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411’s UFC on ESPN+ 9 Report: Cerrone Wins

May 5, 2019 | Posted by Robert Winfree

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MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET)
#4 Al Iaquinta (155 lbs.) vs. #8 Donald Cerrone (155.5 lbs.)
#9 Derek Brunson (185.75 lbs.) vs. #13 Elias Theodorou (184.5 lbs.)
Shane Burgos (146 lbs.) vs. #10 Cub Swanson (145.75 lbs.)
Merab Dvalishvili (136 lbs.) vs. Brad Katona (135.5 lbs.)
#9 Walt Harris (258 lbs.) vs. Sergey Spivak (254.5 lbs.)
Marc-Andre Barriault (185 lbs.) vs. Andrew Sanchez (184.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 5 p.m. ET)
#14 Macy Chiasson (136 lbs.) vs. Sarah Moras (136 lbs.)
Vince Morales (136 lbs.) vs. Aiemann Zahabi (135 lbs.)
Kyle Prepolec (170.25 lbs.) vs. Nordine Taleb (170.5 lbs.)
Kyle Nelson (146 lbs.) vs. Matt Sayles (145.75 lbs.)
Juan Adams (266 lbs.) vs. Arjan Bhullar (244 lbs.)
Mitch Gagnon (136 lbs.) vs. Cole Smith (136 lbs.)

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 evening relaying all of the action to you just as I see it. Tonight the UFC is back in Ottawa, Ontario for the first time since 2016 and they’ve brought a lightweight main event. Top contenders Al Iaquinta and Donald Cerrone will battle for position around the title picture, assuming the lightweight title picture ever gains some kind of stability. Cerrone in particular has been vocal about wanting to get back to the title before his career ends and Iaquinta would love to earn another shot at the belt as well. The co-main event is less compelling when Derek Brunson battles Elias Theodorou, but there’s a featherweight clash between perennial contender Cub Swanson and rising fan friendly fighter Shane Burgos that’s almost guaranteed to be fireworks. Beyond that it’s pretty uninspiring, but as always the action can make up for the lack of excitement on paper.

UFC on ESPN+ 9 comes to the world from Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. On commentary we have Brendan Fitzgerald and Michael Bisping. As for the rules we’re under the old rules, so anything besides the soles of your feet on the mat means you’re downed and the language around scoring is less clear than it could be. We will have the limited use of replay for this even though, for whatever that’s worth. Also as a minor programming note, we’ll be on ESPN+ for the duration of this event.

Mitch Gagnon had a pretty good hot streak going back in 2013-2014 but missed almost 2 years after a 2014 loss to Renan Barao and then lost his return bout in 2016. This is Gagnon’s first fight since then and if he wants to recover any of the promise his career had at one point he needs a win badly. Cole Smith is undefeated and making his UFC debut here, a win over a former prospect/near contender like Gagnon would be a great way to get his UFC career up and running. Despite the layoff Gagnon is a -125 favorite to +105 for Smith.

Bantamweight Bout: Mitch Gagnon (12-4, 136 lbs.) vs. Cole Smith (6-0, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Smith is a whopping six inches taller but has just an inch and a half of reach on Gagnon. They touch gloves to get us going. Smith showing some kicks, Gagnon shoots into a single leg along the fence and is looking for a takedown. Smith uses a double wrist lock to break the grip and is spinning Gagnon around with it but Gagnon is looking to spin to the back standing. Gagnon is able to get the back for a moment, he’s looking to kick the legs out and get a takedown while holding a rear waist lock. Smith gets chest to chest then goes for a double leg of his own but can’t quite finish it along the fence. Smith finally gets Gagnon down to his seat along the fence, Gagnon wall walks immediately and Smith is after another double leg. Gagnon is working a guillotine threat to force the break, and Smith lands a left elbow as they break. Calf kick from Smith, and another one. Gagnon looks a little winded already. Smith lands a body kick. Another calf kick from Smith and this time Gagnon lands a counter one two. They clinch up, Smith lands a knee to the body and pushes Gagnon into the fence. Smith lands some more knees then a left elbow. A few leg kicks from Smith as they break will end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Smith

ROUND TWO: Smith checks a leg kick then avoids a body kick. Gagnon is coming forward this round, Smith lands a couple of front kicks to the body and chest. They trade in close then Smith goes back to front kicks to the body. Calf kicks from Smith, he’s doing some good work at kicking distance and Gagnon is struggling to reliably close into his range. Another leg kick from Smith then a stepping elbow. Gagnon misses a left and a left elbow but does push into the clinch. Smith spins Gagnon and lands a few punches then gets a takedown and gets the back in a scramble. Full body triangle from Smith and he’s after the choke now but Gagnon is hand fighting well. Smith works for a neck crank instead but Gagnon again breaks the grip. They scramble and Gagnon gets on top in the guard of Smith as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Gagnon storms forward but walks into a knee and can’t secure a clinch. Smith lands a leg kick and avoids some counters. Gagnon falls short with an overhand right, but lands a left that wobbles Smith. Smith is down along the fence, Gagnon is on top in full mount, grabs an armbar as Smith tries to move but can’t finish it and Smith is up after a double leg. Gagnon jumps for a guillotine, Smith fighting to get his head free, he’s got one side of his neck safe and then gets his head out. Now Gagnon tries for an omoplata, Smith walks over to release the pressure and winds up in the ride position. Smith is after the choke, he’s only got one hook in though and decides he doesn’t like the angle on his attempt. Smith finally starts punching but they’re pretty weak and he seems more fixated on trying for a choke than inflicting damage. Full back mount for Smith, as he pulled Gagnon back he got an arm under the chin and is after the choke but his grip is more palm to palm and that lets Gagnon break it before too long. One more choke attempt from Smith wont get that close and time runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gagnon, 29-28 Smith overall

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

I don’t agree with Smith getting the third, he nearly got finished more than once. Mic time for Smith, who asks for a hug from Bisping but Bisping declines as he doesn’t want to get covered in sweat this early in the night. Smith says he fights for his family and his coaches, expresses pride in his home town, then says he feels he’s 1-0 as everything before the UFC means squat but he wants to keep going.

Arjan Bhullar has gone 2-1 in the UFC and is coming off of a win over Marcelo Golm, he’s looking for his first ever UFC winning streak with a win here. Juan Adams is undefeated and coming off of a successful UFC debut, he’s also after his first UFC winning streak. The odds are with Adams at -135 while a Bhullar victory would pay out at +115.

Heavyweight Bout: Juan Adams (5-0, 266 lbs.) vs. Arjan Bhullar (8-1, 244 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Adams is four inches taller and has four and a half inches of reach on Bhullar. They touch gloves to get things going. Bhullar coming forward early, Adams is looking to get his jab going. Bit of a right from Adams. Adams backs Bhullar to the fence and lands a bit of a right but Bhullar circles free. Stiff jab from Bhullar, and another. Adams pushes into the clinch, then eats a left as they break. Another brief clinch and Adams lands a knee before they separate. They clinch up again, Bhullar lands a knee to the body and breaks. Adams is using his length to get clinches at distance and is trying to land a knee then break. Another clinch, this time Bhullar lands on the break and Adams has to force him into the fence. Bhullar lands knees to the body, Adams lands one of his own and they break apart. Adams lands a couple of punches and they clinch up again. This time they break without incident. Adams has slowed badly, he lands an uppercut on the clinch but Bhullar is keeping a high pace to wear him down. Knees from Bhullar as he gets Adams to the fence and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Adams but I’m not standing by that

ROUND TWO: Adams coming forward again, he lands a few punches but they’re all arm punches and Bhullar clinches up to stall him out and then separates. Jabs to the body and head from Adams, Bhullar jabs the head. They clinch, trade knees to the body then separate. Uppercuts from Bhullar in close then Adams lands a right. Bhullar grabs a single leg and spins Adams down then gets on top in half guard. Elbow from Bhullar knocks the mouth piece out from Adams. Adams muscles through a reversal and is back up and separated. Adams pushes close and lands some uppercuts to the body but again, they’re mostly just arm punches rather than technically proper blows. Bhullar spins Adams into the fence and lands a few short punches. Adams is able to push him off but he’s missing more punches than he’s landing at this point. Another clinch, Bhullar forces a break. Adams lands a couple of lefts and they clinch again then break. Bhullar pushes close again and works a few short punches and knees. Adams loses his mouth piece again, not sure what caused that, and the round ends in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bhullar, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Adams storms forward throwing but he’s only got about thirty seconds worth of that kind of effort before he tires again. They clinch up again, Bhullar lands a knee to the body and they break. Jabs from Bhullar, Adams lands a right but there’s just not much on them now. Another clinch and Bhullar gets Adams to the fence. They wind up breaking without incident. Adams swings a few punches that miss then he lands a knee to the body and clinches up. A few more knees from Adams but Bhullar spins him into the cage. They break, then lean on each other again and Adams pushes Bhullar into the fence. Bhullar spins him and lands an uppercut. They break, Adams misses punches then lands a knee and clinches. Bhullar gets free and lands a right. Another clinch, Adams hits the fence again. Single leg from Bhullar and he’s on top in half guard again, let’s see if he’s going to actually do anything. A few short punches land for Bhullar but he’s not doing much. Elbows from Bhullar land but Adams is going to tie him up and stall the final couple of seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bhullar but who knows, 29-28 Bhullar overall but again, who knows

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

Well that sucked. Mic time for Bhullar, who thinks he had the fight and invites his next opponent to talk badly about his wrestling and get taken down. Bhullar says every time he tried he got him down, not sure that’s true, then says he’d like to fight Andrei Arlovski next at the upcoming UFC event in Vancouver.

Kyle Nelson lost his UFC debut when he ran into Carlos Diego Ferreira, he’s trying to avoid his first ever losing streak and get that all important first UFC win under his belt. Matt Sayles also lost his UFC debut and is similarly trying to avoid a losing streak and score his first win in the UFC. Sayles is your -200 favorite against +170 for Nelson.

Featherweight Bout: Kyle Nelson (12-2, 146 lbs.) vs. Matt Sayles (7-2, 145.75 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Nelson is four inches taller and has two and a half inches of reach on Sayles. Leg kick from Sayles gets things started. Nelson lands a right to counter a leg kick but Sayles dodges the follow ups. Calf kick for Sayles lands. Right to the body from Sayles then a leg kick. Nelson lands a right over the top of Sayles’ defense. Another calf kick from Sayles lands. Nelson lands a right but eats a calf kick that takes his lead leg out from under him for a second. More calf kicks from Sayles then a right. Nelson misses a high kick. Sayles lands a right to the body. Nelson misses a right and has a high kick caught but avoids a counter attempt. Jabs to the body and head from Sayles then a right, he tosses Nelson down then gets on top and starts teeing off. Nelson is trying to go inverted for a leg lock of some kind but Sayles is still punching him and lands hammer fists. Now Nelson tries for a toe hold, Sayles is defending and Nelson now tries a heel hook but it’s not really close at all. Sayles gets free and moves into the mount then resumes landing punches, gets the back with both hooks in, moves back to mount and is still landing offense. Nelson hip bumps to break the mount but Sayles is still attacking him as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Sayles

ROUND TWO: Sayles circling early, and lands a calf kick. Those kicks are adding up, Nelson is having issues with the strength in that lead leg. Sayles lands a right. Nelson gets a double leg, Sayles forces a scramble and they hit the fence with Nelson trying to hold a front headlock but Sayles gets free and avoids a left hook. Another calf kick from Sayles. Another takedown attempt from Nelson, this time unsuccessful but he’s still after it along the fence. Nelson is able to finish it this time but he can’t get a decent position out of it and Sayles is looking to wall walk. Nelson gets the back, jumps up and gets both hooks in. Nelson goes to a body triangle, Sayles is trying to break it. Sayles is hand fighting, Nelson gets the arm under the chin though and is really after the choke but he keeps losing the grip. Nelson adjusts the grip but Sayles is able to hide his neck. It looks like Sayles punched himself out a little in the first. Nelson is after the choke but he’s not able to really get it all that close yet. The round will end in that position.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Nelson, 19-18 Sayles overall

ROUND THREE: Both men trying to get their jabs going this round, Sayles is working the body as well. Nelson lands an uppercut. Sayles avoids a double leg attempt, and lands a knee as they clinch. Body shots from Sayles and he pulls free. Another failed takedown from Nelson then he lands a bit of a body kick. Glancing right from Sayles then he sprawls away from a double leg and lands a leg kick. Spinning elbow from Sayles is mostly successful. Sayles lands a right, Nelson dives on a takedown and they hit the fence. Nelson tries to switch for a single leg, Sayles defends and breaks free then lands a calf kick. Sayles blocks a takedown and wind sup stepping into full mount then hops for an arm triangle, he’s locked it up and moves to side control and forces the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Matt Sayles via Submission, arm triangle choke, at 3:16 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Sayles for his work this evening. Mic time for Sayles, he says the first win in the UFC feels great, then mentions he trains a lot in bad positions so he can deal with them in real time. He talks us through the finish and jokes that the arm triangle is the one submission he’s any good at.

Here’s a look at the finish. It’s a pretty basic arm triangle choke, but Sayles does execute it correctly.

Nordine Taleb has had an up and down career, he currently finds himself on a two fight losing streak and he’s in pretty desperate need of a win to get things back on track. Kyle Prepolec took this fight on short notice when Siyar Bahadurzada got injured, he’s on a two fight winning streak though and could make a good first impression with a win here. Taleb is the favorite at a hefty -425 to a +325 comeback on Prepolec.

Welterweight Bout: Kyle Prepolec (12-5, 170.25 lbs.) vs. Nordine Taleb (14-6, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Taleb is three inches taller and has four and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Some stance switching from Prepolec early, he’s visibly smaller than Taleb. Taleb lands an inside leg kick. Prepolec blocks some kicks and is stalking forward but Taleb is firing heavy kicks at him. Heavy inside leg kick from Taleb. Bit of a right from Taleb lands. Bit of a high kick from Taleb, then a right to counter a leg kick. Prepolec is defending well so far. Body kick from Taleb lands. Prepolec lands a left to the body then a left body kick. They trade rights. Both men land jabs to the body then Taleb lands an inside leg kick. Stiff jab from Taleb lands then a jumping body kick. Prepolec tries a spinning back fist as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Taleb

ROUND TWO: Taleb working kicks, Prepolec is trying to close some distance with his hands. Taleb lands a counter right, Prepolec is mostly southpaw at this point. Both men miss rights, Taleb lands a body kick then a right to the head. The “woo’s” have started, and Taleb lands a series of inside leg kicks. Prepolec lands a body shot. Prepolec lands a counter right then blocks a high kick. Hard counter right then a left hook from Taleb, Prepolec was wobbled for a second but regains himself. Prepolec blocks a couple of high kicks and misses a tornado kick. Taleb stumbles a bit and they both miss some offense. Prepolec lands a jab and avoids a counter elbow. Taleb lands another inside leg kick then a body kick. Prepolec avoids a series of punches then misses a spinning back fist. Prepolec lands a left, Taleb lands an inside leg kick. Taleb lands an inside leg kick. Both men miss wide swinging punches. Taleb avoids a hook and lands a right that will close out the round.

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

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the last round. Both men showing stance switching, Taleb lands a leg kick. High kick from Taleb is mostly blocked. They trade lead hand punhces. Taleb lands a right. Inside leg kick from Taleb then a front kick to the body. Taleb has done a good job of hitting the legs, head, and body to keep Prepolec unsure of his targets. Bit of a right from Taleb, he avoids the counters then lands a hard inside leg kick. Prepolec is pushing forward but he’s just struggling to really find the target or manage the distance. Left to the body then one to the head from Prepolec, he’s been having more success when he goes to the body first than just head hunting. Taleb kicks the lead leg again then a body kick. A couple of high kicks from Taleb are blocked but he’s putting everything into those kicks. Prepolec lands another body shot but misses the follow up head shot. Bit of a high kick from Prepolec then Taleb lands a body kick. Another hard body kick from Taleb then an inside leg kick that definitely wobbles the lead leg of Prepolec. Prepolec does stay upright tough and misses a spinning back fist as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Nordine Taleb via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Credit to Propolec for the short notice fight and putting in a good effort but he was just out gunned by Taleb. No interview for Taleb given how long all the fights are going.

Aiemann Zahabi has gone 1-1 in the UFC but he’s coming off of a devastating KO loss in November of 2017, that year plus layoff ends here and he’s trying to avoid his first ever losing streak. Vince Morales lost his UFC debut and he’s now looking to avoid his first losing streak and get his first UFC win. Zahabi is a slight -160 favorite to +140 for Morales.

Bantamweight Bout: Vince Morales (8-3, 136 lbs.) vs. Aiemann Zahabi (7-1, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Zahabi is an inch taller but Morales has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Morales avoids a high kick. Morales is coming forward now, Zahabi circling. A bit of feinting from both guys but neither man doing a whole lot yet. Morales lands a bit of a right. Jab lands for Morales but again, neither man is going much. Zahabi lands a leg kick. Body kick from Zahabi lands. Morales lands a couple of rights but this is a really low activity round. Morales lands a right to the body. Zahabi misses a spinning back fist. Front kick to the body from Morales will close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Morales but probably went to Zahabi

ROUND TWO: Zahabi circling again, Morales stalking forward. Leg kick from Zahabi lands, bit of a counter right from Morales. A couple of body shots land for Morales. Counter one two from Zahabi lands. Morales lands a right uppercut. Another right lands for Morales. Morales avoids a few punches then lands a right to the body. Morales again with that right uppercut then a bit of a leg kick. There’s not a lot of quality from Morales but he’s just working consistently. Zahabi avoids a punch and gets a takedown along the fence. Morales gets up and Zahabi misses a kick when they break. Zahabi just circles away for the last forty seconds or so.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Zahabi but again who knows, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Morales coming forward again, lands a jab and starts moving Zahabi to the fence. Body kick from Zahabi lands. Zahabi lands a spinning back fist but Morales lands a couple of counters. Morales lands a left to the body then a right uppercut. One two from Morales, he might be finding something in the style of Zahabi that he can exploit. Morales lands a jab but misses the follow up offense. Morales lands a left to the body. Zahabi reaches for a single leg that Morales defends easily. Morales lands a left. Morales seems to be coming on stronger, Zahabi might think he’s ahead on the score cards and is playing this very safe. Combination from Morales against the fence then he avoids a takedown from Zahabi. Morales lands a couple of combinations to the body and head. Another failed takedown from Zahabi and he just runs away for the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Morales, 29-28 Morales overall but this has split decision written all over it

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Vince Morales via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

I’m kind of surprised by that, but really you could score this for either man.

Macy Chiasson is undefeated and has two wins in the UFC, she’s looking to remain undefeated and start making a move up the rankings. Sarah Moras has gone 2-3 in the UFC and she’s currently on a two fight losing streak, she needs a win here just to get her UFC record to the .500 mark. Chiasson is the biggest favorite on the card at -700 against a whopping +500 comeback on Moras.

Women’s Bantamweight Bout: #14 Macy Chiasson (4-0, 136 lbs.) vs. Sarah Moras (5-4, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Chiasson has four inches of height and five of reach on Moras. They clash quickly and Moras gets a knee tap takedown and lands in the guard of Chiasson. Full guard for Chiasson, Moras isn’t really looking to pass just yet. Chiasson is trying to work her guard high, but that lets Moras move towards half guard. Moras moves to half guard and lands a few elbows. Chiasson gets full guard back, Moras moves to half guard and looks to spin for the back as Chiasson got to her knees. Chiasson winds up on top and lands some punches then moves to half guard. Hammer fists from Chiasson and a couple of elbows, she’s just teeing off as they move to north-south. Elbows to the body and head from Chiasson as Moras gets full guard, Moras tries to throw up an armbar but the fence is in the way and the round will end and likely save the arm of Chiasson.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Moras

ROUND TWO: Moras dives for a takedown, Chiasson defends and then gets on top in half guard. Chiasson lands some lefts to the head then rights to the body. Elbows to the body and more punches from Chiasson. Chiasson looking to pass, Moras is trying to keep her guard in play but Chiasson is into 3/4 mount, now full mount. Moras tries to move but Chiasson just tees off with lefts until the ref stops the fight.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Macy Chiasson via TKO, punches, at 2:22 of Round 2

That went about as expected, Chiasson gets an interview. She puts over Moras’ jiu-jitsu and toughness and knew she had to maintain composure in bad positions so she could come out on top. She thanks Canada and the fans, she plans on returning to Canada in the future as the experience has been great.

That wraps up the prelims, though we’re still on ESPN+ for the main card.

Marc-Andre Barriault brings an eight fight winning streak into his UFC debut, he’s looking to extend that and take out a somewhat recognizable opponent. Andrew Sanchez has gone 3-2 in the UFC and broke a two fight losing streak in his last bout, now he’s trying to build another winning streak and start moving up through the middleweight ranks. Sanchez is your -160 favorite while Barriault’s comeback sits at +140.

Middleweight Bout: Marc-Andre Barriault (11-1, 185 lbs.) vs. Andrew Sanchez (10-4, 184.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two have identical heights and reaches. They touch gloves to get things started. Sanchez feinting with level changes and his lead hand. Barriault is stalking forward, Sanchez shoots for a single leg, they hit the fence and Barriault is on his seat against the cage. Sanchez is looking to mount the legs, he lands a few rights. Barriault lands an elbow from his seat but he’s struggling to get out from under Sanchez. A few more rights from Sanchez land and he gets to half guard. Barriault wall walks and they’re clinched up on the fence. A few knees from Sanchez, Barriault lands short uppercuts then an elbow as they break. Barriault misses a left then lands a couple of jabs. Barriault avoids a takedown and lands a couple of punches. Sanchez is keeping his hands almost at his sides. Sanchez lands a body kick. Barriault lands a right, that will be the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Sanchez

ROUND TWO: Sanchez gets a left body kick to start the second round. Barriault lands a jab. Barriault lands a body kick, then Sanchez returns it. Sanchez after a takedown but can’t finish it, they clinch and he lands a couple of knees before they break. Barriault is pressing forward now, he avoids or blocks a few kicks and keeps trying to crowd Sanchez. Barriault lands a counter right then ducks under a high kick. Sanchez lands another left body kick, Barriault then lands a right that off balances him. Left lands for Barriault. Another left from Barriault then a right uppercut in close, Sanchez is on the fence and Barriault lands to the body and head. More punches from Barriault then Sanchez lands a few of his own while they’re clinched. Another couple of uppercuts then an elbow from Barriault, his dirty boxing is starting to get to Sanchez. Sanchez pushes free but Barriault is still after him. Sanchez looks winded, Barriault lands a right hook then a left. Another right lands for Barriault. That left hook from Barriault is money, he backs Sanchez into the fence and looks to tee off but Sanchez pushes him back and will stay safe for the last few seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Barriault, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Sanchez is showing the jab, Barriault is circling right now. Some feinting from both men, Barriault lands a jab, Sanchez lands a right to the body. They get close and trade left hooks then Sanchez lands a left body kick. Sanchez ducks under a hook and they clinch, Barriault lands a knee to the body and they break. Barriault lands a left to the body, Sanchez lands to the body and head. Barriault lands a right, Sanchez is after a single leg and they hit the fence in the clinch. Sanchez looks to drop lower for a high crotch, then comes up with a body lock. Barriault is able to pummel in but Sanchez is able to get motion going and gets the takedown along the fence. Elbows from Barriault as he sits on the cage, Sanchez is trying to make sure he doesn’t los the position. Barriault is back up, Sanchez gets the back standing but can’t hit the mat return. Sanchez keeps the clinch, Barriault is defending but he’s not getting any offense off. Barriault can’t get free but Sanchez can’t get him down. Barriault jumps for a guillotine, loses the grip, and Sanchez swings a couple of punches at him as the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Andrew Sanchez via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Not the worst fight in the world, and on this card that means it’s a front runner for Fight of the Night. Sanchez gets some mic time, he says he expected the boos but says he lives in Montreal now and still loves Canada. The crowd doesn’t seem to care, he mentions getting hurt in the second round and dug deep to persevere.

Walt Harris is coming off of a No Contest after he failed a drug test related to that fight, he’s trying to get things back on track and remind people that he could be a force in the division. Sergey Spivak is undefeated and making his UFC debut, he’s trying to take a UFC veteran and make a positive first impression on the UFC fan base. Harris is the -185 favorite against +155 for Spivak.

Heavyweight Bout: #9 Walt Harris (11-7 1 NC, 258 lbs.) vs. Sergey Spivak (9-0, 254.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Harris is two inches taller while Spivak has an inch of reach on him. Harris is also a full eleven years older than Spivak. Southpaw for Harris, and they touch gloves to get us going. A few kicks from both men, nothing really landing. Harris lands a left in close and Spivak has to block the follow up offense. Harris has Spivak on the fence and unloads with punches, drops Spivak with a knee, then pounds him out on the mat.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Walt Harris via TKO, knee and punches, at :50 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Harris for his work this evening. Harris gets an interview, he says the win feels amazing and that there’s nothing better than this moment. He talks us through the finish, says his hand speed is the best in the division and when he got Spivak on the fence he could tee off. Asked who he’d like next he says he’ll fight anyone but specifically Justin Willis or Aleksei Oleinik for the upcoming Dubai card. He thanks his family for coming all the way to Canada to support him, then plays with the crowd a bit.

The broadcast officially announces the rematch between Daniel Cormier and Stipe Miocic for the heavyweight title at UFC 241, that’ll be August 17th. With Brock Lesnar out of the picture there wasn’t really an excuse to go a direction other than Miocic.

Brad Katona is undefeated and has two wins in the UFC, he’s looking to remain perfect and start the difficult transition from prospect to contender. Merab Dvalishvili just got his first UFC win after dropping his first two fights in the promotion, now he’s looking for his first UFC winning streak. Dvalishvili is the -170 favorite to a +145 comeback for Katona.

Bantamweight Bout: Merab Dvalishvili (8-4, 136 lbs.) vs. Brad Katona (8-0, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Dvalishvili has three and a half inches of reach advantage. Katona is coming forward early, Dvalishvili circling. Inside leg kick from Katona, Dvalishvili misses a wheel kick. Bit of a left from Katona. They trade leg kicks. Dvalishvili misses a bunch of offense, Katona lands a left. Right from Katona lands. Another leg kick from Katona, that seems to have bothered Dvalishvili for a moment. Solid right from Katona lands, Dvalishvili lands a right of his own. Dvalishvili lands a right, Katona lands a left hook in close. Dvalishvili lands a right and gets a single leg, he gets Katona down but can’t keep him there. Katona lands a left hook then tries a double leg against the fence. A few lefts land for Katona as he keeps the clinch. Dvalishvili tries a takedown, they stall out for a moment then Dvalishvili is able to lean on him and get the takedown into full guard. They trade some offense, Katona tries an armbar but loses the grip and Dvalishvili lands a series of hammer fists as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Dvalishvili

ROUND TWO: Katona comes forward again, Dvalishvili circling. Dvalishvili gets a single leg into the guard of Katona. Katona is trying to set up a guillotine, Dvalishvili is keeping the hands from getting together and looking to land offense. Dvalishvili passes to half guard without much issue. Katona gets full guard back. There isn’t a lot going on here. Dvalishvili is working short blows to the body and head, Katona seems not to really know what to do here or have any kind of plan. The ref steps in and stands them back up, Dvalishvili then misses a wheel kick. Dvalishvili lands a one two as Katona pushes into the clinch. Knees from Katona to the head of Dvalishvili. A few more knees land for Katona, Dvalishvili gets a cross body trip and ends the round on top.

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

ROUND THREE: More circling from Dvalishvili to start the round. They trade lefts. Both men miss high kicks. Lunging elbow from Katona falls a little short, Dvalishvili lands a calf kick. Dvalishvili shoots low, and comes up in a clinch on the fence. Katona avoids being taken down but can’t get free. They trade knees then Dvalishvili lands an elbow as they break. Dvalishvili catches a kick and tries a takedown but can’t finish it and they settle for a clinch in open space. They break without incident. Dvalishvili ducks under a right and gets a double leg into half guard against the fence. Katona gets full guard and has some wrist control, but loses it then lands an up kick as Dvalishvili stands and lands some punches of his own. Katona tries to spin for an armbar, Dvalishvili reads thatn and lands offense. Hammer fists from Dvalishvili as Katona tries to go inverted, now Katona tries to come up on a single leg but Dvalishvili stuffs that motion which is where the clock will run down.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Merab Dvalishvili via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Mic time for Dvalishvili, he says this is the best feeling but the fight was difficult because he’d lost his first two UFC fights and he knew he had to win because he wants to stay in the UFC and fight the best. He thanks his team, thanks the UFC for everything, and he just wants to fight. Asked about the game plan he says he can fight everywhere but why fight where his opponent had a change to win. He puts over his home country of Georgia to close the interview.

Cub Swanson is a veteran of the sport and the UFC, but at the moment he’s hit a rough patch. Swanson is on a three fight losing streak, that’s somewhat mitigated by the level of opposition he’s been facing (Ortega, Edgar, and Moicano) but the longtime contender finds himself in a must win situation if he wants to get into title contention. Shane Burgos has gone 4-1 in the UFC, he’s looking to collect a big scalp here and prove he’s ready to step up towards the elite fighters in the division. The odds are with Burgos at -150 while the +130 payout for Swanson has to be a tempting value bet.

Featherweight Bout: Shane Burgos (11-1, 146 lbs.) vs. #10 Cub Swanson (25-10, 145.75 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Burgos is three inches taller and has five and a half inches of reach on Swanson. They touch gloves to get things going. Burgos working the jab early, Swanson circling and looking to get a read on his opponent. Swanson lands a right. Calf kicks from Swanson, Burgos lands a leg kick of his own. Both men landing some leg kicks and probing with the lead hand. Burgos lands an uppercut to counter a jab. There’s swelling around the right eye of Swanson, it’s not bad but bears watching. Left to the body from Burgos, and another one behind it. A few jabs go back and forth. Burgos goes to the body again, Swanson lands a bit of a left hook. Swanons lands a straight right then misses a spinning back kick. Burgos lands a leg kick and a jab. Jabs from Burgos keep landing, then an inside leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Burgos lands a straight left to cap off the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Burgos but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Swanson comes out jabbing then lands a leg kick. Burgos lands a leg kick then a counter right. Swanson lands a right then a left hook behind it. Burgos lands a counter right of his own, in this case to counter a jumping switch kick. Burgos moves close and lands an uppercut. Swanson lands a left. A few rights from Swanson are partially blocked, Burgos lands a body kick. Burgos lands a right uppercut, Swanson digs the body a couple of times. They trade rights, then Burgos lands an inside leg kick. Swanson lands a right and they trade leg kicks. Burgos has a head kick blocked. Burgos is picking at Swanson at distance, he’s marking up the eyes of Swanson with them. Swanson lands a jab. They trade rights then Burgos lands a body kick. Burgos lands a straight right then backs Swanson into the fence and lands a combination. A few more inside leg kicks from Burgos land then a body shot. Swanson misses a right uppercut, they trade some kicks and then a front kick from Burgos ends the round.

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

ROUND THREE: They both land lefts, Swanson is coming forward to start this round. Both men land rights. Swanson lands a right then takes a front kick to the body. Both men land punches at distance, Burgos lands a left hook in close. A few inside leg kicks from Burgos land then a left hook. Swanson tries a single leg, has to settle for getting the back standing and lands a few knees to the thigh. Burgos lands a few punches and back elbows, Swanson still swinging knees to the thigh. They break without incident then Burgos starts chasing Swanson down. Lefts to the body from Burgos then a right. Both men land body shots then Burgos lands a front kick to the body. Knee from Burgos then an elbow, Swanson lands a left. Burgos lands to the body, he’s keeping a high pace and is finding openings in Swanson’s defense. Jabs from Burgos and a body kick. Both men land some jabs then a high kick from Burgos is blocked. Burgos digs the body, Swanson tries a knee tap but winds up slipping to the back again. This time Burgos spins into him quickly and starts landing punches and kicks, misses a flying knee just as the clock runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Burgos, 30-27 Burgos overall but the scores could be all over the place for this one

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Shane Burgos via split decision (27-30, 30-27, 29-28)

Yeah, all over the place and frankly I’m not going to complain about the scoring as each round was pretty close. Mic time for Burgos, he says he thought he won all three rounds, then mention she always fights to finish even if he’s up on the score cards. Asked who’s next he says he owes time to his daughters and that’s where his focus is.

Derek Brunson has gone 2-2 in his last four fights but is currently on a two fight losing streak, granted those fights were against Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza and Israel Adesanya but he now has to defend his top ranking and halt that skid if he wants to get back towards the title picture. Elias Theodorou is on a three fight winning streak, and this represents one of the bigger opportunities for him as taking out a top ten opponent could lead to him cracking the upper echelons of the division. Despite the ranking disparity Theodorou is your -125 favorite to a +105 comeback for Brunson.

Middleweight Bout: #9 Derek Brunson (18-7, 185.75 lbs.) vs. #13 Elias Theodorou (16-2, 184.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Brunson has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Theodorou is circling early, Brunson seems mildly bemused by this. A few missed kicks, missed spinning attack from Theodorou. They clinch up, bit of an uppercut from Theodorou lands as they break. Inside leg kick from Theodorou but Brunson gets a clinch and trips him down then moves into full mount immediately. Theodorou gives up the back, stands but Brunson drags him back down and is after the choke. No choke yet, Brunson moves to full mount and lands punches, then is after the choke again when he gets the back but they’re against the fence now and that’s limiting Brunson’s ability to extend. They scramble back up but are still clinched up on the cage. A few knees go back and forth then they break. Body kick from Theodorou but he’s really winding up on them. They clinch again then break without issue. Brunson brushes off a few kick attempts. Theodorou misses more kicks and keeps circling. Theodorou misses spinning attacks, Brunson misses a left. Brunson jumps in close and punches Theodorou down then keeps a clinch for a moment then they break. Bit of a body kick from Brunson. Theodorou misses more offense as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Brunson

ROUND TWO: Theodorou is back to circling, and misses a high kick. Theodorou lands a leg kick. Brunson lands a bit of a right and a high knee then they clinch up. Theodorou avoids the single leg but gets punched as Brunson keeps the clinch. Both men land body shots then Theodorou misses a right as they break. Both men miss offense, the crowd is getting restless. Brunson lands a leg kick. Theodorou jogs away from Brunson. Spinning attack from Theodorou doesn’t work, then Brunson lands an inside leg kick. Brunson lands a leg kick. Bit of a high kick from Brunson, Theodorou fails on a takedown attempt. Body kick from Brunson and a left behind it. More spinning shenanigans from Theodorou and Brunson lands a left. Chest kick from Brunson is caught and they clinch, Brunson has Theodorou on the fence. They break and Theodorou misses a right. Theodorou lands a body kick, Brunson lands a leg kick, and the awkwardness continues to grow as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Theodorou misses kicks, then kicks Brusnon in the crotch but Brunson doesn’t care. Brunson tries a takedown, Theodorou avoids it. Bisping is saying Theodorou is ahead on the score cards, somehow ignoring all the time Brunson spent in mount in the first round. They get close, Brunson gets the back standing and drags Theodorou down against the fence. Theodorou back up with Brunson on his back and he slips free but they clinch again and Brunson gets a takedown then Theodorou rolls through and we’re back on the feet. Brunson lands a right. A few punches land for Brunson then he gets the big elevated slam into north-south position. Brunson moves to side control. Theodorou to his knees, and back up with Brunson holding him in a clinch. They break without much happening. bit of a left from Theodorou and they clinch again. A few knees from Theodorou land and they break again. Brunson lands a left then a bit of a knee. Left to the body from Brunson, they clinch again and break without really doing anything. Brunson lands a left in close quarters. Body kick from Brunson lands. Theodorou misses offense, Brunson mostly misses a left as the round ends.

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

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

Man that sucked, though it looked like very other Theodorou fight. Mic time for Brunson, he says the win feels good and it was nice to get things done against a cardio machine. He thanks his new team for getting him ready, then says he’s fought everyone in the division and doesn’t care who he fights next.

Al Iaquinta is coming off of a win over Kevin Lee, he’s now hoping to take out a longtime contender and move towards a rematch with Khabib Nurmagomedov and his second shot at the title. Donald Cerrone is on a two fight winning streak that includes a successful return to lightweight, he’s trying to take out a top five opponent and make his own return march to the title scene. The odds are very close but Iaquinta is a slight -115 favorite to -105 for Cerrone.

Lightweight Bout: #4 Al Iaquinta (14-4-1, 155 lbs.) vs. #8 Donald Cerrone (35-11 1 NC, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Cerrone has three inches of height and reach on Iaquinta. They touch gloves to get things started. Iaquinta is being very flat, making Cerrone come to him. Leg kick lands for Iaquinta. Bit of a body kick from Iaquinta lands, Cerrone lands an inside leg kick. Cerrone avoids a couple of rights in close, Iaquinta lands an inside leg kick. Iaquinta lands a right to the body. Cerrone nearly lands a head kick that Iaquinta was leaning into but couldn’t find the target. Left body kick lands for Cerrone. Bit of a right form Iaquinta lands in close but neither man has really found the target yet. Cerrone lands a bit of a left hook and avoids a wild right. Hard leg kick from Cerrone lands. Iaquinta catches a leg kick and lands a counter right. Cerrone misses a high kick, Iaquinta lands a right in close then misses the follow ups. Left lands for Cerrone. Iaquinta lands a big wind up uppercut and a follow up left. Iaquinta lands a jab, Cerrone tries a left high kick that’s mostly blocked. Cerrone is swollen under both eyes, Iaquinta is bleeding a bit under the right eye. Inside leg kick from Cerrone, Iaquint lands a short right. Cerrone thinks better of a high kick and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cerrone but could go either way

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Cerrone avoids a right hook. Both men land leg kicks. Body kick lands for Cerrone. Iaquinta lands a jab and a leg kick of his own. Cerrone lands a leg kick, then an inside leg kick. Body kick from Cerrone lands. Iaquinta lands a left to the body then a couple of rights to the head. Cerrone blocks a head kick. Iaquinta starts coming forward and feinting but Cerrone isn’t biting on them. They trade lefts then Cerrone lands a one two. Bit of a head kick from Iaquinta then a leg kick. Cerrone eats a body kick then lands a leg kick. Iaquinta lands a couple of jabs then a right to the body. Left hook lands for Iaquinta. Iaquinta lands a right to counter a leg kick that wobbles Cerrone, then lands a left to the body as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Iaquinta, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Iaquinta lands a leg kick to get the round started. Cerrone avoids a right hand. Iaquinta avoids a high kick and jabs the body. Iaquinta is cut on the bridge of the nose, Cerrone’s jab has been doing work. Cerrone lands a body kick. Iaquinta lands a left to the body then jabs and lands a right. Cerrone lands a couple of inside leg kicks. Cerrone’s output and distance management are causing Iaquinta some problems, he needs to reliably close distance to be successful. Leg kicks go back and forth but Cerrone’s are better. Iaquinta lands a jab but eats a left that snaps his head back. Iaquinta lands a right and Cerrone goes back to a methodical pace. Cerrone has a high kick blocked then lands a body kick. Iaquinta kicks the leg of Cerrone and then barely misses a right. Bit of a right from Iaquinta then Cerrone lands a couple of leg kicks. Iaquinta goes southpaw for a moment, Cerrone fires a few high kicks that are blocked. Cerrone drops Iaquinta with a jab but wont be able to get anything more on the mat before the round ends.

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

ROUND FOUR: Cerrone lands an inside leg kick and is circling more this round. Iaquinta lands a left. Cerrone lands a front kick to the face, then another one that drops Iaquinta and Cerrone is all over him on the mat. Iaquinta fights back up and separates, that man has a heck of a chin. Leg kick from Cerrone lands, Iaquinta lands a left to the body. More jabs from Cerrone land. Iaquinta lands a left hook Cerrone responds with a straight right. Another left hook lands for Iaquinta, Cerrone just eats it. Iaquinta lands a right, Cerrone lands a couple of counters. Cerrone lands another leg kick, Iaquinta is spending time southpaw now to protect that leg. There’s a combination from Cerrone that’s mostly successful. The right side of Iaquinta’s face is a mess. Iaquinta reaches for a single leg, Cerrone defends and they circle away the finale seconds.

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

ROUND FIVE: The doctor checks on the right eye of Iaquinta between rounds, they’re fine with him continuing and Iaquinta wants to continue. They touch gloves for the last round. Cerrone avoids a right and misses the counter right. Both men showing the lead hand as they move, bit of a right from Iaquinta. Cerrone lands a leg kick. Iaquinta lands a right but Cerrone counters with a combination. They trade rights then Cerrone lands a jab. Another couple of leg kicks from Cerrone then Iaquinta lands a leg kick. More leg kicks from Cerrone, Iaquinta is circling. Cerrone blocks a high kick and lands a right. Iaquinta lands a right but again Cerrone just eats it. Cerrone with another front kick to the face, Iaquinta lands a right to counter. Another calf kick from Cerrone. Cerrone lands a body kick and a couple of rights. They trade lefts, Cerrone tries a combination that’s about half successful. Cerrone lands a leg kick then avoids a takedown attempt. Iaquinta avoids a high kick. Iaquinta lands a head kick then a left hook but Cerrone comes forward and we get some pocket exchanges. Both men trade, Cerrone lands a leg kick, misses a few jumping knees but off balances Iaquinta just as the clock runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Cerrone, 49-46 Cerrone overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Donald Cerrone via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-45 x2)

Not sure about a 10-8 under the old rules, but the right guy wins. Mic time for Cerrone, who’s holding his son. He jokes about the attire of his son, then jokes he’s doing pretty good for a day drinking Don. He says that Dad Cerrone is 3-0 and that he’s got to build his son a swimming pool, and he wants to fight for the belt unless McGregor wants to fight on the 4th of July.

Here’s the closing sequence, a really fun fight all things considered.

Alright everyone, on that note this event comes to a close. Thanks to everyone who read, we’ll be breaking down all of the action from this event Sunday on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast, plus looking ahead to UFC 237 next week when Strawweight champion Rose Namajunas tries to defend her title against surging contender Jessica Andrade. Also on that card Anderson Silva fights Jarred Cannonier and Jose Aldo battles rising contender Alexander Volkanovski. I’ll be back next week for that event, I hope you’ll all come on by again. Until then thanks for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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