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411’s UFC on ESPN 9 Report: Burns Wins

May 31, 2020 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC on ESPN 9

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MAIN CARD (ESPN/ESPN+)
#1 Tyron Woodley (170.5 lbs.) vs. #6 Gilbert Burns (170.5 lbs.)
#12 Blagoy Ivanov (255.5 lbs.) vs. #13 Augusto Sakai (259.5 lbs.)
Spike Carlyle (150 lbs.) vs. Billy Quarantillo (149.5 lbs.) – 150-pound catchweight
Roosevelt Roberts (156 lbs.) vs. Brok Weaver (157.5 lbs.)*
Hannah Cifers (115.5 lbs.) vs. Mackenzie Dern (115.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN, ESPN+)
#2 Katlyn Chookagian (126 lbs.) vs. #12 Antonina Shevchenko (125.5 lbs.)
Gabe Green (170.5 lbs.) vs. Daniel Rodriguez (170 lbs.)
Klidson Abreu (206 lbs.) vs. Jamahal Hill (205.5 lbs.)
#11 Tim Elliott (126 lbs.) vs. Brandon Royval (125.5 lbs.)
Casey Kenney (136 lbs.) vs. Louis Smolka (136 lbs.)
Chris Gutierrez (145.5 lbs.) vs. Vince Morales (145.5 lbs.)

*Weaver missed the lightweight limit. He will be fined 20 percent of his purse.

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN 9. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the event, relaying all of the action to you good people just as I see it. Tonight the UFC is back in Las Vegas and back on ESPN. The card isn’t exactly great on paper, but the main event is pretty solid. Former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley returns to action for the first time in a little over a year and takes on the surging Gilbert Burns. While I don’t think either man will earn a title shot, a loss could be a significant setback for their title aspirations. Elsewhere on the card, well Spike Carlyle had an odd but memorable UFC debut and he’s back now against Billy Quarantillo so that could be a fun little action fight. Tim Elliott is back in action, Louis Smolka vs. Casey Kenney has some serious action potential for those of us who like fast paced scrambly fights. Mostly we’re in “hope it’s better in practice than on paper” mode for this one.

UFC on ESPN 9 comes to the world from the UFC APEX center in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. This is the UFC’s personal facility, they’ve moved the Contender Series to this location recently. Of note is the cage, all events at this location use the smaller 25 foot diameter cage instead of the usual 30 foot one. Statistically the smaller cage tends to encourage action and lead to more finishes, so that’s something to keep an eye on. On commentary we have Brendan Fitzgerald, Daniel Cormier, and Michael Bisping while Heidi Androl handles on site broadcast duties. As for the rules, Nevada uses a hybrid system of the old and new rules because it’s just not confusing enough. In this case you need one fist or palm flat on the mat to be considered downed (or a knee of course), I believe they use the newer scoring criteria so I’ll be basing my scores on that, we do have instant replay as well if the ref wants it.

Chris Gutierrez has gone 2-1 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak, he’s looking to get to three in a row here and possibly earn a shot at some higher level opposition. Vince Morales is 1-2 in the UFC, he’s coming off of a loss and is trying to avoid his first UFC losing streak. The odds lean towards Gutierrez at -120 to a -100 on Morales.

Featherweight Bout: Chris Gutierrez (14-4-1, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Vince Morales (9-4, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Gutierrez is two inches taller but Morales has three inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Gutierrez with an immediate calf kick. Another calf kick, Morales is trying to get a read on him. Some stance switching from Gutierrez now, he lands a straight left then another calf kick. Wheel kick from Gutierrez is mostly ineffective. Another calf kick, those are adding up quickly. Morales hasn’t found an avenue for offense yet, and that’s becoming a problem. Body kick from Gutierrez, then another calf kick and another. Gutierrez is just cruising right now. Straight right from Gutierrez then another calf kick. Head kick from Gutierrez, Morales just eats it. Another high kick from Gutierrez misses but he’s set those up with all the calf kicks and now Morales is struggling to get a defensive read. Gutierrez lands another calf kick and that leg is hurt now. Inside leg kick from Gutierrez, Morales lands a right to the body. Another calf kick, Morales is backing up and using the cage to help support his weight. Morales lands a short right hook that gets Gutierrez to back off for a second. Morales is doing a lot of southpaw now, so Gutierrez lands a calf kick to the other leg. Gutierrez keeps looking for that wheel kick and it’s not working for him. Another calf kick from Gutierrez, those are hurting me at this point. A blocked high kick from Gutierrez closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Gutierrez, Morales had less than 10 blows all round by my count

ROUND TWO: Morales is having issues with an eye, but he can keep fighting. More calf kicks from Gutierrez, that man is a sadist, he’s happy to kick whichever leg is forward. Gutierrez lands an inside leg kick. Another calf kick, they’re both badly hurt and Morales is hobbling to the fence to try and remain upright. Morales’ left leg is a mess but he fires back trying to buy himself time. Gutierrez lands a right. Another calf kick, and another, Morales can barely stand. Gutierrez misses a spinning back kick. Left leg kick now from Gutierrez, Morales slips down, fights up and eats another leg kick. Gutierrez tries a head kick, then he backs off to try and get Morales off of the fence and exposed for another leg kick. Calf kick from Gutierrez, just the toes land but he got a notable reaction. More leg kicks from Gutierrez, Morales falls down and the ref has seen enough.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Chris Gutierrez via TKO, leg kicks, at 4:27 of Round 2

That is the 10th finish via leg kicks in UFC history. We’re apparently not doing the in cage interview but will do remote ones. Gutierrez has the headset on and says he’s been told he kicks hard and leaned on that. He says coming back from an injury like he is this turned out about as good as it could have. Asked what he’d like next he wants Andre Ewell or Miles Johns, both reasonable choices, then he petitions for a post fight bonus.

An object lesson, you need some kind of response to leg kicks because if you just take them over and over again there is a physical consequence.

Louis Smolka is 2-1 since his return to the UFC, he’s coming off of a win and is hoping to get his first UFC winning streak since 2016 up and running. Casey Kenney has gone 2-1 in the UFC and is coming off of just his second career loss, now he’s hoping to take out a somewhat recognizable name and avoid his first ever losing streak. Kenney is a notable -280 favorite to a +240 payout on Smolka.

Bantamweight Bout: Casey Kenney (13-2-1, 136 lbs.) vs. Louis Smolka (16-6, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Smolka is two inches taller but has just half an inch of reach over Kenney. They touch gloves to get us going, Kenney opens southpaw. Leg kick from Kenney, Smolka lands a right to the body. Left to the body from Kenney. Smolka lands another couple of body shots, Kenney needs a response to those. Hard couple of leg kicks from Kenney then a pull back left hand. Smolka digs the body in close, Kenney fires back with a combination of his own. Another few leg kicks from Kenney, one sweeps the legs from Smolka for a moment. Kenney lands an inside leg kick. Smolka resumes digging to the body in close, Kenney with a front kick to the body. Smolka catches a body kick and lands a punch. Kenney with some punches to the head, Smolka digs body shots in response. Inside leg kick from Kenney lands. Right hook from Kenney wobbles Smolka, Smolka looks for a takedown but Kenney wraps up his neck, pushes him over and then steps for a one armed guillotine that forces the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Casey Kenney via Submission, guillotine choke, at 3:03 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Kenney for his work this evening. In the back Kenney has the headset on and is ready to talk, he feels on top of the world and jokes he hates fighting for fifteen minutes. He talks us through the finish, then says he wants to work back up to the title joking that if Henry Cejudo wants to come out of retirement he’s happy to welcome him back.

Watch Smolka’s left hook, he brings his hand way back to his waist before throwing and that gives Kenney plenty of time to take a shorter course with his right which winds up spelling the end for Smolka.

Tim Elliott is just 2-4 since returning to the UFC and is on a two fight losing streak, he’s trying to break that skid and hopefully secure his spot on the roster with a win. Brandon Royval brings a two fight winning streak into his UFC debut, and he could make an immediate impact by taking out a rugged veteran and former title challenger in Elliott. Elliott is the -155 favorite to a +135 comeback for Royval.

Flyweight Bout: #11 Tim Elliott (15-10-1, 126 lbs.) vs. Brandon Royval (10-4, 125.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Royval has two inches of height and reach over Elliott. Both men open southpaw but Elliott does a lot of stance switching. Quick double leg from Elliott, Royval tries to granby roll and Elliott rolls with him to get the ride position. Elliott nearly gets the back as Royval tries to roll again, Royval does get to his knees and is back up but Elliott gets his back standing in a clinch. Knees to the body and thigh from Elliott, Royval grabs a kimura trap and tries to sit for a roll, he winds up back up and they separate. Leg kick from Royval lands. Elliott pushes into another clinch and trips Royval down then jumps to the ride position. Lefts from Elliott as Royval gets up but he’s still not free. Royval is able to spin free then lands a spinning back fist but Elliott tries an ankle pick that Royval defends. Body kick from Elliott lands. A couple of lefts from Elliott land then he gets another takedown but Royval is able to wall walk immediately. Elliott steps up and over the head of Royval and drops him while looking for an armbar but winds up with Royval on his knees looking to reverse the position. Armbar attempt from Elliott but he slips off and then scrambles back up. Royval misses a head kick as they get up, Elliott with a bit of a head kick then tries a takedown but Royval reverses and chases an armbar but the round ends before much comes of it.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Elliott

ROUND TWO: Both men showing kicks early. Elliott dives on a takedown, winds up pulling full guard after Royval defended. Royval is looking to pass to half guard, and does. Sweep from Elliott as Royval tried to switch for a guillotine. Royval is holding that head and Elliott is trying to switch to side control and threaten with a Von Flue choke. Full guard for Royval, Elliott gets his head free and they wind up standing back up. Both men miss kicks, Elliott gets a takedown and this time gets the back with one hook in. Elliott is looking for a top side guillotine, Royval is able to scramble to top position but Elliott is after the guillotine. Royval gets his head free and moves to full mount, they scramble again and Royval has an arm triangle attempt. That is getting tight and Elliott has to tap after a bit.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Brandon Royval via Submission, arm triangle choke, at 3:18 of Round 2

Wild fight, non-stop action. Mic time for Royval, he is impressed with himself and feels that Elliott gassing was what really led to the finish more than anything he did. He talks us through the finish, then says he has to go to work tomorrow because he’s still trying to change his life while DC tries to pump him up a bit.

Sadly this is just the finish and not the excellent scrambles, but it’s a nice arm triangle from Royval.

Jamahal Hill is undefeated including a successful UFC debut when he bested Darko Stosic, now he’s looking to continue that momentum with another win in an almost painfully shallow division. Klidson Abreu has gone 1-2 in the UFC and is coming off of a loss, he’s trying to build himself back up as a prospect in a division that really needs them. Hill is your favorite at -130 to a +110 for Abreu.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Klidson Abreu (15-4, 206 lbs.) vs. Jamahal Hill (7-0, 205.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Hill is four inches taller and has five inches of reach over Abreu. Both men fighting southpaw. Hill with a right hand, he’s circling around but Abreu is pressuring. Hill with a left and a right, Abreu drops but he fights back up and we’re still on the feet. Hill avoids some slightly wild punches. Left from Hill lands then a jab to follow it up. Another stiff jab from Hill, he’s using his reach advantage so far. Hill is working the body more now, he lands a knee to the body from a double collar tie that drops Abreu and he follows up to force the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jamahal Hill via TKO, knee to the body and punches, at 1:51 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Hill for his work this evening. Hill on the mic now, he says this was tough coming out of the quarantine but he wasn’t mad about having an extra week to prepare but is grateful to be able to show off the work of himself and his team. He talks us through the finish, noting he likes to capitalize on openings and puts over Abreu as a valuable opponent. He thanks everyone for their support and is happy to be living his dream. Asked who he’d like next he says whoever, he’s here to beat anyone brave enough to sign on the dotted line.

Check out the penetration on this knee from Hill, he doesn’t just get to the target he drives through it and Abreu crumples almost immediately. Wonderfully timed and placed.

Daniel Rodriguez is on a seven fight winning streak that includes a fairly impressive UFC debut when he knocked around then submitted Tim Means, now he’s trying to maintain that streak and start making moves up through a stacked division. Gabriel Green is making his UFC debut here on short notice after Kevin Holland fell out of this fight, but he’s on a six fight winning streak and will be trying to maximize his first impression on the UFC audience. The odds are heavily with Rodriguez at -310 to a +255 comeback on Green.

Welterweight Bout: Gabe Green (9-2, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Daniel Rodriguez (10-1, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rodriguez is three inches taller but he has just one inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Rodriguez, they touch gloves to get us going. Both men range finding with punches. Jabs from Rodriguez are finding the mark a bit. Green lands an inside leg kick. Rodriguez lands a right hook off of a jab. Some one two combinations from Rodriguez now, Green lands another inside leg kick. High kick from Green is mostly blocked. Green is blocking well so far, he lands a body kick. A couple of punches form Rodriguez land. That jab from Rodriguez is still working. Green misses a few punches but lands a body kick. Rodriguez lands a left, and they both swing for a second. Rodriguez avoids a kick and lands a couple of body shots. Green’s kicking game is starting to get to Rodriguez a little bit, let’s see if he can keep up a kick heavy style. Rodriguez lands a straight left. Leg kick from Rodriguez. Rodriguez with a jab and a body shot. A leg kick from Rodriguez will be the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rodriguez but could go the other way

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Rodriguez opens with a leg kick and a one two. More jabs from Rodriguez then a body kick. Green is firing kicks as well. A couple of counter punches land for Rodriguez then they trade body kicks. Rodriguez is backing Green towards the fence, he lands a leg kick then a left hand. A couple more lefts from Rodriguez land, Green just eats them. Both men swing in close and they clinch then break. Rodriguez swings a few more lefts that are blocked. Clean left from Rodriguez and another, Green fires back with a right to get him to back off. Knee from Green but they clinch off of it. Green has upped the pressure this round and it might be getting to Rodriguez. They separate and resume fighting at distance. Green weaves into the clinch but can’t maintain it. Body kick from Green. They strike into another clinch but nothing comes of it. One two from Rodriguez, that left was clean. Rodriguez lands a leg kick but Green wont stop coming forward. Right from Green, but he walks into a combination. They circle away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rodriguez but again a close round, 20-18 Rodriguez overall

ROUND THREE: Another touch of gloves, this time for the last round. Bit of a left from Rodriguez, Green with a body kick. Flurry from Green but he’s not terribly successful. Another body kick from Green and he’s looking for the action. Jabs from Rodriguez, Green lands a left of his own. More kicks from Green, Rodriguez lands a left. Both men land punches in close, Green lands a body kick. Rodriguez blocks some kicks then lands a left in close, Green returns it. Another left from Rodriguez lands. Rodriguez keeps hitting Green as Green looks to get close, once they’re in the pocket things get a little more even but those entries from Green are rough. Green lands a left. They trade lefts, then Rodriguez lands another left of his own. Another one two from Rodriguez, Green just eats it. There’s a right from Green. Body shot from Rodriguez then a jab. Straight left lands for Rodriguez. Green is still trying to brawl it out but Rodriguez is fighting smart. Green gets a clinch, but eats a left as they break. Body kick from Green, Rodriguez gets a takedown into half guard. Rodriguez passes to north-south quickly, lands a few hammer fists but that’s where time will run out.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Daniel Rodriguez via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Credit to Green for a good performance on short notice but Rodriguez was the superior technician and fighter. Rodriguez makes his way to the interview space, and immediately puts over Green as a tough opponent who can definitely punch. He talks a bit about fighting southpaw and how effective he’s been able to make his left. Asked about when he’d like to come back he wants to keep this going and feels pretty good despite the brawl. to close he mentions a good friend of his who passed away recently.

Katlyn Chookagian is coming off of her failed title shot against Valentina Shevchenko, she’s trying to bounce back against the champions older sister while avoiding her first ever losing streak. Antonia Shevchenko has gone 2-1 in the UFC, she’s coming off of a win and is looking to get her first UFC winning streak up and running with a win over the highest ranked opponent she’s faced. The odds favor Shevchenko at -130 to a +110 comeback on Chookagian.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: #2 Katlyn Chookagian (13-3, 126 lbs.) vs. #12 Antonina Shevchenko (8-1, 125.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Chookagian has an inch of height and reach over Shevchenko. They touch gloves, southpaw for Shevchenko. They trade leg kicks quickly. Side kick from Shevchenko lands. Chookagian catches a kick and gets a takedown, she’s on the back almost immediately and is after a choke. Shevchenko is trying to hand fight, she gets the hand off and starts looking to wall walk again. Chookagian is back under the chin with the choke and looking to finish but again Shevchenko hand fights to buy herself time. Body triangle now for Chookagian, another choke attempt and she’s constantly trying to adjust her grip and hand position. Another adjustment for Chookagian, she can’t get it but is flattening out Shevchenko with her legs. Some rights from Chookagian now as she moves to full mount. Shevchenko tries a hip escape but Chookagian just keeps unloading as she vies her back. Chookagian still can’t get the choke but she’s getting higher and higher on the back and is in danger of being slipped off. Rights from Chookagian but Shevchenko is up on a hip and looking to hit a reversal from her knees. They’re back up now and separate. Some staring as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Chookagian, that was one way traffic

ROUND TWO: Front kick from Shevchenko, Chookagian uses that to get the clinch on the fence. There’s a body lock for Chookagian now as she’s got Shevchenko on the fence. Takedown from Chookagian right into full mount. Shevchenko is trying to hold on and control posture, but she’s not moving enough as you need some constant motion to escape from under this position. Chookagian looks for an arm triangle, she thinks better of it and bails. Lefts from Chookagian, now rights as Shevchenko nearly gives up her back again. Chookagian lands a couple more punches but she hasn’t had much sustained offense yet. Elbow from Chookagian lands, Shevchenko ties up her body to try and defend herself. Shevchenko holds on for the end of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Chookagian, 20-16 Chookagian overall

ROUND THREE: Let’s see if Shevchenko can turn this around, but she needs a finish. Front kick from Chookagian. Bit of a jab from Shevchenko. One two from Shevchenko. Shevchenko lands a right. Chookagian shows the jab, but eats a right. Body kick from Shevchenko. Bit of a pull back left from Chookagian. Ax kick from Shevchenko doesn’t really land. Bit of a left from Shevchenko then a body kick. Chookagian lands a stiff left then a body kick of her own. Body lock now for Chookagian and they hit the fence. They trade some knees, Shevchenko gets a double collar tie and slips free. Body kick from Chookagian, Shevchenko lands a leg kick. Another body kick from Chookagian lands. Chookagian avoids a punch and gets a body lock takedown into full mount. Nothing will much come from the final flurry Chookagian throws before the clock runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Chookagian, 30-25 Chookagian overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Katlyn Chookagian via unanimous decision (30-25 x3)

Chookagian needed that kind of rebound after she got wrecked by Valentina. Mic time for Chookagian now, she says this was finally her showing her full potential to the UFC audience. She talks about finally putting all of her skills together, especially getting her wrestling working finally. Asked about her turnaround she wants quick fights before she starts looking to have a family.

That concludes the prelims, though we’re still on both ESPN and ESPN+ for the main card.

Mackenzie Dern is coming off of her first professional loss, she’s trying to rebound with a win and prove she can still be a viable contender in the division. Hannah Cifers has gone 2-2 in the UFC, she’s coming off of a loss but could score the biggest win of her career against the still touted Dern. Dern is a massive -445 favorite to a +355 comeback for Cifers.

Strawweight Bout: Hannah Cifers (10-4, 115.5 lbs.) vs. Mackenzie Dern (7-1, 115.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Dern is three inches taller and has an inch of reach over Cifers. Some circling to get us going, both women with some jabs to range find. They punch into the clinch, Cifers with punches and knees before they hit the fence. Cifers is still swinging with both knees and punches and trying to keep Dern from locking her hands together. Dern gets shoved away from Cifers and we’re at distance again. Both women land punches. Dern lands a right. Leg kick from Cifers. Both women swing and land, then they clinch again and Dern hits a trip then looks for an armbar. Cifers keeps her am safe but Dern inverts and gets a kneebar that forces the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mackenzie Dern via Submission, kneebar, at 2:36 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mrs. Dern for her work this evening. That’s the first leg lock submission in the history of women fighting in the UFC apparently. Mic time for Dern and she puts over Cifers as a strong opponent but her jiu-jitsu saved her despite being on the bottom. She talks us through the finish, then says she’d like to fight again soon as she’s in good shape right now.

Lovely kneebar from Dern, she ties up the leg then as she inverts she switches from an overhook to and underhook which helps off balance Cifers. From there she rolls to get her weight on top, has a tight pinch with her legs on the leg of Cifers, arches for the joint attack and forces the tap.

Roosevelt Roberts has gone 3-1 in the UFC and is coming off of a win, he’s hoping to rebuild a winning streak and continue proving himself a valuable addition to the UFC roster. Brok Weaver got a win in his UFC debut when his opponent illegally kneed him in the head, something of a lucky break for Weaver as he was getting manhandled in the fight. Weaver missed weight for this fight, but he does have an eight fight winning streak though and is hoping for a more definitive win this time out. The odds are with Roberts at -340 to a +280 payout on Weaver.

Lightweight Bout: Roosevelt Roberts (9-1, 156 lbs.) vs. Brok Weaver (15-4, 157.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Roberts is two inches taller but the reach is identical. Inside leg kick from Roberts, Weaver is fighting southpaw. Body kick from Roberts and Weaver forces a clinch. Roberts slips free and lands a right. Bit of a left from Weaver as he gets another clinch on the cage. Roberts spins Weaver then they break. Combination from Roberts that ends with a right. Stiff left from Roberts but Weaver avoids a right. Body shot from Roberts. Another clinch from Weaver but he can’t contain Roberts. Roberts lands an inside leg kick. One two from Roberts. Weaver trying to push forward, he eats a couple of straight rights then another inside leg kick. Weaver finds another clinch but he’s not done much with this position so far. They break again without incident. Another inside leg kick from Roberts then a right. Weaver punches into another clinch. Roberts slips free easily and then tries a double leg of his own but wind sup bailing. Another clinch from Weaver, Roberts wraps up a guillotine and snaps Weaver down to get top position as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Roberts

ROUND TWO: Roberts with punches and a knee early. Weaver tries a takedown, Roberts defends and shoves him off. Another clinch from Weaver now but he’s still not doing much with his clinch. A few body shots from Weaver as they break. Roberts lands a right. Another clinch, Roberts spins Weaver this time and starts landing his own body blows. Roberts pushes free and then lands a stiff right. Double leg from Roberts along the fence, he gets the ride position and now nearly full mount. Weaver has half guard but Roberts lands an elbow. Roberts looks for a d’arce choke, he uses that threat to get full mount. Weaver gives up the back, Roberts locks up the choke but he doesn’t have back mount. Roberts bails on the choke to land a series of rights and he’s after the choke again. This time Roberts is under the chin and gets the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Roosevelt Roberts via Submission, rear naked choke, at 3:26 of Round 2

Really great performance from Roberts, he was never in any danger through that fight. Interview time for Roberts, he mentions that Weaver missing weight and the way he carried himself annoyed him but they’re squashed the beef after the fight. He talks us through the finish and notes he’s got skinny arms so he knew he could slip in under the chin and get that choke. Asked about his future, he says he wants to fight Matt Frevola next but has another bigger name in mind that he’s holding off on mentioning yet.

Not the best view of the finish, but you can see how quickly Roberts snakes the arm around the neck while Weaver isn’t fully on his game defensively. After that it’s nearly textbook.

Billy Quarantillo is on a seven fight winning streak including his UFC debut in December, he’s looking to keep that momentum going with another win to earn a step up in competition. Spike Carlyle has a five fight winning streak that includes a successful UFC debut when he stopped his opponent inside of two minutes, he’s looking to keep that positive momentum and score another UFC win. The odds favor Quarantillo at -130 to a +110 comeback on Carlyle.

Catchweight Bout: Spike Carlyle (9-1, 150 lbs.) vs. Billy Quarantillo (13-2, 149.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Quarantillo is two inches taller but Carlyle has an inch of reach advantage. Carlyle comes out with a front kick to the face and then elbows from a clinch, Quarantillo is down and Carlyle slams punches from top position. Quarantillo looks for an armbar, Carlyle defends and spins to his back with both hooks in. Carlyle switches to the mount, then the back mount again. Punches from Carlyle, he’s getting a little high on the back though. Some more punches from Carlyle, then elbows as he goes back to full mount then locks up an armbar. Quarantillo defends and Carlyle has to settle for bottom position with full guard. Carlyle looks to wall walk, Quarantillo to the back but no hooks in yet. Now a body lock for Quarantillo but Carlyle is able to turn into him and get on top again. Punches from Carlyle but he looks to be fading a bit, and given this pace who can blame him. Hammer fist from Carlyle then he passes to side control. Quarantillo to his knees, and back up but now down again with CArlyle in side control. Now leg drag for Carlyle and he swings some punches as Quarantillo gets full guard again. More punches from Carlyle, Quarantillo defending well enough so far and Carlyle lets him up, but turns around and walks away before the round is over so Quarantillo drills him with a left before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Carlyle

ROUND TWO: Carlyle lands a leg kick to start the second round. Quarantillo lands a leg kick of his own. Elbow from Carlyle drops Quarantillo but he’s back up and they spin down together with Quarantillo on the back. Carlyle looks to roll through, Quarantillo has no hooks but pulls Carlyle back and Carlyle spins into his full guard. Quarantillo looking to wall walk, Carlyle keeps him down so far. Elbows from Quarantillo but he can’t get out from under Carlyle. Punches from Carlyle now as he’s looking to posture and pass. Some lefts from Carlyle, Quarantillo to his knees trying to wall walk but Carlyle gets his back and flattens him back to his knees. They scramble back up but are still clinched. Knees from Quarantillo and he drags Carlyle down into guard. Quarantillo passes but Carlyle scrambles back up and has him on the fence again. They jockey in the clinch ten break. Single leg from Carlyle, and he lands some punches from top position. Quarantillo throws up a triangle choke but Carlyle pulls his head out and then puts it back in. That choke is getting tight but Carlyle defends, Quarantillo tries an armbar but Carlyle gets free again and they throw some weak punches at each other as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: They clinch quickly and Carlyle has the back, Quarantillo gets chest to chest and they fall to the ground with Quarantillo on top again. Quarantillo passes to half guard, he tries to mount but is swept again and Carlyle gets his back. Carlyle is looking for a leg, Quarantillo slips him off and lands an elbow. Some punches from Quarantillo and elbows. Carlyle gives up the back and Quarantillo is after the choke. The arm is under the chin but Carlyle spins into hi and gets on top in guard, crazy escape. Some punches from Carlyle now. Quarantillo tries a high guard but Carlyle postures through it. Triangle attempt from Quarantillo, Carlyle moves through it but Quarantillo looks to wall walk now. Wall walk from Quarantillo but he’s still clinched on the fence. Carlyle with some knees. Quarantillo gets the ride position, now has both hooks in. Carlyle fighting for grips, Quarantillo looks for the choke again but he still can’t find the choke. Carlyle gets free and stands, they separate. Punches are traded, CArlyle gets a front kick to the face off. Another wild exchange of punches, Quarnatillo lands the better punches just as the clock winds down.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Billy Quarantillo via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

No issues with that, or even the lack of 10-8 third really. Wild fight. Mic time for Quarantillo, he says he didn’t want to fight the distance but puts over Carlyle as strong but he wants a finish next time. He expected to have better cardio and felt he got better as the fight went on. He goes over how to properly pronounce his last name and says he wants to fight in front of a huge crowd again, gives props to his trainers and city.

Blagoy Ivanov has gone 2-2 in the UFC but is coming off of a loss, he’s trying to avoid his first ever losing streak and turn back a potential prospect in the division. Augusto Sakai is on a five fight winning streak including three wins in the UFC, he’s hoping to take out a tough gatekeeper and possibly crack the top fifteen rankings. Sakai is a slight -115 favorite while an Ivanov win pays out at -105.

Heavyweight Bout: #12 Blagoy Ivanov (18-3 1 NC, 255.5 lbs.) vs. #13 Augusto Sakai (14-4-1, 259.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Sakai has four inches of height and reach over Ivanov. They touch gloves, Ivanov fighting southpaw. Some hand feinting and slow motion circling going on. Sakai is showing a front kick, thus far Ivanov is blocking or avoiding it. Leg kick from Sakai. Ivanov misses a right hook. Both men with some power hand punches. Body shots from Ivanov then Sakai lands an inside leg kick. Ivanov lands a left. Another left to the body from Ivanov, Sakai lands a leg kick. Both men land punches as they lumber together into a clinch. Ivanov is able to escape the clinch and they reset. Clubbing punches miss for both men and we’ve got another clinch. Ivanov lands a bit of a left. Inside leg kick from Sakai, that’s been his only real offense but they have been heavy kicks. Another clinch, Ivanov lands a couple of punches when they break and a leg kick from Sakai basically ends the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ivanov

ROUND TWO: Left from Ivanov early. A few leg kicks from Sakai but Ivanov lands a left to counter the last one. More leg kicks from Sakai, those are adding up. Sakai avoids a takedown and lands a knee. Both men land winging punches in close. Head kick from Sakai is blocked, and they clinch again. They break without incident. Ivanov misses a left, then hits the body a couple of times. Sakai lands another inside leg kick, Ivanov lands a left. They get close and brawl, then Sakai lands a body kick and clinches up. A few knees from Sakai and he lands a back fist as they break. Another leg kick from Sakai. Jab from Ivanov but he takes another couple of body kicks. The leg kicks are getting to Ivanov now. They trade rights, then trade power hand punches. Body shot from Ivanov, Sakai with a front kick and gets a clinch but Ivanov gets a takedown into half guard. They trade some blows on the mat as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Sakai, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Ivanov misses a left and takes a leg kick. Bit of an exchange of rights and they both swing punches that kind of land to follow up. Ivanov slips a few punches but Sakai lands a front kick to the body. Sakai has started changing his stance to southpaw to open up his kicks. Front kick then a couple of punches from Sakai. More body kicks from Sakai. Both men miss punches. Bit of a left from Sakai in close. Another clinch, Sakai gets a body lock and they hit the fence. Sakai lands a few knees then an uppercut. Ivanov tries a throw, Sakai grabs the fence to stay upright. Low kick lands for Sakai, then a body kick. Sakai lands a right. Bit of a right from Ivanov, Sakai kicks the body again. They both land punches while Ivanov moves forward. Another body kick from Sakai, they clinch and that’s where the fight will end.

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

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

30-27 for Ivanov? That’s a little bogus and frankly Sakai is lucky to not be walking out with a draw given how bad that fence grab was. Sakai in the interview space now, he thinks he won the fight and puts over Ivanov. Asked who he’d like next he just wants to have a barbecue with his family and does want to see someone ranked above him next.

Tyron Woodley has been out of action for over a year now, he was last seen losing his welterweight title to Kamaru Usman at UFC 235. Woodley is in a delicate position now, he’s not exactly thought of all that fondly and if he loses here there’s a real chance he never gets a crack at regaining the title. Gilbert Burns seems to have found reinvented himself up at welterweight, he’s on a five fight winning streak with the last three being up at 170. Burns could stake a claim to a top spot, possibly in the title orbit, if he can take out a former champion with the kind of pedigree that Woodley has. Woodley is your -160 favorite to +140 for Burns.

Welterweight Bout: #1 Tyron Woodley (19-4-1, 170.5 lbs.) vs. #6 Gilbert Burns (18-3, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Burns is an inch taller while Woodley has three inches of reach advantage. Burns feinting his way forward early. Woodley misses a right. Leg kick from Burns, and another one. They clash and trade punches but Burns drops Woodley with an uppercut and looks to flurry. Woodley pulls half guard but Burns moves to mount easily. Elbows from Burns while Woodley looks to tie up his posture. A few lefts from Burns, Woodley is cut somewhere. Woodley tries to sit up, Burns forces him back flat. A few more short elbows from Burns, Woodley still doing a pretty good job of controlling posture and minimizing damage in a bad position. Woodley explodes to his feet and gets free. Body kick from Burns. Burns tries a side kick to the face but it falls short. That cut on Woodley is over the left eyebrow, I can’t see how bad it is but it’s definitely not good. Burns lands another heavy leg kick. Woodley has a kick blocked then he lands a right to the body. Burns with another calf kick, those will start to add up if Woodley doesn’t have some kind of answer for them. Another left body kick from Burns, his kicking game is really working well. They just stare away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Burns

ROUND TWO: That cut is right on the eyebrow, it’s not good but unless it gets worse I don’t think it’s a fight ender. Woodley has a right blocked and then avoids a leg kick. Some jabs to the body from Woodley, then a bit of a right. Burns tries a high kick that’s blocked. Burns lands a right then a leg kick. Woodley is spending a lot of time near the fence, that’s kind of usual for him but it’s not the best look. Another Burns high kick is partially blocked. Bit of a right from Burns. Burns ducks under a right and gets a double leg into full guard. Some body work from Burns, Woodley is just holding on right now looking to start a wall walk. Bit of a right from Burns, but Woodley is on a knee now looking to get vertical. Burns lands a knee to the body, Woodley remains on that knee waiting to get all the way up. Some rights from Burns but Woodley does get up but still clinched. They jockey in the clinch for a bit. Both men land knees to the body. The round will end in the clinch.

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

ROUND THREE: Burns is back to slowly moving Woodley towards the fence. Both men pawing with the lead hand a bit, Burns lands a left hook. Woodley lands a right. A Woodley combination is blocked, then Burns misses some of his punches. Burns lands a right that slightly wobbles Woodley. Woodley has a right blocked. Another left body kick from Burns then a right. Burns lands a leg kick. There’s a left hook from Burns then a jab to the body. Leg kick from Burns. Another body kick from Burns. Woodley is just getting out worked here and the fight is slipping away from him. Burns back to the leg kick, that one hurt Woodley visibly. Woodley avoids a left hook. Burns lands a body kick. Burns with a leg kick then a left hook, both land. Bit of a leg kick from Burns will be the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Burns, 30-26 Burns overall

ROUND FOUR: Woodley showing the jab as he’s backing up to the fence. Burns lands a left hook. Burns avoids a right and gets a clinch but Woodley is the one who gets him to the cage. They hang out in the clinch a bit, Burns lands a couple of knees to the body before spinning Woodley. Some body work from Burns but things are stalling out a little bit here. The ref breaks them up, fair I think. Burns back to coming forward, lands a hard leg kick and a left hand. Burns starts popping the jab, Woodley lands a leg kick but he’s backing up. Knee to the body from Burns. Hard combination from Burns and Woodley drops to his knees then gets a clinch to hang on. Burns gets Woodley on the fence and hits an inside reap to land on top. Woodley is sitting on the fence looking to wall walk but Burns is threatening a back take. Half guard now for Burns and he lands a couple of punches. Burns grabs an arm in guillotine but the clock expires before that can develop.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Burns, arguable 10-8 again, 40-35 Burns overall

ROUND FIVE: Woodley opens with a right to the body but eats a leg kick and a right from Burns. Burns tries a takedown but they’re clinched on the fence. There’s a few knees from Burns but he’s mostly trying to ice the fight with this clinch time. Woodley puts Burns on the fence but not much is going on. After a bit the ref breaks them, they’d stalled out at that point. Burns is back to pushing Woodley to the fence. Leg kick from Burns. Woodley misses a right. Bit of a leg kick from Burns, Woodley is still just a deer in the headlights, he’s just not pulling the trigger. Burns avoids a left hook and gets another clinch. They break without incident. Woodley is backing up again, and misses a right. Inside leg kick from Burns. Burns lands a left hook. Woodley has a combination blocked, he tries another right but time runs out on his attempt.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Burns, 50-44 Burns overall

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

Big time performance from Burns in the highest profile fight of his career. Mic time for Burns now, he jokes that he told everyone he’d win this fight and that he’s happy. He puts over his team for all their work with him and then puts over Woodley as a former champion. He says he wanted to be a very aggressive fighter in this one and followed the game of his coaches. Talking about his power he says he’s been working on maximizing his power and apologizes for knocking out some of his sparring partners then says he expects to the number one contender after this win. Asked what’s next for Burns he says he loves Usman who’s at the same gym he is, he respects him but he wants to be next in line for that title. He closes with some Portuguese for Brazil that goes untranslated.

Alright everyone, on that note UFC on ESPN 9 comes to a close. Thanks for being here and spending some time with me, be that live or after the fact. Next week the UFC is back on PPV for UFC 250, which is a very solid card that has some serious implications for the bantamweight division and Amanda Nunes most likely obliterating another challenger. I hope you’ll be back then, but until next time stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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