 38 years old. He says he felt better here than he did at featherweight or lightweight. Asked about his title goals he feels he didn’t look slow and he beat a top dog which makes him a top dog. He thanks team for all of their work and his family for their support.

OK everyone, that wraps up UFC on ESPN 15. We’ll unpack all of the action from this event on the 411 Ground and Pound Podcast tomorrow, as well as look ahead to UFC on ESPN+ 33 when Anthony Smith battles Aleksandar Rakic for divisional position in a suddenly wide open division. Until next time everyone stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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