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411’s UFC on ESPN 69 Report: Kamaru Usman Wins

June 15, 2025 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC on ESPN 69 Image Credit: UFC

MAIN CARD (ESPN, 10 p.m. ET)
#5 Kamaru Usman (171 lbs.) vs. #7 Joaquin Buckley (171 lbs.)
#11 Miranda Maverick (126 lbs.) vs. #7 Rose Namajunas (126 lbs.)
Andre Petroski (186 lbs.) vs. Edmen Shahbazyan (185 lbs.)
Raoni Barcelos (136 lbs.) vs. Cody Garbrandt (136 lbs.)
Mansur Abdul-Malik (186 lbs.) vs. Cody Brundage (185 lbs.)
#15 Alonzo Menifield (206 lbs.) vs. Oumar Sy (206 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)
Rodolfo Bellato (205.5 lbs.) vs. Paul Craig (206 lbs.)
Michael Chiesa (171 lbs.) vs. Court McGee (170 lbs.)
Kris Moutinho (136 lbs.) vs. Malcolm Wellmaker (136 lbs.)
Cody Durden (126 lbs.) vs. Jose Ochoa (125 lbs.)
Ricky Simon (136 lbs.) vs. Cameron Smotherman (136 lbs.)
Ange Loosa (171 lbs.) vs. Phil Rowe (171 lbs.)
Vanessa Demopoulos (126 lbs.) vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth (126 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN 69, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host. On the heels of a pretty decent PPV last week the UFC is still in front of fans and has brought an OK Fight Night card to us. The main event sees former champion Kamaru Usman return to action for the first time since October of 2023 as he tries to end a three fight losing streak. Opposite him is surging contender Joaquin Buckley, Buckley has been taking out the old guard of the division and hasn’t lost at welterweight in the UFC so a win over the former champion would position him into the title picture. Beyond that former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas is still trying to find her footing at flyweight against Miranda Maverick, and former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt battles Raoni Barcelos. I’m also a little curious to see Oumar Sy take on Alonzo Menifield, I’ve got a soft spot for Cour McGee who’ll be battling Michael Chiesa. It’s a tad thin beyond that in terms of super relevant fight or fights that catch my particular eye but there’s definitely some potential in this card, now let’s hope the action lives up to it.

UFC on ESPN 69 comes to the world from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Brendan Fitzgerald, Dominick Cruz and Paul Felder will handle commentary duties with Charly Arnolt doing the roving reporter bit. Keep in mind we’re in the larger 30 foot cage and we do have the newer rules here after a week in New Jersey with their backwards ways, so you need a knee or more on the mat to be downed and 12-6 elbows are perfectly legal.

Vanessa Demopoulos has gone 2-3 in her last five fights but she’s on a two fight losing streak and needs to halt that skid here for a little job security. She’s also fighting up at flyweight here on short notice, replacing Tereza Bleda. Jamey-Lyn Horth has traded wins and losses while going 2-2 in the UFC, a pattern she’s going to hope holds a bit longer as she’s coming off of a loss and is trying to avoid her first losing streak. Horth is a pretty heavy favorite at -625 to +455 on Demopoulos.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Vanessa Demopoulos (11-7, 126 lbs.) vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth (7-2, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Horth is five inches taller with a significant six and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Both women miss some kicks, they’re mostly range finding. Bit of a calf kick from Horth. Demopoulos with a right to the body. Horth with another calf kick. Horth has started stance switching now as they move around. Another right to the body from Demopoulos then Horth responds with a body kick. Demopoulos catches a kick and gets a clinch to the fence. They fight for position then trade punches on the break. Horth starts landing rights, Demopoulos is willing to throw back but she’s overmatched. Another left body kick from Horth lands. Front kick from Horth. Demopoulos is just walking into stuff now, it feels like she’s already out of ideas. Right hand from Horth then a few front kicks. Horth unloads with some punches in close the takes Demopoulos down into half guard. Demopoulos tries to work her guard but gets stacked up and kind of squished until the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Horth, borderline 10-8 really

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. A couple of body shots land for Demopoulos then Horth lands a right hook. One two from Horth, she’s mostly southpaw at this point but still will switch as they move around. Body kick from Horth, that one looks like it hurt. More punches from Horth, Demopoulos ties up and looks for a takedown but the size difference is a real problem for her. They trade a few knees while jockeying for position then eventually they break with a left hand from Horth. Leg kick from Horth then a jab. Horth with a right hand. They get close but Horth avoids a takedown attempt. Both women miss kicks. Demopoulos lands a right hand, then they trade a couple of punches. Hard body kick from Horth, Demopoulos is really not liking those. Demopoulos punches into a clinch but she can’t find a takedown. They separate and both women avoid punches. Some more long distance kicks from Horth then they trade punches to close the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Both women come out willing to swing punches then Horth lands a couple of body kicks to settle things down. Demopoulos pushes into a clinch again then trips Horth but they wind up scrambling around and Demopoulos gets to the back standing. Demopoulos pulls things down towards a crab ride but Horth turns into her and gets on top in full guard. A few punches and elbows from Horth land. Demopoulos is really struggling to control posture and Horth is able to land punches before she pulls free and they reset on the feet. Bit of a right from Demopoulos but she ate a knee for it. Body kick from Horth. Bit of a right from Demopoulos but no follow up offense. Horth shows more kicks. Demopoulos runs into a clinch but that just hits the fence and Horth is able to separate. Jab from Demopoulos. Another clinch, they trade punches but Horth is throwing in combination. Jab from Horth. Demopoulos tries an Imanari roll but that doesn’t work and they trade a few more punches to close.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jamey-Lyn Horth via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

No interview for Horth.

Phil Rowe has gone 3-3 in the UFC but he’s on a two fight losing streak and really needs to get back on the winning side of things. Ange Loosa has gone 2-2 with 1 No Contest in the UFC and hasn’t won since 2023, he’s trying to finally get back onto the right side of things and avoid his first losing streak. The odds are close but with Loosa at -180 to a +150 comeback on Rowe.

Welterweight Bout: Ange Loosa (10-4 1 NC, 171 lbs.) vs. Phil Rowe (10-5, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rowe is five inches taller with a significant six and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Bit of a right from Loosa. They trade calf kicks. Another calf kick from Loosa. Right hand from Rowe and Loosa decides that’s enough striking and shoots a double leg which he eventually finishes into half guard against the fence. Rowe is trying to wall walk, Loosa is stripping his posting limbs so far though. Full guard now for Rowe. Not much is going on here, Loosa isn’t getting much offense off. Loosa avoids a guard attack then lands a couple of elbows. Rowe fires a few elbows from his back but again, not much of relevance is happening. They’ll end the round with Loosa still on top.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Loosa

ROUND TWO: Bit of a body kick from Rowe. Loosa with a calf kick. Rowe is showing more kicks and a few stance switches. Bit of a one two from Loosa. Jab from Rowe, Loosa tries a takedown and they wind up hitting the fence this time. Loosa is holding the clinch and looking for a takedown, Rowe pummels though and they separate. Rowe with a few jabs as he’s looking to pressure forward. Right hand from Rowe. Loosa with a right hand to counter a calf kick. Rowe with an uppercut. They trade rights again but Rowe is pushing Loosa towards the fence over and over again. Single leg from Loosa, Rowe scrambles around and up though then they separate. Rowe with some jabs and combination punches, he’s starting to get a feel for Loosa’s defense. Body shot from Rowe. Right hand from Rowe. Knee from Rowe in close then a one two. Loosa’s defense is starting to fall apart. Rowe with a knee then they trade punches in close but it’s Loosa who lands the hard left hook which gets Rowe on his back. Loosa gets on top in full guard but he’s a little tired and just kind of hangs out for the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Loosa but a close one, 20-18 Loosa overall

ROUND THREE: Rowe gets back to some forward motion. Jab from Rowe. They trade rights. Body shot from Rowe then he misses an uppercut. Calf kick from Rowe, Loosa tries a takedown and they hit the fence then he slips to the back standing. Loosa is able to drag things down to the mat into half guard. Rowe is able to get up and they break a clinch without incident. Uppercut then a right hook from Rowe, Loosa has lost his mouthpiece. Rowe with a couple of hooks, he’s got Loosa on the fence now. Loosa blocks a head kick but eats a hard knee to the body. Right hand then another uppercut from Rowe. Rowe keeps looking to pour on the offense, Loosa is wobbled against the fence and Rowe tees off with punches. Loosa tries to clinch and stem the tied but Rowe keeps pounding in right hands and Loosa drops which prompts the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Phil Rowe via TKO, punches, at 4:03 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Rowe for his work. Rowe gets an interview after the comeback, he plays with the crowd then says he’s happy to actually show the fruits of his hard work and finally feels comfortable in here. He knew the fight was close and feels he doesn’t do well with the judges then puts over his team.

Ricky Simon used to be ranked in the division once upon a time but he only broke a three fight losing streak his last time out and now looks for his first winning streak since 2022. Cameron Smotherman replaced Charles Jourdain during fight week and he’s coming off of a loss which snapped a four fight winning streak, now he’s trying to avoid his first UFC losing streak. Given the super short notice replacement it’s not surprising that Simon is a pretty heavy -440 favorite to a +340 comeback on Smotherman.

Bantamweight Bout: Ricky Simon (21-6, 136 lbs.) vs. Cameron Smotherman (12-5, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Smotherman is three inches taller but the reach is identical. Both men feint early. They trade calf kicks. Simon with another calf kick then he tries a head kick which is blocked. Simon jabs then tries a single leg but that hits the fence. Smotherman is trying to defend but Simon elevates and gets the takedown. Smotherman looks to wall walk, Simon moves to the ride position and lands a few punches. Simon is nearly all the way onto the back, he lands a couple more punches but Smotherman is able to get to a knee. Simon pulls him onto his seat and retains control. Again Simon sneaks in a few punches as he keeps Smotherman sitting against the fence. Eventually Simon pulls Smotherman more flat on the mat and into half guard. Smotherman tries to sit up, Simon threatens a guillotine attack for control. Kimura attack from Simon, that gets Smotherman back flat as he’d been trying to stand. Smotherman is able to get his arm safe but positionally he’s back flat on the mat. Simon moves towards full mount and drops an elbow. Simon is riding from full mount to back mount and sneaking in choke attempts or short punches. Smotherman is able to wall walk finally but Simon is still on his back and lands an elbow. Knee from Simon, then another one as he’s holding the back standing. They get chest to chest and that’s where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Simon

ROUND TWO: Both men show jabs to start the round. Simon with a few leg kicks. Left to the body from Simon. Simon with another calf kick. They split a few jabs as they circle. Smotherman misses a right hand. Jab from Simon then a takedown in open space into half guard. Some serious downward pressure from Simon as he’s looking to pass. Elbow from Simon. Smotherman is trying to shrimp, Simon grabs a bit of a cradle for control then spins to the ride when Smotherman goes to his knees. Smotherman is up but Simon is on his back as they hit the fence. They get chest to chest then Simon looks for a level change but Smotherman threatens an ninja choke, Simon gets out of that though. They break without issue. Left hook from Simon to counter a knee. Both men land rights then Simon lands a left to the body. Bit of a jab from Simon. Smotherman misses a front kick to close out the round.

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

ROUND THREE: Smotherman avoids a takedown attempt early. Right hand from Simon. They get close, Simon gets to the back standing then they hit the fence. A few knees from Simon then he tries to level change but Smotherman is blocking that attempt. They both miss punches then Simon hits a double leg against the fence. Smotherman is sitting against the fence and looking to wall walk, Simon keeps the clinch as he does get upright. Elbow from Smotherman on the break. Left to the body from Smotherman. Simon lands a right hand. Both men land punches. Solid right hand from Simon. Simon tries a takedown, that hits the fence and Smotherman grabs a ninja choke to try and dissuade him but the angle isn’t quite right and he bails on it. They break with a left hand from Smotherman. Jab from Simon. Simon with another jab. Smotherman misses a wide right hand. Front kick from Smotherman. Right hand from Smotherman lands. Smotherman with another right. Simon pushes into a clinch but can’t keep it and they wind up swinging to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Smotherman, 29-28 Simon overall

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

Those 30-27’s seem odd to me. No interview for Simon.

Cody Durden has gone 1-2 in his last three fights and most recently lost to rising contender Joshua Van, he’s trying to avoid another losing streak and prove he’s still a viable fighter in the division. Jose Ochoa suffered his first professional loss in his UFC debut last year but fought well enough to still be considered a solid prospect and now he’s looking for that all important first UFC win. Ochoa is the -220 favorite while that +180 comeback on Durden has to be a tempting little value bet.

Flyweight Bout: Cody Durden (17-7-1, 126 lbs.) vs. Jose Ochoa (7-1 1 NC, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: The height and reach is identical. They touch gloves, Ochoa fighting southpaw. Ochoa shows body kicks early. Some side kicks from Ochoa then another body kick. Spinning back fist from Ochoa partially lands. Durden lands an inside leg kick. Thus far Ochoa is fighting well, showing kicks to keep distance and keeping his offense subdued. Durden shoots a takedown, that hits the fence but he’s able to get Ochoa to sit on the fence. Ochoa works to wall walk, he’s up in a clinch and fires a knee before they separate. Combination from Ochoa. A couple of rights from Ochoa land. Durden is struggling to find the range when punching and Ochoa is hitting him to the body and head. Ochoa defends a takedown attempt. Left hand from Ochoa then he fires a couple of blocked head kicks. More offense from Ochoa, the man just isn’t letting up and avoids a takedown. Combination from Ochoa, Durden is starting to break down but they both land punches in close. Takedown from Durden and he’s on top in open space in full guard. They trade strikes on the mat and that’s where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ochoa

ROUND TWO: Ochoa with some quick punches, he wobbles Durden with an uppercut then floors him with a left hook and that’ll do it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jose Ochoa via KO, punches, at :11 of Round 2

Mic time for Ochoa and the translator, he says he’s very happy to get his first UFC win then thanks his team and family. He talks us through the finish and feels everything went pretty perfectly.

Malcolm Wellmaker is undefeated including his UFC debut back in April, now he’s looking to continue that momentum with another impressive win. Kris Moutinho got cut from the UFC back in 2022 but a five fight winning streak was enough to get him back into the UFC and he’s hoping his second debut will earn him his first taste of victory in the UFC. Wellmaker is the biggest favorite on the card at a prohibitive -1650 while that +950 payout on Moutinho has to tempt the degenerate gamblers out there.

Bantamweight Bout: Kris Moutinho (14-6, 136 lbs.) vs. Malcolm Wellmaker (9-0, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Wellmaker is three inches taller and has three and a half inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Moutinho. Wellmaker comes out and goes southpaw to land calf kicks, he seems to like the southpaw look thus far. More calf kicks from Wellmaker then a right hook to the body. Another calf kick from Wellmaker. Wellmaker with another calf kick then a right hook which staggers Moutinho for a second. They get close and Wellmaker swings punches but they wind up clinched. A few body shots from Wellmaker then he pushes Moutinho into the fence. They break without incident. Left hand from Wellmaker. Moutinho grabs a front headlock and lands a knee then Wellmaker responds with an elbow before they fully separate. Moutinho is moving forward a lot thus far, zombie like if you will. Wellmaker goes orthodox now and lands a right hook. Left hand from Wellmaker then a body kick. A final right hook from Wellmaker ENDS Moutinho who face plants.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Malcolm Wellmaker via KO, punch, at 2:37 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Wellmaker for his work. Wellmaker gets an interview after that hellacious knockout, he says his life is a dream and winning near his hometown is so special to him. He talks us through the finish, noting that the body work set up the right hook which ended things. Asked about the future he puts over his team and says whoever is across from him is less important than the guys in his corner.

Michael Chiesa has a two fight winning streak with both of those being finishes, if he can get another win here it’ll be an important step in him making a later career push towards the upper end of the division. Court McGee just broke a three fight losing streak but he’s also trying to make a later career push up through the division and this would represent his first winning streak since 2022. The odds are solidly with Chiesa at -325 to a +260 comeback on McGee.

Welterweight Bout: Michael Chiesa (18-7, 171 lbs.) vs. Court McGee (22-13, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Chiesa is two inches taller but the reach is identical. Southpaw for Chiesa. Both men circle and probe with a few longer range punches. Bit of a right hand from McGee. Both men block a few punches. They both miss punches in close. Glancing inside leg kick from McGee. McGee tries a single leg, that turns into a clinch in open space then they punch free. Right hook from Chiesa. Body shot from McGee then a little left hook. Left to the body from McGee. Right to the body from McGee then he misses a head kick. Chiesa has a kick caught but gets his leg back quickly. Bit of an inside leg kick from McGee then a right to the body. Both men miss punches again, they’re trying to aim at the end of their reaches and aren’t landing much as a result. A body kick from McGee then Chiesa falls a little short with a left hand to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 McGee but could go either way

ROUND TWO: McGee comes out jabbing and looking to move forward. A body kick from McGee strays low so we’ve got a time out. Replay confirms it was a low blow. Chiesa takes a little less thana minute then we’re back to fighting. McGee apologizes on the restart, it was clearly unintentional at least. Jab from Chiesa. Chiesa avoids a single leg attempt. Bit of a left from Chiesa. McGee lands a right hand. Leg kick from McGee and Chiesa falls a little short with his counter punches. Chiesa lands a couple of punches. Short right from McGee in close. They get close and both land blows before they break. Inside calf kick from McGee. Chiesa with a body kick then they clinch up and hit the fence. Little foot sweep from McGee off balances things and Chiesa is forced to disengage. A few sloppy strikes go back and forth in close. They’re just not really able to engage successfully all that much on each other. Chiesa lands a body kick. Body kick from McGee in response. Chiesa avoids a few strikes to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Chiesa but another close one, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: McGee moves forward to start the round but again neither man is landing much. Bit of a jab from Chiesa then McGee lands a couple of body shots. Right to the body from McGee. Chiesa has a high kick blocked then they clinch. McGee has things on the fence and looks for a level change but Chiesa blocks that. They jockey for position in the clinch for a bit while Chiesa peppers in a few knees to the body. Chiesa tries an outside trip but McGee blocks it. They keep jockeying for position and trading some body work. McGee drops for a double leg, briefly gets it but Chiesa wrestles up and free rather quickly. Some forward pressure from McGee now but nothing is really landing. Left hand from Chiesa. Chiesa keeps circling, he feels like he’s won the round I guess. Bit of a body kick from McGee. Chiesa blocks a right hand, then McGee lands a right to the body. Both men land punches in close but Chiesa then circles away. McGee gets to a clinch and that’s where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Chiesa but another dull round, 29-28 Chiesa overall

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

Well that fight sucked. No interview for Chiesa.

Paul Craig is moving back to light heavyweight after a 1-3 run at middleweight and he’s hoping to break his three fight losing streak with a win. Rodolfo Bellato is on a five fight unbeaten streak including being 1-0-1 in the UFC, he’s looking to rebound from a draw his last time out and to more firmly establish himself as a prospect in the division. Bellato is the favorite at -340 while a +270 comeback on Craig might tempt some bettors out there.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Rodolfo Bellato (12-2-1, 205.5 lbs.) vs. Paul Craig (17-9-1, 206 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Craig has half an inch of height and reach advantage, he’s also 8 years older. Both men show a few kicks early as they circle. Calf kick from Bellato. Bellato keeps up the general forward pressure and jabs the body. A few calf kicks from Bellato. They clinch up then break without real incident. Bit of a right hand from Bellato. Craig with a left hook to counter another calf kick. Bellato lands another calf kick. Craig tries a takedown, that doesn’t work though. Craig checks a calf kick then lands a jab. Bellato keeps stalking forward and fights off another takedown attempt. Front kick from Craig then Bellato jabs the body. Body kick from Craig. Spinning back kick from Craig then he tries a single leg but Bellato defends as they hit the fence. Eventually Craig with a bit of a trip but Bellato bounces right up and free. Glancing right hand from Bellato. Craig pulls half guard. Not much goes on on the mat then Bellato is able to stand and land a leg kick then goes back down and takes an illegal up kick which pretty clearly knocks him out. We’re technically in a time out and the doctor comes in to check on Bellato and we get a replay of the up kick to try and determine legality. The replay shows one knee was clearly on the mat for that kick. The fight isn’t going to restart but we’ll get the official ruling next.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – No Contest, illegal up kick, at 4:59 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club disavows this fight.

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

Alonzo Menifield broke a two fight losing streak his last time out which was enough to keep a spot in the top 15 rankings, now he’s trying to defend that spot and then set his sights on people ranked above him moving forward. Oumar Sy is undefeated including two wins in the UFC and if he can extend that to three in a row here he could well find himself ranked and ready to make a more the move from prospect to contender. Sy is a very heavy favorite at -700 to +500 for Menifield.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #15 Alonzo Menifield (16-5-1, 206 lbs.) vs. Oumar Sy (11-0, 206 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Sy is four inches taller with a serious seven inches of reach advantage, he’s also 8 years younger. They touch gloves to get us going. Sy shows a few front kicks early as they circle. Menifield avoids a spinning back fist. Leg kick from Sy then Menifield swings a right hand to counter. Sy with another leg kick. Menifield avoids a high kick. Glancing right hand from Menifield. Sy lands a jab. Bit of a right from Sy. Another jab from Sy. Menifield tries to blitz and partially lands a left hook. We get an eye poke time out, Menifield is the one complaining of it but we can’t find it yet on replay. Ultimately Menifield takes 35 seconds then we’re back to fighting. Sy lands a jab then fires a high kick which is mostly blocked. Menifield misses a right hand. Front kick from Sy. Menifield has gone southpaw now, not sure what he’s seeing with that stance. They tie up and then Menifield lands a left hook. Bit of a right from Menifield to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Menifield

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Sy starts to work his jab a little bit and shows some front kicks as well. Now Sy starts showing some stance switches. Sy tries a takedown, that hits the fence and things stall out a bit. Menifield works to defend some level changes. Eventually Menifield grabs at a standing guillotine but Sy avoids it and keeps looking for a takedown. Not much going on here but Sy is still trying for takedowns. Sy finally hits an outside reap and gets to the ride position. They wrestle around and Menifield is able to stand into another clinch. Sy with a few knees to the leg. The round ends in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Sy I guess, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Menifield swings a couple of body blows in close. Bit of a calf kick from Sy. Calf kick from Menifield. Sy badly misses a right hand. Menifield misses a right hand as well. A couple of calf kicks from Menifield. Both men miss rights again. Sy lands a jab. Man this fight has slowed to a crawl. They’re both kind of just poking a few punches on random occasions with nothing really landing. Sy blocks a few punches. Menifield avoids a high kick. Jab from Sy. The crowd is booing and I can’t blame them. Menifield misses a few punches. Sy avoids a couple of punches then lands a jab. A final exchange of fairly weak punches closes this disappointing fight.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alonzo Menifield via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Well that sucked. No interview for the winner.

Cody Brundage got his first win since 2023 when he stopped Julian Marquez back in March, now he’s looking for his first winning streak since 2023. Mansur Abdul-Malik is undefeated including two stoppage wins in the UFC, he’s looking for a third one here and to begin the transition from prospect towards contender. Abdul-Malik is the biggest favorite on the main card at a whopping -1050 to +675 on Brundage.

Middleweight Bout: Mansur Abdul-Malik (8-0, 186 lbs.) vs. Cody Brundage (11-6 1 NC, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Abdul-Malik is two inches taller with a big eight inches of reach advantage. Both men open with some kicks, mostly range finding stuff. A lot of circling and stance switching from Abdul-Malik. Lots of circling and a little bit of feinting. Brundage lands a bit of a right hand. There’s a whole lot of nothing going on. They get close and Brundage with a bit of a right hand. A couple of calf kicks land for Brundage. Oblique kick from Abdul-Malik. Abdul-Malik avoids some kicks. Front kick up high from Abdul-Malik, that bothers Brundage but Brundage fires a few punches to keep Abdul-Malik from following up. Brundage misses a right hand. They’re both doing a lot of stance switching but not a lot of landing strikes. Abdul-Malik misses a flying knee then Brundage lands a punch and that’ll close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Brundage but could go either way

ROUND TWO: And we’re back to circling, stance switching, and probing with kicks. Brundage misses a right hand but he’s trying to pressure forward a little bit. They trade calf kicks. Even commentary is running out of things to talk about. Bit of forward motion from Abdul-Malik, he lands a right hand. Body kick from Abdul-Malik then they trade punches, nice of them to finally realize this is a fight after 7 minutes. Abdul-Malik misses a right hand. There’s a cut behind the left ear of Brundage, not sure what caused it. Bit of a knee from Abdul-Malik but we’re mostly back to the circling and non-action. Abdul-Malik misses a left hook. Bit of a right from Abdul-Malik. Brundage lands a calf kick. Right to the body from Brundage. Abdul-Malik moves forward then misses a spinning back kick. They circle for the final 10 seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Abdul-Malik but who knows, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They finally decide to fight and both men start swinging wildly in close for a bit. They reset but Abdul-Malik is getting the better of things, he hits a stepping knee and Brundage is down then Abdul-Malik lands enough punches to get the ref to save us from the fight starting to suck again. Brundage complains that he was dropped by a headbutt, replay confirms that is what happened and the knee missed. So we’re going to a technical decision it looks like. Brendan Fitzgerald, normally quite good, seems to have forgotten we were in the third round.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mansur Abdul-Malik via unanimous technical decision (30-27, 29-28 x2) at :36 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club wants not part of this one. Abdul-Malik does get an interview for some reason, he thanks God and feels this fight will only make him better then apologizes for the headbutt. He plans to get better going forward and puts over Brundage again.

Cody Garbrandt is a former bantamweight champion but he’s been really up and down for the last couple of years, most recently he suffered a loss to Deiveson Figueiredo and now he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak since 2021. Raoni Barcelos had some good momentum back in 2020 but a few losses and some bad luck with fights falling out led to some serious cooling of that, but he is on a two fight winning streak right now though and could score his highest profile win if he can get by the former champion. The odds closed favoring Barcelos at -260 while +210 on Garbrandt might be a tempting little value bet.

Bantamweight Bout: Raoni Barcelos (19-5, 136 lbs.) vs. Cody Garbrandt (14-6, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Garbrandt is an inch taller while Barcelos has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Quick attack from Garbrandt, mostly blocked. They trade in close then Barcelos throws Garbrandt aside. Pressure from Barcelos now as both men seem to have settled a bit. Garbrandt lands a right hand that briefly drops Barcelos but he bounces up quickly. Barcelos is able to land a couple punches of his own as he starts backing Garbrandt up again. Right from Barcelos then they tie up, knee from Barcelos before they break and Garbrandt is cut around the right eyebrow. Garbrandt keeps looking to blitz but Barcelos is blocking or avoiding them thus far. Bit of a right from Barcelos. Garbrandt misses a left hook. They tie up then break without incident. Barcelos misses an uppercut but that was real close. Calf kick from Barcelos. A left hand from Garbrandt in close bothers Barcelos but Barcelos fires back with a right hand out of a brief clinch. Barcelos tries a takedown but Garbrandt is able to defend. Takedown from Barcelos and he gets on top in side control just before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Garbrandt but a competitive one

ROUND TWO: Barcelos pushes forward, bit of a left hand from him then he starts looking for takedowns. They wind up clinched on the fence. Garbrandt is able to slip free but takes a glancing right hand for his trouble. Barcelos blocks and slips a few punches. Garbrandt is circling right now, still mostly being pressured. Bit of a right from Barcelos. Calf kick from Barcelos. Barcelos tries a single leg, that hits the fence then Barcelos lands a right hand. Garbrandt avoids another clinch but he’s struggling to get off the fence. Barcelos lands a knee as Garbrandt is trying to avoid a clinch. Garbrandt misses a couple of punches. Left hook from Barcelos but Garbrandt avoids a tie up and lands an elbow. Bit of a right from Barcelos then a jab. Uppercut from Barcelos then they tie up and Barcelos lands a right hand after Garbrandt avoids a single leg. Another right from Barcelos lands. Right to the body from Barcelos, Garbrandt seems to be slowing and reacting poorly. Barcelos blocks a few punches then gets back on pressure. Glancing right from Barcelos. Jab from Barcelos then a hard right, Garbrandt reaches for a single leg but the round ends before that could develop more.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Barcelos, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Barcelos gets back to forward pressure and lands a right hand to counter a body kick. Both men land punches in close. Inside leg kick from Barcelos then a calf kick to follow. Clubbing right from Barcelos, he’s got Garbrandt on the fence again and lands another calf kick. One two from Barcelos. Calf kick from Barcelos off balances Garbrandt, Garbrandt wrestles up and Barcelos uses a front headlock for control as they hit the fence. Barcelos is able to slip free then pushes Garbrandt back again. They both land short punches. One two from Barcelos stuns Garbrandt for a second, Garbrandt tries a takedown but Barcelos uses a front headlock to again control then he spins to the ride position. Garbrandt tries to wrestle around on a single leg but Barcelos punches him then gets the back with one hook in. Choke attack from Barcelos as he gets the second hook in but Garbrandt defends the choke. Garbrandt kicks off the fence and turns into Barcelos and Barcelos scrambles up and they trade punches in close with both men landing. Barcelos avoids a takedown and lands a bit of a right. Garbrandt wants a final exchange but Barcelos declines and the round ends.

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

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Raoni Barcelos via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Well that was fun and broke the really bad streak of fights before it. Mic time for Barcelos and the translator, he puts over Garbrandt then talks about needing to be ready for everything in this fight. Asked what he wants next he would like to fight Rob Font. Reasonable call out.

Edmen Shahbazyan has been really up and down in the UFC, he opened his time here pretty hot but a loss to Derek Brunson really derailed him as a lot of fighters seem to have figured out his game in the wake of that loss in 2020. Shahbazyan did get a win his last time out and now looks for his first winning streak since 2019. Andre Petroski is on a three fight winning streak and if he can get that to four here he might be in line for a shot at some ranked opposition next. Shahbazyan closed at -150 against a +125 comeback for Petroski.

Middleweight Bout: Andre Petroski (13-3, 186 lbs.) vs. Edmen Shahbazyan (14-5, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Shahbazyan is two and a half inches taller with two inches of reach advantage. Both men show some lead hand work to start. Bit of a calf kick from Petroski. Petroski is doing some stance switching, he seems happier in southpaw. Front kick from Shahbazyan. They both keep trying to make their jab work, neither is getting much going off of it yet. Bit of a left hook from Shahbazyan. They tie up, Petroski wants a takedown but Shahbazyan defends then spins free. A few jabs from Shahbazyan land then a left hook which bothers Petroski. Shahbazyan avoids a takedown attempt. Solid jab from Shahbazyan, he’s got Petroski backing up and lands a right to the body as well. Body kick from Shahbazyan. Petroski with a calf kick but he eats a couple of punches which close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Shahbazyan

ROUND TWO: Both men pick up where they left off. Shahbazyan lands a jab. Shahbazyan misses a few punches but he’s getting Petroski to the fence pretty reliably. Right to the body from Petroski. We get a brief time out for an eye poke, nothing major and we’re back to fighting after 45 seconds. Bit of a right from Petroski. Shahbazyan lands a jab. Glancing right from Shahbazyan. Petroski starts moving forward and tries a takedown then slips to the back standing. Shahbazyan gets free and they both fire elbows as they break. Pretty solid right hand from Petroski. Shahbazyan lands a right of his own. Counter one two from Petroski. Shahbazyan with a body kick, then another one. Petroski avoids a head kick. Both men land punches in the pocket. A couple of body shots from Shahbazyan land. Petroski takes a jab to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Shahbazyan but a close one, 20-18 Shahbazyan overall

ROUND THREE: Shahbazyan comes out jabbing again and getting Petroski to back up. We get a time out as we got a clash of heads in close. The ref tells them both to watch it and we’re back to fighting after a hair over 30 seconds. Right hand from Shahbazyan. Another right from Shahbazyan, Petroski is swinging a little wild then tries a takedown but Shahbazyan quickly regains his feet. Bit of a combination from Shahbazyan. Some leg kicks from Shahbazyan as he’s getting Petroski towards the fence again. Shahbazyan misses a high kick. Body kick from Petroski then Shahbazyan lands a left to the body. Petroski keeps falling just a little short with his punches. Body kick from Shahbazyan, then another one and Petroski goes down, not sure if that was body or his arm breaking from blocking them. Shahbazyan makes Petroski stand back up after he can’t get a quick finish. Bit of a high kick from Shahbazyan. Shahbazyan defends a single leg but Petroski does land a knee in close. Jab from Shahbazyan. Petroski blocks a high kick. Shahbazyan with a couple of leg kicks then a one two. Petroski misses a few punches to close the round.

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

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

No interview for Shahbazyan but that was a very mature performance from him overall.

Rose Namajunas is a former two time strawweight champion but since moving up to flyweight she’s gone just 2-2 and is coming off of a loss to Erin Blanchfield, if she wants to make a move to the title picture she can ill afford another loss here. Miranda Maverick had some hype earlier in her UFC career but some key losses hurt that, fortunately she’s on a four fight winning streak now and has the chance to score the biggest win of her career if she can best the former champion. The odds like Namajunas at -240 while a Maverick win would payout at +195.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: #11 Miranda Maverick (15-5, 126 lbs.) vs. #7 Rose Namajunas (13-7, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Namajunas is an inch and a half taller while Maverick has half an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Maverick. Both women show some early kicks as they circle and feint. They both land a few jabs but nothing serious. Bit of a right from Namajunas. They both land some punches in close. A couple of lefts land for Maverick. Inside leg kick from Maverick. Namajunas looks to feint her way in close, she avoids a few kicks then lands a right hand. Left hand from Maverick briefly off balances Namajunas. They both land power hand punches. Spinning back fist from Maverick partially lands. Left hook from Namajunas. Body kick from Maverick then Namajunas lands a couple of body punches. Namajunas is starting to switch her stance, she tries a takedown and gets to the back standing. They hit the fence but Maverick gets chest to chest and they trade punches then break. Both women miss punches. Maverick with a body kick. Both women land some punches. Namajunas avoids a blitz then there’s a bit of a body kick from Maverick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Namajunas but a close one

ROUND TWO: Namajunas opens with a combination of punches. Maverick avoids a few punches. Body kick from Maverick. Namajunas avoids a few kicks then Maverick lands a calf kick. Namajunas with a takedown, well timed that one, and she’s on top in full guard. Maverick climbs her guard up high but can’t maintain it. Namajunas passes to half guard, Maverick rolls to her knees and looks to stand but Namajunas lands punches from the ride position. Namajunas jumps to the backpack but she’s too high and bails to keep the back standing. Now Namajunas pulls things back to the mat but she only has one hook in. Maverick keeps working to scramble but Namajunas is riding her well. Choke attempt from Namajunas, only one hook in but the grip is dangerous. Maverick is able to break the choke and come up on top attacking an arm triangle. The arm triangle is tight, short time though and Namajunas is going to try and hold on. Maverick gets to side control but Namajunas escapes and Maverick gets to her back and lands punches as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Maverick but another close one, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Both women get back to feinting and moving. Maverick gets a clinch and pushes things into the fence. Bit of a left from Maverick as they break then she shoots again and presses Namajunas into the fence. Maverick looks to step around for a trip but Namajunas is able to get out of the clinch and reset. Front kick from Namajunas. A counter left hook from Namajunas drops Maverick, she gets on top in half guard. A few punches from Namajunas on the mat but things are slowing a bit. Arm triangle attack from Namajunas now but Maverick defends and gets her arm out of danger. Sweep from Maverick and she’s on top briefly but Namajunas keeps the scramble going and gets back on top in side control. Maverick gets full guard but there’s 40 seconds left in the round. They’ll end the round on the mat.

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

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

Mic time for Namajunas, she feels the third round secured the fight for her. She talks about getting out of the arm triangle in the second and mentions Maverick fought differently than when they practiced. Asked about the future she is ready to fight for the title, I find that doubtful, then sends love to some friends and family.

Kamaru Usman is a former welterweight champion and to my mind he’s the second best fighter in the divisions history behind only the great Georges Saint-Pierre, but he’s on a three fight losing streak right now and at age 38 plus his history of knee issues, and frankly considering that he hasn’t fought since October of 2023 there’s a real chance that this fight represents his last chance at proving he’s still an elite level welterweight. Joaquin Buckley has gone 6-0 since moving to welterweight and he’s scored stoppages in his last couple of wins over former title challengers Stephen Thompson and Colby Covington, now he’s looking to add a former champion to his resume and make the case he should be in the title picture going forward. Buckley closed as the -225 favorite to Usman’s +185.

Welterweight Bout: #5 Kamaru Usman (20-4, 171 lbs.) vs. #7 Joaquin Buckley (21-6, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Usman is two inches taller but the reach is identical. Southpaw for Buckley. Some lead hand fighting from both men to start as they circle. Usman with a headbutt in close, he gets away with it though. Buckley pushes close but Usman gets under him and moves for a takedown against the fence. It takes a moment but Usman is able to finish the takedown into half guard. Not much going on here, Usman has good control going on but not real offense yet. Buckley starts working to wall walk but Usman pulls his legs out and lands a couple of short elbows. Buckley gets full guard but he really needs to get up. Usman lands a few punches. Usman passes to half guard. A few more hammer fists from Usman, Buckley has a small cut around the right eyebrow at this point. That’s where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Usman

ROUND TWO: Buckley with a bit of a left hand to start the second round. Right uppercut from Buckley. Side kick from Buckley, that caught Usman at an odd angle but he recovers quickly. Usman blocks a few punches, then so does Buckley. Both men land power hand punches in close. Double leg from Usman, well timed but ugly though it works and he’s on top against the fence. Buckley can’t spend the rest of the round here, he’s able to catch half guard and tries to start wall walking but Usman is constantly hooking his legs and pulling his weight off the fence. Closed guard now for Buckley, that’s a bad sign. Usman with some punches and he moves to half guard. Short elbows from Usman and he’s keeping Buckley from starting to wall walk. A few more elbows from Usman then he passes towards full mount. That’s where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Usman, borderline 10-8 by the end there, 20-18 Usman overall

ROUND THREE: Buckley falls short with a few punches then lands a leg kick. Some stance switching from Buckley now as he circles but he’s still mostly southpaw. Right hook from Buckley lands. Bit of an uppercut from Buckley. Buckley is starting to angle a bit when they get close and it’s opening up a few punching lanes for him. Pretty solid left hand from Buckley off balances Usman for a second. They trade jabs. Solid right hook from Buckley. Usman tries a single leg, they hit the fence and he’s able to finish it into half guard again. Usman mounts the legs and lands some punches, Buckley is still unable to get up. Buckley finally is able to get to a knee, Usman keeps punching him though and leans over him in the ride position and Buckley gives up to sink back to his seat. Buckley pulls himself to a knee again but Usman moves to mount and lands punches as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Usman but the closest one so far, 30-27 Usman overall

ROUND FOUR: Body kick from Usman, Buckley responds with a head kick that’s mostly blocked. Usman avoids a few punches. Side kick from Buckley. Usman avoids a few more punches. Bit of a left from Buckley in close. They both land punches in close again. Bit of an uppercut from Buckley then he avoids a single leg. Buckley side kicks the knee, he should have been doing that much earlier. Right hand from Usman. Double leg from Usman, it hits the fence but this time Buckley is kind of defending. After a moment Usman is able to finish the takedown into half guard. Usman lands a few punches. Buckley tries to start a wall walk but he can’t get height on Usman and Usman moves to the ride then lands some more strikes. That’s where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Usman, 40-36 Usman overall

ROUND FIVE: Buckley comes out showing the jab then fires a combination. Usman avoids a few punches. Buckley avoids a single leg attempt. Another takedown attempt from Usman but again Buckley defends. Buckley lands a couple of punches in close. Left hand from Buckley. Usman avoids a left hand. Double leg from Usman, they hit the fence but this time Buckley spins away and separates. Usman avoids an uppercut but fails on another takedown. Buckley lands a left hand. Usman avoids a few punches then forces a clinch to the fence. Buckley spins free after a bit and resets with 1:20 left. Bit of a left hand from Buckley. Another left from Buckley partially lands. Usman avoids a few punches, he’s mostly playing defense. Buckley lands a left hand, that stuns Usman for a second but he circles away. Buckley misses an uppercut and wont find his miracle comeback before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Buckley, 49-46 Usman overall

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

Mic time for Usman because this hasn’t been enough of a drag of an event. He gets emotional and can’t really speak at first then says it feels good to win and he needed this one to prove he can still win at the highest level. He thanks the fans for coming out. Asked about the fight he knew the fight would be tough and tells everyone to shut up about his knees since he can still win. He says he can do this to anyone in the division then puts over his team and feels the knockouts will follow. To close he gives more gratitude to pretty much everyone then says he’s still the boogeyman at welterweight.

Buckley gets some mic time as well, he says it’s an honor to have fought with Usman and he’s just happy to have been here. This isn’t the end for him and he feels he’ll be back.

On that note UFC on ESPN 69 comes to a close. What a mostly dismal event. We’ll be breaking down all the fallout on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast, plus looking ahead to UFC on ABC 8 from Azerbaijan next week. I’ll be back for that event and I hope you will too. Until then thank you for reading, be that live or after the fact, stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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