Tag: Brad Tavares

Brad Tavares proud to tie Michael Bisping’s win record at UFC on ESPN 65

Brad Tavares tied Michael Bisping’s UFC middleweight win record by beating Gerald Meerschaert, but he wants more accolades.

LAS VEGAS – UFC middleweight veteran [autotag]Brad Tavares[/autotag] has caught up to Hall of Famer [autotag]Michael Bisping[/autotag] in the record books.

On the main card of UFC on ESPN 65 at the UFC Apex, Tavares (21-10 MMA, 16-10 UFC) ended a two-fight skid with a unanimous decision win over Gerald Meerschaert. It was a significant result for Tavares, who proved doubters wrong while also making history.

“I think for one, it ties me for the most wins in UFC middleweight history,” Tavares told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference. “Two, I think it just shows the rest of the division that if anyone thought I was on my way out, or whatever they were thinking, that I’m still here, I’m still learning, I’m still growing.

“I feel like I still have room, as crazy as it is, I’ve been in it 20-plus fights, 15 years, and I still feel like I have that mentality that I can do more, I can do better. I can still evolve. There’s a lot more things that we were working on that I wasn’t able to show tonight.”

The win over Meerschaert (37-19 MMA, 12-11 UFC) was Tavares’ 16th victory in the middleweight division, tying Bisping for most in division history. He already held the record for most fight time and is also first in the record books with 14 middleweight decision victories. Tavares is also tied with Neil Magny for most decision wins in the promotion’s overall history.

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“To be honest, the stats thing, it’s important, I like it,” Tavares said. “I’m humbled by it, but it’s not something I really think about or look forward to. Tonight, I didn’t even realize that. I knew I was up there close to Mike or whatever, I didn’t know if I was past him or whatnot.

“Like I said, I don’t really pay attention too much. But he brought it to my attention in the post-fight interview. I was like, ‘Oh, yeah! I caught you Mike.’ … Nothing but respect for that guy and all he’s accomplished.”

While Tavares said he doesn’t really focus on the numbers, he admitted he is looking forward to passing Bisping with another win.

Check out Tavares full post-fight interview in the video above.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 65.

UFC on ESPN 65 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay: Middleweight veterans lead earners

UFC Vegas 105 fighters took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay, a program that continued after the UFC’s deal with Venum.

LAS VEGAS – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 65 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $161,000.

The program, a comprehensive plan that includes outfitting requirements, media obligations and other items under the fighter code of conduct, replaces the previous payments made under the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy.

UFC on ESPN 65 took place at the UFC Apex. The card aired on ESPN and streamed on ESPN+.

The full UFC on ESPN 65 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:

* * * *

[autotag]Lerone Murphy[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Josh Emmett[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Pat Sabatini[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Joanderson Brito[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]ChangHo Lee[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Cortavious Romious[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Brad Tavares[/autotag]: $21,000
def. [autotag]Gerald Meerschaert[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Ode Osbourne[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Luis Gurule[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Torrez Finney[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Robert Valentin[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Dione Barbosa[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Diana Belbita[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Rhys McKee[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Daniel Frunza[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Loma Lookboonmee[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Istela Nunes[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Victor Henry[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Pedro Falcao[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Martin Buday[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Uran Satybaldiev[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Talita Alencar[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Vanessa Demopoulos[/autotag]: $6,000

Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program’s payout tiers, which appropriate the money generated by Venum’s multi-year sponsorship with the UFC, fighters are paid based on their total number of UFC bouts, as well as Zuffa-era WEC fights (January 2007 and later) and Zuffa-era Strikeforce bouts (April 2011 and later). Fighters with 1-3 bouts receive $4,000 per appearance; 4-5 bouts get $4,650; 6-10 bouts get $6,000; 11-15 bouts earn $11,000; 16-20 bouts pocket $16,000; and 21 bouts and more get $21,000. Additionally, champions earn $32,000 while title challengers get $42,000.

In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-65 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.

Full 2025 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:

Year-to-date total: $2,279,000
2024 total: $8,280,500
2023 total: $8,188,000
2022 total: $8,351,500
2021 total: $6,167,500
Program-to-date total: $33,296,500

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 65.

UFC on ESPN 65 live updates: Results, round-by-round coverage of every fight

Check out live round-by-round updates and official results from UFC on ESPN 65 in Las Vegas.

UFC on ESPN 65 took place Saturday, MMA Junkie had you covered with round-by-round coverage and official results throughout the event. UFC on ESPN 65 took place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas (ESPN, ESPN+).

Josh Emmett (19-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC) took on unbeaten featherweight Lerone Murphy (16-0-1 MMA, 8-0-1 UFC) in the main event. In the 145-pound co-feature, Joanderson Brito (17-5-1 MMA, 5-3 UFC) met Pat Sabatini (20-5 MMA, 7-2 UFC).

Check out our round-by-round updates and official results below.

Enjoy the fights, everyone.

UFC on ESPN 65 lineup

MAIN CARD (ESPN2/ESPN+, 9 p.m. ET)

  • Lerone Murphy def. Josh Emmett via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)
  • Pat Sabatini def. Joanderson Brito via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
  • ChangHo Lee def. Cortavious Romious via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:48
  • Brad Tavares def. Gerald Meerschaert via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Ode Osbourne def. Luis Gurule via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 1:54
  • Torrez Finney def. Robert Valentin via split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN2/ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET)

  • Dione Barbosa def. Diana Belbita via submission (arm triangle) – Round 1, 4:13
  • Rhys McKee def. Daniel Frunza via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) – Round 1, 5:00
  • Loma Lookboonmee def. Istela Nunes via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Victor Henry def. Pedro Falcao via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Martin Buday def. Uran Satybaldiev via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Talita Alencar def. Vanessa Demopoulos via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Josh Emmett vs. Lerone Murphy

Round 1 – No glove touch here as they begin the feel-out process. Only one punch lands in the first minute. Murphy offers a front kick. A left jab follows a moment later. Emmett steps in closer and rips a fast combination. Murphy lands an elbow in the exchange, opening a cut on Emmett’s forehead. The action slows as they circle each other, offering single strikes. Murphy lands a solid leg kick and Emmett fires off a combination. Emmett catches a kick and drives Murphy to the ground, but the fight doesn’t stay there.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Murphy.

Round 2 – Emmett pressures immediately, looking to land punches. He closes in to look for a takedown, but ends up lifting Murphy high in the air and dropping him for a big slam. Emmett takes top position on the mat. Murphy finds a way to slap on a ninja choke, creating enough space to scramble back to his feet. A spinning back kick from Murphy lands nicely to the body, promting Emmett to close in to wrestle. Murphy gets a space for a nice knee to the body. Emmett adjusts his single leg attempt, but Murphy gets free. A solid leg kick for Murphy. A few moments later, Murphy digs in a kick to the body.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Murphy.

Round 3 – Murphy lands a short elbow and a kick. Emmett comes forward with a nice combination of punches. Murphy side kicks to the knee. A fast right hand finds the target for Murphy. Emmett answers nicely with a clean punch. Emmett feints a takedown shot, causing Murphy to look for a counter, but he slips. Emmett takes advantage by closing in to look for a takedown. Murphy keeps things standing and returns to the center. Murphy pokes Emmett, pausing the fight. The referee warns to take a point if it happens again. The action resumes with Murphy offering high kicks. Emmett rips a 1-2. Murphy kicks to the body nicely and adds another oblique kick. Emmett catches the next kick attempt and shoves Murphy to the ground. Emmett takes top position, looking for ground and pound. Murphy quickly escapes, though, returning back to his feet. Murphy lands a front kick before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Murphy.

Round 4 – Murphy comes out looking for a kick. Emmett presses forward with punches and a leg kick. A hard leg kick from Murphy takes Emmett off balance. Emmett looks for a jumping knee a moment later. Murphy digs in another solid kick to the body. Emmett responds with a powerful right hand. Another not far behind it as he comes forward. Murphy goes back to the leg kick. Emmett gets annoyed with the oblique kicks and just walks forward with his hands down. Murphy keeps circling, but Emmett finds home for a right hand. Emmett keeps giving chase and lands another right. Murphy circles out and lands a left and a front kick. Emmett shoots in for a double leg. In the clinch, Murphy lands an elbow to the head, opening a cut on the back of the head.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Emmett.

Round 5 – They touch gloves to start the final frame. Murphy offers a head kick. Emmett looks to land a right hand. Murphy misses a leg kick and Emmett lands a right hand. Murphy goes high with another kick. Murphy lands a solid left hand. Emmett steps in with a big right hand and immediately looks for the takedown. Murphy shakes free and returns to the center. Emmett comes forward with punches as Murphy circles on the outside now. Murphy lands a hard left hand! Emmett is wobbled! Murphy points to the canvas, but doesn’t stand and bang. Emmett wants to brawl now and mocks Murphy for running. Emmett can’t land a big punch in the closing seconds.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Murphy giving him the fight, 49-46.

Result: Lerone Murphy def. Josh Emmett via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)
Recap: UFC on ESPN 65: Lerone Murphy frustrates Josh Emmett, stays unbeaten
Social media reaction: ‘Well deserved win’: Fighters react to Lerone Murphy’s victory over Josh Emmett at UFC on ESPN 65
Photos: UFC on ESPN 65: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Emmett (19-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC), Murphy (16-0-1 MMA, 8-0-1 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog
Judging: Ben Cartlidge (48-47), Eric Colon (49-46), Sal D’Amato (48-47)

Joanderson Brito vs. Pat Sabatini

Round 1 – They touch gloves to start, and Sabatini offers the first kick. Sabatini then shoots in for a takedown, and gets it. Brito looks for the guillotine counter, but Sabatini applies pressure for the Von Flue choke. Brito gets his arm free and now has to deal with Sabatini on top. Brito gets his back to the cage, but Sabatini peels him away. Brito looks to explode, but Sabatini slaps on a front headlock. Brito gets out, goes for a guillotine, and Sabatini slams him to the canvas. Another Von Flue attempt for Sabatini, but it’s not there. Sabatini with big ground and pound to close out the round.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Sabatini.

Round 2 – Brito comes out kicking, and stuffs a takedown shot from Sabatini. Brito looks for a right hand but then can’t stop the next takedown from Sabatini. Brito inches himself closer to the fence. Sabatini stays heavy on top and adds a few punches to the head. Midway through the round, and Brito is still flattened out. A few more clean punches from the top for Sabatini. Brito tries to explode, but can’t improve.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Sabatini.

Round 3 – Sabatini offers a jumping switch kick. Brito lands an overhand, but Sabatini rushes foward to create a takedown. Brito looks for the guillotine, but Sabatini stays calm and gets his head out. Once again, Brito is flattened out with Sabatini on top. Sabatini postures up for a moment to land punches. As the time ticks away, Sabatini eventually finds space to rain down a few hard elbows. Brito gives up his back. Sabatini looks for a rear-naked choke but the horn sounds.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-8 for Sabatini, giving him the fight 30-26.

Result: Pat Sabatini def. Joanderson Brito via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
Photos: UFC on ESPN 65: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Brito (17-5-1 MMA, 5-3 UFC), Sabatini (20-5 MMA, 7-2 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson
Judging: Sal D’Amato (30-26), Chris Leben (30-27), David Lethaby (30-27)

ChangHo Lee vs. Cortavious Romious

Round 1 – Romious pumps out the right jab to score early. Lee comes forward with punches, sparking an early heated exchange. Lee then looks for the level change. Romious puts up solid resistance, but Lee finds a trip to get the takedown. Lee takes full mount, but Romious stays calm and works up to his feet. Romious puts the pressure on for a takedown and gets it. Romious goes for a submission as Lee gives up his back, but gets too high and slides off. Now Lee finds Romious’ back and hammers short punches. Lee gets a body triangle locked in as he continues to offer short punches. Lee goes for a rear-naked choke, but it’s not there. Romious attempts to scramble up, but Lee slaps on another choke. Blood from a cut on Romious’ eye is pooling on the canvas. Romious gets out, but Lee postures up to rain down ground and pound. Romious actively defends and manages to reverse position. Lee reverses back to top control before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Lee.

Round 2 – They slap hands and get into another furious exchange to start the round. Unfortunately, a knee from Lee goes south, causing the fight to pause. On the restart, they get right back into another wild exchange of strikes. The fight goes to the ground and it’s Romious taking Lee’s back. Lee stays calm and shakes Romious off, landing in top position. Lee gets in a couple of short punches before Romious gets to his feet. The clinch continues, and Romious attempts to step over to take the back. It doesn’t work, but Romious does find an armbar attempt. Lee gets out of it. Two minutes to go. Lee takes Romious’ back and starts raining down hard punches. The referee steps in closer. Romious turns to get his back on the canvas. Full mount for Lee, and he’s still raining down hard strikes! Romious can’t improve his position and there’s the stoppage!

Result: ChangHo Lee def. Cortavious Romious via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:48
Recap: UFC on ESPN 65 video: ChangHo Lee puts bantamweights on notice, pounds out Cortavious Romious
Photos: UFC on ESPN 65: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Lee (11-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC), Romious (9-4 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni

Gerald Meerschaert vs. Brad Tavares

Round 1 – They touch gloves, and it’s Tavares coming forward quickly with the left jab. Meerschaert answers with a punch of his own. Taveras sits on a nice right hand, prompting Meerschaert to charge forward for the clinch. Tavares calmly works out of the position and they return to the center. Meerschaert offers a left and threatens a takedown, but doesn’t commit. A moment later, another single leg attempt is nicely defended by Tavares. They exchange punches, Tavares getting the better of it with a right hand. Tavares kicks to the body. The action slows to single-strike offerings, but out of nowwhere Tavares blasts Meerschaert with a hard two-punch combo. Tavares goes to the same combo again, landing it just as well.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Tavares.

Round 2 – Another glove touch starts the round. Tavares steps in with a hard 1-2, blasting Meerschaert. Tavares then sweeps Meerschaert off his feet with a well-timed calf kick. Meerschaert gets up and fires off a combination of his own. Meerschaert gets a clinch, but Tavares gets out of it. Meerschaert comes forward with punches. Tavares circles to land a clean right hand as the action heats up. Meerschaert fights his way into another clinch into the fence. Tavares gets away with two minutes remaining. Meerschaert digs in a nice kick to the body. Another takedown is denied. Tavares cracks with a right hand. A big exchange of punches sees Tavares losing his balance. A moment later, Tavares gets it right back with a hard 1-2, causing Meerschaert to stumble.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Tavares.

Round 3 – One more glove touch and they immediately trade punches. Tavares over-extends looking for a big punch. After resetting, Meerschaert charges forward, but Tavares’ takedown defense continues to shine. Meerschaert stays attached to the back in a standing position, repeatedly attempting to trip Tavares as the time ticks away. Tavares gets chest-to-chest with two minutes to go. Meerschaert keeps working for the takedown as the referee threatens to separate the position. With 70 seconds to go, they are separated. Meerschaert comes forward with a combination into a clinch. Tavares circles out with 20 seconds to go. Meerschaert looks for a coupe of head kicks, but they’re not there for him.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Meerschaert, but the fight goes to Tavares, 29-28.

Result: Brad Tavares def. Gerald Meerschaert via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: UFC on ESPN 65: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Meerschaert (37-19 MMA, 12-11 UFC), Tavares (21-10 MMA, 16-10 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Mike Beltran
Judging: Sal D’Amato, Junichiro Kamijo, David Lethaby

Luis Gurule vs. Ode Osbourne

Round 1 – They touch gloves and Gurule starts the action with a kick to the body. Osbourne responds with one of his own. They exchange more kicks to the legs and to the body as Osbourne controls from the center. Osbourne comes forward with a punching combo. Gurule kicks to the body. Osbourne rips another quick two-punch combo, then kicks high. Gurule closes in for a big takedown. Two minutes to go. Gurule steps into full mount, but Osbourne gets back to half guard immediately. Gurule adds a couple of short elbows to the head. Osbourne patiently works his way back to the feet. They exchange kicks before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Gurule.

Round 2 – They touch ’em up and get back to exchanging kicks to the body and legs. Osbourne lands a right hand. Gurule changes levels, gets caught with a punch to the body, but still presses Osbourne into the fence. He bails on the takedown attempt. Osbourne lands a nice combo. Gurule closes in, but gets caught with another combo. Gurule comes forward again, but Osbourne floors him with a counter punch! Osbourne pauses as if it’s a clean KO, but he sees Gurule is still somewhat with it. Osbourne adds the follow-up strikes to get the stoppage!

Result: Ode Osbourne def. Luis Gurule via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 1:54
Recap: UFC Vegas 105 video: Ode Osbourne sends Luis Gurule flying for TKO upset
Photos: UFC on ESPN 65: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Gurule (10-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC), Osbourne (13-8 MMA, 5-6 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog

Torrez Finney vs. Rob Valentin

Round 1 – Finney quickly takes the center of the cage to close the distance on Valentin. After a moment of looking for an opening, Finney shoots in and lifts Valentin on his shoulders like a sack of potatoes. He carries Valentin over to his corner and slams him. Valentin quickly gets to his feet, but is promptly returned to the mat. Valentin works his way up to his feet with Finney attached to his hips. Valentin turns into Finney and elbows the head. Finney yanks the legs out for another takedown. Finney looks to keep control on the ground, but Valentin gets to his feet again. Another mat return for Finney, but Valentin gets up. Finney pulls the legs out again, and this time he adds a couple of punches.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Finney.

Round 2 – Valentin looks to land a few strikes but he can’t stop Finney from getting a quick takedown. Valentin threatens a kimura from the bottom and then a triangle choke. Finney works out of both while maintaining top position. Valentin looks for an armbar next, but pays for it as Finney lifts and slams him to the canvas. Finney takes control of the back but eventually gets too high and slides off. Valentin scrambles to his feet, but Finney stays attached to a single leg. The round concludes in the clinch.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Finney.

Round 3 – Valentin comes forward aggressively with strikes, putting the pressure on Finney. However, he’s unable to stop Finney from charging forward and putting him into the cage. Nothing comes of the takedown and the referee separates them. Finney doesn’t spend much time in space as he charges forward to look for another takedown. Valentin adds a couple of elbows to the head in the stalled position. The referee separates them again. Finney immediately rushes forward for another takedown. Valentin punches to the head as he gets back to his feet while Finney holds on to the hips. The referee separates them again. Finney immediately charges forward again. Valentin keeps punching while defending the takedown.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Valentin, but the fight goes to Finney 29-28.

Result: Torrez Finney def. Robert Valentin via split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: UFC on ESPN 65: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Finney (11-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Valentin (10-5 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Mike Beltran
Judging: Ben Cartlidge (29-28), Junichiro Kamijo (29-28), Tony Weeks (27-30)

Dione Barbosa vs. Diana Belbita

Round 1 – They touch gloves and Barbosa connects with a quick left jab. A 1-2 is not far behind it. Belbita looks for a left hand as they exchange. Belbita lands a nice leg kick. They continue to trade punches and kicks as they cover all corners of the octagon. Belbita lands a clean right hand. Barbosa resets and comes forward with a pair of hard combinations. Barbosa pushes Belbita into the fence and gets a takedown. Barbosa quickly steps over into full mount. Barbosa steps off to the side with an arm triangle choke locked in and the squeeze is on. Belbita attempts to defend, but there’s no escape and she has to tap.

Result: Dione Barbosa def. Diana Belbita via submission (arm triangle) – Round 1, 4:13
Recap: UFC on ESPN 65 video: Dione Barbosa takes out Diana Belbita with first-round choke
Photos: UFC on ESPN 65: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Barbosa (8-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC), Belbita (15-10 MMA, 2-6 UFC)
Division: Women’s flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson

Daniel Frunza vs. Rhys McKee

Round 1 – McKee quickly closes distance, but Frunza opens up his offense first with fast punches upstairs as he circles on the outside. McKee, controlling from the center, lands a few punches. They trade hard punches. Both are bruised early on from heavy strikes. McKee blasts Frunza with a clean punch! Frunza is rocked badly! He gathers himself. McKee drops him again! Frunza gets back to his feet and he’s still firing. McKee floors him for a third time! Frunza somehow is still in this. He’s back to his feet. Now Frunza lands a stiff punch to keep McKee honest. Both fighters are wearing the damage. They continue to trade as McKee comes forward. Frunza starts landing cleaner strikes. Now he’s coming forward. McKee punches his way into a clinch. They separate and McKee unloads a flurry of strikes. Frunza comes forward with another offering before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-8 for McKee.

Between rounds, the cageside doctor stops the fight due to the damage on Frunza’s lip.

Result: Rhys McKee def. Daniel Frunza via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) – Round 1, 5:00
Recap: UFC on ESPN 65 video: Rhys McKee blows up Daniel Frunza’s face for doctor’s stoppage TKO
Photos: UFC on ESPN 65: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Frunza (9-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC), McKee (14-6-1 MMA, 1-4 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog

Loma Lookboonmee vs. Istela Nunes

Round 1 – They touch gloves and Lookboonmee opens the action with a few kicks. Nunes controls the center, switching stances as she kicks to the legs. Lookboonmee fires another kick. Lookboonmee rips a fast 1-2 with a kick combo. They trade leg kicks. A front kick from Lookboonmee gets caught. Nunes holds it and looks for a big right hand, but it misses. An eye poke from Lookboonmee pauses the fight momentarily. On the restart, Lookboonmee comes forward with more kicks. Nunes adds a front kick to the body. Lookboonmee comes forward with a combination. Nunes looks to answer. Lookboonmee goes for a takedown, but Nunes reverses it to take top position with a minute to go. Nunes stays heavy on top to prevent sweeps from Lookboonmee.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Lookboonmee.

Round 2 – Nunes fires a sharp combo to start, but Lookboonmee blitzes with a flurry of strikes. They clinch up a moment later. Lookboonmee looks for the head and arm throw, but Nunes prevents it. Nunes maintains the clinch position, putting her fingers through the fence repeatedly, causing the referee to slap her hand a couple of times. Lookboonmee finally gets the trip, but Nunes quickly attacks a heel hook. Lookboonmee deals with the position and eventually stacks. Nunes adjusts to get another grip on the heel hook until the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Nunes.

Round 3 – Nunes connects with a solid right hand. Lookboonmee answers with a combination before they clinch against the cage. Lookboonmee gets a trip takedown, this time taking top position. Nunes keeps her pinned in close to prevent ground and pound, although Lookboonmee punches to the body. The referee decides to stand them up. They clinch up quickly and Lookboonmee hits a head and arm throw, taking top position again. Lookboonmee looks for ground and pound in the closing seconds.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Lookboonmee, giving her the fight 29-28.

Result: Loma Lookboonmee def. Istela Nunes via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: UFC on ESPN 65: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Lookboonmee (10-3 MMA, 7-2 UFC), Nunes (6-6 MMA, 0-5 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni
Judging: Eric Colon (30-27), Sal D’Amato (29-28), Chris Leben (29-28)

Pedro Falcao vs. Victor Henry

Round 1 – They touch gloves, and Falcao applies early forward pressure. Punches and leg kicks offered from Falcao to start. Henry fires back with a nice punch to keep Falcao honest. Falcao shoots in for a takedown. Henry defends it well and gets a trip takedown of his own. Henry opts to stand up while Falcao stays on the canvas. Henry kicks to the legs repeatedly. Falcao decides to stand up. After resetting, Falcao comes forward with punches and heavy kicks. Henry sits on a right hand and drops Falcao! Henry follows him to the ground! More punches from Henry. Falcao is with it though, and is able to slow things down. Henry stands up and the fight returns to the feet. Falcao continues to come forward with punches. Henry stays on the outside, looking for counters. Another level change and single leg from Falcao denied by Henry. A leg kick is nicely checked by Henry. Falcao comes over the top with a solid 1-2. Henry responds with a counter 1-2 a moment later.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Henry.

Round 2 – Falcao comes forward but Henry quickly counters with a combination. Falcao lands a solid kick that affects Henry’s posture. Another kick behind it from Falcao to test the lead leg. They trade hard punches and Henry gets the better of it. Falcao sees the opening and gets a takedown. Henry scrambles to his feet, but Falcao slams him back to the canvas. Henry reverses the position quickly, but Falcao throws up an armbar. Henry escapes and gets to his feet. They stay clinched along the fence. Henry gets free and lands a punch on the exit. Henry rips a nice left to the body. Falcao punches then changes levels nicely for another takedown. Henry gives up his back but is able to scramble to reverse to take top position. Falcao quickly gets to his feet and the fight is back to standing. Short time now as they exhange punches.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Falcao.

Round 3 – Falcao comes out quickly with a takedown. Henry attempts to roll through to reverse, but Falcao maintains position throughout the scramble, ending up on Henry’s back. Henry is slippery enough to reverse the position and take top position in guard. Falcao creates space to kick Henry off. Back to standing and Falcao immediately shoots in again. Henry denies it. They wrestle for position along the fence. Back in the center now. Falco doubles a jab and Henry answers with a left. Front kick to the body from Henry as he comes foward. Falcao comes forward for a takedown, but Henry reverses it into his own. Falcao attacks the leg on the ground. Henry fends it well as they get back to a standing clinch. On the exit, Henry cracks Falcao with a hard right. Another pair of clean punches for Henry. Falcao shoots. Henry easily stuffs it and punches to the head. Falcao bails and resets. Just 30 seconds to go. Henry gets on his bike to circle as Falcao chases. They trade once more before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Henry, giving him the fight 29-28.

Result: Victor Henry def. Pedro Falcao via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: UFC on ESPN 65: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Falcao (16-5 MMA, 0-2 UFC), Henry (25-7 MMA, 4-2 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Keith Peterson
Judging: Ben Cartiledge, Junichiro Kamijo, Chris Leben

Martin Buday vs. Uran Satybaldiev

Round 1 – They tap gloves and Buday presses forward, starting the action with a leg kick. Satybaldiev offers a couple of leg kicks too before unloading a couple of fast right hands. Buday lands a nice short left. Buday chases Satybaldiev around the cage, grabbing a clinch after a left. Satybaldiev gets away a moment later and now he’s coming forward with a combination of punches. Satybaldiev with a big 1-2 now. Buday eats it and comes back firing. Satybaldiev lands a right. Buday comes back with a leg kick. Buday charges forward with a pair of punches and initiates another clinch. Two minutes to go. Satybaldiev gets away. Buday adds another solid leg kick. Satybaldiev looks for the Thai clinch, gets a nice knee in, but Buday takes control of the clinch and pushes him into the cage. Buday adds a few short punches to the body. They separate before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Buday.

Round 2 – They touch ’em up again and get back to the action. Satybaldiev comes forward with punches, causing Buday to back away and circle out. Buday gets back to the center and lands a leg kick. Buday looks for the overhand left. Satybaldiev looks for an uppercut, but Buday shoves him into the fence, then punches his way into a clinch. Satybaldiev slips out and lands a big right hand in the center. Satybaldiev comes forward with more punches, but Buday circles out again to reset. Satybaldiev looks for another 1-2. Buday lands a left. Another 1-2 offering from Satybaldiev. Buday goes to the leg kick again. Satybaldiev looks for a right hand. They exchange leg kicks. Buday lands a left hand. Satybaldiev is bleeding from the nose. A moment later he charges his way into another clinch, this time looking to get Satybaldiev off balance for a takedown. Satybaldiev keeps things standing. They separate and exchange again before the horn

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Buday.

Round 3 – They touch ’em up for the last time. Satybaldiev comes out swinging aggressively, but Buday is able to circle away. Buday presses forward into a clinch. Punches to the body from Buday. Satybaldiev gets away and returns to the center. Satybaldiev sits on a 1-2 and puts a few more punches behind it. Buday defends the combo well. Satybaldiev cracks Buday with a clean right hand! He’s on shaky legs! Satybaldiev closes in but Buday gets a hold of him and drives him into the fence. Satybaldiev reverses the position and looks for a takedown. Buday denies it and keeps the clinch going. Buday lands a nice knee to the body on the exit. Buday comes forward for another clinch. Satybaldiev gets away with about 30 seconds to go, but it’s Buday landing the final punches of the fight.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Satybaldiev, but the fight goes to Buday, 29-28.

Result: Martin Buday def. Uran Satybaldiev via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: UFC on ESPN 65: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Buday (15-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC), Satybaldiev (9-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Mike Beltran
Judging: Eric Colon, David Lethaby, Tony Weeks

Talita Alencar vs. Vanessa Demopoulos

Round 1 – Demopoulos comes out of the gate firing sharp punches. Alencar gets a hold of her and brings the fight to the fence. They wrestle for position, but it’s Alencar with a front headlock now, and she drags Demopoulos to the ground. Alencar takes top position, but it’s kind of an awkard holding position. Alencar eventually adjusts to posture up and land punches to the head. She adjusts again to keep Demopoulos controlled as the time continues to tick away. Demopoulos gets her feet to the fence to create space to throw up an armbar. It’s easily defended by Alencar.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Alencar.

Round 2 – They come out trading punches. After the initial exchange, Alencar puts together another combination. Demopoulos comes forward with punches, but Alencar changes levels for a clean takedown. Demopoulos looks to grab an arm from the bottom, but Alencar is wise to it and steps over. An arm triangle threat presented itself, but Alencar couldn’t lock it in. Demopoulos gets closer to the fence and looks to push off again, but Alencar stays heavy on top. Another arm triangle opportunity is there, but Demopoulos waves to the referee that she’s fine just moments before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Alencar.

Round 3 – Demopoulos rushes across the cage looking to land a punch, but Alencar evades and pushes her away. Alencar lands a combination and then gets another very easy takedown. Alencar adds punches and elbows from the top as she keeps Demopoulos pinned on the mat against the fence. The top control time continues to rack up as Demopoulos has no answers from the bottom. With a minute to go, Demopoulos finds an escape and scrambles to her feet. That lasted all of maybe two seconds as she gets immediately taken down. Alencar adds a few more punches and hammerfists before the final horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Alencar, giving her the fight 30-27.

Result: Talita Alencar def. Vanessa Demopoulos via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: UFC on ESPN 65: Best photos from Las Vegas
Records: Alencar (6-1-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC), Demopoulos (11-7 MMA, 5-4 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Chris Tognoni
Judging: Eric Colon (30-26), Sal D’Amato (30-27), David Lethaby (30-27)

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 65.

Gerald Meerschaert vs. Brad Tavares prediction, pick, start time for UFC on ESPN 65

MMA Junkie fight analyst Dan Tom goes inside the Gerald Meerschaert vs. Brad Tavares fight at UFC on ESPN 65.

[autotag]Gerald Meerschaert[/autotag] and [autotag]Brad Tavares[/autotag] meet Saturday on the main card of UFC on ESPN 65 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
Last event: 3-3
UFC main cards, 2025: 25-22-1

Gerald Meerschaert vs. Brad Tavares UFC on ESPN 65 preview

Perhaps one of the most unheralded UFC stats is that Meerschaert (37-18 MMA, 12-10 UFC) hash nine straight wins by submission and nearly 80 percent of his total haul of MMA victories by tapout. If he can get Tavares (20-10 MMA, 15-10 UFC) to tap, it will be the 30th submission of his career. The beauty of the matchup? Tavares hasn’t been submitted in 15 years – and it didn’t even count since it was a fight in the “TUF” house.

Gerald Meerschaert vs. Brad Tavares UFC on ESPN 65 expert pick, prediction

Filling out the main card is a matchup between two of my favorite middleweights, [autotag]Brad Tavares[/autotag] and [autotag]Gerald Meerschaert[/autotag].

Despite my constant complaining about the matchmakers’ love of force-feeding us middleweights at any opportunity, Meerschaert and Tavares are two fighters whom I have genuine love and appreciation for.

Tavares doesn’t get enough love for his longevity due to his propensity to participate in hard-fought decisions. Meerschaert, on the other hand, is a workman-like veteran who will generally sell out to secure his win conditions – which is why he quietly holds so many finishing records at 185 pounds.

Although Meerschaert is primarily known for his submission prowess, “GM3” is an underrated southpaw striker who can make things much closer than many suspect. Luckily for Tavares, he generally tends to fair well against dedicated UFC-level lefties, standing at 3-1 opposite listed southpaws in the octagon.

Tavares’ last finish also comes against a southpaw in Krzysztof Jotko, but the Xtreme Couture product also got clipped with a southpaw right hook by a stance-switching Bruno Silva (who eventually knocked him out from orthodox with another right hand).

I’m not sure Meerschaert has the same pop or shot selection as Silva, so this may come down to his ability to wear down and eventually ground Tavares. The small cage should favor Meerschaert’s efforts, I’m just not sure it will be enough to overcome Tavares’ excellent takedown defense.

As a big fan of these guys, I’m hoping for a Fight of Night barnburner that ends in a draw. But as an analyst who is trying his best to put biases aside, I believe that Tavares is stylistically set up to hit his quiet trend of finding a finish in the octagon every seven years.

The pick is Tavares by knockout in Round 1.

Brad Tavares

Gerald Meerschaert vs. Brad Tavares UFC on ESPN 65 odds

The oddsmakers and the public are favoring the Hawaiian fighter, listing Tavares (-220) and Meerschaert (+176) via FanDuel.

Gerald Meerschaert vs. Brad Tavares UFC on ESPN 65 start time, how to watch

Meerschaert and Tavares are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 10:15 p.m. ET. The fight airs on ESPN and streams on ESPN+.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 65.

UFC on ESPN 65: Brad Tavares vs. Gerald Meerschaert odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 65 odds between Brad Tavares vs. Gerald Meerschaert with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 3-round middleweight bout on the main card, Brad Tavares and Gerald Meerschaert meet at UFC on ESPN 65 Saturday at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s odds around the UFC on ESPN 65: Tavares vs. Meerschaert odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims start at 6 p.m. ET with the main card beginning at 9 p.m. (ESPN2/ESPN+).

Records: Tavares (20-11-0) | Meerschaert (37-18-0)

This is a battle of 37-year-old veterans in desperate need of a victory.

Tavares hits the octagon looking to bounce back from a split-decision loss to JunYong Park last time out in a fight night in mid-October 2024. He has dropped 4 of his past 5 fights, with 2 losses by way of decision, and 2 via KO/TKO.

Meerschaert tapped out against Reinier de Ridder last time out in early Nov. 2024, halting a 2-bout win streak, each via Round 2 submission. He had wins against Edmen Shahbazyan and Bryan Barberena before the de Ridder loss. In his past 6 fights, he has just 1 fight go the distance, and he has gone the distance just twice in the previous 13 bouts.

On the flip side, Tavares has gone the distance twice in the past 3 outings, and 5 times in the past 7 bouts since Jan. 23, 2021.

The southpaw Meerschaert has a 3-inch reach advantage, while Tavares has a slight 3.43-to-3.10 significant strikes landed per minute advantage, although Meerschaert is more accurate on those strikes at 52.08%, to 48.08% for Tavares. On the ground, Meerschaert has the clear advantage, posting a 2.01 takedown average and 35.21% takedown accuracy percentage. He has a 1.52 submission average, too.

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UFC on ESPN 65: Tavares vs. Meerschaert odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:30 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Tavares -160 (bet $160 to win $100) | Meerschaert +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
  • Total rounds: 2.5 (Over -190 | Under +145)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -155 | No +115)

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UFC on ESPN 65: Tavares vs. Meerschaert picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

MEERSCHAERT (+135) is a solid play on the 2-way line.

As far as the method of victory, Meerschaert will use his 3-inch reach advantage to push and pull Tavares out at his discretion before going in for the takedown.

While Tavares has gone the distance frequently, playing MEERSCHAERT BY KO/TKO, DQ OR SUBMISSION (+275) on the 5-way line for the chance to nearly triple up is a strong play.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 2.5 ROUNDS (+145) at plus-money is a strong option, as Meerschaert is a good bet to score the KO/TKO or submission victory.

NO (+115): WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? is also an option if you’d like a little extra wiggle room, in the event of a finish late in Round 3.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and us on Facebook.

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UFC on ESPN 65’s Brad Tavares: Gerald Meerschaert a tough guy, but ‘very beatable’

Brad Tavares likes how he matches up with Gerald Meerschaert, but won’t make the mistake of underestimating him.

LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Brad Tavares[/autotag] likes how he matches up with [autotag]Gerald Meerschaert[/autotag], but won’t make the mistake of underestimating him.

Tavares (20-10 MMA, 15-10 UFC) takes on fellow middleweight veteran Meerschaert (37-18 MMA, 12-10 UFC) in Saturday’s (ESPN, ESPN+) UFC on ESPN 65 main card at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Meerschaert has come up big as an underdog with surprising finishes over the likes of Makhmud Muradov, Bruno Silva, and Edmen Shahbazyan – and Tavares is fully aware of that.

“I loved it – it’s a fight that I actually wanted,” Tavares said of Meerschaert at Wednesday’s media day. “I think stylistically, it’s a good matchup. Gerald is a very tough guy, but I think for me very beatable – not taking anything away from him.

“I feel like that’s the downfall to a lot of the people he’s beaten because a lot of his fights you’ll watch, you think he’s down and out, it’s over, and here comes Hail Mary: He pulls it off. So you’ve got to respect that about the guy. (He’s) another veteran who’s been here a long time, has a lot of fights, a lot of experience like myself, so definitely not overlooking him.”

Although Tavares is expecting to have his moments in the fight, he won’t necessarily chase the finish or expect it. He explains why.

“He’s a tough guy. He is hard to put away,” Tavares said. “Even when people think they’ve got the fight in the bag with him, you watch his film, you see a lot of his fights – he’ll pull it off. He’ll find a way. He’s one of those guys that will find a way to get it done, and you have to respect that about him.

“A lot of people maybe mid-fight – some of them go into that not respecting him, and some of them because they’re doing so well, they forget almost. Again, experience: I’ve made that mistake in the past before where I’ve done so well early on, and I kind of let off the gas or got away from the game plan a little bit, and then it ultimately doesn’t work out. It’s something I mentally keep reminding myself.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 65.

UFC Fight Night 244 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay: Brad Tavares gets $21,000 in record bout

UFC Fight Night 244 fighters took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay, a program that continued after the UFC’s deal with Venum.

LAS VEGAS – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 244 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $186,000.

The program, a comprehensive plan that includes outfitting requirements, media obligations and other items under the fighter code of conduct, replaces the previous payments made under the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy.

UFC Fight Night 244 took place at the UFC Apex. The card aired on ESPN and streamed on ESPN+.

The full UFC Fight Night 244 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:

* * * *

[autotag]Brandon Royval[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Tatsuro Taira[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]JunYong Park[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Brad Tavares[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Chidi Njokuani[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Jared Gooden[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Grant Dawson[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Rafa Garcia[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Daniel Rodriguez[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Alex Morono[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Ramazan Temirov[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]CJ Vergara[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Pat Sabatini[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Jonathan Pearce[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Themba Gorimbo[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Niko Price[/autotag]: $16,000

[autotag]Junior Tafa[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Sean Sharaf[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Julia Polastri[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Cory McKenna[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Cody Haddon[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Dan Argueta[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Clayton Carpenter[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Lucas Rocha[/autotag]: $4,000

Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program’s payout tiers, which appropriate the money generated by Venum’s multi-year sponsorship with the UFC, fighters are paid based on their total number of UFC bouts, as well as Zuffa-era WEC fights (January 2007 and later) and Zuffa-era Strikeforce bouts (April 2011 and later). Fighters with 1-3 bouts receive $4,000 per appearance; 4-5 bouts get $4,630; 6-10 bouts get $6,000; 11-15 bouts earn $11,000; 16-20 bouts pocket $16,000; and 21 bouts and more get $21,000. Additionally, champions earn $32,000 while title challengers get $42,000.

In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-63 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.

Full 2024 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:

Year-to-date total: $6,488,500
2023 total: $8,188,000
2022 total: $8,351,500
2021 total: $6,167,500
Program-to-date total: $29,225,500

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 244.

Jun Yong Park vs. Brad Tavares prediction, pick, start time for UFC Fight Night 244

Jun Yong Park and Brad Tavares enter the UFC Fight Night 244 co-main looking to rebound from a loss. Which middleweight will get it done?

[autotag]Jun Yong Park[/autotag] and [autotag]Brad Tavares[/autotag] meet Saturday on the main card of UFC Fight Night 244 at UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom. 

Last event: 3-2
UFC main cards, 2024: 84-74-3

Jun Yong Park vs. Brad Tavares UFC Fight Night 244 preview

Park (17-6 MMA, 7-3 UFC) will enter the octagon for the first time in 2024. He will seek to rebound from a heartbreaking split decision loss to Andre Muniz in December, which snapped a four-fight winning streak that included three rear-naked choke submission victories. … Tavares (20-9 MMA, 15-9 UFC) will also look to bounce back from a loss in his previous fight. In February, Gregory Rodrigues stopped Tavares in the third round. Before the setback, Tavares won a unanimous decision over former UFC champ Chris Weidman.

Jun Yong Park vs. Brad Tavares UFC Fight Night 244 expert pick, prediction

The co-main event in the Apex features a re-booked attraction at 185 pounds between Park and Tavares.

Despite my usual stated bias toward Tavares and his camp, this is a fight between two fighters I thoroughly enjoy watching.

It’s hard not to be a fan of Park, and I can see why “The Iron Turtle” is favored to win on the betting lines. That said, I suspect that Tavares quietly presents a tough stylistic test for the Korean.

Not only will Park have the arguable crux of his game stymied by his Hawaiian counterpart’s stellar takedown defense, but Tavares will also be one of the few fighters who can jab with him (something that has troubled Park the few times he’s encountered it in his UFC career).

Add in the calf kicks that I see being ponent on Park’s stance, and I can’t help but side with Tavares to edge out a competitive decision on the scorecards.

Either way, I hope that Tavares finally starts to get more respect than he does for a fighter who has been able to stay afloat for so long in this organization.

Jun Yong Park vs. Brad Tavares UFC Fight Night 244 odds

The oddsmakers and public favor the Korean fighter, listing Park -188 and Tavares +152 via FanDuel.

Jun Yong Park vs. Brad Tavares UFC Fight Night 244 start time, how to watch

Park and Tavares are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 9:05 p.m. ET (6:05 p.m. PT). The fight will stream on ESPN+.

[lawrence-related id=2777789,2777913,2777261]

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 244.

UFC Fight Night 244: Brad Tavares vs. Junyong Park odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 244 odds between Brad Tavares vs. Junyong Park, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 3-round middleweight bout on the main card, Brad Tavares and Junyon Park meet Saturday at UFC Fight Night 244 — also known as UFC Vegas 98 and UFC on ESPN+ 102 — at the UFC Apex. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s UFC odds around the UFC Night Night 244: Tavares vs. Park odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN+, and the main card begins at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Records: Tavares (20-10-0) | Park (17-6-0)

Tavares heads into this bout looking to bounce back from a 3rd-round KO/TKO against Gregory Rodrigues in mid-February, and he is just 1-3 in the past 4 bouts.

The 36-year-old fighter for Team Xtreme Couture has been with the promotion since making his debut at UFC 125 on New Year’s Day 2011. In the past 22 bouts since July 2, 2011, including TUF Finale fights, he has ended up going the distance in 16 of those outings.

Park is looking to rebound after a split-decision setback to Andre Muniz in early December. That halted a 4-fight win streak, including 3 straight submission victories from Oct. 2022 to July 2023.

Tavares holds a slight 1-inch reach advantage, while Park is ahead with a 4.53-to-3.38 significant strikes landed per minute. Park is much more accurate with those strikes at 58.77%, while Tavares checks in at 48.21%. Park is better in the takedown game, too, posting a 1.83 takedown average and 50.0% takedown accuracy percentage, while posting a 1.05 submission average.

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UFC Fight Night 244: Tavares vs. Park odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of UFC odds. Lines last updated at 10:45 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Tavares +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Park -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -200 | No +150)

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UFC Fight Night 244: Tavares vs. Park picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

PARK (-190) is a little on the expensive side, but he isn’t a bad play if you were to include him in part of a multi-leg parlay.

While Tavares (+160) holds a slight lead in reach advantage, that’s about the only area he is ahead. He’ll want to avoid going down to the canvas with Park, or this will be a short outing. He has been involved in 3 submissions in his entire career, with a rear-naked choke loss to Court McGee June 16, 2010 at the TUF 11 Semifinal in his most recent bout via submission.

PARK BY SUBMISSION (+800), for the chance to multiply up by 8 times, is a tremendous value, and you need to make that part of wagers.

Over/Under (O/U)

NO (+150): WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE is a great idea.

Park by submission is certainly worth a roll of the dice, and if that happens, both of these wagers go hand in hand.

Yes, Tavares has gone the distance in 16 of his past 22 professional bouts, but he has finished inside the distance in 2 of the past 3 outings.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and us on Facebook.

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Brad Tavares initially annoyed with JunYong Park rebooking date, but now just hopes he wants to trade leather

Initially annoyed he didn’t accept an earlier rebooking after his staph infection, Brad Tavares has one way JunYong Park can make amends.

LAS VEGAS – Three months ago, [autotag]Brad Tavares[/autotag] was all set to throw leather with [autotag]JunYong Park[/autotag]. Then he got off the scale and picked up his phone.

The way Tavares recalled it Wednesday, his manager called not long after he made weight for a middleweight fight with Park on July 20. The commission didn’t clear Park because of a staph infection. And while that seems flukey and forgivable, Tavares might be a little bit salty that he and Park only just now are about to fight in their rebooking.

And that, Tavares (20-9 MMA, 15-9 UFC) thinks, is on Park (17-6 MMA, 7-3 UFC) for not being down with an originally offered Aug. 10 rebooking.

“I wanted to keep the fight, obviously,” Tavares said at media day for UFC Fight Night 244, the new home of their fight, which will be the co-main event at the UFC Apex. “I went through an entire training camp preparing for this specific opponent. I don’t want that to go to waste. … Now we’re going to go through a full camp again. I didn’t understand (Park not agreeing to August) but it is what it is, I guess – God’s plan.

“… But obviously I was frustrated with it. I was pretty irritated with it.”

Tavares speculated that Park had something else going on in his life that would’ve made the first offered rebooking a nuisance. But regardless of the reason, annoyance or irritation isn’t likely to help the longtime Hawaiian fighter Saturday.

Park is about a 2-1 favorite at the betting window. He had a four-fight winning streak that included three straight rear-naked choke finishes snapped by a split-call loss to Andre Muniz this past December.

“He’s very well-rounded and puts MMA together,” Tavares said. “I don’t think he’s a specialist or an expert anywhere, and obviously he doesn’t have the kickboxing or boxing accolades, the wrestling or even the jiu-jitsu. But he does put them all together well. He’s a very complete MMA fighter.

“I think his biggest attribute is his toughness, just how tough he is. I’ve watched him in fights where you think, ‘OK, this this guy is done,’ and he pulls it out – very similar to (middleweight champion) Dricus (Du Plessis). But I don’t think he’s nowhere near as dangerous as Dricus.”

At the end of the day, though, maybe Park could be forgiven the whole rebooking date thing with Tavares if he agreed to a standup fight in the co-feature. Tavares fears, though, that Park will want to head to the canvas.

“I would hope (he wants to trade punches), but honestly I think that he’s going to want to go to the ground where he feels like he has his best advantage,” he said. “But if it ends up being a kickboxing (fight), I’ll take that all day.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 244.